bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of HER2+ Breast Cancer Management at Instituto Oncológico Nacional, Panama
Authors: Castillo-Fernandez Omar , Pico Javier , Campos Martiza , Garita Maureen
Published: May 2021

BackgroundCancer is a disease with high mortality. New treatments require high levels of investment that must be carefully considered by healthcare systems. In this setting, we describe a methodology for supporting decision-making and analyzing the clinical and economic impact of new innovative targeted therapies in the current management landscape. MethodsAn MS Excel multivariate model was constructed to assess the clinical and economic impact of current disease management and the estimated impact of potential new targeted therapies. ResultsThe Instituto Oncológico Nacional (ION) of Panama currently spends $6m annually on the management of 135 new patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, achieving a 5-year overall survival (OS) of 89%, 86% and 18% in adjuvant, neoadjuvant and metastatic disease, respectively. Currently, targeted therapies other than trastuzumab are funded for metastatic stage disease progression and for initial treatment in the neoadjuvant stage. Investment in adjuvant treatments for adjuvant and neoadjuvant disease, and in the metastatic stage would increase 5-year OS to 90%, 86% and 25% respectively (absolute increase of 1%, 0.5% and 7%, respectively). ConclusionsThe 5-year OS at the ION is close to international standards for early-stage disease. However, there are opportunity areas in metastatic disease, if the use of available innovative targeted therapies increased. Although early-stage patients have the highest cure possibilities and defined costs, investment in first-line treatment of metastatic disease delays disease progression and offers a high clinical impact in overall survival, both in relative and absolute terms.
Soil-Cement Bricks Development Using Polymeric Waste
Authors: Metzker Stefânia Lima Oliveira , Sabino Ticyane Pereira Freire , Mendes Juliana Farinassi , Ribeiro André Geraldo Cornélio , Mendes Rafael Farinassi
Published: May 2021

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of adding different polymeric waste percentages and types on the physical, mechanical, thermal and durability properties of soil-cement bricks. Tire and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) waste were evaluated at 1.5 and 3.0% percentages. The soil was characterized in terms of shrinkage, compaction, consistency limits, particle size and chemical analyses, whereas the waste particles were submitted to morphological characterization. The bricks were produced in an automatic press with a 90: 10 (m/m) soil: cement ratio. The soil-cement bricks were characterized by density, moisture, water absorption, loss of mass by immersion, compressive strength, thermal conductivity and microstructural analysis. PET waste stood out for its use as reinforcement in soil-cement bricks. The best performance was obtained for bricks reinforced with 1.5% PET, which showed a significant compressive strength improvement, meeting the marketing standards criteria, even after the durability test, as well as obtaining the lowest thermal conductivity values. The percentage increase from 1.5% to 3.0% fostered a significant water absorption and loss of mass increase, as well as a significant compressive strength reduction of the bricks.
A Mobile Robot Combination Autonomous Behavior Strategy Inspects Hazardous Gases in Relatively Narrow Man-Machine environment
Authors: GAO Xueshan , Zhang Qingfang , Lan Bingqing , Fu XiaoLong , Li Jingye
Published: May 2021

Compared with the public inspection places like airports, squares, and waiting halls, places such as laboratories, warehouses are generally relatively narrow, and humans may suddenly appear in the passages. Once a hazardous or toxic gas leak occurs in such spaces, it will cause a wide range of casualties and immeasurable economic losses. To ensure the safety of personal and property, realize real-time monitoring in unattended or dangerous situations, a robot moving mechanism with an effective and practical autonomous behavior strategy is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a mobile robot equipped with a hazardous gases detector and a high-definition (HD) industrial camera is designed, which can be controlled remotely or work autonomously. Next, a fixed-point and a fixed-trajectory method is adopted to avoidance: establish the social force model; study the human's (interfering object's) typical behavior patterns; based on Fuzzy thinking, a dynamic obstacle avoidance strategy is presented, and combine the dynamic obstacle avoidance strategy, a combination autonomous behavior strategy with a Fuzzy-PID controller is proposed. Finally, the crossing pattern and encountering pattern simulations and experiments results show that the robot can realize the dynamic obstacle avoidance in a relatively narrow man-machine environment smoothly and always maintain a sufficient safety distance to reduce the "sense of crisis" humans towards the robot. The trajectory experiments in such spaces verify that when the robot deviates from the predetermined position during inspection operations, the combination autonomous behavior strategy can help the robot return to the target trajectory. Furthermore, compared with the PID control method, the robot position error up to 0.098m, the angle error up to 0.088rad, the Fuzzy-PID controller is more stable, accurate, and fast, which draws the stability and reliability of the strategy.
Land Subsidence Mapping with Sentinel-1 Dual-Pol SAR Data
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Kikon Noyingbeni , Ahmed Syed Ashfaq
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Lignocellulosic Materials as Soil-cement Bricks Reinforcement
Authors: Sabino Ticyane Pereira Freire , Coelho Nayane Pereira Freire , Andrade Nayhara Camila , Metzker Stefânia Lima Oliveira , Viana Queilla Santos , Mendes Juliana Farinassi , Mendes Rafael Farinassi
Published: May 2021

The need for environmental preservation requires civil engineering to reach new concepts and technical solutions aiming at the sustainability of its activities and products. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of using different types and percentages of vegetable particles on the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of soil-cement bricks. Bamboo, rice husk and coffee husk particles at 1.5 and 3% percentages and a control treatment not using the particle were evaluated. The chemical properties, shrinkage, compaction, consistency limits and grain size were characterized for the soil; and the anatomical, chemical and physical properties for the lignocellulosic particles. The bricks were produced using an automatic press and characterized after the curing process for density, water absorption, porosity, loss of mass by immersion, compressive strength, durability and thermal conductivity. The increase in the lignocellulosic waste percentage caused a mechanical strength decrease and bricks` porosity and water absorption increase. However, it caused a decrease in density and an enhancement in loss of mass and thermal insulation properties. The bricks produced with rice husk obtained the best results in terms of mechanical and thermal properties, and were still among the best treatments for physical properties, standing out among the lignocellulosic waste as an alternative raw material source for soil-cement bricks production.
Integrated Decision Support Models for Sustainable Groundwater Management in Crystalline Hard Rocks: Implications for Sugarcane Agriculture
Authors: Mizan Syed Adil , Sonkamble Sahebrao , Sharadha Adarshya , Wajihuddin Md. , Roy Sumit , Dhar Murli
Published: May 2021

India is second largest sugarcane producing nation with water foot prints ~ 104 BCM/year of which 80% met from groundwater of deep-wells. The large-scale groundwater management practices were found mostly untenable affecting the sugarcane agrarian and associated sectors. We developed a cell-level (2km x 2km) decision support tool (DST) employing the integrated hydro-geophysical investigations in sugarcane agro-watershed (399 sq.km) beset over granitic aquifer systems of Tattihalla River watershed, Southern India. The refined hydrogeological conceptual model derived from electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and groundwater level (head) has been accounted into the numerical modelling. The model was run on transient mode for four stress periods during 2015–2017 and validated with calculated and observed heads. The normalized RMS error 7.57% of the validated model conveys its robustness and estimates groundwater budget at the demarcated 77 cells. The theoretical scenarios for water level projections against the increased groundwater pumping rates of 10%, 25% and 50% were generated. It showed declining trend of water level for projected 10 years period with varied magnitude and vulnerability for drought conditions. The different time periods of water level touching the basement (i.e. dry borewell), infers a distinct hydrogeological property of an individual cell advocating to adapt a cell level management plan. In this article, we explained two cells (Nos. 12 & 60) in detail to show the varying characteristic of aquifer against the different pumping rates.
MRI-based radiomics nomogram to predict intraoperative hemorrhage of placenta previa
Authors: Hou Shunyu , Song Ye , Li Yongmei , Chen Dali , Xi Qi , Wang Yun , Zhou Liping , Gu Yidong , Qu Yun , Yue Yongfei
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Placenta previa is associated with higher percentage of intraoperative and postpartum hemorrhage , increased obstetric hysterectomy, significant maternal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to develop and validate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based nomogram to preoperative prediction of intraoperative hemorrhage (IPH) for placenta previa, which might contribute to adequate assessment and preoperative preparation for the obstetricians. Methods: Between May 2015 and December 2019, a total of 125 placenta previa pregnant women were divided into a training set (n = 80) and a validation set (n = 45). Radiomics features were extracted from MRI images of each patient. A MRI-based model comprising seven features was built for the classification of patients into IPH and non-IPH groups in a training set and validation set. Multivariate nomograms based on logistic regression analyses were built according to radiomics features. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the model. Predictive accuracy of nomogram were assessed by calibration plots and decision curve analysis. Results: In multivariate analysis, placenta position, placenta thickness, cervical blood sinus and placental signals in the cervix were signifcantly independent predictors for IPH (all p < 0.05). The MRI-based nomogram showed favorable discrimination between IPH and non-IPH groups. The calibration curve showed good agreement between the estimated and the actual probability of IPH. Decision curve analysis also showed a high clinical benefit across a wide range of probability thresholds. The AUC was 0.918 ( 95% CI, 0.857-0.979 ) in the training set and 0.866( 95% CI, 0.748-0.985 ) in the validation set by the combination of four MRI features. Conclusions: The MRI-based nomograms might be a useful tool for the preoperative prediction of IPH outcomes for placenta previa. Our study enables obstetricians to perform adequate preoperative evaluation to minimize blood loss and reduce the rate of caesarean hysterectomy.
Diabetic Retinopathy in Greece: Prevalence and Risk Factors Studied in the Medical Retina Clinic of a Greek Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Syriga Maria , Ioannou Zina , Pitsas Christos , Dagalaki Ioanna , Karampelas Michael
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) in a cohort of Greek diabetic patients and identify possible risk factors. Methods: Population-based, non-interventional, cross-sectional study of 300 diabetic Greek patients attending the medical retina clinics of a tertiary hospital. Clinical and imaging data were recorded and statistical analysis was performed. Confidence intervals (CI) at 95% and statistically significant p values ≤0.05 were set.Results: A total of 300 diabetic patients were included. Of these patients, 21 (7%) were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) type I and 279 (93%) with DM type II. The average duration of diabetes was 15 ± 9.4 years (95% CI, 13.9-16.1) and the mean level of HbA1c was 7.2 ± 1.3 (95% CI, 7.1-7.4) overall. Prevalence of DR was 38.7% (116 patients), only 15 patients (5%) had proliferative DR and diabetic macular edema (DME) was detected in 19 patients (6.3%). In DM type I patients, 52.4% had DR and 9.5% had DME, while in the DM type II group, 37.6% had DR and 6.1% had DME. Binary logistic regression analysis identified duration of diabetes, increased HbA1c and hypertriglyceridemia as potential risk factors.Conclusions: This study is the first one to present the extent and severity of DR and DME in a Greek cohort of diabetic patients and also identify risk factors associated with these entities. Our findings highlight the significance of a properly organized national screening program for the early detection and management of the vision threatening complications of DR.
27-Hydroxycholesterol Promotes Oligodendrocyte Maturation – Implications for Hypercholesterolemia Associated Brain White Matter Changes
Authors: Alanko Vilma , Quintela-López Tania , Gaminde-Blasco Adhara , Loera-Valencia Raúl , Solomon Alina , Björkhem Ingemar , Cedazo-Minguez Angel , Maioli Silvia , Tabacaru Graziella , Latorre-Leal María , Matute Carlos , Kivipelto Miia , Alberdi Elena , Matton Anna
Published: May 2021

Background: Midlife hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for dementia, possibly via vascular-related pathways. Another proposed factor linking elevated systemic cholesterol levels and neurodegenerative diseases is the oxidized cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OH) that is able to pass the blood-brain barrier. High levels of 27-OH harm neuronal integrity and function, yet the effect of high 27-OH levels on oligodendrocyte function remains unexplored. Since abnormal myelin structure results in the disconnection of neural networks that is an early phenomenon in neurodegenerative diseases, this study aimed to determine whether 27-OH affects myelination in the brain. Methods: Effects of 27-OH treatment were investigated both in isolated and co-cultured oligodendrocytes. Transgenic female mice with increased systemic 27-OH levels (Cyp27Tg) underwent behavioural testing and their brains were immunohistochemically stained and lysed for immunoblotting. CSF samples from a memory clinic cohort were analysed for associations between 27-OH and myelin proteins. Results: Whereas human oligodendroglioma cells were resistant to high levels of 27-OH (10 µM), cell death was induced in primary rat oligodendrocytes already at low concentrations (0.5 µM). Long-term effects from treatment with 1 µM 27-OH stimulated differentiation of oligodendrocytes in murine 3D co-cultures. Female Cyp27Tg mice demonstrated learning deficits in the Morris Water Maze compared to non-transgenic littermates. Levels of myelin basic protein were increased in the corpus callosum of Cyp27Tg mice but adenomatous polyposis coli clone 1 (CC1) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFR1α) were unaltered, while levels of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein were decreased in myelin enriched fractions. Levels of 27-OH in the CSF of memory clinic patients were associated with increased levels of the oligodendrogenesis regulating enzyme 2',3'-Cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase; β = 0.38, p = 0.022). Conclusions: The hypercholesterolemia associated 27-OH alters the rate of differentiation from progenitor cells into mature oligodendrocytes and influences oligodendrocyte viability suggesting that 27-OH reduces the oligodendrocytic ability for appropriate remodelling in the ageing brain by reducing the pool of progenitor cells.
Patient Experience with Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): Content Validity of the Satisfaction and Experience Questionnaire (SEQ)-MM
Authors: Skalicky Anne , Yucel Emre , Eseyin Olabimpe Ruth , Yucel Aylin , Panjabi Sumeet
Published: May 2021

Background: Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) generally progress to being relapse/refractory (RR), having received several lines of treatment with various dosing frequencies and administration modalities, which impact patient satisfaction and experience. While there is still no cure, patients live longer but with potential burden attributable to treatment. A fit-for-purpose patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) assessing patient satisfaction and experience is missing for RRMM.Methods: We developed the Satisfaction and Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) for MM to measure patient satisfaction and experience, based on concepts identified from a literature review and nurse/patient perceptions about patient experiences. Online focus groups were conducted with oncology nurses who treat patients with MM to provide expert opinion, followed by concept elicitation and cognitive patient interviews. A preliminary SEQ-MM measure was first drafted based on desk research. Patient feedback from the cognitive interviews resulted in revisions to the preliminary SEQ-MM’s instructions, item wording, and response options between rounds. Content analysis was conducted to assess concept frequency mentioned during the concept elicitation focus group, and an item tracking table documented the SEQ-MM revisions based on cognitive interviews.Results: Three oncology nurses and 10 patients with RRMM participated in the focus groups. Oncology nurses reported treating 17 patients with MM per week, of which 33% were patients with RRMM. Study patients were primarily male (70%), with mean age of 56 (median range: 47 to 71). The most commonly reported satisfaction and experience concepts were related to: satisfaction with treatment (50%), experience with treatment (50%), relationship with healthcare practitioners (50%), time burden (50%), side effects (40%), and avoiding relapse (40%). The SEQ-MM was revised to include 15 items capturing: treatment burden (five items), time burden (five items), travel burden (two items), treatment compliance (one item), general satisfaction (one item), and an overall satisfaction item (one item).Conclusions: The SEQ-MM v1.0 evaluates the important facets of satisfaction and experience in patients with RRMM receiving treatment. This tool can be used to assess facets of treatment in MM that might complement health-related quality of life data Additional work is needed to examine item performance, scoring, and psychometric properties.
Rheological and Thermal Properties of Levan From Bacillus Mojavensis
Authors: HADDAR Anissa , BOUALLEGUE Amir , METHNENI Rim , ELLOUZ-CHAABOUNI Semia
Published: May 2021

Media composition and culture conditions for levan production by Bacillus mojavensis were optimized using Plackett–Burman and Box-Behnken designs. The decomposition of levan revealed an optimal temperature of 228°C, an endothermic peak at 216.58°C and a melting enthalpy of 49.28 J/g. The rheological parameters of the aqueous solutions from BM-levan were determined according to temperature and concentration. The solutions were Newtonian at low concentrations and shear thinning occurred at higher concentrations. Moreover, higher temperature increased pseudoplastic behavior. BM-levan dispersions at 8% and 10% w/v accentuated the gel-like behavior and the viscosity of the levan dispersion; while the visual aspect turned similar to milk. Results showed that BM-levan exhibited no hemolytic activity towards human erythrocytes. These results plead in favor of the suitability of BM-levan as an additive for the processing of several functional foods.
Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM Version II): A Psychometric Properties Analysis
Authors: Shahrbabaki Mahin Eslami , Ahmadipour Habibeh , Yousefi Narjes , Divsalar Parisa
Published: May 2021

Background: Methadone or buprenorphine maintenance therapy is an effective treatment for opioid dependence. Since the satisfaction of Patients who use Methadone Maintenance therapy (MMT) services plays an important role in their therapeutic success, it seems important to evaluate the satisfaction of methadone usage with multidimensional psychometric tools. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Treatment satisfaction questionnaire for medication (TSQM) version II. Methods: A cross‑sectional study carried on 288 opioid dependent patients of Shahid Beheshti MMT clinic in Kerman. Data was collected using a questionnaire containing the demographic characteristics of the participants and the Persian version of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication version II (TSQM). TSQM has 11 questions in four subscales including effectiveness, side effects, convenience of use and overall satisfaction. The sum of the scores of each subscale is displayed as a number from zero to 100. Face and content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods were used to evaluate the construct validity. Internal consistency of TSQM Version II was determined by Cronbach's alpha and its repeatability using test-retest method. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0 and linear structural relations (LISREL) software version 8.80.Results: The mean age of 46.24± 11.5 years and the majority of them (85.4%) were male. Internal consistency of the Persian version of TSQM Version II was determined by the Cronbach’s alpha 0.80. Its repeatability using test-retest method was calculated as 0.9.Exploratory factor analysis revealed the adequacy of sampling and justifiability of the analysis (KMO= 0.82, P = 0.001, χ2 = 1507.02, df = 28) In CFA, the Goodness of Fit Statistics were in an appropriate level. Conclusion: The Persian version of TSQM Version II had appropriate psychometric properties and can be used as a valid, and reliable tool to assess the treatment satisfaction in the clinical settings.
Combined Detection of Lymphocyte Clonality and MALT1 Translocations in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for Diagnosing Pulmonary Lymphomas: A Multicenter Study of a Rare Disease Group
Authors: Kido Takashi , Ishimoto Hiroshi , Ishii Hiroshi , Hara Kanako , Kawabata Hiroki , Kawanami Toshinori , Suzuki Yu , Yoshikawa Hiroki , Hara Atsuko , Sakamoto Noriho , Matsumoto Nobuhiro , Yoshii Chiharu , Fujita Masaki , Nakazato Masamitsu , Kadota Junichi , Mukae Hiroshi , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: May 2021

Background

The diagnosis of pulmonary lymphoma using small tissue samples is difficult and often requires surgical procedures; thus, a less invasive sampling method is desirable. We previously showed that pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma could be diagnosed by detecting MALT lymphoma translocation gene 1 (MALT1) translocations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells. Analysis of B-cell clonality based on immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene rearrangements was also reportedly useful for diagnosing pulmonary lymphoma. The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to evaluate the yet unknown diagnostic potential of combined detection of MALT1 translocations and clonality using BALF.
Methods

We analyzed B- and T-cell clonality based on IGH and T-cell receptor (TCR) rearrangements together with MALT1 translocations using BALF of patients with clinically suspected pulmonary lymphomas.
Results

In total, 39 patients were evaluated and categorized into three groups: B-cell lymphoma, lymphoproliferative disorders, and other diseases. Detection of IGH rearrangements showed sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 90.0%, respectively, for B-cell lymphoma diagnosis. TCR rearrangements were not observed in patients with B-cell lymphomas. The presence of IGH rearrangements together with the absence of TCR rearrangements showed 96.0% specificity for the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma. The sensitivity and specificity of MALT1 translocations for diagnosing MALT lymphoma were 28.6% and 100%, respectively.
Conclusion

The combined detection of lymphocyte clonality and MALT1 translocations using BALF is suitable for screening and diagnosis of B-cell lymphomas. Analysis of specific genes such as MALT1 should improve the precision of B-cell lymphoma diagnosis.
Regional Economic Structure and Heterogeneous Effects of Monetary Policy: Evidence From Indonesian Provinces
Authors: Aginta Harry , Someya Masakazu
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the reasons for heterogeneous monetary policy effects on inflation rate across 34 Indonesian provinces. We evaluate monetary transmission by combining monetary SVAR model with factor analysis (Bernanke et al., 2005). In the first part of analysis, we demonstrate the cross-sectional variation in regional inflation responses to monetary policy shock. Spatially, most provinces in the Java-Bali region have similar responses to the national response. Moreover, provinces with a higher share of manufacturing industries in Java and Sumatra island have a response that higher than average. In the second part, we examine the role of regional economic structure in affecting two constructed measurements of monetary policy effects on regional inflation, namely total impacts and efficiency. Consistent with the literature, we find that the impacts of monetary policy across regions are significantly influenced by the economic structure of regions, represented by four variables (manufacturing and mining share to GDP, bank lending to GDP ratio, and export to GDP ratio). In addition, we also find the significant role of manufacturing growth and spatial inflation externality in shaping monetary policy impacts on regional inflation. In a similar fashion, six regional structural variables are found statistically significant in explaining regional differences of monetary policy efficiency. Our findings imply the well-functioning of interest rate, bank lending and exchange rate channels of monetary policy on regional inflation in Indonesia.
Investigation on the Mechanical Properties and Shape Memory Effect of Landing Buffer Structure Based on NiTi Alloy Printing
Authors: Yu Zhenglei , Xin Renlong , Xu Zezhou , Zhu Yining , Zhang Xiaolong , Hao Shijie , zhang zhihui , Liang Ping
Published: May 2021

With the deepening of human research on deep space exploration, our research on the soft landing methods of landers has gradually deepened. Adding a buffer and energy-absorbing structure to the leg structure of the lander has become an effective design solution. Based on the energy-absorbing structure of the leg of the interstellar lander, this paper studies the appearance characteristics of the foot-grabbing of the Odontodactylus scyllarus. The foot-grabbing of the Odontodactylus scyllarus can not only hit the prey highly when preying, but also can easily withstand the huge counter-impact force. the predatory foot structure of the Odontodactylus scyllarus, like a symmetrical cone, shows excellent rigidity and energy absorption capacity. Inspired by this discovery, we used SLM technology to design and manufacture two nickel-titanium samples, which respectively showed high elasticity, shape memory, and better energy absorption capacity. This research provides an effective way to design and manufacture high-mechanical energy-absorbing buffer structures using bionic 3D printing technology and nickel-titanium alloys.
Postmastectomy Radiotherapy Improves Survival Benefits in De Novo Stage IV Breast Cancer: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Liang Ning , Huang Xinyi , Tian Tiantian , Hu Pingping
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The role of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in patients with de novo stage IV breast cancer is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the value of PMRT for metastatic breast cancer who underwent a modified radical mastectomy. Methods: Data on de novo stage IV breast cancer patients who received modified radical mastectomy between 2010 and 2015 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to balance baseline clinical characteristics. The prognostic roles of PMRT on cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. Results: A total of 1944 patients were enrolled before PMS. After PMS, 1458 patients were included. PMRT improved prognosis in both CSS and OS. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that PMRT was independently prognostic for CSS (HR 0.739, 95% CI. 0.619-0.884, P=0.001) and OS (HR 0.744, 95%CI 0.628-0.8810, P=0.001). Further subgroup analyses found that survival superiority was observed in T3-4 or N+ subgroup (both P< 0.001 for CSS and OS), and Her2-/HR+ breast subtype (HR 0.703, 95%CI 0.558-0.888 for CSS, and HR 0.712, 95%CI 0.573-0.885 for OS), especially in patients with bone metastasis but without brain metastasis. Conclusion: PMRT improved survival in de novo stage IV breast cancer patients in selected T3-4 or N+ subgroup and Her2-/HR+ breast subtype. However, these findings need to be validated by further study before being incorporated into clinical practice.
Multiple Primary Cancer and Survival after Lumpectomy with or without Radiotherapy for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ: A Propensity Score Matching Case-Control Study
Authors: Li Yitong , Ouyang Dengjie , Chen Qitong , Hong Tao , Yi Wenjun
Published: May 2021

Background: Radiotherapy combined with breast-conserving surgery is widely performed in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This research was conducted to evaluate the use of radiotherapy to reduce the risk of MPC and mortality in DCIS patients.Methods: 128,416 patients first diagnosed with DCIS between 1998 and 2015 who received lumpectomy in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 database were included. Information on age, race, year of diagnosis, laterality, pathologic grade, surgery, radiation, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, tumor size and vital status was extracted. A comparison of lumpectomy alone vs. lumpectomy plus radiotherapy was performed using 1:1 propensity score-based matching.Results: Of the 128,416 patients with DCIS, 39,039 patients were treated with lumpectomy alone, and 69,377 were treated with lumpectomy and radiotherapy. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death was 0.801 (95%CI: 0.7728-0.8301) and 0.7444 (95%CI: 0.7139-0.7761) for occurrence of MPC in the lumpectomy and radiotherapy vs. lumpectomy alone groups, respectively. Radiotherapy decreased the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of MPC from 1.36 to 1.34. The incidence rate of a second breast cancer was reduced by 1.83% with radiotherapy (from 5.93% (2,177/36,688) to 4.10% (1,504/36,688)) in the matched cohort. Conclusion: Lumpectomy plus radiotherapy is associated with a significant reduction in mortality and risk of MPC, mainly second primary BC. Of those patients younger than 40 years, Black women with high-grade tumors were likely to benefit most. Radiotherapy reduced the risk of occurrence rather than the mortality of MPC patients to reduce the overall mortality.
Calycosin(CA) Inhibits Proliferation, Migration and Invasion by Suppression of CXCL10 Signaling Pathway in Glioma
Authors: wang zhaotao , chen danmin , Li yongping , Zou renheng , Ji yunxiang , Wang Yezhong
Published: May 2021

Background: Glioblastoma is a frequently encountered central nervous system malignancy. Calycosin, a bioactive compound extracted from dried Radix astragali root has exhibited anticancer activity across several different types of cancers, including glioma, but the therapeutic mode of action has yet to be clarified. One ubiquitous inflammatory chemokine implicated in cancer biology is the C-X-C chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10). The current study seeks to investigate CXCL10 as a likely calycosin target in aiding its inhibitory effects on glioblastoma progression.Method: The clinical significance of CXCL10 including pathologic grade and survival rate in GBM patients were accessed from TCGA database and our clinical samples. CCK-8 experiments and clone formation assay were performed to detect the cell proliferation. Transwell assay was conducted to examined cell migration and invasion. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining was used to analyze protein expression levels. Xenograft mouse model was used to evaluate the effect of CA in vivo. Results: Firstly, we demonstrated that CXCL10 expression is positively associated with glioma and correlated negatively to patient prognosis, supporting our hypothesis that CXCL10 was a potential target for GBM treatment. Additionally, U251 and U87 glioma cell lines were found to demonstrate inhibited invasive, migratory and proliferative abilities upon exposure to calycosin. Calycosin was then found to downregulate CXCL10 expression in a manner that increased with increasing doses, resulting in reduced downstream inflammatory cytokines including NLRP3, NF-κB, IL-1β. Moreover, we demonstrated that overexpressing CXCL10 abolished the inhibitory impact of calycosin on cellular invasion, migration and proliferation in glioma cell lines. Meanwhile, CXCL10 knockdown enhanced calycosin effects on GBM cells. We also used in vivo xenograft mice models to determine the impact of calycosin on glioma growth and obtained results similar to our in vitro experiments.Conclusions: The current investigation underscores the role of CXCL10 as a promising therapeutic target for treating GBM, with calycosin functioning as a future treatment modality.
High-speed Visible Light Communication Systems Based on Si-substrate LEDs with Multiple Superlattice Interlayers
Authors: Hu Fangchen , Chen Shouqing , Zhang Yuyi , Li Guoqiang , Zou Peng , Zhang Junwen , Shen Chao , Zhang Xiaolei , Hu Jian , Zhang jianli , Jiang Fengyi , Chi Nan
Published: May 2021

High-speed visible light communication (VLC), as a cutting-edge supplementary solution in 6G to traditional radio-frequency communication, is expected to address the tension between continuously increased demand of capacity and currently limited supply of radio-frequency spectrum resource. The main driver behind the high-speed VLC is the presence of light emitting diode (LED) which not only offers energy-efficient lighting, but also provides a cost-efficient alternative to the VLC transmitter with superior modulation potential. Particularly, the InGaN/GaN LED grown on Si substrate is a promising VLC transmitter to simultaneously realize effective communication and illumination by virtue of beyond 10-Gbps communication capacity and Watt-level output optical power. In previous parameter optimization of Si-substrate LED, the superlattice interlayer (SL), especially its period number, is reported to be the key factor to determinate the output optical power by influencing the wall-plug efficiency. However, few efforts were made to investigate the influence of SLs on VLC performance. Therefore, we for the first time investigated the impact of the SL period number on VLC system through experiments and theoretical derivation. The result shows more SL period number is related to higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) via improving the wall-plug efficiency. Further, by using Levin-Campello bit and power loading technology, we achieved a record-breaking data rate of 3.37 Gbps over 1.2-m free-space VLC link under given optimal SL period number, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the highest data rate for a Si-substrate LED-based VLC system.
Estimating the Lithospheric Flexure of a Plate with Non-uniform Flexural Rigidity: A Quantitative Modelling Approach
Authors: Xu Mingju , Wu Zhao-Cai , Ji Fei , Ruan Ai-Guo , Li Chun-Feng , Gao Jin-Yao
Published: May 2021

Lithospheric deformation is a fundamental process in plate tectonics. It is therefore critical to determine how the lithosphere responds to geological loads to better understand tectonic processes. The lithosphere can be modelled as the flexure of a thin, elastic plate over long-term (>10 5 yr) geological timescales. The partial differential equation for the flexure of an orthotropic plate is used indirectly to calculate theoretical admittance and coherence, which are then compared against the observed admittance and coherence to invert for the non-uniform flexural rigidity (or effective elastic thickness, T e ) of the plate. However, the process for accurately recovering variable lithospheric flexure remains unresolved, as the classical lithospheric model may overestimate the deflection of the plate. Here we adopt the classic lithospheric model with applied external and internal loads at the surface and Moho, respectively, and assume that the compensation material is denser than the mantle material beneath the Moho. The lithospheric flexure errors are derived mainly from the T e and Moho recovery errors in this lithospheric model. Synthetic modelling is then performed to analyse the influence of the T e and Moho errors. The analysis of synthetic modelling shows that: 1) the inverted flexure values are insensitive to the T e errors, and the T e error-induced flexure errors exhibit a rippling pattern; 2) the Moho error-induced flexure errors occur mainly in the low T e regions, and the Moho disturbance is alleviated by both an attenuation coefficient of the form and the lithospheric strength as the Moho disturbance propagates into the lithospheric flexure error; and 3) the lithospheric flexure errors are dominated by the T e and Moho errors in the high and low T e regions, respectively.
Wild Populations of Malaria Vectors Can Mate Both Inside and Outside Human Dwellings
Authors: Nambunga Ismail H. , Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Hape Emmanuel E. , Mshani Issa H. , Kahamba Najat F. , Mkandawile Gustav , Mabula Daniel M. , Njalambaha Rukiyah M. , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Muyaga Letus L. , Hermy Marie R. G. , Tripet Frederic , Ferguson Heather , Ngowo Halfan S. , Okumu Fredros O.
Published: May 2021

Background: Wild populations of Anopheles mosquitoes are generally thought to mate outdoors in swarms, though once colonized, they also mate readily inside laboratory cages. This study investigated whether malaria vectors, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles arabiensis can naturally mate both inside and outside human dwellings. Method: Mosquitoes were sampled from three volunteer-occupied experimental huts in a rural Tanzanian village at 6 pm each evening, after which the huts were completely sealed and sampling repeated at 11 pm and 6 am the next morning to compare proportions of inseminated females. Similarly-timed collections were done inside local unsealed village houses. Lastly, wild-caught larvae and pupae were introduced inside or outside experimental huts constructed within two semi-field screen house chambers. The huts were then sealed and fitted with exit traps, allowing mosquito egress but not entry. Mating was assessed in subsequent days by sampling and dissecting emergent adults caught indoors, outdoors and in the exit traps.Results: Proportions of inseminated females inside the experimental huts in the village increased from ~60% at 6 pm to ~90% the following morning despite no new mosquitoes entering after 6 pm. Insemination in the local homes increased from ~78% to ~93% over the same time points. In the semi-field observations of wild-caught captive mosquitoes, proportions of inseminated An. funestus were 20.9% (95% CI: ± 2.8) outdoors, 25.2% (± 3.4) indoors and 16.8% (± 8.3) in exit traps, while proportions of inseminated An. arabiensis were 42.3% (± 5.5) outdoors, 47.4% (± 4.7) indoors and 37.1% (± 6.8) in exit traps.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that wild populations of An. funestus and An. arabiensis in Tanzania can mate both inside and outside human dwellings. Most mating likely happens outdoors before the mosquitoes enter houses, but significant additional mating happens indoors. The evidence of insemination inside experimental huts fitted with exit traps and in the unsealed village houses suggests that the mosquitoes can voluntarily mate indoors even when there is unrestricted egress. These findings could enable improved vector control, e.g., by targeting males, and potentially inform alternative methods for colonizing eurygamic Anopheles species (e.g. An. funestus) inside laboratories or semi-field chambers.
Alkaline Post-Incubation Improves the Saccharification of Poplar after Hydrogen Peroxide-Acetic Acid Pretreatment
Authors: Wen Peiyao , Zhang Ying , Zhu Junjun , Xu Yong , Zhang Junhua
Published: May 2021

Background: Hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid (HPAA) is widely used in pretreatment of lignocellulose because it has a good capability in selective delignification. However, high concentration (more than 60%) of HPAA increases the cost of pretreatment and the risk of explosion. In this work, alkaline post-incubation was employed to decrease the HPAA loading and improve the saccharification of poplar. Results: Pretreatment with 100% HPAA removed 91.0% lignin and retained 89.9% glucan in poplar. After poplar was pretreated by 100% HPAA at 60 °C for 2 h, the glucan conversion in enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulase increased to 90.1%. The total lignin, surface lignin, and acetyl group of HPAA-pretreated poplar were removed by alkaline incubation. More than 92% acetyl groups of HPAA-pretreated poplar were removed by 1.0% NaOH. After incubation of 60% HPAA-pretreated poplar with 1.0% NaOH, the glucan conversion enhanced to 95.0%. About 40% HPAA loading in pretreatment was reduced by alkaline incubation without the decrease of glucose yield. Conclusions: Alkaline post-incubation has strong ability on the deacetylation and delignification of HPAA-pretreated poplar, exhibiting a strong promotion on the enzymatic hydrolysis yield. This report represented alkaline incubation reduced the HPAA loading, improved pretreatment safety, exhibiting excellent potential application in saccharification of poplar.
Long-term Exposure to Low Concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Alterations in Platelet Indices: A Longitudinal Study in China
Authors: Cui Jing , Zhang Ting , Zhang Chao , Xue Zhenwei , Chen Durong , Kong Xiaona , Zhao Caili , Guo Yufeng , Li Zimeng , Liu Xiaoming , Duan Jiefang , Peng Wenjie , Zhou Xiaolin , Yu Hongmei
Published: May 2021

Background High concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can induce inflammatory and immune responses by affecting platelet indices. However, studies into low-concentration, non-occupational exposures are inconclusive in cross-sectional cohorts. We investigated low-concentration exposure to PAHs and alterations in platelet indices using a longitudinal dataset. Methods We recruited 418 participants from Northern China between 2014 and 2017 and followed each subject for three consecutive years; 222 were included in the analysis. Demographic information was collected by questionnaire and blood and urine were sampled annually. We measured the levels of eight urinary PAH metabolites representative of exposure to PAHs. Generalised mixed models and general linear mixed models were used to estimate correlations between PAH exposure, platelet indices, and covariates.Results We found dose–response correlations between urinary 1-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene and platelet counts, as well as correlations between urinary 9-hydroxyfluorene levels and platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, and platelet-large cell ratio. In subgroup analysis, 9-hydroxyfluorene levels were associated with mean platelet volume in participants exposed to second-hand smoke (odds ratio: 0.983; 95% confidence interval: 0.971–0.994) and with platelet distribution width in participants who were not exposed to second-hand smoke (odds ratio: 0.955; 95% confidence interval: 0.913–0.999).Conclusions Long-term exposure to low concentrations of PAHs affects platelet count, platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, and platelet-large cell ratio, and the effects may be modified by exposure to second-hand smoke.
Pregnancy Following in Vitro Fertilization With Minimal Stimulation in a Woman With Diminished Ovarian Reserve: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yuan Chun , Diao Feiyang , Ma Xiang , Liu Jianyin , Gao Yan
Published: May 2021

Background: Among reproductive-aged women with infertility, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is an important factor. Method: we describe a woman with FSH over 20 IU/L who became pregnant through IVF using a minimal stimulation protocol.Case presentation: Oral contraceptives (OCs) were used before ovarian stimulation, with only one oocyte retrieved. After transfer of one blastocyst to the uterus, she became pregnant and delivered a healthy male infant weighing 3250 g at 39 weeks’ gestational age. Conclusions: We report this case to declare that minimal stimulation IVF may allow for the possibility of pregnancy in DOR patients, with lower cost and fewer complications.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Infection Promotes Proliferation of SH-SY5Y Cells by the Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cao Dongdong , Wu Shuyuan , Wang Xiaolu , Li Ying , Xu Huiling , Pan Zemin , Wu Zhaofu , Yang Lei , Tan Xiaohua , Li Dongmei
Published: May 2021

Background: The cancer caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is one of the major causes of death in AIDS. Some patients have neurological symptoms and may be linked with KSHV infection, based on the herpesvirus has shown a neurotropic tendency in recent years. The objective of this study is to detect the effects of KSHV infection on neuronal SH-SY5Y cells and analyze differentially expressed genes. Methods: KSHV was collected from islk.219 cells. TaqMan real-time PCR was used to quantify KSHV copy numbers. KSHV was used to infect SH-SY5Y cells. Infection was confirmed by detection of GFP and viral gene expression. The KSHV copy number in supernatants and mRNA of latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), ORF26, K8.1A, replication and transcriptional activator (RTA) of infected SH-SY5Y cells was detected by real-time PCR. The proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. Effects of KSHV on cell proliferation were detected by MTT and Ki-67 staining. Migration was detected by Transwell assays. The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1 and p27 were detected by western blots. Cell cycle proteins were detected again in LANA-overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells. Transcriptome sequencing was used to screen differentially expressed genes from KSHV-infected and uninfected SH-SY5Y cells. Components of the Notch signaling pathway were detected by western blots.Results: SH-SY5Y cells were successfully infected by KSHV and maintained the ability to produce virions. LANA, ORF26, K8.1A and RTA were expressed in KSHV-infected SH-SY5Y cells. After infection, cell proliferation was increased, but migration ability was downregulated and KSHV infection promoted the G0/G1 phase (P<0.05). CDK4, CDK6 and cyclin D1 were upregulated, and P27 was downregulated. After over-expression of LANA, expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4 increased. Transcriptome sequencing showed that 11,258 genes were upregulated and 1,967 were downregulated in KSHV-infected SH-SY5Y cells. The Notch signaling pathway was related to KSHV-infected SH-SY5Y cells, and western blots confirmed expression of Notch1, NICD, RBP-JK and Hes1 increased in KSHV-infected cells.Conclusion: KSHV can infect SH-SY5Y cells and promote proliferation. KSHV infection upregulated expression of Notch signaling pathway proteins, which may relate to improved cell proliferation.