bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Novel Solution for Multiphase Flow Metering in ESP-Lifted Wells
Authors: Al Qahtani Abdullah , Al Qahtani Mubarak , Al Qahtani Bader
Published: November 2020

The thrust to measure multiphase flow in oil wells is driven by the need to optimize well/reservoir management. This has driven R&D to develop an accurate and cost effective multiphase flow meter. In ESP-lifted wells, the continuous measurement of the flow rate and other attributes are critically important to optimize the performance of the pump, and consequently prolong its run life. Despite the surge of technologies and subsequent R&D to develop surface and subsurface tools to measure/infer the flow rate through the pump, the industry has not yet developed a viable meter that is to be installed in each well. The industry attempted to utilize the readily available data from the application of digitization, to infer flow rate, but it is not fully leveraged to serve that purpose and substitute surface meters.

This paper presents new solutions that augment multiple attributes (electrical, hydraulic) and schemes (analytical, & numerical) to estimate multiphase flow estimations in ESP-lifted wells. The solution is a semi-analytical solution with regression analysis that augments different methods, to improve the reliability of calculation and help understand the wellbore phenomena to calibrate pump curves and pressure traverse models and crosscheck results for multiphase flow. The proposed solutions reduce inherent uncertainties in fluid properties and fluid flow characterization. The solutions present a novel approach of data analytics, of simultaneously calculating multiple attributes to cross check results and improve accuracy. In addition, it could be utilized to calibrate some model of calculations used and assesses reliability of some systems that are monitored. It leverages the readily available data of monitoring ESP health for measurement calculation. Additionally, it presents some ideas of developing the future downhole virtual and/or physical meter. Some ideas are presented in the paper.

Actual data is presented in this paper utilizing the proposed solutions. The solution showed good consistency among the used methods and great match with conventional reference measurement, which support the potential of application in the field. This set the stage to develop a downhole meter, to be used for better accuracy with the presented solutions. A proposal of the downhole meter and its connectivity the proposed solution is presented. Artificial intelligence tools could be considered for future research utilizing to fine-tune the calculated estimations.
Novel MYO15A Variants are Associated with Hearing Loss in the Two Iranian Pedigrees
Authors: khatami somayeh , Askari Masomeh , Bahreini Fatemeh , Chaleshtori Morteza Hashemzadeh , Hematian Saeed , Asgharzade Samira
Published: November 2020

Background: Clinical genetic diagnosis of non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is quite challenging. With regard to its high heterogeneity as well as large size of some genes, it is also really difficult to detect causative mutations using traditional approaches. One of the recent technologies called whole-exome sequencing (WES) has been thus developed in this domain to remove the limitations of conventional methods.Methods: This study was a report on a research study of two unrelated pedigrees with multiple affected cases of hearing loss (HL). Accordingly, clinical evaluations and genetic analysis were performed in both families. Results: The results of WES data analysis to uncover autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) disease-causing variants was reported in the present study. Initial analysis identified two novel variants of MYO15A i.e. c.T6442A:p.W2148R and c.10504dupT:p.C3502Lfs*15 correspondingly which were later confirmed by Sanger validations and segregation analyses. According to online prediction tools, both identified variants seemed to have damaging effects.Conclusion: In this study, whole exome sequencing were used as a first approach strategy to identify the two novel variants in MYO15A in two Iranian families with ARNSHL.
PINK1 Contained in huMSCs-Exosomes Prevents Cardiomyocyte Mitochondrial Calcium Overload in Sepsis by Recovering Mitochondrial Ca2+ Efflux
Authors: Zhou Qin , Xie Min , Zhu Jing , Yi Qing , Tan Bin , Li Yasha , Ye Liang , Zhang Xinyuan , Zhang Ying , Tian Jie , Xu Hao
Published: November 2020

Background: Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to a local severe infection that can lead to multiple organ failure and ultimately death. Studies have shown that 40%-50% of septic patients have diverse myocardial injuries, with mortality ranging from 70% to 90% in contrast to 20% in septic patients without myocardial injury. Therefore, uncovering the mechanism of myocardial injury induced by sepsis and finding a treatment for the corresponding target are immensely important.Methods: We employed cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) for inducing sepsis in mice, and detect the situation of myocardial injury and cardiac function through serological markers and echocardiography. The cardiomyocytes apoptosis and the ultrastructural of heart tissue detected by TUNEL and transmission electron microscope (TEM) respectively. The Fura-2 AM was used to monitored Ca2+ uptake and efflux of mitochondria. FQ-PCR and Western blot detected the expression of mitochondria Ca2+ distribution regulators and PINK1. JC-1 was used to detected the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) of cardiomyocytes. Results: We found that the expression of PINK1 decreased in mouse hearts during sepsis, which caused cardiomyocyte mitochondrial calcium efflux disorder, mitochondrial calcium overload and cardiomyocyte injury. In contrast, we found that exosomes isolated from huMSCs (huMSCs-exo) carried Pink1 mRNA that could be transferred to recipient cardiomyocytes, increasing PINK1 expression. Then, the reduction in cardiomyocyte mitochondrial calcium efflux was reversed, and cardiomyocytes recovered from their injury. Furthermore, we confirmed the effect of the PINK1-PKA-NCLX axis on mitochondrial calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes during sepsis.Conclusion: The PINK1-PKA-NCLX axis play an important role in cardiomyocytes mitochondrial calcium efflux, therefore PINK1 could be a therapeutic target to protect cardiomyocyte mitochondria, and the application of huMSCs-exo is a promising strategy against heart dysfunction induced by sepsis.
WITHDRAWN: Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Alone or Combined with Prostate-Specific Antigen for the Diagnosis of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Nepal Sat Prasad , Nakasato Takehiko , Ogawa Yoshio , Nakagami Yoshihiro , Shichijo Takeshi , Morita Jun , Maeda Yoshiko , Oshinomi Kazuhiko , Unoki Tsutomu , Inoue Tatsuki , Amano Satoshi , Mizunuma Moyuru , Kato Ryosuke
Published: November 2020

Background: Many patients undergo unwanted prostate biopsy due to unreliability of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA density (PSAD), free PSA, free-to-total PSA ratio, prebiopsy MRI are used to diagnose prostate cancer (PCa). Since 1863, correlations between inflammation and cancer have been identified and explored; thus, the role of various blood parameters in detecting cancer has been studied, especially neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Here, we evaluated whether these parameters before prostate biopsy can diagnose prostate cancer in our hospital.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from January 2014 to January 2018. Prostate cancer patients were divided into significant cancer (Gleason Score ≥ 7) and insignificant cancer (Gleason Score < 7). NLR, PLR, and other clinical parameters were taken before the prostate biopsy. We then analyzed the associations of NLR and PLR alone or with PSA, with significant prostate cancer. Results: We included 463 patients, of whom 60.3% (279) had prostate cancer and 75.6 % (211) had a Gleason score (GS) of ≥ 7. PSA and PSAD in the clinically significant prostate cancer patient group were around two times more than those in the insignificant prostate cancer group. PV, NLR, PLR, and combined markers were more in the GS ≥ 7 population group. PSA combined with PLR (PPLR) and PSA with NLR (PNLR) had better area under a curve (AUC) (0.732 and 0.730, resp.), with statistical significance, than PSA, NLR, and PLR alone (0.723, 0.585, and 0.590). In the multivariate analysis using separate models with PSA and NLR or PLR compared to age, DRE-positive lesions, PV, PSAD; PNLR, and PPLR were statistically significant in finding aggressive prostate cancer. When combined markers were used together, despite the high correlations, PSA and NLR were nearly significant (p = 0.062) in detecting the GS ≥ 7 population.Conclusion: The combined use of PSA with PLR and PSA with NLR helps detect the differences between clinically significant and insignificant prostate cancer.
Increased Serum Procollagen Type I C-terminal Propeptide Levels are Associated with Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Breast Cancer Treated with Anthracycline-Based Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Fuente Ana de la , Santisteban Marta , Lupón Josep , Aramendía José Manuel , Díaz Agnes , Cediel Germán , López Begoña , Picazo José María López , Rábago Gregorio , Díez Javier , González Arantxa , Bayés-Genís Antoni , Ravassa Susana
Published: November 2020

Background Anthracycline-based cancer chemotherapy (ACC) has been related to myocardial interstitial fibrosis (MIF), a lesion contributing to left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). We investigated whether biomarker-assessed MIF was associated with LVD in patients with breast cancer receiving ACC and in patients with ACC-induced heart failure (ACC-HF). Moreover, chemotherapy agent’s pro-fibrotic activity was evaluated in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs). Methods Echocardiography, serum biomarkers of collagen deposition (procollagen type-I C-terminal-propeptide [PICP]) and crosslinking (collagen type-I C-terminal-telopeptide/matrix metalloproteinase-1 ratio), and biomarkers of myocardial and vascular stress (galectin-3, sST2, amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], hs-troponin-T and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1]) were assessed in 70 breast cancer patients at baseline, and during ACC at 3 and 6 months. Subclinical cardiotoxicity was defined as global longitudinal strain (GLS) relative reduction>15%. In addition, PICP and NT-proBNP were determined in 347 patients with different HF etiologies, 37 with ACC-HF (of whom 65% had been diagnosed with breast cancer) and 12-month-follow-up LVEF assessment. HCFs activation was examined after incubation with doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel and trastuzumab for 24 hours. Results In patients with breast cancer, six-months-ACC reduced GLS and upregulated PICP, hs-troponin-T, NT-proBNP and VCAM-1 (P<0.01) versus baseline. At 6 months, elevation of PICP was higher in patients with subclinical cardiotoxicity versus the remaining patients (P for interaction<0.001). PICP levels were directly and independently associated with a relative reduction in GLS (P<0.001). In ACC-HF patients, baseline LVEF was inversely associated with PICP and NT-proBNP (P<0.01). After 12 months, LVEF did not change in patients with higher basal PICP (3rd tertile) but improved in the remaining patients (P<0.001). Doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and trastuzumab stimulated collagen synthesis in HCFs. Conclusion These results indicate that biomarker-assessed MIF associates with early LVD in ACC-treated patients with breast cancer. In addition, these findings suggest that MIF may be associated with established LVD in ACC-HF patients, hindering LV functional improvement after 12 months. Finally, chemotherapy can directly activate collagen metabolism in HCFs.
Drug-Herb Interaction Between Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators and Estrogenic Herbal Medicine Er-Xian Decoction in Bone in Vivo and in Vitro
Authors: Wong Ka-Ying , Zhou Liping , Yu Wenxuan , Poon Christina Chui Wa , Wong Man-Sau
Published: November 2020

Background: Er-Xian decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese Medicine for managing menopausal syndrome and osteoporosis in China, could exert osteoprotective action via activation of estrogen receptor (ERs) and regulation of serum estradiol without causing severe side effects. However, no fundamental studies have explored its potential interaction in the combined use of prescription drugs, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), regarding the osteogenic and uterotrophic effects. The present study evaluated the estrogenic effects of EXD and its potential interactions with tamoxifen and raloxifene in bone and uterus using a mature ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model and human osteoblastic MG-63 cells. Methods: Six-month-old female SD rats were randomly assigned to Sham-operated group or seven OVX groups: vehicle, 17ß-estradiol (E2, 1.0 mg/kg.day), Tamoxifen (Tamo, 1.0 mg/kg.day), Raloxifene (Ralo, 3.0 mg/kg.day), EXD (EXD, 1.6 g/kg.day), EXD+Tamoxifen (EXD+Tamo) and EXD+Raloxifene (EXD+Ralo). The effect of EXD on bodyweight, bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture, biochemical analysis of serum and urine, and uterus were evaluated. In addition, Alkaline phosphatase assay and activation of estrogen-responsive element mediated by EXD and in its combination with SERMs were investigated in MG-63 cells. Results: In vivo, EXD could interact with SERMs to modulate the serum estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, osteocalcin level as well as BMD and bone properties in OVX rats. Moreover, EXD could relieve the uterotrophic effect of SERMs. In vitro, EXD crude extract and EXD-treated serum could promote ALP activity. In particular, EXD-treated serum could interact with SERMs on regulating ALP activity in MG-63 cells. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that EXD in vivo and EXD-treated serum in vitro did not weaken the osteogenic effect of SERMs. Interestingly, EXD seems to ameliorate the uterotrophic effects of SERMs. Therefore, the combined use of EXD and SERMs may be considered safe and effective in managing postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Bilateral Pulmonary Nodules after Surgery for Ameloblastoma: A Case of Misdiagnosis for 32 Years
Authors: Liu Jie , Yang Shudong , yu zhen , Bian Tao
Published: November 2020

Background: We describe a rare case of metastatic ameloblastoma in a 68-year-old Chinese woman diagnosed with ameloblastoma of the right mandible in 1974. Case presentation: Despite radical resection, she experienced repeated local recurrences, including asymptomatic bilateral pulmonary nodules, cough, and hemoptysis diagnosed as non-malignant inflammatory cell infiltration. The patient developed an aggravated cough, palpitations, and dyspnea and was admitted to our respiratory department in September 2018. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple bilateral lung nodules, masses, and soft tissue opacities. She was diagnosed with advanced metastatic ameloblastoma in bilateral lungs via bronchoscopic biopsy, with a misdiagnosis time of 32 years. Because her systemic condition was poor, systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not recommended. Dyspnea significantly improved after interventional bronchoscopic therapy and tumor electroexcision; she died of respiratory failure 1 year after diagnosis. Conclusions: Clinicians should carefully explore the medical histories of patients with surgical histories of ameloblastoma and subsequent unexplained pulmonary metastatic tumors to avoid misdiagnosis.
Intentional Fallers with Complex Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures Do Not have Worse Radiological and Functional Outcomes than Accidental Fallers
Authors: Yu Yi-Hsun , Chou Ying-Chao , Hsu Yung-Heng , Chen I-Jung , Wei Lien-Chung
Published: November 2020

Background: Individuals who fell from heights of >6 m accidentally or intentionally can suffer from complex pelvic and acetabular fractures. The extent to which an intentional fall correlates with prognosis and outcome after osteosynthesis is unclear. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of fallers with pelvic and acetabular fractures after osteosynthesis and to compare the radiological and functional outcomes between intentional and accidental fallers.Methods: Between 2014 and 2017, individuals who fell from heights of >6 m, developed pelvic and acetabular fractures, survived after resuscitation, and completed surgical treatments were enrolled. The fallers were divided into the intentional and accidental fallers, and their clinical parameters were statistically evaluated and compared.Results: Forty-nine fallers who underwent osteosynthesis for pelvic and acetabular fractures were included. Sixteen patients were intentional fallers, whereas the rest of the patients fell accidentally. All patients who fell intentionally had pre-existing mental disorders, and the major diagnosis was adjustment disorder. The group with intentional fallers had female sex predominance, higher injury and new injury severity scores, and longer hospital stay. However, the early loss of fixation (less than three month) and functional outcomes (6- and 12-month follow-up) did not significantly differ between the intentional and accidental fallers. Conclusions: The intentional fallers with pelvic and acetabular fractures might be accompanied by more severe injuries compared to accidental fallers. However, the radiological and functional outcomes of the intentional fallers after osteosynthesis were not inferior to those of the accidental fallers.
Recessive LOXHD1 Variants Cause a Milder Prelingual Hearing Loss: Genotype-Phenotype Correlation and Three Additional Patients With Novel Variants
Authors: Yu Sha , Chen Wen-xia , Zhang Yun-Fei , Chen Chao , Ni Yihua , Duan Bo , Wang Huijun , Xu Zheng-min
Published: November 2020

BackgroundBiallelic mutations in LOXHD1 have been identified as the cause of DFNB77 (deafness, autosomal recessive 77). It is a novel, progressive, severe-profound, and late-onset non-syndromic hearing loss, and is genetically and phenotypically highly heterogeneous. This study aimed to provide an additional three cases of DFNB77 to analyze this complex disease.MethodsWe presented three cases of pediatric patients with prelingual milder form of the DFNB77 with residual hearing at low frequencies. Trio whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted to identify the pathogenic variants. Additionally, we reviewed the literature to further analyze the relationships between the genotype and audiology phenotype of LOXHD1 worldwide.ResultsSix novel possible pathogenic LOXHD1 variants in three patients were identified by WES, including three missense, one nonsense, and two splicing variants. The literature review showed that 68.5% of DFNB77 patient onset before five years old; Most variants (60%) were associated with a milder phenotype, particularly variants in the protein domain of PLAT 7 and PLAT 9. We found that compared with homozygous LOXHD1 variants, individuals with heterozygous compound variants had a significantly milder phenotype, especially individuals carrying one missense and one splicing or bi-allelic missense variants (P <0.05). Audiometric analysis at different ages showed that the hearing loss degree was aggravated at all frequencies in adulthood and more severe in elderhood.Conclusions﻿We report three children with hearing loss carrying six novel LOXHD1 variants identified by WES. Furthermore, our work indicates that DFNB77 may be milder than previously reported, and recommends considering the genotype combination and mutation location of LOXHD1 and race-specificity in DFNB77 molecular diagnoses and management.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci for Mesocotyl Length of Rice Seedling in Different Sowing Depths using Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Yang Chuanhang , Wang Hao , Tang Xiaojuan , Guo Qing , Li Youhui , Liu Yi , Li Xiuxiu , Qin Peng , Tu Bin , Chen Weilan , Yuan Hua , Ma Bingtian , Liang Chengzhi , Li Shigui , Wang Yuping
Published: November 2020

Background: The mesocotyl length of rice seedling is a complex trait associated with the ability of seedling emerging and controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a high-through QTLs mapping method and widely used to identify QTLs in the field of plant genetics.Results: A series of rice accessions including 290 varieties from all over the world, which harbored widely genetic background, were finished whole genome re-sequencing and investigated the mesocotyl length of rice seedlings in three different sowing depths (0cm, 4cm and 6cm). The analysis of coefficient of variation (CV) showed that the rice mesocotyl length variability in the three different treatments with 0cm, 4cm and 6cm sand culture are 114.43%, 146.65% and 152.55%, respectively. The mesocotyl length of the three groups are positively correlated with each other, indicating that the variation trend is consistent despite the differences in experimental treatment conditions, which led to the different performances of the mesocotyl lengths of the same accession. After GWAS, we found There are 922 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) makers associated with rice seedling mesocotyl length across 20 QTL regions and covered 1246 genes.Conclusions: In this study, we found that there are 922 SNP makers associated with rice seedling mesocotyl length across 20 QTL regions and covered 1246 genes. And we detected 23 candidate genes which maybe have effect to the mesocotyl length of rice seedling at different sowing depths
Development of a remote online collaborative medical school pathology curriculum with clinical correlations, across several international sites, through the covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Guiter Gerardo , Sapia Sandra , Wright Alexander , Hutchins Gordon , Arayssi Thurayya
Published: November 2020

﻿Introduction: Due to the Covid-19 social distancing restrictions, in March 2020, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar decided to replace students’ clinical instruction with novel online electives. Hence, we implemented an innovative online and remote pathology curriculum, anchored on virtual microscopy and Zoom videoconferencing: ideal tools to support online teaching. Objective: To assess a new curriculum implementation at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.Materials and Methods: This for-credit, 2-week elective included 6 synchronous Zoom sessions where complex clinicopathological cases were discussed in small groups. We used open access digital microscopy slides from the University of Leeds’ Virtual Pathology Library (http://www.virtualpathology.leeds.ac.uk/slides/library/). Students independently prepared for these sessions by reviewing cases, slides, readings, and questions in advance (asynchronous self-directed learning anchored on a flipped classroom model), and wrote a final review of a case. An assessment and feedback were given to each student.Results: Four elective iterations were offered to a total of 29 students, with learners and faculty spread over 4 countries. During the Zoom sessions, students controlled the digital slides and offered their own diagnoses, followed by group discussions to strengthen autonomy and confidence. We surveyed learners about the elective’s performance (program evaluation). Students conveyed high levels of satisfaction about the elective’s overall quality, their pathology learning and online interactions, with minimal challenges related to the remote nature of the course.Discussion and conclusions: Technological innovations mitigate sudden disruptions in medical education. A remote curriculum allows instruction at any distance, at any time, from anywhere, enhancing educational exchanges, flexibility and globalization in medical education.
Exploring Immune Infiltration and Biomarkers of Ollier Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Wang Yuanlin , Li Bing , Jia Yiming , Liu Xiaolong , Cao Peihong , Liu Jun
Published: November 2020

BackgroundOllier disease (OD) is a kind of rare and non-hereditary orthopaedics disease. The malignancy transformation towards chondrosarcoma can cause catastrophic consequences. Our study aimed to reveal the potential molecule mechanism and hub genes involving in Ollier chondrosarcomas. The raw data GSE30835 was acquired from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Ollier chondrosarcoma and healthy groups were identified. After Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of DEGs, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, hub genes and significant modules were selected. CIBERSORT analysis was also carried out.ResultsTogether, 226 DEGs were identified, which contained 79 downregulated and 147 up-regulated. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) structural constituent, MHC class II antigen-related mechanism and phagosome pathway. Two significant modules were related to chondrocyte development, MHC class II antigen processing and presentation. COL3A1, VCAN, COL11A1, THBS1, ITGB1, CCL2, CCND1 were viewed as hub genes. CIBERSORT analysis shows that naive B cells and M0 macrophages are of statistical significance. ConclusionOur study suggests that COL3A1, COL11A1, VCAN, ITGB1, THBS1, CCL2, CCND1 may be viewed as promising candidate biomarkers of Ollier chondrosarcoma. We also advanced that MHC class II antigen-related immune mechanism should be paid attention in the further experiment. Naive B cells and M0 macrophages might be related to immune mechanism.
Quality of Life of Sign Language Interpreters: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Lisboa Leandro Vieira , Nunes Sara Ribeiro , Chaveiro Neuma , Rodríguez-Martín Dolors
Published: November 2020

BackgroudThe sign language interpreter is a professional who has the ability to be the communication link between users of two languages (oral and sign). Due to the physical and mental demand in the performance of this profession, health studies that includes sign language interpreters are necessary, such as health related Quality of Life (QoL).MethodsThe study will be conducted by two independent reviewers following the rules of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA), a search will be carried out in the main databases: LILACS; SciELO; ScienceDirect; Scopus Elsevier; PubMED; Web of Science for the selection of articles published until 2020. There will be no language or locale limitations. The assessment of methodological quality will be carried out using instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute (IJB).DiscussionThis systematic review aims to analyze the QoL of sign language interpreters from a systematic review.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, CRD42020181573.
Allometric Equations for Aboveground Biomass Estimations of Four Dry Afromontane Tree Species
Authors: Gebeyehu Getaneh , Soromessa Teshome , Bekele Tesfaye , Teketay Demel
Published: November 2020

Background: Tree species based developing allometric equations are important because they contain the largest proportion of total biomass and carbon stocks of forests. Studies on developing and validating the species-specific allometric models (SSAM) remain insufficient that may result to biomass estimation errors in the forests. The purpose of this study is to determine the wood density of four tree species and develop and validate the accuracy of allometry for biomass estimations. A total of 103 sample trees representing four species were harvested semi-destructively. The species specific allometric equations (SSAM) were developed using aboveground biomass (AGB in kg) as dependent variable, and three of the predictor’s variables: diameter at beast height (DBH in cm), height (H in m) and wood density (WD in g cm-3). The relation between dependent and independent variables were tested using multiple correlations (R2). The model selection and validation was based on statistical significance of model parameter estimates, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), adjusted coefficient of determination (R2), residual standard error (RSE) and mean relative error (MRE). Results: The results showed that the AGB correlated significantly with diameter at breast height (R2 > 0.944, P < 0.001), and tree height (R2 > 0.742, P <0.001). The species-specific allometric models, which include DBH, H and WD predicted AGB with high-model fit (R2 > 93.6%, P < 0.001). These models for biomass estimations produced small MRE (1.50–3.40%) and AIC (-7.04 –12.84) compared to a single predictor (MRE:-0.4 – 20.1%; AIC: -7.25 – 35.29). The SSAM also predicted AGB against predictors with high-model fit (R2 > 93.6%, P < 0.001) and small MRE: 1.50 – 3.40% compared to existing general allometric models (MRE: - 31.3 – 11.31%). Conclusions: The research confirmed that the inclusion of DBH, H, and WD in the SSAM predicted AGB with small bias than a single or two predictors. The wood density values of those studied species can be used as the references for biomass estimations using general allometric equations. The study contributes to species-specific allometric models for understanding the total biomass estimation of species. Therefore, the application of species-specific allometric models should be considered in biomass estimations of forests.
The Synergistic Anti-tumor Effect of Iodine-125 Low-dose-rate Brachytherapy and Anti-PD-1 Therapy on Lung Cancer in Mice
Authors: Cao Yiyi , Li Wenbo , Li Jia , Weng Yu , Chen Chang , Wang ZhengJie , Pang Hua
Published: November 2020

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) when combined with anti-PD-1 therapy has a significant effect, but RT fractionation and dose impact the effects of this combined therapy. Iodine-125 particle implantation (125I RPI) is a hyperfractionated low-dose-rate brachytherapy. Its impact on the tumor immune microenvironment and the efficacy of 125I RPI combined with anti-PD-1 therapy are unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of 125I RPI combined with anti-PD-1 therapy and their impact on tumor immunity. Methods: A Lewis lung cancer (LLC) mouse model was established and radioactive iodine-125 particles were implanted into the tumors. Tumor tissues were obtained six and 12 days after particle implantation, and the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 was detected by flow cytometry. On day 0, LLC cells were injected subcutaneously into the right hindlimb (primary tumor) and left flank (secondary tumor) of mice. On day 10, the mice were randomly divided into PBS, α-PD-1, 125I RPI, and α-PD-1+125I RPI groups. On day 22, tumor tissues were extracted from the mice. The proportion of immune cell subsets in the tumor immune microenvironment was detected by flow cytometry, and the primary and secondary tumor volumes were monitored. Results: After 125I RPI, the expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells was upregulated (P < 0.0001), and the proportion of CD8+ PD-1+ T cells also increased (P = 0.0001). 125I RPI combined with anti-PD-1 therapy synergistically inhibited primary (P = 0.0139) and secondary (P = 0.0494) tumor growth. The flow cytometry results showed that the combination therapy could increase the proportion of CD8+ T cells (P = 0.0055) and decrease the proportion of T regulatory cells (P < 0.0227) in the tumor microenvironment. Survival analysis shows that the sequence of 125I RPI and α-PD-1 affects efficacy, and early initiation of 125I RPI is more beneficial. Conclusion: 125I RPI combined with anti-PD-1 therapy can significantly inhibit tumor growth and activate anti-tumor immunity, which present a promising approach for the treatment of cancer.
WITHDRAWN: Temperature-influenced Substitution of Si in Ti3(Si,Al)C2  Solid Solution
Authors: JI Jun , YANG Zirun , ZHANG Zhenyu , LI Dechun , Wang Zhi , ZHANG Liu
Published: November 2020

High-pure Ti3(Si,Al)C2 solid solutions were synthesized in the range of 1473 to 1773K. The microstructures and chemical compositions of all samples were characterized by X-rays diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was worthy noted that experimentally determined lattice parameter c of Ti3(Si,Al)C2 crystal decreased with the increasing of sintering temperature. The contents of Si and Al elements in solid solution were conducted by Vegard’s Law. Gibbs energy differences (△G) of substitution behaviors of Si at different temperatures were also listed. With the increase of temperature, △G of Eq. Ti3(Si0.75Al0.25)C2+0.25Si→Ti3SiC2+0.25Al were negative and decreased gradually, which means that the transformation from Ti3(Si,Al)C2 to Ti3SiC2 was spontaneous and had a greater tendency in higher temperatures. By analyzing the experiment data, a possible mechanism of the substitution process of Si in various temperatures was determined.
Delayed positive association between air temperature and covid-19 incidence in Italy
Authors: Fong Fang Chyi , Goodson Michaela Louise , Smith Daniel Robert
Published: November 2020

The association between air temperature and covid-19 incidence is unclear, particularly regarding lag effects. Here we address this research gap using high resolution data from Italy. We obtained daily covid-19 cases, populations at risk, and mean daily air temperature from 97 Italian cities for the period 24 February through 21 September 2020. We fitted a mixed-effects distributed lag non-linear model, presenting the effects as relative risks (RR) and cumulative relative risks (RRcum).Negative increments in mean daily temperature produced approximately inverted U- shaped lag-responses, though for large positive increments in temperature, the peak RR occurred at the maximal lag of 14 days. The temperature exposure response curves generally showed an increased RR with increasing temperature, though the shape varied according to the lag period. Positive and negative increments in temperature caused increases and decreases in the RRcum respectively, though the plateau effect for negative increments was not observed above small positive increments in temperature.We postulate that latent variables correlated with temperature, such as frequency and duration of social activities, are the underlying cause of our observed trends. Nonetheless, our statistical model can be utilised to forecast cumulative covid-19 incidence rates assuming specified air temperature increments at the city level.
Investigation of the clinical significance and pathological features of lanthanum deposition in the gastric mucosa
Authors: Nishida Shinya , Ota Kazuhiro , Hattori Kimiaki , Iwatsubo Taro , Kawaguchi Shimpei , Kojima Yuichi , Takeuchi Toshihisa , Maeda Tamaki , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: November 2020

Background: There are often specific endoscopic findings caused by deposition of lanthanum (La) in the gastric mucosa of patients taking lanthanum carbonate (LaC), a novel phosphate binder for patients on hemodialysis. We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the clinical significance of La deposition in the gastric mucosa, and the association between endoscopic features and histologic findings in the same population.Methods: We compared background factors in patients taking LaC with and without La deposition in their gastroscopic biopsy specimen. We also investigated the relationship between gastric endoscopic biopsy specimens with La deposition and the concurrent endoscopic images.Results: There was a significant difference in the total dose of LaC between the La-positive and La-negative groups (990 g [180–3150 g] vs. 480 g [225–1328 g]; p=0.013). In 27 biopsy specimens with specific whitish mucosa, 10 showed mild histiocytic infiltration and 17 showed severe infiltration. In contrast, among 24 specimens with non-whitish mucosa, 5 showed no histiocytic infiltration, 10 showed mild infiltration, and 9 showed severe infiltration. There was a significant relationship between endoscopic features and the degree of histiocytic infiltration (p=0.026).Conclusions: We demonstrated that La deposition in the gastric mucosa depended on the total dose of LaC and was not affected by background factors. The specific endoscopic features of La deposition are associated with the infiltration of histiocytes, which represents the body’s normal response to foreign bodies. The protocol was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000038929).
Analysis of the corrective contribution of strong halo-femoral traction in the treatment of severe rigid nonidiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Zhang Hongqi , Yang Guanteng , Guo Chaofeng , Liu Jinyang , tang minxing
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Strong halo-femoral traction has been widely used in the field of severe rigid scoliosis correction. The objective of this study was to analyze the corrective contribution of strong halo-femoral traction in the treatment of severe rigid nonidiopathic scoliosis and discuss its meaning.Material and methods: A retrospective review was performed for patients with severe rigid nonidiopathic scoliosis who were treated with halo-femoral traction in our center from December 2008 to December 2015. All cases underwent halo-femoral traction for 2 to 4 weeks before a one-stage posterior operation, and the absolute and relative contribution rates of each orthopedic factor (bending, fulcrum, traction, surgery) were analyzed.Results: A total of 38 patients were included (15 male and 23 female), with a mean age of 16.4± 3.73 years (10-22 years) and follow-up of 55.05 ± 6.63 mos. (range 40-68 mos.). The etiology was congenital in 17 patients, neuromuscular in 14 patients, neurofibromatosis-1 in 3 patients and Marfan syndrome in 2 patients. Congenital high scapular disease with scoliosis was found in 2 patients. The mean coronal Cobb angle of the major curve was 97.99°±11.47° (range 78°–124°), with a mean flexibility of 15.68% ±6.65%. The absolute contribution rate (ACR) of bending was 27.26% ±10.16%, the ACR of the fulcrum was 10.91% ±2.50%, the ACR of traction was 32.32% ±11.41%, and the ACR of surgery was 29.50% ±9.70%. A significant difference in correction was noted between the ACRs of traction and the fulcrum (P < 0.05).Discussion: Strong halo-femoral traction plays a relatively significant role in the treatment of severe rigid nonidiopathic scoliosis while decreasing the risk of operation, and it is a safe and effective method for the treatment of severe rigid nonidiopathic scoliosis.
Associations of dietary inflammatory index, serum levels of MCP-1 and body composition in Iranian overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghodoosi Nasim , Mirzababaei Atieh , Rashidbeygi Elahe , Badrooj Negin , Sajjadi Seyedeh Forough , Setayesh Leila , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Keshavarz Seyed Ali , Shiraseb Farideh , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: November 2020

Objective: Although, several studies have illustrated that there is a relation between the between dietary inflammatory index (DII) with obesity-related parameters, and inflammation, their results were controversial results. This study aimed to investigate this relationship among Iranian women. Results: Multivariable linear regression showed that fat mass was 0.14 kg lower in the anti-inflammatory diet group, with respect to the pro-inflammatory group, after adjusting covariates such as age, physical activity, economic and job status (β = -0.142, 95% CI -4.44, -1.71, P = 0.03). Fat-free mass (FFM) was 1.5 kg more in the anti-inflammatory diet group, compared to the pro-inflammatory diet group, after adjusting for potentials cofounders (β = 1.50, 95% CI 0, 3.01, p = 0.05). Furthermore, after adjusting for potentials cofounders, it was revealed that the subjects with lower DII had lower monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in serum (β = -18.81, 95% CI -35.84, -1.79, p = 0.03). These findings suggest an inverse and significant relationship between DII and FFM and also DII is directly related to Fat mass and the level of MCP-1. This finding can be used for developing interventions that aim to promote healthy eating to prevent inflammation and non-communicable disease development among obese female.
The technique of 3D reconstruction combining with biochemistry to build an equivalent formula of indocyanine green (ICG) clearance test to assess the liver reserve function
Authors: Zheng JinLi , Xie Wei , Huang Yang , Zhu Yunfeng , Jiang Li
Published: November 2020

Background: The indocyanine green(ICG) clearance test is the main method of evaluating the liver reserve function before hepatectomy. However, some patients may be allergic to ICG or the equipment of ICG clearance test was lack, leading to be difficult to evaluate liver reserve function. We aim to find an alternative tool to assist the clinicians to evaluate the liver reserve function for those who were allergic to the ICG or lack of equipment before hepatectomy.Methods: We retrospected 300 patients to investigate the risk factors affecting the liver reserve function and to build an equivalent formula to predict ICG 15 minutes retention rate (ICG-R15) value. Results：We found that the independent risk factors affecting ICG clearance test were total bilirubin, albumin, and spleen-to-non-neoplastic liver volume ratio (SNLR). The equivalent formula of the serological index combining with SNLR was: ICG-R15=0.36×TB (umol/L) - 0.78 × ALB(g/L) + 7.783×SNLR + 0.794×PT (s) - 0.016×PLT(/109) - 0.039× ALT (IU/L) + 0.043 × AST (IU/L) + 23.846. The equivalent formula of serum index was: ICG-R152=24.665 + 0.382×TB (umol/L) - 0.799 × ALB(g/L) - 0.025 × PLT(/109) + 0.048 × AST(IU/L) - 0.045 × ALT(IU/L). And the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of predicting ICG-R15≥10% was 0.861 and 0.857, respectively. Conclusion: We found that SNLR was an independent risk factor affecting liver reserve function. Combining with SNLR to evaluate the liver reserve function was better than just basing on serology.
Use of the Robson classification to understand the increased risk of cesarean section in case of maternal obesity.
Authors: Crequit Simon , Korb Diane , Morin Cécile , Schmitz Thomas , Sibony Olivier
Published: November 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of pregnant women with obesity that contribute to increased cesarean rate.Methods: Retrospective cohort in a single academic institution between 2012 and 2019. Women who delivered during this period were classified according to the Robson classification. Women with normal body mass index (N=11797) and with obesity (N=2991) were compared. The contribution of each Robson group to the overall caesarean rate were compared.Results: The overall cesarean rate was higher for women with (28.1%) than without (14.2%, p < 0.001) obesity. This result came mainly from Robson group 5a (history of one cesarean). After adjustment for medical factors within this group, the association between maternal obesity and cesarean during labor was significant.Conclusions: The higher cesarean rate in women with obesity is explained by Robson group 5a in which obesity is an independent risk factor of in labor cesarean delivery.
Endochin-like quinolone-300 and ELQ-316 inhibit Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, B. caballi and Theileria equi
Authors: Silva Marta G. , Bastos Reginaldo G. , Doggett J. Stone , Riscoe Michael K. , Pou Sovitj , Winter Rolf , Dodean Rozalia A. , Nilsen Aaron , Suarez Carlos E.
Published: November 2020

Background: The most common apicomplexan parasites causing bovine babesiosis are Babesia bovis and B. bigemina, while B. caballi and Theileria equi are responsible for equine piroplasmosis. Treatment and control of these diseases are usually achieved using potentially toxic chemotherapeutics, such as imidocarb diproprionate, but drug-resistant parasites are emerging, and alternative effective and safer drugs are needed. Endochin-like quinolones (ELQ)-300 and ELQ-316 proved safe and efficacious against related apicomplexans, such as Plasmodium spp., and ELQ-316 was also effective against B. microti, without showing toxicity in mammals.Methods: Inhibitory effects of ELQ-300 and ELQ-316 were assessed on the growth of cultured B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. caballi and T. equi. Percentage of parasitized erythrocytes was measured by flow cytometry. Effect of the ELQ drugs on the viability of horse and bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was assessed by monitoring cell metabolic activity using a colorimetric assay.Results: We calculated IC50 ranging from 0.04 to 0.37 nM for ELQ-300, and from 0.002 to 0.1 nM for ELQ-316 at 72 h among all cultured parasites tested. None of the parasites tested were able to replicate in cultures in the presence of the ELQ-300 and ELQ-316 at IC100, which range from 1.3 to 5.7 nM for ELQ-300 and from 1.0 to 6.0 nM for ELQ-316 at 72 h. Neither ELQ-300 nor ELQ-316 altered the viability of equine and bovine PBMC at their IC100 in in vitro testing. Conclusions: ELQ-300 and ELQ-316 showed significant inhibitory activity on the main parasites responsible for bovine babesiosis and equine piroplasmosis at doses that are tolerable to host cells. These ELQ drugs may be viable candidates for developing alternative protocols for the treatment of bovine babesiosis and equine piroplasmosis.
Dietary Assessment and Patient-Perspective Reasons for Poor Adherence to Diet and Exercise Post Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Assakran Bandar Saad , Widyan Adel Mefleh , Alhumaidan Najla Abdulaziz , Alharbi Fadiyah Abdullah , Alhnaya Mohammed Abdullah , Aljabali Abdullatif Abdullah , Aleid Mohammed Abdulrahman
Published: November 2020

Objective: Obesity prevalence is increasing, and as an outcome, bariatric procedures are on the rise. Previous articles about bariatric surgery disclosed tremendous results. This study aims to assess eating patterns and identify the reasons behind poor adherence to diet and exercise in postbariatric patients.Results: According to the questionnaire used, the majority (85.5%) of our patients scored “good”, 12% scored “fair”, and only 2% scored “excellent”. None scored “needs improvement”. Fruits had a mean consumption of 1.51 ± 0.79 and vegetables 1.78 ± 0.76. The main reasons for patient nonadherence to healthy eating were low self-discipline (48%), lack of motivation (28%), and availability of healthy food and being too busy to prepare healthy meals, both at 25%. Additionally, 55.9% of the study subjects engaged in physical activity. Lack of time (47%), low self-discipline (38%), and weather (32%) were the primary reasons for not exercising regularly.
A semi-dominant mutation in OsCESA9 improves biomass enzymatic digestibility and salt tolerance by relatively remodeling cell walls in rice
Authors: Ye Yafeng , Wang Shuoxun , Wu Kun , Ren Yan , Jiang Hongrui , Chen Jianfeng , Tao Liangzhi , Fu Xiangdong , Liu Binmei , Wu Yuejin
Published: November 2020

Background: Cellulose synthase (CESA) mutants have potential use in straw processing due to their lower cellulose content, but almost all of the mutants exhibit defective phenotypes in plant growth and development. Balancing normal plant growth with reduced cellulose content remains a challenge, as cellulose content and normal plant growth are typically negatively correlated with one another. Result: Here, the rice (Oryza sativa) semi-dominant brittle culm (sdbc) mutant Sdbc1, which harbors a substitution (D387N) at the first conserved aspartic acid residue of OsCESA9, exhibits lower cellulose content and reduced secondary wall thickness as well as enhanced biomass enzymatic saccharification compared with the wild type (WT). Further experiments indicated that the OsCESA9D387N mutation may compete with the wild-type OsCESA9 for interacting with OsCESA4 and OsCESA7, further forming non-functional or partially functional CSCs. The OsCESA9/OsCESA9D387N heterozygous plants increase salt tolerance through scavenging and detoxification of ROS and indirectly affecting related gene expression. They also improve rice straw return to the field due to their brittle culms and lower cellulose content without any negative effects in grain yield and lodging. Conclusion: Hence, manipulation of OsCESA9D387N can provide the perspective of the rice straw for biofuels and bioproducts due to its improved enzymatic saccharification.