bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Topological Perspective on Weather Regimes
Authors: Strommen Kristian , Chantry Matthew , Dorrington Joshua , Otter Nina
Published: September 2021

It has long been suggested that the mid-latitude atmospheric circulation possesses what has come to be known as `weather regimes', loosely categorised as regions of phase space with above-average density and/or extended persistence. Their existence and behaviour has been extensively studied in meteorology and climate science, due to their potential for drastically simplifying the complex and chaotic mid-latitude dynamics. Several well-known, simple non-linear dynamical systems have been used as toy-models of the atmosphere in order to understand and exemplify such regime behaviour. Nevertheless, no agreed-upon and clear-cut definition of a `regime' exists in the literature. We argue here for an approach which equates the existence of regimes in a dynamical system with the existence of non-trivial topological structure of the system's attractor. We show using persistent homology, an algorithmic tool in topological data analysis, that this approach is computationally tractable, practically informative, and identifies the relevant regime structure across a range of examples.
Effects of Spatial Expansion Between Phragmites Australis And Cyperus Malaccensis On Temporal Variations And Bioaccumulation of Vanadium In Coastal Marshes of The Min River Estuary, Southeast China
Authors: Yao Shaohui , Sun Zhigao , Li Yajin , Li Xiao
Published: September 2021

Vanadium (V) plays important roles in physio-ecological processes of marsh plants. To investigate the effects of spatial expansion between native invasive species (Phragmites australis, PA) and common native species (Cyperus malaccensis, CM) on temporal variations and bioaccumulation of V in coastal marshes of the Min River estuary, in situ filed sampling was conducted in PA marsh (PAM, before expansion), CM marsh (CMM, before expansion) and ecotonal marsh (EM, during expansion, marsh plants were denoted by PA' and CM') at different seasons by space-for-time substitution method. Results showed that, over all sampling seasons, the mean V contents in marsh soils ranged from 99.71 to 108.41 mg·kg-1 which exceeded its background value in soils of Fujian province (78.3 mg·kg-1). The V levels in soils differed among seasons or marshes. Higher V contents in soils of PAM, EM and CMM generally occurred in spring and winter. Over all sampling seasons, the V levels in profiles of EM were much higher than those of PAM and CMM. The temporal variation of V levels in soils of EM might rest with the alterations of soil pH, SOM and plant ecological traits during the spatial expansion. Although the V contents in PA, PA', CM' and CM differed among tissues, both the roots/stems (R/S) and roots/leaves (R/L) ratios were larger than 1 while the stems/leaves (S/L) ratios were less than 1, implying that the values in roots were much higher than those in other tissues. The V levels in tissues differed among species or seasons, which could be interpreted by the differences in ecological traits among plants and the competitive absorption for V by plants during the spatial expansion. Allocations of V in organs differed among seasons or species and roots were the main V stock of plant subsystems. This paper found that the V in soils of the Min River estuary existed enrichment process and the spatial expansion between PA and CM promoted its enrichment in soils and its bioaccumulation by plants.
A Spatiotemporally Explicit Paleoenvironmental Framework for the Middle Stone Age of Eastern Africa
Authors: Timbrell Lucy , Grove Matt , Manica Andrea , Rucina Stephen , Blinkhorn James
Published: September 2021

Eastern Africa has played a prominent role in debates about human evolution and dispersal due to the presence of rich archaeological, palaeoanthropological and palaeoenvironmental records. However, substantial disconnects occur between the spatial and temporal resolutions of these data that complicate their integration. Here, we apply high-resolution climatic simulations of two key parameters, mean annual temperature and precipitation, and a biome model, to produce a highly refined characterisation of the environments inhabited during the eastern African Middle Stone Age. Occupations are typically found in sub-humid climates and landscapes dominated by or including tropical xerophytic shrubland. Marked expansions from these core landscapes include movement into hotter, low-altitude landscapes in Marine Isotope Stage 5 and cooler, high-altitude landscapes in Marine Isotope Stage 3, with the recurrent inhabitation of ecotones between open and forested habitats. Through our use of high-resolution climate models, we demonstrate a significant independent relationship between past precipitation and patterns of Middle Stone Age stone tool use overlooked by previous studies. Engagement with these models not only enables spatiotemporally explicit examination of climatic variability across Middle Stone Age assemblages in eastern Africa but enables clearer characterisation of the habitats early human populations were adapted to, and how they changed through time.
Developing Status and Hotspot Analysis of Health Policy With Bibliometrics Methods: 2011-2020
Authors: Lu Xinyue , Ali Sajid , Yang Shuang , Feng Yueqiao , Sun Meiling , Kong Junhui , Li Ruifeng , Xu Kun , Huang Youliang
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This study mainly discusses the developing status in the field of health policy in recent two decades to provide an effective reference for researchers.Methods: Health policy publications published in Web of Science between 2011 to 2020 were searched, screened, organized, and analyzed the yearly-outputs, research author, institution, regional distribution, keywords, subject categories, and so on.Results: The total number of publications in health policy has shown a trend of upward in the past twenty years. Health policy was identified as the most productive journal. The research of United States takes the lead in this field. Health care, public health, epidemiology, children, and quality of life will likely to take a dominant position in future research.Conclusion: The field of health policy has developed a stable research community with good partnerships, and the high-impact authors lead the development of the discipline. The hotspots of health policy research are constantly updated with the trend of social development and have strong timeliness. With constantly study, health policy has become a relatively mature research topic, but it doesn't mean the termination of the study. It remains to be properly explored and improved to protect people’s health and promote the quality of life in the future.
Voluntary Exercise Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain by Suppressing Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Ionized Calcium-Binding Adapter Molecule 1 Overexpression in the Lumbar Dorsal Horns in Response to Injury to the Cervical Spinal Cord
Authors: Cheng Xing , Yu Zhengran , Hu Wenjie , Chen Jiacheng , Chen Wei , Wang Le , Li Xiang , Zhang Wenwu , Chen Jiewen , Zou Xuenong , Chen Wenli , Wan Yong
Published: September 2021

Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is a frequent finding in patients diagnosed with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). We aimed to investigate the effects of voluntary exercise on NP after SCI and to elucidate its potential mechanisms. MethodsA rat model of post-SCI NP induced by compression of the posterior or lateral cervical spinal cord was used to evaluate the effects of voluntary exercise by measuring the bilateral withdrawal of the hind paws using the Von Frey filament and Hargreaves tests. The place escape/avoid paradigm was used to evaluate supraspinal pain processing and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were used to examine disturbances in proprioception. Locomotor function was evaluated using Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring. Pathologic findings in hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue and magnetic resonance imaging were used to evaluate the morphological changes after SCI. The lesion size within the cervical spinal cord was evaluated by staining with Eriochrome cyanine R. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) in the lumbar dorsal horns. ResultsAll injured rats developed mechanical hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, and thermal hyperalgesia in the contralateral hind paws at one week post-injury. Rats that underwent lateral compression injury developed NP in the ipsilateral hind paws one week later than rats with a posterior compression injury. Our findings revealed that voluntary exercise ameliorated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, and significantly improved proprioception as measured by SEP, but had no impact on mechanical hypoalgesia or motor recovery and provided no significant neuroprotection after recovery from an acute SCI. SCI-induced NP was accompanied by increased expression of CGRP and Iba-1 in the lumbar dorsal horn. These responses were reduced in rats that underwent voluntary exercise. ConclusionsVoluntary exercise ameliorates NP that develops in rats after compression injury. Increased expression of CGRP and Iba-1 in the lumbar dorsal horns of rats exhibiting symptoms of NP suggests that microglial activation might play a crucial role in its development. Collectively, voluntary exercise may be a promising therapeutic modality to treat NP that develops clinically in response to SCI.
The Correlation between Aire and ICOSL Expression in Peripheral Blood CD14+ Cells and Tfh Cells and Disease Activity in RA Patients
Authors: Huo Feifei , Zou Xueyang , Zhang Yi , Zhang Rongchao , Wang Xiaoya , Lu Yaoping , Yang Wei
Published: September 2021

Background: Recent trans-ethnic genome-wide association study (GWAS) showed that autoimmune regulator (Aire) played a pivotal role in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Our preliminary research showed that Aire can affect T follicular helper (Tfh) cells differentiation by regulating the expression of inducible costimulator molecule ligand (ICOSL) on DCs. The abnormal levels of Tfh cells are related to the pathogenesis of RA, which can promote autoantibody production by helping autoreactive B cells activation.Therefore, the abnormal expression of the Aire in RA patients may lead to increased expression of ICOSL, promoting the differentiation of Tfh cells and the secretion of autoantibodies, consequently resulting in RA. However, to date, changes in the Aire, Tfh cell, and ICOSL levels in the peripheral blood of RA patients have not been reported. This study assessed the expression level of Aire and ICOSL and the number of Tfh cells in the peripheral blood of patients with RA and then explored the relationship between these three factors and RA severity. We are attempting to further explore the pathogenesis of RA to develop targeted treatments.Methods: Fifteen RA patients were enrolled, basic clinical information of the patients was collected, blood samples were collected to examine the Aire expression, ICOSL expression and CD4+CXCR5+PD1+ (Tfh cell) numbers in circulation before treatment. The relationship between these three factors and RA severity was explored.Results: This study showed that compared with the control group, the levels of circulating Aire in RA group significantly reduced, while the ICOSL expression levels and Tfh cell numbers in the peripheral blood of RA group were increased. Additionally, the Aire expression levels were negatively correlated with the ICOSL expression levels and Tfh cell numbers, and the ICOSL expression levels were positively correlated with Tfh cell numbers. Moreover, the Aire and ICOSL expression levels and Tfh cell numbers were correlated with anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) levels and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28). Conclusions: These results suggested the abnormal Aire gene expression in RA patients may affect Tfh differentiation by regulating the expression of ICOSL, leading to the autoantibodies production and promote the onset of RA.
Patches of Dual Functions for Wideband MIMO Array Antenna with Linear or Circular Polarization Characteristics
Authors: Zaker Reza , Khalily Mohsen , Tafazolli Rahim , Kishk Ahmed A.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a design of a monopole-based four-element MIMO array antenna is proposed. The design is based on a novel technique that makes a patch be a ground plane of the next patch. Thus, each patch has a dual function. This method is named the sharing technique. Thus, for the first time, two of such antennas can be merged, providing a subminiature structure. The method is introduced step by step. Then, a 2×2 MIMO array with a total area of 49×49 mm 2 is designed, which provides a miniaturized of 57% (from 0.18λ 2 0 to 0.076λ 2 0 @ 1.7GHz). Two linearly-polarized array samples are evaluated. One sample with center-fed patches and another with off-center-fed. Both samples provide a semi-end-fire pattern with a minimum front-to-back (F/B) ratio of 11dB and 360° rotation capability with wide 10-dB S 11 bandwidths over 100%. Moreover, an ultra-wideband circularly polarized array with broadside radiation can be achieved by simultaneous, sequential exciting all ports. The antenna achieves isolation better than 15dB, peak efficiency of 95%, and 5.9dBi gain verified with different measurements.
Non-Prostate Cancer Tumours: Incidence on 18f-Dcfpyl Psma Pet/Ct and Psma Expression Characteristics in 1445 Patients.
Authors: Perry Elisa , Talwar Arpit , Sharma Sanjana , O'Connor Daisy , Wong Lih-Ming , Taubman Kim , Sutherland Tom R
Published: September 2021

PurposeProstate cancer (PCa) imaging has been revolutionized by Positron emission tomography (PET) tracers targeted to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). Identification and characterization of non-PCa tumors has become an increasing clinical dilemma with growing use. The primary aim of this retrospective multicenter analysis was to determine atypical PSMA expression in PCa and expression in non-PCa tumors to aid providing clinically relevant reports and guiding multidisciplinary discussion.MethodsRetrospective multicenter study examining 1445 consecutive 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT between 2016-2020. Referrals were from public and private, secondary and tertiary referral centres serving New Zealand and Melbourne. Repeat studies were excluded. Lesions atypical for PCa were categorized into four groups: 1. Atypical PCa metastases 2. Non-PCa tumors 3. Benign and 4. Indeterminate.Results67 patients had lesions atypical for PCa metastases; 11.9% atypical prostate cancer metastases, 25.4% non-PCa tumors, 40.3% indeterminate, 10.4% benign. With the exception of Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), the non-PCa tumors, indeterminate and benign lesions demonstrated low PSMA expression. Most atypical PCa metastases demonstrated significant expression. Limitations included retrospective design and lack of histopathological correlation/follow up in some.Conclusions: Non-PCa tumor detection is low. Lesions demonstrating significant PSMA expression were almost exclusively PCa metastases. Differentiation of atypical PCa metastases from second primary malignancies is vital to avoid unnecessary investigation, delayed therapy and additional costs.
Model Smoke Stream Adsorption over Cellulose Acetate Stick with Three-dimensional Temperature Gradient by Combining in-situ DRIFTS with Infrared Thermal Imaging
Authors: Xu Xin , Du Xi , Zheng Feng , Guo Lisheng , Shi Panwei , Li Mengmeng , Fang Zhengyu , Liu Jiuyi , Cai Mengdie , Sun Song
Published: September 2021

Understanding the adsorption of the smoke stream (SR) on cellulose acetate stick as cigarette filter with different temperatures is beneficial for controlling chemical emissions and reducing the toxic effect of smoking on human health. However the investigation of corresponding adsorption properties was missing because the adsorption of smoke stream (SR) on cigarette cellulose acetate stick is sensitive with the three-dimensional temperature gradient. In this work, the adsorption of typical smoke stream substances, such as CO, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, and acetone, on cellulose acetate stick were studied by in-situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with different temperatures assisted by the infrared thermal imaging method. The adsorption capacities of cellulose acetate stick to these typical smoke stream substances is dependent on the adsorption time and temperature. The adsorption properties all fitted well with the Freundlich model. By a spectroscopic and mathematical explanation, quantifying contours of adsorption was performed. The 3D model of the normalized CO adsorption of cellulose acetate stick versus the spatial coordinates and time was established. This study gives unparalleled insight into smoking release characteristics of tobacco filtered by cellulose acetate and regulating cellulose acetate stick for reducing the negative effect of smoke on human health.
Monitoring Cortico-cortical Evoked Potentials using Only Two 6-strand Strip Electrodes for Gliomas Extending to the Dominant Side of Frontal Operculum During One-step Tumor Removal Surgery
Authors: Saito Taiichi , Muragaki Yoshihiro , Tamura Manabu , Maruyama Takashi , Nitta Masayuki , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Fukui Atsushi , Koriyama Shunichi , Kawamata Takakazu
Published: September 2021

Resection of the dominant side of gliomas extending to the frontal operculum has a high-risk of permanent language dysfunction. Here, we report recording cortico-cortical evoked potentials (CCEP) using only two 6-strand strip electrodes to monitor language-related fibers intraoperatively. We examined whether this simple procedure is useful for removing gliomas extending to the dominant side of frontal operculum. This study included five cases of glioma extending to the left frontal operculum. The frontal language area (FLA) was first identified by functional mapping during awake craniotomy. Next, a 6-strand strip electrode was placed just above the FLA, while on the temporal lobe side, an electrode was placed so as to slide parallel to the Sylvian fissure toward the posterior language area. Electrical stimulation was performed using the electrode on the frontal side, and CCEPs were measured from the electrode on the temporal side. CCEPs were detected in all cases. Immediately after surgery, all patients demonstrated language dysfunction to varying degrees. CCEP decreased up to 10% in one patient, who recovered language function after 24 months. CCEP decreased slightly up to 80% in one, and in the three other cases, CCEPs did not change. These four patients soon recovered language function within 2 weeks to 1 month. This study confirmed the utility of CCEP monitoring using only two 6-strand strip electrodes during one-step surgery. We believe this simple method helped in monitoring intraoperative language function and aided predicting its postoperative recovery, in patients with gliomas extending to the dominant side of frontal operculum.
Biodegradable Blends of Thermoplastic Waxy Starch and Poly(ε-caprolactone) Obtained by High Shear Extrusion: Rheological, Mechanical, Morphological and Thermal Properties
Authors: Manoel Anderson F. , Claro Pedro , Mattoso Luiz H. C. , Marconcini Jose M. , Mantovani Gerson L.
Published: September 2021

The aim of this work was to develop polymer blends of plasticized thermoplastic waxy starch (TPS) and poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) using the largest amount of TPS possible to obtain a biodegradable material motivated by sustainability issues and to replace petrochemical-based polymers with alternatives based on biopolymers. Addition of TPS to other polymers has been used to obtain cheaper and increasingly biodegradable final products. However, TPS presents limited mechanical properties, and mixing with other polymers such as PCL is necessary to overcome these limitations and improve its processability. TPS was processed by extrusion and thermo-compression using 30 wt% glycerol. The blends were suitably processed by extrusion and further injected. The TPS/PCL blends were studied by varying the amount of PCL in a range of 10 wt% in increasing order of addition. Thermal analysis showed that introducing PCL in TPS increased Tonset because of the higher thermal stability of the former, and that the obtained blends presented a behavior intermediate to that of neat polymers.
Deep Learning Analysis to Automatically Detect the Presence of Penetration or Aspiration in Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study
Authors: Kim Jeoung Kun , Choo Yoo Jin , Choi Gyu Sang , Shin Hyunkwang , Chang Min Cheol , Park Donghwi
Published: September 2021

Background: Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is currently considered the gold standard to precisely diagnose and quantitatively investigate dysphagia. However, VFSS interpretation is complex and requires consideration of several factors. Purpose: Therefore, considering the expected impact on dysphagia management, this study aimed to apply deep learning to detect the presence of penetration or aspiration in VFSS of patients with dysphagia automatically.Materials and Methods: The VFSS data of 190 participants with dysphagia were collected. A total of 10 frame images from one swallowing process were selected (five high-peak images and five low-peak images) for the application of deep learning in a VFSS video of a patient with dysphagia. We applied a convolutional neural network (CNN) for deep learning using the Python programming language. For the classification of VFSS findings (normal swallowing, penetration, and aspiration), the classification was determined in both high-peak and low-peak images. Thereafter, the two classifications determined through high-peak and low-peak images were integrated into a final classification.Results: The area under the curve (AUC) for the validation dataset of the VFSS image for the CNN model was 0.946 for normal findings, 0.885 for penetration, and 1.000 for aspiration. The average AUC was 0.962.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that deep learning algorithms, particularly the CNN, could be applied for detecting the presence of penetration and aspiration in VFSS of patients with dysphagia.
In Vivo Evaluation of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Systems (NLCs) in Mice Bearing Prostate Cancer Tumours
Authors: Akanda Mushfiq , Getti Giulia , Douroumis Dennis
Published: September 2021

Nanostructure lipid carriers (NLCs) were developed for the delivery of curmumin (CRN), a potent anticancer agent with low bioavailability, for the treatment of prostate cancer. NLCs prepared using High Pressure Homogenization (HPH) with around 150 nm particle size, -40V ζ-potential and excellent long-term stability. Cellular uptake of CRN-SLN, showed nanoparticle localization in the cytoplasm around the nucleus. CRN-NLCs were assessed using flow cytometry and found to cause early and late apoptotic events at 100 μg/ml CRN concentrations. CRN-NLC nanoparticles were administrated to nude mice with LNCaP prostate cancer xenografts and demonstrated substantial tumour volume suppression (40%) with no weight loss compared to pure CRN (ethanolic solution). Overall, NLCs were proved a suitable carrier for passive drug delivery and cancer treatment.
Spatial and Texture Analysis of Root System Architecture with Earth Mover's Distance (STARSEED)
Authors: Peeples Joshua , Xu Weihuang , Gloaguen Romain , Rowland Diane , Zare Alina , Brym Zachary
Published: September 2021

Root system architectures are complex, multidimensional, and challenging to characterize effectively for agronomic and ecological discovery. We propose a new method, Spatial and Texture Analysis of Root System architEcture with Earth mover's Distance (STARSEED), for comparing root architectures that incorporate spatial information through a novel application of the Earth Mover's Distance (EMD).We illustrate that the approach captures the response of sesame root systems for different genotypes and soil moisture levels. STARSEED provides quantitative and visual insights into changes that occur in root architectures across experimental treatments.STARSEED can be easily generalized to other plants and provides insight into root system architecture development and response to varying growth conditions not captured by existing root architecture metrics and models. The code and data for our experiments are publicly available: https://github.com/GatorSense/STARSEED.
A Case Study of the Registration of Essential Medicines in the East African Community
Authors: Green Alexander Karl , Brhlikova Petra , Ocan Moses , Pollock Allyson
Published: September 2021

Objective: To quantify the essential medicine status of registered medicines in the East African Community (EAC) for antimicrobial medicines and medicines for non-communicable diseases.Methods: The National Drug Registers (NDRs) of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda (February 2018) were compared with their respective national Essential Medicine Lists (EMLs) to determine the registration status of essential medicines as an indicator of their availability. The number of registered products was analysed for essential medicines and selected non-essential medicines. Findings: Many essential medicines in the EAC are not registered: Kenya 28% (175/632), Tanzania 50% (400/797), Uganda 40% (266/663). Approximately, only one-third of products on the NDRs are essential medicines: Kenya (29%), Tanzania (36%), and Uganda (42%). 23% to 42% of registered essential medicines only have 1 or 2 products. 42 medicines accounted for over 4100 medical products, half of which were non-essential products. Conclusions: This novel analysis provides insight into how registration of medicines is likely to a be a major barrier to accessing essential medicines. The under registration of essential medicines and the over registration of non-essential medicines demonstrates a mismatch between the market of medicines being produced and registered and the health needs of the East African Community. Joint regional medicine authorisation programs such as the EAC Medicines Registration Harmonization Project have potential to improve access to key medicines if essential medicines are prioritised.
When to Cryopreserve Ovarian Tissue: Effects of Chemotherapy on the Ovarian Reserve by Studying Follicular Density, Tissue Damage and Follicular Apoptosis
Authors: Labrune Elsa , Bianchetti Serge , Lepinasse Odile , Soignon Gaelle , Salle Bruno , Lornage Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

BackgroundPatients scheduled to receive chemotherapy should be counseled on fertility preservation. Known gonadotoxic chemotherapies such as alkylating agents have a high risk of altering ovarian reserve. In some cases, the urgency of treatment requires the use of chemotherapy before fertility preservation, which will be carried out at a later stage. Most often the ovarian tissue is cryopreserved. The aim of our study is to investigate the impact of chemotherapies on follicular density, tissue damage and apoptosis of reserve follicles.ResultsWe included 140 patients: 63 patients, mean age 18.8 years, were included in the group no chemotherapy (group A) and 77 patients, mean age 17.1 years, in the group presence of chemotherapy before ovarian conservation (group B). None of the patients had had pelvic radiotherapy prior to ovarian cryopreservation. The histological parameters studied were: follicular density, the presence of cortical fibrosis and the presence of vessel abnormalities. We selected 12 patients from group A and 15 patients from group B, comparable in age and pathology, for whom we evaluated follicle apoptosis by immunostaining cleaved caspase 3. We demonstrated an inverse relationship between follicular density and age (p<0.0001), as well as a lack of effect of chemotherapy on follicular density (p=0.87). There was no difference in other histological parameters. On the other hand, we showed an impact of chemotherapies, especially alkylating agents, on the apoptosis of ovarian follicles (p<0.0001).ConclusionOur study is the largest cohort reported to date. This work underlines that conservation of ovarian tissue after chemotherapy remains possible.
Plasma exosomal miRNA-205 can be used for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of ovarian cancer
Authors: zhu zehua , Zhu Zehua , Chen Zhaojun , Wang Mingxin , Zhang Min , Chen Yiwen , Yang Xiao , Zhou Changjun , Liu Yuhua , Hong Liquan , Zhang Lahong
Published: September 2021

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a serious threat to women's health around the world and new biomarkers are urgently needed for early detection. Our previous published research have confirmed that miR-205 can promote the invasion and metastasis of OC cells by inhibiting the expression of the tumor suppressor gene TCF21. This study is based on the previous work, using exosomal liquid biopsy technology to detect the expression levels of the four genes miR-205, CA125, HE4 and TCF21 in the plasma exosomes of OC patients; at the same time, combined with the clinicopathological parameters of OC patients data analysis aims to provide efficient and non-invasive laboratory testing basis for the early diagnosis of OC.
Methods

Collected 36 OC patients diagnosed in local hospitals from September 2020 to July 2021 as OC group, selected 31 cases of surgically diagnosed ovarian benign lesions for benign group and 32 healthy people who underwent physical examination during the same period as a control group, and used transmission electron microscope (TEM), western blotting (WB) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) to identify after extracting plasma exosomes from kits. The expression levels of miR-205, CA125, HE4 and TCF21 genes in plasma exosomes were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) method. At the same time, combined with the relationship between clinical pathological parameters in OC patients, the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of plasma exosomal miR-205, CA125, HE4 and TCF21 for OC.
Results

Plasma exosomes were successfully isolated; the expression level of plasma exosomal miR-205 in the OC group was higher than that of the benign group and the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); plasma exosomal miR-205 was elevated during the III-IV period of OC and lymph node metastasis; combined detection of plasma exosomal miR-205 can improve the diagnostic ability of OC.
Conclusion

The plasma exosomal miR-205 can be used as a potential tumor biomarker to improve the diagnostic effectiveness of OC.
Material Flow Analysis and Resource Recovery Potential Analysis of Selected Fruit, Vegetable and Nut Waste in Kenya
Authors: De Meester Steven , Dulo Benson , Githaiga John , Raes Katleen
Published: September 2021

In Kenya, agriculture is an important economic activity, which implies that a significant amount of bio-waste is generated. This is on one hand a waste management problem, but on the other hand, it is an opportunity for creating a sustainable bioeconomy. Therefore, this study investigates the potential recovery of bioresources from Kenyan bio-waste. The study first quantifies occurrence, current usage and disposal of three selected biomass types, being banana, potato and coconut waste. Next, material flow analysis (MFA) is used to systematically track the mass flow of these wastes. Finally, the potential of biomolecules, biomaterials and bioenergy from the waste streams is evaluated. The study revealed that 6007, 426 and 49.5 kt of banana, potato and coconut biomass is wasted. All these wastes can be biorefined, offering potential towards recovery of; flavonoids (88.3 kt), starch (377 kt), cellulose (2000.7 kt) and biogas (1757.0 GWh), being the total potential of the main bioresources from the three waste streams. The study therefore, concluded that, with proper waste collection, sorting and valorisation, there is a huge potential for bioeconomy in Kenya, at the same time reducing waste management problems.
Weather Patterns Driving Atmospheric Rivers, Santa Ana Winds, Floods, and Wildfires During California Winters Provide Evidence for Increasing Fire Risk
Authors: Guirguis Kristen , Gershunov Alexander , Hatchett Benjamin , Shulgina Tamara , DeFlorio Michael J. , Subramanian Aneesh C. , Guzman-Morales Janin , Aguilera Rosana , Clemesha Rachel , Corringham Thomas W. , Monache Luca Delle , Reynolds David , Tardy Alex , Small Ivory , Ralph Fred Martin
Published: September 2021

Floods caused by atmospheric rivers and wildfires fanned by Santa Ana winds are common occurrences in California with devastating societal impacts. Planning for these types of events is critical to protect life and property, and extending the lead-times of predictability for these types of events improves emergency response. A better understanding of linkages between large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns and extreme weather represents an important step towards improving predictability and preparedness on subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) timescales and for climate change adaptation. In this work, we show that winter weather variability in California, including the occurrence of extreme and impactful events, is linked to four atmospheric circulation regimes over the North Pacific Ocean previously named and identified as the “NP4 modes”. These modes interact on daily timescales to produce recurring winter weather patterns that are major drivers of atmospheric river landfalls, Santa Ana winds, floods, and wildfires. Many recent California natural hazard events resulted from compounding and cascading extremes including frequent atmospheric river landfalls (wet, fuel-producing years) or lack thereof (drought) and followed by Sana Ana-driven wildfires that render the landscape susceptible to hydrologic hazards posed by short-duration high-intensity precipitation events. This historical perspective of atmospheric circulation and impacts over 70 years reveals that weather patterns are changing in a way that enhances wildfire risk in California, while the frequency of weather patterns linked to historical floods is not diminishing. These changes highlight the rising hazards of compounding weather extremes in California’s present and future.
Does the Masticatory Function Interfere With the Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Individuals After Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer?
Authors: Froes Renata Camilla Favarin , Carvalho² Mariana Inri , Rodrigues³ Raquel Rosa , Silva Paulo Sérgio dos Santos , Berretin-Felix Giédre
Published: September 2021

Head and neck cancer damages the oral health and chewing performance, impairing the nutritional status and quality of life even after treatment completion. Objective: This study investigated the effect of treatment on the chewing function, the influence on oral health in chewing function and the relationships between chewing, nutritional status and quality of life in individuals after treatment of head and neck cancer. Methods: The study was conducted on twenty individuals who were evaluated by surface electromyography; nutritional status; evaluation of oral health and quality of life. Results: The results of electromyography showed an asymmetric pattern, with predominance of activity on the working side. The correlations evidenced that the greater the use of upper dentures and caries activity, the greater the asymmetry of muscle activity, while the greater need of lower denture led to more chewing cycles. The lower the body fat percentage, the greater the symmetry of muscle activity; and the lower the recruitment of temporalis muscles, the greater the physical limitation. Conclusions: It was concluded that, in individuals after treatment of head and neck cancer, there was relationship between the correlated variables.
The Immunoregulatory Effect of Mechanical Stress on Three-dimensional Cultured Mesenchymal Stem Cells After Extensive Expansion
Authors: Du Fang-Ying , Zhao Na , Bao Lei , Lei Jing , Liu An-Qi , Gao Ying-Feng , Bao Li-Hui , Ni Hua , Zhou Feng , Yu Xiao-Rui , Hu Cheng-Hu
Published: September 2021

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used to treat immunopathy, and three-dimensional (3D) cultured MSCs show enhanced immunomodulatory property compared with those in two-dimensional (2D) culture. However, both the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of mechanical stress in maintaining the immunomodulatory function of 2D and 3D cultured MSCs.Methods: Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) were plated on tissue culture plastic (TCP) as 2D culture and 3D cultured UC-MSCs were seeded in matrigel. Surface markers, clonogenicity, proliferation and immunoregulatory property of UC-MSCs were evaluated. Meanwhile, we established the mouse models of colitis and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) to reveal the pharmacotherapeutic effects of 3D cultured MSCs in vivo. The effect of changing mechanical stress by modulating Yes-associated protein (YAP) on immunomodulatory function of 2D and 3D cultured UC-MSCs was evaluated by immunofluorescent analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot.Results: We verified early passage UC-MSCs in 2D and 3D cultures exhibited stemness, immunomodulatory property and therapeutic efficacy against immunopathy. However, these characteristics of 2D cultured UC-MSCs were impaired after extensive expansion, whereas 3D culture extended them for several passages by activating YAP. Moreover, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) could up-regulate YAP to improve the immunomodulatory ability of 2D cultured UC-MSCs after extensive expansion. Conclusions: This work found for the first time that the significance of mechanical stress in maintaining immunoregulatory function of 2D and 3D cultured UC-MSCs, providing a new idea for improving the efficacy of MSCs-based immunotherapy.
The Influence of Family Structure and Adult Attachment Style on Theft Behaviors in Men: a Case-Control Study
Authors: Wang Xu , Xu Jiajun
Published: September 2021

Background: Theft has leaded to significant costs to commerce and legal system, but its psychological mechanisms and risk factors are barely explored. This study aims to investigate the influence of family structure and adult attachment style on theft behaviors in men. Methods: 257 men with a conviction for theft (theft group) and 405 male college students (control group) were interviewed with Experiences in Close Relationships Scale and a general questionnaire about socio-demographic information, family structure and criminal records. Results: Compared with control group, long-term residency, family economic situation, number of siblings, father’s presence before 5 years old, parents’ state of existence and parents’ marital status of theft group were significantly different (P<0.05). Living in urban area, from relatively poor family, not living with father before 5 years old and parents not divorced increased the likelihood of theft in men (P<0.05). While father not alive and having no siblings decreased the likelihood of theft in men (P<0.05). Then theft group was further divided into first offender group and recidivist group. First offender group had a significantly higher proportion of living with mother/father before 5 years old and father alive than recidivist group (P<0.05). Not living with mother before 5 years old and father not alive increased the possibility of multiple thefts, while preoccupied attachment decreased such possibility (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study suggested that risk factors for theft and multiple thefts were different. A variety of targeted strategies related to family structure and attachment styles are needed to prevent theft from occurring and reoccurring.
The P2Y1 Receptor in the Colonic Submucosa of Rats and Its Correlation with Opioid-Induced Constipation
Authors: Zhao Yuqiong , Ren Xiaojie , Li Fan , Jia Binghan , Wang Dengke , Jiao Xuwen , Wang Lixin , li junping
Published: September 2021

Aims: To explore the expression changes of P2Y1 in the distal colonic submucosa of opioid induced constipation (OIC) rats and its correlation with the occurrence of OIC. Methods: OIC model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of loperamide hydrochloride, a selective agonist of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). Seven days later, the model was assessing by detecting the fecal traits and calculating the fecal water cotent. The distribution of MOR-containing neurons and P2Y1-containing neurons in colonic submucosal plexus of rat were demonstrated by immunofluorescence histochemistry. Western Blot was used to evaluate the expression changes of MOR, P2Y1 and ATP synthase subunit beta (ATPB) in colonic submucosa, while the RT-PCR analysis was performed to determine the relative mRNA expression of MOR, P2Y1 and ATPB. Results: After seven days, the feces of OIC rats had an appearance of like sausage-shaped pieces, and the fecal water content, stool weight of OIC rats were decreased. Immunofluorescence histochemistry showed the co-expression of MOR and ATPB, P2Y1 and calbindin (CB) in the nerve cells of distal colonic submucosal plexus. RT-PCR showed that MOR mRNA levels were significantly increased in the distal colonic submucosa of OIC rats, while the mRNA levels of P2Y1 were decreased. Western blot results showed that MOR protein expression was increased, and the P2Y1 protein expression was significantly decreased in the distal colonic submucosa of OIC rats.Conclusion: P2Y1 is associated with the occurrence of OIC in rats, and the expression of MOR and P2Y1 and OIC are correlated with each other.
Factors Related to Survival in Intensive Care Unit Patients with Covid-19: A study from a Single Center in Brazil.
Authors: Sardenberg Rodrigo , Roberto Gabriel Antonio , Silva Catarina Marchon , Galvão Andrea Santos , Pinho Daniela Jesus Meireles Ribeiro , Sachelli Tabatta Zambotto , Diniz Gabriela Bezerra Freitas
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study is to the present an original research which describes the outcome in 268 ICU consecutive patients in a single center, as well analyzing the effects of viral infection on preexisting medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and how these factors affected survival and hospital stay.Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients included in this study who were admitted to ICU between March 18th 2020 until August 30th 2020. All patients were analyzed under the same protocol at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, Brazil. Several factors were considered, such as: age, gender, symptoms before hospitalization, comorbidities, vasopressors use, radiological findings and use of high flow nasal catheter. The results were presented using the hazard ratio and its respective 95% confidence intervals. For statistical inferences, p <0.05 was adopted for all analysis.Results: The median age was 72 years, 64,2 years (53-74) for patients who were discharged, and 79.9 years (71.4-88.4) for those deceased (p<0.001). The most common comorbidities associated were: systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, cardiovascular and kidney disease. The univariate analysis showed the following factors as predictors of survival: myalgia (p=0.001), cerebrovascular disease (p=0.002), COPD (p=0.003), dementia (p=0.000), the need for mechanical ventilation (p=0.000), dialysis (0.000), vasopressors use (0.000), SAPS3 (0.000), lymphopenia (p=0.004), elevated D-dimer (P=0.011), time in ICU before tracheostomy (p=0.002), and performing a tracheostomy (p=0.000). The independent predictors of mortality were: advanced age (p=0.003); the non-use of vasopressor in the ICU was protective factor (p=0.001); tracheostomy performed in ICU was a mortality predictor (p=0.002).Discussion: COVID-19 affects more older adults and there is also a high fatality rate in this subset of patients. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the primary cause of death in and around < 5% of patients were reported as experiencing bacterial/fungal coinfection at admission. Our findings support the observations of earlier studies, which found a high percentage of hospitalized patients of advanced age with preexisting conditions, hypertension being the most common.Conclusion: In our analysis, age, the need for vasopressors medications patients who underwent tracheostomy and underlying comorbidities, such as systemic coronary disease, heart failure, neoplasia, COPD, were found to be significantly associated with COVID-19 severity.
A Novel Animal Model for Three-Dimensional Horizontal and Vertical Bone Regeneration Using Osseous Shell Technique: A Pre-clinical In-Vivo Study in Rabbits
Authors: Kamal Mohammad , Al-Obaidly Sara , Lethaus Bernd , Bartella Alexander K.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Bone grafting is commonly used for reconstructing skeletal defects in the craniofacial region. Several bone augmentation models were developed to optimize bone regeneration in both vertical and horizontal dimesions.
Aim:

The aim of this study was to develop a surgical animal model for establishing a three-dimensional (3D) grafting environment in the animal's mandibular ramus for horizontal and vertical bone regeneration using osseous shell technique, as in human patients.
Materials and methods:

Initial osteological and imaging survey were performed on a postmortem skull of a New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit skull, Oryctolagus cuniculus, for feasibility assessment for performing the surgical procedure. 3D osseus defect was created in the mandibular ramus through a submandibular incision and the osseous shell plates were stabilized with osteosynthesis fixation screws and defect filled with particular bone grafting material. The in-vivo surgical procedures were conducted in four 8-week-old NZW rabbits utilising two osseous shell materials: xenogenic human cortical plates, and autogenous rabbit cortical plates, and the created 3D defects were filled using xenograft and allograft bone grafting materials. The healed defects were evaluated for bone regeneration after 12 weeks using histological and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging analysis.
Results:

Clinical analysis at 12 weeks after surgery revealed the stability of the 3D grafted bone augmentation defects using the osseous shell technique. Imaging and histological analyses confirmed the effectiveness of this model in assessing bone regeneration.
Conclusion:

The rabbit model is an efficient and reliable biological method for creating a seizable three-dimensional horizontal and vertical bone regeneration model in the mandibular ramus using osseous shell technique for testing various bone-substitute materials testing without compromising the health of the animal. The filled defects could be analyzed for osteogenesis, quantification of bone formation, and healing potential, using histomorphometric analysis, in addition to 3D morphologic evaluation using radiation imaging.