bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment for Complex Elbow Fractures Involving Both a Hinged External Fixator and Internal Fixation
Authors: He Xiao , Fen Quan , Yang Jiarui , Lei Yutian , Heng Lisong , Zhu Yangjun , Zhang Kun
Published: May 2021

PurposeTo explore the clinical outcomes of a hinged external fixator combined with internal fixation in treating complex elbow fractures.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 42 cases of complex elbow fractures treated in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2019. Twenty-four cases were treated with a hinged external fixator combined with internal fixation (external fixation group), including 14 cases of the terrible triad of the elbow, 5 cases of posterior Monteggia fracture, and 5 cases of transolecranon fracture-dislocation. Eighteen cases were treated with adjustable brace fixation combined with internal fixation (brace group), including 11 cases of the terrible triad of the elbow, 3 cases of posterior Monteggia fracture and 4 cases of transolecranon fracture-dislocation. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, and the patients with postoperative elbow instability underwent fixation with a hinged external fixator or adjustable brace. Preoperative and surgical data were collected. At the last follow-up, elbow motion (extension-flexion, rotation) was recorded in the two groups of patients, and the Mayo Elbow Function Score (MEPS) was used to assess elbow joint function.ResultsAll patients were followed up for 12 to 55 months (mean 28.2 months). The bones healed in all patients with fractures; the healing time was 12.9±1.9 weeks for the external fixation group and 12.2±1.8 weeks for the brace group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05). The average flexion-extension range of the elbow joint in the external fixation group was 128.8°±15.7°, the average rotation range of the forearm was 142.7° ± 21.5°, and the average MEPS score was 89.8±11.3 points (range 60-100 points); 14 cases were excellent, 7 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and 1 case was poor. The excellent and good rate was 87.5%. In the brace group, the average flexion-extension range of the elbow joint was 110.3°±37.0°, the average rotation range of the forearm was 125.6°±30.5°, and the average MEPS score was 81.1±15.5 points (50-100 points); 8 cases were excellent, 5 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and 3 cases were poor. The excellent and good rate was 72.2%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P <0.05).ConclusionsThe combination of an external fixator and internal fixation in the treatment of unstable complex elbow fractures can better restore the stability and function of elbow joints than can adjustable brace fixation.
Effects of Tea Polyphenols on the Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes and the Expression of Related Gene in the Leaves of Wheat Seedlings Under Salt Stress
Authors: Zhang Ya , Li Guiying , Si Lianbang , Liu Na , Gao Tianpeng , Yang Yingli
Published: May 2021

Longchun 30, a new wheat variety, was used to investigate seedling growth, element absorption and antioxidant response under 150 mM NaCl and tea polyphenols (TP) (25 and 100 mg L− 1) treatments alone or in combination, thus revealing TP-alleviating mechanism on the salt damage to plants. 150 mM NaCl stress alone inhibited the seedling growth, increased sodium content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, but reduced potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) levels at different culture times, thus resulting in the oxidative damage to the leaves. Even though TP treatment alone led to the significant increase of ROS generation, TP-treated leaves exhibited the reduction of relative electrical conductivity and no change of malondialdehyde content. Moreover, high TP concentration alone stimulated the seedling growth. In addition, the activities and gene expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase (POD) as well as diamine oxidase and polyamine oxidase were changed to different degrees due to NaCl or TP treatment alone. Further study showed that the presence of TP promoted the seedling growth, increased K+ and Ca2+ contents, and led to the reduction of ROS accumulation. Taken together, salinity-inhibitory effect on the growth of wheat seedlings might be associated with salt-induced imbalance of element content and the increase of oxidative damage resulting from ROS accumulation, while the application of TP effectively alleviated salinity-inhibitory effect on the seedling growth and improved the tolerance of wheat seedlings to salt environment, which might be associated with the increases of K+ and Ca2+ contents as well as the reduction of oxidative damage in the leaves of wheat seedlings under NaCl and TP treatment in combination.
Clinical Features and Outcomes Based on Liver Injury Patterns in Liver Injury Caused by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Ito Takanori , Ishigami Masatoshi , Yamamoto Takafumi , Mizuno Kazuyuki , Yamamoto Kenta , Imai Norihiro , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Kawashima Hiroki , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Yokota Kenji , Hase Tetsunari , Nishio Naoki , Maeda Osamu , Kato Masashi , Hashimoto Naozumi , Hibi Hideharu , Kodera Yasuhiro , Sone Michihiko , Ando Yuichi , Akiyama Masashi , Shimoyama Yoshie , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe clinical course of liver injury induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) varies among individuals, and there were few reports on the therapeutic effects of corticosteroids based on the patterns of liver injury.MethodsWe evaluated the characteristics and clinical course of immune-related liver injury in 1087 patients treated with ICIs for advanced malignancies between August 2014 and December 2020. ResultsDuring the follow-up period (median, 270 days), 56 patients (5.2%) had immune-related liver injury (≥Grade 3). The liver-injury patterns were hepatocellular (n = 25, 44.6%), mixed (n = 10, 17.9%), or cholestatic (n = 21, 37.5%), and the median time to onset of liver injury was 36, 85, and 53 days, respectively; the hepatocellular pattern occurred earlier than the other types (P = 0.036). Corticosteroids were administered to 29 (51.8%) patients. While liver injury was improved in almost all patients with the hepatocellular pattern (n = 13/14, 92.9%), that failed to show improvement in over half of the patients with the non-hepatocellular patterns (mixed, n = 8; cholestatic, n = 7), and three patients with mixed patterns needed secondary immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil. Liver biopsies performed in 13 patients mainly showed lobular injury, endothelialitis, and spotty necrosis with infiltration of T cells positive for CD3 and CD8, but not CD4 or CD20. Conclusion﻿The incidence pattern and therapeutic response to corticosteroids in immune-related liver injury differs according to the injury type. Although corticosteroids were effective for the hepatocellular pattern, an additional strategy for refractory non-hepatocellular patterns is needed.
Isotherm, Kinetics, and Adsorption Mechanism Studies of DTPA-Modified Banana/Pomegranate Peels as Efficient Adsorbents for Removing Cd(II) and Ni(II) from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Fanghui , Wu Peng , Shu Lin , Guo Qingbin , Huang Di , Liu Huanhuan
Published: May 2021

Two novel absorbents were synthesized for the first time by banana and pomegranate peels using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) modification to eliminate Cd(II) and Ni(II) of sewage. The DTPA-modified peels performed significantly higher adsorption capacity than unmodified materials. Adsorption isotherm and kinetics models were simulated to determine their removal efficiency and potential for recovery of these two heavy metals. As the results, the adsorption reached equilibrium within 5 minutes and was well described by the pseudo-second order model and Langmuir isotherm. The surface morphology analysis of the synthetic materials by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, implied that ion exchange, complexation and physical adsorption may together contribute to Cd(II) and Ni(II) loading on DTPA-modified peels. This study demonstrates the feasibility of waste peels as cost-efficient bio-absorbents to remove Cd(II) and Ni(II) in sewage systems, and discovers potential adsorption mechanism of efficiency improvements after DTPA modification.
Preparation and Characterization of Hollow MgO/SiO2 Nanocomposites and using as Reusable Catalyst for Synthesis of 1H-Isochromenes
Authors: Mohammadi Somaye , Naeimi Hossein
Published: May 2021

In the present study, hollow MgO/SiO2 nanocatalyst with great base properties was made. This heterogeneous catalyst was a synthesis in several steps to create a great active area and decrease the density of the catalyst. The base hollow catalyst framework for the reaction of cyclohexanone, malononitrile and benzaldehyde to the synthesis of 1H-isocromene from Michael addition and aldol reaction at room temperature. All the reaction flowing was excellent in the yield of productand reaction times. At the end of the reaction, the nanocatalyst separated by simple filtration and reuse in several runs elsewhere.
Comparison of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), Early Warning Score (ANDC) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) in Hospitalized Patients with Malignancy, and Their Influence on Mortality from COVID-19
Authors: Bilge Muge , Akilli Isil Kibar , Yesilova Aylia , Yasar Kadriye Kart
Published: May 2021

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic is a serious cause of increased mortality in patients having malignancy. Therefore, to help predict the clinical progression of those patients with COVID-19 who have multiple comorbidities as cancer, we need various indices whose parameters we can easily measure and rapidly calculate. We evaluated several biological indicators based on inflammation and/or nutritional status, such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), early warning score (ANDC) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with and without malignancies for a prognostic significance. Methodology: This is a retrospective and observational study on 186 patients with SARS-CoV-2, who were diagnosed with COVID-19 by real-time PCR testing and hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia. 75 patients had various malignancies, and the rest (111), having a similar age and comorbidity profile based on propensity score matching, had no malignancy. Results: None of the measures as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), SII, PNI or ANDC was found to be significantly different between two groups. Mortality ratio was found to be significantly higher in malignancy group (17,3%). Odds ratio for the mortality, OR:2,39 (%95 CI:1,80 -3,16) was found to be significantly higher for the malignancy group, even though the duration of hospitalization was statistically similar for both groups. PNI was found to be significantly lower for deceased patients compared with survivors in the malignancy group. Contrarily, ANDC was found to be significantly higher for deceased patients in the malignancy group. Conclusions: PNI and ANDC have independent predictive power on determining the in-hospital death in COVID-19 malignancy cases. It is suggested that ANDC seems to be a more sensitive score than SII in COVID-19 cases with malignancies.
Identification and evaluation of an appropriate housekeeping gene for real-time gene profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma cells cultured in three-dimensional scaffold
Authors: Badekila Anjana Kaveri , Rai Praveen , Kini Sudarshan
Published: May 2021

Assessing an optimal reference gene as an internal control for target gene normalization is important during quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) of three-dimensional cell culture. Especially, gene profiling of cancer cells under a complex 3D microenvironment in a polymer scaffold provides a deeper understanding of recapitulation of in vivo tumors. In this aspect, expression of six housekeeping genes (HKG’s): glyceraldehyde-3-phosphodehydrogenase (GAPDH), β-actin (ACTB), beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), peptidyl-propyl-isomerase A (PPIA), and ribosomal protein L13 (RPL-13)) during the monolayer culture (two-dimensional), and alginate-carboxymethylcellulose scaffold based three-dimensional (3D) cell culture conditioned up to 21 days was analyzed for hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh-7) cell line. The real-time gene expression using RT-qPCR of HCC spheroids in 3D culture were analyzed by determining the primer efficiency, melting curve and quantification cycle analysis of the selected candidate HKG’s. Further, RT-qPCR data were validated using analysis softwares i.e., geNorm and NormFinder for statistical significance. The study indicated RPL-13, 18S rRNA and B2M to be stable among selected referral HKG candidates and considered them as potential internal controls during varying cell culture conditions.
Cognitive Impairment In Stable Wilson Disease Across Phenotype.
Authors: Kirk Frederik Teicher , Munk Ditte Emilie , Laursen Tea Lund , Vilstrup Hendrik , Ott Peter , Grønbæk Henning , Lauridsen Mette Munk , Sandahl Thomas Damgaard
Published: May 2021

Background: In Wilson disease (WD), mutations in the gene encoding the ATP7B copper transport protein causes accumulation of copper especially in liver and brain. WD typically presents with hepatic and/or neuropsychiatric symptoms. Impaired cognition is a well-described feature in patients neurological WD, while the reports on cognition in hepatic WD patients are fewer and less conclusive. We examined cognition in a cohort of WD patients with both phenotypes. Methods: In this cross-sectional pilot study, we investigated cognition in 28 stable Danish WD patients by portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE) and continuous reaction time (CRT) tests. Half of the patients were female and median age was 35.5 years (IQR 24.5). The phenotype was hepatic in 14 (50%), neurologic in 10 (36%) and mixed in 4 4 (14%). The duration of treatment was >2 year in all patients, and the condition stable as judged by urinary copper excretion, liver enzymes, and clinical assessment.Results: In total, 16 (57%) patients performed worse than normal in the PSE and/or CRT tests. The two tests correlated (rho=0.60, p=0.0007) with each other, but neither correlated with phenotype, MELD-, Child-Pugh score, 24h-U-Cu, or treatment type.Conclusion: Measurable cognitive impairment was present in more than half of the stable WD patients independent of phenotype. Thus, our data questions the existence of a purely hepatic phenotype.
Possible Enzymatic Mechanism Underlying Chemical Tolerance and Characteristics of Tolerant Population in Scapholeberis Kingi
Authors: Ishimota Makoto , Kodama Mebuki , Tomiyama Naruto
Published: May 2021

To determine the potential effects of pesticides on aquatic organisms inhabiting a realistic environment, we explored the characteristics and mechanisms of chemical tolerance in Scapholeberis kingi. We established a chemical-tolerant population via continuous exposure to pirimicarb, an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, and examined the effects of pirimicarb concentration on the intrinsic growth rates (r) of tolerant cladocerans. We also explored the association between r and feeding rate and tested the involvement of antioxidant enzymes [peroxidase (PO) and superoxide dismutase] and AChE in pirimicarb sensitivity. S. kingi was continuously exposed to sublethal pirimicarb concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 µg/L) for 15 generations and changes (half maximal effective concentration at 48 h, 48 h-EC50) in chemical sensitivity were investigated. In the F14 generation, the sensitivity of the 10 µg/L group was three times lower than that of the control group, suggesting the acquisition of chemical tolerance. Moreover, r was significantly and negatively correlated with 48 h-EC50, suggesting a fitness cost for tolerance. Surprisingly, there was no significant correlation between r and feeding rate. Our generalized linear model indicated that elevated PO activity may be related to chemical tolerance. Therefore, oxidative stress regulation may be involved in the acquisition of chemical tolerance in cladocerans. These findings will help elucidate the characteristics and mechanisms of chemical tolerance in aquatic organisms inhabiting a realistic environment.
A Salt-free and Water-saving Approach as a Green Alternative to Conventional Reactive Dyeing of Cotton
Authors: Wei Yimin , Jiang Zhe , Zhang Ning , Wang Qiang , Wang Ping , Yu Yuanyuan , Zhou Man
Published: May 2021

Aqueous reactive dyeing of cotton is considered to be environmentally unfriendly owing to its high consumption of water and salt as well as large discharge of wastewater. However, the industrial applications of current alternative dyeing technologies are difficult to realize due to different problems such as poor dyeing quality, environmental pollution and high cost. Herein, we developed a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (HDES) dyeing approach using natural thymol-menthol to overcome the problems caused by reactive dyeing of cotton. HDES dyeing approach could achieve excellent dyeing properties of cotton by optimizing water content, pick-up and concentration of alkali solution. Dye fixation kinetics of HDES dyeing system was studied based on Lagergren pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order dynamics models, compared with aqueous dyeing system. The cotton fabrics dyed in Thy-Men system exhibited excellent levelness, satisfactory colorfastness and color strength without addition of salt. Furthermore, HDES can be reused for 5 cycles of dyeing and the dyed fabrics displayed consistently high color strength values. This dyeing approach provides substantial reduction in wastewater emission and consumption of freshwater and chemicals, which has considerable potential for promoting cleaner production in the textile industry.
Higher Versus Lower Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in Patients Without Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Pettenuzzo Tommaso , Boscolo Annalisa , De Cassai Alessandro , Sella Nicolò , Zarantonello Francesco , Persona Paolo , Pasin Laura , Landoni Giovanni , Navalesi Paolo
Published: May 2021

Background: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the association of higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), as opposed to lower PEEP, with hospital mortality in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation for reasons other than acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: We performed an electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Web of Science from inception until December 18, 2020 with no language restrictions. In addition, a research-in-progress database and grey literature were searched. Results: We identified 22 RCTs (2225 patients) comparing higher PEEP (1007 patients) with lower PEEP (991 patients). No statistically significant association between higher PEEP and hospital mortality was observed (risk ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.89-1.16; I2 = 0%, p = 0.62; low certainty of evidence). Among secondary outcomes, higher PEEP was associated with better oxygenation, higher respiratory system compliance, and lower risk of hypoxemia and ARDS occurrence. Furthermore, barotrauma, hypotension, duration of ventilation, lengths of stay, and ICU mortality were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: In our meta-analysis of RCTs, higher PEEP, compared with lower PEEP, was not associated with mortality or duration of ventilation in patients without ARDS receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, despite being associated with improved oxygenation and lower occurrence of ARDS.
Analytic Exploration of Safe Basins in a Benchmark Problem of Forced Escape
Authors: Karmi Gleb , Kravetc Pavel , Gendelman Oleg
Published: May 2021

The paper presents an analytic approach for predicting the safe basins (SB) in a plane of initial conditions (IC) for escape of classical particle from the potential well under harmonic forcing. The solution is based on the approximation of isolated resonance, which reduces the dynamics to conservative flow on a two-dimensional resonance manifold (RM). Such a reduction allows easy distinction between escaping and non-escaping ICs. As a benchmark potential, we choose a common parabolic-quartic well with truncation at varying energy levels. The method allows accurate predictions of the SB boundaries for relatively low forcing amplitudes. The derived SBs demonstrate an unexpected set of properties, including decomposition into two disjoint zones in the IC plane for a certain range of parameters. The latter peculiarity stems from two qualitatively different escape mechanisms on the RM. For higher forcing values, the accuracy of the analytic predictions decreases to some extent due to the inaccuracies of the basic isolated resonance approximation, but mainly due to the erosion of the SB boundaries caused by the secondary resonances. Nevertheless, even in this case the analytic approximation can serve as a viable initial guess for subsequent numeric estimation of the SB boundaries.
A novel distinct genetic variant of tomato torrado virus with substantially shorter RNA1-specific 3'untranslated region (3'UTR)
Authors: Budziszewska Marta , Wieczorek Przemysław , Obrępalska-Stęplowska Aleksandra
Published: May 2021

Tomato torrado virus (ToTV) induces severe systemic necrosis in Solanum lycopersicum. This work aimed at describing the genetic variability of necrosis-inducing ToTV-Wal'17 collected in the 2017 year, derived from the ToTV-Wal'03 after long-term passages in plant. Sequence analyses of the ToTV-Wal`17 indicated twenty-eight single nucleotide substitutions in coding sequence of both RNAs, twelve of which resulted in amino acid changes in viral polyproteins. Moreover the sequencing data revealed that the 3'UTR of ToTV-Wal'17 RNA1 was 394 nts shorter in comparison to Wal'03. The performed sequence analyses pointed that 3'UTR of RNA1of ToTV-Wal'17 is the most divergent across all previously described European isolates.
Gelsolin Impairs Barrier Function in Pancreatic Ductal Epithelial Cells by Actin Filament Depolymerization in Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis in Vitro
Authors: yang huiying , Liang Zhihai , Xie Jinlian , Wu Qing , Qin Yingying , Zhang Shiyu , Tang Guodu
Published: May 2021

Gelsolin (GSN) is a calcium-regulated actin-binding protein that can sever actin filaments. Actin dynamics affects the function and integrity of epithelial barriers. This study investigated the role of GSN on barrier function in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDECs) in hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis (HTGP).The human PDEC cell line HPDE6-C7 was silenced for GSN and treated with caerulein (CAE) + triglycerides (TG). Intracellular calcium levels and the actin filament network were analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. The expression of GSN, E-cadherin, nectin-2, ZO-1, and occludin was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Ultrastructural changes in tight junctions (TJs) were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The permeability of PDECs was analyzed by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran fluorescence. The results showed that CAE + TG increased intracellular calcium levels, actin filament depolymerization, and GSN expression, and increased PDEC permeability by decreasing the expression of E-cadherin, nectin-2, ZO-1, and occludin compared with CAE alone. Moreover, changes in these markers, except for intracellular calcium levels, were reversed by silencing GSN. Based on these results, it can be concluded that GSN disrupts barrier function in PDECs by causing actin filament depolymerization in HTGP in vitro.
Genetic and Morpho-Agronomic Characterization of Sicilian Tetraploid Wheat Germplasm
Authors: Sicilia Angelo , Anastasi Umberto , Bizzini Michele , Montemagno Stefania , Nicotra Carmelo , Blangiforti Sebastiano , Spina Alfio , Cosentino Salvatore , Piero Angela Roberta Lo
Published: May 2021

Cereal landraces are a very valuable resource in contemporary agriculture. A renewed focus for breeding purposes could ameliorate some negative consequences of modern agriculture and conventional breeding, such as the loss of genetic diversity. A strategy combining molecular genotyping and characterization of morpho-agronomic traits related to productivity is proposed to assess a group of tetraploid wheat landraces named “Bufala”, historically cultivated in the mountain areas of Sicily and used for the production of a traditional bread type locally appreciated. A total of 55 SSR molecular markers were used to detect pattern of diversity for 30 rivet and durum wheat genotypes. Furthermore, phenotyping was than conducted for 8 morpho-agronomic traits. Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), STRUCTURE and phylogenetical analysis allowed to identify three groups, two of them genetically close and including both “Bufala” and “Bufala-related” rivet landraces. To the third group old and more recent durum wheat varieties, constituting the outgroup, were assigned. Clustering was confirmed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Finally, a correlation analysis showed as “Bufala” genotypes are characterized by lower ear density compared with the other studied genotypes, a major ear length and a later earing time. The generated knowledge about the levels of diversity and population structure could be an important contribution for parent selection in tetraploid wheat breeding programs in order to define a plant ideotype suitable for low-input and organic cropping systems, as well as for germplasm conservation and management.
HER2 Phenotyping of CTCs By Peptide-Functionalized Nanoparticles As The Diagnostic Biomarkers of Anti-HER2 Treatment in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Mengting , Liu Yaxin , Shao Bin , Liu Xiaoran , Wang Chen , Li Huiping , Zhu Ling , Li Ping , Yang Yanlian
Published: May 2021

Background: The efficacy of anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) treatment is impacted by tissue-based evaluation bias due to tumor heterogeneity and dynamic changes of HER2 in breast cancer. Circulating tumor cell (CTC)-based HER2 phenotyping provides an integral and real-time assessment, benefiting accurate HER2 diagnosis for improved therapeutics.Methods: The study was exploratory. Fifty-four breast cancer patients, including 26 histopathologic HER2/neu-positive (Histo-HER2/neu+) and 28 HER2/neu-negative (Histo-HER2/neu+), were enrolled for blood draws before a new line of treatment. We used peptide-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles to isolate CTCs from 2.0 mL whole blood and determined HER2 phenotypes of the enriched CTCs by immunocytochemistry (ICC). We investigated the correlation of the enumeration and HER2 phenotyping on baseline CTCs with the diagnosis, the prognosis, and the efficacy of the trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapeutic agents of breast cancer. We also explored the dynamic change of HER2 phenotypes on CTCs after the combination therapy in a cohort of Histo-HER2/neu+ individuals (n = 14).Results: We achieved high-efficient detection of the CTC-positive cases (≥ 3 CTCs) (38/54, 70.4%), from whom 71.1% (27/38) had a concordant HER2 status on CTCs and tumor tissues at baseline. Pretheraputic CTC enumeration showed a significant correlation with the histopathologic diagnosis (e.g. estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) status or proliferation of cancer cells) and the progression-free survival/overall survival (PFS/OS) of breast cancer. However, it was not a practicable biomarker to predict the efficacy of the trastuzumab-based combination therapy. In contrast, we demonstrated a significantly higher possibility of good overall responses in the patients with < 3 CTCs (P = 0.006) or with HER2 overexpression in CTCs (CTC-HER2+) at baseline, as compared to the individuals without HER2 overexpression in CTCs (CTC-HER2–) (P = 0.028).Conclusions: We demonstrate the significance of the peptide-functionalized magnetic nanoparticle in noninvasive detection and HER2 phenotyping of CTCs, and highlight its diagnostic and prognostic values for the patients about to start the anti-HER2 treatment.
Co-fertilization of Silicon and Phosphorus influenced the Dry Matter Accumulation, Grain Yield, Nutrient Uptake, and Nutrient-Use Efficiencies of Aerobic Rice
Authors: Jinger Dinesh , Dhar Shiva , Dass Anchal , Sharma VK , Paramesh Venkatesh , Parihar Manoj , Joshi Ekta , Singhal Vibha , Gupta Gaurendra , Prasad Dasharath , Vijayakumar S
Published: May 2021

Rice is known to be a nutrient exhaustive crop and the application of silicon (Si) has been reported for the better utilization of plant nutrients from the soil. Hence, the response of the plant to phosphorus (P) could be enhanced by co-fertilization of Si and P. The present study evaluates the dry matter production (DMP), grain yield, nutrients uptake, and nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) of Si and P application in aerobic rice (AR). Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, India in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD), the treatments comprised four levels of Si (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg Si ha–1) and P (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg P2O5 ha–1) application. The results revealed the significant effect of Si and P application on DMA, grain yield, and nutrient uptake in AR. The highest DMP and grain yield of AR was found with the combination of 120 kg Si and 90 kg P2O5 ha–1 closely followed by the combination of 80 kg Si and 60 kg P2O5 ha–1. The rate of increase in DMP due to different doses of Si and P ranged between 7.6–25.6% over control. A strong positive relationship was observed between different doses of Si and P and concentrations and uptakes of different nutrients, barring zinc (Zn). Application of Si and P elevated the grain concentration of Si, nitrogen (N), P, and potassium (K) by 25, 16.5, 47, and 25%, respectively, over control. Overall, the addition of Si and P application in nutrient management could increase the productivity and NUE of AR.
Effect of Customized Insoles on Gait in Post-stroke Hemiparetic Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Jie , Qiao Lei , Yu Long , Wang Yanmin , Zhang Ying , Fu Weijie
Published: May 2021

Background: Insoles were considered to be a beneficial adjunctive treatment option for gait rehabilitation, which could provide a proper basic support for walking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of customized insoles (Jiangsu Suyun Medical Equipment Co. Ltd, Jiangsu, China) on the gait of patients with hemiplegia.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was set in the rehabilitation department of a hospital. A total of 50 stroke patients were randomized into an experimental group (n=25) or a control group (n=25). Both groups received 40-min conventional gait training, which was conducted 5 times a week, for 4 weeks and patients in the experimental group were required to wear customized insoles for at least 1 h per day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was Tinetti Gait Scale (TGS), which was assessed three times(baseline[T0], 4 weeks from baseline[T1] and 4 weeks after completion of the intervention[T2]), and the secondary outcome measures were the plantar pressure test, 6-min walking test (6MWT), Lower Extremity Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Barthel Index (BI), which was assessed twice(baseline[T0] and 4 weeks from baseline[T1]).Results: Compared to the control group, there were significant increases in the experimental group after 4 weeks(P = 0.014) and 4 weeks follow-up(P = 0.001) in the change of TGS, weight-bearing on the involved side (P = 0.012) or forefoot (P =0.028) when standing, weight-bearing on the involved side (P = 0.016) or forefoot (P = 0.043) when walking, early stance phase (P = 0.023) and mid stance phase (P = 0.013) on the involved side, FMA-LE (P = 0.029), BBS (P = 0.005) and BI (P = 0.009), but no difference in late stance phase (P = 0.472) on the involved side when walking and in the 6MWT (P = 0.069).Conclusions: Customized insoles had great efficacy in enhancing gait performance.Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR1900024843.Registered 30 July 2019，http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=41003&htm=4.
Effect of skin–capsular distance on controlled attenuation parameter for diagnosing liver steatosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kimura Syunichiro , Tanaka Kenichi , Oeda Satoshi , Inoue Kaori , Inadomi Chika , Kubotsu Yoshihito , Yoshioka Wataru , Okada Michiaki , Isoda Hiroshi , Kuwashiro Takuya , Akiyama Takumi , Kurashige Aya , Oshima Ayaka , Oshima Mayumi , Matsumoto Yasue , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Anzai Keizo , Sueoka Eisaburo , Aishima Shinichi , Takahashi Hirokazu
Published: May 2021

Background
The effect of the skin–capsular distance (SCD) on the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) for diagnosis of liver steatosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear.
Methods
The SCD was measured using B-mode ultrasound, and the CAP was measured using the M probe of FibroScan®. According to the indications of the M probe, 113 patients with an SCD of ≤ 25 mm were included in the present study. The association between the SCD and CAP was investigated, and the diagnostic performance of the SCD-adjusted CAP was tested.
Results
The SCD showed the most significant positive correlation with the CAP (ρ = 0.329, p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, the SCD was associated with the CAP independent of pathological liver steatosis. The adjusted CAP was calculated as follows: adjusted CAP (dB/m) = CAP − (5.26 × SCD). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for diagnosis of a steatosis score ≥ 2 was significantly greater for the adjusted CAP than original CAP.
Conclusions
The SCD is associated with the CAP independent of liver steatosis. Adjustment of the CAP using the SCD improves the diagnostic performance of the CAP in NAFLD.
Epigenetic Quantification of Circulating Immune Cells in Peripheral Blood of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer patients
Authors: Manoochehri Mehdi , Hielscher Thomas , Borhani Nasim , Gerhäuser Clarissa , Fletcher Olivia , Swerdlow Anthony J , Ko Yon-Dschun , Brauch Hiltrud , Brüning Thomas , Hamann Ute
Published: May 2021

Background: A shift in the proportions of blood immune cells is a hallmark of cancer development. Here, we investigated whether methylation-derived immune cell type ratios and methylation-derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (mdNLRs) are associated with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: Leukocyte subtype-specific un/methylated CpG sites were selected and methylation levels at these sites used as proxies for immune cell type proportions and mdNLR estimation in 231 TNBC cases and 231 age-matched controls. Data were validated using the Houseman deconvolution method. Additionally, the natural killer (NK) cell ratio was measured in a prospective sample set of 146 TNBC cases and 146 age-matched controls. Results: The mdNLRs were higher in TNBC cases compared with controls and associated with TNBC (odds ratio (OR) range (2.66-4.29), all Padj.<1e-04). A higher neutrophil ratio and lower ratios of NK cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, monocytes, and B cells were associated with TNBC. The strongest association was observed with decreased NK cell ratio (OR range (1.28-1.42), all Padj.<1e-04). The NK cell ratio was also significantly lower in pre-diagnostic samples of TNBC cases compared with controls (P=0.019).Conclusion: This immunomethylomic study shows that a shift in the ratios/proportions of leukocyte subtypes is associated with TNBC, with decreased NK cell showing the strongest association. These findings improve our knowledge of the role of the immune system in TNBC and point to the possibility of using NK cell level as a non-invasive molecular marker for TNBC risk assessment, early detection, and prevention.
Characterization And Bioactivity Study of Chitosan Based Nanomaterial From Exoskeleton Waste of Parapaeneopsis Stylifera
Authors: Pramitha Vasantha Subramoniam , Sajeetha Suhara Beevi , Alsif Hashim , Aiswarya Anil , Fathima Jameela Abdul Rasakh , S Beegum sahina , Aryaraj Deepa
Published: May 2021

Chitosan based biomaterial have superior physical and chemical properties such as high surface area, porosity, tensile strength, conductivity as well as increased mechanical properties. Present study discusses about preparation of chitosan from shrimp (Parapenaeopsis stylifera) shell waste and its bioactivity effect. Demineralization, deproteinization and deacetylation was done to obtain chitosan and characterized by infrared spectroscopy and were plotted on all specimen over the frequency range of 4000-400cm− 1 at a resolution of 4cm− 1. Degree of deacetylation of chitosan was estimated with the produced spectra of sample. The DDA of extracted chitosan was found to be 89.91 % while the reference standard showed 81.27 %. The FTIR spectrum shows absoption band at 3450 cm− 1 (–OH stretching) because OH has highly intense absorption band and at about 2870 cm− 1 for the –C–H stretching because the intensity of peak is significant and the band does not involve in hydrogen bonding. It also has CH2 bending at 1420cm− 1 as well as the absorption band at about 1660cm− 1 for C = O in amide group. Apart from these bands, it shows absorption bands at 1030cm− 1and 1070cm− 1[C-O stretching]. It also contains NH group- stretching vibration at about 3360cm− 1. The absorption band at about 1730cm− 1 is for carbonyl group vibration. Many peaks of chitosan were observed, which shows a broad-OH stretching absorption band between 3450cm− 1. Another major absorption band is between 1220 and 1020 cm− 1 which represents the free amino group (-NH2) at C2 position of glucosamine, a major peak present in chitosan. Freshwater Chlorella, Chlorella marina and Pavlova lutheri showed maximum flocculation rate of 89%, 71% and 84% at pH 4.0 at a chitosan concentration level of 1% respectively. The results of synthesis of chitosan based nanoparticles by ionic gelation technique showed spherical morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles and the nature of functional groups present in chitosan nanoparticles were also confirmed by FT-IR and FE-SEM. Antibacterial study revealed that chitosan nanoparticles possess strong activity against Gram negative bacteria compared to Gram positive bacteria. Hence this investigation clearly suggests shellfish waste based chitosan could be used as an effective biomaterial in pharmaceutical as well as industrial applications.
Study On Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Deeply Buried Mining Area In Inner Mongolia - Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Liu Yang , Yang Jian , Ma Qiang , Ding Xuesong , Li Ang , Liang Xiangyang , Li Yuanmou , Zhou Yonggen , Gao Shuai
Published: May 2021

In order to distinguish the differences of hydrogeochemical characteristics between coal measures strata and aquifers on the roof of deep buried mining areas in Inner Mongolia-Shaanxi, China, this paper adopted inorganic components, environmental isotopes and organic components to study water quality comprehensively. The results show that the deep buried mining area in Inner Mongolia-Shaanxi belongs to Mu Us Desert, and the surface is covered by aeolian sand, so it has excellent precipitation infiltration capacity. Mineralization of surface water and Quaternary water < 500mg/L, the cation is mainly Ca2+, the anion is mainly HCO3−, which belongs to HCO3-Ca·Mg type water. The Cretaceous Zhidan Group is in unconformable contact with the Quaternary, and constitutes a unified water-bearing complex on the whole, which makes Zhidan Group have a better supply water source, and its inorganic water quality characteristics are close to the Quaternary water; The deep aquifer is affected by the Anding formation relative impermeable layer and its recharge runoff condition is weak. The salinity of Jurassic water is generally > 3500mg/L due to long-term water-rock action. The cation is dominated by Na+ and the anion is dominated by SO42−, which belongs to SO4-Na type water. According to the analysis of hydrochemical characteristics, there is no direct hydraulic connection between Luohe Formation and Zhiluo Formation. The characteristics of environmental isotopes show that the rainwater, surface water and Quaternary water in the study area belong to the modern groundwater, while Zhidan Group water is between the modern groundwater and the ancient water. The values of δD and δ18O in the deep Straight Rom Group and Yan’an Group are low, and the groundwater falls below the rainwater line of Ordos Basin with a deep circulation depth. Before mining, the groundwater is in the stagnant state with good closed conditions. The content of dissolved organic matter (TOC and UV254) in groundwater decreases gradually with the increase of aquifer depth; Fluorescence peaks in Area I and Area III mainly appeared in surface water and Quaternary water, and DOM sources in surface water were more abundant; The fluorescence peak in Area I also appears in the water of Zhidan Group, Straight Rom Group and Yan’an Group, and the fluorescence peak between Area I and Area II is a symbol; The fluorescence peak intensity of Cretaceous → Straight Rom Group in Area V area has an increasing trend, indicating that there are humus like DOM from other sources in the deep Straight Rom Group aquifer. In general, the comprehensive analysis of hydrochemical characteristics by various means can well distinguish the differences of hydrogeochemical characteristics among aquifers, which provides a scientific basis for the rapid and accurate discrimination of water situation and disaster in coal mines and the safe production.
Advanced Image Guidance For Prostatic Artery Embolization – A Multicenter Technical Note
Authors: Carnevale Francisco Cesar , McClure Timothy , Cadour Farah , Vidal Vincent , de Assis Andre Moreira , Moreira Airton Mota , Rocha Arthur Diego Dias , Rebet Aya , Nutting Charles
Published: May 2021

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is associated with patients’ quality of life improvements and limited side effects compared to surgery. However, this procedure remains technically challenging due to complex vasculature, anatomical variations and small arteries, inducing long procedure times and high radiation exposure levels both to patients and medical staff. Moreover, the risk of non-target embolization can lead to relevant complications. In this context, advanced imaging can constitute a solid ally to address these challenges and deliver good clinical outcomes at acceptable radiation levels. This technical note aims to share the consolidated experience of four institutions detailing their optimized workflow using advanced image guidance, discussing variants, and sharing their best practices.
Vegetation Cover Change and Its Diversity in Urban Areas of Medan
Authors: Zaitunah Anita , Samsuri  , Sahara Fauziah
Published: May 2021

Vegetation plays an important role in maintaining the environmental quality of urban areas. Increase in population and development of cities has led to land conversion with lesser vegetated areas. Land cover change analysis in urban areas is needed, especially for urban regional planning with green open space consideration. This research was conducted to analyze urban vegetation cover and its changes in two sub-districts of Medan between the years 1999 and 2019. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and change analysis were conducted in the research. The diversity of plant within this areas was observed. The results showed changes in vegetation cover areas in the mentioned years. In 1999, most of the areas were under a highly dense vegetation class while in 2019, they were under a low-density vegetation class. This indicates a decrease in vegetation cover due to changes to non-vegetation cover or land cover areas with less vegetation. There are a diverse of plants within the area such as paddy, cassava, corn etc and also many tree species. It is recommended to optimize the land by replanting in the area with no or less vegetation to maintain the environmental quality.
Biomimetic Recombinant of Red Blood Cell Membranes for Improved Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Wu Pengkai , Jiang Xing , Yin Shuai , Yang Ying , Liu Tianqing , Wang Kaikai
Published: May 2021

Background: RBC membrane derived nanoparticles (NPs) represent an emerging platform with prolonged circulation capacity for the delivery of active substances. For endowing derived RBCs NPs various functions such as targeting ability, chemical modification of targeting groups or inserting targeted ligand-linker-lipid conjugates into the membranes is usually used as classical strategy. However, these methods may lead to structural failure of membrane proteins, consequently affecting its original immune escape function.Results: In this study, we reported a green technology of “disassembly-reassembly” to prepare biomimetic reconstituted RBCs membrane (rRBCs) by separating the endogenous proteins and lipids from nature RBC membrane. IR780 iodide was used as a pattern drug to verify the property and feasibility of rRBCs by constructing IR780@rRBC NPs with IR780@RBC NPs and free IR780 as controls. The results demonstrated the superiority of IR780@rRBC NPs in toxicity, stability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics compared with IR780@rRBC and free IR780.Conclusions: The reported “disassembly-reassembly” strategy shows great potential to produce controllable and versatile rRBC membrane-inspired delivery platform, which may be used to overcome the deficiency of target-selectivity ligands in cell membrane coated nanoparticles.
Gesture and Vision Based Automatic Grasping and Flexible Placement in Teleoperation
Authors: xue zhao , Xiaoan CHEN , Ye HE , Cao Hongli , Shengli Tian
Published: May 2021

Teleoperation system has attracted a lot of attention because of its advantages in dangerous or unknown environment. It is very difficult to develop an operating system that can complete complex tasks in an completely autonomous. This paper proposes a robot arm control strategy based on gesture and visual perception. The strategy combines the advantages of humans and robots to obtain a convenient and flexible interaction model. The hand data were obtained by Leap-Motion. Then a neural network algorithm was used to classify the nine gestures used for robot control by a finite state machine. The control mode switched between indicative control and mapping control. The robot acquired a autonomous grasp ability by incorporating YOLO 6D, depth data, and a probabilistic roadmap planner algorithm. The robot completed most of the trajectory independently, and a few flexible trajectories required a user to make mapping actions. This interactive mode reduces the burden of the user to a certain extent, that makes up for the shortcomings of traditional teleoperation.
Efficient Tunable Plasmonic Mode Converters Infiltrated with Nematic Liquid Crystal Layers
Authors: Kabeel Randa H. , Areed Nihal F.F. , Hameed Mohamed , Obayya Salah S. A.
Published: May 2021

This paper presents two efficient tunable plasmonic mode converters in the infrared regime. The proposed configurations consist of silver layer with etched rectangular holes as metal insulator metal (MIM) waveguides with central cavities. The holes are infiltrated by nematic liquid crystal (NLC) material to increase the transmission through the suggested designs. Additionally, the NLC is used to have tunable operation where the modes at the output port can be controlled. The simulations are carried out using full vectorial finite element (FEM) method. The first design has a single output port which converts the TM mode into the TEM mode with high transmission conversion efficiency of 70%. Further, the second structure allows the generation of the two plasmonic modes simultaneously in two output waveguides. During the biased state, the s- mode transmission conversion efficiency reaches 50% while the transmission of a- mode at the unbiased state is equal to 49%. It is expected that the proposed tunable mode converters will play an important role in the development of the plasmonic-photonic circuits.