bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Enzyme Production from Streptomyces by Solid-state Fermentation of Agricultural Wastes using the Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) Method
Authors: Dominguez Gabriela , Fajardo Carmen , Arias Maria E. , Molina-Guijarro Jose M. , Rodriguez Juana , Ortega Fernando , Eugenio Maria E. , Hernandez Manuel
Published: May 2021

This study used Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) to identify and optimize the combined effect of the temperature, fermentation time, substrate-type, and fermenting microorganism on solid-state fermentation (SSF) culture of different agricultural wastes, in order to evidence the interactions among variables that allow maximizing the production of each enzyme. Thus, barley and wheat straw were fermented using two Streptomyces strains (S. MDG 301 and S. MDG 147) under SSF conditions. Key degradative enzymes (xylanases, carboxylmethilcellulase (CMCase), mannanase, laccase and peroxidase) and lignin solubilisation were evaluated. Our results highlighted that the highest xylanases and CMCase levels were obtained after treatment of wheat straw for two days with the S. MDG 301 strain at 45°C. Similarly, we found that the highest mannanase level was achieved using the S. MDG 147 strain on the barley straw at 28°C. Therefore, the integrated approach used based on analytical and bio statistical methods, proved to be a valuable tool for an accurate and rapid determination of the most significant parameters for controlling the bio-transformation process in terms of the enzymatic activity and lignin solubilisation.
Lifetime Analysis of Motorized Spindle Bearings Based on Dynamic Model
Authors: Ying Jun , Yang Zhaojun , Chen Chuanhai , Yao Guoxiang , Hu Wei , Tian Hailong
Published: May 2021

The traditional probabilistic-based lifetime evaluation methods for motorized spindles neglect the effects of load dynamic and structure difference. Hence, a dynamic-model-based lifetime estimation method combining these effects is proposed to improve the estimating results for motorized spindles, especially in the design stage. Considering the bearings lifetime has dramatically influenced the reliability of motorized spindles, this paper establishes a shaft-bearing-toolholder based on a dynamic model to estimate the bearing group lifetime. The proposed dynamic model is closer to the actual structure in spindles, indicating the stiffness of bearings and contact surface conditional on the inputting radial-and-axial forces is nonlinear. The stiffness model is verified by finite element analysis and experiment. The load applied to bearings is accurately calculated through the dynamic model. Then, the load is introduced to a well-known bearing lifetime model, thereby calculating the lifetime of each bearing and its group. The bearing lifetime results under different conditions of preload, clamping force, and cutting force are discussed.
Proteome allocations change linearly with specific growth rate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under glucose-limitation
Authors: Xia Jianye , Sánchez Benjamin , Chen Yu , Campbell Kate , Kasvandik Sergo , Nielsen Jens
Published: May 2021

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is widely used as a cell factory and it is therefore important to understand how it organizes key functional parts when cultured under different conditions. Here we performed a multi-omics analysis of S. cerevisiae by culturing the strain under a wide range of specific growth rates using glucose as the sole limited nutrient. At these different conditions we measured the absolute transcriptome, the absolute proteome, the phosphproteome, and the metabolome. Most functional protein groups showed linear dependence on the cell specific growth rate. Proteins engaged with translation showed a perfect linear increase with the specific growth rate, while glycolysis and chaperone proteins showed a linear decrease at respiratory conditions. Glycolytic enzymes and chaperones, however, show decreased phosphorylation with increasing specific growth rates, resulting in an overall increased activity that is associated with increased flux through these pathways. Further analysis showed that proteome allocation was primarily determined at the transcriptome level. Finally, using enzyme constraint genome scale modeling we found that enzyme usage play an important role for controlling flux in amino acid biosynthesis.
Effects of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 and its Interaction with Temperature and Nitrogen on Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): A Meta-analysis
Authors: Gardi Mekides Woldegiorgis , Haussmann Bettina I.G , Malik Waqas Ahmed , Högy Petra
Published: May 2021

AimsThe general aim of this meta-analysis is to synthesize and summarise the mean response of barley yield variables to elevated CO2 (eCO2) and its interaction with temperature and N fertilization. Methods The present study quantitatively synthesized the response of barley to eCO2 and its interaction with temperature, and Nitrogen (N). A meta-analysis procedure was used to analyse five yield variables of barley extracted from 76 articles to determine the effect size and the magnitude in relation to eCO2 and its interaction with temperature and N. Results CO2 enrichment increased biomass (23.8%), grain number (24.8%), grain yield (27.4%), and thousand-grain weight (5.6%). However, responses to eCO2 were affected by genotype, additional stress, and experimental conditions. In comparison, genotype “Anakin” shows the highest response of biomass (47.1%), while “Genebank accessions” had a higher grain number (46.1%) and grain yield (57.1%) under eCO2. The maximal enhancement of barley yield was observed when plants grow under a combination of eCO2 and higher nitrogen fertilizer (>100 kg ha-1). Nevertheless, biomass (-12%), and grain yield (-17%) responses were lower when eCO2 is combined with high temperature (>25 °C). It was further noted the response of barley yield to eCO2 was higher in the growth chamber than in other CO2 exposure methods. Moreover, comparing pot-rooted versus field-rooted barley plants, a higher response of biomass and grain yield was observed for pot-rooted plants. ConclusionsOverall, results suggest that the maximal barley production under eCO2 will be obtained in combination with high nitrogen fertilizer and optimal temperature (21-25 °C).
An Assessment of Social and Physical Vulnerability to Hydroclimate Extremes in Appalachia
Authors: Handwerger Leah R. , Runkle Jennifer R. , Leeper Ronald , Shay Elizabeth , Dempsey Kara , Sugg Margaret M.
Published: May 2021

Appalachia is a cultural region in the southern and central Appalachian Mountains that lags behind the nation in several social vulnerability indicators. Climate projections over this region indicate that precipitation variability will increase in both severity and frequency in future decades, suggesting that the occurrence of natural hazards related to hydroclimate extremes will also increase. The objective of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of drought and precipitation and determine how trends overlap with vulnerable communities across Appalachia. The study utilized trend analysis through Mann-Kendall calculations and a Social Vulnerability Index, resulting in a bivariate map that displays areas most susceptible to adverse effects from hydroclimate extremes. Results show the southwestern portion of the region as most vulnerable to increased precipitation, and the central-southeast most vulnerable to an increase in drought-precipitation variability. This study is among the first to utilize the boundaries defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission from a climatological perspective, allowing findings to reach audiences outside the scientific community and bring more effective mitigation strategies that span from the local to federal levels.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment and Fragility Analysis of Pre-Code Masonry Buildings in Portugal
Authors: Bernardo Vasco , Costa Alfredo Campos , Candeias Paulo , Costa Aníbal
Published: May 2021

Despite the fact that in recent years Portugal has not seen the occurrence of high-magnitude earthquakes, it remains threatened by these events due to its geographic location. Since the 1960s, reinforced concrete has been the most used material for new constructions, however the historic urban centers are dominated by old unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings which techniques and construction materials have evolved since the Great Lisbon earthquake that occurred in 1755 with a magnitude around 8.5. Given the presence of these buildings in areas of significant seismicity, a comprehensive research is needed to assess the seismic risk and define mitigation policies. This kind of studies are often supported by empirical methods and based on expert judgment due to the high variability of the building stock and lack of information. The main purpose of this work is: i) to provide analytical fragility curves, supported by nonlinear static analysis, for the entire population of old masonry buildings, built before the introduction of the first design code for building safety against earthquakes (RSSCS) in 1958; ii) define vulnerability curves to be used by the technical community for seismic risk assessment of pre code URM buildings. The characterization of the building stock geometry and material properties is based on the previous information collected, which was useful to define representative archetypes and typologies.
The role of routine FIBERoptic bronchoscopy monitoring during percutaneous dilatational TRACHeostomy (FIBERTRACH). A study protocol for a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Añón José M. , Arellano Mª Soledad , Perez-Márquez Manuel , Díaz-Alvariño Claudia , Márquez-Alonso José A. , Rodríguez-Peláez Jorge , Nanwani-Nanwani Kapil , Martín-Pellicer Ana , Civantos Belen , López-Fernández Alba , Seises Irene , García-Nerín Jorge , Figueira Juan C. , Casero Henar , Vejo Javier , Agrifoglio Alexander , Cachafeiro Lucía , Díaz-Almirón Mariana , Villar Jesús
Published: May 2021

Background

Tracheostomy is one of the most frequent techniques in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) is a safety measure when performing a percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) but the controversy surrounding the routine use of FB as part of the procedure remains open. National surveys in some European countries showed that the use of FB is non-standardized. Retrospective studies have not shown a significant difference in complications between procedures performed with or without a bronchoscope. International guidelines have not been able to establish recommendations regarding the use of FB in PDT due to lack of evidence.
Design:

This is a multicenter (two centres at the time of writing this manuscript), randomized, controlled clinical trial to examine the safety of percutaneous tracheostomy using FB. We will include all consecutive adult patients admitted to the ICU in whom percutaneous tracheostomy for prolonged mechanical ventilation is indicated and with no exclusion criteria for using FB. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to receive blind PDT or PDT under endoscopic guidance. All procedures will be performed by experienced intensivists in PDT and FB. A Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) will monitor the trial. The primary outcome is the incidence of perioperative complications.
Discussion

FB is a safe technique when performing PDT although its use is not universally accepted in all ICUs as routine practice. Should PDT be monitored routinely with endoscopic guidance?. This study will assess the role of FB monitoring during PDT.
Trial registration:

Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04265625) on 11th February 2020 (retrospectively registered).
Nanoscale Cutting Using Self-Excited Microcantilever
Authors: YANG RUI , Ogura Ichiro , Jiang ZhenYan , An LinJun , Ashida Kiwamu , Yabuno Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

The application of self-excitation is proposed to improve the efficiency of the nanoscale cutting procedure based on use of a microcantilever in atomic force microscopy. The microcantilever shape is redesigned so that it can be used to produce vibration amplitudes with sufficient magnitudes to enable the excitation force applied by an actuator to be transferred efficiently to the tip of the microcantilever for the cutting process. A diamond abrasive that is set on the tip is also fabricated using a focused ion beam technique to improve the cutting effect. The natural frequency of the microcantilever is modulated based on the pressing load. Under conventional external excitation conditions, to maintain the microcantilever in its resonant state, it is necessary to vary the excitation frequency in accordance with the modulation. In this study, rather than using external excitation, the self-excitation cutting method is proposed to overcome this difficulty. The self-excited oscillation is produced by appropriate setting of the phase difference between the deflection signal of the microcantilever and the feedback signal for the actuator. In addition, it is demonstrated experimentally that the change in the phase difference enables us to control the amplitude of the self-excitation. As a result, control of the groove cutting depth is achieved via changes in the phase difference.
Sudden Cessation of Fluoxetine Before Alcohol Drinking Reinstatement Alters Microglial Morphology and TLR4/inflammatory Neuroadaptation in the Rat Brain
Authors: Aranda Jesús , Fernández-Arjona María del Mar , Alén Francisco , Rivera Patricia , Rubio Leticia , Smith-Fernández Inés , Pavón Francisco Javier , Serrano Antonia , Serrano-Castro Pedro J. , de Fonseca Fernando Rodríguez , Suarez Juan
Published: May 2021

Preclinical studies on the effects of abrupt cessation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a medication often prescribed in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients with depression, results in alcohol consumption escalation after resuming drinking. However, a potential neuroinflammatory component on this escalation remains unexplored despite the immunomodulatory role of serotonin. Here, we utilized a rat model of 14-daily administration of the SSRI fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day) along alcohol self-administration deprivation to study the effects of fluoxetine cessation on neuroinflammation after resuming alcohol drinking. Microglial morphology and inflammatory gene expression were analyzed in prelimbic cortex, striatum, basolateral amygdala and dorsal hippocampus. Results indicated that alcohol drinking reinstatement increased microglial IBA1 immunoreactivity and altered morphometric features of activated microglia (fractal dimension, lacunarity, density, roughness, and cell area, perimeter and circularity). Despite alcohol reinstatement, fluoxetine cessation modified microglial morphology in a brain region-specific manner, resulting in hyper-ramified (spatial complexity of branching), reactive (lower heterogeneity and circularity)-like microglia. We also found that microglial cell area correlated with changes in mRNA expression of chemokines (Cx3cl1/fractalkine, Cxcl12/SDF1α, Ccl2/MCP1), cytokines (IL1β, IL6, IL10) and the innate immune toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in dorsal hippocampus. Specifically, TLR4 correlated with microglial spatial complexity assessed by fractal dimension in striatum, suggesting a role in process branching. These findings suggest that alcohol drinking reinstatement after fluoxetine treatment cessation disturbs microglial morphology and reactive phenotype associated with a TLR4/inflammatory response to alcohol in a brain region-specific manner, facts that might contribute to alcohol-induced damage through the promotion of escalation of alcohol drinking behavior.
Cytotoxic activity, apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer (MCF7) cells by a novel fluorinated tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinolin chalcones
Authors: Mohamed Magda F. , Ibrahim Nada S. , Ibrahim Sherif Abdelaziz , El-Manawaty May A , El-Hallouty Salwa M. , Hassaneen Hamdi M. , Abdelhamid Ismail Abdelshafy
Published: May 2021

A series of halogenated chalcones (3–8) was synthesized and confirmed by several spectral tools. The cytotoxic effect of this series was tested against a panel of different cancer cell lines (MCF7, A549, HCT116, and PC3). Our MTT assay results revealed that chalcone 8 had the potent cytotoxic activity against all tested cancer cell lines except A549 cells, which were more sensitive to chalcone 7 relative to the positive control treated with doxorubicin. Chalcone 8 showed the least cytotoxic activity against the normal epithelial cell line RPE-1 and the lowest IC50 at 10.96 µM relative to the IC50 of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin at 12.8 µM against the human breast cancer cell line MCF7. Molecular docking studies showed a good interaction of chalcone 8 with the active site of histone demethylase (PLU-1/ JARID1B) and Carboxy-terminal binding protein1 (CtBP1) proteins. Mechanistically, chalcone 8 induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and apoptosis as assessed by flow cytometry, as well as DNA fragmentation in MCF7 cells. Chalcone 8 upregulated mRNA expression levels of the apoptotic genes BAX, p53, and Caspase-7, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9, whereas mRNA expression levels of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl2, metastasis-related gene matrix metalloproteinase 1, and the autophagic markers ATG5 and LC3B were downregulated as quantified by qPCR.
Flow-Heat-Solid Coupling Thermal Deformation Analysis of Hydrostatic Spindle under Viscosity Temperature Effect
Authors: Chen Dongju , Zhang Xuan
Published: May 2021

The hydrostatic bearing oil film plays a key role in supporting and lubricating. As the speed increases, the temperature of the lubricating oil increases and the viscosity decreases. As a result, the bearing capacity of the oil film is reduced, which affects the motion accuracy of the hydrostatic bearing. In this paper, the simulation and analysis of the temperature rise of the hydrostatic bearing oil film under the constant viscosity and the viscosity-temperature effect are performed respectively. Then, based on the fluid-heat-solid coupling analysis theory, the temperature field of the hydrostatic bearing and the thermal deformation of the spindle shaft with and without the viscosity-temperature effect are analyzed separately. The temperature field of the shaft and the thermal deformation of the spindle shaft are analyzed separately. Finally, the bearing temperature and shaft deformation are compared with the experimental values for error analysis. It is found that the error rate is smaller when the viscosity-temperature effect is considered. Considering the viscosity-temperature effect, the maximum error rates of the temperature of the radial and thrust bearing bushes are 11.05% and 7.82%, and the maximum error rates of the thermal deformation of the spindle shaft in the axial and radial directions are 12.03% and 18.57%.
ACER3-Realted Leukoencephalopathy: Expanding The Clinical and Imaging Findings Spectrum Due to Novel Variants
Authors: Dehnavi Ali Zare , Heidari Erfan , Rasulinezhad Maryam , Heidari Morteza , Ashrafi Mahmoud Reza , Hosseini Mohammad Mahdi , Sadeghzadeh Fatemeh , Fallah Mohammad-Sadegh , Rostampour Noushin , Bahraini Amir , Garshasbi Masoud , Tavasoli Ali Reza
Published: May 2021

Background: Leukodystrophies are the main subgroup of inherited CNS white matter disorders which cause significant mortality and morbidity in early years of life. Diagnosis is mostly based on clinical context and neuroimaging findings, however, genetic tools, particularly whole-exome sequencing (WES) have led to comprehending the causative gene and molecular events contributing to these disorders. Mutation in Alkaline Ceramidase 3 (ACER3) gene which encodes alkaline ceramidase enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular growth and viability, has been stated as an uncommon reason for inherited leukoencephalopathies. Merely only two ACER3 mutations in cases of progressive leukodystrophies have been reported thus far. Results: In the current study, we have identified three novel variants in ACER3 gene in cases with new neurological manifestations including developmental regression, dystonia, and spasticity. The detected variants were segregated into family members.Conclusion: Our study expands the clinical, neuroimaging, electroencephalographic and genetic spectrum of ACER3 mutations. Furthermore, we reviewed and compared the findings of all the previously reported cases and the cases identified here in order to facilitate their diagnosis and management.
Nitrous Oxide Occupational Exposure in Conscious Sedation Procedures in Endoscopic Ambulatories: A Pilot Retrospective Observational Study in an Italian Hospital
Authors: Borrelli Ivan , Pastorino Roberta , Buccico Rodolfo , Santoro Paolo Emilio , Moscato Umberto
Published: May 2021

Background: Nitrous oxide is widely used to induce sedation; however, its use outside of operating rooms – such as in ambulatory rooms – is not properly controlled by norms. In the lack of supervision, there is a chance of workplace exposures for the operators engaged in the outpatient use of nitrous oxide. The aim of this research is to assess nitrous oxide exposure in gastroenterology outpatient settings. Methods: We performed an observational study with a first step marked by nitrous oxide environmental testing in a gastroenterology outpatient care where colonoscopies were practiced; environmental research was supported by biological monitoring with urinary N2O analysis in exposed operators. The research was conducted in the absence and then in the presence of a collective security device (Niki mask). Results: The study was rolled out in 10 sessions of day shift procedures, totaling 4105 samples. The average nitrous oxide concentration in the environment was 27.58 (SD 1.76) and 449.59 (SD 35.29), respectively with and without Niki Mask; the distribution of gases in the environment under investigation was not homogeneous (Anova test p.001). Biological testing revealed a substantial rise in urinary concentration of 8.97 (p.001) between the start and the end of the shift, and the use of the Niki mask was effective (p=.003). Conclusions: The exposure levels reported in environmental sampling exceed the limits of 50 ppm (the value set for operating rooms in Italy) as well as the value of 25 ppm (NIOSH threshold value), indicating a significant issue in the outpatient use of nitrous oxide. It is evident that technical measures are needed to contain the occupational risk from Nitrous oxide exposure outside of operating rooms, and that even the basic use of Niki masks would not be sufficient to minimize professional exposure and protect workers; for the exposure results detected in this research, it is also plain that exposures must be subject to health surveillance.
Midbrain Injury in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Jang Sung Ho , Kwon Young Hyeon
Published: May 2021

We investigated the characteristics of midbrain injuries in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Twenty-seven patients with SAH and 25 healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. Fractional anisotropy (FA) data were obtained for four regions of the midbrain (the anterior ventral midbrain, posterior ventral midbrain, tegmentum area, and tectum) in 27 hemispheres that did not show any pathology other than SAH. The mean FA values of the four regions of the midbrain (anterior ventral midbrain, posterior ventral midbrain, tegmentum, and tectum) of the patient group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The mean FA values of the patient group were significantly different among the anterior ventral midbrain, posterior ventral midbrain, tegmentum, and tectum regions (ANOVA; F = 3.22, p < 0.05). Post hoc testing showed that the mean FA value of the anterior ventral midbrain was significantly lower than those of the posterior ventral midbrain, tegmentum, and tectum (p < 0.05); in contrast, there were no differences in mean FA values of the posterior ventral midbrain, tegmentum, and tectum (p > 0.05). We detected evidence of neural injury in all four regions of the midbrain of patients with SAH, and the anterior ventral midbrain was the most severely injured among four regions of the midbrain. Our results suggest that a pathophysiological mechanism of these neural injuries might be related to the occurrence of a subarachnoid hematoma.
Distinct Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclogenesis During Inactive Intraseasonal Phase of August 1996 and 2014
Authors: Cao Xi , Wu Renguang , Xu Jing , Dai Yifeng , Bi Mingyu , Lan Xiaoqing , Zhang Xiping
Published: May 2021

While intraseasonal oscillation was in the inactive phase over the western North Pacific (WNP) during August of 1996 and 2014, no tropical cyclone (TC) genesis occurred in August of 2014, whereas 9 TCs (average 5.7 TCs) formed in August of 1996 with 5 TCs in the northeastern part (the largest number since 1979) and 4 TCs in the southwestern part. The present analysis reveals an obvious southwest-northeast-oriented lower-level wave train over the WNP associated with anomalous convection around the Maritime Continent in August 1996. This wave train induced anomalous cyclone and enhanced convection over the northeastern WNP, which provided a favorable background for TC genesis. Over the southwestern WNP, although monthly mean anomalies were unfavorable, the intraseasonal variation contributed to positive vorticity anomalies at the time and location of TC genesis. In contrast, both monthly anomalies and daily variations of environment factors were hostile to TC genesis during August 2014.
Lupeol Stearate Accelerates Healing and Prevents Recurrence of Gastric Ulcer in Rodents
Authors: Somensi Lincon Bordignon , Costa Philipe , Boeing Thaise , Mariano Luisa Nathalia , Gregório Elizama , Silva Aline Teixeira Maciel e , Longo Bruna , Locatelli Claudriana , de Souza Priscila , Magalhães Cássia Gonçalves , Duarte Lucienir Pain , Silva Luísa Mota da
Published: May 2021

The gastric healing and gastric ulcer recurrence preventive effect of Lupeol Stearate (LS) was measured in this study. To evaluate the gastric healing effect, rats were submitted to the 80% acetic acid-induced ulcer model and treated with vehicle (1 ml/kg, p.o.), LS (1 mg/kg, p.o.) or omeprazole (20 mg/kg, p.o.) twice a day for seven days. The gastric injury was evaluated macroscopically, histologically and histochemical; and biochemical parameters were also quantified. To evaluate the effects of LS on gastric ulcer recurrence, mice were ulcerated by gastric instillation of 10% acetic acid and treated with vehicle (1 ml/kg, p.o.), LS (1 mg/kg, p.o.) or ranitidine (20 mg/kg, p.o.) twice a day for ten days. Then, the ulcer recurrence in these animals was induced by IL- 1β (1 µg/kg i.p) at five day after the end of the treatment period. The area of the lesion recurred were measured, as well as the activity of myeloperoxidase and TNF levels. Oral treatment with LS accelerated gastric healing by 63% compared to the group treated with vehicle, which was also evidenced by histological improvement and increased production of mucin in the gastric epithelium. LS elevated the activity of the glutathione S-transferase and reduced the activity of myeloperoxidase, but did not change the levels of reduced glutathione or the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase at the ulcer site in rats. Regarding the recurrence, the LS treatment reduced the recurred lesions, reducing MPO activity but not TNF levels at ulcer site. It can be concluded that LS promotes the healing of gastric lesions by favoring the mucus production and reducing the migration of neutrophils and that it can reduce the severity of the ulcer recurrence.
In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Features In Post COVID19 Fungal Endophthalmitis In Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mahendradas Padmamalini , Sanjay Srinivasan , Shettiagar Apeksha , Kawali Ankush , Gowda Poornachandra B , Bhajantri Manoj , Sawarkar Komal Chandrashekhar , Shetty Rohit
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection with aggressive treatment has resulted in immunosuppression, and co-existing comorbidities that have made patients vulnerable to secondary infections including fungal infections. Purpose: We describe the clinical presentation, various diagnostic methods including in-vivo confocal microscopy features, management and clinical outcomes in Post COVID-19 fungal endophthalmitis in type II diabetics. Methods: Prospective, interventional study on two patients who recovered from COVID-19 who developed endogenous endophthalmitis presented to a tertiary eye care centre in South India. Results: Fungal infection was diagnosed based on clinical features, confocal microscopy, molecular diagnostic methods and culture methods. Two patients were treated with topical, intravitreal and systemic antifungal therapy. Conclusion: We report for the first time two cases of post COVID-19 fungal endophthalmitis in two diabetic patients with confocal features. High index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and appropriate management can improve the visual outcome in post COVID-19 fungal endophthalmitis cases.
Research on the Health State Evaluation Method of Coal Shearer Based on Improved XGBoost
Authors: Li Yanchuan , Cao Xiangang , Zhang Mengyuan , Duan Xinyu , Zhao Youjun
Published: May 2021

The health evaluation of shearers has always been a hot and difficult point in the study of shearer health management. In this paper, aiming at the problems of redundancy of current shearer status evaluation parameters and imbalance of the evaluation data set, this paper proposes a shearer health status evaluation method based on the improved extreme boosting tree algorithm (XGBoost). First of all, in view of the redundancy of the multi-dimensional monitoring parameters of the shearer, the SP correlation coefficient combining the Spearman correlation coefficient and the Person correlation coefficient is proposed. According to the calculation results of the SP correlation coefficient, the shearer health indicator is screened out, and the coal mining machine is constructed. Machine health evaluation index system; In view of the poor interpretability of traditional neural network evaluation methods and the unbalanced data of the shearer data set categories, a shearer health evaluation method based on improved XGBoost is proposed, and the evaluation of the XGBoost model Key parameters such as the maximum depth of the tree max_depth, the minimum leaf node weight and min_child_weight are improved and tuned; finally, the evaluation model verification and analysis are carried out through the shearer instance data set. The experimental results show that the average accuracy of the health status evaluation method based on the improved XGBoost can reach 98.50%, and the average F1 average can reach 97.61%, which can effectively solve the problem of imbalance of the data set and the problem of status evaluation.
A meta-analysis on the risk factors adjusted association between cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 severity
Authors: Xu Jie , Xiao Wenwei , Liang Xuan , Shi Li , Zhang Peihua , Wang Ying , Wang Yadong , Yang Haiyan
Published: May 2021

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), one of the most common comorbidities of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been suspected to be associated with adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients, but their correlation remains controversial.
Method
This is a quantitative meta-analysis on the basis of adjusted effect estimates. PubMed, Web of Science, MedRxiv, Scopus, Elsevier ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library and EMBASE were searched comprehensively to obtain a complete data source up to January 7, 2021. Pooled effects (hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR)) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to evaluate the risk of the adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients with CVD. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran’s Q-statistic, I²test, and meta-regression. In addition, we also provided the prediction interval, which was helpful for assessing whether the variation across studies was clinically significant. The robustness of the results was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was assessed by Begg’s test, Egger’s test, and trim-and-fill method.
Result
Our results revealed that COVID-19 patients with pre-existing CVD tended more to adverse outcomes on the basis of 203 eligible studies with 24,033,838 cases (pooled ORs = 1.41, 95% CIs: 1.32–1.51, prediction interval: 0.84–2.39; pooled HRs = 1.34, 95% CIs: 1.23–1.46, prediction interval: 0.82–2.21). Further subgroup analyses stratified by age, the proportion of male, study design, disease types, sample size, region and disease outcomes also showed that pre-existing CVD was significantly associated with adverse outcomes among COVID-19 patients.
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrated that pre-existing CVD was an independent risk factor associated with adverse outcomes among COVID-19 patients.
Using a Theoretical Framework to Inform Implementation of the Patient-centred Medical Home (PCMH) Model in Primary Care: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Mazevska Deniza , Pearse Jim , Tierney Stephanie
Published: May 2021

Background: The patient centred-medical home (PCMH) was conceived to address problems that primary care practices around the world are facing, particularly in managing the increasing numbers of patients with multiple chronic diseases. The problems include fragmentation, lack of access and poor coordination. The PCMH is a complex intervention combining high-quality primary care with evidence-based disease management. Becoming a PCMH takes time and resources, and there is a lack of empirically informed guidance for practices. Previous reviews of PCMH implementation have identified barriers and enablers but failed to analyse the complex relationships between factors involved in implementation. Using a theoretical framework can help with this, giving a better understanding of how and why interventions work or do not work. This review will aim to refine an existing theoretical framework for implementing organisational change – the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) – to apply to the implementation of the PCMH in primary care.Methods: We will use the ‘best fit’ framework approach to synthesise evidence for implementing the PCMH in primary care. We will analyse evidence from empirical studies against CFIR constructs. Where studies have identified barriers and enablers to implementing the PCMH not represented in the CFIR constructs, we will use thematic analysis to develop additional constructs to refine the CFIR. Searches will be undertaken in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection (including Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation Index) and CINAHL. Gaps arising from the database search will be addressed through snowballing, citation tracking and review of reference lists of systematic reviews of the PCMH. We will accept qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods primary research studies published in peer-reviewed publications. A stakeholder group will provide input to the review.Discussion: The review will result in a refined theoretical framework that can be used by primary care practices to guide implementation of the PCMH. Narrative accompanying the refined framework will explain how the constructs (existing and added) work together to successfully implement the PCMH in primary care. The unpopulated CFIR constructs will be used to identify where further primary research may be needed.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021235960
Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus With Severe Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Through Single Venous Approach: a Propensity Score Match Analysis From Long-term Outcomes
Authors: Hu Danqing , Chen En , Cai Wei , Chen Lianglong
Published: May 2021

Background: Up to now, transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus(PDA) without severe pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) has been well established and accepted in clinical practice. However, in PDA patients with severe PAH, transcatheter closure still remains a challenge, regardless of the tremendous advancement in devices and techniques.Methods: We reviewed the records of PDA patients who underwent transcatheter device closure though single femoral venous approach between January 2005 and December 2018. Severe PAH was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) measured by a catheter >70mmHg, excluding irreversible severe PAH assessed by trial occlusion. Propensity score matching was used to assemble a cohort of patients with similar baseline characteristics. Results: A total of 29 patients were in severe PAH (SPAH) group after excluding 2 for failing to the trial occlusion, and 468 in non-severe PAH(non-SPAH) group. After matching, 25 patients were in SPAH group, and 39 in non-SPAH group, without any significant difference in baseline characteristics. The median follow-up periods were 57 and 44 months for groups, respectively. No signiﬁcant difference was noted in the rates of cumulative adverse events in the 2 groups (p=0.208). No poor effects in left ventricular function and residual shunt evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) in SPAH group were detected in the short- and long-term follow-up.Conclusion: In the patients with PDA associated with reversible severe PAH, compared to non-severe PAH, transcatheter closure through single venous approach has comparable adverse events rates and successful closure rate, with equivalent results of TTE examination at the short- and long-term follow-up.
The Vertical Distribution Pattern of Microbial- and Plant-Derived Carbon in the Rhizosphere in Alpine Coniferous Forests
Authors: Gao Wentong , Wang Qitong , Zhu Xiaoming , Liu Zhanfeng , Li Na , Xiao Juan , Sun Xiaoping , Huajun Yin
Published: May 2021

Background and aimsWhile the quantitative assessment of plant- and microbial-derived carbon (C) in the soil organic C (SOC) chemical composition in soil profiles has been initially explored, the vertical distribution pattern of these two C sources and their dominant role in SOC formation based on the insights related to the rhizosphere are still lacking.MethodsWe quantified the divergent accumulation of microbial-derived C (i.e., microbial residues), plant-derived C (i.e., lipids and lignin phenols) and SOC in the rhizosphere at various depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm) in the upper mineral soil and analyzed its control factors in an alpine coniferous forest (Picea asperata. Mast). We further revealed the relative contribution of plant- or microbial-derived C to rhizosphere SOC in the soil profile.ResultsThe contents of microbial- and plant-derived C and SOC in the rhizosphere decreased with soil depth and were mainly regulated by root and microbial biomass. Moreover, the contribution of microbial-derived C dominated by fungal residues to rhizosphere SOC at each soil depth (more than 62%) was much higher than that of plant-derived C (less than 6%), implying that the soil microbial C pump was intensely stimulated in the rhizosphere.ConclusionsThese results indicated that microbial-derived C was the main contributor of rhizosphere SOC at various depths in the upper mineral soil. Our findings provide direct experimental evidence for assessing the dominant contribution of microbial- or plant-derived C to SOC in the soil profile from the perspective of the rhizosphere.
Outcomes of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Young Adults With Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Kawashima Mariko , Hasegawa Hirotaka , Shin Masahiro , Shinya Yuki , Katano Atsuto , Saito Nobuhito
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are comparatively rare in younger patients, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) outcome data are limited. We aimed to evaluate long-term SRS outcomes concerning sporadic VSs in patients aged ≤ 40 years. Methods: Of 383 patients with VS who had undergone SRS at our institution between 1990 and 2017, we compared younger and older patients’ tumor control and radiation-induced complication rates using case‒control propensity score (PS) matching.Results: The mean follow-up was 83 and 92 months in older and younger patients, respectively. Compared with older patients, younger patients were more likely to have a history of resection (20% vs. 39%, p = 0.006) and be treated with higher marginal doses (median, 12 Gy vs. 14 Gy; p = 0.014). Cumulative 5- and 10-year tumor control rates were higher in older patients (97.7% and 93.9%, respectively) than in younger patients (90.2% and 85.4%, respectively, p = 0.024). After PS matching, younger patients’ cumulative tumor control rates (93.6%, 85.4%, and 85.4% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively) were similar to those of older patients (p = 0.411). No significant between-cohort differences in hearing preservation rates or facial and trigeminal nerve complications were observed. Two younger patients had malignant tumors several years post-SRS, with one patient having confirmed histological transformation. Conclusions: SRS is equally effective for younger and older patients. Complications other than hearing deterioration are uncommon. Malignant transformation is possible and long-term post-SRS surveillance MRI is important. These data are useful for decision-making involving young adults with VSs.
Degeneracy of Light Scattering and Absorption by a Single Nanowire
Authors: Lee Jeng Yi , Chen Yi-Huan , Chen Pai-Yen
Published: May 2021

We theoretically and numerically prove that under an electromagnetic plane wave with linear polarization incident normally to a single nanowire, there exists a power diagram that could indicate scattering properties for any system configurations. We demonstrate the distinct power distribution boundary in absorption, scattering, and extinction for a generalized nanowire with any partial wave modes dominant. In the boundary, each dominant scattering coefficients remain constant, and its energy performance would display superabsorbers or superscatterers. Interestingly, for a system with larger partial wave modes dominant, the occupied domain in the power diagram could completely cover that with lower ones. Hence, a system with different levels of partial wave modes can display the same power results, reflecting the degeneracy. This degenerate property could release more degrees of freedom in designs of energy harvesting devices and sensors. We demonstrate several systems based on realistic materials to support our findings.
Long noncoding LINC00238 restrains Hepatocellular Carcinoma Malignant Phenotype via Sponging miR-522
Authors: Qian Honggang , Wu Qiong , Wu Jian-Hui , Tian Xiu-Yun , Xu Wei , Hao Chun-Yi
Published: May 2021

Background: Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Can regulates tumor malignant phenotype either as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the clinical significance and underlying mechanism of LINC00238 function remain undefined. Methods: Down-regulated expression levels of noncoding RNAs were screened from TCGA LIHC dataset through GEPIA software. The expression of RNAs were determined by qRT-PCR. Molecular clone was performed to over-expression and knockdown of LINC00238 expression. The levels of proteins were evaluated via Western blot. The cell viability, clone formation and migration ability were assessed by CCK-8, plate clone formation and Transwell assays. RNA pull down and Luciferase reporter assays were applied to detect the interplays between LINC00992 and miR-3935.Results: LINC00238 was identified as a significant downregulated both in TCGA and in our cohort, and its low expression was significantly correlated with bigger tumor size, early recurrence and poor survival of patients with HCC after surgery. Through the results of gain and loss of function experiments, LINC00238 was confirmed as a tumor suppressor， which could decrease not only cell viability, migration and invasion in vitro but also tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, RNA pull-down showed that LINC00238 sponged mir-522, and then, released the inhibition effects on two downstream targets, SFRP2 and DKK1.Conclusions: We identified LINC00238 as a tumor suppressor by sponging miR-522 followed by release silencing of downstream targets, suggesting that LINC00238 has a key role in restraining the malignant phenotype of HCC cells and providing a novel perspective on lncRNAs in HCC progression.
Breast Angiosarcoma: a SEER Population- Based Study
Authors: Xu Zhengshui , Li Xiaopeng , Guo Jing , Yuan Liyue , Chen Zilu , Zheng Jianbao , Sun Xuejun , Yu Junhui
Published: May 2021

Background

Breast angiosarcoma is a rare malignancy with poor survival. Due to the paucity of data, the generation of high-quality evidence for its high-risk features and the impact of treatment modalities on survival have been hampered.
Objective

To examine high-risk features and the impact of treatment modalities on disease-specific survival (DSS) in breast angiosarcoma and differences between breast angiosarcoma cases with and without other prior cancers.
Methods

In this retrospective study, patients with breast angiosarcoma diagnosed from 1975 to 2016 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis adjusted for age, race, decade at diagnosis, location, pathologic grade, extent of disease, tumor size, and therapy to model DSS outcomes. Propensity score matching analyses were performed to adjust for the differences between breast angiosarcoma cases with and without other prior cancers to compare their DSS values. A Kaplan-Meier curve was used to visualize the cumulative survival probability.
Results

Of 648 patients with breast angiosarcoma, 55.4% had a prior cancer diagnosis. Older (age ≥ 70) patients were more likely to have breast angiosarcoma with prior cancer than younger patients (64.3% versus 21.8%). Via multivariate analysis, pathologic grade and extent of disease were identified to be significantly associated with DSS in breast angiosarcoma. In matched data, breast angiosarcoma patients with prior cancer had a better DSS than those without prior cancer (HR = 0.60, 95%CI 0.38–0.96, p = 0.0389). In breast angiosarcoma patients without prior cancer, patients with larger tumor size receiving surgery plus radiation or/and chemotherapy might have a better survival than those patients receiving surgery only (HR = 0.38, 95%CI 0.14–0.99, p = 0.0128). DSS is not impacted by the current therapeutic strategies in unselected breast angiosarcoma patients.
Conclusions

Breast angiosarcoma patients with prior cancer have a better DSS than those without prior cancer. Additionally, some breast angiosarcoma cases with prior cancer may be cutaneous angiosarcomas. Pathologic grade and extent disease are high-risk features. DSS is not impacted by the current therapeutic strategies in unselected breast angiosarcoma patients.