bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capnodynamic monitoring of lung volume and blood flow in response to increased positive end-expiratory pressure in moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia: an observational study
Authors: Schulz Luis , Stewart Antony , O’Regan William , McCanny Peter , Austin Danielle , Hallback Magnus , Wallin Mats , Aneman Anders
Published: April 2022

Background. The optimal level of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 pneumonia remains debated and should ideally be guided by responses in both lung volume and perfusion. Capnodynamic monitoring allows both end-expiratory lung volume (EELVCO2) and effective pulmonary blood flow (EPBF) to be determined at the bedside with ongoing ventilation.Methods. Patients with COVID-19 related moderate to severe respiratory failure underwent capnodynamic monitoring of EELVCO2 and EPBF during a step increase in PEEP by 50% above the baseline (PEEPlow to PEEPhigh). The primary outcome was a >20 mm Hg increase in arterial oxygen tension to inspired fraction of oxygen (P/F) ratio to define responders vs. non-responders. Secondary outcomes included changes in physiological dead space and correlations with independently determined recruited lung volume and the recruitment to inflation ratio at an instantaneous, single breath decrease in PEEP. Group comparisons by an unpaired t-test for the mean difference and correlations by Pearson’s correlation coefficient are reported including the 95% confidence interval.Results. Of 27 patients studied, 15 responders increased the P/F ratio by 55 [24-86] mm Hg compared to 12 non-responders (p<0.01) as PEEPlow (11±2.7 cm H2O) was increased to PEEPhigh (18±3.0 cm H2O). The EELVCO2 was 461 [82-839] ml less in responders at PEEPlow (p=0.02) but not statistically different between groups at PEEPhigh. Responders increased both EELVCO2 and EPBF at PEEPhigh (r=0.56 [0.18 – 0.83], p=0.03). In contrast, non-responders demonstrated a negative correlation (r= -0.65 [-0.12 – -0.89], p=0.02) with increased lung volume associated with decreased pulmonary perfusion. Decreased (-0.06 [-0.02 – -0.09] %, p<0.01) dead space was observed in responders. The change in EELVCO2 correlated with both the recruited lung volume (r=0.85 [0.69-0.93], p<0.01) and the recruitment to inflation ratio (r=0.87 [0.74-0.94], p<0.01). Conclusions. In mechanically ventilated patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 respiratory failure, improved oxygenation in response to increased PEEP was associated with increased end-expiratory lung volume and pulmonary perfusion. The change in end-expiratory lung volume was positively correlated with the lung volume recruited and the recruitment-to-inflation ratio. This study demonstrates the feasibility of capnodynamic monitoring to assess physiological responses to PEEP at the bedside to facilitate an individualised setting of PEEP.Trial registration: NCT05082168 (18th October 2021)
Liver Cirrhosis: Correlation between Hepatic Fibrosis-associated Morphology and Four-Dimensional Portal Hemodynamics
Authors: Higaki Atsushi , Kanki Akihiko , Yamamoto Akira , Ueda Yu , Sanai Hiroyasu , Moriya Kazunori , Sotozono Hidemitsu , Tamada Tsutomu
Published: April 2022

Background & Aims:
The mechanisms underlying the morphological changes in liver cirrhosis remain unknown. We aimed to clarify the relationship between fibrotic hepatic morphology and portal hemodynamic changes using 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients who underwent 3-T magnetic resonance imaging for suspected liver disease. Liver fibrosis was classified into three groups (A = normal liver; B = mild-to-moderate fibrosis, and C = severe fibrosis). Quantitative indices were measured in the right and left portal vein (RPV and LPV, respectively) and compared using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests.
Results
Among 100 patients (69.1 ± 12.1 years; 59 men), 45, 35, and 20 were categorized into groups A, B, and C, respectively. The RPV area differed significantly among the groups (p < 0.001 to = 0.001), showing a gradual decrease with fibrosis progression. The RPV net flow also differed significantly between groups A and B and groups A and C (p < 0.001 ), showing a decrease at the early stage of fibrosis. In the LPV, the net flow differed significantly among the groups (p = 0.001–0.030), showing a gradual increase with fibrosis progression.
Conclusion
Fibrotic hepatic morphology is associated with blood flow in both the RPV and LPV.
Extensive responses of lake dynamics to climate change on northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Li Qingpeng , Liu Hairui , Xie Changwei , Wang Wu , Zhou Guanghao , Zhang Qi , Zhao Qinhao
Published: April 2022

The lakes on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) have undergone substantial changes. As intensive cryospheric components change, the response of the lake dynamics to climatic factors, glacier-snow melting, and permafrost thawing has been complex. Based on Landsat images, meteorological data, and glacier and permafrost data, the spatial-temporal changes in the lake area on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau between 1988 and 2019 were analyzed and the driving factors behind the lake changes were further explored. The results suggest that the regional lake area increased from 1988 to 2019 at rates of 0.01–16.03 km2/yr. It decreased during 1988–2000, quickly increased during 2000–2012, and rapidly increased during 2012–2019. The most significant lake expansion occurred in sub-region I, which is the source region of the Yangtze River Basin. There was a sharper increase during 2012–2019 than during 2000–2012 in sub-region II (the source region of the Yellow River Basin and the Qinghai Lake Basin) and sub-region III (the Qaidam Basin). The significant lake expansion occurred about 12 years earlier in sub-region I than in sub-regions II and III. This dramatic change in the lake area was closely associated with the annual precipitation, and precipitation was the primary driving factor. Although serious glacier retreat occurred, most of the lakes in the sub-regions were non-glacier-fed lakes. The correlation between glacier ablation and the change in the lake area was poor, which suggests that glacial meltwater was not the replenishment source of most of the lakes in this region. A more accelerated increase in the active layer thickness occurred (1.90 cm/yr), which was consistent with the more rapid lake expansion, and the permafrost degradation further intensified the lake expansion.
The relationships between microbiome diversity and epidemiology in domestic species of malaria-mediated mosquitoes of Korea
Authors: Lee Jeong-Hyeon , Kim Hyun-Woo , Mustafa Bilal , Lee Hee Il , Kwon Hyung Wook
Published: April 2022

Background: Microbiome in the mosquito plays an important role in their behavior and vector competence. The composition of their microbiome is strongly influenced by the environment, especially their habitat. Method: Using 16s rRNA Illumina sequencing, we here compare the microbial profiles in the adult female Anopheles sinensis from malaria hyperendemic and hypoendemic regions in the Republic of Korea. The microbiome analysis was performed using EzBioCloud and R software programs.Results: The major bacterial phylum was Proteobacteria. Most abundant microbiome of hyperendemic mosquito is from the genera Staphylococcus, Erwinia, Serratia, Pantoea. Especially, Pseudomonas synxantha group was prevalent in the hypoendemic area. The beta diversity analysis showed significant difference. The Cheorwon region (hyperendemic area 1) showed a specific microbiome profile among hyperendemic areas.Conclusion: This suggests that there may be a correlation between the microbiome profile and the incidence of malaria cases.
Seroprevalences against Paracoccidioides cetii; a causative agent for paracoccidiomycosis ceti (PCM-C) and Coccidioides posadasii; for coccidioidomycosis (CCM) in Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) stranded at Hokkaido, Japan.
Authors: Kanegae Hikaru , Sano Ayako , Okubo-Murata Michiko , Watanabe Arata , Tashiro Rentato , Eto Takeshi , Ueda Keiichi , Hossain Md. Amzad , Itano Eiko Nakagawa
Published: April 2022

Paracoccidiodomycosis ceti (PCM-C) is a zoonotic mycosis characterized by chronic granulomatous cutaneous lesions in cetaceans. It is distributed worldwide and is caused by an unculturable fungus; Paracoccidioides cetii. On the other hand, coccidioidomycosis (CCM), caused by Coccidioides spp., is also a zoonotic and highly pathogenic fungal infection endemic in both American continents. Even though the Far East is not an endemic area of CCM, an autochthonous case has been reported in China. Although the seroprevalence against P. cetii in captive dolphins was 61.0%, there is no information on wild dolphins living in cold waters. The present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence against P. cetii and C. posadasii in 15 Dall's porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli) and 11 harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded in Hokkaido, Japan. The seroprevalence against P. cetii in the above dolphins was 26.9% (7/26), which was recorded only in Dall's porpoises (7/15), and that against C. posadasii was 15.4% (4/26) in three Dall's porpoises and one harbor porpoise. The present study demonstrated positive seroprevalence against P. cetii and C. posadasii in wild cetaceans living in the subarctic areas of the Far East as the first records, and would issue the warning that lives in the area were exposed to the causative agent of CCM from seawater.
16 Years Follow-up Evaluation of Immediate vs Delayed vs Combined Hormonal Therapy on Fertility of Patients with Cryptorchidism: Results of a Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Bartoletti Riccardo , Pastore Antonio Luigi , Fabris Filippo Menchini , Vico Tommaso Di , Morganti Riccardo , Mogorovich Andrea , Morelli Girolamo , Peroni Diego , Salhi Yazan Al , Zucchi Alessandro
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND: To investigate in a longitudinal cohort study, the best treatment to preserve fertility in cryptorchid subjects. Patients treated with immediate hormonal vs delayed vs combined (hormone plus surgery) therapy consecutively enrolled during the period 1987-1997, were evaluated.METHODS: Two hundred fifty-five subjects were enrolled and 192 patients completed the follow-upt. One hundred fifty-six patients and 36 out 192 had monolateral and bilateral cryptorchidism, respectively. Twenty-nine out of 192 were previously treated by surgery alone (Group A), 93/192 by hormone therapy alone (Group B), 51/192 received sequential combined hormone therapy plus surgery (Group C) whilst 19/192 refused any type of treatment (Group D). The other 63 patients were considered lost to follow-up. All the patients underwent medical consultation, scrotal ultrasound scan, sperm analysis and Inhibin B, Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Testosterone (T) serum level determination. RESULTS: Testicular volume was found decreased in the Group D patients whilst hormone serum levels were comparable in all groups. Statistically significant differences for sperm characteristics were found in patients treated with hormonal therapy alone or combined with surgery (Groups B and C). These two groups reported better semen quality than patients who received surgery alone or no treatment. No differences were observed between monolateral and bilateral cryptorchidism patients.CONCLUSION: Early prolonged hormonal therapy is advisable in all patients with cryptorchidism independently from the surgical option of promoting testicular descent to the scrotum. Hormonal therapy provides in our study better chance to obtain adequate sperm quality in adult life.
Protein atlas of fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1)/S100A4
Authors: Fendt Bettina Marturet , Hirschmann Astrid , Bruns Malgorzata , Camarillo-Retamosa Eva , Ospelt Caroline , Vogetseder Alexander
Published: April 2022

Fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1/S100A4) is an intracellular calcium binding protein which has been linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tissue fibrosis, pulmonary vascular disease, metastatic tumour development, increased tumour cell motility and invasiveness. This protein is reported to be uniquely expressed in newly formed and differentiated fibroblasts and has been used in various studies to demonstrate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, S100A4 immunoreactivity does not solely fit the distribution and shape of fibroblasts; therefore, we aimed to characterize S100A4 positive cells in different human tissue compartments. We found S100A4 expression in a wide range of cells, including cells of haematopoietic lineage, namely CD4 and CD8 positive T-lymphocytes, but not B-lymphocytes. All investigated monocytes, macrophages and specialised histiocytes were positive for S100A4. Only a limited number of fibroblasts and most smooth muscle actin positive myofibroblasts expressed S100A4. Even some epithelial cells of the kidney and bladder were positive for S100A4. Expression was also found in the vasculature. Here, cells of the subendothelial space, tunica adventitia and some smooth muscle cells of the tunica media were positive for S100A4. Expression was also detected in the stroma of the prostate, adipocytes and in skeletal muscle. In summary, S100A4 is expressed in various cell types of different lineage. It is therefore not possible to equate the expression of this protein to fibroblasts. Hence, studies that used this marker as evidence of transition from epithelia to fibroblasts must be revisited.
The complete chloroplast genome sequences of Delavaya toxocarpa and Harpullia cupanioides (Dodonaeoideae, Sapindaceae)
Authors: Cao Limin , Wang Zhixin , Jiang Weimin , Cao Ming
Published: April 2022

The complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of Delavaya toxocarpa and Harpullia cupanioides were reported here. In D. toxocarpa, the total genome size was 161,325 bp in length, consisting of two IRs (26, 698 bp) separated by the LSC (88, 698 bp) and SSC (19, 231 bp) regions. The genome contained 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes respectively. The GC-content of the complete chloroplast genome was 37.5%. As to H. cupanioides, the complete chloroplast genome was 159, 776 bp in length, consisting of two IRs (26, 938 bp) separated by the LSC (87, 804 bp) and SSC (18, 096 bp) regions. The genome contained 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes respectively. The GC-content of the complete chloroplast genome was 37.8%. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that D. toxocarpa was closely related to Koelreuteria, and H. cupanioides was close with Dodonaea viscosa. This study will be useful for the phylogenetic position determination as well as future phylogenetic study of Delavaya toxocarpa and H. cupanioides.
Clinical application of next-generation sequencing-based monitoring of minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Mai Huirong , Li Qin , Wang Guobing , Wang Ying , Liu Shilin , Tang Xue , Chen Fen , Zhou Guichi , Liu Yi , Li Tonghui , Wang Lulu , Wang Chunyan , Wen Feiqiu , Liu Sixi
Published: April 2022

Background: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is an emerging technology that can comprehensively assess the diversity of the immune system. We explored the feasibility of NGS in detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) based on immunoglobulin and T cell receptor.Methods: Bone marrow samples were collected pre- and post-treatment with pediatric ALL admitted to Shenzhen Children's Hospital from February 1st, 2020 to January 31st, 2021. We analyzed the MRD detected by NGS, multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) and real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR), and analyzed risk factors of positive NGS-MRD at the end of B-ALL induction chemotherapy.Results: A total of paired 236 bone marrow samples were collected from 64 children with ALL (58 B-ALL and 6 T-ALL). The decrease in the clonal rearrangement frequency of IGH, IGK, and IGL was generally consistent after treatment. Positive MRD was detected in 57.5% (77/134) of B-ALL and 80% (12/15) of T-ALL by NGS after chemotherapy, which was higher than those detected by MFC and RQ-PCR. In B-ALL patients, MRD results detected by NGS were consistent with MFC（r = 0.708, p < 0.001）and RQ-PCR（r = 0.618, p < 0.001）. At the end of induction, NGS-MRD of 40.4% B-ALL was >0.01% and multivariate analysis indicated that ≧2 clonal rearrangement sequences before treatment were an independent factor of negative NGS-MRD. Conclusions: NGS is more sensitive than MFC and RQ-PCR for MRD measurement. B-ALL children with ≧2 clonal rearrangements detected by NGS before treatment are difficult to switch to negative MRD after chemotherapy.
Association between Genetic Risk Score and Tri-ponderal Mass Index Growth Trajectories among Different Dietary Consumption Adolescents in a Prospective Taiwanese Cohort
Authors: Wu Yi-Fan , Chien Kuo-Liong , Chen Yang-Ching
Published: April 2022

Background: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in various genetic loci are associated with childhood obesity; however, their influence on adolescent growth patterns has rarely been explored. This study investigated whether genetic variants could predict tri-ponderal mass index (TMI)-derived growth trajectories and the interaction between genetic and dietary factors.Methods: We conducted Taiwan Puberty Longitudinal Study, a prospective cohort that recruited 1,135 children since 2018. Anthropometric measurements were recorded every three months, while dietary nutrition assessment and biological sampling for genotyping were collected during the first visit. TMI growth trajectory groups were identified using growth mixture modeling. A multinomial logistic regression model for different growth trajectories was used to examine the effect of candidate SNPs, and the most related SNPs were used to establish the genetic risk score. We then explored the effect of the genetic risk score in subgroup analysis according to dietary calories and different dietary consumption patterns.Results: Three TMI-based growth trajectory groups were identified among adolescents. The “increased weight” trajectory group accounted for approximately 9.7% of the participants. FTO/rs7206790 was associated with the increased weight growth trajectory after adjusting for the baseline TMI and other correlated covariates (odds ratio: 2.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–4.21). We generated the genetic risk score by using 4 SNPs (FTO/rs7206790, ADCY9/rs2531995, TFAP2B/rs4715210, and TMEM18/rs6548238) and selected the threshold of 10 points to define risk categories. There were 11.66% and 3.24% of participants belonged to the increased weight trajectory in high- and low-risk groups, respectively; and the predictive ability of the genetic risk score was notable among low calories intake participants (odds ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-3.05 vs. odds ratio: 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 0.78-1.75 in high calories intake group).Conclusion: Our results offer a new perspective on the genetic and dietary basis of changes in adolescent obesity status. Individualized interventions for obesity prevention may be considered among high-risk children.
Assessment of learning a new skill using non-linear and spectral features of EEG
Authors: Goshvarpour Ateke , Jalaly Fateme
Published: April 2022

The goal of this paper was to assess the impact of learning a new skill on several electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements. In addition, it intended to examine the active brain regions associated with learning. To this effect, changes in brain activity pre- and post-learning task was investigated using EEG power spectral density (PSD) and nonlinear features. The evaluated task was learning to type using the Colemak keyboard layout in a twelve-lesson training. 10 participants with a mean age of 29.3 ± 5.7 were included in the experiment. For the first time, Fractal dimension, approximate entropy, and Lyapunov exponents were extracted from a 9-channel EEG signal to characterize brain dynamics. In addition, the PSD of various EEG rhythms was estimated. To identify statistically significant changes in the EEG characteristics, as well as to determine the prominent channels, the t-test was performed. Our results showed maximum EEG power in Beta and Gamma waves; however, the most differences in the power distribution belonged to the Beta band. Among non-linear features, entropy showed a significant difference in 70% of the EEG channels. This has mainly occurred in the F3, Fz, C3, Cz, POz, and P4 electrodes. Taken together, the results of this study pave the way to evaluate brain dynamics and actively involved areas pre- and post-learning tasks.
Effects of an enriched environment on the intestinal mucosal barrier and brain gut axis in colorectal cancer model rats
Authors: Liu Dun , Wu Xian-yi , Huang Si-ting , Yu Xin-yuan , Wu Yu-xuan
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Environmental enrichment (EE) involves introducing animals to novel, complex, and stimulating surroundings, which can protect the intestinal mucosal barrier and regulate brain–gut peptide expression. However, the effects of EE and a normal environment have not been compared in rats, and to what extent EE can protect the injured intestinal mucosal barrier is unknown. Herein, the effects of probiotics, EE, and joint intervention targeting the intestinal mucosal barrier and brain–gut axis were assessed in rats with colorectal cancer.Methods: Each rat was weighed, and rats were housed under four different conditions for 4 weeks: an enriched environment, colorectal cancer modeling, joint conditions and normal conditions. We used a rat model of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colorectal cancer. The intestinal mucosal and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, DAO, ATP, CRF, and occludin and bacterial translocation (BT) were measured, and the intestinal mucosal morphology was evaluated.Results: EE was beneficial for serum and intestinal mucosal cytokine, hypothalamic CRF, substance P, and occludin levels; villus length; and muscle thickness (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in villus width or BT between the enriched environment group and other groups (P>0.05).Conclusions: Colorectal cancer can damage the intestinal mucosa, but EE is conducive to protecting the intestinal mucosa in colorectal cancer and healthy conditions. EE is helpful in regulating brain–gut peptides. In future research, the effect of EE on the physical and biological barriers established by the intestinal mucosa and the mechanism of EE related to the intestinal mucosa should be explored.
HMSCs exosome-derived miR-199a-5p attenuates sulfur mustard-associated oxidative stress via the CAV1/NRF2 signaling pathway
Authors: Gong Chuchu , Xu Qingqiang , Zhang Xinkang , Mao Guanchao , Pei Zhipeng , Meng Wenqi , Cen Jinfeng , Gu Zhengyan , Liu Jihao , He Xiaowen , Sun Mingxue , Xiao Kai
Published: April 2022

Background: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a blister-producing chemical warfare agent which could lead to a cascade of systemic damage, especially severe acute lung injury. Oxidative stress is considered to be vital processes for the SM toxicity mechanism. We previously proved the therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells in promoting the repair of alveolar epithelial barrier and inhibiting apoptosis. However, the key functional components in exosomes and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elaborated. This research shed light on the function of the key components of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes. Results: We noted that HMSCs-Ex showed better antioxidant abilities to attenuate SM-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, it was identified that HMSCs-Ex-derived miR-199a-5p played the vital role in reducing pneumonocyte oxidative stress. We observed that the overexpression of miR-199a-5p in HMSCs-Ex exerted protective effects against SM-induced oxidative injury by activating the NRF2 signaling pathway. Moreover, it was confirmed that Caveolin1 (CAV1) was the target gene regulated by miR-199a-5p. MiR-199a-HMSCs-Ex reduced CAV1 expression, leading to the upregulation of NRF2 and the activation of the NRF2 antioxidant signal pathway.Conclusions: MiR-199a-5p was one of the key molecules in HMSCs-Ex that attenuated SM-associated oxidative stress via regulating CAV1/NRF2 signaling pathway.
Numerical modelling, parametric analysis and design of UHPFRC beams exposed to fire
Authors: Simwanda Lenganji , Kahanji Charles , Ali Faris
Published: April 2022

A non-linear sequentially-coupled thermal-mechanical finite element (FE) paradigm that reasonably tracks the coupled fire-structure response of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) beams subjected to the ISO 834 fire is established and presented. A fire resistance parameter study is conducted on UHPFRC beams via the developed FE paradigm, and then flexural based fire-structural assessment is demonstrated, as an avenue to substantiate the viability of numerical performance-based structural fire design The parameter study considered two variables, notably heating mechanism and load levels. Comparison of results revealed that the fire-structure response was more severe under the hydrocarbon than the ISO834 heating mechanism and hydrocarbon fire resistance ratings estimation were found to be 30 minutes lower than those determined using the ISO 834 fire. Predicted failure of the beams under the ISO 834 and hydrocarbon fires was observed at load ratios exceeding 0.6 and 0.4, respectively. By reposing on ACI544’s analytical model for UHPFRC beams in flexure, and numerically acquired heat-transfer response, the time-variant reduced nominal moment capacities of UHPFRC beams were computed. Failure predicted via computed residual moment capacities was somewhat consistent with that reckoned by load ratio parameter study.
The emerging role of anti-PD-1 antibody-based regimen in the treatment of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Yanxia He , Gao Yan , ping Liqin , He Haixia , Huang Cheng , Bai Bing , Wang Xiaoxiao , Li Zhi-Ming , Cai Qingqing , Huang Yuhua , Pan Xueyi , Zeng Wenbin , liu Yanan , Huang Huiqiang
Published: April 2022

Purpose
Anti-PD-1 antibody (anti-PD-1 mAb) showed favourable outcomes in some patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). However, the role of anti-PD-1 antibody in NK/T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (NK/T-LAHS) remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of anti-PD-1 antibody-based treatment in patients with NK/T-LAHS.
Methods
The clinical data of 98 NK/T-LAHS patients diagnosed with NK/T-LAHS at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University from May 2014 to November 2021were retrospectively analysed. All patients received anti-HLH (HLH-2004 [etoposide, dexamethasone, cyclosporine A] or DEP-based [liposomal doxorubicin, etoposide, methylprednisolone]) regimen and sequential anti-ENKTL chemotherapy (ChT) plus anti-PD-1 antibody or not.
Results
The overall response rate (ORR) of the anti-PD-1 mAb plus ChT regimens was higher than that of the ChT regimens (73.3% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.041). The toxicity of the anti-PD-1 mAb plus ChT regimens was tolerable. Except for higher rates of neutropenia, no significant difference in adverse events (AEs) was observed between the two groups. When the best ORR of anti-ENKTL was achieved, the median EBV DNA levels in patients who received anti-PD-1 mAb plus ChT were significantly lower than patients who received ChT only (878 copies/ml vs. 18600 copies/ml, P = 0.001). With a median follow-up of 26.6 months (range, 0-65.9 months), the median overall survival (mOS) was 3.5 months (95% CI: 2.3–4.7 months). Patients treated with anti-PD-1 mAb plus ChT experienced a longer mOS than those who received ChT only (5.2 months [95% CI: 2.5–7.8 months] vs. 1.5 months [95% CI: 0.5–2.6 months], P = 0.002). Cox multivariate analysis found that anti-PD-1 mAb was an independent prognostic factor for all NK/T-LAHS patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, anti-PD-1 mAb combined with ChT regimens seemed to be associated with prolonged survival in NK/T-LAHS patients and may represent a potentially promising treatment strategy for this population.
Meta-Topolin mediated in vitro propagation in an ornamentally important crop Iris × hollandica Tub. cv. Professor Blaauw and genetic fidelity studies using SCOT markers
Authors: Verma Vipasha , Kumar Akhil , Chaudhary Priti , Chauhan Seema , Thakur Meenakshi , Bhargava Bhavya
Published: April 2022

Dutch Iris is a commercially important bulbous ornamental crop. Its high demand in global floriculture market necessitates the production of high-quality planting material. In the present investigation, the significance of meta-topolin (mT), a novel aromatic cytokinin, was studied on in vitro morphogenesis of Iris × hollandica Tub. cv. Professor Blaauw (Dutch Iris). Cytokinin mT (1.0 mg L− 1) as a better substitute to BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) and Kn (Kinetin), has resulted in maximum shoot induction response (86.11 per cent) and increased emergence of micro shoots (4.95 shoots/explant with average shoot length of 5.65 cm) from twin scale explants. Photoperiod also affected the shoot induction, wherein initial 1-week (w) dark incubation significantly increased shoot induction response (94.44 per cent). Both meta-topolin and initial 1w dark incubation resulted in improved quality of regenerated shoots by reducing the incidence of necrosis and preventing vitrification. The collective consequence of cytokinin-auxin (1.0 mg L− 1 mT + 0.25 mg L− 1 NAA) showed considerably higher number of shoots (17.53) with mean shoot length (6.90 cm) and maximum number of bulbets (2.74). Positive effect of increased sucrose concentration (90 g L1) and paclobutrazol (5 mg L1) on in vitro bulblet formation and bulblet size was also observed. The superiority of mT over BAP was also found during in vitro rhizogenesis. Shoots derived from mT medium were healthy and long enough, thus showed better rooting response (63.3 %) on ½ MS medium + 0.5 mg L− 1 IAA after 4 weeks. The mT raised plantlets were acclimatized in a greenhouse and showed 89.6 % survival under ex vitro conditions The clonal fidelity of the in vitro regenerated plants was evaluated using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers. Out of 36 primers, 13 primers showed clearly scorable monomorphic bands, thus displaying genetic uniformity among in vitro regenerated plantlets. This meta-topolin mediated protocol can be routinely used for the rapid large scale production of this valuable floriculture crop.
On sustainable self-curing self-compacting concrete using polyethylene glycol and manufactured sand
Authors: Bhojaraju Chandrasekhar , Balasubramanya Manjunath , Mousavi Seyed Sina , Bhagithimar Yajnheswaran
Published: April 2022

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is commonly used when compaction is challenging, requiring special attention towards curing. Conventional curing techniques often fail in practice. Water evaporation is often reduced even when precise control measures are taken, but surface water on vertical structure elements remains a problem. To address these challenges, this study intends to determine the possibility of achieving self-curing self-compacting concrete (SCSCC). As curing agent plays a significant role in producing SCSCC, this study concentrates on assessing the impact of polyethylene glycol (PEG) addition at different rates of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% on the fresh, hardened, durability characteristics. Moreover, to improve the sustainability properties of SCSCC, manufactured sand (M-sand) obtained from rock crushing operations is used as a replacement for river sand. Generally, results indicate that using superplasticizer and M-sand is sufficient for achieving the required flowability for SCC mixtures without using specific fillers, promptly controlling bleeding and segregation, and maintaining the necessary compressive strength at all ages. The hardened properties of SCSCC were improved by increasing PEG content up to 1.5% with an optimal range of 0.5% superplasticizer. Also, results show that self-cured specimen cured with PEG has greater acid resistance as compared to the conventionally cured one.
Association between Nocturnal Enuresis and Decreased Body Height in Chinese School Children
Authors: Ma Jun , Mao Yi , Zhong Shaogen , Zhang Anyi , Zheng Xiangyu , Li Shenghui , Jin Xingming
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Nocturnal enuresis (NE) occurs in 4-18% of children aged ≥5 years, and is associated with sleep disorders, behavioral problems and impaired intellectual development. Whether NE is associated with delayed physical development remains unknown. The present work aimed to assess NE’s association with height in children. Methods: The current cross-sectional trial utilized data generated in a large-sample sleep survey. The final analysis included 21,258 children. Demographic and clinical data, including the frequency of bed-wetting, height and weight, were extracted from the database. Multivariate linear regression analysis, after adjustment for sex, age, ethnicity, sleep time, activity level, method of delivery and maternal age, was carried out to analyze the difference in height between children with NE and healthy controls for various age groups (5–6, 7–8, 9–10 and 11–12 years old). Factors independently predicting NE were identified by multivariable analysis. Results: The NE group had reduced height, higher proportion of males, lower activity level, lower household income and greater use of light during sleep in comparison with the control group. Height difference between NE cases and healthy controls increased with age, reaching 2-3 cm at 11-12 years of age, and was greater in girls than in boys aged up to 10 years. Conclusions: The negative effect of NE on children's height increases with age and is more pronounced in girls than in boys. Early treatment of NE might limit its detrimental effects on children's growth.
Investigation of Synthesis of Biogenic Hematite Nanocubes for environmental Assessment and its innovative Applications associated with Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant activity
Authors: Das Debasmita , Ali Selim , Rajbanshi Biplab , Ray Samapika , Barman Sanjoy , Chouhan Divya , Haydar Salman , Mandal Palash , Roy Kanak , Roy Mahendra
Published: April 2022

Nanotechnology is a remarkable platform for water treatment and mitigation from microorganisms and organic dyes when compared to traditional treatment methods. This research work provides the solution to water pollution by magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) through a Fenton-like reaction at neutral pH and also the reusability of wastewater for wheat seeds growth. Benchmarking of obtained results revealed that the synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles (IONPs) degrade methylene blue (MB) dye only in 10 min (k1= 0.3387 min-1, R2 = 0.97 using Langmuir-Hinshelwood model and optimum conditions: 20 mM H2O2, pH 7, 0.22 g/L nanocatalyst, MB=10 mg/L) under dark condition. Fruit industry byproducts can be served as a reliable source of green capping and reducing agents for the synthesis of bio-inspired NPs. So, this unique study reports the synthesis of Fe2O3 NPs from lemon peel extract (LPE). The bio-inspired nanoparticles were characterized by Dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Zeta potential, and X-ray diffractometry (XRD).FESEM images clearly claimed for cubical nanostructure ranges from 40-70 nm, which is further confessed by XRD analysis (42 nm). DLS and Zeta potential described the stability of NPs. FTIR spectroscopy describes the interaction of NPs with different organic compounds of LPE. Antibacterial activity was investigated against gram-positive (Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium) aerobics, gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus aureus) and antifungal activity were performed against Fusarium solani. Biosynthesized NPs show dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity with DPPH.
Tribological Behaviour Study of Zirconia Toughened Alumina Bio-inert Biomaterial Used in Total Hip Joint Implant
Authors: V SHARANRAJ , Ramesha C. M. , Kumar T. Anil , S Abhilash , Kumar Vasantha , R Chandan B , M Sadashiva
Published: April 2022

Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) is an advanced ceramic bio-inert biomaterial comprising of 80% Alumina and 20% Yttria stabilised Zirconia. These bio-inert biomaterial is used in the field of medical applications specifically in total hip joint due to its unique characteristics of minimum interaction with surrounding tissue and good compatibility. This paper presents the Triboligical behaviour or Wear behaviour of ZTA pin and ZTA Plate when subjected to wear test. Ducom Linear Reciprocating Tribometer was used for testing the wear in ZTA Pin and ZTA Plate specimens. The test results confirmed that the average wear rate of ZTA pin and ZTA plate specimen was minimum as 6.2498x10-9 g/Nm. The coefficient of friction of ZTA pin on ZTA plate was found to be 0.333, frictional force was found to be 6.666 N and operating temperature was 37 ± 0.2o C. The above parameters were within the admissible limits as per ASTM standards used for implant material. Hence Zirconia toughened Alumina Bio-inert material is agood candidate implant biomaterial for Total hip joint replacement and other medical applications.
Identification and Analysis of the Cultural Landscape in an Eco-cultural Protection Area: A Case Study in Yunnan Diqing
Authors: Jianming ZHOU , Junyi SU , Lingxiao MAO , Yining SUN
Published: April 2022

Background:As a relatively complete system, the eco-cultural protection areas (ECPAs) contain material and intangible cultural heritage. At present, most of the domestic research on the construction and development of the eco-cultural protection areas is still in its initial stages, and the identification and analysis techniques for the cultural landscapes still need to be practiced and explored. Aim:The purpose of this study is to establish a reasonable analysis method and system for identifying the cultural landscape in the cultural-ecological reserves and to provide a basis for the scientific protection of the cultural ecological reserves. Method:The method that was implemented in this study is based on the landscape’s ecological security pattern of the related theory according to the preset area of the various ecological factors that were identified in an ecologically sensitive area and cultural-ecological reserve. This allows for finding the important ecological plaques and important ecological corridors, thus obtaining the spatial characteristics of the cultural ecological reserve and the stability of the cultural ecological reserve. This study was performed on the Yunnan Diqing’s national and cultural-ecological reserve. Result:This paper summarizes the spatial characteristics of diqing cultural ecology, and establishes the regional national cultural ecological protection zone.Conclusion:The cultural landscape identification and analysis method that was used in this study successfully determined the spatial characteristics and the stability of the cultural ecological reserves. These results provide a significant advantage for resource protection and sustainable development of the cultural ecological reserves.
Quality of life and functional outcome after lumbar disc herniation surgery
Authors: Mahmoodkhani Mehdi , Moradi Zeinab , Aminmansour Bahram , Tehrani Donya Sheibani , Teimouri Mehdi
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Low back pain is one of the most common diseases that the general population of adults faces various physical, mental, economic and social problems. Patients underwent lumbar disc surgery. Due to the fact that patients experience various degrees of disability during this period, the present study was conducted to determine the Quality of life and functional outcome in patients with lumbar disc herniation undergoing Lumbar disc surgery with foraminotomy approach. Method: This study was a descriptive study before and after the intervention. The study population included patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery who referred to Kashani Educational-Medical Center in Isfahan in 2021 who were included in the study by census. 120 people were included in the study by census method. They were followed up for one year. Three months after surgery, 116 patients, six months later, 112 patients, and one year later, 104 patients remained in the study. Patients were assessed preoperatively,3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively by standard questionnaires:SF12, Austrian Functional Disability Questionnaire, European Quality of Life Questionnaire and DASS. the date were analyzed in SPSS22. Result: all physical and mental dimensions of quality of life, except for three mental dimensions (SF, RE, MH) before surgery and 12 months after surgery were significantly different (P < 0.05). The preoperative and 12 months postoperative functional incapacity index showed a significant difference. The EQ-5D index improved after 12 months and was significantly different from before surgery(P < 0.05). depression and anxiety after 12 months did not show a significant difference compared to before surgery (P < 0.05). the results revealed that there was a significant relationship between ODI and body mass index (P = 0.002), and age (P = 0.01), as well as between depression and gender (P = 0.003). The individuals at older ages and with higher body mass index (overweight and obese) showed higher degrees of disability. Women showed more incidence of depression compared to men. Conclusion: According to the present study results, it can be stated that in today's world, the physical aspects and physical ability of patients cannot solely reflect improvement of disease status in patients.
Roost characteristics and seasonal variation in population of Scotophilus kuhlii (Leach, 1821) in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Bhartiy Shani Kumar , Elangovan Vadamalai
Published: April 2022

The Scotophilus kuhlii inhabits in the various roosts structure including crevices, roofs of abandoned buildings, houses, tree holes. The aim of this study was the seasonal variation in population and how the factors influence of roost selection of S. kuhlii at different seasons as well as different habitats in Uttar Pradesh, India, was done by survey method from 2015 to 2018. Results revealed that the S. kuhlii’s population fluctuates over the season and habitats, which was ranging from one to nine individuals per roost, such as the average roost occupancy was higher in monuments (4.36 ± 2.19 individual) compared abandoned buildings (4.08 ± 2.03) and tree holes (2.64 ± 2.11). Length of roost cavities and roost surface area was crucial factors for roost selection of S. kuhlii, i.e. roost population size is directly proportional to roost surface area and length cavities. Thus, the degree of protection supported the claim that the high protection habitat could yield a maximum roost population size accordingly; the monuments showed a high degree of protection and thus a maximum colony size was observed followed by abandoned buildings and tree holes. In winter S. kuhlii was shifting toward a deeper hole/cavity into roost and in summer toward periphery. We conclude that roost characteristics and roost occupancy influence the roost selection of S. kuhlii.
Evaluation of the Role of Spatial Composition and Configuration of Urban Green Spaces in Air Pollution Reduction: A Landscape Ecology Approach
Authors: Hatami Maryam , Sotoudeh Ahad , Mokhtari Mohammad Hossein , Kiani Bahman
Published: April 2022

Installment of urban green spaces brings about numerous advantages including reduction in low air pollution and elimination of adverse effects, which ensure the sustainability of urban ecosystems and the high quality of urban life. Urban natural unit function depends on spatial composition and configuration of green space patches. The main objective of this study is to investigate the impacts of spatial composition and configuration of green patches on the air pollution in Mashhad, Iran. To this end, Landsat 8 images were used to produce land cover maps. Considering seven landscape metrics (including PLAND, PARA, GYRATE, ENN, PD, AREA, and CONTAG), this study determined the composition and configuration of green space patches using FRAGSTATS software. The data obtained from the air pollution monitoring stations were employed to find the correlation between the composition and configuration of green space patches and air pollutants (namely, SO_2, CO، NO, NO_2, NO_X, and PM_2.5). Results showed a significant correlation between the composition and configuration of urban green space patches and SO_2, CO, NO, NO_2, NO_X, and PM_2.5 values.
Mechanical and acoustic properties of ceramsite sound absorbing boards with gradient structure
Authors: Tang Zhuo , Yang Kai , Long Guangcheng , Pan Xiaoyan , Su Weiqing , Xie Youjun
Published: April 2022

In this work, ceramsite was utilized to fabricate the sound-absorbing boards, in which two types of structure were considered, specifically, single-layer board with homogenous structure and double-layer board with gradient structure. The mechanical and acoustic properties of these prepared ceramsite sound absorbing boards were studied, including the bulk density, compressive strength, flexural strength, softening coefficient, sound absorption coefficient and sound reduction index. The results show that the double-layer board with the appropriate mix proportion exhibited the almost identical bulk density and mechanical strength to the single-layer board. All ceramsite sound absorbing boards had compressive and flexural strengths of more than 3MPa and 1MPa, respectively, and also demonstrated good water resistance. In terms of sound absorption and sound insulation properties, the overall performance of the double-layer board with reasonable gradient structure was better than that of the single-layer board. In addition, the physical structure models of ceramsite sound absorbing boards were established to illustrate the variation of mechanical properties and explore the mechanism of sound absorption and insulation in the material.
Pedunculated Lipofibroma in a pediatric patient.
Authors: Ahamad Mohammad Nafees , Sultana Guljabin
Published: April 2022

Pedunculated lipofibroma is a rare form of nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis (NLCS). The lesions are large, slow-growing, pedunculated tumors, characterized histologically by ectopic adipose tissue in the dermis. A 9-year-old girl presented with a solitary painless cerebriform pedunculated mass over her right arm. Histopathological examination of the excised mass revealed lipofibroma. The solitary type of NLCS, or pedunculated lipofibroma, occurs usually over 20 years of age and is found on the axilla, knee, ear, or skin of the scalp. The striking finding, that the hamartoma had grown constantly in early life, from a small nodule to a large mass, is rare in pediatric age group so it’s been presented.
A study of Artificial Neural Network and its implementation from scratch
Authors: Kushawaha Nilay , Roy Ankhi
Published: April 2022

One of the major problems in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) is the use of machine learning model as a black box, even though it might be helpful in a few cases but understanding the internal structure and the operating mechanism will assist the user to tweak the variables in a more efficient and productive manner. In this paper we have introduced the working of an artificial neural network (ANN) by taking the example of a three layered neural network. The entire mathematics behind the working of neural network along with the different evaluation metrics required to assess the performance of the model are discussed in this paper. We have also created a custom neural network from scratch and compared it with the keras based model on three different datasets - susy dataset, cardiovascular dataset, churn dataset. The results obtained demonstrates that the overall performance of both the models are almost identical which gives an idea that it is possible to train a neural network from scratch without the use of any framework.