bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Os embolamentos do tráfico de drogas em Porto Alegre pela ótica do interacionismo radical |Gangs of drug traffic in Porto Alegre from a radically-interctionist point of view
Authors: Warmling Barros Betina
Published: October 2021

O trabalho busca compreender as possibilidades de utilizar a abordagem teórica do “interacionismo radical”para o estudo da temática dos chamados coletivos criminais do tráfico de drogas do Brasil. Assim, retoma-se a constituição do interacionismo simbólico, traçam-se as principais distinções da sua versão radical e articula-se a produção sociológica sobre os coletivos criminais do tráfico de drogas no Brasil contemporâneo. Após, utiliza-se de produção empírica sobre a temática do tráfico de drogas realizada com adolescentes internados, para propor a possibilidade de utilização do interacionismo radical na abordagem do tema, o que pode se constituir: a) pelos processos de dominação dos agentes mais velhos que fazem parte do tráfico; b) pela observação das operações veladas de dominação; c) pela centralidade que o status social adquire na constituição do fenômeno da violência.
Oligomerized polyphenols in lychee fruit extract supplements may improve high-intensity exercise performance in male athletes: a pilot study
Authors: Kawamura Aki , Hashimoto Shun , Suzuki Miho , Ueno Hiromasa , Sugita Masaaki
Published: October 2021

[Purpose] Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by prolonged high-intensity exercise can cause structural and functional damage. Antioxidant polyphenol supplementation, which reduces ROS levels, may improve high-intensity exercise performance. We evaluated the effect of lychee fruit extract, which contains high levels of low-molecular-weight oligomerized polyphenols, on high-intensity exercise performance.[Methods] Ten male athletes were included in an open-label trial that consisted of control and intervention phases, with a 7-day washout period between phases. The participants were administered oligomerized lychee fruit extract for seven days, whereas no intervention was given in the control phase. High-intensity intermittent exercise and the Wingate test were performed. The power output, blood lactate levels, reactive oxygen metabolite levels, biological antioxidant potential, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion were measured.[Results] The average power output was significantly higher in the intervention phase than in the control phase (P < 0.01), while the change in blood lactate levels was significantly lower in the intervention phase than in the control phase (P < 0.05). The average heart rate was significantly higher in the intervention phase than in the control phase (P < 0.05), without changing the rate of perceived exertion. Although there was no difference in reactive oxygen metabolite levels between the phase, the change in biological antioxidant potential was larger in the intervention phase than in the control phase (P = 0.06). The Wingate test showed no significant differences between the phase.[Conclusion] Short-term loading with oligomerized lychee fruit extract may increase performance during high-intensity intermittent exercise by improving metabolism.
KORELASI KONDISI FISIK RUMAH DAN KARAKTERISTIK BALITA DENGAN KASUS CAMPAK DI KOTA SURABAYA
Authors: Afdhalash Birayu Jeny , Adriyani Retno
Published: October 2021

There were 61 confirmed cases of measles in Surabaya in 2016, whereas in January-May 2017 there were 52 confirmed cases of measles. Many factors that could affect the incidence of measles include physical conditions of the house (lighting, occupancy density, and ventilation area) and toddler characteristics (age, gender, immunization status of measles, exclusive breastfeeding and contact history ). The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between physical conditions of the house and toddler characteristics with the incidence of measles in Surabaya. It was an observational study in the form of case study control design. This study used all confirmed measles cases on toddlers during January-May 2017 which had been proven by IgM laboratory examination by Health Office of Surabaya City. The results of this study indicated that there was a significant correlation between lighting (approx.sig=0.025), occupancy density (approx.sig=0.001), immunization status (approx.sig=0.136) and contact history with measles incident on toddlers in Surabaya. The conclusions of this study were the conditions of lighting, density, measles immunization status and contact history were significant risk factors for the incidence of measles. Mothers should maintain the cleanliness of the home environment, and toddler’s bedroom should get enough sunlight and have good air circulation by opening windows to prevent the growth of measles virus.
HUBUNGAN ANTARA KARAKTERISTIK IBU DENGAN KELENGKAPAN IMUNISASI DASAR DI PUSKESMAS WONOKUSUMO KOTA SURABAYA
Authors: Rakhmanindra Larassita , Puspitasari Nunik
Published: October 2021

Immunization is one of the main activities implemented by the Ministry of Health in order to decrease the number of child pain and mortality caused by diseases that can be prevented by immunization (PD3I). This research aims to analyze the correlation between the mother characteristics and complete basic immunization on infants at Wonokusumo Community Health Service, Semampir District, Surabaya. The research is analytical study by employing cross-sectional design. The research samples were 86 mothers taken by using simple random sampling techniques. The data collection was carried out by conducting interview based on the existing questionnaire to mothers with 1-2 years children in Wonokusumo area. The analyzed variables were mother’s age, knowledge, employment status, income level, antinatal maternal status, and motivation. The data analysis was carried out by Chi-Square.The results show that there is a correlation of the mothers’ formal education (p=0.005), mothers’ knowledge about immunization (p=0.000), income level (p=0.018), antenatal maternal status (p=0.000), and the mother’s motivation (p=0.000) and complete basic immunization. Meanwhile, the mothers’ age (p=0.849) and mothers’ employment status (p=0.059) have no correlation with the complete basic immunization. In conclusion, the mother’s formal education, knowledge about immunization, income level, antenatal maternal status, and motivation are crucial matters in conducting complete basic immunization.
Buku Ajar Komunikasi Interpersonal
Authors: Aestetika Nur Magfirah
Published: October 2021

Alhamdulillah, segala puji bagi Allah SWT atas limpahan rahmat dan karunia-Nya, penulis dapat menyelesaikan Buku Ajar Komunikasi Interpersonal ini.Penulis menyadari bahwa isi didalam buku ini masih banyak menyadur dari berbagai referensi dari berbagai buku, jurnal, maupun hasil penelitian terdahulu.Oleh karena itu jika terdapat kekeliruan dalam penulian sumber referensi, penulis mohon maaf yang sebesar-besarnya.Penulis sangat tertarik menulis buku ini dikarenakan Komunikasi Interpersonal adalah proses komunikasi yang dilakukan sehari-hari karena merupakan kebutuhan dasar manusia. Disamping itu, diharapkan buku ini akan banyak membatu dalam proses belajar mengajar pada mata kuliah Komunikasi Interpersonal yang di ampu oleh penulis.
Influence of Microcracks on Stress Sensitivity in Tight Sandstone
Authors: Wu Zhenkai , Zhang Jie , Li Xizhe , Xiao Hanmin , Liu Xuewei , Rao Yuan , Li Yang , Luo Yongcheng , Ma Longfei
Published: October 2021

Stress sensitivity occurs throughout the reservoir development process, especially in the study of low permeability tight reservoir, considering the influence of stress sensitivity is particularly important. When studying stress sensitivity, the current main experimental methods are variable confining pressure and variable fluid pressure methods, but they cannot simulate the stress sensitivity during water injection development. Therefore, in this paper, an experimental stress sensitivity method that can be used to study the depletion mining and water injection development processes is established. In addition, the influence of different degrees of microcrack development on the stress sensitivity of the reservoir is investigated. The results of this study show that under the experimental conditions described in this article, the loading of axial compression plays a role of preloading stress and realizes the whole process of stress sensitivity under the condition that the fluid pressure is lower than the confining pressure. In the experiment, the permeability growth rate of matrix cores does not exceed 20%. For cores containing microcracks, when the axial pressure was less than 30 MPa, the permeability slowly increased with increasing fluid pressure. When the axial pressure was 30 MPa, the permeability changes are mainly divided into two stages. In the first stage, the microcracks are closed under compressive stress. At this time, the microcracks have a limited impact on the seepage capacity. The permeability increases slowly with increasing fluid pressure. In the second stage, the permeability rapidly increases after the microcracks open. These two stages can be described by two straight lines. The slope of the first line has nothing to do with the development of microcracks; the higher the degree of microcrack development, the greater the slope of the straight line of the second stage. For all of the cores, the permeability decreases as the axial pressure increases.
Synbiotic Supplementation And Oxalate Homeostasis In Rats: Focus On Microbiota Oxalate-Degrading Activity
Authors: Stepanova Natalia , Akulenko Iryna , Serhiichuk Tetyana , Dovbynchuk Taisa , Savchenko Svitlana , Tolstanova Ganna
Published: October 2021

Background The present study aimed (i) to evaluate whether ceftriaxone treatment could affect not only intestinal oxalate-degrading bacteria number but their total activity to degrade oxalate and influence oxalate homeostasis in rats, (ii) to test the effect of commercially available probiotics and a synbiotic on total fecal oxalate-degrading activity, (iii) and to estimate the ability of synbiotic to restore fecal oxalate-degrading activity and ceftriaxone-induced disruption of oxalate homeostasis in rats. Methods Twenty-eight female Wistar rats (200-300 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 7). Group 1 was treated with vehicle sterile water (0.1 ml, i.m., 14 days); Group 2 received synbiotic (30 mg/kg, per os, 14 days); Group 3 was treated with ceftriaxone (300 mg/kg, i.m., 7 days); Group 4 was supplemented with ceftriaxone and synbiotic. Oxalate-degrading bacteria number and their total activity, urinary and plasma oxalate concentrations were measured on days 1 and 57 after the treatment withdrawal. Results Ceftriaxone treatment reduced total fecal oxalate-degrading activity independently on oxalate-degrading bacteria number and increased urinary and plasma oxalate concentrations. The synbiotic had a high oxalate-degrading activity vs probiotics and was able to restore fecal oxalate-degrading activity and significantly decrease urinary oxalate excretion in antibiotic-treated rats. Conclusion Total fecal oxalate-degrading activity but not oxalate-degrading bacteria number should be thoroughly examined in the future to develop predictive diagnostics methods, targeted prevention and personalized treatment in kidney stone disease. Synbiotic supplementation had a beneficial effect on the total oxalate-degrading activity of gut microbiota, which resulted in decreased UOx excretion in rats.
Durable antimicrobial adhesion cotton textiles based on borneol-based anti-MRSA finishing agent
Authors: Xu Jiangqi , Li Xia , Yu Wenjing , Wang Xing , Ma Jianzhong
Published: October 2021

There is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobial cotton textiles (CT) because microbial contamination is one of the greatest threats to public health due to the emerging of infectious diseases and drug-resistant pathogens. In this work, an isocyanate group containing borneol-based antimicrobial finishing agent (NCO-B) was developed which can be covalently grafted to the surface of cotton textiles by a simple one-step method. The obtained NCO-B-finished CT (NCO-B-CT) exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial adhesion properties against bacteria (E. coli), including superbugs (MRSA), and fungi (A. niger). Due to its unique antimicrobial mechanism of borneol stereochemistry, the obtained NCO-B-CT is a non-releasing antimicrobial material which causes no skin sensitization and has no cytotoxicity. The mechanical properties of the CT were also improved after this finishing process. Additionally, it displayed durable washing fastness and antimicrobial properties by bearing 50 times laundering cycles. Therefore, this material may have great potential for application in multifunctional textiles, flexible skin electronics and medical protection.
Evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 genome
Authors: Wang Anyou
Published: October 2021

Traditionally alignment-based phylogenetics faces challenges to uncover the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). This study develops a novel alignment-free system and reveals the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 from more than one million of genome sequences. This new system contains Fréchet distance(Fr) and artificial recurrent neural network. Fr computes the distance between variant and reference genome, which is decomposed into 84 features (4 single nucleotides, 16 dinucleotides and 64 codons). Recurrent neural network predicts and forecasts time-series Fr trajectory, inferring SARS-CoV-2 evolutionary trajectory. Generally SARS-CoV-2 genome mutates rapidly via deletion during COVID-19 pandemic. Among single nucleotides, C mutates fast but T changes slowly. C-prefix dinucleotide (e.g. CG and CT) also loses dramatically during evolution. Similarly, the virus genome also deletes several codons prefixed by C (e.g. CCT) but gains several T and A prefix codons (e.g.TTA and ATT) during its evolution. Interestingly, codon CCT and CT centrally control the entire SARS-CoV-2 genome, and their evolutionary trajectories fit COVID-19 cases spike. Therefore C-prefix feature trajectory marks SARS-CoV-2 evolution.
Caregivers Perspective Towards Use of Enteral Lactoferrin Supplementation In Newborn Infants; Formative Research Findings
Authors: Ariff Shabina , Soofi Sajid , Aamir Almas , Khowaja Saleema , Khalid Javairia , Hussain Imtiaz , Memon Zahid , D'Almeida Michelle , Alam Neeloy , Dibley Michael J
Published: October 2021

Background: Infection is the second most leading cause of neonatal deaths in Pakistan. Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring protein found in human milk which can prevent neonatal infections and improve the survival of high-risk, low birth weight newborns. Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) has been recognized as a safe nutrient with no adverse effects. The aim of this study was to explore routine newborn care practices, care seeking attitudes, and assess the acceptability and the optimal method of administering bLF at the household level.Method: Exploratory qualitative research design was adopted. Thirty in-depth interviews with mothers, grandmothers and fathers of low birthweight (LBW) infants were conducted at postnatal wards and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Aga Khan University Hospital. Eleven of these families were also recruited for a trial of improved practices (TIPs) to assess the feasibility and the method of administration of bLF prior to the main trial. Interviews were recorded and analyzed using thematic analysis.Result: Most study participants consider birthweight as a predictor of neonatal health outcomes. Caring of LBW newborns was identified as a physically and emotionally overwhelming experience. Majority of mothers believed that LBW babies are prone to infections, gastrointestinal, respiratory and developmental problems. Fathers and grandmothers were major decision makers in the family and supported the use of bLF in LBW newborns. Parents, who used bLF were satisfied with feeding method and frequency of bLF. Conclusion: Our formative study found that participants were willing to use bLF for feeding LBW babies. However, educating mothers, fathers and grandmothers is crucial for successful uptake of the intervention. Bovine lactoferrin is a safe and easy to administer according caregivers of LBWs babies. It also has potential to be translated into a safe and effective intervention for LBW babies to prevent sepsis.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03431558.
Downbeat delays are a key component of the swing feel in jazz
Authors: Nelias Corentin , Sturm Eva Marit , Albrecht Thorsten , Hagmayer York , Geisel Theo
Published: October 2021

The swing feel is a salient feature of jazz music, yet its main psychoacoustical and musical constituents have remained elusive - save the obvious long-short subdivision of quarter notes. In particular, the possible role of microtiming deviations for the swing feel has been a subject of long-standing controversy. Adopting an operational definition of swing we present a study which ultimately demonstrates a positive effect of certain microtiming deviations on the swing feel. We manipulate the timing of original piano recordings to carry out an experiment with expert jazz musicians measuring the swing feel of different timing conditions. Thereby we prove that slightly delayed downbeats and synchronized offbeats of a soloist with respect to a rhythm section enhance the swing feel. Analyzing a set of 456 full solo performances we find that many jazz musicians do use minute downbeat delays and we characterize the dependence of the average downbeat delay on tempo and swing ratio. These results show that systematic microtiming deviations in the form of downbeat delays are a key component of the swing feel in jazz.
Calibration of a Distributed Hydrological Model (VIC-3L) Based On Global Water Resources Reanalysis Dataset
Authors: Koohi Sakineh , Azizian Asghar , Brocca Luca
Published: October 2021

The lack of observed flow datasets for calibration of rainfall-runoﬀ models imposes fundamental problems for the applicability of them in most catchments, especially in poorly gauged or ungauged river basins. By developing satellite technologies over the past decades, several water balance components globally databases by remote sensing and data assimilation techniques have been developed and provided to researchers. This study performs various products of surface soil moisture (ASCAT, HTESSEL, HBV, and LISFLOOD), evapotranspiration (W3RA, GLEAM, HBV and Ensemble), and surface runoff (SURFEX-TRIP and Ensemble) to the calibration of the macro-scale hydrological model (VIC-3L) over the SefidRood basin (SRB) in Iran. Results show that using the distributional approach and applying LISFLOOD lead to an acceptable performance in the flow hydrograph simulation than others with Nash-Sutcliffe (NS) values of 0.68 and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values of 64.84 m3/s. Among the studied evapotranspiration sources, the GLEAM daily and monthly time scales with NS values of 0.59 and 0.51, respectively, have better performance than other products in the simulation of flow hydrograph. Based on the results, the application of evapotranspiration has been better than soil moisture and surface runoff in estimating low-flows. Finally, results indicated that the multi-objective approach (GLEAM and ASCAT) had better performance than single-objective calibration to estimate runoff volume with Relative Error = 9.1 %. This study encourages applying the re-analysis database to hydrological models' calibration process to estimate discharge in data-limited areas.
WITHDRAWN: New Regression Models For Evaluating The Tensile Strength of Some Natural Building Stones Using The Indirect Tensile Tests and P-Wave Velocity
Authors: EFE Tamer , Demirdag Servet , Sengun Nazmi , Tufekci Kenan , Altindag Rasit
Published: October 2021

In this study, experimental and statistical analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between the direct and indirect tensile strength values of rocks used as a natural building stone. Brazilian disc method, 3 and 4-point bending tests were chosen as indirect methods. In addition to the tensile tests, some physico-mechanical properties of the rocks were determined in order to perform multiple regression analysis. According to the analysis, it was concluded that the statistical models including P-wave velocity values are the models that best estimate the uniaxial tensile strength. New empirical formulas have been proposed using P-wave velocity and indirect test results. When the Vp was used and thickness/Diameter ratio was set to 1.0 in the Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) test, the coefficient of determination (R2) value of the model was found 98.7%. In 3-point bending strength tests performed in accordance with EN standard, the R2 value of statistical model including the Vp was found 92.6%. In the 4-point bending strength tests, the most suitable dimension was found to be 25x50x150 mm and the R2 value of the model was found to be 92.8%. As a result, the best regression model including BTS and Vp values was proposed to estimate the TS of rocks.
Predictive Nomogram for Intraoperative Blood Transfusion in Pernicious Placenta Previa Patients With Placenta Accrete
Authors: Zhang Genhao
Published: October 2021

Background: Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfusion is an essential treatment in case of hemorrhage during cesarean section in pernicious placenta previa (PPP) patients with placenta accrete. However, predictive tools to assess the requirement of intraoperative PRBCs transfusion have not been widely estimated in PPP patients with placenta accrete during delivery.Methods: We first performed a comprehensive analysis of the preoperative and intraoperative clinical data collected from 428 PPP patients with placenta accrete, and constructed a prediction model based on blood routine and coagulation parameters by LASSO regression model. Subsequently, we developed a clinically applicable nomogram that can accurately predict intraoperative PRBCs infusion and performed an internal validation of the performance of this nomogram.Results: Among the 428 PPP patients with placenta accrete undergoing a cesarean delivery during the study period, 92 had received an intraoperative PRBCs infusion and the PRBCs transfusion rate was 21.49%. According to the results of LASSO regression analysis, RDW, WBC count, HCT, PT, aPTT and D-dimer concentration were screened to establish a predictive model. This model had a good predictive performance with AUCs of 0.841 in training cohort, 0.767 in testing cohort and 0.795 in whole cohort, respectively. In addition, the model could be served as an independent predictive factor for intraoperative PRBCs infusion. A nomogram was finally established combining clinical features and above model and revealed good predictive abilities (C-index: 0.753).Discussion: We constructed a risk stratification instrument to identify PPP patients with placenta accrete at increased risk for intraoperative PRBCs transfusion.
Silencing Akt1 Enhances the Resistance of Prostate Cancer Cells to Starvation and Inhibits Starvation-Induced Lung Metastasis Through Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yang Mei , Liu Hui , Gao Fei , Qiu Guo ping
Published: October 2021

Background
Nutritional starvation (NST) is the basis of tumor anti-angiogenesis and metabolic therapy strategy. Silencing Akt1 inhibits prostate cancer (PCa) cells growing; slow-growing cells tend to consume less nutrition. It is suggested that Akt1 silenced cancer cells will have a more substantial tolerance to NST. Clarify this critical question is vital for tumor treatment strategies based on Akt1 and NST.
Methods
The Akt1 gene of PC3 and DU145 cells was silenced by lent-virus. NST model was established by serum stripping. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay and cell counting method; Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and flow cytometry, and cell invasion was determined by transwells and ECIS. The markers of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected by western Blotting. PCa lung metastasis model was established by tail vein injection and quantified by Indian ink and GFP fluorescence.
Results
Silencing Akt1 slowed down the decrease of cell number and increase of apoptosis caused by NST. Silencing Akt1 with NST exposure in PCa cells could down-regulate epithelial markers (E-cadherin, claudin-5, and ZO-1) and up-regulate mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and EMT regulators Snail. Although silencing Akt1 enhanced the invasion of PCa cells induced by NST in vitro, silencing Akt1 inhibited the PCa lung metastasis induced by NST in vivo.
Conclusions
Silencing Akt1 gene enhances the resistance of PCa cells to NST. The invasion results in vitro were inconsistent with those metastases in vivo, which may be related to a combination of NST with silencing Akt1 to maintain the mesenchymal state of PCa cells through EMT.
The Effect of General and Regıonal Anesthesıa on the Neutrophıl / Lymphocyte and Platelet / Lymphocyte Ratıos Durıng Bladder Tumor Surgery; Retrospectıve Study.
Authors: Argun Guldeniz , Hizli Fatih , Duvarci Mehmet , Karaismailoglu Eda , Basar Halil , Unver Suheyla
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: Among the indicators of SIR are changes in the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). This study aimed to determine the effect of general and regional anesthesia on SIR during short-term transurethral bladder resection (TUR-B) surgery. METHODS: The 66 included patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (general anesthesia) and Group 2 (regional anesthesia). The lymphocyte, platelet, and neutrophil counts before surgery and 1 h after surgery were obtained from the patients’ records. The indicators of SIR the NLR and PLR were calculated preoperatively and postoperatively. Differences between the groups in the NLR and PLR were investigated.RESULTS: At 1 h postsurgery there weren’t any significant differences in the neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet counts, or the NLR and PLR in groups, as compared to presurgery; however, the lymphocyte count was higher (but not significantly) in both groups, as compared to presurgery. The neutrophil count and NLR were lower (but not significantly) in Group 1 at postsurgery. CONCLUSIONS: General and regional anesthesia have no effect on postoperative SIR in patients with bladder tumors that may require multiple surgeries and administration of anesthesia; however, we think larger scale prospective studies are needed to more clearly understand neutrophil count and NLR changes in bladder cancer surgery patients administered general anesthesia.
Detection of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction by in vivo Confocal Microscopy Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Shao Yi , Yang Yichen , Zhao Hui , Shi Wen-Qing , Liao Xu-Lin , Su Ting , Liang Rong-Bin , Li Qiu-Yu , Ge Qian-Min , Shu Hui-Ye , Pan Yi-Cong , Li Xiangchun
Published: October 2021

In vivo confocal microscopy（IVCM） is a real-time in vivo high-resolution and non-invasive imaging method that allows observation of morphological changes in the lid gland at the cellular level. We use IVCM to observe the meibomian glands and divide the 12,630 pictures obtained into six groups (normal group, normal with meibomian gland opening group, meibomian gland atrophy group, meibomian gland atrophy with obstruction group, meibomian gland obstruction group and meibomian gland obstruction with opening group), randomly select 70% of the pictures and use the ResNet34 deep learning network model for training, and use the remaining 30% of the pictures and another 12889 pictures collected from the top three hospitals as internal and external validation sets to verify the performance of the model. The results show that the model validation set recognition constructed using the deep learning method has achieved good performance, and the obtained AUROCs are all greater than 0.95. This model provides the possibility for future automatic classification and diagnosis of meibomian gland dysfuncton(MGD),and can be used for MGD related clinical auxiliary diagnosis and screening of diseases.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis of Retroperitoneal Castleman Disease: a Study of Combined Case Series
Authors: LIU Kun , Liu Liang , Liang Xueyi , Wu Heshui , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: October 2021

Background: Owing to the sporadic incidence, the clinicopathological features and prognosis of retroperitoneal Castleman disease (CD) are limited. We aimed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of retroperitoneal CD.Patients and methods: The retroperitoneal CDs were obtained from our center and case reports extracted from Pubmed and Cochrane library from 1975 to 2020. The baseline clinical and demographic data and survival data were analyzed.Results: A total of 110 retroperitoneal CDs were enrolled in the present study. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (34/110, 30.9%), followed by abdominal mass (22/110, 20.0%) and weight loss (10/110, 9.1%). Most tumors are 5-10 cm in diameter (61/99, 66.7%). 103/110 (93.6%) tumors are unicentric, and hyaline vascular types (93/108, 86.1%) are the most common pathological type in retroperitoneal CD. The five-year disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were 96.7% and 100%, respectively. Almost all tumors can be removed surgically.Conclusions: The median diameter of retroperitoneal CD is 7.0 cm. The most common type is unicentric hyaline vascular in retroperitoneal CD. Surgical resection seems to be the most effective therapy, and the five-year DFS and DSS were 98.6% and 100%.
Real-World Experience of Treatment With Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists in Anti-thymocyte Globulin-Naïve Patients With Aplastic Anemia: An Observational Retrospective Analysis in a Single Institution
Authors: Iino Masaki , Sato Tomoya , Jinguji Atsushi , Nakadate Ayato
Published: October 2021

Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are used to treat bone marrow failure in aplastic anemia (AA). Treatment with TPO-RAs, cyclosporine A (CsA) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) induces remission and a sustained response. However, the efficacy of TPO-RAs without ATG remains unclear. We retrospectively assessed 45 patients with AA refractory to CsA and naïve for ATG treatment who received eltrombopag without ATG at our hospital during 2017-2021. Of these, 28 (62%) achieved a hematologic response in at least one lineage after six months of treatment, and 38 (84%) achieved best response at any point during the follow-up period. Four patients (25%) achieved trilineage responses during the follow-up period. Five patients switched from eltrombopag to romiplostim because of adverse events or lack of efficacy. Two developed hematologic malignancies. Eltrombopag was effective even in elderly ATG-ineligible patients with severe AA. The two-year overall survival rate was 84.3%, with a median follow-up of 26.3 months. Time from diagnosis to eltrombopag treatment initiation tended to affect the response (p = 0.0727), but no factors that significantly predicted hematologic response were identified. In conclusion, patients who are ineligible for ATG treatment because of age, complications, or even severe AA should nevertheless be considered for TPO-RA treatment.
Vulnerability and Adaption of Power Grids for Global Warming Induced Energy Demands
Authors: Guddanti Kishan Prudhvi , Weng Yang , Yu Yang
Published: October 2021

Global climate change not only causes extreme weather events but also impacts the consumer's energy demand, posing a concern for the safe and reliable operation of power grids. Furthermore, the high adaption rate of electric vehicles makes energy transactions volatile. Hence, it is crucial to evaluate the power grid's reliability using risk assessment studies. Here, we solve this open problem to predict the risk of blackout by developing a real-world data-driven probabilistic framework in conjunction with an expert-based power grid methodology. Utilizing the real-world energy demands, climate station's temperature data, and IPCC regional climate models, the risk of a city in California increases up to 8% in the summer of 2100. The winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons' risks also follow an increasing trend from 2000 to 2100. We also show that a better localization planning of load hot spots like EV charging stations reduces the risk by 1.8%.
Serum Metabolomic Profiles for Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma Discrimination
Authors: Zhu Cailin , Liu Hui , Li Hongtao , Bi Weiyun , Bai Bin , Zhao Qingchuan
Published: October 2021

As one of the most common cancers，Gastric cancer (GC) exhibits high incidence and mortality. Recent studies have indicated that serum f tumor markers can provide valuable diagnostic information for GC. In this study, we examine the clinicopathological significance of preoperative serum tumor markers and serum metabolites on gastric adenocarcinoma patients. We first perform the serum metabolic profiling of 139 gastric adenocarcinoma patients and 156 healthy controls by the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS). Based on these chemometric results, we then identify three metabolites, namely phosphatidylcholine (PC) (34:1), palmitoyl-L-carnitine and m/z 361.234, as “potential marker metabolites”. Finally, we perform the ROC curve analysis on the three potential marker metabolites to distinguish the 12 early gastric adenocarcinoma patients from healthy controls. Our analysis has yielded an AUC of 0.973, with 91.7% on sensitivity and 93.6% on specificity at the best cutoff point. Our study has empirically shown that serum metabolomics is amenable for the minimally invasive diagnosis of human gastric adenocarcinoma.
Adaptive Design For Identifying Maximum Tolerated Dose Early To Accelerate Dose-Finding Trial
Authors: Kojima Masahiro
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The early identification of maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in phase I trial leads to faster progression to a phase II trial or an expansion cohort to confirm efficacy.Methods: We propose a novel adaptive design for identifying MTD early to accelerate dose-finding trials. The early identification of MTD is determined adaptively by dose-retainment probability using a trial data via Bayesian analysis. We applied the early identification design to an actual trial. A simulation study evaluates the performance of the early identification design.Results: In the actual study, we confirmed the MTD could be early identified and the study period was shortened. In the simulation study, the percentage of the correct MTD selection in the early identification Keyboard and early identification Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN) designs was almost same from the non-early identification version. The early identification Keyboard and BOIN designs reduced the study duration by about 50% from the model-assisted designs. In addition, the early identification Keyboard and BOIN designs reduced the study duration by about 20% from time-to-event model-assisted designs.Conclusion: We proposed the early identification of MTD maintaining the accuracy to be able to short the study period.
Abundant M-Fractional Optical Solitons to the Pertubed Gerdjikov-Ivanov Equation Treating the Mathematical Nonlinear Optics
Authors: Zafar Asim , Ali Khalid K. , Raheel M. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Bekir Ahmet
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the perturbed Gerdjikov-Ivanov (GI) equation using a truncated Mfractional derivative is studied in mathematical nonlinear optics. We explore its novel dark and other soliton solutions and compared them with the existing results. To obtain the objective, two particular methods, modified extended tanh expansion method and Expa function method, are implemented. In this exert, a arrangement of exact solitons are received as well as verified by utilizing the MATHEMATICA software. The dynamical characteristics of the obtained results, along with a fractional parameter, are also discussed via two and three-dimensional graphs. These solutions suggest that the employed methods are impressive, determined and smooth as compared to many other methods. The work of this paper is of high importance regarding its applications in photonic crystal fibers and mathematical physics.
The Feasibility of Scoring Systems for the Prediction of Mortality in Patient with Fournier’s Gangrene: A retrospective analysis of 53 Patients
Authors: TAYAR Serkan , KARTAL Murat , ÇÖPELCİ Yaşar , TEMİZ Ayetullah
Published: October 2021

Purpose
Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a polymicrobial disease that affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue and is life-threatening. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of scoring systems in predicting mortality in FG patients.
Material and Method:
53 patients diagnosed with FG and operated between March 2008-August 2020 in our clinic were included. These patients' demographic findings, laboratory values, Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI), Uludağ Fournier's Gangrene Severity Indexi (UFGSI), the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) scoring system values were recorded and analyzed regarding how these scoring systems affected mortality.
Results
11 (21%) of the 53 patients died, and 42 (79%) survived. The mean age of the patients was 53.64±17.2 years. The mean age of the surviving patients was 49.64±15.26 years, while the mean age of the patients who died was 68.91±15.96 (p=0.002). Of the laboratory parameters, only creatinine elevation was significant in demonstrating mortality (p=0.001). When the impact of scoring systems on mortality was evaluated, it was determined that the increase in FGSI(P=0.000), UFGSI(P=0.000), SOFA(P=0.000), and ACCI(P=0.003) values were directly related to mortality and statistically significant.
Conclusion
The FGSI, UFGSI, SOFA, and ACCI scoring systems used in our study were correlated with mortality for FG. ACCI had the highest diagnostic confirmation value. This was followed by SOFA, FGSI, and UFGSI, respectively. We recommend that these scoring systems be used to predict mortality for FG.
Identification of FBLN5, mir128 and mir532-5p Related to Unstable Plaques in Carotid Atherosclerosis Patients by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Zheng Lin , Hu Jie , Yue Xinyang , Chen Ruihan , Dong HongLin
Published: October 2021

Background:Rupture of the carotid plaque is one of the main causes of cerebral embolism. The molecular mechanisms underlying carotid plaque rupture remain unknown. Many previous studies have studied the histologic instability of plaques after a stroke, but few have predicted microRNA-gene axes of plaque rupture and mapped potential target genes at the cellular level using single-cell RNA sequencing in normal and atherosclerosis samples. The aim of the present study was to systematically identity the gene signature and prediction diagnostic module, as well as hub miRNA-gene axes to explore the potential biomarkers and mechanisms associated with the carotid atherosclerosis.Results:Microarray dataset GSE163154, containing advanced atherosclerotic plaques group and early lesions group, was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to identify advanced plaque-related module. Subsequently, we detected eight optimal hemorrhage-associated genes (FBLN5, FMOD, GAL, GEM, SLC14A1, STBN1, TMEM119, and GREM1) using LASSO regression analysis and confirmed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under the ROC curve was 0.951 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.887, 1.000) for the matched sample. The interaction of thirteen upstream microRNAs and five genes were constructed, in which microRNA-532-3p and microRNA-128 were upstream regulators of FBLN5 by searching for Starbase v3.0 and GEO datasets. Finally, through performing single-cell RNA sequencing in artery samples of 1 normal people and 1 patient with coronary atherosclerosis, we found that in atherosclerotic samples, FBLN5 was highly expressed in smooth muscle cells, derived smooth muscle cells and endotheli-al cells. Therefore, we speculated that FBLN5 mainly plays a role in atherosclerosis through being regulated by microRNA-532-3p and microRNA-128.Conclusion:This finding backs up the popular idea that miRNA-gene axis and FBLN5 are linked to acute plaque disruption and occur before symptoms appear. These genes could become targets for novel medical treatments in the future, or they could help identify patients with histologically unstable plaques who would benefit from surgical intervention if they were validated.
Prevention of Inorganic Arsenic induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin in Swiss Albino Mice By Black Tea Through Epigenetic Modulation
Authors: Ghosh Archismaan , Roy Madhumita , Lahiri Ansuman , Mukherjee Sutapa , Datta Amitava
Published: October 2021

Consumption of inorganic Arsenic (iAs) beyond safe levels leads to many diseases including cancers of skin. Carcinogenicity of iAs is mediated through the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species. Previous studies have shown that molecules present in black tea extract (BTE) can ameliorate many deleterious effects of iAs on genetic pathways. This study examines whether BTE can reduce deleterious epigenetic effects due to iAs in Swiss albino mice. We used three groups of mice, a control group, a group that was administered iAs and a group that was administered iAs and BTE. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) developed in the iAs group after 330 days, but mice in the iAs+BTE group developed only hyperplasic and dysplastic changes. We report on expression levels of several histone methylation and acetylation marks, as well as those of several histone methylases, demethylases and acetylases. Several aberrant expression levels due to iAs were modulated by BTE. However, the expression level of JARID1B, a histone demethylase and a key marker of SCC was not modulated by BTE, though its demethylation activity was reduced by BTE. in silico studies using docking and molecular dynamical simulation showed that theaflavin compounds present in BTE are excellent inhibitors of JARID1B.
Effects of Gonadal Hormones On Glutamatergic Circuits in the Retina
Authors: Ohkuma Mahito , Maruyama Takuma , Ishii Toshiyuki , Igarashi Nozomi , Azuma Keiko , Inoue Tatsuya , Obata Ryo , Miyachi Ei-ichi , Kaneda Makoto
Published: October 2021

Gonadal hormones function as neurosteroids in the retina; however, their targets in the retina have not yet been identified. The present study examined the effects of gonadal hormones on glutamatergic circuits in the retina. Extracellular glutamate concentrations, which correspond to the amount of glutamate released, were monitored using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay system. Progesterone and pregnenolone both increased extracellular glutamate concentrations at a physiological concentration in pregnancy, whereas estrogen and testosterone did not. Synaptic level observations using a patch clamp technique revealed that progesterone increased the activity of glutamatergic synapses. We also investigated whether high concentrations of gonadal hormones induced changes in the retina during pregnancy. The present results indicate that progesterone activates glutamatergic circuits as a neurosteroid when its concentration is elevated in pregnancy.
Genome sequencing and genetic characterization of 17 SARS-CoV-2 viruses and spike protein analyses of isolates from Bangladeshi patients
Authors: Akter Shahina ,   Murshed Hasan Sarkar1, Banu Tanjina Akhtar , Goswami Barna , Jahan Iffat , Osman Eshrar , Uzzaman Mohammad Samir , Mahmud Abu Sayeed Mohammad , Nafisa Tasnim , Molla Maruf Ahmed , Yeasmin Mahmuda , Habib Ahashan , Khan Salim
Published: October 2021

To better comprehend the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, we utilized NextSeq 550 to conduct whole-genome sequencing of certain samples in Bangladesh. The samples were taken from the nasopharyngeal swabs of 17 persons who had tested positive for COVID-19 using RT-PCR. Following the sequencing, the data was uploaded to the GISAID database and evaluated by comparing their nucleotide alterations to the Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 reference genome. Based on phylogenetic and mutation studies, it was shown that 88% belong to the pangolin lineage B.1.1.25, whereas 11% corresponds to its parent lineage B.1.1. We also compared the spike protein sequences of two isolates (BCSIR-NILMRC-422 and BCSIR-NILMRC-424) to the reference genome and observed two mutations including, D614G and P681R, at positions 614 and 681, respectively. Although D614G being the most frequent, not present in every isolate. Using standard mode studies, we also looked at molecular dynamics and discovered that this SNP reduces the S1 domain's flexibility. This finding suggests that the P681R mutation is a distinguishing feature of this novel voice of concern’s virological profile, which may be linked to viral pathogenicity in Bangladeshi patients.
Distinct Binding Mode of BAFF antagonist antibodies Belimumab and Tabalumab, analyzed by computer simulation
Authors: Jiang Yaxin , Sun Jian , Wei Jing
Published: October 2021

B-cell activating factor (BAFF) can binding to specific receptors and activate signaling pathways associated with B cell activation. Belimumab and tabalumab are anti-BAFF monoclonal antibodies, while belimumab was proved by FDA in 2011 as a targeted therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and showed better clinical effect than tabalumab. The combination modes of BAFF-belimumab complex and BAFF-tabalumab complex were simulated to better understand the reason for the difference of the inhibition effect between belimumab and tabalumab. The structures of belimumab and tabalumab were constructed by homology modeling. The combination mode of BAFF-belimumab complex was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation, and the combination mode of BAFF-tabalumab complex was analyzed by protein-protein docking after molecular dynamics simulation. Both belimumab and tabalumab contacted with BAFF at the same hydrophobic center which the natural receptors of BAFF bind to. I51, F54, K58 D100, D101, L102, L103, P105 of belimumab heavy chain and R27, Y30, K49, S65 of belimumab light chain contribute to the BAFF-belimumab interaction mainly by hydrogen bond, salt bridge and hydrophobic effect. More important, Belimumab could contact with L83 of BAFF and produced a steric hindrance with the adjacent BAFF trimers, while tabalumab could not. Belimumab had better clinical effect than tabalumab mainly because it could bind to L83 of BAFF and affect the formation of BAFF 60-mer, in addition to inhibition of the interaction of BAFF with its receptors.