bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the Sensitivity of Intravenous Anesthetic of Remimazolam Increase in Patients With Obstructive Jaundice?
Authors: song jinchao , Liu Wen , Ji Jun-Wei , Tao Kun-Ming , Qiu Hai-Bo , Song Hong-Hao , Song Jin-Chao
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIt is well known that obstructive jaundice could affect the pharmacodynamics of some anesthetics, and the sensitivity of some anesthetics would increase among icteric patients. Remimazolam is a new ultra-short-acting intravenous benzodiazepine sedative/anesthetic, which is a high-selective and affinity ligand for the benzodiazepine site on the GABAA receptor. However, very few studies have been reported the pharmacodynamics of remimazolam in patients with obstructive jaundice. We hypothesize that obstructive jaundice affects the pharmacodynamics of remimazolam, and the sensitivity of remimazolam increases among icteric patients.Methods/designThe study will be performed as a prospective, controlled, multicenter trial. The study design is a comparison of remimazolam requirements to reach a Bispectral Index of 50 in patients with obstructive jaundice versus non-jaundiced patients with chronic cholecystitisor intrahepatic bile duct stones. Remimazolam was infused at 0.03 mg/kg/min until this end point was reached.DiscussionRemimazolam could be suitable for anesthesia of patients with obstructive jaundice, because remimazolam is not biotransformed in the liver. Hyperbilirubinemia has been well-described toxic effects in the brain, which causes the increasing of sensitivity to some anesthetics, such as desflurane, isoflurane and etomidate. Furthmore, remimazolam and etomidate have the same mechanism of action when exerting an anesthetic effect. We aim to demonstrate that obstructive jaundice affects the pharmacodynamics of remimazolam, and the dose of remimazolam when administered to patients with obstructive jaundice should be modified.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100043585. Date of registration: February 23, 2021.
Pressure Dressings Versus Nonpressure Dressings After Hemorrhoidectomy: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xue Ping , Wu Jing , Zhu Ping , Wang Dan , Xu Mei , Zhang Yi , Lu Guanmao , Chen Quanyi , Zhang Qin , Tang Renjing , Fang Jinbo
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPressure dressings have been used after open hemorrhoidectomy to protect surgical wounds and manage postoperative bleeding for many years. However, pressure dressings may increase the incidence of postoperative complications, such as urinary retention, medical adhesive-related skin injury, and pain. A previous controlled trial included 67 patients who underwent Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. The data indicated that the use of a nonpressure dressing after hemorrhoidectomy reduces the incidence of urinary retention and catheterization. However, the incidence of severe postoperative bleeding and other postoperative complications was not assessed. There is no consensus on whether it is necessary and beneficial to use a nonpressure dressing after hemorrhoidectomy. The results of this randomized clinical study will help answer this question.MethodsIn this study, we plan to include 186 patients who have undergone Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. The purpose is to determine whether the use of nonpressure dressings after open hemorrhoidectomy is inferior to the use of pressure dressings in terms of severe postoperative bleeding and postoperative complications. The primary endpoints of the trial are the incidence of urinary retention within 24 hours after surgery and the incidence of severe postoperative bleeding one hour after dressing removal, which requires revision surgery within 24 hours after the surgery. The secondary endpoints of the study are the pain score, anal distension score, postoperative use of analgesics, and incidence of medical adhesive-related skin injury, all of which will be assessed before removing the dressings. The length of hospitalization in days and hospitalization expenses will be recorded. Safety will be assessed with consideration of all adverse and severe adverse events related to the study treatment.DiscussionThe study received full ethics committee approval. The first patient was enrolled on 27 November 2020. The results of this trial will finally answer the question of whether a nonpressure dressing after open hemorrhoidectomy is necessary and beneficial.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration ID: ChiCTR2000040283). Registered on 28 November. 2020. {2} http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=58894&htm=4 {2b}
The Role of Ni and Cd-Resistant Rhizobacteria in Promotion of Rice Seedlings Growth and Alleviation Combined Phytotoxicity of Ni and Cd
Authors: Xiao Weiwei , Ji Jing , Guan Chunfeng , Zhang Songhao , Zhang Siqi , Wang Gang , Wang Yurong , Zhang Hongzhi
Published: June 2021

The heavy metal compound pollution is becoming a serious problem in the environmental management. In the present study, we focused on the combined pollution of nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) and isolated three Ni and Cd-resistant rhizobacteria (strains Y3, Y4 and Y5) with important PGP traits. According to 16S rDNA sequence homology, strains Y3, Y4 and Y5 were identified as Pseudomonas sp., Chryseobacterium sp. and Enterobacter sp., respectively. Then the effects of strains Y3, Y4 and Y5 on rice growth under the combined stress of Ni and Cd were examined. The results indicated that strains Y3, Y4 and Y5 enhanced the seed germination, biomass production and chlorophyll accumulation of rice seedling under compound stress of Ni and Cd. These strains also conferred rice tolerance to Ni and Cd by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity in seedlings. Furthermore, comparing among three strains, it was found that strain Y3 with stronger ability of IAA production, EPS production and ACC deaminase activity had the best promotion effect on rice growth under the combined stress of Ni and Cd. In addition, strain Y5 had better IAA production capacity and a better effect on the growth of rice roots than strain Y4 under Ni and Cd stress, which indicated that IAA production might play a particularly critical role in root growth under the stress of Ni and Cd.
Herbs of rich-Iodine for Graves’ Hyperthyroidism Trial (the HIGHT trial): a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial
Authors: Gao Chenghan , Liu Xiaowei , Guan Xuefeng , Liu Qingyang , Lai Yiwen , Gao Tianshu
Published: June 2021

BackgroundGraves' hyperthyroidism is one of the refractory diseases in endocrinology. Thionamides are known to be effective and its common side-effects are markedly reduced when starting with low dose. Iodine-rich Chinese herbal decoction (IRH) is a frequently prescribed Chinese herbal medicine in patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism. However, high quality clinical evidence is still very scarce, which made the Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) management of Graves' hyperthyroidism remains controversial. The objective of this study is to prove that IRH might get faster and longer lasting remission and improved quality of life (QoL) in Graves' hyperthyroidism patients compared with methimazole (MMI) .Methods/designThis study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and multicentre clinical trial. We will recruit a total of 240 participants with Graves' hyperthyroidism who have any common ATD-associated side-effects. They will be randomized (1:1:1) to receive (ⅰ) IRH plus MMI placebo, (ⅱ) IRH placebo plus MMI and (ⅲ) IRH plus MMI for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures will be the serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) levels and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Secondary outcome measures will include the level of thyroid stimulating hormone-receptor antibodies (TRAb), thyroid ultrasound (US) and Thyroid-specific Patient Reported Outcome(ThyPRO39).DiscussionThe outcomes of this study will provide new evidence for the efficacy and safety of IRH for the treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism and will also guide physicians at clinics more clearly in prescribing IRH.Trial registration number:ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000032706. Registered 7 May 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn
U19-Net: A Deep Learning Approach for Obstacle Detection in Self-Driving Cars
Authors: Cervera-Uribe Albert Aarón , Mendez-Monroy Paul Erick
Published: June 2021

Development of self-driving cars aims to drive safely from one point to another in a coordinated system where the on-board autonomous vehicle system should react and possibly alert drivers about the driving environments and possible collisions that may arise between drivers and obstacles. In order to achieve a high level of autonomy in urban scenarios with unpredictable traffic, these systems must have robust and reliable obstacles detection systems.
This work proposes U19-Net, a deep learning model that explores improvement of the so-called encoder-decoder neural networks with a very deep network architecture. In particular, U19-Net is applied and successfully evaluated for the vehicle and pedestrian detection tasks within an open source dataset consisting of frames from a video in real driving scenarios. The output of the network consists of a pixel-level mask that identifies each pixel as vehicle or pedestrian, demonstrating that the depth representation attained with U19-Net is beneficial in this kind of architecture for vision systems in self-driving cars.
On the Brink of Extinction: A New Freshwater Amphipod Jesogammarus Acalceolus (Anisogammaridae) From Japan
Authors: Tomikawa Ko , Kimura Naoya
Published: June 2021

Freshwater habitats, especially cold springs, are environments in which the extinction risk faced by organisms remains high due to human activities. The extinction risks faced by many species go unrecognized prior to their extinction. To conserve endangered species, it is important to describe and name them. Here, we describe a new, endangered freshwater anisogammarid amphipod species, Jesogammarus (Jesogammarus) acalceolus sp. nov., found in a spring in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, which is potentially the sole remaining habitat of this species. Both morphological and molecular phylogenetic results strongly support the nesting of the new species within Jesogammarus. Jesogammarus (J.) acalceolus sp. nov. is the first species of genus Jesogammarus that was found to lack a calceolus, a sensory organ located on male antenna 2. Thus, the diagnostic criteria for this genus required amendment. A reconstruction of ancestral calceoli, based on a molecular phylogenetic tree, revealed that the common ancestor of Jesogammarus possessed calceoli, which were secondarily lost in J. (J.) acalceolus sp. nov. Our results indicate that this new species, which is key to clarifying the evolution of the calceolus, is of high conservation significance.
Size- and Temperature-control Optical Direct/indirect Band Tuning in Layered Compounds: Band Gap Engineering
Authors: Miah M.
Published: June 2021

The X-ray diffraction (XRD) is studied in thermally evaporated cadmium iodide (CdI2) thin films with various thicknesses. The grain size, calculated from the XRD, is found to increase with increasing the thickness of the film, while the reflectivity and refractive index decease with increasing the wavelength of the exciting light. The optical absorption spectra show both allowed direct and indirect interband transitions across a fundamental gap in CdI2. It is found that both indirect and direct band gap (Eg) decrease with increasing the thickness of the film and that the indirect Eg is lower than the direct Eg by an amount of about 0.7 eV. The direct Eg is also decreased with increasing both the grain size and temperature. However, the temperature dependence of Eg follows the Varshni relation. Our results highlight the possibility of engineering or tuning the Eg of CdI2 by controlling the thickness of the film, grain size as well as temperature.
Exploring Factors of the Sustainable Supply Chain in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: SWARA Approach
Authors: HAYAT KHIZAR , JIANJUN ZHU , Ali Sharafat , Khan Muhammad Adeel
Published: June 2021

The present research aimed to provide a mechanism for enhancing sustainable supply chain survivability during and after the COVID-19 outbreak. The working system for firms and employees has been restricted worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including working on-sites, different areas, and working hours. Therefore, the system changed into a network economy to reduce unemployment and increase the work opportunities for workers. As a result, businesses are now attempting to improve the system for sustainable supply chains. The Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) approach is used in this research to classify dynamic aspects for improving the survival of sustainable supply chains in an epidemic condition. The results reveal that the viability of the supply chain network is the essential criteria for managing the relationships of suppliers and buyers and maximizing sustainable supply chain survivability during and after COVID-19. This research will help businesses, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to concentrate on the described factors to achieve a brighter environment.
Traditional Husbandry Practices of Goats in Selected Districts of Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Woldeyohannes Tariku , Hankamo Amsale , Banerjee Sandip
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to describe goat production system in two districts of Sidama zone of southern Ethiopia using two production systems. Semi-structured questionnaire was developed and employed to gather information regarding the management activities, purpose of keeping goats and selection criteria of farmers to select breeding animals. A total of 240 households were interviewed to collect relevant information for the study. Data collected from questionnaire was statistically analyzed and summarized into descriptive statistics. Indexes was calculated to clarify rankings by using indexes formula. The number goat population is more in Loka Abaya than Aroresa. The primary purpose of keeping goats study area are mainly for their milk, meat and income generation. The reproductive potential of Does reared in the Aroresa district was lower. Broad shoulders, compact frame and short and thick necks of the Bucks were considered as the most important characteristics for selection. Communal grazing and crop aftermath were the most common feed sources reported by farmers in the study area. River was the major water source for goats in the study districts. The major factors limiting the productivity of goats are feed shortage, diseases, labour shortage and lack of improved goat breeds.
Investigating the Natural History and Prognostic Nature of NTRK Gene Fusions in Solid Tumors
Authors: Zhu Limin , Hobbs Brian , Roszik Jason , Holla Vijaykumar , Hong David S.
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSeveral TRK inhibitors have demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with solid tumors harboring NTRK gene fusions. However, the natural history and prognostic implications of NTRK fusions in solid tumors remain unknown.MethodsA cohort of 77 MD Anderson Cancer Center patients (MDACC) with NTRK gene fusions was identified and retrospectively compared to a second cohort from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Due to paucity of events in early stage cancers and lack of TCGA data in rare tumors, 25 randomly selected MDACC patients were matched to 122 TCGA patients without NTRK gene fusion. Next we assessed the associations between NTRK gene fusion and overall (OS) and progression-free survivals (PFS).ResultsAmong the 77 MDACC patients with NTRK gene fusions, 18 NTRK fusion partners were identified. There were insufficient OS events for analysis in the matched cohort. PFS was not significantly different (p=0.49) between the NTRK-fusion positive MDACC patients (median PFS 786 weeks, 95% CI 317-NE) and the NTRK-fusion negative TCGA patients (median PFS NE). The adjusted hazard ratio comparing TCGA patients to MDACC patients was HR=0.72 (95% CI: 0.23-2.33), which trended towards a reduced rate of progression or death experienced by TCGA patients.ConclusionsThis study did not identify statistically significant associations between NTRK fusion and PFS. Nonsignificant trends estimated increases in the risk of progression or death events for patients with NTRK fusions when compared to matched controls. Our findings help illuminate the influence of NTRK fusions on the natural history of a variety of solid tumors.
Resource Allocation Strategy for D2D-Assisted Edge Computing System Using Weighted Genetic and Ant Colony Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Teja Devireddy Pranav Krishna , Nikhileswar Kuppachi , Abhiram Adusumili Lalith Peri Abhiram Peri , S Nandakumar
Published: June 2021

Due to the constrained battery ability and computing functionality of cellularcustomers, the Resource allocation approach in D2D-assisted edge computingsystem with hybrid electricityharvesting is investigated on thisdocument.By using magnetic induction-primarily based on wireless reverse charging technology, cellular consumer can complement more electricity from nearby users whilst the electricity gathered from the surrounding radio frequency is set to be exhausted. Due to the constrained computing resource of MEC server the MEC server reaches the limit of its computing capability the adjacent Base station’s user can act as a relay node and by setting up the D2D relay links the computing responsibilities of the users which are left under previous base station can now be transferred to new base station’s MEC server which has enough resources. The goal of the resource allocation approach is to improvise the energy efficiency under computation delayconstraint and energy harvestingconstraints.An optimal answer is produced by adopting the Quantum behaved Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO) algorithm, weighted genetic algorithm (WGA/GA) and Ant-colony optimization (ACO) algorithm, Simulation outcomes display that overall performance of theapproach that is proposed is superior than different benchmark strategies, and weighted genetic algorithm (WGA), Ant-colony optimization (ACO) algorithmcan attain better energy efficiency than the quantum behaved particle swarm optimization and standard particle swarm optimization algorithm also Simulation studiesshows that the self-learning nature of these methods(i.e WGA and ACO) gives better results even for higher complexity problems.
Beneficial Effect of Dimethyl Fumarate on Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis is Dependent of Pro-Inflammatory Markers Immunomodulation
Authors: TOUIL-BOUKOFFA Chafia , Labsi Moussa , Soufli Imene , Belguendouz Houda , Djebbara Sara , Hannachi Leila , Amir Zine-Charaf
Published: June 2021

Autoimmune uveitis is an inflammatory disease of the eye and is one of the major causes of blindness worldwide. Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) constitutes an animal disease model of human endogenous uveitis. In our study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Dimethylfumarate (DMF) using bovine retinal extract-induced uveitis in a Female Wistar rats. To evaluate the in vivo efficacy, Female Wistar rats were divided into 7 experimental groups: control group (n = 5), consisting of non-immunized animals; Uveoretinitis (n = 5), and DMF/Uveoretinitis groups (n = 15), which received a subcutaneous injection of bovine retinal extract emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant; MC group (n = 5), treated by daily intragastric administration of methylcellulose 0.08% in tap water; DMF group, consisting of control positive group, rats received daily oral gavage administration of 500 µL of Dimethylfumarate at 100mg/Kg dissolved in 0.08% methylcellulose in tap water (n = 5). On days 14 post immunization, the rats were then euthanized and associated indications were investigated to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α were assessed in plasma. Meanwhile, eyes were collected for histological and immunohistochemical studies. The retinal expression of iNOS, CD68, CD20, CD25, CD4, and CD8 was examined. Interestingly, DMF enhanced a significant reduction of NO and TNF-α production in the treated group. This effect was strongly related to the histological structure of eyes improvement. In the same context, a significant decrease of iNOS, CD68, and CD20 expression and CD25 increase expression were reported in retinal tissue of DMF/Uveoretinitis group in comparison to the immunized group. Collectively, our results indicate that DMF treatment has a beneficial effect in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis and could constitute a good candidate for monitoring an ocular inflammatory diseases.
The Associations of Urinary DEHP Metabolites Levels, Serum Thyroid Hormones and Thyroid Related Genes Among the Adolescent Students from China – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhao Yaming , Song Xinyue , Ding Shuang , Qi Wen , Zhang Yuezhu , Xu Qi , Zhao Tianyang , Zhang Xueting , Li Xu , Wu Fuju , Ye Lin
Published: June 2021

Our study aimed to investigate the associations between DEHP exposure and serum thyroid hormone levels in 347 adolescents and young adults. We measured DEHP metabolites including mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) and mono(2-carboxmethyl)hexyl phthalate (MCMHP) in their urine. Total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone and the mRNA levels of thyroid peroxidase (TPO), thyroglobulin (TG), sodium iodide symporter (NIS), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) and paired box gene 8 (PAX-8) in serum were measured. The results of statistical analysis showed that urinary DEHP metabolites were generally negatively associated with TT4 levels in serum. In the males, the FT4 levels showed positive associations with urinary MEHP, MECPP, MCMHP, and ∑DEHP. The mRNA level of TG was significantly positively correlated with the levels of MECPP, MCMHP and ∑DEHP, while the level of NIS mRNA was significantly positively correlated with the levels of MEOHP. There was a significant positive correlation between TTF-1 mRNA level and urinary MEOHP, MECPP, MCMHP and ∑DEHP.
Mesquite Pod (Prosopis Juliflora) meal on Meat Quality of Pasture-Finishing Lambs
Authors: Junior Mário Sergio Fernandes Soares , de Souza Kennyson Alves , Almeida Bruna de Jesus , de Araújo Fabiana Lana , Silva Cristiane Simplício da , de Oliveira Ana Patricia David , Cardoso Claudia Andrea Lima , de Goes Rafael Henrique De Tonissi e Buschinelli , Bagaldo Adriana Regina
Published: June 2021

This study was carried out to evaluate the best inclusion level and the effects of mesquite pod (Prosopis juliflora) meal on carcass characteristics and meat quality for lambs finished in pasture. Forty male, non-castrated, crossbred Santa Inês lambs, with an initial body weight (24.2 ± 3.1 kg), and approximately 120-days old. The animals were kept in a total area of ​​4 ha, divided in 4 paddocks of 0.62 ha each (10 animals/paddocks), on pastures of Massai (Panicum maximum cv. massai) with drinkers and feeders during the finishing phase. Dietary treatments based on levels of corn ground replacement for mesquite pod meal included: CON – Without mesquite pod meal; MPM25 – 250 g/kg of mesquite pod meal; MPM50 – 500 g/kg of mesquite pod meal; and MPM75 – 750 g/kg of mesquite pod meal. No treatment effects were detected (P> 0.05) for carcass measures, carcass characteristics, chemical composition of longissimus thoracis muscle, tissue composition, and lipid oxidation. Lamb meat color values, such as lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) were not affected (P> 0.05) by mesquite pod meal replacement on the diets, whereas for redness (a*), HUE, and crhoma were influenced (P< 0.05). Palmitic acid had a quadratic effect, while oleic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and PUFA:SFA had a linear course (P< 0.05). In conclusion the mesquite pod meal can be used as an energy feed source up to 750 g/kg of dry matter in the diet, without changing the carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs finished in pasture.
The Influence of Saturated Steam on Moso Bamboo Quasi-static Micromechanical Properties: Nano-Scale Evaluation
Authors: Yuan Tiancheng , Wang Zhaoshun , Han Xin , Yuan ZhuRun , Wang XinZhou , Li yanjun
Published: June 2021

In this paper, in order to analyze the quasi-static properties of Moso bamboo, a new, environmentally friendly and eco-friendly method was used for bamboo thermal modification under the effect of saturated steam. Under saturated steam heat treatment, the chemical composition in bamboo decreased, and the bamboo cell wall shrunk slightly. The increased crystallinity index of cellulose and decreased intensity of peaks belong to hemicellulose were confirmed by XRD and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In addition, the highest modulus of elastic and hardness of treated bamboo were 22.5GPa and 1.1GPa at 180℃/10 min. These conclusions confirmed the micro-mechanical properties of the bamboo cell wall were enhanced by saturated steam heat treatment. The E'r of differently treated bamboo increased with increasing temperature and time, while the E''r and tan δ negatively as a function of increasing frequency. Furthermore, this thermal modification can be regarded as a useful, environmental-friendly and eco-friendly treatment to outdoor use of bamboo-based materials.
Genome-wide Analysis of Circular RNAs and Validation of hsa_circ_0086354 As a Promising Biomarker for Early Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Bian Xuzhao , Wu Chao , Wang Yan , Wu Yang , Sun Shiquan
Published: June 2021

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a spectrum of non-progressive motor disorders caused by brain injury during fetal or postnatal periods. Current diagnosis of CP mainly relies on neuroimaging and motor assessment. Here, we aimed to explore novel biomarkers for early diagnosis of CP. Methods: Blood plasma from five CP children and their healthy twin brothers/sisters was analyzed by gene microarray to screen out differentially expressed RNAs. Selected differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) were further validated using quantitative real-time PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the value of using hsa_circ_0086354 as a biomarker of CP.Results: 43 up-regulated circRNAs and 2 down-regulated circRNAs were obtained by difference analysis (fold change>2, p<0.05), among which five circRNAs related to neuron differentiation and neurogenesis were chosen for further validation. Additional 30 pairs of CP children and healthy controls were recruited and five selected circRNAs were further detected, showing that hsa_circ_0086354 was significantly down-regulated in CP plasma compared with control, which was highly in accord with microarray analysis. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) to discriminate CP children and healthy controls using hsa_circ_0086354 was 0.967, the sensitivity was 0.833 and the specificity was 0.966. Moreover, hsa_circ_0086354 was predicted as a competitive endogenous RNA for miR-181a, miR-4741 and miR-4656, and much literature evidence suggested that miR-181a may be a key target of hsa_circ_0086354 to regulate neuronal survival and neuronal differentiation. Conclusion: Hsa_circ_0086354 was significantly down-regulated in blood plasma of CP children, which may be a novel competent biomarker for early diagnosis of CP.
Transferring Cognitive Talent Across Domains: The Case of Finance
Authors: Rotaru Kristian , Kalev Petko S. , Yadav Nitin , Bossaerts Peter
Published: June 2021

We consider Theory of Mind, the ability to correctly predict the intentions of others. The skill requires abstraction from one’s own particular circumstances. Here, we posit that such abstraction can be transferred successfully to other, non-social contexts. We consider the disposition effect, which is a pervasive cognitive bias whereby investors, including professionals, improperly take their personal trading history into account when deciding on investments. We design an intervention policy whereby we attempt to transfer Theory of Mind skills, subconsciously, to personal investment decisions. In a within-subject repeated-intervention laboratory experiment, we record how the disposition effect is reduced by a very significant 85%, but only for those with high Theory of Mind skills. No such transfer is observed in subjects who score well only on the emotional dimension of interpersonal skills. Our findings open up a promising way to exploit cognitive talents in one domain in order to alleviate cognitive deficiencies elsewhere.
Peripheral Lymphocyte Count as a Surrogate Marker of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Outcomes in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lee Ye Jin , Park Young Sik , Lee Hyun Woo , Park Tae Yun , Lee Jung Kyu , Heo Eun Young
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDegree of expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is related with Immune check point inhibitors (ICIs) response but is not obligate predictive marker and needs sufficient tissue. Therefore, there is unmet need for easily accessible peripheral blood (PB) biomarkers and evaluation of the prognostic value of this marker is needed. We investigated the application of serum peripheral lymphocyte count (PLC) as a predictive PB biomarker for ICI response in patients with NSCLC. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study and reviewed the medical charts of patients with NSCLC who were treated with ICIs at Seoul National University Hospital. We evaluated the association between PLC and progression-free survival using a Cox proportional hazard model. The PLC before and after 1 month of immunotherapy was collected. The quartile groups of PLC were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test.ResultsA total of 231 patients were treated with immunotherapy for NSCLC. The median follow-up period was 4.7 months. During the follow-up period, the disease progressed in 138 patients (59.7%). The post-treatment PLC groups Q2-4 showed significantly lower disease progression than group Q1 in our adjusted model (Q4 hazard ratio: 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.25–0.68, p < 0.001). The overall survival also showed similar results. An association between adverse events and PLC was not observed in this study. ConclusionWe revealed that an increased post-treatment PLC was associated with favorable progression-free and overall survival with NSCLC patients treated with ICIs. Therefore, PLC could be a surrogate marker for ICI responses in NSCLC.
The Curcumin Analog Da0324 Inhibits the Proliferation of Gastric Cancer Cells Via HOTAIRM1/miR-29b-1-5p/PHLPP1 Axis
Authors: Xu Fanfan , Chen Mengxia , Chen Hao , Wu Nan , Wang Ying , Dong Buyuan , Feng Qian , Jiang Lei , Jin Rong
Published: June 2021

Background

Our previous study has shown that Da0324, a curcumin analog, has significantly improved stability and antitumor activity. However, the molecular mechanisms of action of Da0324 remains poorly understood. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been certifed to play a key role in tumor progression. Here, we aim to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer activities of Da0324 through regulation of lncRNA HOTAIRM1.
Methods

Gastric cancer cell lines were treated with Da0324 and/or transfected with lentiviral vector expressing HOTAIRM1 shRNA, and/or miR-29b-1-5p mimics and/or small interference RNA (siRNA) against PHLPP1, or HOTAIRM1 siRNA or lentiviral vector expressing HOTAIRM1, as required. The expression of HOTAIRM1, miR-29b-1-5p and PHLPP1 in GC cells were determined by Real-Time PCR. Cell growth was examined by CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay in vitro. The targeted relationship between HOTAIRM1 and miR-29b-1-5p was verifed by luciferase reporter gene assay. Western blot was utilized to investigate PHLPP1 protein expression levels.
Results

Da0324 increased the expression of HOTAIRM1 in GC cells. HOTAIRM1 expression was significantly down-regulated in GC tissues, and the low expression of HOTAIRM1 was associated with the shorter survival rate of GC patients based on TCGA database. Knockdown of HOTAIRM1 promoted GC cell proliferation whereas overexpression of HOTAIRM1 inhibited GC cell proliferation as detected by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Moreover, knockdown of HOTAIRM1 reversed the Da0324-mediated growth inhibition of GC cells. Furthermore, HOTAIRM1 acted as a sponge for miR-29b-1-5p and PHLPP1 is regulated by the HOTAIRM1/miR-29b-1-5p axis in GC cells. Overexpression of miR-29b-1-5p or knockdown of PHLPP1 reversed the ability of Da0324 to inhibit the growth of GC cells.
Conclusions

Our data suggest that Da0324 exerts antitumor activity by regulating HOTAIRM1/miR-29b-1-5p/PHLPP1 axis in GC cell, and provide new insights into the anti-cancer mechanism of Da0324.
Total Flavones Isolated from Lycium Barbarum L. Inhibit the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of GlioblastomaU-87MG Cells by Decreasing Formyl Peptide Receptor 1 Expression
Authors: Chu Yuankui , Wang Qing , Li Yuan , Zhu Yating , Pang Baibin , Liao Guoling , Yang Hua
Published: June 2021

Background: To study the role and mechanisms of total flavones from Lycium barbarum L. (TFL) and FPR1 in the growth of glioblastoma U-87MG cells.Main Methods: CCK-8, wound-healing and Transwell were used for investigating proliferation, motility and invasion of U87 cells after treating with total flavones. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to study the effect of total flavones on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase2 (MMP2) and FPR1. The short hairpin RNA and FPR agonist fMLP were used to delineate the role of FPR1.Results: TFL was successfully isolated, and its concentration was determined to be 6.205 mg/l. TFL inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of U-87MG cells in a time and dose-dependent manner compared to controls. Decreasing FPR1 expression using short hairpin RNA significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of U-87MG cells. Notably, increased expression of FPR1 and treatment with FPR-agonist peptides such as N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine induced the migration and invasion of U-87MG cells, which was significantly decreased when the cells were treated with TFL. Conclusion: TFL inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of human glioblastoma U-87MG cells through decreasing the expression of FPR1. These findings provide valuable evidence for the development of antitumor drugs.
Perception and Adaptation Strategies of Dairy Farmers Towards Climate Variability and Change in West Africa
Authors: Montcho Marthe , Padonou Elie Antoine , Montcho Marlise , Mutua Meshack Nzesei , Sinsin Brice
Published: June 2021

In West Africa, dairy production plays a vital role in the economy and the wellbeing of the population. Currently, dairy production has become vulnerable due to climate variability. The main objective of this study was to investigate dairy farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies towards climate change in West Africa. Individual interview and Focus Group Discussions were conducted among 900 dairy farmers. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to assess dairy farmers’ perception on climate change. Multiple Correspondence Analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal component analysis were used to access the adaptation strategies of dairy farmers. The results revealed that dairy farmers perceived a decrease in the rainy season and the annual rainfall but an increase of the dry season and the annual temperature that affect their activities. Dairy farmers that fed the cattle mainly with natural pastures, crops residues and agroindustrial by-products in the climate zones of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger, used as climate change adaptation strategies, transhumance in wetland, animal manure to improve fodder production and quality; plants to improve milk production, milk conservation and to treat animal diseases. They sold milk or produced local cheese with the remaining unsold milk. They use crops residues, mineral supplements, herd size reduction; water supply with community pastoral wells and dams, purchase water. Dairy farmers that mainly invested in fodder production and conservation in the climate zones of Mali, sold milk produced to dairies and cheese production units; used plants to improve milk production, pasteurization for milk conservation and veterinary service for animal care. This study provided relevant information for West African policymakers in designing appropriate policies and programs to assist dairy farmers to improve milk production under climate variability and change.
Association of Body Mass Index and Hypoglycaemia with Mortality Rates Among Sepsis Patients: A Retrospective Sub-Analysis of the FORECAST Study
Authors: Tanikawa Atsushi , Kudo Daisuke , Ohbe Hiroyuki , Kushimoto Shigeki
Published: June 2021

Background: Hypoglycaemia at admission is associated with high mortality in sepsis patients. The association of hypoglycaemia and body mass index (BMI) with mortality in sepsis patients has not been clarified. We aimed to assess the influence hypoglycaemia at admission on mortality in sepsis patients according to BMI categories.Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a multicentre, prospective cohort study of 59 intensive care unit in Japan. The study included 1,184 patients (age ≥16 years) with severe sepsis; the diagnosis was made based on the Sepsis-2 criteria. After excluding patients with missing data of glucose level, BMI, or survival at discharge, patients were divided into groups according to the initial blood glucose level, <70 (hypoglycaemia) or ≥70 (non-hypoglycaemia) mg/dL, and according to BMI categories, <18.5 (low), 18.5–24.9 (normal), and ≥25 (high) kg/m2. The main outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine the association between hypoglycaemia and in-hospital mortality. BMI category-by-hypoglycaemia interactions were evaluated to assess the heterogeneity of the impact of hypoglycaemia on in-hospital mortality across BMI categories.Results: In total, 1,103 patients, including 65 patients with hypoglycaemia, were analysed. Among patients with hypoglycaemia, 13 had low, 38 had normal, and 14 had high BMI. Patients with hypoglycaemia showed higher in-hospital mortality (18/38, 47.4%) than those without hypoglycaemia (119/584, 20.4%) in the normal BMI group but not in the low and high BMI groups. In the multivariate logistic regression model, hypoglycaemia was not significantly associated with higher mortality in all patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–2.58). However, there was a significant interaction between patients with normal BMI and hypoglycaemia on in-hospital mortality but not between patients with low or high BMI and hypoglycaemia (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.05–5.07), and p for interaction: 0.0476).Conclusions: Hypoglycaemia at admission in sepsis patients was associated with high mortality in patients with normal BMI, but not in those with low or high BMI. This association may be used as a prognostic marker in sepsis patients.
Assessment of Non-progressive Dysarthria: Practice and Attitude of Speech and Language Therapists in Lebanon
Authors: Summaka Marwa , Harati Hayat , Hannoun Salem , Zein Hiba , Koubaisy Nour , Fares Youssef , Nasser Zeina
Published: June 2021

Background: Dysarthria is an acquired motor speech disorder. The evidence base for the assessment of dysarthria remains limited with professional practices relying mainly on therapists’ clinical experience. Limited information on the assessment practices of Lebanese speech and language therapists (SLTs) is available. Such information is crucial for the development of adequate therapy services for clients with non-progressive dysarthria. This study aims to explore the assessment practices and attitudes of Lebanese SLTs working with adults with non-progressive dysarthria and to investigate their adherence to the framework of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between March and May 2021. Data was collected through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, practices, and attitudes of SLTs who assess adults with non-progressive dysarthria. Results: A total of 50 Lebanese SLTs responded to the survey. The majority of SLTs (78%) assessed clients with non-progressive dysarthria across all ICF domains. SLTs reported dissatisfaction with the available assessment tools (64%) and reliance on informal tools (84%). In addition, 68% of the SLTs suggested the crucial need for the development of Arabic formal assessments that can quantitatively evaluate dysarthria and determine severity. The survey also showed that the respondents demonstrated a preference for the use of impairment-based tools.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the assessment practices of Lebanese SLTs, generally, follow the international trend and the recommended professional guidelines. Further research initiatives should be held to develop Arabic formal assessment tools for non-progressive dysarthria.
Thermal Computer Modeling of Laser Gyros at the Design Stage: A Promising Way to Improve Their Quality and Increase the Economic Efficiency of Their Development and Production
Authors: Kuznetsov Evgenii , Golyaev Yury , Kolbas Yury , Kofanov Yury , Kuznetsov Nikita , Vinokurov Yury , Soloveva Tatiana
Published: June 2021

In the paper, we consider the ways to improve the quality and economic efficiency of development and production of complex innovative electronic devices, among which are laser gyros (LGs). Development, manufacturing and testing of high-tech LG are relatively expensive. The accurate thermal modeling at the early stages of LG designing is an effective way to reduce overall costs owing to noticeable savings of expenses on multiple-laboratory tests of the LG under development and its re-design due to overheating. Use of the inexpensive Russian computer system ASONIKA for thermal modeling provides yet another boost to cost efficiency. In the paper, details of application of the electro-thermal analogy method, finite difference method, grid method, graph method in ASONIKA are described. The developed algorithm of creation of LG thermal model with the procedure of step-by-step disaggregation (zooming technique) is presented. The process of LG modeling by ASONIKA computer system is explained; the created LG thermal model in graphic view and the obtained thermal field of one of PCB in colored view are demonstrated. Electronic components prone to overheating are specified. The paper also presents the results of empirical verification of modeling with actual measurement of temperature by the thermal sensors installed in places corresponding to the model nodes; those measurements confirmed high accuracy of ASONIKA-based simulation.
Platelet-to-Lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a Novel Independent Risk Factor for Newborn Patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Authors: Tang Yanfei , Teng Yiqun , Xu Lingyan , Xu Guangtao , Chen Deqing , Jin Xin , Li Wanlu , Jin Xiuhui , Zhu Wen , Hu Bo , Shen Ruilin , Zhu Yuzhang
Published: June 2021

Objective: To investigate the prognostic significance of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for newborn patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Design: A retrospective cohort study.Setting and participants: Data on 5240 newborn patients in the NICU extracted from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care III (MIMIC III) database.Methods: Spearman correlation was used to analyze the association of PLR with length of hospital and ICU stays. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association of PLR with mortality rate. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine whether the PLR was an independent prognostic factor of mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive ability of models combining PLR with other variables.Results: PLR was negatively associated with length of hospital stay and ICU stay (hospital stay: Spearman’s rho=-0.416, P<0.0001; ICU stay: Spearman’s rho=-0.442, P<0.0001). PLR was significantly correlated with hospital mortality (P<0.0001). Lower PLR was associated with higher hospital mortality (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.75-0.95, P=0.005) and 90-day mortality (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.76-0.96, P=0.010). The prognostic predictive ability of models combining PLR with other variables for hospital mortality was moderately good (AUC for Model 1=0.804; AUC for Model 2=0.964).Conclusion: PLR is a novel independent risk factor for newborn patients in the NICU.
Vitamin D3 and calcium carbonate supplementation for adolescents with HIV to reduce musculoskeletal morbidity and immunopathology (VITALITY Trial): study protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Dzavakwa Nyasha Veronica , Chisenga Molly , McHugh Grace , Filteau Suzanne , Gregson Celia Louise , Kasonka Lackson , Kranzer Katharina , Banda-Mabuda Hildah , Mujuru Hilda , Redzo Nicol , Rowland-Jones Sarah , Schaible Ulrich E. , Simms Victoria , Ferrand Rashida Abbas
Published: June 2021

Background: Of the 2 million children living with HIV globally, 90% live in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite antiretroviral therapy, longstanding HIV infection is associated with several chronic complications in children including growth failure, particularly stunting and delayed puberty. Vitamin D deficiency, which is highly prevalent among children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, has further adverse impact on bone health. This trial aims to establish whether supplementation with vitamin D 3 and calcium carbonate improves musculoskeletal health among peripubertal children living with HIV. Methods/design: We will conduct an individually randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of weekly high-dose vitamin D 3 (20000iu) plus daily calcium carbonate (500mg) supplementation for 48 weeks. 840 children living with HIV aged 11-19 years taking ART for ≥6 months will be enrolled and followed up for 96 weeks. The primary outcome is total body less-head bone mineral content for lean mass adjusted for height (TBLH-BMC LBM ) Z-score at 48 weeks, measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Secondary outcomes are DEXA-measured Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Apparent Density Z-score, number of respiratory infections, lean muscle mass and grip-strength at 48 and 96 weeks, and TBLH-BMC LBM Z-scores at 96 weeks. Sub studies will investigate the effect of the intervention on vitamin D 3 pathway metabolites and markers of bone turnover, intestinal microbiota, and innate and acquired immune function. Discussion: This is the largest trial to date of vitamin D supplementation in children living with HIV. Intervening to address deficits in bone accrual through childhood is critical for optimising adolescent and early adult bone health, and prevention of later adult osteoporotic fractures. Trial results will draw attention to the need to screen for and treat long-term comorbidities in children living with HIV in resource-limited settings.Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry ID: PACTR20200989766029. Date ofregistration: 3 September 2020. URL of trial registry record: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za