bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Health Risk Assessment of The Levels of Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Soils From Mechanic Workshops Within Nekede Mechanic Village, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Eze Victor Chukwuemeka , Nwabudike Azuka , Duru Chidi , Isiuku Beniah , Ibe Francis , Ogbuagu Josephat , Enyoh Christian , Muogbo Miracle
Published: July 2021

Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) are a class of persistent toxic substances with a high potential to accumulate in the soil as an organic pollutant and bioaccumulate in humans. The study determined the level and human health risk of twelve (12) DL-PCBs in soils from mechanic workshops within Nekede mechanic village (NMV), Imo State. In this study, soil samples (0–15 cm depth) were collected at four different sampling points within Nekede mechanic village. At each sampling point, composite samples consisting of 10 sub-samples were collected with pre-cleaned pet bottles using soil auger and were labeled SA, SB, SC, SD. Control sample was taken 500 metres away from the mechanic village where there was no form of auto-mechanic activities. Sample analysis was conducted using Agilent GC 6890N coupled with Agilent MS 5970B to determine the levels of DL-PCBs. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The results revealed that the mean concentration of 12 DL-PCB congeners (Σ12PCBs) in soil ranged from 0.31–16.31 µg kg− 1, which was much higher than that in the control sample (0.006–0.087 µg kg− 1). PCB-126 was the major contributor (58.99%) while the least contributor was PCB-157 (0.0040%) of the Σ12 DL-PCBs TEQ. The estimated LCR (adults 1.29×101, children 4.42×101) and HQs (adults 6.68×102, children 2.29×103) were above the acceptable risk limit (LCR = 10− 4, HQ = 1); indicating a very high adverse effect of DL-PCBs on humans especially children.
Topography Modulates Effects of Nitrogen Deposition on Microbial Resource Limitation in a Nitrogen-Saturated Subtropical Forest
Authors: Chen Hao , Tang Junjie , Sun Xibin , Ma Kayan , Chen Huaihai , Li Dejun
Published: July 2021

Background

Nitrogen (N) saturation theory proposes that an ecosystem might switch from N limitation to carbon (C), phosphorus (P), or other nutrient limitations if it receives continuous N input. Yet, after N limitation is removed, which nutrient is the most limited and whether topography modulates such change is rarely tested at a microbial level. Here, we conducted a two-year N addition experiment under two different topography positions (i.e. a slope and a valley) in a N-saturated subtropical forest. Soil enzyme activity was measured, and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry indexes were calculated as indicators of microbial resource limitation.
Results

In the valley, two-year N addition changed the activity of all studied enzymes to various degrees. As a result, microbial C limitation was aggravated in the valley, and consequently microbial decomposition of soil labile organic C increased, but microbial P limitation was alleviated due to the stoichiometry balance. On the slope, however, N addition did not significantly change the activity of the studied enzymes, and did not alter the status of microbial resource limitation.
Conclusions

These results indicate that C is a more limited element for microbial growth than P after removing N limitation, but we also highlight that topography can regulate the effect of N deposition on soil microbial resource limitation in subtropical forests. These findings provide useful supplements to the N saturation theory.
Appropriate Selection of materials for making durable Self Compacting Concrete And application in Underground Structures
Authors: Sonule Sandip , H.Jayarama  , Ojha Partha Sarath , Jadhav C.M
Published: July 2021

Appropriate selection of materials plays an important role in concrete mix design for achieving the requirement of self-compacting concrete and ensuring a balance between deformability and stability. The type of selected materials and the ratios of concrete ingredients can be affected by the fresh and harden properties of the concrete. In the contract agreement of the Mumbai metro underground project, the technical specifications clearly state the values of limits set for achieving the durability parameters for the life of 120 years of the structure. According to the requirement of the site conditions Self-compacting concrete was designed with easily available material, special material like Ultra GGBS- Alcofine 1203 and crystalline waterproofing admixture. Self-compacting concrete is superior concrete than the traditional concrete with high workability, no segregation, no bleeding, and it is also suitable for use in structures with long-distance pumping i.e., more than 120-meter length, for For example, in Underground NATM tunnels, cross-passages, and the concrete structure of the underground metro station box. The paper presents a comparison between concrete mix designs and their achieved test parameters suitable for the contract agreement of the Mumbai metro underground project. The best concrete mix design for Self-compacting concrete was finalized based on flowability, passing ability, segregation resistance, and durability parameters of concrete mix and the same mix is implemented at the site for working structures.
CEBM: Collaborative Ensemble Blockchain Model for Intrusion Detection in IoT Environment
Authors: Shende Omkar , Pateriya R. K. , Verma Priyanka , Jain Anupama
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the IoT environment devices have increased drastically, including smart home devices, ad- hoc networks for the automotive industry ( VANET ), healthcare , smart cities, and apparel. In today’s IoT environment, security is a critical topic due to the type of devices, the nature of the architecture, different communication techniques (primarily wireless), and amount of information shared over the network. Unfortunately, due to this diverse nature of IoT devices it is very difficult to analyze the behavior of intrusion traffic, as it suffers from ability of recognizing new attacks. Another issue is that the poisoning attack during training of model as intruder may inject malicious data as benign during training of model to create a backdoor for intrusion. Moreover, it is very difficult to create a good intrusion detection dataset which contains all kind of traces. Therefore, to protect the network including IoT , from various threats and attacks, Intrusion Detection Systems ( IDSs ) are among the best security methods that can be used. However, an isolated IDS node cannot overcome the problems. Therefore, different IDS need to collaborate in order to improve their performance. Thus, in this paper we propose a generic framework of collaborative ensemble blockchain model ( CEBM ) for intrusion detection in IoT environment. The proposed framework enables the IDS modules to securely share information and build an ensemble detection model by combining the different machine learning models with the best performance using blockchain in a confirmable approach in the absence of a trusted intermediary. UNSW _NB15 dataset is used to evaluate the proposed framework, and five different IDS modules are trained. The performance achieved by the collaborative ensemble model is presented in the form of accuracy, recall, precision, and F-score given as 99.113 %, 99.177 %, 99.559 %, and 0.9942, respectively.
Nonlinear Muskingum Models for Multiple Inflows and Lateral inflows
Authors: Pashazadeh Arash , Javan Mitra
Published: July 2021

Floods are considered as the costliest natural disasters. The nonlinear Muskingum models were widely applied to flood routing in a river reach with an inflow and outflow. In reality, many rivers have lateral inflows or are composed of several inflows (multiple inflows river) with nonlinear relation between the storage and inflow/outflow discharge. In this study, three variations on the nonlinear Muskingum model were extended to allow for lateral inflows and multiple inflows. The extension is based on an equivalent inflow for river systems with both lateral inflows and multiple inflows. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) was employed to estimate the extended nonlinear Muskingum models parameters. Two case studies (a river with a lateral inflow and multiple inflows) were considered to evaluate the extended nonlinear models. In addition to the sum of the squared deviation (SSQ), the efficiency of models was examined by the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The sensitivity analysis of the extended models was performed to get more insight into the effect of the different values of models’ parameters on the objective function. The extended nonlinear Muskingum models outperform the multiple inflows linear Muskingum model and standard nonlinear Muskingum models in predicting the outflow hydrograph of a river system involving lateral inflows and multiple inflows. The outflow hydrographs of the case studies were precisely predicted with increased number of the extended models’ parameters in multiple inflows systems.
Identification of Hub Genes in Diabetic Nephropathy by an Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Chen Chenchun , Qiu Xiaoqiang
Published: July 2021

BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a progressive kidney disease caused by damage to the capillaries in the kidneys' glomeruli. The dysregulation of genes plays a significant role in the progression of DN. MethodsIn the present study, gene expression profiles were analyzed to identify the key genes and pathways involved in DN. Gene expression profiles of 9 patients with DN and 11 normal subjects were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and subjected to functional enrichment analysis. In addition, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established and hub genes were identified. ResultsAs a result, a total of 424 DEGs were identified (113 were upregulated and 311 were downregulated). In the protein-protein interaction network, four hub modules and 30 hub genes were identified. To explore potential associations between gene and DN clinical features and to identify hub genes, the top 25% of genes with the greatest variance in the gene expression profiles were extracted for weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). There were ten genes (RNASE6, CD1C, SASH3, COL1A2, MS4A6A, CD163, CLEC10A, MOXD1, IQGAP2, GHR) identified as significant DN‐associated genes. Furthermore, the expression level of these hub genes was confirmed in the GSE96804 dataset. ConclusionsThese findings provide new insight into DN pathogenesis, which may enhance our fundamental knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease.
Understanding and Analyzing Social Network Structure Among University Students
Authors: Hossen Md. Sharif , Islam Md. Aminul
Published: July 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
WITHDRAWN: Numerical Study of the Effects of an Obstacle and its Position in a Curved Channel in a Lock-Exchange Flow
Authors: Mohammadi Javad , Pirzadeh Bahareh , Azizyan Gholamreza , Abdollahi Azam
Published: July 2021

Researchers have recently shown interest in complex flow patterns, especially the effects of secondary flows, in a curved channel. This paper studied the obstacle effects in a gravity current in a channel with a symmetrical 120° bend using the OpenFoam toolbox and the Realizable k–ε turbulence model for simulation. The models studied included no-obstacle curved channel, curved channel with obstacle in 30° position, curved channel with obstacle in 60° position and curved channel with obstacle in 60° position with increased radius. Results showed that the obstacle directed the concentration towards the banks with its maximum value tending from the outer to the inner bank, especially in the tail. Although the post-obstacle head height did not change, that of the tail did (fell); the tail longitudinal velocity was maximized near the channel bed in areas far from the obstacle, and in the outer bank in areas near it. The secondary flow was so reduced that its lowest and most different pattern was observed around the obstacle. In displacing the latter, if the front was at a certain distance from it, the secondary flow did not change much, but if it was at the channel end, the post-obstacle secondary flow increased as the obstacle neared the lock.
Biopolymer Xanthan Gum as Promising Template for Facile Synthesis of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles and Application as Reusable Catalyst for Reduction of Nitroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Kaur Arshpreet , Bajaj Bharat , Sud Dhiraj
Published: July 2021

Herein, we report first time the biopolymer xanthan gum as template for facile synthesis of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles via co-precipitation method using ultrasonication technique. The formation of nanosized particles of CeO2 in the range of 11-32 nm with précised size and shape, as evidenced from morphological analysis. Further the polymer xanthan gum offers a versatile platform to control the morphological features and thereby the catalytic activity of CeO2. The prominent peaks in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at 82.50, 889.10, 898.50, 900.90, 907.50, and 916.60 eV binding energies confirmed the presence of Ce4+ in CeO2 with no traces of template material. The significant catalytic activity of CeO2 for the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds was observed with pseudo first order rate constants 0.1118 and 0.3318 min-1 for nitrobenzene and 2-nitrophenol respectively. The remarkable stability and high performance of CeO2 were demonstrated even after four catalytic runs for nitrobenzene, affirmed the catalytic support potential of CeO2 for reduction of nitroaromatic compounds.
Strain Effectiveness of Gate-all-around Silicon Nanowire n-MOSFET Transistors with Physical Analysis
Authors: Agarwal Amit , Pradhan Prashanta Chandra , Swain Bibhu Prasad
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we have discussed the effects of uniaxial tensile strain on the performance of gate-all-around (GAA) n-MOSFETs over the core cell SiGe structure are investigated for nanowire (NW) channel down to 5 nm to 10 nm. The strain has shown an increase in current drain due to a decrease in the energy bandgap in the SiNWs which stretched beyond their normal interatomic distance. The surface potential gate to source voltage (-0.5 to 0.5 V), drain voltage (0 to 2 V), donor concentration (107cm−3 to 1014cm−3), acceptor concentration (1017cm−3 to 1022cm−3), and operating temperature (0 to 300 K) with varying channel length were investigated. Matlab code is used to employ the GAA strained-Si MOSFETs show excellent subthreshold swing and cutoff behavior, and approximately two times current drive and intrinsic transconductance enhancement compared to similar unstrained Si devices.
Inter-Parasitic Interactions in Myrmica Ants: Ectoparasitic Fungus Affecting the Success of Socially Parasitic Caterpillars
Authors: Tartally András , Szabó Norbert , Somogyi Anna Ágnes , Báthori Ferenc , Haelewaters Danny , Mucsi András , Fürjes-Mikó Ágnes , Nash David R.
Published: July 2021

Exploitation of organisms by multiple parasite species is common in nature, but interactions among parasites have rarely been studied. Myrmica ants are rich in parasites. Among others, the ectoparasitic Rickia wasmannii fungus and the socially parasitic caterpillars of myrmecophilous Phengaris butterflies often infect the same Myrmica colonies. In this study, we examined the effects of R. wasmannii on the adoption, long-term development, and survival of P. alcon. In laboratory conditions, caterpillars introduced into nests of Myrmica scabrinodis uninfected with R. wasmannii survived significantly longer compared to caterpillars introduced into infected nests. In the field, joint infection was less common than expected if both parasites exploited M. scabrinodis colonies independently. Pre-pupal caterpillars of P. alcon were somewhat larger in nests infected with R. wasmannii than those found in uninfected nests. Based on these results it seems that R. wasmannii infection of M. scabrinodis affects the survival and development of P. alcon caterpillars, suggesting competition between these two ant associates.
Statistical Optimisation of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production in Bacillus Endophyticus Using Sucrose as Sole Source of Carbon
Authors: Geethu M , Hariharapura Raghu , Somashekara Divyashree
Published: July 2021

Microorganisms have been contemplated as a promising source for the inexhaustible synthesis of many novel materials utilizing renewable sources. Among many of such products, Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) remains as an essential biodegradable polymer with functions similar to conventional plastics. Bacillus endophyticus is capable of accumulating biopolymer PHA in nutrient limiting conditions with excess of carbon source. Screening and optimizing the parameters for increased PHA production was done statistically. The optimized medium gave a maximum yield of 46.57 % which was in well agreement with the given predicted value provided by Response surface Methodology model yield of 47.02 %. Optimal media conditions when extrapolated in bioreactor gave an even higher production percentage of 49.9.This is the first report highlighting 49 % of Polyhydroxybutyrate statistically using sucrose as a source. The main highlight of the study was the use of wild type strain for producing high quality PHA using simple carbon source which can be a starting platform for using this strain for large scale PHA production industrially. FTIR and 1HNMR analysis confirmed the polymer produced.
Differential Diagnosis of Appendiceal Serrated Lesions and Polyps and Low-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm: Analysis Of 88 Cases
Authors: Lu Yiyan , Qi Changhai , Xu Hongbin , Jin Mulan
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To identify clinicopathological features for the differential diagnosis of appendiceal serrated lesions and polyps (SPs) and low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) for the purpose of avoiding over‐diagnosis.Methods: Clinical data and pathological features of 66 patients with SPs diagnosed at the Aerospace Center Hospital between January 2013 and January 2021 were collected and compared to 22 cases of LAMN.Results: SPs, compared with LAMN, are likely to be associated with acute inflammation (SPs 53.0% vs. LAMN 18.2%), and may be located in the appendix partly, although with smaller diameter (average 9.6 vs. 27.2 mm); epithelial structures of serrated (100% vs. 22.7%) and filiform villous (47.0% vs. 18.2%) were often found in SPs. SPs occasionally show attenuated or flattened morphology (16.7% vs. 100%) and undulating or scalloped (7.6% vs. 40.9%) structures, and can also be accompanied by diverticulum (18.2% vs. 18.2%) and acellular mucin in the appendiceal wall (16.7% vs. 54.5%), which causes confusion with LAMN. The key point of the differential diagnosis is to observe whether the muscularis mucosa exists (loss, 0% vs. 100%) and fibrosis of the appendiceal wall (0% vs. 100%). SMA immunohistochemistry can assist in the diagnosis. Calcification is also indicative of LAMN.Conclusions: The epithelial structure of SPs can appear flattened and focally scalloped, and can be accompanied by mucin in the appendiceal wall, which may appear as complex lesions, easily over-diagnosed as LAMN. Key differential diagnostic features are identifying the structure of lamina propria, determining whether the muscularis mucosa exists, and whether the appendiceal wall is fibrotic.
Improving Robustness of Automatic Cardiac Function Quantification From Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Synthetic Image Data
Authors: Gheorghiță Bogdan A. , Itu Lucian M. , Sharma Puneet , Suciu Constantin , Wetzl Jens , Geppert Christian , Ali Mohamed Ali Asik , Lee Aaron M. , Piechnik Stefan K , Neubauer Stefan , Petersen Steffen E. , Schulz-Menger Jeanette , Chitiboi Teodora
Published: July 2021

Although having been the subject of intense research over the years, cardiac function quantification from MRI is still not a fully automatic process in the clinical practice. This is partly due to the shortage of training data covering all relevant cardiovascular disease phenotypes. We propose to synthetically generate short axis CINE MRI using a generative adversarial model to expand the available data sets that consist of predominantly healthy subjects to include more cases with reduced ejection fraction. We introduce a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) to predict the end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and implicitly the ejection fraction from cardiac MRI without explicit segmentation. The left ventricle volume predictions were compared to the ground truth values, showing superior accuracy compared to state-of-the-art segmentation methods. We show that using synthetic data generated for pre-training a CNN significantly improves the prediction compared to only using the limited amount of available data, when the training set is imbalanced.
Peripheral Neuropathy Is Associated With High Serum Levels of Small Dense Low-density Lipoprotein-cholesterol in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sun Chao , Chen Qing , Zhang Xu , Wang Junqiao , Wang Xinzhe , Cheng Yiping , Zhang Wendi , Fan Yuanyuan , Zhou Xinli
Published: July 2021

Background: A high plasma level of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) is one of the key features of diabetic dyslipidemia. However, the relationship between sdLDL-C and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has not been investigated. Therefore, we measured sdLDL-C in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) ± DPN, determined the factors affecting sdLDL-C levels, and characterized the relationship between sdLDL-C and DPN in T2DM.Methods: sdLDL-C was measured in the T2DM patients with (n=702) and without (n=780) DPN and the characteristics of these two groups were compared. Correlation analysis was used to identify factors associated with sdLDL-C levels. Finally, multiple regression analysis was used to further characterize the relationship between sdLDL-C and DPN in patients with T2DM.Results: The serum sdLDL-C levels were higher in T2DM patients with DPN than in those without. sdLDL-C positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, urinary microalbumin–creatinine ratio, and urinary microalbumin in T2DM patients with DPN (P=0.017, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.005, and P=0.002, respectively) and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.01). Furthermore, sdLDL-C was independently associated with DPN in patients with T2DM (odds ratio=5.857, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.60–13.20, P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to identify the optimal cut-off value of sdLDL-C for the prediction of DPN, which was found to be 0.985 mmol/L (area under the curve=0.571; 95% CI: 0.541–0.600; sensitivity, 64.8%; specificity, 47.7%, P<0.001).Conclusions: sdLDL-C was increased in T2DM patients with DPN and was found to be an independent predictor of the presence of DPN.
The Effectiveness of External Rotators and Ischiofemoral Ligament for the Prevention of Hip Dislocation in Hip Flexion Position: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Baba Kazuyoshi , Chiba Daisuke , Mori Yu , Kuwahara Yoshiyuki , Kogure Atsushi , Sugaya Takehiro , Kamata Kumi , Oizumi Itsuki , Suzuki Takayuki , Kurishima Hiroaki , Hamada Soshi , Itoi Eiji , Aizawa Toshimi
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine the magnitude of the impact of each external rotator muscle and ischiofemoral ligament on prevention of joint dislocation, depending on the hip flexion angle.MethodNine normal hips were studied; the pelvis was fixed in the lateral decubitus position. An intramedullary nail was inserted into the femur and fixed using screws. A circular plate with a protractor was fixed on the nail. The circular plate was pulled by 3.15 Nm force in the direction of internal rotation, and this angle was defined as the baseline angle. External rotators of the right hip were resected stepwise using the posterior approach; in contrast, external rotators of the left hip were resected stepwise in the reverse order, and finally the ischiofemoral ligament was cut. After each muscle and ischiofemoral ligament resection, the increase in the angle by the traction of was measured at the neutral and 30° and 60° hip flexion positions.ResultsIn posterior approach, there was a significant difference between measurements after piriformis and ischiofemoral ligament resection at 0° of flexion (p=0.02). At 30° of flexion, there were significant differences between measurements after each external rotator and ischiofemoral ligament resection (p<0.01). At 60° of flexion, there were significant differences between ischiofemoral ligament resection and piriformis or inferior gemellus resection (p=0.04, p=0.02, respectively). In the reverse order of the posterior approach, there were significant differences between ischiofemoral ligament resection and the obturator externus, inferior gemellus, or obturator internus at 0° of flexion (p<0.01, p<0.01, p=0.01, respectively). At 30° of flexion, there was a significant difference between the ischiofemoral ligament and each external rotator (p<0.01). ConclusionThe ischiofemoral ligament is the main restrictor of posterior dislocation. The combination of the piriformis and obturator internus may restrict internal rotation at 0°and 60° of flexion.
CSF1R-Related Leukoencephalopathy Caused by CSF1R p.Arg777Trp and CSF1R p.Arg782Cys Mutations: A Report of Four Cases in Sweden
Authors: Rosenstein Igal , Andersen Oluf , Daniel Victor , Englund Elisabet , Granberg Tobias , Hedberg-Oldfors Carola , Jood Katarina , Fitrah Yusran Ady , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Karrenbauer Virginija Danylaité
Published: July 2021

Background: Colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)-related leukoencephalopathy is a rare and devastating genetic disease caused by heterozygous mutations in the CSF1R gene. It is characterized by adult onset, rapidly progressive neurodegeneration and variable behavioral, cognitive, and motor disturbances and seizures. With only one affected family currently reported, the disease’s prevalence in Sweden is unknown. Objective: To describe four cases of CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy from three families with two different pathogenic mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of CSF1R and to develop an integrated presentation of inter-individual diversity of clinical presentations. Methods: This is an observational study of a case series. Patients diagnosed with CSF1R-encephalopathy were evaluated with standardized functional estimation scores and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. Brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were systematically evaluated. We performed a functional phosphorylation assay to confirm the pathogenicity of the mutations. We performed neuropathologic examination on one deceased relative for diagnostic verification. Results: Two mutationsin CSF1R gene were identified, a missense variant c.2344C>T, p.Arg782Cys and a missense variant c.2329C>T, p.Arg777Trp. A phosphorylation assay in vitro showed markedly reduced autophosphorylation in cells expressing the CSF1R mutations p.Arg777Trp and p.Arg782Cys, confirming the pathogenicity of these mutations. A radiological investigation revealed typical white matter lesions in all cases. There was marked individual variation in the loss of frontal, motor neuronal and extrapyramidal functions, with a reciprocal relation to neurofilament light levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Conclusions: Including the present cases, currently three CSF1R mutations are known in Sweden. We present a visualization tool to capture the degree of disability and clinical diversity, with a potential use for longitudinal follow-up for this and other leukoencephalopathies.Trial Registration: N/A (non-interventional study)
Increased Oxidative Stress Contributes to Impaired CD56dimCD57+ NK Cells in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Lu Zhimin , Tian Yao , Bai Ziran , Liu Jiaqing , Zhang Yan , Qi Jingjing , Jin Minli , Zhu Jie , Li Xia
Published: July 2021

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) is characterized by loss of immune tolerance and imbalance of immune cell subsets. NK cells contribute to regulate both the innate and adaptive immune response. In this study, we aimed to detect peripheral NK cell subsets in SLE patients, investigate their cytotoxic effect on activated CD4+ T cells, and explore intrinsic mechanisms contributing to NK cell abnormality.Methods: Blood samples from healthy controls(HCs) and patients with SLE and rheumatoid arthritis(RA) were collected. The NK count, NK subsets(CD56bright , CD56dimCD57- , and CD56dimCD57+), phenotypes, along with apoptosis were analysed by flow cytometry. The t-stochastic neighbor embedding (tSNE) analysis of lymphocytes based on immune cells flow cytometry markers was performed. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS) and total ROS levels in NK cells were detected by MitoSOX Red and DCFH-DA staining respectively. Published data(GSE63829 and GSE23695) from Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) was analyzed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA).Results: NK count was down-regulated in untreated SLE patients in comparison to untreated RA patients or HCs and the count was negatively correlated with disease activity. SLE patients exhibited a selective reduction in CD56dimCD57+ NK cell proportion, which was negatively correlated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index(SLEDAI) and positively correlated with complement C3 and C4. CD56dimCD57+NK cells exhibited increased cytotoxic effect on activated CD4+ T cells relative to CD56dimCD57- NK cells. Compared with HCs, CD56dimCD57+ NK cells in SLE patients exhibited impaired cytotoxic function, increased apoptosis and higher levels of both mtROS and ROS. GSEA analysis indicated that ROS pathway was significantly enriched in NK cells from lupus. Compared with CD56dimCD57- NK cells in SLE patients, CD56dimCD57+ NK cells showed higher levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Furthermore, oxidative stress levels were negatively correlated with perforin expression and positively correlated with apoptosis. CD56dimCD57+ NK cells were more prone to undergo apoptosis when exposed to ROS in vitro. Conclusion: Beyond the reduced NK cell number, our study demonstrated a selective loss of mature CD56dimCD57+ NK cell subset, which was conversely correlated with disease activity. This subset showed attenuated cytotoxic function, up-regulated endogenous apoptosis and increased oxidative stress, which might contribute to NK cell abnormality.
Developing a new predictor index of anastomotic fistula after anastomosis of esophageal atresia: preliminary results from a single center
Authors: Hong Song-Ming , Chen Qiang , Cao Hua , Hong Jun-Jie , Huang Jin-Xi
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine a predictor of the risk of anastomotic fistula after anastomosis of esophageal atresia. MethodsThis article reviewed the clinical data of 74 children with esophageal atresia in our hospital. The risk factors of anastomotic fistula were analysed, and a new predictive index was proposed. ResultsThe incidence of anastomotic fistula was 29.7% in 74 children with esophageal atresia after anastomosis. Birth weight and gap length were risk factors for anastomotic fistula. Logistic regression analysis showed that birth weight (Wald 2 = 4.528, P = 0.033, OR = 0.273) was a protective factor for anastomotic fistula, whereas gap length (Wald 2 = 7.057, P = 0.008, OR = 2.388) was a risk factor for anastomotic fistula. The ratio of gap length to birth weight had a positive predictive effect on the occurrence of anastomotic fistula (AUC = 0.732, P = 0.002). ConclusionBirth weight and gap length are important predictors of anastomotic fistula in esophageal atresia. Measurement of the ratio of gap length to birth weight is a feasible predictor of anastomotic fistula after anastomosis of esophageal atresia.
Time to Regain Birth Weight - A Marker to Predict the Severity of Retinopathy of Prematurity?
Authors: Anvekar Ajay , Athikarisamy Sam E , Rao Shripada , Gill Andy , Nathan Elizabeth A. , Doherty Dorota A. , Lam Geoffrey C.
Published: July 2021

Background: Poor weight gain in the first few weeks of life has been studied as a predictor of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Our aim was to assess whether time taken to regain birthweight be used as an additional marker to identify infants needing treatment for ROP.Methods: In this retrospective study, preterm infants (<27 weeks gestational age at birth) born during the period from 1/1/2010-31/12/2015 at a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit in Australia were included. 27 cases (ROP needing treatment) were identified. Controls (ROP not needing treatment or no ROP) were matched with cases on gestational age at birth and birthweight (1:4 ratio). Data were collected from the database and medical records.Results: The median (IQR) gestational age for cases and controls were 24 (24-26) and 25 (24-26) weeks respectively and median (IQR) birthweight for cases and controls were 675 (635-810) and 773 (666-884) grams respectively. Cases were more likely to be intra uterine growth restricted (18.5% vs 3.7%, p=0.015) and had increased weeks on oxygen (median 11.9 vs 9.1, p=0.028). Median (IQR) time to regain birth weight in cases and controls were 9 (6-13) and 7 (5-10) days respectively. Time to regain birthweight approached statistical significance when adjusted for duration of oxygen (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.17, p=0.054). The area under the curve from the time to regain BW ROC analysis with adjustment for IUGR and duration of oxygen was 0.73 (95% CI 0.62-0.83).Conclusion: Time to regain BW has potential to aid prediction of ROP needing treatment.
Combined Treatment of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells And Fasudil Promotes Neurovascular Remodeling And Neurological Function Recovery In Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhao Shu-Fang , Xiao Xia , Liu Ya-Nan , Wang Xiu Li , Du Yun-Xia
Published: July 2021

Stroke remains a deadly and disabling disease with limited treatment tragedies due to the limitations of available treatments; novel therapies for stroke are needed. In this article, the synergistic results of dual bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) and fasudil treatment in rat models of ischemic stroke still requires further identification. Sprague-Dawley rats were used to construct the middle cerebral artery, occlusion models. BMSCs were incubated with fasudil, and MTT was performed to evaluate cell proliferation. The rats were treated with fasudil+BMSC, BMSC, fasudil, and saline. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count analysis and measurement of serum TNF-α levels. The neurological functions were evaluated. After the rats were sacrificed, immunohistochemical staining and TTC staining was performed. Fasudil promoted the proliferation of BMSCs and induced their differentiation into neuron-like cells. BMSCs increased the proportion of neutrophils; nevertheless, fasudil counteracted the neutrophil increase. The TUJ-1/MAP2/VIII factor expression in the fasudil+BMSC group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. The number of GFAP-positive cells decreased in the fasudil+BMSC and BMSC alone groups. The infarct volume in the fasudil+BMSC and BMSC alone groups was significantly lower than in the fasudil alone and control groups.Both BMSCs and fasudil exert neurorestorative effects in rat models of cerebral ischemia. Fasudil neutralizes the pro-inflammatory effects of BMSCs, while BMSCs and fasudil together had synergistic effects promoting neurovascular remodeling and neurological function recovery in stroke. A combination of BMSCs and fasudil provides a promising method for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Prevalence of Anti-epileptic Drugs Polypharmacy and Associated Factors among Epileptic Patients in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia
Authors: Ebrahim Kemeria , Legese Nanati , Tadiwos Yohannes , Tola Assefa
Published: July 2021

BackgroundEvery newly diagnosed patient with epilepsy should take appropriate monotherapy based on the seizure type and the epilepsy syndrome. Anti-epileptic drugs (AED) polypharmacy did not necessarily improve seizure outcomes and could increase the propensity for side effects. This study evaluates the prevalence of AED polypharmacy and its associated factors in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia.MethodologyA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to March 2018. Patient chart review and an interview were made with selected epileptic patients and analyzed by using Stata corp version 14 software. A logistic regression model was fitted to identify the contribution of selected independent variables to AED polypharmacy. The results were presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and, a p-value of <0.05 was considered as a cut-off point for declaring significance.ResultsA total of 252 epileptic patients were included in the analysis with a mean age of 30.4 (+SD7.8). More than half of the respondents were male (54.0%) and rural residents (52.8%). About 49% had 15 to 25 years duration of illness, and more than half had 3 to 5 years duration of treatment (50.8%). The most common type of seizure diagnosed was Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure (GTCS) (49.2%), while the most common type of AED prescribed was Phenobarbitone (PHB) (69.8%). The prevalence of antiepileptic polypharmacy was 24.2%. The most frequently prescribed combination therapy was phenobarbitone with carbamazepine (15.5%) Place of residence (AOR=3; 95% CI: 1.1-8.3), long duration of illness (AOR=5.8; 95% CI: 1.1- 30.3), drug non-adherence (AOR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01- 0.06), and complaint of side effect (AOR=3.4; 95% CI: 1.1-10.8), had a significant association with antiepileptic polypharmacy. ConclusionThe prevalence of AED polypharmacy was high among the study participants. The physicians should choose the drugs based on the seizure type and epilepsy syndrome to maintain patients on the appropriate mono-therapy.
Modelling New Insecticide-Treated Bed-Nets for Malaria-Vector Control: How to Strategically Manage Resistance?
Authors: Madgwick Philip Graham , Kanitz Ricardo
Published: July 2021

Background: The programme to eradicate malaria is at a critical juncture as a new wave of insecticides for mosquito control enter their final stages of development. Previous insecticides have been deployed one-at-a-time until their utility was compromised, without the strategic management of resistance. But recent investment has led to the near-synchronous development of new insecticides, and with it the current opportunity to build resistance management into mosquito-control methods to maximize the chance of eradicating malaria. Methods: Here, building on the parameter framework of an existing mathematical model, resistance-management strategies using multiple insecticides are compared to suggest how to deploy combinations of available and new insecticides on bed-nets to achieve maximum impact. Results: Although results support the use of different strategies in different settings, deploying new insecticides ideally together in (or at least as a part of) a mixture is shown to be a robust strategy across most settings. Conclusions: Substantially building on previous works, we find alternative solutions for the resistance management of new insecticides to be used in bed-nets for malaria vector control. Our results support a mixture product concept as the most robust way to deploy new insecticides, even if they are mixed with a pyrethroid that has lower effectiveness due to pre-existing resistance. These results can help deciding on deployment strategies and policies around the sustainable use of these new anti-malaria tools.
Cloud Computing based E-commerce Management Ontransaction Security Concepts
Authors: Chi Jinling , Sui Xuefeng , Alazab Mamoun , Muthu BalaAnand
Published: July 2021

The way e-commerce companies do commerce is transformed by cloud computing. Although the usage of cloud technology in e-commerce has grown suddenly, the advantages of cloud services platforms have not yet been exploited, especially for e-commerce applications. For decision-makers, it is vital that the optimized cloud-based computing solution like software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), or infrastructure as a service(IaaS) model is adopted as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) issue and is thus dependent on a trustworthy and secured online shop. A new Cloud computing-based E-Commerce Management (CCECM) approach is provided to tackle the MCDM issue, a multiple-criteria group approach based on an ordering preference strategy by an idealized solution,and relying on the structure for a list of requirements. A small-to-medium firm uses the suggested system to ease the assessment and decision-making of the aspects connected with cloud e-commerce with security.The results show that small and moderate-sized e-commerce companies have higher secured and efficient communication. SaaS is asuitable alternative for difficulty, dependability, safety and protection, organizational preparedness, and corporate size. At the same time, adaptability and scaling can be enhanced in the choosing of PaaS or IaaS.
Templates for Climate-smart Landscape Design
Authors: Lavorel Sandra , Grigulis Karl , Richards Daniel Rex , Etherington Thomas R , Law Richard M , Herzig Alexander
Published: July 2021

Context – In climate-smart landscapes people manage land use for integrating sustainable production, climate change adaptation and mitigation. The spatial dimension of this multifunctionality remains to be formalised to increase effectiveness of nature-based solutions.Objectives – We aimed to systematically analyse effects of fragmentation on multifunctionality and their interactions with land-use intensity responses.Methods – We generated virtual landscapes to model interactions among six ecosystem services (ES) of different spatial sensitivities. We simulated land-use patterns on topographies from plains to mountains. Four land-use intensity treatments departed from hypothesised optimal composition for biodiversity and ES with > 30% intensive, < 30% extensive or protected and > 40% intermediate intensity use. For each composition we generated landscapes with differing fragmentation.Results – Pixel- and landscape-level multifunctionality emerge from sensitivities of the six ES to landscape composition, fragmentation and their interactions. In heterogenous landscapes of intermediate land-use intensity extensive grasslands and spatial complementarity supported multiple ES provision. Multifunctionality increased in coarser-grained landscapes, reflecting the sensitivity of the recreation model. Largest losses in multifunctionality with land-use intensity were at lower fragmentation due to simultaneous losses for nitrogen retention and pollination. Regulating ES were synergistic and showed trade-offs with recreation. Although interactions were most sensitive to intensity given its dominant effects on individual ES, fragmentation mediated interaction strength.Conclusions – Virtual simulations allow a systematic understanding of how interactions between land-use intensity and fragmentation modulate multifunctionality. This constitutes an essential step to designing templates for climate smart-landscapes tailored to regional geographies, land-use allocation and ES priorities.
What Truly Matters for The Implementation of Medical Alliances? A Cross-Sectional Study in China From The Perspective of Physicians
Authors: cui chengsen , Zuo Xu , Wang Yujia , Shi Jingyu , Feng Xingmiao , Meng Kai
Published: July 2021

Background
In China, medical alliances (MAs) are a way of integrating medical resources. This study tries to identify the factors that influence the implementation of MAs, explore physicians' views on the MAs, so as to provide experience for the integration of international medical resources.
Methods
Physicians in district D and district F of Beijing were recruited by a self-reported questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to describe and contrast the physicians’ evaluations. Factor analysis was used to reduce dimensions and calculate the overall evaluation of physicians. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the influencing factors of MAs.
Results
A total of 1032 physicians participated in this survey and the evaluation of MAs in D district is better. Most physicians express a dissatisfied attitude toward MAs. Regional characteristics, seniority and age of physicians, cognition degree of MA policy, professional competence, income and benefits and job satisfaction of physicians affect the implementation of MAs.
Conclusions
Physicians undertake more unpaid tasks in MAs, resulting in lower satisfaction. MAs in developed regions can stimulate the enthusiasm of physicians through extra rewards. Besides, the medical competence of physicians in small hospitals was improved with the help of physicians from large hospitals in the region, so physicians in these areas have better evaluations. The findings suggest that governments should focus on the personal development of physicians and improve their policy cognition to facilitate the implementation of MAs. In conclusion, the implementation of MAs varies in regions and developed regions have a more obvious effect on improving the implementation effect of MAs.
Factors that Influence the Quality of Metabolomics Data in in Vitro Cell Toxicity Studies: A Systematic Survey
Authors: Moreno-Torres Marta , García-Llorens Guillem , Moro Erika , Méndez Rebeca , Quintás Guillermo , Castell José Vicente
Published: July 2021

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is a global strategy and regulation policy of the EU that aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and earlier identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances. It entered into force on 1st June 2007 (EC 1907/2006). REACH and EU policies plead for the use of robust high-throughput "omic" techniques for the in vitro investigation of the toxicity of chemicals that can provide an estimation of their hazards as well as information regarding the underlying mechanisms of toxicity. In agreement with the 3R’s principles, cultured cells are nowadays widely used for this purpose, where metabolomics can provide a real-time picture of the metabolic effects caused by exposure of cells to xenobiotics, enabling the estimations about their toxicological hazards. High quality and robust metabolomics data sets are essential for precise and accurate hazard predictions. Currently, the acquisition of consistent and representative metabolomic data is hampered by experimental drawbacks that hinder reproducibility and difficult robust hazard interpretation.
Using the differentiated human liver HepG2 cells as model system, and incubating with hepatotoxic (acetaminophen and valproic acid) and non-hepatotoxic compounds (citric acid), we evaluated in-depth the impact of several key experimental factors (namely, cell passage, processing day and storage time, and compound treatment) and instrumental factors (batch effect) on the outcome of an UPLC-MS metabolomic analysis data set. Results showed that processing day and storage time had a significant impact on the retrieved cell's metabolome, while the effect of cell passage was minor. Meta-analysis of results from pathway analysis showed that batch effect corrections and quality control (QC) measures are critical to enable consistent and meaningful estimations of the effects caused by compounds on cells. The quantitative analysis of the changes in metabolic pathways upon bioactive compound treatment remained consistent despite the concurrent causes of metabolomic data variation. Thus, upon appropriate data retrieval and correction and by an innovative metabolic pathway analysis, the metabolic alteration predictions remained conclusive despite the acknowledged sources of variability.