bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ligation-Assisted Endoscopic Mucosal Resection Has High Complete Resection Rate in Rectal Carcinoid Tumor
Authors: Su Ming-Yao , Chiu Cheng-Tang
Published: September 2021

Aim:
We aimed to compare the outcomes of different therapeutic modalities in rectal carcinoid tumors.
Method:
We retrospectively collected 145 patients with rectal carcinoid tumors which were pathologically diagnosed from 2005/01/01 to 2016/12/31. We compared tumor size, complete resection rate and recurrent rate between different therapeutic modalities. Then, prospectively compared the treatment outcmes of 28 patients treated with ligation assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (LEMR) and 25 patients treated with endoscopic mucosal resection with cap (EMRC).
Result:
The mean size of tumors was 6.5mm (1-25mm), and the mean follow-up duration was 26 months (6-118 months). The therapeutic modalities included ligation-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (LEMR) (25 tumors, 17%), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) (31 tumors, 21%), snare polypectomy (30 tumors, 21%), biopsy forceps removal (46 tumors, 32%) and surgical resection (13 tumors, 11%), including 6 tumors treated with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) method. In view of pathologically complete resection rate, LEMR was highest (100%), followed by surgical resection (85%). However, EMR only had 42% pathologically complete resection rate. Besides, LEMR and surgical resection had no local recurrence and significantly higher clinically complete resection rate, compared to other treatments. For the further prospective study, complete resection were noted in 28 (100%) patients in LEMR group and 13 (52%) patients in EMRC group.
Conclusion:
In the treatment of rectal carcinoid tumors, LEMR is safe and effective compared with traditional endoscopic treatments.
Study of surface ozone (O3) and its relationship with NO, NO2, NOx, OX and CO at five different locations in New Delhi, India from 2013 to 2019
Authors: Sinha Priyanka , Singh Siddhartha , Saroj Pooja , Beig Gufran , Murthy B. S.
Published: September 2021

In the present study, continuous measurements of Surface Ozone (O3), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx (NO + NO2)), and carbon monoxide (CO), monitored at five different locations in Delhi National Capital Region have been studied for the period 2013–2019. The five monitoring locations used are namely IMD Lodi Road, IGI Airport Palam, CV Raman Dheerpur, CRRI Mathura Road, and NCMRWF Noida. The average hourly concentration of O3, NO, NO2, CO, NOx (NO + NO2), and OX(NO2 + O3) are found in the range of 32.44 ppb to 36.57 ppb, 19.46 to 28.09 ppb, 20.83 to 26.89 ppb,1.67 to 1.89 ppm,43.04 to 54.99 ppb, and 54.06 to 60.99 ppb respectively during the study period. Diurnal variation of NOx and CO Concentrations show higher values during the morning (0600-0900h) and late evening (1900-2400h) hours while the highest concentrations of ozone have been observed during afternoon hours. The relationship between NO, NO2, and surface O3 as a function of NOx has also been examined during daylight hours (0500hrs IST to 1900 hrs IST) and chemical coupling of the three species i.e. NO, NO2 and O3 have been studied. The ground-level concentration of Ozone have been found to decrease with increasing NOx concentration during daytime. The variations in concentrations of oxidants (NO2 + O3) with the concentration of [NOx] have been studied to examine the contributing pollution sources of oxidants at all the study sites. The average rate of change of O3 concentrations (dO3/dt) has been examined at all five locations. The monthly and diurnal variation of oxidants [OX] at all the study locations has shown a strong positive correlation with temperature whereas a negative correlation with humidity.
Effects of Baicalin on the ATP Levels in the Prefrontal Cortex in Mice Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress
Authors: Lu Shuai-fei , Jin Xiao-hui , Zhu Lei-lei , Shen Ji-duo , Bai Ming , Li Yu-cheng , Xu Er-ping
Published: September 2021

Depression is gradually becoming a primary mental disease threatening human health. It is urgent to clarify the pathogenesis of depression and find new effective natural antidepressants. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of baicalin and explore its potential mechanism in a mice model of depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Following a 6-weeks CUMS exposure, the CUMS mice were treated with baicalin (10 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) for 4 weeks by oral gavage. The sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST) were performed to evaluate the depression-like behaviors, and the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the prefrontal cortex were detected. Moreover, the gene expression and enzyme activities related to the production of ATP and mitochondrial function were detected. The results indicated that the depression-like behaviors of mice induced by CUMS were improved by baicalin and fluoxetine. In addition, baicalin significantly increased the ATP content, the mRNA expression of hexokinase (HK), pyruvate dehydrogenase alpha (PDHα), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1alpha (PGC1α), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, baicalin also increased the activity of respiratory chain complex I, V, and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In conclusion, the present results suggested that the antidepressant effect of baicalin may be partly mediated by accelerating the process of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and improving the mitochondrial function to enhance the ATP level in the brain.
Evaluation of Seaweed Sulfated Polysaccharides As Natural Antagonists Targeting Salmonella typhi OmpF: Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetic Profiling
Authors: MALAISAMY ARUN KUMAR , Murugan Mahalakshmi , Vairamuthu Ashok Kumar , Aravind Manikka Kubendran , Gunaseelan Sathaiah , Mohankumar Verma , Ashokkumar Balasubramaniem , Perumal Varalakshmi
Published: September 2021

Background: Salmonella belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family, a gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, motile, and pathogenic bacteria that transmit through unhygienic conditions. It is estimated that 21 million new infections arise every year, resulting in approximately 200,000 deaths. It is more prevalent among children, the old aged, and immunocompromised individuals. The frequent usage of classical antimicrobials has begun the increasing emergence of various drug-resistant pathogenic bacterial strains. Hence, this study was intended to evaluate the bioactive seaweed sulfated polysaccharides (SSP) against the ompF (outer membrane porin F) protein target of Salmonella typhi. SSP are sulfated compounds with a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-microbial, anti-allergy, anti-cancer, anti-coagulant, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, and anti-viral. Results: In this study, eleven compounds were targeted against S. typhi OmpF by molecular docking approach and were compared with two commercially available typhoid medications. The SSP showed good binding affinity compared to commercial drugs, particularly carrageenan/MIV-150, carrageenan lambda, fucoidan, and 3-Phenyllactate, ranked as top antagonists against OmpF. Further, pharmacokinetics and toxicology (ADMET) studies corroborated that SSP possessed drug-likeness and highly progressed in all parameters.Conclusion: AutoDockTools and Schrodinger's QikProp module results suggest that SSP could be a promising drug for extensively drug-resistant (XDR) S. typhi. To our best of knowledge, this is the first report on in-silico analysis of SSP against S. typhi OmpF. Thus, implying the capabilities of SSP's especially compounds like carrageenans, as a potential anti-microbial agent against Salmonella typhi infections. Eventually, advanced studies could corroborate SSPs to the next level of application in the crisis of XDR microbial diseases.
Increased Connectivity of Thalamocortical Tract/Occipital Cortex Concurrent with Recovery of Impaired Consciousness in a Stroke Patient: A Diffusion Tensor Tractography Study: A Case Report
Authors: Jang Sung Ho , Kim Jae Woon , Lee Sung Jun
Published: September 2021

Background: Little has been reported about the role of the occipital cortex in the recovery from impaired consciousness. In this case report, we report on a stroke patient who showed increased connectivity of the thalamocortical tract (TCT), including the occipital cortex, on follow-up diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) that was concurrent with recovery of impaired consciousness. Case presentation: A 64-year-old male patient underwent craniectomy and hematoma removal for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the left fronto-parieto-temporal lobes and extraventricular catheterization for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). When he started rehabilitation eight weeks after onset, he was in a minimally conscious state with a Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) score of 14. On 8-week DTT, decreased connectivity of the TCT between the thalamic intralaminar nuclei and the cerebral cortex was observed in both medial prefrontal cortices (mPFCs), the occipital cortex, and the left parietal cortex. By contrast, on 12-week DTT, TCT connectivity had increased to include both medial prefrontal cortices and the right occipital cortex. Conclusion: Increased neural connectivity of the TCT to the mPFC and the occipital cortex, as shown by DTT, contributed to the recovery of impaired consciousness in a stroke patient. The results suggest that increased neural connectivity to the occipital cortex might contribute to the recovery of impaired consciousness in stroke patients.
Determinants of Electricity Production from Renewable Source Excluding Hydroelectricity in Selected East African Countries: Panel ARDL Approach
Authors: asratie teshager
Published: September 2021

Though east Africa has ample resource endowments for electricity production, the region has the lowest performance in generating electricity and millions of people are living without access to electricity. To fill the electricity gap countries used fossil fuels as the major source of energy, but electricity production from renewable resource is lower. Therefore, this study aimed to identify determinant factors of electricity production from renewable resources excluding hydropower sources. Panel data for five east African countries for the period 1998 to 2019 was used and it was examined by pooled mean group panel ARDL estimation technique. The estimation result revealed that that in both long and short run GDP per capita growth, population growth, energy consumption per capita and energy import have positive significant effect on electricity production from renewable resources other than hydropower. While political instability, electricity production from hydropower, and electricity production from oil, gas, and coal have negative significant effect. However in the short run energy use and resource rent percentage of GDP have positive and negative significant effect respectively, but in the long run the two variables have no significant effect. Error correction coefficient is negative 0.64, which indicates that deviation from long run disequilibrium adjusts toward equilibrium at a rate of 64% per year. Based on the result this study recommends that the government should improve the performance of GDP growth by quality education, lower lending interest rate, improving political stability through controlling internal conflicts caused by difference in religion and ethnicity, improving energy security.
A CT-Based Radiomics Nomogram To Predict The Biological Activity of Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Tieliang , Jiang Yi , Zhao Yafei , Xu Wenyao , Xia Yuwei , Liu Wenya
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThis study aims to establish a computed tomography (CT) - based radiomics nomogram to predict the biological activity of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE).MethodsA total of 174 HAE patients (139 for training, 35 for test) were enrolled whose CT and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) examinations were performed before surgery, and the biological activity was evaluated according to the PET/CT. Radiomic features were extracted from CT images, based on which radiomic scores (Rad-score) were calculated with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression. Three radiomics models (K-Nearest Neighbors, Logical regression, and Multilayer Perceptron), including only radiomic features and a radiomics nomogram, comprised of demographics, clinical indexes, and radiomic features were constructed respectively to predict the biological activity of HAE. The model performance was evaluated by area under curve (AUC), decision curve, and calibration curve.Results30 features in total were selected as optimal radiomic features and considered as input to calculate the Rad-score. There were no significant differences in the predictive efficacy between the combined models and the radiomics models from the perspective of the decision curve. The radiomics models was unparalleled, with an AUC of 0.952 (95%CI=0.902~0.981, P<0.0001) and 0.800 (95%CI=0.631~0.916, P<0.0020) in the training and testing cohort, respectively.ConclusionThe radiomics nomogram model showed great potential in identifying HAE biological activity.
Patient Perspectives on Symptoms, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Treatment Experience Associated with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Nathwani Nitya , Bell Jill , Cherepanov Dasha , Sowell France Ginchereau , Shah Rachel , McCarrier Kelly P. , Hari Parameswaran
Published: September 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to better understand the patient perspective on relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) treatment.Methods: This non-interventional, cross-sectional study enrolled adult RRMM patients from 6 US clinics who had ≥3 months of life expectancy, ≤6 prior lines of therapy, and ≥1 treatment regimen with a proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulator, or a CD38 monoclonal antibody or an alkylating agent, and a steroid. In-person semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to capture concepts that were relevant and important to patients. Topics included RRMM symptoms and impacts and the mode of administration, frequency, duration, convenience, side effects, and overall experience with RRMM treatment.Results: Twenty-two patients completed interviews. At enrollment, 59.1% of participants were using regimens containing dexamethasone, 36.4% daratumumab, 27.3% carfilzomib, and 18.2% lenalidomide. More participants had experience using intravenous or injectable therapy alone (40.9%) than oral therapy alone (18.2%). Back pain and fatigue were the most frequently reported symptoms (40.9% each); 27.3% reported no symptoms. Most participants reported physical function limitations (86.4%), emotional impacts (77.3%), MM-related activity limitations (72.7%), and sleep disturbances (63.6%). Most participants perceived treatment effectiveness based on physician-explained clinical signs (68.2%) and symptom relief (40.9%). Participants experienced gastrointestinal side effects (59.1%), fatigue (59.1%), sleep disturbances (31.8%), and allergic reactions (31.8%) with treatment. Key elements of treatment burden included the duration of a typical treatment day (68.2%), treatment interfering with daily activities (54.5%), and infusion duration (50.0%).Conclusions: These results provide treatment experience–related data to further understand RRMM treatment burden and better inform treatment decision-making.
The Combination of Bacillus Subtilis wt55 with AiiO-AIO6 Improve the Resistance of Zebrafish to Aeromonas Veronii Infection by Simple Collocation Rather Than B. Subtilis Quorum-Quenching Recombinant Expression Strain
Authors: Yao Yuan-Yuan , Xia Rui , Yang Ya-Lin , Gao Chen-Chen , Zhang Feng-Li , Hu Juan , Hao Qiang , Ran Chao , Zhang Zhen , Zhou Zhigang
Published: September 2021

Disease problems will seriously restrict the sustainable development of aquaculture, and the environmental-friendly prevention strategies are urgently needed. Probiotics and quorum-quenching enzyme are innovative strategies to control bacterial diseases. Firstly, the bacteriostatic activity of B. subtilis wt55 strain and quenching enzyme AiiO-AIO6 on the growth of A. veronii were tested in vitro, and the results showed that this two had different effects on A. veronii: wt55 inhibit the growth of A. veronii, but AiiO-AIO6 did not. Then, the synergistic effects of simple combination of B. subtilis wt55 and AiiO-AIO6 was evaluated next. The results showed this combination could improve the survival rate and significantly reduce the number of invasive A. veronii in gut after challenge compared to the other groups, corresponding to the lower intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity. In vitro co-culture experiments showed this combination could inhibit the growth of A. veronii. Direct immersion of germ-free zebrafish proved AiiO-AIO6 did not directly regulate the innate immune response of the host, but wt55 did it, and the combination of wt55 and AiiO-AIO6 could significantly reduce the expression of NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, increase the expression of lysozyme gene. The gut microbiota induced by either experimental diet was transferred to germ-free zebrafish, and the results showed that intestinal microbiota also plays a regulatory role. The gut microbiota from combination group could significantly inhibit the expression of IL-1β and NF-κB, and increased the expression of TGF-β and lysozyme. Given the effectiveness of this combination, a B. subtilis quorum-quenching recombinant expression strain in which AiiO-AIO6 was surface displayed on the spores and secreted by vegetative cells was built. The results showed that the survival rate after challenge was lower than that of the group treated with AiiO-AIO6 or wt55 alone, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β and NF-κB were significantly higher. Our study demonstrated the effectiveness of B. subtilis and AiiO-AIO6 simple combination and established an efficient B. subtilis expression system.
Lethal, Sublethal And Transgenerational Effects of Insecticides Labeled For Cotton On Immature Trichogramma Pretiosum
Authors: Costa Mariana Abreu , Farias Elizeu Sá , Andrade Eliana Donizete , Carvalho Vinícius Castro , Carvalho Geraldo Andrade
Published: September 2021

The egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) regulates lepidopteran pest populations in cotton crops. However, cotton harbors dozens of pests, and growers rely on multiple insecticide applications to manage these damaging organisms. A harmonious integration of control tactics is required for proper pest management, and the use of selective insecticides (i.e., those promoting effective pest control while causing little impact on natural enemies) fits within this scope. This study aimed to assess the lethal, sublethal and transgenerational effects of insecticides from varying chemical groups on T. pretiosum. The insecticides were sprayed on parasitized host [Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller)] eggs with developing T. pretiosum stages (egg-larva, prepupa and pupa), and biological traits were assessed following adult emergence. Overall, pupae were more susceptible to the insecticides. We found thiodicarb and chlorfenapyr to reduce F0 adult emergence in rates comparable to the positive control (methomyl). Adult F0 deformation was the highest on flupyradifurone-treated organisms, and both the F0 parasitism rate and female survival were reduced by the insecticides (except for teflubenzuron). The sex ratio was affected by thiodicarb and flupyradifurone. Transgenerational effects occurred on adult emergence, which was reduced on the offspring (F1) of thiodicarb-, chlorfenapyr-, and flupyradifurone-treated T. pretiosum. In addition, thiodicarb lessened the F1 sex ratio. Combined, these results indicate that teflubenzuron is the safest insecticide; the other insecticides (especially thiodicarb and chlorfenapyr) are non-selective to T. pretiosum. Field and semifield studies are required to confirm the harmfulness of thiodicarb and chlorfenapyr towards T. pretiosum.
Ultrasonic Preparation of PN For The Photodegradation of 17ß-Estradiol In Water And Biotoxicity Assessment Of E2 After Degradation
Authors: Meng Kun , Zhou Ke-Fu , Nguyen Nhat-Thien , Chen Bor-Yann , Long Min , Zhang Yang-Yang , Le Thuy-Trang , Chang Chang Tang
Published: September 2021

This study prepared a novel Phosphorene (PN) and load it onto TiO2 to fabricated PN-TiO2, to effectively photo degrade the hydrophobic environmental hormone 17ß-estradiol in aqueous solutions. First, the corresponding characterization of prepared materials was implemented by myriads of methods (e.g, atomic force microscopy), transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Next, the effect of the PN on the degradation efficiency was systematically investigated. Apparently, the doping of TiO2 by PN significantly enhanced its photocatalytic and adsorption properties with the addition of PN, compared to that in the absence of TiO2. That is the addition improved the adsorption capability of the composite. The optimal PN weight content was found to be 0.5%. However, the photo degradation efficiency gradually decreased when the PN content increased further. This optimal PN content directly suggested synergistic interactions upon the photo degrading efficiency. Compare to other PN-based photocatalysts mentioned in literature, this PN-based material owned striking advantages, such as higher energy efficiency, greater remove capacity, and superior cost-effectiveness. Further, biotoxicity of the water after treatment decreased was evident by observing the development of zebrafish embryos. In conclusion, the prepared PN-based materials exhibited promising photocatalytic capabilities for removal and biotoxicity reduction of 17ß-estradiol in aqueous solutions.
Salinity Interdecadal Variability in the Western Equatorial Pacific and Its Effects During 1942-2018
Authors: Zhang Rong-Hua , Zhou Guanghui , Zhi Hai , Gao Chuan , Wang Hongna , Feng Licheng
Published: September 2021

Ocean reanalysis products are used to examine salinity variability and its relationships with temperature in the western equatorial Pacific during 1942-2018. An ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method is adopted to separate salinity and temperature signals at different time scales; a focus is placed on interdecadal component in this study. Pronounced interdecadal variations in salinity are seen in the western equatorial Pacific, which exhibits persistent and transitional phases in association with temperature. A surface freshening is accompanied by a surface warming during the 1980s-1990s, but saltening and cooling in the 2000s, with interdecadal shifts occurring around the late 1970s, late 1990s, and in 2016-2018, respectively. Determined by anomaly signs of temperature and salinity, their combined effects can be density-compensated or density-uncompensated, acting to produce density variability that is suppressed or enhanced, respectively. The effects are phase- and region dependent. In the subsurface layers at 200m, where salinity and temperature anomalies are nearly of the same sign during interdecadal evolution, their effects are mostly density-compensated. The situation is more complicated in the surface layer. Variations in SSS and SST during the persistent phases tend to be of opposite sign with their density-uncompensated effects, acting to enhance density anomalies; but they can be of the same sign during the transitional periods, with density-compensated salinity effects. Examples are given for relationships among these fields which exhibit phase differences in anomaly transitions in the late 1990s in the western equatorial Pacific; salinity anomalies are seen to cause a delay in phase transition of density anomalies. Furthermore, their relative contributions to interdecadal variabilities of density and stratification are quantified. The consequences for salinity effects are also discussed with their feedbacks on local SST.
Effects of Polyamines And Silver Thiosulphate On Phoenix Dactylifera L. Cv. Quntar Micropropagation And Molecular Analysis.
Authors: Almayahi Ahmed
Published: September 2021

There are some limitations in the practical applications of in vitro date palm tissue culture, such as low multiplication efficiency, low rooting rate, and high mortality experienced by in vitro raised plantlets during laboratory to soil transfer. The objective of the present study is to determine the effect of polyamines (putrescine "PUT" and spermidine" SPD") and silver thiosulfate (STS) on enhancing propagation of date palm cv Quntar in vitro. Media supplemented with 75 mg L-1 SPD in combination with 10 mgL-1 STS gave the highest percentage of callus producing buds (83.34%) and average bud formation (16.3) per jar. The addition of PUT and STS to the medium was most effective in root regeneration and the number of roots per shoot, where the best result 91.67% and 6.37 roots per shoot, respectively, were obtained using 75 mgL-1 PUT and 10 mgL-1 STS, resulting in fast-growing plantlets during acclimatization phase, reaching 90% of plant survival. The genetic fidelity assessment of plants derived from micropropagation was confirmed by RAPD analysis. Four operon primers were used, and all of them showed amplified unambiguous (OPA02, OPC-04, OPD-07, and OPE-15). All generated bands were monomorphic and had no variation among the tissue culture-derived plants tested. Accordingly, these results indicate that adding polyamines and silver thiosulfate to the nutrient medium of date palm cv. Quntar is beneficial in improving shoot organogenesis, rooting, and production of genetically stable date palm plants.
Study on removal of volatile organic compounds by metal-organic framework composite material
Authors: Xiao Yong-I , Thomas Joy , Nguyen Nhat-Thien , Le Thuy-Trang , Chang Chang Tang
Published: September 2021

For decades, people have made many efforts to improve air quality. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the chemical and textile industries are indeed listed as serious problems that need to be controlled to avoid the emission of toxic substances and reduce the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere. In this study, a novel β-cyclodextrin-metal-organic framework (β-CD-MOF) was produced by a green and simple method to achieve the goal of making environmentally friendly adsorption materials through a green process. Compared with pure β-CD (the specific surface area is only 22 m2/g), β-CD-MOF has higher crystallinity and larger specific surface area (up to 869 m2/g). Through the dynamic acetone adsorption device, the adsorption capacity of β-CD-MOF for acetone can reach 211 mg/g at room temperature, which is higher than that of activated carbon (the adsorption capacity is only about 192 mg/g). In addition, the adsorption of acetone by β-CD-MOF is a single-layer physical adsorption behavior through isothermal adsorption simulation, and it is known from the kinetic simulation that the adsorption mainly occurs on the surface, and the limiting condition of the adsorption is mainly external mass transfer. According to the results of thermodynamic analysis, the adsorption reaction is a spontaneous and exothermic reaction. Because the adsorption is a physical adsorption behavior, β-CD-MOF adsorbent has good reusability. After four cycling experiments, the adsorption capacity of acetone is only reduced by about 10%. This research has provided an environmentally friendly, low-cost, and high-efficiency solution for the removal of VOCs.
What Do Machines Tell us About Dementia? Machine Learning Applied to Aging, Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury Study
Authors: Moura Denis Arthur Pinheiro , de Oliveira Joao Ricardo Mendes
Published: September 2021

Dementia, a syndrome characterized by the progressive deterioration of memory and cognition, arises from different pathologies, with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) its most common cause. Patterns of gene expression during dementia of different etiologies may function as generalist biomarkers of the condition. We used RNA-Seq data from the Allen Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury Study (ADTBI) to identify differentially expressed genes in brains with dementia. Machine Learning algorithms Decision Trees (DT) and Random Forest (RF) were used to create models to identify dementia samples based on their gene expression profile. Importance analyses were conducted to identify the most relevant genes in each classification model. A total of 1629 differentially expressed (DE) genes were found in brains with the condition. Gene PAN3-AS1 was the only DE gene across more than three brain regions. The artificial intelligence models were capable of identifying correctly up to 92.85% of dementia samples. Our analyses provide interesting insights regarding using brain-specific gene expression profiles as biomarkers of dementia, identifying genes possibly involved with dementia, and guiding future studies in prediction and early identification of the syndrome.
First Field Evidence On Circulation and Vertical Transmission of West Nile Virus Lineage-1a in Mosquitoes of Southern Iran
Authors: Isfahani Elham Biabangard , Dayer Mohammad Saaid , Kazemi Seyed Hassan Moosa
Published: September 2021

Background

Mosquitoes play an important role in the transmission of arboviruses including neuroinvasive West Nile virus. (WNV). Despite reports on seroepidemiological evidence and distribution of potential vectors of WNV in Iran, its transmission and dominant lineage(s) in mosquitoes of the Southern region has not been yet investigated. This study was conducted to inventory mosquitoes in Hormozgan province and explore them for WNV infection.
Methods

A total of 6785 larvae and adult mosquitoes were collected from 11 sites during 2015–2016. The mosquitoes were analyzed for WNV lineage detection by RT-PCR.
Results

This study revealed vertical transmission of Lineage 1a WNV in five groups including two groups of Cx. pipiens collected in winter and spring as well as three others containing Cx. sitiens, Anopheles stephensi and Cs. longiareolata collected in autumn from Bandar Abbas city.
Conclusion

The vertical transmission of WNV by effective vectors indicates the incursion of enzootic transmission in the region. The cross-species WNV transmission and prevalence of infected migratory birds coming from Europe and Siberia demand a comprehensive surveillance of WNV infection in hosts and vectors. However, vector-based surveillance remains the most accurate and feasible indicator to assess the impending risk of WNV in Iran. Given the serological and molecular evidences of WNV presence in humans, equines and birds in 26 provinces, the public health authorities should pay more attention to vector control measures to reduce the risk of WNV epidemics in the southern region of Iran.
Improving Antibacterial Activity of Methicillin By Conjugation To Functionalized Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Against S. Aureus
Authors: Masoumeh Allami Mehmandousti , Nejad Hamideh Rouhani , Pardis Saeedi , Ali Khavari Nejad  Ramazan
Published: September 2021

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a problem in both healthcare institutions and community settings. This is due to its multi-drug-resistant challenges. Recent advancement in nanotechnology has expanded our ability to design and construct nanomaterials to treat bacterial infections. Carbon nanotubes are one of these nanomaterials. Herein, twenty isolates from hospitals were identified as S. aureus based on morphology, Gram stain, catalase test, coagulase test, and mannitol salt agar fermentation. Isolates were subjected to bio-typing, the methicillin resistance was characterized using the disk diffusion method and PCR of the mecA gene. Then, the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were functionalized and conjugated to methicillin. The prepared nano-antibiotics were characterized using FTIR and SEM analysis. The characterization of the nano-antibiotics confirmed the successful functionalization of the SWCNTs and the addition of carboxyl groups. Interestingly, the results of the antibacterial activity indicated that the functionalized methicillin-loaded SWCNTs have a significant increase in the antibacterial activity against the S. aureus in comparison to the methicillin-free drug.
Human Breastmilk Feeding in Necrotising Enterocolitis Patients With Surgical Treatment A Retrospective Chart Review Study
Authors: Shan Jing , Yao Sheng , Shen Yang , Li Xiaole , Ding Hao , Zou Wei , Xu Yuanyuan , Jin Danqun , Yang Rongqiang
Published: September 2021

Background One of the surgical treatments for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is to resect the necrotic bowel and defunction the gut by stoma, which can come with severe complications impacting infant growth. Human breastmilk feeding has been proved to prevent NEC, world-widely. This study is to identify whether human breastmilk could reduce the incidence of stoma related complications in NEC patients after primary surgery.MethodsA retrospective chart review was done on patients who had intestine resection and stoma for NEC in the period from 2015-1-1 to 2021-4-30 at Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital (APCH). Demographics, feeding methods (human milk feeding versus formula milk feeding) and stoma related complications were collected, and the factors, potentially associated with stoma related complications, were analysed. ResultsA total of 58 patients, including 35 males and 23 females, had stoma for NEC. The mean gestational age was 34 weeks (28 to 40). The mean body weight at surgery was 2.83kg (1.03 to 4.80). Before surgery, 38 patients had perforation. Additionally, 46 patients had ileostomy; 12 had colostomy. After primary operation, 40 of them were fed with human breastmilk while 18 of them were fed with formula milk. 26 of 58 patients had stoma related complications, including fluid/electronic imbalance, stoma prolapse, and stoma stenosis. Feeding methods and gestational age were found significantly related to stoma related complications via a binary logistical multivariable analysis.ConclusionsIn this study, the most frequent stoma related complication was fluid/electronic imbalance. Younger gestational age was identified as a risk factor associated with stoma related complications; human breastmilk feeding can benefit patients against these complications.
Estimating the Direct Medical Cost of Syphilis in China
Authors: Gong Hui Zi , Hu Kui Ru , Li Jun , Wan Xia , Zheng He Yi
Published: September 2021

Background

Few studies investigating the direct medical cost of syphilis was conducted in developing countries, including China.
Methods

The main tasks of our study were to estimate the direct medical costs of syphilis in China at subnational level, and to characterize the distribution of the direct medical cost of syphilis in 31 Chinese provincial districts in relation to GDP. Data on medical expenses for syphilis patients diagnosed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) was used to estimate direct medical cost per case, which was then multiplied by the number of newly reported cases of syphilis in China to yield the absolute medical cost for syphilis. Relative costs, defined as the absolute costs in per million of gross domestic product (GDP), was also calculated. Comparisons of direct medical cost represented as absolute cost and relative cost respectively, in different years and different provincial districts were conducted. Gini index was used to characterize the distribution of syphilis cases and direct medical cost of syphilis at provincial level.
Results

Average cost of patients with follow-up more than 36 month was regarded as the most reasonable estimate of direct medical cost per case, and was obtained as US $ 134.43 in primary syphilis, US $ 119.24 in secondary syphilis, US $ 503.76 in tertiary syphilis and US $ 97.59 in latent syphilis. Absolute medical cost of syphilis in China increased from US $ 11.15 million to US $46.89 million from 2004 to 2016. Relative cost in China increased from 2.85 to 5.26 per million of GDP from 2004 to 2010, and decreased from 5.26 to 3.99 per million of GDP from 2010 to 2016. The largest relative cost was always observed in western region. Between 2009 and 2016, a large relative medical cost was observed in 7 to 9 provinces in western region, 3 to 5 provinces in eastern region, 1 to 4 provinces in central region, 1 to 2 provinces in northeastern region. The level of inequality decreased from 2010 to 2016, and kept a continuously moderate equality from 2012 to 2016.
Conclusion

This study provided a rough estimate of the direct medical costs of syphilis in China and its distribution pattern in 31 Chinese provincial districts. The results highlight that syphilis caused a huge economic burden in China, which distributed disproportionally within provinces. Western region bore a huge and increasing economic burden, while the economic burden in eastern region had once been huge, but tending to decline. Thus, more active and effective control are needed, and strategies on the prevention and control of syphilis be managed according to local conditions.
Health-related Quality of Life, Social and Economic Consequences of COVID-19 in Critically Ill Survivors at 6-months Follow-up
Authors: Umbrello Michele , Miori Sara , Sanna Andrea , Lassola Sergio , Baruzzo Elena , Penzo Daniele , Pedrotti Giovanni , Perino Annamaria , Colombo Angelo , Magnoni Sandra
Published: September 2021

IntroductionLimited evidence exists on the health-related quality of life and the socio-economic impact of disease in critically-ill, COVID-19 survivors. Aims of this study were to: assess the quality of life of survivors after ICU discharge; identify social and disease-related risk factors for long-term health consequences; recognize changes in relational, work and economic skills.MethodsCritically ill ARDS survivors were followed up 6 months after ICU discharge. Quality of life was assessed using validated tools (SF-36 and EuroQol EQ-5D-5L), and the socio-economic burden of COVID-19 was evaluated with a specifically-translated questionnaire. Independent sample analysis and regression analysis were performed to evaluate the associations between the evaluated factor and the quality of life.Results79 survivors were enrolled (age 63 [57-71], 84% male). 38.4% report worsened social relations after ICU discharge; 15.4% required health support, 42% had a change in their employment status and 18% had an income reduction. The average physical and mental SF-36 summary scores were 43.6 [34.4-50.2] and 52.1 [44.5-57.0]. The average EQ VAS quality of life score was 80 [60-89]. Reduced quality of life was found in patients with more than one comorbidity, decreased PaO2/FiO2 (≤ 150) and increased SAPS II score (>25) on ICU admission, and prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) > 4 weeks. The univariate analysis identified hospital LOS, SAPS II, age and two or more comorbidities as factors associated with reduced quality of life.Conclusions﻿COVID-19 survivors have a reduced quality of life, due to an impaired physical and cognitive functioning, while anxiety and depression are less frequent. A significant proportion of patients report worsened social relations, employment changes and income reduction, and require health and financial support. People with previous comorbidities, most severe respiratory failure and prolonged hospital and ICU stay are at higher risk of health-related problems, while the level of education and the premorbid income have no impact in this cohort.
Associations of Zinc-α-2-glycoprotein with Metabolic Syndrome and its Components Among Adult Arabs
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser , Alenad Amal , Alkaltham Lamya , Sabico Shaun , Khattak Malak , Hussain Syed
Published: September 2021

Background: Epidemiological studies suggest that the Zinc-α-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) plays significant physiological roles. In this study we investigate whether ZAG could be considered as a clinical biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi population. As such insights urgently required for management of MetS. Thus, we have determined serum levels of ZAG in patients with MetS and normal individuals. We have also assessed the association between ZAG and different components of MetS. Methodology: Clinical information of 200 Saudi male and female subjects (age range 30-65) with MetS (n=100) and healthy controls (n=100) were extracted from the database of the Chair of Biomarkers of Chronic Disease (CBCD) in King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. MetS was screened according to NCEP ATP III criteria (National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III). Fasting glucose and lipid profile levels were measured using Konelab. Serum TNF-α, IL- 6, CRP and ZAG levels were measured using commercially available assays.Results: There was age-dependent significant increase in ZAG level among MetS subjects than controls (43.8 ± 19.5 vs 48.1 ± 14.8; p = 0.04). This study demonstrates, a significant inverse association between ZAG and serum HDL-cholesterol (R= -0.20, p<0.05). Whereas, triglycerides (R= 0.25, p<0.01), waist circumference (WHR) (R= 0.17, p<0.05) and CRP (R= 0.24, p<0.01) were all significantly and positively associated with ZAG. Conclusion: High level of circulating ZAG is associated with MetS in age dependent manner. Serum ZAG might be a biomarker for MetS screening.
Measuring The Concentration of Serum Syndecan-1 To Assess Vascular Endothelial Glycocalyx Injury During Hemodialysis
Authors: Kusuzawa Keigo , Suzuki Keiko , Okada Hideshi , Suzuki Kodai , Takada Chihiro , Nagaya Soichiro , Yasuda Ryu , Okamoto Haruka , Ishihara Takuma , Tomita Hiroyuki , Kawasaki Yuki , Minamiyama Toru , Nishio Ayane , Fukuda Hirotsugu , Shimada Takuto , Tamaoki Yuto , Yoshida Tomoki , Nakashima Yusuke , Yoshimura Genki , Kamidani Ryo , Miura Tomotaka , Oiwa Hideaki , Yamaji Fuminori , Mizuno Yosuke , Miyake Takahito , Kitagawa Yuichiro , Fukuta Tetsuya , Doi Tomoaki , Suzuki Akio , Yoshida Takahiro , Tetsuka Nobuyuki , Yoshida Shozo , Ogura Shinji
Published: September 2021

Glycocalyx is present on the surface of healthy endothelium, and the concentration of serum syndecan-1 can serve as an injury marker. This study aimed to evaluate the hemodialysis-associated changes in the serum syndecan-1 concentration. This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. Between March 2017 and December 2019, 145 patients who underwent hemodialysis at the Gifu University Hospital were enrolled. The median dialysis period and dialysis time were 63 months and 3.7 hours, respectively. The serum syndecan-1 concentration increased from 124.6 ± 107.8 ng/mL before hemodialysis to 229.0 ± 138.1 ng/mL after hemolysis (P < 0.001). Treatment with anticoagulant nafamostat mesylate inhibited hemodialysis-induced increase in the levels of serum syndecan-1 in comparison to unfractionated heparin. Dialysis time and the change in concentration of syndecan-1 were positively correlated, whereas the amount of body fluid removed and changes in the concentration of syndecan-1 were not correlated. The reduction in amount of body fluid removed and dialysis time inhibited the change in of syndecan-1 levels before and after hemodialysis. In conclusion, quantitative assessment of the endothelial glycocalyx injury during hemodialysis can be done by measuring the concentration of serum syndecan-1 which may aid in the selection of appropriate anticoagulants, hemodialysis time, and the amount of body fluid removed.
Sox4 Regulates the Sensitivity of Canine Mammary Gland Tumor Cells to Cisplatin via the Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hu Mengxin , Huang Siqi , Xu Enshuang , Tong Danning , Jin Shengzi , Guan Tongxu , Liu Yun
Published: September 2021

Background: The development of cisplatin resistance is one of the major causes of breast cancer treatment failure, and is associated with changes in Sox4 gene expression. In this study, a cisplatin-resistant cell line, CHMpCIS, was constructed from the cell line CHMp, which was isolated from the primary lesion of a malignant canine mammary gland tumor (CMGT). Sox4 expression was evaluated to assess its roles in cisplatin sensitivity, proliferation and apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cell (CSC) features, and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in CMGT cells.Results: CHMpCIS Cells exhibited changes in morphology, slower proliferation, and greater anti-apoptotic ability, EMT and CSC features, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was activated in CHMpCIS cells. In CMGT tissues, Sox4 expression was elevated. In CHMpCIS cells, silencing Sox4 inhibited cisplatin resistance, EMT and CSC features, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation. Then activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway increased Sox4 expression levels.Conclusions: Silencing Sox4 inhibited the above-mentioned cancer cell characteristics in CHMpCIS cells compared with CHMp cells. In addition, activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway increased Sox4 expression levels, as part of a positive feedback loop. These findings may provide new targets and therapeutic strategies for the clinical treatment of CMGT as well as a reference for human mammary gland tumor (HMGT) research.
Fish Recognition Model for Fraud Prevention using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Monteiro Rhayane , Ribeiro Morgana , Viana Calebi , Moreira Mario Wedney de Lima , Araújo Glacio , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C.
Published: September 2021

Fraud, misidentification, and adulteration of food, whether unintentional or purposeful, are a worldwide and growing concern. Aquaculture and fisheries are recognized as one of the sectors most vulnerable to food fraud. Besides, a series of risks related to health and distrust between consumer and popular market that this sector develop an effective solution for fraud control. Species identification is an essential aspect to expose commercial fraud. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are one of the most powerful tools for image recognition and classification tasks. Thus, the objective of this study is to propose a model of recognition of fish species based on CNNs. The results obtained show an algorithm with an accuracy of 86%, providing an effective solution to prevent fish fraud.
A Tool-path Planning Method Used in Computer Controlled Optical Surfacing Based on Improved Prim Algorithm
Authors: Xie Yinhui , Yang Jinxing , Huang Weilong , Li Jun
Published: September 2021

In view of the disadvantages of existing planning methods used in CCOS techniques, such as low efficiency and workpieces contain obvious mid-frequency error after polishing, a new tool-path planning method based on improved Prim algorithm was proposed, of which the core idea was consist by following steps: surface data reading, mesh generation, distribution of resident points determining and polishing path generating. After that, comparison of raster path and the path based on improved Prim algorithm was carried out by simulated experiments from aspects of path length and polishing texture. The results indicated that the path based on improved Prim algorithm could shorten path length as well as increase polishing efficiency, moreover, both the texture and mid-frequency errors can be improved by using the path presented. It was concluded that the presented planning method could improve polishing efficiency and machining quality. Then, comparison between raster path and the path based on improved Prim algorithm was carried out by simulated experiments, from two sides of path length and polishing texture. The results indicated that the path based on improved Prim algorithm could shorten path length as well as increase polishing efficiency, moreover, both the texture and mid-frequency errors would be improved by using the presented path. Finally, the validity of presented planning method was proved in machining experiments.