bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transdiagnostic Alterations in Neural Emotion Regulation Circuits – Neural Substrates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Patients with Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Keller Micha , Mendoza-Quiñones Raul , Cabrera-Muñoz Amaray , Fuster Jorge , Virués Anette Valdés , Zvyagintsev Mikhail , Edgar James Christopher , Zweerings Jana , Mathiak Klaus
Published: September 2021

Background: Impaired cognitive reappraisal, associated with the social functioning and well-being of patients affected by mood or anxiety disorders, is characterized by distinct neural activation patterns across clinical populations. To date, studies dedicated to identifying common and distinct neural activation profiles need to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate transdiagnostic differences and commonalities in brain activation patterns during reappraisal-mediated downregulation of emotions Methods: Cognitive reappraisal of negative images was contrasted with maintaining emotions during a control viewing condition. Brain activation in 35 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), 20 patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 34 healthy controls (HC) during cognitive reappraisal was compared. Moreover, the neural circuitry of emotion regulation in these clinical populations was examined using task-based and intrinsic functional connectivity analyses. Results: Whole-brain fMRI analyses showed less right-lateralized activation of the inferior, middle and superior frontal gyrus during cognitive reappraisal compared to viewing of negative images in MDD and PTSD patients compared to HCs. Right IFG activation was negatively correlated with the severity of anxiety and depressive symptomatology. In addition, increased seed-based connectivity of right IFG as well as increased intrinsic connectivity was observed in PTSD patients compared to HCs and MDD patients. Conclusions: FMRI results therefore suggested a common deficit of depression and anxiety symptomatology reflected by reduced activation in right IFG during cognitive reappraisal as well as diagnosis specific effects in patients with PTSD based on seed-based and intrinsic connectivity showing an overactive and hyperconnected salience network. Findings highlight the role of transdiagnostic research to identify disorder specific brain patterns as well as patterns common across disorders.
Microstructure Evolution of (MgCoNiZnCu)O High Entropy Oxides Using Ceramic Injection Molding
Authors: ZHAO Yipeng , CHEN Guoqing , LI Hongwei , FU Xuesong , ZHOU Wenlong
Published: September 2021

Near net shaping ceramic injection molding process of (MgCoNiZnCu)O high entropy oxides were conducted using commercial precursor oxide powders. Through ball milling, internal mixing, injection molding, solvent and thermal debinding as well as final sintering process, the ceramic products would be obtained with little machining. Compacts prepared are single rock-salt phase based on XRD and EDS Mapping results. Meanwhile, with the increasing of sintering temperature from 900 ℃ to 1050 ℃, particle diffusion rate and densification of samples becomes faster, which finally results relative density and fractured strength of sintered compacts reaching the highest (90.47 % and 77.98 MPa, respectively) in current work. The successfully synthesis of (MgCoNiZnCu)O through ceramic injection molding illustrates this near net shaping process could be a promising route for preparation of high entropy oxides.
Identification of ncRNA-Mediated Prognostic Value and Functions of MTHFD2 in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Rui , Deng Wanjun , Su Jinfang , Xiong Huihua
Published: September 2021

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2), one of mitochondrial enzymes, is involved in folate and nucleic acid metabolism and maintains the cellular redox balance. However, the function of MTHFD2 in bladder cancer is still poorly characterized. This study was designed to elucidate the effect and regulatory mechanism of MTHFD2 on bladder cancer cells and explore the relationships between MTHFD2 and immune cell infiltration in tumor microenvironment (TME). Methods: The data from Oncomine, TIMER, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database were extracted to evaluate the expression of MTHFD2 and its prognostic role in pan-cancer, especially in bladder cancer. Enrichment analyses, were utilized to explore the underlying cellular mechanisms. The ncRNA regulatory axis was established by Starbase database, and the PPI network was constructed by Cytoscape software. Ultimately, the relations between the expression of MTHFD2 and immune cell infiltration in bladder cancer was indicated by TCGA and TIMER databases.Results: Our results demonstrated that MTHFD2 expression was generally up-regulated in pan-cancers and its high expression was correlated with poor prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. Specifically, our study revealed that MTHFD2 was a powerful risk factor and involved in the tumor development of bladder cancer. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0046140 and hsa_circ_0006769/miR-383-5p/MTHFD2 axis could also play a significant role in tumorigenesis. Ultimately, a strong correlation was observed between MTHFD2 expression and various immune cell infiltration, which implied that MTHFD2 might serve as an agent in tumor immunotherapy. Conclusion: MTHFD2 is widely overexpressed in pan-cancers, and its expression is related with the prognosis of patients and the multiple immune cell infiltrates in TME. Besides, hsa_circ_0046140 and hsa_circ_0006769/miR-383-5p/MTHFD2 axis are implicated with the proliferation and invasion of tumors.
Design And Validation of A Sheet Metal Clamping System For Additive Manufacturing and Post-Processing
Authors: Ferchow Julian , Bühler Marvin , Schlüssel Marcel , Zumofen Livia , Klahn Christoph , Hofmann Urs , Kirchheim Andreas , Meboldt Mirko
Published: September 2021

Automated clamping for post-processing of mass-customized parts is a challenging step in the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process chain. In this study, a novel modular sheet metal clamping system was developed that uses disposable sheet metal profiles as a universal interface for the LPBF, robotic handling, and milling processes. Based on a fundamental investigation of hybrid additive manufacturing, the sheet metal clamping system was designed to use the same interface for the LPBF and milling processes. Subsequent an end-to-end validation was performed for the entire process chain. The concept of the sheet metal clamping system gives milling tools access to a part on five to six sides. Further, the part can be accessed from the top and bottom sides, and simplifying the removal of LPBF supports. No clamping forces are induced in the LPBF part, which is especially important for filigree structures. The sheet metal clamping system’s underlying concept could be adapted to automating the LPBF process chain for applications such as prosthetic dentistry.
Control of a Lifted H2/N2 Flame by Axial and Flapping Forcing: A Numerical Study
Authors: Tyliszczak Artur , Wawrzak Agnieszka
Published: September 2021

The large eddy simulation (LES) method combined with the Eulerian stochastic field approach has been used to study excited lifted hydrogen flames in a stream of hot co-flow air in a configuration closely corresponding to the so-called Cabra flame. The excitation is obtained by adding to an inlet velocity profile three types of forcing ((i) axial; (ii) flapping; (iii) combination of both) with amplitude of 15% of the fuel jet velocity and frequency corresponding to the Strouhal numbers St=0.30, 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75. It is shown that such a type of forcing significantly changes the lift-off height Lh of the flame and its global shape, resulting in a flame occupying large volume or the flame, which downstream the nozzle transforms from the circular one into a quasi-planar flame. Both the Lh and their spreading angles of the flames were found to be a function of the type of the forcing and its frequency. The minimum value of Lh has been found for the case with the combination of axial and flapping forcing at the frequency close to the preferred one in the unexcited configuration. The impact of the flapping forcing manifested through a widening of the flame in the flapping direction. It was shown that the excitation can significantly increase the level of the velocity and temperature fluctuations intensifying the mixing process. The computational results are validated based on the solutions obtained for a non-excited flame for which experimental data are available.
The Association Between The Impact Factor of A Journal And The Trueness of Findings Published Therein: A Meta-Epidemiological Study
Authors: Heidenreich Andreas , Eisemann Nora , Katalinic Alexander , Huebner Joachim
Published: September 2021

Background: Scientists, physicians, and the general public legitimately expect scholarly publications to give true answers to study questions raised. We investigated whether findings from studies published in journals with higher Journal Impact Factors (JIFs) are more accurate than findings from studies in less-cited journals via a meta-epidemiological approach.Methods: We screened intervention reviews from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and sought well-appraised meta-analyses. We defined the trueness of RCT study results as their point estimates’ relative deviation from the pooled effect estimate. In addition to the JIF we considered the open-access policy of journals, the relative size of studies, and the studies’ methodical quality.Results: In 2,459 results from 446 meta-analyses, there was a positive association between a journal’s JIF and the trueness of the study results published therein (Pearson’s r for the deviation = −0.21, 95% CI −0.24 to −0.17, P < 0.001). The mean relative deviation decreased from 1.11 (SD = 0.94) in the lowest JIF quartile to 0.80 (SD = 0.75) in the top quartile (95% CI: 0.21 to 0.40, P < 0.001). Findings from larger and methodically sound studies were also more likely to be accurate. In a multiple regression analysis, the JIF proved to be the strongest determinant of trueness, independent of the covariates.Conclusions: Our results indicate that higher-impact journals act as gatekeepers in the process of science more effectively than less-cited journals. However, the fact alone that a study result is reported in a journal with a high impact factor is only a weak and impractical indicator for its accuracy.
Synthesis And Characterization of Cobalt-Zinc Spinel Ferrites For High Frequency Applications
Authors: Aman Salma , Al-Muhimeed Tahani I. , Zaki Zaki Ismail , El-Bahy Zeinhom M. , AlObaid Abeer A. , Hegazy H.H. , Khosa Rabia Yasmin , Rehman Adeela , Ejaz Syeda Rabia , Farid Hafiz Muhammad Tahir
Published: September 2021

Spinel ferrites are attractive for high frequency applications due to their larger direct current (dc) resistivity and low dielectric loss. In the present work, Co0.6Zn0.4HoxFe2-xO4 (x = 0.00 and 0.1) spinel ferrites were prepared by sol-gel method. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed that both samples had cubic spinel structure, while in sample (x = 0.1), the secondary phase (HoFeO3) was also observed. The dc resistivity was increased with the addition of holmium ions. As the temperature increased, the dc resistivity was decreased by proving their semiconducting nature. The dielectric properties were also measured as a function of temperature and frequency. The sample which was composed by the substitution of holmium ions contained low value of dielectric loss. The magnetic properties were also experimentally measured by applying the field up to 2000 oersted. The small area covered by hysteresis loop proved that both samples possessed soft nature of magnetic materials.
Terahertz Driven Ultrafast Energy Dissipation in Aqueous Ionic Solutions
Authors: Balos Vasileios , Kaliannan Naveen , Elgabarty Hossam , Wolf Martin , Kühne Thomas , Sajadi Mohsen
Published: September 2021

Solvation of ions changes the physical, chemical and thermodynamic properties of water. The microscopic origin of this process is believed to be the ion-induced perturbation in the structure and dynamics of the hydrogen (H)-bonding network of water. Here, we provide microscopic insight on the local structural deformation of the H-bonding network of water by ions, via investigating the dissipation of external energy in salt solutions by a novel time-resolved terahertz (THz)-Raman spectroscopy. We resonantly drive the low-frequency rotational dynamics of water molecules by intense THz pulses and probe the Raman response of their intermolecular translational motions. We find that the intermolecular rotational-to-translational energy transfer is enhanced by highly-charged cations and it is drastically reduced by highly-charged anions, scaling with the ion surface charge density and concentration. Our molecular dynamics simulations further reveal that the water-water H-bond strength between the first and the second solvation shells of cations (anions) increases (decreases), signifying the opposite effects of cations and anions on the local structure of water. The impact of ion polarity on the ultrafast energy dissipation in water, resembles the effect of ions on stabilization and denaturation of proteins.
3D printed protein-based robotic structures actuated by molecular motor-based cortices
Authors: Jia Haiyang , Flommersfeld Johannes , Heymann Michael , Vogel Sven , Franquelim Henri , Brueckner David , Eto Hiromune , Broedersz Chase , Schwille Petra
Published: September 2021

Upscaling motor protein activity to perform work in man-made devices has long been an ambitious goal in bio-nanotechnology. The use of hierarchical motor assemblies, as realized in sarcomeres, has so far been complicated by the challenges of arranging sufficiently high numbers of motor proteins with nanoscopic precision. Here we suggest an alternative approach based on actomyosin cortex-like force production, allowing low complexity motor arrangements in a contractile meshwork that can be locally activated by ATP. The design is reminiscent of a motorized exoskeleton coating and thereby actuating soft protein-based polymer structures from the outside. This readily supports the connection and assembly of micro-3D printed modules into larger structures, thereby scaling up mechanical work. We provide an analytical model of force production in these systems and demonstrate the design flexibility by 3D printed units performing complex mechanical tasks, such as micro-arms and hands that perform sign language and wave.
Exposure Stability of Quantitative Fluorine-18 Measurements On The Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT System
Authors: Prenosil George Amadeus , Hentschel Michael , Weitzel Thilo , Sari Hasan , Shi Kuangyu , Rominger Axel
Published: September 2021

Background: Our aim was to determine sets of reconstruction parameters for the Biograph Vision Quadra (Siemens Healthineers) PET/CT system that result in quantitative images compliant with the European Association of Nuclear Medicine Research Ltd. (EARL) criteria. Using the Biograph Vision 600 (Siemens Healthineers) PET/CT technology but extending the axial field of view to 106 cm, gives the Vision Quadra currently an around fivefold higher sensitivity over the Vision 600 with otherwise comparable spatial resolution. Therefore, we also investigated how the number of incident positron decays - i.e. exposure - affects EARL compliance. This will allow estimating a minimal acquisition time or a minimal applied dose in clinical scans while retaining data comparability. Methods: We measured activity recovery curves on a NEMA IEC body phantom filled with an aqueous 18 F solution and a sphere to background ratio of 10 to 1 according to the latest EARL guidelines. Reconstructing 3570 images with varying OSEM PSF iterations, post-reconstruction Gaussian filter full width at half maximum (FWHM), and varying exposure from 0.2 MDecays/ml (= 10 sec frame duration) to 59.2 MDecays/ml (= 1 h frame duration), allowed us to determine sets of parameters to achieve compliance with the current EARL 1 and EARL 2 standards. Recovery coefficients (RCs) were calculated for the metrics RC max , RC mean , and RC peak , and the respective recovery curves were analysed for monotonicity. Results: Using 6 iterations, 5 subsets and 7.8 mm Gauss filtering resulted in best EARL 1 compliance and recovery curve monotonicity in all analysed frames. Most robust EARL2 compliance and monotonicity was achieved with 4 iterations, 5 subsets, and 4.6 mm Gauss FWHM in frames with durations between 10 min and 30 sec. RC peak only impeded EARL2 compliance in the 10 sec frame. Conclusions: While EARL1 compliance proved to be robust over all exposure ranges, EARL2 compliance required exposures between 0.6 MDecays/ml to 11.5 MDecays/ml. The Biograph Vision Quadra’s high sensitivity makes frames as short as 10 sec feasible for comparable quantitative images. Lowering EARL2 RC max limits closer to unity would possibly even permit 10 sec EARL2 compliant frames.
Effectiveness of a Newly-Developed Training Module Using 3D Printing for The Navigation During Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery
Authors: Jung Gyoohwan , Cho Sung Yong
Published: September 2021

We evaluated feasibility of the newly-developed 3D printed training module for the navigation during retrograde intrarenal surgery. Two specialists provided orientation to all trainees. The 3D printing model consisted of eight calyces in each kidney. One navigation time started from the moment when the endoscope entered into the ureter. After navigation was completed, the navigation time was recorded. The goal was to perform ten times of navigation for each side, starting from the right or the left side at random. After the experiment, all trainees were asked to fill out a questionnaire. The average of training period of all 17 trainees was 3.05 ± 1.80 years. The average navigation time of 308 trials was 153.4 ± 92.6 sec. The maximum and minimum navigation time were 354.3 ± 177.2 sec and 80.1 ± 25.6 sec. The mean navigation time of the first and the last trials of all trainees significantly decreased from 251.4 ± 108.0 sec to 93.9 ± 33.2 sec. The average of reduction in navigation time was 201.3 ± 133.3 sec. Almost all trainees were satisfied with the training. The newly-developed 3D printing navigation training module seems to be effective.
The Value of Left Internal Mammary Artery Velocity in Predicting the Prognosis of Patients After CABG
Authors: Guo Feng-Wei , Chen Hong , Dong Ya-Ling , Shang Jia-nan , Ruan Li-tao , Yan Yang , Song Yan
Published: September 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the value of the LIMAV measured by ultrasound before CABG in predicting the prognosis of patients after LIMA bypass grafting. Methods: 104 patients who underwent CABG with LIMA as the bridge vessel in the cardiovascular surgery department of our hospital between May 2018 and June 2019 were selected. All patients underwent transthoracic Doppler ultrasonography to measure LIMAV preoperatively. Intraoperatively, MGF and PI of the LIMA bridge were measured using TTFM. The primary endpoint event in this study was cardiac death within 18 months after surgery. Results: The Cox survival analysis showed that the MGF , the LIMAV and LVEF were risk factors for death after CABG . The cut-offs of MGF ,LIMAV and LVEF for the prediction of death after CABG were ≤14 ml/min [AUC: 0.830; Sensitivity:100%; Specificity: 65.6%], ≤60cm/s (AUC: 0.759; Sensitivity:65.5%; Specificity:85.3%) and ≤44%（AUC:0.724; Sensitivity:50%; Specificity: 88.5% ）respectively. Compared with the use of MGF, MGF+LIMAV, combination of the MGF+LIMAV+LVEF （AUC:0.929; Sensitivity:100%; Specificity: 81.1%）resulted in a stronger predictive value（MGF vs MGF+LIMAV+LVEF: p=0.02）. Conclusion: LIMAV measured by transthoracic ultrasound pre-operation combined with intraoperative MGF and LVEF may have a greater value in predicting patients' risk of cardiac death after CABG.
Thermal and Mechanical Stabilities of Core-shell Microparticles Containing a Liquid Core
Authors: Galogahi Fariba Malekpour , An Hongjie , Zhu Yong , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: September 2021

Thorough understanding of the behaviour of core-shell microparticles with a liquid core is essential for determining their performance in applications under different operation conditions. This paper reports the behaviour of core-shell particles with a liquid core under thermal and mechanical loads. First, we formulated an analytical model for the heating process of a core-shell microparticle with a liquid core. Next, we utilised an axisymmetric model of an elastic spherical shell upon compression to describe the deformation of a core-shell microparticle. Finally, we conducted experiments to validate these models. Both thermal and mechanical models agree well with the experimental data. The maximum temperature a core-shell microparticle can withstand depends on the liquid, the geometry, and the material of the shell. The critical compression force before rupture of a core-shell microparticle depends on the Poisson’s ratio of the shell material and the shell thickness relative to the outer shell radius. The rupture force and rupture temperature increase with increasing shell thickness.
Long-Distance Descending Commissural V0v Neurons Ensure Coordinated Swimming Movements Along The Body Axis in Larval Zebrafish
Authors: Kawano Kohei , Kato Kagayaki , Kimura Yukiko , Tanimoto Masashi , Higashijima Shin-ichi
Published: September 2021

Developmental maturation occurs in slow swimming behavior in larval zebrafish; older larvae acquire the ability to perform slow swimming with keeping their head stable in the yaw dimension. A class of long-distance descending commissural excitatory V0v neurons, called MCoD neurons, are known to develop at later phase of neurogenesis, and participate in slow swimming in older larvae. This led to a hypothesis that MCoD neurons play a role to coordinate the activities of trunk muscles in the diagonal dimension (e.g., the rostral left and the caudal right) to produce S-shaped swimming form, which would contribute to the stability of the head. Here, we show that MCoD neurons indeed play this role. In larvae in which MCoD neurons were laser-ablated, swimming body form often became one-sided (C-shaped) bend with reduced appearance of normal S-shaped bend. With this change of swimming form, the MCoD-ablated larvae exhibited greater degree of head yaw displacement during slow swimming. The long-distance descending commissural V0v neurons are implicated in playing roles in diagonal interlimb coordination during walking in mice. Together with this, our study suggests that the long-distance descending commissural V0v neurons form an evolutionally conserved pathway in the spinal locomotor circuits that coordinates movements of the diagonal body/limb muscles.
The Empirical Analysis of Technical Efficiency on Large Scale Grain Production in North West Ethiopia: A Stochastic Frontier Approach
Authors: Workneh Woretaw
Published: September 2021

This study is intended to scrutinize the technical efficiency of large scale grain crop producers in North West Ethiopia. Moreover, the study endeavored to determine socioeconomic characteristics, and farm management practices which influence the technical inefficiency in large scale grain production. Multiple stages random sampling technique was used to select 200 producers. The empirical results revealed that capital, labor, land, and seed input affect the output positively. The responsiveness of yield shows that a one-percent increase in utilization of capital, labor and land inputs will increase the grain production by 0.18%, 0.23% and 0.56% respectively, while, the agrochemical input influences the output negatively. Evidences from the technical inefficiency model shows that gender and levels of education variables increase technical efficiency. Age, occupation, district, and subsidies variables increase technical inefficiency. Producers’ technical efficiencies range from 23 to 100% and the mean technical efficiency is 71.7%. More effort should be made for adult and continuing education. Female producers should be given an opportunity in the management place in the large scale grain farming segment. In addition, the government is compelled to give strategies about proper input appliance and set up the pilot research institution in the study area.
Sexually Transmitted Infections, the Epidemic That Persists After the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Time-series Analysis of the Primary Care Electronic Health Records Covering About 5 Million People in Catalonia
Authors: Guiriguet Carolina , Alberny Mireia , Coma Ermengol , Roca Carme , Fina Francesc , Fàbregas Mireia , Benítez Mència , Medina Manuel , Poza Mariam de la
Published: September 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and related control measures have affected the diagnosis of other diseases, including sexually transmitted infections (STI). Our aim is to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of STI diagnosed in primary care.Methods: Time-series study of STI, using data from primary care electronic health records in Catalonia (Spain) from January 2016 to March 2021. We obtained the monthly expected incidence of STI using a temporary regression, where the response variable was the incidence of STI from 2016 to 2019 and the adjustment variables were the trend and seasonality of the time series. Excess or reduction of STI were defined as the number of observed minus the expected cases, globally and stratified by age, sexe, type of STI and socioeconomic status.Results: Between March 2020 and March 2021 we observed a reduction of 20.2% (95% CI: 13.0% to 25.8%) on STI diagnoses compared to the expected. This reduction was greater during the lockdown period (-39%), in women (-26.5%), in people aged under 60 years (up to -22.4% in people aged 30-59 years), less deprived areas (-24%) and some types of STI, specially chlamydia (-32%), gonorrhea (-30.7%) and HIV (-21.5%). Conversely, syphilis and non-specific STI were those with lesser reductions with -3.6% and -7.2%, respectively,Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on STI incidence, reducing the number of diagnoses performed in primary care and raising concerns about future evolution of STI trends. Those STI that are less symptomatic or diagnosed through screening will deserve special attention regarding potential diagnostic delays.
The Preparation And Electrochemical Performance Analysis of Different Porous Silicon Composites
Authors: Wang Xuchun , Liu Qianrui , Shu Jiaohong , Ouyang Dongdong , Zhang Xuemei , Chen Junming , Zhou Huaguang , Zhang Yuyang , Kong Jinming
Published: September 2021

In this work, LiAlH4 is used to reduce SiO2 to porous silicon, and then nano-silver (AgNPs) and Li2CO3 are attached to porous silicon substrate to form different porous silicon composites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are applied to characterize the morphology of porous silicon composites, and porous silicon composites are tested via electrochemical techniques. The experimental results present that porous silicon composites loaded with AgNPs (Si-Ag) show higher specific capacity (476.0195 mA·h·g-1) and lower interfacial impedance compared with composites loaded with Li2CO3 (Si-Li2CO3). Si-Ag composites are suitable to be used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
RIP3/CaMK II-Mediated Cardiomyocyte Necroptosis Plays a Key Role in Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Acute Severe Myocarditis
Authors: Wen Te , Ding Jiawang , Teng Lin , Zhao Hui , Yang Jun , Li Song , Zhou Fei
Published: September 2021

Recent studies have shown that RIP3/CaMK II plays a key role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, the role of RIP3/CaMK II-mediated cardiomyocyte necroptosis in CVB3-induced severe myocarditis has remained largely unknown. In this study, we found that KN-93(CaMK II–specific inhibitor) significantly reduced myocardial cell necrosis, improved cardiac function, and an improved survival curve. To further understand the mechanisms behind the regulation of necroptosis by RIP3/CaMK II, we added Ti(reactive oxygen species–specific inhibitor) in the model using the double-antibody sandwich immunoassay and BCA methods. After adding Ti, H2O2 content in the CVB3+KN-93+Ti group was slightly lower than that in the CVB3+KN-93 group. However, there was no obvious improvement of cardiac function or survival curve. Collectively, the RIP3/CaMK II pathway plays a significant role in cardiomyocyte death induced by viral infection. KN-93 blocks this pathway and may serve as a new therapeutic option for the treatment of severe viral myocarditis. The mechanism may occur through the direct inhibition of CaMK II and the indirect inhibition of reactive oxygen species.
A Novel Score Combining Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Parameters and Systemic Immune-inflammation Index Improves Prognosis Prediction in Non-small-cell Lung Cancer With Brain Metastases
Authors: Guo Dong , Liu Jiafeng , Li Yanping , Chen Qingqing , Zhao Yunzheng , Guo Xinwei , Ji Shengjun , Zhu Shuchai
Published: September 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of combination of the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) parameters and systemic immune-inflammation (SII) in patients with brain metastases (BM) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with stereotactic radiotherapy. Methods: 118 NSCLC patients with BM who treated with stereotactic radiotherapy were retrospectively enrolled into this study. All patients underwent MRS and blood samples test for SII analysis before the initiation of stereotactic radiotherapy. The correlation between the parameters of MRS and SII level were assessed using the spearman correlation coefficient. The cut-off values for the parameters of MRS, SII and clinical laboratory variables were defined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to quantify these predictive value. The prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) curves were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models.Results: The median follow-up time was 25 months (range, 12-49months). The optimal cutoff point for the cho/cr and SII were 1.50 and 480, respectively. The cho/cr was negatively correlated with SII (rs = 0.164, P = 0.075), but there was a trend. C-SII score was established by combining cho/cr and SII. Patients with both an elevated cho/cr (> 1.50) and an elevated SII (> 480) were given a C-SII score of 2, and patients with one or neither were given a C-SII score of 1 or 0, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the C-SII score of 2 was significantly linked with poor OS and PFS (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). In the Cox proportional hazards model, the C-SII score independently predicted OS [hazard ratio (HR), 1.749; 95% CI, 1.176-2.601; P = 0.006] and PFS (HR, 2.472; 95% CI, 1.624-3.763; P < 0.001). Conclusion: C-SII score was more accurate for predicting the clinical outcomes of NSCLC patients with BM who undergo stereotactic radiotherapy. The C-SII score, which was superior to either score alone, which could be used to identify for BM from NSCLC patients with poor outcomes.
Study on Mesoscopic Stuctural Damage and Permeability Evolution of Freeze-Thaw Shale
Authors: Wang Jun-guang , Xuan Zhang-qing , Jin Qiao , Sun Wei-ji , Liang Bing , Yu Qing-rong
Published: September 2021

To study the mesoscopic damage and permeability evolution of rock under freezing-thawing (F-T) cycles, freezing-thawing cycle experiments were carried out on shale under different F-T temperatures and cycles, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and permeability experiments were conducted on shale after F-T. On the basis of the experiment, the pores and permeability of the F-T shale are analyzed, and the existing permeability model is modified and improved; Therefore, the mesoscopic damage evolution characteristics and permeability evolution law of the F-T shale are obtained. It is found that with the increase in the number of cycles, the pore structure of the rock samples changes as the pore size expands and the number of pores increases, and the average porosity also increases correspondingly. It is also found that there is a good positive correlation between the increase in shale porosity and the increase in permeability. Therefore, it is believed that the increase in pore size and pore number leads to an increase in porosity, which in turn leads to an increase in permeability. On the basis of the improved SDR permeability model, the spectral area ratio parameters of large pores and fractures in the T2 spectrum were added for correction, and the number of the F-T cycles and temperature parameters were introduced to obtain the modified permeability evolution model of F-T shale. Compared with the experimental results, it is found that the modified model has good applicability. The damage law and permeability of shale under different F-T conditions are analyzed from the microscopic point of view, which has important reference significance for engineering construction in frozen soil areas.
Dietary Magnesium Intake Modifies the Association Between Vitamin D and Systolic Blood Pressure: Results From NHANES 2007-2014.
Authors: Huang Weichao , Ma Xiaoman , Chen Yue , Zheng Jiayi , Li Haojia , Nizhamu Ayinigaer , Hong Qingting , Guo Xuguang
Published: September 2021

IntroductionAlthough the association between blood pressure and vitamin D has been well studied, the effects of dietary magnesium intake on this relationship are still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of dietary magnesium intake on the association between vitamin D and blood pressure.Research design and methodsThe present study analyzed data from the continuous NHANES 2007-2014. We included 8799 participants aged 20 years or older. Multivariable linear regression was performed to assess the association between vitamin D and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Dietary magnesium intake was stratified by low magnesium intake (<299mg/d), high magnesium intake (>=299mg/d). Effect modification by dietary magnesium intake was assessed through interaction tests between vitamin D and SBP in the multivariable linear regression.ResultsIn this cross-sectional study, we found vitamin D was negatively related to SBP, but not to DBP. The relationship between vitamin D and SBP was different in the low and high magnesium intake group (β: -0.18 95%Cl: -0.35-0 vs β: -0.3 95%Cl: -0.51- -0.1). Furthermore, magnesium intake significantly modified the negative relationship between vitamin D and SBP (P value for interaction: 0.026).ConclusionOur research showed that magnesium and vitamin D have an interactive effect in reducing SBP, which may have great importance for clinical medication.
Lessons Learned in Allergy and Immunology Training: A Survey Analysis
Authors: Cyr Chloe Elizabeth , Cyr Michael Mark , Quirt Jaclyn , Connors Lori
Published: September 2021

Background:
There is currently little Canadian data to assess how well traditional time-based residency training programs have prepared residents for careers in Clinical Immunology and Allergy (CIA). This study aims to identify the perceived preparedness of residents in various areas of practice upon the completion of a Canadian CIA residency training program.
Methods:
In the summer of 2020, an electronic survey was sent to 2018 and 2019 graduates of Canadian CIA training programs by the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI).
Results:
Former residents felt well prepared in most Medical Expert areas. Residents felt less prepared for the intrinsic roles of Leader, Communicator, Collaborator, Health Advocate, Scholar, and Professional. The majority of the intrinsic competencies were learned through mentorship and on the job after finishing training.
Conclusions:
Upon completion of training, Canadian CIA residents felt well prepared for many competencies, particularly in Medical Expert areas. Training programs may wish to focus on various intrinsic competencies in order to better prepare residents for transition to practice. Academic half-day was not identified as a primary learning centre for intrinsic competencies, suggesting that new teaching strategies may be required.
Gamma Knife versus Frameless Linear Accelerator Based Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases: Clinical Outcomes and Factors Associated with Local Failure and Radiation Necrosis
Authors: Alexander Gregory S. , Remick Jill S. , Kowalski Emily S. , Sun Kai , Poirer Yannick , Becker Stewart , Lamichhane Naru , Eisenberg Howard , Slawson Robert G. , Woodworth Graeme F , Regine William F. , Mishra Mark V
Published: September 2021

BackgroundSingle-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SF-SRS) for the treatment of brain metastases can be delivered with either a Gamma-Knife platform (GK-SRS) or with a frameless linear accelerator (LA-SRS) which vary based on patterns of prescribing, patient setup and radiation delivery. Whether these differences affect clinical outcomes is unknown. MethodsPatients treated for metastatic brain cancer treated with SF-SRS from 2014-2020 were retrospectively reviewed and clinical outcomes were recorded on a per lesion basis. Covariates between groups were compared using a Chi-square analysis for dichotomous variables and t-test for continuous variables. Median follow up was calculated using the reverse Kaplan Meier (KM) method. Primary endpoints of local failure (LF) and symptomatic radiation necrosis (RN) were estimated using the KM method with salvage WBRT used as a censoring event. Outcome estimates were compared using the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis (MVA) and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used for statistical analyses. Propensity score (PS) adjustments were used to reduce the effects confounding variables.ResultsOverall, 119 patients with 287 lesions were included for analysis which included 57 patients (127 lesions) treated with LA-SRS compared to 62 patients (160 lesions) treated with GK-SRS. On both multivariate and univariate analysis, there was no statistically significant differences between GK-SRS and LA-SRS for LF, RN, or the combined endpoint of either LF or RN (multivariate p-value=0.17).ConclusionsIn our retrospective cohort, we found no statistically significant differences in the incidence of RN or LF in patients treated with GK-SRS when compared to LA-SRS.Trial Registration: Retrospectively registered
Taxonomic, structural diversity and carbon stocks in a gradient of island forests
Authors: Silva Lurdes , Pavão Diogo Cláudio , Elias Rui Bento , Moura Mónica , Ventura Maria Anunciação , Silva Luis
Published: September 2021

Assessment of forest ecosystems and their services is seen as a key action for the advancement of biodiversity objectives, and to inform the development and implementation of related policies and planning. We assessed biodiversity, structure and carbon stocks in a gradient of three forest types (Natural Forest-NF; Exotic Woodland-EW and Production Forest-PF) in three of the Azores islands. We used biodiversity indices and found that NF harbored the highest plant biodiversity levels and PF the lowest. Diversity levels were lower for structural than for taxonomic data, particularly for PF. The highest tree carbon stock was found at EW in one of the islands, while PF consistently exhibited relatively high tree carbon stocks in the three islands. The largest soil carbon stocks were found at EW, while leaf litter carbon stocks were higher at PF. We concluded that NF play a fundamental role as biodiversity hotspots but have lower relevance as carbon stocks. PFs provide economic assets and act as carbon sinks, while EWs play a major role as carbon sinks in soil, but also at tree level in the oldest forests. A full quantification of forest value would also include ecosystem services such as water protection, recreation and aesthetic value.
Meta-learning Prediction of Physical and Chemical Properties of Magnetized Water and Fertilizer Based on LSTM
Authors: Nie Jing , Wang Nianyi , Li Jingbin , Wang Kang , Wang Hongkun
Published: September 2021

BackgroundDue to the high cost of data collection and labeling for magnetization detection of medium, the sample size is limited, it is not suitable to use deep learning method to predict its change trend. The prediction of physical and chemical properties of magnetized water and fertilizer(PCPMWF) by meta-learning can help to explore the effects of magnetized water and fertilizer irrigation on crops. MethodIn this article, we propose a meta-learning optimization model based on the meta-learner LSTM in the field of regression prediction of PCPMWF. In meta-learning, LSTM is used to replace MAML's gradient descent optimizer for regression tasks, enables the meta-learner to learn the update rules of the LSTM, and apply it to update the parameters of the model. The proposed method is compared with the experimental results of MAML and LSTM to verify the feasibility and correctness.ResultsThe average absolute percentage error of the meta-learning optimization model of meta-learner LSTM is reduced by 0.37% compared with the MAML model, and by 4.16% compared with the LSTM model.ConclusionsIn the case of few sample, the proposed model is superior to the traditional LSTM model and the basic MAML model.
Integrating PrEP Delivery in Public Health Family Planning Clinics: A Protocol for a Pragmatic Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial in Kenya
Authors: Mugwanya Kenneth K , Matemo Daniel , Scoville Caitlin W , Beima-Sofie Kristin M , Meisner Allison , Onyango Dickens , Mugambi Mary , Feutz Erika , Grabow Cole , Barnabas Ruanne , Weiner Bryan , Baeten Jared M , Kinuthia John
Published: September 2021

Background: Adolescent girls and young women account for a disproportionate fraction of new HIV infections in Africa and are a priority population for HIV prevention, including provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Anchoring PrEP delivery to care settings like family planning (FP) services that women already access routinely may offer an efficient platform to reach HIV at-risk women. However, context-specific implementation science evaluation is needed.Methods: The Family Planning Plus Project is a prospective, pragmatic implementation evaluation, designed as a stepped wedge, cluster randomized trial, at 12 clinics in Kenya. In collaboration with the Kenya Ministry of Health and Kisumu County Department of Health, we will introduce integration of HIV risk screening and PrEP delivery in public health FP clinics. The core multifaceted implementation strategies to integrate PrEP in FP clinics will include: 1) PrEP delivery by existing FP clinic staff; 2) health provider training; 3) PrEP technical assistance to coach and mentor providers; 4) joint supervision with Kisumu County health officials; and 5) stakeholder engagement. All core components of PrEP delivery– including screening for HIV risk, HIV testing, dispensing, adherence and risk reduction counseling, assessment of side effects, and provision of refills, or safety assessment– will be conducted by existing FP clinic staff as part of a standard care service package. The goal is to catalyze sustainable scale-up within existing infrastructures beyond the project. We will rigorously evaluate implementation outcomes and impact, using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework and we will use Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science Research (CFIR) to assess readiness to implement and contextual enablers and barriers of implementation, including how clinics innovate efficient delivery systems.Discussion: Anchoring PrEP delivery to existing FP systems and staffing has tremendous potential to address barriers that women face in accessing HIV prevention and PrEP care, including lack of time, cost, and stigma of visiting a facility solely for HIV prevention. The FP Plus Project will initiate preparation for full-scale and sustainable model of integration of comprehensive HIV prevention services, including PrEP implementation, in public health FP clinics in low-income settings. Trial registration: Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on December 14, 2020: NCT04666792.
Intraocular Pressure Trend Following Myopic Photorefractive Keratectomy
Authors: Fakhraie Ghasem , Vahedian Zakieh , Zarei Reza , Eslami Yadollah , tabatabaei seyed mehdi , Hadi Abdollah , Ghods Sepideh , Fakhraie Ali
Published: September 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) trend and risk factors for IOP rise after myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Patients and MethodsOne eye of each patient undergone PRK for myopia was randomly assigned to this study. All eyes underwent tonometry by CorVis Scheimpflug Technology (CST) tonometer (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months and 4 months after surgery. The eyes with IOP rise more than 5 mmHg and the risk factors were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier graph and multiple Cox regression analysis.Results348 eyes of 348 patients were enrolled in this study. Forty-three eyes (12.35%) experienced an IOP rise of more than 5 mmHg. Eyes with IOP rise had higher baseline IOP (Median 19 mmHg (IQR 18 – 22) versus. Median 15 mmHg (IQR 14 – 16); p< 0.001). Baseline central corneal thickness (CCT) was higher in eyes without IOP rise (Median 520 µm (IQR 509 – 541) versus. Median 535 µm (IQR 518 – 547); p= 0.009). in multivariate Cox regression analysis higher baseline IOP was a risk factor for IOP rise (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.59 (95% CI 1.43 – 1.77); p< 0.001) while higher baseline CCT was protective (HR 0.97 (95% CI 0.95 – 0.98); p< 0.001).Conclusion﻿Eyes with higher baseline IOP and lower baseline CCT are at increased risk of IOP rise after PRK and should be monitored more frequently.
Evaluation of the Different Methods to Detect Salmonella in Poultry Feces Samples
Authors: Farahani Reza Khaltabadi , Meskini Maryam , Langeroudi Arash Ghalyanchi , Gharibzadeh Safoora , Ghosh Soumya , Farahani Amir Hossien Khaltabadi
Published: September 2021

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food-borne outbreaks and infection worldwide. The gold standard detection method of Salmonella is cultivation. With time-consuming cultivation, there is a need to investigate rapid and accurate processes. The study evaluated different approaches to detect Salmonella in poultry feces samples. Poultry farm feces samples from 21 cities in Iran were collected from January 2016 to December 2019. Microbiological cultures, serological assays, and multiplex PCR (m-PCR) were used to detect and characterize Salmonella spp. isolates. Serological assays and m-PCR were used to determine the serogroups A, B, C1, C2, D1, E, H, and FliC. The m-PCR was used for the detection of seven Salmonella serovars and a chi-square test was performed to compare the discriminatory power of the methods. Out of 2300 poultry feces samples, 173 (7.5%) and 166 (7.2%) samples were detected as Salmonella spp. by cultivation and m-PCR, respectively. The sensitivity of the molecular method was equal to cultivation at 0.96 (CI = 95%). Assessment of H antigenic subgroups showed the same for both m-PCR and serological tests. Therefore, the matching rate of the two methods for detection of all H antigenic subgroups was 100%. Thus, the relationship between the results obtained from both methods was significant in the contingency table test (P < 0.01). The PCR-based approach confirmed the detection of Salmonella in a shorter period (24–36 hours) compared to the conventional microbiological approach (3–8 days).