bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deconstructive Cycloaromatization Strategy towards N,O-Bidentate Ligands and Their Four-Coordinate Organoboron Complexes
Authors: Zhou Jinlei , Shi Xiaotian , Zheng Huitao , Chen Guangxian , Zhang Chen , Liu Xiang , Cao Hua
Published: January 2022

The innovative construction of novel N,O-bidentate ligands and N,O π-conjugated four-coordinate organoboron complexes represent a long-standing challenge for chemists. Here, we report an unprecedented and straightforward approach for the construction of N,O-bidentate ligands and their organoboron complexes via the merge of ring deconstruction with cycloaromatization of indolizines and cyclopropenones. Without any catalysts, our method is able to deliver a series of polyaryl 2-(pyridin-2-yl)phenol ligands, N,O π-conjugated organoboron (BF2 and BAr2) complexes with good functional-group compatibility which are difficult or even impossible to synthesize with previous methods. Importantly, the formed N,O-bidentate ligands were easy to scale up and derive with valuable drugs and active molecules. In addition, the photoluminescence measurements and the HOMO/LUMO gap have been investigated, the results have revealed that N,O π-conjugated tetracoordinate boron complexes display bright fluorescence, large Stokes shifts, and good quantum yields (Φlum = 0.15–0.45). The method proposed by the paper will inspire the development of various N,O-bidentate metal and boron complexes, which is expected to move the area of catalysis chemistry and material science forward.
Granisetron Augmentation of Sertraline in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ghobadian Ala , Mokhtari Saba , Shariati Behnam , Kamalzadeh Leila , Shati Mohsen , Ardebili Mehrdad Eftekhar , Yarahmadi Masoomeh , Shalbafan Mohammadreza
Published: January 2022

Background: Medications currently recommended for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) usually relieve the severity of symptoms by as much as 20–30%, and satisfactory treatment is obtained in 40–60% of patients with OCD. Nevertheless, the remaining symptoms continue to impair the patients’ function. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate possible strategies to improve the mitigation of symptoms.In this study, the main objective was to examine and investigate the effectiveness of granisetron, which is a serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor type 3 (5-HT3) antagonist, as an adjunct therapy to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, for the purpose of ameliorating OCD symptoms. Methods: fifty-eight patients diagnosed with OCD, based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, who had a Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) score of more than 21 were recruited in a double-blinded, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of 10 weeks to receive either granisetron (1 mg twice daily) and sertraline (100 mg daily initially followed by 200 mg daily after week 4) or placebo and sertraline. The primary outcome was OCD symptoms measured by the Y-BOCS.Results: Y-BOCS total score significantly dropped in both groups (28.9 to 17.7 for granisetron and 27.5 to 19.3 for placebo group with a slightly greater drop for granisetron group), while the granisetron group experienced a significantly greater reduction in obsession scores (Greenhouse-Geisser F(2.32,97.57)=4.52,p-value=0.01). Moreover, in comparison with the placebo group, the proportion of the patients showing complete response was considerably higher among the granisetron group (P-value <0.01). No major adverse effects were observed in any of the groups. Conclusion: The results suggest that granisetron augmentation of sertraline may increase the rate of response in patients with moderate to severe non-refractory OCD. Further studies are suggested in this regard.Trial registration: The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 27/03/2019 (www.irct.ir; IRCT ID: IRCT20170123032145N3).
Impact of The Ageing on Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance And Hematology of Indigenous Cow and Its Amelioration by Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Krishnappa Kavitha , DIMRI UMESH , KARUNANITHY MAHENDRAN , SINGH SHANKER K. , CHAUDHARY ALOK KUMAR , GAUR GYANENDRA KUMAR , SINGH GYANENDRA , PANDE MEGHA , Joshi Vivek , Verma Med Ram , Gowda Harini Kallambella Ramakrishne , Angmo Stanzin
Published: January 2022

Ageing is a complex biological process of all flora and fauna. It leads to a gradual reduction in the ability to maintain homeostasis under internal physiological and external environmental stresses, hence reducing the viability of individual's and increasing their vulnerability to diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the alteration in the oxidant /antioxidant balance and hematology in four different age group of indigenous Tharparkar cattle and its amelioration by ascorbic acid. A total 24 female Tharparkar cattle were included and were categorized into 4 groups of six cows in each group. Animals below 1 year-age were kept in group I, between 1 to 8 year-age in group II, between 8-10 year-age in group III and above 10 year-age in group IV. The oxidant/antioxidant markers (LPO, SOD, GSH, GPX and catalase activity) and haematological panels (Hb, TEC, TLC, Platelet and DLC) were determined on day 0, before ascorbic acid supplementation, and on day 6, 12, 18 and 24 post ascorbic acid supplementation. In the present study LPO and SOD levels were significantly (P < 0.05) increased with the ageing. GSH and GPX activities significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with ageing in different age groups. Variations in hematological parameters were also observed with ageing in different age groups. The geriatric cattle (> 10 years) exhibited remarkable alteration in oxidative stress indices, and haematological panels when compared to other groups. Supplementation of ascorbic acid reduced the oxidative stress and improved hemoglobin, PCV, TEC and TLC levels. From the findings of this study, it can be inferred that administration of ascorbic acid is helpful in ameliorating altered oxidant/antioxidant balance and hematological parameters with ageing in various age groups of cattle.
Six-month outcomes of an integrated primary care prevention and management program for chronic low back pain (LBP)
Authors: Ahmed Sara , Visca Regina , Gogovor Amede , Eilayyan Owis , Finlayson Roderick , Valois Marie-France , Ware Mark A.
Published: January 2022

Background
Accessible interdisciplinary, patient-centered and integrated primary care programs for chronic pain are needed for averting chronicity and improving patient outcomes. We sought 1) to develop an interdisciplinary low back pain (LBP) primary care program, and 2) to evaluate the program’s implementation and impact on patients’ physical and mental health over 6 months. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was used, and participants completed baseline, 3 and 6 months post-intervention evaluations. Referral and program process indicators were measured.
Methods
Clinically meaningful change in patient reported outcome measures of pain interference and intensity, physical function, depression and anxiety were defined a priori and evaluated. A multilevel regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of the program on change in individuals’ pain interference over 6 months.
Results
Forty six percent of participants were seen within 60 days of referral to the LBP program, and 464 individuals completed the program. The majority (≥ 60%) experienced a clinically meaningful improvement for pain intensity and interference at six months. A greater proportion of those with moderate (71%) or high risk (81%) of chronicity showed an improvement in pain interference than those with low risk (51%). A similar pattern emerged for depression and self-efficacy, but not for anxiety. Significant predictors of improvements in pain interference included higher prognostic risk of chronicity, younger age, sex, and lower baseline disability.
Conclusion
Results supported an improvement in participants’ confidence to manage their LBP. Future research will compare alternative modes of delivery (e.g. telehealth) and stratification approaches to further tailor resources to individuals’ needs.
Immune infiltration and a ferroptosis-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of patients with cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhijian , Chen Xuenuo , Jiang Zheng
Published: January 2022

Background
Cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL) is a digestive tract tumor with high malignancy and poor prognosis and is extremely challenging to treat. At present, induced cell death holds great promise in tumor therapy. Ferroptosis is a recently proposed pattern of programmed cell death, and numerous studies have shown that it is intimately involved in tumors. However, the roles of differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DEFRGs) in CHOL have not been investigated.
Methods
Our study was based on the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, DEFRGs were obtained to construct a prognostic riskScore model of CHOL by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Subsequently, the model was evaluated by nomogram construction, survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and exploration of the immune microenvironment, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of each gene in the model were validated by Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
Results
We screened four DEFRGs from the TCGA database to construct a prognostic model. The construction of a nomogram confirmed the predictive value of the model for overall survival (OS), and it was confirmed to have high diagnostic value by ROC analysis. The GSEA results suggested that these genes were mainly enriched in ferroptosis- and metabolism-related pathways. Finally, our experimental results validated the expression levels of the four DEFRGs, which were almost consistent with our bioinformatics results.
Conclusion
Our study found that the prognostic model showed extremely high diagnostic and prognostic value and could predict the possibility of immunotherapy, thus providing a new direction for individualized treatment of patients with CHOL.
ANCA-Associated Vasculitis with Cardiac Valve Vegetations in Two Teenage Males: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Theisen Alexandra , Rodriguez Martha
Published: January 2022

Background: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a term used to describe systemic vasculitides that affect small and medium-sized blood vessels. The three types of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) are Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), formerly Wegener’s granulomatosis , Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA), and Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA), formerly Churg-Strauss, with clinical presentation most frequently involving the respiratory tract, the kidney, the skin and the joints. ANCA-associated vasculitis is rare in children, with estimated prevalence of 3-4 per million, and even more rare is the manifestation of cardiac abnormalities secondary to ANCA-associated vasculitis in the pediatric population. Case Presentation: We present the cases of two teenage males who presented with cardiac valvular lesions secondary to Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis in addition to sinus, pulmonary, renal, and cutaneous involvement. These findings of cardiac valvular abnormalities in GPA have rarely been described in the literature in pediatrics. Both patients were treated with rituximab, high-dose methylprednisolone, and plasma exchange (PLEX) and showed improvement in their disease manifestations. Conclusions: A review of the literature revealed only five pediatric cases of ANCA-associated vasculitis with cardiac manifestations, and interestingly, three of the five had valvular involvement. Subsequent valvular involvement makes obtaining the diagnosis of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis very difficult due to concern for underlying infectious endocarditis and can lead to misdiagnosis given the rarity of cardiac involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis. Routine echocardiogram is not always completed in newly diagnosed GPA, yet cardiac involvement can lead to severe consequences as was seen with our first patient in the form of thromboembolic stroke. We discuss the importance of keeping AAV on the differential when cardiac lesions are present as well as the importance of regular cardiac screening in newly diagnosed patients with AAV, as it is a major factor of cardiac morbidity and mortality in the adult population and can contribute substantially to management decisions.
Isolation, Identification, and Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of Pantoea Agglomerans Causing Leaf Spot-Hole Disease in Wild Apricot in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Xu Fangyuan , Liu Liqiang , Liu Jun , He Wei , Liao Kang
Published: January 2022

Wild apricot in Yili wild fruit forest in Xinjiang have been seriously affected by leaf spot-hole disease, with the incidence reaching 100%. To identify the pathogen of apricot perforation in the Yili wild fruit forest, two bacterial strains with strong virulence were obtained by the dilution separation method. The bacterial strains were gram-negative bacteria with yellow colonies, smooth surfaces and neat edges. The results of the pathogenicity test showed that the bacteria could cause symptoms of leaf spot-hole disease in wild apricot, similar to the symptoms in the field, and could cause HR in tobacco. Based on the 16S rDNA gene sequence and multilocus sequence analysis of fusA, gyrB, leuS, pyrG, rpoB and rlpB, combined with the physiological and biochemical characteristics, the isolated strain was identified as Pantoea agglomerans. The pathogen causing bacterial leaf spot-hole disease in wild apricot was determined to be P. agglomerans in the wild fruit forest of Yili, Xinjiang. The whole genome of the pathogen strain GL9-2 was sequenced based on the Illumina HiSeq500 and PacBio RS platforms. The genome size was 4765392 bp, and the G+C value was 55.27%. There was one chromosome and two plasmids in the genome, and 4353 CDs were identified. The annotation results showed that 52 glycoside hydrolase-related genes, 38 bacterial secretory system-related genes and 600 toxin-related genes were predicted.
Comparison of the efficacies of 1.0mm and 1.5mm silicone tubes for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Nakamura Jutaro , Kamao Tomoyuki , Mitani Arisa , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Shiraishi Atsushi
Published: January 2022

This study was designed to compare the postoperative outcomes of bicanalicular intubation using different diameters of silicone tubes to treat post-saccal nasolacrimal duct obstruction. A total of 130 patients diagnosed with post-saccal obstruction who underwent endoscopic-assisted silicone tube intubation were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups; those intubated with a 1.5-mm large diameter tube (Group LD) and those with a 1.0-mm normal diameter tube (Group ND). The patency rates of the two groups at one year after tube removal were compared using the Kaplan–Meier's curve and Restricted mean survival time (RMST) method with τ = 365 days. Results showed that the recurrence rate after tube removal was significantly lower in the LD group compared to the ND group (p = 0.001). The patency rates at one year after removal in the LD and ND group were 0.857 (0.754-0.919) and 0.739 (0.617-0.828), respectively. When comparing the patency rates by the RMST method at τ = 365 days, the RMST difference, RMST ratio, and RMTL ratio were higher in the LD group at p = 0.045, 0.052, and 0.046, respectively.
In-sensor optoelectronic computing using electrostatically doped silicon
Authors: Jang Houk , Hinton Henry , Jung Woo-Bin , Lee Min-Hyun , Kim Changhyun , Park Min , Lee Seoung-Ki , Park Seongjun , Ham Donhee
Published: January 2022

Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors are a visual outpost of many machines that interact with the world. While they presently separate image capture in front-end silicon photodiode arrays from image processing in digital back-ends, efforts to process images within the photodiode array itself are rapidly emerging, in hopes of minimizing the data transfer between sensing and computing, and the associated overhead in energy and bandwidth. Electrical modulation, or programming, of photocurrents is requisite for such in-sensor computing, which was indeed demonstrated with electrostatically doped, but non-silicon, photodiodes. CMOS image sensors are currently incapable of in-sensor computing, as their chemically doped photodiodes cannot produce electrically tunable photocurrents. Here we report in-sensor computing with an array of electrostatically doped silicon p-i-n photodiodes, which is amenable to seamless integration with the rest of the CMOS image sensor electronics. This silicon-based approach could more rapidly bring in-sensor computing to the real world due to its compatibility with the mainstream CMOS electronics industry. Our wafer-scale production of thousands of silicon photodiodes using standard fabrication emphasizes this compatibility. We then demonstrate in-sensor processing of optical images using a variety of convolutional filters electrically programmed into a 3 × 3 network of these photodiodes.
Whole Genome Sequencing Assembly and Annotation of Halobacillus Trueperi S61 Isolated From the Qarhan Salt Lake
Authors: Li Wei , Shen Shuo , Wang Jian
Published: January 2022

Background: Halophilic microbial as prospective resources of biotechnology due to the advantages of flexible survivability. Qarhan Salt Lake is the second largest Salt Lake in the world which contains rich-unique extremophiles and deserved in-depth exploration. Results: Present study first time isolated novel strain Halobacillus trueperi S61 from Qarhan Salt Lake and performed whole-genome sequencing through combined third-generation PacBio and second-generation Illumina technology. The whole genome of Halobacillus trueperi S61 identified 57549 total reads and consists a complete circular chromosome of 4047887 bp with 43.86% GC content without gaps. Total number of 139 non-coding RNA (included 86 tRNA, 30 rRNA and 23 sRNA), 16 gene islands with 260275 bp and two prophages (with 82682 length) were predicted. In addition, the whole genome of Halobacillus trueperi S61 summarized basic annotation for 3982 protein-coding genes, 3980, 3667, 2998 and 2303 unigenes were annotated with Nr, Swissport, KOG and KEGG database. Combined with advanced analysis, 561 carbohydrate enzymes and 4416 pathogen host interactions related genes were identified. The protein function of Halobacillus trueperi S61 was mainly focus on biological processes, and the protein function was mainly distributed in gene transcription and amino acids, and carbohydrates metabolism. Conclusions: The complete whole genome sequence assembly and annotation of novel strain Halobacillus trueperi S61 isolated from Qarhan Salt Lake mainly focus on protein biological processes and antibiotic resistance, provides a potential resource for biotechnology.
Prevalence of individual brain and eye defects potentially related to Zika virus in pregnancy in 22 U.S. states and territories, January 2016 - June 2017
Authors: Delaney Augustina , Olson Samantha M. , Roth Nicole M. , Cragan Janet D. , Godfred-Cato Shana , Smoots Ashley N. , Fornoff Jane , Nestoridi Eirini , Eckert Valorie , Forkner Allison , Stolz Amanda , Crawford Katherine , Cho Sook Ja , Elmore Amanda , Langlois Peter , Nance Amy , Denson Lindsay , Forestieri Nina , Leedom Vinita O. , Tran Tri , Valencia-Prado Miguel , Romitti Paul , Barton Jerusha E. , John Kristen St. , Mann Sylvia , Orantes Lucia , DeWilde Leah , Tong Van T. , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Moore Cynthia A. , Honein Margaret A.
Published: January 2022

During the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Zika Virus Response, birth defects surveillance programs adapted to monitor birth defects potentially related to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy. Pregnancy outcomes occurring during January 2016-June 2017 in 22 U.S. states and territories were used to estimate the prevalence of those brain and eye defects potentially related to ZIKV. Jurisdictions were divided into three groups: areas with widespread ZIKV transmission, areas with limited local ZIKV transmission, and areas without local ZIKV transmission. Prevalence estimates for selected brain and eye defects and microcephaly per 10,000 live births were estimated. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Poisson regression for areas with widespread and limited ZIKV transmission compared to areas without local ZIKV transmission. Defects with significantly higher prevalence in areas of widespread transmission were pooled, and PRs were calculated by quarter, comparing subsequent quarters to the first quarter (January – March 2016). Nine defects had significantly higher prevalence in areas of widespread transmission. The highest PRs were seen in intracranial calcifications (PR=12.6, 95% CI [7.4, 21.3]), chorioretinal abnormalities (12.5 [7.1, 22.3]), brainstem abnormalities (9.3, [4.7, 18.4]), and cerebral/cortical atrophy (6.7, [4.2, 10.8]). The PR of the nine pooled defects was significantly higher in three quarters in areas with widespread transmission. The largest difference in prevalence was observed for defects consistently reported in infants with congenital ZIKV infection. Birth defects surveillance programs could consider monitoring a subset of birth defects potentially related to ZIKV in pregnancy.
ERCP Induced Perforation; A Revisit After Half a Century
Authors: Manasra Abdel Rahman A. Al , Manasreh Tarek , Hammouri Hanan M. , Mesmar Zaid , Husein Anas , Jadallah Khaled , hani Mohammed bani , Farsakh Niazy Abu , Shahwan Shatha K. , Fataftah Jehad
Published: January 2022

Background
One of the most feared complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is duodenal perforation. We aim to discuss the incidence and risk factors of ERCP induced perforation in light of pertinent literature and review therapeutic options of different perforation types.
Methods
In this case-control study, we reviewed the charts of all patients with ERCP-induced duodenal perforation between January 2016 and June 2020 and compared them to a control group without perforation. Data regarding patients’ demographics, comorbidities, indication for endoscopy, ERCP findings, presumed risk factors for complicated procedures, clinical presentation of perforation, radiologic findings, time to diagnosis and perforation type according to the Stapfer classification were collected. Treatment approach, additional interventions, length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity and mortality were also documented.
Results
A total of 996 ERCP procedures were performed, 13 patients were diagnosed with ERCP-induced perforation (EIP). The most common indication for ERCP was obstructive jaundice. The most significant risk factor of duodenal perforation was failure or difficult cannulation (P = .003). 5 patients were treated surgically, the majority of them had type I perforation, whereas type IV was the most common in those treated conservatively. ICU admission rates and LOS in the ICU were higher among the surgical patients. The overall mortality rate was 15% with a slightly higher rate in the surgical group.
Conclusion
ERCP-induced duodenal perforation carries significant morbidity and mortality. Conservative management yields favorable outcomes in selected patients compared to the surgical approach.
The circular RNA circGlis3 protects against islet β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis during obesity
Authors: Liu Yue , Yang Yue , Xu Chenying , Liu Jianxing , Chen Jiale , Huang Bin , Yan Wenjing , Pan Yi , Zhang Yanfeng , Pandol Stephen J , Wei Qiong , Zhang Fangfang , Li Ling , Jin Liang
Published: January 2022

The molecular link between obesity and β-cell decompensation that causes diabetes remains incompletely understood. Here we found that circGlis3, a circular RNA derived from Glis3, plays a critical role in islet β-cell compensation. circGlis3 was increased in islets of obese mouse models and moderately diabetic individuals with compensated β-cell function by Quaking (QKI)-mediated splicing. Overexpression of circGlis3 functions to restrain islet β-cell dysfunction and maintain β-cell mass in high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice and Leprdb/db mice. The cellular levels of circGlis3 modulate both insulin synthesis and secretion and lipotoxicity-induced apoptosis, resulting in profound changes in β-cell compensation. In an obesity model, circGlis3 promotes the synthesis and secretion of insulin by upregulating NeuroD1 and Creb1 through sponging miR-124-3p. In addition, we identified SCOTIN and fused in sarcoma (FUS) as interacting proteins using quantitative mass spectrometry. We demonstrated that the binding of SCOTIN to circGlis3 regulated the apoptosis of β-cell. And more, FUS binding to circGlis3 could decrease free circGlis3 in cytoplasm and block mechanism of circGlis3 via abnormal stable formation of stress granules (SGs) in hyperactive response to chronic stresses in obesity that is thought to contribute to the β-cell decompensation. These findings highlight a physiological role for circRNAs in compensation and indicate that modulation of circGlis3 expression may represent a potential strategy to protect against islet β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis during obesity.
Quantitative Investigation of the Morphologically Corrugated CVD-grown Graphene Monolayer Surface with a Nanoparticle-on-Mirror system
Authors: Park Won-Hwa
Published: January 2022

Graphene can be used as a starting material for the synthesis of useful nano-complexes for flexible, transparent electrodes, therapeutic, bio-diagnostics and bio-sensing. In order to apply graphene in the medical field, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method has been mainly utilized considering its large and near-homogenious carbon constituents. Especially, the less degree of perturbation of graphene monolayer (GM), which is followed by the underneath catalytic Cu surface morphology, is very crucial in terms of providing the suspended GM and relatively fluent lateral carrier mobility with lower sheet resistance value. In this work, we can suggest a surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic (SERS) indicator in a quantitative way on the status of z-directional morphological corrugation of a CVD–grown GM (CVD-GM) by applying a Nanoparticle-on-Mirror (NPoM) system composed of Au nanoparticle (NP) / CVD-GM / Au thin film (TF) plasmonic junction structure. A new (or enhanced) Radial Breathing Like Mode (RBLM) SERS signal around ~150 cm-1 from CVD-GM spaced in NPoM is clearly observed by employing a local z-polarized incident field formed at the Au NP–Au TF plasmonic gap junctions. With this observation, the value of I[out-of-plane, RBLM] / I[in-plane, [2D] at certain domains, it can be suggested as a new optical nano-metrology value to relatively determine between lower z-directional morphological corrugation (or protrusion) status of a CVD-GM spaced in our NPoM system (lower I[RBLM] / I[2D] value) and higher degree of lateral carrier mobility of the CVD-GM associated with lower sheet resistance values as a result of higher blue-shifted Raman in-plane (G, 2D) peak maximum position. Furthermore, we will also expect the bio-sensing performances by utilizing the high specific surface area and ultrahigh flexibility of the CVD-GM in one of the future prospective works such as pressure-strain, strain-to-electricity and chemical-coupled sensor via I[RBLM] / I[2D] values.
Postmortem Study of Organ-Specific Toxicity in Glioblastoma Patients Treated with a Combination of Temozolomide, Irinotecan and Bevacizumab
Authors: Lu Guangrong , Rao Mayank , Zhu Ping , Linendoll Nadine , Buja Maximilian L. , Bhattacharjee Meenakshi B. , Ballester Leomar Y. , Tian Xuejun , Pilichowska Monika , Wu Julian K. , Hergenroeder Georgene W. , Glass Williams F. , Chen Lei , Zhang Rongzhen , Pillai Anil K. , Hunter Robert L. , Zhu Jay-Jiguang
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Systemic monotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) or bevacizumab (BEV); two-drug combinations, such as Irinotecan (IRI) and BEV, TMZ and BEV and a three-drug combination with TMZ, IRI and BEV (TIB) have been used in treating patients with progressive high-grade gliomas including glioblastoma. Most patients tolerated these regimens well with well-established sides effects of hypertension, proteinuria, and reversible clinical myelosuppression (CM). However, organ-specific toxicities have never been examined by postmortem studies.
Methods

Postmortem tissues (from all major organs) were prospectively collected and examined by standard institution autopsy and brain cutting procedures from 76 decedents, including gliomas (N=68, 44/M, and 24/F) and brain metastases (N=8, 5/M, and 3/F) between 2009 and 2019. Standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were performed on all major organs and brain samples harvested. Electronic microscopic (EM) study was carried on selected subjects kidney samples per standard EM protocol.
Results

Twenty-four glioma subjects were treated with TIB [median: 5.5 (range: 1-25) cycles] at glioma recurrence. Exposure to IRI significantly increased the frequency of CM (p=0.05). No unexpected adverse events were detected clinically or permenant end-organ damage by postmortem examination among subjects who received TIB compared to subjects who received standard of care (SOC) therapies. Among glioma decedents, the most common causes of death (COD) were tumor progression (63.2%, N=43), followed by aspiration pneumonia (48.5%, N=33). No COD was attributed to acute toxicity from TIB. The study also demonstrated that postmortem kidney specimen is unsuitable for studying renal ultrastructural pathological changes due to autolysis.
Conclusion

IRI, but not the extended use of TMZ, significantly increased CM in recurrent glioma patients. There is no permanent organ-specific toxicity among glioma decedents who received prolonged BEV, TMZ or TIB regimen based chemotherapies except expected occasional myelosuppresson. COD are most commonly resulted from glioma tumor progression and aspiration pneumonia.
Morphological characterization and genetic analysis of tri-pistil trait, a precisely regulated pistil number mutation in bread wheat
Authors: Liu Tianxiang , Sun Yulin , Ma Chao , Jiang Wenhui , Wu Hongqi , Jiang Qinqin , Xiao Enshi , Wang Yong , Kang Zhensheng , Shi Xue , Wang Zhonghua
Published: January 2022

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important source of nutrients for humans. Therefore, improvement of its yields is essential to feed the increasing world population. The tri-pistil (TRP) trait in wheat has a high potential for increasing yields. We obtained a pure tri-pistil wheat line, 4045, and evaluated its morphological properties. The 4045 wheat line stably produced three independently inherited pistils, which led to 1-3 grains in each floret. Among the three pistils, two lately emerged pistils initiated at late anther primordia stage to early tetrads stage. Genetic analysis revealed that there were TRP penetrance variations among the 11 F1 populations of 4045. Fine mapping narrowed the single dominant TRP locus to a 97.3 kb region, containing two candidate genes, on the 2DL chromosome. However, further gene sequence, functional as well as comparative genomic analyses ruled out the only two candidate genes. Therefore, TRP is high-likely a unique gain-of-function mutation that does not exist in normal wheat genome. Transcriptome analysis of floral homeotic genes revealed that expressions of the C-class TaAG-2s, which are essential for carpel specification, significantly increased in 4045, implying that TaAG-2s have played important roles in TRP-regulated tri-pistil formation. This study highlights that TRP leads to a precisely regulated pistil number increase (PRPNI) mutations and proposed a regulatory model of PRPNI pistil architecture. PRPNI offers a novel abnormal pistil development resource for research of floral architectures and potential on crop yield improvement.
Intense Pulsed Light Combined With Meibomian Gland Massage for Recurrent Corneal Erosion: a Review of Clinical Effectiveness
Authors: Xu Man , Niu Xiaoguang
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To observe the therapeutic effect on recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) by intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with meibomian gland massage. Methods: We recruited 30 patients (30 eyes) with RCES as the RCES group and 31 patients (31 eyes) as the control group. Both the groups received eyelash sampling, Demodex count, meibomian gland infrared photography, and the blepharolipin score. The RCES group was divided into the treatment group and the observation group again. Results: Parameters in the RCES group were higher than those in the control group. The parameters of the treatment group were decreased compared with the observation group. During the follow-up period, one patient in the treatment group relapsed. Conclusion: Meibomian gland dysfunction and Demodex infection may be associated with RCES. IPL combined with meibomian gland massage can significantly improve meibomian gland function, reduce the number of Demodex, and effectively control the relapse of RCES.
Correlation Between Cyclin D1 Expression With Different Pathological Changes in Colorectum Patients
Authors: Mohammed Hanaa Ibrahim Salih , Elsheikh Mohammed Abdelgader , Idris Alkhair
Published: January 2022

Background: Cyclin D1 plays a vital role in cancer cell cycle progression and is overexpressed in many human cancers, including colorectal cancer. Objectives:This study was aimed to detect cyclin D1 in colorectal cancer patients and to correlate cyclin D1 expression with different pathological changes in colorectum.Methods: Tissues microarray paraffin block with 48 colorectal cancer samples were retrieved from the archives of Elrahma Medical Center. The cyclin D1 was analyzed.Results:Cyclin D1 did not correlate with pathological alterations and with tumor grade.Conclusion:Results indicated that; cyclin D1 not correlates with pathological alteration of colorectal cancer.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Assessment of HIV Medication Regimens using hematopoietic CD34+ progenitor cells
Authors: Elzarki Adrian Farid , Nandula Seshagiri Rao , Awal Hassan , Simon Gary L , Sen Sabyasachi
Published: January 2022

Background To determine the effects of integrase inhibitor (INSTI) in comparison to non INSTI based regimens such as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) based regimens on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in HIV+ patients without overt history of CVD or diabetes, with normal CD4:CD8 count. For CVD risk assessment we primarily used hematopoietic CD34+ progenitor cells, as a biomarker.Methods19 male subjects ages 32-61 years with BMI 21.0- 36.0, were enrolled. This was a single time point, cross-sectional, observational study. Subjects were enrolled under 2 groups (either on INSTI based regimen with 13 subjects or NNRTI (non-INSTI) based regimens with 6 subjects) who were taking stable doses of HAART. The medication regimens were a combination of one NRTI (typically tenofovir-emtricitabine) plus one INSTI or NNRTI. Our outcome measures were focused on cardiovascular and endothelial cell function and systemic inflammation. Our primary outcome measures were peripheral blood derived hematopoietic progenitor cell number (CD34 and CD133 positive), CD34+ cell function and gene expression studies. Our secondary outcomes were arterial stiffness measures and serum-based markers of inflammation. ResultsA significant increase in percentage number of progenitor cells, CD133+ cells (P=0.004) was noted along with an increase of double progenitor mark positive CD133+/CD34+ progenitor cell population was observed in INSTI group as compared to NNRTI group, by flow-cytometry. mRNA gene expression for antioxidant gene catalase was noted along with a trend towards a decrease in gene expression of inflammatory marker IL6 (p=0.06) was observed in CD34+ from INSTI group vs NNRTI group. The plasma IL-6 and CRP levels did not change significantly between the groups. Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an important marker of inflammation, was noted to be lower in INSTI group. A mean fasting glucose level was also lower in the INSTI group compared to NNRTI group (p=0.03). Interestingly, Urine- Microalbumin levels were higher in the INSTI group compared to NNRTI group (p=0.08), while eGFR levels were lower in the INSTI group (p=0.002). The arterial stiffness measures did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups. ConclusionWe conclude that the INSTI regimen may provide a better CVD risk profile compared to NNRTI based HAART regimen; however the increased albuminuria along with lower eGFR, noted in INSTI group is of concern. Because of the small size, these results would need replication in additional studies before changing clinical practice.Clinical Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03782142?cond=Hiv&spons=Sabyasachi+sen&cntry=US&state=US%3ADC&city=Washington&draw=2&rank=1ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03782142
Experiences of Persons Living Schizophrenia in Ghana
Authors: Tetteh Isaac Commey , Ninnoni Jerry PK , Ampofo Evelyn Asamoah , Yeboa Naomi Kyeremaa
Published: January 2022

Living with a chronic condition such as schizophrenia comes with significant challenges. Yet, there is little data on the experiences of people living with schizophrenia in Ghana. This study explored the experiences of persons living with schizophrenia in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive phenomenological approach using purposive sampling technique to select nine (9) persons living with schizophrenia for the study. Data was collected using face-to-face in-depth interviews. Interviews were taped, transcribed verbatim, and analysed following Colaizzi’s (1978) descriptive phenomenological data analysis approach. The study revealed that people with schizophrenia maintained their Activities of Daily Living such as washing, sweeping, maintenance of personal and environmental hygiene, so long as they were in their lucid interval. Study participants valued supportive relationship with family members, mental health practitioners, religious institutions and the social networks. Participants reported stigma and lack of job opportunities as some of the major challenges they faced. Non adherence to medication and stigmatization were perceived as common cause of relapse by participants.
Application of Digital Twins to Flexible Production Management: Taking a Shandong Factory as an Example
Authors: Ran Wenxue , Hu Yimin , Zhi Yang
Published: January 2022

By enabling the merging of the virtual and real worlds, DT (Digital Twin) technology has considerably aided the development of businesses at both levels of digitization and networking in recent years. As an outcome, industrial research has shifted its attention to this new technology in the manufacturing business. However, there are still technical issues with DT technology, such as real-time data interaction, high integration of constituent elements, and high simulation. This paper proposes to solve these issues by presenting a framework that blends DT with 3D visualization technologies. A case study of an intelligent logistics management 3D scheduling system for a factory in Shandong verifies the applicability of digital twins to flexible production management. The example demonstrates that the framework can be synchronizing the virtual and real systems. Moreover, the framework can effectively cover the whole manufacturing life cycle, enhance production efficiency and product quality, and achieve flexible production management, helping the manufacturing industry's digital and intelligent transition.
Reference Values and the Z-Score Values of Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion in Chinese Children
Authors: Chen Danlei , Guo Jinghui , Liu Bo , Zheng Chunhua , Huang Guimin , Huang Liyi , Zhang Hui , Luo Yi , Wei Dan
Published: January 2022

Objective To establish age-specific and body surface area (BSA)-specific reference values of Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) for children under 15 years old in China. Study design A retrospective study was conducted in Children's Hospital Attached to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics. A total of 702 cases were included in this research to establish reference values of TAPSE. SPSS 25.0 (IBM) was used for data analysis. Lambda-mu-sigma method was used to calculate and construct the age-specific and BSA-specific percentiles and Z-score curves of TAPSE. Results The mean value of TAPSE increased with age and BSA from 0 to 15 years in a nonlinear way and reached the adult level (17mm) until 1 year old. No difference could be observed in genders. Conclusions TAPSE values increased with age and BSA in Chinese children aged between 0-15 years and there was no difference between boys and girls. A multi-center study from different parts of China is supposed to be conducted in the future to reflect the whole spectrum of TAPSE in Chinese children.
The economics of Forest Carbon Sequestration: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Verma Pragati , Ghosh Prashant Kumar
Published: January 2022

Carbon sequestration in forests has increasingly captured the attention of scientists as a strategy for climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability. In this era of huge carbon emission, being a low-carbon and cost-effective technology, the economic analysis of forest carbon sequestration holds higher importance for the successful implementation and intended outcomes. This study elucidates a scientometric view of the research structure and thematic evolution of economic studies on forest carbon sequestration based on 1,439 articles over the time slice 2001-2021. The bibliographic data has been retrieved from the Dimensions database which accommodates a large coverage of research publications and also provides easy access to essential scholarly data and information. Vosviewer and Biblioshiny software tools have opted for visualization and evaluation purposes of bibliometric data. This study employs various measures of bibliometric analysis like co-authorship, bibliographic coupling, citation and keyword analysis to find out the principal articles, authors, journals, most frequent keywords and highest publishing countries and institutions in this field and the results show that the number of publications has escalated substantially in the last five years, Popp A, 2017 (305 citations) and André P C Faaij (11 documents) are the most cited article and the most productive author, respectively, Bradford’s law calculates 21 core journals out of total 503 journals among which Forest Policy and Economics is on the top, and the most productive country and institution are the USA and University of Florida, respectively. The study also investigates key publishing subject categories and the number of publications covered under each Sustainable Development Goals. The overall outcome of this bibliometric study confers an in-depth understanding of the various dimensions of economic analysis on forest carbon sequestration, its development pattern in the last 20 years and also provides emerging themes for future references.
Premorbid Echocardiography And Risk of Hospitalization In COVID-19
Authors: Goel Harsh , Shah Kashyap , Kothari Janish , Daly Timothy , Saraiya Pooja , Taha Israa , Le Marjolein , Shirani Jamshid
Published: January 2022

Background: COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented global pandemic, with cardiovascular risk factors predicting outcomes. We investigated whether baseline trans-thoracic echocardiography could refine risk beyond clinical risk factors. Methods: Symptomatic COVID-19 positive (RT-PCR) adults across St Luke’s University Health Network between March 1st-October 31st 2021, with trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) within 15-180 days preceding COVID-19 positivity were selected. Demographic/clinical/echocardiographic variables were extracted from patients’ EHR and compared between groups stratified by disease severity. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of hospitalization. Results: 192 patients were included. 87 (45.3%) required hospitalization, 34 (17.7%) suffered severe disease (need for ICU care/mechanical ventilation/in-hospital death). Age, co-morbidities, and several echocardiographic abnormalities were more prevalent in moderate-severe versus mild disease. On multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.039, 95% CI 1.011-1.067), coronary artery disease (OR 4.184, 95% CI 1.451-12.063), COPD (OR 6.886, 95% CI 1.396-33.959) and left atrial (LA) diameter ≥4.0cm (OR 2.379, 95% CI 1.031-5.493) predicted need for hospitalization. Model showed excellent discrimination (ROC AUC 0.809, 95% CI 0.746-0.873). Conclusion: Baseline LA enlargement independently predicts risk of hospitalization in COVID-19. When available, baseline LA enlargement could identify patients for 1) closer outpatient follow-up, and 2) counseling vaccine-hesitancy.
Comparison of the Respiratory Tractmicrobiome in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients with Different Disease Severity
Authors: Chen Jiali , Liu Xiong , Liu Wei , Yang Chaojie , Jia Ruizhong , Ke Yuehua , Guo Jinpeng , Jia Leili , Wang Changjun , Chen Yong
Published: January 2022

Background: Little is known about the characteristics of respiratory tract microbiome in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inpatients with different severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to characterize respiratory tract microbial communities of 69 COVID-19 inpatients from 64 nasopharyngeal swabs and 5 sputum specimens using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene V3-V4 region sequencing. The bacterial profiles were used to find potential biomarkers by the two-step method, the combination of random forest model and the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe), and explore the connections with clinical characteristics by Spearman’s rank test.Results: Compared with mild COVID-19 patients, severe patients had significantly decreased bacterial diversity (Pvalues were less than 0.05 in the alpha and beta diversity) and relative lower abundance of opportunistic pathogens, including Actinomyces, Prevotella, Rothia, Streptococcus, Veillonella. Eight potential biomarkers including Treponema, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Parvimonas, Selenomonas, Alloprevotella, Porphyromonas, GemellaandStreptococcus were found to distinguish the mild COVID-19 patients from the severe COVID-19 patients. The genera of Actinomyces andPrevotella were negatively correlated with age and inpatient days. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, neutrophil count (GRA) and lymphocyte count (LYMPH) were significantly correlated with different genera in the two groups. In addition, there were a positive correlation between Klebsiella and white blood cell count (WBC) in two groups.Conclusion: The respiratory tract microbiome had significant difference in COVID-19 patients with different severity. The value of the respiratory tract microbiome as predictive biomarkers for COVID-19 severity merits further exploration.
Phylogeography of Nasutitermes ephratae (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) in Neotropical region
Authors: Santos Amanda de Faria , Cancello Eliana Marques , Morales Adriana Coletto
Published: January 2022

The neotropical region ranks third in the number of termites with five different families. Of these, Termitidae is the most diverse and includes the species Nasutitermes ephratae and is common in the neotropics. To date, only one study has been published about phylogeographic issues in neotropical termites (N. corniger). Here, we aimed to investigate and analyze the population genetic patterns of N. ephratae and then evaluated the phylogeographical processes involved in the evolutionary history of the species. We used the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COII as molecular markers: These were sequenced for 128 samples of N. ephratae. We estimated the genetic diversity and divergence time as well as the demographic and genetic structure analyses. We also produced ancestral area reconstruction and a haplotype network. The results showed high genetic variability, recent demographic expansion, and strong genetic structure. We also inferred a dispersal route for the species that occurred in both directions between South and Central America. The results emphasize a temporary separation between the South and Central America population that affected the origin of the current Central America populations. These were formed form different phylogeographic histories.