bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel mutations identified from whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from Noakhali, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Maqsud , Huq Tahrima Saiha , Rahman Aura , Islam Md. Aminul , Tabassum Syeda Naushin , Hasan Kazi Nadim , Khaleque Abdul , Sadique Abdus , Hossain Mohammad Salim , Bahadur Newaz Mohammed , Ahmed Firoz , Reza Hasan Mahmud
Published: April 2021

Whole-genome sequencing is increasingly being used to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of viral pathogens including the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Variant 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we determined 55 complete genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 strains isolated from patients from Noakhali, a South-Eastern district in Bangladesh. Variant analysis of our sequenced genomes identified sixteen rare variations in S, six in N, two in M, one in E protein and the S protein variation, Y204F, identified in two of our sequenced strains, has not been reported from any other countries in the GISAID database. Comparison of the prevalence pattern across the country showed GH clade lineages B.1.36 and B.1.36.16 to be abundant in Noakhali and the South-Eastern region of Chittagong when compared to the rest of the country. Phylodynamic analysis of our sequenced genomes revealed that the virus was estimated to be evolving at the rate of 1.065 X 10− 4 subs/site/year. The study results demonstrated the necessity of initiating a concerted, country-wide genomics surveillance effort to determine any novel mutation of functional significance, understanding virus evolution, transmission, and spread in Bangladesh. Short running title: Genome sequencing of Noakhali isolates SARS-Cov-2 in Bangladesh
Opportunities for Competitive Advantage in the Value Created by Primary Health Care Institutions in Lithuania: Is Competitiveness Dependent on the Form of Ownership?
Authors: Budrevičiūtė Aida , Kalėdienė Ramunė , Valius Leonas
Published: April 2021

Background.In the face of competition between primary health care institutions (PHCIs), attempts are made to gain a competitive advantage in the market by creating greater value for patients. Applying and developing the professional skills of medical staff (family physicians and nurses) is important both in providing value to patients and in pursuit of the competitiveness of the institution. Little research has been conducted on whether the form of a PHCI’s ownership is a factor of its competitive advantage. The aim of the study.To determine opportunities for competitive advantage in the management of value creation in public and private primary health care institutions by using the method of focus group discussion with managers.Methods.Focus group discussions were held in 10 Lithuanian counties, and 10 focus group sessions were carried out overall. A total of 48 primary health care managers were interviewed.Results.The competitive advantage of a PHCI depends on its form of ownership, which makes for unfair competitive conditions. A competitive advantage is created by factors such as: the variety of services available; the health care policy in action; the function of the manager; the professionalism of the staff; and the location of the institution. Medical staff have the same opportunities to express and develop their professional skills in public and private PHCIs, but private institutions attract the most skilled staff because they have the resources to increase their motivation.Conclusions.The managers of PHCIs indicated that the competitive advantage depends on the form of ownership. In management science this study and the results can be a basis for the health care reform development and the foundation for new theories.
Impact of hip abductor and adductor strength on dynamic balance and ankle biomechanics in young elite female basketball players.
Authors: Fernando Domínguez-Navarro , Benitez-Martínez Josep Carles , Luna-Ricart Borja , Cotolí-Suárez Pedro , Blasco-Igual Jose María , Casaña-Granell Jose
Published: April 2021

Muscles weakness can affect to injury risk, in lower limb hip abductor (ABD) and adductor (AD) muscles have not been elucidated how affect in female basketball players, such as balance and ankle mobility. This study aimed to investigate hip ABD and AD strength and their relation in balance and ankle dorsiflexion mobility in young elite female basketball players. Observational study in a total of 60 trainee-level elite female basketball players (13–17 years old) were included. Hip ABD and AD isometric strength values were collected. The correlation study showed that hip ABD strength had a low-moderate correlation with balance and ankle mobility in the homolateral and contralateral leg, while there was a low-moderate correlation between hip AD strength and balance and ankle mobility only in the homolateral leg. On the other hand, the ABD-AD ratio was not found to correlate with balance or mobility scores, nor the degree of muscle imbalance between legs. Hip ABD and AD strength affects balance and ankle mobility in trainee level female basketball players. These findings should thus be taken into consideration when designing strategies aimed at reducing the risk of limb injury, which has a high prevalence in women's basketball.
Corneal epithelial map after Photorefractive Keratectomy with and without mitomycin-C
Authors: Amirreza Shaabani , Mahmoud Jabbarvand , Ahad Shahbazi
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To compare epithelial thickness before and after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with and without mitomycin-C (MMC).Methods: Forty eyes treated with PRK for low myopia (less than -4.00 D) and low astigmatism (less than -2.00) were included in this interventional case series. The right eye of each patient assigned to receive intraoperative topical MMC% 0.02 for 15 to 30 seconds and other eye received equally balanced salt solution (control group). Epithelial thickness profile was analyzed before and 6 months postoperatively.Results: Epithelial thickness map was analyzed in superior and inferior of the cornea within central 7 mm diameter. Maximum and minimum thickness was measured and the data were compared before and after PRK. The Superior, the inferior and the maximum epithelial thickness were significantly increased after surgery in both groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in epithelial thickness profile between case and control group at baseline and 6-month post PRK. Final distance corrected visual acuity was similar in two groups. No case of corneal haze was observed during 6 months follow up visits.Conclusion: Intraoperative MMC% 0.02 in PRK for low myopia patients did not change the epithelial thickness profile and refractive results, when compared with matched control eyes in 6 months follow up. It seems that MMC doesn’t have a statistically significant impact in epithelial remodeling based on this data set.
Comparative study of multiple breast cancer screening methods in the evaluation of breast non-mass-like lesions
Authors: Zhang Jianxing , Cai Lishang , Chen Ling , Yan Dan , Zhuang Shulian , Liu Jia , Lai Yunsi , Huang Wenyuan , Yuan Yuyan , Luo Liangping , Chen Miao
Published: April 2021

Objective: To compare multiple breast cancer screening methods for evaluating breast non-mass-like lesions (NMLs) and to investigate the best screening method for breast non-mass-like lesions (NMLs). Methods: This retrospective study examined 253 patients aged 24 to 68 years who were diagnosed with breast NMLs from April 2017 to December 2019. All lesions were evaluated by MG, HHUS, and ABUS to determine BI-RADS classification, underwent pathological examination within six months or at least 2 years of follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of MG, HHUS, and ABUS features in the prediction of malignancy were compared. Independent risk factors for malignancy were assessed using non-conditional logistic regression. Results: MG, HHUS, and ABUS findings significantly differed between benign and malignant breast NML, including internal echo, hyperechoic spot, peripheral blood flow, internal blood flow, catheter change, peripheral change, coronal features of ABUS, and structural distortion, asymmetry, and calcification in MG. ABUS was superior to MG and HHUS in sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, as well as in evaluating the necessity of biopsy and accuracy in identifying malignancy. MG was superior to HHUS in specificity, PPV, and accuracy in evaluating the need for biopsy. HHUS was distinctly superior to MG in sensitivity and NPV in determining malignancy; however, specificity, PPV, and accuracy were similar. Moreover, internal blood flow, calcification, and coronal plane feature were independent risk factors in distinguishing benign and malignant lesions. Conclusions: ABUS was superior to HHUS and MG in evaluating the need for biopsy and differentiating benign and malignant in breast NMLs. Compared to each other, HHUS and MG had their own relative advantages. Internal blood flow, calcification, and coronal plane feature were independent risk factors in identifying benign and malignant lesions.
Cytokines Activating ILCs2 in Patients With Obesity Before and After Bariatric Surgery Shortened Title: ILCs2 in Patients With Obesity
Authors: Glück Joanna , Glück Marek , Rogala Barbara , Piecuch Jerzy
Published: April 2021

Abstract/Purpose: Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are integral regulators of adipose tissue type 2 immunity and respond to epithelial signals such as IL-25, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoeitin (TSLP). Purpose was to assess cytokines activating ILCs2 in serum of patients with obesity and effect of bariatric surgery on these parametersMaterial and Methods: In a single-center prospective study serum IL-25, IL-33, TSLP and ST2L levels were assayed at baseline and at 6 months after bariatric surgery and correlated with anthropometric changes and metabolism parameters.Results Mean age and median of BMI of study participants were 41.9 years ± 11 and 45.6 kg/m2 (range 36.3-56.3), respectively. Six months after surgery %EWL was 43.1 ± 10.2%. Serum TSLP was significantly lower in patients with obesity both before and after surgery than in healthy controls. TSLP values before operation were significantly correlated to HbA1c%, glucose plasma level and female sex. Serum IL-25, IL-33 and ST2L levels were comparable to controls both before and after operation. Conclusions: Decreased serum levels of TSLP may be a characteristic trait for obesity, however non-modifiable by body mass surgical reduction in short time observation. Low serum levels of TSLP are related to disturbances in glucose metabolism and female sex.
Quality of life in patients with traumatic brain injury: A single tertiary center experience
Authors: Arifin Muhammad Zafrullah , Hermanto Yulius , Sutiono Agung Budi
Published: April 2021

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the main cause of death in motor-vehicle accidents. Investigation on the quality of life in patients with TBI would provide essential information for the society and policy makers in seeking the optimum ways to manage this devastating injury. Methods A total 178 of patients were involved in this study, consists of 97 patients with TBI and 81 non-TBI patients. The patients’ quality of life was evaluated by using Euroqol 5D (EQ-5D) up to 3 months of follow up. Then, the results of EQ-5D were analyzed. ResultsImpairment in mobility was more profound in patients with TBI compared to non-TBI patients (23.38% vs 9.38%, p = 0.0414). In line with the impaired mobility, impairment of self-care was also more frequently observed in patients with TBI compared to non-TBI patients (25.97% vs 12.50%, p = 0.0459). Meanwhile, the other dimensions of EQ-5D were not distinct between patients with TBI and non-TBI patients (p > 0.05). There was a trend of quality of life improvement in patients with TBI during the follow up. ConclusionPatients with TBI are more likely to experience impairment in mobility and self-care compared to non-TBI patients. Hence, TBI potentially affect quality of life.
Numerically Simulated Water Movement in Reclaimed Multi-Layered Soil Backfilled with Yellow River Sediments
Authors: Hu Zhenqi , Wang Xiatong , Liang Yusheng , Gao Yuan
Published: April 2021

The Yellow River interlayer filling reclamation technology can effectively improve the quality of destroyed cultivated land in the condition of limited soil resources. However, it is a conundrum to choose the appropriate sandwich strategy according to the amount of soil that can be backfilled. This study using the Hydrus-1D model to simulate water movement in reclaimed multiple-layered soils were to understand the mechanism of interlayer, and predict the optimal profile for reclaimed with Yellow River sediments. Simulations were performed on 18 soil profiles that were divided into a control check (CK) and two general scenarios that the total thickness of soil were 50 and 60 cm. Treatments in both scenarios exhibited interaction of different positions and thicknesses of soil interlayer. Results showed that removing part of the subsoil overlying the sediment placed it between sediment layers will improve the infiltration character of the conventional reconstructed soil profiles (T50-0 and T60-0). Moreover, changing the thickness of the interlayers affected infiltration character and soil water-holding capacity more than changes in the position of the layers for same total thickness of native soil. The optimal reconstructed soil profiles for scenarios 1 and 2 were T50-6 (interlayer thickness of 20 cm and located at a position of 30 cm) and T60-9 (interlayer thickness of 30 cm and located at a position of 30 cm), which could have a better infiltration character that were more closed to the native farmland.
Correlations between Serum Immunoglobulin Levels and Retinal Structural Parameters in Patients with Newly Diagnosed, Acute Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada Disease：A Retrospective Data Study
Authors: Jiang Zhijan , Zhang Nan , Ji Huiying , zhu maoli , Dong Jianhong , Zhou Min
Published: April 2021

background

IgE is an immune antibody involved in inflammatory response and serum IgE level elevated in some autoimmune diseases. VKH disease is autoimmune inflammatory disorder, IgE might be involved in VKH disease and high serum IgE level might related to the disease severity.
Main body

Retrospective study. Foveal thickness (FT), serous retinal detachment (SRD), sensory retinal thickness (SRT), central foveal thickness (CFT), cube volume (V), and cube average thickness (AT) were measured by OCT. According to SRD, the patients were divided into high detachment group (༞500µm) and low detachment group (≤ 500µm). Rate-scattering turbidimetry was used to measure the Immunoglobulins levels. Of 138 patients, 51 (36.96%) were included in the high detachment group. The proportion of males (2.122; 95% CI, 1.051–4.288; P = 0.035) was greater and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ( -0.495; 95% CI, -0.620—-0.369; P < 0.001) was worse in the high detachment group. IgE level in the high detachment group (median: 83 IU/ml, interquartile range (IQR): 30–251) was significantly greater (P = 0.016) than that in the low detachment group (median: 53 IU/ml, IQR:32–80). FT, SRD, CFT, V, and AT were significantly greater in the high detachment group. IgE level was positively correlated with SRD, CFT, and AT. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis showed that male (2.447; 95% CI, 1.004–5.964; P = 0.049) and serum IgE levels (0.997; 95% CI, 0.995–0.999; P = 0.014) were independent risk factors for severe SRD.
Conclusion

Male are more likely to have severe SRD, and the extent of detachment is associated with the serum IgE level. IgE may be involved in the progression of VKH disease.
Cultural adaptation of the Polish version of the PAH-SYMPACT questionnaire (PL)
Authors: Sarzyńska Kathie , Polański Jacek , Kopeć Grzegorz , Mroczek Ewa , Jankowska-Polańska Beata
Published: April 2021

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare chronic disease that significantly affects patients' ability to perform daily activities, decreasing physical and mental well-being and social functioning. Symptoms of the disease increase as it progresses, leading to disability and death. In addition, the quality of life of patients deteriorates as the disease progresses and may reflect the effectiveness of the therapy used. Most questionnaires used in PAH clinical trials are generic quality-of-life (QoL) measures that may do not adequately reflect the clinical status and symptoms, changes in health status, or prognosis of patients with PAH. The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Polish version of the PAH-SYMPACT questionnaire to reflect the severity of symptoms and their effects on patients’ daily functioning. Material and methods: The study included 55 patients with PAH treated, as part of a pulmonary hypertension treatment program in Poland. Validation of this questionnaire met the guidelines for translation and validation of questionnaires, which are set out in the document on the process of translation and adaptation of World Health Organization tools. Reliability was tested using a measure of internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and test-retest reliability. Correctness was confirmed using known group validity.Results: Moderate internal consistency (Cronbach's) was found for all questionnaire domains (cardiopulmonary symptoms α=0.706; cardiovascular symptoms α=0.806, physical effects α=0.904, psychological effects α=0.817) and test-retest reliability was satisfactory. The PAH-SYMPACT questionnaire (PL) met all validation criteria and can be used to assess quality of life in patients with PAH.Conclusion: Psychometric evaluation of the Polish version of the PAH-SYMPACT (PL) indicates that it is a reliable and valid measure tool to detect quality of life patients with PAH.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Salvia Aethiopis L. and their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Gecer Esma Nur
Published: April 2021

Salvia aethiopis L. was heated in distilled water for 2 hours. After filtration, water extract was treated with silver nitrate for 2 hours at 60°C to yield the silver nanoparticles (Sa-AgNPs). The structure of silver nanoparticles was elucidated by spectroscopic methods such as Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The maximum absorption in UV-Vis spectrum was observed at 508 nm. XRD pattern at (2θ) 38.1°, 44.3°, 64.4°, and 77.4° degrees can be assigned to the (111), (200), (220) and (311) Bragg’s reflections of the face-centered cubic crystalline structure. The average size of Sa-AgNPs was found as 74.09 nm by SEM analysis. The characteristic hydroxyl vibration signal appeared at 3222 cm− 1. Antioxidant activity of extract and Sa-AgNPs were carried out using DPPH•, ABTS•+ FRAP assay. The Sa-AgNPs revealed the considerable ABTS•+ scavenging effect with the value of 4.93 (IC50, µg/mL) compared to BHT (IC50, µg/mL, 8.34). However, Sa-AgNPs displayed the lower DPPH• activity (IC50, µg/mL, 24.37) than that of the standard BHT (IC50, µg/mL, 9.67). The reducing power activity of Sa-AgNPs was found as 4.52 (µmol TE/mg extract) while the standard BHT value was 488 (µmol TE/mg extract).
Particle Retracking Algorithm Capable of Quantifying Large, Local Matrix Deformation for Traction Force Microscopy
Authors: Kim Sue Y. , Isogai Tadamoto , Dean Kevin , Han Sangyoon J.
Published: April 2021

Deformation measurement is a key process in traction force microscopy (TFM). Conventionally, particle image velocimetry (PIV) or correlation-based particle tracking velocimetry (cPTV) have been used for such a purpose. Using simulated bead images, we show that those methods fail to capture large displacement vectors and that it is due to a poor cross-correlation. Here, to redeem the potential large vectors, we propose a two-step deformation tracking algorithm that combines cPTV, which performs better for small displacements than PIV methods and a newly-designed retracking algorithm that exploits statistically confident vectors from the initial cPTV to guide the selection of correlation peak which are not necessarily the global maximum. As a result, the new method, named ‘cPTV-Retracking’, or cPTVR, was able to track more than 92% of large vectors whereas conventional methods could track 43-77% of those. Correspondingly, traction force reconstructed from cPTVR showed better recovery of large traction than the old methods. cPTVR applied on the experimental bead images has shown a better resolving power of the traction with different-sized cell-matrix adhesions than conventional methods. Altogether, cPTVR method enhances the accuracy of TFM in the case of large deformations present in soft substrates. We share this advance via our TFMPackage software.
Global Disease Burden of Uncorrected Refractive Error Among Adolescents From 1990 to 2019
Authors: Yang Zhenlan , Jin Guangming , Li Zijing , Liao Yunru , Gao Xiang , Zhang Yichi , Lan Yuqing
Published: April 2021

Background To estimate the global disease burden of uncorrected refractive error (URE) among adolescents and assess the contributions of various risk factors to disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to URE.Methods Global, regional and country-level DALY numbers and rates due to URE among adolescents were acquired from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 database. Human Development Index (HDI), Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) and other country-level data were obtained from other open databases as potential indicators. Regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between DALY rates among adolescents and potential predictors.Results Global DALYs due to URE among adolescents rose by 8% between 1990 and 2019 but moderately decreased by 4.8% during this period after adjusting for population size. Female adolescents showed higher DALY rates. DALY rates sharply increased from 5 to 9 years of age, then rose more slowly, reaching a plateau before 20 years of age. Country-level DALY rates in 2019 were positively associated with HDI, SDI, and urbanization rates but negatively correlated with primary school dropout rates. Higher disease burden of adolescents visually impaired from URE was associated with lower primary school dropout rates (β=−0.257, 95% CI −0.376 to −0.138, P<0.001) and higher urbanization rates (β=0.257, 95% CI 0.067 to 0.256, P=0.001).Conclusions Higher socioeconomic status, urbanization rates and education levels are associated with a heavier disease burden of URE among adolescents. The findings of this study can provide a reference for policy making on resource allocation for URE prevention and control in teenagers.
Robust Transcriptional Regulatory Response Upon Blocking NHEJ
Authors: Benjamin Ronald , Banerjee Atoshi , Guerunk Corey , Buczek Lindsay , Eames Danielle , Trimidal Sara , Schiller Martin
Published: April 2021

Double strand breaks are one of the most lethal forms of DNA lesions that, if left unrepaired can lead to genomic instability, cellular transformation, and cell death. However, cells have two main machineries namely error prone Non homologous end joining repair (NHEJ) or an accurate homology dependent repair to repair the double strand breaks. NHEJ is the preferred mechanism for DNA repair and basically consists of two forms: Canonical (C-NHEJ) and Alternative (A-NHEJ) NHEJ. Our study examined the cellular repair outcome when NHEJ is blocked by targeting two key DNA repair proteins: XRCC4 and MRE-11. We developed an extrachromosomal NHEJ fluorescent reporter assay that uses Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN) to introduce double strand breaks and detect the NHEJ editing by the presence of GFP fluorescence. We demonstrated the presence of NHEJ editing in the XRCC4(-/-) cells treated with Mirin (a pharmacological inhibitor of MRE-11), albeit with a ~52% efficiency of the normal cells. The transcriptional profiles of the Mirin treated HeLa XRCC4(-/-) cells had 307 uniquely differentially expressed genes that was far greater than HeLa XRCC4(-/-) sample (83 genes) and Mirin treated HeLa cells (30 genes). Pathway analysis unique to the XRCC4(-/-) +Mirin group included differential expression of p53 downstream pathways, and metabolic pathways indicating cell adaptation for energy regulation and stress response. In conclusion, our study showed that the double strand DNA repair can be sustained even in absence of key DNA repair proteins XRCC4 and MRE-11.
Preoperative Fibrinogen and Hematological Indexes in the Differential Diagnosis of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis and Breast Cancer
Authors: Velidedeoglu Mehmet , Kundaktepe Berrin Papila , Aksan Hulya , Uzun Hafize
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: Studies on hematological parameters in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) and breast cancer (BC) are limited. This study investigated whether preoperative fibrinogen and hematological indexes can be used in the differential diagnosis of patients with IGM and early-onset BC. Methods: Fifty patients with BC, 55 patients with IGM, and 50 healthy volunteer women were included in the study. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the IGM and the BC with respect to fibrinogen, fibrinogen/albumin (Fib/Alb) ratio, C - reactive protein (CRP), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte values. When fibrinogen (p <0.001), Fib/Alb ratio (p <0.001), CRP (p <0.001), WBC (p <0.001), neutrophil (p <0.001), NLR (p <0.001), monocyte (p = 0.008), and 2-hour sedimentation rate (p <0.001) were compared between the groups, the highest levels were found in the IGM group. There was a negative relationship between CRP and albumin, and a positive relationship was observed between CRP and WBC, NLR, PLR, and 2-h sedimentation rate. CRP had the highest sensitivity (95%), whereas the Fib/Alb ratio (86%) had the highest specificity. Patients with recurrent IGM had increased fibrinogen, FIB/ALB, CRP, neutrophils, NLR, and 2-h erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and decreased lymphocyte levels compared to non-recurrent patients. Conclusions: Preoperative CRP, albumin, fibrinogen, Fib/Alb, WBC, neutrophil, NLR, monocyte, and 2-h ESR have considerable potential to be early and sensitive biomarkers of IGM caused by inflammation compared to BC. These parameters also have a significant effect on the recurrence of the disease, suggesting a practical guide for the differential diagnosis of BC from IGM.
Meta-analysis of the Association Between APC Promoter Methylation and Bladder Cancer
Authors: Chen Xuedong , Li Peng , Wu Qi , Xie Fuchen
Published: April 2021

Bladder cancer (BC) is a worldwide disease that affects a large number of people. This study analyzes the sensitivity and specificity of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) methylation for BC detection in urine and tissues. Combining search results from PubMed and Embase, 20 studies were included. In tissue subgroups, the OR was 6.88 (95% confidence interval (CI 2.49–19.03, P<0.001), respectively. From urine studies, the pooled OR was 4.73 at a 5% significance level (95% CI 0.87-25.66, P<0.001). In addition, analysis of the interaction between APC methylation and BC showed strong association in the whole data set. From this study, the results suggest that APC promoter methylation may be the potential testing for BC diagnosis and provide a new viewpoint in the treatment of BC.
Integrative Transcriptome Analysis Define Novel lncRNA Potential Regulation Function through SLC22A7 in Yak Liver
Authors: Xia Wei , Fu Fang , Wang Li , Luo Xiaolin , Guan Jiuqiang
Published: April 2021

Background: The yak (Bos grunniens) is a crucial resource to supply meat and milk to the people localized in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau area. To identify lncRNAs regulating metabolism in yak, this work adopted transcriptome method to simultaneously profile mRNAs and lncRNAs of liver in yak under three representative age (LD: Liver 1 Day, LM: Liver 15 Months, LY: Liver 5 Years) conditions.Result: Of 288 differentially expressed lncRNAs, function-oriented selection yield 88 regulated metabolically related lncRNAs that were differentially expressed at least two age conditions. These lncRNAs predicted by lncRNA-mRNA correlation analysis to function in various aspects of metabolism. Selected regulations of liver metabolically related lncRNAs were further verified by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, one novel LncRNA were selected to validate its function and result showed it potentially regulated SLC22A7, a well-known organic anion transporter.Conclusion: Combining high throughput RNA-seq screening screens, bioinformatics predictions, lncRNA-mRNA correlation analysis and qRT-PCR analysis, this study supports that a class of lncRNAs function as important metabolic regulators and establishes a foundation for further investigating the role of lncRNAs in yak.
Interactive Effects of Curcumin and Silver Nanoparticles on Growth, Hemato-Biochemical Parameters, Digestive Enzymes Activity and Histology of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio)
Authors: Khorshidi Zohre , Moghanlou Kourosh Sarvi , Imani Ahmad , Behrouzi Shahryar , Policar Tomas , Rahimnejad Samad
Published: April 2021

Background: Promising physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) have encouraged their increasing synthesis and application in various industries which is accompanied with their leakage to the environment with inevitable effects on non-target animals including fish. Accordingly, developing strategies to protect fish against NPs contamination has gained attention. The aims of this study were to (a) explore the effects of feed born silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and (b) to examine whether dietary curcumin supplementation can ameliorate the impacts of AgNPs on growth, hemato-biochemical parameters, digestive enzymes activity and organ histology. Methods: Nine experimental diets were prepared with three different levels of AgNPs (0, 0.05 and 0.15 g/kg) and curcumin (0, 0.75 and 1.5 g/kg) and fed to triplicate groups of common carp (4.82 ± 0.41 g) for 60 days. Results: The results showed that AgNPs significantly (P < 0.05) reduces growth performance and enhances feed conversion ratio in a dose dependent manner. Supplementing 0.75 g/kg curcumin at lower AgNPs level improved growth rate while its inclusion at higher AgNPs level further hampered fish growth. A similar trend was observed for survival rate. The highest hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations and white blood cells count were recorded in the group received 0.75 g/kg curcumin, and inclusion of the same dose of curcumin in the diet containing 0.05 g/kg AgNPs retrieved the reduction of these parameters. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, and glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were enhanced by increasing AgNPs level, and curcumin inclusion particularly at lower level of AgNPs significantly decreased their values. Activity of digestive enzymes including alkaline protease and lipase were progressively decreased by increasing AgNPs level and significant improvements were found by curcumin application at lower AgNPs level. In addition, severe pathological changes in liver and intestine were observed at high concentrations of AgNPs and curcumin. Conclusions: The findings in this study demonstrated that dietary supplementation of curcumin at lower dose of AgNPs can restrain the toxic effects, however, its inclusion at higher dose of AgNPs exacerbated the negative impacts.
Long Term Evaluation of the Efficacy And And Safety of Nd:Yag Laser Vitreolysis for Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters
Authors: Nunes Guilherme , Ludwig Gustavo , Gemelli Henrique , Serracarbassa Pedro D , Zanotele Márgara
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE: this study evaluates the long-term safety and efficacy of Nd:YAG vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous floaters, as it remains a controversial procedure due to the lack of robust evidence in the literature for its maintenance of the results and absence of adverse effects. METHODS: this is an observational extension to the previously presented prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial study. Eight of thirteen subjects who underwent vitreolysis with YAG laser returned for a late reevaluation, 18 months after the procedure, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the procedure.RESULTS: all patients maintained the improvement in symptomatology noted after the procedure, with 25% showing complete improvement, and a similar proportion (37.5%) reporting significant or partial improvement. Objective improvement in opacity was similar to that found at 6 months follow-up. The NEI-VFQ 25 quality of life questionnaire showed no statistically significant difference in responses between the sixth and eighteenth month. No adverse effects were noted on clinical examination or reported by patients.CONCLUSION: vitreolysis efficacy observed at 6 months of follow-up was maintained until the eighteenth month, with all patients reporting improvement from the pre-procedure state. No late adverse effects were noted. A larger randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm the safety of the procedure.
Risk factors associated with transport gap bending deformity after bone transport in the treatment of lower extremity bone defects caused by infection
Authors: Liu Kai , Liu Yanshi , Cai Feiyu , Fan Chenchen , Abulaiti Alimujiang , Ren Peng , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: April 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to observe the efficacy of bone transport using Orthofix external fixator in the treatment of lower limb bone defects caused by infection, and analyze the mechanism and risk factors of transport gap bending deformity (TGBD).Methods: From January 2008 to December 2019, 326 cases of infected bone defects of the lower extremities were treated by bone transport in our medical institution. The location and other relevant information of TGBD were collected, summarized, and analyzed. The Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) standard was applied to assess the bone and functional outcomes. Results: A total of 326 patients have reconstructed the bone defects in the lower extremities successfully, with a mean size of 6.2 centimeters (3.4 - 9.1 cm). TGBD was observed in 42 patients (12.8%) after removing the external fixator, including 32 tibias and 10 femurs, after a mean follow-up of 28.6 months (22 – 47 months). Age>45years, BMI>25kg/m2, defect of the tibia, diabetes, osteoporosis, glucocorticoid intake, duration of bone infection>24months, EFT>9months, EFI>1.8months/cm were associated significantly with a higher incidence of TGBD in the binary logistic regression analysis. The independent risk factors associated with TGBD included age>45 years, BMI>25 kg/m2, defect of tibia, diabetes, osteoporosis. Conclusions: The bone transport using the Orthofix external fixator is a safe and practical method in the treatment of lower limb bone defects caused by infection. The incidence of TGBD was 12.8%, and the top five risk factors included defect of tibia, BMI>25kg/m2, duration of bone infection>24 months, age>45years, and diabetes. Age>45years, BMI>25kg/m2, defect of tibia, osteoporosis, diabetes were the independent risk factors. The higher incidence of TGBD may be associated with more risk factors.
Ellagic acid alleviates high glucose-induced podocyte and renal epithelial cell apoptosis and hyperglycemia-induced renal injury by regulating NF-κB/miR-150-3p/BCL2
Authors: Cai Ying , Xu Yong , Ni Qicheng , Guo Bei , Chen Sheng , Jiang Xiaoli , Wu Qiyuan
Published: April 2021

Objective

Ellagic acid (EA) as a multi-target bioactive compound has been reported to improve diabetes-related complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). Herein, we plan to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying EA-mediated renal protection in diabetic mice.
Methods

Streptozotocin (STZ; 35 mg/kg successive injection for 5 times) was applied to establish DN model in mice. Normal or diabetic mice were administrated by EA (100 mg/kg/day) by intragastric administration for 8 weeks. In vitro diabetic cell model, podocytes and renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) were exposed to normal glucose (NG; 5 mM) or high glucose (HG; 30 mM).
Results

Our results demonstrated that EA treatment prevented HG-induced podocyte and RTEC apoptosis and growth inhibition by inhibiting NF-κB/miR-150-3p to activate BCL2 in vitro. In vivo diabetic model of mice, EA administration improved renal filtration function, tubular and glomerular injury, and interstitial fibrosis. More importantly, supplementation of EA also suppressed NF-κB/miR-150-3p activation and accelerated BCL2 expression in the kidney of diabetic mice. In another experiment, miR-150-3p antagomir as a potential gene therapeutic choice has been validated to rescue hyperglycemia-induced renal dysfunction in mouse model. Taken together, in vitro and in vivo experimental measurements corroborate that EA modulates NF-κB/miR-150-3p/BCL2 cascade signaling to attenuate renal damage in diabetic models.
Conclusion

Our findings revealed that EA modulated the suppression of NF-κB/miR-150-3p to activate BCL2 that contributed to prevent hyperglycemia-induced renal dysfunction. In addition, synthetic miR-150-3p antagomir or inhibitors could alleviate tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis, and prevent HG-induced podocyte and RTEC apoptosis.
Estimating Core Body Temperature Using Electrocardiogram Signals
Authors: Kurosaka Chie , Maruyama Takashi , Yamada Shimpei , Hachiya Yuriko , Ueta Yoichi , Higashi Toshiaki
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Core body temperature is one of the diagnostic criteria for heatstroke. This study proposed an algorithm that estimates core body temperature based on electrocardiogram signals that are received by a wearable sensor.Methods: A total of 12 healthy males aged 21–64 years performed an ergometric exercise load test in an environmental chamber adjusted to a temperature of 35°C and humidity of 50% under two exercise conditions. Physical data were obtained from participants pre- and post-experiment, while electrocardiograms, core body temperatures, and body surface temperatures were continuously measured. Amount of change in core body temperature was estimated by multiple regression analysis wherein indexes derived from electrocardiograms was treated as the dependent variables.Results: Findings showed that continuous core body temperature can be estimated using electrocardiogram signals regardless of individual characteristics such as age and physique. Conclusions: In this study, we developed a core body temperature estimation model using the Poincaré plot method. Changes in heartrate were related to heat production and yielded valid results. As the basic estimation model is positioned for use under limited conditions, we also plan to enhance estimation accuracy and further verify efficacy in consideration of clothing and environmental conditions.
Effect of supporting structure design on residual stresses in selective laser melting of AlSi10Mg
Authors: Jiang Xiaohui , Yu Chunbo , Guo Honglan , Gao Shan , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2021

Residual stress is a key indicator to measure the forming quality of SLM components, and its control method has received extensive attention. As an auxiliary structure for forming SLM components, the structural characteristics of the supporting structure will affect the residual stress distribution of the formed parts. Therefore, it is extremely meaningful to explore the influence of the supporting structure design on the residual stress of SLM AlSi10Mg alloy. In this study, an approach is proposed to select and design the support structure for forming SLM components with different structural characteristics to achieve the purpose of reducing the residual stress in the overhanging structure of the components. As the result shows, when the contact area of single supporting tooth structure and component overhanging structure is 0.25mm2 and the X/Y interval of main supporting structure is 2.5mm, the forming effect is relatively good. Furthermore, the block supporting structure is more suitable for the overhanging structure which has small areas and less height, and the contour support is more suitable for the overhanging structure with larger area.
Change in country-level COVID-19 case fatality rate is explicable by improved testing; no apparent role of medical care or disease-specific knowledge
Authors: Smith Maia P.
Published: April 2021

Observed case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 has decreased since the beginning of the pandemic. Reasons for this decline include improved knowledge of COVID19 pathogenesis, leading to improved medical care of confirmed cases. However, ascertainment also plays a role: as more low-risk individuals are tested and more mild cases identified, observed CFR will decline. Previously I showed that geography-level CFR was cross-sectionally negatively associated with test density; here I test for similar trends within geography over six months, and check plausibility of various posited causes. Although CFR varied between geographies, its association with testing did not: in 162 geographies, CFR dropped by an average of 18% (median 21; IQR 5–30) for each doubling of test density. Change in CFR within a given geography was not associated either with that geography’s medical spending or with whether the bulk of cases occurred early or late in the pandemic. This shows that medical interventions, including those specific to COVID-19, have only a minimal effect on total CFR. Two major conclusions follow. First, interventions to reduce CFR should be evaluated by comparing groups that received the intervention to those who did not: decline in CFR after an intervention is not evidence of effectiveness. Second, improving clinical care of confirmed COVID-19 cases has only a minimal effect on death rates. To minimize the total death toll of COVID-19, policymakers should prioritize reducing infections.
Aniseikonia and visual functions with optical correction and after refractive surgery in axial anisometropia
Authors: Abdelzaher Hassan Ali , Sidky Mohamed Karim , Awadein Ahmed , Hosny Mohamed
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE To evaluate differences in the subjective aniseikonia and stereoacuity in patients with axial anisometropia after full correction of the refractive error with spectacles. contact lenses, and refractive surgery.METHODS A prospective study was performed in Cairo University Hospitals on 20 patients with axial anisometropia caused by unilateral myopia > 5 D with > 4 D inter-ocular difference in spherical equivalent who were suitable candidates for excimer laser ablation (LASIK) or implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) were included. All patients had measurement of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), fusion, and stereoacuity testing, and measurement of aniseikonia with spectacles, contact lenses, and after surgery.RESULTS Mean age at time of surgery was 25.7 ± 3.1 years. There were no statistically significant differences in the CDVA or stereoacuity with spectacles, contact lenses, or after refractive surgery. Microkonia < 5%) was perceived with spectacles in 8 patients (40%) and remained unchanged in 7 of these 8 patients with contact lenses. Following LASIK (n = 11), there was macrokonia < 2% in 4 patients (36%), persistent microkonia of 3% in 1 patient (9%), and no change in image size in 6 (55%) patients. Following ICL implantation (n = 9), there was perceived macrokonia of 2% in 4 patients (44%), disappearance of microkonia in 1 patient (11%) and no change in 4 patients (44%).CONCLUSIONS Differences in CDVA, stereoacuity, and aniseikonia after correction of anisometropia by glasses, contact lens and surgery are both clinically and statistically significant. Retinal or neural adaptation might have a role in correction for differences in image size.
LncRNA-ATB Participates in the Regulation of Calcium Oxalate Crystal-induced Renal Injury by Sponging the miR-200 Family
Authors: Li Yinhui , Ding Tao , Hu Haiyan , Zhao Tingting , Zhu Chao , Ding Jiarong , Yuan Jihang , Guo Zhiyong
Published: April 2021

Background: LncRNA-ATB is a long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) activated by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and it has important biological functions in tumours and nontumor diseases. Meanwhile, TGF-β is the most critical regulatory factor in the process of nephrotic fibrosis and calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal-induced renal injury. The present study aimed to investigate the biological function and mechanism of lncRNA-ATB in CaOx crystal-induced renal injury. Methods: The expression level of lncRNA-ATB was detected by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and TGF-β1 were detected by qRT-PCR and western bloting, cell proliferation was measured with the CCK-8 kit, cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and cell injury was detected with the Cytotoxicity lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Assay kit.Results: The expression levels of lncRNA-ATB and TGF-β1 significantly increased in HK-2 cells after coincubation with calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM). COM stimulation caused significant injury in HK-2 cells, induced cell apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced EMT changes . After COM stimulation, the expression levels of epithelial cell markers E-cadherin and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 in HK-2 cells significantly decreased, whereas the levels of mesenchymal cell markers N-cadherin and vimentin significantly increased. Interference with lncRNA-ATB expression significantly relieved COM-induced cell injury, cell apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and EMT changes. The expression levels of the microRNA-200 (miR-200) family in HK-2 cells after coincubation with COM significantly decreased. MiR-200a mimics relieved the COM-induced cell injury, apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and EMT changes, whereas miR-200a inhibitors abolished the lncRNA-ATB interference-induced relief of COM-induced cell injury, apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and EMT. Conclusion: lncRNA-ATB promote d COM-induced cell injury, cell apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and EMT to participate in the process of CaOx crystal-induced renal injury by sponging miR-200s.