bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Chloride Ion Corrosion by MgAlO x /MgAlFeO x in the Process of Chloride Deicing
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Zhu Qi , Xing Zipeng , Fang Lei
Published: June 2021

The corrosion inhibitor that is added to chloride deicing salt, whose anti-corrosion and low pollution is great significance. LDHs, calcined at high temperature were used as adsorbents to remove various anionic contaminants and it could reduce the solution's freezing point after adsorbing anions. Therefore, this paper reports the use of calcined LDHs as corrosion inhibitors in deicing salts. We analyzed that the removal ability of chloride ion MgAlFeOx was stronger than that of MgAlOx, reaching 85.50%, and the freezing point was lower than that of MgAlOx, the value was -12.0 °C. At the same time, we also found that CaCl2-MgAlOx and CaCl2-MgAlFeOx significantly reduce the corrosion of carbon steel and concrete compared with chloride salts, and CaCl2-MgAlFeOx has the lowest corrosion degree. Hence, we determined that MgAlFeOx was corrosion inhibitor in chloride deicing salt. The metal molar ratio, synthesis temperature and calcination temperature for preparation of MgAl/MgAlFe-LDHs were determined by XRD and TG-DSC analysis that are 9/2/1, 120 ºC and 500 ºC, respectively. The characteristics of MgAlFeOx after Fe3+ addition were studied in detail by Zeta, XRD, XPS, BET and SEM. The mechanism of corrosion inhibitor’s anticorrosion was determined, which was achieved by adsorption and neutralization.
A simple and efficient method for isomorphism identification of planar kinematic chains
Authors: Yu Luchuan , Cai Chenxu , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Qinhe
Published: June 2021

Isomorphism identification plays an important role in structural design and innovative design. Based on the adjacency matrix and loop theory, a new method is proposed in this paper to identify the isomorphic kinematic chains. It enriches the application of loop-based theory for isomorphism identification. In the kinematic chain, links and joints are connected alternatively and every link corresponds to a fixed link degree. Due to the inherent characteristics, the labeled sequence of links can be random, which does not affect the result of isomorphism identification. By the programming software MATLAB, some examples with 6-, 8-, 10-, 11-, 12-link kinematic chains, and 15-vertex topological graphs are presented. Results show that the proposed method applies to topology graphs and kinematic chains with one or multiple joints. Compared with other methods, the proposed method is confirmed correctly. And there is no counterexample. It lays a solid foundation for structural synthesis in the future.
Nitrogen Attenuated Zinc-Mediated Promotion of Rice Tillering Under Low Temperature via Regulating Auxin and Cytokinin Balance
Authors: Liu Zhilei , Su Jinkai , Meng Jingrou , Song Jiamei , Zhang Haonan , Li Pengfei , Sun Yankun , Yu Cailian , Peng Xianlong
Published: June 2021

Background and aims

Zinc (Zn) can improve rice resistance to abiotic stress and participate in IAA synthesis. The absorption of Zn is closely related to nitrogen (N) nutrition. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which Zn regulates rice low-temperature resistance and tillering recovery after low-temperature under different N levels.
Methods

Water culture experiment was conducted with two temperatures (22°C and 12°C), two N levels (1.43 mM and 2.86 mM NH4NO3), and three Zn levels (0.08 µM, 0.15 µM and 0.30 µM ZnSO4·7H2O).
Results

Low-temperature decreased rice tillering, which was further exacerbated at high N levels. Increasing Zn application could improve rice low-temperature resistance under normal N levels, enhance nutrient absorption, improve tiller bud cytokinin (CTK) concentration and CTK/IAA ratio, finally accelerate tillering recovery one week before normal Zn treatment. High N attenuated the contribution of Zn under low temperature, but moderate Zn was beneficial to tillering recovery by regulating the balance of tiller bud IAA and CTK concentration, and IAA transport.
Conclusions

Increasing Zn application improved rice tolerance to low-temperature stress and promoted tillering recovery, which was aggravated under high N levels. However, appropriate Zn application under high N level was conducive to breaking tiller dormancy and promoting tillering growth spurts when recovering to a normal temperature, which was related to the hormone balance and nutrient absorption synergistic regulation by N and Zn.
Role of internal variability of climate system in increase of air temperature in Wrocław (Poland) in the years 1951–2018
Authors: Marsz Andrzej Antoni , Styszyńska Anna , Bryś Krystyna , Bryś Tadeusz
Published: June 2021

In the course of the annual air temperature in Wrocław (TWr variable) a rapid change of the thermal regime was found between 1987 and 1989. A similar temperature change has occurred in Central Europe. TWr increased by more than 1 deg a strong, statistically significant positive trend emerged. The analysis of processes showed that strong warming in the cold season of the year (December–March) occurred as a result of an increase in the NAO intensity and warming in the warm season as a result of increased sunshine duration. Multiple regression analysis has showed that the winter NAO Hurrell’s index explains 15% of TWr variance, and the sunshine duration of the ‘long day’ (April–August) period 49%, whereas radiative forcing 5.9%. This indicates that the factors incidental to the internal variability of the climate system explain 64% of the TWr variability and the effect of increased CO 2 concentration only ~6%. The reason for this rapid change of the thermal regime was a radical change in macro-circulation conditions in the Atlantic-European circular sector, which took place between 1988 and 1989. It has similarly changed the structure of the Central European weathers. The heat, which is the cause of warming in Wrocław, comes from an increase in solar energy inflow (April–August) and also is transported to Europe from the North Atlantic surface by atmospheric circulation (NAO). These results indicate that the role of CO 2 in shaping the contemporary temperature increase is overestimated, whereas internal variability of the climate system is underestimated.
Large Scale MIMO Analysis Using Enhanced LAMA
Authors: Bitra Hanumantharao , Ponnusamy Palanisamy
Published: June 2021

In this research work, a novel enhanced large scale multi-input multi-output (MIMO) approximate message passing (LAMA) based optimal data detection is proposed for large scale MIMO systems. Existing LAMA and sub-optimal detection techniques suffer from iteration complexity and performance loss in finite dimensional systems due to large scale user fading. To over come these, Gram matrix and message damping techniques are incorporated in the traditional LAMA. The effectiveness of the proposed enhanced LAMA and existing techniques are analyzed with 64, 32 and 16 user antennas, 256, 128, 64 and 16 base station elements with 64QAM, 16QAM, QPSK and BPSK. The simulation results show that the proposed enhanced LAMA gives superior performance when compared to existing matrix inversion methods such as Gauss sidle and Neumann, box techniques such as optimal co-ordinate descent and alternating direction method of multipliers based on the infinity norm, minimum mean square error and LAMA.
The Early Warning And Response System (EWARS-TDR) For Dengue Outbreaks: Can It Also Be Applied To Chikungunya And Zika Outbreak Warning?
Authors: Cardenas Rocio , Hussain-Alkhateeb Laith , Benitez-Valladares David , Sanchez-Tejeda Gustavo , Kroeger Axel
Published: June 2021

Background. In the Americas, endemic countries for Aedes-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika face great challenges particularly since the recent outbreaks of CHIKV and ZIKV, all transmitted by the same insect vector Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR- WHO) has developed together with partners an early warning and Response System (EWARS) for dengue outbreaks based on a variety of alarm signals with a high sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). The question is if this tool can also be used for the prediction of Zika and chikungunya outbreaks.Methodology. We conducted in nine districts of Mexico and one large city in Colombia a retrospective analysis of epidemiological data (for the outbreak definition) and of climate and entomological data (as potential alarm indicators) produced by the national surveillance systems for dengue, chikungunya and Zika outbreak prediction covering the following outbreak years: for dengue 2012-2016, for Zika 2015-2017, for chikungunya 2014-2016. This period was divided into a “run in period” (to establish the “historical” pattern of the disease) and an “analysis period” (to identify sensitivity and PPV of outbreak prediction). Results. In Mexico, the sensitivity of alarm signals for correctly predicting an outbreak was 92% for dengue, and 97% for Zika (chikungunya data could not be obtained in Mexico); the PPV was 68% for dengue and 100% for Zika. The time period between alarm and start of the outbreak (i.e. the time available for early response activities) was for dengue 6-8 weeks and for Zika 3-5 weeks. In Colombia the sensitivity of the outbreak prediction was 92% for dengue, 93% for chikungunya and 100% for Zika; the PPV was 68% for dengue, 92% for chikungunya and 54% for Zika; the prediction distance was for dengue 3-5 weeks, for chikungunya 10-13 weeks and for Zika 6-10 weeks. Conclusion. The implementation of an early warning and response system (EWARS) could predict outbreaks of three Aedes borne diseases with a high sensitivity and positive predictive value and with a lag time long enough for preparing an adequate outbreak response in order to reduce the magnitude or avert the occurrence of outbreaks with their elevated social and economic tolls.
Evaluation of Health Perceptions And Healthcare Utilization Among Population-Based Female Cancer Survivors And Cancer-Free Women
Authors: Dibble Kate E , Kaur Maneet , Lyu Junrui , Connor Avonne E
Published: June 2021

Purpose. Cancer survivors are more likely to report having a poor health status when compared to the general population; however, few studies have focused on the impact of cancer on perceived health status, in combination with other healthcare utilization and access outcomes, among women from disadvantaged health populations.Methods. 25,741 women with and without a history of cancer from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2016 contributed data. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models for the associations between cancer status and healthcare utilization and access outcomes. Models were stratified by race/ethnicity, federal poverty level (FPL), education, and comorbidities. Results. A total of 2,415 (9.4%) women had a history of cancer with breast cancer as the most common site (n=704, 29.2%). While most survivors were non-Hispanic white (68.4%), 15.2% were Hispanic, 12.1% were non-Hispanic Black, and 4.3% were additional racial/ethnic groups. Survivors were 1.28 times more likely to report fair/poor perceived health status (95% CI, 1.09-1.50), 1.61 times more likely to report hospitalizations in the last year (95% CI, 1.40-1.86), and 1.37 times more likely to see a mental health provider within the last year (95% CI, 1.12-1.66) compared to controls. Race/ethnicity and FPL were the only significant effect modifiers.Conclusion. Our study identifies disparities in health status and healthcare utilization among female cancer survivors and recognizes the importance of evaluating these associations among disadvantaged health populations. These findings could inform future cancer survivorship care.
Chinese Herbal Medicine (Yiqi-Yangyin-Jiedu Decoction) Combined With Osimertinib As First-Line Treatment For Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer With EGFR Sensitizing Mutation (CATLA-2): A Study Protocol For A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lu Yan , Yao Jialin , Jiao Lijing , Bi Ling , Yang Wenxiao , Su Lingzi , Shi Jun , Wang Zhe , Gong Yabin , Xu Ling
Published: June 2021

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) significantly improve the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR sensitizing mutation. Although third-generation EGFR-TKI osimertinib is demonstrated with superior efficacy compared with first-generation EGFR-TKIs, acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs remains the bottleneck. The Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) Yiqi-Yangyin-Jiedu decoction (YYJD) has been proved to delay acquired resistance to first-generation EGFR-TKIs in CATLA study, but there is no high-level evidence for its effect when combined with osimertinib. This trial aims to examine the efficacy and safety of YYJD combined with osimertinib as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR sensitizing mutation.Methods: This is a double-blind, multi-center, randomized controlled trial conducted in 8 hospitals in China. A total of 314 participants will be randomly assigned to the osimertinib plus YYJD group (O+YYJD) or the osimertinib plus placebo group (O+placebo). Treatment will last until disease progression or death. Patients diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 19 del or exon 21 L858R will be enrolled if they are in accordance with deficiency of Qi and Yin pattern, ready to take osimertinib as first-line treatment, aged 18 to 74 years old, and provide signed informed consent. The primary outcome is progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary outcomes include a comparison of overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), quality of life (QoL). The analysis will be on intention-to-treat and per-protocol subject analysis principles.Discussion: The goal of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of YYJD when added to 3 osimertinib as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC with EGFR sensitizing mutation.Trial registration: Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR1900026748. Registered on 20th October 2019.
A New Fe-C Porous Filter Material From Dredged Sediment: Preparation, Characterization, And Its Application
Authors: Chu Shuyi , Qu Qian , Pan Keke , Xu Yunjie , Xiao Jibo
Published: June 2021

A new Fe-C porous filter material was prepared with dredged sediment of river as raw material. The orthogonal test L9(34) and component ratio experiment of raw material were conducted to investigate the optimum technological condition. Further, the filter obtained was characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results showed that the optimal technological condition was sludge: straw: starch: iron powder: foam: iron powder 74.5∶10∶7.5∶3∶5, preheating temperature 280 ℃, preheating 15 min, sintering temperature 1080 ℃, and sintering 11 min. The BET surface area of the filter was 3.32 m2 g− 1, and average pore size was 10.05 nm. Phase composition mainly included SiO2, Fe3O4, Fe2O3 and muscovite (KAl2(Si3Al)O10(OH)2). Average effluent concentrations of total phosphorus (TP), total organic carbon (TOC), and total nitrogen (TN) of the biofilter system filled with the filter obtained were decreased to 0.08, 3.43, and 3.76 mg L− 1, separately, at hydraulic retention time 4 h. Thus, the filter prepared with dredged sediment of rive as raw material is an alternative material for polluted river water purification.
Environmentally Friendly Mesoporous Material Derived From Thin-Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display and Sandblasting and Its Application of Environmental Humidity Control
Authors: Lin Ya-Wen , Lee Wei-Hao , Wang Hsiou-Hsuan , Cheng Ta-Wui , Chen Chiao-Ying , Kae-Long Lin , Lo Huang-Mu
Published: June 2021

The preparation of an aluminum-mesoporous humidity controlling material (Al-MHCM) by hydrothermally synthesizing a mixture of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) waste glass and sandblasting (SB) waste was studied; additionally, the remaining residue was completely reused. The synthesized Al-MHCM was analyzed, and its moisture controlling performance along with its pore and surface structure characteristics were determined. In addition, the influence of the hydrothermal synthesis temperature and silicon-to-aluminum molar ratio on the product was also studied. The characteristic analysis results of the product confirm that the product has a typical mesoporous structure, with a specific surface area of up to 1013 m2/g, and the pore size distribution calculated by the BJH method is 3-4 nm with a pore volume of 0.97 cm3/g. The 27Al NMR analysis verifies that all the aluminum atoms of the product are in the form of tetrahedral aluminum (Td-Al) in the mesoporous Al-MHCM framework, which confirms the successful synthesis of Al-containing mesoporous MCM-41 materials. In addition, as the aluminum content increased, the water adsorption/desorption capacity of Al-MHCM also increased. Results show that when the hydrothermal synthesis temperature is 105°C, the product synthesized from a mixture with a silicon-to-aluminum molar ratio of 41.8 exhibits excellent performance (91.45 m3/ m3) in terms of the equilibrium moisture content and moisture adsorption capacity. Al-MHCM, which can be synthesized at a low cost, can be used as a humidity controlling material for adjusting the relative humidity of indoor environmental spaces. Thus, this study provides a novel method for producing Al-MHCM to use as a future humidity-controlling building material.
Reduction of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen More Pronounced In Pegylated Interferon Alpha Therapy Combined With Nucleotide Analogues Than Nucleoside Analogues In Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: Xie Yiran , Zhu Haoxiang , Guo Yifei , Ma Zhenxuan , Qi Xun , Yang Feifei , Mao Richeng , Zhang Jiming
Published: June 2021

Background: Nucleotide analogues (NTs) monotherapy may have a greater effect on reducing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) than nucleoside analogues (NSs) due to their immunomodulatory function. However, this superiority remains unknown when combined with pegylated interferon α (PegIFNα). The study aimed to explore whether NTs have greater antiviral effects than NSs in combination therapy with PegIFNα. Methods: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with PegIFNα plus nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) were retrospectively recruited. Efficacy and the predictors of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reduction > 1 log10 IU/mL at 48 weeks were analyzed. Results: A total of 95 patients were investigated, including in PegIFNα plus NSs group and in PegIFNα plus NTs group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. The PegIFNα + NTs group had a greater reduction of HBsAg (−3.48 vs −2.33 log10 IU/mL, P = 0.038) and a higher proportion of patients with HBsAg reduction > 1 log10 IU/mL (100.0% vs 72.2%, P =0.003) even after PSM. However, HBsAg and hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) loss rates, HBeAg seroconversion rates, degree of HBeAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA decline, HBV DNA undetectable rates, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization rates showed no significant differences. Higher platelet counts (OR = 1.043, 95%CI = 1.002–1.085) and PegIFNα plus NTs (OR = 77.861, 95%CI = 3.923–1545.273) were independent predictors for HBsAg reduction > 1 log10 IU/mL at 48 weeks. Conclusion: This study suggests that PegIFNα plus NTs led to more HBsAg reduction.
Electromagnetic Soft Surface (EMSS) Integrated MIMO Antennas With Reduced Mutual Coupling And Cross-Polarization Radiation
Authors: Bhattacharjee Swati , Mandal Santimoy , Ghosh Chandan Kumar
Published: June 2021

For closely spaced microstrip antenna elements, Mutual Coupling (MC) is an inevitable phenomenon which degrades antenna performances like gain, radiation pattern, return loss, radiation efficiency etc. Lot of works have been done on the reduction of MC and published the results in the open literatures. This paper presents an approach to suppress MC between two closely spaced microstrip radiators. This is achieved by inserting properly designed EMSS structure between the radiating elements. This EMSS acts as an electrical wall between two rectangular patches and reduces mutual coupling up to 50 dB at resonance frequency of 4.35 GHz. In this attempt, Cross Polarization (XP) reduction of 12.5dB has also been achieved with a gain 5.40dBi for the proposed antenna. The centre to centre spacing between the antenna elements is taken as 22.1mm (0.32λ).The proposed MIMO antenna system can be used for satellite communication and radar system.
Medical Cannabis Authorization and the Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Zongo Arsene , Lee Cerina , Dyck Jason R. B. , El-Mourad Jihane , Hyshka Elaine , Hanlon John G. , Eurich Dean
Published: June 2021

Background

Despite the rising rates of legalization of cannabis worldwide, very few investigators have studied the effects of medical cannabis use on healthcare utilization and subsequent cardiovascular (CV) risk. This study assesses the risk of CV-related emergency department (ED) visit/hospitalization in adult patients authorized to use medical cannabis in Ontario, Canada from 2014–2017.
Methods

This is a longitudinal cohort study of patients who received medical cannabis authorization and followed-up in cannabis clinics, matched to population-based controls. The primary outcome was an ED visit/hospitalization for any CV event; and secondary outcome was for acute coronary syndrome (ACS)/stroke. Conditional Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association between cannabis use and risk.
Results

18,653 cannabis patients were matched to 5,1243 controls. Incidence rates for any CV event were 28.34/1000 person-years and 19/1000 person-years in the cannabis and controls group, respectively- (aHR) of 1.52 (95%CI: 1.31–1.77). The aHR among patients with a history of CV event and those without were 1.50 (1.28–1.75) and 1.26 (1.03–1.55), respectively. The aHR among males and females were 1.52 (1.24–1.87) and 1.41 (1.11–1.80). For the ACS and stroke, the aHR was 1.44 (95%CI: 1.08–1.93). When stratified by sex, only men had an increased risk of ACS and stroke; aHR 1.77 (1.23–2.56).
Conclusions

Medical cannabis authorization was associated with an increased risk of ED visits or hospitalization for CV events including stroke and ACS - among males and for patients with a prior CV condition.
Anti-Diabetic Effect of a Polysaccharide Fraction From Momordica Charantia: Modulation of Notch Signaling
Authors: Sajadimajd Soraya , Mohammadi Bahareh , Bahrami Gholamreza , Madani Seyed Hamid , Hatami Razieh , Miraghaee Seyed shahram
Published: June 2021

Given the impact of notch signaling in the modulation of metabolic diseases and normal tissue homeostasis, this study aimed to evaluate whether notch signaling has a role in anti-diabetic and islet regenerative effects of isolated polysaccharide from Memordica charantia in diabetic rats. The polysaccharide was isolated from Memordica charantia (MCP) and characterized using FTIR and LC-MS/MS. Diabetic model was established by intrapritoneal administration of STZ in male Wistar rats. The levels of Hes1, Notch 1, DLL4, Jagged1, Pdx1, CD34, CD31 and VEGF were analyzed by using immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Structural analyses have revealed the carbohydrate structure of fraction. Blood glucose was halted by treatment with fraction. MCP scaled up the mRNA levels of Ins1, jagged1, Pdx1 and Hes1 while scaled down the levels of Notch1, Dll4 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 in diabetic rats. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry staining of hes1, cyclin d1 and VEGF proteins was increased in the pancreas of MCP-treated diabetic rats compared to the diabetic group. These findings provide insights into the anti-diabetic potential of MCP through modulation of islets regeneration and suggest that modulation of notch and angiogenesis pathways may play the pivotal role in the restoration of islets to relieve diabetes.
Case Report: A Menstruation-Associated Pancreatitis in Perimenopausal Woman
Authors: Li Le , Zhang Wang-Jun , Yuan Yue , Li Jie , Cheng Long , Sun Bei , Wang Gang
Published: June 2021

Background: Hereditary pancreatitis (HP) is a rare type of pancreatitis and patients are characterized with recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis (AP) without common risk factors, such as gallstone, alcoholic consumption or drugs intake. The specific genes mutations, including PRSS1 and SPINK1, have been shown as the key risk factors for HP. The menstruation-associated pancreatitis is a rare type of HP, and patient always suffers the recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) which strictly follows her menstrual cycle. The genes sequencing which aims to recognize the etiology and determine the therapeutics should be taken into consideration for patients suspected of HP.Case presentation: We presented a case of rare HP, whose episodes of recurrence were strictly dependent on her menstrual cycle. PRSS1 and SPINK1 genes sequencing were taken into consideration for menstruation-associated pancreatitis patient. Three conventional mutations (A16V, N29T and N54S) and two novel mutations (L14V and G62A) in the second exon of PRSS1 gene are found to be associated with the cause in our case. Long-term hormone replacement therapy, including deestrogesterone and ethinylestradiol, significantly decreases the recurrence of perimenopausal pancreatitis.Conclusion: We found 2 novel mutations in the second exon of PRSS1 gene and long-term hormone replacement therapy significantly decreased the recurrence of AP. However, the increased risk of breast cancer and endometrial carcinoma need more attention.
Debris of Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus that made a H I hole in the Milky Way ≈20 million years ago
Authors: Sakai Nobuyuki , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Kurahara Kohei
Published: June 2021

The Perseus arm is known as one of the two or four dominant spiral arms of the Milky Way. While there is a large number of Massive Young Stellar Objects in the outer portion of the arm, a lower density of those is found in the inner portion. Inner Perseus arm shows a noncircular motion of ≥ 70 km/s at a Galactic longitude of ≈50◦, and its origin remains unclear. Here we report an analysis of the kinematics and spatial distribution of neutral hydrogen (H I) gas, star-forming regions (SFRs) and stars, together with an analysis of the star’s chemical abundances. We discovered that H I gas with ≈10^6 solar mass was lacked in the inner Perseus arm, and a similar amount of H I gas was distributed above the Galactic plane. The extended H I gas is well followed by retrograde low-metallicity stars, which are likely fossil stars from Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus. Orbit integration shows that the fossil stars crossed the inner Galactic disk about 20 million years ago. The lower star-formation activity and noncircular motion of the inner Perseus arm could be attributed to the disk crossing event.
An Analysis of the Perspective of Last Year Medical Students in Training Allocated to Manage COVID-19 Hospital Patients in Mexico
Authors: Moreno Gabriela Y.C. , Ruiz Miguel Jesús Torres , Padilla Eleazar Lara , Zarazúa Rosalba Garduño , Vadillo Antonio Franco , Romero José de Jesús Peralta , Ramírez José Bruno Mendoza , Heald Adrian , Ramírez Javier Mancilla
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIn order to address the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems have used all their resources, including health care workers in training. Knowing the insights of these workers is of the utmost importance to generate adequate educative/political /administrative strategies. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was made by the General Directorate of Quality and Health Education in Mexico, in a convenience sample of 6,020 participants who belong to personnel in training for the health area, which included practitioners and professional technologists, undergraduate doctors, nursing, and residents in several specialties.ResultsDifferent positive and negative feelings were identified by the health workers who participated in facing this health emergency; emphasizing elements such as the need for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that, when deficient or lacking, generate concerns that raise questions about the medical/epidemiological attention to the pandemic. Based on an analysis of feelings, 8 main feelings were identified, which by frequency of appearing were: distrust(24.83%), fear(21.97%), sadness(12.45%), anticipation(11.65%), anger(10.71%), disgust(9.69%), joy(4.97%) and surprise(3.72%) which influence health workers in training and their wrok performance day to day.Concerning their positive and negative evaluation of their experience facing this health emergency, 13.83% of participants had a positive perception about participating in this kind of health emergency to support the country, 49.94% showed a negative evaluation, and 36.23% kept a neutral evaluation about their participation.ConclusionsThe health workers in training in Mexico gave a negative evaluation of the management of the health emergency. Distrust as a response to the absence of timely information from the education/health institutions, as well as concern about lack of personal protection equipment/inputs, are the main conflicts reported. We must establish a credible globally relevant continuity plan for the education of health care personnel in training, facing emergencies and disasters, so that next time we are properly prepared.
LMA ® Protector™ In Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgeries: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Song Yuxiang , Wang Miaomiao , Yang Meihua , Shen Hao , Wang Zhen , Chen Liyong , Yang Jianjun , Gong Shengkai , Yu Yonghao , Shi Zhao , Zhang Wei , Zou Xuli , Sun Xude , Wang Yuan , Fu Qiang , Cao Jiangbei , Mi Weidong
Published: June 2021

Backgroundː Laryngeal masks airway (LMA) has been increasingly used in surgical patients. However, the use of LMA in laparoscopic surgeries remains controversial. The major concerns include the potential risk of esophageal regurgitation, aspiration, and difficulties to achieve effective ventilation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the LMA® Protector™ in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Methodsː Patients aged 18 to 70 years, scheduled for laparoscopic surgeries were included. The insertion time, successful insertion rate, and oropharyngeal leak pressure were measured. Airway complications and airway manipulations during the procedure were documented. Effective ventilation rate was calculated. Visible bloodstains and reflux content in the drainage channel were documented after the removal of LMA® Protector™. Resultsː A total of 300 patients were enrolled. The insertion of LMA® Protector™ failed in seven patients resulting with a successful insertion rate of 97.7%. During the maintenance of anesthesia, airway manipulation was required in 19 patients (19/293, 6.48%), in three of whom the LMA was replaced with endotracheal intubation resulting with an effective ventilation rate of 96.7% (290/300). The oropharyngeal leak pressure was 30.18±5.88 cmH2O. 75 patients (25.86%) reported mild sore throat on the first day after surgery. No signs of aspiration were noticed in any of those patients. Conclusionsː The LMA® Protector™ was shown to be safe and effective in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. Although minor complications that requiring no further treatment, no clinically diagnosed aspiration was noticed in our study. Trial registration: The trail was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800018300, data of registration, September 2018).
White Matter Connectometry In Patients With Disorders of Consciousness Revealed By 7-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Tan Xufei , Zhou Zhen , Gao Jian , Wei Ruili , Zhang Xiaotong , Luo Benyan
Published: June 2021

White matter disruption plays an important role in disorders of consciousness (DOC). The aim of this study was to analyze the connectometry between DOC patients and healthy controls and to explore the relationship between diffusion connectometry and levels of consciousness. Fourteen patients with DOC and 13 sex- and age-matched controls were included in this study. The participants underwent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and T1-weighted structural MRI at 7 Tesla. Diffusion MRI connectometry was performed to investigate the differences between groups, and to subsequently study the correlation between Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) scores and white matter integrity. In DOC patients, the quantitative anisotropy (QA) was significantly reduced in deep white matter tracts, whereas significantly higher QA values were found in the bilateral cerebellum compared with healthy controls. Moreover, the QA values in many tracts within the right hemisphere were higher in patients in a minimally conscious state compared to those in vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome. In contrast, many tracts within the left hemisphere of the latter group showed higher QA than the former, which was reflected by the correlation between diffusion connectometry and CRS-R scores. These results indicate that the cerebellum may play an important role in DOC, and the lateralization of the cerebral hemisphere in affected patients may suggest neural compensation.
Extracellular Hsp90α is a Potential Serum Predictor of Atherosclerosis in type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ding Xinyi , Meng Chuzhen , Dong Hangming , Zhang Shili , Zhou Hui , Tan Wenchong , Huang Lei , He Aiping , Li Jieyou , Huang Jiali , Li Wei , Zou Fei , Zou Mengchen
Published: June 2021

Background: Atherosclerosis is the main pathological change in diabetic angiopathy, and vascular inflammation plays an important role in early atherosclerosis. Heat shock protein 90, a cellular molecular chaperone, was recently determined to be secreted extracellularly, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study explored the relationship between Hsp90 and diabetic peripheral artery disease through serological analyses of different groups of diabetic patients and investigated the relationship between extracellular Hsp90α and vascular inflammation at the cellular level.Methods: Seventy-seven selected patients were divided into three groups. The relationships among serum Hsp90, oxidative stress indexes and patient outcomes and the correlations among the indexes were analysed. An oxidative stress endothelial injury model was established under high glucose in vitro to explore the role of eHsp90 release in atherosclerosis progression.Results: Serum Hsp90 and MDA levels tended to increase in different groups with peripheral vascular disease aggravation. Hsp90α was correlated with MDA to some extent and was predictive. In vitro, high glucose and low H2O2 treatment increased extracellular Hsp90 secretion, and endothelial cell conditioned medium and recombinant human Hsp90α increased monocyte migration (P<0.05).Conclusions: Extracellular Hsp90α participates in endothelial cell injury in diabetic vascular disease and initiates the inflammatory response by promoting monocyte migration.Trial registration: NCT04787770, ClinicalTrials.gov, Registered 9 March, 2021 - Prospective registered
Quality of Life & Phonatory and Morphological Outcomes in Cognitively Unimpaired Adolescents With Pierre Robin Sequence – A Cross-sectional Study in a 72-patient Series
Authors: THOUVENIN Béatrice , SOUPRE Véronique , CAILLAUD Marie-Anne , Henry-Mestelan Charlotte , CHALOUHI Christel , HOUSSAMO Bachar , Chapuis Cécile , LIND Katia , ROYER Aurélie , VEGAS Nancy , AMIEL Jeanne , COULY Gérard , PICARD Arnaud , VAIVRE-DOURET Laurence , Abadie Véronique
Published: June 2021

We assessed the phonatory and morphological outcome of 72 cognitively unimpaired adolescents with Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS), studied their generic (Kidscreen-52), oral (COHIP-SF19) and vocal (VHI-9i) qualities of life (QoL), and sought to identify determinants of these outcomes. Two-thirds of our adolescents retained low or moderate phonation difficulties but risk factors for them were not identified. For 14%, esthetic results were considered disharmonious with no link to neonatal retrognathia severity. Only two-stage surgery appeared to have a role in improving esthetic results. The generic QoL of these adolescents was slightly lower than that of control patients, especially in dimensions concerning physical well-being, relationships and autonomy. Patients with non-isolated PRS had lower results than those with isolated PRS. Phonatory and morphological sequelae had no impact on generic QoL. Only non-isolated PRS and a low oral QoL had an impact on generic QoL. The oral QoL of these adolescents was comparable to that of control patients and significantly better than that of children with craniofacial malformations. The oral QoL of the adolescents with non-isolated PRS, was significantly worse than that of control patients and close to that of children with craniofacial malformations. The vocal QoL of our subjects was better than that of patients with other voice pathologies and better when phonation was good.
Association of Peripheral Blood Biomarkers with Response to anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy for Patients with dMMR Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Ye Shu-Biao , Chen Ping , Li Pei-Si , Lin Zhen-Sen , Chen Dong-Wen , Chen Shao-Xia , Cheng Yi-Kan , Lan M.D. Ping
Published: June 2021

Background: Mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) is an established biomarker for response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC). Although patients with dMMR mCRC could achieve a high incidence of disease control and favorable progression-free survival (PFS), reported response rates to PD-1 inhibitors are variable with 28%–52%, indicating that additional predictive biomarkers are warranted.Methods: This multicenter cohort study enrolled patients with dMMR mCRC receiving anti-PD-1 immunotherapy at Sun Yat-sen University, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between December, 2016 to December, 2019. A total of 20 peripheral blood biomarkers, including T cells (frequency of CD4+ T cell, frequency of CD8+ T cell, ratio of CD4+/CD8+), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), inflammatory markers and lipid metabolism markers. The association between response or survival and peripheral blood parameters was analyzed. Results: Among tested parameters, ratio of CD4+/CD8+, frequency of CD4+ T cell was significantly associated with PFS (P=0.023, P=0.012) and OS (P=0.027, P=0.019) in univariate analysis. Lower level of CD4+/CD8+ ratio or frequency of CD4+ T cell showed significant association with better overall response rates (ORR; P = 0.03, P=0.01). Ratio of CD4+/CD8+, and frequency of CD4+ T cell maintained significance in multivariate Cox model for PFS (HR=9.23, P=0.004; HR=4.83, P=0.02) and OS (HR=15.22, P=0.009; HR=16.21, P=0.025). Conclusions: Ratio of CD4+/CD8+ and frequency of CD4+ T cell might be crucial independent biomarkers within dMMR mCRC to better identify patients for response to PD-1 inhibitors. If validated in prospective clinical trials, ratio of CD4+/CD8+ and frequency of CD4+ T cell might provide aid in guiding the treatment of PD-1 inhibitors in dMMR mCRC.
SOX2 Knockdown with Sirna Reverses Cisplatin Resistance in NSCLC by Regulating APE1 Signaling
Authors: Chen Taiyu , Zhou Ji , Li Peng-cheng , Tang Chun-han , Yang Fang , Xu Ke , Li Tao , Ren Tao
Published: June 2021

Objective: SOX2 is related to drug resistance in many types of cancer, including lung cancer, but the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood. Herein, we investigated the role of SOX2 and its regulatory signaling in cisplatin-treated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: Cisplatin-resistant NSCLC A549/CDDP cells, parental A549 cells and NCI-H460 cells were selected for experiments. The effects of SOX2 on cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated in vitro. Western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate the underlying mechanism of SOX2. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were used to assess the relationship between SOX2 expression levels and patient survival.Results: A549/CDDP cells had marked resistance to cisplatin and stronger colony formation ability than A549 cells. The expression of SOX2 protein or mRNA in A549/CDDP cells was higher than that in A549 cells. Knockdown of SOX2 in A549/CDDP cells induced apoptosis by inhibiting colony formation and decreasing viability, but overexpression of SOX2 reversed these effects. Interestingly, Genomatix software predicted that the APE1 promoter has some SOX2 binding sites, while the SOX2 promoter has no APE1 binding sites. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays proved that SOX2 could bind the promoter of APE1 in 293T cells. We further verified that SOX2 expression was not affected by small hairpin RNA against APE1 (shAPE1) in A549/CDDP cells. As expected, colony formation was obviously inhibited and apoptosis was strongly enhanced in A549/CDDP cells treated with SOX2 small-interfering RNA (siSOX2) alone or combined with CDDP compared with control cells. Meaningfully, SOX2 expression was variable in 45 advanced NSCLC patients, and patients with high expression of SOX2 survived longer than those with low expression of SOX2.Conclusion: siSOX2 overcomes cisplatin resistance in NSCLC by regulating APE1 signaling, providing a new therapeutic target for overcoming cisplatin resistance in NSCLC patients.
Sexual Inactivity and Sexual Dissatisfaction Among Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Partners
Authors: Zhang Qian , Mu Qianqian , Fu Yan , Zhang Xiaoxia , Zheng  , Li Junying
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo measure the sexual activity of breast cancer survivors and their partners to better understand the causes of sexual inactivity and sexual dissatisfaction in this population.MethodsWe investigated the proportion of sexual activity and sexual dissatisfaction in a cross‐sectional study and described their association with sexual health information sexual thoughts, socio‐demographic factors, body image, marital satisfaction, and mental health problems. We enrolled 438 eligible couples by convenient sampling. The statistical analysis and graphical work were completed using SPSS and Graphpad Prism.ResultsOf all participants, 58.66% (257/438) reported being sexually inactive. Of the 41.3% (181/438) sexually active participants, 96.7% (175/181) were considered to have sexual dysfunction. Patients’ sexual knowledge related to their disease, such as “sexual activity may impede disease recovery (AOR = 1.642; 95% CI: 1.119~2.409)”, “sexual activity may cause cancer recurrence or metastasis (AOR = 1.526; 95% CI: 1.012~2.302)”, “sexual activity could change the estrogen level and stimulate tumor growth (AOR = 1.585; 95% CI: 1.021~2.460)” were significantly associated with sexual inactivity. Psychological issues related to sexual activity, and hospital's sexual health resources, such as“anxiety (AOR = 2.141; 95% CI: 1.400~3.272)”, “depression (AOR =2.082; 95% CI: 1.317~3.293)”, “feeling less feminine as a result of your disease or treatment (AOR = 1.526; 95% CI: 1.012~2.302) ”, “dissatisfied with their physical appearance (AOR = 1.514; 95% CI: 1.010~2.271) ”, “medical providers provide information on sexual health (AOR = 4.459; 95% CI: 2.044~9.730) ”, “used sexual health aids (AOR = 1.514; 95% CI: 1.010~2.271) ” were significantly associated with sexual dissatisfaction. We also identified that the sexual demands of the partner led to increased sexual dissatisfaction among the survivors. ConclusionsMost Chinese breast cancer survivors were sexually inactive. Patients’ sexual knowledge related to their disease was the great barrier to sexual activity. Improving psychological problems associated with sexual activity and providing professional sexual health resources in hospitals can effectively improve sexual satisfaction among survivors. In addition, the impact of the partner's proactive needs on sexual satisfaction also needs to be considered when developing couples' therapy together.
High-Density Genetic Linkage Map Construction Using Whole-Genome Resequencing for Mapping Qtls of Resistance to Aspergillus Flavus Infection in Peanut
Authors: Jiang Yifei , Luo Huaiyong , Yu Bolun , Ding Yingbin , Kang Yanping , Huang Li , Zhou Xiaojing , Liu Nian , Chen Weigang , Guo Jianbin , Huai Dongxin , Lei Yong , Jiang Huifang , Yan Liying , Liao Boshou
Published: June 2021

Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is rich in edible oil and protein, which is widely planted around the world as an oil and cash crop. However, aflatoxin contamination seriously affects the quality safety of peanut, hindering the development of peanut industry and threatening consumers’ health. Breeding peanut varieties with resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection is important for control the aflatoxin contamination, and understanding of the genetic basis of resistance is vital to its genetic enhancement. In this study, we report the QTL mapping of resistance to A. flavus infection of a well-known resistant variety J11. A recombination inbred line (RIL) population was constructed by crossing a susceptible variety Zhonghua 16 and J11. Through whole-genome resequencing, a genetic linkage map was constructed with 2,802 recombination bins and an average inter-bin distance of 0.58 cM. Combined with phenotypic data of infection index in four consecutive years, six novel resistant QTLs were identified and they explained 5.03-10.87% phenotypic variances. The favorable alleles of five QTLs were from J11 while that of one QTL were from Zhonghua 16. The pyramiding of these favorable alleles significantly improved the resistance to A. flavus infection. These results could contribute greatly to understanding of genetic basis of A. flavus resistance and could be meaningful in further resistance improvement in peanut.
Delayed Bleeding at Different Anastomotic Sites After Operation for Synchronous Colon and Rectal Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Ling Chun-Run , Zhang Wen-Hua , Liu Zhi-Yong , Dong Chen Cheng
Published: June 2021

Background: Delayed postoperative anastomotic bleeding is a life-threatening complication of gastrointestinal reconstruction surgery, but rarely been reported in the literature. Case presentation: A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with bleeding stool for 10 days, he had a long history of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. He was then diagnosed with synchronous adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon and the rectum. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy combined with low anterior resection of rectal cancer was conducted later. Delayed bleeding occured at ileocolonic anastomotic orifice and colorectal anastomotic orifice at different periods, by multi-means of hemostasis therapy, he fianlly gained a good recovery.Conclusion: Enhanced postoperative monitoring, early detection of bleeding and combined with multiple hemostasis methods are the keys to successful management of delayed postoperative anastomotic bleeding in colorectal cancer. Type 2 diabetes mellitus may be one of the risk factors of delayed postoperative anastomotic bleeding, and preventive ostomy may be beneficial to avoid the occurrence of delayed postoperative anastomotic bleeding, both of which needs to be confirmed by further studies.