bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Five Collagen-related Gene Signature to Estimate the Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment in Clear Cell Renal Cell Cancer
Authors: Shi Xiaokai , Zhou Xiao , Yue Chuang , Lu Chao , Gao Shenglin , Zuo Li , Sun Zhiqin , Zhang Lifeng
Published: July 2021

Background: Collagen is the main component of Extracellular matrix (ECM) and might play an important role in tumor microenvironment. However, the relationship between collagen and clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC) still not fully clarified. Hence, we aimed to establish a collagen-related signature to predict the prognosis and estimate the tumor immune microenvironment in ccRCC patients. Results: In this study, we established a five collagen-related gene signature to estimate the immune microenvironment and predict the prognosis of ccRCC patients. Patients with high-risk score were often correlated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) and immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, the collagen-related genetic signature was highly correlated with clinical pathological features and can be considered as independent prognostic factors in ccRCC patients. Besides, GSEA results also show that patients with high-risk grade tend to be associated with epithelial-mesenchymal junctions (EMT) and immune responses.Conclusion: In this study, we developed a collagen-related gene signature, which might possess the potential to predict the prognosis and immune microenvironment of ccRCC patients and function as an independent prognostic factor in ccRCC.
Title: Clinical Manifestations and Outcome of Viral Acute Lower Respiratory Infection in Hospitalised Children in Myanmar
Authors: Kamata Kazuhiro , Thein Khin Nyo , Ja Lasham Di , Win Nay Chi , Win Su Mon Kyaw , Suzuki Yuko , Ito Ai , Osada Hidekazu , Chon Irina , Phyu Wint Wint , Aizawa Yuta , Ikuse Tatsuki , Ota Tomomi , Kyaw Yadanar , Tin Htay Htay , Shobugawa Yugo , Watanabe Hisami , Saito Reiko , Saitoh Akihiko
Published: July 2021

Background
Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) remains the leading cause of death in children worldwide, and viruses have been the major causative factors of ALRI after the introduction of bacterial conjugate vaccines. In Myanmar, ALRI is associated with high morbidity and mortality in children. However, detailed information on ALRI is currently lacking.
Methods
We conducted a prospective study to investigate the viral aetiologies, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of ALRI in hospitalised children at the Yankin Children Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar from May 2017 to April 2019. The World Health Organization’s definitions of ALRI and severe ALRI were used with minor modifications. For the patients with suspected viral ALRI, a nasopharyngeal swab was obtained, and rapid tests for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were performed, followed by real-time PCR for the 16 respiratory viruses causing ALRI. Clinical information was extracted from the medical records.
Results
Among the 5463 patients admitted with a diagnosis of ALRI, 570 (10.4%) were randomly enrolled in the study. The median age of the patients was 8 months (interquartile range, 4–15 months). The most common symptoms were cough (93%) and difficulty of breathing (73%), while the most common signs were tachypnoea (78%) and chest indrawing (67%). Sixteen potentially causative viruses were detected in 502 (88%) patients, with RSV B (36%) and rhinovirus (28%) being the most commonly detected. Multiple viruses were detected simultaneously in 221 patients (37%). Severe ALRI was diagnosed in 107 patients (19%). The mortality rate was 5%; influenza virus A (29%) and RSV B (21%) were commonly detected in such cases.
Conclusions
Viral ALRI in children has significant morbidity and mortality rates in Myanmar. RSV and rhinovirus were the most commonly detected, while influenza virus and RSV were the most common causes of mortality.
Transcriptome and whole genome sequencing profiles in Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy 14484T>C mutation carrying monozygotic twins reveal that prostanoid receptor is a possible modifier for LHON manifestation
Authors: Tun Khin Kay Zin , Toosaranont Jarichad , Kaewsutthi Supannee , Grove Harald , Ruchadaariyachat Sukanya , Suthammarak Wichit , Chuenkongkaew Wanicha , Lertrit Patcharee , Suktitipat Bhoom , Mitrpant Chalermchai
Published: July 2021

Background

Leber’s inherited optic neuropathy (LHON) is well known for incomplete penetrance. A pair of monozygotic twins carrying 14484T > C LHON mutation: one displayed LHON characteristics (affected LHON) and the other twin was an unaffected LHON carrier, were studied to identify possible modifier(s) for LHON manifestation.
Methods

Primary fibroblasts from affected and unaffected monozygotic twins with 14484T > C LHON mutation were treated with different insults to differentiate cellular phenotype between the two fibroblasts. RNA sequencing of the fibroblasts indicated differentially expressed genes and whole genome sequencing was used to identify candidates for disease modifier.
Results

Our results suggested that fibroblast from unaffected carrier was able to adapt to galactose and hydrogen peroxide insult, while affected fibroblasts were not. We found reduced expression of total SOD2 with high proportion of inactive SOD2 (acetylated SOD2) in affected LHON fibroblast, while decreased expression of SIRT3 was detected in affected LHON fibroblasts treated with combination of insults. Differential expression indicated enrichment of a pathway relating to negative regulator of cell death pathway in unaffected carrier fibroblast. Expression of receptor for prostaglandin E receptor (PTGER3) was found to be affected by two SNPs. Unaffected LHON fibroblast possessed rs75523942 that indicates a positive effect on PTGER3 expression, while affected LHON fibroblast possessed rs496483 that indicates a negative effect on PTGER3 expression. Discordant SNPs on prostaglandin E receptor 3 (PTGER3) were identified as eQTL.
Conclusions

This study indicates that prostanoid receptor could be a possible modifier for LHON manifestation of these twins.
Risk Factor Analysis of Bone Cement Leakage for Polymethylmethacrylate-Augmented Cannulated Pedicle Screw Fixation in Spinal Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Liu Yaoyao , Xiao Jun , He Lei , Yin Xiang , Song Lei , Zhou Rui , Zeng Jing , Liu Peng , Dai Fei
Published: July 2021

Background
We investigated the risk factors of cement leakage (CL) for polymethylmethacrylate-augmented cannulated pedicle screw (CPS) in spinal degenerative diseases and provided technical guidance for clinical surgery.
Methods
This study enrolled 276 patients with spinal degenerative disease and osteoporosis who were augmented using CPSs (835 screws in total) from May 2011 to June 2018 in our hospital. The patients' age, sex, bone mineral density (BMD), diagnosis, augmented positions, number of CPS implanted, and CL during surgery were recorded. CL was observed by postoperative computed tomography (CT) and was classified by Yeom typing.
Results
A total of 74 (8.9%) CPSs in 64 patients leaked (23.2%), with 65 (87.83%), 3 (4.05%), and 6 (8.11%) screws showing Types S, B, and C leakage, respectively. CL was significantly correlated with the number and position of screws (P < 0.05), but not with sex, age, and BMD (P > 0.05). The position, number of CPSs, fracture, degenerative scoliosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and revision surgery were risk factors for CL (P < 0.05). Augmentation of the thoracic vertebral body, fracture, and ankylosing spondylitis were independent risk factors for Type S. Augmentation of the lumbar vertebral body, lumbar disc herniation, and lumbar spondylolisthesis were independent risk factors for Type B (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
CL has a high incidence in clinical practice. To avoid serious complications, high-risk factors for leakage should be addressed. Particularly, it is necessary to develop alternative solutions for the lack of holding force of internal fixation caused by CL during surgery.
An Evaluation of the Provision of Oncology Rehabilitation Services via Telemedicine Using a Participatory Design Approach
Authors: Brady Grainne Carmel , Ashforth Kate , Cowan-Dickie Siobhan , Dewhurst Sarah , Harris Natalie , Monteiro Alline , Sandsund Catherine , Roe Justin
Published: July 2021

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally impacted the delivery of healthcare services globally. In line with UK government guidelines on social distancing, the use of telemedicine was implemented to facilitate the ongoing provision of cancer rehabilitation.
Purpose
We sought to evaluate and co-design telemedicine services to meet the complex needs of our patients and carers at a tertiary cancer centre.
Methods
Experience based co-design (EBCD) methodology was adapted to include virtual methods. Staff members (n = 12) and patients (n = 11) who had delivered or received or delivered therapies services at our UK cancer centre since March 2020 were recruited to take part in one-to-one virtual interviews. Patient interviews were video recorded, analysed and edited to a 30-minute summary video. Patient and staff virtual events were undertaken thereafter. A joint virtual patient and staff event occurred, where staff could see the video and with patients as partners, agree areas for change and develop groups for service co-design.
Results
Positive aspects regarding telemedicine provision were highlighted including reduced financial and time burden on patients, and increased flexibility for both staff and patients. The key concerns included digital exclusion, safety, communication and patient choice. Four co-design groups have been established to enact changes in these priority areas.
Conclusion
Using a participatory design approach, we have worked in partnership with patients and staff to ensure the safe, acceptable and effective delivery of rehabilitation services with integrated telemedicine.
Taylor's Law Detects and Interprets Temporal Trends of the Spatial Distribution of Covid-19 Daily Infection Density Across Italian Provinces
Authors: Benassi Federico , Naccarato Alessia , Xu Meng
Published: July 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Within-patient Genetic Diversity of blaKPC Harboring K. pneumoniae Isolates in a Colombian High Complexity Hospital. Identification of a New Tn3-based NTEKPC-IIe Mobilization Platform.
Authors: Abril Deisy , Vergara Erika , Palacios Diana , Leal Aura Lucía , Marquez-Ortiz Ricaurte Alejandro , Madroñero Johana , Rozo Zayda Lorena Corredor , Rosa Zandra De La , Nieto Carlos A. , Vanegas Natasha , Cortés Jorge A. , Escobar-Perez Javier
Published: July 2021

Resistance to carbapenems in Klebsiella pneumoniae has been mostly related with the worldwide dissemination of KPC, largely due to the pandemic clones belonging to the complex clonal (CC) 258. To unravel blaKPC post-endemic clinical impact, here we describe clinical characteristics of 68 patients from a high complexity hospital, and the molecular and genetic characteristics of their 139 blaKPC - K. pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) isolates. Of the 26 patients that presented relapses or reinfections, 16 had changes in the resistance profiles of the isolates recovered from the recurrent episodes. In respect to the genetic diversity of KPC-Kp isolates, PFGE revealed 45 different clonal complexes (CC). MLST for 12 representative clones showed ST258 was present in the most frequent CC (23.0%), however, remaining 11 representative clones belonged to non-CC258 STs (77.0%). Interestingly, 16 patients presented within-patient genetic diversity of KPC-Kp clones. In one of these, three unrelated KPC-Kp clones (ST258, ST504, and ST846) and a blaKPC - K. variicola isolate (ST182) were identified. For this patient, complete genome sequence of one representative isolate of each clone was determined. In K. pneumoniae isolates blaKPC was mobilized by two Tn3-like unrelated platforms: Tn4401b (ST258) and Tn6454 (ST504 and ST846), a new NTEKPC-IIe transposon for first time characterized also determined in the K. variicola isolate of this study. Genome analysis showed these transposons were harbored in different unrelated but previously reported plasmids and in the chromosome of a K. pneumoniae (for Tn4401b). In conclusion, in the blaKPC post-endemic dissemination in Colombia, different KPC-Kp clones (mostly non-CC258) have emerged due to integration of the single blaKPC gene in new genetic platforms. This work also shows the intra-patient resistant and genetic diversity of KPC-Kp isolates. This circulation dynamic could impact the effectiveness of long-term treatments.
Impact of Climate Change on Rainfall Pattern in Upper Kumaon Himalaya Region
Authors: Singh A. , Singh R. B. , Anand S. , Mohanty A. , Dash S. S.
Published: July 2021

Every single aspect of environment is affected by climate change. Change in rainfall pattern is an immense important research area in climate-change based study. Rainfall pattern has direct impacts on food production and frequencies natural disasters (landslide, cloudburst, flood, drought etc.). Consequently, that appropriate and systemic consideration since it distresses the most of the human life. Situation in Himalayan region is worst. High altitude, less agricultural area, harsh climate with high fragility makes mountain region more vulnerable in term of climate change. The objective of this study is to identify yearly, seasonal, and monthly rainfall trends in the Upper Kumaon region (UKR). Long-term gridded daily rainfall data (1950–2018) were used. Rainfall data was processed and analyzed for a period of 68 years (1950–2018) at four places (four in each Kumaon division) in the surrounding area of Almora, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Champawat. The regression analysis (parametric) method and variability analysis were used to examine historical trends in daily rainfall. The rising and falling trends in rainfall, as well as anomalies, have been studied using regression.The result shows that rainfall demonstrate statistically significant changes occurred in last 34 years. Rainfall variability is higher in low altitude region than high altitude region of Upper Kumaon region.
Acute Ophthalmic Manifestations in Mycoplasma Induced Rash and Mucositis
Authors: Rashad Ramy , Elhusseiny Abdelrahman M. , Shanbhag Swapna S. , Chodosh James , Saeed Hajirah N.
Published: July 2021

Background: The purpose of the current study is to demonstrate the prevalence of ocular complications in patients suffering with MIRM, an eruption clinically distinct from Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN).Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we identified all patients in our hospital database who were diagnosed with MIRM. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical information and a positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae serology. Only patients with available records with formal ophthalmology consults were included. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from our electronic medical record system.Results: A total of 11 patients were included in our study. The average age was 22 ± 15.2 years, and the majority were male (63.6%). In all 22 eyes, the acute ocular findings were limited to conjunctival hyperemia (n=18, 81.8%), meibomitis (n=2, 9.1%), and conjunctival epithelial defects (n=1, 4.5%). None of the patients were treated with amniotic membrane transplantation in the acute phase. Three patients received follow-up eye examinations; none showed ocular complications.Conclusions: Ocular complications from MIRM appear to be milder in comparison to ocular complications found in other bullous and inflammatory conditions such as SJS/TEN. Understanding the ocular sequelae of MIRM is important to better inform acute and chronic management.
Oral Sucrose Improves Analgesia During Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening
Authors: Ramoutar Ryan R , Singh Anil J , Papandreou Charikleia
Published: July 2021

Purpose To determine whether sucrose provides significant analgesia during Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening Methods This was a prospective, randomized, sinlge masked audit. The examinations were performed by a single examiner. Forty-five (45) neonates were separated into two groups; Group 1 received oral sucrose while Group 2 received oral sucrose and non-nutritive suckling (NNS) at the discretion of the attending nurse. Pain was assessed using the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) score and recorded at baseline, immediately following lid speculum, at 3 minutes and 6 minutes following lid speculum insertion. Results The mean baseline PIPP score was 0.5. Fifteen (15) neonates (33%) received NNS. The mean PIPP scores at speculum insertion in both groups (Group 1: 7.24, Group 2: 5.50) were observed to be higher than at baseline and lower in Group 2 than in Group 1. In both groups, the scores at 3 minutes (Group 1: 4.70, Group 2: 4.20) and 6 minutes (Group 1 4.50, Group 2: 4.70) were observed to be higher than at baseline, lower than at speculum insertion, but not significantly different to each other. Conclusions Lid speculum insertion during ROP screening appears to be a significantly painful event. ROP examinations should be conducted with a combination of topical analgesia and sucrose and NNS for greatest pain-relieving effect.
Effective Coastal Adaptation Needs Accurate Hazard Assessment : A Case Study In Port Resolution, Tanna Island Vanuatu
Authors: Faivre Faivre , Tomlinson Rodger , Ware Daniel , Shaeri Saeed , Hadwen Wade , Buckwell Andrew , Mackey Brendan
Published: July 2021

Developing countries face risks from natural hazards that are being amplified by climate change. Selection of effective adaptation interventions to manage these risks requires a sufficiently accurate assessment of the coastal hazard at a given location. Yet challenges remain in terms of understanding local coastal risks given the coarseness of global wave models and the paucity of locally scaled data in most developing countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Vanuatu. The aim of this paper was to examine the differences in hazard assessment and adaptation option selections arising from analyses using globally versus locally scaled data on coastal processes. As a case study, we focused on an eroding cliff face in Port Resolution on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, which is of concern to the local community and government authorities. The coastal process modelling revealed that the global wave data generated unrealistically high predictions of wave height within Port Resolution bay. Expensive engineering adaptations designed to provide coastal protection were therefore likely to fail in preventing ongoing cliff erosion. In this case, the best adaptation solution involves changing land use to revegetate and help stabilise the cliff top. Our case study highlights the importance of accurate hazard assessment, especially in data poor regions where extrapolation of global datasets and models in the absence of local data can result in poor adaptation decision making. Furthermore, the multidisciplinary approach applied here can be applied in other data-poor regions to strengthen analyses exploring the benefits of local adaptation interventions.
A Mobility Model for Return and Repeated Migration Based on Network Motifs
Authors: Curiel Rafael Prieto , Domínguez Mauricio Quiñones , Lora Eduardo , O'Clery Neave
Published: July 2021

People changing residence within their own country is the most common type of migration and is one of the main driving forces of a country's demography. Yet, due to a lack of data and tools, some key characteristics of internal migration such as the propensity to remain in the same city or to return to previous locations are frequently ignored. Here, a network-based model of city-to-city migration is constructed, where the movement of individuals is modelled using the frequency of distinct network motifs. We fit this model to longitudinal data on 3.3 million workers in Colombia, including 1.4 million migrations, and compare the motif frequency based on migration and return rates between men and women, and between distinct age and income groups. Results show that the majority of people do not move in general, but that there is a small group which exhibits frequent migration, particularly the young and male. Nearly three out of four times that a person moves, they are going back to a previous city, although women and mature people are less likely to move and more likely to return if they actually move. At a city level, different onward and return migration patterns are observed, whereby people from small secondary towns are more likely to leave and not return than people from large metropolitan areas like Bogotá or Medellín.
Diversity and Dynamics of Microbial Ecosystem on Berry Surface During the Ripening of Ecolly Grape in Wuhai, China
Authors: Ding Yinting , Wei Ruteng , Wang Lin , Yang Chenlu , Wang Hua , Li Hua
Published: July 2021

The structural and functional diversity of the microbial ecosystem on the grape surface affect the health of berries and the flavor of wines, which are also changed by many factors such as climate, weather conditions, agronomic practices, and physiological development. To understand and explore the natural characteristics of grape surface microbial ecosystem during ripening, the species composition and dynamics of fungi and bacteria communities on the skin of Ecolly grape were determined by Illumina Novaseq platform sequencing. The results showed that 2146 fungal OTUs and 4175 bacterial OTUs were obtained, belonging to 4 fungal phyla and 20 bacterial phyla, and Shannon index indicated that the fungus community had the highest species diversity at the véraison stage and the bacteria community at the harvest stage. The four dominant fungal genera during grape ripening included Alternaria, Naganishia, Filobasidium, and Aureobasidium, which accounted for 82.8% of the total fungal community, and the dominant bacterial genera included Sphingomonas, Brevundimonas, Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, and Massilia, which accounted for 77.9% of the total bacterial community. The species richness and diversity in the grape microbial ecosystem are constantly changing during the maturation stages, and there are complex interactions and correlations between related core microbial genera, which may have an important impact on the function and ecological role of the community. This study provides a basis for understanding the natural characteristics of the microbial ecosystem on the grape surface during the grape ripening, and the sustainable production concept of the microecology driving the viticulture management system.
Solar Pumps and Water-Energy Nexus in Gujarat, India:
First Assessment of the World’s Largest Pilot on Grid-connected Solar Irrigation Pumps
Authors: Shah Tushaar , Rai Gyan
Published: July 2021

The epicentre of Gujarat’s perverse nexus between electricity subsidy and groundwater depletion lies in its legacy of 485,000 unmetered tubewell owners who have fiercely resisted metering for 20 years. These comprise 40 percent of Gujarat’s irrigation connections but account for 49 percent of agricultural load, 71 percent of energy use in groundwater abstraction and 90 percent of farm power subsidies. Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY), a large, state-wide pilot project which solarised and net-metered 4215 tubewells and began paying farmers for evacuating surplus solar energy, has been enthusiastically embraced by unmetered and metered farmers alike. SKY promises politically acceptable resolution of a wicked energy-water conundrum that afflicts much of India and west Asia. Mainstreaming SKY can significantly reduce groundwater overdraft, GHG emissions and subsidy burden. It will increase farm incomes while radically improving energy-water accounting and management. Gujarat government should invest in compulsory, free-of-cost solarisation of tubewells. We show that doing so is profitable for government and beneficial for farmers, climate and environment.
Chemical Profiles of The Active Fraction From Prinsepia Utilis Royle Leaves and Its Anti-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Evaluation in Animal Models
Authors: Peng Ying , Peng Chongsheng , Wu Yang , Sun Chongzhi , Li Xiaobo
Published: July 2021

Background

The Prinsepia utilis Royle leaves (P. utilis) is a folk herb used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) control by ethnic minorities for centuries in China with rich in resources. Our previous studies have confirmed the anti-BPH effect of its water extract (QCJ) and the active fraction (Fr. B) separated from the QCJ by animal test. The Fr. B from P. utilis maybe as a candidate for BPH control.
Methods

In this study, the chemical ingredients of Fr. B were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS, and quantified by HPLC. Murine animal models were divided into 8 groups, Sham rats, BPH rats, BPH rats administered with Finasteride (1 mg/kg), BPH rats administered with Pule'an (460 mg/kg), BPH rats administered with Low QCJ (860 mg (dry leaf)/kg), BPH rats administered with High QCJ (2580 mg (dry leaf)/kg), BPH rats administered with Low Fr. B (160 mg (dry leaf)/kg), BPH rats administered with High Fr. B (480 mg (dry leaf)/kg). The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the prostate tissue of rats was tested, and serum levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) in prostate homogenate were measured. One-way ANOVA followed by LSD was used for statistical analysis.
Results

The BPH rats treated by Fr. B exhibited the significant reductions of VEGF and MDA levels, as well the significant increases of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in the prostate tissue after 28 day administration (P < 0.05). Moreover, Fr. B significantly reduced DHT, DHT/E2 ratio, TNF-α, while increased T levels in serum of BPH rats (P < 0.05). UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis revealed 10 flavonoids as the key constituents of this fraction, which accounted for 54.96% of all substance of Fr. B. Compound 1 was with a relative content of 11.1%, and compound 2 was with a relative content of 13% in Fr. B.
Conclusions

These results indicated that the Fr. B obtained from P. Utilis alleviated the symptoms of BPH rats through multiple mechanisms including reduction of DHT/E2 ratio, inhibition of growth factor, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation, in which flavonoids might be the key constituents. It supported the hypothesis that the Fr. B should be further explored as a candidate for BPH patients.
Diagnostic Value And Safety of Medical Thoracoscopy In The Pleural Effusion of Different Causes
Authors: Liu Xiaoting , Dong Xilin , Zhang Yu , Fang Ping , Shi Hongyang , Ming Zongjuan
Published: July 2021

Background: Pleural effusions are caused by various reasons, whose diagnosis remains challenging in spite of various means of diagnosis. Medical thoracoscopy, greatly improves the diagnostic efficacy and gets preference for managements, especially undiagnosed pleural effusions. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic efficacy and safety of medical thoracoscopy in patients with pleural effusion of different causes. Methods: Between January 1st 2012 and April 30th 2021, patients with pleural effusion underwent medical thoracoscopy in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. According to the discharge diagnosis, patients were grouped into three, including malignant, tuberculous and inflammatory group. General information, tuberculosis-related and effusion-related indices of three groups were analyzed. The diagnostic yield, diagnostic accuracy, performance under thoracoscopy and complications of patients were compared in three groups. Then, the significant factors for predictive diagnosis between the malignant and tuberculous group were analyzed. Results: During this 10-year study, 106 patients were included, with 67 males and 39 females, mean age 57.1±14.184 years. In 74 patients confirmed under thoracoscopy, 41 patients (38.7%) were malignant, 21 patients (19.8%) tuberculous and 32 patients (30.2%) undiagnostic. The diagnostic yield of medical thoracoscopy is 69.8%, and 75.9% in the malignant, 48.8% in the tuberculous, and 75.0% in the inflammatory. The diagnostic accuracies are 100%, 87.5%, and 75.0%, respectively. Under thoracoscopy, we observed single or multiple pleural nodules in 81.1%, pleural adhesions in 34.0% of patients with pleural effusions. The most common complication was chest pain (41.5%), following by chest tightness (11.3%), fever (10.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that effusion appearance (OR=0.001, 95%CI: 0.000-0.204, P=0.010), CEA (OR=0.243, 95%CI: 0.081-0.728, P=0.011) were significant in the differentiation of malignant and tuberculous pleural effusion. Conclusion: Medical thoracoscopy is an effective, safe, less invasive procedure with high diagnostic yield for the pleural effusion of different causes. Medical thoracoscopy has a promising prospect.
Identification of QTLs for Seed Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Brassica Napus Grown with Contrasting Nitrogen Supplies
Authors: Zou Maoyan , Shi Taoxiong , Wang Wei , Ding Guangda , Xu Fangsen , Shi Lei
Published: July 2021

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.; B. napus) is the main oil crop in China as well as in the world. Nitrogen (N) deficiency significantly reduces the seed yield of B. napus. However, a very few studies involved in the genetic mechanism of seed yield (SY) and SY-related traits of B. napus in response to N deficiency. In this study, plant height (PH), branch number (BN), pod number (PN), seed number (SN), 1000-seed weight (SW) and SY were investigated using a B. napus double haploid (BnaTNDH) population derived from a cross between cultivars ‘Tapidor’ and ‘Ningyou7’ grown at an optimal (ON) and a low N (LN) supplies in three-year field trials. Great variations of SY and related traits were observed in BnaTNDH population under contrasting N supplies. A total of 106 and 110 significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected for six traits at ON and LN in three field trials, respectively. All of these significant QTLs for the same trait were integrated into 191 consensus QTLs. Nine and eleven consensus QTLs at ON and LN were detected in two or three trials, respectively, and the remaining were environment-specific. One hundred and three unique QTLs were integrated from 191 consensus QTLs, including 29 low N specific QTLs, 35 optimal N specific QTLs and 39 constitutive QTLs. uqA3q was integrated from four consensus QTLs for PN, PH, SN, SY at LN, uqC9f was integrated from consensus QTLs for BN, SY, PN at ON and LN. Both were detected in three trials. This result may help to better understand the genetic mechanism of yield traits in response to low N and promote the breeding of N efficient varieties.
Cost-Effectiveness of Teriflunomide and Fingolimod in The First-Line Treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple sclerosis：The Chinese Health System Perspective
Authors: Dong Zuojun , Hu Zhichao , Zhou Xiaoying , Wang Jingwen , Wang Jianwei , Wang Chaojun , Sun Guojun , Tao Qiucheng
Published: July 2021

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of teriflunomide and fingolimod in relapsing-remitting patients in the first-line treatment from the perspective of the Chinese health system perspective.Methods A Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost effectiveness of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) from the Chinese health system perspective.Cost input includes medication, follow-up, nursing, recurrence treatment and adverse reaction management.Treatment effects, including monthly confrmed disability worsening and annualized relapse rate.The output result was ICER and the threshold of willingness to pay(WTP) was three times per capita GDP.One-way sensitivity analysis and probability sensitivity analysis are carried out to test the stability of the model results.Results In the context of medical insurance with Chinese characteristics.The total cost of treatment with teriflunomide was ¥423,816.61, and the total cost of treatment with fingolimod was ¥656,055.95.The cumulative QALYs of teriflunomide was 5.14, and the cumulative QALYs of fingolimod was 5.25.The ICER value of Fingolimod and Liflunomide is ¥2139444.61/QALY, which is higher than WTP , so teriflunomide has a dominant advantage.Sensitivity analysis proves that the model was stable.Conclusion From the perspective of Chinese health system perspective, teriflunomide is the more cost-effective of the two interventions.
Effect of Space Flight on the Behavior of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial ARPE-19 Cells and Evaluation of Coenzyme Q10 Treatment
Authors: Cialdai Francesca , Bolognini Davide , Vignali Leonardo , Iannotti Nicola , Cacchione Stefano , Magi Alberto , Balsamo Michele , Neri Gianluca , Donati Alessandro , Vukich Marco , Monici Monica , Capaccioli Sergio , Lulli Matteo
Published: July 2021

Astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) are exposed to the damaging effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation. One of the most critical and sensitive districts of their organism is the eye, and in particular the retina, so that more than half of them develops a complex of alterations designated as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome. We explored the cellular and molecular effects induced on human retinal pigment ARPE-19 cell line by their transfer to and three days stay on board the ISS in the context of an experiment funded by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). Treatment of cells on board ISS with the well-known bioenergetic, antioxidant and antiapoptotic coenzyme Q10 was also evaluated. In the ground control experiment the cells were exposed to the same conditions as on the ISS, except for microgravity and radiation.
Transfer of ARPE-19 retinal cells to the ISS and their living on board for three days did not impact on cell viability or apoptosis but induced cytoskeleton remodeling consisting in vimentin redistribution from the cellular boundaries to the perinuclear area, underlining the collapse of the network of intermediate vimentin filaments under unloading conditions. Morphological changes endured by ARPE-19 cells grown on board the ISS were associated with changes in the transcriptomic profile related to cellular response to space environment, and were consistent with cell dysfunction adaptations. In addition, results obtained from ARPE-19 cells treated on board ISS with coenzyme Q10 showed its potential ability to increase cell resistance to damaging insults.
Activity Concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials And Dose Calculation of Soils And Rocks Materials From A Superphosphate Industry
Authors: Suleiman Arabi , Muhammad A. M. , Bajoga A. D. , Ali A. M. , Babale S. I. , Abdulhamid M. S. , Jaoji Attahiru A. , Kasidi Simon
Published: July 2021

Activity concentration of Naturally Occurring radioactive Materials in samples from superphosphate industry was determined using Neutron Activation Analysis and radiological parameters calculated. Mean Annual Effective-Dose Equivalent(mSv/y), External and Internal Hazard, Annual Gonad Dose Equivalent(mSv/y), Radium Equivalent (Bq/kg), Absorbed Gamma Ray Dose(nGy/h), Potential Toxic Elements, Activity Utilization, and Gamma Representation Index are 87.0, 0.4, 0.5, 517.7, 137.3, 70.9, 20101.3, 9388.9, and 1.1, respectively. Most of the sample had activity concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials exceeding world average, indicating that activities of the industry impact on the environment. These results are good baseline data for future follow-up on activities of company.
Salt Leaching As a Green Method for The Production of Polyethylene Foams for Thermal Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Sorze Alessandro , Valentini Francesco , Dorigato Andrea , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Materials able to store thermal energy can be a useful strategy in order to reduce energy consumption of buildings and to decrease greenhouse gases emissions. In this work, for the first time, the technique of salt leaching has been used for the production of novel polyethylene foams containing different amounts of a microencapsulated phase change material (PCM) with a melting point of 24 °C, to be potentially applied in building insulation. The microstructural, thermal and mechanical properties of the produced foams have been comprehensively investigated. The prepared foams were characterized by high values of open porosity (about 60 %) and by density values around 0.4 g/cm3. Differential scanning calorimetry tests revealed that the adopted production process caused a partial loss of PCM, resulting in an effective PCM content of around 33 % for the sample with the highest PCM loading (56 wt%). Infrared thermography analysis demonstrated that the time required from the samples to reach a set temperature, thanks to the presence of PCM, was up to two times higher with respect to the reference foam. Shore-A measurements evidenced that the addition of PCM generally led to a softening of the foams. Tensile mechanical tests confirmed the softening effect provided by the addition of the microcapsules, with a decrease of the stiffness and of the strength of the material. Interestingly, strain at break values were considerably increased upon PCM introduction.
Inhibition of The hERG Potassium Channel By The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Pollutant Phenanthrene
Authors: Al-Moubarak Ehab , Shiels Holly A. , Zhang Yihong , Du Chunyun , Hanington Oliver , Harmer Stephen C. , Dempsey Christopher E. , Hancox Jules
Published: July 2021

The lipophilic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) phenanthrene is relatively abundant in polluted air and water and can access and accumulate in human tissue. Phenanthrene has been reported to interact with cardiac ion channels in several fish species. This study was undertaken to investigate the ability of phenanthrene to interact with hERG (human Ether-à-go-go-Related Gene) encoded K+ channels, which play a central role in human ventricular repolarization. Pharmacological inhibition of hERG can be proarrhythmic. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings of hERG current (IhERG) were made from HEK293 cells expressing wild-type (WT) and mutant hERG channels. WT IhERG1a was inhibited by phenanthrene with an IC50 of 16.8 ± 1.7 µM, whilst IhERG1a/1b exhibited an IC50 of 1.8 ± 0.3 µM. WT IhERG block showed marked voltage and time-dependence, indicative of dependence of inhibition on channel gating. The inhibitory effect of phenanthrene was markedly impaired by the attenuated-inactivation N588K mutation. Remarkably, mutations of S6 domain aromatic amino acids (Y652, F656) in the canonical drug binding site did not impair the inhibitory action of phenanthrene; the Y652A mutation augmented IhERG block. In contrast, the F557L (S5) and M651A (S6) mutations impaired the ability of phenanthrene to inhibit IhERG, as did the S624A mutation below the selectivity filter region. Computational docking using a cryo-EM derived hERG structure supported the mutagenesis data. Thus, phenanthrene acts as an inhibitor of the hERG K+ channel by directly interacting with the channel, binding to a distinct site in the channel pore domain.
Microbial Study on NiO – CuO Nano Particles by Grinding Technique
Authors: Ramakrishnan S , Vaishnavi R. , Ramakrishnan S. , Revathi M. , Rajakarthihan S.
Published: July 2021

One of the biggest concerns around the world seems to be the fight against bacteria and fungi. This major challenge can be overcome with the addition of a combination of metal and metal oxides. Metal oxide nanoparticles have emerged as effective antimicrobial and anti-fungal agents. In this work, A Grinding technique has been used to synthesize NiO – CuO nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis which confirmed the formation of all the phases, Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible Absorption Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis were showed the vibrational structure, optical and uniformity of particle size of the nanoparticles. Bacterial and fungal growth study was confirmed by the disc diffusion method. The prepared nanoparticles showed detrimental effects against Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus (bacterial strains), and Aspergillus Niger (fungal strains). A concentration-dependent growth inhibition effect of nanoparticles on both bacteria and fungi was observed. The prepared composites were better active in both bacteria and fungies.
Olmesartan Attenuates Single-Lung Ventilation Induced Lung Injury via Regulating Pulmonary Microbiota
Authors: Lu Di , Wang Zhizhi , Chen Ziming , fan Jiayang , Zhai Jianxue , Fang Duopei , Cai He , Liu Xiguang , Wu Hua , Cai Kaican
Published: July 2021

Background: Single-lung ventilation (SLV) associated acute lung injury is similar to ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury which is usually occurred during lung surgery. Olmesartan (Olm), a novel angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), has been reported to ameliorate organ IR injury. Several recent studies have shown that lung microbiota may be involved in pulmonary diseases, but the effect of pulmonary microbiota in SLV-induced lung injury has not been reported. This study aims to determine the mechanism of how Olm attenuates SLV induced lung injury. Results: 24 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: S (sham) group; AS (ARB + sham) group, in which the rats were given 7 days Olm treatment before the sham surgery; I (injury) group, in which the rats underwent SLV for 1 h (right lung ventilation and left lung collapsed) and double lungs ventilation for 3 h; and the AI (ARB + injury) group. Our data showed that 7 days Olm treatment before modeling markedly alleviated SLV-induced lung injury by suppressing inflammation and reactive oxygen species. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from the injured side were collected for 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing analysis. A total of 53 different bacteria at the genus and species levels were identified, among which Burkholderiaceae was more enriched in group I compared with group S, but significantly decreased in AI group after Olm treatment. Fecal samples were then collected for gut microbiota analysis using 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing analysis, which revealed no significant difference between the A and AS group. Furthermore, the injured lung samples were collected for metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses to explore differential metabolites among all groups. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was applied to analyze the correlation between differential metabolites and lung microbiota. A total of 38 pathways were identified according to differential metabolites and 275 relevant pathways were enriched via analyzing the microbial community, 24 pathways were both identified by analyzing either metabolites or microbiota, including pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and ATP-binding cassette transporter. Conclusions: Besides classical blockage of the renin-angiotensin II system, Olm could also alleviate SLV-induced lung injury by rewiring the interaction between pulmonary microbiota and metabolites.
Objective Evaluation of Satellite Precipitation Datasets for Heavy Precipitation Events Caused by Typhoons in the Philippines
Authors: Aryastana Putu , Liu Chian-Yi , Jou Ben Jong-Dao , Cayanan Esperanza , Punay Jason Pajimola
Published: July 2021

Extreme weather events, such as typhoons, have occurred more frequently in the last few decades in the Philippines. The heavy precipitation caused by typhoons is difficult to measure with traditional instruments, such as rain gauges and ground-based radar, because these instruments have an uneven distribution in remote areas. Satellite precipitation datasets (SPDs) provide integrated spatial coverage of rainfall measurements, even for remote areas. This study performed subdaily (3-hour) assessments of SPDs (i.e., the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement [IMERG], Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation [GSMaP], and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks datasets) during five typhoon-related heavy precipitation events in the Philippines between 2016 and 2018. The aforementioned assessments were performed through a point-to-grid comparison by using continuous and volumetric statistical validation indices for the 34-knot wind radii of the typhoons, rainfall intensity, the terrain, and wind velocity effects. The results revealed that the IMERG exhibited good agreement with rain gauge measurements and exhibited high performance in detecting rainfall during five typhoon events, whereas the GSMaP exhibited high agreement during peak rainfall. All the SPDs tended to overestimate rainfall during light to moderate rainfall events and underestimate rainfall during heavy to extreme events. The IMERG exhibited a strong ability to detect moderate rainfall events (5–15 mm/3 hours), whereas the GSMaP exhibited superior performance in detecting heavy to extreme rainfall events (15–25, 25–50, and >50 mm/3 hours). The GSMaP exhibited the best performance for detecting heavy rainfall at high elevations, whereas the IMERG exhibited the best performance for rainfall detection at low elevations. The IMERG exhibited a strong ability to detect heavy rainfall under various wind speeds. A strong ability to detect heavy rainfall events for different wind speeds in the western and eastern parts of the mountainous region of Luzon were found for the GSMap and IMERG, respectively. This study demonstrated that the IMERG and GSMaP datasets exhibit promising performance in detecting heavy precipitation caused by typhoon events.
The Impact of Lesional Factors on Seizure Outcome Following Lesionectomy as a Surgical Management of Extratemporal Epilepsy, Case Series from a Developing Country and Review of Literature.
Authors: Hasanain Amr Ali , Sawan Mohamed , Ali Ahmed Mohamed
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUNDExtratemporal lesional epilepsy can be managed with various surgical techniques such as simple lesionectomy or more extensive resections, all of which aim at targeting the epileptogenic zone which is the key for achieving a favorable outcome. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of lesionectomy in the treatment of extra-temporal epilepsy associated with a lesion on radiological imaging, and to show the effect of lesional factors on seizure outcome including the anatomical location, the relation to cerebral parenchyma, the extent of surgical excision and the histopathological nature of the lesion.METHODSA prospective study on 20 patients presenting with focal epilepsy, or focal epilepsy with secondary generalized seizures with evidence of focal lesion in an extratemporal location on MRI. Lesionectomy was done and we used the Engel’s classification for seizure outcome.RESULTSLesions were mostly tumors (85 %). The frontal lobe is the most frequent locations (60 %). Low-grade glioma represented 35 % while meningioma represented 45 % of all lesions (both intra-axial and extra-axial). Four patients were lost during follow up (mean 23.31 months). For the remaining 16 patients, 13 cases were tumors (81.25%). Lesionectomy achieved seizure freedom in 68.75 %.CONCLUSIONSIn a country with limited resources, lesionectomy is a valid technique for epilepsy surgery as long as the radiological data and the seizure semiology are concordant. Total lesionectomy provides good seizure control when the clinical and radiological data are concordant with seizure semiology, in particular with tumor-related epilepsy. A study comparing postoperative seizure outcome between intra-axial and extra-axial lesions on a larger scale and with a longer follow up period is recommended.