bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Over-expression of RRM2 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Bioinformatics Analysis Based on TCGA Data
Authors: Qin Zhongqiang , Wang Zhaoying , Fan Longfei , Zhang Lan , Wei Jianzhu , Zhu Yizi , Qian Zhen , Yin Hongxiang , Qian Jingyu
Published: March 2022

Background: Ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2) has been reported as an oncogene in some kinds of malignant tumors, such as lung adenocarcinoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, and breast cancer. However, there are few studies focus on the clinical significance of RRM2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. This work aimed to evaluate the significance of RRM2 in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.Results: The expression of RRM2 in tumor tissues higher than normal tissues(P＜0.001). The elevated expression of RRM2 in HCC was significantly correlated with T stage(P＜0.05), Pathologic stage(P＜0.05), Tumor status(P＜0.05), Histologic grade(P＜0.001), and AFP(P＜0.001). HCC with higher RRM2 expression was positive associated with worse OS (overall survival), PFS (progression free survival), and DSS (disease specific survival). In the univariate analysis, expression of RRM2, T stage, M stage, Pathologic stage, and Tumor status were negative correlated with OS(P＜0.05). Further analysis by multivariate Cox regression showed that tumor status(P＜0.01) and RRM2 expression(P＜0.05) were independent prognostic factors of OS in HCC. Moreover, GSEA showed that several pathways were enriched in RRM2 high-expression sample, including PD-1 signaling, Cell cycle, P27 pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway. RRM2 was significantly correlated with the infiltration level of aDC, CD8 T cells, Cytotoxic cells, DC, Mast cells, Neutrophils, NK cells, pDC, T helper cells, T follicular helper cells, Tgd, Th17 cells, and Th2 cells(P＜0.05);Conclusion: The findings from bioinformatic analysis suggest that high expression of RRM2 could be a predictive factor in HCC with poor prognosis. Furthermore, pivotal pathways associated with tumorigenesis are involved in RRM2. Finally, the expression of RRM2 in HCC is related to the level of immune infiltration.
Nestin+ Cells Isolated From the Peritoneum Ameliorate Peritoneal Fibrosis Development
Authors: Ye Simin , Jiang Nan , Ma Shuqin , Zhou Ying , Yu Xia , Zhao Zongyuan , Ying Yaozhe , Bai Yongheng , Liu Xiaoyuan , Yang Dicheng , Yangping Shentu , Chen Chaosheng , Zheng Chenfei
Published: March 2022

The intermediate filament protein Nestin, a specific marker for multifunctional, multilineage progenitor cells, is regulated during the progression of reparative and reactive fibrosis in the liver, heart and kidney. In this study, Nestin was found in both the mouse peritoneum and HPMCs derived from PD effluent (PDE) and HMrSV5. Moreover, these Nestin+ PMCs showed extensive proliferation for more than 20 passages. The mice that received chronic peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) infusions showed typical features of peritoneal fibrosis (PF), including substantially increased perito­neal thickness, excessive matrix deposition, increased peritoneal permeability, and increased expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I (Col I). Nestin+ cells isolated from the peritoneum could significantly ameliorate these pathological changes. A parallel decrease in interleukin-33 (IL-33) and ST-2 accumulation in the peritoneum of Nestin+ cell-transplanted mice was observed. In addition, downregulation of IL-33 expression decreasedTGF-β1-induced accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the HPMCs. In conclusion, our findings discover a novel mechanism of Nestin+ cells in PF, that is, Nestin+ cells isolated from the peritoneum probably had a protective effect on high-glucose PDS-induced PF by suppressing IL-33/ST-2 signaling.
Bone-specific Response According to MDA Criteria Predicts Immunotherapy Efficacy Among Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients.
Authors: De Giglio Andrea , Deiana Chiara , Federico Alessandro Di
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Baseline bone metastasis has been associated with poor response to immunotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). RECIST criteria may be limited for bone-specific response evaluation. Whether their assessment through MDA criteria predict immunotherapy efficacy is unknown.Materials and methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study to assess the use of MDA criteria in evaluating bone metastasis in NSCLC treated with immunotherapy. Radiological imaging were reviewed to classify bone lesions as osteolytic, osteoblastic, or mixed. Bone response to treatments data were classified according to MDA criteria.Results: 222 patients received single-agent immunotherapy. The presence of bone metastasis increased the risk of death both in the univariate (HR: 1.46, 95% CI, 1.05-2.03, p=0.024) and in the multivariate model (HR: 1.61,95 % CI, 1.10-2.36, p=0.015). According to MDA criteria, 57.3% of patients obtained a progressive disease as best response, 29.5% a stable disease, 11.4% a partial response and 1.6% a complete response. Bone-specific objective response was associated with a significantly increased median overall survival (11.3 vs. 3.1 months, p=0.027) and longer median progression-free survival (6 vs. 2.1 months, p=0.056). The median time to bone failure (TBF) was 2.4 months (IQR, 1.67-3.0). In 25.7% of cases, TBF was shorter than progression-free survival according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. TBF was positively correlated with overall survival (HR=0.73, p= 0.00019).Conclusions: MDA criteria represent a reliable tool in assessing bone-specific response, offering a more accurate evaluation to sooner predict survival outcomes or treatment failure compared to RECIST criteria for advanced NSCLC patients receiving immunotherapy.
Study on Coordination Effect and Interactive Stress between Tourism Economy and Eco-environment -Taking Pearl River Delta for an Example
Authors: Guotong QIAO , wang na , huang xingji
Published: March 2022

A coupling coordination degree model and an interactive stress model of tourism economy and eco-environment in Pearl River Delta are established to analyze the dynamic coordinated relationship of 9 cities in Pearl River Delta from 2007 to 2018. Results show that in the time series, coupling coordination of the tourism economy and the eco-environment in 9 cities shows a steady upward trend; in the spatial pattern, the coupling coordination of coastal areas is generally better than non-coastal areas; dynamic coordinated relationship’s spatial distribution about the two systems exists in all cities in Pearl River Delta. Besides, according to the interactive stress model, there is a strong interactive stress between tourism economy and the eco-environment. And the level of tourism economy is higher in economically developed areas, and the possibility of deterioration of the eco-environment in economically backward areas is greater. With the interactive stress of the tourism economy and eco-environment, advice should be proposed to adjust the relationship between them, in order to coordinate smooth and optimized development.
Three adult cases of STAT1-gain-of-function with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis treated with JAK inhibitors
Authors: Borgström Emilie Wahren , Edvinsson Marie , Perez Lucia Pena , Norlin Anna-Carin , Hansen Susanne , Fasth Anders , Friman Vanda , Kämpe Olle , Månsson Robert , Tan Ziyang , Smith Carl Inge Edvard , Brodin Petter , Bergman Peter
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize biomarkers in three patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis caused by gain of function mutations in the STAT1 gene during treatment with Janus kinase inhibitors. Methods: We used mass cytometry to characterize mononuclear leukocyte populations and Olink assays to quantify 265 plasma proteins. Flow-cytometric Assay for Specific Cell-mediated Immune-response in Activated whole blood (FASCIA) was used to quantify the reactivity against Candida albicans . Results: While the number of B-, T- and NK-cells remained stable during baricitinib treatment, a detailed analysis revealed that CD4 + central memory T-cells increased during treatment from 25% to around 60% of the total numbers of CD4 + T-cells. In parallel, NK-cells showed an increased expression of CD45, CD52 and CD99, likely reflecting a more functional phenotype. Conversely, monocytes and eosinophils downregulated CD16, which is consistent with reduced inflammation. In the patient for which consecutive samples were available, the immune response to C. albicans was increased above the level found in normal individuals after 7 weeks of treatment. Early changes in plasma biomarkers involved downregulation of CXCL10, annexin A1, granzyme B, granzyme H and oncostatin M, whereas FGF21 was the only upregulated marker after 7 weeks. After 3 months, IFN-ɣ and CXCL10 were downregulated. Conclusions: Several biological variables were altered during baricitinib treatment demonstrating that lymphocytes, NK-cells, monocytes and eosinophils were affected. In parallel, the cellular reactivity against C. albicans was enhanced. Downregulation of CXCL10 could tentatively be used as a biomarker for baricitinib activity, but this needs to be validated in additional patients.
Correlation between Optical Coherence Tomograph Angiography (OCT- A) findings at three to six weeks and functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale – mRS) at three months of onset of acute ischemic stroke due to Extracranial Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Disease (ECAD)
Authors: Mishra Biswamohan , Pandit Awadh Kishor , Chawla Rohan , Aalok Swati Phuljhele , Srivast M V Padma , Nayak Manoj Kumar , PM Yogeesh , Salunkhe Manish , Garg Ajay , Srivast Achal Kumar , Vishnu Venugopalan Y , Bhatia Rohit , Misra Shubham , Upadhyay Ashish Datt , Molla Kabiruddin
Published: March 2022

Objective To determine whether Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) findings of retinal and Optic Nerve Head (ONH) can help predict functional outcomes (mRS, modified Rankin Score) in patients with Extracranial Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Disease (ECAD).Background OCTA can image retinal vasculature without the need of contrast injection. Previous studies have evaluated OCTA findings in the pre and post carotid revascularization procedures, however, none have evaluated the utility of OCTA in predicting the clinical outcome in ECAD associated stroke, which we aim to explore in this study.MethodsFor this prospective exploratory study, OCTA findings in patients with ischemic stroke due to ECAD at 3-6 weeks of stroke onset were observed for mRS at three months. OCTA was also performed on risk factors matched controls who did not have carotid artery stenosis and the findings were compared with those of cases. Results Twenty-three patients of ECAD stroke (cases arm) and twenty-three risk factor matched controls were enrolled. Mean age was 53.14± 12.28 years and majority were males. There was a significant difference between cases and controls in the Deep Vessel Density (DVD) at macula (p = 0.0007) and in the Radial Peripapillary Capillary Perfusion Density (RPCPD) at the Optic Nerve Head (ONH) (p = 0.0007). Statistically significant difference was noted in the total superficial vessel density at macula (normal vs abnormal Superficial Vessel Density) in the ipsilateral eye and clinical outcome at 3 months (very good vs poor outcome, mRS 0-1 vs mRS 2-6, respectively ( p= 0.0361). There was statistically insignificant correlation between the RPCPD at the ONH and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the time of admission, mRS at discharge, and functional outcome (mRS) at 3 months of stroke onset (r =0.33, r=0.35, r=0.39; p=0.11, p=0.09, p=0.06, respectively).Conclusion OCTA findings (total superficial vessel density at macula) at three to six weeks of stroke onset may predict functional outcome at three months in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Further studies involving larger patient cohorts, may help establish OCTA as a new biomarker for predicting and monitoring clinical and functional outcomes in patients with Extracranial Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Disease, in a fast, non-invasive and reproducible manner.
Realistic Ocean Initial Condition for Stimulating the Successful Prediction of Extreme Cold Events in the 2020/21 winter
Authors: Zheng Fei , Haolan REN , Renping LIN , Jiang ZHU
Published: March 2022

In the first half of winter 2020/21, several unprecedented cold events occurred in most parts of China and caused record-breaking low temperatures in many cities. However, seasonal predictions related to the onset and evolution of extreme cold events are still challenging. In this study, we first evaluated the short-term climate prediction skills in winter of the CAS-ESM-c global coupled model and revealed the key dynamic processes of the onset and development of 2020/21 extreme cold events based on ensemble forecasts starting on October 1, 2020. Under an indispensable background provided by the synergistic effect of the warm Arctic and the cold tropical Pacific (La Niña), the model captured the abnormal meridional atmospheric pattern well, including the intensification of the Ural Blocking High and the negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation, forecasted the negative geopotential height anomalies over the eastern Asia region, and finally, successfully predicted the outbreak of cold waves in December 2020 two months in advance. The dominant differences in the initial ocean fields between the best and the worst forecast members were further compared to isolate the triggering factor for predicting cold events by CAS-ESM-c. The initial warm sea surface temperature over the Barents Sea can gradually form a meridional pattern between the warm Arctic and the cold Asian continent, which could lead to a reduction in the large-scale meridional temperature gradient at mid-high latitudes and weaken the atmospheric baroclinicity; these are conditions that are more conducive to the southward outbreak of cold waves, highlighting that realistic Arctic ocean conditions in autumn can be reasonably assimilated into coupled models to stimulate the successful prediction of extreme cold events in the 2020/21 winter.
Acute Cholangitis and Pancreatitis After Duodenal Stent Placement in the Descending Duodenum: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kaneko Junichi , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Asakura Koiku , Satoh Tatsunori , Sato Junya , Ishikawa Kazuma , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Yabuuchi Yohei , Kishida Yoshihiro , Yoshida Masao , Ito Sayo , Kawata Noboru , Imai Kenichiro , Takizawa Kohei , Hotta Kinichi , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: March 2022

Background
Metallic stents placed in the descending duodenum can cause compression of the major duodenal papilla, resulting in acute cholangitis and pancreatitis. These are notable early adverse events of duodenal stent placement; however, they have been rarely examined. This study aimed to assess the incidence of and risk factors for acute cholangitis and/or pancreatitis after duodenal stent placement in the descending duodenum.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed data of consecutive patients who underwent metallic stent placement in the descending duodenum for malignant gastric outlet obstruction at a tertiary referral cancer center between April 2014 and December 2019. Risk factors for acute cholangitis and/or pancreatitis were analyzed using a logistic regression model.
Results
Sixty-five patients were included. Acute cholangitis and/or pancreatitis occurred in 11 patients (17%): seven with cholangitis, two with pancreatitis, and two with both cholangitis and pancreatitis. Multivariate analysis indicated that female sex (odds ratio: 9.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–58.6, P = 0.02), absence of biliary stents (odds ratio: 12.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.8–90.2, P = 0.01), and tumor invasion to the major duodenal papilla (odds ratio: 25.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.0–340.0, P = 0.01) were significant independent risk factors for acute cholangitis and/or pancreatitis.
Conclusions
The incidence of cholangitis and/or pancreatitis after duodenal stent placement in the descending duodenum was non-negligible. Female sex, absence of biliary stents, and tumor invasion to the major duodenal papilla were the primary risk factors. Risk stratification can allow endoscopists to better identify patients at significant risk and permit detailed informed consent.
IRS-Aided Energy Efficient UAV Communication
Authors: Cho Hyesang , Choi Junil
Published: March 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication systems are in active study due to its various applications. However, UAV communication systems suffer from energy consumption, which limits the flying time of UAVs. In this paper, we propose several UAV energy consumption minimization techniques through the aid of multiple intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs). In specific, we introduce a tractable model to effectively capture the characteristics of multiple IRSs and multiple user equipments (UEs). Then, we derive a closed form expression for the UE achievable rate, resulting in tractable optimization problems. Accordingly, we effectively solve the optimization problems by adopting the successive convex approximation technique. To compensate for the high complexity of the optimization problems, we propose a low complexity algorithm that has marginal performance loss. In the numerical results, we show that the proposed algorithms can save UAV energy consumption significantly compared to the benchmarks, justifying that exploiting the IRSs is indeed favorable to UAV energy consumption minimization.
The Geometry Of Evolved Community Matrix Spectra
Authors: Laastad Silja Borring , Haerter Jan
Published: March 2022

Random matrix theory has been applied to food web stability for decades, implying elliptical eigenvalue spectra and that large food webs should be unstable. Here we allow feasible food webs to self-assemble within an evolutionary process, using simple Lotka-Volterra equations and several elementary interaction types. We show that, as complex food webs evolve under 105 invasion attempts, the community matrix spectra become bi-modal, rather than falling onto elliptical geometries. Our results raise questions as to the applicability of random matrix theory to the analysis of food web steady states.
The Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bagherzadeh-Fard Mahsa , Yazdanifar Mohammad Amin , Aghaali Mohammad , Masoumi Maryam
Published: March 2022

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common chronic non-organ-specific autoimmune diseases; meanwhile, autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is the most common organ-specific autoimmune disease that can lead to hypo or hyperthyroidism. Although the etiology of both diseases is complex with a combination of genetic and environmental factors, there are overlaps in genes contributing to the pathogenesis of both diseases. Numerous studies found a correlation between thyroid abnormality and RA in different populations, yet some didn’t. This study is aimed to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction, AITD, and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) positively in Iranian patients with RA.Methods: A total of 250 RA patients and 248 patients with non-inflammatory rheumatologic disease were included in this case-control study. All participants underwent entirely clinical and laboratory assessments. Participants were also assessed thyroid function testing, including anti-TPO antibodies.Results: Thyroid dysfunction was twice as common in RA patients as in controls (OR = 2.16; P-value > 0.001). Overt hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid dysfunction among RA patients (58 out of 84). Anti-TPO positivity was also significantly more common in RA compared with controls (OR = 2.65; P-value > 0.001). The proportion of controls and RA patients with AITD were 9% and 21.5%, respectively. AITD was found 2.8 times more common in RA group than controls (OR = 2.77; P-value > 0.001). Conclusion: It was demonstrated that RA was an independent factor associated with thyroid dysfunction and AITD.
Wave-Based Analysis of Jointed Elastic Bars: Stability of Nonlinear Solutions
Authors: Leamy Michael Joseph , Balaji Nidish Narayanaa , Brake Matthew R. W.
Published: March 2022

In this paper we develop two new approaches for directly assessing stability of nonlinear wave-based solutions, with application to jointed elastic bars. In the first stability approach, we strain a stiffness parameter and construct analytical stability boundaries using a wave-based method. Not only does this accurately determine stability of the periodic solutions found in the example case of two bars connected by a nonlinear joint, but it directly governs the response and stability of parametrically-forced continuous systems without resorting to discretization, a new development in of itself. In the second stability approach, we pose a perturbation eigenproblem residue (PER) and show that changes in the sign of the PER locate critical points where stability changes from stable to unstable, and vice-versa. Lastly, we discuss follow-on research using the developed stability approaches. In particular, we identify an opportunity to study stability around internal resonance, and then identify a need to further develop and interpret the PER approach to directly predict stability.
Determination of Quizalofop-p-ethyl in onion spices: Weed control efficiency, residual profile, and food safety assessment under field conditions
Authors: Hazra Dipak , MONDAL PRITHUSAYAK , Purkait Aloke , Mandal Swagata , Bhattacharyya Sudip , Karmakar Rajib , Roy Sankhajit , Banerjee Tirthankar , Banerjee Hemanta
Published: March 2022

Monitoring for pesticide residues in onion (Allium cepa L.) is important to protect consumer health and to ensure food safety. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons with quizalofop ethyl (5% EC) @ 50 and 100 g a.i. ha-1 to evaluate weed control efficiency and to determine terminal residues. Double the recommended dose (100 g a.i. ha-1) produced higher weed control efficiency (88.53-95.13 %), lower weed density (4.15-7.73 m-2), and weed dry weight. A rapid, sensitive, and analytical method was developed using high-performance liquid chromatography with excellent linearity (r2 > 0.99). Accuracy of the method in terms of average recoveries ranged from 94.4 to 99.9 % at spiking levels of 0.04, 0.20 and 0.40 mg kg-1 with intra and inter-day precision expressed relative standard deviation RSD (%) between 0.1-2.3 and 1.7-3. The limit of quantification for quizalofop-p-ethyl was established at 0.04 mg kg-1 with signal to noise (S/N) ratio ≥10. The method was successfully applied and initial quantified residues were in the range of 2.5-4.4 mg kg-1 irrespective of seasons and doses. Finally, the presence of targeted herbicide residues in harvested samples was confirmed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) under optimized operating conditions. The herbicide dissipated to the lowest validated level (0.04 mg kg-1) between 10-15 days with half-life values (DT50) of 1.5-1.6 days. Dietary risk assessment assured harvested onions were safe for consumption at the recommended dose.
A Wavelength Tunable All Polarization-Maintaining Fiber Mode-Locked Laser At Full C-Band With A High Repetition Rate Of 126 Mhz
Authors: Jang Yoon-Soo , Park Jungjae , Jin Jonghan
Published: March 2022

We report a fully C-band wavelength-tunable mode-locked laser with an all-polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber architecture. A simple and compact laser design based on a fiber Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity enables the production of high-repetition-rate soliton pulses with a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) as a mode locker. Our fully C-band wavelength-tunable mode-locked laser has a repetition rate of 126.5 MHz, which is the highest repetition rate among C-band wavelength-tunable mode-locked lasers to the best of our knowledge. We observed a stable mode-locking state when the central wavelength was tuned from 1533.7 nm to 1565.6 nm. The broadband central wavelength tunability and high repetition rate of the all-PM mode-locked laser as demonstrated here will be compelling source for various applications, including optical communications, broadband spectroscopic LIDAR, and high-precision ranging.
Hypoxia Classifier for Transcriptome Datasets
Authors: Puente-Santamaria Laura , Sanchez-Gonzalez Lucía , Ramos-Ruiz Ricardo , Peso Luis del
Published: March 2022

Molecular gene signatures are useful tools to characterize the physiological state of cell populations, but most have developed under a narrow range of conditions and cell types and are often restricted to a set of gene identities. Focusing on the transcriptional response to hypoxia, we aimed to generate widely applicable classifiers sourced from the results of a meta-analysis of 69 differential expression datasets which included 425 individual RNA-seq experiments from 33 different human cell types exposed to different degrees of hypoxia (0.1-5%O2) for 2-48h. The resulting decision trees include both gene identities and quantitative boundaries, allowing for easy classification of individual samples without control or normoxic reference. Each tree is composed by 3-5 genes mostly drawn from a small set of just 8 genes (EGLN1, MIR210HG, NDRG1, ANKRD37, TCAF2, PFKFB3, BHLHE40, and MAFF). In spite of their simplicity, these classifiers achieve over 95% accuracy in cross validation and over 80% accuracy when applied to additional challenging datasets. Our results indicate that the classifiers are able to identify hypoxic tumor samples from bulk RNAseq and hypoxic regions within tumor from spatially resolved transcriptomics datasets. Moreover, application of the classifiers to histological sections from normal tissues suggest the presence of a hypoxic gene expression pattern in the kidney cortex not observed in other normoxic organs. Finally, tree classifiers described herein outperform traditional hypoxic gene signatures when compared against a wide range of datasets. This work describes a set of hypoxic gene signatures, structured as simple decision tress, that identify hypoxic samples and regions with high accuracy and can be applied to a broad variety of gene expression datasets and formats.
Attributes of Primary Health Care in Mato Grosso Do Sul State: PCAT-Brazil Paired for Users and Health Professionals, 2018
Authors: Bomfim Rafael Aiello , Leite Hazelelponi , Zafalon Edilson José , De-Carli Alessandro Diogo , Santos Mara Lisiane Moraes
Published: March 2022

Objective. The objective of the present study was to verify the quality of adult and older adults health care in Primary Health Care (PHC) services in the four health macro-regions of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, 2018. Methods. A quantitative survey was carried out in which the municipalities participating in the study included the four macro-regions following the Director Regional Plan (DRP). In this study, the quality of care was verified using the validated version of the PCAT-Br for adult and older adults users over 18 years of age and professionals. The macro-regions were compared between PHC attributes and between professionals and users in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired student t-test was performed. STATA v.14.2 software (College Station, TX, USA) was used for the analyses. Sensitivity analysis was done to compare the macro-regions and socio-demographic characteristics. Results. Eight hundred twenty-five users and 424 professionals participated in the study. According to users, the Accessibility attribute was the attribute with the worst performance in all macro-regions. There were significant differences between the perception of users and professionals in all attributes evaluated and regional differences between the perception of users among the four macro-regions analyzed. Conclusions. There was a difference in perception between users and professionals, and there were macro-regional differences between PHC attributes. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen PHC care networks in the State, mainly considering the users' perspective.
Acute Lower Limb Ischemia in Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Xiaoqiang , Tang Tao , Wang Chuang , Li Wendong , Mei Tong , Han Shilong , Hu Nan , Du Xiaolong
Published: March 2022

Acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a potentially fatal disease. We performed retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients examined from January 2015 to January 2021 that were diagnosed with definite APS and ALI, and tested positive for antiphospholipid antibodies; had undergone computed tomographic angiography or color doppler ultrasound, and showed clinical manifestations. In total, 72 APS-ALI patients were enrolled in this cohort study. The patients were divided into two groups: the delayed APS diagnosis group (APS-d) (n=40) and the timely APS diagnosis group (APS-t) (n=32).72.2% patients showed relieved ischemia symptoms (APS-d vs APS-t, p=0.035), 27.8% patients showed recurrence of thrombosis, and 23.6%patients needed further surgery (APS-d vs APS-t, p=0.042). 37.5% APS patients were administered intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (APS-d vs APS-t, p<0.01) and 34.8% were administered hormonotherapy (APS-d vs APS-t, p<0.01). The rate of amputation was 19.4% (APS-d vs APS-t, p=0.049) and the mortality rate was 16.6% (APS-d vs APS-t, p=0.033).Delayed diagnosis of APS in ALI patients was associated with a high risk of amputation and mortality. ALI patients who were diagnosed with APS early and underwent timely initiation of hormonotherapy, IVIG and anticoagulation, showed improved amputation and mortality.
Protease and Gag Diversity and Drug Resistance Mutations Among Treatment-Naive Mexican People Living with HIV
Authors: Climaco-Arvizu Samantha , Flores-Lopez Víctor , González-Torres Carolina , Gaytán-Cervantes Francisco Javier , Hernández-García María Concepción , Zárate-Segura Paola Berenice , Chávez-Torres Monserrat , Tesoro-Cruz Emiliano , Pinto-Cardoso Sandra María , Bekker-Méndez Vilma Carolina
Published: March 2022

Introduction: In Mexico, HIV genotyping is performed in people living with HIV (PLWH) failing their first-line antiretroviral (ARV) regimen; it is not routinely done for all treatment-naive PLWH before ARV initiation. The first nationally representative survey published in 2016 reported that the prevalence of pretreatment drug mutations in treatment-naive Mexican PLWH was 15.5% to any antiretroviral drug and 10.6% to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) using conventional Sanger sequencing. Most reports in Mexico focus on HIV pol gene and nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI and NNRTI) drug resistance mutations (DRMs) prevalence, using Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS) or both. To our knowledge, NGS has not be used to detect pretreatment drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in the HIV protease (PR) gene and its substrate the Gag polyprotein. Methods: Treatment-naive adult Mexican PLWH were recruited between 2016 and 2019. HIV Gag and protease sequences were obtained by NGS and DRMs were identified using the WHO surveillance drug resistance mutation (SDRM) list. Results: One hundred PLWH attending a public national reference hospital were included. The median age was 28 years-old, and most were male 1 female (1%). The median HIV viral load was 4.99 [4.39-5.40] log copies/mL and median CD4 cell count was 150 [68.0-355.78] cells/mm3. As expected, most sequences clustered with HIV-1 subtype B (97.9%). Major PI resistance mutations were detected: 8 (8.3%) of 96 patients at a detection threshold of 1% and 3 (3.1%) at a detection threshold of 20%. A total of 1184 mutations in Gag were detected, of which 51 have been associated with resistance to PI, most of them were detected at a threshold of 20%. Follow-up clinical data was available for 79 PLWH at 6 months post-ARV initiation, seven PLWH failed their first ARV regimen; however no major PI mutations were identified in these individuals at baseline.Conclusions: The frequency of DRM in the HIV protease was 7.3% at a detection threshold of 1% and 3.1% at a detection threshold of 20%. NGS-based HIV drug resistance genotyping provide improved detection of DRMs. Viral load was used to monitor ARV response and treatment failure was 8.9%.
Supramolecular Grafting And Stabilization Of Manganese Complex On Kryptofix23 Modified Fe3O4@Carbon Nanosphere: As Highly Efficient, Reusable And Clean Nanocatalyst For Xanthene’s Unusual Coupling
Authors: Mohammadlou Samaneh , Pesyan Nader Noroozi
Published: March 2022

Grafting and stabilization of metal complexes for increasing catalytic activity have remained an enormous challenge in the catalytic arena. However, designing a catalytic system with complementary properties including high surface area, high loading, and easy separation offers a promising route for efficient utilization of magnetic material for various applications. Herein, novel core-shell nanosphere catalyst (Fe3O4@C/KP23@MnCl2) was successfully synthesized with a magnetite core encapsulated in a carbon shell. It was modified using CPTES (3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane) and Kryptofix23 (KP23) ligand in the carbon surface for conversion to Fe3O4@C/KP23 support. The Manganese complex was coordinated onto the KP23 ligand decorated Fe3O4@C to improve the unusual coupling xanthenes in ethanol. It was found proposed nanocatalyst is greener, recyclable, and more suitable option for the large-scale application and provide some new insights into organic transformation.
Proof-of-concept of polymetallic phyto-extraction of base metal mine tailings from Queensland, Australia
Authors: Nkrumah Philip Nti , Remigio Amelia Corzo , Ent Antony van der
Published: March 2022

Purpose The increasing volumes of mine tailings that are being generated globally because of the rise in metal demand whilst ore-grades continue to decline call for novel sustainable management options. Phytoextraction using hyperaccumulator plant species may be one of such strategies. However, base metal mine tailings are inherently polymetallic that necessitate targeting multiple metal(loid)s for effective phytoextraction. The aim of this study was to conduct a proof-of-concept for polymetallic phytoextraction of base metal mine tailings. Methods Selected hyperaccumulator plants (Noccaea caerulescens targeting zinc, Biscutella laevigata and Silene latifolia targeting thallium, Phytolacca octandra targeting manganese) were grown in monocultures and mixed cultures for 12 weeks on tailings from the zinc-lead Dugald River and Mt Isa Mines, Queensland, Australia. Results Noccaea caerulescens accumulated zinc and manganese (up to ~1 wt% and ~1.4 wt%, respectively) with zinc-manganese co-localization at the leaf apex and margins. The monocultured B. laevigata exhibited severe toxicity symptoms, which were alleviated when co-cultured with N. caerulescens. Trichomes were important storage sites for zinc and manganese in B. laevigata. Silene latifolia accumulated higher thallium than B. laevigata, whilst P. octandra promoted thallium accumulation in S. latifolia.Conclusions This proof-of-concept test of polymetallic phytoextraction provides a real-life demonstration of this innovative technology which could be adapted to base metal mines around the world.
Design of Ultra Compact 4:2 Encoder using Two Dimensional Photonic Crystals
Authors: Sonth Mahesh V , Jyoti B , Gowre Sanjaykumar C. , Gadgay Baswaraj
Published: March 2022

In this paper all optical ultra compact 4:2 encoder is proposed and designed using two dimensional photonic crystals. The proposed structure has silicon rods of refractive index of 3.4 embedded in air host by creating line defects in hexagonal lattice platform. PWE method is used to determine the photonic band gaps and structure is analyzed using FDTD method. Further, the proposed 4:2 encoder is operated at 1550 nm and it provides a high contrast ratio of 9.25dB and foot print of the structure is 119.34 μm2. Hence it is highly advisable for photonic integrated circuits and optical signal processing.
Safety Evaluation and Biochemical Efficacy of Celery Seed Extract (Apium Graveolens) Capsules in Hypertensive Patients:
A Randomized, Triple-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over, Clinical Trial
Authors: Rad Maryam Shayani , Moohebati Mohsen , MohammadEbrahimi Shahab , Motamedshariaty Vahideh Sadat , Mohajeri Seyed Ahmad
Published: March 2022

The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety of celery seed extract (Apium graveolens), as a medicinal herb with active ingredients such as 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), in hypertensive patients. This study was a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial. Hypertensive patients (51 participants) received 4 celery seed capsules (a total of 1.34g extract per day) or 4 placebo capsules per day for 4-weeks as a supplement to their usual medication regimen. The results indicated that the celery seed capsule not only was safe for hypertensive patients but caused a reduction in BP, FBS, and lipid profile values. Also, it had beneficial effects on kidney and liver functions. No significant change was observed in blood cells and serum electrolytes (P > 0.05). The mean reduction in BUN and SCr were 3.43 and 0.075 mg/dL, and in SGPT and SGOT were 4.08 and 3.03 U/L, respectively (P < 0.05). FBS reduced from 108.53 to 97.96 mg/dL after 4-weeks of celery administration (P < 0.01). The decrease in TC, TG, LDL, and increase in HDL were 16.37, 16.22, 11.84, and 2.52 mg/dL, respectively (P < 0.001). According to the promising results of this clinical trial, celery seed extract can be considered a safe supplement for hypertensive patients. The study is limited by the small sample size; therefore, larger randomized trials are required.
Barrier-free molecular reorientations in polyhedral water clusters
Authors: Gudkovskikh Sergey V. , Kirov Mikhail
Published: March 2022

The structural stability of the weakest bonded configurations of water clusters in the form of gas hydrate cavities D and T, as well as in the form of Kelvin’s polyhedron, was tested using the local geometric optimization with the polarizable force field AMOEBA. A number of different barrier-free molecular rearrangements were observed. Most of the configurations changed their shapes, forming surface defects of the same type. But the main attention is paid to the coordinated molecular reorientations leading to the proton shift along hydrogen bonds. A number of statements about the topology of the hydrogen-bonded network are rigorously proved. It is concluded that the structural stability of configurations and the features of structural transformations are basically determined by the arrangement of the homodromic hydrogen-bonded water rings. The stability of the configurations, which retained their original shape during local geometric optimization, was studied by the molecular dynamics method with a gradual increase in temperature. Some interesting effects were found. This is the stabilizing locking of the most polarized configurations, as well as very intense amplitude oscillations of the free OH group at the end of two-bond flips.
Plasmodium relictum infection in Culex quinquefasciatus (Culicidae) decreases diel flight activity but increases peak dusk flight activity
Authors: Adams Dayvion , Golnar Andrew J. , Meyers Jacob I. , Slotman Michel A. , Hamer Gabriel L.
Published: March 2022

Parasites are recognized for their ability to modify host physiology and behaviors in ways that increase parasite fitness. Protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium are a group of widespread vector-borne parasites of vertebrates, causing disease to a wide range of hosts, but most notably to human and avian hosts. We investigated whether infection with the avian malaria, Plasmodium relictum (GRW4 lineage), impacts flight activity in one of their natural vectors, Culex quinquefasciatus, using both parasites and mosquitoes colonized from local populations in East-Central Texas, USA. Groups of Culex quinquefasciatus were allowed to feed directly on canaries with active Plasmodium infections and control canaries with no Plasmodium exposure history. To test how Plasmodium sporogenesis impacts mosquito activity behavior, engorged mosquitoes from both control and experimental trials were placed into a Locomotor Activity Monitor after oviposition and beam breaks were monitored for eight days. When analyzed by total diel activity, Plasmodium-infected mosquitoes had significantly reduced flight activity when compared to control mosquitoes. However, when analyzed at the peak activity hours of dawn and dusk, infected mosquitoes flew significantly more than control mosquitoes in the first 30 minutes of light to dark transition (dusk), but not in the 1-hour and 2-hour periods after the transition. Flight activity at days 14 to 17 post-Plasmodium infection had greater flight activity than earlier days (9 to 12 post-infection), which coincides with when P. relictum oocysts erupt and sporozoites travel to the mosquito salivary glands. Based on this study, avian malaria parasites increase the flight activity of these mosquitoes at hours known for peak host-seeking behavior but decrease overall diel activity. Although the ramifications of this behavioral change for Plasmodium transmission are unclear, results provide additional empirical evidence suggesting that avian malaria can augment mosquito behavior, and subsequently transmission potential.
Conservative N cycling despite high atmospheric deposition in early successional African tropical lowland forests
Authors: Makelele Isaac Ahanamungu , Bauters Marijn , Verheyen Kris , Barthel Matti , Six Johan , Rütting Tobias , Bodé Samuel , Ntaboba Landry Cizungu , Bazirake Basile Mujinya , Bosela Boyemba , Kimbesa Fabrice , Ewango Corneille , Boeckx Pascal
Published: March 2022

BackgroundAcross the tropics, the share of secondary versus primary forests is strongly increasing. The high rate of biomass accumulation during this secondary succession relies on the availability of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen (N). Nitrogen primarily limits many young secondary forests in the tropics. However, recent studies have shown that forests of the Congo basin are subject to high inputs of atmospheric N deposition, potentially alleviating this N limitation in early succession. MethodsTo address this hypothesis, we assessed the N status along a successional gradient of secondary forests in the Congo basin. In a set-up of 18 plots implemented along six successional stages, we quantified year-round N deposition, N leaching, N2O emission and the N flux of litterfall and fine root assimilation. Additionally, we determined the N content and C:N stoichiometry for canopy leaves, fine roots, and litter, as well as δ15N of canopy leaves. ResultsWe confirmed that these forests receive high amounts of atmospheric N deposition, with an increasing deposition as forest succession proceeds. Additionally, we noted lower C:N ratios, and higher N leaching losses, N2O emission, and foliar δ15N in older secondary forest (60 years). In contrast, higher foliar, litter and root C:N ratios, and lower foliar δ15N, N leaching, and N2O emission in young (< 20 years) secondary forest were observed. ConclusionsAltogether, we show that despite high N deposition, this early forest succession still shows conservative N cycling characteristics, which are likely indicating N limitation early on in secondary forest succession.
Xantho-Granulomatous Hypophysitis: Analysis Of Clinical, Biochemical, Radiological And Etiological Characteristics
Authors: Miljic Dragana , Pekic Sandra , Doknic Mirjana , Stojanovic Marko , Ilic Sasa , Djurovic Marina Nikolic , Jemuovic Zvezdana , Milojevic Toplica , Milicevic Mihailo , Gacic Emilija Manojlovic , Jovanovic Jovan , Radic Nevena , Medenica Sanja , Petakov Milan , Grujicic Danica
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Xanthogranulomas (XG) are chronic inflammatory lesions caused by accumulation of lipid laden macrophages with granuloma formation, usually secondary to hemorrhage, infarction or necrosis upon existing neoplasm or cyst. Primary sellar xanthogranulomas are rare and may represent a stage in xanthomatous hypophysitis (XH) evolution.Aim: To analyze clinical presentation, hormonal, radiological and histological features of patients diagnosed with pituitary xanthomatous and xhantogranulomatous lesions in a tertiary clinical center. Material and methods: Data collected from electronic medical histories of patients diagnosed with xanthomatous hypophysistis (XH) and xanthogranulomatous (XG) lesions after pituitary surgery at University Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade were analyzed in retrospective manner (2015-2021).Results: Cohort included three pediatric and eleven adult patients (9 male and 5 female), average age 14.6±4.7 years in the pediatric, and 55.3±14.4 years in the adult subgroup. At presentation panhypopituitarism was diagnosed in 8 (57.1%) (7 male, 1 female), hyperprolactinemia in 3 (21.4%) patients, polyuria-polydipsia in only one patient (7.1%). Nine patients (64.3%) presented with headache, 5 (37.5%) with neuro-ophthalmic disorders, 3 (21.4%) with neurological symptoms. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions were described as cystic in 3 (21.4 %) or predominantly solid in 11 (78.6%) patients. Secondary forms were associated with Ratke's cleft cyst (RCC) in 3 (21.4%) and pituitary adenoma (PA) in 6 (42.8%) cases. “Pure” sellar XG, independent of preexisting lesions, were found in 5 (35.7%) exclusively male patients. Only one patient was diagnosed with XH, majority with pituitary XG.Conclusion: Our cohort was unique for male preponderance and high prevalence of panhypopituitarism in male patients. XG pituitary lesions were more common than XH. PA followed by RCC were the leading causes of secondary XG lesions. Majority of patients presented with predominantly solid lesions on MRI. The most frequent presenting symptoms were headache and hypopituitarism, followed by neuro-ophtalmic deficits. Polyuria-polydipsia and neurological symptoms were rare at presentation.
A color image encryption algorithm with a novel coupled chaotic system and 3D-DCT
Authors: Wen Yan , Su jingming , Hong Yan , Gong Pingshun
Published: March 2022

In order to improve the security of image transmission and reduce the complexity of encryption algorithm, an efficient color image encryption algorithm is developed based on 3D-DCT and coupled chaotic system. Firstly, the plain color image is decomposed into three grayscale plain images, which are transformed by DCT to obtain the corresponding frequency coefficient matrices. Then, the novel 2-D chaotic system is designed and used to generate the embedded matrices, which is implanted to the frequency coefficient matrices and forms the embedded frequency coefficient matrices. And then, the embedded matrices were scrambled and encrypted by Diagonal scrambling method and the encryption matrix generated by the 2-D chaotic system respectively, which resulted in the production of the ultimate color cipher image. In order to meet the requirement of the era of big data, the hash function SHA-256 is introduced to generate the key of encryption algorithm. This scheme is thoroughly validated on different sized plain-images with modern statistical analyses to prove the security and sensitivity. Eventually, compared with other schemes further demonstrates its competence and superiority in robustness and anti-interference.