bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender difference in arsenic biotransformation is an important metabolic basis for arsenic toxicity
Authors: Muhetaer Maihaba , Yang Mei , Xia Rongxiang , Wu Jun
Published: March 2021

Background: There are gender differences in the biotransformation of arsenic. We investigated the effects of gender differences on arsenic metabolism and arsenic toxicity mechanisms in rat liver tissues. Methods: Rats were treated with different amounts of arsenic compounds. Arsenic form MMA and DMA in the liver was determined by high performance liquid chromatography-hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. SAM, ARR, NAD, PNP, PK, and MPO in rat liver were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. RT-qPCR was used to determine AS3MT in the liver. Results: Compared with male and female animals in the same group, MMA and DMA were statistically significant in the three groups of iAs3 + high, iAs3 + medium and iAs5+ low (P <0.05). The MMA of male rats in iAs3+ high and medium groups was higher than that of female rats, and the DMA of male rats was lower than that of female rats. As3MT mRNA in the male iAs3+ high group was higher than that of females. Besides, compared between male and female, only in iAS3+ low dose, iAS3+ medium dose, iAS5+ low dose, and iAS5+ medium dose groups, there was significant difference in SAM level (P<0.05). Compared with male and female animals in the same group, male rats had significantly higher PNP and ARR activities while lower PK activity than female rats (P<0.05). Between the male and female groups, only the iAS3+ high dose and medium dose group had a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The NAD activity of females in iAS3+ high dose group was higher than that of males. Conclusion: Conclusively, under the same arsenic exposure, there were gender differences between female and male rats, and arsenic metabolism was more cytotoxic to male rats than to females.
Intraoperative cone beam CT in hybrid operating room set-up as an alternative to postoperative CT for pedicle screw breach detection
Authors: Peh Simon , Pfarr Julian , Schäfer Jost Philipp , Christensen Jan-Hendrik , Chatterjea Anindita , Nachabe Rami , Seekamp Andreas , Lippross Sebastian
Published: March 2021

Background
CT is considered the gold standard for detecting pedicle breach. However, CBCT may be a viable and low radiation dose alternative, to provide intraoperative feedback to surgeons to permit in-room revisions of misplaced screws
Methods
To assess the ability and reliability of intraoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) from a robotic C-arm in a hybrid operating room (OR) two hundred forty-one pedicle screws were inserted in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine of 7 cadavers, followed by CBCT and CT imaging. The CT images served as the standard of reference. Agreement on screw placement between both imaging systems was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (κ). Sensitivity, Specificity, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC), area under the empirical and fitted ROC curves (AUC) were computed to assess CBCT as a diagnostic tool compared to CT. The patient effective radiation dose (ED) was calculated for comparison. A systematic literature review was performed to provide perspective to the obtained results.
Results
Almost perfect agreement in assessing pedicle screw grading between CBCT and CT was observed (κ = 0.84). The sensitivity and specificity of CBCT were 0.84 and 0.98, respectively. The AUC derived from the empirical and fitted ROC curves were 0.95 and 0.96, respectively.
Conclusion
Intraoperative CBCT by C-arm in a hybrid OR is highly reliable in identification of screw placement at significant dose reduction.
Anti-PLA2R Antibodies Measured by ELISA Predict the Risk of Vein Thrombosis in Patients With Primary Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Zhu Huizi , Xu Liang , Liu Xiang , Liu Bing , Yang Xiaowei , Wang Rong
Published: March 2021

BackgroundPrimary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is associated with the highest risk for developing venous thrombosis compared with other nephrotic diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the predictive value of the pathognomonic anti-PLA2R antibody with regard to incidence of venous thrombosis in PMN.Methods269 PMN patients with venous thrombosis examination were collected and analyzed. Anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to detect the independent risk factors for venous thrombosis.Results28 patients (10.4%) had venous thrombosis. Patients with venous thrombosis had higher levels of CHOL, LDL, and D-dimer than those without venous thrombosis (P<0.05). Patients with venous thrombosis had significantly lower levels of ALB (23.26 ± 5.24 vs. 26.00 ± 6.69 g/L, P=0.037). No significant differences were found in urine proteinuria, SCR, eGFR, platelets and fibrinogen between patients with and without thrombosis. Anti-PLA2R antibody levels in patients with venous thrombosis were significantly higher than in patients without it (P=0.010). In the univariate logistic regression, Ln PLA2R (OR: 1.316; P=0.032), ALB (OR: 0.932; P=0.039), CHOL (OR: 1.189, P=0.015) , and LDL (OR: 1.288，P=0.009) were associated with venous thrombosis. PLA2R-Ab (OR=1.316; 95%CI: 1.024~1.691), and LDL (OR=1.229; 95%CI: 1.012~1.493) were the independent risk factors for venous thrombosis (P<0.05) in multivariate analysis.ConclusionAnti-PLA2R antibody was the independent risk factor for venous thrombosis in PMN. Larger prospective studies were warranted to verify the results in future.
Subthreshold Electrical Stimulation as A Low Power Electrical Treatment for Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Kim Kyungsoo , Yoo Seung-Jun , Kim So Yeun , Lee Taeju , Lim Sung-Ho , Jang Jae-Eun , Je Minkyu , Moon Cheil , Choi Ji-Woong
Published: March 2021

As a promising future treatment for stroke rehabilitation, researchers have developed direct brain stimulation to manipulate the neural excitability. However, there has been less interest in energy consumption and unexpected side effect caused by electrical stimulation to bring functional recovery for stroke rehabilitation. In this study, we propose an engineering approach with subthreshold electrical stimulation (STES) to bring functional recovery. Here, we show a low level of electrical stimulation boosted causal excitation in connected neurons and strengthened the synaptic weight in a simulation study. We found that STES with motor training enhanced functional recovery after stroke in vivo. STES was shown to induce neural reconstruction, indicated by higher neurite expression in the stimulated regions and correlated changes in behavioral performance and neural spike firing pattern during the rehabilitation process. This will reduce the energy consumption of implantable devices and the side effects caused by stimulating unwanted brain regions.
Using Formative Research to Inform a BCC Strategy to Increase Food Security and Dietary Diversity Through a Kitchen Gardens Project in Low-Income Rural Communities
Authors: Turk Tahir , Safdar Nilofer , Hashmi Shahkamal , Shah Nadia , Zaheer Sidra
Published: March 2021

Background

Adequate nutrition is a public health priority, particularly in low-income rural communities where there is a high prevalence of malnutrition and stunting. Baluchistan is an arid desert and mountainous Province with the worst health indicators in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to identify current knowledge, attitudes and practices of vulnerable women with young children residing in remote areas of Balochistan and assess their information needs to guide the development of a BCC nutrition strategy materials and activities to support a Kitchen Gardens Project.
Methods

The needs assessment incorporated formative research via eight focus group discussions with demand and supply-side program beneficiaries (n = 124) to assess current nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs toward kitchen gardens and proposed nutrition resources. Semi-structured interviews (n = 16) were also conducted with key stakeholders. A literature review supported the development of discussion agenda based on predominant behavioural theories. Data analysis was conducted with NVivo qualitative software coupled with grounded theory with triangulation of findings
Results

Opportunities categories for BCC identified more effective nutrition education, incentives of improved income and livelihoods from kitchen gardens, women’s empowerment and gender equality. Challenges included traditional cultural practices, entrenched food preparation behaviours, environmental and infrastructural constraints.
Conclusions

Lessons learned highlight the benefits of integrating a rapid assessment formative research method with a literature review including behavioural theories for BCC resource development for nutrition programs in culturally conservative, insecure and resource constrained settings.
Fractal Characteristic Analysis of Urban Land use Evolution with Remote Sensing Images in Shenzhen City
Authors: Cheng Luxiao , Li Jiabao , Feng Ruyi , Wang Lizhe , He Jijun
Published: March 2021

Changes in urban land use/land cover (LULC) are the result of national policy and the economic activities of the urban population.Determining the spatial pattern of land cover types in cities is of particular significance for sustainable regional development.To achieve a better understand the spatiotemporal patterns of land cover types, this study uses the fractal dimension of spatial distributions as an index of the complex evolution of urban land-use.A long-term sequences LULC datasets are collected to do analysis, which covers the period 1988-2015 by employing Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI.Last but not least, a granularity analysis is adopted to study the structural changes of each land cover.Over this period, the fractal dimension of grassland, waterbody, and bare land exhibited bi-fractal dimensionality, but grassland, and bare land showed a consistently increasing bi-fractal trend, while the waterbody bi-fractals trend is weakened. The development of urban land saw a process of a multi-scale differential development with a hierarchical spatial system, and information entropy indicates that the urban land-use structure was unevenly distributed. These findings offer a scientific references for regional planning decisions on the evolution of urban land use in Shenzhen.
Detection and Characterization of Small-Sized Microplastics (≥ 4 µm) in Milk Products
Authors: Filho Paulo A. Costa , Andrey Daniel , Ericksen Bjorn , Peixoto Rafael , Carreres Benoit M. , Ambühl Mark , Descarrega Josep Busom , Dubascoux Stephane , Zbinden Pascal , Panchaud Alexandre , Poitevin Eric
Published: March 2021

Microplastics (MPs) have gained a high degree of public interest since they are associated with the global release of plastics into the environment. As a result, MPs have also been detected along the food chain. However, information on the ingestion of MPs via the consumption of many commonly consumed foods like dairy products are scarce due to the lack of studies investigating the “contamination” of this food group by MPs. This lack of occurrence data is mainly due to the absence of robust analytical methods capable of reliably quantifying MPs with size < 20 µm in foods. In this work, we have developed a new methodology to accurately determine and characterize MPs in milk-based products using μRaman technology, entailing combined enzymatic and chemical digestion steps. We demonstrate for the first time the presence of relatively low amounts of small-sized MP (≥ 4 µm) in raw milk collected at farm just after the milking machine and in some processed commercial liquid and powdered cow’s milk products.
Dynamic optimization of COVID-19 vaccine prioritization in the context of limited supply
Authors: Yu Hongjie , Han Shasha , Cai Jun , Yang Juan , Zhang Juanjuan , Wu Qianhui , Zheng Wen , Shi Huilin , Ajelli Marco , Zhou Xiao-Hua
Published: March 2021

Strategic prioritization of COVID-19 vaccines is urgently needed, especially in light of the limited supply that is expected to last for most, if not the entire, 2021. Dynamically adapting the allocation strategy to the evolving epidemiological situation could thus be critical during this initial phase of vaccine rollout. We developed a data-driven mechanistic model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to explore optimal vaccine prioritization strategies in China that aim at reducing COVID-19 burden measured through different metrics. We found that reactively adapting the vaccination program to the epidemiological situation (i.e., allocate vaccine to a target group before reaching full coverage of other groups with initial higher priority) can be highly beneficial as such strategies are capable to simultaneously achieve different objectives (e.g., minimizing the number of deaths and of infections). The highest priority categories are broadly consistent under different hypotheses about vaccine efficacy, differential vaccine efficacy in preventing infection vs. disease, vaccine hesitancy, and SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility. Our findings also suggest that boosting the daily capacities up to 2.5 million courses (0.17% rollout speed) or higher could greatly reduce COVID-19 burden should a new wave start to unfold in China with reproduction number equal to 1.5 or lower. Finally, we estimate that a high vaccine supply in the early phase of the vaccination campaign is key to achieve large gains of strategic prioritizations.
Modeling the Evolution of Resistance in Cotton Bollworm to Concurrently Planted Bt Cotton and Bt Maize in China
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Xu Feng , Huang Yunxin , Feng Hongqiang , Wan Peng
Published: March 2021

BackgroundTransgenic maize expressing toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) may be commercially planted in northern China where Bt cotton has been planted for more than two decades. While Bt maize brings additional benefits for insect control, it complicates the resistance management of cotton bollworm (CBW), Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), a common target of Bt cotton and Bt maize.ResultsWe developed population genetic models to assess the risk of resistance in CBW when Bt cotton and Bt maize are planted concurrently. Model simulations showed that when natural refuges are absent, the time to resistance (TTR) is less than 10 generations in the case of one-toxin Bt cotton and one-toxin Bt maize, but is more than 30 generations in the case of two-toxin Bt cotton and two-toxin Bt maize. The differences in the TTR between the two cases become greater as the proportion of natural refuge increases. Among the parameters we investigated, the fitness cost has a relatively smaller effect on the TTR, while the dominance of resistance and the proportion of natural refuge have a much greater effect.ConclusionsWe concluded that planting the first generation Bt cotton with Bt maize could significantly increase the risk of CBW resistance to Bt toxins as compared to planting a pyramid two-toxin Bt cotton. The strategies for reducing the risk of CBW resistance include replacing the one-toxin Bt cotton with a pyramid two-toxin Bt cotton, adopting a pyramid two-toxin Bt maize, and maintaining a sufficient proportion of natural refuges.
The Circular RNA hsa_circ_000780 as a Potential Molecular Diagnostic Target for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Song Jian , Yu Shuyong , Zhong Dunjing , Yang Weizhong , Jia Zhen , Yuan Guihong , Li Ping , Zhang Ronglin , Li Yini , Zhong Guobing , Chen Zhaowei
Published: March 2021

Background: The present study aimed to identify a specific circular RNA (circRNA) for early diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC).Methods: Totally 82 patients with GC, 30 with chronic nonatrophic gastritis and 30 with chronic atrophic gastritis were included in this study. Four of the 82 GC patients were selected for screening. Total RNA from malignant and adjacent tissue samples was extracted, and circRNAs in four patients were screened. According to the screening results, the eight most upregulated and downregulated circRNAs with a statistically significant association with GC were identified by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, the most regulated circRNA was selected for further sensitivity and specificity assessments. CircRNA expression was examined by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR in 78 GC and adjacent tissue samples, as well as in gastric fluid samples from 30 patients with chronic nonatrophic gastritis, 30 with chronic atrophic gastritis, 21 with early GC, and 57 with advanced GC.Results: A total of 445 circRNAs, including 69 upregulated and 376 downregulated circRNAs, showed significantly altered expression in GC tissue samples. Hsa_circ_000780 was significantly downregulated in 80.77% of GC tissue samples, with levels in GC tissue samples correlating with tumor size, tumor stage, T stage, venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen amounts, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels. Strikingly, this circRNA was found in the gastric fluid of patients with early and advanced GC.Conclusions: The present study uncovered a new circRNA expression profile in human GC, with hsa_circ_000780 significantly downregulated in GC tissue and gastric fluid specimens. These findings indicate that hsa_circ_000780 should be considered a novel biomarker for early GC screening.
Title: Risk Perception related to COVID-19 among Sub-Sahara Africans: A Web-based Comparative Survey of local and diaspora residents
Authors: Abu Emmanuel Kwasi , Oloruntoba Richard , Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi , Bhattarai Dipesh , Miner Chundung Asabe , Goson Piwuna Christopher , Langsi Raymond , Nwaeze Obinna , Chikasirimobi Timothy G , Ovenseri-Ogbomo Godwin O , Ekpenyong Bernadine N , Charwe Deborah Donald , Mashige Khathutshelo Percy , Ishaya Tanko , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore
Published: March 2021

Background
Perceived risk towards the coronavirus pandemic is a key to improved compliance with public health measures to reduce the infection. This study investigated how Sub-Saharan Africans (SSA) living in their respective countries and those in the diaspora perceive their risk of COVID-19 outbreak and the factors associated.
Methods

A web-based cross-sectional survey on
1969 participants aged 18 years and above (55.1% male) was
conducted between April 27th and May 17th 2020.
The dependent variable was perception of risk for contracting COVID-19 scores. Independent variables included demographic characteristics; COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude scores. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses identified the factors associated with risk perception towards COVID-19.
Results
Among SSA respondents, majority were living in SSA (n = 1855, 92.8%) and 143 (7.2%) in the diaspora. There was no significant difference in the mean risk perception scores between the two groups (p = 0.117), however, those aged 18–28 years had lower risk perception scores (p = 0.003) than the older respondents, while those who were employed (p = 0.040) and had higher level of education (p < 0.001) had significantly higher risk perception scores than other respondents. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable analyses revealed that SSA residents aged 39–48 years (adjusted coefficient, β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 1.19]) and health care sector workers (β = 0.61, 95% CI [0.09, 1.14]) reported a higher perceived risk of COVID-19. Knowledge and attitude scores increased as perceived risk for COVID-19 increases for both SSAs in Africa (β = 1.19, 95% CI [1.05, 1.34] for knowledge; β = 0.63, 95% CI [0.58, 0.69] for attitude) and in Diaspora (β = 1.97, 95% CI [1.16, 2.41] for knowledge; β = 0.30, 95% CI [0.02, 0.58] for attitude).
Conclusions
There is a need to promote preventive measures with focus on increasing people’s knowledge about COVID-19 and encouraging positive attitude towards the mitigation measures.
Such interventions should target older
participants and non-healthcare workers.
Exploring the interactions between vulnerability, resilience and adaptation to extreme temperatures
Authors: Nunes Ana Raquel
Published: March 2021

Proposed ways of improving adaptation to climate change have most often been supported by narrowly framed and separate analysis. This article investigates how different levels of vulnerability and resilience interplay with adaptation to extreme temperatures, what is the nature of these relationships and whether lower vulnerability and higher resilience contribute to increased adaptation. This article explores the governance implications of a project that, unlike other brings together vulnerability, resilience and adaptation assessments. The project has made significant advances in addressing the current deficit integrated assessments for shaping governance propositions. Such propositions argue that the diverse levels of vulnerability and resilience convey important bases for (1) targeting at-risk older individuals; (2) developing vulnerability reduction actions; (3) resilience building actions; and (4) understanding ‘success cases’ and learn from them for developing appropriate policy measures. Taken together, these propositions offer a social, psychological and health framework not simply for governing extreme temperatures but for governing responses to climate change at large.
Enrichment of Rare Variants in E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Genes in Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gu Xiaojing , Hou Yanbing , Chen Yongping , Ou Ruwei , Cao Bei , Wei Qianqian , Zhang Lingyu , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Li Chunyu , Shang Huifang
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDysfunction of the ubiquitination proteasome system (UPS) is important in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Patients with early onset PD (EOPD) are more susceptible to genetic factors. We systematically examined the overlaps between E3 ubiquitin ligase genes and EOPD. MethodsA total of 695 EOPD patients were sequenced with whole exome sequencing. Aggregate burden for rare variants (Minor allele frequency <0.001 and <0.0001) in a total of 44 E3 ubiquitin ligase genes causing disorders involved in the nervous system were analyzed.ResultsThere was significant enrichment of the rare and rare damaging variants in the E3 ubiquitin ligase genes in EOPD patients. Detailly, at the gene-based level, the strongest associations were found in HERC1, IRF2BPL, KMT2D, RAPSN, RLIM, RNF168 and RNF216. ConclusionOur findings highlight the importance of the UPS mechanism in the pathogenesis of PD from the genetic perspective. Moreover, our study also expanded the susceptible gene spectrum for PD.
Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal genes related to pigmentation in the petals of a flower color variation cultivar of Rhododendron obtusum
Authors: Sun Xiaobo , He Lisi , Guo Zhenhao , Su Jiale , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhou Huimin , Li Chang , Gao Haidong
Published: March 2021

Rhododendron is an important woody ornamental plant and breeding varieties with different colors is vital research goal. In this study, a flower color variation cultivar ‘Yanzhi Mi’ (pink petals) and the wild-type (WT) cultivar ‘Dayuanyangjin’ (white petals with pink stripes) were used as research objects, the pigment and transcriptome of their petals during different flower development (stage S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5) were analyzed and compared. The results showed that the derivatives of cyanidin, peonidin and pelargonidin may be responsible for the pink of mutant petals and S2 stage (buds showing color at the top but with the scales still present) was the key stage of flower color formation of mutant. In total, 412,910 transcripts and 2,780 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in pairwise comparisons of WT and mutant petals. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the DEGs showed that the ‘DNA-binding transcription factor activity’, ‘Flavonoid biosynthesis’ and ‘Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’ were more active in mutant petals. Early anthocyanin pathway candidate DEGs (CHS3-CHS6, CHI, F3Hs and F3’H) were strongly correlated and up-regulated expression in mutant petals than in WT petals at S2 stage. These genes may be the key structural genes for the pink coloration of mutant petals. In the petals of mutant, two R2R3-MYB unigene (TRINITY_DN59015_c3_g2 and TRINITY_DN49281_c1_g6) were identified as repressors involved in anthocyanin regulation and were significantly down-regulated at S2 stage. This study shed light on the biochemistry and genetic mechanisms underlying the flower coloration in two Rhododendron obtusum cultivars.
Bistability and nonequilibrium condensation in a driven-dissipative Josephson array: a c-field model
Authors: Reeves Matthew , Davis Matthew
Published: March 2021

Developing theoretical models for nonequilibrium quantum systems poses significant challenges. Here we develop and study a multimode model of a driven-dissipative Josephson junction chain of atomic Bose-Einstein condensates, as realised in the experiment of Labouvie et al.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 235302 (2016)]. The model is based on c-field theory, a beyond-mean-field approach to Bose-Einstein condensates that incorporates fluctuations due to finite temperature and dissipation. We find the c-field model is capable of capturing all key features of the nonequilibrium phase diagram, including bistability and a critical slowing down in the lower branch of the bistable region. Our model is closely related to the so-called Lugiato-Lefever equation, and thus establishes new connections between nonequilibrium dynamics of ultracold atoms with nonlinear optics, exciton-polariton superfluids, and driven damped sine-Gordon systems.
Comparing artificial neural network algorithms for prediction of higher heating value for different types of biomass
Authors: Jakšić Olga M. , Jakšić Zoran , Guha Koushik , Silva Ana G.
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the comparative qualitative and quantitative analysis of twelve algorithms for training artificial neural networks (ANN) which predict the higher heating value (HHV) of biomass based on the proximate analysis (fixed carbon, volatile matter, and ash percentage). The twelve networks, with the same structure but different training algorithm, were fed with 318 experimental data triplets from literature for different biomass species and trained with 318 corresponding HHV values used for the supervised learning. Our comparative analysis showed that several algorithms resulted in ANNs generating outputs well correlated with the true measured values of the biomass HHV. Of those, Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm gives the best results in terms of mean squared error calculated on the training set data, while Bayesian regularization gives the best results in terms of regression. When applied to new datasets, unknown to the ANNs trained here, the highest accuracy of the HHV prediction was obtained by Conjugate Gradient, Powell/Beale Restarts training function. It ensured prediction based on the unknown datasets better than Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. The described approach can be used for predicting the calorific values of different biomass species, including newly proposed ones, as well as for optimizing the HHV for both pure biomass and biomass mixtures.
Molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes of complex ALK rearrangements identified by next-generation sequencing in non-small cell lung cancers
Authors: Xia Peiyi , Zhang Lan , Li Pan , Liu Enjie , Li Wencai , Zhang Jianying , Li Hui , Su Xiaoxing , Jiang Guozhong
Published: March 2021

Background
Complex kinase rearrangement, a mutational process involving one or two chromosomes with clustered rearrangement breakpoints, interferes with the accurate detection of kinase fusions by DNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). We investigated the characteristics of complex ALK rearrangements in non-small cell lung cancers using multiple molecular tests.
Methods
Samples of non-small cell lung cancer patients were analyzed by targeted-capture DNA-based NGS with probes tilling the selected intronic regions of fusion partner genes, RNA-based NGS, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Results
In a large cohort of 6576 non-small cell lung cancer patients, 343 (5.2%) cases harboring ALK rearrangements were identified. Fourteen cases with complex ALK rearrangements were identified by DNA-based NGS and classified into three types by integrating various genomic features, including intergenic (n = 3), intragenic (n = 5) and “bridge joint” rearrangements (n = 6). All thirteen cases with sufficient samples actually expressed canonical EML4-ALK fusion transcripts confirmed by RNA-based NGS. Besides, positive ALK IHC was detected in 13 of 13 cases, and 9 of 11 cases were positive in FISH testing. Patients with complex ALK rearrangements who received ALK inhibitors treatment (n = 6), showed no difference in progression-free survival (PFS) compared with patients with canonical ALK fusions(n = 36, P = 0.9291).
Conclusions
This study firstly reveals the molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes of complex ALK rearrangements in NSCLC, sensitive to ALK inhibitors treatment, and highlights the importance of utilizing probes tilling the selected intronic regions of fusion partner genes in DNA-based NGS for accurate fusion detection. RNA and protein level assay may be critical in validating the function of complex ALK rearrangements in clinical practice for optimal treatment decision.
Modal parameters of unequal coupled lines
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Sychev A. N. , Anisimov V. V. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Bondar V. A. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Dagba K. B.-B. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Stepanyuga A. I. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR)
Published: March 2021

New formulas and graphs for modal parameters are given, which are necessary for the synthesis of unequal coupled lines with arbitrary dielectric filling. The choice of modal parameters, such as characteristic impedance, coupling coefficient, modal voltages and dielectric constants, as initial data for the calculation allows optimal synthesis of the coupled line parameters, and followed determination of the geometric dimensions of the structure.
Random forest based pseudorandom sequences classification algorithm
Authors:   Academy of the FGS of the Russia, Kozachok A. V. , Spirin A. A. ,   Academy of the FGS of the Russia, Golembiovskaya O. M. ,   Bryansk State Technical University
Published: March 2021

Recently, the number of confidential data leaks caused by internal violators has increased. Since modern DLP-systems cannot detect and prevent information leakage channels in encrypted or compressed form, an algorithm was proposed to classify pseudo-random sequences formed by data encryption and compression algorithms. Algorithm for constructing a random forest was used. An array of the frequency of occurrence of binary subsequences of 9-bit length and statistical characteristics of the byte distribution of sequences was chosen as the feature space. The presented algorithm showed the accuracy of 0,99 for classification of pseudorandom sequences. The proposed algorithm will improve the existing DLP-systems by increasing the accuracy of classification of encrypted and compressed data.
Mathematical model of the LLC resonant converter
Authors:   Company «Scientific & Industrial Centre «Polyus», Stolyarova A. A. , Mikhalcenko S. G. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Apasov V. I. ,   Company «Scientific & Industrial Centre «Polyus»
Published: March 2021

The numerical-analytical model of the voltage regulator based on full-bridge LLC resonant converter is proposed in this paper. In the text of the article LLC converters operation algorithm on each working interval is investigated. The proposed mathematical model describes key elements behavior on duty cycle and allows the study of nonlinear dynamic characteristics of these type power converters. Also, the results of mathematical and simulation the modeling main parameters of the LLC converters, which confirm the adequacy of the proposed mathematical model are given.
Liquid Phase Nitration of Benzene Catalyzed by a Novel Salt of Molybdovanadophosphoric Heteropolyacid
Authors: Liu Jianan , Wang Yanan , Gong Shuwen , Duan Wenzeng , Huang Xianqiang
Published: March 2021

A highly efficient and reusable catalyst QA-HPMV was successfully prepared by the reaction of quinoline-2-formic acid (QA) with molybdovanadophosphoric heteropolyacid (H4PMo11VO40, HPMV) for the nitration of benzene. The physical and chemical properties of the sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The characterization results showed that the formed QA-HPMV retained the Keggin structure of HPMV. As a catalyst for benzene nitration, QA-HPMV showed good catalytic performance and the yield of nitrobenzene was 82.5% under the optimized reaction conditions. As a heterogeneous catalyst, QA-HPMV can be easily recycled from the reaction medium by filtering and remained highly catalytic performance even after five runs of recycling.
A study of the water supply system failure in terms of the seasonality: analysis by statistical approaches
Authors: Młyński Dariusz , Bergel Tomasz , Młyńska Anna , Kudlik Kazimierz
Published: March 2021

Among the many factors affecting water supply system failures are the weather conditions that change over the year. Since this is an important research issue, as part of this study, investigation of water supply system failure seasonality by the selected statistical approaches was presented. The basis of the research was monthly number of the pipelines' failures from the multi-year period of 2007–2017 of the municipal water network located in southern Poland. Mann–Kendall test results proved decreasing seasonal trend of the failure rate indexes λ. In turn, the results of the Colwell indexes' calculations allowed it to be stated that seasonal course of the water pipelines' failure events can be relatively easy to predict. As it turned out, it is difficult to determine unambiguously the impact of a given period of the year on the water pipeline failure events' occurrence. However, greater failure-free operation of the water pipelines may be expected in spring and summer months than in autumn and winter months. Because using Colwell indexes for seasonality analysis has no limitations compared to other methods, Colwell indexes may be considered as reliable tools for the assessment of the seasonal course of the water pipelines' failure events.
Investigation of dynamic lake changes in Zhuonai Lake–Salt Lake Basin, Hoh Xil, using remote sensing images in response to climate change (1989–2018)
Authors: Hu Zukang , Tan Debao , Wen Xiongfei , Chen Beiqing , Shen Dingtao
Published: March 2021

The area covered by the four lakes in the Zhuonai Lake–Salt Lake Basin in Hoh Xil (Zhuonai Lake, Kusai Lake, Heidinor Lake, and Salt Lake) has changed significantly over the past 30 years. In this study, remote sensing image data gathered via the Landsat thematic mapper, enhanced thematic mapper plus, and operational land imager from 1989 to 2018 were used to extract the areal parameters of four lakes. The total area of the four lakes had increased by 18% in the past 30 years due to climate change. Interpolated results based on the meteorological data from 28 meteorological stations in the basin were used for trend analysis. A single-layer lake evaporation model was utilized to study the changes in the annual lake evaporation in the basin. The annual lake evaporation slightly increased from 1989 to 1995, followed by a sharp decrease from 1995 to 2018. From 1989 to 2018, the annual evaporation in the basin ranged between 615.37 and 921.66 mm, with a mean of 769.73 mm. A mass balance model was developed to estimate the changes in the lake volumes due to precipitation and evaporation. The increase in precipitation and the decrease in the annual lake evaporation promote the expansion of the four lakes. Lake evaporation is the main factor inducing changes in the lake areas.
Temporal and spatial distributions of precipitation on the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain during 1960–2019, China
Authors: Ling Minhua , Han Hongbao , Wei Xingling , Lv Cuimei
Published: March 2021

The Huang-Huai-Hai Plain is an important commercial grain production base in China. Understanding the temporal and spatial variations in precipitation can help prevent drought and flood disasters and ensure food security. Based on the precipitation data for the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain from 1960 to 2019, this study analysed the spatiotemporal distribution of total precipitation at different time scales using the Mann–Kendall test, the wavelet analysis, the empirical orthogonal function (EOF), and the centre-of-gravity model. The results were as follows: (1) The winter precipitation showed a significant upward trend on the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, while other seasonal trends were not significant. (2) The precipitation on the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain shows a zonal decreasing distribution from southeast to northwest. (3) The application of the EOF method revealed the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the precipitation field. The cumulative variance contribution rate of the first two eigenvectors reached 51.5%, revealing two typical distribution fields, namely a ‘global pattern’ and a ‘north-south pattern’. The ‘global pattern’ is the decisive mode, indicating that precipitation on the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain is affected by large-scale weather systems. (4) The annual precipitation barycentres on the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain were located in Jining city and Taian city, Shandong Province, and the spatial distribution pattern was north-south. The annual precipitation barycentres tended to move southwest, but the trend was not obvious. The annual precipitation barycentre is expected to continue to shift to the north in 2020.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Human Lens Crystallin Derived Peptide
Authors: Muralidharan Anuraag , Tender Tenzin , Shetty Pallavi K , Mutalik Srinivas , K. Krishna Sharma , Hariharapura Raghu Chandrashekar
Published: March 2021

Background:

Inflammation has become the culmination point for several chronic diseases
like skin diseases, asthma, neurological disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. Mini
αA-crystallin peptide, identified from a highly conserved region of human lens protein αA-crystallin,
is known to have a chaperone-like function; hence, it has generated interest in exploring the
anti-inflammatory potential of the peptide.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of mini αA
chaperones using in vitro, ex-vivo, and in vivo models.

Methods:

The peptide was tested for its phosphodiestarase4 B inhibition, anti-inflammatory and
free radical scavenging abilities in HaCaT cells. Carbopol gel formulations with varying concentrations
of mini αA-crystallin peptide and diclofenac sodium were prepared and optimized. Skin
permeation studies of prepared formulations were carried out on excised abdominal skin of Wistar
rat using a vertical type diffusion cell. Carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model was used for determining
the anti-inflammatory potential of the peptide in prepared gel formulation with or without
diclofenac sodium.

Results:

The peptide exhibited appreciable free radical scavenging and weak PDE4B inhibition.
Gel formulation with 1% Tween-80, 1% carbopol, and 10% ethanol showed better permeation compared
to other formulations. The in vitro skin permeation studies revealed good improvement in
permeation characteristics of diclofenac and peptide from the gels. The peptide was retained within
the skin tissue, which is an ideal requirement for the delivery of an anti-inflammatory topical formulation.
In preclinical anti-inflammatory studies, gel formulation containing mini αA-peptide and
diclofenac sodium showed a significant decrease in paw volume compared to other combinations
tested.

Conclusion:

The study revealed the additive effect in anti-inflammatory activity by combining
mini-αA peptide and diclofenac sodium which effectively reduced the inflammation.
Association of Polymorphism in Survivin Gene and the Risk of Liver Cancer Resulting from Hepatitis C Virus Among Egyptian Patients
Authors: Mohamed Amal A. , Yassin Aymen S. , Gomaa Basma S. , Darwish Hossam , Mohamed Rasha S. , Makled Sahar , Ramdan Ahmed , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Raafat Marwa M.
Published: March 2021

Background:

This study aims to investigate the relation between Survivin gene polymorphisms
and the risk of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resulting from hepatitis C infection among
the Egyptian population.

Methods:

This prospective study was conducted on 164 patients, 57 patients were diagnosed with
hepatitis C, where 57 were diagnosed with HCC in addition to 50 healthy volunteers as controls.
Genotyping for Survivin rs1042489 and rs8073069 single nucleotide polymorphisms was carried
out by the allelic discrimination Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
genotyping technology.

Results:

The results of Survivin rs1042489 polymorphism revealed that the TC and CC genotypes
were significantly different between hepatocellular carcinoma patients (OR=15.5, 95%CI:
3.299-72.825,P<0.001), and controls (OR=44, 95%CI: 8.025-241.254, P<0.001). Furthermore, CC
genotype was significantly different between cirrhotic and hepatocellular carcinoma patients
(OR=19.2, 95%CI: 3.097-119.049, P=0.002). Moreover, the TC genotype shows a significant difference
between controls and cirrhotic patients (OR=5.5, 95%CI: 2.111-14.328, P<0.001). However,
when comparing TT genotypes, CC+TC genotypes results showed a significant association with
increasing the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (OR=4.812, 95%CI: 1.893-12.233,
P=0.001), (OR=21.607, 95%CI: 4.738-98.532, P<0.01), respectively. On the other hand, there was
no significant difference among all studied groups for all genotypes regarding Survivin rs8073069.
Also, the CC+GC genotype showed no significant association with increased risk of hepatocellular
carcinoma (P=0.999) compared with the GG genotypes.

Conclusion:

The study indicates that functional Survivin rs1042489 polymorphism may contribute
to the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma while Survivin rs8073069 polymorphism has no significant
association with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among the studied groups.
The Curcumin Analog EF24 is Highly Active Against Chemotherapy- Resistant Melanoma Cells
Authors: He Yonghan , Li Wen , Zhang Junling , Yang Yang , Qian Yawei , Zhou Daohong
Published: March 2021

Background:

Malignant melanoma (MM) is an aggressive type of skin cancer with a
poor prognosis, because MM cells are characterized by unresponsiveness to chemotherapy.

Objective:

In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of several curcumin analogs on four MM
cell lines (SK-MEL-28, MeWo, A-375, and CHL-1) and explored their underlying mechanisms of
action.

Methods:

Cell viability was measured by a Tetrazolium-based MTS assay. Cell apoptosis, reactive
oxygen species (ROS), and cell cycle were assayed by flow cytometry. Protein levels were assayed
by western blotting.

Results:

MM cells are quite resistant to the conventional chemotherapeutics cisplatin and dacarbazine,
and the targeted therapy drug vemurafinib. Among the curcumin analogs, EF24 is the most
potent compound against the resistant MM cells. EF24 dose and time-dependently reduced the viability
of MM cells by inducing apoptosis. Although EF24 did not increase the production of reactive
oxygen species (ROS), it upregulated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker BiP, but
downregulated the unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling. Moreover, treatment of MM cells
with EF24 downregulated the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, as well as the inhibitor
of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) XIAP, cIAP1, and Birc7, which are known to protect MM cells
from apoptosis. The downregulation of Bcl-2 and IAP expression by EF24 was associated with the
inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate that EF24 is a potent anti-MM agent. The anti-MM effect
is likely mediated by the suppression of UPR and the NF-κB pathway.
Evaluation of Early Administration of Insulin Glargine in the Acute Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Mohamed Adham , Ploetz Jeannette , Hamarshi Majdi S.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Few studies have evaluated the early use of insulin glargine in the management
of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) patients. Early insulin glargine use in DKA was safe and associated
with a trend towards faster DKA resolution.

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of early insulin glargine administration for acute
management of DKA in critically ill patients.

Methods:

This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients, who were >18 years of
age with DKA, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 12 h, and received intravenous
insulin infusion for at least 6 h. The primary endpoint was the association between the time to insulin
glargine administration and time to DKA resolution. Linear and logistic regression analyses
were performed.

Results:

Of the 913 patients evaluated, 380 were included in the study. The overall mean age was
45±17 years, 196 (51.6%) were female, and 262 (70%) patients had type 1 diabetes mellitus. The
mean blood glucose level was 584.9±210 mg/dL, pH was 7.16±0.17, anion gap was 28.17±6.9 mEq/
L, and serum bicarbonate level was 11.19±5.72 mEq/L. Every 6-h delay in insulin glargine administration
was associated with a 26-min increase in time to DKA resolution (95% confidence interval
[CI], 14.76-37.44; p<0.0001), 3.2-h increase in insulin infusion duration (95% CI, 28.8-36;
p<0.0001), and 6.5-h increase in ICU LOS (95% CI, 5.04-7.92; p<0.0001).

Conclusion:

Early administration of insulin glargine is potentially safe and may be associated with
a reduction in time to DKA resolution and a shorter duration of insulin infusion.
The Role of ‘Muslim Brotherhood’ and Saudi Arabia in the Politicization of Salafism in the 20th Century
Authors:   Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Timur Radikovich Khayrullin
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the problem of Salafism politization. The process of politicization of traditional salafi ideas led to the emergence of conservative Islamism, which eventually moved away from medieval traditionalism and adapted to modern political conditions. The process of Salafism politicization was initiated by the Salafi reformists al-Afghani and M. Abdo in the early XX century. However, reformists Salafi ideas were modified into political ideology by the Mus-lim Brotherhood, which was strongly influenced by Salafism in its early stages. During the 50–60s of the XX century, the emerging conservative Salafi Islamism was on the defensive, as it faced the ideas of Arab nationalism. It is emphasized that the forced relocation of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood to Saudi Arabia, in parallel, marked the movement of Islamists ideas, which received significant devel-opment and organizational form due to the financial power of the Gulf monarchies. At the turn of the 70-80s of the XX century thanks to the efforts of the Saudi government throughout the Middle East region, Salafi movements were strengthened, which enjoyed diplomatic and finan-cial support from Saudi Arabia and were engaged in promoting Salafi-Wahhabi ideas. However, the further politicization of Salafi ideas and, as a result, the development of conservative Salafi Islamism slowed down the end of the XX century being connected with the invasion of Kuwait.