bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N6-Methyladenosine-Related lncRNAs As Potential Biomarkers For Predicting The Prognoses And Immune Responses In Patients With Cervical Cancer
Authors: Zhang He , Kong Weimin , Han Chao , Liu Tingting , Li Jing , Song Dan
Published: June 2021

Background: Several recent studies have confirmed to us the epigenetic regulation of the immune response. However, the potential role of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications in cervical cancer and its tumor microenvironment (TME) cell infiltration remains unclear.Results: We evaluated and analyzed m6A modification patterns in 307 cervical cancer samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset based on 13 m6A regulators. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify lncRNAs associated with m6A, followed by univariate Cox regression analysis to screen their prognostic role in cervical cancer patients. We also correlated TME cell infiltration characteristics with modification patterns. We screened six m6A-associated lncRNAs as prognostic lncRNAs and established the prognostic profile of m6A-associated lncRNAs by least absolute shrinkage and choice of operator (LASSO) Cox regression. The corresponding risk scores of patients were derived based on their prognostic features, and the correlation between this feature model and disease prognosis was analyzed. The prognostic model constructed based on the TCGA-CESC (The Cancer Genome Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma) dataset showed strong prognostic power in the stratified analysis and was confirmed as an independent prognostic indicator for predicting overall survival of patients with CESC. Principal component analysis showed that low- and high-risk subgroups had significant m6A status. Enrichment analysis showed that biological processes, pathways, and markers associated with malignancy were more common in the high-risk subgroup. Risk scores were strongly correlated with tumor grade. ECM receptor interaction, pathways in cancer were enriched in cluster 2 while oxidative phosphorylation and other biological processes in cluster 1. The expression of immune checkpoint molecules including PD-1 (programmed death 1) and PD-L1 (programmed death ligand 1) was significantly increased in the high-risk subgroup, suggesting that this prognostic model could be a predictor of immunotherapy.Conclusions: This study reveals that m6A modifications play an integral role in the diversity and complexity of TME formation. Assessing the m6A modification patterns of individual tumors will help improve our understanding of TME infiltration characteristics and thus guide immunotherapy more effectively. We also developed an independent prognostic model based on m6A-associated lncRNA as a predictor of overall survival, which can also be used as a predictor of immunotherapy.
ANFIS Prediction Model for the Mechanical Properties of Soil and Activated Rice Husk Ash Blend for Sustainable Construction
Authors: Onyelowe Kennedy C , Mbadike Elvis M , Onyia Michael E , Alaneme George U , Dimonyeka M. U. , Ikpa Chidozie , Jalal Fazal E , Iqbal Mudassir
Published: June 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Potential of Tomato Pomace Extract as a Multifunction Inhibitor Corrosion of Mild Steel
Authors: Vorobyova Viktoria
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper is to investigate tomato pomace extract (TPE) as multifunctional “green” vapor phase corrosion inhibitor for prevention of the atmospheric corrosion of mild steel and as corrosion inhibitor in neutral media of 0.5 M NaCl solution. The chemical profile of the TPE was analysed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC-DAD-MS). The major volatile constituents identified in tomato pomace extract were alcohols (12.5 %), fatty acids (23.78 %), aldehydes (41.6 %), ketones (8.65 %), and terpenoids (9.11 %). The predominant semi-volatile and high molecular weight chemical components in tomato pomace extract were phenolic acids and flavanols. The corrosion protection properties of the TPE as multifunctional corrosion inhibitor were studied using of accelerated corrosion tests (weight loss method) and electrochemical methods (polarization curves and linear polarization technique (LPR)). The mechanism of steel inhibition by TPE formulations was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations. The analysis confirmed that the growth of inhibitory properties is prolonged and corrosion rate is reduced after 40–48 h of exposure. Quantum-chemical calculations were used to predict the adsorption/inhibition properties of some of the main compounds of the extract.
Application of Microsatellite and Inter Simple Sequence Markers for Certifying Trueness to Type of Grafted Ramets and Clustering of Persian Walnut Varieties
Authors: Nickravesh Masoomeh Hosseini , Vahdati Kourosh , amini fatemeh , Amiri Reza , Woeste Keith
Published: June 2021

The utility of seventeen Microsatellite (SSR) markers and fifteen inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers for the identification of twenty eight ramets of 11 varieties of walnut (Juglans regia) was explored. Thirty nine individual genomes were screened using 61 and 38 scorable fragments from SSR and ISSR markers, respectively. The least polymorphic SSR locus was WGA004 (two alleles) and the most polymorphic (5 alleles) was WGA276. Polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.08 (WGA004) to 0.43 (WGA032) in SSR markers and from 0.11 (AGA (AC)7) to 0.49 (CAC(TGT)5) in ISSR markers, with an average of 0.29 and 0.19, respectively. In most cases, grafted varieties with identical names also had the same microsatellites profile. The principal coordinate analysis and clustering (UPGMA) based on the combined marker set emphasized two failures in grafting or off-types, ramets identified as Serr 4 (S4) and Vina 1 (V1). The presence of two off-type ramets in the walnut research orchard emphasizes the importance of using molecular certification for proving true-to-type of walnut orchards. Using 13 polymorphic SSRs, we tabulated a DNA fingerprint chart of 11 walnut varieties. Except for ‘Chandler’, each cultivar could be distinguished using a combination of only two SSR loci. The 13 SSRs markers evaluated in this study could be used in future to identify clones produced from the varieties.
Evaluating A Semi-Nested PCR to Support Histopathology Reports of Fungal Rhinosinusitis in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Samples.
Authors: Ashraf Mohammad Javad , Kord Mohammad , Morovati Hamid , Ansari Saham , Shekarkhar Golsa , Badali Hamid , Pakshir Kayvan , Shamsizadeh Foroogh , Khademi Bijan , Shishegar Mahmood , Ahmadikia Kazem , Zomorodian Kamiar
Published: June 2021

Background
Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) encompasses a various spectrum of disease, which vary in clinical presentation, histologic features, and biological significance. FRS is commonly classified in two categories, i.e., invasive and non-invasive infection. Histopathology is the “gold standard” diagnostic method, but it is not able to determine the genus and species. Almost more than 50% of the histopathologically proven cases, the culture elicited no reliable results. This study was an attempt to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirmation of pathology reports obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in FRS patients.
Methods
One hundred ten specimens were subjected to DNA extraction and histopathology examination. The amplification of β-globin gene by conventional PCR was used for confirming the quality of extracted DNA. The semi-nested PCR was performed using ITS 1 and ITS4 primers during two steps. In order to identification of causative agents, sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) was performed on PCR products.
Results
Sixty-four out of 110 samples were positive by histopathology evidence, of which 56 samples (87.5%) were positive by PCR and 8 (12.5%) samples were negative. Out of 46 negative samples by histopathological methods, 41 samples (89.1%) were negative in PCR while 5 (10.9%) were positive. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the semi-nested PCR method were reported 87.5%, 89.2%, 92.7%, and 85.2%, respectively. Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus oryzae, Lichtheimia corymbifera and Candida albicans have identified as common fungal species.
Conclusion
Based on staining and direct examination that are time-consuming, applying molecular methods might be an appropriate choice for rapid diagnosis and support the consequences of histopathology examinations. We suggest that fresh biopsy specimens elicit more reliable results in comparison with FFPE samples. It is recommended that semi-nested PCR assays be performed in a single tube, which showed less prone to contamination when compared with assays that were carried out in two stages and in separate tubes.
Trial registration:
Not applicable.
Cadmium and Lead Differentially Affect Growth and Metal Accumulation in Guar (Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba L.) Varieties
Authors: Sanaei Samane , Sadeghinia Majid , Meftahizade Heidar , Ardakani Ahmad Fatahi , Ghorbanpour Mansour
Published: June 2021

Phytoremediation is a strategy to employ plants to recover high quantities of metals in the soil into the harvestable parts, such as shoots and roots. High levels of Cd and lead (Pb) in the soil cause several stress symptoms in plants, including a decrease in growth, reduced root growth, and carbohydrate metabolism. In this study, Saravan and HGS-867 as local landrace and Indian guar variety were selected to investigate the effect of the application of Pb (0, 40, 150, and 200 mg/l) and the cadmium (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/l) on phonological, yield parameters and phytoremediation assessment. The results showed that Pb translocation factor (TF) was significant in Pb×Cd and Pb×Cd×G (genotype) treatments at 1% and in Pb×G at 5%. Pb bioconcentration factor (BCF) was significant in all treatments except Cd and Cd×G at 1%. Mean comparison of the data showed that the number of flowers, leaves, and clusters in plant decreased significantly with increasing Pb content. With increasing Cd concentration, the number of branches, height, the number of seeds, clusters, and leaves for each plant decreased significantly at the level of 1%. The maximum TF was observed in Pb at 40 mg/l in the HG-867 variety. Also, the Saravan landrace in Cd (100 mg/l) showed the highest amount of BCF (Cd). With increasing the concentrations of Pb and Cd, the gum percentage decreased significantly. The results of Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that plant height, number of pods/plant, root length, biomass, and pod length had a positive correlation with seed yield and a negative correlation with TF (Pb) and BCF (Pb). The results suggest that according to TF, BCF, and BAC, C. tetragonoloba L. can be effectively used as a good accumulator.
An Array with Crossed-Dipoles Elements for Controlling Side Lobes Pattern
Authors: Mohammed Jafar Ramadhan , Khmees Abdulrazaq A.
Published: June 2021

This paper introduces an array with a new element structure to achieve asymmetric sidelobe pattern nulling which is a much desired feature in many applications such as communication systems, tracking radars, and imaging. The proposed element structure consists of combining two simple wire dipoles in the horizontal and vertical positions to form a crossed dipole element. The array patterns of the horizontal and vertical dipoles alone share some common radiation feature such angular null positions which are exploited to provide sidelobe nulling. By properly scaling the array pattern of the horizontal dipoles and added or subtracted its array pattern from that of the vertical dipoles, a new array pattern corresponds to the crossed dipoles elements with controlled sidelobes pattern can be obtained. The scaling factor selects which sidelobes to be cancelled. The method is equally applied to the uniformly and nun-uniformly excited arrays. The proposed idea is verified by simulating an array with 10 half wavelength crossed dipoles using CST microwave studio.
Elevated CO2 Could Induce Heat Stress in Two Japanese Cultivars of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) via Reduction in Transpiration Under High Air Temperature Conditions
Authors: Yamaguchi Masahiro , Kamiya Shoma , Kokubun Dai , Nakayama Tomoki , Yonekura Tetsushi , Kohno Yoshihisa
Published: June 2021

Two Japanese cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L.), Hinohikari and Nikomaru, were planted using potting soil on June 13, 2018, and were exposed to elevated CO2 from June 26 to October 9 using open-top chambers. The study was conducted in Nagasaki, in the Kyushu region of Japan, where the air temperature is relatively high. There were two treatments: ambient CO2 treatment with approximately 400 µmol mol–1 (ppm) CO2, and elevated CO2 treatment with approximately 550 ppm CO2. The elevated CO2 treatment significantly increased the net photosynthetic rate and whole-plant dry mass of the two rice cultivars. However, this treatment did not produce significant effects on grain yield and adversely affected grain appearance quality of both cultivars. Among the yield components, spikelet fertility was significantly reduced by exposure to elevated CO2. These adverse effects were typical manifestations of heat stress in rice. Even under ambient CO2 treatment, there was relatively low spikelet fertility and grain appearance quality, because air temperature during the cultivation period was higher than the standard climatological normal of air temperature. Furthermore, under elevated CO2 treatment, significant reductions in transpiration rate of flag leaves were observed during the flowering period. This may cause an increase in temperature of the canopy, including the panicle, and induce heat stress. These results suggest that elevated CO2 could induce heat stress in rice via reduction in transpiration under high air temperature conditions.
Cytomegalovirus Viremia and Risk Factors in Renal Transplant Recipients in Iran: a Prospective Case-control Study
Authors: Parhizgari Najmeh , Rezaei Farhad , Khatami Mohamad-Reza , Marashi Sayed Mahdi , Farahmand Mohammad , Behnezhad farzaneh , Zarei-ghobadi Mohadeseh , Derakhshani Monireh , Ajami-Nezhad Fatemeh , Mokhtari-Azad Talat
Published: June 2021

Background: In spite of effective anti-viral drugs and risk-balanced prophylaxis regimen, cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major reason of morbidity in kidney transplant patients. The aim of present study was to evaluate CMV viral load and laboratory findings correlation with CMV viremia graft origin and investigation on late or early onset CMV infection in kidney transplant recipients with CMV viremia. Methods: This research designed as a prospective case-control study based on CMV PCR test and exclusion of other viral infection among renal transplant patients in Iran.Results: From 192 examined patients, 153 participants were qualified to enter the study: 43 in case (with CMV viremia) and 110 in control group (CMV negative test). Statistical analysis performed to identify the risk factors raising this viral viremia among kidney transplant patients. Conclusion: Receiving a renal graft from a deceased donor significantly raise the chance of viremia in renal transplant patients. The median month of CMV viremia occurrence was month 4 after transplantation in both groups. Serum laboratory testing showed creatinine and platelets significantly raised and reduced, retrospectively in the case compare to control group. Our results indicating the viremia has not affected the survival of the allograft or patient.
Thermal and electric Characteristics of High-power Short-duration Radiofrequency Ablation and Standard Radiofrequency Ablation: A Computer Simulation Study
Authors: Gu Kaihao , Yan Shengjie , Wu Xiaomei
Published: June 2021

Background: High power-short duration ablation is an emerging conception for cardiac RF treatment. But the biophysical ablation properties of this technique have not been fully explored. This study compared the electric field characteristics and thermal lesion dimension in High power-short duration (HP-SD) radio frequency (RF) ablation and standard RF ablation by using the finite element method. Results: The results demonstrated that the lesion size and temperature in HP–SD RF ablation increased faster than standard RF ablation. The thermal lesion volume in both ablation modes demonstrated a linear increase and the rate of increase of HP–SD RF ablation grew faster than that of standard RF ablation. For HP–SD application at 50 W for 5 s, the lesion depth was shallower (1.74 to 2.1 mm vs 2.40 to 3.15 mm) and the surface lesion diameter was broader (2.76 to 3.32 mm vs 2.42 to 2.66 mm) than that for standard RF ablation at 25 W for 30 s. Conclusion: Compared with standard RF ablation, HP–SD RF ablation creates a broader lesion width and surface lesion diameter but shallower lesion depth, with a faster increase in temperature. HP–SD ablation is more able to achieve uniform and contiguous lesion shape, which is a suitable for point-to-point RF ablation procedures.Higher temperature was formed in deeper space of cardiac tissue in HP–SD ablation. The duration of HP–SD ablation should be strictly controlled for preventing the steam occur in tissue.
A New Treatment Method for Cellulose-Rich Fibers Toward High Performance Bio-composite Applications
Authors: Nassar Mahmoud M.A. , Alzebdeh Khalid , Al-Hinai Nasr , Pervez Tasneem
Published: June 2021

This article reports a new chemical treatment method to extract rich cellulosic fibers from date palm agro-residues. The technique comprises a multistep process which is quite unique, efficient, sustainable, and capable of producing high-performance natural date palm fibers. In specific, it consists of three consecutive steps: dewaxing, acetylation, and mercerization, which are carried out in a strict sequence. Each step is designated to achieve a specific goal in preparation for the next step. In addition, procedures have been adjusted from its initial state by incorporating input parameters that are configured experimentally to optimize outputs via the design of experiment approach. The method has been applied in two variants with respect to heating mechanism: conventional heat-assisted and microwave heat-assisted sources. An experimental characterization of mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of the treated fibers exhibited a significant enhancement over the untreated counterparts which confirms the potency of the new process.
Serious sledding injuries in children dramatically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Clos Maite , Evain Jean Noel , Wroblewski Isabelle , Bouzat Pierre , Mortamet Guillaume
Published: June 2021

Background
Sledding is the most popular activity in young children given its cost and simplicity.
Objective
This study aims to highlight the increase in serious sledding injuries among children in France during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine the patterns of injury.
Methods
A single-center retrospective study. Patients younger than 16 years of age were included if they were admitted in PICU because of a sledding, skiing or snowboarding accident.
Results
Compared with previous winter seasons, sledding-related injuries increased four to five-fold during the winter of 2020–2021, with a total of 12 children admitted to the PICU. Most were less than 5 years of age. At the time of the accident, most children (9/12, 75%) were not wearing a helmet. All children presenting with a head trauma were younger than 5 years old. Finally, no patient died and the median length of stay in ICU was 3 days (IQR 1–7). Conclusion: Serious pediatric injuries related to sledding have increased sharply with the COVID-19 pandemic. There is an urgent need to develop prevention strategies, including the widespread use of helmets.
Sex-Dependent Performance of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte, Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte and Mean Platelet Volume-to-Platelet Ratios in Predicting Covid-19 Severity.
Authors: Fors Martha , Ballaz Santiago , Ramírez Hégira , Mora Francisco , Pulgar Mary , Chamorro Kevin , Fernández-Moreira Esteban
Published: June 2021

Background
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and mean platelet volume-to-platelet ratio (MPR) are combined hematology tests useful for the assessment of COVID-19 severity, but different cut-off values have been reported. Sex can significantly impact immune responses and the course of COVID-19, so these combined hematology tests should be differentiated by gender.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate sex differences in the contribution of the NLR, PLR, MLR and MPR to severity and mortality using a sample of COVID-19 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 from Quito (Ecuador).
Methods
This single center observational cross-sectional study included 3280 subjects with COVID-19 disease admitted in the IESS Hospital from Quito. Subjects over 18 years old having a positive result in the real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2. Confirmed COVID-19 cases were categorized as Severe (PaO2 < 60 mmHg) and Non-Severe (PaO2 ≥ 60 mmHg). Area under the curve, sensibility and specificity were calculated for these ratios to identify optimal cut-offs according to gender to predict severity and mortality in COVID-19 subjects.
Results
Covid-19 mortality rate among men was double that in women. Severe and non-surviving patients had a higher NLR and MLR, and a lower MPR. A higher PLR was also associated with severity, but not with mortality. The means of NLR, MLR, and PLR in men were significantly higher, yet MPR levels were lower than in women. In men, these ratios had lower cut-offs than in women (NLR: 2.42 vs. 3.31, MLR: 0.24 vs. 0.35 and PLR: 83.9 vs. 151.9). The sensitivity of NLR, MLR and PLR to predict severity was better in men (69%-77%), while their specificity enhanced in women compared to men (70%-76% vs. 23%-48%).
Conclusion
High NLR, MLR, PLR and low MPR levels were related to COVID-19 severity with different performance in men and women.
Synergic Interaction Between Permethrin and Bt Toxins Discovered Using RNA-Seq
Authors: Sakamoto Takuma , Kozaki Toshinori , Ogata Norichika
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND: Acting against the development of resistance to antibiotics and insecticides, involving negatively correlated cross-resistance (NCR) is an alternative to use- and-discard approach. It is termed NCR that toxic chemicals interact with each other and resistance of target organisms to one chemical is sometimes associated with increased susceptibility to a second chemical when; an allele confers resistance to one toxic chemical and hyper-susceptibility to another, NCR occurs. However, only 11 toxin pairs have been revealed to cause NCR in insects. Finding novel NCRs is needed for integrated pest management. RESULTS: We analyzed permethrin, an insecticide, induced transcriptomes of cultured fat bodies of the silkworm Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran model insect. Differentially expressed gene analyses suggested Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin was an NCR toxin of permethrin. NCR to permethrin and Bt toxins in Thysanoplusia intermixta, the agricultural pest moth, was examined; the children of permethrin survivor T. intermixta had increased susceptibility to Bt toxin. CONCLUSIONS: A novel NCR toxin pair, permethrin and Bt toxin, was discovered. The screening and developmental method for negatively correlated cross-resistance toxins established in this study was effective, in vitro screening using model organisms and in vivo verification using agricultural pests.
An Arduino Real-Time Jump Tagging System for Exploring Stereotyped Jumping Behavior in Mice
Authors: Ge Junye , Li Guangyuan , Zhang Haibo , Liu Haiying , Qi Chuchu , Lin Yuke , Xue Qian , Wu Shengxi , Liu Yihui , Wang Wenting
Published: June 2021

The jump is one of the common stereotyped behavior in rodents. It is the natural state in some types of mice and also can be found in certain types of disease models, such as addiction. It is straightforward and easy to identify by the human eye in offline analysis. However, jumping is a short-lived act that happens immediately. It is difficult to be tagged in real-time by manual operation, which limits the detailed exploration of its neural mechanisms with the new techniques, such as fiber photometry recording or optogenetics. Here we introduced an arduino real-time jump tagging system (Art-JT system) to record the jump based on online monitoring the pressure changes of the floor in which the mouse is free exploring. Meanwhile, the Art-JT system can send the digital signal of the jump timing to the external device for tagging the events in the fiber photometry system or triggering the optogenetics laser. We tested it with the mice induced by Naloxone precipitated withdrawal jumping. The results showed that it could accurately record the jump events and provide several detailed parameters of the jump. Furthermore, it was easy and fast to get the GCaMP6 signal correlated with the jump in the medial prefrontal cortex and primary motor cortex by combining the Art-JT system and multichannel fiber photometry system. Our results suggested that the Art-JT system may be a powerful tool for recording and analyzing jumping efficiently and helping us to understand stereotyped behavior.
Uric Acid Mediated the Association between BMI and Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Incidence: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Analysis and Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Feng Yue , Li Mengying , Bai Yansen , Li Guyanan , Wu Xiulong , Wei Wei , Meng Hua , Li Hang , Guan Xin , Fu Ming , Jie Jiali , Wang Chenming , Lu Yanjun , Guo Huan
Published: June 2021

Background: The observational epidemiological studies have reported the associations of high body mass index (BMI) with elevated serum uric acid (UA) level and increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. However, whether UA is causally induced by BMI and functioned in the BMI-breast cancer relationship remains unclear. Methods: To elucidate the causality direction between BMI and serum UA, the bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed by using summarized data from the largest Asian genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of BMI and UA carried out in over 150,000 Japanese populations. Then, a total of 19,518 postmenopausal women from the Dongfeng-Tongji (DFTJ) cohort (with a mean 8.2-year follow-up) were included and analyzed on the associations of BMI and serum UA with incidence risk of postmenopausal breast cancer by using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. Mediation analysis was further conducted among DFTJ cohort to assess the intermediate role of serum UA in the BMI-breast cancer association.Results: In the bidirectional MR analyses, we observed that genetically determined BMI was causally associated with elevated serum UA [β(95%CI)=0.225(0.111, 0.339), P<0.001], but not vice versa. In the DFTJ cohort, each standard deviation (SD) increment in BMI (3.5 kg/m2) and UA (75.4 μmol/L) was associated with a separate 24% and 22% increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer [HR(95%CI)= 1.24(1.07, 1.44) and 1.22(1.05, 1.42), respectively]. More importantly, serum UA could mediate 16.9% of the association between BMI and incident postmenopausal breast cancer.Conclusions: The current findings revealed a causal effect of BMI on increasing serum UA and highlighted the mediating role of UA in BMI-breast cancer relationship. Controlling the serum level of UA among overweight postmenopausal women may help to decrease their incident risk of breast cancer.
Integrated DYC and ASR Mixed Control of Distributed Drive Electric Vehicle Using Co-Simulation Methodology
Authors: Zhang Xinwen , Li Qiang , Philip Agyei , Zhao Lu , Wang Xeihui , Baldwin Takura Marufu
Published: June 2021

The improvement of handling and stability performance of distributed drive electric vehicle (DDEV) is analyzed, visualized and designed by proposing and deploying the mixed control strategies in this paper including Direct Yaw Control (DYC), Anti-slip Regulation (ASR) and dual-mode switching control. The practicability and real time visualization of driving efficiency and timeliness of DDEV is achieved to reduce the margin of error for the desired torque value by employing the DYC strategy which uses fuzzy PID algorithm. Furthermore the ASR strategy which adopts the optimal slip rate algorithm to determine the requirement of desired torque value based on the different road conditions is used to reduce slip phenomenon effectively and to maintain handling control of DDEV. In response to different scenes especially conflict and coexistence between DYC and ASR, the dual-mode switching control strategy is applied to find more suitable slip rate range by using the root mean square error method (REME). Finally, co-simulation platform of ADAMS/Car and MATLAB/Simulink is built to simulate the mixed control strategies by integrating dual-mode switching control, DYC and ASR. The simulation results show that this strategy has a more significant control effect needed to meet the requirements of normal vehicle handling and stability. The mixed control strategy is adopted and downloaded into the electronic control unit of our student type formula vehicle called Flash V6 which was designed and developed by a team of students, the ZUST ATTACKER Team.
Folded Free Vascularized Fibular Bone Graft for Segmental Femoral Bone Defect: a Retrospective Report
Authors: Wu Yifan , Jian Chao , Qi Baiwen , Li Zonghuan , Yu Aixi
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveVascularized fibular bone graft is an efficient method for various segmental bone defects. The objective of this report is to introduce our experience of folded free vascularized fibular bone graft for segmental femoral bone defect.Patients and methodsClinical data collected by surgeons and Hospital Information System (HIS) system were screened respectively. Cases with segmental femoral bone defect repaired by folded free vascularized fibular bone graft were collected. Clinical data including demographic characteristics, defect size, coinfection, perioperative treatment and imaging data during follow up were all collected for analysis.ResultsTwelve patients (10 males and 2 females), aged from 6 to 58, were included in this report. The defect range was 3 to 10 cm, with an average of 6.2 cm. Three cases were complicated with infection, the others were not. Folded free vascularized fibular bone graft were harvested for the reconstruction of segmental femoral bone defect. The grafts were fixed with plates in 9 cases and external fixators in 3 cases. All grafts healed uneventfully with an average healing time of 5.2 months (range 4~8 months). Internal fixation failure occurred in one case. The follow up time ranged from 15 to 130 months (average 58.3 months).ConclusionFolded free fibula graft is one of the optional methods for segmental bone defect of femur. Through this method, patients can achieve one-time operation to reconstruct the bone defect of the affected limb.
Introducing the Hormonal Intrauterine Device in Madagascar, Nigeria, and Zambia: Results From a Pilot Study
Authors: Danna Kendal , Jaworski Grace , Rahaivondrafahitra Bakoly , Rasoanirina Francia , Nwala Anthony , Nqumayo Masauso , Smith Gina , Moon Pierre , Jackson Ashley , Thurston Sarah , Kalamar Amanda
Published: June 2021

Background: The hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a highly effective contraceptive option growing in popularity and availability in many countries. The hormonal IUD has been shown to have high rates of satisfaction and continuation among users in high-income countries. The study aims to understand the profiles of clients who choose the hormonal IUD in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) and describe their continuation and satisfaction with the method after 12 months of use. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study of hormonal IUD acceptors was conducted across three countries—Madagascar, Nigeria, and Zambia—where the hormonal IUD had been introduced in a pilot setting within the context of a broad mix of available methods. Women were interviewed at baseline immediately following their voluntary hormonal IUD insertion, and again three and 12 months following provision of the method. A descriptive analysis of user characteristics and satisfaction with the method was conducted on an analytic sample of women who completed baseline, three-month, and 12-month follow-up questionnaires. Kaplan-Meier cumulative hazard models were used to estimate method continuation rates up to 12 months post-insertion.Results: Each country had a unique demographic profile of hormonal IUD users with different method use histories. Across all three countries, women reported high rates of satisfaction with the hormonal IUD (67-100%) and high rates of continuation at the 12-month mark (91-93%).Conclusions: Rates of satisfaction and continuation among hormonal IUD users in the study suggest that expanding method choice with the hormonal IUD would provide a highly effective, long-acting method desirable to many different population segments, including those with high unmet need.
Gut Lymph Purification in Rats With Acute Lung Injury Caused By Gut Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Jin Can , Zhang Shucheng , Wu Linlin , Li Bohan , Shi Meimei , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2021

Rationale: It is unclear whether removing the danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) of gut lymph (GL) in the rats of gut ischemia-reperfusion injury (GIRI) model may reduce the distant organ lung injury.Objective: To determine whether oXiris gut lymph purification (GLP) may remove the DAMPs of GL in the rats’ model of acute lung injury (ALI) caused by GIRI.Methods: The experimental rats were divided into four groups: Sham group, GIRI group, GIRI + gut lymph drainage (GLD) group, and GIRI + GLP group. After successful modeling, the lung tissue samples of rats in each group were taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and detection of expression levels of apoptotic indexes. The level of DAMPs was detected in blood and lymph. We observed its microstructure of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECⅡ), and detected the expression level of apoptosis indexes.Measurements and Main Results: GIRI-induced destruction of alveolar structure, thickened alveolar walls, inflammatory cell infiltration emerged in the GIRI group, HMGB-1 and IL-6 levels significantly increased, and HSP70 and IL-10 levels reduced in lymph and serum. Compared with GIRI group, the lung tissue damage in GIRI + GLP group significantly improved, the expression level of HMGB-1 and IL-6 in the lymph and serum reduced, and HSP70 and IL-10 increased. The organelle structure of AECII in GIRI + GLP group was significantly improved compared with the GIRI group. Conclusions: oXiris GLP blocks the key link between DAMPs and mononuclear phagocyte system to inhibit inflammation and cell apoptosis, thereby reducing ALI induced by GIRI.
Rapid Identification of Pathogens Associated With Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia By Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Wu Nan , Ranjan Piyush , Tao Changyu , Liu Chao , Yang Ence , He Bei , Erb-Downward John R. , Bo Shining , Zheng Jiajia , Guo Chenxia , Liu Beibei , Sun Lina , Yan Wei , Wang Meng , Wang Wenting , Wen Jianing , Yang Ping , Yang Lin , Tian Qiaoshan , Dickson Robert P. , Shen Ning
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND: Etiology detection is crucial in diagnose and treatment of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). However, the detection method is in need of improvement. In this study, we used Nanopore sequence to build a quick detection protocol and compared the efficiency of different methods on 7 common VAP pathogens.METHODS: Endotracheal aspirate (ETA) of 83 patients with suspected VAP from Peking University Third Hospital were collected, saponin were used to deplete host genomes, and PCR or non-PCR library construction method were used and compared for sequencing. MinION and local data analysis methods were used for sequencing and data analysis.RESULTS: Saponin depletion effectively removed 11 of 12 human genomes, while most pathogenic bacteria genome results showed no statistical difference except for S.pneumoniae who had a 0.31 times depletion. Meanwhile, the average sequence time reduced from 19.2hrs to 1.73hrs. Compared with PCR library construction method, the non-PCR method has a better average sensitivity (84.17% VS 81.35%) and specificity (97.42% VS 88.52%), while the non-PCR costs less time. The whole method takes 5-6hrs from ETA extraction to pathogen classification. After analyzed the 7 pathogens enrolled, the average sensitivity of metagenomic sequencing were about 2.4 times higher than that of clinical culture (91.79%VS 37.92%), and the average specificity was 98.08%.CONCLUSIONS: Using saponin to remove human genome and non-PCR method to build library can be used for identification of pathogens in ETA of VAP patients within 6 hours by MinION, which provides a new approach for rapid identification of pathogens in clinical departments.
Synthesis and Biological Screening of New Thiadiazolopyrimidine-based Polycyclic Compounds
Authors: Alqahtani Alaa M.
Published: June 2021

New tri- and tetra-cyclic compounds based on the thiadiazolopyrimidine ring system were prepared and their antimicrobial activity were estimated. The achieved results evidenced that pyrano-thiadiazolopyrimidine compounds 8a-b and 9a-b have substantial efficiencies toward the two strains of Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. cereus). While tetracyclic derivatives pyrazolopyrimido-thiadiazolopyrimidine derivatives 16a-b and 17a-b displayed prominent efficiencies toward the two strains of Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa). In addition, compounds 8a-b and 9a-b presented good efficacy toward C. albicans. The activity of antiquorum-sensing (anti-QS) inhibition of the new synthesized thiadiazolopyrimidine-based compounds was tested toward C. violaceum, where derivatives 16a-b, 17a-b, 8b and 9a displayed satisfactory activity. Cytotoxic activity of the same derivatives was screened toward various cancer cell lines (MCF-7, PC3, Hep-2 and HepG2) and standard normal fibroblast cell (WI38) by utilizing the MTT assay. The pyrazolopyrimido-thiadiazolopyrimidine derivatives 16a, 16b, 17a and 17b recorded potent cytotoxic efficacy against MCF-7 cells with IC50 values ranging from 5.69 to 9.36 µM. Also, the endorsed structural activity relationship (SAR) for the inspected thiadiazolopyrimidine derivatives provided an awareness concerning the chemical structure connected to anticancer efficiency. In silico docking studies were implemented toward silence hormone signaling in breast (PDB Code-5NQR). The results are consistent and supportive to the cytotoxic activity.
Gestational Weight Gain Influences Neonatal Outcomes in Women With Obesity and Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Ramos-Levi Ana M , Rodriguez-Carnero Gemma , Garcia-Fontao Cristina , Fernandez-Pombo Antia , Andújar-Plata Paula , Gómez-Vazquez Eva , Cantón-Blanco Ana , Martínez-Olmos Miguel Angel , Bolaño-Mariño Pilar , Villar-Taibo Rocio
Published: June 2021

Background. Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated to increased risk of perinatal complications and obesity in the offspring. However, the impact of gestational weight gain (GWG) on maternal and fetal outcomes has led to controversial results. Research design and methods. Retrospective study of 220 women with GDM and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Pregnant women were classified according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations regarding prior BMI and GWG. We evaluated the impact of GWG on birth weight and perinatal outcomes. Results. Mean maternal age was 34.7±5.3 years. Pre-pregnancy obesity was classified as grade I in 55.3% of cases, grade II in 32.0%, and grade III in 12.7%. GWG was adequate (5-9kg) in 24.2%, insufficient (< 5kg) in 41.8% and excessive (> 9kg) in 34.2%. Birthweight was within normal range in 81.9%, 3.6% were small for gestational age (SGA) and 14.4% were large for gestational age (LGA). Insufficient GWG was associated to a higher rate of SGA offspring, excessive GWG was associated to LGA and adequate GWG to normal birth weight. Conclusion. GWG in women with pre-pregnancy obesity and GDM impacts neonatal birthweight. Insufficient GWG is associated to SGA and excessive GWG is associated to LGA. Women with adequate GWG according to IOM guidelines obtained better perinatal outcomes.
Limited allele-specific gene expression in highly polyploid sugarcane
Authors: Margarido Gabriel Rodrigues Alves , Correr Fernando Henrique , Furtado Agnelo , Botha Frederik , Henry Robert
Published: June 2021

Polyploidy is widespread in plants allowing the different copies of genes to be expressed differently in a tissue specific or developmental specific way. This allele specific expression (ASE) has been widely reported but the proportion and nature of genes showing this characteristic has not been well defined. We now report an analysis of the frequency and patterns of ASE at the whole genome level in the highly polyploid sugarcane genome. Very high-depth whole genome sequencing and RNA-sequencing revealed strong correlations between allelic proportions in the genome and in expressed sequences. This level of sequencing allowed discrimination of each of the possible allele doses in this 12-ploid genome. Most genes were expressed in direct proportion to the frequency of the allele in the genome with examples of polymorphisms being found with every possible discrete level of dose from 1:11 for single copy alleles to 12:0 for monomorphic sites. The rarer departures from allelic balance were more frequent in the expression of defence-response genes, as well as in some processes related to the biosynthesis of cell walls. ASE was more common in genes with variants that resulted in significant disruption of function. The low level of ASE may reflect the recent origin of polyploid hybrid sugarcane. Much of the ASE present can be attributed to strong selection in nature and domestication for resistance to diseases.
Combined action observation- and motor imagery-based brain computer interface (BCI) for stroke rehabilitation: a case report
Authors: Rungsirisilp Nuttawat , Wongsawat Yodchanan
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Upper extremity impairment is a problem usually found in poststroke patients, and it is seldom completely improved even following conventional physical therapy. Motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) therapy are mental practices that may regain motor function in poststroke patients, especially when integrating them with brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. However, previous studies have always investigated the effects of an MI- or AO-based BCI for stroke rehabilitation separately. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to propose the effectiveness of a combined AO and MI (AOMI)-based BCI with functional electrical stimulation (FES) feedback to improve upper limb functions and alter brain activity patterns in chronic stroke patients.Case presentation: A 53-year-old male who was 12 years post stroke was left hemiparesis and unable to produce any wrist and finger extension.Intervention: The participant was given an AOMI-based BCI with FES feedback 3 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks, and he did not receive any conventional physical therapy during the intervention. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and active range of motion (AROM) of wrist extension were used as clinical assessments, and the laterality coefficient (LC) value was applied to explore the altered brain activity patterns affected by the intervention.Outcomes: The FMA-UE score improved from 34 to 46 points, and the AROM of wrist extension was increased from 0 degrees to 20 degrees. LC values in the alpha band tended to be positive whereas LC values in the beta band seemed to be slightly negative after the intervention.Conclusion: An AOMI-based BCI with FES feedback training may be a promising strategy that could improve motor function in poststroke patients; however, its efficacy should be studied in a larger population and compared to that of other therapeutic methods.Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trial Registry: TCTR20200821002. Registered 17 August 2020, http://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org
Psychomotor stimulant effects of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (αPVP) enantiomers correlate with drug binding kinetics at the dopamine transporter
Authors: Niello Marco , Sideromenos Spyridon , Gradisch Ralph , O'Shea Ronan , Schwazer Jakob , Sandtner Walter , Maier Julian , Jäntsch Kathrin , Lupica Carl , Hoffman Alexander , Stockner Thomas , Pollak Daniela , Baumann Michael , Sitte Harald
Published: June 2021

α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone (αPVP) is a psychostimulant and drug of abuse associated with severe intoxications in humans. αPVP exerts long-lasting psychostimulant effects, when compared to the classical dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitor cocaine. Here, we compared the two enantiomeric forms of αPVP, the R- and the S-αPVP, with cocaine using a combination of in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. We found that αPVP enantiomers substantially differ from cocaine in their binding kinetics. The two enantiomers differ from each other in their association rates. However, they show similar slow dissociation rates leading to pseudo-irreversible binding kinetics at DAT. The pseudo-irreversible binding kinetics of αPVP is responsible for the observed non-competitive pharmacology and it correlates with persistent psychostimulant effects in mice. Thus, the slow binding kinetics of αPVP enantiomers profoundly differ from the fast kinetics of cocaine both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting drug-binding kinetics as a potential driver of psychostimulant effects in vivo.
High Thermoelectric Performance Achieved in Sb-doped GeTe by Manipulating Carrier Concentration and Nanoscale Twin Grains
Authors: Li Chao , Song Haili , Miao Lei , Cui Chengqiang , Liu Chengyan , Yang Hengquan
Published: June 2021

Lead-free and eco-friendly GeTe shows a promising candidate for mid-temperature thermoelectric application. However, a low Seebeck coefficient due to its intrinsically high holes concentration that induced by Ge vacancies, and a relatively high thermal conductivity result in an inferior thermoelectric performance of pristine GeTe. However, extrinsic atoms Sb, Bi, and Y could play a crucial role in regulating the holes concentration of GeTe because of their relatively high solubility. Here we investigate the thermoelectric performance of the GeTe upon Sb doping, and demonstrate a high maximum zT value up to 1.88 could be achieved in Ge 0.90 Sb 0.10 Te as a result of the significant suppression in thermal conductivity while holding a high power factor. Where the maintained high power factor is due to the markable enhancement in S , which could be attributed to the significant suppression of holes concentration and the valence band convergence upon Sb doping; while the low thermal conductivity stems from the suppression of electronic thermal conductivity due to the increase in electrical resistivity and the lowering of lattice thermal conductivity through strengthening the phonons scattering by the lattice distortion, dislocations, and twin boundaries. Aside from the excellent thermoelectric performance, Ge 0.90 Sb 0.10 Te also shows good reproducibility, as well as thermal stability. This work confirms the Ge 0.90 Sb 0.10 Te is a superior thermoelectric material for practical application.