bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Anti-obesity Effect of Caffeoylquinic Acids From the Cell Culture of Saussurea Involucrata
Authors: Bao Changjie , Gao Jupeng , Zhang Yonghong , Wang Peng , Chen Guang , Zhang Sitong
Published: April 2021

Backgroud: Saussurea involucrata Kar. et Kir. (Compositae) (CCSauI) cells are rich in caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), which have plasma lipid reducing properties and anti-obesity effects, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Clarify CQA’s anti-obesity mechanism and provide new treatments for obesity. Methods: Sprague Dawley (SD) rat were fed a high-fat diet (HFD), then CQAs was intragastric administrated (0.1, 0.5 or 1 mg/mL). Rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=30): NC, MC, TPL (0.1 mg/mL), TPM (0.5 mg/mL) and TPH (1 mg/mL). Digestive enzyme inhibition was obtained by measuring the inhibition rate of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase in vitro. Anti-obesity function was detected by determining the content of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). To analyze the related mechanisms qRT-PCR was employed. Results: From in vitro enzyme activity assays, the IC50 values of the CQAs extract for α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase were 0.631, 0.31, and 0.438 mg/mL, respectively. CQAs administration for 8 weeks decreased retroperitoneal fat and serum and liver TC, TG, LDL-C, and MDA. Comparatively, levels of HDL-C, SOD, and GSH-Px were increased. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR showed inhibited expression of fatty acid synthase and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl and coenzyme A reductase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α activation, and 7α-hydroxylase promotion. Conclusion: This study explored the role of CQAs in inhibiting digestive enzyme activities and up-regulating the expression of lipase, significant for prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity.
Short-term Effects of Different PM2.5 Thresholds on Daily All-cause Mortality in Jinan, China
Authors: Zhixiang Ma , Cai Chen , Xiangwei Meng , Wei Li , Chuanzhen Zhang
Published: April 2021

To examine the effects of different PM2.5 limits on daily all-cause mortality, 8,768 all-cause deaths were recorded in the database of the Jinan Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Data on the levels of air pollutants (PM2.5 and O3) were provided by the Jinan Environment Monitoring Center. The Jinan Bureau of Meteorology provided air temperatures and relative humidity. The relative risk of all-cause mortality was assessed using a quasi-Poisson regression model after adjusting Interference factors. There was a significant positive association between exposure concentrations (35 µg/m³, 75 µg/m³, and 150 µg/m³) and all-cause deaths, with a mortality increase of 1.07 (1.01, 1.13), 1.03 (1.00, 1.05), and 1.05 (1.01, 1.08), respectively. It had a significant correlation between all-cause deaths and a PM2.5 limit of 35 µg/m³ in men. All-cause mortality in women and individuals aged ≥ 60 years increased significantly with exposure to PM2.5 levels of 75, 115, and 150 µg/m³. There was no significant relationship between PM2.5 exposure and all-cause deaths in individuals aged < 60 years. Exposure to PM2.5 (35 µg/m³) increased the mortality risk. Women and individuals aged ≥ 60 years were more sensitive to the effects of PM2.5 than men and individuals aged < 60 years.
Experience-Dependent Plasticity in Early Stations of Sensory Processing in Mature Brains: Effects of Environmental Enrichment On Dendrite Measures in Trigeminal Nuclei
Authors: Martin Yasmina B , Negredo Pilar , Avendaño Carlos
Published: April 2021

Nervous systems respond with structural changes to environmental changes even in adulthood. In recent years it has been shown that experience-dependent structural plasticity is not restricted to the cerebral cortex, but also occurs at subcortical and even peripheral levels. We have previously shown that two populations of trigeminal nuclei neurons, trigeminothalamic barrelette neurons of the principal nucleus (Pr5), and intersubnuclear neurons in the caudal division of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5C) that project to Pr5 underwent morphometric and topological changes in their dendritic trees after a prolonged total or partial loss of afferent input from the vibrissae. Here we examined whether and what structural alterations could be elicited in the dendritic trees of the same cell populations in young adult rats after being exposed for two months to an enriched environment (EE), and how these changes evolved when animals were returned to standard housing for an additional two months. Neurons were retrogradely labeled with dextran amine delivered to, respectively, the ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus or Pr5. Fully labeled cells were digitally reconstructed with Neurolucida and analyzed with NeuroExplorer. EE gave rise to increases in dendritic length, number of trees and branching nodes, spatial expansion of the trees, and dendritic spines, which were less pronounced in Sp5C than in Pr5 and differed between sides. In Pr5 these parameters returned, but only partially, to control values after EE withdrawal. These results underscore a ubiquity of experience-dependent changes that should not be overlooked when interpreting neuroplasticity and developing plasticity-based therapeutic strategies.
Viridibacillus Soli sp.nov., Isolated from Forest Soil in Ailaoshan National Nature Reserve
Authors: Xu Yan , Zhao Jiang-Yuan , Geng Yu , Yuan Hui-Ren , Li Le-Le , Wen Meng-Liang , Li Ming-Gang , Tang Shu-Kun
Published: April 2021

A Gram-staining positive, rod-shaped, and subterminal endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain YIM B01967T, was isolated from a forest soil sample collected in Ailaoshan National Nature Reserve, Yuxi City, Xinpin county, Yunnan province, China. Strain YIM B01967T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Viridibacillus arvi (99.05%) and Viridibacillus arenosi (98.92%). Based on the phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene sequence results, strain YIM B01967T was affiliated to the genus Viridibacillus. The growth of YIM B01967T was observed at 15-35 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and in the presence of 0-2% (w/v) NaCl (optimum in 2% NaCl). The cell-wall sugars of YIM B01967T were ribose, glucose, arabinose, galactose, and mannose. The quinone system consisted of the major compound MK-8 and moderate amounts of MK-7. The major fatty acids (> 10%) were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, C16:1 ω10c. The major polar lipids profile included DPG, PME. The cell wall peptidoglycan was the type A4a with an L-Lys–D-Asp interpeptide bridge. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain YIM B01967T was 36.3 mol%. The ANI value and dDDH values between strain YIM B01967T and Viridibacillus arvi DSM 16317T were 61.03% and 32.1% based on the draft genome sequence. The results support the conclusion that strain YIM B01967T represents a novel species of the genus Viridibacillus, for which proposed the name Viridibacillus soli sp. nov. The type strain is YIM B01967T (= KCTC 43249T = CGMCC 1.18436T).
Age at First Service and Calving, Calving Interval, Open Days, and Number of Services Per Conception of Dairy Cows Under Small Holder in Siltie Zone, Ethiopia 
Authors: Tolasa Bayesa Itafa , Andure Eyob Onto
Published: April 2021

The present study aims to assess age at first service and calving, calving interval, open days, and number of service per conception of dairy cows under small holder in Siltie zone, Ethiopia. To do so, a total of one hundred eighty sample size was selected from three selected districts of Siltie zone purposively. Data were collected through interviews with household heads using a detailed and pre-tested questionnaire. All data collected from demographic information and management practices of dairy cows were analyzed using SPSS software, version 27.0 while all data obtained from reproduction performances of dairy cows were analyzed using SAS version 9.4 in the General Linear Model (GLM). In this investigation, we found that long age at first service (41.34±12.23, 37.561±85 and 30.87±8.65), for indigenous and (31.12±10.23, 27.24±7.35 and 25.45±8.45) for crossbred dairy cows in rural, peri‑urban and urban, months, respectively. Generally, the dairy cow were characterized by long time taken to reach age at first services and calving, long calving interval and, open days in the study area. Therefore, selective breeding program should be applied rather than rely only on AI/Bull service crossbreeding. Moreover, supportive materials that used for grinding and mixing feed such as fodder and crop residue should be provided for small holder producers by respective institutions.
Asymmetry in knowledge, attitudes, and practices of shark conservation advocates: sustainable shark fisheries vs. bans on fisheries and trade
Authors: Shiffman David S. , Macdonald Catherine , Wallace Scott S. , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: April 2021

Current shark conservation and management conflicts represent an underrecognized expression of long-standing debates over whether the goal of modern conservation should be sustainable exploitation of natural resources or maximum possible preservation of wilderness and wildlife. In the developing world, exploitation of fisheries resources can be essential to food security and poverty alleviation, and management is typically focused on sustainably maximizing economic benefits. This approach aligns with traditional fisheries management and the perspectives of most surveyed scientific researchers who study sharks. However, in Europe and North America, sharks are increasingly venerated as wildlife to be preserved irrespective of conservation status, resulting in growing pressure to prohibit exploitation of sharks and trade in shark products. To understand the causes and significance of this divergence in goals, we surveyed 155 shark conservation focused environmental advocates from 78 environmental non-profits, and asked three key questions: (1) where do advocates get scientific information? (2) Does all policy-relevant scientific information reach advocates? and (3) Do advocates work towards the same policy goals identified by scientific researchers? Findings suggest many environmental advocates are aware of key scientific results and use science-based arguments in their advocacy, but a small but vocal subset of advocates report that they never read the scientific literature or speak to scientists. Engagement with science appears to be the key predictor of whether advocates support sustainable management of shark fisheries or bans on shark fishing and trade in shark products. Conservation is a normative discipline, and this analysis more clearly articulates two distinct perspectives in shark conservation. Most advocates support the same evidence-based policies as academic and government scientists, while a smaller percentage are driven more by moral and ethical beliefs, and may not find scientific research relevant or persuasive. A values-based perspective is also a valid approach to conservation, but claiming that it is a science-based approach while misrepresenting the science is problematic. This suggests possible alternative avenues for engaging diverse stakeholders in productive discussions about shark conservation.
The Influencing Factors of Health-related Quality of Life Among Rural Hypertensive Individuals: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sang Shengxiang , Kang Ning , Liao Wei , Wu Xueyan , Hu Ze , Liu Xiaotian , Wang Chong-jian , Zhang Hongjian
Published: April 2021

Background: Previous reports regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of hypertensive individuals commonly concentrated on urban population. This study focused on rural population and aimed to explore the influencing factors of HRQoL. Methods: Date were derived from Henan Rural Cohort study. The HRQoL of participants were assessed via European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. Tobit regression model and generalized linear model were employed to explore the influencing factors of HRQoL. Another binary logistic regression was utilized to examine the robustness of our results.Results: Among 23485 rural population, 8128 participants were identified with hypertension. The mean (SD) utility index and VAS score of non-hypertension group were 0.96 (0.09) and 79.66 (14.20), respectively, while in hypertension group were 0.94 (0.14) and 75.88 (15.50), respectively.Pain/discomfort was the most common self-reported problem (23.05%) for patients. Aging and suffering with other diseases were negatively associated with HRQoL among rural patients, while high socioeconomic status and healthy lifestyles corresponded with high HRQoL.Conclusions: Hypertension did push considerable pressures on patients’ quality of life. Maintaining healthy lifestyles and improving the socioeconomic status of patients were advisable ways to reduce this burden. Trail Registration: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375
Development of Structured Light 3D-Scanner with High Spatial Resolution and its Applications for Additive Manufacturing Quality Assurance
Authors: Wang Rongxuan , Law Andrew , Garcia David , Yang Shuo , Kong Zhenyu
Published: April 2021

Digital three-dimensional (3D) scanning is a cutting-edge metrology method that can digitally reconstruct surface topography with high precision and accuracy. Such metrology can help traditional manufacturing processes evolve into a smart manufacturing paradigm, which can ensure product quality by automated sensing and control. However, due to limitations with the spatial resolution, scanning speed, and size of the focusing area, commercially available systems cannot be directly used for in-process monitoring in smart manufacturing. For example, a metal 3D printer requires a scanner with second-level sensing, micron-level spatial resolution, and a centimeter-scale scanning region. Among the 3D scanning technologies, structured light 3D scanning can meet the scanning speed criteria but not the spatial resolution and scanning region criteria. This work addresses these challenges by reducing the field of view of a structured light scanner system while increasing the image sensor pixel resolution. Improvements to spatial resolution and accuracy are achieved by establishing hardware selection criteria, integrating the proper hardware, designing a scale-appropriate calibration target, and developing noise reduction procedures during calibration. An additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V part was used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed 3D scanner. The scanning result shows that both melt pool geometry and overall shape can be clearly captured. In the end, the scanning accuracies of the proposed scanner and a professional-grade commercial scanner are validated with a nanometer-level accuracy white light interferometer using high-density point cloud data. Compared to the commercial scanner, the proposed scanner improves the spatial resolution from 48 µm to 5 µm and the accuracy from 108.5 µm to 0.5 µm.
Mission Planning for Optical Satellite’s Constant Surveillance to Geostationary Spacecraft
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Li Zhi , Wang Weilin , Wang Hao , Zhang Yasheng
Published: April 2021

For a mission to constantly watch geostationary (Orbital inclination isn’t 0, GEO) spacecraft by an optical satellite during a whole fly-around cycle, study the relative position relationship between the two and sun during fly-around mission; design the trajectory of the optical satellite, on which, the optical satellite keeps facing to the spacecraft in the direction opposite the Sun. Firstly, for constant surveillance to geosynchronous (Orbital inclination is 0) spacecraft, study from the Keplerian orbit elements, analyze its geometric relationship with the sun and the optical satellite. Then calculate the initial phase interval that meets the requirements of the mission. Compared with Clohessy-Wiltshire equation (CW equation), this method is more concise and the spatial physical meaning is clearer. However, the orbital inclination of GEO spacecraft is usually not 0. Secondly, taking GEO spacecraft with 1° inclination as an example, calculate the initial phase interval of the mission. Thirdly, select an initial phase in the initial phase interval, and design the fly-around trajectory based on CW equation. Lastly, the optical satellite’s position when it receives the mission is initial position, and the position when the fly-around mission starts is final position. The optical satellite’s approach trajectory is summarized as spacecraft's Lambert trajectory optimization. Take the time of two orbital maneuvers as optimization variables, and the fuel consumption as optimization objective. Optimize the plan of orbital maneuvering. The total pulse thrust velocity required for orbital maneuver after optimization in the example is 18.2514m/s, which is highly feasible in engineering. This method can be used for space situational awareness and in-orbit services of GEO spacecraft.
Evaluation of Postoperative Chemotherapy Duration of Capecitabine-Alone Regimen for Surgery Treated Elderly Colon Cancer Patients : A Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Dong Hongmin , Wang Gang , Chen Juan , Wang Wenling
Published: April 2021

Background: Only 50-70% elderly colon cancer patients could complete a six-month postoperative chemotherapy. It is unknown whether a shorter duration of postoperative capecitabine-alone chemotherapy would not compromise the survival. We thus conducted this study to analyze the association between postoperative chemotherapy duration of capecitabine-alone regimen and cancer specific survival (CSS) in the surgery treated elderly colon cancer patients.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study in surgery treated stage III and high-risk stage II colon cancer patients aged >= 70 from two medical centers. Cox proportional hazard regression models were utilized to calculate crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). The non-linear relationship between postoperative chemotherapy duration and CSS was analyzed through the restricted cubic spline regression analysis, and the threshold effect was calculated by the two-piece-wise Cox proportional hazard model.Results: A total of 1,217 surgery treated colon cancer patients between August 1, 2013 and September 1, 2019 were reviewed and 257 stage III and high-risk stage II patients aged >= 70 were finally enrolled. Postoperative chemotherapy with capecitabine was delivered in 114 patients and 143 cases only received surgery. The capecitabine duration was generally associated with a 11% risk decrease in death (HR=0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82 - 0.96). Non-linearity exploration suggested a threshold effect of capecitabine duration on CSS in stage III disease. The HR for death was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.68 - 0.92) with duration <= 16 (week) while 1.34 (95% CI: 0.91 – 1.97) with duration > 16 (week).Conclusions: The postoperative capecitabine duration was significantly associated with CSS in elderly colon cancer. However, a threshold effect of capecitabine duration on survival may suggest a short-term chemotherapy could be an alternative for the conventional six-month regimen in the elderly stage III colon cancer.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity in Children with Inherited Cardiac Arrhythmia or Inherited Cardiomyopathies: The Prospective Multicentre Controlled QUALIMYORYTHM Study Rationale, Design and Methods.
Authors: Amedro Pascal , Werner Oscar , Abassi Hamouda , Boisson Aymeric , Souilla Luc , Guillaumont Sophie , Calderon Johanna , Matecki Stefan , Villeon Gregoire De La , Requirand Anne , Vincenti Marie , Pommier Victor , Lavastre Kathleen , Lacampagne Alain , Picot Marie-Christine , Beyler Constance , Delclaux Christophe , Dulac Yves , Guitarte Aitor , Charron Philippe , Denjoy-Urbain Isabelle , Probst Vincent , Baruteau Alban-Elouen , Chevalier Philippe , Filippo Sylvie Di , Thambo Jean-Benoit , Bonnet Damien , Pasquie Jean-Luc
Published: April 2021

Background: Advances in paediatric cardiology has improved the prognosis of children with inherited cardiac disorders. However, health-related quality of life (QoL) and physical activity have been scarcely analysed in children with inherited cardiac arrhythmia or inherited cardiomyopathies. Moreover, current guidelines on the eligibility of young athletes with inherited cardiac disorders for sports participation mainly rely on expert opinions and remain controversial. Methods: The QUALIMYORYTHM trial is a multicentre observational controlled study. The main objective is to compare the QoL of children aged 6 to 18 years old with inherited cardiac arrhythmia (long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia), or inherited cardiomyopathies (hypertrophic, dilated, or restrictive cardiomyopathy), to that of age and gender-matched healthy subjects. The secondary objective is to assess their QoL according to the disease’s clinical and genetic characteristics, the level of physical activity and motivation for sports, the exercise capacity, and the socio-demographic data. Participants will wear a fitness tracker (ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer) for 2 weeks. A total of 214 children are required to observe a significant difference of 7 ± 15 points in the PedsQL, with a power of 90% and an alpha risk of 5%. Discussion: After focusing on the survival in children with inherited cardiac disorders, current research is expanding to patient-reported outcomes and secondary prevention. The QUALIMYORYTHM trial intends to improve the level of evidence for future guidelines on sports eligibility in this population. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04712136, registered on January 15th, 2021 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04712136).
Correlative Study Between the Sesamoid Bones under the Head of the First Metatarsal and the Development of Hallux Valgus Determined with Radiographs
Authors: Li Xiaozhong , Liu Dongxue , Wang Xufang
Published: April 2021

Objective. To study the correlative between the sesamoid bones under the head of the first metatarsal and the development of hallux valgus determined with radiographs.Methods.The measurements were performed on the X-ray of 300 normal feet and 300 cases of hallux valgus. The following parameters were measured: hallux valgus angle(HVA); the first-second intermetatarsal angle(IMA) between the axes of the first and second metatarsal;the length of the second metatarsal（CD）;the position of tibial sesamoid(TSP ) measured the percent formed between the tibial sesamoid and the centreline of the first metatarsal;the position of fibular sesamoid(FSP) measured tangent value between fibular sesamoid bone and lateral cortex of first metatarsal bone ; the absolute distances (AB) from the centre of the tibial sesamoid to the long axis of the second metatarsal, the absolute distances (EF) from the centre of the fibular sesamoid to the long axis of the second metatarsal and the absolute distance (GH) from the centre of the tibial sesamoid to the centre of the fibular sesamoid. Then calculate the ratio of AB to CD (K1), EF to CD (K2) and GH to CD (K3). Results.HVA moderately positively correlates with TSP and moderately negatively correlates with FSP in subjects with HVA ≥ 20°. HVA and FSP are strongly negatively correlated in the hallux valgus group. Conclusion.The dislocation of sesamoid bone under the first metatarsal head is an important pathological factor leading to valgus. HVA is positively correlated with TSP and negatively correlated with FSP.
Circulating tumor DNA sequencing in colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line chemotherapy with anti-EGFR
Authors: Lim Yoojoo , Kim Sheehyun , Kang Jun-Kyu , Kim Hwang-Phill , Jang Hoon , Han Hyojun , Kim Hyoki , Kim Min Jung , Lee Kyung-Hun , Ryoo Seung-Bum , Park Ji Won , Jeong Seung-Yong , Park Kyu Joo , Kang Gyeong Hoon , Han Sae-Won , Kim Tae-You
Published: April 2021

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may reveal dynamic tumor status during therapy. We conducted serial ctDNA analysis to investigate potential association with clinical outcome in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients receiving chemotherapy. Tissue KRAS/NRAS wild-type mCRC patients were enrolled and treated with first-line cetuximab-containing chemotherapy. ctDNA isolated from plasma were analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS) with 16 targeted gene panel. Among 93 patients, 84 (90.3%) had at least 1 somatic mutation in baseline ctDNA samples (average 2.74). Five patients with KRAS or NRAS hotspot mutation in the ctDNA showed significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.029). Changes in average variant allele frequency (VAF) in ctDNA showed significant correlation with tumor size change at the time of first response evaluation (p = 0.020) and progressive disease (PD) (p = 0.042). Patients whose average VAF decreased below cutoff (< 1%) at the first evaluation showed significantly better PFS (p < 0.001), and the average VAF change further discriminated the PFS in the patients in partial response (p = 0.018). At the time of PD, 54 new mutations including KRAS and MAP2K1 emerged in ctDNA. ctDNA sequencing can provide mutation profile that could better reflect tumor mutation status and predict treatment outcome.
Analysis of postmortem intestinal microbiota successional patterns with application in postmortem interval estimation
Authors: Liu Ruina , Wang Qi , Zhang Kai , Wu Hao , Wang Gongji , Cai Wumin , Yu Kai , Fan Shuanliang , Sun Qinru , Wang Zhenyuan
Published: April 2021

Microorganism plays a vital role in the decomposition of vertebrate remains in nature nutrient cycling, where the postmortem microbial succession patterns during decomposition remain unclear. Here, hierarchical clustering based on Manhattan distances analyzed the similarity and difference among postmortem intestine microbial succession patterns from microbial 16S rDNA sequences in a mouse decomposition model. Based on the similarity, seven different classes of succession patterns are obtained. Generally, the normal intestinal flora in the cecum gradually decreases with changes in living conditions after death, while some facultative anaerobes and obligate anaerobes grew and multiplied with oxygen consumption. Furthermore, a random forest regression model is developed to predict postmortem interval with the microbial succession trend data set. The model demonstrates a mean absolute error of 20.01 hours and a squared correlation coefficient of 0.95 during 15-day decomposition. Lactobacillus, Dubosiella, Enterococcus, and Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group are considered as significant biomarkers for this model according to the ranked list. This study explores microbial succession patterns in terms of relative abundances and variety, aiding in predicting postmortem intervals, offering some knowledge of microbial behaviors in decomposition ecology.
Hidden Danger of COVID-19 Outbreak: Evaluation of Subclinical Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients with Mild Symptoms
Authors: GUL Murat , INCI Sinan , AKTAS Halil , YILDIRIM Oguz , ALSANCAK Yakup
Published: April 2021

Background: The COVID 19 infection, which is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has rapidly emerged as a global public health issue. Cardiac complications secondary to this infection are common and associated with mortality. This study aimed to evaluate whether subclinical myocardial dysfunction using left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in non-hospitalized mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients.Methods: In this cross-sectional, single-center study, data were collected from non-hospitalized mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients between January 01 and February 01, 2021. Fifty (26 male, 24 female) COVID-19 patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers have included in the study. Apical four-, three-, and two-chamber images were analyzed longitudinally by conventional methods and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for left ventricle functions.Results: The mean age of the COVID-19 patients was 39.55±8.96, 52% of them were male. The most prevalent presenting symptoms were fever (in 34 (68%)), asthenia (in 30 (60%)), loss of appetite (in 21 (42%)), myalgia (in 20 (40%)), and cough (in 13 (26%)). Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher in the COVID-19 patients than in the controls (10.84±12.44 vs. 4.50±2.81, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of standard echocardiography and Doppler parameters (p>0.05). Left ventricular longitudinal strain and strain velocity parameters were significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals. LV-GLS values (-21,72 ± 3,85% vs. -23,11 ± 4,16%; P =0,003) were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients when compared with the healthy controls.Conclusion: Mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients also have subclinical myocardial dysfunction similar to hospitalized patients. STE has the potential for detecting subclinical LV systolic dysfunction and can provide useful information on the risk stratification in the mildly symptomatic COVID-19 population.
Perceptions, behaviours and attitudes towards smoking held by the male partners of Chinese pregnant women: A qualitative study
Authors: XIA Wei , Li Ho cheung William , Song Peige , Ho Ka Yan , Luo Yuanhui , Liang Tingna , Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Cheung Ankie Tan , Cai Wenzhi
Published: April 2021

Background: Direct associations of tobacco exposure during pregnancy with pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes have been proven. Previous studies suggest that expecting a child provides a teachable moment to promote behavioural changes, such as smoking cessation, among the male partners of pregnant women. Thorough understandings of Chinese expectant fathers smoking behaviour during the transition to fatherhood is an essential prerequisite to the development of appropriate interventions to facilitate smoking cessation. This study aimed to explore the perceptions, behaviours and attitudes related to smoking among male partners of pregnant women in China.Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted. A purposive sample of expectant fathers aged 18 years or older who had a tobacco use history within the past year were recruited at obstetrics and gynaecology clinics and invited to participate in one-to-one 20-30-minute semi-structured interviews. The data analysis followed Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method. Results: Twenty-five expectant fathers were interviewed. Four themes were generated: 1) the social interaction benefits of smoking and the misperceptions of the smoking hazards were the major reasons for continuing smoking; 2) associations between the perceptions of health and smoking, included negative impact of smoking on their own health develops slowly and can be ignored, and secondhand smoke will not affect the health of foetuses; 3) factors contributing to smoking cessation, including concerns about the health of the pregnant partner and baby, the role of father, partners’ pregnancy as a good excuse, and encouragement of family members and recognition of efforts to quit smoking;, and 4) perceived barriers to smoking cessation, including difficulties in overcoming withdrawal symptoms or cigarette cravings, negative attitude toward seeking assistance with smoking cessation, unawareness of and difficulty in accessing smoking cessation support, and Lack of coping strategies for releasing increased stress..Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the perceptions, behaviours and attitudes held by Chinese expectant fathers regarding smoking and identified the facilitators and barriers to cessation. The findings from this study could direct healthcare professionals to develop and evaluate appropriate smoking cessation interventions targeted for Chinese expectant fathers. Trial registration: Registered at clinicaltrial.org (NCT03401021) on 8 Jan 2018.
A Disorder Easy to be Misdiagnosed--benign Metastasizing Uterine Leiomyoma with Multiple Metastasis to Lungs and Pelvic Lymph Nodes Simultaneously and Literature Review
Authors: tong tong , Fan Qiong , Wang Yudong , Li Yuhong
Published: April 2021

Background: Benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) is a rare disease that is usually seen in females of reproductive or premenopausal age with a previous surgery history of uterine myomectomy or hysterectomy. The most common sites of metastases are pulmonary metastases, and other sites include heart, bones, liver, lymph nodes, skin, bladder, esophagus, skeletal muscles, and central nervous system. Here we report a case of 50-year-old women with history of hysterectomy whom was first suspect uterine sarcoma but finally confirmed BML with lung and lymph node metastases at the same time and discuss the treatment and prognosis of BML. Case presentation: A 50-year-old women who have a history of abdominal total hysterectomy presented with mild but persistent abdominal pain for over 3 months. She was suspected uterine sarcoma before surgery and laparoscopic extensive debulking surgery including bilateral oophorectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection to the level of the left renal vein, and right inguinal lymph nodes dissection trans-cutaneously were done. Pathology after surgery confirmed benign leiomyoma and she was diagnosed BML. No medicine was given after the surgery and now the follow up is of no significance. Conclusions: Benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) is a rare disorder in which histologically benign smooth muscle tumor metastasize to extra-uterine sites. Metastases are commonly seen in the lung, liver, lymph nodes, skin, bladder, esophagus, skeletal muscles, et al. BML is usually misdiagnosed as malignant tumor before surgery until pathology confirmed the benign nature. The treatment is controversial and undetermined. The prognosis is usually favorable because of its benign nature.
Effect of surgical stabilization of rib fractures in polytrauma - an analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®
Authors: Becker Lars , Schulz-Drost Stefan , Spering Christopher , Franke Axel , Dudda Marcel , Lefering Rolf , Matthes Gerrit , Bieler Dan
Published: April 2021

Purpose: In severely injured patients with multiple rib fractures the beneficial effect of surgical stabilization is still unknown. The existing literature shows divergent results and especially the indication and the right timing of an operation are subject of a broad discussion. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) on the outcome in a multi-center database with special regard to the duration of ventilation, intensive care and overall hospital stay.Methods: Data from the TraumaRegister DGU® collected between 2008 and 2017 were used to evaluate patients over 16 years with severe rib fractures (AIS ≥3). In addition to the basic comparison a matched pair analysis of 395 pairs was carried out in order to find differences and to increase comparability.Results: In total 483 patients received an operative treatment and 29,447 were treated conservatively. SSRF was associated with a significantly lower mortality rate (7.6% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.008) but a longer ventilation time and longer stay as well as in the intensive care unit (ICU) as the overall hospital stay. Both matched pair groups showed a good or very good neurological outcome according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) in 4 of 5 cases. Contrary to the existing recommendations most of the patients were not operated within 48 hours.Conclusions: In our data set obviously most of the patients were not treated according to the recent literature and showed a delay in the time for operative care of well over 48 hours. This may lead to an increased rate of complications and a longer stay at the ICU and the hospital in general. Despite of these findings patients with operative treatment show a significant lower mortality rate.
YAP regulates porcine skin-derived stem cells self-renewal partly by repressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Yan Hong-Chen , Sun Yu , Zhang Ming-Yu , Zhang Shu-Er , Sun Jia-Dong , Dyce Paul W. , Klinger Francesca Gioia , De Felici Massimo , Shen Wei , Cheng Shun-Feng
Published: April 2021

Background
Skin-derived stem cells (SDSCs) are a class of adult stem cells (ASCs) that have the ability to self-renew and differentiate. The regulation mechanisms involved in the differentiation of ASCs is a hot topic. Porcine models have close similarities to humans and porcine SDSCs (pSDSCs) offer an ideal in vitro model to investigate human ASCs. To date, studies concerning the role of yes-associated protein (YAP) in ASCs are limited, and the mechanism of its influence on self-renewal and differentiation of ASCs remain unclear. In this paper, we explore the link between the transcriptional regulator YAP and the fate of pSDSCs.
Results
We found that YAP promotes the pluripotent state of pSDSCs by maintaining the high expression of the pluripotency genes Sox2, Oct4. The overexpression of YAP prevented the differentiation of pSDSCs and the depletion of YAP by small interfering RNA (siRNAs) suppressed the self-renewal of pSDSCs. In addition, we found that YAP regulates the fate of pSDSCs through a mechanism related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. When an activator of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, CHIR99021, was added to pSDSCs overexpressing YAP the ability of pSDSCs to differentiate was partially restored. Conversely, when XAV939 an inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, was added to YAP knockdown pSDSCs a higher self-renewal ability resulted.
Conclusions
our results suggested that, YAP and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway interact to regulate the fate of pSDSCs.
Colorimetric parameters correlated with the variation in the marker constituent contents during the stir-fry processing of Schizonepetae Spica
Authors: Liu Xindan , Zhang Ying , Wu Menghua , Ma Zhiguo , Cao Hui
Published: April 2021

Background: Color is an important method of authentication to evaluate the degree of Chinese medicinal material (CMM) processing. This traditional color description used for identification needs to be confirmed by modern scientific analysis. Schizonepetae Spica (SS), the dried spike of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq., is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Raw SS has the actions of dispelling the common cold and fever. Schizonepetae Spica Carbonisata (SSC; raw SS processed by stir-frying until the surface becomes blackish-brown and the interior turns dark yellow) has particularly strong efficacy in arresting bleeding from bloody stool and metrorrhagia. Methods: In this paper, a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector method and colorimetry were employed to determine 6 nonvolatile marker constituents and the color parameters (L*, a* and b*) of SS during stir-fry processing, respectively. Results: According to Pearson correlation analysis, L*, a* and b* showed significant correlations with the levels of luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, hesperidin and rosmarinic acid, while a* was significantly correlated with the amounts of luteolin and apigenin. The corresponding regression models were good fits for the color parameters as respective functions of the 6 marker constituents according to enter multiple linear regression and third-order polynomial curve fitting methods (adjusted R2 > 0.800). Conclusion: Surrogate prediction of marker compounds using color parameters provides a valuable and cost-saving tool for rapid or online monitoring of the processing degree of SS. Raw SS and SSC could be determined based on the color parameters and 6 marker constituent contents for a comprehensive quality evaluation for the first time. This paper provides scientific data to validate the relationships between color features and quality during the processing of SS.
A 3D Deep Learning Model to Predict the Diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Brain 18F-FDG PET
Authors: Etminani Kobra , Soliman Amira , Davidsson Anette , Chang Jose , Martínez-Sanchis Begoña , Byttner Stefan , Camacho Valle , Bauckneht Matteo , Stegeran Roxana , Ressner Marcus , Agudelo-Cifuentes Marc , Chincarini Andrea , Brendel Matthias , Rominger Axel , Bruffaerts Rose , Vandenberghe Rik , Kramberger Milica , Trost Maja , Nicastro Nicolas , Frisoni Giovanni , Lemstra Afina , Berckel Bart van , Pilotto Andrea , Padovani Alessandro , Morbelli Silvia , Aarsland Dag , Nobili Flavio , Garibotto Valentina , Ochoa-Figueroa Miguel
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop and validate a 3D deep learning model that predicts the final clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (MCI-AD), and cognitively normal (CN) using fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET (18F-FDG PET) and compare model’s performance to that of multiple expert nuclear medicine physicians’ readers.Materials and MethodsRetrospective 18F-FDG PET scans for AD, MCI-AD, and CN were collected from Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (556 patients from 2005 to 2020), and CN and DLB cases were from European DLB Consortium (201 patients from 2005 to 2018). The introduced 3D convolutional neural network was trained using 90% of the data and externally tested using 10% as well as comparison to human readers on the same independent test set. The model’s performance was analyzed with sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1 score, receiver operating characteristic (ROC). The regional metabolic changes driving classification were visualized using uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) and network attention.Results The proposed model achieved area under the ROC curve of 96.2% (95% confidence interval: 90.6-100) on predicting the final diagnosis of DLB in the independent test set, 96.4% (92.7-100) in AD, 71.4% (51.6-91.2) in MCI-AD, and 94.7% (90-99.5) in CN, which in ROC space outperformed human readers performance. The network attention depicted the posterior cingulate cortex is important for each neurodegenerative disease, and the UMAP visualization of the extracted features by the proposed model demonstrates the reality of development of the given disorders.Conclusion Using only 18F-FDG PET of the brain, a 3D deep learning model could predict the final diagnosis of the most common neurodegenerative disorders which achieved a competitive performance compared to the human readers as well as their consensus.
Hybrid Deep Learning based approach for ECG Heartbeat Arrhythmia Classification
Authors: Madan Parul , Singh Vijay , Singh Devesh Pratap , Pant Bhasker
Published: April 2021

Background: Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, is caused by a blockage of a coronary artery, which prevents blood and oxygen from accessing the heart properly. Arrhythmias are a form of CVD that refers to irregular variations in the normal heart rhythm, such as the heart beating too quickly or too slowly. Arrhythmias include Atrial Fibrillation(AF),Premature Ventricular Contraction(PVC), Ventricular Fibrillation(VF), and Tachycardia are just a few examples of arrhythmias. It aggravates if not detected and treated on time i.e., on-time /proper diagnosis of arrhythmias may minimize the risk of death. It is very labor-intensive to externally evaluate ECG signals, due to their small amplitude. Furthermore, the analysis of ECG signals is arbitrary and can differ between experts. As a consequence, a computer-aided diagnostic device that is more objective and reliable is needed. Methods: In the recent era, Machine Learning based approaches to detect arrhythmias has been established proficiently. In this view, we proposed a hybrid Deep Learning-based model to detect three types of arrhythmias on MIT-BIH arrhythmia databases. In particular, this paper makes two-fold contributions. First, we translated 1D ECG signals into 2D Scalogram images. When one-dimensional ECG signals are turned into two-dimensional ECG images, noise filtering and feature extraction are no longer necessary. This is notable since certain ECG beats are ignored by noise filtering and feature extraction. Then, based on experimental evidence, we suggest combining two models, 2D-CNN-LSTM, to detect three forms of arrhythmias: Cardiac Arrhythmias (ARR), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), and Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR). Results: The experimental findings indicate that the model attained 99\% accuracy for "normal sinus rhythm," 100\% accuracy for "cardiac arrhythmias," and 99\% accuracy for "congestive heart failures," with an overall classification accuracy of 98.6\%. The sensitivity and specificity were 98.33\% and 98.35\%, respectively. The proposed model, in particular, will aid doctors in correctly detecting arrhythmia during routine ECG screening. Conclusion: As compared to the other State-of-the-art methods our proposed model outperformed and will greatly minimise the amount of intervention required by doctors.
Superfluid Density and Collective Modes of Fermion Superfluid in Dice Lattice
Authors: Wu Yu-Rong , Zhang Xiao-Fei , Liu Chao-Fei , Liu Wu-Ming , Zhang Yi-Cai
Published: April 2021

The superfluid properties of attractive Hubbard model in dice lattice are investigated. It is found that three superfluid order parameters increase as the interaction increases. When the filling factor falls into the flat band, due to the infinite large density of states, the resulting superfluid order parameters are proportional to interaction strength, which is in striking contrast with the exponentially small counterparts in usual superfluid (or superconductor). When the interaction is weak and the filling factor is near the bottom of lowest band (or the top of highest band), the superfluid density is determined by the effective mass of the lowest (or highest) single-particle band. When the interactions is strong and filling factor is small, the superfluid density is inversely proportional to interaction strength, which is related to effective mass of tightly bound pairs. In the strong interaction limit and finite filling, the asymptotic behaviors of superfluid density can be captured by a parabolic function of filling factor. Further more, when the filling is in flat band, the superfluid density shows a logarithmic singularity as the interaction approaches zero. In addition, there exist three undamped collective modes for strong interactions. The lowest excitation is gapless phonon, which is characterized by the total density oscillations. The two others are gapped Leggett modes, which correspond relative density fluctuations between sublattices. The collective modes are also reflected in the two-particle spectral functions by sharp peaks. Further more, it is found that the two-particle spectral functions satisfy an exact sum-rule, which is directly related to the filling factor (or density of particle). The sum-rule of the spectral functions may be useful to distinguish the hole-doped or particle-doped superfluid (superconductor) in experiments.