bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Title: Efficacy of Tacrolimus as Maintenance Therapy after Cyclophosphamide for Treating Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitis
Authors: Pyo Jung Yoon , Lee Lucy Eunju , Ahn Sung Soo , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won
Published: February 2021

Background: Azathioprine, methotrexate, or rituximab is used for the maintenance therapy of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Although the efficacy of tacrolimus (TAC) in various autoimmune diseases has been demonstrated, there have been few reports on the efficacy of TAC in AAV. We investigated the efficacy of TAC as maintenance therapy for AAV and compared its efficacy with that of AZA.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 81 AAV patients who received cyclophosphamide (CYC) as induction therapy and AZA or TAC as maintenance therapy. All-cause death, relapse, and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were analyzed.Results: Among 81 AAV patients, 69 patients received AZA alone, 6 patients received TAC alone, and 6 patients received TAC after AZA for maintenance therapy. Overall, 11 patients (13.6%) died, 30 patients (37.0%) experienced relapse, and 16 patients (19.8%) progressed to ESRD during a median of 33.8 months. No significant differences were observed in cumulative patients’, relapse-free, and ESRD-free survival rates between patients administered AZA alone and TAC alone. There were no significant differences in the cumulative patients’ and relapse-free survival rate between patients who received AZA alone and TAC after AZA. However, the cumulative ESRD-free survival rate was lower in patients who received TAC after AZA than in those who received AZA alone (P = 0.027). Conclusions: Patients who received TAC as maintenance therapy showed a higher incidence of ESRD than those who received AZA, but this might be attributed to the lack of efficacy of AZA rather than the low ESRD prevention effect of TAC.
Direct Investigation of the Reorientational Dynamics of A-site Cations in 2D Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite by Solid-State NMR
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chieh , Huang Shing-Jong , Wu Pei-Hao , Chen Tzu-Pei , Huang Chih-Ying , Wang Ying-Chiao , Chen Po-Tuan , Gelev Vladimir , Sankar Raman , Chen Chun-Wei , Yu Tsyr-Yan
Published: February 2021

The reorientational dynamics of A-site cations in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) play a pivotal role in determining the physical properties of OIHPs. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation method is a powerful tool for studying molecular dynamics. However, it faces a significant challenge when applied to measure two-dimensional (2D) OIHPs, where the small signals of A-site cations overlap with the much larger signals of the organic spacers. Here, we demonstrate a novel strategy to tackle the spectral overlapping problem while investigating the dynamics of A-site cations by using rotational-echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR combined with the synthesis of 2D OIHPs, consisting of isotopically enriched A-site cations of 13C-methyl-15N-ammonium, [U-13C,U-15N]MA. The direct investigation of the reorientational dynamics of MA allows us to unveil the interplay between the A-site cation dynamics and the structural rigidity of the organic spacers, so providing a molecular-level insight into the design of 2D OIHPs.
The Combined Effects of ENSO and Arctic Oscillation on Wintertime Fog Days in Eastern China
Authors: Yu Huaying , Liu Peng , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2021

The data of fog days from weather observation stations in China and the NCEP/NCAR re-analysis data from 1954 to 2007 are used to investigate the combined effects of El Niño and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO) on the number of winter fog days in eastern China. The results show that during El Niño the enhanced low-level southwesterly warm-moist airflow could lead to the temperature rise and humidity increase in eastern China. Note that the rate of humidity increase is faster than the rate of temperature rise, which makes the air in eastern China easy to be saturated. Besides, in winter the North China is dominated by the sinking airflow, so a large-value area of fog days appears in eastern China with the center in North China. While in La Niña years, the atmospheric circulation and its influence on the fog days are the opposite. During the positive AO period, the East Asian trough weakens and the low-level westerly jet moves northward, preventing northwesterly cold air from moving southward. The warming and humidification of North China and the slight temperature drop in South China would cause more fog days in North China and fewer fog days in South China. The effect of negative AO is opposite to that of positive AO. The combined effects of ENSO and AO are far greater than the sum of their individual effects. Under El Niño and positive AO, the number of fog days would increase significantly in North China during the whole winter. Besides, ENSO has greater impacts than AO during early winter and vice versa during later winter.
Amino Terminal Recognition by a CCR6 Chemokine Receptor Antibody Blocks CCL20 Signaling and IL-17 Expression via β-arrestin
Authors: Gómez-Melero Sara , García-Maceira Fé Isabel , García-Maceira Tania , Luna-Guerrero Verónica , Montero-Peñalvo Gracia , Túnez-Fiñana Isaac , Paz-Rojas Elier
Published: February 2021

Background: CCR6 chemokine receptor is an important target in inflammatory diseases. Th17 cells express CCR6 and a number of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17 and IL-22, which are involved in the propagation of inflammatory immune responses. CCR6 antagonist would be a potential treatment for inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study is to develop an antagonistic monoclonal antibody (mAb) against human CCR6 receptor (hCCR6).Results: We generate monoclonal antibodies against hCCR6 immunizing Balb/c mice with hCCR6 overexpressing cells. The antibodies were tested by flow cytometry for specific binding to hCCR6, cloned by limiting dilution and resulted in the isolation and purification monoclonal antibody 1C6. By ELISA and flow cytometry, was determined that the antibody obtained binds to hCCR6 N-terminal domain. The ability of 1C6 to neutralize hCCR6 signaling was tested and we determined that 1C6 antibody were able to block response in β-arrestin recruitment assay with IC50 10.23 nM, but did not inhibit calcium mobilization. In addition, we found in a chemotaxis assay that 1C6 reduces the migration of hCCR6 cells to their ligand CCL20. Finally, we determined by RT-qPCR that the expression of IL-17A in Th17 cells treated with 1C6 was inhibited.Conclusions: In the present study, we applied whole cell immunization for successfully obtain an antibody that is capable to neutralize hCCR6 signaling and to reduce hCCR6 cells migration and IL-17 expression. These results provide an efficient approach to obtain therapeutic potential antibodies in the treatment of CCR6-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Hiccups Induced by Aripiprazole Combined With Sertraline in an Adolescent With Olfactory Reference Disorder: a Case Report
Authors: Li Zhe , Li Yang , Xiong Zhenzhen , Li Zhixiong , Yuan Yiwen , Deng Junfeng , Li Xiao
Published: February 2021

BackgroundHiccup can cause significant distress to patients and affect medication compliance. Individuals with olfactory reference disorder (ORD) who might develop persistent hiccups when treated with a combination of antidepressant and antipsychotic, leading to significant distress and impairment. Case presentationWe report a rare case of an adolescent with ORD who was treated with aripiprazole combined with sertraline and who began to hiccup persistently after 6 days on this treatment. He stopped hiccupping after the aripiprazole had been suspended for 12 h. After discharge, the patient continued on sertraline alone and reported no hiccupping at one-month follow-up. ConclusionsClinicians should consider that the combination of aripiprazole and sertraline can induce hiccups during the acute administration period in adolescents with ORD.
ADAM10 and ADAM17 in Liver Regeneration and Fibrosis: Regulation of EGFR, c-Met and TNF RI Signalling
Authors: Zbodakova Olga , Chalupsky Karel , Sarnova Lenka , Kasparek Petr , Jirouskova Marketa , Gregor Martin , Sedlacek Radislav
Published: February 2021

ADAM10 and ADAM17 are proteases that affect multiple signalling pathways by releasing molecules from the cell surface. As their substrate specificities partially overlaps, we investigated their concurrent role in liver regeneration and fibrosis, using three liver-specific deficient mouse lines: ADAM10- and ADAM17-deficient lines, and a line deficient for both proteases. In the model of partial hepatectomy, double deficient mice exhibited decreased AKT phosphorylation, decreased release of EGFR activating factors and lower shedding of HGF receptor c-Met. Thus, simultaneous ablation of ADAM10 and ADAM17 resulted in impaired EGFR signalling, while HGF/c-Met signalling pathway was enhanced. In contrast, antagonistic effects of ADAM10 and ADAM17 were observed in the model of chronic CCl4 intoxication. While ADAM10-deficient mice develop more severe fibrosis manifested by high ALT, AST, ALP and higher collagen deposition, combined deficiency of ADAM10 and ADAM17 surprisingly results in comparable degree of liver damage as in control littermates. Therefore, ADAM17 deficiency is not protective in fibrosis development per se, but can ameliorate the damaging effect of ADAM10 deficiency on liver fibrosis development and results in decreased shedding of TNF RI, while ADAM10 deficiency leads to increased levels of soluble TNF RI in serum. In conclusion, hepatocyte-derived ADAM10 and ADAM17 are important regulators of growth receptor signalling and TNF RI release, and pathological roles of these proteases are dependent on the cellular context.
Relativistic Modifications in Galactic Rotation Curves under a Toroidal Galactic Field
Authors: Mirza Babur M.
Published: February 2021

Rotational dynamics of galaxies exhibits an increase beyond the Keplerian velocity which corresponds to a missing mass up to six times the dynamic mass in the observable universe. In this paper we show that the observed increase in galactic rotation velocities is a general relativistic effect resulting from the combined effect of toroidal magnetic energy density in galaxies and spacetime dragging due to the rotating compact mass in galactic center. The effect of magnetic energy density on spacetime vorticity is derived from Maxwell equations in axially symmetric spacetime where the dragging effects are shown to extend farther in the galactic disc via the toroidal field, modifying the rotational speed of the galactic matter. This is shown to lead to the diverse rotation curves of spiral galaxies, along with the Tully-Fisher relation for total galactic mass and maximum rotational velocity.
A Visible Light Communication Channel Model for Agronomic Environments
Authors: Quispe Hugo Sanchez , Játiva Pablo Palacios , Zaquinaula Freddy Ajila , Naranjo Santiago Logroño , Saavedra Hilter Figueroa , Cañizares Milton Román
Published: February 2021

Currently, agriculture based on agronomic greenhouses is replacing traditional agriculture. This technique reduces dependence on rain on crops. It also generates a controlled internal environment making optimal use of land and water resources. However, this environment needs more care and attention compared to traditional agriculture. To overcome this limitation, various radio frequency (RF)-based technologies can be used. Nevertheless, studies show that the use of communications in RF bands degrades crops' growth and quality. Therefore, an efficient solution is to use the visible light spectrum for communication, the main technology of which is called visible light communication (VLC). Despite numerous studies for the application of VLC in indoor environments, specific VLC systems for agronomic greenhouse environments or their channel models are not yet investigated in depth. To collaborate on state of art on this topic, we present in this paper a novel channel model that incorporates specific factors that affect the quality of VLC systems in agronomic greenhouse environments. Factors such as the random position and orientation of the transmitters and external environmental agents such as atmospheric and different noise types are considered. These components are integrated into an analytical framework by developing the mathematical model of the VLC channel. Furthermore, the analytical expressions of the received power, the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), and the bit error rate (BER) are obtained. A VLC system applied to an agronomic greenhouse scenario is developed through computer simulations to validate the mathematical analysis. The results show that illuminance is adequate for the efficient operation of the greenhouse. Besides, the influence of atmospheric factors and noises on the magnitude and temporal dispersion of the channel impulse response is verified. Finally, the results show the system's performance in terms of SNR and BER, observing their differences compared to a traditional indoor VLC system.
The equivalent modulus of elasticity of soil mediums for designing shallow foundations
Authors: Pantelidis Lysandros
Published: February 2021

As known, in a Winkler type of analysis the soil medium underneath the foundation is violently replaced by a row of parallel springs having constant ks. For the effective calculation of the latter, which is called the modulus of subgrade reaction, the two elastic constants of the soil (the elastic modulus, E and the Poisson’s ratio, ν) must be known. Although for homogenous soils this generally seems not to be a problem, the same does not stand for stratified mediums or mediums with linearly increasing modulus with depth. In such an analysis, the proper pair of elastic constant values of soil should be selected. This refers to a Poisson’s ratio value equal to zero corresponding to the deformation pattern of springs (compression with no lateral expansion) and the respective modulus. In the present paper a method for calculating the equivalent elastic constants for the above mentioned mediums is proposed based on the theory of elasticity combining the principle of superposition. Various cases are considered, since the equivalent modulus, Eeq, depends on the rigidity and the shape of the footing. As shown, the derived Eeq values not only return reliable settlement results, but also settlement profiles that are similar to those corresponding to the original soil mediums.
SLC7A5 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Regulating Cell Cycle and Migration
Authors: Tang Baiyou , Zhang Lihua , Yu Jing , Peng Mingjing , Cheng Yu , Hu Dongli , Liu Yongbin , Guo Ying , Zhou Honghao
Published: February 2021

Background: Solute carrier family 7 member 5 (SLC7A5) was identified highly expressed and as a key participant in various tumor development; however, the role it played in colorectal cancer remains unclear. Methods and Results: In the current study, the expression of SLC7A5 were systematically mined in public databases and validated by real-time PCR in colon cancer and normal tissues. And then, the co-expression and pathway analysis got from public database, which indicated the potential influence of SLC7A5 for the etiology of colorectal cancer, were evaluated in the colon cancer cell lines by loss of SLC7A5 function experiment, flow cytometry, western blot, and wound healing assay. The results showed that the mRNA expression of SLC7A5 was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues than that in the non-tumor controls for GEO and TCGA datasets as well as 40 pairs of Xiangya clinical samples. The functional enrichment analysis based on public database showed that the pathways enriched most were cell cycle and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and Cyclin D1 (CCND1) were the only gene that had a significant positive correlation with SLC7A5. Loss of SLC7A5 function in colon cancer cell lines could arrest cell cycle at G1 phase by down-regulating CCND1 and CDK2 protein expression, and may reduce cell migration by reversing EMT though upregulation of E-Cadherin and downregulation of zonula occludens-1. Conclusion: SLC7A5 is likely associated with the progression of colon cancer.
A Generative Adversarial Network Technique for High-Quality Super-Resolution Reconstruction of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Zhao Ming , Wei Yang , Wong Kelvin Kian Loong
Published: February 2021

Objective: In this paper, we proposed a Denoising Super-resolution Generative Adversarial Network (DnSRGAN) method for high-quality super-resolution reconstruction of noisy cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images.Methods: This method is based on feed-forward denoising convolutional neural network (DnCNN) and SRGAN architecture. Firstly, we used a feed-forward denoising neural network to pre-denoise the CMR image to ensure that the input is a clean image. Secondly, we use the gradient penalty (GP) method to solve the problem of the discriminator gradient disappearing, which improves the convergence speed of the model. Finally, a new loss function is added to the original SRGAN loss function to monitor GAN gradient descent to achieve more stable and efficient model training, thereby providing higher perceptual quality for the super-resolution of CMR images.Results: We divided the tested cardiac images into 3 groups, each group of 25 images, calculated the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) /Structural Similarity (SSIM) between Ground Truth (GT) and the images generated by super-resolution, used them to evaluate our model, and Compared with the current widely used method: Bicubic ESRGAN and SRGAN, our method has better reconstruction quality and higher PSNR/SSIM score.Conclusion: We used DnCNN to denoise the CMR image, and then using the improved SRGAN to perform super-resolution reconstruction of the denoised image, we can solve the problem of high noise and artifacts that cause the cardiac image to be reconstructed incorrectly during super-resolution. Furthermore, our method is capable of high-quality reconstruction of noisy cardiac images.
The Evidence Mapping and Methodological Quality of Clinical Practice Guidelines of Diagnosis and Management for Spinal Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Huang Jin-Feng , Qin Zongshi , Zheng Xuan-Qi , Lin Jia-Liang , Zhang Kai , Li Yan Michael , Wang Yi-Xiang , Wu Ai-Min
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To systematically review clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for treating spinal pain, to assess the quality of different CPGs, and finally to provide an evidence map for the specific explication of research trends and gaps.Method: We searched CPGs in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Guidelines International Network (GIN), National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). We extracted basic information, recommendations, methodological quality, and reporting quality of the CPGs. Four researchers independently evaluated the quality of the CPGs according to the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) and Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT). Results: According to the AGREE II checklist, we found that the mean score was relatively high in four domains, namely, scope and purpose (78.39), stakeholder involvement (63.04), clarity of presentation (72.04), and rigor of development (61.25). However, the mean score of two domains (editorial independence and application) was relatively low. Among the seven domains of the RIGHT checklist, one field (basic information) had the highest reporting rate (86.61%), while another field (funding, declaration, and management of interest) obtained the lowest reporting rate (53.00%). Conclusion: Our study provided evidence mapping, which is a good tool to reduce research waste and facilitate the process of knowledge transfer. The results of our study can also be used to optimize the implementation of these recommendations and to improve the development of reliable CPGs for treating spinal pain.
Outcomes of Recovered COVID-19 Patients: 6 Months of Sequential Observations at a Designated Tertiary Center
Authors: Cao Jie , Wei Wei , Chen Xianmeng , Ryu Jay H. , Hu Xiaowen
Published: February 2021

Objectives: An ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affecting almost 100,000,000 cases with 2,100,000 deaths worldwide. However, the long-term outcomes of recovered patients remain to be defined.Methods: This is a prospective observational study of patients with COVID-19 using sequential assessments after hospital discharge from a designated tertiary center in Hefei, China. We examined clinical symptom, chest CT imaging, pulmonary function, and 6-min walk distance (6-MWD).Results: There were 62, 61 and 51 discharged patients enrolled the 1-month, 3-month and 6-month observations, respectively. Symptoms persisted in 24 (39%), 25 (41%) and 5 (10%) patients, mainly cough in 31%, 15% and 8% of them, respectively. Mild restrictive pulmonary impairment was detected in 11%, 10%, 12% of patients at 1, 3, 6-month follow-up. Although chest CT scores were overall gradually improved at 1 month (5.0±5.1), 3 months (3.0±4.5) and 6 months (2.0±3.3) compared with that during hospitalization (11.0±6.8), residual CT abnormalities were seen in 73%, 54% and 43% of them at 1, 3, 6 months. At 6-month follow-up, the 6MWD was 541±59 m in these recovered patients, which was significantly lower compared to healthy controls (589±75 m，p<0.01). Only the steroid treatment during hospitalization (p=0.009, OR 12.091, 95% CI 1.882 to 77.678) was associated with abnormal CT score at 6 months.Conclusions: At 6 months after hospital discharge, respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function were improved in most COVID-19 patients while residual impairments were still present in both chest CT images and exercise capacity.
A Systematic Review of School Health Policy Measurement Tools: Implementation Determinants and Outcomes
Authors: McLoughlin Gabriella M , Allen Peg , Walsh-Bailey Callie , Brownson Ross C.
Published: February 2021

Background: Governments in some countries or states/provinces mandate school-based policies intended to improve the health and well-being of primary and secondary students, and in some cases the health of school staff. Examples include mandating a minimum time spent per week in programmed physical activity, mandating provision of healthy foods and limiting fat content of school meals, and banning tobacco products or use on school campuses. Although school health researchers have studied whether schools, districts, or states/provinces are meeting requirements, it is unclear to what extent implementation processes and determinants are assessed. The purposes of the present systematic review of quantitative measures of school policy implementation are to identify quantitative measures of implementation determinants and Proctor model implementation outcomes and assess pragmatic and psychometric properties of such measures.Methods: Peer-reviewed journal articles published 1995-2020 were included if they: 1) had multiple-item quantitative measures of school policy implementation; and 2) addressed overall wellness, tobacco, physical activity, nutrition, obesity prevention, and mental health/bullying/social-emotional learning. The final sample comprised 86 measurement tools from 67 peer-review articles. We extracted study characteristics, such as psychometric and pragmatic measure properties, from included articles based on three frameworks: Implementation Outcomes Framework, 2) Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, and 3) Policy Implementation Determinants Framework.Results: Most implementation tools were developed to measure overall wellness policies which combined multiple policy topics (n=35, 40%) and were in survey form (n=75, 87%). Fidelity was the most frequently prevalent implementation outcome (n=70, 81%), followed by adoption (n=32, 81%). The implementation determinants most assessed were readiness for implementation, including resources (n=43, 50%), leadership (n=42, 49%), and policy communication (n=41, 48%). Overall, measures were low-cost and had easy readability. However, lengthy tools and lack of reported validity/reliability data indicate low transferability.Conclusions: Implementation science can contribute to more complete and rigorous assessment of school health policy implementation processes, which can improve implementation strategies and ultimately the intended health benefits. Several high-quality measures of implementation determinants and implementation outcomes can be applied to school health policy implementation assessment. D&I researchers can also benefit from measurement experiences of school health researchers.
Research on the Relationship Between Economic and Environmental Problems in Inner Mongolia under Industrial Transfer: An Analysis Based on EKC
Authors: Pei Xiaodong , Yuan Pengxu , Bao Chelimuge , Xue Junbo , Sun Ningning
Published: February 2021

In order to promote the economic development of the autonomous region, Inner Mongolia actively undertakes the industrial transfer in the eastern developed areas. In the process of promoting the economic development of Inner Mongolia, industrial transfer has also brought some environmental problems. In order to explore the relationship between industrial transfer, economic growth and the environment of Inner Mongolia, this paper selects the time series data of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2001 to 2016, and conducts an empirical analysis by establishing an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model. The study found that industrial transfer has brought the economic growth and the upgrading of industrial structure to Inner Mongolia, but also brought about environmental problems. Therefore, this paper proposes that Inner Mongolia should increase investment in R&D, strengthen investment in environmental governance, and make full use of the advantages of geography, labor force and natural resources to achieve high-quality economic development and industrial structure optimization and upgrade.
Clinical Utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy In Mixed Ductal-Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of The Pancreas
Authors: Wang pengyan , Wu Yan , Chen Jingci , Jiang Ying , Xue Xiaowei , Cheng Yuejuan , Wu Xi , Chang Xiaoyan
Published: February 2021

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) biopsy is the first line diagnostic tool used in the evaluation of solid pancreatic masses with high sensitivity and specificity prior to the surgery. Mixed ductal-neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas are rare entity consisting of both ductal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine neoplasms, with each component representing at least 30%. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic mixed ductal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine neoplasms by EUS-FNA specimens at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2010-2019 and presented a review of the literature.Results: A total of 3 cases (1 male and 2 females) were evaluated, aged 46, 38 and 62 years, and presented with 3-cm, 2.3-cm and 1.8-cm pancreatic masses, respectively. All the patients presented with abdominal pain and underwent EUS-FNA biopsy. FNA smears revealed a mixture of ductal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine neoplasms, identified by immunohistochemistry. According to Ki-67 proliferation index and mitotic count, the tumor grades of the neuroendocrine component were classified as NET G2 in 2 cases (cases 2 and 3) and NEC in 1 (case 1). All of the patients received adjuvant therapy. The diagnosis of patient 1 was confirmed on surgical excision, and she died 5 months after surgery due to hepatic metastases. The other two patients did not undergo surgery, but achieved long – term survival of 3 and 5 years, respectively. To date, 34 cases of pancreatic mixed ductal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine neoplasms have been reported in the English language literature including our present three cases. Among them, 5 of 12 patients who underwent preoperative biopsy were diagnosed as combined ductal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine neoplasms, of which 3 surgical resection specimens available were identified as mixed ductal-neuroendocrine neoplasms.Conclusion: We suggest that EUS-FNA biopsy is the most effective method for rapid evaluation of pancreatic mixed ductal-neuroendocrine neoplasms with high sensitivity, which is important to determine the most optimum therapy. If the tumor grades of the neuroendocrine component were classified as NET G2 by EUS-FNA biopsy, we propose appropriate adjuvant therapy rather than surgery.
Kármán Vortex Street in an Immiscible Two-component Bose-Einstein Condensate
Authors: Li Xiao-Lin , Ren Xue-Ping , Wang Jing , Fan Xiao-Bei , Zhou Yu-Shan , Wan Xiao-Huan , Zhou Zhi-Kun , Meng Hong-Juan , Zhang Juan , Shi Yu-Ren
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we investigate a two-component Gross-Pitaevskii system with a moving obstacle potential, which describes the vortex shedding for an immiscible binary Bose-Einstein condensate composed of different hyperfine states of 87 Rb atoms. Numerical simulations indicate that, the Kármán vortex street is discovered in one component, while the Kármán-like vortex street named "ghost vortex street" is formed in the other. The other typical patterns of vortex shedding, such as vortex dipoles, V-shaped vortex pairs and corresponding "ghost vortex shedding", can also be found in the wake of obstacle. The instantaneous and time-averaged drag force acting on obstacle potential are calculated, which show the contribution to drag force from vortex shedding. The parameter region for various vortex patterns, critical velocity for vortex emission, and superfluid Reynolds number are presented and discussed. Finally, we provide an experimental protocol for the above realization and observation.
CD8+ Tregs Ameliorate Inflammatory Reactions in a Murine Model of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Lin Lin , Dai Fei , Wei Jinjin , Chen Zheng
Published: February 2021

Background
CD8+CD25+fork-head box transcription factor (Foxp3)+ regulatory T cells (CD8+ Tregs) play a role in immune tolerance. However, the role of these cells in allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been elucidated. The study aimed to evaluate influences of CD8+ Tregs on inflammatory conditions in a murine model of AR.
Methods
A murine model of AR was established. CD8+ Tregs were isolated from mice nasal mucosa and cultured in vitro. We examined interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in cell cultures. Then, we administered CD8+ Tregs into mice nasal mucosal cultures, and examined eosinophil cation protein (ECP), IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in these cultures. Finally, we adoptively transferred CD8+ Tregs into mice models, and evaluated percentages of CD8+ Tregs, numbers of sneezing and nasal rubbing, and counts of eosinophils and contents of ECP, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-10 and TGF-β in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) in mice.
Results
The percentage of CD8+ Tregs from AR mice was reduced. IL-10 and TGF-β were increased in cell cultures from AR mice. ECP, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were decreased after the AR mice CD8+ Tregs administration in mucosal cultures. However, their contents were not changed after normal CD8+ Tregs treatment. Additionally, the adoptive transfer of AR CD8+ Tregs enhanced the percentage of CD8+ Tregs and levels of IL-10 and TGF-β in NLF, reduced numbers of sneezing and nasal rubbing, and counts of eosinophils and concentrations of ECP, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in NLF. However, normal CD8+ Tregs could not change above parameters.
Conclusion
These findings show that CD8+ Tregs may inhibit inflammatory responses in the AR condition.
Development of 105 SNP markers in endangered turtle species Pelodiscus sinensis using RAD-seq
Authors: Xie Qiming , Liu Fan , Zhang Jilong , Li Xilei , Chen Tiantian , Fang Guoxia , Ma Rensheng , Su Shi-Ping
Published: February 2021

In this study, Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) was used to develop single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for Pelodiscus sinensis, which is a commercially important species in China. We collected 15 individuals from Anhui Province and RAD-seq data of 20 individuals from NCBI: PRJNA530350 to screen high quality SNP maker through genome-wide. A total of 105 high-quality SNP markers were identified. The population genetic statistics showed that the minor allele frequency varied from 0.0571 to 0.3382, and the observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.1143 to 0.6765 and 0.1078 to 0.4477, respectively. These novel SNP markers will serve as a valuable genetic tool for future conservation and population genetics studies in P. sinensis.
A Multifaceted Clinical Decision Support Intervention to Improve Adherence to Thromboprophylaxis Guidelines 
Authors: Jaspers Tessa , Essenberg Marjolijn Duisenberg-van , Maat Barbara , Durian Marc , Berg Roy van den , Bemt Patricia van den
Published: February 2021

Background: Venous thromboembolism is a potentially fatal complication of hospitalisation, affecting approximately 3% of non-surgical patients. Administration of low molecular weight heparins to the appropriate patients adequately decreases venous thromboembolism incidence, but guideline adherence is notoriously low.Objective: To determine the effect of a multifaceted intervention on thromboprophylaxis guideline adherence. The secondary objective was to study the effect on guideline adherence specifically in patients with a high venous thromboembolism risk. As an exploratory objective, we determined how many venous thromboembolisms may be prevented.Setting: A Dutch general teaching hospital.Method: A prospective study with a pre- and post-intervention measurement was conducted. A multifaceted intervention, consisting of Clinical Decision Support software, a mobile phone application, monitoring of duplicate anticoagulants and training, was implemented. Guideline adherence was assessed by calculating the Padua prediction and Improve bleeding score for each patient. The number of preventable venous thromboembolisms was calculated using the incidences of venous thromboembolism in patients with and without adequate thromboprophylaxis and extrapolated to the annual number of admitted patients.Main outcome measure: Adherence to thromboprophylaxis guidelines in pre- and post-intervention measurements.Results: 170 patients were included: 85 in both control and intervention group. The intervention significantly increased guideline adherence from 49.4% to 82.4% (OR 4.78; 95%CI 2.37-9.63). Guideline adherence in the patient group with a high venous thromboembolism risk also increased significantly from 54.5% to 84.3% (OR 2.46; 95%CI 1.31-4.62), resulting in the potential prevention of ±261 venous thromboembolisms per year.Conclusions: Our multifaceted intervention significantly increased thromboprophylaxis guideline adherence.
Psychometric Properties of Medication Adherence Instruments in Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Oliveira Henrique Ceretta , Neto Daisuke Hayashi , Carvalho Samantha Dalbosco Lins , de Barros Rita de Cássia Lopes , Neves Mayza Luzia dos Santos , Andrechuk Carla Renata Silva , Alexandre Neusa Maria Costa , Rodrigues Roberta Cunha Matheus
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus reduces the risk of cardiovascular events.; however, most patients do not adhere to the treatment. There are several self-reported measures for assessing medication adherence. Identifying the instruments with the best psychometric evidence is essential for selecting an accurate measure. The aim of this study is to critically assess, compare and synthesize the quality of the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures to access medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsThis protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) and the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines. The following databases will be searched: Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, PsycINFO and ProQuest.DiscussionThis review will provide a detailed assessment of the measurement properties of self-reported medication adherence instruments in patients with cardiovascular diseases and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus to support clinical practice and research.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42019129109.
Effect of standard antibiotic prophylaxis versus enhanced prophylactic measures on rate of urinary tract infection after flexible ureteroscopy: A randomized clinical study
Authors: El-Agamy El-Sayed I. , Elhelaly. Mohamed A. , Abouelgreed Tamer A. , Abdrabuh Abdrabuh M. , Elebiary Mohamed F. , Abdelaal Mohamed A.
Published: February 2021

BackgroundPrevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) after flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) remains controversial. The present study aimed to compare the rate of post-procedural UTI in patients subjected to the standard antibiotic prophylaxis alone versus enhanced prophylactic measures.Methodsfrom August 2018 to September 2020, a total of 100 patients subjected to fURS for management of ureteral and/or renal stones were included in this study. Patients were equally and randomly divided to two treatment groups using randomly computer-generated allocation tables and concealed envelope technique. Treatment groups included standard antibiotic prophylaxis group and enhanced prophylaxis group. Patients in the standard antibiotic prophylaxis group IV, fluoroquinolone 1 hour preoperatively and oral antibiotics were used for 24h postoperatively. In the enhanced prophylaxis group, patients had urine culture 10 days before the procedure. In addition to the antibiotic prophylaxis, hydrophilic-coated ureteral access sheaths were systematically used.ResultsComparison between the baseline and operative characteristics of the studied groups revealed no statistically significant differences. Postoperatively, 8 patients (16.0 %) in the standard prophylaxis group were diagnosed with UTI in comparison to 2 patients (4.0 %) in the enhanced prophylaxis group expressing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.046). Using binary logistic regression analysis, female patients’ sex [OR (95% CI): 0.09 (0.018–0.46), operative time [OR (95%CI): 0.97 (0.94–0.99)] were significant predictors of postoperative UTI in univariate analysis. However, only female sex remained significant in multivariate analysis [OR (95% CI): 0.09 (0.017–0.49)].ConclusionsUrinary tract infection after fURS can be significantly reduced by using the suggested enhanced prophylactic approach.
Targeting dysregulation signatures of p53-MDM2 interactions to identify newer small molecule inhibitors for cancer therapy: Insight from computational direction
Authors: Chukwuemeka Prosper Obed , Umar Haruna Isiyaku , Iwaloye Opeyemi , Oretade Oluwaseyi Matthew , Olowosoke Christopher Busayo , Elabiyi Michael Omoniyi , Igbe Festus Omotere , Oretade Oyeyemi Janet , Eigbe Joy Oseme , Adeojo Funmilayo Janet
Published: February 2021

Dysregulation of the p53-MDM2 interactions has been implicated in majority of human tumors presenting a target for finding small molecule inhibitors. In this study, a training set of 17 experimentally tested inhibitors of MDM2 was used to develop series of pharmacophore models among which a four-featured (AHRR_1) model with one hydrogen bond acceptor, one hydrophobic group and two aromatic ring features and characterized by a survival score of 4.176 was considered significant among the top ranked generated hypothesis. Further, the model was validated by an external set of actives and decoy molecules and was found to exhibit encouraging statistical attributes (such as AUC > 0.7, BEDROC > 0.5 and EF > 1.0 etc). The model was used to screen the ZINC compound database, from the database, the top best 1375 hits satisfying the pharmacophore model was were docked to MDM2 protein to identify the likely interactions of the compounds as well as their binding affinity with MDM2. Further, druglikeness and pharmacokinetic properties screening on top-ranked compounds with higher binding affinity than reference inhibitors revealed four compounds (ZINC02639178, ZINC38933175, ZINC77969611, and ZINC06752762) with suitable pharmacological properties including low ligand toxicity. Investigation of the dynamic behaviour of each candidate inhibitors in complex with MDM2 via molecular dynamic simulation suggested ZINC02639178 and ZINC06752762 as the most potential inhibitors. Thus, these compounds may emerged as therapeutic option for cancer treatment after extensive in vitro and in vivo studies.
The role of an international treaty in creating over time a sustainable network for interdisciplinary landscape approaches
Authors: Pătru-Stupariu Ileana , Nita Andreea
Published: February 2021

Context. The European Landscape Convention (ELC) of the Council of Europe represents the first international treaty that envisage all aspects when planning European landscapes. Through this convention, public authorities have been encouraged to adopt policies and measures at local, national and international level in order to protect, manage and properly plan landscapes in a sustainable manner. Objectives. Our study aims to provide a better understanding of the landscape governance research trends by using an innovative methodology to highlight ways to improve and optimize ELC implementation. Methods: For this, we analyzed published articles in international journals directly connected to ELC implementation between 2000 and 2020 (n=400). We use bibliometric indicators (i.e., publications, authors affiliations) and co-occurrence analysis with overlay visualization in time (i.e. keywords), in order to discover the landscape research trends and evolution in the past 20 years. Furthermore, we extracted 119 articles that we review considering for each article the assigned different attributes in order to perform a more detailed analysis of the ELC aspects covered in research. Results: The findings of our innovative analyses show the key player in promoting the European Landscape Convention principles in the research field, along with the evolution in time of the most common trends of ELC by identifying the perspectives of landscape conservation in the future.Conclusions. This paper provides insights for integrating novel technologies and innovative landscape approaches in the future and for the landscape sustainability.
Photosynthetic parameters and growth of rice, lettuce, sunflower and tomato in an Entisol as affected by soil acidity and bioaccumulation of Ba, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn
Authors: Rabêlo Flávio Henrique Silveira , Lavres José , Pinto Flávio , Alleoni Luís
Published: February 2021

The bioaccumulation of trace elements (TEs) in crops consumed by humans can lead to a lower food production due to photosynthetic damages and several diseases in humans, but decreasing soil acidity could mitigate these problems by decreasing TEs bioavailability. Thus, we evaluate the effect of increasing soil base saturation (BS%) on photosynthesis, growth and bioaccumulation of barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) or zinc (Zn) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in sandy Entisol. The crops were grown in uncontaminated or contaminated Entisol, under two BS% ratios: 30% for all crops or 50% for rice and 70% for lettuce, sunflower and tomato. The photosynthesis-related parameters varied depending on the metal and crop, but in general, increasing BS% did not attenuate photosynthetic damages induced by Ba, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn in the crops. There was no strong correlation between the photosynthetic parameters measured and biomass production, which suggest us that the suppression on biomass induced by Ba, Cd, Cu, Ni or Zn is related to other metabolic disorders besides the impairment on CO2 assimilation or chlorophyll synthesis in the crops assayed, with exception of Ni and Zn in lettuce. In conclusion, increasing BS% was not consistent in decreasing Ba, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn accumulation in the edible parts of lettuce, rice, sunflower and tomato grown in the sandy soil, which probably is related to the low capacity of this soil in control TEs bioavailability.
Fabrication of graphene: CdSe quantum dots/CdS nanorod heterojunction photodetector and role of graphene to enhance the photoresponsive characteristics
Authors: Veeramalai Chandrasekar Perumal , kollu Pratap , Lin Guochen , Zhang Xiaoming , Li Chuanbo
Published: February 2021

Integration of graphene with semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) provides an elegant way to access the intrinsic properties of graphene and optical properties of QDs in a single hand to realize the high-performance optoelectronic devices. In the present study, high-performance photodetector based on graphene: CdSe QDs/CdS nanorod heterostructures, are demonstrated. The resulting heterojunction photodetector with device configuration ITO/graphene: CdSe/CdS nanorods/Ag show excellent operating characteristics including a maximum photoresponsivity of 15.95 AW-1 and specific detectivity of 6.85×1012 Jones measured at 530 nm. The device exhibits a photoresponse rise time of 545 ms and a decay time of 539 ms. Furthermore, the effect of graphene nanosheets on the performance enhancement of heterojunction photodetector was explored. The results indicate that, due to the enhanced energy transfer from photoexcited QDs to graphene layer, light absorption is increased and excitons are generated. Also, the graphene: CdSe QDs/CdS nanorod interface can facilitate charge carrier transport effectively. This work provides a promising approach to develop high-performance visible-light photodetectors and utilization of advantageous features of graphene in optoelectronic devices.
Episode Four: Khairani Barokka
Authors: Shah Rajni , Barokka Khairani , 周 Gibbons Fili
Published: February 2021

In this short conversation Rajni Shah and Kharaini Barokka (Okka) discuss the complex relationships between listening, safety, harm, accountability, and trust. These topics are especially poignant because Okka and Rajni did not know each other before recording this podcast, and so we hear them navigating in their own conversation some of the questions they are reflecting on together.

In the accompanying offering, Okka shares some of her daily wellbeing practices.

Full credits and transcript for this episode will be published when the episode is released on 12 April 2021.