bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signatures of selection and genomic diversity of Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) from two populations in North America.
Authors: Chinchilla-Vargas Josue , Meerbeek Jonathan R. , Rothschild Max F. , Bertolini Francesca
Published: May 2021

Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is the largest and most prized game fish in North America. However, little is known about Muskellunge genetic diversity in Iowa’s propagation program. We used Whole Genome Sequencing of 12 brooding individuals from Iowa and publicly available RAD-seq of 625 individuals from Saint-Lawrence river in Canada to study the genetic differences between populations, analyze signatures of selection, and evaluate the levels of genetic diversity in both populations. Given that there is no reference genome available, reads were aligned to the genome of Pike (Esox lucius). Variant calling produced 7,886,471 biallelic variants for the Iowa population and 16,867 high-quality SNPs that overlap with the Canadian samples. PCA and Admixture analyses showed a large genetic difference between Canadian and Iowan populations. Window-based pooled heterozygosity found 6 highly heterozygous windows in the Iowa population and Fst between populations found 14 windows with Fst values larger than 0.9. Canadian inbreeding rate (Froh=0.32) appears to be higher to the inbreeding of Iowa population (Froh=0.03), presumably due to isolation of subpopulations. Although inbreeding does not seem to be an immediate concern for Muskellunge in Iowa, the Canada population seems to have a high rate of inbreeding. Finally, this approach can be used to assess the long-term viability of the current management practices of Muskellunge populations across North America.
Identification of a Novel Interaction of FUS and Syntaphilin May Explain Synaptic and Mitochondrial Abnormalities Caused by ALS Mutations
Authors: Vance Caroline , Salam Shaakir , Tacconelli Sara , Smith Bradley , Mitchell Jacqueline , Glennon Elizabeth , Nikolaou Nikolas , Houart Corinne
Published: May 2021

Aberrantly expressed fused in sarcoma (FUS) is a hallmark of FUS-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Wildtype FUS localises to synapses and interacts with mitochondrial proteins while mutations have been shown to cause to pathological changes affecting mitochondria, synapses and the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). This indicates a crucial physiological role for FUS in regulating synaptic and mitochondrial function that is currently poorly understood. In this paper we provide evidence that mislocalised cytoplasmic FUS causes mitochondrial and synaptic changes and that FUS plays a vital role in maintaining neuronal health in vitro and in vivo. Overexpressing mutant FUS altered synaptic numbers and neuronal complexity in both primary neurons and zebrafish models. The degree to which FUS was mislocalised led to differences in the synaptic changes which was mirrored by changes in mitochondrial numbers and transport. Furthermore, we showed that FUS interacts with the mitochondrial tethering protein Syntaphilin (SNPH), and that mutations in FUS affect this relationship. Finally, we demonstrated mutant FUS led to changes in global protein translation. This interaction between FUS and SNPH could explain the synaptic and mitochondrial defects observed leading to global protein translation defects. Importantly, our results support the ‘gain-of-function’ hypothesis for disease pathogenesis in FUS-related ALS.
Determinants of Elevated D-dimer Levels and Long-Term Outcome in Elderly Patients with End-Stage Heart Failure
Authors: Tian Aiju , Yang Chengzhi , Weng Shengfeng , Chen Xiaoli , Liu Hong , Luo Zhi
Published: May 2021

Background: Previous studies have shown that heart failure is associated with hemostatic abnormalities and hypercoagulable state. Plasma D-dimer levels reflect both fibrin formation and degradation, and elevated D-dimer levels have been associated with poor prognosis in patients with heart failure. However, little is known about their roles in elderly patients with end-stage HF. In present study, we aimed to explore the clinical significance and determinants of plasma D-dimer in elderly patients with end-stage heart failure. Methods: A total of 177 patients with heart failure at Beijing Geriatric Hospital from November 1, 2015 to December 30, 2018 were enrolled. All hospitalized patients were obtained D-dimer levels within the first 24 h following admission after obtaining informed consent. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 60 patients had elevated D-dimer levels. Blood urea nitrogen (β=1.106, 95% CI: 1.029-1.190, p = 0.006), NYHA functional class (β=2.179, 95% CI: 1.170-4.056, p = 0.014) and white blood cell counts (β = 1.188, 95% CI: 1.040-1.358, p = 0.011) were independent risk factors for elevated D-dimer in elderly patients with end-stage heart failure. Albumin (β=0.803, 95% CI: 0.728-0.885, P ＜ 0.001) was negative risk factor for elevated D-dimer in elderly patients with end-stage heart failure. Elevated D-dimer level was independently associated with increased risk of long-term all-cause mortality (P = 0.048). Conclusions: For elderly patients with end-stage heart failure, D-dimer levels were associated with white blood cell counts, blood urea nitrogen, albumin and NYHA functional class and elevated D-dimer level was independently associated with poor long-term outcome.
Topoarchitected polymer networks expand the space of material properties
Authors: Liu Xiao , Wu Jingping , Qiao Keke , Liu Guohan , Wang Zhengjin , Lu Tongqing , Suo Zhigang , Hu Jian
Published: May 2021

Many living tissues achieve functions through architected constituents with strong adhesion. An Achilles tendon, for example, transmits force, elastically and repeatedly, from a muscle to a bone through staggered alignment of stiff collagen fibrils in a soft proteoglycan matrix. The collagen fibrils align orderly and adhere to the proteoglycan strongly. However, synthesizing architected materials with strong adhesion has been challenging. Here we fabricate architected polymer networks by sequential polymerization and photolithography, and attain adherent interface by topological entanglement. We fabricate tendon-inspired hydrogels by embedding hard blocks in topological entanglement with a soft matrix. The staggered architecture and strong adhesion enable high elastic limit strain and high toughness simultaneously. This combination of attributes is commonly desired in applications, but rarely achieved in synthetic materials. We further demonstrate architected polymer networks of various geometric patterns and material combinations to show the potential for expanding the space of material properties.
Bioenergy-induced land-use change emissions with sectorally fragmented policies
Authors: Merfort Leon , Bauer Nico , Humpenöder Florian , Klein David , Strefler Jessica , Popp Alexander , Luderer Gunnar , Kriegler Elmar
Published: May 2021

We assess the impact of different land-use emission policies within a broader climate policy framework on bioenergy production and associated land-use carbon emissions. We use the global Integrated Assessment Model REMIND-MAgPIE integrating the energy and land-use sectors and derive alternative climate change mitigation scenarios over the 21st century. If CO2 emissions are regulated consistently across sectors, land-use change emissions of biofuels are limited to 12 kgCO2/GJ. Without land-use emission regulations applied, bioenergy-induced emissions increase substantially and the emission factor per energy unit raises to levels slightly below diesel combustion (64 kg CO2/GJ). Pricing these emissions on the level of bioenergy consumption diminishes bioenergy deployment and the associated CO2 emissions, while failing to reduce the average emission factor. Despite effective reduction of land-use emissions, undifferentiated penalization of bioenergy use substantially increases mitigation costs. If supply side policies comprehensively regulate direct and indirect emissions, bioenergy can be produced much more sustainably.
Potential Roles of IGF2BP3 in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ye Yu , Huang Haoxuan , Huang Rong , Wang Xi , Xie Yuanliang , Deng Caiwang , Li Tianyu , Wang Qiuyan , Mo Zengnan
Published: May 2021

The IGF2BP3 can affect cancer cells through the regulation of m6A. In this study, we combined the RNA sequencing and the RNA methylation sequencing to investigate the role and the mechanism of the IGF2BP3 in bladder cancer.TCGA data showed that the intersection genes of RBP differentially expressed and RBP involved in m6A modification were IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP3, only IGF2BP3 was significantly associated with short survival time (P < 0.01). Then immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR detection showed that IGF2BP3 is highly expressed in bladder cancer (P < 0.05). The T24 knockout IGF2BP3 cell line was successfully constructed, with cell proliferation decreased and the apoptosis increased (P < 0.05). RNA sequencing results of clinical bladder tissue from 53 cases showed that the expression of IGF2BP3 samples were associated with the high levels of proliferation-related genes. The analysis of combined RNA and M6a level showed the differential genes related to cell growth and proliferation: SPHK1, POMT2, MRPS18a in T24 and T24-KO. Our study suggests that the IGF2BP3 is highly expressed in bladder cancer and related to tumor metastasis and invasion, the IGF2BP3 expression is related to cell proliferation genes, which affects the growth, proliferation, and apoptosis of T24 cells, and SpHK1, POMT2, and MRPS18a may be potential targets of IGF2BP3.
Prediction of Transmission Coefficients of Regular Wave Attenuation by Emergent Vegetation
Authors: Gong Shangpeng , CHEN JIE , Jiang Changbo , He Fei , Wu Zhiyuan
Published: May 2021

Transmission coefficient (Kt) for wave attenuation by vegetation is essential parameter for predicting the wave height. In this paper, based on the experimental data of three kind of artificial vegetation model, genetic programming (GP), artificial neural networks (ANNs) and multivariate non-linear regression (MNLR) were used to analyze the dimensionless factors including Ursell number (Ur), relative width (RB) relative height (α) and volume fraction (φ). The proposed GP formulae were compared with MNLR and ANNs. The predictions of GP models were in good agreement with measured data, and outperformed MNLR equations. Otherwise, GP and ANNs were used to obtain the weight of each factor. The results can provide a reference for the artificial planting of the three plants.
Low-PEEP Mechanical Ventilation and P/F Ratio Evolution in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ceruti Samuele , Roncador Marco , Saporito Andrea , Biggiogero Maira , Glotta Andrea , Maida Pier Andrea , Urso Patrizia , Bona Giovanni , Borgeat Alain , Garzoni Christian , Mauri Romano
Published: May 2021

Background Critically ill COVID-19 patients are burdened by high mortality. Evaluation to improve patients’ management was performed using strict patient criteria for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, a low- positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) setting and standard thromboembolism treatment. Objectives of this study was to report the effects of this strategy on P/F-ratio evolution during mechanical ventilation (MV), ICU length of stay (LOS) and MV length.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on all consecutive patients with acute respiratory distress due to COVID-19 pneumonia admitted into ICU from March 2nd to January 15th, 2021. Patients were treated with a low-PEEP strategy (PEEP 10 cmH2O if BMI < 30 Kg m-2, PEEP 12 cmH2O if BMI 30-50 Kg m-2, PEEP 15 cmH2O if BMI > 50 Kg m-2) and therapeutic anticoagulation in case of thrombosis or D-dimer greater than 1’500 ng ml-1.Results 79 patients were on invasive MV. Average applied PEEP was 11 ± 2.9 cmH2O for BMI < 30 Kg m-2, 16 ± 3.18 cmH2O for BMI > 30 Kg m-2. After low-PEEP application, patients’ P/F ratio presented daily improvement from admission during next 72 hours (p<0.001; CI 99%) that resulted statistically significant for each single day after oro-tracheal intubation (OTI). Median ICU length of stay (LOS) was 15 days (10–28); median duration of MV was 12 days (8–26). The ICU mortality rate was 31.6%.Conclusions A combination of low-PEEP treatment resulted in P/F persistent daily ratio improvement during first 72 hours after OTI. A low-PEEP strategy could be beneficial in hemodynamic than respiratory terms.
Prevalence and Outcome of Abdominal Vascular Injury in Severe Trauma Patients – An International Registry Analysis
Authors: Barbati Mohammad Esmaeil , Hildebrand Frank , Andruszkow Hagen , Lefering Rolf , Jacobs Michael , Jalaie Houman , Gombert Alexander
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThis study details the etiology, frequency and effect of abdominal vascular injuries in patients after polytrauma.Patients and methodsAll patients of TraumaRegister DGU® with following criteria were included: online documentation of European trauma centers, age 16-85 years, presence of abdominal vascular injury, and AIS ≥ 3. Patients were divided in three groups of: arterial injury only, venous injury only, mixed arterial and venous injuries.ResultsA total of 2949 patients were included. All types of vessel injuries were more prevalent in patients with abdominal trauma followed by thoracic trauma. Rate of patients with shock upon admission were the same in patients with arterial injury alone (n= 606, 33%) and venous injury alone (n=95, 32%). Venous trauma showed higher odds ratio for in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.48; 95% CI 1.10-1.98, p=0.010).ConclusionAbdominal arterial injury and venous injury were equally responsible for the rate of hemodynamic instability at the time of admission. However, the proportion of adverse outcome during hospital stay was significantly higher in patients with venous injury. Stable patients suspected of abdominal vascular injuries should be further investigated to exclude or localize the possible retroperitoneal hematoma caused by subtle venous injury.
Assessment of The Canary Current Upwelling System In A Regionally Coupled Climate Model
Authors: Vazquez Ruben , Parras-Berrocal Ivan , Cabos William , Sein Dmitry V. , Mañanes Rafael , Izquierdo Alfredo
Published: May 2021

The Canary current upwelling is one of the major eastern boundary coastal upwelling systems in the world, bearing a high productive ecosystem and commercially important fisheries. The Canary current upwelling system (CCUS) has a large latitudinal extension, usually divided into upwelling zones with different characteristics. Eddies, filaments and other mesoscale processes are known to have an impact in the upwelling productivity, thus for a proper representation of the CCUS a large spatial coverage and high horizontal resolution are required. Here we assess the CCUS present climate in the atmosphere-ocean regionally coupled model ROM (REMO-OASIS-MPIOM). ROM presents a global oceanic component with increased horizontal resolution along the northwestern African coast, and its performance over the CCUS is assessed against relevant reanalysis data sets and compared with an ensemble of global climate models (GCMs) and an ensemble of atmosphere-only regional climate models (RCMs) in order to assess the role of the horizontal resolution. ROM reproduces the larger scale pattern of the CCUS and its latitudinal and seasonal variability over the coastal band, improving the GCMs outputs. ROM shows a performance comparable to the ensemble of RCMs in representing the coastal wind stress and near-surface air temperature fields. ROM is able of properly reproducing mesoscale structures, being able to simulate the upwelling filaments events off Cape Ghir, which are not well represented in most of GCMs. Our results stress the ability of ROM to reproduce the larger scale as well as mesoscale processes over the CCUS, opening the possibility to evaluate the climate change signal there with increased confidence.
High-performance Tunable Multichannel Absorbers Couple with Graphene-based Grating and Dual-Tamm Plasmonic Structures
Authors: Hu Jinlei , Hu Zhengda , Wang Jicheng , Balmakou Aliaksei , Khakhomov Sergei , Semchenko Igor
Published: May 2021

We present a hybrid Tamm system targeting the tunable multichannel absorber. The proposed optical absorber is analyzed and investigated by using the transfer matrix method (TMM). The numerical and theoretical studies show that the four perfect absorption peaks are generated by two types of resonant modes excited in the structure, which can be reasonably explained by the guide-mode resonance (GMR) and optical Tamm state (OTS). More importantly, the strong interaction between the two modes gives rise to mode hybridization by adjusting the grating period. Furthermore, the active modulation of the GMR-based peak can be manipulated discretely by tuning the polarization angle or continuously by changing the chemical potential of graphene. The presented optical absorption filter will meet high level of effectiveness in developing high-performance optoelectronic devices.
Identification of a Novel Gene Model-Based Homologous Recombination Deficiency Score to Improve Survival Prediction of TNBC.
Authors: Zhang Wenxiang , Ai Bolun , Kong Xiangyi , Wang Xiangyu , Zhai Jie , Gao Ran , Qi Yihang , Liu Qiang , Zhu Mengliu , Ren Yingpeng , Fang Yi , Wang Jing
Published: May 2021

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a specific histological type of breast cancer with a poor prognosis, early recurrence, which lacks durable chemotherapy responses and effective targeted therapies. We aimed to construct an accurate prognostic risk model based on homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) - gene expression profiles for improving prognosis prediction of TNBC.
Methods

Triple-negative breast cancer RNA sequencing data and sample clinical information were downloaded from the breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) cohort in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Combined with the HRD database, tumor samples were divided into two sets. We screened differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and then identified HRD-related prognostic genes using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Cox regression analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identifying key prognostic genes. Risk scores were calculated and compared with HRD score, Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival analysis were used to assess its prognostic power. GSE103091 dataset from GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database was used to validate the signature. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were performed to independently verify the prognosis of the risk score. A nomogram was constructed and revealed by time-dependent ROC curves to guide clinical practice.
Results

We found that HRD tumor samples (HRD score > = 42) in TNBC patients were associated with poor overall survival (p = 0.027). We identified a total of 147 differential genes including 203 up-regulated and 213 down-regulated genes, among which 29 were prognosis-related genes. Through the LASSO method, 6 key prognostic genes ((MUCL1, IVL, FAM46C, CHI3L1, PRR15L, and CLEC3A) were selected and a 6-gene risk score was constructed. We found risk score was negatively associated with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) scores (r = -0.22, p = 0.019). Compared with the low-risk group, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis shows that the high-risk group has an obvious poorer prognosis (P < 0.0001). Finally, we integrated the risk score model and clinical factors of TNBC (AJCC-stage, HRD score, T stage, and N stage) to construct a compound nomogram. Time-dependent ROC curves showed the risk score performed better in 1-, 3- and 5-year survival predictions compared with AJCC-stage.
Conclusions

Based on HRD gene expression data, our six HRD-related gene signature and nomogram could be practical and reliable tools for predicting OS in patients with TNBC.
New Challenges Towards the Ecological Management of Paliastomi Lake Will Significantly Improve the Local Environment With Far-Going Positive Global Consequences
Authors: Abramia Grigol , Gverdsiteli Leila , Eristavi Dimitri , Kalandadze Besik , Girgvliani Akaki , Weber Gero , Honecker Ulrich , Kubiniok Jochen
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe purpose of the research was to provide the review of the institutional and legal requirements and evaluation of the existing sanitary-biological research of the Lake Paliastomi waters; study the current state of environment, problems of pollution from agricultural sources, municipal wastewater and industry in line with the bacterial pollution caused by migratory waterfowl of the Lake Paliastomi, an internationally recognized habitat, wintery and transit area of the birds and an important tourism site. ResultsHave been prepared the analytical data on: the review of the institutional and legal requirements; evaluation of the existing sanitary-biological research of the following waters in the Lake; definition of dynamics of sanitary-microbial indicators in flowing waters; study of biological characteristics of secreted pathogenic agents and definition of their vulnerability towards bacteriophages; mathematical simulation model on different scenarios of dissemination of chemical pollutants and pathogenic bacteria in the lake Paliastomi. The researchers identified that the pollution by nutrient-rich water causing large blooms of algae and aquatic plants that in its turn leaves little oxygen for fish and other aquatic animals, resulting in the eutrophication followed by suffocation of aquatic life.ConclusionsThe solution of problem requires complex respond: the selected spring sites, regular monitoring of nitrate contents and other basic physico-chemical water parameters; simultaneous, continuous discharge recording; monitoring and maintaining water levels in the wetlands; removing sediment and organic debris build up in wetland pond and etc.Mathematical modeling of dissemination of the pathogenic bacteria in the Lake Paliastomi enables us to permanently monitor not only the inflowing waters of Paliastomi Lake, but seasonal sources of bacterial pollution due to the migratory birds. In line with monitoring, localized prophylactic point sources spraying of Salmonella bacteriophage cocktail (SBC) by agricultural drones will be useful to restrain bacterial contamination.
In Vitro Effect of the Biomechanics After Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Intervention on Rabbit Cornea
Authors: Su Guanyu , Han Shaofeng , Song Bowen , Cao Kai , Liang Qingfeng
Published: May 2021

Objective: To observe the change of the biomechanical properties of rabbit cornea after the intervention by corneal collagen cross linking (CXL) and toluidine blue O combined with red light (TBOR).Methods: The study was carried out in compliance with the ARRIVE guidelines. 20 healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. One group was taken with Riboflavin combined with UV light therapy in the right eye of healthy New Zealand white rabbits, and the other group was taken toluidine blue O combined with red light (TBOR) treatment. All left eyes were taken as controls. Parameters, from Pentacam and Corvis ST like K1 (The keratometry readings of the flattest), K2 (The keratometry readings of the steepest), ACD (Anterior chamber depth), Pupil diameter, ACA (Mean angle of the anterior chamber), ACV (Volume of the anterior chamber), bIOP (Biomechanical Intraocular pressure), CT (Corneal thickness, pachymetry), A1 Time(Time from starting until the first applanation), A1 Velocity(Corneal speed during the first applanation moment), A2 Time (Time from starting until the second applanation), A2 Velocity (Corneal speed during the second applanation moment), HC Time(Time from starting until highest concavity is reached), Peak Dist(Distance of the two “peaks” at highest concavity) and HC-Radius(The radius at highest concavity), were examined before and 2 weeks after intervention. The rabbits were sacrificed after anesthesia. Then, their corneas were removed for corneal stretch test.Results: With the examination of Pentacam and Corvis ST, IOP(11.28 ± 11.2mmHg v.s. 6.66 ± 4.02mmHg) and A1 time(7.03 ± 1.27s v.s. 6.55 ± 0.35s) were increased, comparing with those before intervention. From the in vitro corneal stretch test, the tangent modulus of the CXL group was more than 3 times of the Control group, whereas the tangent modulus of the TBOR group was about 0.7 times to that of the Control group.Conclusions: From the rabbit cornea intervention with CXL and TBOR, CXL showed an obvious effect of increasing the hardness of rabbit cornea, while TBOR may did no help to increase the hardness of cornea.
Comprehensive Assessment of NR Ligand Polypharmacology by a Multiplex Reporter NR Assay.
Authors: Medvedev Alexander , Moeser Matt , Medvedeva Liubov , Martsen Elena , Granick Alexander , Raines Lydia , Gorman Kristen , Lin Benjamin , Zeng Ming , Houck Keith A. , Makarov Sergei S.
Published: May 2021

Nuclear receptors (NR) are ligand-modulated transcription factors that regulate multiple cell functions and thus represent excellent drug targets. However, due to a considerable NR structural homology, NR ligands often interact with multiple receptors. Here, we describe a multiplex reporter assay (the FACTORIAL NR) that enables parallel assessment of NR ligand activity across all 48 human NRs. The assay comprises one-hybrid GAL4-NR reporter modules transiently transfected into test cells. To evaluate the reporter activity, we assessed their RNA transcripts. We used a homogeneous RNA detection approach that afforded equal detection efficacy and permitted the multiplex detection in a single-well format. For validation, we examined a panel of selective NR ligands and polypharmacological agonists and antagonists of the progestin, estrogen, PPAR, ERR, and ROR receptors. The assay produced highly reproducible NR activity profiles (r >0.96) permitting quantitative assessment of individual NR responses. The inferred EC50 values agreed with the published data. The assay showed excellent quality (= 0.73) and low variability (=7.2%). Furthermore, the assay permitted distinguishing direct and non-direct NR responses to ligands. Therefore, the FACTORIAL NR enables comprehensive evaluation of NR ligand polypharmacology.
Distributed MEMS Sensors using Plasmonic Antenna Array Embedded Sagnac Interferometer
Authors: Garhwal Anita , Arumona Arumona Edward , Youplao Phichai , Ray Kanad , Yupapin Preecha
Published: May 2021

A micro Sagnac interferometer is proposed for electron cloud distributed sensors formed by an integrated (micro-electro-mechanical systems) MEMS resonator structure. The Sagnac interferometer consists of four microring probes integrated into a Sagnac loop. Each of the microring probes is embedded with the silver bars to form the plasmonic wave oscillation. The polarized light of 1.50µm wavelength is input into the interferometer, which is polarized randomly into upstream and downstream directions. The polarization outputs can be controlled by the space-time input at the Sagnac port. Electrons are trapped and oscillated by the whispering gallery modes (WGMs), where the plasmonic antennas are established and applied for wireless fidelity (WiFi) and light fidelity (LiFi) sensing probes, respectively. Four antenna gains are 2.59dB, 0.93dB, 1.75dB, and 1.16dB, respectively. In manipulation, the sensing probe electron densities are changed by input source power variation. When the electron cloud is excited by the microscopic medium, where the change in electron density is obtained and reflected to the required parameters. Such a system is a novel device that can be applied for brain-device interfering with the dual-mode sensing probes. The obtained WGM sensors are 1.35µm-2, 0.90µm-2, 0.97µm-2 and, 0.81µm-2, respectively. The WGMs behave as a four-point probe for the electron cloud distributed sensors, where the electron cloud sensitivities of 2.31prads-1mm3 (electrons)-1, 2.27prads-1mm3 (electrons)-1, 2.22prads-1mm3(electrons)-1, 2.38prads-1mm3(electrons)-1 are obtained, respectively.
Next-Generation Sequencing Mutational Landscape and Clinical Features of Chinese Adults with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Luo Shuna , Wang Zanzan , Xu Xiaofei , Zhang Lan , Wang Shengjie , Jin Keyi , Huang Jian
Published: May 2021

Background: Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) include three classical subtypes: polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Since prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis (pre-PMF) was recognized as a separate entity in the 2016 revised classification of MPN, it has been a subject of debate among experts due to its indefinite diagnosis. However, pre-PMF usually has a distinct outcome compared with either ET or overt PMF. In this study, we examined the clinical, haematologic, genetic, and prognostic differences among pre-PMF, ET, and overt PMF.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical parameters, haematologic information, and genetic mutations of patients who were diagnosed with pre-PMF, ET, and overt PMF according to the WHO 2016 criteria using next-generation sequencing (NGS).Results: Pre-PMF patients exhibited higher leukocyte counts, higher LDH values, a higher frequency of splenomegaly, and a higher incidence of hypertension than ET patients. On the other hand, pre-PMF patients had higher platelet counts and haemoglobin levels than overt PMF patients. Molecular analysis revealed that the frequency of EP300 mutations was significantly increased in pre-PMF patients compared with ET and overt PMF patients. In terms of outcome, male sex, along with symptoms including MPN-10, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and KMT2A and CUX1 mutations, indicated a poor prognosis for PMF patients.Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that comprehensive evaluation of BM features, clinical phenotypes, haematologic parameters, and molecular profiles is needed for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of ET, pre-PMF, and overt PMF patients.
A Novel Structure to Enhance Second Harmonic Generation in Plasmonic Waveguide using Optimized Plasmon Polariton Nanoparticles
Authors: Zarei Mohammadreza , Kamali Abbas , Imanieh Mohsen , ghorashi Ali Emam
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we propose a new structure for the plasmonic waveguide to optimize the nonlinear optical effect of the second harmonic generation (SHG). For this purpose, we use a layer of graphene grating and spherical and elliptical plasmon polariton nanoparticles made of gold and silver. The number, location and material of nanoparticles as well as the number of graphene layer gratings are optimized to achieve the highest possible nonlinear effect. The simulation results showed that the optical power of SHF wave and peak optical power of SHF is increased noticeably using grating layer of graphene along with optimized plasmon polariton nanoparticles.
Parenteral Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Improves Outcome of Sepsis: A Real-World, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Youlian , Chen HuaiSheng , Jiang YiChun , Tang XueMing , Ma YongHui , Liu Xueyan , Wang Wei
Published: May 2021

Objectives: The role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of sepsis is always on paradox. we tried to retrieve and download the patients’ data in a certain period through the hospital information system, used data sorting so as to screen out the patients with sepsis so as to find out the role of omega-3 fatty acids in sepsis. Methods: Through the hospital information system, retrieve and include the patients who were admitted to the Department of critical medicine of Shenzhen People's Hospital from December 2016 to June 2019, screen out patients diagnosed with sepsis according to a certain criterion. The patients were grouped by whether they were applicated with omega-3 fatty acid or not. Results: A total of 1733 cases included into analysis, among of whom 303 cases were applicated with omega-3 fatty acid. The amounts and baseline conditions between both groups were imbalance. Severity of omega-3 fatty acid group was higher than that of control group. Chi-square test found that the mortality rate of omega-3 fatty acid was higher than that of control group (p < 0.0001). But age, gender, whether there is abdominal infection, whether there is septicemia, shock, the need for mechanical ventilation, and the need for renal replacement therapy may all affect the prognosis of the patients. If these factors were used as covariates, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that there was no significant difference in mortality rate between the treatment group and the control group (P = 0.574). Survival analysis showed that the survival rate of treatment group was higher than that of the control group when at the end of total treatment duration (P = 0.035). Conclusion: For patients with more severe sepsis, doctors are more likely to use omega-3 fatty acids in the early stage. Omega-3 fatty acids may improve the long-term prognosis of sepsis, but the conclusion still needs to be accepted carefully.
Determining key upstream rainout and convection zones affecting δ18O in water vapor and precipitation based on 8-year continuous observations in the East Asian Monsoon region
Authors: Zhan Zhaojun , Pang Hongxi , Wu Shuangye , Liu Zhengyu , Zhang Wangbin , Xu Tao , Liu Hui , Hou Shugui
Published: May 2021

More and more studies have recognized the crucial impact of upstream rainout effect and convective activities on the stable isotopic composition of precipitation (δ18Op) and water vapor (δ18Ov) at mid and low latitudes. However, it is difficult to precisely identify the upstream rainout and convection zones using the traditional time-lagged spatial correlation method. Based on a continuous high-resolution δ18Ov and δ18Op dataset in Nanjing (eastern China), a novel method of upstream key rainout region identification (UKRRI) is developed for reliably identifying the key upstream rainout and convection zones. Based on the UKRRI method, we find that summer δ18Ov and δ18Op in Nanjing are primarily controlled by the rainout effect and convective activities along the moisture transport pathway from the Maritime Continent (MC), via the Indo-China Peninsula and South China Sea (ICP_SCS), to Southeastern China (SEC), particularly over SEC. Contrary to existing studies, the Indian Ocean is not a major rainout and convection zone affecting δ18Ov and δ18Op in Nanjing. Our study has significant implications for the interpretation of stalagmite δ18O records in East Asian Monsoon (EAM) region.
First Molecular Evidence of Theileria Lestoquardi in Small Ruminants in Northern Iran
Authors: Haghi Seyed Mousa Motavalli , Fakhar Mahdi , Sharbatkhori Mitra , Paghe Abdol Sattar
Published: May 2021

Ovine theileriosis as a critical agent in small ruminant production, can cause lethal infections. Different species of Theileria have been reported in various parts of the world, and each species causes different diseases in the host. This is the first molecular study to investigate the prevalence of ovine theileriosis and identify the dominant Theileria species in northern Iran. A number of 220 small ruminants, including sheep and goats, were randomly sampled from 22 flocks. Peripheral blood smears are stained by the Giemsa staining method. As well as for species identification, all samples were examined by molecular method. From 220 samples, 160 and 60 were sheep and goat, respectively. By the Giemsa staining method, Theileria parasite was observed in 20 (9%) samples. But by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, 30 (13.6%) samples were positive for Theileria species. Theileria lestoquardi was the most common species found in these animals. The high prevalence of theileriosis in small ruminants demonstrates the emergence of ovine theileriosis in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces in northern Iran.
Suitability Analysis for Scaling Chickpea Improved Varieties in Ethiopia
Authors: Mulugeta Wondafrash , Nigussie Demeke Nigussiea , Molla Adamu , Bishaw Zewdie , Biradar Chandrashekhar
Published: May 2021

Background: Appropriate decision-making on crop production will reduce various risk factors associated with unsustainable land management. The limited available arable land be taken for granted which may turn from ‘best’ to ‘worst’ irrespective of the kind of land use and management practice without understanding its special requirements and potential use. GIS has contributed to the speed and efficiency of the overall planning process in agricultural land use suitability, since it enables quick and efficient access to large amounts of information, exhibiting relationships, patterns, and trends that are useful in monitoring land use potential and suitability evaluation. As crop’s environmental requirements vary from variety to variety, it is recommended to undertake variety specific analysis and mapping for better understand the extent of scaling-up the specific crop technologyResults: GIS-based land suitability map for chickpea was generated for each variety under consideration mapped showing their percentage area coverage of suitability for each regional states in Ethiopia. Based on, the suitability analysis desi chickpea varieties Mastewal, Naatolii, Teketay and Arerti, Habru, Kasech, and Yelbey kabuli chickpea varieties classified as highly suitable that cover 0.67, 0.71, 1.4, 2.3, 1.3, 2.4 and 1.2 million ha of the country respectively. While moderately suitable areas for the same varieties cover 25.2, 11.3, 25.9, 26.4, 26.6, 9.6, 17.1 million ha.Conclusion: The suitability analysis results show that the currently available improved varieties of chickpea can be targeted for scaling out in the identified land suitability classes in Ethiopia with some caution. Amhara, Oromia, SNNP and Tigray remain the major regions with suitable areas for production of available varieties of chickpea compared to Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, and Somali regions. However, the highly suitable areas are limited compared to moderately suitable areas, which are higher across the regions.
Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing of Circulating Tumor DNA Mutations among Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Sun Minying , Lin Fangqin , Chen Lujia , Li Hong , Lin Weiquan , Du Hongyan , Yang Xuexi , Li Ming
Published: May 2021

Background Liquid biopsy through the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has potential advantages in cancer monitoring and prediction. However, most previous studies in this area were performed with a few hotspot genes, single time point detection, or insufficient sequencing depth.Methods In this study, we performed targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a customized panel in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. Fifty-four plasma samples were taken before chemotherapy and after the third course of treatment for detection and analysis. Paired lymphocytes were also included to eliminate clonal hematopoiesis (CH)-related alternatives.Results A total of 1182 nonsynonymous mutations on 419 genes were identified. More ctDNA mutations were detected in patients with tumors> 3cm (P = 0.035) and HER2(−) patients (P = 0.029). For a single gene, the distribution of ctDNA mutations was also correlated with clinical characteristics. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that HER2 status was significantly associated with mutation burden (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0–0.62, P = 0.025). The profiles of ctDNA mutations exhibited marked discrepancies between two time points, and baseline ctDNA was more sensitive and specific than that after chemotherapy. Finally, elevated ctDNA mutation level was positively correlated with poor survival (P < 0.001).Conclusion Mutations in ctDNA could serve as a potential biomarker for the evaluation and prediction, and guide the clinical management of MBC patients with chemotherapy.
Exploring the Effects of Genetic Variation on Gene Regulation in Cancer in the Context of 3D Genome Structure
Authors: Osman Noha , Shawky Abd-El-Monsif , Brylinski Michal
Published: May 2021

Background: Numerous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted to date revealed genetic variants associated with various diseases, including breast and prostate cancers. Despite the availability of these large-scale data, relatively few variants have been functionally characterized, mainly because the majority of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) map to the non-coding regions of the human genome. The functional characterization of these non-coding variants and the identification of their target genes remain challenging.Results: In this communication, we explore the potential functional mechanisms of non-coding SNPs by integrating GWAS with the high-resolution chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data for breast and prostate cancers. We show that more genetic variants map to regulatory elements through the 3D genome structure than the 1D linear genome lacking physical chromatin interactions. Importantly, the association of enhancers, transcription factors, and their target genes with breast and prostate cancers tends to be higher when these regulatory elements are mapped to high-risk SNPs through spatial interactions compared to simply using a linear proximity. Finally, we demonstrate that topologically associating domains (TADs) carrying high-risk SNPs also contain gene regulatory elements whose association with cancer is generally higher than those belonging to control TADs containing no high-risk variants.Conclusions: Our results suggest that many SNPs may contribute to the cancer development by affecting the expression of certain tumor-related genes through long-range chromatin interactions with gene regulatory elements. Integrating large-scale genetic datasets with the 3D genome structure offers an attractive and unique approach to systematically investigate the functional mechanisms of genetic variants in disease risk and progression.
Neuroprotective Potential of Sodium Orthovanadate in a Mouse Model of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress.
Authors: Joshi Angel , Akhtar Ansab , Kuhad Anurag , Sah Sangeeta Pilkhwal
Published: May 2021

Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by low-esteem, anhedonia, social deficit, and lack of interest. Decreased BDNF and impaired TrKB signaling have been found to be associated in depression. Moreover, oxidative stress in the brain and subsequent reduction of BDNF have a prominent role in psychiatric disorders. In our study, depressive-like behavior was induced in mice by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model. Further, sodium orthovanadate (SOV), a protein tyrosine phospahatase was used as a test drug as it is reported to stimulate BDNF levels. Sodium orthovanadate (SOV-5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) were given to mice orally for 21 days prior 30 minutes of stress induction. Various behavioral studies like tail suspension test (TST), open field test (OFT), and sucrose preference test (SPT); biochemical analyses for corticosterone, reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO) and ELISA for BDNF were performed. Body weight was measured on a weekly basis. The behavioral tests reflected depressive-like behavior in CUMS, which was attenuated by SOV and fluoxetine. SOV (10 mg/kg) significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels, NO, whereas increased GSH and SOD in both the cortex and hippocampus. Besides, ELISA revealed the elevation of BDNF levels in the treatment groups compared with the disease group (CUMS). Therefore, the treatment with SOV appeared to reverse both oxidative and nitrosative stress. Elevated BDNF level was associated with attenuation of depressive-like behaviors and serum corticosterone levels. The findings of this preliminary study indicates that SOV has potential to restore mood and social interaction in depression and so further molecular mechanisms will be warranted for clinical translation.
The extract of Acanthopanacis Cortex relieves the depression-like behavior and modulates IL-17 signaling in chronic mild stress-induced depressive mice
Authors: Yan Lu , Qian Yiyun , Liu Chuhan , Liu Zhanzhan , Song Pingping , Wang Tao , Wei Min
Published: May 2021

Background: Acanthopanacis Cortex (AC) is a valuable Chinese herbal medicine in Eleutherococcus Maxim., which has the effects of immune inflammatory modulation, anti-stress, anti-fatigue, sedation and analgesia. The functions of herbs from Eleutherococcus Maxim. involve neuroactivity, anti-fatigue, anti-stress and immune inflammatory modulation, and the peripheral functions of which are consistent with AC. However, the central nervous system function of AC has not been clearly illustrated. Since immune inflammatory modulation plays a critical role in the treatment of depression. In this study, we investigated the effect of AC against depression through immune inflammatory modulation.Methods: Chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced depressive mice were used to evaluate the effect of AC against depression. Behavior study and detection of neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines were carried out in the study. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling cascade was involved to further study the underlying mechanism of AC against depression.Results: AC had a beneficial effect on CMS-induced depressive mice, including improvement in depressive behavior and modulation of the levels of neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, AC was able to suppress IL-17-midiated signaling cascade and thereby alleviating neuroinflammation and depression.Conclusions: Our results revealed that AC showed great effects on anti-depression through immune inflammatory modulation. These findings provide an insight into anti-depression therapy, which will be useful for the development of clinical application of AC.
Evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of e- OSCE in the COVID- 19 era
Authors: Shorbagi Sarra , Sulaiman Nabil , Hasswan Ahmad , Kaouas Mujtaba , Al-Dijani Mona M. , El-hussein Rania Adil , Daghistani Mada Talal , Nugud Shumoos , Guraya Salman Yousuf
Published: May 2021

Background: The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its quick progress to a global pandemic has urged medical schools to shift from didactic to distance learning and assessment approaches. The quality of clinical training and assessment have been jeopardized due to the regulatory restrictions and potential hazards to human lives. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an electronic Objective Structured Clinical Examination (e-OSCE), which attempted to transform the format of a face-to-face OSCE to an e-OSCE.Methods: We conducted three end of clerkship e-OSCEs for final year medical students in Surgery, Medicine and Family Medicine using teleconferencing application of Microsoft Teams (MST). The e-OSCE blueprint included the assessment of all clinical skills except physical examination and procedural skills. Examiners supervised e-OSCE from the college campus while all students were remotely assessed through the MST channels. During the exam, the students stayed in their specified MST channels, examiners rotated across all students. The feasibility and effectiveness of e-OSCE was evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire to students, examiners and e-OSCE team. Results: The data analysis showed that 93.4% students and 92.2% examiners agreed with the quality and process of e-OSCE. Similarly, 83.6% students and 98% examiners agreed with the fairness, smoothness and organization of e-OSCE. As many as 45.9% students and 74.5% examiners agreed that e-OSCE was close to real life practice. Approximately one fifth of students and one third of examiners preferred e-OSCE over the face-to-face OSCE. The analysis of qualitative data generated themes of e-OSCE structure and technology. While majority of participants were satisfied with e-OSCE, students were concerned about examiners’ training and e-OSCE contents. Examiners and e-OSCE team recognized the paper-less, tech-savy, fast and reliable e-OSCE format. Conclusion: During and beyond COVID- 19 era, e-OSCE is a feasible and effective modality for assessing clinical competence except for physical examination and procedural skills. The planning and implementation of e-OSCE reflects an ingenuity in assessment of clinical competencies of medical students.