bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International experience in organizing non-invasive prenatal testing
Authors:   Сity Clinical Hospital No 24, Moscow, Russian Federation, Olenev A.S. , Baranova E.E. ,   Russian Medical Academy of Сontinuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation,   Evogen LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, Sagaydak O.V. ,   Evogen LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, Galaktionova A.M. ,   Evogen LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, Belenikin M.S. ,   Evogen LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, Gnetetskaya V.A. ,   Evogen LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, Zobkova G.Yu. ,   Evogen LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kosova E.V. ,   Evogen LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, Makarova M.V. ,   Evogen LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, Songolova E.N. ,   L.A.Vorokhobov City Сlinical Hospital No 67, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Non-invasive prenatal testinging (NIPT) is a relatively new method aimed at detecting fetal chromosomal aneuploidies by analyzing extracellular fetoplacental DNA in the blood of a pregnant woman. NIPT has high sensitivity and specificity, and many professional communities now recommend its use as a screening method. Since its introduction into clinical practice in Hong Kong in 2011, NIPT has expanded rapidly around the world. The experience of various countries in organizing non-invasive prenatal testing is described in this article. Key words: NIPT, non-invasive prenatal testing, extracellular fetoplacental DNA, prenatal screening, prenatal diagnosis, invasive prenatal diagnosis, aneuploidy
Pathogenetic mechanisms causing abnormal inflammation in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosisassociated infertility and methods of its management
Authors:   People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation, Orazov M.R. , Volkova S.V. ,   People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation, Khamoshina M.B. ,   People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation, Soyunov M.A. ,   People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

This review aims to explore existing literature surrounding the pathogenic mechanisms causing inflammation in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis-associated infertility. We discuss morphological and functional changes in the eutopic endometrium in patients with endometriosis and infertility. We also cover endometrial receptivity defects and the vicious circle of endometrial inflammation in patients with external genital endometriosis associated with infertility. There is a description of treatment methods for estrogen-induced inflammation in the eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis-associated infertility. Key words: endometriosis, infertility, endometrium, dienogest
New double-sided self-locking suture technique for cesarean section
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Ishchenko A.I. , Murashko A.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Davydov A.I. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Sonich M.G. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Tarasenko Yu.N. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Ishchenko A.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Gorbenko O.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Trifonova N.S. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Borisova N.I. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Objective. To improve the technique for cesarean section and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications using selflocking surgical (anchor) sutures. Design and results. The study involved 86 patients who underwent cesarean delivery at the age from 18 to 40 years, similar in demographic parameters, somatic status, parity, pregnancy complications and the number of cesarean sections in history. Two groups of patients were allocated: the first (main) group – 46 women, in whom a double-sided single-row suture with a selflocking suture anchor without reverse tip was used to repair a wound on the uterus (patent RU2729747C1); the second (comparison group) – 40 women; a double-row suture to repair the uterine wound involving multifilament sutures was used. For a number of characteristics (the duration of operation, the duration of suturing of the uterus, the restoration of physical activity during the first day, the need for analgesics, the activity of reparative processes in the myometrium), the advantage of a singlerow suture anchor was noted. Conclusion. The developed method provides conditions for the activation of reparative processes in the myometrium and potentiates rapid rehabilitation of patients after surgery. However, further research is needed to introduce the method into widespread clinical practice. Key words: cesarean section, incompetent uterine scar, isthmocele, double-sided single-row suture, self-locking suture anchor
Twin anemia polycythemia sequence after fetoscopy: predictors of development
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Bugerenko A.E.
Published: April 2021

Objective. To identify predictors of post-fetoscopic twin anemia polycythemia sequence (pTAPS) after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) of placental anastomoses for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Patients and methods. The study included 195 patients who underwent FLP of anastomoses for TTTS during the period from 2010 to September 2019. A group of 13 pregnant women in whom pTAPS developed in the postoperative period was selected. Results. Out of 169 pregnancies lasting for more than 2 weeks after FLP of anastomoses, pTAPS developed in 13 (7.7%). It was revealed that FLP was performed before 20 weeks in 85% of those who developed pTAPS, while the average period in the group was 22.1 weeks. Localization of the placenta along the anterior wall of the uterus with pTAPS was observed 3 times more often than along the posterior wall, while in the rest of the operated patients this ratio was approximately 1:1. The number of anastomoses ranged from 3 to 11, most frequently – 5. Conclusion. With the development of pTAPS, there is a high probability of an unfavorable outcome. Localization of the placenta along the anterior wall of the uterus, localization of the anastomoses in the amniotic cavity of the donor twin are the factors that predispose to the development of pTAPS. The presence of 1–2 large AV anastomoses together with no more than 5 small anastomoses may serve as a probable predictor of the pTAPS development. Key words: multiple pregnancy, twin anemia polycythemia sequence, twin-twin transusion syndrome, fetoscopy
The role of fetal chromosomal aberrations in the genesis of recurrent and sporadic miscarriage
Authors:   Ural State Medical University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation, E.V.Kudryavtseva E.V.Kudryavtseva , V.V.Kovalev V.V.Kovalev ,   Ural State Medical University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation, I.I.Baranov I.I.Baranov ,   National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I.Kulakov, Moscow, Russian Federation, I.V.Kanivets I.V.Kanivets ,   “Genomed” LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, Yu.K.Kievskaya Yu.K.Kievskaya ,   “Genomed” LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation, S.A.Korostelev S.A.Korostelev ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, N.N.Potapov N.N.Potapov ,   City Clinical Hospital No 40, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Objective. To compare the frequency and nature of embryo/fetus chromosomal abnormalities (CA) in sporadic and recurrent pregnancy loss. Patients and methods. A retrospective cohort study that included 1000 patients with pregnancy loss at 6–12 weeks of gestation. The first group consisted of 681 patients who had their first sporadic miscarriage. The second group consisted of 319 patients who previously had a miscarriage. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of abortive material was performed. Results. In the first group, various chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo/fetus were detected in 378 (55.5%) samples, in the second group – in 203 (63.5%). The incidence of CA in patients with a history of miscarriage was higher than in sporadic miscarriage, the differences were statistically reliable (p = 0.015). No significant differences were found in the structure of CA. Autosomal trisomies and numerical abnormalities of sex chromosomes were most frequently detected. Conclusion. Chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo are a significant cause of miscarriage, both sporadic and recurrent. Genetic analysis of abortive material is an important component of the examination for choosing further management tactics for patients. CMA is an effective research method when conducting genetic analysis of conception products. Key words: pregnancy loss, preconception planning, recurrent miscarriage, chromosomal abnormalities, chromosomal microarray analysis
Assessment of the carotenoid pool using resonance Raman spectroscopy in pregnant women with preeclampsia
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Shavaeva R.Kh. , Kukushkin V.I. ,   Institute of Solid State Physics, RAS, Chernogolovka, Moscow region, Russian Federation, Artemyev D.N. ,   S.P.Korolev Samara National Research University, Samara, Russian Federation, Murashko A.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Sharapova O.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Zuev V.M. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Timofeev S.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Dzhibladze T.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2021

Objective. To assess the performance of resonance Raman spectroscopy in the evaluation of the carotenoid pool (antioxidants) in plasma of pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE). Patients and methods. We examined 60 pregnant women aged between 21 and 41 years, including 30 women with moderate PE, 18 women with severe PE, and 12 women with normal pregnancy. We used Raman spectroscopy to analyze serum specimens. Results. We evaluated diagnostic accuracy of Raman spectroscopy (as a method of express diagnostics) and measured normalized integrated Raman scattering intensity for carotenoids in women with moderate preeclampsia (5.0 ± 0.2), severe preeclampsia (6.1 ± 0.3) and normal pregnancy (10.1 ± 0.6). We also separated Raman luminescent spectra of plasma specimens obtained from patients in different groups: the accuracy of distinguishing between normal pregnancy and PE was 96%, while the accuracy of distinguishing between moderate PE and severe PE was 72%. Conclusion. Raman spectroscopy is a relatively simple, but highly effective method for rapid estimation of carotenoid levels in plasma of pregnant women with various grades of PE. Our findings suggest that Raman spectroscopy is a good method of preclinical diagnosis and prognosis of PE, particularly in women at high risk. Key words: carotenoids, discriminant analysis, preeclampsia, Raman spectroscopy, rapid diagnostics
Cluster analysis of clinical data on patients with chronic endometritis
Authors:   Perm State Medical University named after Academician E.A.Wagner, Perm, Russian Federation, Kobaidze E.G.
Published: April 2021

Chronic endometritis (CE) is one of the causes of impaired fertility, disorders of menstrual function, formation of pelvic pain, and for peri- and postmenopausal patients it serves as the background for the development of a number of proliferative diseases. Objective. Application of the method of cluster analysis of clinical data on patients with chronic endometritis. Patients and methods. The clinical data on 257 patients were analyzed according to a specially developed program. For feature clustering, distance measurement was performed by the Manhattan distance method (city-block distance) using Ward's algorithm. Results. The use of cluster analysis made it possible to group the clinical, anamnestic and laboratory features of CE and their distribution into homogeneous groups or clusters. Seven clusters were obtained. Conclusion. The widespread use of statistical analysis methods, in particular the use of clustering method, made it possible to demonstrate clinically significant combinations of disease features in a group of patients, the analysis of each cluster demonstrated a number of cause-effect relationships and allowed to evaluate the clinical and anamnestic data on CE patients from a different perspective. Key words: clustering, feature combinations, treatment, chronic endometritis
ALUR DAN KARAKTER DALAM NOVEL DEKAT DAN NYARING (2019) KARYA SABDA ARMANDIO
Authors: Christina Dita
Published: April 2021

Sabda Armandio dengan menggunakan kajian struktural. Permasalahan dalam penelitian ini adalah unsur-unsur dari fakta cerita yang meliputi: i) alur; ii) karakter; iii) hubungan alur dan karakter . Tujuan penelitian ini adalah: i) mendeskripsikan alur dalam novel Dekat dan Nyaring; ii) mendeskripsikan karakter dalam novel Dekat dan Nyaring; iii) mendeskripsikan hubungan alur dan karakter dalam novel Dekat dan Nyaring. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan struktural Robert Stanton. Objek material penelitian ini adalah novel Dekat dan Nyaring, sedangkan objek formal penelitian ini adalah unsur-unsur yang meliputi alur, karakter, serta hubungan alur dan karakter. Sumber data dalam penelitian ini adalah novel Dekat dan Nyaring karya Sabda Armandio. Data berupa teks naratif dalam novel Dekat dan Nyaring. Hasil penelitian terhadap novel Dekat dan Nyaring karya Sabda Armandio adalah: i) alur yang digunakan dalam novel Dekat dan Nyaring merupakan alur campuran; ii) karakter sentral dalam novel Dekat dan Nyaring yaitu Anak Baik, sedangkan karakter utamanya yaitu Edi dan Nisbi; iii) alur dan karakter saling berhubungan dan paling erat kaitannya dalam membangun keseimbangan cerita.
Urban-Rural Migration under the devolved governance system in Kenya: Subsequent implications for income and occupation
Authors: Okumu Evans Taabu , Moenga Joash
Published: April 2021

The study investigates the impact of urban-rural migration on income and occupation. The research aims to estimate the probabilities and significance of income and occupational change across different socio-economic characteristics and demographic profiles upon return to the rural areas from Nairobi city, particularly after the enactment of the 2013 Kenya devolution policy. The paper draws upon exploratory research using data comprising 69 interviews with the return migrants after they had established a stay in rural areas, two years subsequently after migrating from Nairobi city. By applying the empirical methods of probit regression model, the study finds that significant probability for income change varies across different socio-economic attributes and demographic profiles. Occupational change and associated probabilities are significantly determined by low education level, female gender, the old age, huge rural land size, and low migrant’s job-related expertise level. For both income and occupational change, rural land size more than 2.5 acres is a significant incentive for urban-rural migration; given the likelihood of return migrants shift to agriculture and in a long run establishes a robust source of income. This, after assigning other dummy variables, and setting the baseline at two years.
Effect of bank levy introduction on bank risk-taking
Authors: Puławska Karolina
Published: April 2021

Risk-taking by financial institutions is widely regarded as the one of the causes of the global financial crisis. To reduce the probability of crises and internalize the costs of financial institution distress, policymakers have introduced bank levies (BLs). In this study, we evaluate the effects of the Hungarian and German BLs on the risk-taking behavior of financial institutions. We compare two totally different BL designs. The results unambiguously demonstrate that a BL on assets has a negative impact on the financial sector’s stability. The results of analyzing the influence that introducing BLs has had on the German financial sector demonstrate that BLs on liabilities decrease credit risk. An improved understanding of the determinants of the risk of EU financial institutions is very important for regulators and supervisors interested in benchmarking and validation issues related to the new EU banking regulation.
Coal-to-Gas Bridge Incompatible with Paris Agreement Goals
Authors: Ganti Gaurav , Brecha Robert , Strefler Jessica , Uekcerdt Falko , Luderer Gunnar , Gidden Matthew
Published: April 2021

Achieving the 1.5°C temperature target of the Paris Agreement requires rapid and significant reductions in emissions. There is strong evidence that electricity generation from coal must rapidly decrease to achieve this goal, but a large range of uncertainty over a potential bridging role of natural gas in the electricity sector. Using the integrated assessment model REMIND, we find that pathways that meet the 1.5°C temperature target with low overshoot show a marked ‘off-ramp’ characteristic for natural gas rather than a bridge. Natural gas electricity generation in 2030 decreases to 12–15 EJ (from 23 EJ currently) due to policy action implied by carbon prices above 250 USD/t; low carbon electricity generation reaches a median share of 80% and nearly 100% by 2050. This is driven by early and sustained investment in low carbon sources and storage capacity. The lack of a natural gas bridge globally has regional implications such as a coal-to-renewable switch for China, avoiding an intermediate natural gas stage, and the start of a natural gas phaseout in the USA.
Comparative toxicity of trophic exposures to polybrominated compounds (2, 4, 6 - Tribromophenol and BDE-209) to Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Ribeiro Ciro A Oliveira , Bozza Dandie Antunes , Esqu Luise , Oliveira Elton Celton de , Neto Francisco Filipak
Published: April 2021

In the last decades, there has been an increase in demand for new polymers, including flame-retardants compounds, to meet fire prevention by international safety standards. The decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is a polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congener still in use worldwide. This compound presents lipophilic properties and so is easily bioaccumulated in the food chain. The 2, 4, 6 - Tribromophenol (TBP) is a PBDE metabolite also used as pesticide and flame-retardant for wood conservation. In the current study, the acute and chronic toxicity of BDE-209 and TBP was evaluated in Oreochromis niloticus through the analyses of redox unbalance, neurotoxicity and histopathological biomarkers after acute (24, 48, 72 and 96 h) and chronic (90 days) exposures to 0.5, 5 and 50 ng/g of the PBDEs. The results showed effects in GST activity and damage to biomolecules in both acute and chronic exposures. Histopathological findings were observed in the acute experiment, while hepatocyte lesions were found in both experiments. Only BDE-209 presented neurotoxic effects. The current study revealed new endpoints related with polybrominated compounds in fish, highlighting the needs to review the risk of exposure to biota and human populations.
Disrupted Dynamic Functional Connectivity in Distinguishing Subjective Cognitive Decline and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Based on the Triple-Network Model
Authors: Xue Chen , Qi Wenzhang , Yuan Qianqian , Hu Guanjie , Ge Honglin , Rao Jiang , Xiao Chaoyong , Chen Jiu
Published: April 2021

Aberrant static functional connectivity (FC) within the triple networks involving the default mode network (DMN), the salience network (SN), and the executive control network (ECN) was found in subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). However, dynamic FC (DFC) analysis within triple networks of SCD and aMCI was absent. We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 44 SCD, 49 aMCI, and 58 controls (HC). DFC analysis were used to analyze the DFC variability within the triple networks among three groups. Then the correlation analysis was conducted to reveal the relationship between the altered DFC variability within the triple networks and the declined cognitive function. Furthermore, the logistic regression analysis was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of altered DFC variability within the triple networks in SCD and aMCI. Compared to HC, SCD and aMCI both showed altered DFC variability within the triple networks. The DFC variability in the right middle temporal gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) within ECN were significantly different between SCD and aMCI. Moreover, the altered DFC variability in the left IFG within ECN was obviously associated with the decline in episodic memory and executive function. Lastly, the logistic regression analysis showed multivariable analysis had high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of SCD and aMCI. The altered DFC variability and triple-network model proved to be an important biomarker to diagnosis and identification of preclinical AD spectrum.
Centellosides in Centella Asiatica: Bioconversion (Ratios), Elite Lines, Biomarkers
Authors: Kunjumon Renju , Johnson Anil John , Kurup Rajani , Baby Sabulal
Published: April 2021

Centellosides viz., asiatic acid (ASA), madecassic acid (MDA), asiaticoside (ASI), madecassoside (MAD), are the major bioactive molecules in Centella asiatica (CA). In this study MDA:ASA, MAD:ASI (C6-hydroxylation versus non-hydroxylation) and ASI:ASA, MAD:MDA (C28-glycoside versus aglycone) ratios in 50 CA accessions originally collected from wild locations in south India and grown under identical ecological conditions for six generations were determined using validated HPTLC-densitometry protocol(s). ASA, MDA, ASI and MAD ranged from 0.01-0.29% (average 0.06 ± 0.08%, n = 22; 28 accessions recorded ASA content as zero), 0.02-0.72% (0.12 ± 0.13%), 0.04-2.41% (0.44 ± 0.52%) and 0.15%-5.27% (1.59 ± 1.26%, n = 50), respectively. Distinctly, C6-hydroxylated (MDA:ASA 4.00, MAD:ASI 3.61) and C28-glycosylated (ASI:ASA 7.33, MAD:MDA 13.25) centellosides dominated over the respective non-derivatized entities. Our results infer that both C6-hydroxylation by P450-dependent monooxygenases and C28-glycosylation by UDP-Glc glucosyltransferases (UGTs) are dominant biosynthetic steps in CA. This study also discovered six elite clones of CA from south India with their (ASI+MAD) contents above the industrial benchmark (≥ 4%). Two elite clones with ASI contents ≥ 2% were also identified. These elite lines can be multiplied and utilized for the industrial applications of CA. Besides, this study emphasizes the need for standardizing all four centellosides as biomarkers in CA raw drugs, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
Hyperthermia increases HSP production in human PDMCs by stimulating ROS formation, p38 MAPK and Akt signaling, and increasing HSF1 activity
Authors: Liu Ju-Fang , Chen PoChun , Ling Thai-Yen , Hou Chun-Han
Published: April 2021

BackgroundHuman placenta-derived multipotent cells (hPDMCs) are isolated from a source uncomplicated by ethical issues and are ideal for therapeutic applications because of their capacity for multilineage differentiation and proven immunosuppressive properties. It is known that heat-shock preconditioning induces the upregulation of heat-shock proteins (HSPs), which enhance survival and engraftment of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) during transplantation in live animal models, although whether heat-shock preconditioning has the same effects in hPDMCs is unclear. MethodsThe hPDMCs were isolated from placenta of healthy donors. The cells were treated with heat shock (43°C, 15 min), followed by evaluation of cell viability. Furthermore, the HSPs expression were assessed by Western blot, qPCR. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and signal pathway activation were determined by flow cytometry and Western blot, respectively. The regulatory pathways involved in HSPs expression were examined by pretreatment with chemical inhibitors, and siRNAs, and then investigating HSPs expression. ResultsThis study demonstrates that subjecting hPDMCs to heat shock treatment induced ROS generation and upregulated HSPs in hPDMCs. Heat shock stimulation also increased p38 MAPK and Akt phosphorylation. These effects were reduced by inhibitors of ROS, p38 MAPK and Akt. Moreover, we found that heat stress reduced levels of the transcription factor heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in the cytosol, but that heat shock enhanced HSF1 translocation from the cytosol to the cell nucleus. Pretreatment of hPDMCs with ROS scavengers, SB203580 and Akt inhibitors also reduced the translocation of HSF1 induced by heat shock. ConclusionsOur data indicate that heat shock acts via ROS to activate p38 MAPK and Akt signaling, which subsequently activates HSF1, leading to HSP activation and contributing to the protective role of hPDMCs.
Optical Performance of Tin Doped Indium Oxide (ITO) Thin Films Prepared By Sol Gel Dip Coating Techniques Using Acrylamide Route
Authors: Govindarajan Ramanathan , K.R Murali
Published: April 2021

At present various oxide of metal semiconductors play significant role in the field of electronics device. Most of the semiconductor devices exploit the special characteristics of the junction between a p-type and n-type semiconductor, these devices can be made extremely small in size and they are incredibly fast in their response. Generally metal have good reflectivity in the electromagnetic region of infrared and visible radiation. Indium oxide material doped with tin (ITO) are recently used in the substrate material for various applications, because of it has special properties are low resistivity and high optical transmittance in the visible region. In this paper, we prepare ITO films with different tin concentration (5%, 10%, 30%, 50% and 70%) using acrylamide sol gel dip coated method and its results were reported. TCO materials have good electrical conductivity and optical transparency, and also it has n-type semiconductor with a band gap between 3.5 and 4.3 eV. An X-ray study indicates all the prepared samples were bixbyte structure. Optical behaviour of materials can be understood in the near infrared and visible spectrum. Some optical parameters refractive index, extinction coefficient and dielectric constant of ITO films are calculated from the data received from the UV transmission studies. Using W-D model the dispersion of refractive index was calculated. The optical band gap, oscillator energy, dispersion energy and optical conductivity and N/m* ratio were estimated and this material is well suitable for dye sensitized solar cell and sensor application.
Wideband MR Echo Planar Imaging: A High Temporal/Spatial Resolution Neuro-architecture study of Rodent Brain
Authors: Cheng Po-Wei , Chiueh Tzi-Dar , Chen Jyh-Horng
Published: April 2021

Latest simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) methods greatly benefit MR efficiency for recent studies using parallel imaging technique. However, these methods are limited by the requirement of array coils. The proposed Coherent Wideband method, which employs an extended field of view to separate multiple excited slices, can be applied to any existing MRI instrument, even those without array coils. In this study, the Coherent Wideband echo-planar imaging method was implemented on 7T animal MRI to exhibit comprehensive enhancements in neuro-architecture, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional MR studies (fMRI). Under the same scan time, the time-saving effect can be manipulated to increase the number of averages for DTI SNR improvement, reducing fractional anisotropy difference by 56.9% (from 0.072 to 0.041) and the deviation angle by 64% (from 25.3⁰ to 16.2⁰). In summary, Coherent Wideband EPI will provide faster, higher resolution, thinner slice, or higher SNR imaging for precision neuro-architecture studies.
Comparative Study of Brain Ontogeny: Marsupials, Humans and Other Eutherians
Authors: Miguel Carmen De , Saniotis Arthur , Cieslik Agata , Henneberg Maciej
Published: April 2021

The human brain is commonly considered unique in its growth pattern, especially in its fast growth in early infancy. Consequently, many researchers were encouraged to find peculiarities in the human brain and development which differentiated it from the brains of other animals. In this paper, we argue that the pattern of human brain growth is not different from that of other mammals, both marsupials and eutherians. Thus, our study, challenges the notion of the uniqueness of the human brain and its development indicating that specifically human mental abilities are not a result of brain morphology or size. In order to test our hypothesis we studied the ontogeny of brain weight relative to body weight using pouch young sample of 43 koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus), 28 possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), and 36 tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) preserved in a solution of 10 % buffered formalin. We also analysed the growth of brain vs. body size in all eutherian species falling into this group (humans, rhesus monkeys, dogs, cats, rats and mice).
Cervical approach for retro-sternal goiter reaching the arch of aorta
Authors: Hafez Mohamed Tarek , Abdelmaksoud Mostafa M. , Awny Shadi , Jamjoom Alaa , Mashat Abdullah , Abdelwahab Khaled , ElMaadawy Merit
Published: April 2021

Background: Although the retrosternal goiters are characterized by the protrusion of at least 50% of the thyroid tissue below the level of the thoracic inlet, their definite definition is still controversial. Total thyroidectomy for retrosternal goiter has a great challenge and mostly requires an experienced thyroid surgeon. Excision could be possible through a cervical incision in most cases, though Sternotomy remains an option. Patients and Methods: We report fourteen patients who presented to our academic medical center between 2016 and 2019 with large thyroid goiters and retrosternal extension proven by computerized tomography scan of the neck, presented in both Mansoura University Oncology Center, Egypt and East Jeddah Hospital, Saudi Arabia from 2016 to 2019. Results: Fourteen cases with retrosternal goiter been undergone total thyroidectomy through a cervical incision without the need for median sternotomy, although the thoracic surgeon was stand-by in three cases. Six patients were found to have a malignancy in the post-operative histopathological assessment.CONCLUSION: Surgical procedures for most all retrosternal goiters can be completed successfully using a cervical approach; however, a sternotomy is required in a small number of such patients.
Identification of antigenic epitopes for Guertu virus nucleocapsid protein
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Yue Xihong , Shalitanati Alai , Moming Abulimiti , Shen Shu , Xu Wanxiang , Shi Shen , Ding Juntao , Deng Fei , Zhang Yujiang , Li Yijie , Sun Surong
Published: April 2021

Guertu virus (GTV), a novel tick-borne virus with potential pathogenicity, was first isolated from Dermacentor nuttalli in Xinjiang, China, in 2014. GTV has been shown to infect animal and human cell lines and to be pathogenic in mice. The viral nucleoprotein (NP) is the most conserved immunogenic protein. Elucidating the B-cell epitopes (BCEs) in the immunodominant region of the NP is important for the development of virus detection methods and vaccines. In order to identify the minimal motifs of linear BCEs in the NP of the GTV DXM strain, we used an improved biosynthetic peptide (BSP) method to truncate GTV NP into 30 16mer-peptides with 8 overlapping amino acid residues spanning the full length of the protein. The peptides were analyzed by western blot using rabbit anti-GTV NP polyclonal antiserum, and four positive 16mer-peptides were obtained. The 16mer-peptides were then truncated into 31 8mer-peptides with 7 overlapping amino acid residues and 10mer-peptides with 9 overlapping amino acid residues to screen for BCEs that can react with the rabbit anti-GTV NP polyclonal antiserum. The results showed that there were 6 minimal BCE motifs, namely, Enp1, 88EKYGLVER95; Enp2, 88EKYGLVER95; Enp3, 162TTKILMEA169; Enp4, 187GASKAEVY194; Enp5, 191AEVYNSFR198; and Enp6, 236ETAAAAYRNL245. Positive sheep sera could recognize all six BCEs with anti-GTV antibodies. The BCEs were aligned with the sequences of eight representative severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome phlebovirus strains from different countries and regions that were evolutionarily closely related to GTV. The sequence identity of the BCEs ranged from 80–100%, thus showing high conservation. The fine epitope mapping of GTV NP can be used to explore the biological and immunological properties of GTV NP antigens and serve as basic data for the development of multi-epitope detection reagents and vaccine design for GTV.
Anti-inflammatory components isolated from Atractylodes macrocephala in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and BV2 microglia
Authors: Jin Hong-Quang , Kim Kwan-Woo , Li Jing , Lee Dae Young , Yoon Dahye , Jeong Jin Tae , Kim Geum-Soog , Oh Hyuncheol , An Ren-Bo , Kim Youn-Chul
Published: April 2021

The phytochemical investigation on the methanol extract of the rhizomes of Atractylodes macrocephala resulted in the discovery of one new compound 9α-hydroxyatractylenolide (1) and 21 known compounds including atractylone (2), 3β-acetoxyatractylon (3), atractylenolide I (4), atractylenolide II (5), 8-epiasterolid (6), atractylenolide III (7), atractylenolide VII (8), 8-epiatractylenolide III (9), eudesm-4(15)-ene-7α,11-diol (10), linoleic acid (11), myristic acid (12), 3-O-caffeoyl-1-methyquinic acid (13), (2E,8E,10E)-tetradecatriene-4,6-diyne-1,14-diol (14), 14-aceroxy-12-senecioyloxytetradeca-2E,8Z,10E-trien-4,6-diyn-1-ol (15), isoscopoletin (16), caffeic acid (17), protocatechic acid (18), 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (19), 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (20), 1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (21), and nicotinic acid (22). Their structures were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopy, and by comparison with previously published data. Compounds 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10–22 significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages, and compounds 4, 5, 6, 16, and 17 showed those responses in BV2 microglial cells. Especially, compound 6 showed the second-best effect, and inhibited the LPS-induced production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and the production of cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in both cells. These inhibitory effects were mediated by the inactivation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway.
Integrate Exploration to Identify Radiosensitive Biomarkers in Genes in PD-L1 Expression and PD-1 Check Point Pathway in Cancer
Authors: Shen Junjie , Liu Jingfang , Li Huijun , Bai Lu , Geng Ruirui , Cao Jianping , Sun Peng , tang zaixiang
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Exploration to identify radiosensitive biomarkers in genes in PD-L1 expression and PD-1 check point pathway in cancer.
Methods and Materials:

Gene expression datasets and information were downloaded from TCGA. Stepwise multivariate Cox regression based on AIC was performed using stacking multiple interpolation data to identify radiosensitive (RS) genes.
Results

Among the 74 PD-1/PD-L1 pathway genes, we identified 10 RS genes in BRCA dataset, 11 RS genes in STAD dataset and 13 RS genes in HNSC dataset. These genes can be thought as independent factors to identify the sensitivity of cancer patients to radiotherapy. Gene CD274 was the common gene in the three tumor datasets. And gene ZAP70 was verified as a RS gene in the external validation. There were moderate co-expression relationships and interactions in these genes. Functional enrichment analysis showed that most of these genes were related to T cells.
Conclusions

Our study identified potential radiosensitive biomarkers of several main cancer types in an important tumor immune checkpoint pathway. New types of RS genes were identified based on expanded definition to radiosensitive genes. Different types of tumors may share some common carcinogenic mechanisms and may have same RS genes.
A Generic FPGA Implementation of the Fractional-Order Derivative and Its Application
Authors: Daixin Peng , Liangyu Peng , Xuefeng Zhang
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a generic FPGA implementation of the Grunwald-Letnikov definition of fractional-order derivative is presented, where the parameters are adjustable without changing the Verilog HDL code. Besides, there is no strict limit on the range of parameters and no need to pre-store coefficients to approximate the binomial coefficients. The memory length changes dynamically to reduce the number of calculation times. When the memory length becomes large, the advantages of this method will be more noticeable. Theoretically, it is a more generic FPGA algorithm not only suitable for the short memory principle, but also for the general Grunwald-Letnikov definition. In addition, a multi-scroll fractional-order NEW-SPROTT-41 system is designed by using a square family function. Its stability is simply analyzed, and the proposed FPGA implementation is applied to the proposed system. What’s more, the integrated logic analyzer(ILA) is used to capture internal signals of the FPGA without an oscilloscope. The experimental results are consistent with the numeric simulation results very well.
Blocking A1 astrocyte conversion with semaglutide attenuates blood-brain barrier disruption in mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liu Chang , Shi Rubing , Shan Huimin , Deng Lidong , Chen Tingting , Zhang Zhijun , Yang Guo-Yuan , Wang Yongting , Tang Yaohui
Published: April 2021

Background

Astrocytes play an essential role in the modulation of blood-brain barrier function. Neurological diseases induce astrocytes to transform into a neurotoxic A1 phenotype, thus exacerbating brain injury. However, the effect of A1 astrocyte on the function of BBB after stroke is unknown.
Method:

Adult male ICR mice (n = 78) were subjected to 90-minute transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Immunohistochemical staining of A1 (C3d) and A2 (S100A10) was performed to characterize phenotypic changes of astrocytes overtime after stroke. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist semaglutide was intraperitoneally injected into the mice to inhibit A1 astrocyte. Infarct volume, atrophy volume, neurobehavioral outcomes, and BBB permeability were examined. RNA-seq was adopted to explore the potential targets and signaling pathways of A1 astrocytes induced BBB dysfunction.
Results

Astrocytes assumed the A2 phenotype at the early stage of ischemic stroke but gradually transformed to the A1 phenotype. Semaglutide treatment reduced M1 microglia polarization and A1 astrocytes conversion after ischemic stroke (p < 0.05). Ischemia induced brain infarct volume, atrophy volume and neuroinflammation were reduced in the semaglutide treated mice. Neurobehavioral outcomes were improved compared to the control mice (p < 0.05). Further study demonstrated that semaglutide treatment reduced the gap formation of tight junction proteins ZO-1, claudin-5 and occludin, as well as IgG leakage following three days of ischemic stroke (p < 0.05). In vitro experiments revealed that A1 astrocyte-conditioned medium disrupted BBB integrity. RNA-seq further showed that A1 astrocytes were enriched in inflammatory factors and chemokines, as well as significantly modulating TNF and chemokine signaling pathways, which are closely related to barrier damage.
Conclusion

We concluded that astrocytes undergo a conversion from A2 phenotype to A1 phenotype overtime after ischemic stroke. A1 astrocytes aggravated BBB disruption, suggesting that block of A1 astrocytes conversion provides a novel strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Continental basalts track secular cooling of the mantle and the onset of modern plate tectonics
Authors: Chen Qian , Liu He , Johnson Tim , Hartnady Michael , Kirkland Christopher , Lu Yongjun , Sun Wei-Dong
Published: April 2021

The temperature of the convecting mantle exerts a first-order control on the tectonic behaviour of Earth’s lithosphere. Although the mantle has likely been cooling since the Archaean eon (4.0–2.5 billion years ago), how mantle temperature evolved thereafter is poorly understood. Here, we apply a statistical analysis to secular changes in the alkali index (A.I. = whole-rock (Na2O + K2O)2/(SiO2 – 38) as weight%) of intracontinental basalts globally to constrain the evolution of mantle potential temperature (Tp) over the past billion years. During the early Neoproterozoic, Tp remained relatively constant at ~1450 °C until the Cryogenian (720 to 635 million years ago), when mantle temperature dropped by ~50 °C over <180 million years. This remarkable episode of cooling records the onset of modern-style plate tectonics, which has been suggested to have been triggered by a dramatic increase in the supply of sediments to lubricate trenches during the thawing of the Snowball Earth.
Predicting the success rate of elective percutaneous coronary intervention for prior failure chronic total occlusion: a novel scoring
Authors: Li Wenzheng , Wu Zheng , Peng Hongyu , Zhao Donghui , Zhao Yejing , Zheng Ze , Tian Bing , Li Shiying , Cheng Shujuan , Liu Jinghua
Published: April 2021

Background: There is limited data on percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion (CTO) with previous failed attempt. The objective of this study is to investigate a risk score for prediction of successful percutaneous coronary intervention for prior failure CTO. Methods: Patients with previous attempt were enrolled in our study retrospectively from Jan. of 2016 to Dec. of 2019. All clinical and procedural data was collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate the predictors of technical success. Results: A total of 194 patients/CTO lesions were studied. The technical success rate was 66.0%. The multivariate logistic regression showed that occlusion length <20mm (OR= 2.94, 95% CI= 1.36±6.37, score= 1), non-calcification (OR= 2.93, 95% CI= 1.36±6.30, score=1), adequate distal landing zone (OR= 4.46, 95% CI= 2.06±9.66, score=1), Rentrop grade ≥2 (OR= 5.98, CI= 2.46±14.51, score =1), and retrograde approach as initial strategy (OR= 10.28, 95% CI= 3.58±29.50, score =2) was the predictor of re-attempt success of PCI. The technical success rate for a score from 0 to ≥4 was 0%, 17.9%, 46.2%, 77.8%, 93.3% respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the five predictors and integers was 0.837 and 0.832 respectively. Conclusions: The technical success rate for CTO PCI with previous failure was acceptable. Our score system can be used to predict the success rate of re-attempt CTO PCI.
RNA Binding Protein TAF15 Suppresses Toxicity in a Yeast Model of FUS Proteinopathy
Authors: Hayden Elliott , Kebe Aicha , Chen Shuzhen , Chumley Abagail , Xia Chenyi , Zhong Quan , Ju Shulin
Published: April 2021

Mutations in Fused in Sarcoma (FUS), an RNA binding protein that functions in multiple steps in gene expression regulation and RNA processing, are known to cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since this discovery, mutations in several other RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have also been linked to ALS. Some of these ALS-associated RBPs have been shown to colocalize with ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules such as stress granules and processing bodies (p-bodies). Characterization of ALS-associated proteins, their mis-localization, aggregation and toxicity in cellular and animal models have provided critical insights in disease. More and more evidence has emerged supporting a hypothesis that impaired clearance, inappropriate assembly, and dysregulation of RNP granules play a role in ALS. Through genome-scale overexpression screening of a yeast model of FUS toxicity, we found that TAF15, a human RBP with a similar protein domain structure and belonging to the same FET protein family as FUS, suppresses FUS toxicity. The suppressor effect of TAF15 is specific to FUS and not found in other yeast models of neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins. We showed that the RNA recognition motif (RRM) of TAF15 is required for its rescue of FUS toxicity. Furthermore, FUS and TAF15 physically interact, and the C-terminus of TAF15 is required for both the physical protein-protein interaction and its protection against FUS toxicity. Finally, while FUS induces and colocalizes with both stress granules and p-bodies, TAF15 only induces and colocalizes with p-bodies. Importantly, co-expression of FUS and TAF15 induces more p-bodies than individually expressing each gene alone, and FUS toxicity is exacerbated in yeast that is deficient in p-body formation. Overall, our findings suggest a role of p-body formation in the suppression of FUS toxicity by TAF15.
The Origin and Maintenance of Tuberculosis is Explained by Its Subclinical Course, the Neolithic Revolution Being the Trigger for Its Devastating Deadly Drift
Authors: Cardona Pere-Joan , Català Martí , Prats Clara
Published: April 2021

The origin of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection has recently been dated to the Middle Paleolithic; around 70,000 years before the common era (BCE). At that time Homo sapiens was just another primate living in reduced groups in balance with nature, with discrete growth and a very low-density geographic occupation. Therefore, it is difficult to understand the origin of a highly virulent obligate human pathogen. We have designed a new SEIR model (TBSpectr) that considers tuberculosis (TB) clinical spectrum, by including a protection factor (p). The model fits current accepted growth rates for Middle Paleolithic (0.003%/year) and Neolithic (0,1%/year). The data obtained links the origin of M. tuberculosis ancient lineages in the Middle Paleolithic to the induction of mild TB forms (Sputum negative), thanks to a high p factor that was further enhanced by evolution towards modern lineages. The poor health status linked to the unequal society existing after the Neolithic revolution increased the incidence of more severe forms of TB (Sputum positive). This data supports the origin of TB as a well-tolerated highly persistent infection which could coevolve towards mutualism, shows the difficulty of eradicating it and highlights the imperative of providing better health conditions to humans to avoid its severity.