bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of a Lymph Node Metastasis Nomogram Prediction Model Based on Dual-Energy CT Radiomics of Gastric Cancer Lesions
Authors: CUN Hong-li , DUAN Qian-ting , DING Ying-ying , Zhang Da-fu , YANG Ling , LI Hua-xiu , WANG Na , SHI Lei , Wang Guan-shun
Published: June 2021

Background This study aimed to explore the value of gastric cancer (GC) tumor markers and dual-energy CT（DECT） scans of arterial and venous GC lesions with quantitative iodine concentration (IC) and radiomics, to predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with GC. Methods This prospective study comprised of 177 patients that underwent dual-energy CT scans before surgery, and were subsequently diagnosed with GC by postoperative pathology. Serum tumor markers and arterial phases (AP) and venous phases (VP) of GC lesion iodine concentration (IC) and normalized iodine concentration (nIC) were analyzed. Patients were divided into either the LNM group or non-LNM group according to pathological results. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the serum tumor markers, IC, and nIC of the 2 groups, and a ROC curve was drawn to evaluate their effectiveness in predicting LNM in patients with GC. After using the Siemens syngo.via Frontier Radiomics software to extract radiomics features , all patients were randomly divided into a train set and a test set with a 7:3 ratio to predict GC LNM. Results Among the 177 patients with GC, 83 were diagnosed with LNM, while 94 did not have LNM. The preoperative serum tumor markers CA125, CA199, and CEA were statistically significant for predicting the presence of LNM (P<0.05). In the transfer group, AP and VP IC were 2.63 mg/ml (2.3, 3.00) and 3.60 mg/ml (3.23, 4.03) respectively, with corresponding areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 and 0.91. The nIC was 0.18 mg/ml (0.15, 0.21) and 0.78 mg/ml (0.65, 0.86); the AUC curve was 0.79 and 0.87. Both the IC and nIC were higher in the patients with LNM than those without LNM (P<0.05). Establishing a random forest (RF) model based on the radiomics extracted from the GC lesions had a high diagnostic value in predicting whether the lymph nodes in patients with GC were metastatic. The RF model AUC value was 0.959 for the train set and 0.977 for the test set. The AUC value of the nomogram predicting LNM was 0.996 for the train set and 0.976 for the test set. Conclusion Models based on preoperative serum tumor markers (CA125, CA199, and CEA) in patients with GC, quantitative dual-energy CT parameter values of the lesions (AP and VP IC, nIC), and radiomics have a higher diagnosis of LNM. The value of nomogram in combination with multi-parameter analysis is higher diagnosis of LNM, which can provide a reliable basis for preoperative evaluation of LNM.
The Optimization Parameters of Activated Biochar Derived From Pine Pyrolysis: Application in Methylene Blue Adsorption
Authors: Liu Shasha , Shen Chen , Wang Yuhui , Huang Yong , Hu Xun , Li Bin , Karnowo Karnowo , Zhou Jianbin , Zhang Shu , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2021

To understand the interaction mechanism between adsorbent and adsorbate, activated biochar, prepared from pine sawdust using CO2 and H2O as activator, was employed to adsorb methylene blue in printing and dyeing pollutants. The pore structure, carbon structure of the aromatic ring system, and functional groups were investigated though SEM, nitrogen adsorption/desorption device (BET), Raman, and XPS characterization, and the adsorption kinetics and possible adsorption mechanism were also studied. The results showed that the activated biochar prepared by CO2 activation had more specific surface area, pore structure, and surface oxygen-containing functional groups than that prepared by H2O, which was more conductive to improving its adsorption capacity. The electrostatic interaction between the surface oxygen-containing functional groups in the adsorbents and the π-π interaction formed in the aromatic rings enhanced the adsorption capacity of activated biochar to methylene blue. The adsorption process of methylene blue by activated biochar was spontaneous, and it conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic characteristics and Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. It was a monolayer adsorption and the maximum adsorption capacity was about 160 mg/g. Activated biochar as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment has promising application and development prospects.
Improving The Sensitivity Of The Plasmon Based Sensor By Asymmetric Nanoarray
Authors: Bouali Aymen , Dridi Montacer , Colas Florent , Compère Chantal
Published: June 2021

In this work we investigate the effect of the symmetry in a 2-D arrays of gold nanoparticle on the sensitivity to the refractive index change. We demonstrate a generalized result that an asymmetric periodic arrangement of metallic nanoparticle leads to a higher sensitivity than a regular square of nanoparticle. Further decreasing the symmetry of the system by using asymmetric nanoparticle (nanorods, triangle) rather than symmetric nanoparticle (nanocylinder) will further improve this sensitivity. Finally, we suggest that such asymmetric nanostructure could operate as a SERS and LSPR plasmon based sensor by changing the polarization of the incident light.
Backward-ion acceleration in critical density plasmas
Authors: Habara Hideaki , Iwawaki Tomoyuki , Nakagutchi Shinnosuke , Uematsu Yuto , Aizawa Kiyoshi , Enmei Yuya , Baton Sophie , Rousseaux Christopher , Chen Sophia , Fuches Julien , Nazarov Wigen , MacDonald Michael , Kodama Ryosuke , Tanaka Kazuo
Published: June 2021

Laser-accelerated ions are widely attractive for many fields as a compact and low-cost accelerator. For the application to medical treatment, it is necessary to not only enhance the maximum acceleration energy but also improve beam stability and quality. In this study, we demonstrate a new ion acceleration mechanism using a uniform critical density plasma that yields very high ion energy despite the existence of a laser prepulse. The maximum proton energy in the experiment was approximately 18 MeV accelerated by the laser pulse of 3 x 1019 W/cm2 focused intensity under the conditions of the maximum prepulse contrast ratio of 10-3. Further, heavier particles such as carbon or oxygen present in the plasma were accelerated using the same acceleration field. In addition, a self-created magnetic field in the plasma significantly improved emission divergence.
Facial Nerve Outcome and Results in Hypervascular Large Vestibular Schwannomas: Our Personal Experience in A Series of 32 Cases.
Authors: Mastronardi Luciano , Campione Alberto , Boccacci Fabio , Scavo Carlo Giacobbo , Carpineta Ettore , Cacciotti Guglielmo , Roperto Raffaelino , Sufianov Albert , Liu James K.
Published: June 2021

BackgroundVestibular schwannomas (VS) are usually hypovascularized. Large VS with unusual vascular architecture are defined hyper-vascular (HVVS); excessive bleeding during microsurgery has negative impact on results. Methods Thirty-two consecutive patients were operated on for HVVS (Group-A). Results were compared with those of 25 patients (Group-B) operated on for large low-bleeding VS. Tendency to bleed and adherence of capsule to nervous structures were evaluated by reviewing video records. Cisternal facial nerve (FN) position was reported. Microsurgical removal was classified as total, near-total, subtotal or partial and MIB-1 index evaluated in all. FN results were classified according the House-Brackmann scale.Results Mean tumor diameter was 3,99cm in Group-A and 3,67 in Group-B; mean age was 42,3 and 58,1 years, respectively. Mean ASA class of Group-A was 1,72 versus 2,48 of Group-B (p<0,001). Total-NT resection was accomplished in 71,9% of HVVS versus 80,0% of Group-B. Tight capsule adhesion was observed in 68,7% HVVS versus 56,0% low-bleeding ones. Mean MIB-1 was 1,25% and 1,08%, respectively.Anterior-superior position of FN was observed in 48,6% of HVVS versus 32,0% of low-bleeding tumors (p<0,05). FN anatomical preservation was possible in 81,2% of Group-A versus 100% of Group-B (p<0,05); 62,5% of HVVS had HBI-II FN outcome versus 96,0% of low-bleeding (p<0,01). In Group-A 25,0% experienced postoperative complications versus 8,0% of Group-B (p<0,05). Recurrence/re-growth was observed in 7 HVVS versus 1 low-bleeding (p<0,05).Conclusions Microsurgery of large HVVS was associated with higher complication and recurrence/re-growth rate and poorer FN outcome, especially in cases with tight capsule adhesion.
NETs Enhance STING To Promote Surgical Adhesion
Authors: Hu Qiongyu , Shen Xiaofei , Wang Meng , Lu Xiaofeng , Liu Song , Guan Wenxian
Published: June 2021

Background

Postoperative adhesion (PA) following abdominal surgery may cause bowel obstruction, chronic pain, infertility, or even death. Knowledge of adhesion biology is limited, and preventive agents in clinical trials have failed to achieve efficacy.
Results

In the present study, we showed that neutrophils accumulate in the injured peritoneum at early stage of PA, and neutrophils within the ischemic buttons undergo cell death and form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that contribute to PA. Neutrophil depletion reduces adhesion burden at 7 days after adhesion induction. Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), an essential enzyme for NET formation, is increased in ischemic buttons. Degradation of NETs by DNase 1 and suppression of NET formation by pharmacologic inhibition of PAD4 alleviated adhesion burden, collogen deposition and fibrosis formation. Mechanistically, administration of DNase I and PAD inhibitor reduces STING-mediated inflammatory response. STING deficiency attenuates adhesion burden, collogen deposition, and α-SMA production in the adhesive tissues at 7 days after surgery.
Conclusions

Collectively, our findings reveal NETs/STING signaling as a therapeutic target to prevent PA.
Association of Soft Drink Intake With Cardiovascular Disease Mortality and Morbidity: A Large Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Dan , Zhang Peidong , Li Zhihao , Shen Dong , Zhang Xiru , Chen Peiliang , Huang Qingmei , Zhong Wenfang , Mao Chen
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe associations of SSBs, ASBs and pure fruit/vegetable juices with CVD events have not been thoroughly evaluated. The present study determined the association of soft drinks with CVD and effects of the substitution of alternative beverages for soft drinks and the population-attributable fraction of CVD mortality due to soft drinks.MethodsA cohort study was performed using data from UK Biobank and 168007 participants (mean (SD) age, 55.6 (7.9) years) without CVD/cancer at baseline were eligible for this analysis. Dietary consumption of SSBs, ASBs and pure fruit/vegetable juices was self–reported via a 24–hour dietary questionnaire between 2009 and 2012 and followed up to 2018. ResultsDuring a median follow–up of 7.0-year, we recorded 5922 incident CVD cases and 884 CVD deaths. Multivariable adjusted analyses revealed that compared to non–consumers, participants who consumed >2.5 drinks/day had a higher risk of CVD mortality and incidence with HR (95% CI) of 1.63 (1.22–2.17) and 1.23 (1.09–1.39) for SSBs, and 1.77 (1.23–2.56) and 1.20 (1.02–1.42) for ASBs, respectively. Compared to non–consumers, moderate pure fruit/vegetable juice consumers (>0–2.5 drinks/day) have an 8% (2%–13%)–34% (16%–48%) lower risk for CVD incidence and mortality. There was a positive dose–response association of SSBs per 5% energy with CVD mortality and incidence with HR (95% CI) of 1.15 (1.17–1.25) and 1.06 (1.03–1.10), respectively. Substituting one drink/day of pure fruit/vegetable juice, un–sweetened tea/coffee for SSBs and ASBs was associated with 4%–24% lower risks for CVD mortality and incidence. A reduced SSB intake to below 5% energy may prevent 4% (1%–8%) of CVD mortality.ConclusionSSBs and ASBs was associated with a higher CVD mortality and morbidity. Pure fruit/vegetable juice and un–sweetened tea/coffee are suitable alternatives to SSBs and ASBs to reduce CVD risk.
Preparation and Performance of a Biological Dust Suppressant Based on the Synergistic Effect of Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation and Surfactant
Authors: Wu Mingyue , Hu Xiangming , Zhang Qian , Zhao Yanyun , Cheng Weimin , Xue Di
Published: June 2021

To control dust pollution caused by open-pit coal mining and reduce or avoid the secondary hazards of existing dust suppressants to the environment. A biological dust suppressant was prepared through the synergistic effect of surfactant and enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation. The optimal ratio of biological dust suppressant was determined, and the dust suppressive effect and dust-fixing mechanism of biological dust suppressant were studied. The results showed that when the concentration of alkyl glucoside (APG) was 0.3%, the concentration of urea-CaCl2 was 0.6 mol/L, and the volume ratio of urease to urea-CaCl2 was 1:3, the wind erosion resistance of coal dust was enhanced by 86.69%. The adsorption of biological dust suppressant and coal dust is mainly due to the electrostatic interaction between surfactant and coal dust. The mineralization product is calcite type CaCO3, and its can consolidate coal dust due to the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between CaCO3 and coal dust.
DEAD-Box Helicase 27 Enhances Stem Cell-Like Properties With Poor Prognosis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Shan , Ma Jinfei , Zheng Ang , Song Xinyue , Chen Si , Jin Feng
Published: June 2021

Background
Although the rapid development of diagnosis and treatment has improved prognosis in early breast cancer, challenges from different therapy response remain due to breast cancer heterogeneity. DEAD-box helicase 27 (DDX27) had been proved to influence ribosome biogenesis and identified as a promoter in gastric and colorectal cancer associated with stem cell-like properties, while the impact of DDX27 on breast cancer prognosis and biological functions is unclear. We aimed to explore the influence of DDX27 on stem cell-like properties and prognosis in breast cancer.
Methods
The expression of DDX27 was evaluated in 24 pairs of fresh breast cancer and normal tissue by western blot. We conducted Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in paraffin sections of 165 breast cancer patients to analyze the expression of DDX27 and its correlation to stemness biomarker. The Cancer Genome Atlas-Brest Cancer (TCGA-BRCA) and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to investigate the expression of DDX27 in breast cancer and its implication on prognosis. Western blot, CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay and wound-healing assay were used to clarify the regulation of DDX27 on stem cell-like properties in breast cancer cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to analyze the potential molecular mechanisms of DDX27 in breast cancer.
Results
DDX27 was significantly high expressed in breast cancer compared with normal tissue. High expression of DDX27 was related to larger tumor size (p = 0.0005), positive lymph nodes (p = 0.0008), higher histological grade (p = 0.0040), higher ki-67 (p = 0.0063) and later TNM stage (p ༜ 0.0001). Patients with high DDX27 expression turned out worse prognosis on overall survival (OS, p = 0.0087) and disease-free survival (DFS, p = 0.0235). Overexpression of DDX27 could enhance the expression of biomarkers related to stemness and promote stem cell-like activities such as proliferation and migration in breast cancer cells.
Conclusion
DDX27 can enhance stem cell-like properties and cause poor prognosis in breast cancer, also may be expected to become a potential biomarker for breast cancer therapy.
The Forecasting of Renewable Energy Generation for Turkey by Artificial Neural Networks and a Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving-Average Model -2023 Generation Targets by Renewable Energy Resources
Authors: albayrak özlem karadag
Published: June 2021

Turkey attaches particular importance to energy generation by renewable energy sources in order to remove negative economic, environmental and social effects caused by fossil resources in energy generation. Renewable energy sources are domestic and do not have any negative effect, such as external dependence in energy and greenhouse gas, caused by fossil resources and which constitute a threat for sustainable economic development. In this respect, the prediction of energy amount to be generated by Renewable Energy (RES) is highly important for Turkey. In this study, a generation forecasting was carried out by Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) methods by utilising the renewable energy generation data between 1965-2019. While it was predicted by ANN that 127.516 TWh energy would be generated in 2023, this amount was estimated to be 45.457 TeraWatt Hour (TWh) by ARIMA (1.1.6) model. The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) was calculated in order to specify the error margin of the forecasting models. This value was determined to be 13.1% by ANN model and 21.9% by ARIMA model. These results suggested that the ANN model provided a more accurate result. It is considered that the conclusions achieved in this study will be useful in energy planning and management.
Collaborative Identification and Prioritisation of Mental Health Nursing Care Process Metrics and Indicators: A Delphi Consensus Study
Authors: Hunter Andrew , Barrett Nora , Gallen Anne , Conway Gillian , Brennan Anne , Giltenane Martina , Murphy Louise
Published: June 2021

Background
The Irish Office of Nursing & Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD) commissioned the development an updated suite of mental health nursing metrics and indicators for implementation in Irish mental health clinical settings. While measuring care processes does offer the potential to improve care quality, the choice of which mental health nursing metrics to measure presents a significant challenge, both in Ireland and internationally. The provision of safe and high-quality mental health nursing care stems from nurses’ expertise, skills and overall capacity to provide recovery focused care across a range of health care settings. Accordingly, efforts to measure what mental health nurses do depends on the identification of those care processes that contribute to mental health nursing practice. This paper reports on the identification, development and prioritisation of a national suite of Quality Care Metrics (QCM), along with their associated indicators, for mental health nursing care processes in Ireland.
Methods
The study was undertaken over four phases; i) a systematic literature review to identify mental health care process metrics and their associated indicators of measurement; ii) a two-round, online Delphi survey of mental health nurses to develop consensus on the suit of mental health nursing care process metrics; iii) a two-round online Delphi survey of mental health nurses to develop consensus on the indicators to be used to measure the agreed metrics; and iv) a face-to-face consensus meeting with mental health nurses and service user representatives to develop consensus on the final suite of metrics and indicators.
Results
Following these four phases 9 metrics and their 73 associated indicators were agreed for inclusion in the final suite of Mental Health Nursing QCM. These metrics are applicable across the life span and the range of mental health nursing health care settings.
Conclusion
The development of this suite of Mental Health Nursing QCM and their indicators represents an opportunity for the measurement of safe and high-quality mental health nursing care for application in Ireland and internationally. This initial development of metrics and indicators should be followed by a rigorous baseline review of QCM uptake and implementation amongst mental health nurses as part of an ongoing evaluation.
Does Climate Change Asymmetrically Affect Rice Productivity In India? New Insight From NARDL Cointegration Approach
Authors: Baig Imran Ali , Chandio Abbas Ali , Salam Md. Abdus
Published: June 2021

This article attempt to answer the question "whether the dynamic relationship between climate change and rice productivity is symmetrical or asymmetrical" using data from 1990-2017 in India. First, we test the symmetrical and long-run dynamic relationship using the Autoregressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) model and test the asymmetrical and cointegration relationship based on Nonlinear Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) technique. The results of the ARDL model indicates that no symmetrical relationship between the variables in long-run. Whereas outcomes of the NARDL bound test reveal that there is long-run asymmetrical impact of climate change on rice productivity. The positive and negative shock of climate change has affected the rice productivity by different magnitude in India. The Wald statistics confirm asymmetric relationship between rice productivity and climate change in the long-run while only short-run asymmetrical relationships exist between rainfall and rice productivity in India.Furthermore, dynamic multipliers indicate that negative component of rainfall and temperature has a dominant effect over the positive component on rice productivity. To the best of the author's knowledge, no studies have been done to assess both symmetrical and asymmetrical dynamic relationships between climate change and rice productivity using ARDL and NARDL cointegration approaches in India's context. This study will help frame the environmental policies and strategy to cope with climate change in India's agriculture productivity.
Improve The Effective Resonance Light Scattering Of Three-Layered Plasmonic Au@Dielectric@Ag Bimetallic Nanoshells
Authors: Zhu Jian , Zhao Shu-min
Published: June 2021

The strong light scattering from SPR has received an extraordinary attention due to the useful applications in photodetectors, cell and biomedical imaging. However, the applications using light scattering require a high scattering cross-section along with low absorption losses near the resonance wavelength. In this paper, effective plasmonic scattering of three-layered Au-Ag bimetallic nanoshells with a dielectric separate layer has been studied using the quasi-static approximation of classical electrodynamics. Because of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-induced intense light absorption, the effective scattering intensity is much weaker than that of scattering cross section. However, the effective scattering intensity could be improved by tuning the geometric dimension and local dielectric environment of the nanostructure. It has been found that the greatest effective scattering takes place when the outer Ag nanoshell has a thick thickness or the dielectric separate layer has a small dielectric constant. The effective scattering also depends on the inner Au sphere radius and outer surrounding dielectric constant. Because of the mode transformation of the SPR, the effective scattering could also be greatly improved when the inner Au sphere has a very small or large size. However, the effective scattering intensity changes non-monotonously as the surrounding dielectric constant increases. The greatest effective scattering could be obtained when the surrounding dielectric constant has an intermediate value. This tunable effective plasmonic scattering of Au@Ag three-layered nanoshells presents a potential for design and fabrication of plasmonic optical nanodevice based on resonance light scattering.
Effect of the COVID-19 Outbreak and Lockdown on Mental Health Among Post-Secondary Students in the Grand Est Region of France: Results of the PIMS-Cov19 Study
Authors: Baumann Cédric , Rousseau Hélène , Tarquinio Cyril , Batt Martine , Tarquinio Pascale , Lebreuilly Romain , Sorsana Christine , Legrand Karine , Guillemin Francis , Bourion-Bédès Stéphanie
Published: June 2021

Background. The COVID-19 epidemic has sent billions of students into lockdown in the world. This study sought to assess the prevalence of impaired self-perceived mental health and identify associated factors among French post-secondary students during the lockdown.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among French students living in the Grand Est area in France from May 7 to 17, 2020 during the first lockdown. An online survey was used to collect sociodemographic data, learning and teaching conditions, living conditions, and exposure to COVID-19, and self-perceived mental health was assessed with mental composite score (MCS) of the SF-12. Results. Overall, 4,018 were analyzed. Most participants were female (70.7%), and the mean age was 21.7 years (SD 4.0). The mean MCS score was 44.5 (SD 17.3). Impaired mental health, defined by a MCS<1rst Quartile, was mainly associated with female sex; decreased time for learning; not having access to the outside with a garden, a terrace or a balcony; difficulties with the living situation and having someone in the home affected by the SARS-COV2 requiring hospitalization or not. Conclusion. This study showed that living conditions during lockdown had a clear impact on the mental health of French post-secondary students. There is a need to improve prevention and to access distance education as well as an urgent need for measures to develop healthy coping strategies for students. This is a major challenge to prevent these disorders from developing into true psychiatric illnesses.
Identification of proteins involved in response to cold stress and genome-wide identification and analysis of the APX gene family in winter rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.)
Authors: Ma Li , Bai Jing , Xu Jia , Qi Weiliang , Li Haiyun , Fang Yan , Xu Yaozhao , Zeng Xiucun , Pu Yuanyuan , Wang Wangtian , Liu Lijun , Li Xuecai , Sun Wancang , Wu Junyan
Published: June 2021

Winter Brassica rapa is an important oilseed crop in northern China, but the mechanism of its cold resistance remains unclear. APX plays important roles in response of this plant to abiotic stress and in scavenging free radicals. In this study, 59 DEPs were isolated and identified from winter B. rapa and B. napus using bidirectional electrophoresis, and APX was found to be differentially expressed in these two species. Therefore, the roles of APX proteins in the cold response and superoxide metabolism pathways in both rapeseed species were further investigated. And comprehensive analysis of phylogeny, chromosome distribution, motif identification, sequence structure, gene duplication, and RNA-seq expression profile in APX gene family. Most of the BrAPX genes were specifically expressed under low temperature stress and behaved significantly differently in cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive varieties. qPCR was also used to verify the differences in expression between these two varieties under cold, freezing, drought and heat stress, and these candidate genes and proteins may play important roles in the response of B. rapa to low temperature stress and provide new information for the elucidation of the cold resistance mechanism in B. rapa.
Developing an Algorithm for the Application of Bayesian Method to Software Using Artificial Immune Systems
Authors: Mahmudova Shafagat
Published: June 2021

This study provides information on artificial immune systems. The artificial
immune system is an adaptive computational system that uses models,
principles, mechanisms and functions to describe and solve the problems in
theoretical immunology. Its application in various fields of science is explored.
The theory of natural immune systems and the key features and algorithms of
artificial immune system are analyzed. The advantages and disadvantages of
protection systems based on artificial immune systems are shown. The methods
for malicious software detection are studied. Some works in the field of artificial
immune systems are analyzed, and the problems to be solved are identified.
A new algorithm is developed for the application of Bayesian method in
software using artificial immune systems, and experiments are implemented.
The results of the experiment are estimated to be good. The advantages and
disadvantages of AIS were shown. To eliminate the disadvantages, perfect
AISs should be developed to enable the software more efficient and effective.
Pre-Crystallization Criteria and Triple Crystallization Kinetic Parameters of Amorphous-Crystalline Phase Transition of As40S45Se15 Alloy
Authors: Alzaid Meshal , Salam mohamed N. Abd-el , Qasem Ammar , Shaaban E. R. , Hadia N. M.A.
Published: June 2021

This framework focuses mainly on a detailed study of the pre-crystallization criteria that characterize the As40S45Se15 glassy alloy in various heating rates ranging from 5 to 40 (K/min.) by DSC thermo-grams in the range of (300-575 K). These criteria aim to clarify the relationship of the tendency of glass-forming by the heating rate for the investigated glassy alloy. As well, the present framework demonstrates the criteria of thermal stability. Continuously, the various nucleation and growth pathways. The transformation in activation energy with the volume of the crystalline portion was deduced and, through this, we were able to determine the surface resistance of the analyzed bulk alloy in the crystallization region. The crystalline structure of the study sample was recognized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron scanning microscope (SEM).
The Saudi Critical Care Society Practice Guidelines on the Management of COVID-19 in the ICU: Therapy Section
Authors: Alhazzani Waleed , Alshahrani Mohammed , Alshamsi Fayez , Aljuhani Ohoud , Eljaaly Khalid , Hashim Samaher , Alqahtani Rakan , Alsaleh Doaa , Duhailib Zainab Al , Algethamy Haifa , Al-Musawi Tariq , Alshammari Thamir , Alqarni Abdullah , Khoujah Danya , Tashkandi Wail , Dahhan Talal , Almutairi Najla , Alserehi Haleema A. , Al-Yahya Maytha , Al-Judaibi Bandar , Arabi Yaseen M , Abualenain Jameel , Alotaibi Jawaher M. , Albshabshe Ali , Alharbi Reham , Al-Hameed Fahad , Elhazmi Alyaa , Almaghrabi Reem S. , Almaghlouth Fatma , Abedalthagafi Malak , Khathlan Noor Al , Al-Suwaidan Faisal A. , Bunyan Reem F. , Baw Bandar , Alghamdi Ghassan , Hazmi Manal Al , Mandourah Yasser , Assiri Abdullah , Enani Mushira , Alawi Maha , Aljindan Reem , Aljabbary Ahmed , Alrbiaan Abdullah , Algurashi Fahd , Alsaawi Abdulmohsen , Alenazi Thamer H. , Alsultan Mohammed A. , Alqahtani Saleh A. , Memish Ziad , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A. , Al-Jedai Ahmed
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe rapid increase in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases during the subsequent waves in Saudi Arabia and other countries prompted the Saudi Critical Care Society (SCCS) to put together a panel of experts to issue evidence-based recommendations for the management of COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsThe SCCS COVID-19 panel included 51 experts with expertise in critical care, respirology, infectious disease, epidemiology, emergency medicine, clinical pharmacy, nursing, respiratory therapy, methodology, and health policy. All members completed an electronic conflict of interest disclosure form. The panel addressed 9 questions that are related to the therapy of COVID-19 in the ICU. We identified relevant systematic reviews and clinical trials, then used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach as well as the evidence-to-decision framework (EtD) to assess the quality of evidence and generate recommendations.ResultsThe SCCS COVID-19 panel issued 12 recommendations on pharmacotherapeutic interventions (immunomodulators, antiviral agents, and anticoagulants) for severe and critical COVID-19, of which 3 were strong recommendations and 9 were weak recommendations. ConclusionThe SCCS COVID-19 panel used the GRADE approach to formulate recommendations on therapy for COVID-19 in the ICU. The EtD framework allows adaptation of these recommendations in different contexts. The SCCS guideline committee will update recommendations as new evidence becomes available.
Single-dose HPV Vaccination Efficacy Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Kenya (the KEN SHE Study): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Barnabas Ruanne , Brown Elizabeth , Onono Maricianah , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Njoroge Betty W. , Winer Rachel L. , Donnell Deborah , Galloway Denise , Cherne Stephen L. , Heller Kate B. , Leingang Hannah , Morrison Susan A. , Rechkina Elena A. , McClelland R. Scott , Baeten Jared M. , Celum Connie , Mugo Nelly R.
Published: June 2021

Background: HPV infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer among women in Kenya and many sub-Saharan African countries. High coverage of HPV vaccination is a World Health Organization priority to eliminate cervical cancer globally, but vaccine supply and logistics limits widespread implementation of the current two or three dose HPV vaccine schedule. Methods: We are conducting an individual randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether a single dose of the bivalent (HPV 16/18) or nonavalent (HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58/6/11) HPV vaccine prevents persistent HPV infection, a surrogate marker for precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. The primary objective is to compare the efficacy of immediate, single-dose bivalent or nonavalent vaccination with delayed HPV vaccination. Kenyan women age 15-20 years old are randomized to immediate bivalent HPV and delayed meningococcal vaccine (group 1), immediate nonavalent HPV vaccine and delayed meningococcal vaccine (group 2), or immediate meningococcal vaccine and delayed HPV vaccine (group 3) with 36 months of follow-up. The primary outcome is persistent vaccine-type HPV infection by month 18 and by month 36 for the final durability outcome. The secondary objectives include to: 1) evaluate non-inferiority of antibody titers among girls and adolescents (age 9 to 14 years) from another Tanzanian study, the DoRIS Study (NCT02834637), compared to KEN SHE Study participants; 2) assess the memory B cell immune response at months 36 and 37; and 3) estimate cost-effectiveness using the trial results and health economic models. Discussion: This study will evaluate single-dose HPV vaccine efficacy in Africa and has the potential to guide public health policy and increase HPV vaccine coverage. The secondary aims will assess generalizability of the trial results by evaluating immunobridging from younger ages, durability of the immune response, and the long-term health benefits and cost of single-dose HPV vaccine delivery. Trial registration: NCT03675256
Ecological Niche Differentiation Among Six Annual Lythrum Species in Mediterranean Temporary Pools
Authors: Gazaix Antoine , GRILLAS Patrick , PAPUGA Guillaume , FONTES Hugo , Sabatier Florent , PONS Virginie , GAUTHIER Perrine , THOMPSON John D.
Published: June 2021

The ecological niche defines the favorable range of a species in a multidimensional space of ecological factors that determine the presence and function of individuals. This fundamental concept in ecology is widely used to understand plant species coexistence and segregation. In this study we test for ecological differentiation among six annual Lythrum species that are characteristic of temporary pools in the South of France, where they either coexist or occur separately. We first analysed the co-occurrence of species at two different geographical scales: cluster analyses of species presence in 10 km grid cells and coexistence in 0.25m2 quadrats within populations of each species. Second, for three to nine populations of each species, we quantified a range of biotic and abiotic parameters using point contacts and soil measurements in three 0.25m2 quadrats per population. We performed PCA on all variables, and analysed each variable separately to compare the ecological niche features of the six species. A phenological index was assessed for the plant community of each site. We detected highly localised niche differentiation in terms of soil pH (all species) and for a range of variables among pairs of species. The six species also showed marked differences in flowering period relative to the mean and variability of flowering time in their local community. These fine-scaled niche differences are associated with phylogenetic distances among species and may contribute to species’ coexistence. These results are integrated in a conservation management plan for the habitat of the rarest species in this group.
Hybrid Architecture for Brain Abnormality Detection on brain MR Scans via FastAI
Authors: Dixit Asmita
Published: June 2021

With lot happening in the field of Deep Learning, classification of brain tumor is still a matter of concern. Brain tumor segmentation and classification using MRI scans has achieved lot of interest in the area of medical imaging. The emphasis still lies on developing automatic computer-aided system for early predictions and diagnosis. MRI of brain Tumors not only varies in shape but sometimes gives less contrasted details also. In this paper, we present a FastAI based Transfer Learning tumor classification in which pre-trained model with segmented features classifies tumor based on its learning. The proposed model with the technique of Deep learning applies ResNet152 as base model to extract features from the MRI brain images. With certain changes in the last 3 layers of ResNet152, 97% accuracy in Dataset-253, 96% accuracy in Dataset-205 is achieved. Models such as Resnet50, VGG16, ResNet34 and Basic CNN is also evaluated. The model improved from ResNet152 has provided improved results. The observations suggest that usage of Transfer Learning is effective when the Dataset is limited. The prepared model is effective and can be collaborated in computer-aided brain MR images Tumor classification.
The CRZ-1 Transcription Factor Regulates Hsp 80 Involves in the Acquisition of Thermotolerance, and NCA-2 for Calcium Stress Tolerance in Neurospora Crassa
Authors: Roy Avishek , Tamuli Ranjan
Published: June 2021

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are molecular chaperones and required for survival of organisms under heat stress conditions. In this study, we studied Hsp80, a member of the Hsp90 family, in Neurospora crassa. The expression of hsp80 was severely reduced in the N. crassa calcineurin B subunit RIP-mutant (cnb-1RIP) strains under the heat shock conditions. Furthermore, the expression levels of cnb-1, hsp60, hsp80, and the calcineurin-regulated transcription factor crz-1 were increased, but expression levels were reduced in the presence of the calcineurin inhibitor FK506 under the heat shock stress in the N. crassa wild type. Therefore, the calcineurin-crz-1 signaling pathway transcriptionally regulates hsp60 and hsp80 under the heat shock stress condition in N. crassa. In addition, the transcript levels of trm-9 and nca-2, a Ca2+ sensor and a Ca2+ ATPase, respectively, were increased under the heat shock stress condition. Moreover, the expression of the hsp80, but not the hsp60, was reduced in the Δtrm-9, Δnca-2, and the Δtrm-9 Δnca-2 double mutants. These results suggested that hsp80, trm-9, and nca-2 play a role in coping the heat shock stress in N. crassa. We found that CRZ-1 binds to 5ʹ-CCTTCACA-3ʹ and 5ʹ-AGCGGAGC-3ʹ 8 bp nucleotide sequences, located about 1075 bp and 679 bp upstream of the ATG start codon, respectively, of hsp80. We also found that CRZ-1 binds to an 8 bp nucleotide sequence 5ʹ-ACCGCGCC-3ʹ, located 234 bp upstream of the ATG start codon of nca-2 under Ca2+ stress condition. Thus, cnb-1, hsp60, hsp80, and crz-1 are involved in the heat shock stress response in N. crassa. Moreover, CRZ-1 upregulates the expressions of hsp80 and nca-2 under the heat shock stress and Ca2+ stress conditions, respectively, in N. crassa.
NADPH oxidase: A Possible Therapeutic Target for Cognitive Impairment in Experimental Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Kumar Simhadri Praveen , Phanithi Prakash Babu
Published: June 2021

Long-term cognitive impairment associated with seizure-induced hippocampal damage is the key feature of cerebral malaria (CM) pathogenesis. One-fourth of child survivors of CM suffer from long-lasting neurological deficits and behavioral anomalies. However, mechanisms on hippocampal dysfunction are unclear. In this study, we elucidated whether gp91phox isoform of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2) (a potent marker of oxidative stress) mediates hippocampal neuronal abnormalities and cognitive dysfunction in experimental CM (ECM). Mice symptomatic to CM were rescue treated with artemether monotherapy (ARM) and in combination with apocynin (ARM + APO) adjunctive based on scores of Rapid Murine Come behavior Scale (RMCBS). After a 30 day survivability period, we performed Barnes maze, T-maze, novel object recognition cognitive tests to evaluate working and reference memory in all the experimental groups except CM. Sensorimotor tests were conducted in all the cohorts to assess motor coordination. We performed Golgi-cox staining to illustrate cornu ammonis-1 (CA1) pyramidal neuronal morphology and study changes in overall hippocampal neuronal density. Further, expression of NOX2 and NeuN (a neuronal marker) in hippocampal CA1, dentate gyrus was determined using double immunofluorescence experiments in all the experimental groups. Mice administered with ARM monotherapy and APO adjunctive treatment exhibited similar survivability. The latter showed better locomotor and cognitive functions, reduced ROS levels, and hippocampal NOX2 immunoreactivity in ECM. Our results show a substantial increase in hippocampal NeuN immunoreactivity and dendritic arborization in ARM + APO cohorts compared to ARM-treated brain samples. Overall, our study suggests that overexpression of NOX2 could result in loss of hippocampal neuronal density and dendritic spines of CA1 neurons affecting the spatial working and reference memory during ECM. Notably, ARM + APO adjunctive therapy reversed the altered neuronal morphology and oxidative damage in hippocampal neurons restoring long-term cognitive functions after CM.
Mechanism of Cellular Formation and In Vivo Seeding Effects of Hexameric β-amyloid Assemblies
Authors: Vrancx Céline , Vadukul Devkee M , Suelves Nuria , Contino Sabrina , D'Auria Ludovic , Perrin Florian , Pesch Vincent van , Hanseeuw Bernard , Quinton Loïc , Kienlen-Campard Pascal
Published: June 2021

The β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) is the main constituent of senile plaques, a typical hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Monomeric Aβ is generated through sequential processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), with a final step involving γ-secretase activity. In AD, Aβ monomers assemble in oligomers and ultimately fibrils depositing in plaques. Importantly, Aβ toxicity appears related to its soluble oligomeric intermediates. In particular, recombinant Aβ studies described Aβ hexamers as critical oligomeric nuclei. We recently identified hexameric Aβ assemblies in a cellular model, and revealed their ability to enhance recombinant Aβ aggregation in vitro. Here, we assessed the contribution of similar hexameric-like Aβ assemblies to the development of amyloid pathology. We report their early presence in both transgenic mice brains exhibiting human Aβ pathology and cerebrospinal fluid of AD patients, suggesting hexameric Aβ as a putative novel AD biomarker. Using isolated cell-derived hexameric Aβ, we report the potential of these assemblies to seed other human Aβ species, resulting in neuronal toxicity in vitro and amyloid deposition aggravation in vivo. In order to identify key contributors to their formation in a cellular context, we investigated the role of presenilin-1 (PS1) and presenilin-2 (PS2) in the formation of hexameric-like Aβ assemblies. As catalytic subunits of the γ-secretase complex, PS1 and PS2 can differentially participate in Aβ generation. Using CRISPR-Cas9-modified neuronal-like cell lines knockdown for each of the two presenilins, we present experimental evidence suggesting a direct link between the PS2-dependent pathway and the release of hexameric-like Aβ assemblies in extracellular vesicles.
Enhanced Photoluminescence of Tb3+ Ions Ce3+ Ions and SnO2 Nanocrystals Co-doped Silica Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Xin , Guo Feng , Zhuang Li , Jin Qinghui , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: June 2021

Co-doping Ce3+ ions and size-tunable SnO2 nanocrystals into Tb3+ ions embedded silica thin films produces a ninefold enhancement of Tb3+ related emission. Firstly, by optimizing the doping ratio of Sn4+ ions, the size of SnO2 nanoparticles was well tailored for achieving a greatly enhanced photoluminescence emission from Tb3+ ions. Another method to significantly enhance Tb3+ emission was increasing the proportion of Ce3+, and this method only require a relatively small amount rare earth (RE) ions for obtaining an obvious emission enhancement. On the other side, companied with the increase of Ce3+ ions concentration, the growth of CeO2 nanoparticles were proved seriously attenuated the photoluminescence intensity of Tb3+ ions. Finally, we also analyzed the influence of annealing temperature on the photoluminescence intensity. These results indicated that an appropriate proportion of Ce3+ ions and suitable size of SnO2 nanocrystals can effectively sensitize the luminescence of Tb3+ ions.
Boundary conductance protected by topology in macroscopic bismuth crystals
Authors: Kang Woun , Spathelf Felix , Fauqué Benoit , Fuseya Yuki , Behnia Kamran
Published: June 2021

The interface between a solid and vacuum can become electronically distinct from the bulk. This feature, encountered in the case of quantum Hall effect, has a manifestation in insulators with topologically protected metallic surface states. Non-trivial Berry curvature of the Bloch waves or periodically driven perturbation are known to generate it. Here, by studying the angle-dependent magnetoresistance in prismatic bismuth crystals of different shapes, we detect a robust surface contribution to electric conductivity when the magnetic field is aligned parallel to a two-dimensional boundary between the three-dimensional crystal and vacuum. The effect is absent in antimony, which has an identical crystal symmetry, a similar Fermi surface structure and equally ballistic carriers, but an inverted band symmetry and a topological invariant of opposite sign. Our observation points to the relevance of band symmetries to survival of metallicity at the boundary interrupting the cyclotron orbits.
Pelvic Sagittal Rotation in Patients With Hip Joint Disease
Authors: wu haizhao , chen zhongyi , wang shouli , zhu zhong , ye jiajing
Published: June 2021

Objective: The functional orientation of the acetabular cup depends on the pelvic orientation when standing. Therefore, predicting the standing orientation of the pelvis after total hip arthroplasty( THA )is important to the preoperative plan. This study aimed to explore the rule suitable for different categories of patients.Methods: A total of 262 patients who had undergone hip arthroplasty in our hospital from 2011 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the spine and hip joint, they were divided into 5 categories: no flexion contracture of the hip joint - good lumbar range of motion (group A); no flexion contracture of the hip joint - limited lumbar motion (group B: B1, tanterior pelvic plane tilt (APPt)>0 °; B2, APPt<0 °); hip flexion contracture - good lumbar range of motion (group C); and hip flexion contracture - limited lumbar motion (group D). Changes of the pelvic sagittal parameter before and after THA were analyzed. Results: In group A, there was no significant difference in pelvic incidence (PI) and sagittal vertical axia (SVA) between preoperation and postoperation (P>0.05), but the mean value of sacral slope (SS) (from 44.99 °to 40.50 °), lumbar lordosis( LL) (from 51.42 to 47.45), pelvic tilt (PT) (from 8.71 °to 11.91°), and tanterior pelvic plane tilt (APPt) (from 4.5 °to 1.27 °) had statistic difference (P<0.05); In group B1 and B2, PI, SVA, SS, PT, LL, and APPt had no significant difference before and after operation (P>0.05); In group C, significant difference was not observed in PI (P>0.05), but found (P<0.05) in LL (from 52.17° to 43.43°), SS(44.90° to 38.34°), PT (from 5.70° to 13.36°), APPt (from 9.18° to 2.18°), and SVA (from 3.46cm to 1.16cm). In group D: the pelvis was in supination state before and after operation, and the spine sagittal position was imbalanced. Neither was there significant difference in SVA, PI, SVA, SS, ll and APPt between preoperation and postoperation (P>0.05). In addition, Harris scores of different groups changed accordingly. Conclusion: The sagittal rotation of the pelvis caused by different conditions of the spine-hip has a certain change law after total hip arthroplasty.