bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compression of Traditional and Computer Face Emotion Recognition Training in Children with Autism, Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Bashirian Saeid , Khazaei Salman , Barati Majid , Mirzaei Fatemeh , Rezaei Mohammad , Jenabi Ensiyeh , Cheraghi Fatemeh , mohammadi fateme
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effect of traditional and computer emotional facial training on the recognition of facial emotional states in children with autism and mother –child relation and parental competence in mothers of autistic children.
Methods

The present clinical trial study was conducted in three childcare centers. In this study, children with high or moderate performance autism were selected by available sampling who were then assigned to the two groups using the random block sampling method. Thereafter, the children with autism in the both groups were trained during 10 sessions. In traditional group children training using 40 images related to four situations as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. The children in the computer group trained with the Let's Face It software. These questionnaires were completed one day before and one day and one week after performing the intervention in both groups by assistant research. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.
Result

Findings showed that emotional state training has improved the identification of emotional states (p = 0.01), mother –child relation (p = 0.001) and parental competence (p = 0.001) in the both groups. There was also a statistically significant difference between the scores of identifying face emotional states (p = 0.01), mother –child relation (p = 0.001) and parental competence (p = 0.001) in the both groups. But training in traditional group was effectiveness than computer grope.
Conclusions

Teaching emotional face to children with autism improved the recognition of emotional states by these children, and subsequently improved the mother-child relationship and motherly sense of competence in the mothers of these children.
Platelet Membrane-Camouflaged Silver Metal-Organic Framework Drug System Against Infections Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Huang Rong , Cai Guang-Qing , Li Jian , Li Xi-Sheng , Liu Hai-Ting , Shang Xue-Ling , Zhou Jian-Dang , Nie Xin-Min , Gui Rong
Published: May 2021

Background
Due to the intelligent survival strategy and self-preservation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), many antibiotics are ineffective in treating MRSA infections. Nano-drug delivery systems have emerged as a new method to overcome this barrier. The aim of this study was to construct a novel nano-drug delivery system for the treatment of MRSA infection, and to evaluate the therapeutic effect and biotoxicity of this system. We prepared a nano silver metal-organic framework using 2-methylimidazole as ligand and silver nitrate as ion provider. Vancomycin (Vanc) was loaded with Ag-MOF, and nano-sized platelet vesicles were prepared to encapsulate Ag-MOF-Vanc, thus forming the novel platelet membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles PLT@Ag-MOF-Vanc. The mice were infected with MRSA by tracheal injection to establish a model of pneumonia.
Results
The synthesized Ag-MOF particles had uniform size and shape of radiating corolla. The mean nanoparticle size and zeta potential of PLT@Ag-MOF-Vanc were 148 nm and − 25.6 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading efficiency (LE) of vancomycin were 81.0% and 64.7%, respectively. PLT@Ag-MOF-Vanc was shown to be a pH-responsive nano-drug delivery system with good biocompatibility. Ag-MOF had a good inhibitory effect on the growth of three common clinical strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus). PLT@Ag-MOF-Vanc showed better antibacterial activity against common clinical strains in vitro than vancomycin alone. PLT@Ag-MOF-Vanc killed MRSA through multiple approaches, including interfering with the metabolism of bacteria, catalyzing reactive oxygen species production, destroying the integrity of cell membrane, and inhibiting biofilm formation. PLT@Ag-MOF-Vanc targeted the MRSA infected sites and effectively reduced the dosage of vancomycin with no obvious toxicity.
Conclusions
PLT@Ag-MOF-Vanc is a novel effective targeted drug delivery system, which is expected to be used safely in anti-infective therapy of MRSA.
Performance Characterization of the SAFIR Prototype PET Insert
Authors: Khateri Parisa , Lustermann Werner , Ritzer Christian , Tsoumpas Charalampos , Dissertori Guenther
Published: May 2021

Background: The SAFIR prototype insert is a preclinical Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner built to acquire dynamic images simultaneously with a 7 T Bruker Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner. The insert is designed to perform with an excellent coincidence resolving time of 194 ps Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) and an energy resolution of 13.8 FWHM. These properties enable it to acquire precise quantitative images at activities as high as 500 MBq suitable for studying fast biological processes within short time frames (<5 s). In this study, the performance of the SAFIR prototype insert is evaluated according to the NEMA NU 4-2008 standard while the insert is inside the MRI without acquiring MRI data.

Results: Applying an energy window of 391-601 keV and a coincidence time window of 500 ps the following results are achieved. The average spatial resolution at 5 mm radial offset is 2.6 mm FWHM when using the Filtered Backprojection 3D Reprojection (FBP3DRP) reconstruction method, improving to 2.3 mm when using the Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization (MLEM) method. The peak sensitivity at the center of the scanner is 1.06%. The Noise Equivalent Count Rate (NECR) is 799 kcps at the highest measured activity of 537 MBq for the mouse phantom and 121 kcps at the highest measured activity of 624 MBq for the rat phantom. The NECR peak is not yet reached for any of the measurements. The scatter fractions are 10.9% and 17.8% for the mouse and rat phantoms, respectively. The uniform region of the image quality phantom has a 3.0% STD, with a 4.6% deviation from the expected number of counts per voxel. The spill-over ratios for the water and air chambers are 0.18 and 0.17, respectively.

Conclusions: The results satisfy all the requirements initially considered for the insert, proving that the SAFIR prototype insert can obtain dynamic images of small rodents at high activities (~500 MBq) with a high sensitivity and an excellent count-rate performance.
Investigation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Polymorphism in Patients With Idiopathic Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Authors: Kaygusuz İkbal , Gündüz Nur Semerci
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To investigate whether there is a relationship between the VEGF gene polymorphisms and idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB-E).Methods: 65 patients diagnosed with HMB-E according to the FIGO classification system and 65 female healty volunteers were included in the study. Detection of rs699947 (-2578C>A), rs1570360 (-1154G>A), rs2010963 (+405G>C), rs3025039 (+936C>T), rs25648 (c534C>T) polymorphic regions of the VEGF gene was performed by Next Generation DNA Sequencing method.Results: the -2578C>A polymorphic region CC, CA+AA genotypes, and C allele, as well as the -1154G>A polymorphic region AA genotype, and A allele were associated with increased risk of HMB-E (all p<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the the patient group and the control group in terms of genotype and allele distributions in the 405G>C, +936C>T, c534C>T polymorphic regions (all p>0.05). While the -2578/-1154/+405/c534 AGGC haplotype decreased the risk of HMB-E, CAGC haplotype was found to increase the risk of HMB-E.Conclusion: VEGF -2578C>A and -1154G>A polymorphisms were significantly associated with the risk of HMB-E in the Turkish population.
Damping Property of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic for Noise/Vibration/Harsh of Steering Column Support Assembly
Authors: Ding Mingde , Liu Bo , Fan Zhenhua , Wang Jinyan , Zhai Fuqiang , Li Lu
Published: May 2021

Composite materials have penetrated into structural applications within the automotive industry, replacing traditional materials to reduce weight and then to improve fuel efficiency and to meet emission regulation. For some composite structural components, a significantly lower mode value compared to metal components can be accepted with an equivalent or better noise/vibration/harshness (NVH) performance, because, for composite materials, with different characteristics and much higher damping value compared to metal materials, a more sophisticated definition is required. An experimental investigation for mode definition of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) steering column support assembly is discussed. Two kinds of composite steering column support assembly were manufactured, one is carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyamide66 (PA66) with high mechanical properties, the other is glass fiber (GF) reinforced polyamide66 (PA66) with lower properties. The NVH test was carried out for these two components, and then the steering system mode requirement was defined by the test result. The new defined mode requirement obtained in the experiment showed good agreement with steering system mode analysis and test. By comparing the defined system mode requirement of composite component with that of the steel component, the effect of damping property of this composite material of the component can be clearly shown, which is over 21% percent on the NVH performance.
Radiolabeling and PET-MRI microdosing of the experimental cancer therapeutic, MN-anti-miR10b, demonstrates delivery to metastatic lesions in a murine model of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Fur Mariane Le , Ross Alana , Pantazopoulos Pamela , Rotile Nicholas , Zhou Iris , Caravan Peter , Medarova Zdravka , Yoo Byunghee
Published: May 2021

Background
In our earlier work, we identified microRNA-10b (miR10b) as a master regulator of the viability of metastatic tumor cells. This knowledge allowed us to design a miR10b-targeted therapeutic consisting of anti-miR10b and ultrasmall iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MN), termed MN-anti-miR10b. In mouse models of breast cancer, we demonstrated that MN-anti-miR10b caused durable regressions of established metastases with no evidence of systemic toxicity. As a first step towards translating MN-anti-miR10b for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, we needed to determine if MN-anti-miR10b, which is so effective in mice, will also accumulate in human metastases.
Results
In this study, we devised a method to efficiently radiolabel MN-anti-miR10b with Cu-64 (64Cu) and evaluated the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of the radiolabeled product at two different doses: a therapeutic dose, referred to as macrodose, corresponding to 64Cu-MN-anti-miR10b co-injected with non-labeled MN-anti-miR10b, and a tracer level dose of 64Cu-MN-anti-miR10b, referred to as microdose. In addition, we evaluated the uptake of 64Cu-MN-anti-miR10b by metastatic lesions using both in vivo and ex vivo positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI). A comparable distribution of the therapeutic was observed after administration of a microdose or macrodose. Uptake of the therapeutic by metastatic lymph nodes, lungs, and bone was also demonstrated by PET-MRI with a significantly higher PET signal than in the same organs devoid of metastatic lesions.
Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that PET-MRI following a microdose injection of the agent will accurately reflect the innate biodistribution of the therapeutic. The tools developed in the present study lay the groundwork for the clinical testing of MN-anti-miR10b and other similar therapeutics in patients with cancer.
Individual versus general structured feedback to improve agreement in grant peer review: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hesselberg Jan-Ole , Fostervold Knut Inge , Ulleberg Pål , Svege Ida
Published: May 2021

BackgroundVast sums are distributed based on grant peer review, but studies show that interrater reliability is often low. In this study, we tested the effect of receiving a short individual feedback report compared to a short general feedback report on the agreement between reviewers.MethodsA total of 42 reviewers at the Norwegian Foundation Dam were randomly assigned to receive either a general feedback report or an individual feedback report. The general feedback group received one report before the start of the reviews that contained general information about the previous call in which the reviewers participated. In the individual feedback group, the reviewers received two reports, one before the review period (based on the previous call) and one during the period (based on the current call). In the individual feedback group, the reviewers were presented with detailed information on their scoring compared with the review committee as a whole, both before and during the review period. The main outcomes were the proportion of agreement in the eligibility assessment and the average difference in scores between pairs of reviewers assessing the same application.ResultsA total of 2398 paired reviews were included in the analysis. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the average difference. There was a significant difference between the two groups in the proportion of absolute agreement on whether the application was eligible for the funding programme, with the general feedback group demonstrating a higher rate of agreement. However, the overall levels of agreement remained critically low in both groups and for both outcomes.ConclusionsIndividual feedback did not improve agreement between reviewers. This finding is in line with related studies of journal peer review. The low levels of agreement remain a major concern in grant peer review, and research to identify contributing factors as well as the development and testing of interventions to increase agreement rates are still needed.Trial registrationThe study was preregistered at OSF.io/n4fq3.
In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Five Marine Seaweeds Extract From Egypt Against Human Breast and Colon Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Mofeed Jelan , Deyab Mohamed , Sabry Abd El-Naser , Ward Fatma
Published: May 2021

Ulva fasciata, U. lactuca, Amphiroa anceps, Corallina mediterranea, and Sargassum filipendula extract were screened for their in vitro anticancer activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116). Algal extracts exhibited significantly dose-dependent anticancer activity without significant cytotoxicity against normal human fibroblasts. The maximum inhibitory percentages against MCF-7 and HCT-116 cell lines were recorded by U. lactuca (88.5 ± 1.08 %) and A. anceps (86.1 ± 2.88 %) extracts. Algal extracts showed cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 cell line with fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 3.54 ± 1.2 to 21.2 ± 1.1 µg mL-1. The seaweeds extract has a less cytotoxic effect against HCT-116. FTIR and GC-MS analyses of the extracts indicated that the anticancer potential of the tested seaweeds may be returned to the presence of various anticancer compounds such as palmitic acid, oleic acid, retinoic acid, dihydroactinidiolide, thiosemicarbazide, diisobutyl phthalate, and phytol. Thus, seaweed extracts may be a promising natural source of safe anticancer agents against human breast and colon cancers.
Prediction and Compensation Strategy of Contour Error in Multi-Axis Motion System
Authors: Jiang Jiali , Li Bingran , Lin Fuyan , Zhang Hui , Ye Peiqing
Published: May 2021

The contour error of the machined parts is an important index to evaluate the accuracy of CNC machining. Considering multi-axis servo control system, a predictive compensation strategy for contour error is presented in this paper. First, the offline identification method is adopted to establish the transfer function of each motion system. In this case, the relationship between the interpolation command and the feedback position of the grating is determined for the selected machine tool. Thus, before machining, the trajectory information of each motion axis can be predicted according to the interpolation instruction and the transfer relationship. It can be converted into the contour trajectory of the part through kinematic analysis, so as to predict the contour error. Finally, the predicted contour error is compensated into the command trajectory to ensure the contour accuracy of the part to be machined. Compared to existing methods, our method can effectively reduce the trial-produced cycle of parts and avoid unnecessary waste of processing materials. Moreover, without increasing the complexity of the control system and greatly reducing the machining efficiency, the dynamic error caused by the dynamic characteristics of the shaft is reduced. Taking the starfish pattern and the contour line of the impeller as the milling processing experiment case, the contour error after compensation is greatly reduced compared with the contour error processed by the original command. Therefore, the predictive compensation method proposed in this paper can significantly improve the machining accuracy. In addition, it also has application value for trial production of complex curved parts.
DNA Barcode Reference Library Construction and Genetic Diversity and Structure Analysis of Amomum Villosum Lour. Populations in Guangdong Province
Authors: Gong Lu , Zhang Danchun , Ding Xiaoxia , Guan Wan , Qiu Xiaohui , Huang Zhihai
Published: May 2021

Background

Amomum villosum Lour. is the plant of a famous traditional Chinese medicine Amomi Fructus and its habitat has been frequently destroyed that seriously threatened its germplasm resources. The genetic diversity has great significance to the optimization of germplasm resources and protection of populations, but that of A. villosum is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and genetic structures of A. villosum populations in Guangdong and constructed a local reference DNA barcode library for the purpose of more appropriate protecting measures.
Methods

DNA barcoding and ISSR markers were used to investigate the population genetics of A. villosum. Five universal DNA barcodes were amplified and constructed a DNA barcode reference library. Parameters including percentage of polymorphic sites (PPB), number of alleles (Na), effective number of alleles (Ne), Nei's gene diversity index (H) and Shannon's polymorphism information index (I) were calculated for the assessment of genetic diversity. Genetic structure was revealed by Nei’s gene differentiation coefficient (Gst), total population genetic diversity (Ht), intra-group genetic diversity (Hs) and gene flow (Nm). AMOVA analysis, Mantel tests, UPGMA dendrogram and PCoA analysis were used to elucidate the genetic differentiation and the relationship among populations.
Results

531 sequences of five DNA barcodes were gained and all the sequences of the each barcode had no variation sites. A total of 66 ISSR bands were generated from A. villosum populations by the selected 6 ISSR primers. And 56 bands were amplified polymorphic with the percentage was 84.85% for all the seven A. villosum populations. The A. villosum populations showed high genetic diversity (H = 0.3281, I = 0.4895) whereas the gene flow was weak (Nm = 0.6143). Gst (0.4487) and AMOVA analysis indicated that there’s obvious genetic differentiation among A. villosum populations and more genetic variations existed in within population. The genetic relationship of each population was relatively close as the genetic distances were between 0.0844 and 0.3347.
Conclusions

Overall, this study confirmed a high genetic diversity but weak gene flow of A. villosum in Guangdong province, especially in Amomi Fructus’s Daodi producing area, Yangchun city. And a local DNA barcode reference library containing 531 sequences were subsequently constructed; facilitating the identification, conservation, breeding and cultivation of A. villosum.
Programming Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of 4-Hydroxyisoleucine Production Driven by a Lysine Biosensor in Corynebacterium Glutamicum
Authors: Yu Xinping , Shi Feng , Liu Haiyan , Tan Shuyu , Li Yongfu
Published: May 2021

4-Hydroxyisoleucine (4-HIL) is a promising drug for treating diabetes. In our previous study, 4-HIL was synthesized from self-produced L-isoleucine (Ile) in Corynebacterium glutamicum by expressing an Ile dioxygenase gene. Although the 4-HIL production of recombinant strain SZ06 increased significantly, a by-product, L-lysine (Lys) was accumulated because of the share of the first several enzymes in Ile and Lys biosynthetic pathways. In this study, programming adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) was designed and conducted in SZ06 to promote 4-HIL biosynthesis. At first, a programming evolutionary system pMK was constructed, which contains a Lys biosensor LysG-PlysE and an evolutionary actuator composed of a mutagenesis gene and a fluorescent protein gene. The evolutionary strain SZ06/pMK was then let to be evolved programmatically and spontaneously by sensing Lys concentration. After successive rounds of evolution, nine mutant strains K1 − K9 with significantly increased 4-HIL production and growth performance were obtained. The maximum 4-HIL titer was 152.19 ± 14.60 mM, 28.4% higher than that in SZ06. This titer was higher than those of all the metabolic engineered C. glutamicum strains ever constructed. The whole genome sequencing of the nine evolved strains revealed approximately 30 genetic mutations in each strain. Only one mutation was directly related to the Lys biosynthetic pathway. Therefore, programming ALE driven by Lys biosensor can be used as an effective strategy to increase 4-HIL production in C. glutamicum.
Tocilizumab Failed to Reduce Mortality in Severe COVID-19 Patients: Results From a ‎Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Talaschian Mona , Akhtari Maryam , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Mostafaei Shayan , Jafary Mohamadreza , Husseini Atiyeh Sadat , Sadeghi Kourosh , Moghadam Keivan Gohari , Tadi Hengameh Ansari , Jamshidi Ahmadreza
Published: May 2021

BackgroundSevere COVID-19 is associated with an increased level of blood IL-6. It is suggested that adjusting the IL-6 level or its effects may diminish the inflammation of the airway and alter the course of the disease. MethodsWe performed a controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial including severe hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Iran. The patients were randomly distributed by block randomization to take usual care plus IL-6 inhibitor (tocilizumab 8mg/kg, 1 or 2 dosages) or usual care alone (ratio 1:1). The endpoint was defined by the clinical improvement and discharge or death. Main and safety analysis was performed in the overall population. ResultsWe enrolled 40 eligible patients (20 patients in each group) from July 10, till October 10, 2020, in this study. After randomization, one patient in the usual care arm and three patients in the tocilizumab arm refused to participate in the study and were eliminated from the study and overall analysis. The mean age of participants was 59.62 ± 15.80 and 63.52 ± 12.83 years old in Tocilizumab (8 women and 9 men) and standard care (9 women and 10 men) groups respectively (P-value= 0.426). The number of recovered patients did not significantly differ between tocilizumab and usual care groups (70.6% (n=12) vs 78.9% (n=15) respectively) (P-value=0.563). Also, the survival time was not significantly varied between participants in the tocilizumab intervention and usual care group [Log rank test: P=0.973; Hazard ratio: 1.25; 95% C‎‎I: 0.‎249-4.209]. ConclusionThe study results recommended that tocilizumab could not be a beneficial agent for treating severe cases of COVID-19 patients and have not significantly affected patients' clinical improvement.Clinical trial registrationThis trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 9 July 2020 (ID: IRCT20081027001411N4) (https://www.irct.ir/trial/48396).
Prognostic Role of Docetaxel-induced Suppression of Free Testosterone Serum Levels in Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Kappler Paula , Brunotte Stefan , Ivanyi Philipp , Morgan Michael , Ganser Arnold , Reuter Christoph
Published: May 2021

To date, only few data concerning the biologically active, free form of testosterone (FT) are available in metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) and its impact on disease, therapy and outcome is largely unknown. We retrospectively studied the effect of docetaxel on FT and total testosterone (TT) serum levels in 67 mPC patients between April 2008 and November 2020. FT and TT levels were measured before and weekly during therapy. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were prostate-specific antigen and radiographic response (PSAR, RR), progression-free survival (PFS), FT/TT levels and safety. Median FT and TT serum levels were completely suppressed below the detection limit during docetaxel treatment (FT: from 0.32 pg/mL to <0.18 pg/mL and TT: from 0.12 to <0.05 ng/mL, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analyses identified requirement of non-narcotics, PSAR, complete FT suppression and FT nadir values <0.18 pg/mL as independent parameters for PFS. Prior androgen-receptor targeted therapy (ART), soft tissue metastasis and complete FT suppression were independent prognostic factors for OS. FT was not predictive for treatment outcome in mPC patients with a history of ART.
Synovial pH Is As Specific As Synovial Leukocyte Count But Less Sensitive For The Diagnosis of Chronic Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Ackmann Thomas , Schwarze Jan , Goshger Georg , Schmidt-Braekling Tom , Klingebiel Sebastian , Moellenbeck Burkhard , Theil Christoph
Published: May 2021

Synovial fluid markers have been shown to be most accurate in diagnosing prosthetic joint infection (PJI). An inverse correlation for synovial leukocyte count and synovial pH is known assuming that leukocyte metabolism causes synovial fluid acidosis. This study analysis synovial pH as a potential marker for PJI. We prospectively included 92 patients who presented with painful total joint arthroplasty (TJA) of the hip (THA; n = 25) or knee (TKA, n = 67). Joints were diagnosed as infected (n = 30) or aseptic (n = 62) based on the Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria of 2018. An ideal cut-off value for synovial pH and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity were calculated for synovial white blood cell (WBC) count (cut-off > 3000 leukocytes) and percentage of neutrophils (PMN%, cut-off > 80%). The median synovial pH level was significantly lower in the group with chronic PJI (7.09 vs. 7.27; p < 0.001) compared to implants with aseptic failure. The calculated optimal cut-off value was 7.11 (AUC 0.771) with a sensitivity of 53% and specificity of 89%. However, the sensitivity and specificity of synovial WBC count were 90% and 88% and for synovial PMN% 73% and 98%, respectively. Synovial pH may be a cost-effective parameter to diagnose chronic PJI.
Transcriptome Meta-Analysis Suggests the Existence of Two Molecular Subtypes in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Nazari Anahita , Marashi Sayed-Amir , Montazeri Hesam
Published: May 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia that affects the lives of nearly 50 million people globally. No efficient treatment or cure has been found for AD yet. Different studies have been performed on heterogeneity in AD from various perspectives. Analyzing AD as a disease with several subtypes might assist us to identify effective personalized treatments for AD patients. Here, we investigated the heterogeneity in AD from a molecular perspective. In particular, we used gene expression profiles of 93 samples from the hippocampus of AD patients. To increase the sample size and enhance the robustness of the results, we applied meta-analysis on three different datasets. We first combined gene expression profiles from multiple relevant AD studies, and then, using a clustering analysis, we found two distinct molecular subtypes across AD samples. We validated the obtained results using various statistical and randomization approaches. Furthermore, we showed that the two transcriptomic subtypes are statistically independent of sex, age and Braak stage of the subjects. Notably, one of the identified subtypes indicates high similarity to control samples, which suggests that AD onset does not necessarily affect the hippocampal transcriptome. By performing differential gene expression and pathway enrichment analyses for various settings, we found 2371 differentially expressed genes that can be used for discriminating between the two AD subtypes. Finally, using a clustering approach, we introduced a novel molecular signature for the two subtypes based on14 differentially expressed genes.
Interventricular Septal Hematoma Detected by Transesophageal Echocardiography after Congenital Heart Surgery in an Infant: A Case Report
Authors: Jang Young-Eun , Kim Jin-Tae , Lee Ji-Hyun
Published: May 2021

BackgroundInterventricular septal hematoma is an extremely rare complication following congenital heart surgery. During cardiac surgery, interventricular septal hematomas can be detected only by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. Here, we report an interesting case of interventricular septal hematoma that was accidentally found in an infant following ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure.Case presentationTransesophageal echocardiography images were acquired from a 1-month-old boy after surgical repair of a large (6.5 mm) perimembranous outlet VSD with interventricular septal flattening. Surgical correction was performed with auto-pericardium and 7-0 Prolene sutures. The patient was successfully weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass, and transesophageal echocardiography showed no VSD leakage and good ventricular function. However, approximately 30 minutes later, two anechoic masses were found within the interventricular septum, which were suspected to be interventricular septal hematomas; the larger mass measured 1.51 x 1.48cm. The swollen interventricular septum showed decreased contractility and compressed both the right and left ventricles. However, there was no change in the size of hematomas or a significant hemodynamic instability for 30 minutes of observation. Therefore, expecting spontaneous resolution of the hematomas, the interventricular septum was not explored and the patient was removed from cardiopulmonary bypass. On postoperative day 4, follow-up transthoracic echocardiography revealed thrombi filling the hematomas. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 15 and followed-up with regular echocardiographic evaluations.ConclusionsWe describe a unique case of interventricular septal hematoma after VSD closure. Surgical manipulation of perimembranous VSD and injury of the septal perforating artery may contribute to development of an interventricular septal hematoma. In hemodynamically stable patients, conservative treatment and serial echocardiographic evaluation generally show gradual resolution of the hematoma. Pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists should be aware of this rare complication after VSD repair.
The correlation study on mandibular deviation and cervical vertebrae posture in patients with mandibular asymmetry
Authors: Guan Yuxin , Tian Pengfei , Li Bing , Wu Xiuping
Published: May 2021

Background: To explore the degree of skeletal mandibular deviation and the change of mandible position in patients with mandibular deformity and its correlation with cervical posture in patients with jaw deformity using CBCT and to provide the reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. Methods: CBCT images from 30 adult patients with skeletal mandibular deviation and 30 adult individuals with facial symmetry were analyzed and imported in Invivo 5 to reconstruct a 3D hard-tissue surface model. A reference frame was set up and 20 measurements of the mandible and cervical vertebrae were performed to calculated. The difference between the three-dimensional position of the mandible and the posture of cervical spine were analyzed in patients with mandibular asymmetry and normal people. Results: Compared with the normal maxillofacial symmetry groups, there were significant differences in the degree of skeletal mandibular asymmetry and cervical deviation in the mandibular deviation groups(P ＜ 0.05). A strong positive, linear correlation was found in patients with mandibular deviation between the deviation of the mandible and cervical vertebrae posture. Conclusion: There is an inherent correlation between the occurrence of mandibular deviation and the deflection of cervical posture, and they interact on each other. The deformity of mandible affects the three-dimensional posture of the cervical vertebra and can cause different degrees of cervical deflection. The degree of mandible deviation and cervical vertebrae posture in patients with mandibular asymmetry are greater than those in individuals with facial symmetry. Compared with the patients with normal jaw, the deformity among the patients with skeletal mandibular asymmetry has a tendency to tilt forward and bend forward. The abnormal posture of the cervical spine will also affect the three-dimensional position of the mandible, causing the lower 1/3 of the face to appear facial asymmetry with the deflection of the head and neck posture.
Single-Molecule RNA Sequencing for Simultaneous Detection of m6A and 5mC
Authors: Ohshiro Takahito , Konno Masamitsu , Asai Ayumu , Komoto Yuki , Yamagata Akira , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Ofusa Ken , Taniguchi Masateru , Ishii Hideshi
Published: May 2021

Epitranscriptomics is the study of RNA base modifications involving functionally relevant changes to the transcriptome. In recent years, epitranscriptomics has been an active area of research. However, a major issue has been the development of sequencing methods to map transcriptome-wide RNA base modifications. We have proposed a single-molecule quantum sequencer for mapping RNA base modifications in microRNAs (miRNAs), such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A) or 5-methylcytidine (5mC), which are related to cancer cell propagation and suppression. Here, we investigated 5mC and m6A in hsa-miR-200c-5p extracted from colorectal cancer cells and determined their methylation rates; the rates were comparable to those determined by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we evaluated the methylation ratio for each cytidine and adenosine site in the sequences and its relationship. These results suggest that the methylation ratio of cytidine and adenosine is facilitated by the presence of vicinal methylation. Our work provides a robust new tool for sequencing various types of RNA base modifications in their RNA context.
Surgical treatment of valve endocarditis in high-risk patients: predictors of long term outcome
Authors: Nasso Giuseppe , Santarpino Giuseppe , Moscarelli Marco , Bari Nicola Di , Dell'Aquila Angelo Maria , Peivandi Armin Darius , Gaudino Mario , Fiore Flavio , Mastroroberto Pasquale , Condello Ignazio , Speziale Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Background
- Infective endocarditis represents a surgical challenge associated with perioperative mortality. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors that are associated with higher mortality and to determine if there are any patient subsets that should be defined as "inoperable".
Methods
- We retrospectively analyzed 123 patients operated on for infective endocardi-tis from January 2011 to December 2020. Of these, 18 patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis. We collected perioperative characteristics and performed an analysis for the identification of preoperative risk factors associated with postoperative mortality.
Results
- Preoperative renal failure, an elevation of all types of EuroSCORE (EuroSCORE I, II and logistic) and prior aortic valve re-replacement were found to be preoperative risk factors significantly associated with mortality. In-hospital mortality was 27% in patients who had previously undergone aortic valve replacement (n = 4 out of 15 operated, p = 0.01). Patients who were operated on during the active phase of infective endocarditis showed a higher mortality rate than those operated on after the acute phase (16% versus 0%; p = 0.02). The type of prosthesis used (biological or mechanical) was not associated with mortality, whereas cross-clamp time significantly correlated with mortality (mean cross-clamp time 135 ± 65 min in dead patients versus 76 ± 32 min in surviving patients; p = 0.0005).
Conclusions
- Our study demonstrates that an early and fast surgical approach may rep-resent a valuable treatment option for high-risk patients with infective endocarditis, also in case of prosthetic valve endocarditis. Although several risk factors are associated with higher mortal-ity, no patient subset is inoperable. These findings can be helpful to inform decision-making in heart team discussion.
Genomic analyses of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) populations from Uganda using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and nuclear triose-phosphate isomerase (Tpi) genes
Authors: Omuut Geresemu , Mollel Happyness G. , Kanyesigye Dalton , Akohoue Félicien , Adumo Stella A. , Wagaba Henry , Otim Michael H.
Published: May 2021

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda; J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has become a newly established economically important pest that causes huge losses to maize productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2017, a survey was conducted to collect S. frugiperda specimens across 11 agro-ecological zones in Uganda. Cytochrome oxidase subunits 1 (CO1A and CO1B) and triose-phosphate isomerase (Tpi) partial gene segments of FAW were sequenced and subjected to comparative genomic analyses, to elucidate genetic identity, diversity and determine the existence of corn sub-haplotypes, distribution, and likely origin of invading populations. Results revealed the presence of both rice and corn strains (haplotypes h4 and h1), with rice strain being more predominant. The analyses of both mitochondrial and nuclear Tpi marker sequences showed that the FAW host strain haplotypes from Uganda were identical to those found in Florida, three Asian nations (China, India, and Pakistan) and Australia. A wide distribution of both strains was observed across all agro-ecological zones in Uganda. Comparative genomic analyses showed strain identification concordant results between CO1A and CO1B partial gene markers. Upon comparison with Tpi marker result, discordances in discrimination of FAW strains were observed. The study findings imply that Florida, China, India and Pakistan are possible centers of origin of invasion and support a possibility of multiple introductions into Uganda and the region. There is therefore a need for in-depth characterization of FAW populations in the region and other African nations to better understand its genetics and mechanisms of invasion.
ENA-78/CXCL5 as a Predictive Factor for Baricitinib Effectiveness in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Isozaki Takeo , Gunji Ryutaro , Shimizu Kunika , Kawamori Kazutaka , Konishi Noriko , Fukuse Sayaka , Kasama Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To determine whether cytokines and chemokines are predictive factors for baricitinib effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods: Eleven patients were treated with baricitinib, and the levels of fractalkine/CX3CL1, CXCL16, ENA-78/CXCL5, IL-8/CXCL8, MCP-1/CCL2 and RANTES/CCL5 in serum were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Results: Nine of the 11 patients successfully completed the study at 12 weeks. Two patients were excluded due to noneffectiveness of baricitinib treatment. The simplified disease activity index (SDAI) at week 12 was significantly decreased in patients receiving baricitinib compared with the SDAI at week 0 (mean ± SEM; 5 ± 1 and 15 ± 3, respectively, p<0.05). One case of herpes zoster virus infection occurred at 12 weeks. The levels of MCP-1/CCL2, RANTES/CCL5, ENA-78/CXCL5, IL-8/CXCL8, CXCL16 and fractalkine/CX3CL1 in RA serum were not significantly different before and after baricitinib treatment. Finally, we found that the level of ENA-78/CXCL5 in patients with SDAI remission was significantly higher than that in patients without SDAI remission at 12 weeks (887 ±115 pg/ml and 461 ± 102 pg/ml, respectively).Conclusions: ENA-78/CXCL5 may be a predictor of the effectiveness of baricitinib in treating RA.
Design and Analysis of Various Solar Cell Technologies for Improvements in Efficiencies: A Review
Authors: Sharma Divya , Mehra Rajesh , Raj Balwinder
Published: May 2021

Solar energy is an inexhaustible source of energy existing on earth. Sun annually delivers approximately 10,000 times of energy that human race currently exploits. Being neat and clean, solar energy has steered path to redeem utilization of conventional resources of energy by birth of solar cells. Solar cells, modules and Photovoltaic systems have been industrialized substantially since race to conquer outer space started during 1960s. Further, oil crisis in 1970s forced the nations to embrace solar technologies as alternative means for conventional sources of energy. Developments in cost efficacy, compact constructions, consistency and lifetime enabled photovoltaics to be the first option for extensive range of uses in day to day life. Photovoltaics are widely used in telecommunications, remote power and cathodic protection. Objective of this paper is to review developments of solar cells since its origin, with comprehensive description of manufacturing processes, implementations and power conversion efficiencies of solar cells of various generations including their future trends and aspects.
Influence of Zno nanoparticle addition and Spark Peak Current on EDM Process of AISI 1045, AISI 4140, and AISI D3: MRR, Surface Roughness, and Surface Texture
Authors: Pour Masoud , Javadi S. Mohammad , K. Ehsan Layegh
Published: May 2021

In the recent studies, the effects of different metal oxide nanoparticles addition in different dielectrics of EDM process has been thoroughly investigated, showing that adding the nanoparticles improves the material removal rate and surface roughness. The results illustrate that the parameters such as density, particle size, particle concentration, and electrical and thermal conductivity of the nanoparticles can affect the process performance. Compared to the other metal oxides, ZnO has lower thermal and higher electrical resistance which makes it distinct from other nanoparticles used in EDM process in terms of physical properties. In this paper, the effects of the variation of peak current,and ZnO particle mass on MRR, surface roughness, and thermal conductivity of AISI1045، AISI4140, and AISID3 in EDM process are investigated. The results illustrate that 4 grams of the ZnO nanoparticle mass increase the MRR up to 10.71%, 50%, and 45.55%, for rough machining of AISI1045, AISI4140, and AISID3, respectively. In finish machining, they show that the surface roughness can be improved 16.66%, 29.41%, and 56.25%, respectively. It is observed that the amount of deposited particles on AISID3 is maximum followed by AISI 1045 and AISI4140. Therefore, in AISID3 both significant improvement of surface roughness and ZnO deposition can be achieved.
The Comparison of the Short and Long-Term Outcomes Between Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy and Open Total Gastrectomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Cui Hao , Zhang Ke-Cheng , Cao Bo , Deng Huan , Chen Run-kai , Xie Tian-yu , Liang Wen-quan , Liu Yi , Wang Ning , Chen Lin , Wei Bo
Published: May 2021

BackgroundNeoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) combined with surgery is regarded as an effective treatment for advanced gastric cancer. Laparoscopic surgery represents mainstream of minimally invasive surgery. Currently, surgeons focus more on surgical safety and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy after NACT. Thus, we sought to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes between laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) and open total gastrectomy (OTG) after NACT.MethodThis is a mono-institutional retrospective study conducted by Chinese PLA general hospital. After screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, we collected clinicopathological data of 140 patients who accepted gastrectomy after NACT from June 2012 to June 2019, including 62 patients in LTG group and 78 patients in OTG group. SPSS 26.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 were used to perform statistical analysis.ResultClinicopathological characteristics between LTG and OTG group showed no significant difference. In 140 patients, 10 patients acquired pCR while 58 patients presented ORR. Mentioning to perioperative outcomes, we found that LTG group had longer operation time(P=0.013), less blood loss（P=0.003）, shorter first flatus days(P＜0.001) and postoperative days（P＜0.001) . Even though LTG spent more surgical cost than OTG (P＜0.001), total hospitalized cost of LTG was less than OTG(P＜0.001). 21 (26.9%) patients in OTG group and 14 (22.6%) patients in LTG group had 30-day postoperative complication, with no significant difference (P=0.295). Long-term follow up demonstrated that 3-year OS rate was 59.3% and 65.7% in LTG and OTG group (HR: 0.690, 95%CI: 0.413~1.152, P=0.151) while 3-year DFS rate was 51.1% and 53.4% in LTG and OTG group respectively (HR: 0.796,95%CI: 0.488~1.300, P=0.357).ConclusionAfter NACT, LTG showed comparable 30-day postoperative morbidity as well as 3-year OS and DFS rate in comparison with OTG. We recommended experienced surgeons select LTG other than OTG for proper AGC patients after NACT.
Transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells derived exosomes improve angiogenesis in a rat hindlimb ischemia model
Authors: Liao Chuanjun , song Shenghan , Li Tan , Zhang Wangde
Published: May 2021

Objective We investigated whether endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived exosomes (EPC-exo) could improve angiogenesis in a rat hindlimb ischemia model to evaluate whether the EPC-exo may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for lower limb ischemia (LLI).MethodsEPCs were obtained from SD rats using the method of density gradient centrifugation, and identified by DIL-AC-LDL and FITC-UEA-l uptake test and flow cytometry. EPC-exo was isolated and purified from EPCs using ultracentrifugation method, and identified by transmission electron microscopy and western blot analysis. Rat chronic hindlimb ischemia model were divided randomly into three groups, the experimental group (n=5) was intramuscularly injected with 30ul EPC-exo through four points in ischemic hindlimb, while the EPC group (n=5) was injected with 30ul EPCs, and the control group (n=5) was injected with 30ul PBS. Laser doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) was used to assessment blood flow perfusion of rat hindlimb at baseline, 7 day, 28 day after intramuscularly injection. Capillary density of muscle tissue was evaluated by immunofluorescence analysis at 28 day. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression change of vascular related genes in endothelial cells (ECs) induced by EPC-exo. ResultsDIL-AC-LDL and FITC-UEA-l uptake test showed that more than 90% of the EPCs were double-positive. Flow cytometry showed that in our cultured EPCs, the positive rates of CD31, CD34, CD133 and VEGFR-2 were 97.8%, 85.3%, 83.2% and 91.3%, respectively, but the positive rate of CD45 was only 1.3%. EPC-exo with a size ranging from 30 to 100 nm and western blot analysis confirmed the presence of exosomes markers, including CD9, CD63 and CD81. Compared with non ischemic limbs, EPC-exo group recovered about 80% of the blood perfusion after 28 days, while the EPC group had a recovery rate of about 60%, and the control group had a recovery rate of about 40% only. Capillary density of muscle tissue in EPC-exo group increased significantly than EPC group and control group. qRT-PCR detected the expression of vascular related genes (VEGFA, VEGFR2, HIF-1a, eNOS, ANG1, ANG2, CXCL-16) increased significantly in EPC-exo group than control group.ConclusionThe study results suggest that transplantation of EPC-exo could significantly improve angiogenesis in a rat hindlimb ischemia model, which may be a potential therapeutic strategy for LLI.