bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Avian Influenza H9N2 Virus Isolated from Humans and its Seroprevalence Among Occupationally Exposed Populations in China
Authors: Dong Jie , Bo Hong , Dong Libo , Zhang Ye , Huang Weijuan , Zou Shumei , Li Xiyan , Yang Lei , Zeng Xiaoxu , Liu Jia , Chen Tao , Shu Yuelong , Wang Dayan
Published: June 2021

Background: The first human-infected H9N2 influenza case can be traced back to 1998. Although the H9N2 influenza virus has low pathogenicity in animals, it donated partial or whole cassettes of internal genes to reassort novel viruses, such as H7N9, H10N8 and H5N6 viruses, that caused human infections with high fatality. Since 2013, sporadic but increasingly frequent human cases caused by H9N2 influenza virus have been confirmed globally, and most of them were from China. Methods: Information on human infections with H9N2 influenza virus was collected. Viral molecular determinants were determined by deep sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA 6.06. Antigenic analysis was performed by a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Receptor binding preference analysis was conducted based on a solid-phase binding assay with synthetic sialylglycopolymers. Antiviral susceptibility was determined by a fluorescence-based neuraminidase (NA) inhibition assay. Serological study of occupationally exposed populations was performed by HI assay screening and confirmed by microneutralization assay.Results: From 2013 to 2018, 33 human H9N2cases were reported in China, among them 75.7% were children under 10 years old .The 22 viruses were isolated and concentrated in the Y280/G9 lineage of the HA and NA genes. All human H9N2 viruses belonged to the Y280/G9 antigenic lineage, presented a human-like receptor binding preference and remained susceptible to NA inhibitors, but most demonstrated resistance to M2 inhibitors. The seroprevalence of occupationally exposed populations was 2.15%, 3.17%, 2.93% and 1.54% from 2015 to 2018, respectively. A significant difference in seroprevalence was shown between provinces with human cases (3.66%) and provinces without human cases (2.18%). Conclusions: The continuous antigenic drift and human-like receptor binding preference of the H9N2 virus enable it to have a high risk of causing human infections. The status of the seropositivity in occupationally exposed populations implies a substantial threat to public health. Research on human infection with H9N2 influenza virus should be strengthened to monitor the emergence of sustainable human-to-human transmission and the possibility of an endemic or a pandemic related to it.
Estimation of Rectal Temperature of Goats Based on Surface Temperature
Authors: Marques Jordânio Inácio , Leite Patrício Gomes , Neto José Pinheiro Lopes , Furtado Dermeval Araújo , Lopes Fernanda Fernandes de Melo , Borges Valéria Peixoto , de Medeiros Geovergue Rodrigues , Sousa Washington da Silva
Published: June 2021

Infrared thermography (IR) is a non-invasive tool with potential to indicate changes in the animal's thermal conditions in response to the thermally stressful environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of IR to estimate the rectal temperature of crossbred goats of the Boer breed. Six male crossbred goats of the Boer breed were distributed in a completely randomized design and submitted to temperatures of 26, 30 and 34 °C and 68% relative humidity. Rectal temperature (RT) and thermograms data were collected from animals at each air temperature (AT) evaluated. In the thermograms, the temperatures of the ocular globe (PT), head (HT), shoulder (ST), hindquarter (HQ) and maximum infrared (IRMax) temperatures of the animals' surfaces were collected. The correlation of PT, HT, ST, HQ and IRMax data with RT was evaluated through the Pearson coefficient analysis and the concordance using Bland-Altman diagrams. With the exception of the IRMax surface temperature, the others were adequate for the accurate estimation of RT, with PT standing out for presenting the highest correlation coefficient with RT (r = 0.951) and estimation errors varying in the range of ± 0.27 °C.
Runoff Forecast and Analysis of the Probability of Dry and Wet Transition in the Hanjiang River Basin
Authors: Jin Haoyu , Chen Xiaohong , Zhong Ruida
Published: June 2021

Runoff prediction has an important guiding role in the planning and management of regional water resources, flood prevention and drought resistance, and can effectively predict the risk of changes in regional water resources. This study used 12 runoff prediction methods to predict the runoff of four hydrological stations in the Hanjiang River Basin (HRB). Through the MCMC method, the HRB runoff probability conversion model from low to high (high to low) is constructed. The study found that the runoff of the HRB had a decreasing trend. In the mid-1980s, the runoff had a significant decreasing trend. The smoother the runoff changes, the easier it is to make accurate prediction. On the whole, the QS-MFM, MFM, MA-MFM, CES and DNN methods have strong generalization ability and can more accurately predict the runoff of the HRB. The Logistic model can accurately simulate the change of runoff status in the HRB. Among them, the HLT station has the fastest conversion rate of drought and flood, and the flow that generates floods is 6 times that of drought. The smaller the basin area, the larger the gap between drought and flood discharge. Overall, this research provides important technical support for the prediction of change in water resources and the transition probability from drought to flood in the HRB.
Signatures of Genetic Variation in Human microRNAs Point to Processes of Positive Selection and Population-specific Disease Risks
Authors: Villegas-Mirón Pablo , Gallego Alcia , Bertranpetit Jaume , Laayouni Hafid , Parrilla Yolanda Espinosa
Published: June 2021

The occurrence of natural variation in human microRNAs has been the focus of numerous studies during the last twenty years. Most of them have been centered on the role of specific mutations in disease, while a minor proportion seek to analyse microRNA diversity in the genomes of human populations. We investigate the latest human microRNA annotations in the light of the most updated catalog of genetic variation provided by the 1000 Genomes Project. By means of the in silico analysis of microRNA variants we show that the level of evolutionary constraint of these sequences is governed by the interplay of different factors, like their evolutionary age or genomic location. The role of mutations in the shaping of microRNA-driven regulatory interactions is emphasized with the acknowledgement that, while the whole microRNA sequence is highly conserved, the seed region shows a pattern of higher genetic diversity that appears to be caused by the dramatic frequency shifts of a fraction of human microRNAs. We highlight the participation of these microRNAs in population-specific processes by identifying that not only the seed, but also the loop, are particularly differentiated regions among human populations. The quantitative computational comparison of signatures of population differentiation showed that candidate microRNAs with the largest differences are enriched in variants related to gene expression levels (eQTLs), selective sweeps and pathological processes. We explore the implication of these evolutionary-driven microRNAs and their single nucleotide variants in human diseases, such as different types of cancer, and discuss their role in population-specific disease risk.
The Concordance between Preoperative Aspiration and Intraoperative Synovial Fluid Culture Results: Intraoperative Synovial Fluid Re-Cultures Are Necessary whether the Preoperative Aspiration Culture is Positive or Not.
Authors: Li Hao , Xu Chi , Hao Libo , Chai Wei , Fu Jun , Chen Jiying
Published: June 2021

Aims: Preoperative aspiration culture and intraoperative cultures play pivotal roles in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis and pathogen identification. But the discordance between preoperative aspiration culture and intraoperative synovial fluid culture remains unknown. We aim to determine 1）the discordance between preoperative and intraoperative synovial fluid (SF) culture and. 2) compared to intraoperative synovial fluid cultures, the sensitivity of preoperative aspiration fluid culture. Then the following question is tried to be answered: Are intraoperative synovial fluid re-cultures necessary if the preoperative aspiration culture is positive?Materials and methods:Between 2015 and 2019, 187 PJI patients managed with surgeries were included in this study. Compared to intraoperative synovial fluid culture, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of preoperative aspiration culture were calculated. Then, the discordance between preoperative aspiration culture and intraoperative SF culture was analyzed. Results:The sensitivity of preoperative aspiration culture was 81.29% compared to intraoperative synovial fluid cultures. Concordance was identified in 147 PJI (78.61%) patients and culture discordance occurred in 40 patients (21.39%). In these discordant PJI patients, 24 patients (60%) were polymicrobial and no intraoperative synovial fluid culture growth was found in 16 PJI cases (40%). Preoperative monomicrobial staphylococcus results had a sensitivity of and a specificity of 80.43% and 83.16%, respectively. Preoperative polymicrobial results had the lowest sensitivity.Conclusions: The intraoperative synovial fluid re-cultures are necessary if the preoperative aspiration culture is positive and the discordance between preoperative aspiration culture and intraoperative synovial fluid culture should be noted especially when streptococcus spp. and more than one pathogen was revealed by preoperative aspiration culture.
Neoadjuvant EGFR-TKI Therapy for EGFR-Mutant NSCLC in Traditionally Unresectable Patients
Authors: Chen Ke-Cheng , Kuo Shuenn-Wen , Hsiao Chen-Hao , Chen Jing-Shing
Published: June 2021

IntroductionAdvanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations may have benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). However, the role of multidisciplinary management including neoadjuvant TKI therapy and thoracic surgery is uncertain. This study assessed the possible impact of neoadjuvant TKI therapy and thoracic surgery in selected advanced stage patients.MethodsAdvanced stage of IIIB and IVA NSCLC patients were retrospectively reviewed from 2010 to 2013. Patients with EGFR mutations who received neoadjuvant TKI followed by surgical resection were included. All patients were followed up for 5 years or until death.ResultsThere were total 15 advanced stage lung adenocarcinoma patients in the study. 8 patients were stage IIIB and 7 were stage IVA. All tumor sizes significantly decreased after neoadjuvant TKI therapy (p value = 0.0002). 11 patients received adjuvant TKI therapy after surgical resection and others received adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Progression-free survival was superior in the group of adjuvant TKI therapy than in the group of adjuvant chemotherapy (median 14 months versus 5.9 months, p value = 0.016). Overall survival (OS) was not different between two groups (p value = 0.755). In the group of adjuvant TKI therapy, median OS in patients harboring exon 19 deletion and exon 21 L858R was 60 months and 44.9 months, respectively (p value = 0.078). ConclusionTKI may decrease the size of EGFR mutation lung adenocarcinoma. A multidisciplinary management including neoadjuvant TKI therapy and thoracic surgery may be discussed in selected advanced stage lung adenocarcinoma.
Impact of Modified Albumin–Bilirubin Grade on Survival in Patients With HCC Who Received Lenvatinib: An Analysis Using Time-Dependent ROC
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kumada Takashi , Hiraoka Atsushi , Atsukawa Masanori , Hirooka Masashi , Tsuji Kunihiko , Ishikawa Toru , Takaguchi Koichi , Kariyama Kazuya , Itobayashi Ei , Tajiri Kazuto , Shimada Noritomo , Shibata Hiroshi , Ochi Hironori , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Fukunishi Shinya , Ohama Hideko , Kawata Kazuhito , Tani Joji , Nakamura Shinichiro , Nouso Kazuhiro , Tsutsui Akemi , Nagano Takuya , Takaaki Tanaka , Itokawa Norio , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Imai Michitaka , Joko Kouji , Koizumi Yohei , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: June 2021

We investigated the impact on survival of modified albumin–bilirubin (mALBI) grade vs. Child–Pugh classification in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received lenvatinib. A total of 524 patients with HCC who received lenvatinib were included. Univariate analysis showed that mALBI grade 2b/3 and Child–Pugh class B/C were significantly associated with survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.471; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.944–3.141 and HR, 2.178; 95%CI, 1.591–2.982). In patients with a Child–Pugh score of 5, multivariate analysis showed that mALBI grade 2b/3 was independently associated with survival (HR, 1.814; 95%CI, 1.083–3.037). Conversely, among patients with mALBI grade 1/2a, there was no difference in survival between those with a Child–Pugh class of 5 or 6 (p = 0.735). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the ALBI score predicted survival better than the Child–Pugh score. The optimal cut-off value of the ALBI score for predicting survival was nearly the same as the value separating mALBI grades 2a and 2b. In conclusion, the mALBI grade was a better predictor of survival than the Child–Pugh classification in patients with unresectable HCC who received lenvatinib therapy.
Gastric Cancer-Induced Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: A Potent Mediator of Cancer Associated Thrombosis
Authors: Li Jiacheng , Zou Xiaoming , Yang Shifeng , Jin Jiaqi , Zhu Lei , Li Changjian , Yang Hao , Zhang Ange , Chen Chongyan
Published: June 2021

Background: Development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with high mortalities among gastric cancer (GC) patients. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been reported to correlated to procoagulant and prothrombotic in some diseases. We aimed to clarify that NETs participates in the development of cancer-associated thrombosis in GC.Method: The level of NETs in blood and tissue samples of patients were analyzed by ELISA and flow cytometry. NETs generation in vitro were observed by immunofluorescence (IF). The NETs procoagulant activity (PCA) was performed by fibrin formation and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) assays. Hypercoagulation of platelets and endothelial cells (ECs) stimulated by NETs were measured by IF and flow cytometry. Thrombosis in vivo was measured in an established mice model of VTE induced by flow stenosis in the inferior vena cave (IVC).Result: NETs are likely to form in blood and tissue samples of GC patients compared with healthy individuals. In vitro studies that GC cells and their conditioned medium (CM), but not gastric mucosal epithelial cell can stimulate NETs releasing from neutrophils. In addition, NETs induced hypercoagulation of platelets by up-regulating the expression of phosphatidylserine (PS) and P-selectin on the cells. Furhter, NETs stimulate adhesion of normal platelets on glass surfaces. Similarly, NETs trigger the conversion of ECs to hypercoagulable phenotypes by down-regulating the expression of their intercellular tight junctions but up-regulating that of tissue factor (TF). Treatment of normal platelets or ECs with NETs augmented the level of plasma fibrin generation and TAT complex. Meanwhile, in the models of IVC stenosis, tumor-bearing mice demonstrate stronger ability to form thrombi and NETs were abundantly accumulated in the thrombi compared with control mice. Notably, combination of DNase-1, activated protein C (APC) and Sivelestat markedly abolished the PCA of NETs.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that GC-induced NETs strongly increase the risks of VTE development both in vitro and in vivo. Given that inhibitors of NETs disrupt hypercoagulation, NETs are potential therapeutic target against VTE.
Pipe Internal Grooving Using Closed Magnetic Field System: A Novel Method
Authors: Muhamad Mohd Ridha , Rony Mehedy Hasan , Zubir Mohd Nashrul Mohd , Ibrahim Farah Arina , Halim Mohamed Moustafa Abdel
Published: June 2021

The present work proposes an innovative method to form microgrooves on a tube internal surface through a new machining mechanism based on the principle of magnetic force for a greater flexibility and lower mechanical constraint. A newly designed machine equipped with a Magnetic Grooving Tool (MGT) was designed and fabricated for this purpose. The tool that consists of a pair of magnets is positioned in the pipe to be pulled by another pairing magnets set at the pipe external side. These four magnets are arranged in sequence of N-S-N-S direction so that it creates a closed magnetic field circuit which has a greater pulling force. By controlling the magnet pair at the pipe’s external side in the linear and rotational direction, the MGT is moved in both directions and simultaneously pulled towards the pipe surface to form the microgrooves. Experiment has been carried out by adjusting the internal and external magnets size combination and its distance to vary the magnetic strengths. The effect of magnetic pull force on the grooving dimension was examined by using an optical microscope and further analyzed using a 3D optical surface profile analyzer. The method was proven to capable of producing microgrooves on the internal surface of the copper pipe. The maximum groove depth of 75.55 μm was recorded by using the magnet size 10x10x40 mm and distance between magnet and workpiece of 2.5 mm.
Thermal Simulation of the Continuous Pulse Discharge for Electro-spark Deposition Diamond Wire Saw
Authors: Li Chengyun , Ge Peiqi , Bi Wenbo
Published: June 2021

Due to their excellent physical and mechanical properties, third-generation super-hard semiconductor materials (such as SiC, GaN) are widely used in the field of microelectronics. However, due to its ultra-high hardness, the machining is very difficult, which has become the bottleneck of its development. The electro-spark deposition (ESD) process can deposit electrode materials on the substrate under the condition of low heat input to achieve metallurgical bonding between metal materials. And it can improve the wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and repair the size of the workpiece. It has been widely used in the field of surface modification engineering. It can effectively improve the bonding strength of the abrasive grains, and the sawing ability of the wire saw to make the consolidated diamond wire saw by the ESD process. Due to its thin matrix and poor thermal properties, the saw wire is easy to burning or even breaking in the manufacturing process. At present, the selection of pulse interval time in the ESD process is generally determined by the duty factor. However, the pulse interval time selected according to duty factor is difficult to meet the heat dissipation requirements of electro-spark deposition diamond wire saw (ESDDWS). In this paper, two kinds of motion modes of ESDDWS manufacturing are put forward, according to the manufacturing characteristics of ESDDWS. The boundary conditions of the continuous pulse discharge of ESDDWS are established. The thermal simulations of continuous pulse discharge of ESDDWS under two motion modes are analyzed. According to the simulation results, the basis of the value of pulse interval in the ESDDWS process is put forward. The effect of pulse interval time on the mechanical performance of the wire saw is analyzed experimentally. The results show that the discharge interval time selected base on the simulation results can ensure the continuous production of the ESDDWS.
Laparoscopic Partial Gastrectomy for Large Gastric GISTs
Authors: Abouzid Amr , Setit Ahmed , Fathi Adel , Shetiwy Mosab
Published: June 2021

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are considered the most common mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract and the stomach is the most frequently site affected (50–60%). The safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for gastric GISTs of sizes larger than 5 cm remains unclear. It depends on the surgical skills, tumor location and the learning curve of the surgeons. Methods: Between December 2013 and January 2021, thirty patients diagnosed with gastric GISTs underwent laparoscopic partial gastrectomy. This is a retrospective study done in surgical oncology unit, Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt. Results: The most common tumor location was in the greater curvature in (46.7%). The mean tumor size was 7.2 cm (the largest was 13 cm). All of the patients underwent laparoscopic partial gastrectomy. Splenectomy was done for one patient only. The mean operative time was 152.67 minutes and the estimated blood loss (EBL) was 139.33 ml. The mean hospital stay was 3.53 days. The mean follows up period was 32.4 months. Conclusion: Laparoscopic resection for gastric GISTs has become a feasible method. Patients with large tumors have the same favorable outcomes as small tumors. Large-sized GISTs may receive neoadjuvant therapy to downstage the disease and make it amenable for laparoscopic resection.
Molecular Cloning, Bioinformatics Analysis and Overexpression of the Tyrosine Aminotransferase Gene in Rehmannia Glutinosa
Authors: zhou yanqing , Zhu jialin , Zhang dandan , Guo mengmeng , Li huimin , Duan hongying
Published: June 2021

Rehmannia glutinosa is an important medicinal plant producing many bioactive compounds such as catalpol, acteoside and so on. Tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) is the first key enzyme that catalyzes the reversible interconversion of tyrosine and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate in the tyrosine-derived branch pathway of acteoside biosynthesis. To confirm its role for acteoside accumulation, we isolated a full-length cDNA from Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. Sequence analysis indicated that it contained a 1266 bp open reading frame, encoding a TAT of 421 amino acid residues. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that the homology of RgTAT amino acid sequence to that of Sesamum indicum(XP_011100354.1) was the highest (89.94%). Evolutionary tree showed that Sesamum indicum TAT and RgTAT were grouped together. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that the expression of RgTAT in leaves was much higher than in roots and stems,and that the expression levels of RgTAT in the tuberous roots, stems and leaves of high-acteoside cultivar BJ-3 were higher than in that of low-acteoside cultivar Wen85-5. A plant expression vector was constructed containing the RgTAT and hygromycin resistance gene (Hyg). Transgenic Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch overexpressing RgTAT was obtained via an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system, in which Hyg expression was confirmed by PCR. RgTAT expression in transgenic plantlets measured by real-time quantitative PCR was 7.72 ± 0.17 times greater than its expression in the untransformed plantlets. Moreover, HPLC analysis indicated that enhanced RgTAT expression corresponded to significantly increased acteoside for transgenic plantlets. Our results elucidate the role of RgTAT in the acteoside biosynthesis in Rehmannia glutinosa.
Cross-national Comparisons of Health Indicators Require Standardized Definitions and Common Data Sources
Authors: Tolonen Hanna , Reinikainen Jaakko , Koponen Päivikki , Elonheimo Hanna , Palmieri Luigi , Tijhuis Mariken J
Published: June 2021

Background Health indicators are used to monitor the health status and determinants of health of the population and population sub-groups, identify existing or emerging health problems which would require prevention and health promotion activities, help to target health care resources in the most adequate way as well as for evaluation of the success of public health actions both at the national and international level. The quality and validity of the health indicator depends both on available data and used indicator definition. In this study we will evaluate existing knowledge about comparability of different data sources for definition of health indicators, compare how selected health indicators presented in different international databases possibly differ, and finally, present the results from a case study from Finland on comparability of health indicators derived from different data sources at national level. Methods For comparisons, four health indicators were selected that were commonly available in international databases and available for the Finnish case study, were selected. These were prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma in the adult populations. Our evaluation has three parts: 1) a scoping review of the latest literature, 2) comparison of the prevalences presented in different international databases, and 3) a case study using data from Finland.Results Literature shows that comparability of estimated outcomes for health indicators using different data sources such as self-reported questionnaire data from surveys, measured data from surveys or data from administrative health registers, varies between indicators. Also, the case study from Finland showed that diseases which require regular health care visits such as diabetes, comparability is high while for health outcomes which can remain asymptomatic for a long time such as hypertension, comparability is lower. In different international health related databases, country specific results differ due to variations in the used data sources but also due to differences in indicator definitions.Conclusions Reliable comparison of the health indicators over time and between regions within a country or across the countries requires common indicator definitions, similar data sources and standardized data collection methods.
Enhanced Hexokinase 2 Expression and Lactate Production Promote The Apoptosis of Dopaminergic Neurons in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Li Jingyi , Chen Longmin , Qin Qixiong , Wang Danlei , Zhao Jingwei , Gao Hongling , Yuan Xiao , Zhang Jing , Zou Yuan , Mao Zhijuan , Xiong Yongjie , Min Zhe , Yan Manli , Wang Congyi , Xue Zheng
Published: June 2021

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by impaired mitochondrial function and decreased ATP levels. Glycolysis is upregulated and lactate production is enhanced in PD. Since lactate promotes apoptosis and α-synuclein accumulation in neurons, we hypothesized that the increased lactate resulted from upregulated glycolysis is involved in the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in PD.Methods: We examined the expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the key enzymes in glycolysis, and lactate levels in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of MPTP-induced mouse model of PD and in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. We investigated the role of HK2, lactate and AMPK pathway in the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons by intervened with 3-Brpa, the HK2 inhibitor, in in vivo and in vitro systems.Results: We found that the expression of HK2 and LDHA, and lactate levels were markedly increased in brain SNpc of MPTP-treated mouse and in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in the mouse model and the apoptosis of the SH-SY5Y in vitro system were increased. Intriguingly, using HK2 inhibitor or siRNA can decrease the lactate levels and suppressed the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, lactate increased the activity of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), and suppressed the phosphorylation of serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Conclusion：Inhibition of HK2 ameliorate the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons through downregulating the lactate production and AMPK/ Akt/ mTOR pathway activation in PD.
Integrated Drought Evaluation Index: Considering The Feedback of The Soil Ecological Environment on Wheat
Authors: Li Yanbin , Wang Yuexiong , Li Daoxi , Guo Jiawei , Du Xuefang , Wang xiaodong
Published: June 2021

With the acceleration of climate instability, drought is causing increasing losses that seriously threaten food security in China. In consideration of the feedback of the ecological environment vulnerability on drought, this study selects the temperature vegetation dryness index to evaluate the boundaries of the regional ecological drought index and integrates many factors, such as precipitation, temperature and human activities, from the four aspects of natural disaster risk management — hazard, vulnerability, exposure and resistance—to establish an integrated drought evaluation index for wheat (IDEIW). The results showed that drought was the main reason for the observed decrease in wheat production of Anyang city, as the most severe water shortages occurred during the physiological water demand period of wheat from March to May. Precipitation scarcities were concentrated throughout the north of the study region, where drought was most frequent and severe. There were highly positive spatial correlations between the IDEIW and the annual yield reduction rate of wheat in dry years, whose bivariate Moran's I values reached 0.39, 0.42, 0.31 and 0.38 in the 2002, 2005, 2011 and 2016, respectively; further, the yield reduction rate increased with drought aggregation. This study clearly demonstrates that, in terms of availability, precision and sensitivity, the IDEIW, which is stronger and stabilizing than the temperature vegetation dryness index and the standardized precipitation index, can be used as an important tool to assess and monitor dynamic variations in agricultural drought and provide a new means for the early warning and forecast management of agricultural drought.
Identification and Verification of a Four-Gene Signature Predicting Overall Survival for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yuan Lu , Li Guoqing , Sun Guoqiang , Cao Dongmei
Published: June 2021

Background. Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies, ranking fourth for both incidence and mortality in women worldwide. Early screening and treatment have significantly reduced the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Many studies have shown that cervical cancer still presents a high risk of death from recurrence and metastasis. However, due to the complex molecular mechanisms of tumor progression, the predictive power of traditional clinical information is limited. In order to improve the survival rate of patients with cervical cancer, establishing an effective molecular model to assess prognosis of patients and guide clinical treatment are very important. Results. four-gene signature comprising PLOD2, SPON1, SPP1, RNASEH2A was established to predict overall survival of cervical cancer. The ROC curve indicated good performance of the four-gene signature at predicting overall survival in the TCGA dataset. The four-gene signature classify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with distinct overall survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression revealed that the four-gene signature was an independent prognostic factor in cervical cancer.Conclusion. Our study developed a four-gene signature that reliably predict overall survival in cervical cancer. The findings may be beneficial to individualized clinical treatment and timely follow-up.
First Trimester Maternal Cortisol Signatures in Small-for-gestational Age
Authors: Lee Chaelin , Lee Seung Mi , Byun Dong Jun , Kim So Yeon , Kim Hugh I. , Lee Do Yup , Jung Young Mi , Park Chan-Wook , Park Joong Shin , Choi Man Ho
Published: June 2021

Background: Abnormal maternal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is associated with fetal growth, and we hypothesized that the alteration in metabolic signatures of cortisol might be detectable during early pregnancy. The objective of this study was to identify predictable maternal serum signatures of cortisol metabolism during the first trimester of women who are expected to deliver small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonates.Methods: This prospective cohort study included 112 pregnant women (with and without SGA, n = 56 each). Maternal serum samples were collected at 10~14 gestational weeks to quantify the levels of cortisol and its precursors and metabolites by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Results: Increased maternal serum levels of tetrahydrocortisol (THF, 11.82 ± 8.16 ng/mL vs. 7.51 ± 2.90 ng/mL, P < 0.005) and decreased 21-deoxycortisol (21-deoxyF, 2.98 ± 1.36 ng/mL vs. 4.33 ± 2.06 ng/mL, P < 0.0001) were observed in pregnant women carrying SGA fetus. In conjunction with individual steroid levels, metabolic ratios corresponding to the activity of related enzymes were calculated. In addition to increased THF/cortisol ratio (P < 0.006), the SGA group showed a significant increase in the two metabolic ratios including cortisol/11-deoxycortisol (F/11-deoxyF; P < 0.03) and cortisol/21-deoxycortisol (F/21-deoxyF; P < 0.0003) indicating cortisol biosynthesis. The ROC curve generated in combination with three variables of 21-deoxyF concentration and two metabolic ratios of F/21-deoxyF and THF/F resulted in AUC = 0.824 (95% confidence interval, 0.713 ~ 0.918). Conclusions: A significant decrease in maternal serum levels of 21-deoxyF and an increase in two metabolic ratios of F/21-deoxyF and THF/F, indicating cortisol biosynthetic rate, represent a reliable biomarker for the prediction of SGA in the first trimester.
Trametinib Monotherapy for the Treatment of Brain Metastasis From Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: a Case Report
Authors: Pan Tianfan , Huang Xiangzhong
Published: June 2021

Background: BRAF mutation mostly was observed in lung adenocarcinoma, accounting for about 4.9%. It mainly includes V600E mutation and other rare mutations, among which non-V600E positive accounted for about 43.3%. Case presentation: We report a case with postoperative recurrent NSCLC with brain metastasis and multiple lymph nodes metastasis, who had developed hemiplegia. The gene mutation was positive for BRAF non-V600E and a partial response was observed despite brain and multiple lymph nodes lesions after trametinib monotherapy. Conclusion: Our case shows that trametinib could potentially be a promising therapeutic agent for chemotherapy-refractory BRAF non-V600E mutant NSCLC patients.
Biochar Aerogel Decorated with Thiophene S Manipulated 5-membered Rings Boosts Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Chen Xiaokang , Zhang Lijie , Xu Wenjia , Ding Xin , Chen Shuai , She Xilin , Guo Xiangxin , Dong Chung-Li , Huang Yucheng , Zhang Lixue , Shen Shaohua , Yang Dongjiang
Published: June 2021

Algae, which contains most of the marine biogenic sulfur (S), is the main producer of dimethylsulfide (DMS). The oxidation products of DMS (methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and non-sea salt sulfates (nss-SO42-)) are important contributors to acid rain acidity (~ 40%) and have great influence on global climate change and acid rain formation. The biogenic S of red algae mainly exists in carrageenan molecules, the polysaccharide extract of red algae. In this work, the carrageenan biogenic S was fixed into biochar aerogel (SCA) synchronically by pyrolysis with the assistance of the unique hydrogel property of carrageenan. During this process, 89% of C and 96% of marine biogenic S are preserved in SCA, efficiently preventing the loss of C and S element. More importantly, the thiophene S structure in SCA framework derived from the marine biogenic S could endow the carbon aerogel superior electrocatalysis activity by regulating the charge density of adjacent C atoms. For instance, thiophene S structure can promote the cleavage and protonation of N2 molecules and efficiently lower the energy barrier of the promote the protonation of N2, thus greatly enhance the activity of electrocatalytic NRR. This study provided a promising avenue for the synchronization fixation of marine biogenic S and C to reduce the the formation of acid rain and carbon dioxide emissions. It also developed a green and sustainable way to synthesize high-performance biochar materials for advanced energy conversion.
Apple Quality Identification and Classification by Computer Vision Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Li Yanfei , Feng Xianying , Liu Yandong , Han Xingchang
Published: June 2021

This work researched apple quality identification and classification from real images containing complicated disturbance information (background was similar to the surface of the apples). This paper proposed a novel model based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) which aimed at accurate and fast grading of apple quality. The proposed model was trained and validated, with best training and validation accuracy of 99% and 98.98% at 2590th and 3000th step, respectively. Two other methods, which were Google Inception v3 model and traditional imaging process method, were also used for apple quality classification. The greatest training accuracy of the Google Inception v3 model was 92% with 91.2% validation accuracy. The 78.14% accuracy was obtained by traditional method based on histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) and gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features merging and support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The three models were tested using independent 300 apples testing set, getting accuracy of 95.33%, 91.33%, and 77.67%, respectively. The results showed that the proposed model was more helpful and accurate for classification of apple quality. Furthermore, the training times of three methods were 27, 51, and 287 minutes, respectively. The proposed model can be considered a cost-effective method for fast grading of apple quality.
A deep learning approach to predict inter-omics interactions in multi-layer networks
Authors: Borhani Niloofar , Ghaisari Jafar , Abedi Maryam , Kamali Marzieh , Gheisari Yousof
Published: June 2021

Despite enormous achievements in production of high throughput datasets, constructing comprehensive maps of interactions remains a major challenge. The lack of sufficient experimental evidence on interactions is more significant for heterogeneous molecular types. Hence, developing strategies to predict inter-omics connections is essential to construct holistic maps of disease. Here, Data Integration with Deep Learning (DIDL), a novel nonlinear deep learning method is proposed to predict inter-omics interactions. It consists of an encoder that automatically extracts features for biomolecules according to existing interactions, and a decoder that predicts novel interactions. The applicability of DIDL is assessed with different networks namely drug-target protein, transcription factor-DNA element, and miRNA-mRNA. Also, the validity of novel predictions is assessed by literature surveys. Furthermore, DIDL outperformed state-of-the-art methods. Area under the curve, and area under the precision-recall curve for all three networks were more than 0.85 and 0.83, respectively. DIDL has several advantages like automatic feature extraction from raw data, end-to-end training, and robustness to sparsity. In addition, tensor decomposition structure, predictions solely based on existing interactions and biochemical data independence makes DIDL applicable for a variety of biological networks. DIDL paves the way to understand the underlying mechanisms of complex disorders through constructing integrative networks.
Electrochemical and Photoluminescence Response of Laser-induced Graphene/Electrodeposited ZnO Composites
Authors: Santos Nuno , Rodrigues Joana , Pereira Sónia , Fernandes António , Monteiro Teresa , Costa Florinda
Published: June 2021

The inherent scalability, low production cost and mechanical flexibility of laser-induced graphene (LIG) combined with its high electrical conductivity, hierarchichal porosity and large surface area are appealing characteristics for many applications. Still, other materials can be combined with LIG to provide added functionalities and enhanced performance. This work exploits the most adequate electrodeposition parameters to produce LIG/ZnO nanocomposites. Low-temperature pulsed electrodeposition allowed the conformal and controlled deposition of ZnO rods deep inside the LIG pores whilst maintaining its inherent porosity, which constitute fundamental advances regarding other methods for LIG/ZnO composite production. Compared to bare LIG, the composites more than doubled electrode capacitance up to 1.41 mF.cm-2 in 1 M KCl, whilst maintaining long-term cycle stability, low ohmic losses and swift electron transfer. The composites also display a luminescence band peaked at the orange/red spectral region, with main excitation maxima at ~3.33 eV matching the expected for the ZnO bandgap. A pronounced sub-bandgap tail of states with an onset absorption near 3.07 eV indicates a high amount of surface states. This work shows that these environmentally sustainable multifunctional nanocomposites are valid alternatives for supercapacitors, electrochemical/optical biosensors and photocatalytic/photoelectrochemical devices.
An adaptive shortest-solution guided decimation approach to sparse high-dimensional linear regression
Authors: Yu Xue , Sun Yifan , Zhou Hai-Jun
Published: June 2021

High-dimensional linear regression model is the most popular statistical model for high-dimensional data, but it is quite a challenging task to achieve a sparse set of regression coefficients. In this paper, we propose a simple heuristic algorithm to construct sparse high-dimensional linear regression models, which is adapted from the shortest-solution guided decimation algorithm and is referred to as ASSD. This algorithm constructs the support of regression coefficients under the guidance of the least-squares solution of the recursively decimated linear equations, and it applies an early-stopping criterion and a second-stage thresholding procedure to refine this support. Our extensive numerical results demonstrate that ASSD outper-forms LASSO, vector approximate message passing, and two other representative greedy algorithms in solution accuracy and robustness. ASSD is especially suitable for linear regression problems with highly correlated measurement matrices encountered in real-world applications.
Advance Care Planning in Primary Care. A Retrospective Medical Record Study Among Patients With Different Illness Trajectories.
Authors: Bekker Yvonne A.C. , Suntjens A. , Engels Y. , Schers H. , Westert Gert P. , Groenewoud A. Stef
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAdvance Care Planning (ACP) enables physicians to align healthcare with patients wishes, reduces burdensome life-prolonging medical interventions, and potentially improves the quality of life of patients in the last phase of life. However, little objective information is available about the extent to which structured ACP conversations are held in general practice. Our aim was to examine the documentation of ACP for patients with cancer, organ failure and multimorbidity in medical records (as a proxy for ACP application) in Dutch general practice. MethodsWe chose a retrospective medical record study design in seven primary care facilities. Medical records of 119 patients who died non-suddenly (55 cancer, 28 organ failure and 36 multimorbidity) were analysed. Other variables were: general characteristics, data on ACP documentation, correspondence between medical specialist and GP, and healthcare utilization in the last two years of life. ResultsIn 65% of the records, one or more ACP items was registered. Most often documented were aspects regarding euthanasia (35%), the preferred place of care and death (29%) and concerns and hopes towards the future (29%). Median timing of the first ACP conversation was 126 days before death. ACP was more often documented in patients with cancer (84%) than in those with organ failure (57%) or multimorbidity (42%) (p = 0,000). Patients with cancer had the most frequent (median 3 times, inter-quartile range (IQR) 2-5), and extensive (median 5 items, IQR 2-7) ACP consultations. ConclusionDocumentation of ACP items in medical records by GPs is present, but incomplete, especially in patients with multimorbidity or organ failure. We recommend more attention for, and documentation of ACP in daily practice in order to start anticipatory conversations in time, and to address the needs of all people living with advanced conditions in primary care.
Investigation of the process of structure formation of a material from a mixture of nepheline sludge and crushed stone with the addition of cement
Authors: Зубова О.В. , Силецкий В.В.
Published: June 2021

Приведено теоретическое и экспериментальное обоснование применения щебеночных дорожных одежд, укрепленных нефелиновым шламом и цементом, для покрытий лесных терминалов. Цель данного исследования – подбор наиболее прочного, технологичного и экономически эффективного материала для погрузочных площадок и складов временного хранения лесоматериалов в связи с ростом частоты применения многоступенчатой вывозки древесины. Результаты исследования показали, что получаемый материал обладает высокой прочностью и водостойкостью, соответствует требованиям ГОСТ к материалам покрытий, в том числе погрузочных пунктов. Приведены рекомендации по дозировкам компонентов смеси.

The theoretical and experimental justification of the use of crushed stone road surfaces reinforced with nepheline sludge and cement for covering forest terminals is given. The purpose of this study is to select the most durable, technologically advanced and cost-effective material for loading platforms and temporary storage warehouses for timber due to the increasing frequency of multi-stage wood removal. The results of the study showed that the resulting material has high strength and water resistance, meets the requirements of GOST for coating materials, including loading points. Recommendations on the dosages of the components of the mixture are given.
Regional water cycle response to land use/cover change for a typical agricultural area, North China Plain
Authors: Li Chang , Wang Zhili , Lu Yongjun , Song Mingming
Published: June 2021

Quantifying the influences of land use/cover (LULC) change on hydrological processes is important for rational utilization of water resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of spatiotemporal LULC change on hydrological components in a typical agricultural area located in the North China Plain at both basin and sub-basin scales. LULC change was quantified, and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool was optimized using parameters associated with LULC conditions. We concluded that the urban and forest areas increased by 25.57 and 10.56%, with the cropland area decreased by 36.76%. About half of the surface runoff (SURQ) in the basin was generated from the urban area, with the SURQ increased significantly in the upstream and downstream of the basin where overlapped with urbanized areas. The proportions of evapotranspiration generated by cropland and forest areas increased slightly (0.89 and 0.55%, respectively), especially in sub-basins where the conversion of cropland to forest was obvious. Urban, forest, and cropland were the main types that generated water yield (WYLD). The proportion of WYLD generated on the urban area increased by 9.55% and decreased in other areas, which may be related to the combined effects of urbanization and forest reduction.
Marginal Analysis as the Basis for Decision Making
Authors: Jere Thomas
Published: June 2021

Margin analysis is a very powerful tool for modelling how individual producers and consumers make decisions. The basic idea is that decision makers make choices based on the comparative costs and benefits associated with small changes in a given state of the world. If the marginal benefits of a small change outweigh the marginal costs of that change, the decision maker makes that small change and then re-analyses for the next potential additional change. Margin analysis is an important component in modelling how producers make decisions to maximize profits and how consumers make decisions to maximize utility. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the different aspects of marginal analysis and how it may be applied in management accounting, therefore it encompasses a lot of aspects from how to evaluate actual opportunity costs to profit maximization and how these aspects can be applied in decision making, consequently this research will try to determine and infer whether the concept can be reliably applied in real life scenarios and be able to produce reliable results which can benefit firms to reduce costs and maximize their profits.