bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Deep Learning Model for Preoperative Screening of Myasthenia Gravis in Patients with Thymoma based on CT Images
Authors: Zhu Ying , Liu Zhen-guo , Yang Lei , Wang Kefeng , Wang Ming-Hui , Yang Xiao-yu , Wu Xi , Tian Xi , Zhang Rong-Guo , Ma Jie-chao , Yuan Yu-Jie , Ke zunfu
Published: May 2020

Objectives: Thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis (TAMG) is the most common paraneoplastic syndromeof thymoma. The screening of TAMG before thymoma resection is required to avoid severe perioperative complications, especiallyrespiratory failure. Herein, we developed a 3D DenseNet deep learning (DL) model based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) to detect TAMGin thymoma patients.Methods:A large cohort of 230 thymoma patientswere enrolled. 182 thymoma patients (81 with TAMG, 101 without TAMG) were used for training and model building. 48 cases from another hospital were used for external validation. A 3D-DenseNet-DL model and five machine learning models with radiomics features were performed to detectTAMG in thymoma patients. A comprehensive analysis by integrating 3D-DenseNet-DL model and general CT image features,named 3D-DenseNet-DL-based multi-model, was also performed to establish a more effective prediction model.Results: By elaborately comparing the prediction efficacy,the 3D-DenseNet-DL effectively identified TAMG patients, with a mean area under ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 0.734, 0.724, 0.787 and 0.672, respectively. The effectiveness of the 3D-DenseNet-DL-based multi-model was further improved as evidenced bythe following metrics: AUC 0.766, accuracy 0.790, sensitivity 0.739 and specificity 0.801. External verification results confirmed the feasibility of this DL-based multi-model with metrics: AUC 0.730, accuracy 0.732, sensitivity 0.700 and specificity 0.690,respectively.Conclusions: Our 3D-DenseNet-DL model can effectively detect TAMG in patients with thymoma based on preoperative CT images. This model may serve as a non-invasive screening method or as a supplement to the conventional diagnostic criteria for identifyingTAMG.Key points:Thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis (TAMG) is a common paraneoplastic syndrome.3D-DenseNet-DL model can effectively detect TAMG based on preoperative CT images.This model may serve as a supplement for identifying TAMG.
Development of an immune-related gene pairs signature for predicting clinical outcome in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Chunlei , Hu Quanteng , Ma Dehua
Published: May 2020

Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main pathological subtype of Non-small cell lung cancer. The aim of this study was to establish an immune-related gene pairs (IRGPs) signature for predicting the prognosis of LUAD patients.Methods We downloaded the gene expression profile and immune-related gene set from TCGA and ImmPort database, respectively, to establish IRGPs. Then, IRGPs subjected to univariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis and multivariable Cox regression analysis to screen and develop a IRGPs signature. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was applied for evaluating the predicting accuracy of this signature by calculating the area under ROC (AUC) and data from GEO was used to validate this signature.Results A IRGPs signature with 8 IRGPs was constructed. The AUC for 1- and 3-year overall survival in TCGA set was 0.867 and 0.870, respectively. Similar result was observed in the AUC of GEO set and Total set (GEO set [1-year: 0.819; 3-years: 0.803]; Total set [1-year: 0.845; 3-years: 0.801]). Survival analysis of three sets demonstrated high-risk LUAD patients exhibited poorer prognosis. The multivariable Cox regression indicated that risk score was independent prognostic factors.Conclusions We developed a novel IRGPs signature for predicting prognosis of LUAD.
Exploring the Efficacy of Using Hypertonic Saline for Nebulizing Treatment in Children with Bronchiolitis: a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Wen , Su Hui-Chuan , Chen Kee-Hsin , Chen Chiehfeng
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Acute bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory infection in children. It is particularly prone to dyspnea among children under two years old. Inhaled hypertonic saline (HS) has recently been shown to be a favorable therapy, because of its facility to draw fluid from the submucosa and adventitial spaces, decreasing airway edema. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HS in the implementation of vapor treatment among children with bronchiolitis.Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and Airiti Library (Chinese Database) for randomized controlled trials from inception to July 2019. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RR), mean difference (MD) and 95% CI using RevMan 5.3 for meta-analysis.Results: In total, 4186 children from 32 publications were included. Compared to the control group, the HS group exhibited significantly reducing the level of severity of respiratory distress, included studies used the Clinical Severity Score (95% CI −1.15, −0.27, I² = 73%) and Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (95% CI −0.95, −0.26, I²= 0%) for evaluation respectively. Further, the HS group decreased the length of hospital stay 0.54 days (95% CI −0.86, −0.32, I²= 81%). Conclusion: We conclude that nebulized with 3% saline solution is effective in decreasing the length of hospital stay and the severity of symptoms as compared with 0.9% saline solution among children with acute bronchiolitis. Further rigor randomize controlled trails with large sample size are needed.
Association between serum markers of the humoral immune system and inflammation in the Swedish AMORIS study
Authors: santaolalla aida , Sollie Sam , Rislan Ali , Josephs Debra H. , Hammar Niklas , Walldius Goran , Jungner Ingmar , Karagiannis Sophia N. , Hemelrijck Mieke Van
Published: May 2020

Background: Although the onset of inflammatory cascades may profoundly influence the nature of antibody responses, the interplay between inflammatory and humoral immune markers remains unclear. Thus, we explored the reciprocity between the humoral immune system and inflammation and assessed how external socio-demographic factors influence these interactions.Methods: From the AMORIS cohort, 5,513 individuals were identified with baseline measurements of serum humoral immune (immunoglobulin G, A & M) and inflammation (CRP, albumin, haptoglobin, white blood cells, iron & total iron-binding capacity) markers measured on the same day. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering were used to evaluate biomarkers correlation, variation and associations. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to assess associations between biomarkers and educational level, socio-economic status, sex and age.Results: Frequently used serum markers for inflammation, CRP, haptoglobin and white blood cells, correlated together. Markers of the humoral immune system, immunoglobulin A and G, also correlated together. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis confirmed the interaction between these main biological responses, showing an acute response component (CRP, Haptoglobin, WBC, IgM) and adaptive response component (Albumin, Iron, TIBC, IgA, IgG). A socioeconomic gradient associated with worse health outcomes was observed, specifically low educational level, older age and male sex were associated with serum levels that indicated infection and inflammation.Conclusions: These findings indicate that serum markers of the humoral immune system and inflammation closely interact in response to infection or inflammation. Correlation and clustering analysis presented two main immune response components: an acute and an adaptive response, comprising markers of both biological pathways. Future studies should shift from single internal marker assessment to multiple humoral and inflammation serum markers combined, when assessing risk of clinical outcomes such as cancer.
METTL3-mediated m6A methylation negatively modulates autophagy to support blastocyst development
Authors: Cao Zubing , Zhang Ling , Hong Renyun , Wang Yiqing , Qi Xin , Ning Wei , Gao Di , Xu Tengteng , Ma Yangyang , Yu Tong , Li Yunsheng , Knott Jason G , Sathanawongs Anucha , Zhang Yunhai
Published: May 2020

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) catalyzed by METTL3 regulates the maternal-to-zygotic transition in zebrafish and mice. However, the role and mechanism of METTL3-mediated m6A methylation in blastocyst development remains unclear. Results: We found that reduced m6A levels triggered by METTL3 knockdown caused embryonic arrest during morula-blastocyst transition and developmental defects in trophectoderm cells. Intriguingly, overexpression of METTL3 in early embryos resulted in increased m6A levels and these embryos phenocopied METTL3 knockdown embryos. Mechanistically, METTL3 knockdown or overexpression resulted in a significant increase or decrease in expression of ATG5 and LC3 (an autophagy marker) in blastocysts, respectively. m6A modification of ATG5 mRNA mainly occurs at 3’UTR, and METTL3 knockdown enhanced ATG5 mRNA stability, suggesting that METTL3 negatively regulated autophagy in an m6A dependent manner. Furthermore, single-cell analysis revealed that METTL3 knockdown only increased expression of LC3 and ATG5 in trophectoderm cells, indicating preferential inhibitory effects of METTL3 on autophagy activity in the trophectoderm lineage. Importantly, autophagy restoration by 3MA (an autophagy inhibitor) treatment partially rescued developmental defects of METTL3 knockdown blastocysts. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that METTL3-mediated m6A methylation negatively modulates autophagy to support blastocyst development.
Comparison of the effects of different mesenchymal stem cells on attenuating phosgene-induced lung injury in rats
Authors: Qu Yubei , Zhang Lin , He Daikun , Xu Ning , Tang Yuedong , Ding Jianwen , Shen Jie
Published: May 2020

Background

Phosgene-induced lung injury is an important type of acute lung injury (ALI), which mainly leads to acute pulmonary edema. Currently, no effective clinical treatment has been developed yet. In the present study, the effects of lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells (LRMSCs), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and human chorionic villi-derived MSCs (hCMSCs) were compared in phosgene-induced lung injury of male SD rats.
Methods

The changes in body weight, PaO2 and respiratory indexes were recorded. Rats were sacrificed at 6 h, 24 h, and 48 h. Expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, HGF and IL-10 were tested by ELISA. SP-C mRNA expression was assessed by RT-PCR. The MSCs migration was assessed using Transwell migration assay and Wound-healing assay. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was added to the MSCs culture medium for 48 h. Expressions of p-GSK-3β and β-catenin were determined by Western blot.
Results

Significant improvements in body weight, PaO2 and respiratory indexes were observed after treatment with MSCs. BMSCs produced the highest effects followed by hCMSCs and LRMSCs. Compared with the phosgene group, MSCs decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and increased the levels of IL-10, HGF and SP-C. Different MSCs displayed no significant differences in proliferation. However, BMSCs showed the strongest migration ability. HGF increased the expressions of p-GSK-3β and β-catenin in MSCs. All MSCs exerted protective effects on phosgene-induced lung injury by reducing inflammation, immune regulation and restoring cell function.
Conclusions

BMSCs showed the best protective effects followed by hCMSCs and LRMSCs. HGF enhances the role of MSCs by activating the p-GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Ultrasound Mediated Microbubbles Destruction Assists Dual Delivery of Beta-amyloid Antibody and NSCs to Restore Neural Function in Transgenic Mice of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhu qiong , Cui hai , Liao yiyi , Guan xue , He ying , Rong yani , Zhang yi , Li chun , Liu zheng , xu yali
Published: May 2020

Background : To explore the feasibility, efficacy and safety of ultrasound mediated microbubbles destruction（UMMD） assisted dual delivery of β-amyloid antibody loaded by microbubbles (MB Aβ ) and neural stem cells (NSCs) on Alzheimer’s disease（AD）. Methods : 27 APP/PS1 double transgenic mice and 33 wild-type mice were used. The dual delivery of β-amyloid antibody and NSCs group (US+MB Aβ +NSCs), single delivery of β-amyloid antibody group (US+MB Aβ ), US+MB group, Control group and Wild group, were involved in the experiment. MB Aβ or MB were injected via the tail vein, followed by NSCs or saline administration and exposed to ultrasound once a week for four times. The survival of NSCs was detected with the in vivo imaging method. Mice in each group were used for behavioral function evaluation and the pathology tests. Brain samples were used to detect β-amyloid deposition, BDNF and synaptophysin expression. Results : BBB was opened by UMMD with an opening time about 10 h. The transplanted NSCs survived in AD brain for no more than 72 h. The learning and spatial memory function was significantly improved in the US+MB Aβ +NSCs group, US+MB Aβ group came second. Immunochemistry results showed amyloid plaques reduction in the US+MB Aβ +NSCs group at the cortex and hippocampus. Higher level of BDNF was demonstrated in the US+MB Aβ +NSCs group than the US+MB Aβ group and the Control group with Western Blot and immunofluorescence examination, but synaptophysin remained no significant changes. Conclusions : UMMD assisted combined delivery of β-amyloid antibody and NSCs to AD mice brain can help to clear the Aβ peptide, increase BDNF level and restore the impaired neural function, which was superior to β-amyloid antibody delivery group. Therefore, the combined targeted delivery assisted by UMMD strategy may be a promising and safe method on treating AD.
Clinical and Microbiological Prognostic Factors of In-Hospital Mortality Caused by Hypervirulent Klebsiella Pneumoniae Infections: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Hospital of Southwestern China
Authors: Tang Yu , Liu Hang , Zhao Jinxin , Zou Jiaqi , Chen Yingzhu , Zhang Dawei , Yi Miao , Yuan Yaling , Xia Yun
Published: May 2020

Background Hypervirulent klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) is responsible for various invasive diseases and is associated with high mortality. However, the clinical and microbiological factors of hvKP infection to affect prognosis are not well studied. The purpose of this study is to evaluate prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality of hvKP infection, mainly focusing on clinical and microbiological characteristics. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in southwestern China from February 2018 to June 2019 and strains positive for aerobactin and string test were defined as hvKP. According to the clinical outcomes during hospitalization, hvKP infected patients were divided into non-survivor group and survivor group. The clinical characteristics, capsule serotypes, multi-locus sequence types, virulence genes and antimicrobial susceptibility were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 135 patients were classified as hvKP infection, with a prevalence rate of 22% and an in-hospital mortality rate of 11.9%. Univariate analysis exhibited that admission to intensive care unit (ICU)(p=0.008) and antimicrobial resistance of hvKP such as ampicillin/sulbactam(p=0.028), cefepime(p=0.033), aztreonam(p=0.049) and harboring iroN gene(p=0.023) were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. On the contrary, the rmpA gene showed an inverse association with in-hospital mortality(p=0.017). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that admission to ICU (odds ratio [OR]=3.452, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.052-11.329; P=0.041) and presence of iroN (OR=9.278, 95% CI=1.654-52.035; P=0.011) was considered to be the independent prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality of hvKP infection. Conclusion Emerging hvKP infection may lead to relatively high in-hospital mortality. Therefore, early surveillance and better management are necessary for patients admitted to ICU and infected with hvKP harboring iroN gene.
Ratio of Baseline Monocyte Counts to Apolipoprotein A1 is Associated with Long-Term Mortality in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Chen Zhuang , Zhang Jian , Wu Ting-Ting , Hou Xian-Geng , Yang Yi , Ma Xiang , Ma Yi-Tong , Zheng Ying-Ying , Xie Xiang
Published: May 2020

Background: The relationship between the ratio of monocytes to apolipoprotein A1 (MAR) and the long-term prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after PCI has not been investigated. Methods: A total of 5678 patients with CAD after PCI were recruited for the present study from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the MAR tertiles: lower group (MAR<0.34, n=1881), medium group (0.34≤MAR<0.50, n=1859), and higher group (MAR≥0.50, n=1938). The primary endpoint was long-term mortality, including all-cause death (ACM) and cardiac death (CM). The mean follow-up time was 35.9 ± 22.6 months. Results: There were 78 (4.1%) deaths in the lower group, 90 (4.8%) deaths in the medium group, and 125 (6.4%) deaths in the higher group. The difference was significant (P=0.004). We also found significant differences among these three groups in the incidence of CM (P=0.012), MACE (P=0.008), and MACCE (P=0.012). Using 0.535 as an optimal cutoff value, we found that patients with MARs ≥0.535 had 40.5% and 39.9% increased risks of ACM and CM, respectively, compared to patients with an MAR<0.535. The differences remained significant after adjustment for confounders (ACM, HR=1.447, 95%CI: 1.139-1.838, P=0.003; CM, HR=1.424, 95%CI: 1.089-1.862, P=0.010). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the baseline MAR was an independent predictor of long-term mortality in CAD patients who underwent PCI.
Systemic Inflammation and Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Meijia , Huang Zhenli , Tang Kun , Gao Pengfei , Lu Yanjiao , Wang Shanshan , Wang Tao , Xie Jungang , Zhao Jianping
Published: May 2020

Background：COVID-19 causes epidemics and pandemics worldwide, but the role of pathophysiological parameters particularly systemic inflammation in COVID-19 has not been understood. We aimed to investigate clinical outcomes in view of systemic inflammation in COVID-19.Methods：In this retrospective study, the demographic and clinical data of 225 confirmed COVID-19 cases on admission at Tongji Hospital from January 28 to February 15, 2020, were extracted and analyzed. These patients were categorized by inflammation state on the basis of the expression of inflammatory factors or classified as severe and non-severe according to 2019 American Thoracic Society / Infectious Disease Society of America guidelines.Results: Among 225 patients with confirmed COVID-19, 155 patients (68.9%) categorized into hyperinflammation group and 70 (31.1%) were non- hyperinflammation group. Compared to non-hyperinflammation group, hyperinflammation group more frequently had chest tightness/dyspnea and lymphopenia, aberrant multiple indexes of organ function including the heart, liver, kidney, and coagulation, with higher level of C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as well as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), etc. Hyperinflammation group were more likely to admit to intensive care unit (ICU) (52.3% vs 5.7%), receive ventilation (84.5% vs 10.0%) and be with higher mortality (44.5% vs 5.7%) than non-hyperinflammation group. The mortality of severe patients with hyperinflammation (60/99, 60.6%) was significantly higher than without hyperinflammation (2/20, 10.0%). Non-severe patients with hyperinflammation even tended to have higher mortality (9/56, 16.1%) than those in severe cases without hyperinflammation (2/20, 10%).Conclusion: Excessive systemic inflammation was correlated highly with poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19, particularly in severe cases. Non-severe patients with hyperinflammation even tended to have higher mortality than those in severe cases without hyperinflammation.Trial registration: This is a retrospective observational study without a trial registration number.
Prognostic Values of Stabilin-2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Du Zhicheng , Zhu Pengfei , Yu Long , Chen Kunlun , Ye Janwen , Zhai Wenlong
Published: May 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary malignancy of the liver. However, biomarkers for early HCC diagnosis are not available. Stabilin (STAB) proteins are scavenger receptors involved in apoptosis and clearance of hyaluronic acid .The role of STAB in HCC has not been previously explored; therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether STAB gene expression can be used as a novel HCC biomarker.Materials and Methods: Data on 370 HCC patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas database and 221 patients in the Gene Expression Comprehensive Database were retrieved and analyzed. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression model were used to calculate median survival time using hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The Gene Expression Omnibus dataset showed that high Stabilin-2（STAB2） expression implies longer overall survival (HR after correction = 0.541; 95% CI, 0.339–0.865; p = 0.0182, after correction p = 0.010) and longer recurrence-free survival time (adjusted HR = 0.554; 95% CI, 0.376-0.816; p = 0.0085, adjusted p = 0.003). Conclusions: STAB2 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
Impact of Pre-Existing Cardiovascular Disease on Treatment Patterns and Survival Outcomes in Patients With Lung Cancer
Authors: Batra Atul , Sheka Dropen , Kong Shiying , Cheung Winson Y
Published: May 2020

Background: Baseline cardiovascular disease can impact the patterns of treatment and hence the outcomes of patients with lung cancer. This study aimed to characterize treatment trends and survival outcomes of patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease prior to their diagnosis of lung cancer.Methods: We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study of patients with lung cancer diagnosed from 2004 to 2015in a large Canadian province. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression models were constructed to determine the associations between cardiovascular disease and treatment patterns, and its impact on overall and cancer-specific survival, respectively.Results: A total of 20,689 patients with lung cancer were eligible for the current analysis. Men comprised 55%, and the median age at diagnosis was 70 years. One-third had at least one cardiovascular disease, with the most common being congestive heart failure in 15% of patients. Pre-existing cardiovascular disease was associated with a lower likelihood of receiving chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR],0.53;95% confidence interval [CI],0.48-0.58;P < .0001), radiotherapy (OR,0.76;95% CI,0.7-0.82;P < .0001), and surgery (OR, 056; 95% CI,0.44-0.7;P < .0001). Adjusting for measured confounders, the presence of pre-existing cardiovascular disease predicted for inferior OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.1; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2; P < .0001) and CSS (HR,1.1; 95% CI, 1.1-1.1; P < .0001). Conclusions: Patients with lung cancer and pre-existing cardiovascular disease are less likely to receive any modality of cancer treatment and have poor OS and CSS. As effective therapies such as immuno-oncology drugs are introduced, early cardio-oncology consultation may optimize management and outcomes of lung cancer.
High GP73 Expression Correlates With Poor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Survival in Gastric Cancer: A Tissue Microarray Study
Authors: Shen Jian Guo , Shen Jun , Teng Rong Yue , Wang Lin Bo , zhao Wen He , Wang Qin Chuan
Published: May 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Clinical and CT manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): comparison of suspected cases of COVID-19 in isolation and non-COVID-19 pneumonia in a single-center study conducted in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Heng , Li Weihua , Zhang Lei , Liu Bing , Qi Chaoying , Fan Wei , Feng Pei , Pan Jingjing , Man Fengyuan
Published: May 2020

Background: The clinical and CT manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia and non-COVID-19 pneumonia in the same period have not been compared in detail. The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical and CT manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia and perform a comparison of those isolated patients for presumed COVID-19 infection and of non-COVID-19 pneumonia in the same period.Methods: 173 patients with pneumonia from January 1, 2020 to March 20, 2020 were retrospectively enrolled and classified into three groups: patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (Group I, N=4), patients in hospital-isolation for presumed COVID-19 pneumonia (Group Ⅱ, N=5), and patients with non-COVID-19 pneumonia (Group III, N=163). Clinical symptoms, laboratory test results and CT imaging features were compared among three groups.Results: Fever and cough were the most common clinical symptoms in the three groups. 30/163 (18.4%) patients were asymptomatic in Group III. Leukopenia, lymphocytopenia, and elevated C-reactive protein was identified in 1 (25%), 1 (25%), and 1 (25%) patient in Group I; 1 (20%), 1 (20%), and 2 (40%) patients in Group II; 10/157 (6.4%), 33/157(21.0%), and 94/136 (69.1%) patients in Group III. Demarcated GGO/mixed GGO, ill-defined GGO/mixed GGO, consolidation, centrilobular nodule, tree-in bud opacity, bilateral involvement, peripheral distribution, posterior part/lower lobe predilection was observed in 3/4 (75%), 2/4 (50%), 4/4 (100%), 2/4 (50%), 0, 3/4 (75%), 3/4 (75%), and 2/4 (50%) patients, respectively in Group I; 1/5 (20%), 5/5 (100%), 4/5 (80%), 4/5 (80%), 3/5 (60%), 4/5 (80%), 2/5 (40%), and 3/5 (60%) patients in Group Ⅱ; 1/163 (0.6%), 87/163 (54.3%), 115/163 (70.6%), 117/163 (71.8%), 95/163 (58.3%), 52/163 (31.9%), 9/163 (5.5%), and 9/163 (5.5%) patients in Group III, respectively.Conclusions: Demarcated GGO and consolidation prefer the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, whereas ill-defined GGO and consolidation, centrilobular nodule surrounded by GGO, and tree-in-bud opacity are preferred for non-COVID-19 pneumonia. chest CT has potential in early identification of COVID-19 and implementation of isolation for appropriate case.
Design, Development and Implementation of Automatic Transplanting based on Embedded System for use in Seedling Transplanters
Authors: Khadatkar Abhijit , Mathur S M , Dubey K
Published: May 2020

Hand transplanting of vegetable seedlings is always been a time consuming and labourious activity which often leads to muscular fatigue. Use of hitech instrumentation increased to achieve precision and automation in agricultural operations. At present the transplanting is done manually which accounts for large amount of hand labour and time. To ensure precision and timeliness in operation, an automatic transplanting based on embedded system for use in seedling transplanters was developed. The developed system consists of feed roller, pro-tray belt, a pair of L-shaped rotating fingers, embedded system, DC and stepper motor. The pro-tray on the belt moves by DC motor whereas, the stepper motor was used to actuate the metering shaft to and from. The ground wheel used to rotate the rotating fingers which eject the seedling from the pro-tray into the delivery box. The performances of the developed system was tested rigorously at four different operating speeds (vf) (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 km/h) and three angles of pro-tray feed roller (00, 300, 450) for attaining optimum plant to plant spacing in soil bin. The result indicated that percent transplanting and plant to plant spacing was found optimum when speed of operation was 2.0 km/h and angle of pro-tray feed roller was 300. The average plant spacing, transplanting efficiency, furrow closer, angle of inclination and miss planting was 600 mm, 91.7%, 90.3%, 18.30 and 2.1%, respectively. The developed system ensures the precision by sigulating the placement of seedlings at optimum spacing. It also enabled the optimum transplanting rate, the ability to transplant at higher speeds and maintaining proper plant to plant spacing.
Preventive Maintenance Strategy for Train Doors Based on the Competitive Weibull Theory
Authors: he deqiang , Zhang Xiaozhen , Chen Yanjun , Miao Jian , Li Congbo , Yao Xiaoyang
Published: May 2020

In view of the problems of over-maintenance and under-maintenance in the current urban rail transit maintenance strategy and the reliability of single processing of fault data, which is often inconsistent with the actual situation, an incomplete preventive maintenance strategy based on the competitive Weibull model is proposed in this paper. To make the fault mechanism processing method for urban rail vehicles more accurate, fault feature attributes and fault information sequences are introduced to classify fault data. Fuzzy cluster analysis of vehicle fault data can be performed using the formula of the competitive Weibull model, and parameter estimation of the reliability model can be performed by combining it with the graph parameter estimation method. In addition, the fault rate increase factor and service age reduction factor are introduced into the maintenance strategy, and the optimal preventive maintenance cycle and maintenance times are obtained by combining maintenance and replacement according to reliability. A quantum-genetic intelligent algorithm is used to optimize the model-solving process. Finally, the maintenance of urban rail transit train doors is taken as an example. The results of this study show that compared with the traditional maintenance strategy, the reliability of the proposed maintenance strategy is closer to the actual situation. At the same time, the proposed maintenance strategy can effectively reduce the number of parked vehicles, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure the safety of train operation, maintenance economy and performance of tasks.
Exploring structurally diverse plant secondary metabolites as a potential source of drug targeting different molecular mechanisms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogenesis: An in silico approach
Authors: P. Hariprasad. , Gowtham H. G. , Monu D. O. , Ajay Y. , Gourav C. , Vasantharaja R. , Bhani K. , Koushalya S. , Shazia S. , Priyanka G. , A. Faiz. , Leena C.
Published: May 2020

Plants are endowed with a large pool of structurally diverse small molecules known as secondary metabolites. Present study aims to virtually screen these plant secondary metabolites (PMS) for their possible anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties targeting four protein/enzymes which determines viral pathogenesis. Results of molecular docking and data analysis revealed a unique pattern of structurally similar PSM interacting with the target protein. Among the top-ranked PSM with lower binding energy, >50% were triterpenoids against viral spike protein, >32% were flavonoids and their glycoside against Human transmembrane serine protease, >16% were flavonol glycosides and >16% were Anthocyanidine against viral main protease and >13% were flavonol glycoside against viral RNA dependet RNA polymerase. The primary concern about these PSM is their bioavailability. However, several PSM recorded higher bioavailability score and found fulfilling drug-likeness characters as per Lipinski's rule. Natural occurrence, biotransformation, bioavailability of selected PSM and their interaction with the target site of selected proteins were discussed in detail. Further, we hypothesized the use of selected PSM to cure the COVID-19 by inhibiting the process of viral host cell recognition and replication in host cell. However, these PSM needs thorough in vitro and in vivo evaluation before taking them to clinical trials.
Designing a therapeutic SARS-CoV-2 T-cell-inducing vaccine for high-risk patient groups
Authors: Rammensee Hans-Georg , Stevanović Stefan , Gouttefangeas Cécile , Heidu Sonja , Klein Reinhild , Preuß Beate , Walz Juliane Sarah , Nelde Annika , Haen Sebastian P. , Reth Michael , Yang Jianying , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Bösmüller Hans , Hoffmann Helen , Schindler Michael , Planz Oliver , Wiesmüller Karl-Heinz , Löffler Markus W.
Published: May 2020

Here, we describe the preliminary results of an experimental vaccination of a self-experimenting healthy volunteer with eight SARS-CoV-2-derived peptides: five predicted to bind to HLA class I molecules (CD8 peptides) and three predicted to bind to HLA-DR molecules (CD4 peptides). The vaccine formulation also included one long and one short CMV-pp65-derived peptide that had previously been administered to the same individual and could thus act as positive controls. It further contained the new adjuvant XS15 and was administered as an emulsion in Montanide as a single subcutaneous (s.c.) injection. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from blood drawn on day 36 before vaccination and day 19 after vaccination were assessed using an ex vivo Interferon-γ ELISpot assay. We detected strong vaccine-induced T-cell responses against all four CD4 peptides and against the recall CMV CD8 epitope, but found no immune responses against the five predicted SARS-CoV-2 CD8 peptides. Antibody reactivity against all the SARS-CoV-2 CD4 peptides, as detected using ELISA, was negative or marginal. We interpret these results in terms of the prospects of a therapeutic vaccine to be applied in symptomatic COVID-19 patients. An advantage of this approach is the possibility to assess efficacy or failure within a short time after vaccination.
Development of an Android application for viewing Covid-19 containment zones and monitoring violators who are trespassing into it using Firebase and Geofencing
Authors: Mallik Ranajoy , Hazarika Amlan Protim , Ghosh Sudarshana , Sing Dilip , Bandyopadhyay Rajib
Published: May 2020

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 as pandemic across the world. With its alarming surge of affected cases throughout the world, lockdown and awareness (social distancing, use of masks etc) among people are found to be the only means for restricting the community transmission. In a densely populated country like India, it is very difficult to prevent the community transmission even during lockdown without social awareness and precautionary measures taken by the people. Recently, several containment zones had been identified throughout the country and divided into red, orange and green zones, respectively. The red zones indicate the infection hotspots, orange zones denote some infection and green zones indicate an area with no infection.This paper mainly focuses on development of an Android application which can inform people of the COVID-19 containment zones and prevent trespassing into these zones. This Android application updates the locations of the areas in a Google map which are identified to be the containment zones. The application also notifies the users if they have entered a containment zone and uploads the user’s IMEI number to the online database. With this IMEI number, the police can keep an eye on the people who are frequently violating the lockdown rules. To achieve all these functionalities, many tools and APIs from Google like Firebase and Geofence are used in this app. Therefore, this application can be used as a tool for creating further social awareness about the arising need of precautionary measures to be taken by the people of India.
Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu Olan Çocukların Kardeşlerinin Psiko-sosyal Özelliklerinin Projektif Testlerle Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: ŞENGÜL ERDEM Hatice , FAZLIOĞLU Yeşim
Published: May 2020

Otizm Spektrum Bozukluğu tanılı bireylerin
tipik gelişim gösteren kardeşlerinin psiko-sosyal özelliklerinin
karşılaştırılması amacıyla yapılan bu araştırma, nitel araştırma desenlerinden
olgu bilim deseniyle kurgulanmıştır. Çalışmaya OSB’li kardeşi olan 90 ve tipik
gelişen kardeşe sahip 90 çocuk olmak üzere 180 çocuk katılmıştır. CAT/TAT projektif testleri kardeşlere
bireysel uygulanarak protokeller oluşturulmuştur. Protokellerin depresyon, kaygı-persekütif endişe-kastrasyon,
somatizasyon, dürtüsellik, saldırganlık, agresyon, dikkat sorunları ve dil
bozulmaları ve kardeş kıskançlığı şeklinde oluşturulan temalar çerçevesinde
içerik analizleri yapılmış ve araştırma ile karşılaştırma grubunun temalar
çerçevesindeki yanıt sıklıkları nicel olarak karşılaştırılarak
değerlendirilmiştir. Sonuçlarına göre OSB’li kardeşi olan çocukların
psiko-sosyal gelişim açısından risk altında olduğu ve tüm temalarda
karşılaştırma grubuna göre hem içerik hem de nicel olarak daha yoğun protokol içerikleri
sunduğu görülmüştür. Bu bulgular alanyazın ışığında yorumlanmış ve araştırmanın
kısıtlılıkları verilerek sonraki çalışmalar için önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Crop Images Segmentation using Adaptive Morphologic Descriptors
Authors: Gil Ríos Miguel Ángel , López Hernández Juan Manuel , Juárez Ramírez Dolores , Ruiz Robledo Maria del Carmen , Badillo Canchola Laura Paulina , Aranda López Ariana
Published: May 2020

This research is focused on the segmentation improvement of crop images by using adaptive morphologic descriptors instead of classic algorithms like K-means and the top-hat operator using predefined shapes like disk or diamond. Obtained results shows that using an adaptive morphologic descriptor improves the segmentation performance against the classic shapes like disc and diamond. In order to measure the process a set of 60 crop images was used including their respective ground-truth images. The images were segmented using the K-Means algorithm and the top-hat operator with the disk and diamond shapes at different sizes into a range to validate their performance. In order to generate the adaptive morphologic descriptor, the Univariated Marginal Distribution Algorithm was used with no constraints by exploring a range of different sizes. Also, performance metrics like receiver operating characteristic and accuracy rate were applied to the generated data in order to assess the results.
Koronavirüs Pandemisi ve Türkiye’nin Bazı Şifalı Bitkileri
Authors: ŞEKEROĞLU Nazım , GEZİCİ Sevgi
Published: May 2020

Çin'de başlayan ve pek çok ülkeye
yayılan Covid-19, ‘Koronavirüs Pandemisi’ olarak dünya çapında bütün insanlığı
tehdit eden bir salgın hastalık haline gelmiştir. Virüsün insandan insana hızlıca
bulaşması ve yüksek ölüm oranına sahip olması, standart terapi protokollerinin
geliştirilmesi ve onaylanması için acil bir ihtiyaç ortaya çıkarmıştır. Etkili
tedavi stratejilerinin geliştirilebilmesi için; virüsün yapısal özellikleri,
biyolojisi ve konak hücredeki enfeksiyon mekanizmaları tam olarak bilinmelidir.
 Şimdiye kadar, Kovid-19'un tam bir etkili tedavisi bilinmemekle birlikte,
olası antiviral ilaçların klinik deneme ve değerlendirmeleri devam etmektedir.

Tıbbi bitkiler glikozitler, saponinler,
flavonoidler, proantosiyanidinler, terpenoidler, fenil propanoidler, tanenler,
reçineler, lignanlar, sülfitler, polifenolikler, kumarinler, furil bileşikleri,
alkaloidler ve uçucu yağlar olmak üzere çok çeşitli aktif fitokimyasal
bileşikler ihtiva ettiklerinden dolayı pek çok hastalıkta olduğu gibi viral
kaynaklı hastalıklarda da konakçının bağışıklık sistemini güçlendirerek
antiviral etki göstermektedir. Yaygın olarak kullanılan bazı yenilebilir yabani
bitkilerin, baharatların ve bitkisel çayların çeşitli virüslere karşı güçlü antiviral
aktivite gösterdikleri dahası, bunlardan bazılarının farklı tür koronavirüs
kaynaklı hastalıklarda da kullanılma potansiyelinde olan fito-antiviral ajanlar
oldukları önceki çalışmalarda ortaya konulmuştur. 

Bu derlemede ise; bağışıklık
sistemini güçlendirici, hastalıklara karşı koruyucu ve tedavi edici olarak
Türkiye’de geleneksel kullanıma sahip olan laden türleri (Cistus spp.), bazı kekik türleri (Origanum, Thymus ve Thymbra),
meyan kökü (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) ve
zeytin yaprağı (Olea europea L.)
bitki türleri ve bunlardan elde edilecek biyoaktif bileşiklerin koronavirüs
enfeksiyonları ile mücadelede bitkisel kaynaklı doğal terapötikler olarak
kullanılma potansiyelleri güncel literatür bilgileri ışığında sunulmuştur.
Resorcin[4]arenes: Generalities and Their Role in the Modification and Detection of Amino Acids
Authors: Castillo-Aguirre Alver , Esteso Miguel Angel , Maldonado Mauricio
Published: May 2020

The characteristics and properties that enable resorcin[4]arenes to self-assemble in order to form derivatives with amino acids with a high potential for application in various fields are reviewed. In particular, resorcin[4]arene synthesis, their characteristics, the variety in the size of cavity, their functional groups, and their applications associated with molecular interactions are described in this study. Also, the types of amino acids that can be recognized by resorcin[4]arenes, their interactions, the techniques that allow the determination of the association constants, and the evaluation of the stoichiometry of the complex formed, are reviewed.
Proteomics and Neurodegenerative Disorders: Advancements in the Diagnostic Analysis
Authors: Puranik Nidhi , Yadav Dhananjay , Yadav Shiv Kumar , Chavda Vishal K. , Jin Jun-O
Published: May 2020

:

Changes in protein structure and function, alteration in protein-protein interaction, and significant
difference in protein concentration inside the body could play an important role in indicating
the pathological evidence of abnormalities before the development of clinical symptoms and act as a
critical detection and diagnostic tool commonly known as biomarkers. Biomarkers play important roles
in the diagnosis of various chronic diseases, including cancer. Neurodegenerative disorders, including
Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, prion, and multiple sclerosis, are well characterized by neuronal
deterioration, resulting in precise modifications of neuronal proteins. Nowadays, the diagnosis of
neurological disorders is based on proteins or biomarkers. These biomarkers may be found in the cerebrospinal
fluid, blood, serum, plasma, saliva, or urine sample. Early diagnosis is urgently needed to
prevent further damage. For early diagnosis, identifying the changes in novel protein levels and their
functions under the disease conditions is necessary. These can be used as specific proteomic biomarkers
for diseases, and they can be possibly identified using neuroproteomics. Neuroproteomics is an
emerging tool to corroborate disease-associated protein profiles. It also gives an idea about how these
proteins interact with other proteins and undergo post-translational modifications. Neuroproteomics is
based on bioinformatics, which provides functional characteristics and advances in technology such as
mass spectroscopy, and can help in the discovery of various disease-specific biomarkers. This review
gives a complete idea about the types of biomarkers, sources of biomarkers, and techniques involved in
the discovery of biomarkers for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.
Strategic Combination Therapies for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Li Xinran , Ng Angel S.N. , Mak Victor C.Y. , Chan Karen K.L. , Cheung Annie N.Y. , Cheung Lydia W.T.
Published: May 2020

Ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of gynecologic cancer-related deaths among
women worldwide. The dismal survival rate is partially due to recurrence after standardized debulking
surgery and first-line chemotherapy. In recent years, targeted therapies, including antiangiogenic
agents or poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, represent breakthroughs in the treatment
of ovarian cancer. As more therapeutic agents become available supplemented by a deeper understanding
of ovarian cancer biology, a range of combination treatment approaches are being actively
investigated to further improve the clinical outcomes of the disease. These combinations,
which involve DNA-damaging agents, targeted therapies of signaling pathways and immunotherapies,
simultaneously target multiple cancer pathways or hallmarks to induce additive or synergistic
antitumor activities. Here we review the preclinical data and ongoing clinical trials for developing
effective combination therapies in treating ovarian cancer. These emerging therapeutic modalities
may reshape the treatment landscape of the disease.
Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Treatment as Independent Prognostic Factors in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Egyptian Patients
Authors: Elbedewy Tamer A. , Elashtokhy Hossam Eldin A. , Abd-Elsalam Sherief , Suliman Marwa A.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Egypt is one of the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) endemic areas. Chronic
HCV infection has extra-hepatic manifestations, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Diffuse
large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is commonly associated with HCV infection. The prognostic value
of HCV infection and HCV treatment in patients with DLBCL remains unclear until now.

Objective:

The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of HCV infection and HCV treatment as
independent prognostic factors on the event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in Egyptian
patients with HCV associated DLBCL.

Methods:

This study included 353 patients with DLBCL, collected retrospectively. While 34 patients
with HCV who received HCV antiviral therapy were collected prospectively. Patient’s characteristics
were collected from the patient records at the time of diagnosis. The status of the patients
about HCV infection and HCV treatment were also recorded. Disease progression, relapse, retreatment
or deaths were also verified through medical records. EFS and OS were calculated.

Results:

EFS and OS significantly decrease in HCV infected and HCV non-treated patients when
compared with HCV non-infected and HCV treated patients, respectively. HCV infection but not
HCV treatment was independently associated with EFS and OS using univariate and multivariate
analysis.

Conclusion:

Hepatitis C virus infection is an independent prognostic factor for EFS and OS in diffuse
large B-cell lymphoma. HCV treatment is associated with higher EFS and OS but can not be
considered as an independent prognostic factor.
Subtype Classification by Polymerase and Gag Genes of HIV-1 Iranian Sequences Registered in the NCBI GenBank
Authors: Dehghani Behzad , Hasanshahi Zahra , Hashempour Tayebeh , Kazerooni Parvin Afsar
Published: May 2020

Background:

The rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in Iran has increased dramatically in the last few years.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the HIV subtype amongst all Iranian HIV sequences, using 8 websites.

Methods:

In this study, 637 sequences of polymerase, and gag genes of HIV-1 were obtained from NCBI. HIV-1 subtyping was done, using 8 reliable software.

Results:

The final results of the 8 online tools indicated that the majority of sequences were HIV-1 subtype CRF35 AD. However, it appeared that in some genes, a few programs could not determine specific subtypes and in some cases they described different subtypes.

Conclusion:

Considering the CRF35 AD diagram, it was clear that integrase was not an appropriate region to define this subtype. Also the full length of gag gene should be used for subtyping. For CRF1, AE envelop gene is a reliable region to define this subtype. Stanford software was used to determine the drug resistance prevalence and in 5.7% of the sequences, drug resistance mutations were found.