bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Solutions to The Problem of Seepage and Consolidation in Saturated Clay Based on The Spatial Axisymmetric Model
Authors: Gao Zi-kun , Wang Jing-guo
Published: December 2021

The series solutions to the problem of spatial axisymmetric consolidation are deduced under non-homogeneous boundary conditions. Firstly, differentiable step function is introduced to construct the homogeneous operation function. Secondly, the operation function is used to superimpose the non-homogeneous boundaries to obtain homogeneous boundaries, non-homogeneous fundamental equation and new initial condition. Finally, the method of variables separation is used to construct the eigenfunction, and due to the mathematical justification of complete orthogonality of the eigenfunction, the series expansions of the fundamental equation and initial condition are carried out to obtain solutions for the seepage and consolidation in saturated clay with a borehole boundary. The correctness of the theoretical solutions are verified by the strict mathematical and mechanics derivation and the law of space-time variation in seepage flow.
Plant Growth-Promoting Endophytic Bacillus Aryabhattai Triggers Novel Genes to Induce Plant Growth
Authors: Xu Hongli , Gao Jingyao , Portieles Roxana , Du Lihua , Gao Xiangyou , Borrás-Hidalgo Orlando
Published: December 2021

Background: In nature, plants interact with a wide range of microorganisms. Most of these microorganisms have the ability to promote plant growth through the induction of important molecular pathways. The current work evaluated whether the endophytic bacterium Bacillus aryabhattai encourages plant growth and how transcriptional changes might be implicated in this effect.Results: The endophytic bacterium showed a significant effect on plant growth. Our results revealed that B. aryabhattai promotes the growth of Arabidopsis and tobacco plants. Notably, transcriptional changes in Arabidopsis plants treated with the bacterium were identified. Genes such as cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, apyrase, thioredoxin H8, benzaldehyde dehydrogenase, indoleacetaldoxime dehydratase, berberine bridge enzyme-like and gibberellin-regulated protein were highly expressed. Additionally, endophytic bacterial genes such as arginine decarboxylase, D-hydantoinase, ATP synthase gamma chain and 2-hydroxyhexa-2,4-dienoate hydratase were activated during the interaction with Arabidopsis.Conclusions: The results show that new plant growth-related genes are induced during the interaction endophytic bacterium B. aryabhattai, and these changes may promote plant growth in sustainable agriculture.
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD): Pathomorphological Features and Molecular Detection in Dairy Cattle of West Coastal India
Authors: Nayakvadi Shivasharanappa , Joshi Samruddhi Prasad , Rajkumar Susitha , B. Chethan Kumar H. , Bathini Jagruti , Uddarwar Sanjaykumar
Published: December 2021

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging pox viral disease affecting cattle population worldwide. In India, the first outbreak of LSD is reported during August 2019 in Odisha state, which then followed by outbreaks in crossbred and indigenous cattle population of other states. Present investigation designed to study the prevalence, pathomorphological changes and molecular detection of LSD virus in naturally infected cattle. The overall morbidity of LSD was 4.48% among 30 dairy farms. Skin nodular biopsy, whole blood and serum samples (n= 66) were collected for the diagnosis of LSD by histopathology, PCR and sequencing. The envelope protein gene (P32), Fusion protein (F) and DNA dependent RNA polymerase 30 kDa subunit (RPO30) genes were targeted for PCR testing. Out of 66, 46 cattle showed generalized skin nodules and papules of various sizes (0.5 - 6.5cm) on the skin particularly at neck, face, nose, tail, perineum and udder. Microscopic examination of the skin nodule biopsy tissue revealed presence of diffuse granulomatous inflammation, hyperkeratosis, focal to diffuse vasculitis and lymphangitis, vacuolar degeneration, spongiosis and acanthosis. The inflammatory cells typically comprised of macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils along with diffuse necrosis in dermis in chronic cases. The eosinophilic intracytoplasmic viral inclusions in keratinocytes and epithelial cells were detected in few cases. Gel-PCR assay detected P32 gene in 83%, F gene in 72% and RPO30 gene in 77% of skin biopsy samples. Three blood samples were also found positive for P32 gene by PCR. Whereas TaqMan™ probe Real Time PCR targeting EEV glycoprotein gene (LSDV126) detected LSDV in 94% of biopsy samples and three blood samples which indicated its higher sensitive for the diagnosis of LSDV. Phylogenetic analysis of RPO30 gene sequence showed that the isolates from this study were grouped in same cluster with LSDV isolates of Bangladesh, Kenya and other Indian isolates detected during 2019-20.
Combination of CD47 Expression and SIRI as a Prognostic Factor in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Deng Chao , Feng Yuhua , Wang Haihua , Zhang Haixia , Ma Jin'an , Fan Songqing , Hu Chunhong , Liu Xianling , Hou Tao
Published: December 2021

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the combination of CD47 expression and SIRI level in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.Materials & Methods: NPC patients who received radical chemoradiation therapy between January 2012 and December 2016 at the Second Xiangya Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical and laboratory data was collected from the electro-history system. The expression of CD47 was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) method. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off value. Survival curves were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify prognostic factors.Results: A cohort of 183 NPC patients were enrolled. CD47 was highly expressed in 36.1% (66/183) patients at a cut-off value of 35%. And SIRI was elevated in 35.0% (64/183) patients at a cut-off value of 0.94. CD47 expression had no significant correlation with NPC patients’ age, gender, ECOG status, clinical stage, smoking history or chemo-agent. While SIRI level was significantly higher in male patients and patients who has smoking history. Univariate analyzes shown that younger age, better ECOG PS, earlier clinical stage, and low expression of CD47 and SIRI level predicts better PFS, while better ECOG PS, earlier clinical stage, and low expression of CD47 and SIRI level predicts longer OS. Further multivariate Cos regression model showed that aside from ECOG PS and clinical stage, CD47 and SIRI statue was an independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the combination of CD47 expression and SIRI level might be a promising prognostic predictor for the NPC patients.
CT Angiography-Based Radiomics as a Tool for Carotid Plaque Characterization and Surgery Patient Selection: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cilla Savino , Macchia Gabriella , Lenkowicz Jacopo , Tran Elena H. , Pierro Antonio , Petrella Lella , Fanelli Mara , Sardu Celestino , Re Alessia , Boldrini Luca , Indovina Luca , Filippo Carlo Maria , Caradonna Eugenio , Deodato Francesco , Massetti Massimo , Valentini Vincenzo , Modugno Pietro
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Radiomics is a quantitative method able to analyze a high-throughput extraction of minable imaging features. Herein, we aim to develop a CT angiography-based radiomics analysis and machine learning model for carotid plaques to discriminate vulnerable from no vulnerable plaques.Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with carotid atherosclerosis were enrolled in this pilot study. At surgery, a binary classification of plaques was adopted (“hard” vs “soft”). Feature extraction was performed using the R software package Moddicom. Pairwise feature interdependencies were evaluated using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. A univariate analysis was performed to assess the association between each feature and the plaque classification and chose top-ranked features. The feature predictive value was investigated using binary logistic regression. A stepwise backward elimination procedure was performed to minimize the Akaike information criterion (AIC). The final significant features were used to build the models for binary classification of carotid plaques, including logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and classification and regression tree analysis (CART). All models were cross-validated using 5-fold cross validation. Class-specific accuracy, precision, recall and F-measure evaluation metrics were used to quantify classifier output quality.Results: A total of 230 radiomics features were extracted from each plaque. Pairwise Spearman correlation between features reported a high level of correlations, with more than 80% correlating with at least one other feature at |ρ| > 0.8. After a stepwise backward elimination procedure, the entropy and volume features were found to be the most significantly associated with the two plaque groups (p< 0.001), with AUCs of 0.92 and 0.96, respectively. The best performance was registered by the SVM classifier with the RBF kernel, with accuracy, precision, recall and F-score equal to 86.7, 92.9, 81.3 and 86.7%, respectively. The CART classification tree model for the entropy and volume features model achieved 86.7% well-classified plaques and an AUC of 0.987.Conclusion: This pilot study highlighted the potential of CTA-based radiomics and machine learning to discriminate plaque composition. This new approach has the potential to provide a reliable method to improve risk stratification in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.
First Description of the Generation of Human Schwann Cells Transfected With CRISPR Cas9 and a Model of Metformin Mitochondrial Metabolism in Metachromatic Leukodystrophy
Authors: Alvarez Nayibe Tatiana Sanchez , Bautista-Niño Paula Katherine , Trejos-Suárez Juanita , Serrano-Díaz Norma Cecilia
Published: December 2021

Background: Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a neurological lysosomal deposit disease that has an impact on public health despite its low incidence in the population. Existing treatments are expensive and inefficient. Few reports in the literature on pathophysiological events related to enzyme deficiency and subsequent accumulation of sulfatides; therefore, the use of metformin as an alternative treatment was evaluated in vitro to counteract the effects. Methodology: An experimental in vitro study that sought to determine the effect of the use of metformin on the accumulation of sulfates in glycolysis and mitochondrial function in an in vitro model of metachromatic leukodystrophy. Human Schwann cells (CSH) transfected with CRISPR Cas9 and without transfection were treated with different concentrations of sulfatides and metformin. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT and SYTOX Green; mitochondrial and glycolytic function by Seahorse XFe24, determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death. Results: In the MTT trials, we found that treatment with different concentrations of sulfates did not affect cell viability. Transfected CSH showed higher cell death and ROS production when exposed to 100 µM sulfatides with a statistically significant difference (p <0.001), compared to nontransfected CSH cells. Sulfatides at concentrations of 10 to 100 µM affect mitochondrial bioenergetics as concentrations increase in transfected cells, in nontransfected cells they respond metabolically to exposure; Furthermore, transfected cells show a decrease in basal respiration and maximum respiration after being exposed to a concentration of 100 µM of sulphates; however, in double treatment of these cells with both sulfates and Metformin, respiration also decreases. Maximum and normal mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Conclusion: This research describes for the first time the generation of transfected CSH and the bioenergetic and mitochondrial effect of sulfates in Schwann cells, treatment with 500 µM of Metformin restores metabolic activity of these cells and decreases ROS production, as well as prevention of cell death.
Estimation model of PM2.5 Concentrations Based on Spatiotemporal Adaptability and Satellite Remote Sensing
Authors: li Weidong , Dong Liye , Bai Linyan
Published: December 2021

Based on satellite remote sensing AOD, we can estimate and monitor the continuous changes of PM2.5, which solved the disadvantages of traditional ground station discrete monitoring. Four-dimensional spatiotemporal heterogeneity is not considered in the construction of traditional empirical regression models, such as geographically weighted regression model (GWR) and spatiotemporal geographically weighted regression model (gtwr). To solve this four-dimensional spatiotemporal nonstationarity, this article proposes and constructs a spatiotemporal adaptive fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration estimation model: 4D-GTWR by introducing a DEM (Digital elevation model) and time effects into a GWR model. This method solves the heterogeneity between the three-dimensional space and one-dimensional time by constructing a four-dimensional space kernel function and obtaining its weight. Based on PM2.5 ground observation data and meteorological data collected from December 2017 to February 2018 in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, PM2.5 estimations are obtained from MODIS MYD-3K AOD data using the GWR, TWR, GTWR and 4D-GTWR models. The results showed that the MAE (mean absolute error) of the 4D-GTWR model decreased by 54.13%, 54.06% and 37.90%, compared to those of the GWR, TWR and GTWR models, respectively, and that the PM2.5 concentrations predicted by the 4D-GTWR model were closest to the measured values. The R2 (the correlation coefficient) of the 4D-GTWR model was 0.9496, which was better than those of the GWR (R2 =0.7761), TWR (R2 =0.7763) and GTWR (R2=0.8811) models. The 4D-GTWR model can not only improve the precision of PM2.5 estimations but can also reveal the four-dimensional spatial heterogeneity of PM2.5 concentrations and the differentiation of the DEM's influence on the spatial dimensions.
miR-1301-3p is a potential prognostic biomarker for esophageal carcinoma and acts by downregulating NBL1 expression
Authors: Du Jianting , Xiao Li-rong , Xu Guobing , Zheng Bin , Chen Chun
Published: December 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Evidence of Neuroinflammation and Immunotherapy Responsiveness in Individuals with Down Syndrome Regression Disorder
Authors: Santoro Jonathan Douglas , Partridge Rebecca , Tanna Runi , Pagarkar Dania , Khoshnood Mellad , Rehmani Mustafa , Kammeyer Ryan M. , Gombolay Grace Y. , Fisher Kristen , Conravey Allison , El-Dahr Jane , Christy Alison L. , Patel Lina , Manning Melanie A , Mater Heather Van , Rafii Michael S. , Quinn Eileen A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Down syndrome regression disorder is a symptom cluster consisting of neuropsychiatric regression without cause. This study evaluated the incidence of neurodiagnostic abnormalities in individuals with Down syndrome regression disorder and determine if abnormalities are indicative of responses to therapeutic intervention.
Methods

A retrospective, multi-center, case-control, study was performed. Patients were required to have subacute onset and the presence of four of five symptom groups present (cognitive decline, expressive language, sleep derangement, loss of ability to perform activities of daily living and/or a new movement disorder) and no other explanation for symptoms.
Results

Individuals with Down syndrome regression disorder were comparable to a cohort of individuals with only Down syndrome although had higher rates of autoimmune disease (p= 0.02, 95%CI: 1.04-1.75). Neurodiagnostic abnormalities were found on EEG (n=19, 26%), neuroimaging (n=16, 22%) and CSF (n=9, 17%). Pleocytosis was appreciated in five cases, elevated total protein in nine, elevated IgG index in seven, and oligoclonal bands in two. Testing within two years of symptom onset were more likely to have neurodiagnostic abnormalities (p= 0.01, 95%CI: 1.64-37.06). In individuals with neurodiagnostic abnormalities immunotherapy was nearly four times more likely to have a therapeutic effect than in those without neurodiagnostic abnormalities (OR: 4.11, 95%CI: 1.88-9.02). In those with normal neurodiagnostic studies (n=43), IVIg was effective in 14 of 17 (82%) patients as well although other immunotherapies were uniformly ineffective.
Conclusions

This study reports the novel presence of neurodiagnostic testing abnormalities in individuals with Down syndrome regression disorder, providing credence to this symptom cluster potentially being of neurologic and/or neuroimmunologic etiology.
PD-L1, Vimentin and Ki-67 Acting as Immunotherapy Predictive Biomarkers in Pulmonary Carcinomas Transthoracic and Bronchial Biopsies
Authors: Figueiredo Maria Inês , Sousa Vítor , Carvalho Lina
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression became a routine biomarker to preview response to programmed death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 inhibitors, with diverging parameters concerning PD-L1 scoring and variable response to immunotherapy agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate association between PD-L1 expression and immunohistochemistry panel applied in Pathology practice, defining any of those antibodies as biomarkers concurrent in patients selection for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy.
Methods

A total of 97 cTNM IIIb/IV staged pulmonary carcinoma biopsies were randomly selected between 2018/2020, after adequate representativeness and PD-L1 expression scored through Dako 22C3 antibody. The panel with cytokeratin 7, thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1), cytokeratin 5.6, cluster of differentiation 56 (CD56), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS-D), vimentin expression, and ki-67 labeling index (LI) was considered for retrieving reports and respective archival slides.
Results

PD-L1 expression in tumor cells (TCs) was identified in 56 samples and significantly associated with male gender (p=0.028), vimentin expression (p=0.018) and ki-67 LI>30% (p=0.029). A tendency to PD-L1 positivity came up in lymphocytic-predominant/immune-inflamed stroma (9/10), adenocarcinoma solid subtype (21/23) and CK7-negative squamous cell carcinomas (8/13). When more than 50% TCs expressed PD-L1, the risk of vimentin expression was 3.85 times higher (OR=3.85; p=0.013), and for ki-67 LI>30% the risk was 9.90 times higher (OR=9.90; p=0.033), compared with PD-L1-negative samples.
Conclusion

High proliferation status defined by ki-67 LI>30% and epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype verified by vimentin staining analysis might complement PD-L1-positive TCs percentage determination for immunotherapy prescription. These patients will more likely benefit from PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, overcoming the limitations of selection based on PD-L1 immunohistochemistry status.
Identification of Methylated Differentially Expressed Hub Genes and Immune Infiltration in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zhou Qi , Xiong Xin , Tang Min , Lei Yingqing , Lv Hongbin
Published: December 2021

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR), a severe complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is a global social and economic burden. However, the pathological mechanisms mediating DR are not well-understood. This study aimed to identify differentially methylated and differentially expressed hub genes (DMGs and DEGs, respectively) and associated signaling pathways, and to evaluate immune cell infiltration involved in DR. MethodsTwo publicly available datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Transcriptome and epigenome microarray data and multi-component weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to determine hub genes within DR. One dataset was utilized to screen DEGs and to further explore their potential biological functions using functional annotation analysis. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed. Gene set enrichment and variation analyses (GSVA and GSEA, respectively) were utilized to identify the potential mechanisms mediating the function of hub genes in DR. Infiltrating immune cells were evaluated in one dataset using CIBERSORT. The Connectivity Map (CMap) database was used to predict potential therapeutic agents. ResultsIn total, 673 DEGs (151 upregulated and 522 downregulated genes) were detected. Gene expression was significantly enriched in the extracellular matrix and sensory organ development, extracellular matrix organization, and glial cell differentiation pathways. Through WGCNA, one module was found to be significantly related with DR (r=0.34, P =0.002), and 979 hub genes were identified. By comparing DMGs, DEGs, and genes in WGCNA, we identified eight hub genes in DR ( AKAP13, BOC, ACSS1, ARNT2, TGFB2, LHFPL2, GFPT2, TNFRSF1A ), which were significantly enriched in critical pathways involving coagulation, angiogenesis, TGF-β, and TNF-α-NF-κB signaling via GSVA and GSEA. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that activated natural killer cells, M0 macrophages, resting mast cells, and CD8 + T cells may be involved in DR. ARNT2, TGFB2, LHFPL2 , and AKAP13 expression were correlated with immune cell processes, and ZG-10, JNK-9L, chromomycin-a3, and calyculin were identified as potential drugs against DR. Finally, TNFRSF1A , GFPT2 , and LHFPL2 expression levels were consistent with the bioinformatic analysis. ConclusionsOur results are informative with respect to correlations between differentially methylated and expressed hub genes and immune cell infiltration in DR, providing new insight towards DR drug development and treatment.
Ex vivo Fluorescence Confocal Microscopy: Chances and Changes in the Analysis of Breast Tissue
Authors: Nackenhorst Maja Carina , Kasiri Mohammad , Gollackner Bernd , Regele Heinz
Published: December 2021

Background: Rapid histologic diagnosis of frozen sections is essential for a variety of surgical procedures. Frozen sections however, require specialized lab equipment, are prone to freezing artifacts and are not applicable to all types of tissue. Adipose tissue is especially difficult to process in frozen sections. Although these limitations are well known, no alternative method for microscopic tissue analysis that might replace frozen sections could be established. Our objective was to evaluate whether tissue imaging based on ex vivo fluorescent confocal microscopy (FCM) is applicable for rapid microscopic assessment of breast tumors specimens with abundant adipose tissue.Methods: We evaluated 17 tissue samples from mastectomy specimens, rich in adipose tissue, submitted to the department of pathology at the Medical University of Vienna. We conducted our study on the FCM VivaScope® 2500M-G4 (Mavig GmbH, Munich, Germany; Caliber I.D.; Rochester NY, USA).Results: When comparing FCM to frozen sections, we found a very similar overall processing time for FCM images and frozen sections respectively. Image quality was mostly superior to frozen sections (especially for adipose tissue and nuclear detail) but inferior to H&E stained FFPE sections. Limitations of the technology were uneven coloring, invisibility of ink applied for marking tissue margins and distortion artifacts if too much pressure is applied to the tissue. Conclusion: FCM has the potential to expand the application and usefulness of rapid tissue analysis as speed is comparable and quality exceeds that of frozen sections especially in tissues rich in adipose cells such as breast specimen.
PPARβ/δ Priming Enhances the Anti-Apoptotic and Therapeutic Properties of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Sarre Charlotte , Lopez Rafael Contreras , Nerpernpisooth Nitirut , Barrere Christian , Bahraoui Sarah , Terraza Claudia , Tejedor Gautier , Vincent Anne , Luz-Crawford Patricia , Kongpol Kantapich , Kumphune Sarawut , Piot Christophe , Nargeot Joel , JORGENSEN Christian , Djouad Farida , Barrere-Lemaire Stéphanie
Published: December 2021

Background: Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) have been widely used for their therapeutic properties in many clinical applications including myocardial infarction. Despite promising preclinical results and evidences of safety and efficacy in phases I/ II, inconsistencies in phase III trials have been reported. In a previous study, we have shown using MSC derived from the bone marrow of PPARβ/δ (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors β/δ) knockout mice that the acute cardioprotective properties of MSC during the first hour of reperfusion are PPARβ/δ-dependent but not related to the anti-inflammatory effect of MSC. However, the role of the modulation of PPARβ/δ expression on MSC cardioprotective and anti-apoptotic properties has never been investigated. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PPARβ/δ modulation (inhibition or activation) in MSC therapeutic properties in vitro and ex vivo in an experimental model of myocardial infarction.Methods and results: Naïve MSC and MSC pharmacologically activated or inhibited for PPARβ/δ were challenged with H202. Through specific DNA fragmentation quantification and qRT-PCR experiments, we evidenced in vitro an increased resistance to oxidative stress in MSC pre-treated by the PPARβ/δ agonist GW0742 versus naïve MSC. In addition, PPARβ/δ-priming allowed to reveal the anti-apoptotic effect of MSC on co-cultured cardiomyocytes. When injected during reperfusion in an ex vivo heart model of myocardial infarction, PPARβ/δ-primed MSC at a dose of 3.75x105 MSC/heart provided the same cardioprotective efficiency than 7.5x105 naïve MSC, identified as the optimal dose in our model. These enhanced short-term cardioprotective effects were associated with an increase in both anti-apoptotic effects and the number of MSC detected in the left ventricular wall at 1 hour of reperfusion. By contrast, inhibition of PPARβ/δ before their administration in post-ischemic hearts during reperfusion decreased their cardioprotective effects. Conclusion: Altogether these results revealed that PPARβ/δ-primed MSC exhibit an increased resistance to oxidative stress and enhanced anti-apoptotic properties on cardiac cells in vitro. PPARβ/δ-priming appears as an innovative strategy to enhance the cardioprotective effects of MSC and to decrease the injected doses. These results could be of major interest to improve MSC efficacy for the cardioprotection of injured myocardium in AMI patients.
Plant extract as gas adsorbent to reduce smoke toxicants of cigarette
Authors: Yonggang Liu
Published: December 2021

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals including many known toxicants and annually leads to millions of deaths worldwide. To reduce the harms of cigarette, plant extracts were applied to adsorb smoke toxicants of cigarette. Results showed that platycladus orientalis leaf extract and mulberry fruit extract particles filled into cigarette cellulose acetate filter can significantly reduce 15 major cigarette smoke toxicants emission including hydrogen cyanide (HCN), benzo[α] pyrene (B[a]P), formaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, 2-butanone, P-hydroquinone, M-dihydroxybenzene, catechol, phenol, M-P-cresol, O-cresol, N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), 4-methylnitrosamino-l-3-pyridyl- butanone (NNK), (R,S)-N-nitrosoanatabine (NAT) and (R,S)-N-nitrosoanabasine (NAB) by 11.90% to 60.42% (P<0.01). Platycladus orientalis leaf extract particles added in the outer cigarette filter also can adsorb other 125 kinds of chemicals most of which are harmful. Our results also indicated that plant extract has extensive gas adsorption characteristics and different plant extracts displayed different adsorption capacity to different toxicants. The adsorption capacities of five randomly selected plant extracts are all significantly higher than that of activated carbon（P<0.01). These findings suggest that plant extracts are excellent cigarette smoke adsorbents.
Assessment of Knowledge, Perception, Attitude, Risk Factors Prevention and Treatment Options of Cancer Among Natives in Elgon Sub-Region, Uganda
Authors: Kudamba Ali , Jamil E. Ssenku , Okurut Shaban A. , Kafero Hussein M. , Nsubuga Hakim , Walusansa Abdul
Published: December 2021

Background

Globally, cancer is one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality and most cancers are due to infections and so, are preventable. Studies have shown that cancer prevention has been possible through intensified healthcare education but such information is poorly documented in Elgon sub-region. Therefore, our study was aimed at assessing cancer indigenous knowledge among natives in Elgon sub-region.
Method

Mixed methods research design were adopted. A total of 73 participants, selected through snowball sampling technique were involved. Data collection was done through pretested questionnaires. MedCalc version, 20.008 was used for data analysis and results were presented in tables and figures.
Result

Majority of the study participants were males (58%), aged between 46 – 55 years (58%), Ugandans (90%) and married (67%). Most of them had inadequate knowledge about cancer (p<0.05) and highlighted sores that slightly heal at any body parts as well as blood in faeces as putative predictors of cancer infection (p<0.005). A total of nine cancer types were documented and cervical was the most prevalent (p<0.0001). Smoking was the most pronounced cancer associated risk factor (p<0.0001) and avoiding smoking was perceived as the major prevention option (p<0.0001). No cancer treatment options in cancer treatment cited in this area (p<0.172).
Conclusion

The natives had limited knowledge and poor perception of cancer due low literacy level. Therefore, there is need to intensify on cancer health education programs through the word of mouths and radio talk shows. The plant medicinal plant used in cancer treatment needs to be documented.
The Hardware Failure and Correction Loss of Short-segment Pedicle Screw Fixation Combined With Transforaminal Interbody Fusion in Treatment of Unstable Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture: Retrospective Study in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Quyen , Phan Trong Hau , Vu Van Hong
Published: December 2021

Background: Correction loss and hardware failure of short segment posterior pedicle screw fixation in treatment of thoracolumbar unstable burst fracture have been remaining a main concern. Several authors have introduced the procedures to solve these limitations including transforaminal interbody fusion (TIF). The purposes of this study were to evaluate the progressive kyphosis and implant failure of short-segment pedicle screw fixation combined with transforaminal interbody fusion in treatment of unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture.Methods: The retrospective study were enrolled in the patients with isolated unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures, Denis type IIB who were treated by posterior short fixation with TIF between January 2013 to January 2017. Patients were followed up for a minimum of one and half year. For evaluation of correction loss, % loss of anterior vertebral body heights (%AVB), vertebral kyphotic angle (VA) and regional kyphotic angle (RA) were collected preoperatively, postoperatively and at final follow-up. The hardware failure was assessed on radiological images at last follow-up. Results: There were 36 patients who met the inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up duration of 53 months. The mean correction loss of %AVB, VA and, RA were 10.2%, 2.9o and 5.6o, respectively. There were 6 patients (16.7%) with hardware failure at final follow-up. Conclusions: Short-segment posterior pedicle screw fixation with TIF using bone chip graft hasn’t prevented completely the hardware failure and progressive kyphosis in treatment of unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture.
A Register-Based Study: Cough - A Frequent Phenomenon in the Adult Population
Authors: Backer Vibeke , Porsborg Andreas , Hansen Victor , Skjold Tina , Schmid Johannes Martin , Kehlet Mette , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Aasbjerg Kristian
Published: December 2021

BackgroundChronic cough, more than 8 weeks, can either be without co-morbidity called unexplained chronic cough (UCC) or with co-morbidity called refractory chronic cough (RCC). Using datasets from the Danish National Prescription Registry (Prescription Registry) and Danish National Patient Registry (Patient Registry) we wanted to investigate the prevalence of cough in a Nationwide registry from both primary and secondary care setting.Material and MethodsInclusion criteria were patients 18-90 years with at least one final cough diagnosis (ICD-10 DR05/DR059) in Patient registry or patients who have redeemed ≥2 prescriptions for relevant cough-medication within a 90-day harvest in the Prescription registry from 2008-2017. To validate this study’s chosen proxy on chronic cough an analysis of the Patient registry sub-population with a contact of ≥8 weeks and then final diagnosis code DR05/DR059 was also performed. The population was divided into UCC and RCC.ResultsOf the 104.216 patients from the Prescription registry, 52.727 were classified as having UCC and 51.489 were classified with RCC. From the Patient registry 34.260 were included, of whom 12.278 had UCC and 21.982 had RCC. Cough were frequently found among females between 50 and 66 years. Spirometry was performed in 69% and 57%, X-ray in 73% and 58% and asthma challenge test performed in 13% and 5% (UCC and RCC, respectively). The frequency of co-morbidities such as heart failure, rheumatologic disease, pulmonary embolism, and diabetes was < 10%. The distribution of all the included variables of patients who have had attachment to the department for 8 weeks or more, was similar as in the main group, thus fewer.ConclusionMany patients suffer from chronic cough or cough requiring medications, with or without co-morbidity; frequently found among menopausal women. Most patients had a substantial work-up performed. The high frequency and the resources consuming work-up program call for systematic coding of disease, systematic patient evaluation and more specific treatment options.The study was accepted by the Danish Data Protection Agency (ID: no. P-2019-191)
Brain Computer Interface -EEG Based Imagined Word Prediction Using Convolutional Neural Network Visual Stimuli for Speech Disability
Authors: Chinta Babu , M Moorthi
Published: December 2021

Background: Brain Computer Interface (BCI) is one of the fast-growing technological trends, which finds its applications in the field of the healthcare sector. In this work, 16 electrodes of Electroencephalography (EEG) placed according to the 10-20 electrode system is used to acquire the EEG signals. A BCI with EEG based imagined word prediction using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is modeled and trained to recognize the words imagined through the EEG brain signal, where the CNN model Alexnet and Googlenet are able to recognize the words due to visual stimuli namely, up, down, right, left and up to ten words. The performance metrics are improved with the Morlet Continuous wavelet transform applied at the pre-processing stage, with seven extracted features such as mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, bandpower, root mean square, and Shannon entropy.Results: Based on the testing, Alexnet transfer learning model performed better as compared to Googlenet transfer learning model, as it achieved an accuracy of 90.3%, recall, precision, and F1 score of 91.4%, 90%, and 90.7% respectively for seven extracted features. However, the performance metrics decreased when the number of extracted features was reduced from seven to four, to 83.8%, 84.4%, 82.9%, and 83.6% respectively.Conclusions: The Alexnet transfer learning model is selected to be the best model as compared Googlenet, as it achieved an accuracy of 90.3% and the final training option of 80 epoch, 64 batch size, scalogram pre-processing method, ratio of 80:20 training and validation set and initial learning rate of 0.0001.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance of Serum Tumor Markers in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Chen Suipeng , Kuang Mengjiao , Wang Shishi , Huang Shirui , Li Jizhen , Zhou Teng , Wang Huiyan , Cai Yue , Yang Wei , Xie Qipeng
Published: December 2021

Background: Tumor markers CEA, CYFRA21-1, NSE, proGRP, and SCC-Ag were routinely used for lung cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of these markers.Methods: The levels of 5 serum tumor markers were measured in 255 patients with lung cancer (44 squamous cell carcinoma, 183 adenocarcinoma, 28 small cell lung cancer), 103 patients with benign lung disease, and 120 healthy controls. The relevant clinical data of the patients were collected to analyze the expression of CEA, CYFRA21-1, NSE, proGRP, and SCC-Ag in the serum of lung cancer and their correlation with prognosis.Results: The positive rates and expression levels of CEA, CYFRA21-1, NSE, proGRP, and SCC-Ag in the lung cancer group were higher than those in patients with benign lung diseases and healthy controls. CYFRA21-1 and SCC-Ag were highly expressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma, and NSE and proGRP were highly expressed in small cell lung cancer. The expression levels of CYFRA 21-1, NSE, and proGRP in small cell lung cancer were higher than those in non-small cell lung cancer. The levels of CEA, CYFARA21-1, NSE, and proGRP were linearly correlated with the occurrence of lung cancer, while the level of SCC-Ag was not significantly correlated with the occurrence of lung cancer. What’s more, the levels of CYFAR21-1 and NSE in the death group of lung cancer patients were higher than those in the survival group.Conclusion: CEA, CYFRA21-1, NSE, proGRP, and SCC-Ag played a good role in diagnosing lung cancer. CYFRA21-1 and SCC-Ag can be used as markers for the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, and NSE and proGRP can be used as markers for small cell lung cancer. Meanwhile, the combined detection of CEA, CYFARA21-1, NSE, and proGRP had the highest diagnostic accuracy for lung cancer. Furthermore, CYFAR21-1 and NSE can be used to evaluate the prognosis of lung cancer patients.
The genetic origin and architecture of sex determination
Authors: De Tisham
Published: December 2021

Here, I demonstrate that sex determination and sexual dimorphism across tree of life are deeply
related to polyamine biochemistry in cells, especially to the synteny of genes: [SAT1-NR0B1],
[SAT2-SHBG] and DMRT1. This synteny was found to be most distinct in mammals. Further, the
common protein domain of SAT1 and SAT2 - PF00583 was shown to be present in the genome of
the last universal common ancestor (LUCA). Protein domain-domain interaction analysis of
LUCA’s genes suggests the possibility that LUCA had developed an immune defence against
viruses. This domain-domain interaction analysis is the first scientific evidence indicating that
viruses existed at least 3.5 billions years ago and probably co-existed with LUCA on early Hadean
Earth.
Benefits and Limitations of Business Process Model Notation in Modeling Patient Healthcare Trajectory: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Abasse Kassim Said , Gartner Jean-Baptiste , Labbé Laurence , Landa Paolo , Paquet Catherine , Bergeron Frédéric , Lemaire Célia , Côté André
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

The adoption of business process model notation (BPMN) in modeling healthcare trajectory can enhance the efficiency and efficacy of healthcare organizations and ultimately improve patient outcomes while restraining costs. However, existing systematic reviews have been inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of BPMN in modeling healthcare trajectory. The aims of this scoping review are to map and aggregate existing evidence on the main benefits and limitations associated with BPMN in healthcare trajectory and highlight areas of improvement on using BPMN and its extensions in healthcare practices, which have not been systematically scoped.
Methods and Analysis

: The proposed scoping review will be performed in accordance with the methodological framework suggested by Arksey and O’Malley and further refined by Levac et al. A wide range of electronic databases and grey literature sources will be systematically searched using predefined keywords, from 2004 onwards. The review will include any study design with a focus on the application of the BPMN approach applied for optimizing healthcare trajectories (e.g., diagnostic, and therapeutic process, decision making, cost, and resources), published in either English or French. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles and select studies meeting the inclusion criteria. A customized data extraction form will be used to extract data from the included studies. The results will be presented in tabular format developed iteratively by the research team.
Ethics and dissemination

: Research ethics approval is not required as exclusively secondary data will be used. Review findings will be used to advance understanding about BPMN, its extensions and its application in healthcare trajectory optimization. The review will develop recommendations about how to tailor BPMN strategies at optimizing care pathways and decision-making processes. Our findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presentations and through discussions with relevant organizations and stakeholders.
An Elementary Proof to the Riemann Hypothesis
Authors: Hernandez-Serna Eduin
Published: December 2021

Let Ƥ be the set of all primes, Ψ/(n) = nIIn∈Ƥ,p|n (1 + 1/Ƥ) be the Dedekind psi function, we unconditionally show that eγ log log n > Ψ(n)/n for any n > 30, where γ if Euler's constant.
Role of salivary glycopatterns for oral microbiota associated with gastric cancer
Authors: Shu Jian , Yu Hanjie , Ren Xiameng , Wang Yan , Zhang Kun , Tang Zhen , Dang Liuyi , Chen Wentian , Li Baozhen , Li Zheng
Published: December 2021

Microbiota in the oral cavity plays an important role in maintaining human health. Our previous studies have revealed significant alterations of salivary glycopatterns in gastric cancer (GC) patients, but it is unclear whether these altered salivary glycopatterns can cause the dysbiosis of oral microbiota. In this study, the oral microbiome of healthy volunteers and GC patients were detected. The neoglycoproteins were then synthesized according to the altered glycopatterns in GC patients and used to explore the effects of specific glycopattern against oral microbiota. The results showed that the fucose-neoglycoproteins could reduce the adhesion and toxicity of A. segnis to oral cells, change the glycan structures of lipopolysaccharide, and enhance the immunogenicity of A. segnis. This study revealed that the changes of salivary glycopatterns in GC patients might contribute to the dysbiosis of oral microbiota, had important implications in developing new carbohydrate drugs to maintain a balanced microbiota in the oral.
A genome-wide association study to identify candidate genes for metabolic disorders in offspring by in vitro fertilization
Authors: Liu Lihong , Ha Siyao , Li Zhiling , Li MingQing
Published: December 2021

In vitro fertilization (IVF) processes increase offspring's short-term and long-term health risks, but their mechanisms remain unclear. We conducted a bibliometric analysis to determine the landscape of IVF offspring health. Subsequently, a bioinformatics method was utilized to identify the co-genes properties and biological function mechanisms of IVF and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Finally, we predicted compounds against key targets and performed multiple validations of the mechanisms underlying IVF offspring health risks. We identified 15 genes associated with T2DM, and their biological functions are primarily associated with lipid metabolism. We also identified the properties of co-genes, modified characteristics, confirmed a conserved motif, identified 3 SNPs sites, and determined the three core genes, APOA1, APOB, and APOE, which were mainly correlated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, we predicted drugs that may improve metabolic abnormalities in IVF offspring. The impact of aberrant lipid metabolism in offspring after IVF therapy warrants additional investigation, particularly in terms of long-term health consequences and possible mechanisms.
Teratogenic Potential of Solenstemma Argel Extract in Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Mustafa Nazik M.E. , Satti Shahenaz , Osman Nafisa A. , A.Gameel Ahmed , El-hadiyah Tarig M.
Published: December 2021

The majority of people in Africa receive their basic health care through herbal treatments. Herbal medicine may negatively impact fetal development irreparably. This study examined the teratogenic potential of Solenstemma argel extract in pregnant rats. Pregnant rats were treated with Solenstemma argel from 7th to 16th day of gestation. The dosage used was 250 mg/kg, intraperitoneal.Solenstemma argel extract treated group showed fetal abnormalities appeared as body hemorrhage, limbs abnormalities and resorption of fetuses. These appears in 25% of the fetuses (P-value = 0.01) which is significantly differed from control group. Furthermore, histopathological findings of liver sections from fetuses of Solenstemma argel - treated mothers showed loose liver texture and hepatocytes hemorrhage.In this study, we conclude that the use Solenstemma argel extract during the organogenesis period in pregnant rats has the potential to cause teratogenic effects, as well as abnormalities in liver histopathology.
A Real-World Study on Myopia Control 6 Months After Withdrawal of 1% Atropine Eye Gel
Authors: Xu Yan , Chen Jun , Tang Chun , Xiang Kaidi , Cui Lipu , He Xiangui
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to observe the changes in spherical equivalent and ocular axial length 6 months after withdrawal of 1% atropine eye gel.Methods: Due to COVID-19, the follow-up of patients in our optometric clinic who were undergoing myopia control treatment with a dropwise 1% atropine “5+3” regimen was interrupted. No return visit was made after the 3 months of at-home treatment, and follow-ups resumed 6 months after treatment withdrawal. The contralateral eye was not treated over the 9-month period. A total of 16 patients aged 11.5 years (average) were enrolled from November 2019 to March 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The treated eyes formed a treatment group (16 eyes) and the contralateral eyes formed a control group (16 eyes). The changes in spherical equivalent, ocular axial length, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were compared between groups. Results: After 9 months, the changes in spherical equivalent were significantly less in the treatment group (0.00 ± 0.20 [D]) compared to the control group (-0.67 ± 0.25 [D]) (P<0.05). The ocular axial length changes were significantly less in the treatment group (0.00 ± 0.06 mm) compared to the control group (0.25 ± 0.11 mm) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups for changes in IOP. Conclusions: Despite treatment withdrawal after 3 months, treatment with 1% atropine eye gel successfully controlled myopia progression in the 6 months after withdrawal, as evidence by no rebound increase in myopic spherical equivalent after the withdrawal.
constraint-based and head-driven analysis of multiple nominative constructions
Authors: Kim Jong-Bok
Published: December 2021

The so-called 'double' or 'multiple' nominative constructions (henceforth DNC or MNC) have been one of the puzzling phenomena in topic-prominent languages like Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. One intriguing property of the MNCs is that there is no conceptual limit to the number of nominative nominals as long as the two consecutive nominatives are in a certain semantic relation. This paper provides a 'head-driven' and 'constraint' based analysis in the sense that the lexical head and the tight interaction among declarative constraints play a crucial role in the formation of puzzling DNCs/MNCs. This analysis captures the gramamtical/functional properties of each nominative phrase in these constructions in a precise way, while describing the close specifier-head relation between the two consecutive nominatives without violating the locality principle. The analysis eventually allows us an explicit grammar for generating DNCs/MNCs in Korean. This is achieved through the familiar mechanism of argument composition and constraints on the lexical heads such as noun and verb.