bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining The Learning Curve of Single-Port Inflatable Mediastinoscopy With Simultaneous Laparoscopic-Assisted Surgery For Radical Esophagectomy
Authors: Shi Jinpeng , Li Xiaojian , Wu Tianchi , Wu Xiangwen , Wang Xiaojin , Cheng Hua , Zhong Hongcheng , Zhang Bin , Zhong Beilong , Gan Xiangfeng , Cao Qingdong
Published: July 2021

Background Single-port inflatable mediastinoscopy with simultaneous laparoscopic-assisted surgery for radical esophagectomy is a promising surgical method with high technical requirements and needs team cooperation. Therefore, it is necessary to define a learning curve to guide personnel training and improve the safety of these surgical techniques.Method This study prospectively analyzed the data of 79 consecutive patients, who underwent the surgery in the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from October 2016 to May 2018. All of these patients were treated by the same surgical team with extensive experience in thoracotomy, laparotomy, thoracoscopic surgery and laparoscopic surgery. The learning curve was analyzed by cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis, with the assessment of operative time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative complications.Result By analyzing these data, The scatter diagram of every measure showing a declining situation. The learning curve decreased beginning at 25th operation. All patients were chronologically divided into two groups, the group 1(the first 25 patients) and the group 2 (the last 54 patients). The median estimated blood loss of group 2 was lower than group 1(200 vs 100ml, p<0.05). No other clinic or pathologic characteristics were observed as significantly different.Conclusion For a surgical team with extensive experience in thoracotomy, laparotomy, thoracoscopic surgery and laparoscopic surgery, 25 cases are needed before becoming proficient in this surgery.
Reconfigurable Quantum Photonic Convolutional Neural Network Layer Utilizing Reconfigurable Photonic Gate and Teleportation Mechanism
Authors: Meerasha Mubarak Ali , Ganesh Madhupriya , Krishnamoorthy Pandiyan
Published: July 2021

This article, proposes a reconfigurable quantum photonic convolutional layer (QPCL) based on the reconfigurable photonic gates. The QPCL is used in the classical photonic CNN, where, an array of reconfigurable photonic gates (RPG) are arranged in a systematic way. The designed reconfigurable photonic gate serves as a unit cell for quantum photonic operations such as beam splitting, rotation, displacement, squeezing, and cubic- phase shifting. The designed RPG provides the features namely broadband operation, low insertion loss and compact layout. The entangled states are created based on the normalized pixel value of the input image. The configuration of reconfigurable photonic gate is accomplished using electro-optic P-i-N carrier injection mechanism. As compared to Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) based realization, the proposed silicon reconfigurable photonic gate provides scalable operation and compact footprint. The reconfigurable photonic gate is modeled using 2D finite element beam propagation method (FEBPM). Finally, a compact numerical model is developed which performs Gaussian based continuous-variable (CV) quantum photonic operations and are verified with Xanadu’s strawberryfields quantum photonic simulator and PennyLane deep learning framework. The optimized accuracy (loss) is obtained with the utilization of QPCL layer and the values are 0.7627 (0.9595), this optimum result is obtained using a single QPCL layer with an epoch number of 30. Finally, a comparative analysis is made between quantum CNN and classical photonic CNN, where the quantum CNN resulted in 6.553% high accuracy and 6.988% low loss compared to the classical photonic CNN.
An Alcohol Extract Prepared From the Male Flower of Eucommia Ulmoides Oliv. Promotes Synovial Cell Apoptosis, Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation and Ameliorates Bone Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Jian-Ying , Wang Hao , Chen Xiao-Yun , Zhang Lei , Yuan Ying
Published: July 2021

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease with a complex pathogenesis and is dominated by synovial hyperplasia and bone destruction. Previous research has shown that the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EF) can exert effect on the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. However, the effect of EF on synovial cell apoptosis and bone destruction on RA have yet to be investigated. In this study, the effects of the synovial cell apoptosis of the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.(EF) on human fibroblast-like synoviocyte -RA (HFLS-RA) cells, the osteoclast differentiation of EF on RAW264.7 cells and the bone destruction of effects of EF on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats were explored.Materials and methods: In vitro, we investigated the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of EF on HFLS-RA cells by immunofluorescence assays, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR (Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction), and western blotting. We investigated the differentiation into osteoclasts effects of EF on RAW264.7 cells by the TRAP staining and western blotting. In vivo, we used a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) to investigate the relative effects of EF on anti-arthritis activity, the toe swelling arthritis score, the serum levels of metabolic bone factors, and pathological conditions. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to scan ankle joints while the mRNA and protein levels of factors related to the NF-κB pathway were determined by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. Finally, the main chemical components of EF were identified by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). Results: EF inhibited the proliferation of synovial cells and promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited the differentiation of osteoclast by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB pathway. We also found that EF reduced articular inflammation in CIA rats, inhibited the expression of pro-angiogenic factors, and delayed the destruction of articular cartilage and bone. Our data indicate that EF acts via a mechanism related to bone metabolism that is induced by the NF-κB pathway. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that EF exerts a potential therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis. Our research will help to elucidate the potential pharmacological mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of EF and provide an experimental basis for the application of EF in future clinical treatments.
Analyzing Future Rainfall Variations Over Southern Malay Peninsula Based On CORDEX-SEA Dataset
Authors: Qin Xiaosheng , Dai Chao , Liu Lilingjun
Published: July 2021

Gridded rainfall datasets based on various data sources and techniques have emerged to help describe the spatiotemporal features of rainfall patterns over large areas and have gained popularity in many regional/global climatic analyses. This study explored future variations of rainfall characteristics over peninsula Malaysia and Singapore region based on rainfall indices of PRCPTOT, Rx1day, Rx5day, R95pTOT, R1mm, and R20mm, under 9 CORDEX-SEA RCM datasets with RCP8.5 emission scenario. A monthly quantile delta mapping method (MQDM) was adopted for bias-correction of the RCM modelled data. It was indicated that all the studied rainfall indices have long-term variations both temporally and spatially. Generally, the further the future, the higher the variability and uncertainty of indices. For the study region, the relative increments of the medians from RCM models averaged over all climatic zones in the far future are 40.3%, 25.9%, and 4.7% for Rx1day, Rx5day and R95pTOT, respectively. The annual rainfall amount (PRCPTOT) in the long run would likely increase mainly in the northeast coastal zone and drop in most of other areas over the peninsula, with the median being -5.9% averaged over all zones. The frequency of wet days (R1mm) would generally drop over the whole peninsula, with the median averaged over all zones being -6.8% in the far future. The frequency of heavy rains (R20mm) would overall decrease (by -3.4% in average in the far future) but might still notably increase in the northeast zone (NE) at both annual and southwest monsoon. The extreme condition implied from various RCM models would be more alarming. The study result would be useful in revealing the essential spatiotemporal variations of rainfall over the peninsula from short- to long-term futures and supporting large-scale flood risk assessment and adaptation planning.
Evaluation of Different Bacterial Honey Isolates As Probiotics And Their Efficient Roles In Cholesterol Reduction
Authors: Abdelsamad Noura , Esawy Mona El tawab , Mahmoud Zeinab ,   Asmaa El-Shazly2, Elsayed Tarek , Gamal Amira
Published: July 2021

Continue to hypothesize that honey is a storehouse of beneficial bacteria and most of these isolates are levansucrase producers. Accordingly, ten bacterial strains were isolated from different honey sources. Four honey isolates that had the highest levansucrase production were identified by the partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene as Achromobacter sp. (10A), Bacillus paralicheniformis (2M), Bacillus subtilis (9A), and Bacillus paranthracis (13M). The cytotoxicity of the selected isolates showed negative blood Hemolysis. Also, they are sensitive to the tested antibiotics (Amoxicillin + Flucloxacillin, Ampicilin, Gentamicin and Benzathine benzaylpencillin.). All the isolates exhibited high stability on the alkaline side (pHs 9,11) and could tolerate severe acidic conditions (29-100%). The tested isolates recorded complete tolerance to both H2O2 and the bile salt (0.3 % Oxgall powder) after 24h incubation. The cell-free supernatant of the examined strains had antifungal activities against Candida albicans with varying degrees. Also, isolates 2M and 13M showed strong activities against Staphylococcus aureus. Isolate 10A showed the highest antioxidant activity (91.45%) followed by 2M (47.37%). All isolates produced cholesterol oxidase and lipase with different levels. Besides, the four isolates reduced LDL (low-density lipoprotein) to different significant values. The cholesterol-reducing ability varied not only for strains but also for the time of incubation. The previous results recommended these isolates be used safely in solving the LDL problem.
The Double Face of Glioma Exosomal microRNAs: Glioma Eliminates Tumor Suppressor miR-1298-5p via Exosomes to Promote Immunosuppressive Effects of MDSCs
Authors: Xue Hao , Qi Yanhua , Jin Chuandi , Qiu Wei , Zhao Rongrong , Wang Shaobo , Li Boyan , Zhang Zongpu , Guo Qindong , Zhang Shouji , Gao Zijie , Zhao Shulin , Pan Ziwen , Fan Yang , chen Zihang , Wang Huizhi , Xu Jianye , Deng Lin , Ni Shilei , Wang Jian , Xue Fuzhong , Li Gang
Published: July 2021

Background: Clear evidence shows that tumor could secrete microRNAs (miRNAs) via exosomes to modulate tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the mechanisms sorting specific miRNAs into exosomes are still unclear. Methods: In order to study the biological function and characterization of exosomal miRNAs, we performed whole-transcriptome sequencing in 59 patients’ whole course cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) small extracellular vesicles (sEV) and matched glioma tissue samples. Results: The results demonstrate that miRNAs could be divided into exosome-enriched miRNAs (ExomiRNAs) and intracellular-retained miRNAs (CLmiRNAs), and exosome-enriched miRNAs generally play a dual role. Among them, miR-1298-5p was enriched in CSF exosomes and suppressed glioma progression in vitro and vivo experiments. Interestingly, exosomal miR-1298-5p could promote Immunosuppressive effects of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to facilitate glioma. Therefore, we found miR-1298-5p had different effects on glioma cells and MDSCs. Mechanically, downstream signaling pathway analyses showed that miR-1298-5p plays distinct roles in glioma cells and MDSCs via targeting SETD7 and MSH2, respectively. Moreover, reverse verification was performed on the intracellular-retained miRNA miR-9-5p. Conclusions: Thus, we hypothesized that tumor-suppressive miRNAs in glioma cells could be eliminated through exosomes and target tumor-associated immune cells to induce tumor-promoting phenotypes. Glioma could get double benefit from it. These findings uncover the mechanisms that glioma selectively sorts miRNAs into exosomes and modulates tumor immunity.
Analysis of Fitness Among Korean Adults by the Cause-Effect Relation in Lump Mean Scheme
Authors: Kang Nam Lyong
Published: July 2021

Background: This study examined whether the fitness of Korean adults can be analyzed by the cause-effect relation using the linearity or Gaussianity in the lump mean scheme (LMS).Methods: This study analyzed previous results for the sit-up test obtained in the LMS by regression analysis in Sigmaplot 14. The effects of the body mass index (BMI) and new waist-to-height ratio (WHT2R) introduced by the present author on fitness were investigated.Results: The distribution of the sit-up test score with respect to the BMI and WHT2R were interpreted by their Gaussianity and linearity, respectively. This means that the muscular endurance of males is determined by two causes (fat and muscle) when the BMI is a variable and one cause (abdominal fat) when the WHT2R is a variable.Conclusions: Personal exercise aims were simpler to establish using WHT2R than using BMI. On the other hand, it was recommended for people with a low BMI to increase their fitness using exercises that increase their muscle mass.
A Phylogenetic Assessment of Endocalyx (Cainiaceae, Xylariales) With E. Grossus Comb. et Stat. Nov.
Authors: Delgado Gregorio , Miller Andrew N , Hashimoto Akira , Iida Toshiya , Ohkuma Moriya , Okada Gen
Published: July 2021

The phylogenetic affinities of four representative Endocalyx taxa, including three species and two varieties, are studied based on materials collected on different palm hosts in Japan and the states of Hawaii and Texas, USA. They include specimens and their isolates belonging to E. cinctus, E. indumentum, E. melanoxanthus var. grossus and E. melanoxanthus var. melanoxanthus. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence data (ITS-LSU nrDNA) confirmed that Endocalyx belongs to the order Xylariales (Sordariomycetes) where all species and varieties treated form a strongly supported monophyletic lineage within the family Cainiaceae. They were also phylogenetically well resolved and consistent with their morphological and ecological circumscription. Species status is proposed for E. melanoxanthus var. grossus under the name E. grossus comb. et stat. nov. on the basis of its distinct morphological, molecular, cultural and ecological characteristics. The putative placement of Endocalyx within the family Apiosporaceae (Amphisphaeriales) based on the presence of basauxic conidiophores is rejected considering that all species treated clustered within the distant Cainiaceae (Xylariales). This characteristic mode of conidiophore elongation is determined to have evolved independently within unrelated or distant ascomycetous lineages. Novel morphological and cultural features of Endocalyx taxa based on new isolates are commented. The recently described E. metroxyli is reduced to synonym with E. melanoxanthus.
Hematological Parameters and Key Cytokines in Patients With Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria in Hodeidah, Yemen
Authors: Saleh Ali Gamali , Shehab Amel Youssef , Abdul-Ghani Rashad Ahmed , Allam Amal Farahat , Osman Mervat Mostafa , El-Taweel Hend Aly , Ibrahim Heba Said , Hagras Nancy Abd-elkader , Farag Hoda Fahmy
Published: July 2021

Immunity to malaria has a major role in controlling disease and pathogenesis with cytokine production being involved in almost each phase of the immune response. The present study aimed to assess hematological variables and to measure plasma levels of TNFα, IFNg and IL10, their ratios, and their relation to parasitemia among patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Hodeidah, Yemen. Forty patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum monoinfection and 40 healthy age and sex matched controls were enrolled in the study. Parasitological diagnosis was confirmed, and parasite density estimated. Hematologic parameters, the presence of gametocytes, and plasma cytokine levels were determined. Results revealed lower Hb levels, RBC, lymphocyte and platelet counts and higher neutrophil and reticulocyte counts among patients compared to controls. TNFα, IFNg and IL10 were higher in patients than controls. A relatively higher IL10 production was demonstrated by the significantly lower TNFα/IL10 and IFNg/IL10 ratios in patients than controls. TNFα and IL10 correlated positively with parasite density. Reticulocyte count was higher and IFNg level was lower in the presence of gametocytes. Conclusively, uncomplicated falciparum malaria is associated with the ability to regulate the production of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This mediates parasite clearance while simultaneously avoiding severe pathology.
Effects of hypercholesterolism on expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysm in rat model
Authors: Lee Jong Seok , Park Sun Cheol , Kim Sang Dong
Published: July 2021

Background
Inflammation is recognized as a critical process in expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A relationship between effects of cholesterol and statin in this process have been suggested, but remain untested. Therefore, current study aimed to examine the effects of hypercholesterolism on expansion of AAA in a rat model.
Methods
A total of 16 male rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: group I, normocholesterol diet and saline infusion, group II, normocholesterol diet and porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) infusion, group III, hypercholesterol diet and PPE infusion, and group IV, hypercholesterol diet, PPE infusion and statin administration. At the 3rd week, saline was infused intraluminally in group I and PPE in groups II-IV to induce AAA. At the 5th week, blood and aortic tissue were obtained from each rat for evaluation of lipid profiles, aortic diameters (ADs), and characteristics of stains.
Results
AD3 (final) and AD3/AD1 (initial) were significantly different among the four groups (P = 0.042, P = 0.028, respectively). AD3 was significantly larger in group II than group I, and group III than group IV (P = 0.012, P = 0.043, respectively). AD3/AD1 was significantly higher in group II than group I, and group III than group II (P = 0.008, P = 0.030, respectively). Group III showed the highest cellularity for inflammatory cells.
Conclusions
Though larger experimental and clinical studies are necessary, authors suggest that hypercholesterolism can aggravate expansion of AAA, and that statin therapy can reduce it. Therefore, monitoring for hypercholesterolism and instituting statin therapy may be helpful to suppress expansion of AAA.
The Effect of a Randomised Controlled Lifestyle Intervention on Weight Loss and Plasma Proneurotensin
Authors: Bennet Louise , Struck Joachim , Larsson Sara Lönn , Bergmann Andreas , Melander Olle
Published: July 2021

Aims: Proneurotensin is a strong predictor of cardiometabolic disease, however, the effect of lifestyle change on proneurotensin has not been investigated. Middle Eastern (ME) immigrants represent the largest and fastest growing minority population in Europe and are a high-risk population for obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this randomised controlled lifestyle intervention (RCT) addressing ME immigrants to Sweden where weight-loss was previously studied as the main outcome, as a secondary analysis we aimed to study change in proneurotensin during follow-up and if baseline proneurotensin predicted weight loss.Methods: Immigrants from the Middle East at high risk for type 2 diabetes were invited to participate in this RCT adapted lifestyle intervention of four months’ duration. The intervention group (N=48) received a culturally adapted lifestyle intervention comprising seven group sessions and a cooking class addressing healthier diet and increased physical activity. The control group (N=44) received treatment as usual with information to improve lifestyle habits on their own. Data assessed using mixed effects regression.Outcomes: Primary outcome; change in proneurotensin. Secondary outcome; change in BMI in relation to baseline plasma concentration of proneurotensin.Results: During the four months follow up, weight was significantly reduced in the intervention (-2.5 kg) compared to the control group (0.8 kg) (β -0.12, 95% CI -0.24 to -0.01, P=0.028). Proneurotensin increased to a significantly greater extent in the intervention compared to the control group during follow up (28.2 vs 3.5 pmol/L) (β 11.4; 4.8 to 18.02, P<0.001). Change over time in BMI was associated with baseline proneurotensin (β 0.02; 0.01 to 0.04, P=0.041).Conclusion: In consistence with data from surgical weight loss, this RCT paradoxically shows increased levels of proneurotensin during a multifactorial lifestyle intervention resulting in weight loss. Long term studies of proneurotensin following weight loss are needed.Trial registration: This study is a secondary analysis of the RCT trial registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01420198 (date of registration Aug 19th 2011).The performance and results of this trial conform to the CONSORT 2010 guidelines.
Supplementation of Dimethylglycine Sodium Salt Improves Growth Performance and Intestinal Barrier Function in Piglets With Intrauterine Growth Restriction During the Suckling Period
Authors: Bai Kaiwen , Jiang Luyi , Li Qiming , Zhang Jingfei , Zhang Lili , Wang Tian
Published: July 2021

Background: Few studies are available on intestinal barrier function in newborn piglets with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism of intestinal dysfunction in IUGR suckling piglets and improve their growth performance using dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG-Na) supplementation.Results: The body weights of piglets in the I and ID groups were similar, and both were lower than those in the N and ND groups. However, after 17 days of age, the ID group showed larger (P < 0.05) increases in body weight than did the I group. The hub genes were identified from the data analyzed using RNA-seq and WGCNA. Among these, ATP8 was the most significantly changed, and this gene is crucial in maintaining mitochondrial function. The small intestinal histological morphology, redox status, mitochondrial redox status, oxidative damage, and gene and protein expression levels were worse in the IUGR group than in the NBW group. An increasing trend of the small intestinal histological morphology, redox status, mitochondrial redox status, oxidative damage, and gene and protein expression levels was found between the newborn piglets of the NBW and IUGR groups and the day 21 piglets of the N and I groups, respectively. In addition, supplementation of DMG-Na (ND and ID groups) improved the small intestinal histological morphology, redox status, mitochondrial redox status, oxidative damage, and gene and protein expression levels relative to the non-supplemented groups (N and I groups).Conclusions: The activity of SIRT1/PGC1α was inhibited in IUGR newborn piglets, which led to damage to their intestinal redox status and structure and barrier functions, and lowered their performance. Supplementation with antioxidant substances such as DMG-Na activated SIRT1/PGC1α in IUGR piglets, thereby improving their body state.
Predicting the distribution of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) under current and future climatic conditions in Bhutan
Authors: Dorji Sangay , Lakey Lakey , Wangchen Tshering , Adkins Steve
Published: July 2021

Invasion, spread and establishment of invasive alien species in a new environment causes serious ecosystem perturbation and native species extinctions. The problem is further aggravated under climate change as some invasive alien species perform better under elevated temperature and carbon dioxide regimes. Currently unsuitable regions such as high-altitude areas and mountains are likely to become more suited to invasion under future climatic conditions. We have modelled the distribution of one of the most invasive alien species, parthenium weed ( Parthenium hysterophorus L.) which is rapidly colonizing different parts of Bhutan. We have implemented ensemble modelling approach using the BIOMOD2 package in R environment. Under current climate scenario, about 2.83% (1, 099.01 km 2 ) of the country’s total area is predicted to be suitable for parthenium weed invasion, covering 17 out of the 20 districts in Bhutan. Under future climate scenarios, the highest suitability is predicted under RCP4.5 2050 period with about 5, 419.69 km 2 anticipated to be suitable. Except for Bumthang, all districts show suitability to invasions under future climate scenarios. Generally, districts located in the west and south show more suitability than those in the east and central region. The highest elevation of suitability is predicted to be at 2, 931 m above sea level; an upward shift of about 753 m. Based on these findings, there is an urgent need to develop management programs and raise public awareness on the adverse impacts of parthenium weed in Bhutan.
Liver Transplant Recipients Incur More Costly Care When Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer
Authors: Veillette Gregory , Castaldi Maria , Roberts Sacha A , Parsikia Afshin , Choubey Ankur , Okumura Kenji , Latifi Rifat , Ortiz Jorge
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The incidence of breast cancer (BC) in solid organ transplant recipients is comparable to the age-matched general population. It is among the three top-most commonly occurring cancers in women after liver transplantation (LT). There is limited information on the management and outcomes of breast cancer in liver transplant recipients (LTR). We aim to evaluate the impact of LT on breast cancer surgery outcomes. Further we compare the outcomes after breast cancer surgery in LTR in transplant versus non-transplant centers.
Methods

National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was accessed to identify LTR with BC. Mortality, complications, hospital charges and total length of stay (LOS) were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression testing. Weighted multivariate regression models were employed to compare outcomes at transplant and non-transplant centers.
Results

Ninety-nine women met inclusion criteria for LT + BC and were compared against a cohort of women with BC without LT (n = 736,527). LT + BC had lower performance status as confirmed via higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (20.5% vs.10.2%, p < 0001). There were significantly more complications in the LT cohort when compared to the non-LTR (15.0% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.012). However, on multivariate analysis, LT was not an independent risk factor for post-operative complications following breast cancer surgery (OR 1.223, p = 0.480). Cost associated with breast cancer care was significantly higher in those with LT (2.621, p < 0.001). Breast conservation surgery in LT had shorter LOS as compared to BC alone (OR 0.568, p 0.027) in all hospitals.
Conclusion

LT does not increase short-term mortality when undergoing breast cancer surgery. Although there were significantly more complications in the LT cohort when compared to the non-LTR (15.0% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.012), on multivariate analysis, LT was not an independent risk factor for post-operative complications following breast cancer surgery. Additionally, breast cancer treatment is more costly in LTR.
Alteration of Nutrient Substrates and Absence of Seawater Due to Coastal Embankments Affects Soil Microbial Communities in Salt Marshes of Eastern China
Authors: Feng Hongyu , Qiao Yajun , Xia Lu , Yang Wen , Zhao Yongqiang , Jeelani Nasreen , An Shuqing
Published: July 2021

Aims: Although the influence of coastal embankments on soil physicochemical properties and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling has been widely studied, the mechanisms of their effects on the soil microbial ecology are still poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate variations in soil bacterial and archaeal communities between natural and embanked saltmarshes, as well as the determinants that drive these variations.Methods: 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was performed to assess the impacts of embankments on the bacterial and archaeal communities of the invasive Spartina alterniflora Loisel., as well as native Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall. and Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. saltmarshes in the coastal China.Results: Embankments significantly decreased the Simpson diversity index of the S. alterniflora saltmarsh, while increasing the OTU richness in the P. australis saltmarsh. Additionally, the bacterial and archaeal community compositions in the embanked S. alterniflora and P. australis saltmarshes were considerably modified. However, no variations were found between the bacterial and archaeal communities of the natural and embanked S. salsa saltmarshes.Conclusions: These results were possibly because embankments decreased the soil nutrient substrates (e.g., soil organic C and N) dramatically in the S. alterniflora saltmarsh, while increased soil nutrient substrates significantly in the P. australis saltmarsh. However, embankments had a negligible effect on the soil nutrient substrates in the S. salsa saltmarsh. Moreover, embankments increased the abundance of Betaproteobacteria, and decreased the abundance of sulfur- and sodium-dependent bacteria due to the dramatic change in soil physicochemical properties.
A Wireless Sensor System Supplied by a Solar Energy Harvester toward IoT Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Mohsen Saeed , Alharbi Abdullah G.
Published: July 2021

Harmful environments can cause seriously health problems to humans. Thus, it is should be develop a generation of wireless sensor systems that are energy self-powered to monitor physical parameters of an ambient environment in real-time and sending these parameters remotely to an IoT cloud service. In this paper, a wireless sensor system is proposed for an environmental monitoring. This system is based on two sensors and a NodeMCU board that includes a microcontroller with a Wi-Fi chip. This system is built to measure the ambient temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, and ultraviolet (UV) index. The power supply of the sensor system is a solar energy harvester, which consists of a solar cell, a DC-DC converter, and a rechargeable battery. This harvester is practically tested outdoors under direct sunlight. The wireless sensor system experimentally consumes an average power of 40 mW over one hour and the life-time of this system is 123 hours in active-sleep mode. The results demonstrate that the wireless sensor system has long-term and sustainable operation of the monitoring of an environmental data.
Free Fatty Acid Is Associated With Muscle Dysfunction in Chinese Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fu Junling , Sun Lina , Mu Zhijing , Xiu Shuangling
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Muscle dysfunction is considered as a sign of poor prognosis in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Thus, early detection of muscle disorders is particularly important in T2D population. For free fatty acid (FFA) is known as a clinical indicator of metabolic diseases and muscle function, hence, we aimed to investigate whether FFA could serve as a biomarker for muscle function.Methods: There are totally 160 adult subjects with T2D were characterized and analyzed in this study. Muscle mass and function were measured by walking speed, grip strength and height-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass (SMI). Logistic regression was applied to explore the correlation of FFA with muscle indicators. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to conduct the diagnostic value of FFA.Results: FFA was negatively correlated with SMI (r = -0.347, P = 1.0E-05), grip strength (r = -0.313, P = 7.1E-05) and walking speed (r = -0.167, P = 0.039). Notably, the relationships between FFA and SMI and walking speed remained significant even after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c). The combination of conventional indicators including age, BMI and HbA1c provided discrimination effect of low grip strength with an AUC of 0.648, low walking speed with an AUC of 0.714. Importantly, when FFA was added to the model, the value of ROC curve was further improved, with an AUC of 0.785 for low grip strength, 0.755 for low walking speed.Conclusions: The current study demonstrated a negative correlation of FFA with muscle indicators in adult T2D patients after adjusting for HbA1c. FFA may play an important role in the pathological process of muscle dysfunction in adults with T2D.
Side Effects and Immunogenicity Following Administration of The Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine Among Health Care Workers; An Observational Study in Iran
Authors: Babamahmoodi Farhang , Saeedi Majid , Alizadeh-Navaei Reza , Hedayatizadeh-Omran Akbar , Mousavi Seyed Abbas , Ovaise Gasem , Kordi Shirafkan , Akbari Zahra , Azordeh Mazaher , Ahangarkani Fatemeh , Alikhani Ahmad
Published: July 2021

The Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, have shown excellent safety and efficacy against COVID-19 in phase 3 of the clinical trial. We provided independent evidence on side effects and immunogenicity following the administration of the Sputnik V COVID-19 in Iran. In this observational study, the healthcare workers who vaccinated with the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine within February and April 2021 were evaluated. Among a total of 13435 vaccinated healthcare workers, we received 3236 self-declaration reports of Sputnik V associated adverse events with the mean age 39.32±10.19 years old which 38.8% were men and 61.2% were women. The most common side effect was a pain in the injection site (56.9%), fatigue (50.9%), body pain (43.9%), headache (35.7%), fever (32.9%), joint pain (30.3%), chilling (29.8%) and drowsiness (20.3%). Side effects of the vaccine were significantly more frequent in females and younger individuals. Among a total of 238 participants, more than 90% after the first and second dose of vaccine had a detectable level of SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibody and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody. Although the overall the rate of adverse effects was higher than the interim results from randomized controlled trials, our findings support the manufacturer’s reports about the high humoral immunogenicity of vaccine against COVID-19.
Impact of Urbanization on Surface Energy Balance Components Over Metropolitan Cities of India During 2000–2018 Winter Seasons
Authors: Sultana Sabiha , Satyanarayana A.N.V.
Published: July 2021

The present study attempts to evaluate the urban energy balance components with respect to increasing urbanization over Indian metropolitan cities during 2000–2018 winter seasons by using Landsat 7 and 8 satellite imageries. The impact of increasing artificial surfaces on different energy fluxes is analyzed for the study period over these cities. The results indicate that the estimated ranges of the energy fluxes are in the range of typical values that are reported in the earlier literatures over cities. The Sensible Heat Flux (SHF) is observed to be increased considerably whereas the Latent Heat Flux (LHF) is noticed to slightly decreasing. The mean SHF over the buildup areas and the dry lands of Delhi noticed to record maximum increase of 28.2 Wm− 2and 39.7 Wm− 2 respectively during the study period. The SHF (LHF) shows positive (negative) correlation with the land surface temperature. The SHF (LHF) is observed to be about 19% – 33% (1.9% – 15%) of the net radiation flux and the residual heat flux is found to be about 60–80% of the net radiation flux. The study advocates the substantiate changes of the surface energy balance parameters would have profound influence on the energy exchange mechanism and which in turn affects regional climatic change.
Additional Treatment of Vitamin D for Improvement of Insulin Resistance in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sindhughosa Dwijo Anargha , Wibawa I Dewa Nyoman , Mariadi I Ketut , Somayana Gde
Published: July 2021

Insulin resistance provide important role in pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several studies already evaluate vitamin D supplementation for NAFLD patients, in relation to insulin resistance. The results obtained still carry conflicting results. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of additional treatment of vitamin D for improvement of insulin resistance in NAFLD patients. Relevant literatures were obtained from PubMed, Google Scholar, COCHRANE, and Science Direct database. The obtained studies were analyzed using fixed effect model or random effect model. Seven eligible studies with a total of 735 participants were included. Vitamin D supplementation improve insulin resistance in NAFLD patients, marked by reduce of Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), with pooled mean difference − 1.06 (p = 0.0006; 95% CI: -1.66 to -0.45). Vitamin D supplementation increase the level of vitamin D serum with pooled mean difference of 17.45 (p = 0.0002; 95% CI: 8.33 to 26.56). Vitamin D supplementation decrease ALT levels, with pooled mean difference of -4.44 (p = 0.02; 95% CI: -8.24 to -0.65). No effect observed for AST levels. Vitamin D supplementation provide beneficial effects on improvement of insulin resistance in NAFLD patients. This supplementation may reduce HOMA-IR in such patients. It may serve as potential adjunctive treatment for NAFLD patients.
Adsorption of NO, NO2 on Rh Embedded h-BN Monolayer: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Zhang Jun’an , Tian Jiangling , Zhang Qingwei , Lu Yunhua , Li Lei , Xu Yanjie
Published: July 2021

Density functional theory calculations have been made to investigated the adsorption and sensing properties of harmful nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2) on rhodium (Rh) doped hexagonal boron nitride (BN) to explore the feasibility of Rh-doped BN (Rh-BN) based gas sensor. For each gas molecule, various adsorption positions and orientations were examined. The favorable adsorption configuration has been established and the corresponding adsorption energy has been calculated. Besides, to understand the adsorption mechanism, The properties such as electron density, the energy band structure, state density of states, and charge transfer of the adsorption system were investigated in greater detail. The calculations indicate that the most stable structure is that the Rh atom located directly above the N atom, and a stable chemical bond with a length of 2.096 Å formed between the Rh atom and N atom, with a significant binding energy (𝐸𝑏) of -1.561 eV. Then, adsorption performance of Rh-BN monolayer upon nitrogen oxides is in order as NO2 > NO, with the adsorption energy (𝐸𝑎) of -3.919 eV and -3.318 eV, respectively. This indicates that the Rh-BN single layer possesses ideal adsorption and sensing properties. Furthermore, by doping the Rh atom, many levels of impurities are introduced into the intrinsic BN band structure, thereby improving the interaction between BN and adsorbed gas molecules. Following adsorption of NO and NO2, the band gap (Eg) of the doping system is wider. It has been demonstrated that gas adsorption reduces the electrical conductivity of the system, but increases the sensitivity of the system. The above calculation and analysis are of great importance for the exploration of the Rh-BN single layer as innovative gas detection material.
Modelling to Analyse the Process and Sustainability Performance of Forestry-based Bioenergy Systems
Authors: Martinez-Hernandez Elias , Sadhukhan Jhuma , Aburto Jorge , Allieri Myriam , Morse Steven , Murphy Richard
Published: July 2021

This study develops a novel mathematical modelling framework for biomass combined heat and power systems (CHP) linking physicochemical/thermodynamic characteristics and life cycle sustainability. A total of twenty-nine indicators for the process (4), economic (5), environmental (8) and social global (5) and local (7) aspects have been analysed for sustainability. These are biomass throughput, electricity and steam generations and CHP efficiency; internal rate of return, capital, operating and feedstock costs and cost of production; global warming, fossil, land and water use, acidification, urban smog, eutrophication and ecotoxicity potentials; labour rights & decent work, health & safety, human rights, governance and community infrastructure; total forest land, direct/indirect jobs, gender equality and energy-water-sanitation access for communities, from biomass characteristics (carbon and hydrogen contents), energy demands and economic parameters. The model is disseminated as an open-web-resource https://tesarrec.web.app/sustainability/chp. In a case study approach, from 12.47 kt/year forestry residue, 1 MWe is generated with an associated low-pressure steam generation of 50 kt/year, at a cost of production of $0.023/kWh, making “affordable and clean energy” (the UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDG7) for marginalised/poor communities. Bioenergy can curb >90% greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy, 6 kt CO2 eq and 74 TJ annually, 87-53% water consumption, acidification and eutrophication, and 29-18% urban smog and ecotoxicity, compared to fossil-based counterpart. All five social themes in the Central American cluster countries can be improved by bioenergy. In addition to SDG7, SDG6: "clean water and sanitation for all" can be delivered by forestry-based bioenergy system.
Insight Into Effects of Long-chain Fatty Acids on Propionic Acid Production in Anaerobic Fermentation: A Case Study of Oleic Acid and Palmitic Acid
Authors: Wei Tong , Fang Qian , Luo Jin , Chen Yujia , Zhang Kequan
Published: July 2021

This study revealed long-chain fatty acids(LCFAs) on propionic acid production by lipid anaerobic acidogenesis. Oleic acid and palmitic acid, the two most common acids in LCFAs, were added into the acid production system to evaluate LCFAs type and concentration on the propionic acid production capacity of the acid production system. The results showed that when the concentration of oleic acid was 4g/L, the content of volatile fatty acids(VFAs) was 1.3 times higher than that of the blank group(propionic acid was the main product, > 70%). In contrast, palmitic acid and excess oleic acid inhibited propionic acid production(butyric acid was the main product). Propionic acid-producing bacteria were the dominant bacteria in an oleic acid production system. According to response surface analysis, the optimal concentration of oleic acid favoring for propionic acid production was 2.3 g/L and fermentation time was 7.4 days in this study. The results showed that a proper concentration of oleic acid has a promotion to propionic acid production. This study provides a theoretical basis for oleic acid to promote propionic acid production.
Burial-Induced Deterioration in Leather – A FTIR-ATR, DSC, TG/DTG, MHT and SEM study
Authors: Vyskočilová Gabriela , Ševčík Richard , Carşote Cristina , Badea Elena
Published: July 2021

In this study we used an analytical approach based on complementary techniques that targets all structural levels of collagen to investigate the effects of burrial tests on vegetable-tanned lather. For the first time, a group of deterioration markers specific to molecular, fibrillar and and fibrous structure of collagen in leather was associated with the anaerobic condition of burried leather. Gelatin was identified both through the FTIR-ATR spectral markers (molecular alteration of collageneous triple helix structure) and SEM imaging (alteration of fibrils and fibres morphology). Loosening of collagen-tannin interaction and de-tanning were detected by the application of second derivative spectral analysis. Collagen denaturing profile was evidenced by DSC analysis and documented by SEM observations at high magnification, while TG/DTG analysis gave information on the leather thermo-oxidative deterioration. Our results confirmed that the shrinkage temperature measured by MHT method could be misleading. However, this method proved its usefulness in assessing the structural inhomogeneity of collagen in buried leather and identifying gelatin. The complementary FTIR-ATR, DSC, TG/DTG, MHT and SEM analytical protocol proved its high effectiveness and could thus be extended to the challenging study of archaeological leather.
In-Depth Biological Alteration Analysis of Plasmodium Knowelsi-Infected Red Blood Cells Using A Non-Invasive Optical Imaging Technique
Authors: Firdaus Egy Rahman , Muh Fauzi , Park Ji-Hoon , Lee Seong-Kyun , Na Sung-Hun , Park Won-Sun , Han Jin-Hee , Ha Kwon-Soo , HAN EUN-TAEK
Published: July 2021

Background

Imaging techniques are commonly used for understanding disease mechanisms and their biological features in such a microenvironment of the cell. In recent work, the understanding of parasite biology of malaria Plasmodium knowlesi was compiled from functional in vitro and imaging analysis using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sample fixation during SEM analysis possibly makes the parasite membrane destruction.
Methods

In this study, we used a non-invasive optical technique, tomography, to explore the biological changes during the development of infected red blood cells (RBCs) by P. knowlesi. The commercial common-path diffraction optical tomography was used to measure individual infected RBCs' three-dimensional refractive index tomogram without an additional dyeing agent.
Results

We simultaneously examined structural, chemical, and physical modification by a parasite inside of host RBCs. The results had similar patterns with previous studies using SEM and other parasites such as P. falciparum and Babesia. Interestingly we found that P. knowlesi did not use hemoglobin as much as P. falciparum as a source of nutrition.
Conclusions

This tomography technique opens new ways to study the pathophysiology of malaria parasites more efficiently and is considered a promising tool for studying each Plasmodium species more in-depth.