bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Cell Sequencing Reveals Early PGC-like Intermediates During Mouse Primed to Naïve Transition
Authors: Liu Jing , Yu Shengyong , Zhou Chunhua , He Jiangping , Huang Xingnan , Yao Zhaokai , Zhu Hong , Cai Baomei , Xiao Lizhan , Liu He , Qin Yue , Guo Jing , Chen Yuhan , Wang Yixuan , Chen Shuyan , Zhang Man , Zhao Xiaoyang , Chen Jiekai , Cao Shangtao , Pei Duanqing
Published: February 2021

Single cell analysis provides clarity unattainable with bulk approaches. Here we apply single cell RNA-seq to a newly established BMP4 induced mouse primed to naive transition (Bi-PNT) system and show that the reset is not a direct reversal of cell fate but through developmental intermediates. We first show that mEpiSCs bifurcate into c-Kit+ naïve and c-Kit- placenta-like cells, among which, the naive branch undergoes further transition through a primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) intermediate capable of spermatogenesis in vivo. Indeed, deficiency of Prdm1/Blimp1, the key regulator for PGC specification, blocks the induction of PGCLCs and naïve cells. Instead, Gata2 knockout arrests placenta-like fate, but facilitates the generation of PGCLCs. Our results not only reveal a newly cell fate dynamics between primed and naive states at single-cell resolution, but also provide a model system to explore mechanisms involved in regaining germline competence from primed pluripotency.
The effect of sodium bicarbonate administration on renal function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Tavassoly Mohammad , Moeinzadeh Firouzeh , Hejazi Elham-Sadat , Clark Cain C. T. , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein
Published: February 2021

Background

Metabolic acidosis is a prevalent condition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although sodium bicarbonate is extensively used for management of metabolic acidosis, its efficacy has not been summarized in previous review studies.
Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the overall effects of sodium bicarbonate on indices of renal function in patients with CKD.
Methods

A systematic literature search was carried out through the Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases, up to July 2020. Studies that reported the effects of oral sodium bicarbonate administration on renal function were included. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and creatinine clearance were defined as renal function indices. A random-effects model was used to calculate the overall effect and reported as weighted mean difference (WMD).
Results

Thirteen studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. A beneficial effect of sodium bicarbonate was observed on BUN (WMD: − 8.63 mg/dL; 95% CI: -11.08, -6.19), serum creatinine (WMD: -0.19 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.36, -0.02), GFR (WMD: 0.75 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI: 0.14, 1.35), and creatinine clearance (WMD: 4.82 mL/min; 95% CI: 2.68, 6.96). There was no between study heterogeneity for all renal function indices. Also, no publication bias was observed in this study.
Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that sodium bicarbonate supplementation could increase GFR and creatinine clearance and decrease BUN and creatinine. Therefore, sodium bicarbonate therapy may efficacious in ameliorating the progression of CKD.
Adequacy of standards for kick impact in the Taekwondo electronic scoring system: Comparison of a reference group model based on empirical data
Authors: Choi Chang-Hwan , Jeon Minsoo , Oh Hyeri
Published: February 2021

Background: In Taekwondo competitions, the rule is that points are scored when the impact of the kick reaches a predetermined threshold of strength. This study aimed to explore the adequacy of the protector and scoring system (PSS) designed to determine Taekwondo body scoring based on a reference group model (RGM). Specifically, the kicking impact of the PSS was calculated using data from 188 matches fought during of 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. The RGM was designed based on empirical data by classifying the victory and defeat groups by gender and weight class, and the scoring method was set according to these criteria. Result: The result of this study are as follows. First, there was no difference in the average impact of kicks of Taekwondo players by weight class. Second, as a result of setting up the kick scoring impact standards of Taekwondo PSS by classifying the winning and non-winning groups, the kickscoring impact set by the WTF was found to be high in all weight classes except -58 kg.Lastly, as a result of comparing the settings of impact to score according to weight classes, the kick scoring impact standard set by the WTF was higher in heavyweight (men's: under-80kg, +80kg, women's: under-67kg, over-67kg) than in the lightweight (men's: under-58kg, under-63kg, under-68kg, women's: under49kg, under53kg, under 57 kg). Conclusion: The kick scoring impact set by the WTF was found to be high in all weight classes except for the under 58 kg class, as a result of defining kick scoring impact based on the standards of WTF-certified PSS by classifying the matches into winning and non-winning groups. Finally, as a result of comparing the scoring impact settings according to weight class, the kick scoring impact standard set by the WTF was higher for the heavier weight classes than for the lighter weight classes.
Thermal network model and experimental validation for a motorized spindle including thermal–mechanical coupling effect
Authors: Zhou Changjiang , Qu Zefeng , Hu Bo , Li Shengbo
Published: February 2021

Thermal deformation caused by temperature rise have an influence on the dynamic performance of a motorized spindle. In turn, the change in the dynamic performance will affect the temperature rise and thermal deformation of the system. However, the latter was rarely focused on in the previous literature. Therefore, a thermal network model of motorized spindle is enhanced by considering the thermal–mechanical coupling effect. Then, an iterative method is presented to solve the coupled equations, and a temperature test rig of the motorized spindle is set up to verify the proposed model. The relative error between the predicted and experimental results at two test points decreases by 9.56% and 3.44% after considering the thermal–mechanical coupling effect. The comparison with the experimental results shows that the proposed model with thermal–mechanical coupling effect can obtain a more accurate temperature field than the previous model.
Bleeding Complications in Patients on New Oral Anticoagulants for Venous Thromboembolism in Kenya
Authors: OBAYO ANTONINA , Ngunga Mzee , Shah Jasmit , Sokwala Ahmed , Barasa Anders
Published: February 2021

Background:

The purpose of this study is to determine the rates of bleeding associated with NOAC use.
Methods:

Patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and treated with NOACs at a tertiary referral hospital in Kenya from January 2014 to December 2019 were recruited. They were followed up from commencement of oral anticoagulation to completion of therapy, the first major bleed, clinically relevant non-major bleed (CRNM), or minor bleeding. Data on bleeding was obtained from the hospital database and through telephone interviews. Unadjusted rates of the first major bleeding event or clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNM) were calculated as the number of bleeding events per 100 patient-years
Results:

Two hundred forty-three patients with VTE were recruited. 222(91.4%) were initiated on rivaroxaban, 12(4.9%) on dabigatran, 9(3.7%) on apixaban with a median follow-up of 213(119,477) days. The median age of the patients was 57(45, 71) years. A total of 64 bleeding events were identified in 41(16.9%) patients, 18.8 % were major, 17.2 % were clinically relevant non-major (CRNM), and 64.1 % were minor. The incidence rate for bleeding events was 22.1 per 100 patient-years. Gastrointestinal (GIT) bleeding was the most common major bleeding site. There were more females with bleeding events (70.7%) compared to males.
Conclusions:

In our cohort, most bleeding events were minor, with the GIT being the most common site of major bleeding and menorrhagia being the commonest cause of bleeding. Females had more major and CRNM than men.
Clinical characteristics of children with airway malacia complicated by pneumonia
Authors: Wang Ting , Xu Qiuyan , Dai Ge , Hong Yu , Chen Zhengrong , Lu Min , Yan Yongdong , Jiang Wujun
Published: February 2021

Objective

To summarize the pathogens and clinical presentation of children with airway malacia complicated by pneumonia.
Methods

Children hospitalized with airway malacia complicated by pneumonia were eligible for enrollment from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2019. Medical records of patients were reviewed for etiology, clinical characteristics, and laboratory examination results.
Results

A total of 164 pneumonia patients with airway malacia were admitted. The male-to-female ratio was 3:1. The age of patients ranged from 1 month to 4 years old. The median age was 6 (3–10) months. The most commonly detected pathogen were Mycoplasma pneumoniae (25/164, 15.24%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (18/164, 10.98%), and respiratory syncytial virus (16/164, 9.76%). Common signs among the 164 patients with confirmed airway malacia included cough (98.78%), wheezing (67.07%), fever (35.37%), intercostal retractions (23.17%), dyspnea (10.98%), cyanosis (11.11%), and crackles (50%). Compared with those without airway malacia, the incidence of premature delivery and mechanical ventilation was higher, and the duration of symptoms before admission (median, 13.5 d) and hospital stay (median 10.0 d) were longer. Of the children with pneumonia, 11.59% of those with airway malacia required supplemental oxygen compared with 4.88% of those without airway malacia (p < 0.05).
Conclusion

The median age of children with airway malacia was 6 months. The most common pathogen in patients with airway malacia complicated by pneumonia was Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Patients with airway malacia complicated by pneumonia often presented with a longer disease course, more severe symptoms, and had delayed recovery.
Hybrid (Dynamical-Statistical) Models to Improve Seasonal Drought Prediction: Application to Regional Meteorological Droughts in China
Authors: Wu Zhiyong , Yin Hao , He Hai , Li Yuan
Published: February 2021

Accurate drought prediction is important for drought resistance and water resources management. However, the seasonal drought prediction is of low accuracy for both dynamical and statistical models. In this study, we combined dynamical models and machine learning to construct hybrid (dynamical-statistical) models. We used the random forest approach to identify representative regions based on geopotential height, sea-level pressure, and 2-m temperature. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso and an artificial neural network (ANN) were used to construct the statistical models, with atmospheric variables as predictors and 3-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI3) as the predictand. The atmospheric variables forecasted by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) SEAS5 model were processed as predictors to force the statistical models. The resulting hybrid models, constructed using dynamical models and machine learning, were named as dynamic-Lasso (‘D-Lasso’) and dynamic-ANN (‘D-ANN’) separately. The results suggested that prediction skills were improved by the hybrid models; compared to the best available dynamical model (UK Met Office), D-ANN extends the forecast horizons by 6, 21, and 4 days in northern, eastern, and southern China, respectively. In spring and summer, the correlation skills were also improved. The effective prediction of the atmospheric anomalies over the eastern and southern Tibetan Plateau and the Northwest Pacific region was identified as the main contributor to successful seasonal drought prediction. Overall, the hybrid models were able to predict drought processes effectively, and D-ANN outperformed the D-Lasso in drought onset and persistence phases.
Evaluating the relationship between clinical and demographic characteristics of insulin-using people with diabetes and their health outcomes: a cluster analysis application
Authors: Eby Elizabeth L , Edwards Alison , Meadows Eric , Lipkovich Ilya , Benneyworth Brian D , Snow Kenneth
Published: February 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to determine how clusters or subgroups of insulin-treated people with diabetes, based upon healthcare resource utilization, select social demographic and clinical characteristics, and diabetes management parameters, are related to health outcomes including acute care visits and hospital admissions.Methods: This was a non-experimental, retrospective cluster analysis. We utilized Aetna administrative claims data to identify insulin-using people with diabetes with service dates from 01 January 2015 to 30 June 2018. The study included adults over the age of 18 years who had a diagnosis of type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on insulin therapy and had Aetna medical and pharmacy coverage for at least 18 months (6 months prior and 12 months after their index date, defined as either their first insulin prescription fill date or their earliest date allowing for 6 months’ prior coverage). We used K-means clustering methods to identify relevant subgroups of people with diabetes based on 13 primary outcome variables.Results: A total of 100,650 insulin-using people with diabetes were identified in the Aetna administrative claims database and met study criteria, including 11,826 (11.7%) with T1DM and 88,824 (88.3%) with T2DM. Of these 79,053 (78.5%) people were existing insulin users. Seven distinct clusters were identified with different characteristics and potential risks of diabetes complications. Overall, clusters were significantly associated with differences in healthcare utilization (emergency room visits, inpatient admissions, and total inpatient days) after multivariable adjustment.Conclusions: This novel analysis of healthcare claims data using clustering methodologies identified meaningful subgroups of patients with diabetes using insulin. The subgroups differed in comorbidity burden, healthcare utilization, and demographic factors which could be used to identify higher risk patients and/or guide the management and treatment of diabetes.
Determinants and distribution of out of pocket ex­penditure for health care services in a district of western Maharashtra, India: An Observational Study.
Authors: Kalke Prakash , Mundhe Darshana , Dubey Dharmendra Kumar
Published: February 2021

Background: Reliability on out of pocket expenditure (OOPE) for health care services is commonly seen among the Indian population. There are various determinants which affect the OOP health expenditure. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the impact of socioeconomic, demographic, and educational factors on OOPE and distribution of it among various components of health care services and diseases among the households of Pune district of Maharashtra. Method: An observational study was considered for primary data collection. Total 415 households were surveyed and out of them 353 were considered for analysis. Cross-tabulation and chi-square test was used to find out the significant relationship between the different variables. Result: It was found that the area of residence, age, gender, and type of disease, marital status, level of education, socioeconomic status of households have significant relationship with OOPE. The medicine purchase had greatest impact on OOPE followed by OPD and IPD services. Non-communicable diseases increase the burden on OOPE. Conclusion: Households should be made aware of various modes of healthcare financing; simultaneously government should improve penetration of existing social health insurance schemes. The policy makers should consider the factors mentioned and increase spending on public health to strengthen the existing facilities to further reduce the OOPE burden related to healthcare services.
Air Pollution and Racial Disparities in Pregnancy Outcomes in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dzekem Bonaventure Suiru , Aschebrook-Kilfoy Briseis , Olopade Christopher O.
Published: February 2021

Background

Exposure to air pollutants and other environmental factors increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is growing evidence that adverse outcomes related to air pollution disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities. This paper explores the importance of race as a risk factor for air pollution-related poor pregnancy outcomes.
Methods

We systematically reviewed epidemiologic studies investigating the effects of exposure to air pollution on pregnancy outcomes in the United States.
Results

Findings across all reviewed studies show more adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, small for gestational age, low birth weight and stillbirths) due to air pollution among Blacks and Hispanics than among non-Hispanic Whites.
Conclusion

This paper enhances our general understanding of the impact of air pollution on birth outcomes and, specifically, of disparities in birth outcomes for infants born to Black and Hispanic mothers.
In Silico Modelling: Electronic Properties of Phosphorene Monoflakes and Biflakes Substituted With Al, Si, and S Heteroatoms
Authors: Garza Cesar Gabriel Vera de la , Rodriguez Luis Daniel Solis , Fomine Serguei , Narváez Wilmer Esteban Vallejo
Published: February 2021

This contribution explores the systematic substitution of monoflakes (Mfs) and biflakes (Bfs) phosphorene with aluminum, silicon, and sulfur. All this was investigated using functional TPSS and CASSCF calculations. Al and Si substitution produces significant structural changes in both Mfs and Bfs compared to S-substituted and pristine systems. However, in Mfs, all heteroatoms generate a decrease in band gap and the ionization potentials (IP), and an increase in electron affinity (EA) in comparison with pristine phosphorene. Al doping improves the hole mobility in the phosphorene monoflake, while Si and S substitutions exhibit a similar behavior on EAs and reorganization energies. For Bfs, the interlaminar interactions Si-Si and Al-P cause structural changes and higher binding energies for Si-Bfs and Al-Bfs. Regarding the electronic properties of Bfs, substitution with Si does not produce significant variations in the band gap. However, it conduces to the formation of hole transport materials concerning its monolayer counterpart. It also is observed in Al-systems, whereas for S-complexes, no correlation was identified between the doping level and reorganization energies. Also, the substitution with Al and S leads to an opposite behavior of the band gap and IP values, while the variation in EA is similar. In summary, the nature of heteroatom and the doping degree can modify the semiconductor character and electronic properties of phosphorene mono- and the biflakes, whose trends are closely related to the atomic properties of heteroatoms considered. Overall, these computational calculations provide significant insights into the study of doped phosphorene materials.
Antibiotic release controlled by sugarcane bagasse-based hydrogels as responsive carriers
Authors: Yang Kunni , Cai Pingxiong , Pan Yuanfeng
Published: February 2021

This work focuses on the transesterification of sugarcane bagasse cellulose (SBC) using tert-butyl acetoacetate (t-BAA) to obtain bagasse cellulose acetoacetate (BCAA), and the preparation of redox/pH dual-responsive hydrogels with cystamine dihydrochlorate (CYS). BCAA and cellulose hydrogels were comprehensively characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), solubility and water retention. The results showed that BCAA was soluble in DMSO, and the degree of substitution (DS) ranged between 0.77 and 1.70, and the hydrogel had a certain water-retaining property. In addition, tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) was used as the model drug loaded in the hydrogel; and TH release can be manipulated or accelerated under reductive or weakly acidic conditions. According to the drug release kinetics analysis, suggested that the release mechanism of drug-loaded hydrogel was mainly driven by Fickian diffusion. The drug-loaded hydrogel also exhibited high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Therefore, the dual-responsive and drug-loaded hydrogels have great potential in the applications associated with biomedicine.
Biosensors for Detection of Organophosphate Exposure by New Diethyl Thiophosphate-Specific Aptamer
Authors: Swainson Napachanok Mongkoldhumrongkul , Saikaew Chonnikarn , Theeraraksakul Kanyanat , Aiemderm Pongsakorn , Pakjira Rimdusit , Kraiya Charoenkwan , Unajak Sasimanas , choowongkomon kiattawee
Published: February 2021

Objective An aptamer specifically binding to diethyl thiophosphate (DETP) was constructed and incorporated in an optical sensor and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to enable the specific measurement of DETP as a metabolite and a biomarker of exposure to organophosphates. Results DETP-bound aptamer was selected from the library using capillary electrophoresis-systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (CE-SELEX). A colorimetric method revealed the aptamer had the highest affinity to DETP with a mean Kd value (± SD) of 0.103 ± 0.014 µM. Changes in resistance using EIS showed selectivity of the aptamer for DETP higher than for dithiophosphate (DEDTP) and diethyl phosphate (DEP) which have similar structure and are metabolites of some of the same organophosphates. The mean (± SD) of percentage of altered resistance of DETP was calculated at 47.5 ± 8.8% which was significantly higher than of DEDTP at 14.3 ± 1.5% and of DEP at 7.0 ± 1.4%. Conclusions The current method showed a great promise in using the DETP-specific aptamer to detect the exposure history to organophosphates, by measuring their metabolite, although degradation of organophosphate parent compounds might occur.
A Nomogram Predicting Survival in Patients with Breast Ductal Carcinoma in Situ with Microinvasion
Authors: Zheng Yi-Zi , Qin Hong-Bin , Li Zi-Zheng , Jiang He-Sheng , Zhang Greg , Yang Shi-Wei , Wang Xian-Ming , Xu Yang-Chun , Deng Zhen-Han , Liu Guo-Wen
Published: February 2021

Background: Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) can be challenging to balance the risks of overtreatment versus undertreatment. We aim to identify prognostic factors in patients with DCISM and construct a nomogram to predict breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS).Methods: Women diagnosed with DCISM were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database (1998-2015). Clinical variables and tumor characteristics were evaluated and Cox proportional-hazards regression model was performed. A nomogram was con­structed from the multivariate logistic regression model to combine all the prognostic factors to predict the prognosis of DCISM patients at 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years. Results: We identified 5,438 total eligible breast cancer patients with a median and max survival time of 78 and 227 months, respectively. Here, patients with poorer survival outcomes were those diagnosed between 1988-2001, African-American race, under 40 years of age, higher tumor N stage, progesterone receptor-negative tumor, and received no surgery (all P < 0.05). The nomogram was constructed by the seven variables and passed the calibration and validation steps. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of both the training set and the validating set (5-year AUC: 0.77 and 0.88, 10-year AUC: 0.75 and 0.73, 15-year AUC: 0.72 and 0.65) demonstrated excellent reliability and robust performance.Conclusion: Our current study is the first to construct nomograms of patients with DCISM which could help physicians identify breast cancer patients that more likely to benefit from more intensive treatment and follow-up.
Dimeric Her2-Specific Affibody Mediated Cisplatin-Loaded Nanoparticles for Tumor Enhanced Chemo-Radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Haijun , Jia Dianlong , Yuan Dandan , Yin Xiaolei , Yuan Fengjiao , Wang Feifei , Shi Wenna , Li Hui , Zhu Limin , Fan Qing
Published: February 2021

Background: Solid tumor hypoxic conditions fails to facilitate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by ionizing radiation, ultimately lead to a crucial role in radiotherapy resistance. Recently, there have been significant technical advances in nanomedicine aid to relieve hypoxia by in situ production of O2, serving as “radiosensitizer” to induce tumor cells more sensitive to ionizing radiation. However, the off-target damage of surrounding healthy tissues caused by such high-energy radiation is often unavoidable and the tumor cells at some distance from the focal spot of ionizing radiation may avoid damage. Therefore, there is an urgent need to exploit an intelligently targeted nanoplatform to integrate both precisely enhance RT-induced DNA damage and combined therapy.Results: Herein, we developed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2)-specific dimeric affibody (ZHer2) mediated cisplatin-loaded mesoporous polydopamine/MnO2/polydopamine nanoparticles (Pt@mPDA/MnO2/PDA-ZHer2 NPs) for MRI and enhanced chemo-radiotherapy of Her2-positive ovarian tumor. These NPs are biodegradable under simulated tumor microenvironment, resulting in cisplatin accelerated release, as well as production of O2. ZHer2 produced by the E. coli expression system endowed NPs with Her2-dependent binding ability in the Her2-positive SKOV-3 cells. In vivo MRI studies revealed an obvious T1 contrast enhancement at the tumor site. Moreover, these NPs achieved efficient tumor homing and penetration, attributing to the efficient internalization and penetrability of ZHer2. Under X-Ray irradiation, these NPs exhibited the highest tumor growth inhibition effect. Immunofluorescence assay showed these NPs significantly reduced the expression of HIF-1α and improved ROS level, resulting in radiosensitization. Conclusions: The nanocarriers constructed in this study integrated Her2 targeting, diagnosis, RT sensitization, thus providing a new idea for clinical translation in tumor theranostics.
The efficacy and adverse events of anlotinib plus PD-1 inhibitor for metastatic solid tumors
Authors: Lin Hao , Liu Tao , Zhou Xinli , Liang Xiaohua
Published: February 2021

Background

Several antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have the potential to modulate the tumor immune microenvironment and improve immunotherapy effect Of these, anlotinib has demonstrated antitumor efficacy in clinical trials. However, its role in immune regulation and the potential synergistic antitumor effect of its combination with PD-1 inhibitor remain unclear. This study investigated the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of the combination of anlotinib and PD-1 inhibitor for solid tumors in real-world settings.
Methods

This retrospective study included patients with metastatic solid tumors treated with anlotinib plus PD-1 inhibitor at Huashan hospital, Fudan University between October 1, 2018 and August 31, 2020. The objective response rate was assessed using the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors v1.1. Descriptive statistics were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and any AEs were noted.
Results

Partial response was achieved in 13 patients, and 8 patients showed stable disease, representing a response rate of 43.3% and a disease control rate of 70%. The median progression-free survival was 3.8 months. Although AEs were observed in 50% of patients, most of them were Grades 1–2 and well tolerated. The most common AEs were thrombocytopenia (16%), thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events (16%), and rash (13%).
Conclusions

Anlotinib plus PD-1 inhibitor is an alternative salvage treatment choice in metastatic solid tumors with Favorable efficacy and tolerable toxicities.
Thoracolumbar Fascia Enthesopathy as a Cause of Low Back Pain: A Retrospective and Follow-up Study
Authors: Tabesh Ouidade A. , Ghossan Roba , Zebouni Soha H , Faddoul Rafic , Revel Michel , Fayad Fouad
Published: February 2021

Aim. To evaluate ultrasonography findings of Thoracolumbar Fascia (TLF) enthesis in patients with low back pain (LBP) due to iliac crest pain syndrome (ICPS). Method. The ultrasonographic and clinical findings of 60 patients with LBP due to ICPS were compared to those of 30 healthy volunteers with no LBP. Thickness of the TLF was measured with ultrasound (US) at its insertion on the iliac crest. Results. Forty-eight women and 12 men with a mean age of 42.1±11.3 years were diagnosed with ICPS. In patients, the mean thickness of the TLF was 2.51±0.70mm in affected sides compared to 1.81±0.44mm in the contralateral unaffected sides. The mean thickness difference of 0.82mm between the affected and non-affected sides was statistically significant (95%CI, 0.64-0.99, P<0.0001). In volunteers, the mean thickness of the TLF was 1.6±0.2mm. The mean thickness difference of 0.89mm between the affected sides of patients and volunteers was statistically significant (95%CI, 0.73-1.06, P<0.0001). Forty-two patients who didn’t improve with conservative therapy, received injections of methylprednisolone acetate and 1% lidocaine around the TLF enthesis. All patients reported complete relief of their LBP within 20 minutes of the injections thanks to the lidocaine anesthetic effect. Fifty-six (93.3%) patients were reached by phone for a long-term follow-up. Among them, 33 (58.9%) patients experienced a sustained complete pain relief after a mean follow-up of 45±19.3 months (range, 3-74 months). Conclusion. our findings suggest that TLF enthesopathy is a potential cause of nonspecific LBP that can be diagnosed using US.
Predictors of obstructive sleep apnea misclassification using total bed time versus total sleep time: an evaluation using polysomnography data
Authors: Lim Wei Yang , See Kay Choong
Published: February 2021

Background and Objective Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. Untreated, it is associated with multiple medical complications as well as a reduced quality of life. Home sleep apnea tests are increasingly used for its diagnosis and evaluation of severity, but using total bed time rather than total sleep time may underestimate OSA severity. We aim to uncover the extent and predictors of OSA misclassification when using total bed time. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the sleep laboratory of the National University Hospital, Singapore, a tertiary hospital with 1200 beds. Misclassification of OSA was defined as any OSA severity that was less severe using total bed time versus total sleep time. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of OSA misclassification.Results A total of 1621 patients were studied (mean age 45.6 + 15.9 years; 73.4% male). 300 (18.5%) patients were misclassified. Risk factors for OSA misclassification included age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, P=0.001) and body-mass index (BMI) (OR 0.97,95% CI 0.95-0.99, P=0.015). Risk for misclassification was significant in patients aged>57 years old, with BMI<32.3 kg/m2. Conclusion Using total bed time rather than total sleep time to quantify OSA severity was associated with a significant risk of misclassification, particularly in patients aged >57 years old, with BMI <32.3 kg/m2. This was a novel finding that has not been previously reported.
Hypoxia Increases KIAA1199/CEMIP Expression and Enhances Cell Migration in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Oba Takuya , Sato Norihiro , Adachi Yasuhiro , Amaike Takao , Kudo Yuzan , Koga Atsuhiro , Kohi Shiro , Hirata Keiji
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by dense desmoplasia and hypoxic microenvironment. We previously demonstrated that hyaluronan (HA), especially low-molecular weight HA, provides a favorable microenvironment for progression of PDAC. However, the effect of hypoxia on HA metabolism is unknown. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, we analyzed changes in expression of HA-synthesizing enzymes (HAS2, HAS3) and HA-degrading enzymes (HYAL1, KIAA1199/CEMIP) in PDAC cell lines under hypoxic condition. Hypoxia increased mRNA and protein expression of KIAA1199, whereas it decreased expression of HYAL1. Expression of HAS2 and HAS3 remained unchanged in response to hypoxia. The effect of KIAA1199 on hypoxia-induced cell migration was determined by transwell migration assay and small-interfering RNA (siRNA). Hypoxia enhanced migratory ability of PDAC cells, which was inhibited by knockdown of KIAA1199 expression. We also used immunohistochemistry to analyze Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) 1α and KIAA1199 protein expression in PDAC tissues. There was a significant immunohistochemically positive correlation between KIAA1199 and HIF1α. These findings suggest that hypoxia-induced KIAA1199 expression may contribute to enhanced motility in PDAC.
The Root Endophytic Fungus Serendipita indica Decreased the Phytotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles to Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Tabande Leila , Sepehri Mozhgan , Yasrebi Jafar , Zarei Mehdi , Ghasemi-Fasaei Reza , Khatabi Behnam
Published: February 2021

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are among the most commonly used nano-fertilizers (NF). However, elevated levels of ZnO-NPs in soil may affect plant growth and development due to its potential toxicity when accumulated in large amounts in plant tissues. This research was conducted using an in situ rhizobox system with the aims of evaluating Zinc uptake from nano-zinc oxide amended rhizosphere soil by alfalfa plant and the effect of plant growth promoting microorganisms on alleviating the phytotoxicity of ZnO-NPs. Treatments included microbial inoculations (Sinorhizobium meliloti, Serendipita indica) and different ZnO-NPs concentrations (0, 400 and 800 mg Kg− 1) with three replications. The results indicated that S. indica minimized the phytotoxicity of ZnO-NPs to alfalfa by enhancing growth rate and decreasing Zinc (Zn) translocation from root to shoot. Compared with plants inoculated with S. meliloti, co-inoculation with S. indica increased the shoot dry weight by 18.33% and 8.05% at 400 and 800 mg Kg− 1ZnO-NPs. However, at the highest level of ZnO-NPs (800 mg kg− 1), root inoculation of S. indica and S. indica + S. meliloti decreased Zn transfer factor by 60.2% and 44.3% compared to S. meliloti, respectively. Furthermore, a distinct relation between tolerance of S. indica-colonized plant to ZnO-NPs and the ability of S. indica in inhibiting or retarding degradation of polyunsaturated lipids through prevention of excess reactive oxygen species formation was observed. Malondialdehyde content of inoculated plants with S. indica either alone or in combination with S. meliloti was significantly lower than non-inoculated plants (p < 0.01). Zn-induced oxidative stress was mitigated by S. indica through enhanced activities of catalase and peroxidase enzymes. The findings of the present study indicate the potential use of endophytes fungus S. indica for ensuring food safety and security, and human health in heavy metal–polluted soil by reducing the phytoavailability of heavy metals in the aerial parts of the host plants.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Partitivirus and a Fusarivirus Co-infected in the Nigrospora Sphaerica Fungus
Authors: Zhong Jie , Yang Ze Zhong , Yang Xin , Guo Zhao Jiang , Xie Wen , Zhang You Jun
Published: February 2021

Here we reported the molecular characterization of two novel mycoviruses co-infected in a plant pathogenic fungus, Nigrospora sphaerica that were designated as Nigrospora sphaerica fusarivirus 1 (NsFV1) and Nigrospora sphaerica partitivirus 1 (NsPV1), respectively. NsFV1 has an undivided genome of 6,147 bp, excluding the polyA tail, and was predicted to contain two nonoverlapping open reading frames (ORF1 and 2). The larger ORF1 encoded a polyprotein containing a conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and a helicase domain that have functions for RNA replication, and the smaller ORF2 encoded a putative protein with an unknown function. The NsPV1 was consists of two genome segments, which were in lengths of 1,796 bp and 1,455 bp, respectively. Each of the two dsRNAs had a single ORF and were deduced to encode proteins with homology to viral RdRp and coat protein (CP), respectively, in the family Partitiviridae. Phylogenetic analysis showed that NsFV1 was placed within the newly proposed family Fusariviridae, while NsPV1 was belonging to the genus Gammapartitivirus in the family Partitiviridae. This was the first description of mycovirses infected the fungus N. sphaerica.
Present and Future Distribution of Two Non-Indigenous Orchids and Their Acquired Enemy in Puerto Rico
Authors: Foster Evan A. , Ackerman James
Published: February 2021

Establishment of new populations is contingent on overcoming abiotic and biotic barriers. While this applies to all species, these hurdles are at the forefront of invasion biology where prediction, prevention, eradication, and control strategies depend on an understanding of these processes. Arundina graminifolia and Dendrobium crumenatum are two non-indigenous orchids spreading throughout Puerto Rico. The two species have acquired a native herbivore & seed predator, the orchid-specialist weevil, Stethobaris polita. With recently acquired presence records of the three species, land cover data and BioClim variables, we modeled their potential distributions under current conditions and also those projected under the least and most extreme climate scenarios for 2050 and 2070. We show that D. crumenatum flourishes in urban environments which also provide refugia from S. polita, whereas there is currently limited refugia for A. graminifolia from S. polita attack, as this orchid is sensitive to the same climatic variables as the weevil. Projections into all climate scenarios suggest range retractions for all species, with an equal to or greater proportion of both orchid populations subject to S. polita attack. Thus, we illustrate for island invasions how climate change will likely alter the distribution of acquired biotic interactions.
Age of Information Minimization of Multichannel Allocation Mechanism for Hybrid Cognitive Radio Networks with Energy Harvesting under Collusion Constraint
Authors: KARACA HAKAN MURAT
Published: February 2021

Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) with energy harvesting has been a promising solution for wireless industrial networks and seems a promising solution for the spectrum scarcity problem.

However, it is critical the wireless spectrum should carefully be managed in order to fullfill the tight

requirements on the trustworthy and minimum delayed delivery of information. Motivated by this, in order to represent the freshness of the information, this paper takes into account the metric of age of information (AoI) and multi-channel allocation problem in hybrid cognitive radio networks where secondary transmitters (STs) are able to harvest energy is investigated in terms of both maximization of allocation performance while minimizing average AOI values. A novel mechanism has been proposed to restrict average AoI values while distributing channels to STs by handling both collusion and energy constraints. STs are prioritized based on a proposed metric and they are able to obtain channels only if the resulting AoI value satisfy proposed conditions. AoI values are computed based on co-channel interference between STs and minimized by decreasing interference levels. For comparison, two algorithms were considered: a greedy mechanism for m-channel allocation of hybrid CRNs with harvesting, but without AOI control and the proposed m-channel allocation schemes based on sorting STs according to the proposed metric and controlling AOI levels based on co-channel interference. The simulations depict that performance of the proposed m-channel allocation method outweighs the greedy algorithm in terms of both AoI minimization and maximization of channel allocation performance, proving the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Invasion of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Beetle in South Africa A Preliminary Assessment of the Economic Impacts
Authors: de Wit Martin P , Crookes Douglas J , Blignaut James N , de Beer Z Wilhelm , Paap Trudy , Roets Francois , Merwe Carmen van der , Richardson Dave M
Published: February 2021

Few economic assessments have been developed to inform national priorities on the management of high-impact, early-stage invasive alien species (IAS). Economic assessments are biased towards ex post assessments of the costs and benefits of control options and are in need of refinement to deal with potentially vigorous invaders with considerable uncertainty on spread and impact. The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) beetle represents a potentially high-impact invasion in progress in South Africa. We approached the problem of PSHB invasion in South Africa through (i) interdisciplinary collaboration to reduce uncertainty in economic and biological parameters by defining robust ranges for model parameters and (ii) a simulation model to take account of dynamic mutualistic relations between the beetle and it’s symbiont fungus. We modelled the potential social cost of a PSHB invasion on natural forests, urban trees, commercial forestry and the avocado industry. Our results indicate that the unmitigated baseline present social cost of $27.12bn in the case of a PSHB invasion in South Africa is in the order of 1% of the country’s GDP, or expressed differently at around $50 per year per South African citizen (10-year modelling horizon using a discount rate of 6%). Most of the social costs in our model are for the removal of urban trees that die as a result of the PSHB, a result that corroborates well with findings in other regions where PSHB has invaded. We conclude that an ex ante economic assessment system dynamics model can effectively inform national strategies on IAS management. The disproportionately high impacts of a PSHB invasion on municipalities and private actors demands a revision of legislation and creation of policies pertaining to the management of biological invasions in South Africa.
Adaptive Human Behavior in Epidemics: the Impact of Risk Misperception on the Spread of Epidemics
Authors: Espinoza Baltazar , Marathe Madhav , Swarup Samarth , Thakur Mugdha
Published: February 2021

Infections produced by pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic (non-symptomatic) individuals have been identified as major drivers of COVID-19 transmission. Non-symptomatic individuals unaware of the infection risk they pose to others, may perceive themselves --and being perceived by others-- as not representing risk of infection. Yet many epidemiological models currently in use do not include a behavioral component, and do not address the potential consequences of risk misperception. To study the impact of behavioral adaptations to the perceived infection risk, we use a mathematical model that incorporates individuals' behavioral decisions based on a projection of the future system's state over a finite planning horizon. We found that individuals' risk misperception in the presence of asymptomatic individuals may increase or reduce the final epidemic size. Moreover, under behavioral response the impact of asymptomatic infections is modulated by symptomatic individuals' behavior. Finally, we found that there is an optimal planning horizon that minimizes the final epidemic size.
LncRNA LOXL1-AS inhibits proliferation of PDLSCs and downregulates IL-1β in periodontitis patients
Authors: Ruan Danping , Wu Chunyun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2021

Background: Oncogenic role of lncRNA LOXL1-AS has been characterized in several types of cancer. Our preliminary deep sequencing data revealed the downregulation of LOXL1-AS in periodontitis and its inverse correlation with IL-1β, a critical inflammatory mediator in periodontitis. This study was therefore performed to investigate the potential interaction between LOXL1-AS and IL-1β in periodontitis.Methods: Research subjects of this study included 30 periodontitis patients and 30 healthy controls. Cell transfection, RT-qPCR, luciferase activity assay and western blots were performed in this study.Results: LOXL1-AS was downregulated in periodontitis-affected periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) than that in healthy PDLSCs. While IL-1β was upregulated in periodontitis-affected PDLSCs and was inversely correlated with LOXL1-AS. Overexpression of LOXL1-AS mediated the downregulation of IL-1β in PDLSCs. IL-1β treatment did not affect the expression of LOXL1-AS. Moreover, overexpression of LOXL1-AS led to inhibited proliferation of periodontitis-affected PDLSCs. Conclusion: This study is the first to report the downregulation of LOXL1-AS in periodontitis. Moreover, we also propose that LOXL1-AS may inhibit the proliferation of periodontitis-affected PDLSCs and downregulate IL-1β to improve periodontitis.
Serum Uric Acid is Associated with Coronary Artery Calcification in Early Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Han Miyeun , Kim Hyunsuk , Kim Hyo Jin , Kang Eunjeong , Kim Yong-Soo , Choi Kyu Hun , Kim Soo Wan , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook-Hwan
Published: February 2021

Background: Although uric acid (UA) is regarded as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, whether UA is an independent risk factor contributing to coronary artery calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well known. We evaluated whether UA level is associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC) score in a predialysis CKD cohort.Methods: A total of 1,350 subjects who underwent coronary computed tomography as part of the KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease were analysed. We conducted a logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between UA and the presence of CAC.Results: CAC was detected in 705 (52.2%) patients, and the level of UA was significantly higher in CAC>0 patients. UA showed a positive relationship with CAC >0 in age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis (Odds ratio (OR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.19, P = 0.003). However, UA showed no association with CAC>0 in multivariate analysis. Further analysis showed that UA showed a positive association with CAC>0 only in estimated glomerual filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.49, P = 0.036) but not in eGFR 30–59 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.78-1.08, P = 0.309) or <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.79-1.08, P = 0.426). Conclusions: UA level was significantly associated with CAC in early CKD, but not in advanced CKD.