bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Bevacizumab-Containing Therapy in Refractory Advanced Breast Cancer：A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lv Huimin , Niu Limin , Zhang Mengwei , Zeng Huiai , Zhao Shengnan , Wang Jing , Sun Huihui , Liu Zhenzhen , Yan Min
Published: July 2021

Background:Advanced breast cancer is difficult to treat due tothe primary and acquired resistance, which is the main cause of rescue treatment failure. Therefore, developing a new rescue treatment strategy for clinicians is a challenge.This study retrospectively collected the medical information of patients with refractory advanced breast cancer who were treated with bevacizumab in our department to analyze the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab-containing as a new treatment method for refractory advanced breast cancer.Methods: Complete medical information of patients receiving bevacizumab treatment from November 2017 to November 2020 was collected, and their general medical history and disease characteristics were analyzed. The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), time to failure (TTF), overall survival (OS), and safety were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical software.Results: A total of 68 women with refractory advanced breast cancer receiving bevacizumab-containing therapy were collected. The last follow-up was performed on March 31, 2021. The ORR was 41.2% and the DCR was 88.2%. The median PFS, TTF, and OS were 6.0 months (95% CI, 3.4~8.6 months), 4.0 months (95% CI, 3.2~4.8 months), and 26.6 months (95% CI, 10.2~43.0 months), respectively. In 2 patients, the treatment was discontinued because of chemo-related adverse reactions. The main adverse events related to bevacizumab were hypertension (7.4%) and bleeding (two cases, 2.9%), both of which were grade 1. No specific adverse events causing the discontinuation of bevacizumab treatment were observed in the remaining patients.Conclusion: Among patients with refractory advanced breast cancer, bevacizumab-containing therapyis feasible and safe, and can be used as a new treatment strategy.However, who can benefit the most from bevacizumab-containing therapy requires further exploration.
Parameter Identification for Discrete Memristive Chaotic Map using Adaptive Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Peng Yuexi , He Shaobo , Sun Kehui
Published: July 2021

Since the concept of discrete memristor was proposed, more and more scholars began to study this topic. At present, most of the works on the discrete memristor are devoted to the mathematical modeling and circuit implementation, but the research on its synchronization control has not received much attention. This paper focuses on the parameter identification for the discrete memristive chaotic map, and a modified intelligent optimization algorithm named adaptive differential evolution algorithm is proposed. To deal with the complex behaviors of hyperchaos and coexisting attractors of the considered discrete memristive chaotic maps, the identification objective function adopts two special parts: time sequences and return maps. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has the best performance among the six existing algorithms, and it can still accurately identify the parameters of the original system under noise interference.
Influence of diets supplemented with naturally protected or unprotected eucalyptus oil on methane production and lactating buffalo productivity
Authors: Abo-Donia Fawzy Mohamed , Elaref Mohamed Youssif , Mahgoub Abd El-Moniem Ali Sayed , Deraz Tarek Abd El Wahab Ahmed , Nayel Usama Aboelez
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of naturally protected eucalyptus oil supplementation in a form of leaves (EUL) or mature seed capsules (EUS) compared to crude eucalyptus oil (EUO). The control group (G1) received the basal diet consisting of concentrate feed mixture, fresh berseem, rice straw, and corn silage. The G2, G3, and G4 animals were fed the basal diet with a supplement of 200 g/head/day of EUL or EUS or 4 mL EUO, respectively. Supplementation with EUL or EUS increased NH3-N, SCFA, and acetic acid concentrations in-vitro. The total count of bacterial, protozoa and cellulolytic bacteria increased (P < 0.05) with EUL and EUS supplementation. Methane production lowered (P < 0.05) with EUS, EUL, and EUO supplementation. Milk fat decreased (P < 0.05) with EUO supplementation, while an adverse trend was shown for lactose. No differences in feed conversion were found among EUS, EUL, and EUO. Total protein, albumin, and blood urea increased (P < 0.05) with supplementation of EUL or EUS compared to EUO. EUO supplementation yielded increased (P < 0.05) AST, ALT, glucose, and creatinine. Supplementation with EUL, EUS, or EUO decreased (P < 0.05) DM, OM, and CP digestibility. While digestibility of EE with supplementation by EUL, EUS, or EUO was higher (P < 0.05). Digestibility of NDF and ADF decreased (P < 0.05) with supplemental EUL, EUS, or EUO compared to the control diet. Feeding EUS increased the values of TDN and DCP compared to EUL, which was higher than EUO. Our results confirm that the naturally protected form of leaves or seeds mitigates the negative effects of directly supplementing crude eucalyptus oil.
Nonlinear Characteristics of Three-parameter Fluid Viscous Damper with Considering of Principal Stiffness and Hydraulic Stiffness
Authors: Jiao Xiaolei , Zhang Jinxiu , Li Wenbo , Mu Jingjing
Published: July 2021

The three-parameter fluid viscous damper is used to isolate micro-vibration produced by control torque gyro (CMG) in satellite. In this paper, the damper is simplified by a single tube fluid viscous damper and two springs connected to the damping piston. With consideration of the principal stiffness of the bellows and the contraction and expansion effect of the damping orifice, the approximate analytical nonlinear model of the damper is established and verified by the computation fluid mechanics (CFD) method. Based on this analytical model, the displacement response of the damper and correction coefficient of hydraulic resistance are analyzed, the nonlinear characteristics in the frequency domain are also revealed. Furthermore, the energy consumptions of the nonlinear model and linear model are researched. The results show that the damper has an obvious amplitude at the first resonance peak, but not obvious at the second resonance peak. The vibration amplitude of the damping piston is only um level in the high-frequency domain. The correction coefficient of the hydraulic resistance at the resonance peak is much higher than other frequencies, which causes a significant nonlinear behavior. In addition, the energy consumption of the nonlinear model is larger than that of the linear model at the resonance peak, and the larger the resonance peak, the more obvious the phenomenon is. This means that the nonlinear damping can be used to further improve the suppression of the resonance peak of the three-parameter fluid viscous damper.
Universal Machine Learning Framework for Defect Predictions in Zinc Blende Semiconductors
Authors: Mannodi-Kanakkithodi Arun , Xiang Xiaofeng , Jacoby Laura , Biegaj Robert , Dunham Scott , Gamelin Daniel , Chan Maria
Published: July 2021

Point defects or impurities are either naturally present in semiconductors or may be intentionally introduced to tune their electronic and optical properties. The nature of impurity energy levels can strongly influence the performance of a semiconductor in applications ranging from solar cells to photodiodes to infrared sensors to qubits for quantum computing. In this work, we develop a framework powered by machine learning (ML) and high-throughput density functional theory (DFT) computations for the prediction and screening of functional impurities in group IV, III-V, and II-VI zinc blende semiconductors. Elements spanning the length and breadth of the periodic table are considered as impurity atoms at the cation, anion, or interstitial sites in supercells of 34 candidate semiconductors, leading to a chemical space of   12,000 points, 10% of which are used to generate a DFT dataset of charge dependent defect formation energies. Descriptors based on tabulated elemental properties, defect coordination environment, and relevant semiconductor properties are used to train ML regression models for the DFT computed properties, resulting in statistical predictions of the neutral state formation energies and charge transition levels of all possible impurities in the given set of compounds. Kernel ridge regression, Gaussian process regression, and neural networks, with appropriate feature selection and hyperparameter optimization, are seen to yield similar predictive performances and meaningful uncertainty estimates. We apply the ML framework to screen all impurities with lower formation energy than dominant native defects in all group IV, III-V, and II-VI zinc blende semiconductors. An online tool resulting from this work for predicting and visualizing defect properties in semiconductors is made available on github.
Regional Climate Model Emulator based on Deep Learning: Concept and First Evaluation of a Novel Hybrid Downscaling Approach
Authors: Doury Antoine , Somot Samuel , Gadat Sébastien , Ribes Aurélien , Corre Lola
Published: July 2021

Providing reliable information on climate change at local scale remains a challenge of first importance for impact studies and policymakers. Here, we propose a novel hybrid downscaling method combining the strengths of both empirical statistical downscaling methods and Regional Climate Models (RCMs). The aim of this tool is to enlarge the size of high-resolution RCM simulation ensembles at low cost.We build a statistical RCM-emulator by estimating the downscaling function included in the RCM. This framework allows us to learn the relationship between large-scale predictors and a local surface variable of interest over the RCM domain in present and future climate. Furthermore, the emulator relies on a neural network architecture, which grants computational efficiency. The RCM-emulator developed in this study is trained to produce daily maps of the near-surface temperature at the RCM resolution (12km). The emulator demonstrates an excellent ability to reproduce the complex spatial structure and daily variability simulated by the RCM and in particular the way the RCM refines locally the low-resolution climate patterns. Training in future climate appears to be a key feature of our emulator. Moreover, there is a huge computational benefit in running the emulator rather than the RCM, since training the emulator takes about 2 hours on GPU, and the prediction is nearly instantaneous. However, further work is needed to improve the way the RCM-emulator reproduces some of the temperature extremes, the intensity of climate change, and to extend the proposed methodology to different regions, GCMs, RCMs, and variables of interest.
3H-1,2-Dithiole-3-thione, a Novel Chemoprotectant, Suppresses LPS-Induced Proinflammatory Responses in Macrophages: Potential Involvement of Antioxidant Induction, NF-κB, and Nrf2
Authors: Zhu Hong , Bui Ann , Santo Arben , Li Y. Robert
Published: July 2021

Previously, we reported that 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T), an Nrf2 activator, acted as a potential chemoprotectant against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mortality in mice. In view of the critical involvement of macrophages in the pathogenesis of LPS-induced endotoxemia, in the present study, we investigated the protective effects of D3T on LPS-induced proinflammatory responses in cultured murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line and primary peritoneal macrophages and the potential involvement of antioxidant induction, NF-κB, and Nrf2. We showed that treatment with D3T resulted in increased levels of a series of antioxidants in RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These included the reduced form of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase 1. Catalase was also potently induced by D3T which, however, did not show a concentration dependency. Concurrent with the ability to induce the above cellular antioxidants, D3T pretreatment of RAW 264.7 cells also led to a concentration-dependent suppression of LPS-induced interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) production and nitric oxide release. LPS-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production was also suppressed by D3T, but to a much lesser extent. Using NF-κB reporter gene-expressing RAW 264.7 cells, we further showed that D3T pretreatment also suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation. To investigate the potential involvement of Nrf2, a chief regulator of cellular antioxidant genes, we used peritoneal macrophages isolated from Nrf2+/+ and Nrf2−/− mice. Our results showed that D3T pretreatment suppressed LPS-induced proinflammatory responses in Nrf2+/+ macrophages, and this inhibitory effect of D3T was completely lost in Nrf2−/− macrophages. Collectively, the results of the present study demonstrated that D3T acted as a potent suppressor of LPS-induced proinflammatory responses in macrophages. Antioxidant induction, NF-κB suppression, and Nrf2 activation appeared to contribute to the anti-proinflammatory activity of D3T in macrophages.
“Optimisation of Microalgal Diatom Farming Using Bubble Plastic Wrap As A Sealant in A Closed Photobioreactor For Harvesting Biofuel”
Authors: Khan Mohd Jahir , GORDON RICHARD , VINAYAK VANDANA
Published: July 2021

The idea of culturing algae in closed systems by sealing the reactor rim tightly with plastic bubble wraps material is being used here to harvest DiafuelTM (Biofuel from diatoms). In this manuscript, microalgae such as diatoms are grown in flask PBR sealed with bubble wrap material of low density, high density and normal polyethylenes and compared to control flask PBR which is kept open. It was observed that low density polyethylenes (LDPE) bubble wrap sealed PBR harvested maximum Diafuel TM (37%), lipid (35 µgmL -1 ), had highest cell count (1152 x 10 2 cells mL -1), 0% water loss, 0% nutrient uptake and maximum CO2 absorbance (0.084) due to its permeability to gases until the 40th day compared to other plastic bubble wraps. The LDPE bubble wrap was therefore tested on green microalgae Haematococcus which showed coherent results and can be upscaled for astaxanthin production.
Transepithelial potential difference governs epithelial homeostasis by electromechanics
Authors: Saw Thuan Beng , Gao Xumei , He Jianan , Le Anh Phuong , Marsh Supatra , Lin Keng-hui , Ludwig Alexander , Prost Jacques , Lim Chwee Teck
Published: July 2021

Studies of electric effects in biological systems, from the historical experiments of Galvani 1 and the ground-breaking work on action potential2 to studies on limb regeneration3 or wound healing4, share the common feature of being concerned with transitory behavior and not addressing the question of homeostasis. Here using a novel microfluidic device, we study how the homeostasis of confluent epithelial tissues is modified when a trans-epithelial electric potential (TEPD) different from the natural one is imposed on an epithelial layer. We show that epithelial fate is dependent on TEPD of few Volts/cm similar to the endogenous one. When the field direction matches the natural one, we can restore a perfect confluence in an epithelial layer turned defective either by E-cadherin knock-out or by weakening cell-substrate adhesion; additionally, the tissue pushes on the substrate with kilo-Pascals stress, inducing active cell response such as death and differentiation. When the field is opposite, homeostasis is destroyed by the perturbation of junctional actin and cell shapes, and the formation of dynamical mounds5, while the tissue pulls with similar strengths. Most of these observations can be quantitatively explained by an electro-hydrodynamic theory involving local electro-osmotic flows. We expect this work to motivate further studies on long time effects of electromechanical pathways with important tissue engineering applications.
Survival with Surgery is Superior to Survival Without Surgery in Breast Cancer Patients Aged 85 Years or Older: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Enomoto Katsuhisa , Fukumoto Satsuki , Mori Satoshi , Nozaki Fumi , Hara Yukiko , Tada Keiichiro
Published: July 2021

Background: Surgical treatment of breast cancer patients aged 85 years or older is still controversial. Methods: A series of surgically treated breast cancer patients aged 85 years or older was evaluated. The clinicopathological features and outcomes of these patients were compared with the features and outcomes of breast cancer patients in the same age group who were managed without surgery. Results: A total of 45 patients (75%) received surgical treatment, and 15 patients (25%) were managed without surgery. The differences between ages, tumor status, nodal status, stage and immunopathological status of the patients undergoing and not undergoing surgery were not significant. Significantly more patients treated by surgery underwent systemic treatment than patients managed without surgery (P=0.004). The three-year disease-free survival rate of patients treated by surgery was higher than that of the patients managed without surgery (90.6% vs 67.5%, respectively; P<0.001).Conclusions: The surgical treatment of breast cancer patients aged 85 years or older is warranted. This outcome was achieved with the use of hormonal therapy.
Altered processing of social emotions in individuals with autistic traits
Authors: Yang Di , Tao Hengheng , Ge Hongxing , Li Zuoshan , Hu Yuanyan , Meng Jing
Published: July 2021

BackgroundSocial impairment is a defining phenotypic feature of autism. The present study investigated whether individuals with autistic traits exhibit altered perceptions of social emotions. MethodsTwo groups of participants (High-AQ and Low-AQ) were recruited based on their scores on the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ). Their behavioral responses and event-related potentials (ERP) elicited by social and nonsocial stimuli with positive, negative, and neutral emotional valence were compared in two experiments. In Experiment 1, participants were instructed to view social-emotional and nonsocial-emotional pictures. In Experiment 2, participants were instructed to listen to social-emotional and nonsocial-emotional audio recordings. ResultsMore negative emotional reactions and smaller amplitudes of late ERP components (the late positive potential in Experiment 1 and the late negative component in Experiment 2) were found in the High-AQ group than in the Low-AQ group in response to the social-negative stimuli. In addition, amplitudes of these late ERP components in both experiments elicited in response to social-negative stimuli were correlated with the AQ scores of the High-AQ group. LimitationsAlthough the influence of autistic traits on reactions to social or nonsocial emotional stimuli was assessed in an experimental setting, whether and how these reactions are related to real-world behavior requires further investigation. In addition, filler trials should be used to evaluate whether participants focused sufficiently on the emotional stimuli. ConclusionThese results suggest that individuals with autistic traits have altered emotional processing of social-negative emotions.
A Simulation Method for Free-form Milling Cylindrical Gears With Disc Cutters
Authors: Sun Xiaomin , Lin Xiaochuan , Hong Rongjing
Published: July 2021

Free-form milling is a flexible gear machining method that allows using general disc cutters to machine various gear types on a 5-axis machine tool. This paper proposes a two-dimensional simulation method for free-form milling of cylindrical gears with disc cutters. A mathematical model for free-form milling of cylindrical gears with disc cutters is constructed. By analyzing the spatial positional relationships between the cutter and the workpiece, the instantaneous contact line is derived and projected onto the gear end face, and then the projected curves are intersected to obtain the final profile. This calculation method realizes the rapid simulation of the actual cutting condition on the gear end face, which is beneficial to the judgment of machining interference and the analysis of the tooth profile accuracy during the gear machining process.
Multiscale Feature Extraction and its Application in the Weld Seam Quality Prediction for Plasma Arc Welding
Authors: Dong Hao , Yan Cai , Li Zihan , Hua Xueming
Published: July 2021

Weld seam quality prediction is important for intelligent robot welding. Current models with single scale feature extraction methods meet difficulty when facing complex physical instability in welding process. In this paper, a novel feature extraction method based on sliding multiscale windows is proposed to improve model accuracy and calculation speed. A group of windows with different width are established to extract multiscale information of complex objective. Windows slide throughout process and be synchronized on the timeline for feature correlation. Based on the feature vector extracted from multiscale-windows, Support vector machine (SVM) with radial basis function (RBF) kernel is used after signal denoising and dimension reduction by Primary components analysis (PCA). The best window width is determined by model training. The proposed method is used to predict seam quality for Plasma arc welding (PAW) in the field of shipbuilding. The results show that the model with multiscale feature extraction is helpful to improve prediction precision and recall ratio.
The Effect of Atropine Alone or Combined with Orthokeratology for Children with Myopia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: wang zengying , meng yifei , qie sufang , yan zhipeng
Published: July 2021

Objective: To evaluate the effect of atropine alone or combined with orthokeratology on myopia control by meta-analysis system.Methods: The current study searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of science, Ovid to collect eligible studies. The Weighted mean difference (WMD) of mean changes in axial elongation between the atropine alone or combined with orthokeratology group and the orthokeratology (ortho-k) group was used as evaluation index. Results: Twelve studies were eventually included, involving 671 children in the atropine alone and 547 children in the atropine combined with orthokeratology（AOK） group. This meta-analysis showed that the mean axial elongation of atropine alone was faster than that of ortho-k alone. [WMD=0.06mm, 95％CI(0.02~0.10), p＜0.007]. The function of AOK for slowing axial elongation was affected by the baseline diopter of children. The WMD in -1~-3D subgroup was -0.10 mm(95％CI,-0.14~-0.05,P＜0.00001),which mens that the AOK was more effective than OK alone in retarding axial elongation. In -3~-6D, WMD is -0.04mm (95% Cl, -0.11~0.03), and there is not statistically significant between two groups (P<0.30).Conclusion: This study suggested that ortho-k monotherapy is better in slowing axial elongation than atropine monotherapy in children with myopia. For children with low degree of myopia, the combination of ortho-k and 0.01% atropine is more effective than ortho-k monotherapy in slowing axial elongation in children. But there is no significant difference between two treatments in children with moderate degree of myopia.
Cushion Shrubs Encroach Subhumid Rangelands: Fertility Islands in Fragile Soils Along a Grazing Gradient in Patagonia
Authors: Vogel Braian , Rostagno César Mario , Antilef Marcos , Manna Ludmila La
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis work assesses changes in soil and vegetation structure associated with grazing intensity (GI) in subhumid grasslands. We conducted the study in the Subandean district of Patagonia, Argentina. Non-degraded Subandean grass steppes have extremely erodible volcanic soils and are valuable grazing ranges. However, nowadays vast portions exhibit a heterogeneous cover that is mostly of cushions shrubs, with big eroded soil patches.MethodsWe selected four study sites along a GI gradient and one grazed-excluded site. Soils, vegetation cover and patches structure were characterised. We took soil samples beneath grass and shrub patches and their interpatches and in undisturbed spots. ResultsSoils in undisturbed spots had the highest chemical fertility. Soils in grazing areas showed high heterogeneity associated with plant life-form and GI. Results also showed that medium and fine sand particles remobilised from bare soil to vegetated patches. Total nitrogen and organic matter increased in the same direction. Grass cover decreased as GI increases, while shrubs cover and total richness increased, until a collapse at the highest intensity. Relative cover of cushion shrubs and bare soil grow steadily with GI. ConclusionsThe fertility island effect was associated with cushion shrubs. Grazing caused cushion shrub encroachment regardless of its intensity. Notwithstanding this, the same disturbance -grazing- which promoted cushions prevalence also favoured the collapse of fertile islands when reached to maximum intensity. Ecosystem services provision from a range management standpoint decreased. However, the increases in richness under moderate GI could represent an enhancement in system functionality.
Repeated Glucose Spikes and Insulin Resistance Synergistically Increase Endothelial Function Vulnerability to High Glucose Levels through Redox Imbalance, and Bardoxolone Methyl (CDDO-Me) Ameliorates Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Ogiso Kazuma , Shayo Sigfrid Casmir , Kawade Shigeru , Hashiguchi Hiroshi , Deguchi Takahisa , Nishio Yoshihiko
Published: July 2021

BackgroundGlucose spikes (GSs) observed after a meal in metabolic syndrome have been reported to cause endothelial dysfunction. However, other insulin resistance-related factors can affect GS-induced endothelial dysfunction. To eliminate these confounding factors, we investigated the separate and combined effects of GSs and insulin resistance due to diet-induced obesity on endothelial function and clarified whether bardoxolone methyl (CDDO-Me), a novel nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator, protects against GS-induced endothelial dysfunction.MethodsIn the first cohort, eight-week-old male Wistar rats were assigned to one of four groups: 1) control diet (CD)-GS (-); 2) CD-GS (+); 3) Western-type diet (WTD)-GS (-); and 4) WTD-GS (+). Rats were fed a CD or WTD for 13 weeks and intraperitoneally injected with saline or glucose for 1 week twice daily at 20 weeks of age. In the second cohort, four groups from the first cohort were additionally divided into vehicle and CDDO-Me (3 mg/kg) groups. At 21 weeks of age, endothelial function was evaluated using isolated thoracic aortas under normal (5.5 mM) and high-glucose (20 mM) conditions. Gene expression was analyzed, and superoxide anion was evaluated by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining of aortas.ResultsIn the first cohort, endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) in the CD-GS (+) or WTD-GS (-) group was comparable to that in the CD-GS (-) group, but it deteriorated in the WTD-GS (+) group only under high-glucose conditions. Antioxidant agents, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, apocynin (a NOX inhibitor) and Mito-TEMPO (a mitochondrial-targeted superoxide scavenger), improved endothelial function. In this group, upregulation of NOX2 expression and downregulation of SOD2 and catalase expression were observed in the aortas, and DHE intensity was enhanced. In the second cohort, pretreatment of the WTD-GS (+) group with CDDO-Me attenuated this endothelial dysfunction accompanied by a correction of redox imbalance in gene expression and an attenuation of DHE intensity.ConclusionWe demonstrated that GSs and insulin resistance synergistically increased endothelial function vulnerability to high-glucose levels through redox imbalance, although each factor alone had little effect on endothelial function. Furthermore, we showed that pretreatment with CDDO-Me ameliorated endothelial dysfunction caused by GSs in metabolic syndrome model rats.
What Are the Significant Factors Affecting Pain in Patients With Hartofilakidis Type I Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?
Authors: Gu Yange , Jin Wenshu , Zhang Han , Shi Zhiwei , Yue Yaohui , Yan Zhaolong , Zhao Zhang , Li Shufeng , Yan Xinfeng
Published: July 2021

Objective

To explore the influencing factors of pain onset age and severe pain in patients with Hartofilakidis type I developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
Methods

A retrospective study of 83 patients with DDH treated at our hospital from January 2017 to June 2021 was conducted. The pain onset age, patients’ demographic data, and radiographic parameters were collected. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the influencing factors of pain onset age. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the influencing factors of severe pain attacks.
Results

According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis, when the distance between the medial femoral head and the ilioischial line increased by one unit, the pain onset age decreased by 1.7 years (β = − 1.738, 95% CI: − 1.914–[–1.561], p < 0.001). When the sharp angle increases by one unit, the pain onset age decreases by 0.3 years (β = − 0.334, 95% CI: − 0.496–[–0.171], p < 0.001). According to the results of the Cox regression analysis, for every unit increase of the lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA), the probability of severe pain decreased to 95% of the original (Exp [β]: = 1.090, 95% CI: 0.898–0.999, p = 0.04). For every unit increase in the distance between the medial femoral head and the ilioischial line, the likelihood of severe pain is 2.4 times higher than that of the original (Exp [β]: 2.417, 95% CI: 1.653–3.533, p < 0.001).
Conclusion

Larger distances between the medial femoral head and the ilioischial line and sharp angle can lead to an earlier pain onset age in patients with DDH. Small LCEA and excessive distance between the medial femoral head and the ilioischial line are risk factors for severe pain.
Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects of [211At]NaAt and [131I]NaI in an NIS-expressing Thyroid Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Watabe Tadashi , Kaneda-Nakashima Kazuko , Shirakami Yoshifumi , Ooe Kazuhiro , Toyoshima Atsushi , Shimosegawa Eku , Wang Yang , Haba Hiromitsu , Nakano Takashi , Shinohara Atsushi , Hatazawa Jun
Published: July 2021

Purpose Compared to a conventional beta-emitter 131I, an alpha-emitter 211At can have a stronger treatment effect against differentiated thyroid cancer. However, its therapeutic advantage has not been fully elucidated. Thus, here, we compared the therapeutic effect of [211At]NaAt with that of [131I]NaI. Methods In vitro observation of double-stranded breaks (DSBs) and colony formation assays were performed in K1-NIS cells. The biodistribution of [131I]NaI and [211At]NaAt was measured in K1-NIS xenograft mice at 3 and 24 h (n=12). The treatment effect was compared between [131I]NaI and [211At]NaAt in K1-NIS xenograft mice using different radioactivities for each solution (1 (n=4), 4 (n=4), and 8 MBq (n=4) of [131I]NaI and 0.4 (n=7), 0.8 (n=9), and 1.2 MBq (n=4) of [211At]NaAt).Results 211At caused more DSBs in K1-NIS cells and had a greater inhibitory effect on colony formation than 131I. In K1-NIS xenograft mice, the uptake of [131I]NaI in the thyroid gland was significantly higher than that of [211At]NaAt. In other organs and tumours, the uptake of [211At]NaAt was significantly higher than that of [131I]NaI. While both [211At]NaAt and [131I]NaI showed dose-dependent therapeutic effects, [211At]NaAt showed a stronger tumour-suppressive effect. Tumour regrowth was suppressed until 18, 25, and 46 days after 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 MBq [211At]NaAt administration, respectively, whereas it was observed within 0–12 days after [131I]NaI administration (1, 4, and 8 MBq).Conclusions The stronger tumour-suppressive effect of [211At]NaAt solution supports the promising clinical application of [211At]NaAt therapy in patients with iodine-avid thyroid cancer refractory to [131I]NaI treatment.
Genome Characterization of the Novel Lytic Genome Sequence of Phage YUEEL01 of the Myoviridae Family
Authors: Raman Gurusamy , Sivasankaran Ayyaru , Park SeonJoo , Ahn Young-Ho
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern due to its rapid emergence in the environment and the associated high risk to human and animal health. Municipal wastewater, including urban, hospital, and pharmaceutical effluent, is the main source of antibiotic and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) contamination, and biological processes are commonly used for wastewater treatment. Biologically based strategies seem to be a promising approach to effective integrated ARB control since they can focus on the bases of antibiotic resistance. To develop an effective bacteriophage against multi-drug resistance (MDR) microbes in municipal wastewater, phage YUEEL01 was isolated from a livestock farm, and its genome sequenced. Phenotypic characterization suggested that the phage is a member of the Myoviridae family, and that it encodes 168,266 bp with an overall GC content of 35.4% had 259 putative protein-coding genes, 11 tRNA and six hypothetical genes. A number of putative DNA replication and regulation, DNA packing and structure and host lysis genes were identified. Further, whole genome phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that phage YUEEL01 is closely related to phage slur03. Elucidation of the YUEEL01 phage might be helpful when developing antibacterial tools for controlling MDR bacteria in wastewater treatment systems.
Effect of Milling Vibration on The Machining Performance of 7075-T651 Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Guo Miaoxian , Wang Jianming , Liu Jin , Huang Chao , Jiang Xiaohui
Published: July 2021

Milling of 7075-T651 is widely used in aerospace industry, however the process vibration restricts the machining performance in milling process. This paper puts forward a study on the effect of vibration on machining performance in milling to improve the machining quality. According to the characteristics of end milling, the process vibration is calculated and added based on the unformed chip thickness model of milling, and a milling simulation model considering vibration is established. Applying the finite element model and milling experiments, the simulation model is verified, the results proves the accuracy of the FEM models in predicting the milling force and milling temperature. Furthermore, the effect of milling vibration on machining performance is studied by numerical simulation, in which the relationship between amplitude-frequency characteristics and milling force-temperature fluctuation.
Edge Computing Driven Scene-aware Intelligent Augmented Reality for Manual Assembly
Authors: Fu Mingyu , Fang Wei , Gao Shan , Hong Jianhao , Chen Yizhou
Published: July 2021

Wearable augmented reality (AR) can superimpose virtual models or annotation on real scenes, and which can be utilized in assembly tasks and resulted in high-efficiency and error-avoided manual operations. Nevertheless, most of existing AR-aided assembly operations are based on the predefined visual instruction step-by-step, lacking scene-aware generation for the assembly assistance. To facilitate a friendly AR-aided assembly process, this paper proposed an Edge Computing driven Scene-aware Intelligent AR Assembly (EC-SIARA) system, and smart and worker-centered assistance is available to provide intuitive visual guidance with less cognitive load. In beginning, the connection between the wearable AR glasses and edge computing system is established, which can alleviate the computation burden for the resource-constraint wearable AR glasses, resulting in a high-efficiency deep learning module for scene awareness during the manual assembly process. And then, based on context understanding of the current assembly status, the corresponding augmented instructions can be triggered accordingly, avoiding the operator’s cognitive load to strictly follow the predefined procedure. Finally, quantitative and qualitative experiments are carried out to evaluate the EC-SIARA system, and experimental results show that the proposed method can realize a worker-center AR assembly process, which can improve the assembly efficiency and reduce the occurrence of assembly errors effectively.
Identification of Therapeutic Targets and Prognostic Biomarkers Among CC Chemokines in the Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Microenvironment
Authors: Liu Xinyuan , Zhang Qi , Mao Tao , Min Congcong , Guo Jing , Zhang Cuiping , Tian Zibin , Li Xiaoyu
Published: July 2021

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) as one of the most aggressive and lethal malignant tumors is correlated with increased morbidity and mortality. Tumorigenesis, growth, and metastasis are affected by various cytokines. Among them, CC chemokines can modulate the infiltration of immune cells and recruit cancer-associated immune cells, which play an important role in the inhibition of tumor immunity and affect the clinical outcome of cancer patients. However, the therapeutic potential and prognostic value of CC chemokines in PAAD have not yet been elucidated. To do this, we comprehensively explore and analyze large amounts of data on the basis of ONCOMINE database, GEPIA, LinkedOmics, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, UALCAN, jvenn, DAVID 6.8, TRRUST, TIMER, and TISIDB. We found the transcriptional levels of CCL5/7/13/15/18/19/20 in PAAD tissues were remarkably increased, whereas the transcriptional level of CCL17 was decreased. CCL20 expression had significantly been correlated with the tumor stage of PAAD patients. High expressions of CCL5, CCL7, CCL13, CCL18, and CCL20 were notably correlated with the prognosis of patients. Moreover, patients with CCL18 and CCL19 alterations showed a poor prognosis in both overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS), and patients with CCL5 and CCL15 alterations also presented a poor prognosis in OS. The functions of the aberrantly expressed CC chemokines were mainly correlated with the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, inflammatory response, and immune response. Our study shows that the key transcription factors for CC chemokines are RELA and NF-κB1. We also discovered significant associations between the expression levels of CC chemokines and six infiltrating immune cells including CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Taken together, our study indicated the interaction between CC chemokines and PAAD and clarified the value of CC chemokines as potential therapeutic targets as well as prognostic markers for PAAD.
Improving Postal Survey Response Using Behavioural Science: A Nested Randomised Control Trial
Authors: McBride Emily , Mase Hiromi , Kerrison Robert S. , Marlow Laura A.V. , Waller Jo
Published: July 2021

Background
Systematic reviews have identified effective strategies for increasing postal response rates to questionnaires; however, most studies have isolated single techniques, testing the effect of each one individually. Despite providing insight into explanatory mechanisms, this approach lacks ecological validity, given that multiple techniques are often combined in routine practice.
Methods
We used a two-armed randomised controlled trial (N = 2,702), nested within a cross-sectional health survey study, to evaluate whether using a pragmatic combination of behavioural science and evidenced-based techniques (e.g., personalisation, social norms messaging) in a study invitation letter increased response to the survey, when compared with a standard invitation letter.
Results
Overall, 646 participants responded to the survey (response rate [RR] = 23.9%). Logistic regression revealed higher odds of response in the intervention arm (N = 357/1,353, RR = 26.4%) compared with the control arm (N = 289/1,349, RR = 21.4%), while adjusting for age, deprivation, clinical site, and clinical test result (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09–1.55).
Conclusion
Applying easy-to-implement behavioural science and evidence-based methods to routine invitation letters improved postal response to a health-related survey, whilst adjusting for demographic characteristics. Our findings provide support for the pragmatic and cost-effective adoption of combined techniques in routine research to increase response to postal surveys.
Trial registration:
ISRCTN, ISRCTN15113095. Registered 7 May 2019 – retrospectively registered: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15113095
IRF4 is Correlated With the Conversion to a Th17-like Phenotype in Regulatory T Cells From the Malignant Pleural Effusion
Authors: Yu Wen-qing , Ji Ningfei , Gu Chengjing , Yao Juan , Ding Mingdong , Zhou Daming , Huang Mao , Zhang Mingshun
Published: July 2021

Background: RORγt+Foxp3+ (Th17-like) Tregs are a plastic Treg subset implicated in immune-related diseases; however, the mechanism of Treg phenotypic transformation in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) has not been elucidated.Methods: The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Helios+ and RORγt+Foxp3+ Tregs from peripheral blood and pleural effusion mononuclear cells were measured. The level of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) mRNA expression was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The effects of IRF4 on the induction of Tregs from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were evaluated in vitro. Correlation assays between IRF4 expression and the frequency of RORγt+Foxp3+ Tregs were performed. Results: The frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Helios+ Tregs and CD4+RORγt+ Th17 cells were both increased in the MPE of NSCLC patients. The group of double-positive Foxp3+RORγt+ Treg phenotype were identified in the pleural effusion. A significant increase in the frequency of Foxp3+RORγt+ Tregs was found in MPE compared with the non-malignant pleural effusion (NPE). Compared to NPE, the relative level of IRF4 expression was increased in the MPE. IRF4 expression was positively associated with the frequency of Foxp3+RORγt+ Tregs in the PE. In vitro, the level of Helios mRNA and protein expression was reduced in induced Tregs following IRF4 over-expression. Additionally, the level of RORγt protein expression was substantially increased. However, ectopic Helios expression in induced Tregs reversed the effects induced by enhanced IRF4 expression.Conclusion: IRF4 may serve as a potential molecule that promotes the conversion of regulatory T cells from MPE to a Th17-like phenotype by modulating Helios.
Development of a High-resolution SSR-SPECT System for Preclinical Imaging and Neuroimaging
Authors: D'Elia Annunziata , Soluri Andrea , Galli Filippo , Schiavi Sara , De Silva Giselda , Biasini Alessandro , Trezza Viviana , Massari Roberto
Published: July 2021

The utility of animal models in preclinical research has been increasing by the availability of methods for in vivo imaging. In particular, techniques like single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) show high potential, which is usually limited by spatial resolution. This represents an important parameter influencing scanner design, given the small size of the anatomical structures to be investigated. The purpose of the present work was to assess the performance of a scintigraphic system with improved spatial resolution based on our previous detector by applying the Super Spatial Resolution (SSR). Our dual-head SPECT system is composed of gamma cameras based on the Hamamatsu H13700 position-sensitive photomultiplier tube (PSPMT). In each detector head, the PSPMT is coupled to a 28×28 array of CRY018 scintillation crystals. The pure Tungsten parallel square hole collimator ensures the position sensitivity, and a dedicated resistive chain readout so as an ADC board have been proprietary designed. To finalize the mechanical development of the SSR-SPECT system several tests were carried out. Based on the results obtained in the test phase, a partial review of the mechanical design was performed. Then a dedicated machine handling software was developed, and in particular, a kinematic software debugging and testing was assessed. Finally, several experiments were carried out by using Derenzo phantoms and capillaries filled with radioactive sources. Finally, the performance of our system was evaluated performing small animal imaging studies. The SPECT spatial resolution was experimentally determined to be about 1.6 mm. We reach a resolution of 1.18 mm by applying the SSR based on two images. The results of this study demonstrated the good capability of the system as a suitable tool for preclinical imaging especially in fields like neuroscience for the study of small brain structures.
Hydrogeogenic fluoride in groundwater and dental fluorosis occurrence in agrarian communities: a prevalence survey and case-control study
Authors: ROJANAWORARIT CHANAPONG
Published: July 2021

Background: Dental fluorosis can be a disease of social inequity in access to safe drinking water. This dental public health issue becomes prominent in the socially disadvantaged agrarian communities in fluoride endemic areas where the standard irrigation system is unavailable and groundwater containing natural fluoride is the major drinking water source. This study aimed to determine prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in children and to evaluate its association with fluoride in groundwater in the aforementioned setting in Thailand.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 289 children in Nakhon Pathom Province was conducted in 2015. Children with very mild to severe fluorosis were regarded as ‘cases’ while their counterparts were ‘controls’ for a subsequent case-control study. Records of fluoride concentrations in groundwater used for household supply corresponding to resident and number of years by age of each child during 2008 to 2015 were retrieved. Other exposure variables were measured using a questionnaire. Poisson regression with robust standard error was employed to estimate the dental fluorosis prevalence ratio (PR) comparing different levels of fluoride exposure.Result: There were 157 children with very mild to moderate dental fluorosis (54.3% prevalence). The univariable analysis revealed that the prevalence of dental fluorosis among children with fluoride concentrations in water sources of 0.7-1.49 (index category 1) and ≥ 1.5 ppm (index category 2) was 1.62 (95% CI; 0.78, 3.34) and 2.75 (95% CI; 1.42, 5.31) times the prevalence among those with fluoride < 0.7 ppm (referent category). After adjusting for all covariates, the adjusted prevalence ratios in both index categories were 1.64 (95% CI; 0.24, 11.24) and 2.85 (95% CI; 0.44, 18.52) which were close to their corresponding crude estimates. Since the magnitude of confounding, measured by (PRcrude – PRadjusted)/PRadjusted, were less than 10% for both index categories; this indicated the limited confounding effect of all covariates.Conclusions: In fluoride endemic areas, groundwater containing natural fluoride utilized for household consumption resulted in high dental fluorosis prevalence, particularly in the groundwater with fluoride concentrations of ≥ 1.5 ppm.