bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentially expressed liver exosome-related genes as a candidate prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zuo Bangyou , Zhao Haitao , Bian Jin , Long Junyun , Yang Xu , Hu Bo , Yang Xiaobo , Sang Xinting
Published: November 2020

Background

The function of exosome includes cell-to-cell communication, neovascularization, and metastasis of cancer cell and drug resistance, which plays an important part in the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because the mechanism in this area is less studied, our goal is to identify exosome-related genes in HCC, establish a reliable prognostic model for liver cancer patients, and explore its underlying mechanisms.
Methods

The exoRbase database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Cox regression and LASSO analysis were applied to determine DEGs closely related to overall survival (OS). Then the exosome-related prognostic model was constructed in TCGA and validated in the database of International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Nomogram graph was performed to predict the survival. CIBERSORT was used to estimate the score of different type of immune cells. DEGs related to immunotherapy are used to predict the effect of immunotherapy.
Results

48 exosome-related DEGs were obtained and five genes (XPO1, IFI30, FBXO16, CALM1, MORC3) among them were selected to construct predictive model. Then we divided the HCC patients into low-risk and high-risk groups by the best cut-off value according to the X-tile software. The high-risk related to exosome were significantly associated with a poor prognosis. Moreover, the features related to exosome could positively regulate immune response. At the same time, the proportion of T cell regulatory factors (Tregs) and macrophages M2 is higher in the high-risk group, and high-risk group exhibited higher expression of immune checkpoint molecular including PD-L1, PD-L2, TIGIT, and IDO1.
Conclusions

Overall, our research showed that markers related to exosomes were potential biomarkers for the prognosis of HCC, providing an immunological perspective for the development of precision treatment.
Construction and Validation of a Ferroptosis-Related Prognostic Signature in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Zhuolun , Jing Changying , Xiao Chutian , Zhang Mingxiao , Wang Zhenqing , Li Mingzhao , Wang Hua
Published: November 2020

Background: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the most common and lethal renal cell carcinoma (RCC) histological subtype. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered programmed cell death and serves an essential role in tumor occurrence and development. The purpose of this study is to analyze ferroptosis-related gene (FRG) expression profiles and to construct a multi-gene signature for predicting the prognosis of KIRC patients.Methods:RNA-sequencing data and clinicopathological data of KIRC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed FRGs between KIRC and normal tissues were identified using ‘limma’ package in R. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted to elucidate the biological functions and pathways of differentially expressed FRGs. Consensus clustering was used to investigate the relationship between the expression of FRGs and clinical phenotypes. Univariate and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis were used to screen genes related to prognosis and construct the optimal signature. Then, a nomogram was established to predict individual survival probability by combining clinical features and prognostic signature.Results: A total of 19 differentially expressed FRGs were identified. Consensus clustering identified two clusters of KIRC patients with distinguished prognostic. Functional analysis revealed that metabolism-related pathways were enriched, especially lipid metabolism. A 7-gene ferroptosis-related prognostic signature was constructed to stratify the TCGA training cohort into high- and low-risk groups where the prognosis was significantly worse in the high-risk group. The signature was identified as an independent prognostic indicator for KIRC. These findings were validated in the testing cohort, the entire cohort, and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohort. We further demonstrated that the signature-based risk score was highly associated with the KIRC progression. Further stratified survival analysis showed that the high-risk group had a significantly lower overall survival (OS) rate than those in the low-risk group. Moreover, we constructed a nomogram that had a strong ability to forecast the OS of the KIRC patients.Conclusion: We constructed a ferroptosis-related prognostic signature, which might provide a reliable prognosis assessment tool for clinician to guide clinical decision-making and outcomes research.
Identification of SHMT2 as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Correlating With Immune Infiltrates in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Luo Lianxiang , Zheng Yushi , Lin Zhiping , Li Xiaodi , Li Xiaoling , Li Mingyue , Cui Liao , Luo Hui
Published: November 2020

Background: The role of Serine hydroxymethyltransferase2 (SHMT2) in diverse cancers has attracted increasing attention. However, the prognostic role of SHMT2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its relationship with immune cell infiltration is yet to be studied.Methods: The data of mRNA and clinic in LUAD were respectively downloaded from the GEO and TCGA database. We conducted a biological analysis to select the signature gene SHMT2. Online databases including Oncomine, GEPIA, TISIDB, TIMER, and HPA were applied to analyze the characterization of SHMT2 expression, prognosis and the correlation with immune infiltrates in LUAD.Results: The mRNA expression and protein expression of SHMT2 in LUAD were higher than normal tissue. A Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the lower expression level of SHMT2 had a better overall survival rate. Multivariate analysis and the Cox proportional hazard regression model revealed that SHMT2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for patients with LUAD. Meanwhile, the gene SHMT2 was highly associated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in LUAD.Conclusions: These results suggest that the SHMT2 gene is a promising candidate as a potential prognostic biomarker and highly associated with different types of phenotypes of immune cell infiltration in LUAD.
Noise Modeling to Build Training Sets for Robust Speech Enhancement
Authors: Wang Yahui , Zhang Wenxi , Wang Yongbiao , Kong Xinxin , Zhang Hongxin
Published: November 2020

The performance of Deep Neural Network (DNN)-based speech enhancement models degrades significantly in real recordings because the synthetic training sets are mismatched with real test sets. To solve this problem, we propose a new Generative Adversarial Network framework for Noise Modeling (NM-GAN) that can build training sets by imitating real noise distribution. The framework combines a novel U-Net with two bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) layers that act as a generator to construct complex noise. The Gaussian distribution is adapted and used as conditional information to direct the noise generation. A discriminator then learns to determine whether a noise sample is from the model distribution or from a real noise distribution. By adversarial and alternate training, NM-GAN can generate enough recall (diversity) and precision (quality of noise) in its samples for it to look like real noise. Afterwards, realistic-looking paired training sets are composed. Extensive experiments were carried out and qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the generated noise samples and training sets demonstrate that potential of the framework. An Speech enhancement model trained on our synthetic training sets and on real training sets was found to be capable of good noise suppression for real speech-related noise.
HIV Preventive Behaviors and Associated Among Gold Mining Workers in Dima District, Southwest Ethiopia, 2019: Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nigussie Tadesse , Qanche Qaro , Yosef Tewodros , Wondimu Wondimagegn , Asefa Adane
Published: November 2020

Background: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is increasing over time, leading to a significant number of life losses. According to the USAID 2018 report, 36.9 million (35.1 million adults) people globally were living with HIV, 1.8 million people became newly infected with HIV, and 940 000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2017. Mining workers are at high risk of acquiring HIV and infecting others, while successful preventive m easures are a key solution. Objective: To assess HIV preventive behaviors among gold mining workers in Dima district, southwest Ethiopia, 2019Methods and materials: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1st to 31st, 2019. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The collected data were coded and entered into Epidata version 4.2.0.101, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 21 statistical software. A binary logistic regression was conducted to determine the association using odds ratios at 95% confidence intervals. A P-value of less than 0.05 considered as the level of significance for HIV preventive behaviors. Results: Of 279 (61.3%) of the respondents have good practices of HIV prevention. Factors associated with good preventive practice were not alcohol drinkers (AOR= 2.86, 95%CI:1.30-6.29), not chew Khat (AOR= 2.09, 95%CI: 1.09-4.02), having good knowledge about HIV (AOR=1.81, CI:1.16-2.83), favorable attitude towards HIV prevention (AOR=4.76, 95%CI:3.02-7.49), and high perceived susceptibility to HIV were (AOR=2.63, 95%CI:1.63-4.24).Conclusion: Only about 61% of the mining workers in the study area were practiced HIV preventive behaviors. Not alcohol drinkers, having good knowledge about HIV, having a favorable attitude toward HIV prevention, and having high perceived susceptibility to HIV were factors associated with the practice of HIV preventive behaviors. Efforts have to be made by local governments and other concerned bodies to increase preventive behavior.
Rational Metabolic Engineering of Escherichia Coli for High-yield L-serine Production
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Wu Junjun , Wang Lei , Chen Xiaojia , Li Qinyu , Li Li , Ma Xinxin , Shi Jiping , Zhao Zhijun
Published: November 2020

Background: L-serine is widely used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, and direct fermentation of L-serine from glucose is an attractive technique. However, L-serine producers have historically been developed via classical random mutagenesis due to the complicated metabolic network and regulatory mechanism of L-serine production, leading to un-optimal productivity and yield of L-serine and thus limiting its large-scale industrial production. Result: In this study, a high-yield and high-productivity Escherichia coli strain was constructed by a defined genetic modification methodology for L-serine production. First, L-serine-mediated feedback inhibition was removed and L-serine biosynthetic pathway genes (serAfr, serC and serB) associated with phosphoglycerate kinase (pgk) were overexpressed. Secondly, L-serine conversion pathway was further examined by introducing a glyA mutation (K229G) and deleting other degrading enzymes based on deletion of initial sdaA. Finally, the L-serine transport system was rationally engineered to reduce the uptake and accelerate the export of L-serine. The optimally engineered strain produced 35 g/L L-serine with a productivity of 0.98 g/L/h and yield of 0.42 g/g glucose in a 5-L fermenter, the highest productivity and yield of L-serine from glucose reported to date. Transcriptome and intermediate metabolite were analyzed to further understand the regulatory mechanism of L-serine production. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that combined metabolic and bioprocess engineering strategies can improve L-serine productivity and yield, thus providing basic principles for rationally designing of high-yield production strains and paving the way for towards a simple and economical process for industrial L-serine production.
Improving Citric acid Production of an Industrial Aspergillus Niger CGMCC 10142: Identification and Overexpression of a High-affinity Glucose Transporter with Different Promoters
Authors: Xue Xianli , Bi Futi , Liu Boya , Li Jie , Zhang Lan , Zhang Jian , Gao Qiang , Wang Depei
Published: November 2020

Background: The transporter of glucose plays an important role in the fermentation of citric acid. In this research, a high-affinity glucose transporter (HGT1) was identified and overexpressed in industrial strain A. niger CGMCC 10142. The overexpressed-HGT1 strains were obtained to verify the glucose transporter functions with different promoters PglaA and Paox1.Result: The sugar contents and citric acid production during fermentation were tracked. As speculated, the HGT1-overexpressed strains showed higher citric acid production and lower residual sugar contents. The best-performing strain on the fermentation is A. niger 20-15 transformant of which the total sugar content and residual reducing sugar both were reduced by 31% and 44.9% comparing to A. niger CGMCC 10142, and the final citric acid production was correspondingly increased to 174.1 g/L comparing to A. niger CGMCC 10142 with 162.3 g/L. Besides HGT1, the transcription levels of related genes as citrate synthase and glucokinase in transformants were also significantly higher than A. niger CGMCC 10142.Conclusion: The results indicate that HGT1 understandably alleviates the metabolic restriction caused by insufficient sugar transporters and finally improves the utilization of sugar. This study confirms the important role of glucose transporter HGT1 in the citric acid fermentation process of Aspergillus niger.
Application of PDCA Cycle Management for Postgraduate Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gu Shixian , Zhang Aijing , Huo Gang , Yuan Wenqing , Li Yan , Han Jiangli , Shen Ning
Published: November 2020

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has had an enormous impact on various industries around the world. As postgraduate students in clinical medicine have both student and resident identity characteristics, Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH), as a university-affiliated hospital for cultivating future medical talent, has been facing unprecedented challenges in regard to the management of postgraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the management effect from PDCA cycle management on postgraduate medical students during the COVID-19 outbreak.Methods: The methods of document review, questionnaire surveys and interviews were used to continuously improve the management measures of postgraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic by using the PDCA cycle.Results: Investigations were conducted on the management system, back-to-school arrangements, COVID-19 prevention and control training, online teaching, mentoring, laboratory management, dissertation progress, and emotional state of postgraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that strengthening public health management knowledge training, increasing infectious-disease-related knowledge training, innovating online teaching methods, improving PDCA management model maps, and formulating improvement programmes are conducive to improving the quality of such management.Conclusion: Aiming at the difficult problems involved in the management of postgraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic, managers need to comprehensively consider and conduct overall planning and use the PDCA management model to improve the management of postgraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Change in Ankle Joint Laxity and General Joint Laxity During the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Yamasaki Tomomi , Maruyama Sae , Sato Yuki , Suzuki Yukako , Shimizu Sohei , kaneko Fumiya , Ikezu Masahiro , Matsuzawa Kanta , Edama Mutsuaki
Published: November 2020

Background: The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between ankle joint laxity and general joint laxity (GJL) in relation to the menstrual cycle, which was divided into four phases based on basal body temperature and ovulation, assessed using an ovulation kit. Methods: Subjects were 14 female college students aged >20 years and with normal menstrual cycles. Anterior drawer stress to a magnitude of 120 N was applied for all subjects. Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) length was measured as the linear distance (mm) between its points of attachment on the lateral malleolus and talus. Data on ATFL length from each subject were used to calculate each subject’s normalized length change with anterior drawer stress (AD%). The University of Tokyo method was used for evaluation of GJL. AD% and GJL were measured once in each menstrual phase. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between AD% in each phase. GJL score was significantly higher in the ovulation and luteal phases compared with the early follicular phase. AD% and GJL showed a positive correlation with each other in the ovulation phase.Conclusions: Although it is unclear whether estrogen receptors are present in the ATFL, the present study suggests that women with high GJL scores might be more sensitive to the effects of estrogen, resulting in ATFL length change in the ovulation phase.
Acute Pancreatitis as an Uncommon Complication of Hydatid Cyst of the Liver: A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review .
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed Ben , Atri Souhaib , Rebai Wael , Maghrebi Houcine , Makni Amin , Kacem Montasser
Published: November 2020

BackgroundHydatid disease is a major health problem worldwide. The liver is the most frequent location of hydatid disease. Acute pancreatitis secondary to liver hydatid cyst ruptured in the biliary tract is scarce and fewly described in literature. The management of this pancreatic complication of liver hydatid disease is challenging and includes a combination of surgical and endoscopic approaches. We report herein a rare case of hydatid cyst of the liver with cysto-biliary communication revealed by acute pancreatitis. A systematic literature review of similar cases reported was provided to compare surgical and endoscopic techniques. Case presentationA thirty-year-old woman was referred to our emergency unit for acute epigastric pain evolving for four days. We found fever associated with epigastric guarding on physical examination. Laboratory tests showed inflammatory biological syndrome with frankly high serum lipase level and abnormal liver tests. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was set. We decided then to perform an abdominal ultrasound that showed dilatation of intra and extrahepatic biliary tracts without gallbladder stones. A cystic mass of the left liver was additionally found. On CT-scan, we found a C grade acute pancreatitis. Furthermore, a hydatid cyst of the left liver ruptured in the biliary tracts and daughter vesicles within were found. We decided then to perform an emergency surgery through a bisoucostal incision. We performed a cholecystectomy and a peroperative that showed the communication between the cyst and left biliary tracts and the presence of daughter vesicle within the common bile duct. We conducted an exploration of the common bile duct with extraction of vesicle daughters. We left behind a T-tube in the common bile duct and we sutured the cysto-biliary fistula. Drainage was left in the remnant cavity after unroofing the cyst. Postoperative course was uneventful. Six months follow-up showed no recurrence.ConclusionCysto-biliary communication of liver hydatid disease revealed by acute pancreatitis is uncommon. We chose to perform emergency open surgery. However, through a systematic literature review, we noticed that endoscopic treatment is an efficient therapeutic and diagnostic tool to delay a morbid surgery of the liver and the common bile duct.
Discharge From the Trauma Hospital as A Transition Into Insecurity, - Experiences Among Physical Trauma Survivors
Authors: Finstad Jeanette , Røise Olav , Rosseland Leiv Arne , Clausen Thomas , Havnes Ingrid Amalia
Published: November 2020

Background: Physical trauma is associated with mortality, long-term pain and morbidity. Effective pain management is fundamental in trauma care and opioids are indispensable for treating acute pain; however, the use and misuse of prescribed opioids is an escalating problem. Despite this, few studies have been directed towards trauma patients in an early phase of rehabilitation with focusing on experiences and perspectives of health and recovery including pain and persistent use of prescribed opioids with abuse potential. To explore pre- and post-discharge trauma care experiences, including exposure to opioids, physical trauma survivors were recruited from a major trauma center in Norway that provides the highest level of surgical trauma care. Method: Qualitative exploratory study. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted among 13 trauma patients with orthopedic injuries, known to be associated with severe pain, six weeks post-discharge. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed with an interdisciplinary approach. Results: The overarching theme was that discharge from the trauma hospital and the period that immediately followed were associated with feelings of insecurity. The three main themes that were identified as contributing to this was a) unmet information needs about the injury, b) exposure to opioids, and c) lack of follow-up after discharge from the hospital. Participants experienced to be discharged with prescribed opioids, but without information about their addictive properties or tapering plans. This, and lack of attention to mental health and psychological impact of trauma, gave rise to unmet treatment needs of pain management and mental health problems during hospitalization and following discharge. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that in addition to delivery of high-quality biomedical trauma care, health professionals should direct more attention to psychosocial health and safe pain management, including post-discharge opioid tapering and individually tailored follow-up plans for physical trauma survivors.
A 24-Year-Old Female With Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Report.
Authors: Steeman Antoine , Andriescu Ionut-Adrian , Mazairac Guy
Published: November 2020

Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a form of autoimmune encephalitis with paraneoplastic and nonparaneoplastic origin. Patients with this disease usually arrive at the intensive care unit without any diagnosis or with complications as a result of a delayed diagnosis. This disease is not well known and is underdiagnosed. Due to the variability of the initial symptoms and the lack of knowledge regarding these symptoms, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is not only underdiagnosed but also can be misdiagnosed as viral encephalitis or other pathologies. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis preferentially affects children (from 8 months) and young adults, and it has a male/female ratio of 1/4. In case of clinical suspicion, electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful. The diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of IgG antibodies directed against NMDA receptors in serum and CSF. Treatment for this disease includes immunosuppression and tumour resection when indicated.Case presentation: We report the case of a 24-year-old female admitted to the emergency room following the onset of acute confusion. Due to the rapid deterioration of consciousness and swallowing disorders, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. On day 23 after presentation, MRI suggested autoimmune limbic encephalitis. Serologic and CSF results were positive for anti-NMDA antibodies. After IV methylprednisolone therapy and plasmapheresis and a second line therapy with corticosteroid therapy and mycophenolic acid, the patient’s clinical condition gradually improved.Conclusions: Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis typically occurs in young patients with no history of acute psychiatric symptoms. The possibility of this pathology should be taken into account before diagnosing a patient with a psychiatric illness.
Identification of Potential Immunogenic Molecules During the Allogeneic Transplantation of Human Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Fu Yi , Fan Junfen , Li Chao , Xu Yi , Chen Hui , Hu Yu , Cao Hongcui , Zhao Robert Chunhua , He Wei , Zhang Jianmin
Published: November 2020

Background: Given their low immunogenicity and multiple differentiation capacities, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to be used for “off-the-shelf” cell therapy. However, MSC allorejection indicates that they are not fully immune privileged. In this study, we investigated the immunogenicity of human adipose-derived MSCs (Ad-MSCs) and identified potential immunogenic molecules.Methods: To evaluate the immunogenicity of human Ad-MSCs in vivo, cells were transplanted into humanized mice (hu-mice), and T cell infiltration and clearance of human Ad-MSCs were observed by immunofluorescence and bioluminescence imaging. One-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the immunogenicity of human Ad-MSCs in vitro. High-throughput TCR repertoire sequencing and mass spectrometry were applied to identify potential immunogenic molecules.Results: Allogeneic human Ad-MSCs recruited T cells during transplantation and caused faster clearance in hu-mice than NOD/ShiLtJGpt-Prkdcem26Cd52Il2rgem26Cd22/Gpt (NSG) mice. The proliferation and activation of T cells was significantly enhanced by human Ad-MSCs, and the expression level of HLA-II on human Ad-MSCs was dramatically increased after coculture with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. In addition, upregulated expression of alpha-enolase (ENO1) on the surface of human Ad-MSCs increased their immunogenicity, and ENO1 inhibitor treatment decreased the human Ad-MSC triggered proliferation of T cells in vitro.Conclusions: We further confirmed the immunogenicity of human Ad-MSCs during allogeneic transplantation and provided a potential target, ENO1, for the safe clinical application of allogeneic human Ad-MSC therapy.
Blinded to Their Own Daily Sufferings: the Lived Experience of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Ethiopia
Authors: Tamire Mulugeta , Worku Aschalew , Addissie Adamu , Ayele Samuel , Haile Tewodros , Bekele Amsalu
Published: November 2020

Background: Worldwide, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continues to be an important contributor to morbidity, mortality and health-care costs. In Ethiopia, the physical, financial, emotional, social and religious life of patients living with COPD is poorly understood, information crucial for physicians in developing treatment strategies and government agencies in planning community support services. This study, the first of its kind, was designed to initiate understanding of the personal burden of living with COPD in Ethiopia.Methods: This was a qualitative research study using a phenomenographic approach. Twelve recruited COPD patients underwent in-depth interviews using a semi-structured open-ended interview guide. All audio-records were transcribed verbatim and translated to English for analysis using Atlas.ti software.Results: There were seven men and five women, whose ages ranged from 45 to 78 years. One male participant was a former smoker and one female participant had second-hand cigarette exposure. All 12 participants were unaware of their COPD diagnosis despite experiencing chronic symptoms of cough and shortness of breath, unresponsive to treatment, which affected their physical, financial, emotional, social and religious life. In addition, all participants attempted a variety of coping strategies to deal with their respiratory disease and many were optimistic about their future living with the disease. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate an urgent need for improved awareness, diagnosis and treatment of COPD patients to lessen the burden of those living with the disease and more judiciously, utilize available resources in Ethiopia.
Exploration and Validation of Hub Genes and Pathways in the Progression of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome via Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis
Authors: Liu Xuelan , Shang Honglei , Li Bin , Zhao Liyun , Hua Ying , Wu Kaiyuan , Hu Manman , Fan Taibing
Published: November 2020

Objective: Despite significant progress in surgical treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), its mortality and morbidity are still high. Little is known about the molecular abnormalities of the syndrome. In this study, we aimed to probe into hub genes and key pathways in the progression of the syndrome.Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in left ventricle (LV) or right ventricle (RV) tissues between HLHS and controls using the GSE77798 dataset. Then, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed and key modules were constructed for HLHS. Based on the genes in the key modules, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were conducted, and hub genes and key pathways were screened. Finally, the GSE23959 dataset was used to validate hub genes between HLHS and controls.Results: 88 and 41 DEGs were identified for LV and RV tissues between HLHS and controls, respectively. DEGs in LV tissues of HLHS were distinctly involved in heart development, apoptotic signaling pathway and ECM receptor interaction. DEGs in RV tissues of HLHS were mainly enriched in BMP signaling pathway, regulation of cell development and regulation of blood pressure. A total of 16 co-expression network were constructed. Among them, black module (r=0.79 and p-value=2e-04) and pink module (r=0.84 and p-value=4e-05) had the most significant correlation with HLHS, indicating that the two modules could be the most relevant for HLHS progression. We identified five hub genes in the black module (including Fbn1, Itga8, Itga11, Itgb5 and Thbs2), and five hub genes (including Cblb, Ccl2, Edn1, Itgb3 and Map2k1) in the pink module for HLHS. Their abnormal expression was verified in the GSE23959 dataset. Conclusion: Our findings revealed hub genes and key pathways for HLHS through WGCNA, which could play key roles in the molecular mechanism of HLHS.
Maternal Factors Affecting Pregnancy Outcomes in Hypothyroid Women of Pakistan: A Retrospective Study From a Tertiary Center. (MHPO-II)
Authors: Kiran Zareen , Khoja Adeel , Barkat Rahil , Rashid Muhammad Owais , Sheikh Aisha , Islam Najmul
Published: November 2020

Background: Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is known to be associated with adverse outcomes depending on geographical distribution and diagnostic criteria. We analyze the maternal factors affecting pregnancy outcomes in maternal hypothyroidism for the first time in Pakistan.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on pregnant women attending obstetric clinics during the year 2008-2016. We noted maternal factors such as maternal age, gestational age at antenatal visit, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and past obstetric history of miscarriages affecting pregnancy loss or live birth in pregnant hypothyroid women as well as normal healthy pregnant women. Odds ratio was calculated using multivariate logistic regression. Subgroup analysis was carried out to compare women with overt versus subclinical hypothyroidism. All data analysis was performed on Stata version 12.Results: Maternal age, gestational age at antenatal visit, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and past obstetric history of miscarriages were significantly associated with the outcome at the univariate analysis. At multivariable analysis, maternal age, gestational age at the antenatal visit, and past obstetric history of miscarriages were associated with an increased likelihood of pregnancy loss, whereas, gestational diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism were found to be counter-protective. Subgroup analysis revealed no difference between women those with overt versus subclinical hypothyroidism.Conclusion: We report maternal factors such as age, gestational age at the antenatal visit, and past obstetric history of miscarriages as significant factors affecting adverse pregnancy outcomes in hypothyroidism for the first time from Pakistan.
Depression in Public officials during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Paraguay: A Web-based Study
Authors: Kim Ji Eon , Lee Ji Ho , Kang Yanghee , Lee Sun Ha , Shin Hyein , Rönnebeck Nadia , Rönnebeck Renato , Nam Eun Woo
Published: November 2020

Background: This study investigated the factors influencing depressive feelings in Paraguayan public officials caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This study used a web-based cross-sectional method to analyze the factors influencing COVID-19-induced depressive feelings in Paraguayan public officials. The study’s research area was Asuncion and Limpio in Paraguay. Results: The results of Model 4 indicated high levels of depressive feelings among public officials, as well as concerns about COVID-19 infection among female public officials. The study also found that public officials’ high levels of depressive feelings were related to the duration of COVID-19 self-quarantine periods. Conclusions: The conclusions drawn from these findings were as follows: First, a targeted intervention program should be developed for female public officials who were found to be more vulnerable to depressive feelings. Second, a program should be developed for people facing deteriorating mental health due to social isolation and loneliness caused by social distancing during prolonged periods of self-quarantine. Third, mental health care programs should be organized in a community-focused way, and online systems should be utilized for more effective mental health recovery.
Mediation Role of Body Fat Distribution (FD) on the Relationship Between CAV-1 rs3807992 Polymorphism and Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Women
Authors: Abaj Faezeh , Saeedy Said Abdul Ghafour , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: November 2020

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) carries increased risk of the mortality of almost all chronic diseases. The most frequently used methods for calculation of a continuous MetS (cMetS) score have used the MetS severity z- score. Caveolin-1 (CAV-1(is one of the gens that is suggested by some authors that has a great effect on the visceral fat. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between CAV-1 markers and cMetS, the associations between CAV-1 rs3807992 and FD; and to assess FD mediators of the predicted association between CAV-1 and cMetS. Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 404 overweight and obese females. The CAV-1 rs3807992 and anthropometric data were measured by the PCR-RFLP method and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), respectively. Serum profiles (HDL-C, TG, FPG, and Insulin) were measured by standard protocols. Results: Individuals with GG allele had significantly lowered (Z-MAP (p=0.02), total cMetS (p=0.03)) and higher Z-HDL (p=0.001) compared with A allele carrier. There was a significant specific indirect effect (standardized coefficient = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.01–0.4) of VFL. Although, total body fat was significantly associated with CAV-1 rs3807992 and cMetS, the specific indirect effect was not significant (standardized coefficient = 0.21; 95% CI: (-0.006,0.44). Visceral fat level contributed to significant indirect effects of 35% on the relationship between CAV-1 and cMetS. Conclusion: Higher visceral adipose tissue may affect the relationship between CAV-1 and MetS. Although CAV-1 rs3807992 is linked to visceral fat in our study, the influence of this polymorphism on MetS is not via total fat.
Toxicity and Risk of Plant-Produced Alkaloids to Daphnia magna.
Authors: Griffiths Megan , Strobel Bjarne , Hama Jawameer , Cedergreen Nina
Published: November 2020

Background Many plants contain phytotoxic alkaloids to deter herbivorous pests and grazing animals. Alkaloids include quinolizidine and indole alkaloids found in the lupin (Lupinus spp.), an ornamental flower and emerging protein crop, as well as pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), an invasive, weed-like flower. When lupins and ragworts are present in large densities in fields, there is a concern that alkaloids may leach into freshwater environments in amounts that may affect non-target organisms, such as Daphnia magna. This study aimed to investigate i) the acute toxicity of alkaloids (gramine, heliotrine, lupanine, lupinine, monocrotaline, monocrotaline N-oxide, senecionine and sparteine) in D. magna, ii) the contribution of these individual alkaloids to lupin plant extract toxicity, iii) the longer term reproductive effects of a representative alkaloid, sparteine, and finalise with iv) a tentative risk assessment for the sum of alkaloids measured in soil and surface waters. Results The alkaloids exhibited toxicity, with 48 h EC50 values in the range of 5.6 to >100 mg/L. The 48 h EC50 of the Lupinus angustifolius plant extract was 1.38 mg/L, which was far more toxic than the simulated extract where lethality was <10% at 10 mg/L after 48 h. Hence, non-measured compounds may have contributed to the joint toxicity. Daphnid mothers exposed to >2.5 mg/L sparteine produced significantly fewer and smaller offspring during the 21-day exposure, making chronic effects occur at concentrations approximately 10-fold lower than the 48 h EC50 for sparteine. The risk assessment of cumulated alkaloids measured in drain, running and pond waters showed a potential risk, particularly for stagnant pond water, where concentrations were severalfold higher than in the drain and running waters. Conclusions The results highlight that natural toxins may contribute to poor chemical quality of natural waters, and that natural toxins from upcoming crops or invasive weeds should be considered aquatic in risk assessments.
NT-probnp Variability as a Predictor of Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 2
Authors: Ma Mingming , Dong Xiangnan , Cui Shuang , Hocher Berthold , Zeng Shufei , Liang Wenxue , Li Qiang , Chen Xiaoyi , Chen Xin , Meng Yu , Lu Yongping , Yin Lianghong
Published: November 2020

Background: N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a significant predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) without chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unknown whether variability of NT-proBNP is predictive of the outcomes of those with advanced HF and CKD.Methods: Intra-individual fluctuations in NT-proBNP values from baseline to follow-up were determined to assess the prognostic value of NT-proBNP variability in patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type 2 in a retrospective cohort of 136 patients treated for advanced HF with CKD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from 2012 to 2016. Patients hospitalized for CRS type 2 who underwent follow-up examinations were eligible for study inclusion and grouped according to optimal cutoff values of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of log10(NT-proBNP) variability. The primary outcomes were major adverse renal and cardiac events( a composite of acute kidney disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction, cardiac death ,stroke or maintenance hemodialysis). Secondary outcomes were repeated hospitalization for heart failure or all cause death.Results: The results showed that higher NT-proBNP variability group was associated with lower hemoglobin(p ＜ 0.01) and plasma serum albumin levels(p ＜ 0.02) , and greater decline in left ventricular ejection fraction(p ＜ 0.02 ) compared with the lower NT-proBNP variability group. At a median follow-up of 22 (interquartile range, 5–32) months, Individuals in the higher NT-proBNP variability group was associated with a greater risk of major adverse renal and cardiac events (HR = 3.467, 95% CI =1.463–8.215, p = 0.01). ROC analysis revealed that NT-proBNP variability rather than average NT-proBNP level, was a better predictive biomarker of the primary outcomes (AUC = 0.726,95% CI = 0.640–0.812) and secondary outcomes(AUC = 0.701,95% CI = 0.611–0.791). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that NT-proBNP variability of ≥0.272 was significantly correlated with a higher prevalence of primary and secondary outcomes (p < 0.03). This correlation remained significant in multivariate Cox regression models after adjustments for age, anemia, and traditional risk factors. Conclusions: NT-proBNP variability might serve as an independent predictor for major adverse renal and cardiac events and all-cause death in patients with CRS type 2.
Experimental, Statistical, and Analytical Evaluation of The Springback Behavior of Martensitic 1400 Sheet in V-Bending
Authors: ŞEN Nuri , SEÇGİN Ömer
Published: November 2020

Ultra-high-strength Martensitic 1400 steel is preferred in the automotive industry because of its high strength as well as its light weight. In this study, Martensitic 1400 steel was subjected to the V-bending process. As a result of 48 different tests, the amount of springback resulting from the V-bending process was determined. A finite element (FE) model was then created based on these experimental data. After it was determined that the experimental results concurred with the FE model, without performing new experiments, further analyses were carried out at different temperatures. Using the results of a total of 96 FE analyses, variance analysis was performed and the effects of the operation parameters on springback were determined. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the most effective parameter on springback in the V-bending process was the die angle and that holding time had no significant effect. It was observed that the springback increased in parallel with the punch radius and die angle and that increases in temperature reduced the springback.
Movement Modeling and Control for Robotic Bonnet Polishing
Authors: LIN Zewen , Wang Zhenzhong , HUANG Xuepeng
Published: November 2020

The spin axis of bonnet tool maintains a constant angle (precession angle) with the normal of polishing point in polishing. In this paper, a controlled model was established on robotic machining platform to polish large diameter axisymmetric aspheric optics. Based on the transformation relationship in spatial coordinate system, the relationships between workpiece coordinate system, polishing point local coordinate system and the bonnet tool coordinate system were set up respectively. So that the movement model of bonnet precession polishing was obtained. What’s more, the efficiency optimal control was added to the movement model. the trajectories and poses of the polishing were determined, and the change of robot linkage angle difference was obtained. Finally, the precession movement model and the control algorithm were verified by the simulation in the Robotstudio, an offline simulation software and experiment for plane component.
Effect of Texture on Energy Consumption for High Frequency Hydraulic Impact Piston Pair
Authors: Mo Hu , Guo Yong , Yanping Hu , Quan Song , Chen Zhewu
Published: November 2020

Limited by the influence of the traditional clearance seal structure on the leakage and friction loss of the piston pair, the energy utilization ratio of the hydraulic impactor is difficult to improve. As such, a novel clearance seal structure with cylindrical texture for the impact piston is proposed to solve it. Considering the leakage and friction loss of impact piston pair, an energy consumption evaluation index is put forward. Based on the average Reynolds equation, an energy consumption analysis model for a textured high-frequency hydraulic impact piston pair is established, and the influence of piston texture parameters for the YG45 hydraulic impactor on energy consumption under rated working conditions is studied. The results show that energy consumption of an impact piston pair accounts for 29.77% of total energy loss. The variation of area ratio textured makes the ratio of energy consumption to the piston pair decline 1.32%~10.98%, where the optimum area rate textured is 0.64 ~ 0.7. The variation of depth ratio textured leads to the reduction of the ratio of energy consumption to piston pair by 3.21% ~ 5.68%, where the optimum depth ratio textured is 1 ~ 1.1.The texture structure of the piston pair significantly reduces the energy consumption of the impact piston pair, and it is an effective approach to avoid the design dilemma for the conventional impact piston pair.
Taylor collocation method for a system of nonlinear Volterra delay integro-differential equations with application to COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Laib Hafida , Bellour Azzeddine , Boulmerka Aissa
Published: November 2020

The present paper deals with the numerical solution for a general form of a system of nonlinear Volterra delay integro-differential equations (VDIDEs). The main purpose of this work is to provide a current numerical method based on the use of continuous collocation Taylor polynomials for the numerical solution of nonlinear VDIDEs systems. It is shown that this method is convergent. Numerical results will be presented to prove the validity and effectiveness of this convergent algorithm. We apply two models to the COVID-19 epidemic in China and one for the Predator-Prey model in mathematical ecology.
Relationship between Internet use and leaving home during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan
Authors: Yabe Naoto , Hanibuchi Tomoya , Adachi Hiroki M. , Nagata Shohei , Nakaya Tomoki
Published: November 2020

Following the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Japanese government announced the Declaration of a State of Emergency in April 2020, which aimed to decrease contact between people and requested that residents refrain from leaving home. Even in the absence of penalties, outings decreased under the declaration. We are interested in how outings declined and studied the substitution relationship between Internet use and outings. A web-based survey was conducted to collect data on Internet use and outings in a retrospective manner. The period covered by our data is from mid-February to mid-May 2020. Multilevel analysis and correspondence analysis were performed to examine the relationship between Internet use and outings. The results clearly show that Internet use replaced outings. In particular, Internet use for socializing, exercise, and leisure/entertainment had a significant substitution relationship with outings. In contrast, there was a weak substitution relationship between Internet use for daily shopping and outings. Although telework tends to be an accepted focus of Internet use under the COVID-19 outbreak, it should not be overlooked that other uses of the Internet, such as for leisure/entertainment, also supported the decline in outings.