bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
23.7% Efficient inverted perovskite solar cells by dual interfacial modification
Authors: Degani Matteo , An Qingzhi , Albaladejo-Siguan Miguel , Hofstetter Yvonne J. , Cho Changsoon , Paulus Fabian , Grancini Giulia , Vaynzof Yana
Published: December 2021

A dual interfacial modification simultaneously improves all photovoltaic parameters of inverted perovskite solar cells.
Live attenuated virus vaccine protects against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and B.1.351 (Beta)
Authors: Trimpert Jakob , Adler Julia M. , Eschke Kathrin , Abdelgawad Azza , Firsching Theresa C. , Ebert Nadine , Thao Tran Thi Nhu , Gruber Achim D. , Thiel Volker , Osterrieder Nikolaus , Kunec Dusan
Published: December 2021

A single intranasal vaccination with live attenuated virus provides protection against VOC B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and B.1.351 (Beta).
An ultrathin rechargeable solid-state zinc ion fiber battery for electronic textiles
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Xiao Xiao , Zhou Yihao , Zhao Xun , Chen Guorui , Liu Zixiao , Wang Zihan , Lu Chengyue , Hu Menglei , Nashalian Ardo , Shen Sophia , Xie Kedi , Yang Weiwei , Gong Yongji , Ding Wenbo , Servati Peyman , Han Chao , Dou Shi Xue , Li Weijie , Chen Jun
Published: December 2021

A light weight, economic, and high–energy density Zn/MnO
2
fiber battery was integrated with a textile body area network.
Dynamic interphase–mediated assembly for deep cycling metal batteries
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Zhao Qing , Hou Yunpeng , Shen Zeyu , Fan Lei , Zhou Shaodong , Lu Yingying , Archer Lynden A.
Published: December 2021

Dynamic interphases provide a general method for achieving energy-dense metal batteries based on earth-abundant anode chemistries.
AD-linked R47H-TREM2mutation induces disease-enhancing microglial states via AKT hyperactivation
Authors: Sayed Faten A. , Kodama Lay , Fan Li , Carling Gillian K. , Udeochu Joe C. , Le David , Li Qingyun , Zhou Lu , Wong Man Ying , Horowitz Rose , Ye Pearly , Mathys Hansruedi , Wang Minghui , Niu Xiang , Mazutis Linas , Jiang Xueqiao , Wang Xueting , Gao Fuying , Brendel Matthew , Telpoukhovskaia Maria , Tracy Tara E. , Frost Georgia , Zhou Yungui , Li Yaqiao , Qiu Yue , Cheng Zuolin , Yu Guoqiang , Hardy John , Coppola Giovanni , Wang Fei , DeTure Michael A. , Zhang Bin , Xie Lei , Trajnowski John Q. , Lee Virginia M. Y. , Gong Shiaoching , Sinha Subhash C. , Dickson Dennis W. , Luo Wenjie , Gan Li
Published: December 2021

R47H-TREM2mutation enhances AKT signaling in human AD microglia and mediates proinflammatory and synaptic toxicity in a tauopathy mouse model.
Heterologous Expression of Active
Dehalobacter
Respiratory Reductive Dehalogenases in Escherichia coli
Authors: Picott Katherine J. , Flick Robert , Edwards Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2021

Understanding microbial reductive dehalogenation is important to refine the global halogen cycle and to improve bioremediation of halogenated contaminants; however, studies of the family of enzymes responsible are limited. Characterization of reductive dehalogenase enzymes has largely eluded researchers due to the lack of a reliable and high-yielding production method.
The Path of More Resistance: a Comparison of National Healthcare Safety Network and Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute Criteria in Developing Cumulative Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Reports and Institutional Antibiograms
Authors: Viloria Winnett Alexander , Srinivasan Vinay , Davis Matthew , Vijayan Tara , Uslan Daniel Z. , Garner Omai B. , de St. Maurice Annabelle
Published: December 2021

In the absence of antimicrobial susceptibility data, the institutional antibiogram is a valuable tool to guide clinicians in the empirical treatment of infections. However, there is a misunderstanding about how best to prepare cumulative antimicrobial susceptibility testing reports (CASTRs) to guide empirical therapy (e.g., routine antibiogram) versus monitoring antimicrobial resistance, with the former following guidance from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the latter from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). These criteria vary markedly in their exclusion or inclusion of isolates cultured repeatedly from the same patient.
Effects of the Noncoding Subgenomic RNA of Red Clover Necrotic Mosaic Virus in Virus Infection
Authors: Kanodia Pulkit , Miller W. Allen
Published: December 2021

Knowledge of how RNA viruses manipulate host and viral gene expression is crucial to our understanding of infection and disease. Unlike viral protein-host interactions, little is known about the control of gene expression by viral RNA.
Induction of HOXA3 by Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Inhibits Type I Interferon Response through Negative Regulation of HO-1 Transcription
Authors: Feng Yingtong , Guo Xuyang , Tian Hong , He Yuan , Li Yang , Jiang Xuelian , Zheng Haixue , Xiao Shuqi
Published: December 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by PRRSV, causes significant worldwide economic losses in the pork industry. HOXA3 is generally considered to be an important molecule in the process of body development and cell differentiation. Here, we found that a novel transcription factor of the HO-1 gene, HOXA3, can negatively regulate the transcription of the HO-1 gene and play an important role in the suppression of IFN-I response by PRRSV.
Metabolites with SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitory Activity Identified from Human Microbiome Commensals
Authors: Piscotta Frank J. , Hoffmann Hans-Heinrich , Choi Young Joo , Small Gabriel I. , Ashbrook Alison W. , Koirala Bimal , Campbell Elizabeth A. , Darst Seth A. , Rice Charles M. , Brady Sean F.
Published: December 2021

The continued prevalence of COVID-19 and the emergence of new variants has once again put the spotlight on the need for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. The human microbiome produces an array of small molecules with bioactivities (e.g., host receptor ligands), but its ability to produce antiviral small molecules is relatively underexplored.
Structural and Functional Analysis of SsaV Cytoplasmic Domain and Variable Linker States in the Context of the InvA-SsaV Chimeric Protein
Authors: Xu Jinghua , Wang Jiuqing , Liu Aijun , Zhang Yanqing , Gao Xiang
Published: December 2021

Type III secretion system (T3SS) is a multicomponent nanomachine and a critical virulence factor for a wide range of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. It can deliver numbers of effectors into the host cell to facilitate the bacterial host infection.
Nunatsiavut, ‘our beautiful land’: Inuit landscape ethnoecology in Labrador, Canada
Authors: Cuerrier Alain , Clark Courtenay , Dwyer-Samuel Frédéric , Rapinski Michel
Published: December 2021

For Inuit in the subarctic transition zone of northeastern Canada, an intimate knowledge of the environment and local biodiversity is crucial for successful traditional activities. This study examines what kinds of landscape features and habitats Inuit of Nunatsiavut recognize and name. During interviews, community members (mostly Elders) were shown photographs from the region and were asked to describe and name salient types of places in Labrador Inuttitut. The most frequently reported geographical units dealt with the region’s topography (e.g., mountain, island, flat-place), hydrology (e.g., river, bay), and superficial characteristics (e.g., bedrock, permanent snow patch). Ecological considerations were also prominent, such as plant associations and animal habitats (e.g., shrubby-place, wetland, caribou-return-to-place). Areas were often characterized by a dominant species or substrate type, being named using the plural form of the species and (or)substrate (e.g., “napâttuk” meaning ‘tree’ and “napâttuit” meaning ‘forest’ or “siugak” meaning ‘sand’ and “siugalak” meaning ‘sandy-area’). Some types of places reported by Inuit were significant mainly for traditional activities (e.g., berry-patch, seal-place, dry-wood-place, danger-place), aiding navigation and resource finding. Integrating Inuit conceptions of ecosystems and their component landscape units with those of contemporary science can improve our understanding of subarctic ecology, benefit climate change adaptation strategies, and Inuit language as well as culture conservation initiatives.
Exact calculations of the thermal properties of two-electron GaAs quantum dots with inverse-square interactions
Authors: Nammas F.S. , Hasan Eyad Hasan , Alnowafa A.N.
Published: December 2021

In this study, we theoretically scrutinize the effect of the inverse-square interaction on the thermal properties of two electrons trapped in a parabolic GaAs quantum dot. The analytical energy spectrum was used to calculate the thermal properties of the system using the canonical ensemble formalism. It was found that the thermal energy increased with the increase in temperature, while it remained almost constant for sufficiently low temperatures; it was also demonstrated that the inverse-square interaction increased the thermal mean energy. Moreover, the heat capacity increased sharply within a low-temperature window and saturated to the value of 2kB in the high-temperature limit. As expected, entropy increased linearly with increasing temperature. It was also shown that both entropy and heat capacity decreased rapidly when the confinement strength increased (or the dot size decreased) in the low-temperature limit, regardless of the influence of the interaction between the electrons. We also show that the number of allowed states of the system decreased as the interaction strength increased (Z(λ = 0) > Z(λ ≠ 0)). Finally, the stability of the system was investigated through F–T curves. The three-dimensional surface for the temperature-dependent mean energy and heat capacity was also plotted. It should be noted that, for the thermal mean energy, partition function, and Helmholtz free energy, the normal physical behavior of the two-oscillator system with Fermi statistics is recovered for λ → 0. However, heat capacity and entropy show exact two-fermion oscillator system behavior. The most impressive result found in this work is that the inverse-square interaction does not affect the heat capacity and entropy at all despite its noticeable effects on the thermal mean energy. This, in turn, facilitates theoretical studies related to finding the distinctive parameters of quantum dots without going into the heavy calculations resulting from the effects of interactions.
Spinning no-scale $${\mathcal {F}}$$-SU(5) in the right direction
Authors: Li Tianjun , Maxin James A. , Nanopoulos Dimitri V.
Published: December 2021

The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) recently announced confirmation of the Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) measurements of the $$g-2$$

g
-
2

of the muon that uncovered a discrepancy with the theoretically calculated Standard Model value. We suggest an explanation for the combined BNL+FNAL 4.2$$\sigma $$
σ
deviation within the supersymmetric grand unification theory (GUT) model No-Scale $${\mathcal {F}}$$
F
-$$SU(5)$$

S
U
(
5
)

supplemented with a string derived TeV-scale extra $$10+\overline{10}$$

10
+

10
¯

vector-like multiplet and charged vector-like singlet $$(XE,XE^c)$$

(
X
E
,
X

E
c

)

, dubbed flippons. We introduced these vector-like particles into No-Scale Flipped SU(5) many years ago, and as a result, the renormalization group equation (RGE) running was immediately shaped to produce a distinctive and rather beneficial two-stage gauge coupling unification process to avoid the Landau pole and lift unification to the string scale, in addition to contributing through 1-loop to the light Higgs boson mass. The flippons have long stood ready to tackle another challenge, and now do so yet again, where the charged vector-like “lepton”/singlet couples with the muon, the supersymmetric down-type Higgs $$H_d$$

H
d

, and a singlet S, using a chirality flip to easily accommodate the muonic $$g-2$$

g
-
2

discrepancy in No-Scale $${\mathcal {F}}$$
F
-$$SU(5)$$

S
U
(
5
)

. Considering the phenomenological success of this string derived model over the prior 11 years that remains accommodative of all presently available LHC limits plus all other experimental constraints, including no fine-tuning, and the fact that for the first time a Starobinsky-like inflationary model consistent with all cosmological data was derived from superstring theory in No-Scale Flipped SU(5), we believe it is imperative to reconcile the BNL+FNAL developments within the model space.
RPS6 phosphorylation occurs to a greater extent in the periphery of human skeletal muscle fibers, near focal adhesions, after anabolic stimuli
Authors: Hodson Nathan , Mazzulla Michael , Holowaty Maksym N. H. , Kumbhare Dinesh , Moore Daniel R.
Published: December 2021

Following anabolic stimuli (mechanical loading and/or amino acid provision), the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a master regulator of protein synthesis, translocates toward the cell periphery. However, it is unknown if mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation events occur in these peripheral regions or before translocation (i.e., in central regions). We therefore aimed to determine the cellular location of a mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation event, RPS6Ser240/244, in human skeletal muscle following anabolic stimuli. Fourteen young, healthy males either ingested a protein-carbohydrate beverage (0.25 g/kg protein and 0.75 g/kg carbohydrate) alone [ n = 7; 23 ± 5 yr; 76.8 ± 3.6 kg; and 13.6 ± 3.8% body fat (BF), FED] or following a whole body resistance exercise bout ( n = 7; 22 ± 2 yr; 78.1 ± 3.6 kg; and 12.2 ± 4.9%BF, EXFED). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained at rest (PRE) and 120 and 300 min following anabolic stimuli. RPS6Ser240/244 phosphorylation measured by immunofluorescent staining or immunoblot was positively correlated ( r = 0.76, P < 0.001). Peripheral staining intensity of p-RPS6Ser240/244 increased above PRE in both FED and EXFED at 120 min (∼54% and ∼138%, respectively, P < 0.05) but was greater in EXFED at both poststimuli time points ( P < 0.05). The peripheral-to-central ratio of p-RPS6240/244 staining displayed a similar pattern, even when corrected for total RPS6 distribution, suggesting RPS6 phosphorylation occurs to a greater extent in the periphery of fibers. Moreover, p-RPS6Ser240/244 intensity within paxillin-positive regions, a marker of focal adhesion complexes, was elevated at 120 min irrespective of stimulus ( P = 0.006) before returning to PRE at 300 min. These data confirm that RPS6Ser240/244 phosphorylation occurs in the region of human muscle fibers to which mTOR translocates following anabolic stimuli and identifies focal adhesion complexes as a potential site of mTORC1 regulation in vivo.
Single-cell and ensemble activity of lumbar intermediate and ventral horn interneurons in the spinal air-stepping cat
Authors: McMahon Chantal , Kowalski David P. , Krupka Alexander J. , Lemay Michel A.
Published: December 2021

We report on the ensemble organization of interneuronal activity in the spinal cord during locomotor movements and show that lumbar intermediate zone interneurons organize in two groups related to the two major phases of walking: stance and swing. Ensemble organization is also shown to better correlate with muscular output than single-cell activity, although ensemble membership does not appear to be somatotopically organized within the spinal cord.
Early phase of pupil dilation is mediated by the peripheral parasympathetic pathway
Authors: Marumo Chinatsu , Nakano Tamami
Published: December 2021

By pharmacologically manipulating the pupil dilator and constrictor muscles of human eye separately, we found that the pupil constrictor muscle is a primary controller of rapid pupil dilation upon brain arousal. However, the pupil dilator muscle, which is innervated by the sympathetic nervous system and is generally considered as a major regulator of pupil dilation, is not involved in rapid pupil dilation, but was involved in long-lasting pupil dilation.
Response properties of optic flow neurons in the accessory optic system of hummingbirds versus zebra finches and pigeons
Authors: Gaede Andrea H. , Baliga Vikram B. , Smyth Graham , Gutiérrez-Ibáñez Cristian , Altshuler Douglas L. , Wylie Douglas R.
Published: December 2021

Hummingbirds have specialized response properties to optic flow in the pretectal nucleus lentiformis mesencephali (LM). The LM works with the nucleus of the basal optic root (nBOR) of the accessory optic system (AOS) to process global visual motion, but whether the neural response specializations observed in the LM extend to the nBOR is unknown. Hummingbird nBOR neurons are more tightly tuned to visual stimulus velocity, and in the spatiotemporal domain, compared with two nonhovering species.
Drug-Coated Balloon-Only Angioplasty Outcomes in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients with De Novo Small Coronary Vessels Disease
Authors: Benjamin Botey Katamu , Lu Wenjie , Han Zhanying , Pan Liang , Wang Xi , Qin Xiaofei , Sun Guoju , Wang Xule , Shan Yingguang , Li Ran , Zheng Xiaolin , Zhang Wencai , Shi Qiangwei , Zhou Shuai , Guo Sen , Qin Peng , Singh Chhatra Pratap , Dong Jianzeng , Qiu Chunguang
Published: December 2021

Background. The revascularization of small vessels using drug-eluting stents remains challenging. The use of the drug-coated balloon is an attractive therapeutic strategy in de novo lesions in small coronary vessels, particularly in the diabetic group. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of DCB-only angioplasty in small vessel disease. Methods. A total of 1198 patients with small vessel disease treated with DCB-only strategy were followed. Patients were divided into the diabetic and nondiabetic groups. Clinical and angiographical follow-up were organized at 12 months. The primary endpoints were target lesion failure and secondary major adverse cardiac events. Results. There was a significantly higher rate of target lesion failure among diabetic patients compared to nondiabetic [17 (3.9%) vs. 11 (1.4%),

P
=
0.006

], taken separately, the rate of target lesion revascularization significantly differed between groups with a higher rate observed in the diabetic group [9 (2%) vs. 4 (0.5%),

P
=
0.014

]. Diabetes mellitus remained an independent predictor for TLF (HR: 2.712, CI: 1.254–5.864,

P
=
0.011

) and target lesion revascularization (HR: 3.698, CI: 1.112–12.298,

P
=
0.033

) after adjustment. However, no significant differences were observed between groups regarding the target vessel myocardial infarction (0.6% vs. 0.1%,

P
=
0.110

) and MACE [19 (4.4%) vs. 21 (2.7%),

P
=
0.120

]. Conclusion. Drug-coated balloon-only treatment achieved lower incidence rates of TLF and MACE. Diabetes is an independent predictor for target lesion failure and target lesion revascularization at one year following DCB treatment in small coronary vessels. We observed no significant differences between groups regarding MACE in one year.
Application of AI Image Recognition in the Omnidirectional Monitoring System for Power Transmission Lines
Authors: Zeng Siming , Jia Jingran , Ma Tianxiang , Jia Boyan , Duan Xin
Published: December 2021

With the continuous advancement of social economy, electric power, as an essential resource, plays an important supporting role for the development of industry and the lives of residents. As electric power itself is dangerous to a certain level, it is crucial to use the electric power rationally and ensure the safe application of electrical equipment. In this paper, AI image recognition technology is introduced to establish a comprehensive monitoring system for power transmission lines. Through the control of the potential risks of the transmission lines, emergency treatment of power transmission lines is implemented, which has provided an application support for the safe use of power equipment. Simulation experiments have verified that the image recognition technology based on AI can support omnidirectional monitoring of power transmission lines effectively.
[Retracted] The Protective Effects of miR‐21‐Mediated Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 in Rats with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Zhang Bin , Liu Hongguang , Yang Guoping , Wang Yongmei , Wang Yan
Published: December 2021

Aim. The study is to verify the protective effects of miR‐21‐mediated fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) against myocardial ischemia in rats with coronary heart disease. Materials and Methods. Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rat models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury were constructed, and the expression of miR‐21 and FGF1 in them was interfered through ischemic postconditioning. The protective effects of miR‐21‐mediated FGF1 on myocardium of the model rats were analyzed, and the targeted regulatory relationship between miR‐21 and FGF1 was verified through myocardial cell experiments to find the mechanism of miR‐21. Results. MiR‐21 and FGF1 with increased expression could protect the cardiac function of model rats and improve their diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), coronary flow (CF), bax, and bcl‐2 levels, but it would also cause further increase of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and decreased infarct size (INF). In addition, intervention through both miR‐21 mimics and recombinant human FGF1 could highlight the above changes. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the expression of miR‐21 was positively correlated with that of FGF1, and both miR‐21 and FGF1 were significantly and linearly correlated with DBP, SBP, HR, CF, INF, bax, and bcl‐2, but they were not significantly correlated with the VEGF level. The myocardial cell experiment results revealed that upregulation of miR‐21 or FGF1 could alleviate apoptosis caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation of myocardial cells, and inhibition of the FGF1 expression could hinder the effect of miR‐21 against apoptosis of myocardial cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that transfection of miR‐21‐mimics could effectively raise the fluorescence intensity of pmirGLO‐FGF1‐3 ′UTR Wt but had no significant effect on that of pmirGLO‐FGF1‐3 ′UTR Mut. Conclusion. MiR‐21 can specifically mediate the expression of FGF1 to relieve MI/R injury, protect the cardiac function, and resist apoptosis.
Subcutaneous Fat Thickness Remarkably Influences Contact Pressure and Load Distribution of Buttock in Seated Posture
Authors: Wang Kuan , Chen Yufang , Huang Shangjun , Wang Lejun , Niu Wenxin
Published: December 2021

Spinal cord injury patients are prone to develop deep tissue injury (DTI) as they may spend half their time per day in sitting postures, which produce excessive load in their buttocks. However, the impact of fat thickness on the biomechanical response of buttock in sitting posture remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influence of subcutaneous fat thickness on the interface pressure and load distribution of buttock of seated humans. To achieve this goal, a 3-dimensional finite element model of male buttock was constructed and the contact pressure on a rigid cushion was evaluated against experimental results. The modified models, which had various fat thicknesses under ischial tuberosity, were built and used to simulate the sitting conditions with different cushion stiffnesses. In the models simulating sitting on the rigid cushion, the peak contact pressure ranges from 0.052 MPa to 0.149 MPa. In the simulation of sitting on the soft cushion, the peak stress of muscle underneath ischial tuberosity in the model with the thickest fat tissue was slightly higher than that of the other models. The results demonstrate that the fat tissue in the buttock could reduce the contact pressure when sitting on the rigid seat. However, contact pressure solely could not be used to estimate the internal tissue stress of seated buttock, especially in subjects with thicker fat tissue.
[Retracted] DNM1: A Prognostic Biomarker Associated with Immune Infiltration in Colon Cancer—A Study Based on TCGA Database
Authors: Hu Mingchao , Gu Jianchun , Su Wenzhao , Zhang Zhenjie , Zhu Baosong , Wang Qiang , Xing Chungen
Published: December 2021

Aim. The aim of our work was to determine the utility of DNM1 as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of colon cancer (CC). Methods. DNM1 expression variations in CC vs. normal tissues were investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The association of DNM1 expression levels with the clinicopathological variables in CC prognosis was investigated using logistic regression analyses. Independent prognostic factors for CC were evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The correlation between DNM1 expression and immune cell infiltration was estimated using single‐sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). Results. DNM1 expression in CC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. High DNM1 expression was significantly correlated with M stage, N stage, perineural invasion and lymphatic invasion and predicted poor prognosis. The univariate analysis highlighted that DNM1 was an independent CC risk factor. Results of ssGSEA showed that DNM1 was linked to several cancer‐related pathways, including the neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ECM‐receptor interaction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and calcium signaling pathway. Moreover, DNM1 expression was positively correlated with the level of infiltration by Neutrophils, Tregs, NK cells, and Macrophages. Conclusion. DNM1 has a significant function and has diagnostic and prognostic potential for CC.
A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis on the Efficacy of Medications in the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation in Japan
Authors: Nakajima Atsushi , Shoji Ayako , Kokubo Kinya , Igarashi Ataru
Published: December 2021

Background. In the 2010s, medications with new mechanisms were introduced in Japan for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). A few systematic reviews have compared medications’ relative efficacy, but the reviews included studies on patients from various races, even though the mechanism of CIC is considered to differ between races. The aim of this study was to use a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare the relative efficacy of these medications in Japanese patients. Methods. We conducted a meta-analysis and report it here according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We identified studies by searching MEDLINE (via the PubMed interface) and the Cochrane Library and ICHUSHI databases and included randomized clinical trials that compared medications for CIC with placebo in Japanese adults. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed articles, abstracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. We pooled data by random-effects meta-analyses and also performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to indirectly compare data. Results. The present systematic review and meta-analyses included 1460 patients in 6 randomized clinical trials: 2 on linaclotide, 3 on elobixibat, 2 on lubiprostone, and 1 on lactulose. The results of direct comparisons showed that linaclotide, elobixibat, and lubiprostone were superior to placebo in the change of spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) within 1 week: linaclotide, 1.95 (95% CI, 1.51-2.39); elobixibat, 5.69 (95% CI, 3.31-8.07); and lubiprostone, 2.41 (95% CI, 0.82-4.01). The Bayesian network meta-analysis showed consistent results. Elobixibat 10 mg was ranked first for the increase in SBMs and complete SBMs within 1 week and the time to first SBM. Lubiprostone 48 μg was ranked first for the proportion of patients with SBM within 24 hours. Conclusion. Our direct and indirect meta-analyses revealed that the new CIC medications available in Japan have equal efficacy but that elobixibat and lubiprostone are highly likely to be more efficacious.
Application of Deep Learning Technology in Predicting the Risk of Inpatient Death in Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Li Ming , Chen HuiLin , Yan ShuYing , Xu Xiao , Xu HuaJuan
Published: December 2021

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is an important unit for the rescue of critically ill patients in hospitals, and patient mortality is an important indicator to measure the level of ICU treatment. Currently, a variety of clinical scoring systems are used to evaluate the patient's condition and predict survival, but these systems require a lot of resources. However, due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence and deep learning, machine learning based methods have been used to study the survival prediction of ICU patients. Additionally, these methods have made significant progress, but there is still a distance from clinical application, and equally metric interpretability of the deep learning method is not very mature. Therefore, in this paper, we have proposed a predicting model for the life and death of ICU patients, which is primarily based on the Fuzzy ARTMAP model. With a thorough analysis of the existing ICU patient condition assessment and life and death prediction methods, we have observed that patient’s ICU monitoring information performs integrated analysis and extracts features according to the clinical characteristics of physiological indicators. Finally, fuzzy ARTMAP neural network is used to predict the life and death of patients. Likewise, prediction results are combined with the clinical scoring system and logistic regression, artificial neural network, support vector machine, and AdaBoost. Experimental results of these algorithms were compared, which verifies that the proposed method has outperformed the existing model. The main purpose of the proposed mode is to design a life and death prediction method for ICU patients, which has high predictive performance and is an acceptable method for clinical medical staff, where ICU monitoring data is used. Experimental results show that the method proposed has achieved better prediction performance and accuracy ratio, which provide theoretical reference for clinical application.
Standardization and Quality Control of the Herbal Medicine Mist Nibima, Employed to Treat Malaria and COVID-19, Using Physicochemical and Organoleptic Parameters and Quantification of Chemical Markers via UHPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Kumatia Emmanuel Kofi , Ofosu-Koranteng Francis , Appiah Alfred Ampomah , Barimah Kofi Bobi
Published: December 2021

Mist Nibima is an essential herbal medicine used to treat malaria, bacterial, yeast, and COVID-19 infections. However, the drug has not been standardized and its active chemical ingredients are also not known. This study employed physicochemical, organoleptic, qualitative, and quantitate phytochemical analysis to established standards for Mist Nibima. Additionally, UHPLC was used to quantify the alkaloid cryptolepine in the drug using calibration curve. The chemical ingredients in Mist Nibima were thereafter characterized using UHPLC-MS. Organoleptic evaluation shows that Mist Nibima is a very bitter, cloudy, broom yellow decoction with the following physicochemical parameters: pH = 6.10 ± 0.08 (at 28.3°C), total solid residue = 5.34 ± 0.27%w/v, and specific gravity = 1.0099 ± 0.0000. The total alkaloid (23.71 ± 1.311%) content of the drug is 3 times its total saponins (7.993 ± 0.067%) content. Methyl cryptolepinoate (37.10%), cryptolepine (33.56%), quindoline (20.78%), 11-isopropylcryptolepine (5.16%), and hydroxycryptolepine (3.14%) were the active chemical ingredients in the drug with the concentrations of 18.64 ± 0.255, 16.85 ± 0.231, 10.42 ± 0.143, 2.56 ± 0.034, and 1.70 ± 0.023 µg/mL, respectively. Administration of a single oral therapeutic dose (30 mL) of Mist Nibima corresponds to ingestion of 559.2 ± 7.662, 505.5 ± 6.930, 312.6 ± 4.285, 76.8 ± 1.028, and 51.0 ± 0.699 µg of methyl cryptolepinoate, cryptolepine, quindoline, 11-isopropylcryptolepine, and hydroxycryptolepine, respectively. This translates into a corresponding daily dose of 1677.6 ± 22.986, 1516.5 ± 20.790, 937.8 ± 12.855, 230.4 ± 3.084, and 153.0 ± 2.097 µg of methyl cryptolepinoate, cryptolepine, quindoline, 11-isopropylcryptolepine, and hydroxycryptolepine. These results could now serve as tools for authentication, standardization, and quality control of Mist Nibima to ensure its chemical and pharmacological consistency and safety.
Cavitary Legionella Pneumonia in AIDS: When Intracellular Immunity Failure Leads to Rapid Intrapulmonary Cavitation
Authors: Durrance Richard Jesse , Min Alice Kyungsun , Fabbri Marilyn , McGarry Terrence
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Legionella is a frequent cause of bacterial pneumonia in patients with AIDS. While multiple organisms have been associated with cavitary pneumonia in this population, Legionella has not. Clinical Case. A middle-aged woman with HIV-AIDS and severely depressed CD-4 count presented with one month of progressively worsening productive cough and dyspnea. Serial imaging showed focal consolidations which multiplied and cavitated over the subsequent days. Legionella urine antigen was positive, and appropriate treatment was continued for 3 weeks total. The patient recovered quickly, and follow-up imaging 8 weeks later showed near-resolution of all lesions. Discussion. Cavitary pneumonia secondary to Legionella has been seldom described, traditionally in the context of immunosuppressive therapy. Patients with AIDS and severely depressed CD4 counts have significantly compromised cell-mediated immunity. This case highlights the importance of consideration for legionellosis in rapidly progressing cavitary pneumonia, especially in patients with severely compromised cell-mediated immunity, including those with HIV-AIDS.
Mir-204 Regulates LPS-Induced A549 Cell Damage by Targeting FOXK2
Authors: Li Shufen , Zhao Lifen , Li Xujiong , Shang Gaiping , Gao Lijing , Song Zhuohui , Li Ting
Published: December 2021

Objective. To assess whether miR-204 and HA affect A549 cell injury induced by lipopolysaccharide. Material and Methods. A549 cells were treated with hirsutanol A, and cell damage was induced by LPS followed by analysis of cell proliferation by CCK-8, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, apoptosis-related protein expression by western blot, downstream target of miR-20 by dual-luciferase reporter gene, and inflammatory factors by ELISA and PCR. Results. LPS can significantly inhibit the viability of A549 cells, induce cell apoptosis, and promote the release of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, while HA pretreatment can target FOXK2 by upregulating miR-204 levels, thereby alleviating apoptosis and promoting cell viability and at the same time inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB. Conclusions. miR-204 participates in the protection of HA acute lung injury by targeting FOXK2.
Efficacy of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Clinical and Functional Outcomes, and Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ribeiro Vanessa G. C. , Lacerda Ana C. R. , Santos Jousielle M. , Coelho-Oliveira Ana C. , Fonseca Sueli F. , Prates Ana C. N. , Flor Jurandir , Garcia Bruna C. C. , Tossige-Gomes Rosalina , Leite Hércules R. , Fernandes José S. C. , Arrieiro Arthur N. , Sartorio Alessandro , Sañudo Borja , Sá-Caputo Danubia C. , Bernardo-Filho Mário , Figueiredo Pedro H. S. , Costa Henrique S. , Lima Vanessa P. , Cardoso Renato F. , Bastone Alessandra C. , Soares Luana A. , Mendonça Vanessa A. , Taiar Redha
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and determine the clinical and functional outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Thirty-two women with FMS were randomized into an intervention group (IG), receiving 6 weeks of WBVT, or a control group (CG) with no intervention. The outcomes at the baseline and follow-up in both groups included blood BDNF levels, sit-to-stand test (STS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS). WBVT resulted in a group-by-time interaction effect. Thus, after the intervention time, the IG had increased blood BDNF levels (

p
=
0.045

), a higher number of repetitions on the STS test (

p
=
0.011

), and increased walking distance on the 6MWT (

p
=
0.010

), compared to CG. Moreover, there was a reduction in the scores of the FIQ (

p
=
0.001

), the PSQI (

p
=
0.001

), the BDI (

p
=
0.017

), and pain assessed using VAS (

p
=
0.008

) in IG. The results demonstrate that WBVT promotes an increase in blood BDNF levels, with concomitant improvement in lower limb muscle strength, aerobic capacity, clinical symptoms, and quality of life in women with FMS. This trial is registered with Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC; RBR-38nbbx) (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-38nbbx).
Medicine Dose Adjustment Practice and Associated Factors among Renally Impaired Patients in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Zeleke Tirsit Kestela , Birhan Tilahun Yemanu , Abdela Ousman Abubeker
Published: December 2021

Background. Kidney disease affects absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of medicines and their metabolites. Therefore, when prescribing medicines for patients with kidney disease, dose adjustment is an accepted standard of practice. Objective. This study aimed to assess medicine dose adjustment practice and associated factors among adult patients with renal impairment admitted to medical wards at Amhara region referral hospitals. Method. Multicenter, institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from March 28, 2020, to August 30, 2020. The data was collected by using a pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and transferred into SPSS version 25 for further data processing and analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were computed. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were fitted to identify factors associated with dose adjustment practice. A 95% confidence interval and a

p

value less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Result. Among 815 medicines’ prescriptions that needed dose adjustment, 417 (51.2%) of them were dosed inappropriately. Number of medicines, number of comorbidities, and being unemployed were significantly associated with inappropriate dose adjustment. Conclusion. Our study revealed that there was a considerable rate of inappropriate dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment. Training for health care providers, use of guidelines, and communication with clinical pharmacists should be encouraged for good prescription practice.
Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy with Combined Use of Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Plates and Taylor Spatial Frame for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Duan Desheng , Cao Yang , Li Renzeng , Wang Guohui , Zhang Yongfei , Xiang Kui , Hu Yanli , Li Yiqun , Peng Peng , Zhang Pan , Liu Xianzhe
Published: December 2021

Background. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is used to treat medial degeneration of the osteoarthritis (OA) knee. However, shortcomings still exist in the current procedure, like unprecise creation, inability to correct knee rotation, and internal fixed failure. Here, we reported a novel procedure: patient-specific 3D-printed plates for opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) combined with Taylor spatial frame (TSF). The detailed technique was described, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated. Methods. We prospectively evaluate outcomes of patient-specific 3D-printed plates for OWHTO with use of TSF in 25 patients with knee OA and varus alignment. Postoperative efficacy was evaluated using the HSS knee score, pain visual simulation score (VAS), and knee joint motion (ROM), and lower limb alignment was evaluated by measuring femorotibial angle (FTA) and hip-knee-ankle (HKA). Results and Conclusion. All patients did not experience complications such as wound infection, nerve damage, or bone amputation. 25 patients were followed up for 6–18 months. The bony union at bone amputation was achieved in 3 months after surgery, and the pain symptoms were significantly alleviated or disappeared. The VAS score was significantly reduced in 6 months after surgery compared with preoperative; the HSSS score was significantly added in 6 months after surgery compared with preoperative. The ROM of knee joint increased significantly 6 months after operation compared with that before operation, and the difference was statically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The FTA and HKA after operation were significantly superior to that before operation, and the difference was statically significant (

P
<
0.01

). Conclusions. Our study showed that patient-specific 3D-printed plates for HTO with the use of TSF have the advantages of small trauma, few complications, simple operation, and fast recovery in treating knee OA and varus alignment.
Multiomics Analysis of Spatially Distinct Stromal Cells Reveals Tumor-Induced O-Glycosylation of the CDK4–pRB Axis in Fibroblasts at the Invasive Tumor Edge
Authors: Bouchard Gina , Garcia-Marques Fernando Jose , Karacosta Loukia Georgiou , Zhang Weiruo , Bermudez Abel , Riley Nicholas McIlvain , Varma Sushama , Mehl Lindsey Catherine , Benson Jalen Anthony , Shrager Joseph B. , Bertozzi Carolyn Ruth , Pitteri Sharon J. , Giaccia Amato J. , Plevritis Sylvia Katina
Published: December 2021

The invasive leading edge represents a potential gateway for tumor metastasis. The role of fibroblasts from the tumor edge in promoting cancer invasion and metastasis has not been comprehensively elucidated. We hypothesize that cross-talk between tumor and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment results in activation of key biological pathways depending on their position in the tumor (edge vs. core). Here we highlight phenotypic differences between tumor-adjacent-fibroblasts (TAF) from the invasive edge and tumor core fibroblasts from the tumor core, established from human lung adenocarcinomas. A multiomics approach that includes genomics, proteomics, and O-glycoproteomics was used to characterize cross-talk between TAFs and cancer cells. These analyses showed that O-glycosylation, an essential posttranslational modification resulting from sugar metabolism, alters key biological pathways including the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein axis in the stroma and indirectly modulates proinvasive features of cancer cells. In summary, the O-glycoproteome represents a new consideration for important biological processes involved in tumor–stroma cross-talk and a potential avenue to improve the anticancer efficacy of CDK4 inhibitors.

Significance:

A multiomics analysis of spatially distinct fibroblasts establishes the importance of the stromal O-glycoproteome in tumor–stroma interactions at the leading edge and provides potential strategies to improve cancer treatment.

See related commentary by De Wever, p. 537
Cancer Needs a Robust “Metadata Supply Chain” to Realize the Promise of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Chung Caroline , Jaffray David A.
Published: December 2021

Profound advances in computational methods, including artificial intelligence (AI), present the opportunity to use the exponentially growing volume and complexity of available cancer measurements toward data-driven personalized care. While exciting, this opportunity has highlighted the disconnect between the promise of compute and the supply of high-quality data. The current paradigm of ad-hoc aggregation and curation of data needs to be replaced with a “metadata supply chain” that provides robust data in context with known provenance, that is, lineage and comprehensive data governance that will allow the promise of AI technology to be realized to its full potential in clinical practice.
Prevalence and Infant Mortality of Major Congenital Malformations Stratified by Birthweight
Authors: Kröger Janine , Günster Christian , Heller Günther , Jeschke Elke , Malzahn Jürgen , Grab Dieter , Vetter Klaus , Abou-Dakn Michael , Hummler Helmut , Bührer Christoph
Published: December 2021

Background: Low birthweight and major congenital malformations (MCMs) are key causes of infant mortality. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of MCMs in infants with low and very low birthweight and analyze the impact of MCMs and birthweight on infant mortality. Methods: We determined prevalence and infant mortality of 28 life-threatening MCMs in very-low-birthweight (<1,500 g, VLBW), low-birthweight (1,500–2,499 g, LBW), or normal-birthweight (≥2,500 g, NBW) infants in a cohort of 2,727,002 infants born in Germany in 2006–2017, using de-identified administrative data of the largest statutory public health insurance system in Germany. Results: The rates of VLBW, LBW, and NBW infants studied were 1.3% (34,401), 4.0% (109,558), and 94.7% (2,583,043). MCMs affected 0.5% (13,563) infants, of whom >75% (10,316) had severe congenital heart disease. The prevalence (per 10,000) of any/cardiac MCM was increased in VLBW (286/176) and LBW (244/143), as compared to NBW infants (38/32). Infant mortality rates were significantly higher in infants with an MCM, as opposed to infants without an MCM, in each birthweight group (VLBW 28.5% vs. 11.5%, LBW 16.7% vs. 0.9%, and NBW 8.6% vs. 0.1%). For most MCMs, observed survival rates in VLBW and LBW infants were lower than expected, as calculated from survival rates of VLBW or LBW infants without an MCM, and NBW infants with an MCM. Conclusions: Infants with an MCM are more often born with LBW or VLBW, as opposed to infants without an MCM. Many MCMs carry significant excess mortality when occurring in VLBW or LBW infants.
Dismal Prognosis of Acute Allergic Tubulointerstitial Nephritis in Patients with AA Amyloidosis
Authors: Yildirim Tolga , Gok-Oguz Ebru , Koc Neriman Sila , Uzerk-Kibar Muge , Uner Meral , Saglam Emine Arzu , Yilmaz Seref Rahmi , Ayli Deniz , Erdem Yunus
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Patients with AA amyloidosis may present with acute kidney injury that progresses to end-stage kidney disease in a short period of time. Acute allergic tubulointerstitial nephritis (aTIN) is a frequent cause of acute kidney injury in patients with AA amyloidosis. Although aTIN has a favorable prognosis in the general population, the course of aTIN in patients with AA amyloidosis was not previously reported. In this retrospective study, we determined the prognosis of aTIN superimposed on AA amyloidosis. Methods: Thirty-two patients with combined pathological diagnosis of AA amyloidosis + aTIN and 32 patients with isolated aTIN were compared in terms of 1-year renal functions after the biopsies were performed with an indication of acute kidney injury. Baseline renal functions and number of patients requiring hemodialysis at the time of biopsy was similar in both groups. Results: At the end of the 12-month follow-up period, 29 of 32 patients in the amyloidosis + aTIN group and 1 of 32 patients in the isolated aTIN group required dialysis. Most of these patients with AA amyloidosis had completely normal renal function before the episode of acute kidney injury and had clear exposures to drugs associated with aTIN. Conclusion: In contrary to the patients without AA amyloidosis, patients with AA amyloidosis have extremely high risk of permanent renal failure in case of development of aTIN. Great caution should be exercised in prescribing drugs that are associated with aTIN, in patients with AA amyloidosis.