bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DATA TRANSMISSION METHOD BASED ON MULTIPLEXING AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT CHANGE OF NODES RATIO IN MANET NETWORKS
Authors: Oleshchenko Liubov M. , Movchan Kostiantyn O. , Petrus Vladislav I.
Published: October 2021

Background. The task of building a network with a continuous mode of data transmission for mobile nodes is to build a wireless network and maintain a state of loss of the minimum number of packets during the exchange of information. One of the main problems of MANET (Mobile Ad hoc Networks) network management is their dynamics and the fact that mobile devices are limited in their computing capabilities. There is a problem of traffic routing within MANET networks and the internal hierarchy of transmitters involved in the system. These networks also have problems with bandwidth optimization and power management. Lack of fixed topology introduces new scientific problems, such as network configuration, device search and topology support, as well as special addressing and self-destruction of the network. This task is relevant for data transmission between mobile devices in terms of reconnaissance operations.
Objective. The goal of the article is the research of reducing packet delays in nodes during dynamic routing, reducing service traffic and software optimization of data transmission in MANET relative to existing methods.
Methods. To achieve this goal, we use computer simulation, statistical and empirical methods. Based on the optimization of dynamic routing using the Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector algorithm, four main indicators are identified: speed of path establishment, message delay in one node, occurrence of loops, the amount of service traffic. To test the proposed method, a graph of twelve vertices simulating a wireless peer-to-peer MANET network is simulated. Testing is performed in more than a hundred iterations. At each iteration, the vertices of the network graph are randomly selected and the data transfer between each vertex of the graph is modeled.
Results. The use of the created software provides the analysis of the indicators of the quality of continuous data transmission and network routing by the proposed method. The proposed method shows reducing the amount of office traffic by 15 % and the best results by 5–10 % reduction of delay time within the node and when processing messages.
Conclusions. A method is proposed to reduce the delay time within a node that changes its position when processing a message, to reduce the amount of service traffic when transmitting data between nodes in the MANET network. Computer simulation is used to study the proposed method.
Metrological support of phthalate content measurements: reference material for the composition of a solution of six priority phthalates in methanol
Authors: Krylov A. I. , Mikheeva A. Y. , Budko A. G. , Tkachenko I. Yu.
Published: October 2021

The article provides information on the development of a new reference material (RM) for the composition of a solution of six priority phthalates (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, di(n-butyl) phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di(n-octyl) phthalate) in methanol provided with metrological traceability to GET 208-2019 (GET 208). The procedure for the preparation and certification of RMs is shown, including the estimation of homogeneity and stability. Pure organic substances (phthalates) characterized on GET 208 were used as the starting material for the RM. The RM material was prepared by weight and volume-weight methods. The stability study of the RM was carried out by the isochronous procedure. The RM certified values are the mass fraction and mass concentration of individual phthalates in the solution. When calculating the uncertainty budget for RM certified values, contributions from the purity of the starting materials, RM preparation procedures, heterogeneity, and long-term instability were taken into account. The relative expanded uncertainty of the certified values does not exceed 2 %. As a result, a certified reference material (CRM) was developed and approvedfor the composition of a solution of ortho-phthalic acid esters (phthalates) in methanol GSO 11366-2019. The practical significance of the application of GSO 11366-2019 is to ensure the metrological traceability of RM to the corresponding SI units reproduced on GET 208. The developed CRM can be applied in resolving any measuring tasks and performing a full range of metrological works.
Tandem repeats structure of gel-forming mucin domains could be revealed by SMRT sequencing data
Authors: Lang Tiange
Published: October 2021

Mucins are large glycoproteins that cover and protect epithelial surface of the body. Gel-forming mucin domains of mucin genes are rich in proline, threonine, and serine that are heavily glycosylate. These domains show great complexity with tandem repeats (TRs), thus make it difficult to study the sequences. With the coming of single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technologies, we manage to present sequence structure of mucin domains via SMRT long reads for gel-forming mucins MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC6. Our study shows that for different individuals, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be found in mucin domains of MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC6, while different number of tandem repeats could be found in mucin domains of MUC2 and MUC6. Furthermore, we get the sequence of MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B mucin domain in a Chinese individual at accuracy of possibly maximum 99.98%, 99.93%, and 99.76%, respectively. We report a new method to obtain DNA sequence of gel-forming mucin domains. This method will provided new insights on getting the sequence for Tandem Repeat parts which locate in coding region. With the sequences we obtained with this method, we can give more information for people to study the sequences of gel-forming mucin domains.
Levels, daily exposures, and health risk assessment of pesticides and metals in fruits of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji berries) sourced from different locations in Ningxia, China
Authors: Zhang Yahong , Qin Jiaqi , Wang Yan , Zhou Tongning , Feng Ningchuan , Ma Caihong , Zhu Meilin
Published: October 2021

Background

The berries of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji) are widely used as a Chinese traditional herbal medicine and functional food because of their reported beneficial pharmacological effects. However, there are reports of Goji berries being contaminated by chemical residues that could pose a hazard to humans.
Methods

In this study, samples of L. barbarum L. berries were collected from plantations in a genuine production area and supermarkets in Ningxia, China. The major hazardous chemicals, including pesticides (dichlorvos, omethoate, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, malathion, and deltamethrin) and metals (lead, cadmium, copper, nickel, zinc, and arsenic), were quantified by gas chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. In addition, associated daily exposures and health risks were determined using deterministic and probabilistic assessments.
Results

The levels of five pesticides from the plantation samples were considerably lower than the maximum residue limits; only dichlorvos was detected in the supermarket samples, and deltamethrin was not detected in any samples. Copper, zinc, arsenic, lead, nickel and cadmium were detected in samples from both sources. The hazard quotient values of individual hazardous chemicals and the hazard index of combined hazardous chemicals were considerably less than 1, indicating the absence of a non-carcinogenic effect of hazardous chemical exposures through Goji berry consumption. The R value of arsenic was much less than 10− 6, which shows that consumption of the Goji berries had no obvious carcinogenic risks.
Conclusions

The potentially harmful effects of the L. barbarum L. are more likely from berries obtained from plantations than those from supermarkets, and metal exposure is more dangerous than pesticide exposure. However, on the basis of our analysis, no population would be exposed hazardous chemicals exceeding existing standards, and the factors most affecting the health risk were exposure frequency and arsenic content.
A Randomised Trial: BIS-Guided Anesthesia Decreases The Incidence of Delayed Neurocognitive Recovery And Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorder But Not Postoperative Delirium
Authors: Chen Xingqu , Li Linji , Yang Li , Li Aijiao , Wu Miao , Yu Deshui
Published: October 2021

Background. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) renamed of delayed neurocognitive recovery (up to 30 days) and postoperative neurocognitive disorder (up to 12 months), is a frequent complication of the neurological system associated with poor outcome. This randomised controlled trial was aimed to determine whether bispectral (BIS) monitoring has a correlation with delayed neurocognitive recovery, postoperative neurocognitive disorder, or postoperative delirium (POD). Methods.100 patients were assigned to the BIS group and 97 patients were assigned to the control group in the study. The BIS index was kept in 40-60 in the BIS group, and the depth of anesthesia in the control group was maintained according to anesthetists’ clinical experiences. The cognitive function was evaluated from the first day to the seventh day after the operation and the time of discharge, 1 month, 6th month and 1 year after the operation.Results. The incidence of delayed neurocognitive recovery (3% vs 21.6%, P＜0.001, at 7th day) (1% vs 21.1%, P＜0.001, at 1 month) and postoperative neurocognitive disorder (6.2% vs 21.3%, P=0.002, at 6th month) (4.4% vs 16.3% ,P=0.009, at 1 year) are lower in BIS group. While there is no significant difference between two group in POD (12% vs 19.6%, P=0.144). The average value of intraoperative BIS were lower in BIS group (43.75 vs 50.69,P＜0.001). The postoperative hospitalisation time （9.99 vs 12.41, P＜0.001) and the mortality (5.4% vs 14.4%, P=0.042) was significantly decreased while the satisfaction is higher in BIS group (39% vs 24.7%, P=0.009). Conclusions. Using BIS can decrease delayed neurocognitive recovery and postoperative neurocognitive disorder, while it is not associated with POD. BIS-monitoring can validly lessen the postoperative hospitalisation and mortality, and increase the satisfaction of patients.Clinical trial registration. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000032463.http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=33065
On The Effect of Preprocessing Techniques For Evapotranspiration Estimation Using Soft Computing Methods
Authors: Amir-Ashayeri Amin , Behmanesh Javad , Verdinezhad Vahid Reza , Attar Nasrin Fathollahzadeh
Published: October 2021

Implementing a reliable computational model for predicting the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) process is essential for several agricultural and hydrological applications, especially for the rural water resource systems, water use allocations, utilization and demand assessments, and the management of irrigation systems. In this research, two artificial intelligence (AI) models, artificial neural network (ANN) and model tree (MT), were investigated for modelling ET0. To validate model performance, five climatic stations such as Urmia, Mahabad, Takab, Khoy, and sardasht in West Azerbaijan Province of Iran. In the next step and to improve the model's accuracy, a novel preprocessing algorithm, ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), was coupled with those AI models to remove the trends or noise in the time series dataset. The extracted results indicated that the EEMD-MT model for all five stations outperformed other standalone and hybrid models.
Ferroptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNA Signature Predicts the Prognosis of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Hou Jian , Lu Zhenquan , Cheng Xiaobao , Dong Runan , Jiang Yi , wu guoqing , Qu GenYi , Xu Yong
Published: October 2021

Background: Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death modality that may have a tumor suppressor function. Therefore, regulating ferroptosis in tumor cells could serve as a novel therapeutic approach. This article focuses on ferroptosis-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their potential application as a prognostic model for bladder cancer (BCa). Methods: We retrieved bladder cancer-related transcriptome information and clinical information from the TCGA database and ferroptosis-related gene sets from the FerrDb database. Minimum absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and Cox regression models were used to identify and develop predictive models and validate the models' accuracy. Finally, we explore the inter-regulatory relationships between ferroptosis-related genes and immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and m6A methylation genes. Results: Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed 11 differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with poor BCa prognosis. This signature (AUC = 0.720) could potentially be utilized to predict BCa prognosis. Our risk assessment model outperformed traditional clinicopathological features in predicting BCa prognosis. Additionally, GSEA revealed immune and tumor-related pathways in individuals in the low-risk group. TCGA showed that the p53 signaling pathway，ferroptosis，Kaposi sarcoma−associated herpesvirus infection，IL−17 signaling pathway，MicroRNAs in cancer，TNF signaling pathway，PI3K−Akt signaling pathway and HIF−1 signaling pathway were significantly different from those in the high-risk group. Immune checkpoints, such as PDCD-1 (PD-1), CTLA4, and LAG3, were also differentially expressed between the two risk groups. m6A methylation-related genes were likewise significantly differentially expressed between the two risk groups.Conclusion: A new ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs signature on the prognosis of BCa patients will provide new ideas for the treatment and management of BCa patients.
Removal of mechanical ventilation during veno-venous ECMO may improve outcome of patients with acute respiratory failure due to adult community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Li Lu-Lu , Song Cong-Ying , Shao Mei , Shang An-Dong , Meng Lin-Lin , Lu Yuan-Qiang
Published: October 2021

Background

As a life-saving therapy for patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF)Mechanical ventilation has catalyzed the development of modern emergency medicine and intensive care units.Another way to support respiratory or cardiac functions is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).Based on previous studies, the increased pre-ECMO time of mechanical ventilation is a significant independent predictor of the poorer outcome. Removal or maintaining of mechanical ventilation during ECMO is still debatable.
Methods

We analyzed the clinical data of 23 patients veno-venous ECMO therapy with acute respiratory failure due to adult community-acquired pneumonia.They were divided into two groups: group A (removed of mechanical ventilation, n = 10) and group B ( maintaining of mechanical ventilation,n = 13).Demographic data, including gender, age, smoking habits were collected. General characteristics and Clinical characteristics of patients were also recorded, in order to discuss whether the retention or removal of trachea cannula and continued mechanical ventilation during ECMO can affect patients’ prognosis.
Results

After analysis, patients in the Group B were older than the Group A (61.0 y [54.5–67.5] vs 39.0 y [24.0-61.8], P = 0.021). The median APACHE Ⅱ score of 23 patients before ECMO therapy was 25.0 (IQR, 21.0–28.0), and the Group A had a lower initial APACHE Ⅱ score than the Group B (21.5 [20.8–24.3] vs 28.0 [24.0–29.0], P = 0.005).The group A with a survival rate of 80%, and the group B presenting a survival rate of 23.1%.The difference in the survival rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.012).No differences in other items were found between the two groups.
Conclusions

The final results showed that the removing of mechanical ventilation during ECMO can improve the survival rate and prognosis in patients with ARF.
In-situ-grown silver–polymer framework with coordination complexes for functional artificial tissues
Authors: Tan Swee Ching , Zhang Songlin , Deng Yibing , Libanori Alberto , Zhou Yihao , Yang Jiachen , Tat Trinny , Yang Lin , Sun Wanxin , Zheng Peng , Zhu Youliang , Chen Jun
Published: October 2021

Sensorized actuators are critical to imitate proprio-/exteroception properties of biological neuromuscular systems. Existing add-on approaches, which physically blend heterogeneous sensor/actuator components, fall short of yielding satisfactory solutions, considering their suboptimal interfaces, poor adhesion, and electronic/mechanical property mismatch. Here, we report a single homogeneous material comprising seamless sensing-actuation unification properties at nano-/molecule levels, in which built-in sensing functions originate from the actuator architecture itself. In-situ-grown silver nanoparticles and metal-ligand complexes cooperatively create a silver–polymer framework (SPF) that is stretchable (1200%), conductive (0.076 S/m), and strong (0.76 MPa in-strength). SPF displays concomitant multimodal sensing (mechanical and thermal cues) and sensorized actuation capabilities, which include proprio-deformation and external stimuli perceptions (simultaneous with load-lifting ability up to 3700× of own weight). In view of its human somatosensitive muscular systems imitative functionality, the reported SPFs bode well for use with next generation functional tissues including artificial skins, human-machine interfaces, self-sensing robots, and otherwise dynamic materials.
Real Life Evaluation of the Multi-organ Effects of Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor on F508del Homozygous Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Yaacoby-Bianu Karin , Schnapp Zeev , Koren Ilana , Ilivitzki Anat , Khatib Mohamed , Shorbaji Nadeem , Shteinberg Michal , Livnat Galit
Published: October 2021

Background: Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor (LUM-IVA), a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein corrector-potentiator combination, improves lung function and reduces pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in F508del homozygous CF patients. However, the systemic effects of LUM-IVA outside the respiratory and nutritional domains have not yet been thoroughly investigated.Methods: A prospective, real-world, one-year study was performed on F508del homozygous adult CF patients who commenced treatment with LUM-IVA. Pancreatic function, bone metabolism, fertility status, nutritional and pulmonary factors were evaluated. Results: 12 patients with a mean age of 28.3 years (18.6-43.9) were recruited. Following 12 months of treatment, no changes were detected in glucose, insulin, c-peptide or BMI values. A significant relative decrease in mean alkaline-phosphatase levels (122.8 U/L vs 108, p=0.008) and a trend toward an increase in calcium levels (9.5 vs 9.8 mg/dL, p=0.0681) were observed. A non-significant improvement in mean DEXA spine t-score after a year of treatment (-2.1 vs -1.6, n=4, p=0.12) was detected. Sweat chloride concentrations decreased significantly after treatment (-21.4 mEq/L; p=0.003). Pulmonary outcome evaluations revealed improvement in spirometry values during the first three months (FEV1 by 5.7% p=0.019, FEF25-75 by 4.3% p=0.035) with no change in chest CT Bhalla score and CFQR after one year. There was also a shift from IV to oral antibiotics for PEx treatment.Conclusions: After a year of treatment, a stabilization was observed in the pancreatic indices, nutritional status, structure and function of the lungs, with a beneficial effect on bone mineral metabolism and CFTR function. Additional studies should investigate the effect of CFTR modulators on extra-pulmonary manifestations.The ClinicalTrials.gov registration number of the study is NCT04623879, registered on 10/11/2020, “retrospectively registered”.
The Effect of Auriculotherapy on Pulmonary Findings and Sleep Quality in Patients with Covid 19
Authors: Mohammadi Maryam , AkhoundiMeybodi Zohreh , Valiani Mahboubeh , Sharifyazdi Mohammad , Asadi Leila , Tarrahi Mohammad Javad , Khani MohammadBagher , mehrjardi Mohammad hosien zare , Khani Alireza
Published: October 2021

Background: Auriculotherapy is a sub-branch of acupuncture and is an effective method in acute and chronic diseases. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Auriculotherapy on pulmonary findings and sleep quality in patients with Covid 19.Methods: The present study is a clinical trial study in which 70 hospitalized patients with Covid 19 with pulmonary findings and low sleep quality were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Auriculotherapy was performed with electrical stimulation in one session and then Vakaria seed was placed in acupressure points and stimulated for one week (8 times a day for one minute each time). Data collection tools were checklist of pulmonary findings, Pittsburgh questionnaires and demographic characteristics.Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the mean SPO2 score in the two groups before and after the intervention (P = 0.09). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean score of dyspnea (P = 0.003), cough (P <0.008) and overall score of sleep quality in the two groups before and after the intervention (P <0.001).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Auriculotherapy is effective on pulmonary improvements and sleep quality in patients with Covid 19.Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT20180608040007N2. Registered 13 June 2020, https://en.irct.ir/trial/48218.
Silicon Improves Ion Homeostasis and Growth of Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Fisch. and Glycyrrhiza Inflata Bat.) Under Salt Stress by Reducing Plant Na+ Uptake
Authors: Shen Zihui , Pu Xiaozhen , Wang Shaoming , Dong Xiuxiu , Cheng Xiaojiao , Cheng Moxiang
Published: October 2021

Silicon effectively alleviates the damage caused by salt stress in plants and can improve plant salt tolerance. However, the details of the mechanism by which silicon improves salt tolerance of liquorice are limited, and the effects of foliar application of silicon on different liquorice species under salt stress are not known. Here, the effects of foliar spray of silicon on the growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and ion balance of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. and Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat. were investigated. High salt stress resulted in the accumulation of a large amount of Na+, decreased photosynthetic pigment content, perturbed ion homeostasis, and eventually inhibited the both liquorice species growth. These effects were more pronounced in G. uralensis, as G. inflata is more salt tolerant than G. uralensis. Foliar spraying of silicon effectively reduced the decomposition of photosynthetic pigments, improved gas exchange parameters, and promoted photosynthesis. It also effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage and enhanced osmotic adjustment of plants. Further, silicon application increased the K+ concentration, reduced Na+ absorption, transport and accumulation in the plants. The protective effects of silicon were more pronounced in G. uralensis than those in G. inflata. In conclusion, silicon reduces Na+ absorption, improves ion balance, and alleviates the negative effects of salt stress in the two liquorice species studied, but the effect is liquorice species-dependent. These findings may inform novel strategies for protecting liquorice plants against salt stress and also provide a theoretical basis for the evaluation of salt tolerance and the scientific cultivation of liquorice.
Bisphosphonates prevents the bone mineral loss in lymphoma patients treated with glucocorticoids: a prospective, randomized controlled phase 3 trial in China
Authors: Yang Chunli , Fu Chunxi , Weng Huawei , Zou Liqun
Published: October 2021

Background

Glucocorticoids-containing regimens are the standard first line treatment for most lymphoma patients, however, as the improvement of overall survival in these cases, glucocorticoids related osteopenia or osteoporosis attracted attention in clinical administration. We aim to investigate the efficacy of bisphosphonates in prevention bone mineral loss in glucocorticoids-treated lymphoma patients.
Methods

This is a prospective, randomized controlled phase 3 trial. Eligible lymphoma adults from China with first line glucocorticoids involved treatment, were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either Zoledronic acid (ZA) for twice infusion or not. All patients received daily oral calcium and vitamin D3 for one year. The primary endpoint, alternations of bone mineral loss from enrollment to the twelfth month at the lumbar spine (L1-L4), left hip and left femoral neck, measured by the dual-energy, x-ray absorptiometry scanners, recorded as T score; and new bone fractures during the first year, were analyzed by intent-to-treat. This trial was registered with www.Chictr.org, number ChiCTR-INR-17010771.
Results

Between May, 2016 to July, 2019, 84 patients were randomly assigned to both Zoledronic acid and control groups, 29 patients completed the study and were on follow-up. We found a marked improvement of T score in ZA group compared with the control in a year at lumbar spine, T score changes of L1-4 in ZA group and control group were as following: L1, 0.14±0.61 vs. -0.33±0.40, p=0.009; L2, 0.28±0.41 vs. -0.35±0.54, p=0.003; L3, 0.23±0.42 vs. -0.23±0.66, p=0.020; L4, 0.28±0.44 vs. -0.35±0.54, p=0.020. Meanwhile, no severe adverse event was observed on both groups.
Conclusions

Glucocorticoids-treatment lymphoma patients that prophylactic ZA infusion could relieve BMD loss to prevent osteoporosis without increasing severe adverse effects in Chinese population, providing reference for clinicians to consider ZA application in this situation.
Role of Integrated Information Technology for Responses to Violence Against Women and Children During Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Zeinab , Maserat Elham
Published: October 2021

Background: The restriction and quarantine due to Covid-19 has led to unprecedented disruptions in the lives of women and children. Due to the increase in violence against women and children, the using of e-health has been considered to provide supportive care in this area. The purpose of this paper is developing comprehensive evidence-based framework of e-health intervention to response women and child violence.Methods: The methodology of this study was based on a two-stage which included literature review at the beginning. In first step a comprehensive review performed for extracting studies that survey the effectiveness of information technology in managing violence against women and child. Researches extracted appropriate articles and summarized important component. The review steps included set questions, search strategy and inclusion/exclusion criteria. The framework was defined based on the literature review and social-ecological model (SEM).Result: The finalized framework for application IT-based interventions in the management of violence against women and children presented in 4 dimension including individual, relationship, community and societal. The first and second levels of this model include 4 dimensions of SEM and 6 types of violence. The third level includes suggestions for managing violence and the fourth level includes IT-based interventions. Surveillance system and information resource system can be used for monitoringConclusion: During Covid-19, domestic violence and economic pressures increased, and vulnerable women and children were at greater risk. It is critical to identify people at risk, to follow and monitor them, to raise the awareness and knowledge of these people, and to empower and provide psychosocial support to these people during this period. In this study, a comprehensive review of IT-based interventions was presented and finally an international framework in this field was described.
Predictive Value of Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Yu Yue , Wang Suyu , Wang Pei , Xu Qiumeng , Zhang Yufeng , Xiao Jian , Xue Xiaofei , Yang Qian , Xi Wang , Wang Junnan , Huang Renhong , Liu Meiyun , Wang Zhinong
Published: October 2021

Background

Inflammation plays a key role in the initiation and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) has been proved to be a reliable predictor of many inflammation-associated diseases, but little data are available on the relationship between LMR and AF. The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of LMR in predicting all-cause mortality among AF patients.
Methods

Data of patients diagnosed with AF were retrieved from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III (MIMIC-III) database. X-tile analysis was used to calculate the optimal cutoff value for LMR. The Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to assess the association of LMR and 28-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality. Additionally, a propensity score matching (PSM) method was performed to minimize the impact of potential confounders.
Results

A total of 3,567 patients hospitalized with AF were enrolled in this study. The X-tile software indicated that the optimal cutoff value of LMR was 2.67. A total of 1,127 pairs were generated and all the covariates were well balanced after PSM. The Cox proportional-hazards model showed that patients with the low LMR (≤ 2.67) had a higher 1-year all-cause mortality than those with the high LMR (> 2.67) in the study cohort before PSM (HR = 1.640, 95% CI: 1.437–1.872, P < 0.001) and after PSM (HR = 1.279, 95% CI: 1.094–1.495, P = 0.002). The multivariable Cox regression analysis for 28-day and 90-day mortality yielded similar results.
Conclusions

The lower LMR (≤ 2.67) was associated with a higher risk of 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year all-cause mortality, which might serve as an independent prognostic predictor in AF patients.
Impact of the Specific Activity and PSMA Expression Level on 18F-AlF-PSMA-11 Uptake in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Piron Sarah , Verhoeven Jeroen , De Coster Emma , Descamps Benedicte , Kersemans Ken , Pieters Leen , Vral Anne , Vanhove Christian , De Vos Filip
Published: October 2021

This two-part preclinical study aims to evaluate prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as a valuable target for expression-based imaging applications and to determine changes in target binding in function of varying specific activities (SA) of 18F-AlF-PSMA-11. For the evaluation of PSMA expression levels, male NOD/SCID mice bearing prostate cancer (PCa) xenografts of C4-2 (PSMA+++), 22Rv1 (PSMA+) and PC-3 (PSMA-) were administered 18F-AlF-PSMA-11 with a medium SA (20.26 ± 3.25 MBq/µg). SUVmean and SUVmax values were respectively 3.22 and 3.17 times higher for the high vs low PSMA expressing tumors (p < 0.0001). To evaluate the effect of varying SA, C4-2 and 22Rv1 xenograft bearing mice underwent additional 18F-AlF-PSMA-11 imaging with a high (213.3 ± 39.3 MBq/µg) and/or low SA (1.94 ± 0.27 MBq/µg). SUV values showed a significantly increasing trend with higher SA. Significant changes were found for SUVmean and SUVmax between the high vs low SA and medium vs low SA (both p < 0.05), but not between the high vs medium SA (p = 0.055 and 0.25, respectively). The effect of varying SA was more pronounced in low expressing tumors and PSMA expressing tissues (e.g. salivary glands and kidneys). Overall, administration of a high SA increases the detection of low expression tumors while also increasing uptake in PSMA expressing tissues, possibly leading to false positive findings. In radioligand therapy, a medium SA could reduce radiation exposure to dose-limiting organs with only limited effect on radionuclide accumulation in the tumor.
Rational Designed Rapid Liver Clearance Rare-earth Core-shell Nanoprobe for Dual-Modal Breast Cancer Imaging in the Second Near-Infrared Window
Authors: Wei Zhuxin , Duan Guangxin , Huang Baoxing , Qiu Shanshan , Zhou Dandan , Zeng Jianfeng , Cui Jiabin , Hu Chunhong , Wang Ximing , Wen Ling , Gao Mingyuan
Published: October 2021

BackgroundFluorescence imaging as the beacon for optical navigation has wildly developed in preclinical studies due to its prominent advantages, including noninvasiveness and superior temporal resolution. However, the traditional optical methods based on ultraviolet (UV, 200-400 nm) and visible light (Vis, 400-650 nm) limited by their low penetration, signal-to-noise ratio, and high background auto-fluorescence interference. Therefore, the development of near-infrared-II (NIR-II 1000-1700 nm) nanoprobe attracted significant attentions toward in vivo imaging. Regrettably, most of the NIR-II fluorescence probes, especially for inorganic NPs, were hardly excreted from the reticuloendothelial system (RES), yielding the anonymous long-term circulatory safety issue. ResultsHere, we develop a facile strategy for the fabrication of Nd3+-doped rare-earth core-shell nanoparticles (Nd-RENPs), NaGdF4:5%Nd@NaLuF4, with strong emission in the NIR-II window. What’s more, the Nd-RENPs could be quickly eliminated from the hepatobiliary pathway, reducing the potential risk with the long-term retention in the RES. Further, the Nd-RENPs are successfully utilized for NIR-II in vivo imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, enabling the precise detection of breast cancer. ConclusionsThe rational designed Nd-RENPs nanoprobes manifest rapid-clearance property revealing the potential application toward the noninvasive preoperative imaging of tumor lesions and real-time intra-operative supervision.
Exploring the mechanisms of Drynariae Rhizoma on treating memory impairment through network pharmacology
Authors: Liu Wangmi , Wu Jiayan
Published: October 2021

Background

Memory impairment continues to be a major health problem and increases with age, especially in the elderly population worldwide. However, a causal mechanism has not been clearly identified. Currently, an interaction between bone and brain, the so-called “bone-brain crosstalk,” has emerged. We used a network pharmacology approach to explore the potential mechanisms of Drynariae Rhizoma (DR), a traditional Chinese medicine for fracture treatment, for therapeutic intervention of human conditions associated with memory impairment.
Methods

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform was used to screen out the active compounds of DR, and the targets of the active compounds were predicted using PharmMapper. Targets related to memory impairment were downloaded from the DisGeNET database. The compound-target network and protein-protein interaction network were built by NetworkAnalyst and Cytoscape software. Gene ontology analysis and Reactome pathway enrichment analysis were performed using NetworkAnalyst. SYBYL-X software was used to perform molecular docking simulation.
Results

Our study demonstrated that DR had 7 active compounds. There were 60 target genes related to these active compounds as well as to memory impairment. Signalling by nerve growth factor was among the top 3 enriched Reactome terms. Akt1 was an important signalling hub gene belonging to signalling by nerve growth factor pathway. Molecular docking results showed that the one of the active compounds, xanthogalenol, exhibited acceptable affinities to Akt1.
Conclusion

This study demonstrated the molecular mechanism that DR may alleviate memory impairment via regulation of Akt1 and signalling by nerve growth factor pathway. These results offer new ideas in searching for novel strategies for the treatment of memory impairment.
Chronic Xiao-chai-hu Decoction Therapy Slows the Progression of Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure via Prokinetic Effects on Gastrointestinal Motility
Authors: Ye Feng , Zhang Jian , Wang Yi-long , Lin Shu-mei , Zhang Xi , Liu Xiao-jing , Li Jian-zhou , liu yi
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAcute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has a high risk of mortality in liver diseases without effective treatment. Xiao Chai Hu decoction (XCHD) is a traditional herbal formula, widely administered for liver disease, including anti-hepatic fibrosis and anti-inflammatory. MethodsTo investigate whether XCHD prevents the progression of ACLF and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats with compound factors were randomly divided into model control group with 30 rats and four treatment groups with 20 rats in each group: Polyene phosphatidylcholine (100 mg/kg; PP) group; high dose (44.5 g/kg; HXCHD), middle dose (26.5 g/kg; MXCHD), and low dose (8.5 g/kg; LXCHD). Firstly, liver disease progression after XCHD treatment was measured by detecting: 1) the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), and albumin, prothrombin time (PT); 2) the survival rate and rat-adapted model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score; 3) the hepatic hyperplastic collagen fibers with Masson’s trichrome staining; 4) the serum level of TNF-α and endotoxin induced hepatocyte apoptosis expression; 5) the ileum slow waves, gastric emptying, and small intestinal transit after XCHD treatment. ResultsThe XCHD groups showed improved serum biochemical hepatic parameters, histological liver changes, and survival rate. In addition, the XCHD treatment decreased the serum level of TNF-α and endotoxin and reduced hepatocyte apoptosis. XCHD decreased the normal percentage ileum slow waves, prolonged gastric emptying, and increased the small intestinal transit of ACLF. ConclusionsXCHD prevented the progression of ACLF partially via the prokinetic effects on gastrointestinal motility to reduce TNF-α, endotoxin, and hepatocyte apoptosis.
High Temperature-induced Spindle Destabilization Results in Aborted Pollen Production in Populus
Authors: Li Zhiqun , Zhao Yifan , Cheng Xuetong , Kong Bo , Sang Yaru , Zhou Qing , Wu Jian , Zhang Pingdong
Published: October 2021

High temperature can induce the production of 2n gametes and aborted pollen during microsporogenesis in Populus canescens. However, the mechanism by which high temperature induces pollen abortion remains unknown. Here, pollen abortion was induced by exposing male flower buds of P. canescens to 38 and 41 °C; pollen morphology, meiotic abnormalities, defects of the meiotic microtubular cytoskeleton, and tapetum development were characterized, and expression analysis of the Actin gene was conducted. We found that the dominant meiotic stage, temperature, and duration of treatment significantly affected the percentage of high temperature-induced aborted pollen. Damaged spindle microtubules and depolymerized microtubular cytoskeletons were observed, which resulted in many lagging chromosomes at anaphase Ⅰ and Ⅱ, as well as aneuploid male gametes and micronuclei, generating aborted pollen grains. Tapetum disintegration was also delayed. However, the anther dehisced normally, and some viable pollen grains were released, suggesting that the delayed degradation of the tapetum was not responsible for pollen abortion. A significant reduction in PtActin gene expression was detected in treated cells, indicating that spindle actin was disrupted. The spindle actin appeared to protect cells against chromosome segregation errors during meiosis.
Application of Artificial Dermal Graft Combined with Fascia Sleeve Flap in the Treatment of Chronic Bone and Steel Plate Exposed Wounds of Lower Extremities
Authors: Li Yong , Zhang Zhi-bo , Liu Ji-song , Wu Zhu-min , Sun Xin-cheng , Zhao Yu-tin , Zhang Xiang-zhou
Published: October 2021

Background:Bone tendon or graft exposure such as steel plate is common after severe trauma of lower extremity.The traditional repair method is to use a variety of skin flaps to cover the exposure, but the wound can not heal after operation, or the wound dehiscence, ulcer, sinus, etc. occur again after short healing, and the bone plate is exposed again.The reason for this result is that the space around the bone plate is not well closed when the flap is covered，dead space is formed, blood and exudate accumulate, hematoma forms or infection occurs, and finally the wound breaks.Also due to swelling and contracture after flap operation,the tension of the suture between the flap and the receiving area is too large and becomes thin and cracked, forming an exposed state.In order to solve the above problems, we have carried out the research on "Application of artificial gradient combined with fascia sleep flap in the treatment of chronic bone and steel plate exposed woods of lower extremes".Methods:In this paper, 11 cases of chronic wounds with bone exposure and skin necrosis after steel plate implantation were selected. First stage is the wound bed preparation including primary wound expansion,removal of necrotic tissue and incision of sinus wall, removal of deep necrotic bone and fibrotic scarred skin on the outer wall of steel plate to normal tissue on the outer edge of the wound, removal of precipitated peptone and purulent fur in the hole, periphery and bone space of the steel plate, and removal of tendon tissue with basal necrosis and disintegration of the wound. After vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) 1~2 weeks, the peritraumatic basal granulation tissue grew well and there was no necrotic tissue in the wound. In the second stage, the exposed bone was covered with artificial dermis, the steel plate hole or the periphery and the basal space were filled, and the exposed steel plate was completely embedded, and then the fascia sleeve flap was transplanted to cover the wound. The sural neurovascular flap was performed in 6 cases and the lateral superior malleolar artery perforator flap in 1 case. Results:The flap survived well in all 11 cases. During the follow-up of 6 months to the removal of the plate, there was no case of rupture, exposure and sinus formation.Conclusions:Artificial dermal covering combined with fascial sleeve flap transplantation can effectively avoid wound dehiscence or sinus formation caused by foreign body retention, infection and flap contracture,It has good effect in repairing chronic wounds with bone plate exposure after severe trauma of lower limbs,.
Seasonal Drought Induces Hydraulic Dysfunction, Not Carbohydrate Depletion, for Robinia Pseudoacacia in a Semi-humid Forest
Authors: Zhang Qingyin , Jia Xiaoxu , Shao Mingan
Published: October 2021

BackgroundShifts in rainfall patterns that are associated with climate change are likely to cause widespread forest decline in regions where droughts are predicted to increase in duration and severity. However, causes of forest decline and their physiological mechanisms remain unclear, particularly the roles of carbon metabolism and xylem function. To explore the response of hydraulic architecture and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) traits under seasonal drought, we conducted a manipulation experiment in a Robinia pseudoacacia plantation in 2015 and 2016 in Loess Plateau of China. Sap-flow, leaf area index, water potential, non-structural carbohydrate concentrations, and hydraulics in different organs were measured. ResultsThe mean pre-dawn and midday leaf water potential after two growing seasons of drought stress was significantly lower (-2.2 MPa and -2.7 MPa, respectively) than those of control trees (-1.5 MPa and -2.0 MPa, respectively). Drought stress accelerated the loss of conductivity, and promoted the formation of narrow hydraulic safety margins, which indicated that hydraulic failure could be a good predictor of “physiological drought” in trees when subjected to two growing seasons of drought. Both sugar and starch concentrations in stems and roots were similar in all trees throughout the drought period, which indicated that trees maintained good coordination between carbon supply and demand when confronted with two growing seasons of drought.ConclusionsOur results emphasized that hydraulic failure plays the predominant role in causing tree death during highly intense drought, while whether "carbon starvation" occurs during tree mortality remains to be tested in longer (multi-year) but less intense drought.
Bioconversion of Cattle Manure by Hermetia Illucens Larvae: Mineral Content Changes in Manure and Larval Biomass.
Authors: Sanchez-Matos Joan , de Aráujo Lara Pinto , Silva Vinnícius Henrique Cerqueira da , Lôbo Ivon Pinheiro , de Jesus Raildo Mota , Neto Jose Adolfo de Almeida
Published: October 2021

Bioconversion by Hermetia illucens larvae is a novel technology for organic waste treatment and valorization. However, since the possible uses of products from this process are in agriculture and livestock, the bioconversion must guarantee the mineral quality of both the Hermetia illucens larvae frass and larval biomass. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the mineral content changes for both the larval biomass and larvae frass of Hermetia illucens after the manure bioconversion to determine their suitability as animal feed and organic fertilizer, respectively. Hermetia illucens larvae were put into a plastic box containing fresh cattle manure, and the control treatment with the same conditions without larvae was established. After the first pre-pupae were detected, frass and larvae were collected, and their mineral content was analyzed. At the end of the experiment, the larvae showed increases in some micro and macronutrients, especially calcium and manganese, increasing up to 2.6 and 22.6 times the initial concentration, respectively. The toxic elements concentration was increased in larval biomass, but these levels met the international legislation for animal feed. As a result, the mineral content in larval biomass revealed that Hermetia illucens could be potentially used as animal feed, which could be comparable with fish meal, and is probably better than soybean meal. However, the larvae frass could only be used as organic fertilizer in a Canadian context, with further treatment for decreasing the chromium content being necessary.
Critical Care Retrieval in the Middle East: Descriptive Analysis of a Multidisciplinary Adult Critical Care Transfer and Retrieval Service in Qatar
Authors: Howard Ian , Steyn Rohan , George Steven , Thomson Wayne , Abdaljawad Wael , Hassan Ibrahim Fawzy , Castle Nicholas , Shaikh Loua Al , Owen Robert
Published: October 2021

Introduction The regionalisation of critical care resources has led to an increase in the need to transfer patients between facilities. The advent and implementation of critical care transfer and retrieval services have been the bridge to this divide, lying at the confluence of prehospital emergency care, in-hospital emergency medicine, and intensive care. Within the State of Qatar, the concept of critical care transfer and retrieval is a relatively new. Consequently, we conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of all transfer and retrieval activity of a dedicated multidisciplinary transfer and retrieval service to better understand the use of these services in the region. Methods Extracted patient care record data were analysed and described using univariate and multivariate descriptive statistics. A log-binomial regression model with robust variance estimator was used to calculate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios for intubation status and arteriovenous access; and intubation status and medication combination, adjusting for age and gender for each model. Results Amongst the completed cases, the majority were male (60.39%), and within the 40-59 (27.7%) age group. Amongst the cases transferred, those with a primary respiratory pathology were the most common (19.59%), followed by cardiovascular patients (18.5%). Half of all patients had a self-maintained airway (51.6%), followed by a third who had an endotracheal tube in situ (36.74%). Midazolam was the most common hypnotic administered (51.27%), as was Fentanyl (88.02%) amongst the analgesic medications, and Noradrenaline amongst the inotropes (72.77%). Intubated patients had the highest proportion of severe and critical patients; patients transported with a Doctor; patients with multiple routes of arterial and/or venous access; and patients receiving any hypnotic, analgesic or inotrope, or a combination thereof. Conclusion The transfer and retrieval of critical care patients across Qatar is a relatively common occurrence. Variations in patient type and severity and the expectations of the transfer team, are significant. Variation in airway type and ventilation modalities, types and combinations of hypnotic, analgesic and inotropes used, and the multitude of arteriovenous access points observed in this study directly contributed towards the complexity of moving these patients from one facility to another.