bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globular pattern formation of hierarchical ceria nanoarchitecture
Authors: Aoyagi Noboru , Motokawa Ryuhei , Okumura Masahiko , Saito Takumi , Nishitsuji Shotaro , Taguchi Tomitsugu , Yomogida Takumi , Ikeda-Ohno Atsuhi
Published: June 2021

Dissipative structures often appear as an unstable counterpart of ordered structures owing to fluctuations that do not form a homogeneous phase. Even a multiphase mixture may simultaneously undergo one chemical reaction near equilibrium and another one that is far from equilibrium. Here, we observed in real time crystal seed formation and simultaneous nanocrystal aggregation proceeding from CeIV complexes to CeO2 nanoparticles in an acidic aqueous solution, and investigated the resultant hierarchical nanoarchitecture. The formed particles exhibited two very different size ranges. The hierarchically assembled structures in solutions were CeO2 colloids, viz. primary core clusters (1–3 nm) of crystalline ceria and secondary clusters (20–30 nm) assembled through surface ions. Such self-assembly is widespread in multi-component complex fluids, paradoxically moderating hierarchical reactions. Stability and instability are not only critical but also complementary for co-optimisation around the nearby free energy landscape prior to bifurcation.
An Improved GM-PHD Approach for Multi Extended Target Tracking with Square-root Cubature Information Kalman Filter
Authors: Liu Zhe , Yang Fengbao , Ji Linna , Qu Xiqiang
Published: June 2021

The conventional target tracking approaches are presented under the assumption of the point target. In multi extended target scenarios, the tracking performance of these approaches may be greatly decreased. The the Gaussian mixture (GM) implementation of the probability hypothesis density (PHD) (named as the ET-GM-PHD approach) has been presented for applying the GM-PHD approach into extended target tracking. However, it has been proposed under the linear models. In fact, most of targets are moving with nonlinear models. Thus, we, in this paper, present a square-root cubature information filter (SCIF) based ET-GM-PHD approach. To be more specific, we, first, employ the cubature points to predict the mean and the square-root factor of covariance. Then, the information forms of the mean and square-root of covariance has been used to update the mean and covariance of GM component. Meanwhile, we integrate the gating method into our method for saving computational complexity. Owing to the significant tracking performance of the SCIF method, our approach can estimate states and number of multi extended targets in nonlinear scenarios. In addition, we also propose an observation driven method to initiate the birth intensity. As for our method, the conditional probability has been adopted to describe the association between the target and its corresponding observations. With such a probability, the most possible partition, where the estimated targets belong to, can be approximated. Thus, the birth intensity can be estimated by removing the cells associated with the estimated targets. Since we use the estimated targets to initiate the birth intensity, our approach can initiate the birth intensity adaptively. The simulation results prove the effectiveness of our approach.
The SIR model towards the Data One year of Covid-19 pandemic in Italy case study and plausible "real" numbers.
Authors: Lazzizzera Ignazio
Published: June 2021

In this work, the SIR epidemiological model is reformulated so to highlight the important effective reproduction number, as well as to account for the generation time, the inverse of the incidence rate, and the infectious period (or removal period), the inverse of the removal rate. The aim is to check whether the relationships the model poses among the various observables are actually found in the data. The study case of the second through the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy is taken. Given its scale invariance, initially the model is tested with reference to the curve of swab-confirmed infectious individuals only. It is found to match the data if the curve of the removed (that is healed or deceased) individuals is assumed underestimated by a factor of about 3 together with other related curves. Contextually, the generation time and the removal period, as well as the effective reproduction number, are obtained fitting the SIR equations to the data; the outcomes prove to be in good agreement with those of other works. Then, using knowledge of the proportion of Covid-19 transmissions likely occurring from individuals who didn't develop symptoms, thus mainly undetected, an estimate of the "real numbers'' of the epidemic is obtained, looking also in good agreement with results from other, completely different works. The line of this work is new and the procedures, computationally really inexpensive, can be applied to any other national or regional case besides Italy's study case here.
Influence of Tall Fescue Epichloë endophytes on Rhizosphere Soil Microbiome
Authors: Mahmud Kishan , Lee Kendall , Hill Nicholas , Missaoui Ali
Published: June 2021

Background Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire) is a popular perennial grass species for livestock production and amenities in the United States. Tall fescue often forms a symbiotic relationship with fungal endophytes (Epichloë coenophiala) which provides increased plant tolerance to environmental stress compared to endophyte-free plants. However, whether this improved plant performance is the sole result of the unique relationship between the grass and the shoot-dwelling fungal endophyte of rhizosphere origin remains a question. This symbiosis possibly regulates the recruitment of beneficial soil microbial communities in endophyte-infected tall fescue rhizosphere and may offer enhanced nutrients and water acquisition, thereby, providing the plant with an increased tolerance level against environmental stresses. We compared the soil bacterial and fungal community composition and investigated possible community shifts in soil microbial populations based on endophyte infection in tall fescue by analyzing the 16s rRNA gene and ITS specific region. Results Our data revealed that bacterial community richness and the evenness indicated by Shannon Diversity Index (SDI) was greater than 4 in both endophyte-infected and endophyte-free tall fescue soil. In both types tall fescue soil, the prominent bacterial families were Planctomycetaceae, Balstocatellaceae_(subgroup_4), Chitinophagaceae, and Bacillaceae. In the case of soil fungal diversity, the SDI was overall low and ranged between 1.21 for endophyte-free and 1.27 for endophyte-infected tall fescue soil. The prominent fungal phyla were Basidiomycota and Ascomycota, and we observed a clear fungal community difference between endophyte-infected and endophyte-free soil at the phylum level. Moreover, endophyte-infected tall fescue soil showed a greater diversity at the genus level compared to endophyte-free tall fescue soil. In addition, plant-available soil phosphorus (P) is also influenced by the presence of endophytes in tall fescue. Conclusion Our results indicate that there is a tripartite relationship between tall fescue, the presence of fungal endophyte in the tall fescue, and the below-ground soil fungal communities. The dynamic of this three-way interaction perhaps contributes to the nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance by tall fescue possibly by recruiting a diverse array of potentially beneficial soil microbes.
Impact of Low Skeletal Muscle Mass on Complications and Survival for Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Fang Zhen , Li Peijuan , Liu Jin , Chong Wei , Du Fengying , Wu Hao , Liu Yang , Lu Jiongdi , Li Fei , Shang Liang , Li Leping
Published: June 2021

Background: Increasing evidence has indicated that low skeletal muscle mass is linked with cancer prognosis, but existing have shown contrasting results. The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of preoperative low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) on complications and survival of patients who undergo laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC).Methods: Patients who undergo laparoscopic gastrectomy for GC were enrolled and third lumbar vertebra psoas muscles index (PMI) was assessed by computer tomography (CT). Using propensity score matching (1:1) to obtain 2 well-balanced cohorts for available variables influencing clinical outcomes, comparing the postoperative complications and 3-year overall survival (OS) between LSMM group and non-LSMM group.Results: A total of 386 patients, 226 were matched for analyses. Compared with the non-LSMM group, the LSMM group manifested significantly shorter 3-year OS (58.14% vs 71.95%, P=0.034). However, the incidence of postoperative complications was no difference between two groups after matching. After stratification based on the pT stage of the tumor, statistically significant difference in the 3-year OS rates of the advance GC cohort between the two groups were observed.Conclusions: LSMM predicts a poor prognosis for patients with advance GC and it is not associated with postoperative complications.
Thyroid Functions in Bamboo-Shoots Consuming Children of Tripura, North-east India
Authors: Ray Indrajit , Chandra A. K. , Debbarma Saru Kumar , Mookerjee Sekhar Kumar , Datta Ajoy , Singh Laishram Hemchandra
Published: June 2021

PurposeInformation on thyroid functions in populations consuming potent antithyroidal bamboo-shoots (BS) was found scanty. Therefore, to assess thyroid function in BS consuming children was found relevant.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 127 children from 3 villages. Thyroid volume (TV), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibody (Tg-Ab), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), urinary iodine (UI), urinary thiocyanate (USCN), salt iodine (SI), water iodine (WI), and BS consumption pattern were assessed. ResultsVariable-wise overall mean±SDs/medians/interquartile ranges (IQR) were - age: 8.69±1.69/8.77/7.22-9.74 y, TVol: 0.82±0.27/0.82/0.67-0.96 ml, FT4: 19.5+5.6/20.1/16.9-22.0 pmol/L, FT3: 4.27+1.24/4.22/3.35-4.96 pmol/L, TSH: 2.44+1.39/2.33/1.60-3.15 mIU/L, Tg-Ab: 15.2+10.0/12.5/11.1-14.5 IU/ml, TPO-Ab: 5.58+12.25/3.89/2.90-5.11 IU/ml, UI: 117.4±58.5/108/73-160.5 µg/L, USCN: 0.99+0.67/0.8/0.5-1.2 mg/dl, WI: 4 .69±4.56/3.0/1.35–7µg/L, and BS consumption: 153.8±01.4/119/71.4–214.3 g/person/day respectively. Only 80.3% salt samples had ≥15 ppm iodine. Thyroid dysfunction prevalence was 6.3%. There were positive correlations between TV and FT4 (r=0.2466, p=0.005), UI and TSH (r=0.2633, p=0.003), TSH and FT4 (r=0.2135, p=0.016), TSH and FT3 (r=0.1898, p=0.033), USCN and FT4 (r=0.2477, p=0.005), Tg-Ab and TPO-Ab (r=0.3768, p=<0.001), and negative correlations between Tg-Ab and TSH (r=-0.2024, p=0.023), Tg-Ab and FT4 (r=-0.1869, p=0.035). In boys, USCN had a positive correlation with TPO-Ab (r=0.3069, p=0.018). The village having highest levels of BS consumption (p=0.037) and median UI showed higher TSH levels (p=0.037) and higher FT3 level (p=0.001) compared to the village of lowest BS consumption.ConclusionsThe BS consuming children appear at risk of developing hypothyroidism by Tg-Ab, which may partly be diminished by reducing BS consumption.
Umbelliferone ameliorates ulcerative colitis induced by acetic acid via modulation of TLR4/NF-κB-p65/iNOS and PPARγ/SIRT1 signaling pathways in rats
Authors: Abdel-Wahab Basel A , Alkahtani Saad A , Alqahtani Abdulsalam A , Hassanein Emad H.M.
Published: June 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common chronic, idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease associated with inflammatory perturbation and oxidative stress. Umbelliferone (UMB) is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant coumarin derivative. Depending on the possible mechanisms, we aimed to explore and elucidate the therapeutic potential of UMB on UC-inflammatory response and oxidative injury-induced via intrarectal administration of acetic acid (AA). Rats were assigned into four groups: control group, UMB (30 mg/kg) treated group, colitis model group (2 ml of AA; 3% v/v), and colitis treated with UMB groups. Our results exhibited that UMB improved macroscopic and histological tissue injury caused by the AA. Mechanistically, UMB reduced the elevated TNF-α, IL-6, MPO and VCAM-1 via effective downregulation of TLR-4, NF-κB and iNOS signaling pathway, thereby mediated potent anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, UMB administration resulted in effective up-regulation of both PPARγ and SIRT1 signaling pathways, thereby inhibited both oxidative injury and inflammatory response. Conclusively, UMB protected against AA-induced UC in rats through suppressing of the TLR4/NF-κB-p65/iNOS signaling pathway and promoting the PPARγ/SIRT1 signaling. Indeed, our data proved the effectiveness of UMB in UC and introduced it as a potential therapeutic beneficial applicant for clinical application.
Determination of The Effective Radiation Dose for Mutation Breeding In Purple Carrot (Daucus Carota L.) and Possible Variations Formed
Authors: Yarar Gülistan , Kocak Metin , Denli Nihal , Cavagnaro Pablo F. , YILDIZ Mehtap
Published: June 2021

Plant breeding allows altering the genetic structure of plants to meet human needs. The use of radiation technology for inducing mutations and –thereby- new phenotypic variants has become increasingly common as a tool for developing new crops. The aim of this study was to determine the effective gamma irradiation dose for inducing mutations in purple carrot. For this purpose, increasing gamma radiation doses [0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 Gy] were applied to purple carrot seeds. The irradiated seeds were sown in pots and the emergence and survival rates of the seedlings were analyzed. Considering plant emergence (%) as a response variable, the LD50 dose was 387.5 Gy. Analysis of root length, root width (shoulder diameter) and plant height in control (0 Gy) and irradiated plants (50-600 Gy) revealed an inverse association between these morphological traits and radiation dose. SRAP and ISSR markers were used to identify DNA polymorphisms in irradiated and control plants. The range of amplicons per primer set revealed by ISSR and SRAP markers was 4-10 and 2-13, respectively. In ISSR analysis, the average Nei’s gene diversity, Shannon’s information index, and PIC value ranged from 0.13 to 0.25, from 0.20 to 0.35, from 1.39 to 1.67 for eight doses, respectively. In SRAP analysis, the average Nei’s gene diversity, Shannon’s information index, and PIC value were ranged from 0.15 to 0.25, from 0.23 to 0.37, from 0.43 to 0.58 for eight doses, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed three main groups; a) non-irratidated (control) plants, b) plants from the 600 Gy dose, and c) a third group with two subgroups: one with individuals from the lowest irradiation doses (50-200 Gy) and a second group with individuals from the highest irradiation doses (300-500 Gy).
Oxytocinergic Cells of the Posterior Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Participate in the Food Entrained Clock
Authors: Caba Mario , Meza Enrique , Escobar Carolina , Jiménez Angeles , Caba-Flores Mario Daniel , Moreno-Cortés María Luisa , Melo Angel I.
Published: June 2021

The mechanisms underlying food anticipatory activity is still not well understood. Here we explored the role of oxytocin (OT) and the protein c-Fos in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and in the medial (PVNm) and posterior (PVNp) regions of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus. Adult rats were assigned to one of four groups: scheduled restricted feeding (RF), Ad libitum (AL), fasting after restricted feeding (RF-F), to explore the possible persistence of oscillations, or Ad libitum fasted (AL-F). In the SON and in the PVNm, OT cells were c-Fos positive after food intake; contrasting, OT cells in the PVNp showed c-Fos activation in anticipation to food access, which persisted in RF-F subjects. We conclude that OT cells of the SON and PVNm may play a role as recipients of the entraining signal provided by food intake, whereas those of the PVNp which contain motor preautonomic cells that project to peripheral organs, may be involved in the hormonal and metabolic anticipatory changes in preparation for food presentation and thus, may be part of a link between central and peripheral oscillators. In addition, due to their persistent activation they may participate in the neuronal network for the clock mechanism that leads to food entrainment.
Nasolacrimal Canal Morphology With or Without Idiopathic Obstruction in Caucasian Adults: A Multidetector CT Study
Authors: Ulutas Hafize Gokben , Yazici Bulent , Ulutas Emin , Yazici Zeynep
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To compare the morphological features of the bony nasolacrimal canal (NLC) in Caucasian adults with and without primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO).Methods: The study included one eye each from 38 patients with PANDO and 38 age- and gender-matched controls without PANDO, all of whom underwent multidetector computed tomography. In tomographic images, length, and orientation angles of the NLC, transverse canal diameters at the duct entrance and lower end, and minimum (narrowest) transverse and anterior-posterior canal diameters were measured. Results: The two groups were similar for NLC length and angulations. The transverse entrance diameter was significantly narrower in the PANDO group (mean, 4.6 mm vs. 5.1 mm) (p = 0.09). The narrowest site was most frequently in the middle duct or slightly above the middle in both groups (p > 0.05). The minimum canal diameters were significantly smaller in the PANDO group (p = 0.010 and p = 0.003). When gender subgroups were compared, the significant differences continued for the transverse entrance and minimum diameters in females with PANDO (p = 0.006) and for the minimum anterior-posterior diameter in males with PANDO (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Narrowness of the bony NLC may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of PANDO in adult Caucasians.
Flow Cytometric Analysis Reveals Culture-condition Dependent Variations in Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Limosilactobacillus Reuteri
Authors: Rao Nikhil Seshagiri , Lundberg Ludwig , Palmkron Shuai , Håkansson Sebastian , Bergenståhl Björn , Carlquist Magnus
Published: June 2021

Optimisation of cultivation conditions in the industrial production of probiotics is crucial to reach a high-quality product with retained probiotic functionality. Flow cytometry-based descriptors of bacterial morphology may be used as markers to estimate physiological fitness during cultivation, and can be applied for online monitoring to avoid suboptimal growth. In the current study, the effects of temperature, pH and oxygen levels on cell growth and cell size distributions of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 were measured using multivariate flow cytometry. A pleomorphic behaviour was evident from the measurement of light scatter and pulse width distributions. A pattern of high growth yielding smaller cells and less heterogeneous populations could be observed. Analysis of pulse width distributions revealed significant morphological heterogeneities within the bacterial cell population under non-optimal growth conditions, and pointed towards low temperature, high pH, and high oxygen levels all being triggers for changes in morphology towards cell chain formation. However, cell size did not correlate to survivability after freeze-thaw or freeze-drying stress, indicating that it is not a key determinant for physical stress tolerance. The fact that L. reuteri morphology varies depending on cultivation conditions suggests that it can be used as marker for estimating physiological fitness and responses to its environment.
Comparison Between Bilateral Simultaneous Total Hip Arthroplasty With and Without Drainage; a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Min-Gwang , Yoon Taek-Rim , Park Kyung-Soon
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThere are many reports staged bilateral THA without drainage is a better method than with drainage in many ways. However, there is little report regarding bilateral simultaneous THA (BSTHA) without drainage. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the clinical outcomes and complication rate of BSTHA with drainage and without drainage.MethodsBetween October 2015 and April 2019, a retrospective cohort study was conducted with modified minimally invasive two-incision method and a consecutive series of 41 BSTHA performed with drainage were compared to 37 BSTHA performed without drainage. It was assessed clinically and radiographically for a mean of 2.1 ± 0.8 years (range, 1.0-4.8 years). Postoperative hematologic values (Hgb drop, Hct drop, total blood loss, transfusion rate), pain susceptibility, functional outcome, and complication were compared in the drained group and the non-drained group. All patients preoperatively received intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) and intraoperatively received intra-articular TXA on each hip. Statistical analyses were performed using the independent t tests, Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. A significance level of ≤ 0.05 was used for all statistical tests.Results Mean postoperative Hgb (g/dL, p < 0.001) & Hct drop (%, p < 0.001), mean total blood loss (ml, p < 0.001) and mean transfusion unit (IU, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the BSTHA without drainage than in the BSTHA with drainage group. But the mean dose of morphine equivalent (mg, p < 0.001) was significantly larger in BSTHA without drainage.ConclusionBSTHA without drainage can reduce postoperative blood loss and the requirement for transfusion without increasing other complication. But BSTHA without drainage is more painful method than BSTHA with drainage. Therefore, BSTHA without drainage will be a good option to reduce the burden on the patient by reducing postoperative bleeding if it can control pain well after surgery.
Expression of BDNF and TrKB in Endometriosis and Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Wang Sha , Li Bohan , Hong Wei , Duan Hua , Li Xiao , Wang Yiyi , Guo Zhengchen
Published: June 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 78 women underwent laparoscopic surgery. 62 women diagnosed as ovarian endometrioma, were recruited in the study group.16 women diagnosed as ovarian benign tumors were in the control group. 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: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression of BDNF and TrKB in ovarian endometriotic lesions was the highest, followed by those in eutopic and normal endometrium (P<0.05). There was significant difference among each stage of endometriosis for the expression, which increased with the severity of stages. The results of RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry were consistent with each other. 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). And when it came to BDNF, TrKB in eutopic endometrium, the correlation (r) was 0.82 (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.
Enrollment of Older Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients in First Line Clinical Trials: 9-Year Experience of the Large-Scale Real-Life Multicenter French ESME Cohort
Authors: Bringuier Michael , Carton Matthieu , Levy christelle , Patsouris Anne , Pasquier David , Debled Marc , Rigal Olivier , Jacot William , Goncalves Anthony , Desmoulins Isabelle , Rouge Thibault De La Motte , Bachelot Thomas , Ferrero Jean-Marc , Eymard Jean-Christophe , Ung Mony , Mouret-reynier Marie-ange , Petit Thierry , Chevrot Michaël , Uwer Lionel , Courtinard Coralie , Frenel Jean-Sebastien , Viansone Alessandro , Baldini Capucine
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Older cancer patients are underrepresented in clinical trials. We aimed to understand barriers to clinical trial recruitment in women aged 70 years old (yo) or over with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).Methods: We used the national Epidemio-Strategy and Medical Economics MBC Data Platform, a French multi-center real life database. We selected MBC women over 70yo, without central nervous system metastases, with at least one line of systemic treatment, between January 1st, 2008 and December 31st, 2016, and had no other cancer in the 5 years before MBC. The primary objective was to evaluate the proportion of patients enrolled in clinical trials according to their age. Secondary objective was to identify variables associated with enrollment.Results: 5552 women were aged ≥ 70 (median 74yo; IQR72-77). 14611 were less than 70. Of the older ones, 239 (4%) were enrolled in a clinical trial during first line of treatment, compared with 1529 (10.5%) for younger ones. Multivariable analysis of variables predicting for enrollment during first line of treatment in older patients were younger age (OR 0.50 [95%CI; 0.33-0.76] for the 80-85yo class; OR 0.17 [95%CI; 0.06-0.39] for the 85yo and more class), good ECOG Performance Status (PS 0-1) (OR 0.15 [95%CI; 0.08-0.27] for the PS 2-4 class), HER2+ disease (OR 1.78 [95%CI; 1.27-2.48]), type of treatment (chemotherapy/targeted therapy/immunotherapy OR 5.01 [95%CI; 3.13-8.18]), and period (OR 1.65 [95%CI; 1.22–2.26] for 2012-2016, compared to 2008-2011).Conclusions: In this large database, few older MBC patients were enrolled in a trial compared with younger ones.
Transcriptomic Analysis Identified two Subtypes of Brain Tumor Characterized by Distinct Immune Infiltration and Prognosis
Authors: Shen Xilin , Shen Hongru , Feng Mengyao , Wu Dan , Yang Yichen , Li Yang , Yang Meng , Ji Wei , Wang Wei , Zhang Qiang , Song Fangfang , Liu Ben , Chen Kexin , Li Xiangchun
Published: June 2021

Background Brain tumor ranks the most devastating cancer type. The complex tumor immune microenvironment prevents brain tumor from therapeutic benefits. The purpose of this study was to stratify brain tumors based on their distinct immune infiltration signatures to facilitate better clinical decision making and prognosis prediction.Methods We developed a deep learning model to characterize immune infiltration from transcriptome. The developed model was applied to distill expression signatures of transcriptome of brain tumor samples. We performed molecular subtyping with the extracted expression signatures to unveil brain tumor subtypes. Computational methods including gene set enrichment analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed.Results We identified two distinctive subtypes (i.e. C1/2) of brain tumor featured by distinct immune infiltration signatures. The C1 subtype is characterized by protective immune infiltration signatures, including high infiltration of CD8+ T cells and activation of CX3CL1. The C2 subtype has an extensive infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages and microglia, and was enriched with immune suppressive, wound healing and angiogenic signatures. The C1 subtype had significantly better prognosis as compared with C2 (Log-rank test, HR: 2.5, 95% CI: 2.2 – 2.7; P = 8.2e-78). This difference remained statistically significant (multivariate Cox model, HR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.7 – 2.9; P = 3.7e-10) by taking into account age, gender, recurrent/secondary status at sampling time, tumor grade, histology, radio-chemotherapy, IDH mutation, MGMT methylation and co-deletion of 1p and 19q. This finding was validated in 6 datasets. The C2 subtype of glioblastoma patients with IDH mutation has poor survival analogous to those without IDH mutation (Log-rank test, adjusted P = 0.8), while C1 has favorable prognosis as compared with glioblastoma of C2 subtype with IDH mutation (Log-rank test, adjusted P = 1.2e-3) or without IDH mutation (Log-rank test, adjusted P = 1.3e-6).Conclusions We identified two distinctive subtypes of brain tumor with different immune infiltration signatures and prognosis. Our finding is helpful for better understanding of brain tumor and has potential clinical utilities.
Muricauda Chongwuensis Sp. Nov., Isolated From Coastal Seawater of China
Authors: Chen Ming-Xia , He Xiao-Yu , Li He-Yang
Published: June 2021

In the course of screening for bacterial predator, a Gram-negative, non-flagellated, gliding, long rod-shaped and yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain HICWT, was isolated from coastal seawater of China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain HICWT represented a member of the genus Muricauda and showed the highest sequence similarity to M. aquimarina JCM11811T (98.8%) and M. ruestringensis DSM13258T (98.1%). NaCl was required for growth. Optimum growth occurred at 25–30 oC, 2.0–3.0% (w/v) NaCl with pH 7.0. Strain HICWT showed some similar characteristics to the nonobligate bactertal predators, the cells can attach the prey cells. Strain HICWT contained MK-6 as the predominant respiratory quinone and had iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G and iso-C17:0 3-OH as the major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipids contained phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), three unknown phospholipids (PL1–PL3), one unknown aminolipids (AL) and three unknown polar lipids (L1–L3). The genome size of strain HICWT was approximately 3.8 Mbp, with a G+C content of 41.4%. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence, strain HICWT is proposed as representing a new species of the genus Muricauda, for which the name Muricauda chongwuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HICWT (=JCM 33643T=MCCC 1K03769T).
Optimizing thermocouple’s ZT through design innovation
Authors: Zhang Tinggang
Published: June 2021

In this work, we demonstrate that in parallel with the one existed at high doping concentration, there also exists an optimal combination of the transport properties of a thermoelectric material at low doping concentration as the curve of the relationship between electrical conductivity and doping concentration is rigidly shifted toward lower doping concentration without disturbing the Seebeck coefficient and the thermal conductivity. Based on this finding, a new concept for thermocouple design is developed to improve the thermocouple’s efficiency and power output. The analytical model developed for the new thermocouple indicated that its efficiency and power output can be more than tripled as compared to those of the original design. A single thermocouple made of Silicon semiconductors was simulated numerically using different sets of input parameters. The results showed that the new thermocouple’s efficiency and power output can be improved significantly.
Hydrogel-Hydroxyapatite-Monomeric Collagen Type-I Scaffold with Low-Frequency Electromagnetic field Treatment Enhances Osteochondral Repair in Rabbits
Authors: Yan Jiyuan , Liu Chaoxu , Zhang Yingchi , Tu Chang , Zhang Ruizhuo , Tang Xiangyu , Li Hao , Wang Huaixi , Ma Yongzhuang , Wu Hua , Sheng Gaohong
Published: June 2021

Background: Cartilage damage is a common medical issue in clinical practice. Complete cartilage repair remains a significant challenge owing to the inferior quality of regenerative tissue. Methods: In this study, a composite scaffold made of Hydroxyapatite-Collagen type-I (HAC) and PLGA-PEG-PLGA thermogel was produced to match the cartilage and subchondral layers in osteochondral defects, respectively. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) encapsulated in the thermogel were stimulated by an electromagnetic field (EMF). Results: The scaffold was evaluated in rabbits, and biological characteristic of BMSCs were measured. Results showed that the scaffold with EMF enhances the repair of osteochondral defects in rabbits, and, in particular, cartilage repair. EMF could promote proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs partly by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt1/LRP6/β-catenin pathway. Conclusion: Hydrogel-Hydroxyapatite-Monomeric Collagen type-I scaffold with low-frequency EMF treatment has the potential to enhance osteochondral repair.
Combined Lubrication of Surface Texturing and Copper Covering for Broaching Tool
Authors: Jing NI , Feng Kai , Kai Zhuang , Zhiqian Sang , Zhen Meng , Rahman Md Mizanur
Published: June 2021

The broaching tool is an efficient and precisely heavy-loaded metal-cutting tool, widely used in the mass production of key components related to the aerospace and automobile industries. However, the heavy load, intense squeezing, and friction in the tool-chip contact area prevent the cutting fluid from entering the desired location. Consequently, insufficient lubrication gives rise to a high-temperature built-up edge, thereby lowering machining accuracy and efficiency. To reduce frictional force, three textures (i.e., micro-pit, stripe, mesh) are prepared on the rake face of broaching tool with laser processing technique. Afterward, textured grooves are covered with copper using the reciprocating rotational friction; this artifact enhances the system’s wettability and heat dissipation ability. Experiments approve that compared to the non-textured cutting teeth, the cutting force with the stripe-textured teeth is reduced by 7.6%. Nevertheless, the cutting force is decreased by 14.6% after covering the tool surface with copper. Obtained results indicate that the wettability of cutting fluid on the surface is improved. In addition, convex peaks on the tool surface are passivated during the reciprocating rotation of the copper bar.
Bioinformatics Prediction and Experimental Verification Identify MAD2L1 and CCNB2 as Diagnostic Biomarkers of Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Xia Tian , Meng Lian , Zhao Zhijuan , Li Yujun , Wen Hao , Sun Hao , Zhang Tiantian , Wei Jingxian , Li Feng , Liu Chunxia
Published: June 2021

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant soft-tissue tumour. In recent years, the tumour microenvironment (TME) has been reported to be associated with the development of tumours. However, the relationship between the occurrence and development of RMS and TME is unclear. The purpose of this study is to identify potential tumor microenvironment-related biomarkers in rhabdomyosarcoma and analyze their molecular mechanisms, diagnostic and prognostic significance.Methods: We first applied bioinformatics method to analyse the tumour samples of 187 patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). Then, we used cell function and molecular biology techniques to study the progress of RMS.Results: Bioinformatics results show that the RMS TME key genes were screened, and a TME-related tumour clinical staging model was constructed. The top 10 hub genes were screened through the establishment of a protein-protein interaction network, and then Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis was conducted to measure the overall survival (OS) of the 10 hub genes in the sarcoma cases in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Six differential genes of statistical significance were acquired. The correlation between these six differential genes and the clinical stage of RMS was analysed. Our data found that the expression levels of MAD2L1 and CCNB2 negatively correlated with the OS of RMS patients and positively correlated with the clinical stage of RMS patients. Immunohistochemical results also confirmed that the expression levels of MAD2L1 (30/33, 87.5%) and CCNB2 (33/33, 100%) were remarkably higher in RMS group than in normal control group (0/11, 0%). Moreover, the expression of CCNB2 was related to tumour size. Further gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the genes in MAD2L1 and CCNB2 groups with high expression were mainly related to the mechanism of tumour metastasis and recurrence. In the low-expression MAD2L1 and CCNB2 groups, the genes were enriched in the metabolic and immune pathways. Downregulation of MAD2L1 and CCNB2 suppressed the growth, invasion, migration, and cell cycling of RMS cells and promoted their apoptosis. The CIBERSORT immune cell fraction analysis indicated that the expression levels of MAD2L1 and CCNB2 affected the immune status in the TME. Conclusions: The expression levels of MAD2L1 and CCNB2 may help guide the prognosis of patients with RMS and the clinical staging of tumours.
A Study on the Effect of Traditional Chinese medicine Chaihu-guizhi Decoction Reducing the Susceptibility and Severity of Influenza in Depressed Mice
Authors: Hui Sun Qi , Zhao Jingye , Yang Jinghua , Zhang Xiaochen , Zheng Qingge , Zhao Shaozhe , Liu Xiaoyun , Rong Rong , Yang Yong
Published: June 2021

Background: Depression is one of the most common illnesses in the world. In the flu season, depressed patients are more prone to influenza infection. It causes serious health problem worldwide. Chaihu-guizhi decoction (CGD) is a classic prescription to treat depressed patients with fever in clinical practice in China. However, the pharmacological activity and mechanisms of CGD against this disease have never been reported before. We investigated the changes of depressed condition, antiviral effects, anti-inflammatory, genes and protein expressions of T-helper cell type 1/type 2 (Th1/Th2) cytokines with CGD in combined mice model. This work will provide reliable evidence of the experiments for its better clinical practice. Methods: Depressed mice were dealt with by intraperitoneal injection of reserpine solution, then intranasal infection influenza A (H1N1) virus to create combined mice model. Oral administration of CGD was conducted in mice with 30.55-61.1 g/kg/d lasting up to 6 days. Physiological indicators, behavior changes, histopathological manifestations, digestive abilities, dopamine levels and virus expressions^ of the mice were detected. Moreover, levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines, including IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α, were detected in the sera of mice. Results: The extraction of CGD at dosages of 30.55-61.1 g/kg could effectively relieve the state of depression, decrease influenza virus genes expression, reduce viscera index of the lung, ameliorate lung edema and inflammation. Administration of CGD significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ. CGD also manifested a decreasing trend in the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-10, compared with that of model treatment groups. Conclusion: The results reveal that the CGD could treat depression syndrome in mice combined with influenza A (H1N1) virus infection by reducing inflammation and ameliorating depressive status.
Vandetanib Drives Growth Arrest and Promotes Sensitivity to Imatinib in Hematologic Malignancies by Targeting Ephrin Type-B Receptor 4
Authors: Ma Weina , Zhu Man , Wang Bo , Gong Zhengyan , Du Xia , Yang Tianfeng , Shi Xianpeng , Dai Bingling , Zhan Yingzhuan , Zhang Dongdong , Ji Yanhong , Wang Yang , Li Song , Zhang Yanmin
Published: June 2021

Background: The oncogenic role of ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EphB4) has been reported in many types of tumors. However, little is known about its role in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Methods: A pool of clinically approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) were screened for the antitumor activity using various hematologic cancer cell lines with different levels of EphB4 expression. To investigate whether EphB4 serves as a major therapeutic target in vandetanib-mediated inhibition on CML, the binding affinity of vandetanib to the active sites of extracellular and intracellular domains of EphB4 was evaluated using affinity chromatography and surface plasmon resonance. The binding regions were defined by molecular dynamics simulations and CRISPR/Cas9. Furthermore, the anticancer activity of vandetanib was evaluated by in vitro MTT assay and in vivo therapeutic study.Results: Here, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data and blood analyses of CML patients revealed higher levels of EphB4 expression in CML patients than in healthy subjects. EphB4 knockdown inhibited K562 cell growth in vitro. In addition, transient transfection of EphB4 siRNA led to sensitization to imatinib. These growth defects could be fully rescued by EphB4 transfection. To develop an anti-EphB4 therapy with rapid clinical translation for CML, vandetanib from a pool of clinically approved TKIs were screened. Vandetanib mainly acts on the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain and interacts stably with a hydrophobic pocket. Furthermore, vandetanib downregulated EphB4 protein level via ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and inhibited the signaling pathways of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK in K562 cells. Vandetanib alone led to significant inhibition of tumor growth in a K562 xenograft model. More importantly, combination of vandetanib and imatinib exhibited enhanced and synergistic growth inhibition against imatinib-resistant K562 cells in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: These findings suggest that vandetanib drives growth arrest and overcomes the resistance to imatinib in CML via targeting EphB4.
Design, Implementation and Initial Findings of COVID-19 Research in the Rotterdam Study: Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for Population-Based Investigations on An Emerging Disease
Authors: Licher Silvan , Terzikhan Natalie , Splinter Marije J. , Velek Premysl , Rooij Frank J.A. Van , Heemst Jolande Verkroost-van , Haarman Annechien E.G. , Thee Eric F. , Geurts Sven , Mens Michelle M.J. , Schaft Niels van der , de Feijter Maud , Pardo Luba M. , Kieboom Brenda C.T. , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: June 2021

The Rotterdam Study is an ongoing prospective, population-based cohort study that started in 1989 in the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The study aims to unravel etiology, preclinical course, natural history and potential targets for intervention for chronic diseases in mid-life and late-life. It focuses on cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, dermatological, otolaryngological, locomotor, and respiratory diseases. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a substudy was designed and embedded within the Rotterdam Study. On the 20th of April, 2020, all living non-institutionalized participants of the Rotterdam Study (n = 8,732) were invited to participate in this sub-study by filling out a series of questionnaires administered over a period of eight months. These questionnaires included questions on COVID-19 related symptoms and risk factors, characterization of lifestyle and mental health changes, and determination of health care seeking and health care avoiding behavior during the pandemic. As of May 2021, the questionnaire had been sent out repeatedly for a total of six times with an overall response rate of 76%. This article provides an overview of the rationale, design, and implementation of this sub-study nested within the Rotterdam Study. Finally, initial results on participant characteristics and prevalence of COVID-19 in this community-dwelling population are shown.
Longitudinal association between ambient nitrogen dioxide exposure and all-cause mortality in Chinese adults
Authors: Zhang Yunquan , Wei Jing , Zhan Yu , Yang Zhiming , Liu Riyang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Linjiong , Ma Zongwei
Published: June 2021

A number of population-based studies have investigated long-term effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on mortality, while great heterogeneities exist between studies. In highly populated countries in Asia, cohort evidence for NO2-mortality association was extensively sparse. This study aimed to quantify longitudinal association of ambient NO2 exposure with all-cause mortality in Chinese adults. A national cohort of 30,843 adult men and women were drawn from 25 provincial regions across mainland China, and followed up from 2010 through 2018. Participants’ exposures to ambient air pollutants were assigned according to their residential counties at baseline, through deriving monthly estimates from high-quality gridded datasets developed by machine learning methods. Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying exposures were utilized to assess the association of all-cause mortality with long-term exposure to ambient NO2. An approximately linear NO2-mortality relation (p=0.273 for nonlinearity) was identified across a broad exposure range of 6.9–57.4 μg/m3. Per 10-µg/m3 increase in annual NO2 exposure was associated with an hazard ratio of 1.127 (95% confidence interval: 1.042–1.219, p<0.003) for all-cause mortality. Risk estimates remained robust after additionally adjusting for the confounding effects of co-pollutants (i.e., PM2.5 or O3). In 2018, 1.65 million deaths could be attributed to ambient NO2 exposure (national average 17.3 µg/m3) in China, representing a decrease of 4.3% compared with the estimate of 1.72 million in 2010 (20.5 µg/m3). This cohort study provided national evidence for elevated risk of all-cause mortality associated with long-term exposure to ambient NO2 in Chinese adults.
Spatial Positional Relationship Between Macular Superficial Vessel Density and Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness in Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma
Authors: Lin Yongdong , Ma Di , Wang Hongxi , Chen Shirong , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the spatial relationship between macular superficial vessel density (SVD) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), and to investigate diagnostic abilities of macular SVD and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 38 PACG patients (38 eyes) and 25 healthy subjects (25 eyes). Macular region was imaged using a 1050-nm-wavelength swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) system (DRI OCT Triton, TOPCON). Vessel density of the macular region was quantified by ImageJ software. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thicknesses and macular GCIPL thickness were obtained by swept-source OCT. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the spatial positional relationship between macular SVD and macular GCIPL thickness. At the same time, the correlation between macular SVD and pRNFL thickness was evaluated. Areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUCs) of OCT, OCTA and FAZ measurement metrics were calculated to assess the diagnostic ability for glaucoma.Results: Macular GCIPL thickness had a moderate correlation with the macular SVD in the inferonasal sector (r = 0.426, P = 0.008). In addition, there was a strong correlation between inferonasal sector of macular vessel density and 5,6,7,8 clock-hour regions of the pRNFL thicknesses(all r>0.5). Inferoinferior sector of macular SVD and 6,7 clock-hour regions of pRNFL thicknesses also had strong correlation (all r>0.5).The AUCs of macular SVD ranged between 0.61 (superonasal sector) and 0.76 (inferoinferior sector).The FAZ circularity index showed the highest diagnostic power (AUC= 0.94;95% CI, 0.85-0.99), followed by superotemporal sector of macular GCIPL thicknesses (0.93;95% CI,0.83-0.98).Conclusions: Sector of macular SVD not only had a spatial positional correlation with corresponding macular GCIPL thickness, but also with clock-hour regional pRNFL thicknesses in PACG eyes. FAZ circulation index might be a useful diagnostic parameter.