bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
As percepções de professores supervisores e alunos bolsistas do PIBID sobre a introdução do pensamento computacional por meio de atividades desplugadas
Authors: Gabillaud Hadassa de Oliveira Gomes , Nantes Eliza Adriana Sheuer
Published: October 2021

Este trabalho objetivou verificar as percepções dos participantes da pesquisa quanto à viabilidade e o nível de dificuldade encontrado em relação à introdução do pensamento computacional (PC) na educação básica, por meio da realização de atividades desplugadas. Para isso, os participantes da pesquisa, alunos de Pedagogia, bolsistas do programa PIBID, e as professoras supervisoras, receberam uma capacitação sobre os pilares do pensamento computacional (decomposição, reconhecimento de padrões, abstração e algoritmos) e além disso realizaram cinco atividades desplugadas que posteriormente poderiam aplicá-las junto aos alunos das escolas em que atuam. Metodologicamente, procedeu-se a uma pesquisa qualitativa, baseada na coleta de dados por meio do instrumento questionário, em consonância com aspectos metodológicos da Análise de Conteúdo proposta por (Bardin, 2016). A (BNCC) Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BRASIL, 2017), prevê o uso dos conceitos do PC para auxiliar os processos de resolução de problemas, o que demonstra a importância do presente estudo. A presente pesquisa, contribui para a formação docente ao subsidiar a prática metodológica do professor supervisor e do licenciando bolsista PIBID. O resultado da aplicação das atividades realizadas pelas professoras supervisoras, com o auxílio dos bolsistas, apontou para a efetividade do trabalho com o PC na escola.
Characterizing Effects of Ingredients Differing in Ruminally Degradable Protein and Fiber Supplies on the Ovine Rumen Microbiome Using Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Gleason Claire B. , Settlage Robert E. , Beckett Linda M. , White Robin R.
Published: October 2021

The ratio of concentrate to forage within diets is known to alter rumen microbial profiles, but comparatively less information is available on the effect of differing sources of individual nutrients on the microbiome. The objective of this study was to investigate rumen microbial responses to diets composed of protein and fiber sources expected to vary in nutrient degradability. The responses of interest included relative abundances of bacterial taxa as well as estimations of community richness and diversity. Ten ruminally cannulated wethers (Suffolk, Dorset, or Suffolk × Dorset) received four diet treatments consisting of either beet pulp or timothy hay and soybean meal (SBM) or heat-treated soybean meal (HSBM) in a partially replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experiment for 21 days. Timothy hay and beet pulp were expected to provide differing rumen degradabilities of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) while the soybean meals were expected to provide differing rumen degradabilities of crude protein (CP). Solid and liquid samples of rumen contents were collected for microbial DNA isolation and Next-Generation sequencing. Numerous rumen bacterial population shifts were observed due to change in fiber source, with increased abundances (P < 0.05) of fibrolytic populations associated with timothy hay diets compared with beet pulp diets. Conversely, populations of the pectin-degrading genera, Treponema and Lachnospira, increased on the beet pulp treatment (P = 0.015 and P = 0.0049, respectively). Limited impact on bacterial taxa was observed between diets differing in protein source. The Paraprevotellaceae genus YRC22 was observed to increase in abundance on HSBM diets (P = 0.023) and the phylum Spirochaetes tended to be more abundant on SBM than HSBM diets (P = 0.071). Beet pulp decreased rumen bacterial diversity (P = 0.0027) and tended to decrease bacterial species richness (P = 0.051) compared to timothy hay. Our results serve to further underscore the sensitivity of rumen microbes to changes in their preferred substrates, particularly of those associated with fiber degradation.
A Machine Learning Approach to Investigate the Uncertainty of Tissue-Level Injury Metrics for Cerebral Contusion
Authors: Menichetti Andrea , Bartsoen Laura , Depreitere Bart , Vander Sloten Jos , Famaey Nele
Published: October 2021

Controlled cortical impact (CCI) on porcine brain is often utilized to investigate the pathophysiology and functional outcome of focal traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as cerebral contusion (CC). Using a finite element (FE) model of the porcine brain, the localized brain strain and strain rate resulting from CCI can be computed and compared to the experimentally assessed cortical lesion. This way, tissue-level injury metrics and corresponding thresholds specific for CC can be established. However, the variability and uncertainty associated with the CCI experimental parameters contribute to the uncertainty of the provoked cortical lesion and, in turn, of the predicted injury metrics. Uncertainty quantificationviaprobabilistic methods (Monte Carlo simulation, MCS) requires a large number of FE simulations, which results in a time-consuming process. Following the recent success of machine learning (ML) in TBI biomechanical modeling, we developed an artificial neural network as surrogate of the FE porcine brain model to predict the brain strain and the strain rate in a computationally efficient way. We assessed the effect of several experimental and modeling parameters on four FE-derived CC injury metrics (maximum principal strain, maximum principal strain rate, product of maximum principal strain and strain rate, and maximum shear strain). Next, we compared thein silicobrain mechanical response with cortical damage data fromin vivoCCI experiments on pig brains to evaluate the predictive performance of the CC injury metrics. Our ML surrogate was capable of rapidly predicting the outcome of the FE porcine brain undergoing CCI. The now computationally efficient MCS showed that depth and velocity of indentation were the most influential parameters for the strain and the strain rate-based injury metrics, respectively. The sensitivity analysis and comparison with the cortical damage experimental data indicate a better performance of maximum principal strain and maximum shear strain as tissue-level injury metrics for CC. These results provide guidelines to optimize the design of CCI tests and bring new insights to the understanding of the mechanical response of brain tissue to focal traumatic brain injury. Our findings also highlight the potential of using ML for computationally efficient TBI biomechanics investigations.
A Nano-Silver Loaded PVA/Keratin Hydrogel With Strong Mechanical Properties Provides Excellent Antibacterial Effect for Delayed Sternal Closure
Authors: Pan Yanjun , Li Pengfei , Liang Fubang , Zhang Jingyi , Yuan Jiang , Yin Meng
Published: October 2021

Delayed chest closure (DSC) is widely performed during the treatment of congenital heart diseases. However, the high prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing DSC affects prognosis negatively. Herein, we designed a suturable poly (vinyl alcohol)/keratin film loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as an alternative material for DSC, which was named PVA/Keratin/AgNPs. The PVA/Keratin/AgNPs films exhibited significantly enhanced mechanical strength after crosslinking by sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). These films were non-toxic, and cells proliferated with good morphology after 1 week of culture. In addition, PVA/Keratin/AgNPs films provided superior antibacterial ability, as evidenced by the eradication and lower growth rate of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Finally, the PVA/Keratin/AgNPs films were demonstrated to successfully cover the chest cavity temporarily and protect the chest cavity from bacterial infection. These results indicated that the PVA/Keratin/AgNPs films have great prospects to be further exploited for clinical applications in DSC.
NOVA1-Mediated SORBS2 Isoform Promotes Colorectal Cancer Migration by Activating the Notch Pathway
Authors: Zhang Tao , Chen Sixia , Peng Yi , Wang Changgang , Cheng Xi , Zhao Ren , Liu Kun
Published: October 2021

Background: Gene expression and alternative splicing (AS) can promote cancer development via complex mechanisms. We aimed to identify and verify the hub AS events and splicing factors associated with the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: RNA-Seq data, clinical data, and AS events of 590 CRC samples were obtained from the TCGA and TCGASpliceSeq databases. Cox univariable and multivariable analyses, KEGG, and GO pathway analyses were performed to identify hub AS events and splicing factor/spliceosome genes, which were further validated in five CRCs.

Results: In this study, we first compared differentially expressed genes and gene AS events between normal and tumor tissues. Differentially expressed genes were different from genes with differentially expressed AS events. Prognostic analysis and co-expression network analysis of gene expression and gene AS events were conducted to screen five hub gene AS events involved in CRC progression: EPB41L2, CELF2, TMEM130, VCL, and SORBS2. Using qRT-PCR, we also verified that the gene AS events SORBS2 were downregulated in tumor tissue, and gene AS events EPB41L2, CELF2, TMEM130, and VCL were upregulated in tumor tissue. The genes whose mRNA levels were significantly related to the five hub gene AS events were significantly enriched in the GO term of cell division and Notch signaling pathway. Further coexpression of gene AS events and alternative splicing factor genes revealed NOVA1 as a crucial factor regulating the hub gene AS event expression in CRC. Through in vitro experiments, we found that NOVA1 inhibited gene AS event SORBS2, which induced the migration of CRC cells via the Notch pathway.

Conclusion: Integrated analysis of gene expression and gene AS events and further experiments revealed that NOVA1-mediated SORBS2 promoted the migration of CRC, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target.
Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Means of Co-opting Macrophage Polarization in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Reed Theodore , Schorey Jeffrey , D’Souza-Schorey Crislyn
Published: October 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous population of membrane-bound parcels of bioactive proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids released from almost all cell types. The diversity of cargo packaged into EVs proffer the induction of an array of effects on recipient cells. EVs released from tumor cells have emerged as a vital means of communication and immune modulation within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Macrophages are an important contributor to the TME with seemingly paradoxical roles promoting either pro- or anti-tumoral immune function depending on their activated phenotypes. Here, we discuss the influence of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles on the functional plasticity of macrophages in tumor progression.
Exosomes, a New Star for Targeted Delivery
Authors: Chen Huizhi , Wang Liyan , Zeng Xinling , Schwarz Herbert , Nanda Himansu Sekhar , Peng Xinsheng , Zhou Yubin
Published: October 2021

Exosomes are cell-secreted nanoparticles (generally with a size of 30–150 nm) bearing numerous biological molecules including nucleic acids, proteins and lipids, which are thought to play important roles in intercellular communication. As carriers, exosomes hold promise as advanced platforms for targeted drug/gene delivery, owing to their unique properties, such as innate stability, low immunogenicity and excellent tissue/cell penetration capacity. However, their practical applications can be limited due to insufficient targeting ability or low efficacy in some cases. In order to overcome these existing challenges, various approaches have been applied to engineer cell-derived exosomes for a higher selectivity and effectiveness. This review presents the state-of-the-art designs and applications of advanced exosome-based systems for targeted cargo delivery. By discussing experts’ opinions, we hope this review will inspire the researchers in this field to develop more practical exosomal delivery systems for clinical applications.
Inhibition Potencies of Phytochemicals Derived from Sesame Against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: A Molecular Docking and Simulation Study
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Mishra Dwijesh Chandra , Angadi Ulavappa Basavanneppa , Yadav Rashmi , Rai Anil , Kumar Dinesh
Published: October 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has now spread across the nations with high mortality rates and multifaceted impact on human life. The proper treatment methods to overcome this contagious disease are still limited. The main protease enzyme (Mpro, also called 3CLpro) is essential for viral replication and has been considered as one of the potent drug targets for treating COVID-19. In this study, virtual screening was performed to find out the molecular interactions between 36 natural compounds derived from sesame and the Mproof COVID-19. Four natural metabolites, namely, sesamin, sesaminol, sesamolin, and sesamolinol have been ranked as the top interacting molecules to Mprobased on the affinity of molecular docking. Moreover, stability of these four sesame-specific natural compounds has also been evaluated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for 200 nanoseconds. The molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations revealed that these compounds have stable and favorable energies, causing strong binding with Mpro. These screened natural metabolites also meet the essential conditions for drug likeness such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties as well as Lipinski’s rule of five. Our finding suggests that these screened natural compounds may be evolved as promising therapeutics against COVID-19.
Photoemission Spectra from the Extended Koopman’s Theorem, Revisited
Authors: Di Sabatino S. , Koskelo J. , Prodhon J. , Berger J. A. , Caffarel M. , Romaniello P.
Published: October 2021

The Extended Koopman’s Theorem (EKT) provides a straightforward way to compute charged excitations from any level of theory. In this work we make the link with the many-body effective energy theory (MEET) that we derived to calculate the spectral function, which is directly related to photoemission spectra. In particular, we show that at its lowest level of approximation the MEET removal and addition energies correspond to the so-called diagonal approximation of the EKT. Thanks to this link, the EKT and the MEET can benefit from mutual insight. In particular, one can readily extend the EKT to calculate the full spectral function, and choose a more optimal basis set for the MEET by solving the EKT secular equation. We illustrate these findings with the examples of the Hubbard dimer and bulk silicon.
Microbial Biofilm Decontamination on Dental Implant Surfaces: A Mini Review
Authors: Dhaliwal Jagjit Singh , Abd Rahman Nurul Adhwa , Ming Long Chiau , Dhaliwal Sachinjeet Kaur Sodhi , Knights Joe , Albuquerque Junior Rubens Ferreira
Published: October 2021

Introduction

After insertion into the bone, implants osseointegrate, which is required for their long-term success. However, inflammation and infection around the implants may lead to implant failure leading to peri-implantitis and loss of supporting bone, which may eventually lead to failure of implant. Surface chemistry of the implant and lack of cleanliness on the part of the patient are related to peri-implantitis. The only way to get rid of this infection is decontamination of dental implants.

Objective

This systematic review intended to study decontamination of microbial biofilm methods on titanium implant surfaces used in dentistry.

Methods

The electronic databases Springer Link, Science Direct, and PubMed were explored from their inception until December 2020 to identify relevant studies. Studies included had to evaluate the efficiency of new strategies either to prevent formation of biofilm or to treat matured biofilm on dental implant surfaces.

Results and Discussion

In this systematic review, 17 different groups of decontamination methods were summarized from 116 studies. The decontamination methods included coating materials, mechanical cleaning, laser treatment, photodynamic therapy, air polishing, anodizing treatment, radiation, sonication, thermal treatment, ultrasound treatment, chemical treatment, electrochemical treatment, antimicrobial drugs, argon treatment, and probiotics.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that most of the decontamination methods were effective in preventing the formation of biofilm and in decontaminating established biofilm on dental implants. This narrative review provides a summary of methods for future research in the development of new dental implants and decontamination techniques.
Functional Intricacy and Symmetry of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Parasitic Infections
Authors: Olajide Joshua Seun , Olopade Bolatito , Cai Jianping
Published: October 2021

RNAs are a class of molecules and the majority in eukaryotes are arbitrarily termed non- coding transcripts which are broadly classified as short and long non-coding RNAs. Recently, knowledge of the identification and functions of long non-coding RNAs have continued to accumulate and they are being recognized as important molecules that regulate parasite-host interface, parasite differentiation, host responses, and disease progression. Herein, we present and integrate the functions of host and parasite long non-coding RNAs during infections within the context of epigenetic re-programming and molecular crosstalk in the course of host-parasite interactions. Also, the modular range of parasite and host long non-coding RNAs in coordinated parasite developmental changes and host immune dynamic landscapes are discussed. We equally canvass the prospects of long non-coding RNAs in disease diagnosis and prognosis. Hindsight and suggestions are offered with the aim that it will bolster our understanding for future works on host and parasite long non-coding RNAs.
Genotypes of Rhizophora Propagules From a Non-mangrove Beach Provide Evidence of Recent Long-Distance Dispersal
Authors: Ngeve Magdalene N. , Koedam Nico , Triest Ludwig
Published: October 2021

Dispersal plays a crucial role in the connectivity of established mangrove populations and in species range dynamics. As species ranges shift in response to climate change, range expansions can occur from incremental short-distance dispersal events and from stochastic long-distance dispersal events. Most population genetic research dealt with historically accumulated events though evidence of actual propagule dispersal allows to estimate genotypic features and origin of founders. In this study, we aim to disentangle a contemporary dispersal event. Using microsatellite markers, we genotyped 60 Rhizophora racemosa drift propagules obtained on a bare unforested coastal area in southern Cameroon, estimated their relationship to 109 adult trees from most proximate sites (which were 3–85 km away), and assessed their relative difference with 873 trees of major mangrove areas (> 300 km) along the Cameroonian coastline. Proximate mangrove populations were considered as potential source populations in assignment tests. However, drift propagules could not be assigned to any of the Cameroonian mangrove sites and were genetically isolated from Cameroonian populations. Drift propagules showed higher levels of genetic diversity and private alleles giving a higher relatedness to each other than to any putative source population. Chloroplast sequences were used to confirm the identity of drift propagules as R. racemosa. We postulate that a complex interaction of ocean currents, estuarine geomorphology, and tidal patterns explain drift propagule dispersal to an area. Most likely the investigated cohort of propagules originated from more southern mangrove areas of the West African range beyond the Cameroonian border. This study unraveled the allelic, genetic, and genotypic features of stranded propagules following a stochastic long-distance dispersal. Transboundary dispersal of these propagules highlights the need for intergovernmental efforts in the management of biodiversity.
Randomized Evaluation of Beta Blocker and ACE-Inhibitor/Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Treatment for Post Infarct Angina in Patients With Myocardial Infarction With Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries: A MINOCA-BAT Sub Study Rationale and Design
Authors: Pasupathy Sivabaskari , Lindahl Bertil , Tavella Rosanna , Nordenskjöld Anna M. , Zeitz Christopher , Arstall Margaret , Worthley Matthew , Neil Christopher , Singh Kuljit , Turner Stuart , Rajwani Adil , Mooney John , Beltrame John F.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) occurs in ~10% of all patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with an over-representation amongst women. Remarkably, it is estimated that as many as 1 in 4 patients with MINOCA experience ongoing angina at 12 months despite having no flow-restricting stenoses in their epicardial arteries. This manuscript presents the rationale behind Randomized Evaluation of Beta Blocker and Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Treatment (ACEI/ARB) for Post Infarct Angina in MINOCA patients—The MINOCA BAT post infarct angina sub study.

Methods: This trial is a registry-based, randomized, parallel, open-label, multicenter trial with 2 × 2 factorial design. The primary aim is to determine whether oral beta blockade compared with no oral beta blockade, and ACEI/ARB compared with no ACEI/ARB, reduce post infarct angina in patients discharged after MINOCA without clinical signs of heart failure and with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%. A total of 664 patients will be randomized into four groups; (i) ACEI/ARB with beta blocker, (ii) beta blocker only, (iii) ACEI/ARB only, or (iv) neither ACEI/ARB nor beta blocker and followed for 12 months.

Results: The trial is currently recruiting in Australia and Sweden. Fifty six patients have been recruited thus far. Both sexes were equally distributed (52% women and 48% men) and the mean age was 56.3 ± 9.9 years.

Conclusions: It remains unclear whether conventional secondary preventive therapies are beneficial to MINOCA patients in regard to post infarct angina. Existing registry-based literature suggest cardioprotective agents are less likely to be used in MINOCA patients. Thus, results from this trial will provide insights for future treatment strategies and guidelines specific to MINOCA patients.
Effectiveness of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Obese Adults With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shaikh Fahad , Wynne Rochelle , Castelino Ronald L. , Inglis Sally C. , Ferguson Caleb
Published: October 2021

Background: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Obesity is an independent risk factor for AF. Anticoagulants have been strongly recommended by all international guidelines to prevent stroke. However, altered pathophysiology in obese adults may influence anticoagulant pharmacology. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the context of obesity and AF have been examined in recent systematic reviews. Despite the similarities in included studies, their results and conclusions do not agree.

Methods and Results: The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020181510). Seven key electronic databases were searched using search terms such as “atrial fibrillation,” “obese,*” “overweight,” “novel oral anticoagulant,” “direct oral anticoagulant,” “DOAC,” “NOAC,” “apixaban,” dabigatran,” “rivaroxaban,” and “edoxaban” to locate published and unpublished studies. Only systematic reviews with meta-analyses that examined the effect of DOACs in overweight or obese adults with AF, published in the English language, were included. A total of 9,547 articles were initially retrieved. After removing the duplicates, title and abstract review and full-text review, five articles were included in the systematic review. From these only RCTs were included in the meta-analyses. There was disagreement within the published systematic reviews on DOACs in obesity. The results from our meta-analysis did not show any significant difference between all body mass index (BMI) groups for all outcomes at both 12 months and for the entire trial duration. Non-significant differences were seen among the different types of DOACs.

Conclusion: There was no difference between the BMI classes in any of the outcomes assessed. This may be due to the limited number of people in the trial that were in the obese class, especially obese class III. There is a need for large prospective trials to confirm which DOACs are safe and efficacious in the obese class III adults and at which dose.
Antithrombotic Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Lee Kuo-Hua , Ou Shuo-Ming , Chu Yuan-Chia , Lin Yao-Ping , Tsai Ming-Tsun , Tarng Der-Cherng
Published: October 2021

Background: Oral anticoagulants (OAC) plus antiplatelets is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD) to reduce thromboembolism. However, there is limited evidence regarding antithrombotic therapy for patients with concomitant chronic kidney disease (CKD), AF, and CAD, especially those not undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. We aimed to use real-world data assessing the efficacy and safety of antithrombotic regimens in this population.

Methods: We used a single-center database of 142,624 CKD patients to identify those receiving antithrombotic therapy for AF and CAD between 2010 and 2018. Patients taking warfarin or direct OAC (DOAC) alone were grouped in the OAC monotherapy (n = 537), whereas those taking OAC plus antiplatelets were grouped in the combination therapy (n = 2,391). We conducted propensity score matching to balance baseline covariates. The endpoints were all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, and major bleedings.

Results: After 1:4 matching, the number of patients in OAC monotherapy and combination therapy were 413 and 1,652, respectively. Between the two groups, combination therapy was associated with higher risks for ischemic stroke (HR 2.37, CI 1.72–3.27), acute myocardial infarction (HR 6.14, CI 2.51–15.0), and hemorrhagic stroke (HR 3.57, CI 1.35–9.81). The results were consistent across CKD stages. In monotherapy, DOAC users were associated with lower risks for all-cause mortality, AMI, and gastrointestinal bleeding than warfarin, but the stroke risk was similar between the two subgroups.

Conclusions: For patients with concomitant CKD, AF and CAD not undergoing PCI, OAC monotherapy may reduce stroke and AMI risks. DOAC showed more favorable outcomes than warfarin.
The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery
Authors: Elbaz-Greener Gabby , Rozen Guy , Carasso Shemy , Kusniec Fabio , Yarkoni Merav , Marai Ibrahim , Strauss Bradley , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Smart Frank W. , Erez Eldad , Alcalai Ronny , Planer David , Amir Offer
Published: October 2021

Background: The association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and clinical outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains controversial. Our objective was to investigate the real-world relationship between BMI and in-hospital clinical course and mortality, in patients who underwent CABG.

Methods: A sampled cohort of patients who underwent CABG between October 2015 and December 2016 was identified in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, peri-procedural complications and length of stay. Patients were divided into 6 BMI (kg/m2) subgroups; (1) under-weight ≤19, (2) normal-weight 20–25, (3) over-weight 26–30, (4) obese I 31–35, (5) obese II 36–39, and (6) extremely obese ≥40. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. Linear regression model was used to identify predictors of length of stay (LOS).

Results: An estimated total of 48,710 hospitalizations for CABG across the U.S. were analyzed. The crude data showed a U-shaped relationship between BMI and study population outcomes with higher mortality and longer LOS in patients with BMI ≤ 19 kg/m2 and in patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 compared to patients with BMI 20–39 kg/m2. In the multivariable regression model, BMI subgroups of ≤19 kg/m2 and ≥40 kg/m2 were found to be independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusions: A complex, U-shaped relationship between BMI and mortality was documented, confirming the “obesity paradox” in the real-world setting, in patients hospitalized for CABG.
Tomographic Image of Shear Wave Structure of NE India Based on Analysis of Rayleigh Wave Data
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kumar Naresh , Mukhopadhyay Sagarika , Klemperer Simon L.
Published: October 2021

The major scientific purpose of this work is to evaluate the geodynamic processes involved in the development of tectonic features of NE India and its surroundings. In this work, we have obtained tomographic images of the crust and uppermost mantle using inversion of Rayleigh waveform data to augment information about the subsurface gleaned by previous works. The images obtained reveal a very complicated tectonic regime. The Bengal Basin comprises a thick layer of sediments with the thickness increasing from west to east and a sudden steepening of the basement on the eastern side of the Eocene Hinge zone. The nature of the crust below the Bengal Basin varies from oceanic in the south to continental in the north. Indo-Gangetic and Brahmaputra River Valleys comprise ∼5–6-km-thick sediments. Crustal thickness in the higher Himalayas and southern Tibet is ∼70 km but varies between ∼30 and ∼40 km in the remaining part. Several patches of low-velocity medium present in the mid-to-lower crust of southern Tibet along and across the major rifts indicate the presence of either partially molten materials or aqueous fluid. Moho depth decreases drastically from west to east across the Yadong-Gulu rift indicating the complex effect of underthrusting of the Indian plate below the Eurasian plate. Crust and upper mantle below the Shillong Massif and Mikir Hills are at a shallow level. This observation indicates that tectonic forces contribute to the uprising of the Massif.
Beyond Vertical Point Accuracy: Assessing Inter-pixel Consistency in 30 m Global DEMs for the Arid Central Andes
Authors: Purinton Benjamin , Bookhagen Bodo
Published: October 2021

Quantitative geomorphic research depends on accurate topographic data often collected via remote sensing. Lidar, and photogrammetric methods like structure-from-motion, provide the highest quality data for generating digital elevation models (DEMs). Unfortunately, these data are restricted to relatively small areas, and may be expensive or time-consuming to collect. Global and near-global DEMs with 1 arcsec (∼30 m) ground sampling from spaceborne radar and optical sensors offer an alternative gridded, continuous surface at the cost of resolution and accuracy. Accuracy is typically defined with respect to external datasets, often, but not always, in the form of point or profile measurements from sources like differential Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), spaceborne lidar (e.g., ICESat), and other geodetic measurements. Vertical point or profile accuracy metrics can miss the pixel-to-pixel variability (sometimes called DEM noise) that is unrelated to true topographic signal, but rather sensor-, orbital-, and/or processing-related artifacts. This is most concerning in selecting a DEM for geomorphic analysis, as this variability can affect derivatives of elevation (e.g., slope and curvature) and impact flow routing. We use (near) global DEMs at 1 arcsec resolution (SRTM, ASTER, ALOS, TanDEM-X, and the recently released Copernicus) and develop new internal accuracy metrics to assess inter-pixel variability without reference data. Our study area is in the arid, steep Central Andes, and is nearly vegetation-free, creating ideal conditions for remote sensing of the bare-earth surface. We use a novel hillshade-filtering approach to detrend long-wavelength topographic signals and accentuate short-wavelength variability. Fourier transformations of the spatial signal to the frequency domain allows us to quantify: 1) artifacts in the un-projected 1 arcsec DEMs at wavelengths greater than the Nyquist (twice the nominal resolution, so > 2 arcsec); and 2) the relative variance of adjacent pixels in DEMs resampled to 30-m resolution (UTM projected). We translate results into their impact on hillslope and channel slope calculations, and we highlight the quality of the five DEMs. We find that the Copernicus DEM, which is based on a carefully edited commercial version of the TanDEM-X, provides the highest quality landscape representation, and should become the preferred DEM for topographic analysis in areas without sufficient coverage of higher-quality local DEMs.
Association Between Estrogen Receptors and GATA3 in Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Their Clinicopathological Significance
Authors: Bernardo Carina , Monteiro Fátima L. , Direito Inês , Amado Francisco , Afreixo Vera , Santos Lúcio L. , Helguero Luisa A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) and the cooperating protein GATA-binding factor 3 (GATA3) have been implicated in bladder carcinogenesis and tumour progression. GATA3 and ER have been functionally linked in the establishment of luminal fate in breast tissue, but to date their relationship in bladder cancer has not been established. This information will be useful to advance diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Aim

To determine the relationship between the expression of ERα, ERβ and GATA3 in bladder cancer, disclose their prognostic and diagnostic value and their association with clinicopathological characteristics.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search in PubMed database was performed for all immunohistochemical studies of ERα, ERβ and/or GATA3 in bladder cancer patients. We selected eligible studies in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and evaluated methodological quality and risk of bias based on quality criteria from the reporting recommendations for tumour MARKer (REMARK) prognostic studies. Risk of bias assessment was performed using Review Manager 5. R software was used for all statistical analysis, the packages used were meta and dmetar for the standard meta-analysis, and netmeta for the network meta-analysis.

Results

Thirteen studies were eligible for ERα, 5 for ERβ and 58 for GATA3 meta-analysis. Low grade tumours showed significantly lower ERα expression. GATA3 was widely expressed in bladder tumours, especially urothelial carcinomas, with higher expression of GATA3 in low grade and low stage tumours. Data was insufficient to determine the prognostic value of either ERα or ERβ, but GATA3-positivity was associated with higher recurrence free survival. A negative correlation between ERα or ERβ positivity and GATA3 expression was disclosed. Additionally, several sources of heterogeneity were identified, which can be used to improve future studies.

Conclusion

The clinicopathological value of ERα and ERβ was inconclusive due to low availability of studies using validated antibodies. Still, this meta-analysis supports GATA3 as good prognostic marker. On the contrary, ERα-positivity was associated to higher grade tumours; while ERα and ERβ were inversely correlated with GATA3 expression. Considering that it has previously been shown that bladder cancer cell lines have functional ERs, this suggests that ERα could be activated in less differentiated cells and independently of GATA3. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of ERα and ERβ expression in BlaCa supported by complete patient clinical history is required for the identification of BlaCa subtypes and subgroups of patients expressing ERα, to investigate if they could benefit from treatment with hormonal therapy.

Systematic Review Registration

Prospero, CRD42021226836.
Maternal High-Fat Diet Disturbs the DNA Methylation Profile in the Brown Adipose Tissue of Offspring Mice
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xiao Xinhua , Zheng Jia , Li Ming , Yu Miao , Ping Fan , Wang Tong , Wang Xiaojing
Published: October 2021

The prevalence of obesity has become a threatening global public health issue. The consequence of obesity is abnormal energy metabolism. Unlike white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT) has a unique role in nonshivering thermogenesis. Lipids and glucose are consumed to maintain energy and metabolic homeostasis in BAT. Recently, accumulating evidence has indicated that exposure to excess maternal energy intake affects energy metabolism in offspring throughout their life. However, whether excess intrauterine energy intake influences BAT metabolism in adulthood is not clear. In this study, mouse dams were exposed to excess energy intake by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) before and during pregnancy and lactation. The histology of BAT was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The genome-wide methylation profile of BAT was determined by a DNA methylation array, and specific site DNA methylation was quantitatively analyzed by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) qPCR. We found that intrauterine exposure to a high-energy diet resulted in blood lipid panel disorders and impaired the BAT structure. Higher methylation levels of genes involved in thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in BAT, such as Acaa2, Acsl1, and Cox7a1, were found in 16-week-old offspring from mothers fed with HFD. Furthermore, the expression of Acaa2, Acsl1, and Cox7a1 was down-regulated by intrauterine exposure to excess energy intake. In summary, our results reveal that excess maternal energy leads to a long-term disorder of BAT in offspring that involves the activation of DNA methylation of BAT-specific genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and thermogenesis.
Treatment Modality and Risk of Heart Failure in Patients With Long-Standing Graves’ Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Song Eyun , Kim Mina , Park Sojeong , Park Min Jeong , Kim Jung A. , Roh Eun , Yu Ji Hee , Kim Nam Hoon , Seo Ji A. , Kim Sin Gon , Kim Nan Hee , Choi Kyung Mook , Baik Sei Hyun , Yoo Hye Jin
Published: October 2021

Background

Optimal treatment for persistent Graves’ disease following 12–18 months of treatment with anti-thyroid drugs (ATDs) is unclear. Given the increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with hyperthyroidism, assessing the risk of cardiovascular events associated with different treatment modalities after the conventional ATD course would be valuable in determining the appropriate next-line therapy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included data from the Korean National Health Insurance database of 16,882 patients with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism who received primary ATD treatment for 24 months. Patients were categorized based on the treatment they received after receiving ATD for 24 months: continued ATD for at least 12 more months (ATD group), radioiodine ablation (RIA) with remission (RIA group 1), and RIA without remission (RIA group 2). The incidence and risk of heart failure (HF), the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in hyperthyroidism, were compared between patients and age-and sex-matched controls.

Results

There were 16,516 (97.8%) patients in the ATD group, 230 (1.4%) in RIA group 1, and 136 (0.8%) in RIA group 2. Compared to that of controls, a significant difference in the cumulative incidence of HF was observed according to second-line treatment modality after adjusting for covariates; the risk was highest in patients in RIA group 2, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.54 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.60–4.03), followed by those in the ATD group, with an HR of 1.23 (95% CI 1.20–1.36). Patients in RIA group 1 were not at an increased risk of HF compared to their matched controls (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.38–1.54). When patients in the ATD group were further classified by the duration of ATD treatment at one-year intervals, the risk of HF was higher in patients with longer ATD use (p for linear trend < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients with long-standing hyperthyroidism treated with conventional duration of ATD therapy, the risk of HF was attenuated by RIA with remission of hyperthyroidism and increased as ATD was required for longer duration. To reduce the risk of HF, resolution of hyperthyroidism with RIA should be considered in patients with long-standing Graves’ disease.
The Candidate Schizophrenia Risk Gene Tmem108 Regulates Glucose Metabolism Homeostasis
Authors: Yu Jianbo , Liao Xufeng , Zhong Yanzi , Wu Yongqiang , Lai Xinsheng , Jiao Huifeng , Yan Min , Zhang Yu , Ma Chaolin , Wang Shunqi
Published: October 2021

Background

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe psychiatric disease affected by genetic factors and environmental contributors, and premorbid abnormality of glucose metabolism is one of the SCZ characteristics supposed to contribute to the disease’s pathological process. Transmembrane protein 108 (Tmem108) is a susceptible gene associated with multiple psychiatric diseases, including SCZ. Moreover, Tmem108 mutant mice exhibit SCZ-like behaviors in the measurement of sensorimotor gating. However, it is unknown whether Tmem108 regulates glucose metabolism homeostasis while it involves SCZ pathophysiological process.

Results

In this research, we found that Tmem108 mutant mice exhibited glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and disturbed metabolic homeostasis. Food and oxygen consumption decreased, and urine production increased, accompanied by weak fatigue resistance in the mutant mice. Simultaneously, the glucose metabolic pathway was enhanced, and lipid metabolism decreased in the mutant mice, consistent with the elevated respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Furthermore, metformin attenuated plasma glucose levels and improved sensorimotor gating in Tmem108 mutant mice.

Conclusions

Hyperglycemia occurs more often in SCZ patients than in control, implying that these two diseases share common biological mechanisms, here we demonstrate that the Tmem108 mutant may represent such a comorbid mechanism.
An Experiment on Flashing-Spray Jet Characteristics of Supercritical CO2 from Various Orifice Geometries
Authors: Teng Lin , Bai Jinbao , Li Yuxing , Wang Cailin
Published: October 2021

Supercritical CO2 pipelines usually are used to link the CO2 capture system to the geological storage. There are severe hazards once the asphyxiating gas leaks from the long-distance pipeline. The uncertainty of near-field jet characteristics results in imprecise consequences assessment of accidental release of supercritical CO2. To improve the prediction of consequences of accidental release accuracy, the near-field mechanisms of flashing-spray jet was investigated. In this work, an experimental setup with multiple measurement instruments was developed to impose controllable CO2 release from a high-pressure vessel. The flashing-spray jet structures of supercritical CO2 from circular and rectangular orifices were recorded by a high-speed camera. Results indicate that the near-field structures of supercritical CO2 jet from circular and rectangular orifices are totally different, which causes the different dispersion consequences. The jet angle and shock waves were analyzed quantitatively. Lastly, the models of flashing-spray based on the two different phenomena from rectangular and circular orifices were discussed. The combination of macroscopic and microscopic data in the jet can help to understand the complex physics and improve discharge and dispersion model. This work provides a fundamental data to consequences assessment of accidental release of supercritical CO2.
Improved Genetic Algorithm and XGBoost Classifier for Power Transformer Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Wu Zhanhong , Zhou Mingbiao , Lin Zhenheng , Chen Xuejun , Huang Yonghua
Published: October 2021

Power transformer is an essential component for the stable and reliable operation of electrical power grid. The traditional transformer fault diagnostic methods based on dissolved gas analysis are limited due to the low accuracy of fault identification. In this study, an effective transformer fault diagnosis system is proposed to improve identification accuracy. The proposed approach combines an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) with the XGBoost to form a hybrid diagnosis network. The combination of the improved genetic algorithm and the XGBoost (IGA-XGBoost) forms the basic unit of the proposed method, which decomposes and reconstructs the transformer fault recognition problem into several minor problems IGA-XGBoosts can solve. The results of simulation experiments show that the IGA performs excellently in the combined optimization of input feature selection and the XGBoost parameter, and the proposed method can accurately identify the transformer fault types with an average accuracy of 99.2%. Compared to IEC ratios, dual triangle, support vector machine and common vector approach the diagnostic accuracy of the proposed method is improved by 30.2, 47.2, 11.2, and 3.6%, respectively. The proposed method can be a potential solution to identify the transformer fault types.
The Construction and Empirical Study on Evaluation Index System of International Low-Carbon Economy Development
Authors: Zhongyu Zhang , Zhongxiang Zhang
Published: October 2021

Global climate change has become one of the core issues of world governance. Many countries have put forward the goal of carbon neutrality one after another, leading to the intensification of international low-carbon economy competition. To assess the current low-carbon competitiveness among countries, this article constructs an evaluation index system of international low-carbon economy development, and obtains the scores and rankings of countries in energy, society, economy and environment, as well as overall. Taking 20 countries with the highest carbon emissions in the world in 2019 as samples, starting from the concept of low-carbon economy and five evaluation principles, this article selects 40 low-carbon evaluation indicators from five aspects, including economy, society, science and technology, environment, and energy structure. By using the principal component factor analysis method to calculate and test, the four factors, energy factor, society factor, economy factor, and environment factor, are finally extracted to construct the evaluation index system. Results show that South Korea, France, China, Canada, and Germany are among the world’s top five low-carbon economies. The overall competitiveness of China’s low-carbon economy is in a relatively favorable position (3rd overall), with the most outstanding performance in terms of economic strength (1st), but poor performance in terms of social development (9th) and environmental carrying capacity (9th), and the biggest disadvantage in terms of energy structure (13th).