bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Ligand Levels In Chinese Patients With Ankylosing Spondylarthritis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ni Feifei , Zhang Yanchao , Peng Yi , Peng Xiaoxiao , Li Jianjun
Published: August 2021

Objective: We aimed to determine the association between serum receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (sRANKL) levels and ankylosing spondylarthritis (AS) in Chinese populations.Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Database, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wan Fang databases were searched for studies conducted before October 1, 2020 without language restrictions. STATA version 12.0 and Revman version 5.3 were used to analyze the data. The standard mean differences (SMDs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated. Results: Twelve clinical case–control studies, including 585 AS patients and 423 healthy controls, were included. The combined SMD for sRANKL suggested that the sRANKL level was significantly higher in the Chinese AS patients than in the healthy controls (SMD: 3.27, 95%CI: 2.11-4.43, P<0.00001). RANKL-related factor osteoprotegerin OPG (SMD: 0.86, 95%CI: 0.09-1.64, P<0.03) and RANKL/OPG (SMD=1.05, 95%CI=0.64-1.46, P<0.00001). Subgroup analysis indicated that the patients from North and South China had higher sRANKL levels than the controls; the patients sRANKL levels from South China were higher in the subgroup with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) >4. In terms of duration, ≤8years AS patients had higher sRANKL levels than the controls. Other subgroup analyses were conducted by region, language, source of control, age, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). In these subgroups, the sRANKL levels were significantly higher in the AS patients than in the controls. BASFI and BASDAI were sources of heterogeneity.Conclusions: The sRANKL levels are higher in the Chinese AS patients, especially among the patients from South China. sRANKL levels may be positively correlated with the pathogenesis of AS among the Chinese patients.
Synthesis and Characterization of Genistein Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Its Application in Soy Sauce Products
Authors: Xie Ziqi , Luo Yunjing , Na Zhen , Zhang Wei , Zong Yunfei
Published: August 2021

In this study, a novel method based on genistein magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (Gen-MMIPs) was developed by surface molecular imprinting technique, in which genistein was used as the template molecule and Fe3O4 was used as the carrier. The synthesis of Gen-MMIPs were characterized by using of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which indicated the diameters of Gen-MMIPs were about 500 nm. Through the technique of vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), the saturation magnetization of Gen-MMIPs were detected as 24.79 emu/g. Fourier transform infrared (FR-IR) spectroscopy showed that polymer groups were on the surface of the magnetic carrier. Adsorption experiment suggested the adsorption capability of Gen-MMIPs to genistein were 1.55 mg/g, and 2 the adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 20 min. Gen-MMIPs as dispersive solid-phase extraction adsorbent combined with HPLC was used to selectively separate genistein in soy sauce samples, the recoveries were ranged from 85.7% to 88.5% with the relative standard deviations (RSD) less than 5%, which proved this method can be used for the detection of genistein residues in real samples.
Open-Source Software Library for Real-Time Inertial Measurement Unit Data-Based Inverse Kinematics using OpenSim
Authors: Lavikainen Jere , Vartiainen Paavo , Stenroth Lauri , Karjalainen Pasi
Published: August 2021

Background: An open-source software library for multithreaded real-time inverse kinematical (IK) analysis of inertial measurement unit (IMU) data using OpenSim was developed. Its operation delays and throughputs were measured with a varying number of IMUs and parallel computing IK threads using two different musculoskeletal models, one a lower-body and torso model and the other a full-body model. Results: Full-body inverse kinematics with data from 12 IMUs could be calculated in real-time with a mean delay below 100 ms and at more than 900 samples per second. Live visualization of IK is an option but results in limited IK throughput. The effect of this limitation was assessed by comparing the range of motion (ROM) of each joint from visualized real-time IK to the ROM from offline IK at IMU sampling frequency, resulting in mean ROM differences below 0.3 degrees. Conclusions: The software library enables real-time inverse kinematical analysis with different numbers of IMUs and customizable musculoskeletal models, making it possible to do subject-specific full-body motion analysis outside the motion laboratory in real-time.
The Safty Profile of Blood Salvage Applied for Collected Blood With Amniotic Fluid During Cesarean Section
Authors: Rong Xiaoying , Guo Xiangyang , Zeng Hong , Wang Jun , Li Mi , Wang Yang
Published: August 2021

Background: The guidelines of National Health Service(NHS) also recommended for use in obstetrics at increased risk of bleeding, requiring two sets to reduce amniotic fluid contamination, however, when comes to massive hemorrhage, it is may difficult to operate because the complex operation may delay time. The aim of the study was to detect the effect of amniotic fluid recovery on intraoperative cell salvage in obstetrics and provide evidence for clinical applications.Method: Thirty-four patients undergoing elective cesarean section were randomly divided into two groups. In group 1, the cumulative blood from the operation field, including the amniotic fluid, was collected using a single suction device for processing. In group 2, after suctioning away the amniotic fluid using another suction device for the cumulative blood from the operation field. From each group, four samples were taken, including maternal venous blood (sample I), blood before washing (sample II), blood after washing (sample III) and blood after filtration with a leukocyte filter (sample IV) , to detect serum potassium (K+), hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), fetal hemoglobin (HbF), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and squamous cell (SC) levels.Results: The AFP, K+ and WBC levels of sample III and sample IV were significantly lower than sample I in group 1 and group 2 (P<0.05). Significantly more SCs were found in sample III than in sample I in group 1 and group 2 (P<0.05), but SCs of sample IV had no statistical difference compared to sample I in group 1 and group 2 (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the K+, Hb, WBC, AFP and SC levels of sample IV between group 1 and group 2 (P>0.05). The HbF levels of sample III and sample IV were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P<0.05).Conclusion: There is little or no possibility for AF contamination to enter the re-infusion system when used in conjunction with a leucodepletion filter. In future, one set of suction device can be considered in obstetric emergency.Trial registration: ChiCTR1800015684, 2018.4.15
Multi-Objective Factors Optimization in Fused Deposition Modelling with Particle Swarm Optimization and Differential Evolution
Authors: Mellal Mohamed Arezki , Laifaoui Chahinaze , Ghezal Fahima , Williams Edward J.
Published: August 2021

The design of any system contemplates the elaboration of a prototype of the entire system or some parts, before the manufacturing phase. Nowadays, rapid prototyping (RP) is widely used by the designers. This paper addresses the multi-objective factors optimization of the fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology. The problem is converted into a single one using the weighted-sum method and then solved by resorting to two nature-inspired computing techniques, namely particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution (DE). The results obtained are compared.
Black Kites on a Flyway Between Western Siberia and the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Literák Ivan , Škrábal Jan , Karyakin Igor V. , Andreyenkova Natalya G. , Vazhov Sergey V.
Published: August 2021

Background The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is one of the most widespread raptors in the World. The Palaearctic is populated by two migrating subspecies, Milvus migrans migrans and Milvus migrans lineatus, in the western and eastern part of this realm, respectively. The intergradation zone of M. m. migrans/M. m. lineatus covers large areas in-between. Migration routes of M. m. migrans from Europe to Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East are well known including large waterbodies as main environmental obstacle. MethodsWe tagged with GPS/SMS/GPRS telemetry loggers 13 and 6 Black Kite pulli in lowland around Biysk and in mountains around Kosh-Agach. ResultsBlack Kites originating from Biysk migrated through the Western Circum-Himalayan Corridor. Black Kites originating from Kosh-Agach used the Trans-Himalayan Corridor crossing the Himalayas in altitudes of up to 6 256 m asl. The average total distance travelled of Black Kites from both subpopulations was 9 166 m without any significant differences between these subpopulations. Timing of autumn migration varied slightly among individuals in departure date (30 August ± 9 days) and differed more in arrival date (26 October ± 92 days). The timing of spring migration varied less in both departure date (17 April ± 12 days) and arrival date (09 May ± 14 days). Black Kites from both subpopulations wintered in low elevations of anthropogenic areas of Pakistan and India. Birds wintered on average for 190 days, and the mean area of individual home ranges was 4 704 km2. During the breeding period, birds occupied mainly natural or semi-natural habitats in southwestern Siberia, where they spent on average 106 days with an average home range size 3 554 km2. Conclusion Black Kites crossing the Himalayas fly and, moreover, stay for hours resting at night in the environment of mountains at altitudes over 5000 m. It seems that the vast breeding territory of Black Kites in the Palearctic realm is connected with the unusual behavioural flexibility of Black Kites to surmount various environmental obstacles on their migration routes.
Dynamic changes in Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Gut Microbiota after H. Pylori Eradication Therapies
Authors: WANG LINGLING , Yao Haobin , Tong Tereasa , Lau KS , Leung Suet Yi , Ho Joshua WK , Leung Wai K
Published: August 2021

Background: Short-term antibiotics exposure is associated with alterations in microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the human gut. While antibiotics are critical in the successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori, the short-term and long-term impacts on the composition and quantity of antibiotics resistance genes after H. pylori eradication is unclear. This study used whole genome shotgun metagenomic of stool samples to characterize the gut microbiota and ARGs, before and after H. pylori eradication therapy. Results: Forty-four H. pylori-infected patients were recruited including 21 treatment naïve patients who received clarithromycin-based triple therapy (CLA group) and 23 patients who failed previous therapies, in which 10 received levofloxacin-based quadruple therapy [LEVO group] and 13 received other combinations [OTHER group] in the current study. Stool samples were collected at baseline (before current treatment), 6-week and 6-month after eradication therapy. At baseline, there was only a slight difference among the three groups on ARGs and gut microbiota. After eradication therapy, there was a transient but significant increase in gut ARGs 6-week post-therapy, among which the LEVO group had the most significant ARGs alteration compared to other two groups. For treatment naïve patients, those with higher ARG richness and ErmF abundance were prone to fail CLA eradication. For gut microbiota, the bacteria richness decreased at 6-week and there was a significant difference in microbiota community among the three groups at 6-week. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated the dynamic alterations in gut microbiota and ARGs induced by different eradication therapies, which could influence the choices of antibiotics in eradication therapy.
Prognostic Factors for Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy with Spacer Implantation in Patients with Medial Compartmental Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Fengkun , Ma Wenru , Chen Jinli , Cong Wenbin , Zhang Yingze , Yu Tengbo , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2021

Background: To identify the medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) prognostic factors with wedge-shaped spacer implantation (spacer-type MOWHTO) for varus medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.Methods: Patients who underwent spacer-type MOWHTO between August 2018 and September 2019 were prospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on Western Ontario and McMasters University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores of 40 points at 1 year postoperatively: the effective group (n=88, 84.6%), with post-WOMAC scores 40 or less, and the invalid group (n=16, 15.4%), with post-WOMAC scores more than 40. The variables assessed at baseline and 1 year postoperatively including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade, hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), posterior tibial slope angle (PTSA), Blackburn-Peel index (BPI), duration of symptoms and WOMAC score, were compared. Prognostic factors were analyzed using logistic regression, and the corresponding odds ratios were also calculated.Results: A total of 104 patients were enrolled in the study protocol at 1 year postoperatively. The WOMAC score decreased from 72.39±12.95 at baseline to 20.06±12.96 at 1 year postoperatively. The preoperative varus was corrected to a neutral position or to mild valgus. In addition, the PTSA was decreased. At the same time, the patellar height was not significantly changed postoperatively. Univariate analysis revealed that the significant predictors of the WOMAC score were age >70 years, BMI >30 kg/m², K-L grade IV, and pre-HKAA >10° (P<0.1 for all). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age>70 (OR=4.861) and K-L grade IV (OR=6.590) were significantly associated with the WOMAC score at 1 year postoperatively.Conclusion: Spacer-type MOWHTO is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis with varus deformity. The prognostic factors for spacer-type MOWHTO were age and K-L grade.Level of evidence: III
Neutrophil-Mediated Clinical Nanodrug for Treatment of Residual Tumor After Focused Ultrasound Ablation
Authors: Shen Jian , Hao Junnian , Chen Yini , Liu Hairong , Wu Jianrong , Hu Bing , Wang Yan , Zheng Yuanyi , Cai Xiaojun
Published: August 2021

Background: The risk of local recurrence of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is relatively high, resulting in poor prognosis of malignant tumors. Combination of HIFU with traditional chemotherapy still remains the unsatisfactory outcome because of off-site drug uptake.Results: Herein, we proposed the strategy of inflammation-tendency neutrophil-mediated clinical nanodrug targeting therapy for residual tumor of HIFU ablation. Neutrophils as a carrier, and PEGylated liposome doxorubicin (PLD) as a nanodrug model of chemotherapy, were selected to form an innovative cell therapy drug (PLD@NEs). The targeting performance and therapeutic potential of PLD@NEs were evaluated using hepa1-6 cells and corresponding tumor-bearing mouse model. After HIFU ablation, PLD@NEs were recruited to the tumor site by inflammation, and released PLD with inflammatory stimuli, leading to targeted and localized postoperative chemotherapy.Conclusion: This effective integration takes full use of the advantages of both HIFU, chemotherapy and neutrophil, attracting more focus on the practice of improving the existing clinical therapeutics.
Cytotoxic, Apoptotic, and Genetic Evaluations of Nigella Sativa Essential Oil Nanoemulsion Against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Rabou Ahmad Abd , Edris Amr
Published: August 2021

Background: Phytochemicals and plant extracts are showing promising anticancer potentials. In the current study the volatile faction (essential oil) of Nigella sativa seeds was evaluated against some hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The essential oil was extracted and characterized by chromatographic techniques to reveal its chemical composition, especially thymoquinone. Then, the oil was fabricated in two nanoemulsion formulations (F1 and F2), which differ in their composition of surfactants. The cytotoxicity and apoptotic activities of the essential oil and its nanoemulsions were evaluated in vitro against HepG2 and Huh-7 cell lines. Normal WI-38 cell line was also included in that evaluation to study the selectivity and safety of the different formulations on normal cells. Results: Gas chromatographic analysis indicated that the essential oil is composed mainly of p-cymene (40.0%), thymoquinone (31.2%) and trans-α-thujene (12.8%). Particle size of the nanoemulsions ranged between 9.4 nm to 119.7 nm depending on the type of surfactant used in the formulation process. The pure essential oil and its two nanoemulsions (F1 & F2) showed does-dependent antiproliferative activity against both HCC cells. This activity reached its highest cell inhibition in the case of nanoemulsion (F2) where the proliferation percentage was only 21.9% and 9.2% against HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, respectively. The same nanoemulsion (F2) also showed the lowest IC50 values (55.7 and 35.5 µg/ml) against both HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, respectively, compared to 100 µg/ml for the reference drug Doxorubicin. Flow cytometric analysis also confirmed that nanoemulsion (F2) has the highest apoptotic activity compared to nanoemulsion (F1) and the pure unformulated essential oil. Genetic expressions of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and the anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) gene markers evaluation revealed that nanoemulsion (F2) has better activity in up-regulating (Bax) and down-regulate (Bcl-2) with the highest Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (69) was found against Huh-7 cells. All N. sativa nanoemulsions showed minimal cytotoxicity on the normal WI-38 cell, indicating wide safety margins due to selective properties. Conclusion: Overall, the study revealed the potentials of N. sativa essential oil, after formulation in specially tailored nanoemulsion for application as potential adjuvant liver anticancer agent.
Management of LC Type I (LC-1) Pelvic Injuries with Complete Sacral Fracture : Is there a Role for Solitary Anterior Fixation?
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Ali Syed , Fei Chen , Zhang Binfei , Wei Xing , Wang Hu , Cong Yuxuan , Deng Hongli , Fu Yahui , Zhuang Yan , Zhang Kun
Published: August 2021

Background: Management of LC-1 type pelvic injuries, particularly in patients with complete sacral fracture (LC-1 PICSF, OTA type 61-B2.1) remains controversial. Specific indications for solitary fixation remain unclear, and there is a paucity of outcomes data in comparison to combined fixation. We undertook a retrospective study in patients with LC-1 PICSFs to compare outcomes between solitary anterior fixation and combined anterior-posterior fixation.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with enrollment from 2014 to 2015 at a single tertiary-referral center in China. Adults with operatively managed LC-1 PICSFs were enrolled. Patients with sacral displacement <1 cm as assessed by axial CT received solitary anterior ring fixation (Group A); patients with displacement ≥1 cm received combined fixation of both the anterior and posterior rings (Group B). Reduction was confirmed by manipulation under anesthesia. Patients followed up for at least 24 months post-operatively. Primary outcome was function (Majeed score). Secondary outcomes included intraoperative characteristics, pain (VAS score), quality of fracture reduction (Tornetta and Matta radiographic grading), rate of non-union, early weight-bearing status, and complication rate.Results: 68 (89%) of 76 enrolled patients completed follow-up. Patients in Group A exhibited improved operative times, less time under fluoroscopy, and less blood loss as compared to Group B. There were no significant differences between Groups A and B regarding quality of fracture reduction, rate of union, functional outcomes, or rate of complications. Notably, Group B patients were more likely to achieve full early weight-bearing.Conclusion: LC-1 PFCSFs can get benefits from ORIF; the treatment algorithm should be differently made following the degree of the sacral fractures displacement. Less than 1cm sacral fracture displacement may get good functional outcomes from solitary anterior fixation. However, for the sacral fractures displacement greater or equal to 1cm, both the anterior and posterior pelvic ring should be surgical stabilization.
Green Chitosan:Thiourea Dioxide Cleaning Gel for Manganese Stains on Granite and Glass Substrates
Authors: Campos Bruno , Marco Alexandra , Cadeco Guilhermina , Freire-Lista David M. , Silvestre-Albero Joaquin , Algarra Manuel , Vieira Eduarda , Pintado Manuela , Moreira Patrícia
Published: August 2021

The cleaning or removal of manganese stains on Cultural Heritage has not been much tested or successful so far. The aim of this article was to assess a new green cleaning gel for Mn-rich black-blue stains on different substrates. The black-blue stains were characterized at optical and chemical level through RGB data, colorimetry, optical microscope, FTIR, XRF and XPS. Mn-stained granite found on historical churches at Vila Real (North of Portugal) and glass jars of Leclanché cells, belonging to the ISEP’s Museum (Portugal) collection, were the ideal case studies to test the efficiency of Chitosan:Thiourea Dioxide (TD) cleaning gel. TD proved to be the best candidate to reduce insoluble manganese oxides, over Hydroxylamine Hydrochloride and Hydroxymethanesulfinic Acid. Cleaning assays performed on stained granite samples collected at a historical quarry and in situ application on stained granite churches showed the complete removal of the stains. Similar results were obtained on stained glass jars. This article presents an innovative, feasible and green Chitosan gel embedded with TD and phosphoric acid, applied to the cleaning of Mn-stained granite and glass substrates.
Primary and Secondary Effects of Statin on Cerebro-Cardiovascular Disease Using the Nationwide Health Screening Data
Authors: Lee Jong Weon , Park Dougho , Cho Han Eol , Kim Jong Hun , Kim Hyoung Seop
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cerebro-cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Limited evidence is available on the prevention effect of statin in a nationwide large population. We aim to verify the primary and secondary prevention effects of statin on CVD among not only the general adult population but also elderly over 60 years.Methods This study is a big data cohort study using propensity score-matched data from the Korean National Health Screening Cohort. Differences in the cumulative incidence of major adverse cerebro-cardiovascular events and hazard ratio between the statin-user and the non-statin-user groups were investigated.Results A propensity score-matched pairs of statin-user and non-statin-user identified 64,182 population of 40–75 years old without CVD and 24,688 with accompanying diseases. In this group, statin showed both primary (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70–0.83, p<0.001) and secondary (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79–0.95, p=0.004) prevention effect. In the elderly over 60 years, statin only showed primary prevention effect (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.96, p=0.008) in the 26,836 propensity score-matched pairs.Conclusions Statin use in the elderly showed the primary prevention effect on CVD. Taking statin is desirable for both general population of dyslipidemia patients and elders over 60 years with CVD risk factors.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Mycophenolic Acid Derivatives as Potential Anti-Toxoplasma Gondii Agents
Authors: Shang Fan-Fan , Wang Mei-Yuan , Ai Jiang-Ping , Shen Qing-Kun , Guo Hong-Yan , Jin Chun-Mei , Chen Fen-Er , Quan Zhe-Shan , Jin Lili , Zhang Changhao
Published: August 2021

Nineteen mycophenolic acid (MPA) derivatives were designed and synthesized, and their anti-Toxoplasma activity evaluated for the first time. Among them, N-propylimidazole-modified compound E5 demonstrated the strongest activity, and the IC50 against HFF-1 (Human Foreskin Fibroblasts-1) cells following infection with T. gondii is 80.9 μM (MPA-211.5 μM) and its selectivity value is 2.2 (MPA-1.2). In vivo experiments, E5 significantly inhibited the proliferation of tachyzoites in the abdominal cavity of mice acutely infected with T. gondii (inhibition rates 46.7%), and this inhibitory effect was greater than that of spiramycin (inhibition rates 31.3%) and MPA (inhibition rates 15.9%), this indicated that E5 had significant protective effects on the host during acute Toxoplasma infection. In addition E5 significantly reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of infected mice, significantly increased the level of glutathione (GSH) in the liver, and significantly reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating that it has a significant hepatoprotective effect against T. gondii infection. Similarly, E5 can relieve hepatomegaly and splenomegaly induced by acute Toxoplasma infection. Spiramycin aggravated appetite loss in infected mice, while E5 did not. In summary, the results indicated that E5 has potential as a candidate anti-T. gondii drug.
Evaluation of Transducer and Signature Selections on the Performance of Artificial Intelligence Machine Tool Wear Prognosis
Authors: Sun I-Chun , Cheng Renchi , Chen Kuo-Shen
Published: August 2021

The qualities of machined products are largely depended on the status of machines in various aspects. Thus, appropriate condition monitoring would be essential for both quality control and longevity assessment. Recently, with the advance in artificial intelligence and computational power, status monitoring and prognosis based on data driven approach becomes more practical. However, unlike machine vision and image processing, where data types are fixed and the performance index has already well defined, sensor selection and index for machine tools are versatile and not standardized at this moment. Without supporting of appropriate domain knowledge for selecting appropriate sensors and adequate performance index, pure data driven approach might suffer from unsatisfied prediction accuracy and needing of excessive training data, as well as the possibility of misjudgment. This would be a key obstacle for promoting data driven based prognosis in general intelligent manufacturing field. In this work, the status monitoring and prediction of a cutter wear problem is investigated to address the above concerns and to demonstrate the possible solutions by hiring a 5-axis machine center equipped with milling cutters of different wear levels. Transducers including accelerometers, microphones, current transformer, and acoustic emission sensors are mounted on the spindle, fixture, and nearby structures to monitor the milling process. The collected data are processed to extract various signatures and the key dominated indexes are identified. Finally, three multilayer perception (MLP) artificial neural network models are established. These models trained by different input features are compared to examine the influence of selected sensors and indexes on the prediction accuracy. The results show that with appropriate sensors and signatures, even with less amount of experimental data, the model can indeed achieve a better prediction. Therefore, a proper selection of indexes guided by physical knowledge based experiment or theoretical investigation would be critical.
The Impact of Cytochrome P450 3A5 Genotype on Early Tacrolimus Metabolism and Clinical Outcomes in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Du Wenwen , Wang Xiaoxing , Zhang Dan , Chen Wenqian , Zhang Xianglin , Li Pengmei
Published: August 2021

Background Tacrolimus (Tac) is the cornerstone of immunosuppressant therapy after lung transplantation (LTx). It shows great inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetics, which could partly be explained by pharmacogenetic factors. Objective We aim to investigate the effect of cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) (rs776746) genotypes on early post-operative Tac metabolism and clinical outcomes in LTx recipients. Methods 90 recipients who underwent LTx from 2017 to 2019 at our institution were enrolled in the study. The effect of CYP3A5 genotype on Tac concentration, dose, dose adjusted concentration (C/D) and interaction with azole antifungals were assessed during week 1–4 after transplantation. Associations between CYP3A5 genotype and the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), length of hospital stay and mortality were analyzed. Results CYP3A5*1 carriers had lower C/D than CYP3A5*3/*3 group at all time points (p < 0.05). To reach comparable blood concentrations, CYP3A5*1 carriers required higher doses compared with CYP3A5*3/*3 group (p < 0.05). Use of azole antifungals did not blunt the effect of CYP3A5 genotypes on Tac metabolism. Logistic regression showed Tac concentration at week 1, not CYP3A5 genotype, was associated with the incidence of AKI. No statistically significant difference was found between CYP3A5 genotypes and the length of hospital stay (48 (37–68) vs 46(32–57) days, p = 0.264). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no statistically significant difference between 30-day or 1-year mortality and CYP3A5 genotype. Conclusion CYP3A5 genotype could affect Tac metabolism early after LTx. However, it has no influence on the incidence of AKI, length of hospital stay and mortality.
Relativistically invariant Bohmian trajectories of photons
Authors: Foo Joshua , Asmodelle Estelle , Lund Austin , Ralph Timothy
Published: August 2021

Bohmian mechanics is a nonlocal hidden-variable interpretation of quantum theory which predicts that particles follow deterministic trajectories in spacetime. Historically, the study of Bohmian trajectories has been restricted to nonrelativistic regimes due to the widely held belief that the theory is incompatible with special relativity. Here we derive expressions for the relativistic velocity and spacetime trajectories of photons in a Michelson-Sagnac-type interferometer. The trajectories satisfy quantum-mechanical continuity, the relativistic velocity addition rule. Our new velocity equation can be operationally defined in terms of weak measurements of momentum and energy. We finally propose a modified Alcubierre metric which could give rise to these trajectories within the paradigm of general relativity.
COVID-19 Social Media Information and Misinformation: a Geospatial Analysis of Inter-regional Tweet Disparities in Ghana
Authors: Hinneh Richmond Takyi , Owusu Alex Barimah
Published: August 2021

BackgroundIn an era of the global pandemic and social media dominance, trying to control the narrative on COVID-19 has been a challenging task for most governments particularly with news about the disease on various social media platforms. There have even been instances where people have sent false information about the number of confirmed cases, precautionary measures, drugs that boost the immune system which can threaten the lives of some users who are accessing this false information and misconceptions.Method This study analyzed spatial differences in Twitter misinformation on COVID-19 across 16 regions of Ghana by scraping 1,167 tweets from Twitter using API access. A total of 514 tweets were analyzed. The data were categorized into three namely; accurate information, misinformation, and other information. ResultsThe study results show that 72% of the tweets were accurate, 14% were misinformation and 14% represented other information. Among the regions, Greater Accra had the highest number of accurate information (45 tweets), and the Upper West Region recording the highest number of misinformation (12 tweets).ConclusionSpatial monitoring and management of information dissemination are useful for target setting and achievement of direct results in terms of diffusing misinformation and propagating accurate information. We, therefore, recommend official usage of Twitter for COVID-19 information dissemination as this usage will help offset possible misinformation from unformed individuals.
Electrophysiological Evidence of the Amodal Representation of Symmetry in Extrastriate Areas
Authors: Rampone Giulia , Adam Martyna , Makin Alexis D.J. , Tyson-Carr John , Bertamini Marco
Published: August 2021

Extrastriate visual areas are strongly activated by image symmetry. Less is known about symmetry representation at object-, rather than image-, level. Here we investigated electrophysiological responses to symmetry, generated by amodal completion of partially-occluded polygon shapes. We used a similar paradigm in four experiments (N=112). A fully-visible abstract shape (either symmetric or asymmetric) was presented for 250ms (t0). A large rectangle covered it entirely for 250ms (t1) and then moved to one side to reveal half of the shape hidden behind (t2, 1000ms). Note that at t2 no symmetry could be inferred from retinal image information. In half of the trials the shape was the same as previously presented, in the other trials it was replaced by a novel shape. Participants matched shapes similarity (Exp. 1 and Exp. 2), or their colour (Exp. 3) or the orientation of a triangle superimposed to the shapes (Exp. 4). The fully-visible shapes (t0-t1) elicited automatic symmetry-specific ERP responses in all experiments. Importantly, there was an exposure-dependent symmetry-response to the occluded shapes that were recognised as previously seen (t2). Exp. 2 and Exp.4 confirmed this second ERP (t2) did not reflect a reinforcement of a residual carry-over response from t0. We conclude that the extrastriate symmetry-network can achieve amodal representation of symmetry from occluded objects that have been previously experienced as wholes.
Lookback Option Pricing Problem of Uncertain Mean-reverting Currrency Model
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Liying
Published: August 2021

A lookback option is a maturity option that pays off based on the maximum or minimum stock price over the life of the option. This paper investigates the problem of pricing a lookback currency option based on the uncertain mean-reverting currency model and designs the algorithms to calculate the formulations. Furthermore, disscussions about parameters and result are drawn in the paper.
Identification of Novel Prognostic Biomarkers to Predict Pembrolizumab Response in Gastric Cancer by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Liu Si-Yu , He Ling-yan , Lv Mei-ling , Sun Wei-liang
Published: August 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially pembrolizumab, have improved outcomes in patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (GC). However, there are no reliable markers for the evaluation of its efficacy. GC samples from the UCSC Xena Browser and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were performed by bioinformatics analysis. The single sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) algorithm was used to calculate the prognostic genes expression differences score (ssGSEA score) for each sample. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to identify the score-related key model. The hub gene was identified based on the intersection between tumor-related transcription factors (TFs) and the key module. The predictive ability for pembrolizumab response of the hub gene was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The correlations between the hub gene and immune infiltration in GC were investigated by the CIBERSORT algorithm. According to the ssGSEA score, patients with GC were divided into the high- and low-score group. RUNX1T1 was the hub gene of the ICIs treatment in GC. Its high expression was related to the low-score group, which indicated low sensitivity to pembrolizumab and poor prognosis. RUNX1T1 showed good predictive power for pembrolizumab response (AUC = 0.742). The CIBERSORT analysis showed that a high expression for RUNX1T1 weakened the anti-tumor immune response by affecting the immune cell infiltration.Runx1T1 may be a potential predictor of pembrolizumab efficacy in GC and be a prognostic marker for GC.
Exploring Biomarkers Related to Autophagy in Alzheimer's Disease Based on Pathway Crosstalk Analysis
Authors: Qian Fang , Kong Wei , Wang Shuaiqun
Published: August 2021

The pathological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves multiple pathways, and the crosstalk between autophagy and other pathways plays an increasingly prominent role in AD. However, current methods are primarily based on single-gene analysis or a single signal pathway to find therapeutic targets for AD, which are somewhat limited. The aim of our study is to identify autophagy-related biomarkers in AD based on the crosstalk between autophagy and other pathways. The pathway analysis method (PAGI) was applied to find the feature mRNAs involved in the crosstalk between autophagy and many other AD-related pathways. Then, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a co-expression module of feature mRNAs and differential lncRNAs. Finally, clinical information was used to screen the biomarkers related to the prognosis of AD in the co-expressed gene modules. The experiment finally identified 8 mRNAs and 2 lncRNAs (TLN1, ARRB1, FZD4, AKT1, JMJD7-PLA2G4B, STAT5A, SMAD7, ZNF274; AC113349.1, AC015878.2) as biomarkers of AD, and they all interact directly or indirectly with autophagy. In summary, we provide an effective method for extracting autophagy-related biomarkers based on pathway crosstalk in AD. This method enriches the therapeutic targets of AD and provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of autophagy in AD.
Expression of BDNF and TrKB in Patients With Endometriosis and Their Correlation With Dysmenorrhea
Authors: wang Sha , Duan Hua , Li Bohan , Hong Wei , Li Xiao , Wang Yiyi , Guo Zhengchen
Published: August 2021

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been recognized as a regulator in the formation and maintenance of chronic pain in various chronic disorders. BDNF together with its high-affinity tyrosine kinase type B (TrkB) receptor were found to be extensively expressed in mammalian female reproductive system. However, BDNF and TrkB expression in different stages of endometriosis, and the correlation between their expression in ectopic lesions and endometriosis pain remains unclear.Methods: This study enrolled sixty-two women underwent laparoscopic surgery. Forty-six women diagnosed as ovarian endometrioma, were recruited in the study group. Sixteen women diagnosed as ovarian benign tumors were recruited in the control group. Samples from eutopic endometrium and ovarian endometriotic lesions were obtained at laparoscopic surgery. The message RNA (mRNA) level of BDNF and TrKB was detected by real-time PCR, while the protein level was detected by immunohistochemical staining for eutopic and ectopic endometrium in both groups. Dysmenorrhea was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) before the surgery.Results: The expression of BDNF and TrKB were higher in ovarian endometriotic lesions than those in eutopic endometrium and normal endometrium (P<0.05), and there was no cyclical change. While their expression in eutopic endometrium were higher than those in the normal endometrium (P<0.05). The expression of BDNF and TrKB in ovarian endometriotic lesions stage IV were higher than those in stage III and II (P<0.05). Their expression in stage III were higher than those in stage II but there were no significance (P>0.05). Furthermore, the correlation between the mRNA expression of BDNF, TrKB in eutopic endometrium, and dysmenorrhea VAS score revealed that r=0.52 and 0.56, respectively (P<0.05). The correlation between BDNF and TrKB in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium were revealed that r=0.82 and 0.66, respectively (P<0.05).Conclusions: BDNF and TrKB may play essential roles in promoting disease progression during the development of endometriosis, and are closely related to dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis.
Dissipation Kinetics of Deltamethrin 10 EC in Capsicum (Capsicum Annum var. Frutescens) and Cropped Soil Under Field and Polyhouse Conditions
Authors: P.N. Guru , C.S. PATIL , B.V. DEORE , Samota Mahesh Kumar
Published: August 2021

The dissipation behavior of deltamethrin 10 EC (Decis®) in capsicum (Capsicum annuum var. frutescens) grown in polyhouse and open field was investigated. Two sprays of deltamethrin 10 EC @ 15 and 30g a.i./ha (150 ml/ha -recommended and 300 ml/ha- double the recommended dose), respectively were applied at 10 days intervals, initiating at button sized fruit stage. Fruit samples were collected at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25 days after second spray and the soil samples were collected at final harvest for residue analyses. Modified QuEChERS multi-residue analysis showed initial residues of 0.976 and 1.161 mg/kg recorded at 15 and 30 g a.i./ha doses, respectively in polyhouse. The residues persisted upto 7th and 10th day, reaching below quantification limit (BQL) by 10th and 15th day, respectively at both the doses. In open field, the initial deposits recorded were 0.607 and 1.924 mg/kg reaching BQL on 5th and 7th day, respectively @ 15 and 30 g.a.i./ha. The comparative results showed that half life (syn. Dissipation time 50- DT50) for deltamethrin in capsicum fruits varied from 2.05–2.45 days in polyhouse. The corresponding values in open field were 1.51–1.86 days suggesting that dissipation of deltamethrin residues took longer time in controlled conditions than open field. The soil samples analysed at harvest contained no residues. The insecticide degradation followed the first order kinetics. Since, the insecticide is not recommended under capsicum in India; the data may help to fix maximum residue limit (MRL) and pre harvest interval (PHI).
Evaluation of Vector-Borne Disease Intervention Strategies Using Compartmental Models: A Case Study of 2016 Zika Epidemic In Miami-Dade County, Florida
Authors: Luo Nana , Cassels Susan , Nara Atsushi , Shen Zhanfeng
Published: August 2021

Background: In August 2016, Miami-Dade County implemented Zika intervention strategies to combat a dramatic increase in incidence. Encouragingly, there was a significant decrease; howbeit, the effectiveness of these interventions remains unclear, and many countries in the world still suffer from various vector-borne diseases.Methods: To evaluate emerging vector-borne disease intervention strategies, we propose a Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Recovered Intervention Model (SEIR-IM) and apply the model to the 2016 Zika outbreak in Miami-Dade County, Florida as a case study. The proposed model allows for the impacts of the interventions on the transmission cycle of vector-borne diseases, and is parameterized by the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC).Results: Within the exiting literature, we find that vector-borne disease intervention strategies promote disease control in the context of human, vector, and human-vector contact. Overall, during the course of interventions, the transmission probability of humans decreases from 0.417 to 0.38 versus mosquitoes from 0.418 to 0.19. Through further analysis, the host-based controls are able to reduce the human infections to 27, while the vector-based controls are 50. On the basis of analysis of the human infections at high intervention coverage, in particular, continued scale-up of the interventions from baseline, we find that the interventions at higher coverage lead to an earlier but higher infection peak: 20 more infections and 100 days in advance.Conclusions: The three interventions result in a remarkable decline of the Zika infection in Miami-Dade County, and the host-based and contact- based controls are the most effective in reducing Zika incidence.
Prognostic Impact of Semantic MRI Features on Survival Outcomes in Medulloblastoma: Does It Reflect or Transcend Radiogenomic Correlation?
Authors: Dasgupta Archya , Gupta Tejpal , Maitre Madan , Kalra Babusha , Chatterjee Abhishek , Krishnatry Rahul , Goda Jayant Sastri , Shirsat Neelam , Epari Sridhar , Sahay Ayushi , Janu Amit , Pungavkar Sona , Chinnaswamy Girish , Patil Vijay , Moiyadi Aliasgar , Shetty Prakash , Jalali Rakesh
Published: August 2021

Background

Imaging features are known to reflect inherent disease biology in various cancers including brain tumors. We report prognostic impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features on survival in patients with medulloblastoma treated between 2007 and 2018 at our institute.
Methods

Sixteen semantic imaging features (with pre-defined categories) were extracted from pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI by consensus. Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to assess correlation of semantic features with relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results

The study cohort comprised of 171 medulloblastoma patients (median age 9 years) treated with maximal safe resection followed by risk-stratified adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy. A total of 55 patients experienced recurrent/progressive disease (commonly neuraxial metastases) resulting in 44 deaths including one treatment-related death. At a median follow-up of 45 months (inter-quartile range 19–65 months), 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of RFS and OS were 64% and 71%, respectively. Semantic MRI features such as non-central tumor location on vertical axis, absence of brainstem involvement, ≤ 80% solid tumor area with contrast-uptake, heterogenous pattern of contrast-enhancement, necrosis, calcification, and T2-weighted heterogeneity were associated with significantly worse RFS and/or OS on univariate analysis. Cox regression analysis identified tumor location on the vertical axis, brainstem involvement, and calcification as independent prognostic factors impacting outcomes. Distinctive MRI features correlated with survival even within individual molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma.
Conclusion

Distinctive semantic MRI features correlate significantly with survival outcomes in medulloblastoma including within individual molecular subgroups reflecting their prognostic impact that transcends radiogenomic correlation.
Experimental Study of Loaded Foams During Free Fall Investigation and Evaluation of Microstructure
Authors: BOUMDOUHA Noureddine , SAFIDINE Zitouni , BOUDIAF Achraf
Published: August 2021

We aim to maintain as much control as possible over the development of the microstructure during the manufacture of polyurethane foam with a certain density. As a result, the finished product may not contain the required characteristics for the shock absorber used. That is why polyurethane foam loaded with zinc oxide and silica must be able to sustain the cellular structure and strengthen it. Mechanical characterization was carried out utilizing a dynamic drop impact test conducted on locally developed and constructed equipment. Polyurethane foams' mechanical properties are highly reliant on their density, cell structure (size and shape), and the fraction of open or closed cells. Within the cell structure, the foam may be directed preferentially. Following that, Raman spectroscopy and SEM investigation were used to visualize the semi-opened cells of the cellular polymer. The cellular polymer appears to possess permanent, regular cellular structures with a high degree of reversibility in terms of overlap.