bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Method for Detecting Compensation Hole Parameters of Automobile Brake Master Cylinder Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Zhao Changfu , Ding Hongchang , Cao Guohua , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2021

The machining accuracy of the compensation hole of the automobile brake master cylinder directly determines the safety of the automobile and the reliability of parking. How to detect the parameters of the compensation hole with high precision becomes a crucial issue. In this paper, by analyzing the principle of Hough transform detection technology and several optimization algorithms, a new method combining Zernike moment and improved gradient Hough transform is proposed to detect the circular hole parameters. The simulation experiment shows that the proposed algorithm satisfies 0.1 pixels in the coordinate detection of the center position, and the radius detection accuracy is 0.05 pixels, with fast detection speed and good robustness. Compared with the random Hough transform algorithm and the gradient Hough transform algorithm, the algorithm proposed in this paper has higher detection accuracy, faster detection speed, and better robustness, which meets the online detection accuracy requirements of the brake master cylinder compensation hole.
Different Neurogenic Potential in the Subnuclei of the Postnatal Rat Cochlear Nucleus
Authors: Voelker Johannes , Engert Jonas , Voelker Christine , Bieniussa Linda , Schendzielorz Philipp , Hagen Rudolf , Rak Kristen
Published: April 2021

In patients suffering from hearing loss, the reduced or absent neural input induces morphological changes in the cochlear nucleus (CN). Neural stem cells have recently been identified in this first auditory relay. Afferent nerve signals and their impact on the immanent neural stem and progenitor cells already impinge upon the survival of early postnatal cells within the CN. This auditory brainstem nucleus consists of three different subnuclei: the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN), the posteroventral cochlear nucleus (PVCN), and the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Since these subdivisions differ ontogenetically and physiologically, the question arose whether regional differences exist in the neurogenic niche. CN from postnatal day nine Sprague-Dawley rats were microscopically dissected into their subnuclei and cultivated in vitro as free-floating cell cultures and as whole-mount organ cultures. In addition to cell quantifications, immunocytological and immunohistological studies of the propagated cells and organ preparations were performed. The PVCN part showed the highest mitotic potential, while the AVCN and DCN had comparable activity. Specific stem cell markers and the ability to differentiate into cells of the neural lineage were detected in all three compartments. The present study shows that in all subnuclei of rat CN, there is a postnatal neural stem cell niche, which, however, differs significantly in its potential. The results can be explained by the origin from different regions in the rhombic lip, the species, and the various analysis techniques applied. In conclusion, the presented results provide further insight into the neurogenic potential of the CN, which may prove beneficial for the development of new regenerative strategies for hearing loss.
Clinical Features, Endoscopic Findings, and Predictive Factors for Mortality in Tissue-Invasive Gastrointestinal Cytomegalovirus Disease between Immunocompetent and Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Wetwittayakhlang Panu , Rujeerapaiboon Natthapat , Wetwittayakhlung Poowadon , Sripongpun Pimsiri , Pruphetkaew Nannapat , Jandee Sawangpong , Chamroonkul Naichaya , Piratvisuth Teerha
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims. Tissue-invasive gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus (TI-GI CMV) disease is common in immunocompromised patients, but the increasing prevalence in immunocompetent patients has been reported. This study compared the clinical manifestations, endoscopic features, treatment outcomes, and predictors for inhospital mortality of TI-GI CMV between immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Methods. Patients with HIV infection, malignancy, or receiving immunosuppressive agents (chemotherapy, high dose, or long-term corticosteroids) were defined as the immunocompromised group. Demographic and inhospital mortality data were obtained and retrospectively analyzed. Results. A total of 213 patients (89 immunocompetent) with histologically confirmed TI-GI CMV were enrolled. Immunocompetent patients were older (70 vs. 52 years;

p
<
0.001

), had more GI bleeding as a presenting symptom (47.2% vs. 29.0%;

p
=
0.010

), and shorter symptom onset (2 vs. 14 days,

p
=
0.018

). Concomitant extra-GI involvement was only seen in the immunocompromised group (6.5% vs. 0%;

p
=
0.02

). Diffuse GI tract (14.5% vs. 4.5%;

p
=
0.032

) and esophageal involvement (14.5% vs. 5.6%;

p
=
0.046

) were more frequent in the immunocompromised, while small bowel involvement was more frequent in the immunocompetent group (19.1% vs. 8.1%;

p
=
0.029

). An overall inhospital mortality was 27.7%. There was no significant difference in inhospital survival probability between the two groups (Peto-Peto test,

p
=
0.65

). ICU admission (hazard ratio [HR] 7.21; 95% CI 2.55-20.36), sepsis or shock (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.08-3.66), malnutrition (HR 2.62; 95% CI 1.05-7.01), and receiving chemotherapy (HR 5.2; 95% CI 1.89-14.29) were independent factors for inhospital mortality. Antiviral treatment for more than 14 days was the only protective factor to improve survival (Peto-Peto test,

p
<
0.001

). Conclusions. Immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients with TI-GI CMV disease had distinct clinical and endoscopic characteristics. There was no significant difference in the inhospital mortality between the two groups. The factors for mortality were ICU admission, sepsis/shock, malnutrition, and receiving chemotherapy. Early diagnosis and initiation of antiviral treatment might improve the survival probability.
Experimental Investigation on Organic Matter Orientation Characteristics of Terrestrial and Marine Shale in China
Authors: Liu Dunqing , Ge Hongkui , Shen Yinhao , Zhang Kui
Published: April 2021

As an essential component in shale, OM (organic matter) grains and their arrangements may play essential roles in affecting the anisotropy of the reservoir. However, OM grains are commonly treated as an evenly distributed isotropic medium in current studies, and few works have been done to investigate their detailed arrangement characteristics. In this study, terrestrial and marine shale samples were collected from three different shale plays in China, and the arrangement characteristics of OM grains in each sample were investigated by SEM (scanning electron microscope) image analysis. The results indicate that OM grains in shale are not evenly distributed in isotropic medium, and their directional alignment is pervasive in both marine and terrestrial shale. OM grains in shale tend to subparallel to the bedding section, and their orientation degree and controlling factors differ among different shales. OM grains in samples from terrestrial C-7(Chang-7 Formation) exhibit the strongest directionality in their arrangement, and OM grains in samples from marine LMX (Longmaxi Formation) shale in the Fuling area also exhibit strong directional alignment. While in samples from marine LMX shale in the Baojing area, their directional alignment is much weaker. Shales with high clay content, high TOC (total organic carbon), low thermal maturity, and flat reservoir structure get more OM grains parallel to the bedding section. The biogenetic texture of graptolite in marine LMX shale is the dominating factor leading to the strong directional alignment of the OM grains. However, syncline structure may disorganize the preformed directional alignment and weaken the directionality of the OM grains, which results in the OM arrangement difference between LMX samples from Fuling and Baojing. While the compaction of the layered clay particles is the dominating mechanism leading to the strong directional alignment of the OM grains in terrestrial shale samples from C-7.
Myeloid Cell–associated Resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade in Urothelial Cancer Revealed Through Bulk and Single-cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Wang Li , Sfakianos John P. , Beaumont Kristin G. , Akturk Guray , Horowitz Amir , Sebra Robert P. , Farkas Adam M. , Gnjatic Sacha , Hake Austin , Izadmehr Sudeh , Wiklund Peter , Oh William K. , Szabo Peter M. , Wind-Rotolo Megan , Unsal-Kacmaz Keziban , Yao Xin , Schadt Eric , Sharma Padmanee , Bhardwaj Nina , Zhu Jun , Galsky Matthew D.
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

To define dominant molecular and cellular features associated with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade resistance in metastatic urothelial cancer.

Experimental Design:

We pursued an unbiased approach using bulk RNA sequencing data from two clinical trials to discover (IMvigor 210) and validate (CheckMate 275) pretreatment molecular features associated with resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in metastatic urothelial cancer. We then generated single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from muscle-invasive bladder cancer specimens to dissect the cellular composition underlying the identified gene signatures.

Results:

We identified an adaptive immune response gene signature associated with response and a protumorigenic inflammation gene signature associated with resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. The adaptive immune response:protumorigenic inflammation signature expression ratio, coined the 2IR score, best correlated with clinical outcomes, and was externally validated. Mapping these bulk gene signatures onto scRNA-seq data uncovered their underlying cellular diversity, with prominent expression of the protumorigenic inflammation signature by myeloid phagocytic cells. However, heterogeneity in expression of adaptive immune and protumorigenic inflammation genes was observed among single myeloid phagocytic cells, quantified as the myeloid single cell immune:protumorigenic inflammation ratio (Msc2IR) score. Single myeloid phagocytic cells with low Msc2IR scores demonstrated upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines and downregulation of antigen presentation genes, were unrelated to M1 versus M2 polarization, and were enriched in pretreatment blood samples from patients with PD-L1 blockade–resistant metastatic urothelial cancer.

Conclusions:

The balance of adaptive immunity and protumorigenic inflammation in individual tumor microenvironments is associated with PD-1/PD-L1 resistance in urothelial cancer with the latter linked to a proinflammatory cellular state of myeloid phagocytic cells detectable in tumor and blood.

See related commentary by Drake, p. 4139
Rest or 30-Min Walk as Exercise Intervention (RESTOREX) in Myasthenia Gravis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Misra Usha K. , Kalita Jayantee , Singh Varun K. , Kapoor Aditya , Tripathi Abhilasha , Mishra Prabhakar
Published: April 2021

Introduction: There is a lack of evidence about the usefulness of exercise or rest in myasthenia gravis (MG). This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of exercise or rest in MG. Methods: In a single-center open-labeled randomized controlled trial, the patients with mild to moderate MG were randomized to 30-min walk or rest in addition to the standard treatment. The primary endpoint was 50% improvement in the MG Quality of Life (MG-QOL15), and secondary endpoints were change in the Myasthenic Muscle Score (MMS), MG Activities of Daily Living (MGADL), grip strength, dose of acetylcholine esterase inhibitor and prednisone, 6-min walk test (6MWT), decrement in trapezius on the low-rate repetitive nerve stimulation test, and adverse events. The outcomes were defined at 3 months, by >50% improvement in these outcome parameters. Results: Forty patients with MG were randomized to the exercise or rest arm. The 2 arms were matched for demographic and clinical parameters. The patients in the exercise arm had significantly better QOL evidenced by MG-QOL15 (p = 0.02). The secondary endpoints, distance covered in 6MWT (p = 0.007), were also better in the exercise arm without any adverse event. Conclusion: Regular exercise for 30 min in mild and moderate MG improves quality of life and walking distance compared to rest and is safe. Clinical Trial Registration: The clinical trial registration number is CTRI/2019/11/021869.
Sister Mary Joseph Nodules: A Case Report about a Rare Location of Skin Metastasis
Authors: Leyrat Brice , Bernadach Maureen , Ginzac Angeline , Lusho Sejdi , Durando Xavier
Published: April 2021

Umbilical skin metastases (or Sister Mary Joseph nodules) are rare. Their presence typically indicates the late manifestation of deep-seated abdominopelvic malignancy. They occur mainly in gynecological cancers, and gastrointestinal cancers in men. The most common histology is adenocarcinoma (∼75% of cases), but it can also rarely be squamous cell or undifferentiated carcinoma. These metastases can be present at diagnosis or appear at disease recurrence, and are associated with a very poor prognosis with an average survival of 11 months. We report the clinical case of a 58-year-old man with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and umbilical cutaneous metastasis after receiving first-line chemotherapy. The diagnosis was established upon liver biopsy in July 2019, after the patient presented with a complaint of transfixing abdominal pain. The first-line treatment consisted of six cycles of modified FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. However, in November 2019, computed tomography (CT) scan showed disease progression. Second-line treatment with gemcitabine (Gemzar®) led to a 16% decrease in target lesions. During the fourth cycle, three periumbilical indurated nodules appeared. After six cycles, skin infiltration had increased, and the patient reported his abdominal pain had intensified. Reassessment by CT scan showed an increase in both hepatic and peritoneal disease progression. Third-line treatment with FOLFIRI, started on April 15, 2020, could not control the disease, leading to greater induration and subcutaneous infiltration, which were responsible for the increased pain and ultimate death. Umbilical skin metastases are rare, and they are associated with advanced metastatic disease and a very poor prognosis. Cases reporting Sister Mary Joseph nodules are needed to better understand the conditions and mechanisms of their appearance and dissemination.
Kontaktallergien – Neu aufkommende Allergene und Auswirkungen für das Gesundheitswesen
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Werfel Thomas , Lepoittevin Jean-Pierre , White Ian R.
Published: April 2021

Kontaktallergie (Sensibilisierung) und daraus resultierende allergische Kontaktdermatitis (ACD) sind von erheblicher Tragweite aus Sicht des Gesundheitswesens. Für die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit hierzu wurden alle passenden Artikel aus dem Zeitraum 2018–2019 per systematischer Suche in Medline und Web of ScienceTM ermittelt; außerdem wurden alle verfügbaren Ausgaben der Fachzeitschriften „Contact Dermatitis“ und „Dermatitis“ manuell durchsucht und so eine frühere, ähnliche Übersichtsarbeit fortgeschrieben und neu fokussiert. Neue Allergene ebenso wie bekannte Allergene, die in neuem Expositionskontext gefunden wurden oder deren Bedeutung in sonstiger Hinsicht neu bewertet wurde, werden in Abschnitten nach Substanzklasse gegliedert beschrieben (z. B. Metalle, Konservierungsmittel, Duftstoffe). Als gemeinsames Ergebnis zahlreicher Untersuchungen fällt sowohl ein Mangel an Informationen über die Produktzusammensetzung auf, z. B. in Bezug auf ein neu beschriebenes Allergen in Leinenturnschuhen (Dimethylthiocarbamylbenzothiazolsulfid), als auch vor allem die mangelnde Kooperativität von Herstellern von Blutzuckermessgeräten bzw. Insulinpumpen. Zu den letztgenannten Geräten hat eine internationale Zusammenarbeit zwischen Dermatologen und Chemikern gezeigt, dass sie bei zahlreichen Diabetikern schwere ACD verursachen, indem sie Isobornylacrylat bzw. N,N’-Dimethylacrylamid freisetzen. Eine verbesserte und vollständige Deklaration der Inhaltsstoffe für Produkte alle Art – und nicht nur, wie wir es derzeit in Europa haben, bei Kosmetika (abgesehen von der vollständigen Auflistung der Duftstoffe) – muss auf die legislative Agenda gesetzt werden.
Harmonic elimination by SPWM and THIPWM techniques applied in photovoltaic inverters
Authors: Fatima Falil , Nourddine Bénabadji
Published: April 2021

With advances in solid-state power electronic devices, control techniques (PWM) have been devised to obtain high dynamics responses from a multilevel power conditioning converter-Photovoltaic. This work discusses the advantages and drawbacks of two different PWM techniques, the sinusoidal (SPWM) technique and the Third harmonic injection PWM (THIPWM) technique. These two methods are compared by discussing their ease of implementation and by analyzing the output harmonic spectra of various output voltage and their total harmonic distortion (THD). The focus of this paper is the simulation study of single-phase inverter, three phases, two levels and three levels inverter for application photovoltaic. Firstly, single phase is modeled with inductive load and their waveforms are observed. Secondly, a two levels inverter, and three levels inverter are leading to the high industrial performances of the drives synchronous, especially, if a high-power quality is requested.
Processo de desenvolvimento de produtos no vestuário: uma revisão sistemática de modelos de auxílio à prática projetual de produtos de moda
Authors: Varnier Thiago , Fettermann Diego de Castro , Merino Giselle Alves Díaz
Published: April 2021

As empresas de vestuário vêm intensificando seus esforços em busca da excelência no seu desempenho para atender às necessidades dos usuários, e ao mesmo tempo minimizar seus custos operacionais. Para tanto, é necessário adotar uma forma de trabalho que coordene e favoreça o desenvolvimento de novos produtos no setor. Assim, este artigo tem como objetivo identificar os principais modelos desenvolvidos para auxiliar o processo de desenvolvimento de produtos de moda, por meio de uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Proquest e Scielo. Foram identificados 973 artigos publicados, que após um processo de filtragem foram submetidos a uma análise bibliométrica e de conteúdo. Os resultados indicam: Estados Unidos, Brasil e China, como países com maiores quantidades de publicações, maioria dos modelos propostos estão destinados às fases de pré-desenvolvimento e desenvolvimento de modo a proporcionar maior adequação das especificidades do usuário ao produto, além de um foco de pesquisa na inserção do usuário ao processo de desenvolvimento. Portanto, com este levantamento foi possível identificar modelos que buscam aprimorar os processos de desenvolvimento de produtos de moda priorizando a pesquisa (identificação dos requisitos de usuário), criação e detalhamento (geração das soluções), desenvolvimento (produção do vestuário), bem como a promoção e comercialização (apresentação da linha de produtos).
Per-Particle Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins Imply Higher Myocardial Infarction Risk Than Low-Density Lipoproteins: Copenhagen General Population Study
Authors: Johansen Mia Ø. , Vedel-Krogh Signe , Nielsen Sune F. , Afzal Shoaib , Davey Smith George , Nordestgaard Børge G.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)-containing triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and LDL (low-density lipoproteins) are each causal for myocardial infarction and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; however, the relative importance is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that for the same number of nonfasting apoB-containing particles from smaller LDL through to larger triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, the risk of myocardial infarction is similar.

Approach and Results:

We included 29 039 individuals with no history of myocardial infarction nested within 109 751 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study. Particle number of apoB-containing lipoprotein subfractions were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. During a mean follow-up of 10 years, 2309 individuals developed myocardial infarction. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios for myocardial infarction per 1×10
15
particles were higher with larger size and more triglyceride content of apoB-containing lipoproteins using ten different subfractions, ranging from 11 (95% CI, 5.6–22) for extra extra large VLDL (very-low-density lipoproteins) to 1.06 (1.05–1.07) for extra small VLDL to 1.02 (1.01–1.02) for IDL (intermediate-density lipoproteins), through to 1.01 (1.01–1.01) for small LDL. When combining the particle number of 6 VLDL subfractions and combining IDL and 3 LDL subfractions, hazard ratios for myocardial infarction per 1×10
17
particles were 3.5 (2.7–4.5) for VLDL and 1.3 (1.2–1.4) for IDL and LDL combined.

Conclusions:

For the same number of apoB-containing particles (1×10
17
particles/L), the hazard ratio for myocardial infarction was 3.5-fold for VLDL and 1.3-fold for IDL and LDL combined. Biological implications include that VLDL particles are more atherogenic than LDL particles and clinically that VLDL and LDL should be measured separately.
Association of Carotid Artery Plaque With Cardiovascular Events and Incident Coronary Artery Calcium in Individuals With Absent Coronary Calcification
Authors: Mehta Anurag , Rigdon Joseph , Tattersall Matthew C. , German Charles A. , Barringer Thomas A. , Joshi Parag H. , Sperling Laurence S. , Budoff Matthew J. , Bertoni Alain , Michos Erin D. , Blaha Michael J. , Stein James H. , Shapiro Michael D.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Absence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) identifies asymptomatic individuals at low cardiovascular disease risk. Carotid artery plaque is a marker of increased risk, but its association with cardiovascular risk and incident CAC in people without CAC is unclear.

Methods:

Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants with CAC score of 0 at enrollment who also underwent carotid plaque measurement using B-mode ultrasonography were prospectively followed for incident coronary heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease events, and CAC (score >0 on up to 3 serial computed tomography scans). The association of carotid plaque presence and plaque score (Ln[score+1]) at baseline with cardiovascular events and incident CAC was evaluated with Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for demographics, risk factors, and statin use.

Results:

Among these 2673 participants (58 years, 64% women, 34% White, 30% Black, 24% Hispanic, and 12% Chinese), carotid plaque at baseline was observed in 973 (36%) and the median plaque score (range, 1–12) among those with plaque was 1. A total of 79 coronary heart disease, 80 stroke, and 151 cardiovascular disease events were observed during 16.1 years of follow-up. Carotid plaque presence and plaque score were independently associated with coronary heart disease risk (HRs, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.04–2.66]; and 1.48 [95% CI, 1.01–2.17], respectively) but not with stroke and cardiovascular disease risk. A total of 973 (36.4%) participants developed CAC over the evaluation period (median 9.3 years). Carotid plaque presence and plaque score were independently associated with incident CAC (HRs, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.18–1.54]; and 1.37 [95% CI, 1.21–1.54]), respectively.

Conclusions:

The presence and extent of carotid plaque are associated with long-term coronary heart disease risk and incident CAC among middle-aged asymptomatic individuals with an initial CAC score of 0.
Association Between Depression and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hu Hui‐Lin , Chen Hao , Zhu Chun‐Yan , Yue Xin , Wang Hua‐Wei , Qian Gang , Zhai Chang‐Lin , He Chao‐Jie
Published: April 2021

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is considered to be the most common cause of sudden death in young people and is associated with an elevated risk of mood disorders. Depression has emerged as a critical risk factor for development and progression of coronary artery disease; however, the association between depression and HCM outcomes is less clear. We sought to examine the impact of depression on clinical outcomes in patients with HCM.

Methods and Results

Between January 2014 and December 2017, 820 patients with HCM were recruited and followed for an average of 4.2 years. End points were defined as sudden cardiac death (SCD) events and HCM‐related heart failure events. A Chinese version of the Structured Clinical Interview followed the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
Fifth Edition
and was used to diagnose depression. During the follow‐up period, SCD events occurred in 75 individuals (21.8 per 1000 person‐years), and HCM‐related heart failure events developed in 149 individuals (43.3 per 1000 person‐years). Kaplan–Meier cumulative incidence curves showed a significant association of depression disorders with SCD events (log‐rank
P
=0.001) and HCM‐related heart failure events (log‐rank
P
=0.005). A multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that depression was an independent predictor of SCD events and HCM‐related heart failure events (41.9 versus 21.7 per 1000 person‐years; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.6–2.3;
P
<0.001; and 69.9 versus 38.6 per 1000 person‐years; HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.6–2.1;
P
<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Depression is common among patients with HCM. The diagnosis of depression is significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of SCD events and heart failure events in patients with HCM.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea as a Risk Factor for Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Geer Jacqueline H. , Falcone Guido J. , Vanent Kevin N. , Leasure Audrey C. , Woo Daniel , Molano Jennifer R. , Sansing Lauren H. , Langefeld Carl D. , Pisani Margaret A. , Yaggi Henry K. , Sheth Kevin N.
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose:

To determine whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk, we assessed premorbid OSA exposure of patients with nontraumatic ICH and matched controls.

Methods:

Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage is a multicenter, case-control study evaluating risk factors for ICH that recruited 3000 cases with ICH and 3000 controls. OSA status was ascertained using the Berlin Questionnaire as a surrogate for premorbid OSA. We performed logistic regression analyses to evaluate the association between OSA and ICH.

Results:

Two thousand and sixty-four (71%) cases and 1516 (52%) controls were classified as having OSA by the Berlin Questionnaire. Cases with OSA were significantly more likely to be male and have hypertension, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and higher body mass index compared with those without OSA. OSA was more common among cases compared with controls (71% versus 52%, odds ratio, 2.28 [95% CI, 2.05–2.55]). In a multivariable logistic regression model, OSA was associated with increased risk for ICH (odds ratio, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.29–1.67]).

Conclusions:

OSA is a risk factor for ICH.
Report of Cladorhiza bathycrinoides Koltun (Demospongiae) from North America and a new species of Farrea (Hexactinellida) among sponges from Cordell Bank, California
Authors: REISWIG HENRY M.
Published: April 2021

A small collection of five Sponges made by E/V Nautilus on Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, California, include the first report of the crinorhyzid Cladorhiza bathycrinoides Koltun off North America and a new species of Hexactinellida, Farrea. cordelli n. sp. The other three sponges in the collection are known to occur off the surrounding North-East Pacific coast, but new geographic or depth distributions are reported for these.
A new arrowtooth eel of genus Meadia (Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from Vietnam, South China Sea
Authors: VO VAN QUANG , HO HSUAN-CHING , DAO HA VIET , TRAN HOA HONG THI
Published: April 2021

Meadia minor sp. nov., a scaless ilyophine eel, is described on the basis of 10 specimens collected from off Quy Nhon, central coast of Vietnam. It can be distinguished from its congeners in having a relatively long trunk (21.3–25.0% TL) which is longer than head length; a short and blunt snout (21.4–23.7% HL); gill opening close to pectoral-fin base; interbranchial space broad (20.7–26.2% HL); dorsal-fin origin above posterior third of pectoral fin; body depth 24–28 times in TL; total vertebrae 118–122; mean vertebral formula 7-33-121; and a small body size, reaching 330 mm TL. The generic status of the new species is discussed. Short descriptions of two congeners are provided.
Interpretation of Aerosol Effects on Precipitation Susceptibility in Warm Clouds Inferred from Satellite Measurements and Model Evaluation over Northeast Asia
Authors: Park Shin-Young , Kim Cheol-Hee
Published: April 2021

Precipitation susceptibility (So), a parameter of aerosol–cloud–precipitation interaction over Northeast Asia during the Korea–United States Air Quality (KORUS-AQ) campaign, was analyzed using the Clouds from Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer Extended (CLAVR-x) satellite data and WRF-Chem model. As Northeast Asia is one of the areas with the highest aerosol emissions, this study is expected to explore more elaborate aerosol–cloud linkages. Our results obtained from satellite data showed that So increased as the atmospheric condition became stable and humid, and the shift of the water conversion process to precipitation occurred in the LWP range of 300–500 g m−2. The So exhibited a maximum value of 0.61 at an LWP of 350 g m−2, where the dominance of the cloud water conversion process changed from autoconversion to accretion. In the aerosol–cloud relation, the susceptibility of the cloud-drop effective radius showed a negative response to the cloud droplet number concentration (Nd) regardless of the environmental conditions, whereas the LWP versus Nd relationship was highly dependent on the meteorological conditions. The WRF-Chem produced higher So values than those of the satellite data by factors of 2.4–3.3; the simulated results exhibited differences in shape, range, and amplitude. The overestimation of So was mainly due to the high precipitation rate under low-LWP conditions as compared to the satellite observations. This result is associated with the initiation and intensity of precipitation, considering both autoconversion and accretion. Our modeling results were verified during KORUS-AQ, which implied that the aerosol–cloud relationship might be elucidated by improved microphysical parameterization schemes based on more detailed measurements such as aircraft-based observations.
Qualitative identification of waste textiles based on near-infrared spectroscopy and the back propagation artificial neural network
Authors: Li Wenxia , Wei Zihan , Liu Zhengdong , Du Yujun , Zheng Jiahui , Wang Huaping , Zhang Shuo
Published: April 2021

Hand sorting for different types of waste textiles is time-consuming, laborious and inaccurate. The non-destructive and efficient identification of fibers in waste fabrics is of great significance to the reuse of textile materials. In this paper, 593 samples were selected as the research objects, including polyester, cotton, wool, viscose, nylon, silk, acrylic, polyester/nylon, polyester/cotton, polyester/wool and silk/cotton waste textiles. The near-infrared spectrum of each sample was obtained by a portable near-infrared spectrometer, and the influence of environmental humidity and fabric thickness on the near-infrared spectrum of the sample was discussed to obtain the best test conditions. On this basis, the back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) was applied to the qualitative classification of waste textiles to complete the automatic identification of fabric components in the sorting process. Firstly, a standard sample set was established by waveform clipping and normalization, and a BP-ANN deep web suitable for near-infrared spectroscopy was established. Then the BP network was trained according to the input near-infrared spectrum data of known sample categories and the classification results of the preset 11 types of labels, and the weights and thresholds of each layer were adjusted in the repeated training process. Finally, a 1500 × 100 × 11 network structure was established when the network error was the smallest, and the number of corresponding hidden layer nodes was 100. When the number of training steps was 500, the sum of squared errors reached 0.001, and the model recognition effect was the best. Meanwhile, the validity of the model was verified by inspecting additional 299 samples outside the model, and the recognition accuracy rate of the established model also exceeded 99%, which verified the effectiveness of the model. These results show that this near-infrared qualitative analysis model can more accurately classify and identify waste textiles, especially polyester waste textiles. In addition, it provides a new idea for the recycling and reuse of waste textiles for enterprises.
Leptospirosis prevalence and risk factors in India: Evidence gap maps
Authors: Moola Sandeep , Beri Deepti , Salam Abdul , Jagnoor Jagnoor , Teja Arun , Bhaumik Soumyadeep
Published: April 2021

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of public health importance in India. A country-level evidence gap map was developed to identify gaps on epidemiology of leptospirosis. It is the first such on leptospirosis globally and on any single disease condition in India. The steps for development of evidence gap map were development of a framework to map evidence, retrieval of evidence, data extraction parameters and mapping of available evidence in evidence gap map framework. The prevalence evidence gap map consisted of 157 studies (102 in humans, 55 in animals, and 12 in both). The evidence gap map on risk factors had 120 studies (102 in humans, 11 in animals and 7 in both). There were inter-state differences in availability of research and disparity between animal and human research. Research on high-risk groups was limited and studies did not use the One Health approach to identify epidemiology, which can help understand the issue more comprehensively. The study demonstrates the potential of evidence gap maps to inform research priorities.
Management of Multiple Head and Neck Paragangliomas With Assistance of a 3-D Model
Authors: Li Lifeng , Xu Hongbo , Chen Xiaohong , Yu Zhenya , Zhou Jing , Mydlarz Wojciech K. , London Nyall R.
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Extirpation of multiple head and neck paragangliomas carries challenge due to close anatomic relationships with critical neurovascular bundles.

Objectives:

This study aims to assess whether the application of 3-D models can assist with surgical planning and treatment of these paragangliomas, decrease surgically related morbidity and mortality.

Methods:

Fourteen patients undergoing surgical resection of multiple head and neck paragangliomas were enrolled in this study. A preoperative 3-D model was created based on radiologic data, and relevant critical anatomic relationships were preoperatively assessed and intraoperatively validated.

Results:

All 14 patients presented with multiple head and neck paragangliomas, including bilateral carotid body tumors (CBT, n = 9), concurrent CBT with glomus jugulare tumors (GJT, n = 4), and multiple vagal paragangliomas (n = 1). Ten patients underwent genomic analysis and all harbored succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit D (SDHD) mutations. Under guidance of the 3-D model, the internal carotid artery (ICA) was circumferentially encased by tumor on 5 of the operated sides, in 4 (80%) of which the tumor was successfully dissected out from the ICA, whereas ICA reconstruction was required on one side (20%). Following removal of CBT, anterior rerouting of the facial nerve was avoided in 3 (75%) of 4 patients during the extirpation of GJT with assistance of a 3-D model. Two patients developed permanent postoperative vocal cord paralysis. There was no vessel rupture or mortality in this study cohort.

Conclusion:

The 3-D model is beneficial for establishment of a preoperative strategy, as well as planning and guiding the intraoperative procedure for resection of multiple head and neck paragangliomas.
Organic chemical devulcanization of rubber vulcanizates in supercritical carbon dioxide and associated less eco-unfriendly approaches: A review
Authors: Gumede Jabulani I , Hlangothi Buyiswa G , Woolard Chris D , Hlangothi Shanganyane P
Published: April 2021

There is a growing need to recover raw materials from waste due to increasing environmental concerns and the widely adopted transition to circular economy. For waste tyres, it is necessary to continuously develop methods and processes that can devulcanize rubber vulcanizates into rubber products with qualities and properties that can closely match those of the virgin rubber. Currently, the most common, due to its efficiency and perceived eco-friendliness in recovering raw rubber from waste rubbers, such as tyres, is devulcanization in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) using commercial and typical devulcanizing agents. The scCO2 has been generally accepted as an attractive alternative to the traditional liquid-based devulcanization media because of the resultant devulcanized rubber has relatively better quality than other processes. For instance, when scCO2 is employed to recover rubber from waste tyres (e.g. truck tyres) and the recovered rubber is blended with virgin natural rubber (NR) in various compositions, the curing and mechanical properties of the blends closely match those of virgin NR. The atmospheric toxicity and cost of the commonly used devulcanization materials like chemical agents, oils and solvents have enabled a shift towards utilization of greener (mainly organic) and readily available devulcanization chemical components. This literature review paper discusses the approaches, which have less negative impact on the environment, in chemical devulcanization of rubber vulcanizates. A special focus has been on thermo-chemical devulcanization of waste tyres in scCO2 using common organic devulcanizing agents.
MiR-155 Inhibits Malignant Biological Behavior of Human Liver Cancer Cells by Regulating SRPK1
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Guo-tai , Lu Wei-hong
Published: April 2021

Although the treatment of liver cancer has made great progress, the mechanism of its occurrence is not completely clear. miR-155 plays an important regulatory role in tumorigenesis and development, including survival, proliferation, migration and invasion. However, the role and regulatory mechanism of miR-155 in liver cancer has rarely been reported. We analyzed miR-155 expression in liver cancer tissue samples and cell lines by qRT-PCR. The expression of miR-155 was measured by qRT-PCR before and after miR-155-mimic and sh-miR-155 transfection. CCK-8 and clonogenic assays were used to detect the proliferation of liver cancer cells. Cell scratch and invasion assays were used to detect migration and invasion. RNA-seq was used to detect the difference in RNA expression in liver cancer cells. SRPK1 expression was detected in liver cancer cells before and after transfection by qRT-PCR and western blotting. We observed that miR-155 was downregulated in liver cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Furthermore, we demonstrated that liver cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion are markedly suppressed by miR-155. Importantly, we also demonstrated that SRPK1 is directly regulated by miR-155 during the process of liver cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Finally, the overexpression of miR-155 inhibits malignant biological behavior of human liver cancer cells. We report the abnormal expression of the miR-155 cluster in liver cancer cells, which inhibits cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. In addition, we identified SRPK1 as a target gene of miR-155 during the process of liver cancer cell proliferation and metastasis.
Molecularly targeted nanoparticles: an emerging tool for evaluation of expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products in a murine model of peripheral artery disease
Authors: Woźniak Marcin , Konopka Christian J. , Płoska Agata , Hedhli Jamila , Siekierzycka Anna , Banach Maciej , Bartoszewski Rafal , Dobrucki Lawrence W. , Kalinowski Leszek , Dobrucki Iwona T.
Published: April 2021

Background

Molecular imaging with molecularly targeted probes is a powerful tool for studying the spatio-temporal interactions between complex biological processes. The pivotal role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and its involvement in numerous pathological processes, aroused the demand for RAGE-targeted imaging in various diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the use of a diagnostic imaging agent for RAGE quantification in an animal model of peripheral artery disease, a multimodal dual-labeled probe targeted at RAGE (MMIA-CML).

Methods

PAMAM dendrimer was conjugated with Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) modified albumin to synthesize the RAGE-targeted probe. A control untargeted agent carried native non-modified human albumin (HSA). Bifunctional p-SCN-Bn-NOTA was used to conjugate the 64Cu radioisotope. Surgical right femoral artery ligation was performed on C57BL/6 male mice. One week after femoral artery ligation, mice were injected with MMIA-CML or MMIA-HSA labeled with 64Cu radioisotope and 60 min later in vivo microPET-CT imaging was performed. Immediately after PET imaging studies, the murine hindlimb muscle tissues were excised and prepared for gene and protein expression analysis. RAGE gene and protein expression was assessed using real-time qPCR and Western blot technique respectively. To visualize RAGE expression in excised tissues, microscopic fluorescence imaging was performed using RAGE-specific antibodies and RAGE-targeted and -control MMIA.

Results

Animals subjected to PET imaging exhibited greater MMIA-CML uptake in ischemic hindlimbs than non-ischemic hindlimbs. We observed a high correlation between fluorescent signal detection and radioactivity measurement. Significant RAGE gene and protein overexpression were observed in ischemic hindlimbs compared to non-ischemic hindlimbs at one week after surgical ligation. Fluorescence microscopic staining revealed significantly increased uptake of RAGE-targeted nanoparticles in both ischemic and non-ischemic muscle tissues compared to the control probe but at a higher level in ischemic hindlimbs. Ischemic tissue exhibited explicit RAGE dyeing following anti-RAGE antibody and high colocalization with the MMIA-CML targeted at RAGE.

Conclusions

The present results indicate increased expression of RAGE in the ischemic hindlimb and enable the use of multimodal nanoparticles in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models, creating the possibility for imaging structural and functional changes with a RAGE-targeted tracer.
Role of non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging in pre-surgical evaluation of renal masses in renal impairment patients
Authors: Zaytoun Osama M. , Darweesh Reda M. , Gaber Salma A. , Ibrahim Rafik M.
Published: April 2021

Background

The aim of this work is to study the role of non-contrast MRI in pre-surgical evaluation of renal masses in renal impairment patients as confirmed by both intraoperative and histopathological findings. Intraoperative and histopathological findings were correlated with radiological data.

Methods

This prospective study included 20 patients comprising 25 renal masses. The data were collected in a period from April 2018 to September 2019. All patients underwent partial or radical nephrectomy by the same surgeon.

Results

Based on MRI findings, 9 masses (36%) and 8 masses (32%) were found to be associated with collecting system invasion and perinephric fat invasion, respectively. Histopathological assessment confirmed only 6 cases (24%) with collecting system invasion and 7 cases (28%) demonstrated perinephric fat. Seven masses (28%) had intralesional hemorrhage detected by MRI and confirmed by pathological findings. The MRI detected 6 cases (24%) with lymph nodes invasion, while the histopathological assessment confirmed lymphatic invasion in 7 cases (28%). Only 2 cases (8%) had vascular invasion detected by preoperative MRI and confirmed by histopathology and surgery. The final histopathological examination confirmed 20 malignant neoplasms (80%: RCC = 18, leiomyosarcoma = 2), 3 benign neoplasms (12%: angiomyolipoma = 1, oncocytoma = 2) and 2 non-neoplastic benign masses (8%: renal abscess = 1, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis = 1).

Conclusion

Non-contrast MRI is a crucial imaging tool in renal impairment patients who cannot be examined with contrast-enhanced CT or MRI. It assesses the extent of the renal sinus fat and the perinephric fat invasion.
Bracken growth, toxin production and transfer from plant to soil: a 2-year monitoring study
Authors: García-Jorgensen Daniel B. , Diamantopoulos Efstathios , Kisielius Vaidotas , Rosenfjeld Mette , Rasmussen Lars H. , Strobel Bjarne W. , Hansen Hans Chr. B.
Published: April 2021

Background

Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) produces several toxic glycosides, of which ptaquiloside (PTA) is the most well documented. PTA is released from bracken to soil and leaches to surface water and to groundwater. This study presents the first comprehensive monitoring study of bracken biomass, PTA content in the biomass, release by precipitation and concentrations in soil solution at 50 cm depth. Laboratory experiments were carried out to estimate the degradation kinetics of PTA in different soil horizons and moisture contents.

Results

The PTA concentration in bracken was highest at the earliest development stages of the plant, i.e., May, declining through the growing season until negligible contents at senescence. The maximum seasonal PTA content in the canopy peaked in early summer, with values up to 1600 mg m−2. Results show that on average 0.2% of the PTA present in the canopy is washed per mm of incident rain, resulting in up to 13.1 mg PTA m−2 being washed off during single rain events. Once in the soil, PTA dissipates rapidly showing a half-lives ranging from 3.3 to 73 h with observed degradation rates showing a tenfold decrease with soil depths increasing from top soil to 25 cm soil depth. Concentrations of PTA in soil solution were positively correlated with the content of PTA in the canopy, with maximum pore water concentrations up to 4,820 ng L−1 during a pulse event taking place in July 2019.

Conclusions

The production of PTA in bracken was found to be proportional to biomass growth, while the mass of PTA being released is a function of volume and intensity of precipitation, as well as the bracken development stage. Leaching of PTA takes place in the form of pulses linked to precipitation events, with concentrations in the soil solution exceeding levels which are known to pose a risk to human health.
Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of antiphospholipid syndrome and ocular manifestations
Authors: Uludag Gunay , Onghanseng Neil , Tran Anh N. T. , Hassan Muhammad , Halim Muhammad Sohail , Sepah Yasir J. , Do Diana V. , Nguyen Quan Dong
Published: April 2021

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with obstetrical complications, thrombotic complications involving both arteries and veins, and non-thrombotic manifestations affecting multiple other systems presenting in various clinical forms. Diagnosis requires the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. The exact pathogenesis of APS is not fully known. However, it has recently been shown that activation of different types of cells by antiphospholipid antibodies plays an important role in thrombosis formation. Ocular involvement is one of the important clinical manifestations of APS and can vary in presentations. Therefore, as an ophthalmologist, it is crucial to be familiar with the ocular findings of APS to prevent further complications that can develop. Furthermore, the ongoing identification of new and specific factors contributing to the pathogenesis of APS may provide new therapeutic options in the management of the disease in the future.