bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method for Measuring the Length of Hot Large Forgings Based on Machine Vision System
Authors: Wang Bangguo
Published: December 2021

Large forgings can be applied to manufacture key parts in large equipment used in petrochemical, shipbuilding, aerospace, nuclear industry. At present, the size of hot large forgings is mainly measured by hand-hold calipers or mechanical gauges through contact measurement method. In order to realize non-contact length measurement of hot large forgings, a novel method for measuring the length of hot large forgings based on machine vision system is proposed. Firstly, the light strips are recognized according to the continuous characteristics of the light stripes in the image acquired by the hot forging dimension measurement system based on machine vision. Secondly, using the sub-pixel edge of light strips acquired by the improved sub-pixel edge detection algorithm, the three-dimension (3D) points of each edge of light strips are calculated, respectively. Lastly, the two-dimensional (2D) points projected from the 3D points onto the fitted plane are used for curve fitting, and the edge of hot part corresponding to each light strip edge is calculated according to the curvature of the fitted curves. The distance between the start point and the edge point on each light strip edge is considered as the length of hot forging at the corresponding edge of each light strip. The length measurement experiment shows that the method can be used to calculate the length of hot large forgings. The measurement error of the length measurement system when measuring part at room temperature is 0.547%. The time for measuring the length of hot forging is 6.8s.
Third COVID-19 Vaccine Dose Boosts Neutralizing Antibodies in Poor Responders
Authors: Lake Douglas , Roeder Alexa , Gonzalez-Moa Maria , Koehler Megan , Kaleta Erin , Jasbi Paniz , Vanderhoof John , McKechnie Davis , Forman Jack , Edwards Baylee , Seit-Nebi Alim , Svarovsky Sergei
Published: December 2021

Background While evaluating COVID-19 vaccine responses using a rapid neutralizing antibody (NAb) test, we observed that 25% of RNA vaccine recipients did not neutralize >50%. We termed this group “vaccine poor responders” (VPRs). The objective of this study was to determine if individuals who neutralized <50% would remain VPRs, or if a third dose would elicit high levels of NAbs. Methods 269 healthy individuals ranging in age from 19 to 80 (Average age = 51; 165 females and 104 males) who received either BNT162b2 (Pfizer) or mRNA1273 (Moderna) vaccines were evaluated. NAb levels were measured: i) 2-4 weeks after a second vaccine dose, ii) 2-4 months after the second dose, iii) within 1-2 weeks prior to a third dose and iv) 2-4 weeks after a third RNA vaccine dose. Results Analysis of vaccine recipients revealed that 25% did not neutralize above 50% (Median neutralization = 21%, titers <1:80) within a month after their second dose. Twenty-three of these VPRs obtained a third dose of either BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccine 1-8 months (average = 5 months) after their second dose. Within a month after their third dose, VPRs showed an average 20-fold increase in NAb levels (range: 46%-99%). Conclusions The results suggest that VPRs are not permanently poor responders; they can generate high NAb levels with an additional vaccine dose. Although it is not known what levels of NAbs protect from infection or disease, those in high-risk professions may wish to keep peripheral NAb levels high, limiting infection, and potential transmission.
A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study on the Phonology-related Pathways in Cantonese-mandarin Bilinguals.
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Jin Yuying , Pan Ning , Cao Muqing , Jing Jin , Ma Jingwen , Fan Xiaoxuan , Tan Si , Song Xiaojing , Li Xiuhong
Published: December 2021

Cantonese and Mandarin are logographic languages, and the phonology is the main difference between the two languages. It is unclear whether long-term experience of Cantonese-Mandarin bilingualism will shape different brain white matter structures of pathways related to phonological processing. 30 Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals and 30 Mandarin monolinguals completed diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) scans and phonological processing tasks. The tractography and TBSS were used to investigate the structural differences in the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) between Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals and Mandarin monolinguals. Post-hoc correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between the different structures with phonological processing skills. Compared to the Mandarin monolinguals, the Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals had higher fractional anisotropy (FA) along the left ILF, higher mean diffusivity (MD) in the clusters along the temporoparietal segment of SLF (tSLF), as well as higher axial diffusivity (AD) in the right tSLF, IFOF, bilateral ILF. The mean AD of the different voxels in the right IFOF and the mean FA of the different voxels in the left ILF were positively correlated with the inverse efficiency score (IES) of the Cantonese auditory and Mandarin visual rhyming judgment tasks respectively within the bilingual group. Long-term experience of Cantonese-Mandarin bilinguals shape different brain white matter structures including right tSLF, IFOF, bilateral ILF. The bilinguals’ white matter showed higher diffusivity, especially in the axonal direction, than the monolinguals. These changes were related to bilinguals’ phonological processing.
Identification of an age-related Parkinson's disease risk factor that regulates sulfur metabolism
Authors: Lau Shong , Stern Shani , Linker Sara , Silva Ioana Da , Nakatsuka Nako , Tampé Juliane , Beltrán-Arranz Ana , Haliburton Ian , Rivera Coral Castro , Spiesshofer Nicolas , Brice Alexis , Winner Beate , Winkler Jurgen , Manole Andreea , Wood Nicholas , Houlden Henry , Gage Fred
Published: December 2021

Human aging is the main risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). To better understand age-related PD pathogenesis, we modeled PD with directly reprogrammed dopaminergic neurons (iDA) which preserve donor aging signatures. By transcriptome analysis and immunohistochemistry on postmortem tissues, we identified a sulfurtransferase, TSTD1, to be upregulated in aged and diseased individuals. TSTD1 catalyzes sulfur transfer from thiosulfate to glutathione (GSH). GSH and cysteine were significantly decreased in dopaminergic (DA) neurons with TSTD1 overexpression. Lower intracellular H2S levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were identified in aged, PD iDA, and TSTD1 overexpressing embryonic stem cell (ES)-derived DA neurons. TSTD1 overexpression could lead to GAPDH inhibition and energy deficiency in neurons. We hypothesize that TSTD1 upregulation in aged and PD individuals could disrupt sulfur metabolism which compromises anti-oxidant capacity and energy production in neurons; both of these mechanisms have been implicated as triggers for DA neuronal degeneration in PD.
Hydrogen Sulfide Inhibits Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type-1 (HTLV-1) Protein Expression via Regulation of ATG4B
Authors: Huandi Liu , Sun Jiaxiang , Guo Shuaifeng , Cheng Xuhong , Zhang Zhongxin , Wan Jia , Wang Chunduo , Zhi Xiaoying , Yuan Linghui , Wang Hui
Published: December 2021

Background: Hydrogen sulfide(H 2 S)is a redox gasotransmitter. It has been shown that H 2 S has a key role in host antiviral defense by inhibiting interleukin (IL)-6 production and S-sulfhydrating Keap1 lead to Nrf2/ARE pathway activation. However, it is yet unclear whether H 2 S can play an antiviral role by regulating autophagy. Results: In this research, we found that exogenous H 2 S decreased the expression of HTLV-1 protein and HTLV-1 induced autophagosomes accumulation. Transmission electron microscope assays indicated that autophagosomes accumulation decreased after H 2 S administration. HTLV-1-transformed T-cell lines had a high level of CSE (H 2 S endogenous enzyme) which could be induced in Hela by HTLV-1 infection. Immunoblot demonstrated that overexpression of CSE inhibited HTLV-1 protein expression and autophagy. And we got the opposite after CSE knockdown. Meanwhile, H 2 S could not restrain the autophagy when ATG4B had a mutant at its site of 89. Conclusion: In a word, these results suggested that H 2 S modulated HTLV-1 protein expression via ATG4B. Meanwhile, our findings suggested a new mechanism by which H 2 S defended against virus infection.
Measuring the Indonesian SMEs’ Capabilities for Sociodynamic and Disruptive Innovation: The Case for Gaining Resilience and Sustainability
Authors: Panjaitan Jenri MP , Darwin Muhadjir , sumiyana sumiyana , Wiva Wivaqussaniyyah , Setyowati Servatia M
Published: December 2021

This study investigates: (1) How do the Indonesian SMEs posit sociodynamic factors and disruptive innovation to gain resilience and sustainability? (2) How do they behave when employing sociodynamic factors and disruptive innovation? (3) Why do they formulate strategic policies for the sociodynamic factors and then innovate disruptively? This research infers that those SMEs posit sociodynamic factors to increase their businesses’ capacity by expanding their social networks and building synergy and business alliances with others. These SMEs intensively catch information about future probable economic benefits to their internal businesses. Moreover, they encourage themselves to carry out disruptive innovations that create distinctive products and new market segments. The authors designed this research method with a qualitative approach. There are three methods of data collection: in-depth interviews, observations, and document studies. Furthermore, this research selects informants from Indonesian SMEs using purposive criteria, such as their total assets or having a net income above USD 1 million (IDR 14 billion), with no restrictions on their field of business. Thus, this study firstly raises reasons why Indonesian SMEs have overcome economic downturns using sociodynamic factors and disruptive innovation. Second, the researcher shows that the Indonesian Ministry of SMEs issued policies with a fallacy, focusing on the digital economy only. Otherwise, this ministry should encourage SMEs to have a bundled knowledge of sociodynamics and disruptive innovation. Third, this study contradicts the evidence from the barriers to the Indonesian SMEs’ capability enhancements in digital transformation. Otherwise, this study evidenced that most Indonesian SMEs adopt low-single-platform information.
Epidemiology of Traumatic Cervical Spinal Fractures in a General Western Population
Authors: Utheim Nils Christian , Helseth Eirik , Stroem Mona , Rydning Paal , Mejlaender-Evjensvold Magnus , Glott Thomas , Hoestmaelingen Christina Teisner , Aarhus Mads , Roenning Pål Andre , Linnerud Hege
Published: December 2021

Background: In Western countries, the typical cervical spine fracture (CS-Fx) patient has historically been a young male injured in a road traffic accident. Recent reports and daily clinical practice clearly indicate a change in the typical patient from a young male to an elderly male or female with comorbidities. This study aimed to establish contemporary population-based epidemiological data of traumatic CS-Fx for use in health care planning and injury prevention.Methods: This is a population-based clinical observational cohort study from the southeastern region of Norway with 3.0 million inhabitants. We included all patients diagnosed with a CS-Fx between 2015 and –2019. Information regarding demographics, preinjury comorbidities, trauma mechanisms, injury description, treatment, and level of hospital admittance is presented.Results: We registered 2153 patients with CS-Fx during a 5-years period, with an incidence of CS-Fx of 14.9/100,000 person-years. The median patient age was 62 years, 68% were males, 37% had a preinjury severe systemic disease, 16% were under the influence of ethanol, 53% had multiple trauma, and 12% had concomitant cervical spinal cord injury (incomplete in 85% and complete in 15%). The most common trauma mechanisms were falls (57%), followed by bicycle injuries (12%) and 4-wheel motorized vehicle accidents (10%). The most common upper CS-Fx was C2 odontoid Fx, while the most common subaxial Fx was facet joint Fx involving cervical level C6/C7. Treatment was external immobilization with a stiff neck collar alone in 65%, open surgical fixation in 26% (giving a 3.7/100,000 person-years surgery rate), and no stabilization in 9%. The overall 90-day mortality was 153/2153 (7.1%).Conclusions: This study provides an overview of the extend of the issue and patient complexity necessary for planning the health care management and injury prevention of CS-Fx. We suggest intensified fall preventive measures in the elderly, better public awareness of the risks of excessive ethanol use, and better road safety for bicyclists.
A sequentially advancing algorithm based on multi-value dynamic programming for the cut-off grade optimization in open-pit metalliferous deposits
Authors: Biswas Pritam , Sinha Rabindra Kumar , Sen Phalguni
Published: December 2021

In techno-economic concern, cut-off grade (COG) optimization is the key for efficient mineral liquidation from the huge metalliferous surface mining sector. In this paper, a sequentially advancing algorithm based on exact multi-value dynamic programming (MDP) has been developed to determine the optimum COG of an open-pit metalliferous deposit. The proposed COG optimization algorithm aims to overcome the limitations of straightforward classical techniques in determining the optimum COG. This discrete COG-MDP model is the first of its kind and has the novelty of dealing with the simulation of eight dynamic possibilities to achieve the maximal Net Present Value (NPV). A high-level programming language (Python) has been used to develop the computer model to deal with the complexity of handling a minimum of 500 series of dynamic variables with a precision value of 0.01% in grade bins. This model can generate results in polynomial-time from the complex mine, mill, and smelter and refinery system corresponding to various limiting conditions. The prime objective considered in the model is to optimize the COG of a metalliferous deposit. The model validation has been done using a real-life case study of an open-pit copper mine in India (Malanjkhand Copper Mine, HCL), considering the fixed yearly output of the mining, milling, and smelting and refining. In this study, the optimum COG for the Malanjkhand copper deposit has been found to be (0.33%, 0.23%, 0.52%, 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.22%, 0.24%) with a maximum NPV of ₹ (12204, 14653, 16948, 14609, 21454, 26717, 38821) million corresponding to various scenarios. The findings also show that the present value of net cash-flow grows in the early years, peaks at a specified mid-life time, and then drops as the reserve is depleted. The present value gradually hits zero after the project’s life cycle, confirming the typical pattern of other mining firms.
Bimetallic Chitosanstabilized Nanoparticles Ag/Cu, Ag/Co with Fungicidal Properties
Authors: Vokhidova Noira , Rashidova S. Sh.
Published: December 2021

Synthesized chitosan stabilized bimetallic nanoparticles Ag/Cu and Ag/Co. It was found that the size and shape of bimetallic nanoparticles can be controlled by varying the concentration of the reducing agent – NaBH4 and the molar ratios of metal ions.Established that an increase in the concentration of the reducing agent, as well as metal ions, promote the formation of fibrillar nanoparticles. It was found that solutions of the synthesized samples effectively suppress the growth and development of the phytopathogen - Fusarium oxysporium forming a sterile zone from 13.3 to 36 mm.
Fabrication of Methylene Blue Loaded Ovalbumin/Polypyrrole Nanoparticles for Enhanced Phototherapy-Triggered Antitumor Immune Activation
Authors: Xu Xiao , Mao Huafen , Wu Yunchao , Liu Suwan , Liu Jingjin , Li Qianzhe , Yang Mengyu , Zhu Jinqian , Zou Shengqiang , Du Fengyi
Published: December 2021

Phototherapy-triggered immunogenic cell death (ICD) hardly elicit robust antitumor immune response partially due to low antigen exposure and inefficient antigen presentation. To address these issues, we developed a novel methylene blue loaded ovalbumin/ polypyrrole nanoparticles (MB@OVA/PPY NPs) via oxidative polymerization and π-π stacking reaction. The as-prepared MB@OVA/PPY NPs with outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency (38%) and photodynamic property could be readily internalized into cytoplasm and accumulated in lysosome and mitochondria. Upon 808 nm and 660 nm laser irradiation, the MB@OVA/PPY NPs not only ablated the tumor cells by inducing local hyperthermia, but also damaged residual tumor cells by generating a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), finally triggered the release of large amount of damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Moreover, the MB@OVA/PPY NPs synergized with DAMPs promoted thematuration and improved antigen presentation ability of DCs in virto and vivo. This work demonstrated that the MB@OVA/PPY NPs could be used as effective nanotherapeutic agents for eliminating the solid tumor and triggering powerful antitumor immune response.
Sequence Analysis of Several Ancient River Blocking Events in the Suwalong Reach of the Upper Jinsha River Based on Multidisciplinary Approaches, SE Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Chen Jianping , Wang Qing , Tan Chun , Li Yongchao , Song Shengyuan , Cao Chen , Gu Feifan
Published: December 2021

The temporary or permanent river blocking event caused by mass movement usually occurs on steep terrain. With the increase of mountain population and land use pressure and the construction of water conservancy and hydropower projects, river blocking event has gradually attracted people’s attention and understanding. The study area (Wangdalong-Gangda reach) is located in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River and the southeast edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Affected by strong tectonic activity in the Jinsha River suture zone and the rapid uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, in the past 6000 years, there have been at least five obvious river blocking events in the reach of about 30 km in the study area. The number and density are very rare. Combined with the field investigation, indoor interpretation, laboratory tests, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, SBAS-InSAR and previous studies, multidisciplinary approaches are used to systematically summarize the analysis methods and further the understanding of one river blocking event and multiple river blocking events from difference perspectives. Especially in multiple river blocking events, we could get the wrong results, even the opposite conclusion if interaction is not considered. Through this study, the general method of analyzing the river blocking event and the problems that should be paid attention to in sampling are given, and relatively reliable historical results of river blocking events are obtained. This method has extensive applicability to the identification and analysis of river blocking events in other areas.
KMT2C is Potential Prognostic Biomarker and its Immune Regulating Roles in Pan-Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Wei Guangnan , Zhang Yuchen , Zhuang Hongkai , Li Yingzi , Ren Chongyang , Wen Lingzhu , Lin Jiali , Dai Danian , Chen Bo , Liao Ning
Published: December 2021

Background: A member of histone lysine methyltransferases subfamily, The histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) monomethylase KMT2C, has mutations across many cancer types. However, the role of KMT2C in different cancers and its correlation with tumor infiltration and immune therapy indicators remain unknown.Method: Expression and mutation information of KMT2C has been analyzed through the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database in our study. Prognostic value of KMT2C was evaluated via univariate survival analysisand expression detection in different cancer cells. Result: Survival analysis showed that high expression of KMT2C in some cancer type may be a indication of better outcome, while in other cancer like UVM, patient with high expression of KMT2C suffered from early recurrence. Further, we found there is a strongly link between KMT2C expression and immune cells infiltration, mutation indicators through analysising in the Tumor Immune Evaluation Resource (TIMER) database. Conclusion: The bioinformatics analysis here deliver us a message that KMT2C might be a good molecular biomarker for prognostic and therapeutic evaluation in specific cancer types.
Development of an SNP Marker Set for Marker-Assisted Backcrossing Using Genotyping-By-Sequencing in Tetraploid Perilla
Authors: Kang Yun-Joo , Lee Bo-Mi , Kim Jangmi , Nam Moon , Lee Myoung-Hee , Lee Keunpyo , Kim Tae-Ho , Jo Sunghwan , Lee Jeong-Hee
Published: December 2021

High-quality molecular markers are essential for marker-assisted selection to accelerate breeding progress. Compared with diploid species, recently diverged polyploid crop species tend to have highly similar homeologous subgenomes, which is expected to limit the development of broadly applicable locus-specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays. Furthermore, it is particularly challenging to make genome-wide marker sets for species that lack a reference genome. Here, we report the development of a genome-wide set of kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers for marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) in the tetraploid minor crop perilla. To find locus-specific SNP markers across the perilla genome, we used genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to construct linkage maps of two F2 populations. The two resulting high-resolution linkage maps comprised 2,326 and 2,454 SNP markers that spanned a total genetic distance of 2,133 cM across 16 linkage groups and 2,169 cM across 21 linkage groups, respectively. We then obtained a final genetic map consisting of 22 linkage groups with 1,123 common markers from the two genetic maps. We selected 96 genome-wide markers for MARS and confirmed the accuracy of markers in the two F2 populations using a high-throughput Fluidigm system. We confirmed that 91.8% of the SNP genotyping results from the Fluidigm assay were the same as the results obtained through GBS. These results provide a foundation for marker-assisted backcrossing and the development of new varieties of perilla.
Assessing Health Risk Associated with Uranium in Rietspruit Water, Far West Rand Goldfield, South Africa
Authors: Raji Iyioluwa Busuyi , Hoffmann Emile , Erasmus Ewald , Ngie Adeline , Winde Frank
Published: December 2021

Uranium, U, as a toxic element has detrimental radiological and chemical impacts on human health when ingested at elevated concentration in water. The establishment of gold mining operations upstream to the Rietspruit is assumed to be a source of uranium into this water body which flows through residential and agricultural land. Water samples from the stream were collected and analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine the concentration of U. Uranium concentrations above South African regulatory limit were recorded in the stream water which is used for domestic, agricultural and religious activities as observed during field visits. Results from calculations showed that the maximum annual effective dose within this mining environment was above 1 mSv/year for all age groups. Furthermore, the probability of radiological risk is lower than the chemical risk which is due to the ingestion of U in the Rietspruit water. The chemical risk analysis showed that within 24 km of this mining environment, stream users are in danger of U chemical toxins therefore, it is important to educate the stream users about their health risk of U and recommend adequate interventions by relevant government agencies to this effect.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Mercaptophenol Functionalized-Gold Nanorods Against a Clinical Isolate of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Eltai Nahla O. , Mahmoud Nouf , Zakaria Zain Z. , Abdelrahman Hana , Moustafa Ala-Eddin Al , Al-Asmakh Maha
Published: December 2021

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) were synthesized and surface functionalized with 4-mercaptophenol (4-MPH) ligand. The surface-functionalized AuNRs, 4-MPH-AuNRs, were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, zeta potential, and Fourier-Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of 4-MPH-AuNRs were evaluated against a clinical isolate of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results indicate that the surface-modified nanorods, 4-MPH-AuNRs, exhibit a bactericidal activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ~6.25 \(\mu\)g/ml against a planktonic suspension of MRSA. Furthermore, 4-MPH-AuNRs resulted in 2-3 log-cycle reduction of MRSA biofilm viable count over a concentration range of 100-4.0 \(\mu\)g/ml. The bacterial uptake of surface-modified nanorods was investigated by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging; the results reveal that ~27% of the nanorods were internalized into the bacterial cells after 6 hrs of exposure. SEM imaging revealed a significant accumulation of the nanorods at the bacterial cell wall and a possible cellular internalization. Thus, 4-MPH-AuNRs can be considered a potential novel antibacterial agent, particularly against resistant MRSA strain biofilm.
Maize (Zea Mays L.) Genotypes Induce the Changes of Rhizosphere Microbial Communities
Authors: Li Yuehan , Qu Zheng , Xu Weihui , Chen Wenjing , Hu Yunlong , Wang Zhigang
Published: December 2021

Plant-microbe interactions affect ecosystem function, and plant species influence relevant microorganisms. However, the different genotypes of maize that shape the structure and function of the rhizosphere microbial community remain poorly investigated. During this study, the structures of the rhizosphere microbial community among three genotypes of maize were analyzed at the seedling and maturity stages using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The results demonstrated that Tiannuozao 60 (N) showed higher bacterial and fungal diversity in both periods, while Junlong1217 (QZ) and Fujitai519 (ZL) had lower diversity. The bacterial community structure among the three varieties was significantly different; however, fewer differences were found in the fungal community. The bacterial community composition of N and QZ was similar yet different from ZL at the seedling stage. The bacterial networks of the three cultivars were more complex than the fungal networks, and the networks of the mature stages were more complex than those of the seedling stages, while the opposite was true for the fungi. FAPROTAX functional and FUNGuild functional predictions revealed that different varieties of maize were different in functional abundance at the genus level, and these differences were related to breeding characteristics. This study suggested that different maize genotypes regulated the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities, which would help guide practices.
Association of Elevated Non-HDL-C and LDL-C with Carotid Atherosclerosis among Tibetans Living at High Altitudes: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hu Xianjin , Zhang Xin , Gou Qiling , Ye Runyu , Zhang Zhipeng , Li Xinran , Chen Xiaoping
Published: December 2021

Background: Hypoxic circumstances impair endothelial function and may contribute to carotid atherosclerosis. In high-altitude areas, there is a scarcity of data on the correlation between lipid particles and carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: A total of 587 patients who underwent carotid artery ultrasound and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in our cross-sectional study. All participants resided in Luhuo County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China (mean altitude: 3,860 meters). We used questionnaires, physical examination, blood sample testing, and ultrasound in our investigation. Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to explore the association between lipid particles and carotid atherosclerosis. We compared the disparity between lipid particles in predicting atherosclerosis using the receiver operator characteristic curve.Results: We found a statistically significant association between lipid particles and carotid atherosclerosis. After adjustment for certain variables, including age, gender, mean arterial pressure, and fasting blood glucose, we discovered that non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) was a risk factor for carotid intima-media thickness (β = 0.012, p = 0.032) but not for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.073). In terms of lifestyle, non-HDL-C was also found to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis independent of cigarette smoking and vegetarian (β = 0.012, p = 0.049). The optimal cut-off value of non-HDL-C was 3.625 mmol/L in predicting carotid plaques.Conclusions: Among Tibetans living in high-altitude areas, non-HDL-C is a better biomarker than LDL-C for carotid artery atherosclerosis independent of conventional risk factors.
Long Term Protective Immunity to Goatpox in Goats After Single Immunization with a Live Attenuated Goatpox Vaccine
Authors: V Bhanuprakash , Hosamani Madhusudan , Venkatesan Gnanavel , Singh Raj Kumar
Published: December 2021

In this study, duration of immunity following single shot vaccination using an attenuated goatpox vaccine (GTPV/Uttarkashi/1978) was evaluated in sero-negative kids for 52 months. Long term immunity was evaluated by clinical protection upon virulent virus challenge and serum neutralization assay applied for serum samples. Rise in level of GTPV specific antibodies was found to be maximum on 21 days post vaccination, which was maintained between 1 and 2 years of immunization with steady decline. Upon virulent virus challenge on 21 days, 12, 24, 42 and 52 months post vaccination, protection in all vaccinated animals was evident, whereas, control animals developed severe clinical disease. This is for the first time that long term immunity of a live goatpox vaccine has been investigated up to 52 months of post-vaccination in goats and it has immense potential in controlling and eradicating goatpox from an enzootic situation.
Risk Factors for Lymph Node Metastasis in Clinical Stage IA3 Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Zheng Yuan-Liang , Sheng Ju , Huang Ri-Sheng , Zhao Jun
Published: December 2021

Background: lymph node metastasis is a poor prognostic factor for lung cancer; however, the risk of lymph node metastasis has not been clarified yet, so it is controversial to conduct systematic lymph node dissection for early lung cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to focus on analyzing the predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma.Methods: Our study group retrospectively analyzed all surgical patients admitted to our hospital from January 1, 2017 to June 2021, and these patients were considered having stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma. A total of 334 patients underwent lobectomy combined with systematic lymph node dissection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were adopted to predict the risk factors of lymph node metastasis.Results: Among the 334 patients eligible for this study, the overall mediastinal lymph node metastasis rate was 15.27%. There were 45 cases of N1 metastasis and 11 cases of N2 metastasis, 5 cases had both N1 and N2 metastasis at the same time. The patients were divided into three groups according to consolidation tumor ratio (CTR) values (<0.25, 0.25-0.5, >0.5). The lymph node metastasis rates in each CTR group were 1.8% (2/112), 11.7% (17/145) and 41.6% (32/77), respectively. The mediastinal lymph node metastasis rate in patients with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA>5ng/ml) was 57.89% (22/38). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of CTR, pathological type and CEA were 0.790 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.727 – 0.853，P<0.001]; 0.800（95% CI:0.735–0.865，P<0.001）;0.682（95% CI: 0.591–0.773, P<0.001）;respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that these listed factors were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis of clinical stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma: CEA [Odds Ratio (OR)=3.05, P=0.016], CTR 0.25 to 0.5 (OR=14.12, P<0.017), CTR>0.5 (OR=7.75, P=0.015), micropapillary adenocarcinoma (OR=15.704, P<0.001), and solid adenocarcinoma (OR=8.971, P=0.001).Conclusions: CEA (>5ng/ml), histologic subtype and CTR (>0.25) are important predictors of lymph node metastasis in clinical stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma, systematic lymph node dissection should be the prior choice for patients with clinical stage IA3 incorporated with risk factors. The lymph node dissection method in stage IA3 should be alternative from those in stage IA1 and IA2.
Dysregulated Spliceosome Gene Expression May Be a Common Process in Brains of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Xia Cuihua , Dai Rujia , Yu Jing , Zhang Chunling , Wong Ma-li , Liu Chunyu
Published: December 2021

Alternative splicing (AS) contributes to the increased cellular and functional tissue complexity that is substantial in the brain. AS is tightly regulated because it is critical to many biological processes. Defective splicing is observed in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. While exonic mutations usually affect the splicing of an individual RNA, mutations in the splicing factors (components of spliceosome) frequently produce widespread disruption in the processing of many precursor-mRNAs. Thus, we tested the hypotheses that expression changes of spliceosome genes may be a common process and shared splicing pathways may be involved in complex polygenic brain disorders. We searched for expression changes of spliceosome-related genes (SGs) using a transcriptome database of several brain regions in 6 neurological and psychiatric disorders, namely Alzheimer’s disease, and autism spectrum, bipolar and major depressive disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia. Out of 255 SGs detected in brain, 138 showed excessive, significant changes in one or more of these disorders. Dysregulation of 10 SGs was shared in 4 disorders, and they were mostly downregulated. Six associated pathways were over-represented in all 6 disorders, including the major and the minor mRNA splicing pathways and RNA metabolism. Therefore, we found that aberrations in the mRNA splicing process may be a common trajectory to many complex brain disorders involving the spliceosome complex.
High Expression of H2BC12 Predicts Poor Survival Outcome of Low-Grade Gliomas: A Study Based on TCGA Data
Authors: Xiao Yilei , Xing Zhaoquan , Li Mengyou , Li Xin , Wang Ding , Dong Zhaogang
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Low-grade gliomas (LGG) have highly variable clinical behaviors, with a high incidence of disease progression as 70% within ten years. Regardless of treatment combining surgery and radiotherapy or chemotherapy, LGG is still associated with adverse survival outcomes. Therefore, our study was performed to satisfy the increasing demand of novel sensitive biomarkers and therapeutic targets in treatment and diagnosis of LGG.
Methods

The TCGA data set was used to examine the relationship between H2BC12 expression and clinical pathologic characteristics. The significance of H2BC12 expression in prognosis was also investigated. In addition, H2BC12 expression-related pathways were enriched by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Association analysis of H2BC12 gene expression and immune infiltration was performed by single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA).
Results

Significantly up-regulated expression of H2BC12 mRNA was found in LGG tissue when compared to normal tissue and was proven to be diagnostic (have diagnostic significance) for LGG. In the meantime, high H2BC12 levels were associated with WHO grade, IDH status, 1p/19q codeletion, primary therapy outcome and histological type of LGG, and additionally, prognostic for adverse survival outcomes. In the multivariate analysis, high H2BC12 levels were identified to be an independent predictor for poor survival outcomes of LGG patients. Pathways in cancer, signaling by Wnt or PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, DNA repair, cellular senescence and DNA double strand break repair were differentially activated in the phenotype that positively associated with H2BC12.
Conclusion

H2BC12 is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of LGG.
The Efficacy of a Commercial Physical Activity Monitor in Longitudinal Tracking of Pulmonary Hypertension Patients
Authors: Rosenzweig Eliana H , Villeda Gerson Antonio Valencia , Crook Sarah , Koli Fatima , Rosenzweig Erika B. , Krishnan Usha S.
Published: December 2021

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have quality of life (QoL) limitations, decreased exercise capacity, and poor prognosis if left untreated. Standard exercise testing is routinely performed for the evaluation of patients with PAH but may be limited in its ability to monitor activity levels in daily living. We evaluated the validity of the commercial Fitbit Charge HR as a tool to assess real time exercise capacity as compared to standard exercise testing in patients with PAH. Ambulatory pediatric and adult PAH patients were enrolled and given a Fitbit with instructions to continuously wear during waking hours. Subjects underwent a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and an SF-36 QoL survey on the day of enrollment and follow-up. Twenty-seven ambulatory subjects with PH were enrolled and 21 had sufficient data for analyses (median age 25, range 13-59, 14 F) were enrolled. Daily steps measured by the Fitbit had a positive correlation with 6MWT distance (r = 0.72, p = 0.03) and an inverse correlation with WHO functional class. On the QoL survey, 77% reported improvement in energy/fatigue (p = 0.055). At follow up there was a strong correlation between Fitbit steps and role limitations due to physical problems (r = 0.88, p = 0.020) and weaker correlations with less related QoL markers. These findings suggest activity monitors may have potential as a simple/novel method of assessing longitudinal exercise capacity and activity levels in PAH patients. Further study in larger cohorts of patients is warranted to determine the best accelerometric correlates with outcomes.
Reactivation of Crohn’s colitis in an adolescent following serial autologous fecal transplants for diversion colitis: A case report with multiomic characterization
Authors: Polanco Esthermari Gonzalez , Murach Maria , Hoffman Casandra L , Oliphant Sandra L. , Wase Nishikant , McGowan Emily C. , Mendoza Michael V. , Moore Sean R.
Published: December 2021

Autologous fecal transplant (AFT, transfer of ileostomy feces to the colon) for diversion colitis (DC) has not yet been described in children or adolescents. We performed serial AFTs in a 16-year-old with Crohn’s disease and DC. As evidenced by endoscopic, histologic, laboratory, and multiomic profiling of the colon, the first AFT led to interval improvement in DC, whereas the second AFT reactivated Crohn’s colitis. These findings ultimately guided shared decision-making towards total colectomy.
Influence of Freeze-Thaw on the Stability of Road Cut Slopes near Atal Tunnel in Indian Himalayan Region
Authors: Sardana Sahil , Sinha Rabindra Kumar , Verma A. K. , Jaswal Mamta , Singh T.N.
Published: December 2021

The rock slopes in the Indian Himalayan region are exposed to recurrent freeze-thaw. Freeze-thaw plays a dominant role in the instability of rock slopes in cold regions. Extensive field investigations have been carried on the two rock slopes of the Solang valley roadway in Himachal Pradesh. Freeze-thaw testing has been carried out in the laboratory on the rock samples collected from the studied slopes. The test has been repeated for 30 freeze-thaw cycles. The laboratory tests have been conducted to determine the mechanical properties of rock with and without freeze-thaw conditioning. The micro-photographs from scanning electron microscope have been obtained to identify the microscopic damages due to freeze-thaw activity. The macroscopic damages have been recognized in tensile, compressive and triaxial compressive strength of rock. Further, a three-dimensional numerical analysis has been performed to evaluate the stability and corroborate the results with the field observations. FT conditioning results reveal a reduction of about 27–39 % in rock strength and subsequently a decrease in the factor of safety by 10–39 % for rock slopes.
Encapsulated Allogeneic Synovial Membrane Mesenchymal Stem Cells Provide Better Outcomes of Chondral Lesions in Horses
Authors: Santos Vitor Hugo , Pfeifer João Pedro Hübbe , Rosa Gustavo dos Santos , Stievani Fernanda de Castro , Apolonio Emanuel Vitor Pereira , Rossi Mariana Correa , Constantino Leonel Vinicius , de Melo Thadeu Rodrigues , Fonseca-Alves Carlos Eduardo , Alves Ana Liz Garcia
Published: December 2021

Osteoarthritis is the main cause of equine lameness, and its treatment remains ineffective. Synovial membrane mesenchymal stem cells (SMMSCs) provide satisfactory outcomes in joint injuries, mainly due to their immunomodulatory and reparative properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SMMSCs, either encapsulated in alginate hydrogel or free, in chondral lesions of horses.Methods: Chondral lesions were surgically induced in the medial trochlea of the talus of fifteen horses. Animals were treated with PBS free SMMSCs or encapsulated SMMSCs. Physical evaluations, assignment of lameness scores and synovial fluid analysis were performed (cytological analysis and dosage of IL-1, IL-10, IL-6, INF-Ɣ, TNF 𝛼, P substance, serum amyloid A, TGF-β, IGF and PGE2) for two weeks. Cartilage biopsies were performed 150 days after induction for histological analysis and immunohistochemistry staining.Results: All groups initially presented inflammation. Although free SMMSCs showed moderate tissue repair, encapsulated SMMSCs had a lower grade of inflammation with superior tissue macro- and microscopic aspects at the end, while the control group showed fibrosis and poor cartilage aspect. This study suggests better effectiveness of stem cells in chondral defects when encapsulated MSCs are used.Conclusion: While the absence of treatment perpetuates cartilage degradation, encapsulated SMMSCs respond better to initial inflammation, interacting and modulating the environment through the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Better outcomes observed in encapsulated MSCs were related to the immuno- and physical barriers provided by the alginate hydrogel, allowing a longer period of permanence and interaction between MSCs and the environment.
Interpreting models interpreting brain dynamics
Authors: Rahman Md Mahfuzur , Mahmood Usman , Lewis Noah , Gazula Harshvardhan , Fedorov Alex , Fu Zening , Calhoun Vince , Plis Sergey
Published: December 2021

Brain dynamics are highly complex and yet hold the key to understanding brain function and dysfunction. The dynamics captured by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data are noisy, high-dimensional, and not readily interpretable. The typical approach of reducing this data to low-dimensional features and focusing on the most predictive features comes with strong assumptions and can miss essential aspects of the underlying dynamics. In contrast, introspection of discriminatively trained deep learning models may uncover disorder-relevant elements of the signal at the level of individual time points and spatial locations. Yet, the difficulty of reliable training on high-dimensional low sample size datasets and the unclear relevance of the resulting predictive markers prevent the widespread use of deep learning in functional neuroimaging. In this work, we introduce a deep learning framework to learn from high-dimensional dynamical data while maintaining stable, ecologically valid interpretations. Results successfully demonstrate that the proposed framework enables learning the dynamics of resting-state fMRI directly from small data and capturing compact, stable interpretations of features predictive of function and dysfunction.
Spatial Pattern and Determinants of Institutional Delivery in Ethiopia: Spatial and Multilevel Analysis Using 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey.
Authors: Awol Mukemil , Edosa Dejene , Jemal kemal
Published: December 2021

Background: In Ethiopia, despite the progress that has been made to improve maternal and child health, the proportion of births occurring at health institutions is still very low (26%), Which significantly contribute to a large number of maternal death 412 deaths/100,000 live births. Therefore, this study intended to determine spatial pattern and factors affecting institutional delivery among women who had live birth in Ethiopia within five years preceding survey.Method: Data from 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey were used. Taking into account the nested structure of the data, multilevel logistic regression analysis has been employed to a nationally representative sample of 5753 women nested with in 305 communities/clusters.Result: A significant heterogeneity was observed between clusters for institutional delivery which explains about 57% of the total variation. Individual-level variables: primary education (OR= 1.8: 95% CI: 1.44-2.26), secondary education (OR= 3.65: 95% CI: 2.19- 6.1), diploma and higher (OR= 2.74: 95% CI: 1.02 – 7.34), women who had both Radio and Television were 4.6 times (OR= 4.6; 95% CI: 2.52, 8.45), four and above Antenatal visit (AOR=2.72 ,95% CI:2.2, 3.34), rich wealth index (OR= 2.22; 95% CI: 1.62- 2.99), birth interval for 18 to 33 months (OR= 1.8; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.92), and women who space birth for 33 and above months (OR= 2.02; 95% CI: 1.3, 3.12) were associated with institutional delivery. Community level variables, community high proportion of antenatal visit (OR= 4.68; 95% CI: 4.13- 5.30), and Region were associated with institutional deliveryConclusion: A clustered pattern of areas with low institutional delivery was observed in Ethiopia. Both individual and community level factors found significantly associated with institutional delivery theses showed the need for community women education through health extension programs and community health workers. And the effort to promote institutional delivery should pay special attention to antenatal care, less educated women and interventions considering awareness, access, and availability of the services are vital for regions.