bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered MicroRNA Expression in Intracranial Aneurysmal Tissues: Possible Role in TGF-β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Supriya Manjunath , Christopher Rita , Devi Bhagavatula Indira , Bhat Dhananjaya Ishwar , Shukla Dhaval P
Published: February 2021

The molecular mechanisms behind the rupture of intracranial aneurysms remain obscure. MiRNAs are key regulators of a wide array of biological processes altering protein synthesis by binding to target mRNAs. However, variations in miRNA levels in ruptured aneurysmal wall have not been completely examined. We hypothesized that altered miRNA signature in aneurysmal tissues could potentially provide insight into aneurysm pathophysiology. Using a high-throughput miRNA microarray screening approach, we compared the miRNA expression pattern in aneurysm tissues obtained during surgery from patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) with control tissues (GEO accession number GSE161870). We found that the expression of 70 miRNAs was altered. Expressions of the top 10 miRNA were validated, by qRT-PCR and results were correlated with clinical characteristics of aSAH patients. The level of 10 miRNAs (miR-24-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-27b-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-193a-3p, miR-199a-5p, miR-365a-3p/365b-3p, and miR-497-5p) was significantly decreased in patients compared to controls. Expression of miR-125b-5p, miR-143-3p and miR-199a-5p was significantly decreased in patients with poor prognosis and vasospasm. The target genes of few miRNAs were enriched in Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways. We found significant negative correlation between the miRNA and mRNA expression (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2), SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4), MAPK1 and MAPK3) in aneurysm tissues. We suggest that miR-26b, miR-199a, miR-497and miR-365, could target multiple genes in TGF-β and MAPK signaling cascades to influence inflammatory processes, extracellular matrix and vascular smooth muscle cell degradation and apoptosis, and ultimately cause vessel wall degradation and rupture.
Structural and Electrical Properties of Zn1-xCrxO NTCR Nanoceramics Synthesized by High Energy Ball Milling
Authors: Das Bikram Keshari , Das Tanushree , Parashar Kajal , Parashar S.K.S , Kumar Rajeev , V Anupama . A. , Sahoo Balaram
Published: February 2021

Cr doped ZnO (x = 0-0.04) nanoceramics was successfully synthesized by high energy ball milling (HEBM) technique. The structural and electrical properties of the synthesized sample has been studied in detail. The doping of Cr into ZnO has been verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and also from the variation in structural parameters. Rietveld refinement XRD pattern of calcined sample showed the hexagonal wurtzite structure and it did not induce impurity phases. From the XRD, it has been confirm that maximum result confirms that up to 4 atomic% of Cr can be doped into ZnO. The strain of the sample reduced with increase in particle size. After sintering, there is a growth of particle size of Cr doped ZnO sample. The impedance spectroscopy data shows a single semicircle in the high frequency region corresponding to the bulk properties of the nanoceramic sample. The decrease in real part of the impedance with temperature suggests the NTCR behavior of the sample in the temperature range of 300-500 ºC. The temperature dependent relaxation phenomena are also observed for the synthesized ceramic sample at high temperature. Distributed relaxation time suggests that the relaxation in the synthesized samples is of non-Debye type. The equivalent electrical circuit of the semicircular pattern in the impedance spectrum of ZnO and Zn1-xCrxO nanoceramics sample is a parallel combination of bulk resistance (Rb) and bulk capacitance (Cb).
Circulating miRNA 27a and miRNA150-5p; a noninvasive approach to endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Ghazala Rasha , El-Attar Eman , Abouzeid Ziad
Published: February 2021

Background

The search for novel non-invasive biomarkers such as epigenetic molecular markers is new hope for common & burdensome cancers. We aim to assess serum expression of miRNA 27a and miRNA150-5p in endometrial cancer patients.
Methods

Serum was drawn for 36 un-intervened endometrial cancer patients scheduled for hysterectomy & 35 controls. miRNA 27a and miRNA150-5p were measured by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Results

Significant overexpression of both miRNA in patients (p < 0.001). At cutoffs 0.2872 & 1.02, miRNA 27a showed 100%sensitivity, specificity, positive & negative predictive values. miRNA150-5p showed 88.89%sensitivity, 100%specificity, 100%positive and 78.9%negative predictive values. Areas under curve were 1.0 for miRNA 27a, 0.982 for miRNA 150 performing much better than Ca125. miRNA 27a was significantly associated with type I endometroid endometrial cancer.
Conclusion

We suggest miRNA 27a and miRNA-150-5P as promising biomarkers of endometrial cancer possibly part of a miRNA panel for management.
Seismic-ionospheric perturbations in ionospheric TEC and plasma parameters associated with the 14 July 2019 Mw7.2 Laiwui earthquake detected by the GPS and CSES
Authors: Wen Yuanzheng , Wang Guangxue , Tao Dan , Zong Jiayi , Zeren Zhima , Shen Xuhui
Published: February 2021

In this study, with cross-valid analysis of total electron content (TEC) data of the global ionospheric map (GIM) from GPS and plasma parameters data recorded by China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES), signatures of seismic-ionospheric perturbations related to the 14 July 2019 Mw 7.2 Laiwui earthquake were detected. After distinguishing the solar and geomagnetic activities, three positive temporal anomalies were found around the epicenter 1 day, 3 days and 8 days before the earthquake (14 July 2019) along with a negative anomaly 6 days after the earthquake, which also agrees well with the TEC spatial variations in latitude-longitude-time (LLT) maps. To further confirm the anomalies, the ionospheric plasma parameters (electron, O+ and He+ densities) recorded by the Langmuir probe (LAP) and Plasma Analyzer Package (PAP) onboard CSES were analyzed by using the moving mean method (MMM), which also presented remarkable enhancements along the orbits around the epicenter on day 2, day 4 and day 7 before the earthquake. To make the investigations more convincing, the disturbed orbits were compared with their corresponding four nearest revisiting orbits, whose results indeed indicate the existence of plasma parameters anomalies associated with the Laiwui earthquake. All these results illustrated that the GPS and CSES observed unusual ionospheric perturbations are highly associated with the Mw 7.2 Laiwui earthquake, which also strongly indicates the existence of pre-seismic ionospheric anomalies over the earthquake region.
Analysis of Construction Impact of A Large Diameter Shield Tunnelling Side-Crossing Viaduct Pile Foundations in Short Distance
Authors: Wang Jian , Wen Zhifang
Published: February 2021

The construction of shield tunneling through pile foundation will cause additional deformation and internal force of pile foundation, which will affect the safety and applicability of superstructure. Based on the engineering background of a large-diameter shield (Ф10.9 m) side crossing a viaduct, a three-dimensional finite element model for the construction of large-diameter shield side crossing viaduct pile foundations is established by using the finite element method. The reliability of the numerical model is verified by using the surface subsidence calculated by Peck formula as a reference. Based on this, the viaduct pier and piles additional response during the construction are developed, the analysis results shows that: Because the pile foot of the viaduct is located below the tunnel, the pier deformation during the shield construction is mainly in the transverse direction along the bridge; The deformation of piles is mainly lateral and vertical, and the lateral deformation is S-shaped, the deformation of piles near the tunnel axis is far away from the tunnel side, and the piles at this position has the maximum lateral deformation; The variation characteristics of the additional internal force of piles are similar to the additional deformation, the position of the maximum additional bending moment is consistent with the position of the maximum lateral deformation, while the maximum additional shear force of pile foundation is slightly lower than the tunnel axis. And the protection measures of elevated pile foundation proposed by the project are demonstrated, The calculation results show that the additional deformation of pier and piles has been significantly improved after taking the measures of stratum reinforcement, and its value is far lower than the standard control value.
Superoxide Anion Inhibits Intracellular Calcium Response in Porcine Airway Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Krishnan Ramesh , Deshpande Deepak , Kannan Mathur S.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Superoxide is implicated in lung disease, injury, and transplantation. In lung, many defense mechanisms, especially superoxide dismutase (SOD) and metallothionein, neutralize superoxide. Superoxide anions (O2-) have multiple effects on pulmonary parenchyma, altering cell proliferation, redox enzyme activation and smooth muscle contraction. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction requires elevated intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). [Ca2+]i release from intracellular stores also participates in contractile responses to multiple agonists. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of O2- on agonist-stimulated [Ca2+]i responses in ASM cells. DESIGN/METHODS: Porcine ASM (PASM) cells were dissociated using collagenase and papain. Fura-2 AM-loaded PASM cells were used to examine [Ca2+]i release in response to acetylcholine (ACh), histamine, endothelin combined with lanthanum, and no Ca2+. RESULTS: In PASM cells, agonist exposure generated a biphasic Ca2+ response. Dihydrorhodamine-loaded cells exposed to xanthine and xanthine oxidase showed time-dependent generation of (O2-), which was inhibited by SOD. Pre-incubation with xanthine and xanthine oxidase for 15 or 45 min revealed significant inhibition of net [Ca2+]i responses to 100 nM and 1 M ACh and 50 M histamine. However, basal [Ca2+]i was similar in cells exposed to O2- and controls. Multiple agonists inhibited Ca2+ release in the presence of O2-. CONCLUSIONS: Superoxide impairs [Ca2+]i release and may interfere with the contractile mechanism in ASM cells. Alteration of a common signaling pathway may be involved in [Ca2+]i regulation. The effects of O2- were not likely due to cell damage since basal [Ca2+]i was unchanged. We need further experiments to identify the molecular targets of O2- in Ca2+ homeostasis.
Exploring Experiences and Needs of Spousal Carers of People with Behavioural variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD) including those with familial FTD (fFTD): A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tookey Sara , Greaves Caroline V. , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Desai Roopal , Stott Joshua
Published: February 2021

IntroductionCarers of people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) experience greater challenges than carers of people with other dementias due to the younger age of onset and the challenging presentation of symptoms. The aim of the present study was to explore experiences of spousal carers of people with bvFTD, including those with the familial form of the disease (fFTD). MethodFourteen qualitative interviews were analysed using an inductive approach to Thematic Analysis to understand experiences of spousal carers of people with bvFTD including those with fFTD. ResultsFive main themes were identified including: a) The “Constant Battle” – A journey toward an FTD diagnosis, b) Shock, Relief and Fear – Challenges persist post diagnosis, c) The “Life Altering” impact – The loss of the spousal relationship and shifting roles, d) Adapting, Managing Symptoms and Receiving Carer Support, e) Lack of General Knowledge – Barriers to support. ConclusionsHealthcare professionals should be educated on the initial presentations of FTD, to enable carers and families receive timely diagnosis and appropriate support. Future research should investigate the impact of fFTD on carers and families, to explore positive or meaningful experiences in caring, as well as theory-driven research to identify helpful coping strategies for carers of people with FTD.
WITHDRAWN: Internet Gaming Disorder in Adolescence: Investigating Profiles and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Macur Mirna , Pontes Halley M
Published: February 2021

Background: Since electronic gaming is particularly appealing to children and adolescents, they may be at greater risk for developing Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). This study aimed to explore the characteristics of adolescents at risk of developing IGD because it is a relatively new disorder included in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 2013. Harmful consequences of disordered gaming have also been recognized by the World Health Organization that recently included ‘Gaming Disorder’ in the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Additionally, this study also sought to encourage preventative initiatives in adolescence, when most addictions develop. Methods: A quantitative and nationally representative study was conducted in primary schools in Slovenia with eighth grade as the primary sampling unit (N = 1,071, Meanage = 13,44 years, SDage = 0.59). Psychometric test measuring IGD was administered to identify participants’ IGD risk and to compare ‘high risk’ and ‘low risk’ students in relation to free time activities, self-control, and parent-child relationship. T–test for independent samples was computed and multiple linear regression analysis performed to identify the most relevant predictors of IGD.Results: About 4.7% (n = 48) [95% CI: 3.4%-6.0%] of Slovenian adolescents were found to be at high risk of developing IGD. These were mostly boys (n = 42, 87.5%), and their preferred leisure activities involved more screen time activities (e.g., watching TV, playing video games, using social media). Moreover, high risk IGD participants showed significantly lower levels of self-control compared to low risk IGD participants and poorer understanding with their parents. Perceived satisfaction with life and mental health did not differ significantly between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed five key predictors of IGD in adolescents: time spent gaming at weekends (ß = 0.27), male gender (ß = 0.20), low self-control (ß = -0.19), time spend gaming from Monday to Friday (ß = 0.11) and gaming as a frequent free time activity (ß = 0.11).Conclusion: Public health measures should target adolescents at risk of developing IGD in early age, because they are particularly drawn to video games and present greater IGD vulnerability.
Complex III Mitochondrial Leukoencephalopathy Masquerading Acute Demyelinating Syndrome Due to a Novel Variant in CYC1
Authors: Heidari Erfan , Rasoulinezhad Maryam , Pak Neda , Ashrafi Mahmoud Reza , Heidari Morteza , Banwell Brenda , Garshasbi Masoud , Tavasoli Ali Reza
Published: February 2021

Background Complex III (CIII) is the third out of five mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes residing at the mitochondrial inner membrane. The assembly of 10 subunits encoded by nuclear DNA and one by mitochondrial DNA result in the functional CIII which transfers electrons from ubiquinol to cytochrome c. Deficiencies of CIII are among the least investigated mitochondrial disorders and thus clinical spectrum of patients with mutations in CIII is not well defined. Resultswe report on a 10-year-old girl born to consanguineous Iranian parents presenting with acute neurological deficits reminiscent of acquired demyelination, mainly acute bilateral vision loss, who was ultimately confirmed to have a novel homozygous missense variant, c.949C>T; p.(Arg317Trp) in complex III of the mitochondrial chain. Sanger sequencing confirmed the segregation of this variant with disease in the family. ConclusionWe present a patient with a mitochondrial leukoencephalopathy due to complex III deficiency that manifested with features suggestive of an acquired demyelinating syndrome. The effect of this variant on the protein structure was shown in-silico. Our findings, not only expand the clinical spectrum due to defects in CYC1 gene but also highlight that mitochondrial disease should be considered in children with acute CNS demyelination.
Galacto-Oligosaccharides Improve Barrier Function and Relieve Colonic Inflammation via Modulating Mucosa-Associated Microbiota Composition in Lipopolysaccharides-Challenged Piglets
Authors: Gao Ren , Tian Shiyi , Wang Jing , Zhu Weiyun
Published: February 2021

BackgroundGalacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) have been shown to modulate the intestinal microbiota of suckling piglets to exert beneficial effects on intestinal function. However, the modulation of intestinal microbiota and intestinal function by GOS in intestinal inflammation injury models has rarely been reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of GOS on the colonic mucosal microbiota composition, barrier function and inflammatory response of lipopolysaccharides-challenged suckling piglets.Resultwe found that the colonic mucosa of LPS-challenged piglets was significantly injured and shedding, while the colonic mucosa of the LPS-GOS group piglets maintained its structure. GOS increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (P = 0.058), norank_f__Muribaculaceae and Romboutsia, and decreased the relative abundance of Alloprevotella, Campylobacter and Helicobacter in the colonic mucosa of LPS-challenged suckling piglets. In addition, GOS increased the concentrations of acetate, butyrate and total SCFAs in the colonic digesta of LPS-challenged suckling piglets. Increased SCFAs had beneficial effects on colonic barrier function and inflammatory status, including the enhanced protein expression of Claudin-1 and ZO-1 in the colonic mucosa of LPS-challenged suckling piglets, the decreased concentrations of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), and the decreased relative expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88).ConclusionsThese results suggested that GOS modulated the colonic mucosa-associated microbiota composition and improved the intestinal function of LPS-challenged suckling piglets.
epiLiver a novel tumor specific, high throughput and cost-effective blood test for specific detection of liver cancer (HCC)
Authors: Cheishvili David , Wong Chifat , Karim Mohammad , Kibria Mohammad , Jahan Nusrat , Das Pappu , Yousuf Md. Abul , Islam Md. Atikul , Das Dulal , Nor-E-Alam Sheikh , Szyf Moshe , Khan Wasif , Al-Mahtab Mammun
Published: February 2021

Robust cost effective and high-throughput tests for early detection of cancer in otherwise healthy people could potentially revolutionize public-health and the heavy personal and public burden of the morbidity and mortality from cancer. Several studies have delineated tumor specific DNA methylation profiles that could serve as biomarkers for early detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) as well as other cancers in liquid biopsies. Several published DNA methylation markers fail to distinguish HCC DNA from DNA from other tissues and other cancers that are potentially present in plasma. We describe a set of DNA methylation signatures in HCC that are “categorically” distinct from normal tissues and blood DNA methylation profiles. We develop a classifier combined of 4 CG sites that is sufficient to detect HCC in TCGA HCC data set at high accuracy. A single CG site at the F12 gene is sufficient to differentiate HCC samples from thousands of other blood samples, normal tissues and 31 tumors in the TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data repository (n = 11,704). A “next generation sequencing”-targeted-multiplexed high-throughput assay was developed, which was used to examine in a clinical study plasma samples from HCC, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and healthy controls (n = 398). The sensitivity for HCC detection was 84.5% at a specificity of 95% and AUC of 0.94. Applying this assay for routine follow up of people who are at high risk for developing HCC could have a significant impact on reducing the morbidity and mortality from HCC.
Research on Task-Offloading Decision Mechanism in Mobile Edge Computing based Internet of Vehicle
Authors: Cheng Jun , Guan Dejun
Published: February 2021

As a technology integrated with Internet of Things (IoT), mobile edge computing (MEC) can provide real-time and low latency services to the underlying network, and improve the storage and computation ability of the networks instead of central cloud infrastructure. In Mobile Edge Computing based Internet of Vehicle(MEC-IoV), the vehicle users can deliver their tasks to the associated MEC servers Based on offloading policy, which improves the resource utilization and computation performance greatly. However, how to evaluate the impact of uncertain interconnection between the vehicle users and MEC servers on offloading decision-making and avoid serious degradation of the offloading efficiency are important problems to be solved. In this paper, a task-offloading decision mechanism with particle swarm optimization for IoV-based edge computing is proposed. First, a mathematical model to calculate the computation offloading cost for cloud-edge computing system is defined. Then, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is applied to convert the offloading of task into the process and obtain the optimal offloading strategy. Furthermore, to avoid falling into local optimization, the inertia weight factor is designed to change adaptively with the value of the objective function. The experimental results show that the proposed offloading strategy can effectively reduce the energy consumption of terminal devices while guarantee the service quality of users.
Health Burden and Economic Impacts Attributed to PM2.5 and O3 in China from 2010 to 2050 under Different Representative Concentration Pathway Scenarios
Authors: Wang Yiyi , Hu jianlin , Zhu Jia , Li Jingyi , Qin Momei , Liao Hong , Chen Kai , Wang Meng
Published: February 2021

Background: Quantifying future health burden attributed to fine particulate matters (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) in China is challenging when jointly accounting for emissions, climate and population changes. Future health burdens caused by PM2.5 and O3 in China remain largely understudied. Methods: In this paper, we used the Goddard Earth Observing System chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) to project PM2.5 and O3 concentrations from 2010 to 2050 under four Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios (RCPs), then projected the PM2.5 and O3-related premature mortality and years of life lost (YLL) in this period. We then estimated the resulting economic burdens such as medical expenses (ME) and value of statistical life (VSL) in 2010-2050 attributed to the burdens of disease on PM2.5 and O3.Results: Compared to the targeted year 2050, we found that PM2.5 concentrations changed between -31.5% to 14.5% since 2010, resulted in -13.5% to 9.4% change in PM2.5-related mortality and -25.7% to 0.6% change in YLL across all the RCPs scenarios. For O3, the concentrations varied -13.3% to 3.7% by 2050, contributing to -26.9% to 13.1% change in O3-related mortality and -48.8% to 4.0% change in YLL. The lowest health impacts occurred in the RCP4.5 scenario by 2050 for both pollutants. In 2010, the ME caused by PM2.5 and O3 was $6.3-6.5 billion, and the VSL was $112.1-114.9 billion, accounting for 2.9-3.0% of the total GDP ($3874 billion). By 2050, ME and VSL will change from -19.7% to 17.5% and from -65.5% to 136.6%, respectively.Conclusion: This study suggested that future PM2.5 and O3 under certain RCP scenarios can have large health and economic benefits. However, given that the future population will always be higher than the baseline in 2010, more aggressive air pollution mitigation measures are needed for China.
Hallux Valgus Deformity and Postural Sway: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Omae Hiroaki , Ohsawa Takashi , Hio Naohiro , Tsunoda Kazuhiko , Omodaka Takuya , Hashimoto Shogo , Ueno Akira , Tajika Tsuyoshi , Iizuka Yoichi , Chikuda Hirotaka
Published: February 2021

Background: Hallux valgus deformity has been reported to be associated with increased postural sway. However, the direction and magnitude of postural sway associated with hallux valgus remain inconclusive. We assessed the association between hallux valgus deformity and postural sway using a force plate.Methods: The subjects were 169 healthy volunteers, >40 years old (63 males, 106 females, average age: 66.0 ± 12.4 years old), who took part in an annual medical examination. We investigated the photographic hallux valgus angle (°), total trajectory length of the gravity center fluctuation (mm), area of the center of pressure (mm2), mediolateral and anteroposterior postural sway (mm) in a standing position with 2-legged stance and eyes open, hallux pain (Numerical Rating Scale), trunk and lower limb muscle mass (kg). We classified the subjects into a hallux valgus group (n=44, photographic hallux valgus angle of 1 or both feet ≥20°) and a no hallux valgus group (n=125, photographic hallux valgus angle of both feet <20°) and analyzed the relationship between hallux valgus and postural sway. Results: The anteroposterior postural sway in the hallux valgus group (6.5 ± 2.8) was significantly greater than in the no hallux valgus group (5.4 ± 2.2, p=0.014), and the lower limb muscle mass in the hallux valgus group (12.4 ± 2.2) was significantly smaller than in the no hallux valgus group (13.5 ± 3.2, p=0.016). The total value of the photographic hallux valgus angle on both feet was positively correlated with the anteroposterior postural sway (p=0.021) and negatively correlated with the lower limb muscle mass (p=0.038). The presence of hallux valgus (p=0.024) and photographic hallux valgus angle were (p=0.008) independently related to the magnitude of anteroposterior postural sway. Conclusions: Hallux valgus deformity and its severity were positively associated with the magnitude of the anteroposterior postural sway. Trial registration: 2017-135. Registered 22 August 2017
The Tungsten Oxide Within Phosphate Glasses to Investigate the Structural, Optical and Shielding Properties Variations
Authors: sadeq mohammed , El-bashir B.O. , Almuqrin Aljawhara H. , Sayyed M.I.
Published: February 2021

We prepared a series of sodium phosphate glasses by changing WO3/P2O5 content and investigated structure optical and radiation shielding features as a function of glass composition. The average density (ρexp) and was found to increase gradually from 2.49 to 3.07 g/cm3 while the average molar volume values reduced from 47.37 to 44.28 cm3/mol with WO3 addition. Also, the average field strength was also computed and found to increase with increasing WO3. The study of optical absorption spectra reveals that, the absorption peaks in the visible region become higher compared to the peaks In the UV region. This observation is accompanied with a color transformation of glasses from light to dark blue color, with more WO3 adding. The existence of pentavalent tungsten state (W5+) is identified by this blue color. with WO3 addition an absorption band at around at 350–390 nm is appeared. Moreover, this band is overlapped with Urbach edge, which regularly produces an artificial edge-like feature at ~400 nm. A detailed deconvolution protocol is required for an appropriate understanding of these spectra and unravelling the hidden Urbach edge. Our analysis shows that, with increasing WO3/P2O5 content, the optical band gap decreases. This behavior can be elucidated in terms of lower band gap of W (2.7 eV) than that of P2O5 (8.5 eV) and the high polarizing power W. Further, the radiation shielding parameters were investigated for the prepared glasses. WO3 addition improves these shielding parameters against radiation. Where, upon the increase of WO3 concentration, the LAC of glass material increases which leads to a decrease in HVL value. Then it is deducible that the amount of WO3 in this glass sample has an important impact on the shielding capability at lower energy values and has a slight impact at higher energy values.
Meta-pangenomics Reveals Depth-dependent Shifts in Metabolic Potential for the Ubiquitous Marine Bacterial SAR324 Lineage
Authors: BOEUF Dominique , Eppley John M , Mende Daniel R , Malmstrom Rex R , Woyke Tanja , DeLong Edward F
Published: February 2021

BackgroundOceanic microbiomes play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle and are central to the transformation and recycling of carbon and energy in the ocean’s interior. SAR324 is a ubiquitous but poorly understood uncultivated clade of Deltaproteobacteria that inhabits the entire water column, from ocean surface waters to its deep interior. Although some progress has been made in elucidating potential metabolic traits of SAR324 in the dark ocean, very little is known about the ecology and the metabolic capabilities of this group in the euphotic and twilight zones. To investigate the comparative genomics, ecology and physiological potential of the SAR324 clade, we examined the distribution and variability of key genomic features and metabolic pathways in this group from surface waters to the abyss in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, one of the largest biomes on Earth.Results We leveraged a pangenomic ecological approach, combining spatio-temporally resolved single amplified genome, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic datasets. The data revealed substantial genomic diversity throughout the SAR324 clade, with distinct depth and temporal distributions that clearly differentiated ecotypes. Phylogenomic subclade delineation, environmental distributions, genomic feature similarities, and metabolic capacities revealed congruent groups that, when merged, form Operational Ecogenomic Units (OEUs). The four SAR324 OEUs delineated in this study revealed striking divergence from one another with respect to their habitat-specific metabolic potentials. The OEUs living in the dark or twilight oceans shared genomic features and metabolic capabilities consistent with a sulfur-based chemolithoautotrophic lifestyle. In contrast, those inhabiting the sunlit ocean displayed higher plasticity energy-related metabolic pathways, supporting a presumptive photoheterotrophic lifestyle. In epipelagic SAR324 OEUs, we observed the presence of two types of proton-pumping rhodopsins, as well as genomic, transcriptomic, and ecological evidence for active photoheterotrophy, based on xanthorhodopsin-like light-harvesting proteins.ConclusionsOur approach combining pangenomic and multi-omics profiling revealed a striking divergence in the vertical distribution, genomic composition, metabolic potential, and predicted lifestyle strategies of geographically co-located members of the SAR324 bacterial clade. The results highlight the utility of pangenomic approaches employed across environmental gradients, to decipher the properties and variation in function and ecological traits of specific phylogenetic clades within complex microbiomes.
Comparison of Hip Structure Analysis and Grip Strength Between Femoral Neck and Basicervical Fractures
Authors: Cha Yong-Han , Yoo Jun-Il
Published: February 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze differences in the geometrical properties of the proximal femur and predict the occurrence of basicervical fractures through a comparative study of femoral neck and basicervical fractures in patients undergoing hip structural analysis (HSA). Methods: All patients with hip fractures who were at least 65 years old and admitted to our hospital between March 2017 and December 2019 were eligible for this study. During the study period, 149 femur neck fractures (FNF) and basicervical fractures (intertrochanteric fractures of A31.2) were included in the study. Fifty-nine people were included in the final analysis. The factors considered to be the most important confounders affecting the occurrence of basicervical hip fractures were chosen for propensity-score analysis. A logistic model with basicervical hip fractures as the outcome and age, sex, weight, spinal T-score, hip T-score, and vitamin D levels as confounders was used to estimate the propensity score.Results: The cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI) of the intertrochanter was significantly lower in the basicervical hip fracture (HF) patients than in the FNF patients (p = 0.045). However, there were no significant differences in any other HSA variable between the two groups. The results of ROC analysis showed that the cutoff points for HSA were 100 in hip axis length (HAL) (AUC = 0.659, p < 0.001) and 5.712 in the CSMI of the intertrochanter (AUC = 0.676, p < 0.001). After considering three variables, including HAL, the CSMI of intertrochanter, and handgrip strength, the results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were 104.8, 8.75, and 16.9 (AUC = 0.726, p < 0.001), respectively.Conclusion: Proximal femoral geometric analysis using HSA is a useful method for predicting the type of hip fracture. Additionally, a lower CSMI, shorter HAL, and lower grip strength are major predictors of basicervical fractures.
Association between choriocapillaris flow deficit and choroidal neovascularization activity in eyes with myopic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Uematsu Sato , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Sayanagi Kaori , Ikuno Yasushi , Yokoyama Ayako , Asai Tomoko , Fukushima Yoko , Hara Chikako , Sakimoto Susumu , Nishida Kohji
Published: February 2021

Although choriocapillaris flow deficit (CFD) around choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is less associated with CNV activity in myopic eyes, there are no reports investigating its size as an indicator of CNV activity. We investigated the relationship between CFD and high myopia-related CNV. In this retrospective, observational study, patients underwent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) with split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation angiography for diagnosing pathological myopic CNV (mCNV); CFD features around CNV margins were evaluated. Of the 33 eyes (30 patients), 11 (33.3%) had active mCNV, and 22 (66.7%) had inactive CNV. Five eyes (15.2%) were treatment-naïve, while the remainder previously underwent anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. On OCTA, blood flow signals were detected in CNV in the outer retinal layer in 28 (84.8%) eyes, including all active cases (11 cases) and 17 (77.3%) of 22 inactive cases. CNV flow signal size correlated significantly with activity (P = 0.002). CFD around CNV was observed in 18 eyes (54.5%), eight of which had active CNV. CFD size correlated significantly with CNV activity (P = 0.014). The size of both the CFD area around CNV and CNV flow signal area are useful indicators of CNV activity in eyes with mCNV, which may help determine treatment timing.
Study on the Safety and Effectiveness of Drug-coated Balloons in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hao Xiaojiao , Huang Damin , Wang Zhaoxia , Zhang Jinchun , Liu Hongqiang , lu yingmin
Published: February 2021

Background：Drug-coated balloon (DCB) is a new technology that has emerged in recent years, and it has been proven to be effective and safe in the treatment of restenosis in the stent. The purpose of this article is to observe the safety and effectiveness of drug-coated balloons in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods: A total of 80 patients who were admitted to our department due to STEMI from January 2018 to December 2019 were selected. The subjects were randomly divided into drug-coated balloon treatment group (balloon group, n=38) and drug-eluting stent (DES) treatment group (stent group, n=42). The patients were followed up for 1 year to understand the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after operation. Coronary angiography was reexamined at 1 year after operation to understand the late lumen loss (LLL) of the two groups. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, the target lesion LLL in the balloon group was (−0.12±0.46) mm, while the target lesion in the stent group was (0.14±0.37) mm (P<0.05). Within 1 year, the incidence of MACEs in the balloon group was 11%, and the incidence of MACEs in the stent group was 12%. There was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: DCB therapy alone is safe and effective when PCI is performed for STEMI, and it shows good clinical results during the 1-year follow-up period.
hERG - Deficient Human Embryonic Stem Cell - Derived Cardiomyocytes for Modelling QT Prolongation
Authors: Chang Yun , Li Ya-nan , Bai Rui , Wu Fujian , Ma Shuhong , Saleem Amina , Zhang Siyao , Jiang Youxu , Dong Tao , Guo Tianwei , Hang Chengwen , Lu Wen-jing , Jiang Hongfeng , Lan Feng
Published: February 2021

Background: Long-QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2) is common malignant hereditary arrhythmia. Due to the lack of suitable animal and human models, the pathogenesis of LQT2 caused by human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) deficiency is still unclear. In this study, we generated an hERG-deficient human cardiomyocyte (CM) model that simulates ‘human homozygous hERG mutations’ to explore the underlying impact of hERG dysfunction and the genotype–phenotype relationship of hERG deficiency.Methods: The KCNH2 was knocked out in the human embryonic stem cell (hESC) H9 line using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Using a chemically defined differentiation protocol, we obtained and verified hERG-deficient CMs. Subsequently, high-throughput microelectrode array (MEA) assays and drug interventions were performed to characterise the electrophysiological signatures of hERG-deficient cell lines.Results: Our results showed that KCNH2 knockout did not affect the pluripotency or differentiation efficiency of H9 cells. Using high-throughput MEA assays, we found that the electric field potential duration and action potential duration of hERG-deficient CMs were significantly longer than those of normal CMs. The hERG-deficient lines also exhibited irregular rhythm and some early afterdepolarisations. Moreover, we used the hERG-deficient human CM model to evaluate the potency of agents (Nifedipine and magnesium chloride) that may ameliorate the phenotype.Conclusions: We established an hERG-deficient human CM model that exhibited QT prolongation, irregular rhythm and sensitivity to other ion channel blockers. This model serves as an important tool that can aid in understanding the fundamental impact of hERG dysfunction, elucidate the genotype–phenotype relationship of hERG deficiency and facilitate drug development.
Association Between Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Cognitive Deficits in Han Chinese Patients with Schizophrenia across Age Groups
Authors: Zhou Sumiao , Huang Yuanyuan , Feng Yangdong , Li Hehua , Wu Kai , Yang Mingzhe , Wu Fengchun , Huang Xingbing
Published: February 2021

Background: It was still unclear how homocysteine (Hcy) levels and cognitive deficits change in patients with schizophrenia of various ages. The present article attempts to assess the relationship between Hcy levels and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia across age groups, especially in young people.Methods: Totals of 103 patients and 122 healthy controls were included. All participants were stratified into four groups according to their age: 18-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, and 50-59 years. Clinical data, plasma Hcy levels, and cognitive function score were collected. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery of tests assessing speed of processing, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, working memory, and attention/vigilance.Results: Compared with the healthy group, Hcy levels increased significantly, and all the measured cognitive function score were significantly lower in all age groups of patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). Hcy levels were negatively associated with speed of processing (SoP), working memory (WM), and visual learning and memory (Vis Lrng) score in 18-29 years. Further multiple regression analysis showed that SoP were independently associated with Hcy levels in patients with schizophrenia aged 18-29 years (B = 0.61, t = 3.17, p = 0.013).Conclusions: Based on our results, patients with schizophrenia performed worse on cognitive assessments and Hcy levels were more closely related to cognition in young patients.
The long-term outcome of CyberKnife therapy for head and neck paraganglioma: Management suggestion from a single center experience
Authors: Hong Sukwoo , Kagawa Kenji , Sato Kengo , Ichi Shunsuke
Published: February 2021

To analyze the long-term follow-up data of CyberKnife treatment (CKT) for head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGs). Patients who received CKT to HNPGs from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 34 HNPGs from 29 patients were identified. The mean age was 50 (± 16) years old, and 15 patients (52%) were female. Previous operation was done in 15 patients (55%). Four cases (14%) were functional in hormone production. According to Fisch classification, one case (3%) was B, 12 (42%) were C, 14 (48%) were D, and two cases (7%) were out of classification. The median prescribed dose covered 95% of the planning target volume was 2500 (IQR 2100–2600) cGy and the median target volume was 10 (IQR 5.8–21.3) cm3. The local control rate was 97%. The median progression-free survival was 66 (IQR 28–95) months and 96% were free of tumor progression at eight years. During the follow-up, one case (3%) resulted in permanent facial nerve palsy (House-Brackmann grade II), and another case (3%) resulted in asymptomatic cerebellar radiation necrosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed no previous surgical history (OR 8.58, 95% CI 1.2–59.7, p = 0.03) was a positive predictor of symptom improvement. We devised a treatment flow-chart based on our finding. CKT for HNPGs was an effective treatment with little side effect over the long term and may have a role in the first-line therapy especially for symptomatic nonfunctional HNPGs for better symptom control.
Role of Radiofrequency Ablation and Cement Injection for Pain Control in Patients with Spinal Metastasis
Authors: Yildizhan Serhat , Boyaci Mehmet Gazi , Rakip Usame , Aslan Adem
Published: February 2021

Purpose
The study aimed to investigate the effects and reliability in the prevention of tumour spread of radiofrequency ablation or ablation with vertebroplasty simultaneously applied for pain in patients with painful spinal vertebra metastasis and the effect of preventing tumor spread in long-term follow-up.
Methods
Patients with painful vertebrae metastasis in the XXX Health Sciences University, Medical Faculty, Hospital Neurosurgery Clinic between 01.01.2015 and 01.02.2019 were recruited.
They were divided into groups according
to the surgical procedures applied.
Group 1 included 12 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation only, and group 2 included 16 patients who underwent vertebroplasty with radiofrequency ablation. The metastatic lesion, pain, and quality of life were evaluated with imaging, Visual Analog Scale, and Oswestry Disability Survey before and after the procedure.
Results
A total of 28 patients diagnosed with painful spinal metastasis were included in our study. The degree of collapse increased in five patients in group 1, leading to vertebroplasty. Simple polymethyl methacrylate leakage was observed in four patients in group 2 without spinal cord compression. Pain and quality of life improved significantly in both groups, with more being in Group 2, and analgesic use was significantly reduced. No tumor spread in the vertebrae was observed in any patient during follow-up.
Conclusion
According to our results, patients with painful vertebral metastases should receive vertebroplasty simultaneously with radiofrequency ablation for palliative pain control and prevention of tumour spread.
Wavelength Dependent Anisotropic Photo Sensing Activity of Zirconium Trisulfide Crystal
Authors: Patel Anand Chunilal , Patel Kunjal , Limberkar Chaitanya , Patel K. D. , Solanki G. K. , Pathak V. M.
Published: February 2021

According to the performance requirements, either bulk or nanocrystalline form of the material can be used for different types of device applications. In the present study, zirconium triselenide bulk crystals were grown by direct vapour transport technique. The as-grown crystals and powder have been examined under Carl Zeiss optical microscope and scanning electron microscope for morphological studies which revealed the evolution of crystalline phases of the material by the layered kind of growth mechanism. The energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) characterization confirms that no impurity is found in the resulting product except the desired material. To study the effect of different wavelength sources (Blue-470 nm, Green-540 nm, Red-670 nm) on bulk zirconium trisulfide photodetectors, pulsed photo response experiment was carried out. The anisotropic behaviour is also revealed using the same sources. Various device parameters like responsivity, sensitivity, detectivity and external quantum efficiency (EQE%) were calculated. The highest responsivity and detectivity of 81.7 µA/W and 3.56 × 1007 Jones were achieved for blue (470 nm) light source respectively.
Fivefold higher abundance of ticks (Acari: Ixodida) on the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) forest than field ecotypes
Authors: Opalińska Patrycja , Wierzbicka Anna , Asman Marek , Rączka Grzegorz , Dyderski Marcin K. , Nowak-Chmura Magdalena
Published: February 2021

The European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is the most common deer species in Europe. The species can be a reservoir of some tick-borne diseases (TBD) but it is primarily recognized for its contribution as an amplifier host. In Central Europe, two roe deer ecotypes are living in adjacent areas: field and forest. We investigated differences in tick load and species composition on these two ecotypes. We collected ticks from 160 (80 the forest ecotype and 80 the field ecotype) roe deer culled in Wielkopolska Region (West-Central Poland). The most common was Ixodes ricinus (n = 1610; 99%) followed by Ixodes hexagonus (n = 22; 1%). The dominant life stage of the ticks was female. Prevalence was higher for forest roe deer. Mean number of ticks found on the forest ecotype was almost fivefold higher than on the field ecotype (3.75±0.83 vs. 0.77±0.20 ticks). The mean probability of tick occurrence was threefold higher in the forest (0.915±0.050) than the field ecotype (0.279±0.125). 'The most infested body parts of roe deer from both ecotypes were the neck and the head.
Multi-Granularity Feasibility Evaluation Method of the Partial Destructive Disassembly for an End-of-Life Product
Authors: Guo Lei , ZHANG Xiufen
Published: February 2021

Partial destructive disassembly (PDD) is essential for end-of-life products to improve their automatic disassembly efficiency and reduce disassembly cost. A feasibility evaluation of the PDD is the key step to evaluate whether the PDD can be implemented. However, it has not been studied previously to our knowledge. To deal with this problem, a multi-granularity feasibility evaluation method is proposed. A multi-granularity feasibility evaluation model of the PDD was constructed based on the complex product’s hierarchical structure, which not only described the evaluation indices from the product level to the component level but also presented methods and rules to quantify them. 1Thus, disassembly entropy was introduced into the target group’s coarse granularity evaluation. The feasibility of the fine-grained index of the PDD for the component layer was constructed based on the product’s failure characteristic. The fine-grained index was calculated by the fuzzy trigonometric function and its weighting was obtained based on the structure entropy weight method. Thus, the results of the evaluation were used as feedback to guide the PDD process. Finally, a Passat engine case study illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the method.