bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet Deficiency Represents a Modifiable Risk Factor for Periprosthetic Joint Infection in a Preclinical Mouse Model
Authors: Greig Danielle , Trikha Rishi , Sekimura Troy , Cevallos Nicolas , Kelley Benjamin V. , Mamouei Zeinab , Yeaman Michael R. , Bernthal Nicholas M.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Well known for their hemostatic function, platelets are increasingly becoming recognized as important immunomodulators. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of platelet depletion on antimicrobial host defense in a mouse model of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Methods:

Thrombocytopenia (TCP) was induced in C57BL/6 mice with use of a selective antibody against platelet CD41 (anti-CD41). Whole blood from pre-treated mice was incubated with Staphylococcus aureus to assess antimicrobial efficacy with use of bioluminescent imaging, quantitative histological staining, and colony forming unit (CFU) quantification. In parallel, untreated heterologous platelets were added to TCP blood to assess potential rescue of antimicrobial efficacy. In vivo, TCP and control mice underwent placement of a titanium implant in the femur inoculated with bioluminescent Xen36 S. aureus. Longitudinal bioluminescent imaging was performed postoperatively to quantify the evolution of bacterial burden, which was confirmed via assessment of S. aureus CFUs on the implant and in peri-implant tissue on postoperative day (POD) 28.

Results:

Anti-CD41 treatment resulted in significant dose-dependent reductions in platelet count. Ex vivo, platelet-depleted whole blood demonstrated significantly less bacterial reduction than control blood. These outcomes were reversed with the addition of untreated rescue platelets. In vivo, infection burden was significantly higher in TCP mice and was inversely correlated with preoperative platelet count (r2 = 0.63, p = 0.037). Likewise, CFU quantification on POD28 was associated with increased bacterial proliferation and severity of periprosthetic infection in TCP mice compared with controls.

Conclusions:

Thrombocytopenia resulted in an increased bacterial burden both ex vivo and in vivo in a mouse model of PJI.

Clinical Relevance:

In orthopaedic patients, deficiencies in platelet quantity or function represent an easily modifiable risk factor for PJI.
Prevention and Treatment of Nerve Injuries in Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Florczynski Matthew , Paul Ryan , Leroux Timothy , Baltzer Heather
Published: April 2021

➤ Nerve injuries during shoulder arthroplasty have traditionally been considered rare events, but recent electrodiagnostic studies have shown that intraoperative nerve trauma is relatively common.

➤ The brachial plexus and axillary and suprascapular nerves are the most commonly injured neurologic structures, with the radial and musculocutaneous nerves being less common sites of injury.

➤ Specific measures taken during the surgical approach, component implantation, and revision surgery may help to prevent direct nerve injury. Intraoperative positioning maneuvers and arm lengthening warrant consideration to minimize indirect injuries.

➤ Suspected nerve injuries should be investigated with electromyography preferably at 6 weeks and no later than 3 months postoperatively, allowing for primary reconstruction within 3 to 6 months of injury when indicated. Primary reconstructive options include neurolysis, direct nerve repair, nerve grafting, and nerve transfers.

➤ Secondary reconstruction is preferred for injuries presenting >12 months after surgery. Secondary reconstructive options with favorable outcomes include tendon transfers and free functioning muscle transfers.
Not All Gymnastic Exercises Are Suitable for Everyone: An Uncommon Cause of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Authors: Wong Douglas K.H. , Wong Yat Wah , Cheng Stephen W.K.
Published: April 2021

Update

This article was updated on April 22, 2022, because of a previous error in the order of authors. The correct order is: Douglas K.H. Wong, MBBS(HK), Yat Wah Wong, MBBS(HK), FRCS(Ed), FHKCOS, FHKAM(Ortho), and Stephen W.K. Cheng, MBBS(HK), MS(HK), FRCS(Ed), FRCS(Eng), FHKCS, FHKAM(Surgery).

An erratum (JBJS Case Connect. 2022;12[2]:e20.00984ER) has been published for this article.

Case:

A 34-year-old man spontaneously presented with bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome over 1 year. He was a gymnast active in rowing and weightlifting, with “slanted” shoulders, narrowed costoclavicular spaces, and well-developed scalene muscles. Imaging revealed fractures of multiple bilateral upper ribs in various degrees of nonunion. The patient's symptoms improved after activity modification and physiotherapy.

Conclusions:

Atraumatic spontaneous rib fracture-nonunions are an uncommon cause of thoracic outlet syndrome; this diagnosis should be considered in physically active patients presenting with typical symptoms with atypical anatomy.
Will Women’s Careers in Medicine Be Another COVID-19 Casualty?
Authors: Kristobak Anne M. , Kristobak Benjamin M.
Published: April 2021

Many of the accommodations made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have largely been born by women. Essential healthcare workers are no exception. We are asking women in the medical field to fight a pandemic, while also taking on more of the burden of household and child education duties than their male counterparts. It is likely that this will influence women's careers and could have major effects on our healthcare system. Now is the critical time to demonstrate that we believe women are essential to the field of medicine and our response to the pandemic should consider these realities.
Escherichia coli CONTAMINATION AND ITS RESISTANCE TO ANTIBIOTICS IN SE’I MEAT
Authors: Amalo Gabryella Fransina , Purnawarman Trioso , Pisestyani Herwin
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to obtain Escherichia coli isolates from 11 se’i meat sellers in Kupang City and to observe their resistance to13 types of antibiotics. Escherichia coli were isolated and identified based on SNI 2897: 2008. Antibiotic resistance of the Escherichia colii isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer method. The results showed that 13 isolates (39.39%) of Escherichia coli in se’i meat samples had a high level of resistance to erythromycin (100%), tetracycline (76.92%), and doxycycline (61.54%). Isolates demonstrated increased resistance to streptomycin (46.15%), cephalothin (38.46%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (38.46%), amoxicillin (30.77%), chloramphenicol (30.77%), and choline sulfate (30.77%). The antibiotics nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin demonstrated low Escherichia coli resistance (7.69%). Escherichia coli are sensitive to cefotaxime and gentamicin. A total of 12 isolates (92.31%) experienced MDR. The presence of non-MDR and MDR resistant Escherichia coli in se’i meat can seriously threaten community health.
Impacts of cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) on biological characteristics of its vector Bemisia tabaci
Authors: He Haifang , Li Jingjing , Zhang Zelong , Tang Xuefei , Song Danyang , Yan Fengming
Published: April 2021

It is known that plant viruses, to facilitate their transmission, can change the phenotypes and defense pathways of the host plants and the performance of their vectors. Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), a newly reported virus occurring on cucurbit plants and many other plant species, is transmitted specifically by Middle East-Minor Asia 1 (B biotype) and Mediterranean (Q biotype) cryptic species of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), in a semipersistent manner. This study evaluated the direct and indirect effects of CCYV on B. tabaci biology to better understand the plant-virus-vector interaction. By using CCYV-B. tabaci-cucumber as the model, we investigated whether or how a semipersistent plant virus impacts the biology of its whitefly vectors. CCYV mRNA were detectable in nymphs from 1st to 4th instars and adults of B. tabaci with different titers. Female nymph duration and female adult longevity greatly extended on CCYV-infected plants, but male nymph duration and male adult longevity were not significantly influenced. In addition, on CCYV-infected plants, the body length and oviposition of adult B. tabaci increased, but the hatching rates of eggs and survival rates of different stages were not affected. Most interestingly, the sex ratio (male:female) significantly reduced to 0.506:1 in whitefly populations on CCYV-infected plants, while the ratio remained about 0.979:1 on healthy plants. These results indicated that CCYV can significantly impact the biological characteristics of its vector B. tabaci through the host plants. It is speculated that CCYV and B. tabaci have established a typical mutualist relationship mediated by host plants.
Ameliorative Effects of Oleuropein on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury Model in Rats
Authors: DİKMEN NURSEL , CELLAT MUSTAFA , ETYEMEZ MUHAMMED , İŞLER CAFER TAYER , UYAR AHMET , AYDIN TUBA , GÜVENÇ MEHMET
Published: April 2021

Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common causes of death in diseases with septic shock. Oleuropein, one of the important components of olive leaf, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of oleuropein on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in rats. Oleuropein was administered to rats at a dose of 200 mg/kg for 20 days and LPS was given through intratracheal administration to induce ALI. The study was terminated after 12 hours. The results showed that in the group treated with oleuropein; inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress decreased in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissue, and there were significant improvements in the picture of acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) caused by LPS in histopathological examination. Based on the findings of the present study, oleuropein showed protective effects against LPS-induced ALI.
Bid Evaluation Method of Railway Green Construction Based on Improved PCA-Gray Variable Weight Clustering Model
Authors: bao xueying , He Zhenxia
Published: April 2021

The current bid evaluation method can no longer meet the needs of green construction of railway construction projects, so a bid evaluation method based on an improved PCA-gray variable weight clustering model is proposed. A bid evaluation index system for railway green construction projects with a hierarchical structure was constructed from three aspects: basic construction ability, business ability and green construction ability, and the index evaluation criteria were given. Considering the high dimensional complexity of the bid evaluation system, the improved PCA method was used to reduce the dimension of the bid evaluation system, and on this basis, an improved linear weighted comprehensive evaluation function was constructed to preliminarily evaluate the construction ability of bidders. Then, the grey variable weight clustering model is used to construct the definite weighted function to further analyze the green construction ability of the bidders and select the optimal bidder. Finally, the method was applied to the bid evaluation of railway engineering projects from Lanzhouxi to Zhongchuan Airport, and the conclusion is consistent with the actual bidders, which proves the applicability and effectiveness of the model.
Machining Deformation Analysis of Aircraft Monolithic Components based on the Energy Method
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Liu Xiaoliang , Li Jiaxing , Chen Yongbin , Wei Dechen , Ding Guichu
Published: April 2021

In the process of machining aircraft monolithic components, the initial stress in the blank will cause machining deformation. Based on the energy method, an analytical mathematical model of machining deformation is presented in this paper. The key point is to transform the energy in the removed material into the deformation energy of the part after machining. The initial residual stress of 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy blank and single frame part are used as investigated case in the analytical model. For layer by layer machining, the deformation evolution is closely related to the tensile or compressive properties of the initial stress of removed material. Combined with the change of neutral axis position, The machining deformation is calculated by theoretical model. Then, FEM simulation is carried out to analyze the influence of stiffening ribs on machining deformation utilizing the semi-analytical model of equivalent bending stiffness. Furthermore, experiments are set up to verify the validity of the theory and FEM data. The results indicate that the deformation results of the experiment are consistent with that of theory and FEM model. Deformation is determined by energy of removed material. This paper provides a novel theoretical approaches for the further investigation of this issue.
Children with metabolically healthy obesity have a worse metabolic profile compared to normal weight peers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Serbis Anastasios , Giapros Vasilieios , Paschou Stavroula A. , Siomou Ekaterini
Published: April 2021

Purpose: A phenotype of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) has been described in youth with obesity, but data are still scarce in this age group. The aim of the current study was to describe and compare clinical and laboratory parameters related to obesity among three different groups of youth, namely youth with normal weight (NW), with MHO, and with metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). Methods: 103 youngsters with obesity were divided according to 2018 consensus-based criteria into those with MHO [n=49, age (± SD): 10.9 ± 2.9 years] and those with MUO [n=54, 11.5 ± 2.7 years] and were compared to age-, sex- and Tanner-matched NW [n=69, 11.3 ± 2.9 years]. Several obesity related parameters were investigated for both groups of children. Comparisons were made by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Fisher’s PLSD test. Results: Youth with MHO had lower systolic (p<0.001) and diastolic (p<0.01) blood pressure z-score and triglycerides (p<0.01), but higher HDL-C (p<0.001), total cholesterol (p<0.05), and apo-A1 (p<0.05) compared to those with MUO. Compared to controls, both children with MHO and MUO showed higher fasting insulin (p<0.05), HOMA-IR (p<0.05) and QUICKI (p<0.001). Similarly, both groups had higher hsCRP, fibrinogen, uric acid, and leptin compared to controls (for all, p<0.001), while their adiponectin was lower (p<0.05). Visfatin was higher in children with MUO compared to controls (p<0.01), and it showed a trend to be lower in children with MHO compared to those with MUO (p=0.1).Conclusion: This study provides evidence that children identified as having MHO by the consensus-based criteria had better metabolic profile than youth with MUO, but worse than NW. Further research is needed in pediatric populations both regarding MHO criteria and the nature of the MHO phenotype per se.
DNA Preparation In Vitis Vinifera L. for Third Generation Sequencing
Authors: Bibi Androniki C. , Kollias Anastasios , Astrinaki Maria , Vassou Despoina , Kafetzopoulos Dimitris , Kalantidis Kriton , Moschou Panagiotis N.
Published: April 2021

Background: There have been several attempts to sequence the genome of Vitis vinifera L. (grapevine), utilizing low-resolution second-generation platforms. Nevertheless, the characterization of the grapevine genetic resources and its adaptation to vulnerable conditions could be better addressed through extensive and high-resolution genome sequencing.MinION is a third-generation sequencer preferred by many laboratories due to its relatively low cost, ease of use and small size. Even though this long-read technology has been rapidly improving, to reach its full potential requires high-quality DNA.Results: Here we establish a workflow for DNA extraction suitable for MinION sequencing long reads from grapevine. This protocol was tested with leaf samples from different positions on annual growing branches of grapevine, Purified nuclei from fresh young leaves that led to high quality, long DNA fragments, suitable for long-read sequencing were successfully generated. It is evident that longer reads in grapevine associate with both fresh tissue and adjusted conditions used for nuclei purification.Conclusions: We propose that this workflow presents a significant advancement for long-read quality DNA isolation for grapevine and likely other plant species.
Beneficial role of Pistacia lentiscus aqueous extract in experimental colitis: Anti-inflammatory and potential therapeutic effects
Authors: Boutemine Insaf Meriem , Amri Manel , Dorgham Karim , Amir Zine-Charaf , Benazzouz Sara , Ameur Fahima , Layaida Karim , Yssel Hans , Touil-Boukoffa Chafia
Published: April 2021

Background: Pistacia lentiscus L. (PL) is a flowering plant traditionally used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The extracts of this plant are endowed with strong pharmacological activities. The aim of our current study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and potential therapeutic effects of PL leaves aqueous extract (PLAE) against Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis. Materials and methods: The therapeutic effect of PLAE was evaluated after orally administration of 3% DSS alone or concomitantly with PLAE (50, 100 or 200 mg/Kg). Mucosal lesions were assessed by macroscopic and histopathological examination. In this context, hemorrhage, diarrhea, weight loss, and disease activity index (DAI) were determined daily throughout the experiment. In the same way, hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue staining of colonic mucosal were used to evaluate respectively mucosal damages and mucus production. Furthermore, the levels of nitric oxide (NO), and pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] were measured in plasma, as well as in colonic explants and peritoneal macrophages cultures supernatants.Results: Administration of DSS+PLAE indicated a significant reduction in clinical score of acute colitis DAI compared to DSS alone administration. Interestingly, histological analysis of the mucosa showed that DSS+PLAE-treated groups exhibited almost normal histology evidenced by an intact epithelium structure and less inflammatory cell infiltration in the mucosa. Alcian bleu staining revealed that DSS+PLAE-treated groups displayed almost normal mucus production. Importantly, a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory mediators (NO, IL-6 and TNF-α) levels in dose dependent manner was reported in plasma, and culture supernatants of colonic explants and peritoneal macrophages from DSS+ PLAE-treated mice compared to the DSS group.Conclusion: Our results showed that the systemic and local anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous leaves extract of PL improve the clinical signs of acute colitis. Our data suggest that PLAE has beneficial effects and could constitute a promising approach against acute ulcerative colitis by targeting the deregulated immune response.
Histopathological Evaluation of A Tissue Fragment Obtained In Conjunctivo-Müllerectomy Surgery
Authors: NAHAS TATIANA RIZKALLAH , Silva Leonard M. da , Ferreira Flávio C. , de Souza Luiza A. , Freire Livia de A. , Sahtler Célia S.C.O. , Hida Ilana Y.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To evaluate striated skeletal muscle fibers (upper eyelid levator muscle) in specimens taken from conjunctivo-müllerectomy surgery and correlate the surgical response of elevation greater than 2 mm in this surgery.
Methods

Histopathological analysis of 20 excised conjunctivo-müllerectomy fragments for treating involutional ptosis of any magnitude with a 10% positive and satisfactory phenylephrine test to check for skeletal muscle fibers.
Results

All analyzed tissue samples only had conjunctiva and smooth muscle tissue. We attest to the absence of striated muscle fibers in these samples.
Conclusion

There are no upper eyelid levator muscle fibers in the excised tissue in conjunctivo-müllerectomy surgery. The surgical response of elevation greater than 2 mm in this surgery may only be due to the closeness of the upper eyelid levator muscle to the superior border of the tarsal plate.
Alterations of white matter abnormalities in Parkinson’s disease: a machine learning approach
Authors: qian long , xiao chaoyong , Liu Sidong , cui zaixu , hu xiao , liu weiguo
Published: April 2021

The inter-tract/region dependencies of white-matter in Parkinson’s disease are usually ignored by standard statistical tests. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the disruption of white-matter tracts/regions suffices to identify Parkinson’s disease patients from healthy controls. A machine learning approach was applied to capture the interdependencies between white-matter tracts/regions and to differentiate PD patients from healthy controls. First, the mean regional white-matter profiles, including white-matter volume, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity, were extracted as features in Parkinson’s disease patients (N = 78) and in healthy controls (N = 91). Then, the feature selection and classification were performed using t-test and linear support vector machine, respectively. Last, the relationships between clinical variables and regional magnetic resonance indices were estimated. Our results showed the combined features (white-matter volume, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity) had the best performance with an accuracy of 75.15% and area under curve of 0.8171, respectively. The most discriminative white-matter features were centered on the association fibers, commissural fibers, projection fibers, and striatal fibers. The discriminative regions of right anterior limb of internal capsule had positive association trends with the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale III score; while the genu of corpus callosum and right retrolenticular part of internal capsule had positively association trends with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score. Our finding showed the multivariate machine learning approach is a promising tool to detect abnormal white-matter tracts/regions in Parkinson’s disease, and provides us a multidimensional means for neuroimaging classification.
Occurrence of 8 trace elements in Rhizoma Cibotii from China and exposure assessment
Authors: Chu Zhijie , Xu Hongxia , Shao Lijun , Li Jin , Wang Xiaolin , Jiao Yanni , Jiang Dafeng , Yang Peimin
Published: April 2021

The contamination of trace elements in Chinese edible herbs has attracted a worldwide concern. In this study, the occurrence and quantitative analysis of 8 trace elements in Rhizoma Cibotii were investigated. Results demonstrated that the trace elements of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb were detected in all analyzed samples, the occurrence frequencies of As, Se and Cd were 98.3%, 96.6% and 98.3%, respectively. The highest mean levels was found in Zn (17.32 mg/kg), followed by Pb (8.50 mg/kg) and Cu (3.51 mg/kg). Based on their contamination levels, the mean exposure of individual elements was estimated. The calculated HQ values were less than 1, indicating that the contamination of trace elements in Rhizoma Cibotii did not pose significant health risks to human. This study provides baseline information on trace elements in Rhizoma Cibotii, and it is necessary to monitor its trend in future for human health.
Laboratory Plate Loading Test on Calcareous Sands from a Hydraulic fill Reef Island
Authors: Wang Xing , WU YANG , Cui Jie , Zhu Chang-qi , Wang Xin-zhi
Published: April 2021

The landforms and vertical strata distribution characteristics of Yongxing Island show that the reclaimed reef island is characterized by soft upper strata (calcareous sand) and hard lower strata (reef limestone). In this study, a series of plate loading tests was conducted to examine the influences of particle gradation, compactness, and moisture condition on the bearing mechanism and deformation properties of the calcareous sand foundation. When the foundation is shallowly buried, the relative density range corresponding to a calcareous sand foundation exhibiting local shear failure is narrower than that of a terrigenous sand foundation. For the same compactness, dry calcareous medium sand has a much larger bearing capacity and deformation modulus than dry calcareous fine sand. The effect of water on the bearing capacity of the calcareous medium sand is greater than the effect on calcareous fine sand. Its weak cementation and low permeability make the initial deformation of saturated calcareous fine sand slightly smaller than that under dry conditions. The stress dispersion angle of the calcareous medium sand foundation is 52°, which is larger than that of terrigenous sand. A larger stress dispersion angle leads to a higher bearing capacity and deformation modulus than those of terrigenous sand.
Identification of multiple sclerosis-related genes regulated by EBV-encoded microRNAs in B cells
Authors: Rang Xinming , Liu Yuan , Wang Jingguo , Wang Yifei , Xu Chaohan , Fu Jin
Published: April 2021

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is driven by the interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers, particularly to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) are abundantly expressed in all stages of EBV infection and latency, which can target both viral and host cellular mRNAs, allowing EBV-infected B cells to evade the host immune response. However, it remains a big gap to understand the roles of EBV miRNAs and their target genes in MS pathogenesis.Methods: We investigated the correlation between MS-related viruses infection and MS risk quantitatively by systematic analysis. All MS-related genes in B cells were obtained by integrating MS susceptibility genes and differentially expressed genes from B cells. In comparison with differentially expressed genes from B cells after EBV infection in vitro, we confirmed EBV-regulated, MS-related genes. Subsequently, we obtained target EBV miRNAs which can regulate these genes from several online databases. By constructing pathway-pathway, pathway-gene and protein-protein interaction networks, we further screened out MS-related genes and risk pathways regulated by EBV miRNAs. Finally, we identified target EBV miRNAs may directly regulate MS-related genes through bioinformatic prediction and experimental validation.Results: EBV infection showed the strongest correlation with MS risk. A total of 873 MS-related genes and 52 risk pathways in B cells were obtained. We then identified 150 MS-related genes and 18 associated risk pathways that EBV was involved in. In addition, 42 human target genes regulated by 36 EBV miRNAs overlapped with EBV-regulated, MS-related genes. Finally, 15 target EBV miRNAs and their regulated, 6 MS-related genes (MALT1, BCL10, IFNGR2, STAT3, CDK6 and FOXP1) have been confirmed as crucial pathogenic molecules, which could promote the initiation and development of MS through NF-kappa B (MALT1 and BCL10) and PD-L1/PD-1 (IFNGR2 and STAT3) pathways. Surprisingly, ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p directly targeting MALT1 was confirmed by our experiments, and FOXP1 was identified as a target gene of ebv-miR-BART11.Conclusions: This work identified the target EBV miRNAs and their regulated, MS-related genes and risk pathways, which may provide a novel insight into discovering diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for MS.
Macula and Optic Disc Characteristics in Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine Abusers Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Mahjoob Monireh , Maleki Ali-Reza , Askarizadeh Farshad , Heydarian Samira , Rakhshandadi Tahereh
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine abusers were compared with healthy subjects using optical coherence tomography to assess their retinal nerve fiber layer, macula, and optic disc characteristics.
Methods

Forty-one Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine abusers and 42 healthy subjects (mean ± SD of age: 35.82 ± 8.6 and 37.67 ± 9.1 years, respectively) were incorporated in this cross sectional study. The drug abusers had a history of at least five years of substance use through smoking. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography was used to image and assess the characteristics of retinal nerve fiber layer, macular thickness, and optic disc in the study groups.
Results

The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was significantly lower in the superior and temporal retinal quadrants of drug abusers than healthy subjects (P = 0.008 and P = 0.028, respectively). This study did not find a significant difference between drug abusers and healthy controls regarding optic to disc ratio, rim area, and disc area (P > 0.05). The comparison between the study groups showed that the reductions in perifovea and the superior quadrant of parafoveal thickness were statistically significant (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively).
Conclusion

Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography measurements showed that the retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness were different between Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine abusers and healthy subjects, which should be considered in clinical practice. It seems that these drug abuses can cause alterations in retinal morphology.
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma of the Cerebellopontine Angle: Epidemiological Characteristics and Imaging Features may be Helpful for Making an Accurate Preoperative Diagnosis
Authors: Zheng Jian , Zhang Buyi , Huang Zhaoxu , Ling Hui , Dou Zhangqi , Wu Jiawei , Jin Taian , Lu Danchan , Sun Chongran
Published: April 2021

Purpose Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is rare, thus the preoperative diagnosis is still a challenge.Methods We searched the database at our institution and performed a search of English literature in PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords used were as follows: “primary central nervous system lymphoma”; “cerebellopontine angle”; “lymphoma”. Only cases in the English language that were located in the CPA and contained adequate clinical information pertinent to the analysis were included.Results 297 cases of pathologically confirmed PCNSLs were recorded between January 2009 and October 2020 at our institution. 6 cases were located in the CPA, accounting for 2.0% of all PCNSLs. 26 cases meeting the above criteria were found in the literature. Including ours, a total of 32 patients were analyzed. Females were more frequently affected (F/M ratio, 2.2:1). There was a preponderance of left-sided lesions in the PCNSLs of the CPA (L/R ratio, 1.5:1). On CT, 80.0% of them presented as hyperdense lesions. On T1-weighted image, 66.7% appeared isointense. While on T2-weighted image (T2WI), 68.4% appeared isointense/hypointense. After contrast administration, 86.2% presented intense homogeneous enhancement.Conclusion PCNSL of the CPA is extremely rare, accounting for 2.0% of all PCNSLs in our study. There is a preponderance of females and left-sided lesions in this disease. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with T2WI is very helpful in the preoperative diagnosis of the CPA PCNSL. Although rare, lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of CPA lesions.
The Effect of Earth-air Passive Breathing on the Formation of Haze Patterns
Authors: Li Hongshou , Gong Yipu , Wang Shunren , Guo Qinglin
Published: April 2021

As urbanization and economic growth in developing countries expands, haze has become a global environmental problem in urban areas. Haze has obvious seasonal and diurnal variations across the globe. The concentration of fine particulate matter is higher in winter and lower in summer, and its diurnal variation shows bimodal characteristics. However, the formation mechanism of this pattern is still not well understood. In this paper, the coupling between earth-air and fine particulate concentration is studied. Monitoring results have shown that the earth-air pressure generally fluctuates with the overall atmospheric pressure. There is a mechanism of ‘passive breathing’ of the earth-air, and due to the effect of seasonal/diurnal changes in soil temperature, ‘autonomous breathing’ also exists. The magnitude of the autonomous breathing effect is small (3.57 mm/d), whereas the passive breathing effect is much larger (421.25 mm/d). The correlation coefficients between volume of earth-air passive breathing and PM2.5 on yearly and daily timescales are 0.82 and 0.84 respectively. Statistical analysis suggests that when the atmospheric pressure rises, the atmospheric air is compressed, and concentration increases. At the same time, a part of the atmosphere enters the soil and causes back-mixing. When the atmospheric pressure drops, the atmospheric air expands, and the filtered earth-air enters the atmosphere, reducing the near-surface PM2.5 concentration. This results in the PM2.5 concentration changing synchronously with the earth-air passive breathing. Therefore, the passive breathing of earth-air has important impact on the formation of haze patterns, and the atmospheric pumping effect provides the main driving force.
Photo-patternable, large-area solid-state liquid metal film coated via solution shearing for soft electronics
Authors: Lee Gun-Hee , Kim Hyeonji , Lee Juhyun , Yang Congqi , Kang Heemin , Park Seongjun , Kang Jiheong , Bao Zhenan , Jeong Jae-Woong , Park Steve
Published: April 2021

Liquid metal (LM) is considered one of the most promising conducting materials for soft electronics due to its unique combination of metal-level high conductivity with exceptional deformability and stretchability. However, their practical applicability has thus far been limited due to the challenges of generating chemically and mechanically stable film over a large-area and the need for non-standard fabrication approaches. Here, we report materials and manufacturing methods that enable multiscale patterning (from microns to centimeters) and multilayer integration of ‘solid-state liquid metal (SSLM)’ with the conventional cleanroom process. In this work, solution shearing of a polyelectrolyte-attached LM particle ink is used to generate SSLM films. The stabilized LM particles were observed to form a close-packed thin-film without particle rupture when coated under evaporative regime. This is essential in enabling a subsequent photolithographic lift-off process at wafer-scale to produce high-resolution features (~ 10 µm) of varying thicknesses irrespective of the substrate. Demonstrations of wearable multilayer tactile sensing systems and stretchable skin-interfaced electronics validate the simplicity, versatility, and reliability of this manufacturing strategy, suggesting broad utility in the development of advanced soft electronics.
Qualitative analysis of the roles of physicians and nurses in providing decision support to patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia and malignant lymphoma
Authors: Morikawa Miharu , Shirai Yuki
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study clarified the roles of hematologists and expected roles of other professionals in providing decision support to patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia and malignant lymphoma.
Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 hematologists regarding the role of physicians in providing decision support and the expected roles of other professionals. Interview data were then subjected to a content analysis.
Results

Hematologists were tasked with gathering information about the patient prior to discussions; specifically, they would select required information, communicate issues in a way that patients and their families could easily understand, respect the wishes of the patients and their families, and pay attention to any emotional needs. They were also expected to alter the way information was conveyed in cases of particular severity, while explaining the options they believed were best. Regarding multidisciplinary collaboration, roles included valuing communication, managing entire teams, and encouraging active participation among other professionals. On the other hand, hematologists expected other professionals to actively participate in discussions, express opinions, share information about the patient’s situation and related discussions, and provide emotional support.
Conclusions

During interviews, hematologists conveyed information that physicians keep in mind when providing decision support to patients and explained how they prioritized treatment options. Information must be organized not only in terms of the patient’s image and hematologist’s perspective, but also in terms of the patient’s priorities and values. As such, a multidisciplinary professional team is needed to share patient information and provide multifaceted support.
Icelandic-type crust enigma solved
Authors: Kukkonen Ilmo , Foulger Gillian
Published: April 2021

Although on the mid-Atlantic extensional plate boundary, the crust beneath Iceland is unlike any produced by sea-floor spreading 1,2. It is up to 40 km thick – 6-7 times thicker than typical oceanic crust 3,4, its seismic velocity gradients are inconsistent with a solely mafic petrology, its lower part has a density approaching that of the mantle, and lithosphere thickness is up to 100 km. Furthermore, downward continuation of surface high thermal gradients predict partial melt in the lower crust that is at odds with the subsolidus state detected by seismic measurements. For the last ~ 50 years it has been assumed that its unusually large thickness results from excess magma production in a hot source 5 but it cannot explain these observations. We model jointly the seismic and thermal data and show that they are consistent with stretched continental crust 6 overlain by a few kilometres of young flood basalts. This resembles a volcanic passive margin under construction. It is mechanically feasible 7 and compatible with the composition of Icelandic lavas. This solution is the first proposed that can explain the geophysical properties of Icelandic-type crust. It has major implications for Atlantic Ocean opening, the structure of passive margins, extent of continental crust in the oceans, natural resources and limits of national seaboards.
Incidences Of Nasal Septal Deviation And Its Effect On Surgical Success In Patients With Congenital Nasolacrimal Dacryostenosis
Authors: özdemir fatma esin , Bezgin selin Üstün , Karademir Zeliha
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVE: An investigation of incidences of nasal septal deviation (NSD) and its effect on surgical success in patients with congenital nasolacrimal dacryostenosis (CNLDO).METHODS: A retrospective review was made of the medical records of patients who presented to the ophthalmology clinic due to epiphora, were diagnosed with CNLDO and underwent probing. The diagnosis was established by history, clinical examination, and fluorescein disappearance test (FDT)1. Patients with FDT grade 2 and 3 underwent surgery. Success was defined as postoperative FDT grade 0–1. The patients were assessed in terms of gestational week, birth weight, type of delivery, nasal endoscopic examination findings (presence of NSD), time of surgery, treatments received, recurrence and complications.RESULTS: The study comprised 72 eyes of 58 patients who were diagnosed with CNLDO and underwent surgical treatment. Of the patients, 44 (75.86%) had unilateral, and 14 (24.14%) had bilateral CNLDO; 41 (56.94%) were female and 31 (43.06%) were male. The mean gestational age at birth was 38.01 weeks (32–41 weeks), the mean birth weight was 3321.25 (2020–4500 g), the number of cases delivered by cesarean section was 40 (55.56%), and 32 (44.44%) were vaginal deliveries. There were 13 (18.06%) patients with detected NSD after endonasal examination and 59 (81.94%) patients with normal endonasal examination in the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department. The time of surgery was 10 –34 months (mean: 19.06 months, SD: 5.73), the length of follow-up was 6–16 months (mean: 9.90 months, SD: 2.58). The rate of probing success was 80.6% (58 eyes), and there was recurrence in 19.4% (14 eyes).The success rate of the probing did not statistically significantly differ by gender (p=0.323), the mean birth week (p=0.123), the mean birth weight (p=0.186), the involved eye (p=0.891), the type of delivery (p=0.891), the mean length of follow-up (months) (p=0.701), the mean month of surgery (p=0.607), and the side of NSD (p=0.853). The incidence of NSD was statistically significantly higher in the group in which the probing failed, than in the group in which the probing was successful (p=0.004).CONCLUSION: NSD was identified in 18% of the patients who were diagnosed with CNLDO and underwent surgery. The incidence of NSD was significantly higher in the group where the probing procedure failed. Pre-treatment nasal endoscopy is important for the treatment planning and prognosis of CNLDO patients.
Predicting Running Time of Aerodynamic Jobs in HPC System by Combining Supervised and Unsupervised Learning Method
Authors: Wang Hao , Dai Yi-Qin , Yu Jie , Dong Yong
Published: April 2021

Improving resource utilization is an important goal of high-performance computing systems of supercomputing centers. In order to meet this goal, the job scheduler of high-performance computing systems often use backfilling scheduling to fill short-time jobs into the gaps of jobs at the front of the queue. Backfilling scheduling needs to obtain the running time of the job. In the past, the job running times are usually given by users and often far exceeded the actual running time of the job, which leads to inaccurate backfilling and a waste of computing resources. In particular, when the predicted job running time is lower than the actual time, the damage caused to the utilization of the system’s computing resources becomes more serious. Therefore, the prediction accuracy of the job running time is crucial to the utilization of system resources. The use of machine learning methods can make more accurate predictions of the job running time. Aiming at the parallel application of aerodynamics, we propose a job running time prediction framework SU combining supervised and unsupervised learning, and verifies it on the real historical data of the high-performance computing systems of China erodynamics Research and Development Center(CARDC). The experimental results show that SU has a high prediction accuracy(80.46%) and a low underestimation rate(24.85%).
In-vitro and In-silico approach for characterization of antimicrobial-peptide from probiotics against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Bindu Amrutha , N Lakshmidevi
Published: April 2021

The present aim was to determine the characteristic feature and stability of antimicrobial compound (AMC) produced by probiotic strains of Enterococcus durans MCC4243, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Basanym: Lactobacillus plantarum MCC4246) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum (Basonym: Lactobacillus fermentum MCC4233) against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC96 and Escherichia coli MTCC118. Growth kinetic assay revealed 24h of incubation to be optimum for bacteriocin production. Ammonium sulphate precipitation-dialysis was found to be favorable method for extraction of AMC compared to other methods employed. The partially purified compound after ion-exchange chromatography was found to be thermo-resistant upto 90°C and stable under wide range of pH. The compound was sensitive to proteinase-K, but resistant to trypsin, α-amylase and lipase. The apparent molecular weight of AMC from MCC4243 and MCC4246 was found to be 3.5KDa. PCR confirmed the presence of plantaricinA gene in MCC4246. Translated partial amino acid sequence of plnA gene of MCC4246 displayed 48 amino acid sequence which had 100% similarity with plantaricinA of Lactobacillus plantarum (WP 0036419). The sequence revealed 7 β sheets, 6 α sheets, 6 predicted coils and 9 predicted turns and functions on cytoplasm with 10.82 isoelectric point and 48.6% hydrophobicity. From the study, the amino acid sequence “KSSAYSLQMGATAIKQVKKLFKKWGW” of peptide was predicted to be responsible for antimicrobial activity.
Water Inrush and Failure Characteristics of Coal Seam Floor Over A Confined Aquifer
Authors: Cao Min , Yin Shangxian , Xu Bin
Published: April 2021

Failure behaviors of the floor rocks under coal seam mining in the conditions of hard magma rock roof and confined aquifer are studied. Based on the theory of rock stresses and elasticity mechanics, the combined effects of the abutment pressure induced by the hard roof and by the water pressure under the thin aquicludes of the floor rocks were considered, and a mechanical model was constructed along the strike of the working face. An analytical solution of stress distribution was derived in the floor rocks, the distributions of vertical, horizontal and shear stresses were calculated. In combination with the in-situ measurement, the results show that: 1) when the periodic pressure caused by the roof collapse occurs on the working face, and the maximum stress concentration in the floor appears at the elastic-plastic junction in the direction of the strike of the working face. With the increase of the depth of the floor, the horizontal stress coefficient tends to decrease, and the corresponding shear stress coefficient isoline shows a “symmetric spiral” distribution and propagates downward to the floor at a certain angle with the vertical direction. This causes the floor rocks to generate compression and shear or tension and shear failure. 2) when the immediate roof of coal seam is the magma rock, the abutment pressure shows a trend of a slow increase initially and then a rapid increase later. The peak value of abutment pressure appears at the location of 4 - 6 meters from the coal wall of the working face, and the concentration coefficient of the abutment pressure is between 1.4 and 1.8. 3) according to the measurement and calculation of the failure depths of the floor at different positions under the same coal seam, it is found that the maximum failure depth appears near the coal wall of the working face. The failure depth reduces by 11.6% after the floor goes through “the roof caving and re-compaction”, which causes the fractures in the floor to close and the thickness of the effective aquiclude increases. In the un-mined area of the working face, the failure depth is 55% of the maximum failure depth. 4) both the theoretical calculation and the numerical simulation show that the failure depth of the floor increases obviously under the combined action of high vertical stress and the water pressure. Under the condition that the thickness of the aquiclude is relatively thin, the water pressure of the floor and pressure intensity of the roof are the sensitive factors to affect the maximum failure depth of the floor.
Seasonal fluctuation and host species affect Tobacco ringspot virus detection
Authors: Beaver-Kanuya Eunice E , Harper S.J.
Published: April 2021

Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) is a pathogen with a wide host range that can cause disease in many perennial species. Yet detection of this virus can be insistent and unreliable, complicating disease management. In this study we asked whether seasonal effects changed the titer and distribution of the virus in Vitis vinifera, Malus domestica, and Prunus armeniaca. We developed an RT-qPCR assay and used it to monitor TRSV accumulation in leaves, stems, and roots over the course of a year. TRSV titer, and the tissues in which it accumulated, changed throughout the year in a host-specific manner which may be due to host plant growth patterns and temperature. These data will aid in determining optimal sampling time, and which tissues to collect to have confidence in diagnostic results.