bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Value of Skin Involvement in Breast Cancer Patients With Chest Wall Recurrence
Authors: Zhou Danyang , Li Mei , Xu Fei , Zheng Qiufan , Lu Qianyi , Hong Ruoxi , Wang Shusen
Published: May 2021

Background: To assess the prognosis of skin involvement in female breast cancer patients with chest wall recurrence (CWR).Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical-pathological data of breast cancer patients with CWR who were diagnosed pathologically between January 2000 and April 2020. Progression free survival (PFS) was defined as time from diagnosis of CWR to the first disease progression. Persistent chest wall progression was three consecutive chest wall progression without distant organ involvement.Results: A total of 476 patients with CWR were included in this study. Among them, skin involvement or not was queried and confirmed in 345 patients. Skin involvement was significantly correlated to tumor size (P=0.003) and initial nodal status (P<0.001). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, skin involvement predicted a shorter PFS (P<0.001), especially local disease progression (P<0.001). Skin involvement was an independent biomarker for PFS by the multivariate analysis (P=0.034). Patients with skin involvement were more likely to experience persistent chest wall progression (P=0.040). After eliminating the potential deviation caused by insufficient follow-up time, persistent chest wall progression was more likely to be associated with positive lymph nodal status (P=0.046), negative PR (P=0.001) and positive HER2 (P=0.046) of the primary site, negative ER (P=0.027) and PR (P=0.013) of chest wall lesion and skin involvement (P=0.020).Conclusion: Skin involvement predicted poor local disease control in female breast cancer patients with CWR and it was more likely to be related to persistent chest wall progression. We improved the stratification of prognosis and provided new insights for biological behaviors of the disease and further individualized treatment in breast cancer patients with CWR.
Congenital collagenopathies increased the risk of inguinal hernia developing and repair: analysis from a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Chang Hao Han , Juan Yung Shun , Li Ching Chia , Lee Hsiang Ying , Chen Jian Han
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study is to explore whether male patients diagnosed of congenital collagen diseases had higher risk of occurrence inguinal hernia than patients who do not had these diseases.Method: Data were collected from National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan retrospectively. 1801 male patients who diagnosed of congenital collagen disease by using ICD-9 CM diagnostic code was the study cohort, and in the other hand, after propensity score matching, 6493 man without congenital collagen disease were enrolled as control group. The primary endpoint was receiving inguinal hernia repair during observation period.Result: During median 133.9 months follow-up period, the risk of inguinal hernia in collagen cohort was significantly higher than the control group (HR = 2.237, 95% CI:1.646–3.291, p < 0.001). Furthermore, this phenomenon also presented in patient younger than 18 (HR:3.040 95% CI: 1.819–5.083, p < 0.001) and in age 18–80 (HR: 1.909, 95% CI: 1.186–3.073, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Asian men, regardless of age, with congenital collagen disease are at the risk of developing inguinal hernia. Detailed physical examination and well patient education should be performed while facing these patients.
Reliability and Validity of the electronic Health Literacy Scale Among People at High Risk of Stroke in China: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: He Yu , Guo Lina , Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Liu Yanjin , Wei Miao , Zhang Gege , Lei Xiaoyu
Published: May 2021

Background: It is of great significance for brain and heart health managers to assess the electronic health literacy of people at high risk of stroke for improving the current situation of stroke in China. Although various measuring instruments have been developed, there is still a lack of suitable tools to match the development of network.Aim: To examine the reliability and validity of the electronic Health Literacy Scale（e-HLS）among people at high risk of stroke in China, so as to provide appropriate measurement tools for brain heart health managers.Methods: A demographic questionnaire, the electronic Health Literacy Scale（e-HLS）and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) were administered to a sample of 648 people at high risk of stroke recruited from November to December 2020 in a tertiary hospital.Results: The Cronbach’α coefficient on the e-HLS-CHI was 0.91. Three factors were extracted by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), accounting for 90.84% of the total variance. Confirmatory Factory Analysis (CFA) revealed that three factors of e-HLS-CHI fit well ( NFI = 0.979, RFI = 0.955, IFI = 0.987, TLI = 0.972, CFI=0.987, RMSEA = 0.070, CMIN/DF= 2.586). Good simultaneous validity was suggested by the positive correlation of 0.94 between the e-HLS-CHI and eHEALS. And when using eHEALS as the standard, the area under the ROC curve of e-HLS-CHI was 0.896 (95% CI: 0.831-0.960, P = 0.000). After calculation, the sensitivity and specificity were 97.8% and 70.4% respectively, indicating that it has nice predictive validity.Conclusions: The e-HLS can be used to evaluate electronic health literacy of people at high risk of stroke in China. This may be helpful for brain and heart health managers to assess the current situation of electronic health literacy in people at high risk of stroke and provide reference for future health promotion programs.
High-Throughput Screening of Alternative Micro-Metastasis-Specific Gene Predictors of Circulating Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Sittiju Pattaralawan , Chaiyawat Parunya , Pruksakorn Dumnoensun , Klangjorhor Jeerawan , Wongrin Weerinrada , Phinyo Phichayut , Kamolphiwong Rawikant , Phanphaisarn Areerak , Teeyakasem Pimpisa , Kongtawelert Prachya , Pothacharoen Peraphan
Published: May 2021

Background

Current techniques to identify circulating-tumor cells (CTCs) in osteosarcoma (OS), which are an indication of a poor prognosis in cases of intermediate levels of metastasis, are complicated and time-consuming. This study investigated the efficacy of quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), a molecular technique that is available in most laboratories, for detection of CTCs in buffy coat samples of OS patients and healthy donors.
Methods

Previously published reports on data-reviewing and retrieval of data by calculation of differential gene expression from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database repository were reviewed identify candidate genes. Following analysis of the expression of the candidate genes identified a diagnostic model for detection of specific gene expression was derived using binary logistic regression with a multivariable fractional polynomial (MFP) algorithm.
Results

A model incorporating VIM, ezrin, COL1A2, and PLS3 exhibited an outstanding discriminative ability as determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC = 0.9896, 95%CI 0.9695, 1.000). At the probability cut-off value 0.2943, the sensitivity and the specificity of the model for detection of OS were 100% (95%CI 94.8, 100.0) and 96.49% (95%CI 87.9, 99.6), respectively.
Conclusion

The qRT-PCR can identify the existence of OS circulating cells by detection of potential candidate genes (VIM, Ezrin, COL1A2 and PLS3). Thus, these genes are worthy to be considered diagnostic biomarkers and alternative micro-metastasis predictors for OS.
Lipocalin 2 as Putative Modulator of Local Inflammatory Processes in the Spinal Cord and Component of Organ Cross-talk After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Behrens Victoria , Voelz Clara , Müller Nina , Zhao Weiyi , Clarner Tim , Beyer Cordian , Zendedel Adib
Published: May 2021

Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), an immunomodulator, regulates various cellular processes such as iron transport and defense against bacterial infection. Under pathological conditions, Lcn2 promotes neuroinflammation via the recruitment and activation of immune cells and glia, particularly microglia and astrocytes. Although it seems to have a negative influence on the functional outcome in spinal cord injury (SCI), the extent of its involvement in SCI and the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully known. In this study, using a SCI contusion mouse model, we first investigated the expression pattern of Lcn2 in different parts of the CNS (spinal cord and brain), blood serum and in the liver. Interestingly, we could note a significant increase in Lcn2 throughout the whole spinal cord, in the brain, liver and in blood serum. This demonstrates the diversity of its possible sites of action in SCI. Further, genetic deficiency of Lcn2 (Lcn2−/−) significantly reduced certain aspects of gliosis in the SCI-mice. Taken together, our studies provide first valuable hints, suggesting that Lcn2 is involved in the local and systemic effects post SCI, and might modulate the impairment of different peripheral organs after injury.
Genetic determinants of chromatin reveal prostate cancer risk mediated by context-dependent gene regulation
Authors: Freedman Matthew , Baca Sylvan , Singler Cassandra , Zacharia Soumya , Seo Ji-Heui , Morova Tunc , Hach Faraz , Ding Yi , Schwarz Tommer , Huang Chia-Chi , Kalita Cynthia , Groha Stefan , Pomerantz Mark , Wang Victoria , Linder Simon , Sweeney Christopher , Zwart Wilbert , Lack Nathan , Pasaniuc Bogdan , Takeda David , Gusev Alexander
Published: May 2021

Methods that link genetic variation to steady-state gene expression levels, such as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), are widely used to functionally annotate trait-associated variants, but they are limited in identifying context-dependent effects on transcription. To address this challenge, we developed the cistrome-wide association study (CWAS), a framework for nominating variants that impact traits through their effects on chromatin state. CWAS associates the genetic determinants of cistromes (e.g., the genome-wide profiles of transcription factor binding sites or histone modifications) with traits using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We performed CWASs of prostate cancer and androgen-related traits, using a reference panel of 307 prostate cistromes from 165 individuals. CWAS nominated susceptibility regulatory elements or androgen receptor (AR) binding sites at 52 out of 98 known prostate cancer GWAS loci and implicated an additional 17 novel loci. We functionally validated a subset of our results using CRISPRi and in vitro reporter assays. At 28 of the 52 risk loci, CWAS identified regulatory mechanisms that are not observable via eQTLs, implicating genes with complex or context-specific regulation that are overlooked by current approaches that relying on steady-state transcript measurements. CWAS genes include transcription factors that govern prostate development such as NKX3-1, HOXB13, GATA2, and KLF5. Moreover, CWAS boosts discovery power in modestly sized GWAS, identifying novel genetic associations mediated through AR binding for androgen-related phenotypes, including resistance to prostate cancer therapy. CWAS is a powerful and biologically interpretable paradigm for studying variants that influence traits by affecting context-dependent transcriptional regulation.
Structural and Optical Properties of Nd:YAB-nanoparticle-doped PDMS Elastomers for Random Lasers
Authors: Hlil Antsar R. , Thomas Jyothis , Garcia-Puente Yalina , Boisvert Jean-sebastien , Lima Bismarck C. , Rakotonandrasana Ando , Maia Lauro J.Q. , Tehranchi Amirhossein , Loranger Sebastien , Gomes Anderson S. L. , Messaddeq Younes , Kashyap Raman
Published: May 2021

We report the structural and optical properties of Nd:YAB (NdxY1−x Al3(BO3)4)-nanoparticle-doped PDMS elastomer films for random lasing (RL) applications. Nanoparticles with Nd ratios of x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 were prepared and then incorporated into the PDMS elastomer to control the optical gain density and scattering center content over a wide range. The morphology and thermal stability of the elastomer composites were studied. A systematic investigation of the lasing wavelength, threshold, and linewidth of the laser was carried out by tailoring the concentration and optical gain of the scattering centers. The minimum threshold and linewidth were found to be 0.13 mJ and 0.8 nm for x = 1 and 0.8. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the RL intensity was easily tuned by controlling the degree of mechanical stretching, with strain reaching up to 300%. A strong, repeatable lasing spectrum over ~ 50 cycles of applied strain was observed, which demonstrates the high reproducibility and robustness of the RL. In consideration for biomedical applications that require long-term RL stability, we studied the intensity fluctuation of the RL emission, and confirmed that it followed Lévy-like statistics. Our work highlights the importance of using rare-earth doped nanoparticles with polymers for RL applications.
Mitigation on Bowel Loops Daily Variations by 1.5-T MR-guided Daily-adaptive SBRT for Abdomino-pelvic Lymph-nodal Oligometastases
Authors: Cuccia Francesco , Rigo Michele , Gurrera Davide , Nicosia Luca , Mazzola Rosario , Figlia Vanessa , Giaj-Levra Niccolò , Ricchetti Francesco , Attinà Giorgio , Pastorello Edoardo , De Simone Antonio , Naccarato Stefania , Sicignano Gianluisa , Ruggieri Ruggero , Alongi Filippo
Published: May 2021

PurposeWe report preliminary dosimetric data concerning the use of 1.5-T MR-guided daily-adaptive radiotherapy for abdomino-pelvic lymph-nodal oligometastases. We aimed to assess the impact of this technology on mitigating daily variations for both target coverage and organs-at-risk (OARs) sparing. MethodsA total of 150 sessions for 30 oligometastases in 23 patients were analyzed. All patients were treated with MR-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for a total dose of 35Gy in 5 fractions. For each fraction, a quantitative analysis was performed for PTV volume, V35Gy and Dmean. Similarly, for OARs we assessed daily variations of volume, Dmean, Dmax. Any potential statistically significant change between baseline planning and daily-adaptive sessions was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, assuming a p-value< 0.05 as significant.ResultsAverage baseline PTV, bowel, bladder and single intestinal loop volumes were respectively 8.9cc (range, 0.7-41.2cc), 1176cc (119-3654 cc), 95cc (39.7-202.9 cc), 18.3cc (9.1-37.7 cc). No significant volume variations were detected for PTV (p=0.21) bowel (p=0.36), bladder (p=0.47), except for single intestinal loops, which resulted smaller (p=0.026). Average baseline V35Gy and Dmean for PTV were respectively 85.6% (72-98.8%) and 35.6 Gy (34.6-36.1 Gy). We recorded a slightly positive trend in favor of daily-adaptive strategy vs baseline planning for improved target coverage, although not reaching statistical significance. (p=0.11 and p=0.18 for PTV-V35Gy and PTV-Dmean). Concerning OARs, a significant difference was observed in favor of daily-adapted treatments in terms of single intestinal loop Dmax [23.05 Gy (13.2-26.9 Gy) at baseline vs 20.5 Gy (12.1-24 Gy); p-value=0.0377] and Dmean [14.4 Gy (6.5-18 Gy) at baseline vs 13.0 Gy (6.7-17.6 Gy); p-value=0.0003].Specifically for bladder, the average Dmax was 18.6 Gy (0.4-34.3 Gy) at baseline vs 18.3 Gy (0.7-34.3 Gy) for a p-value=0.28; the average Dmean was 7.0 Gy (0.2-16.6 Gy) at baseline vs 6.98 Gy (0.2-16.4 Gy) for a p-value=0.66. Concerning the bowel, no differences in terms of Dmean [4.78 Gy (1.3-10.9 Gy) vs 5.6 Gy (1.4-10.5 Gy); p-value=0.23] were observed between after daily-adapted sessions. A statistically significant difference was observed for bowel Dmax [26.4 Gy (7.7-34 Gy) vs 25.8 Gy (7.8-33.1 Gy); p-value=0.0086].ConclusionsDaily-adaptive MR-guided SBRT reported a significantly improved single intestinal loop sparing for lymph-nodal oligometastases. Also bowel Dmax was significantly reduced with daily-adaptive strategy. A minor advantage was also reported in terms of PTV coverage, although not statistically significant.
Hand-Drawn Sketch Recognition With Double-Channel CNN
Authors: ZHANG Lei
Published: May 2021

In the task of hand-drawn sketch recognition, traditional deep learning methods have the insufficient of feature extraction and low recognition rate. To improve the insufficient, a novel algorithm based on double channel convolution neural network is proposed. First of all, the hand-drawn sketch is preprocessed to get a smooth sketch. And the contour extraction algorithm is adopted to get the contour of the sketch. The sketch and its contour are then used as input images of the CNN respectively. Finally, through performing feature fusion at the full connection layer, the classification results are obtained using the softmax classifier. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the recognition rate of hand-drawn sketch.
High Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio is a Risk Factor for 30-day Mortality In In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Huang Lihong , Peng Jingjing , Wang Xuefeng , Li Feng
Published: May 2021

Background: Early identification of risk factors for short-term mortality in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is crucial for early prognostication. This study aimed to explore the association of early dynamic changes in inflammatory markers with 30-day mortality in IHCA patients.Methods: This study retrospectively collected demographic and clinical characteristics and relevant laboratory indicators within 72 h after recovery of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) of IHCA patients from December 2015 to December 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. The outcome was 30-day mortality. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the dynamic changes in laboratory indicators within 72 h after ROSC, and Cox regression was used to identify the independent risk factors for 30-day mortality.Results: Overall, 85 IHCA patients were included. The 0-72h and 0-30day cumulative mortality rates were 25.88% and 57.65%, respectively, and the median survival time was 13.79 days. There was no association of inflammatory markers before IHCA with mortality. Within 72 h after ROSC, inflammatory markers showed various changes: the absolute monocyte count (AMC) showed no significant change trend, and the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) showed an overall upward trend, while the absolute neutral count (ANC), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet (PLT) count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) showed an overall downward trend. Cox multivariate analysis showed that Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (HR = 2.366, 95%CI (1.084, 5.168)), APACHE II score (HR = 2.550, 95% CI (1.001, 6.498)), abnormal Cr before IHCA (HR = 3.417, 95% CI (1.441, 8.104)) and PLR within 72 h after ROSC (HR = 2.993, 95% CI (1.442, 6.214)) were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. When PLR ≥ 180, the risk of 30-day mortality increased by 199.3%.Conclusions: This study clarified the dynamic change trends of inflammatory markers within 72 h after ROSC. The PLR was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality in IHCA patients; it can be used as a predictor of short-term mortality and provide a reference for early prognostication.Trial registration: ChiCTR1800014324
Radiosurgery treatment of Anterior Visual Pathway Meningioma (AVPM)
Authors: Zach Leor , Agami Amir , Furman Orit , Moshe Attia , Cohen Zvi , Mizrachi Iris Ben-Bassat , Tam Guy , Zibly Zion , Nissim Ouzi , Spiegelmann Roberto , Huna-Baron Ruth
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Most anterior visual pathway meningiomas (AVPM) are benign and slow-growing, but these tumors may affect visual functions, including visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF). Due to location, most are treated non-surgically by fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT), aiming to prevent tumor progression and visual functions deterioration. Unfortunately, FSRT in itself may affect visual functions. The current preferred treatment regimen (in terms of safety and effectiveness) is undetermined. While most cases are treated with conventional fractionation (cFSRT) – 50.4–54 Gy in 28–30 fractions of 1.8-2 Gy, advances in technology have allowed shortening of total treatment length to hypofractionation (hSRT) – 25-27Gy in 3–5 fractions of 5–9 Gy. Our aim was to evaluate the association of radiotherapy regimen for treating AVPM (cFSRT vs. hSRT) with visual function outcomes (VA, VF) at the last neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation.
METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of AVPM cases treated at Sheba Medical Center during 2004–2015. We compared cFSRT and hSRT regimens regarding visual function (VA, VF) outcomes at the last neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation. VA was determined by the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR). VF was determined by the mean deviation (MD). A clinically relevant change in VA was defined as 0.2 LogMAR.
RESULTS

48 patients (13 receiving hSRT, 35 receiving cFSRT) were included, with a median follow-up of 55 months. No significant difference was evident regarding LogMAR or MD of involved eyes at the last evaluation. Six (17%) patients in the cFSRT group experienced clinically relevant VA deterioration in the involved eye, compared with six (46%) in hSRT (p = 0.06).
CONCLUSION

Our findings, using comprehensive and meticulous investigation of visual outcomes, suggest that hSRT may be associated with higher risk for VA and VF deterioration in AVPM especially in ONSM. We recommend the use of cFSRT for ONSM.
The “Backward Looking” Effect in the Continuum Model Considering a New Backward Equilibrium Velocity Function
Authors: Hossain Md Anowar , Jun TANIMOTO
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a new continuum traffic model is developed considering the backward-looking effect through a new positive backward equilibrium speed function. As compared with the conventional full velocity difference model, the backward equilibrium velocity function, which is largely acceptably grounded from mathematical and physical perspectives, plays an important role in significantly enhancing the stability of the traffic flow field. A linear stability condition is derived to demonstrate the flow neutralization capacity of the model, whereas the Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers equation and the attendant analytical solution are deduced using nonlinear analysis to observe the traffic flow behavior near the neutral stability condition. A numerical simulation, used to determine the flow stability enhancement efficiency of the model, is also conducted to verify the theoretical results.
Friction and Wear Behaviours of Polyimide Composites Against Steel Ball Under Rolling-Sliding Compound Motion
Authors: Jiang Yuanyuan , Chen Lei , Xiao Chen , Zhou Ningning , Qing Tao , Qian Linmao
Published: May 2021

Wear of polyimide composites cage due to lubrication failure has a significant impact on the lifetime of bearing, but the related mechanisms are still far from understanding due to the complex movements of bearing parts, such as rolling, sliding et al, in the real operations. Here, the tribological behaviors of polyimide composites against steel ball were studied under a motion compounded with rolling and sliding in comparison with pure sliding. The rolling-sliding motion has a strong influence on the tribological properties of polyimide composites depending on lubrication conditions. Especially under PAO4 oil lubrication, the rolling-sliding motion can facilitate the degradation of polyimide composites, resulting in severe surface wear and aboundant black products forming. The analysis based on XPS and SEM measurements and the compared results from heating sliding test and thermal treatments indicates that the formation of black products is mainly attributed to the tribochemical reactions accompanying with the rupture of C-O and C=O bonds due to high frictional temperature. This process is further facilitated when the PAO4 oil and the metal from counterface participate in the tribochemical reactions.
Covid -19, An Acute on Chronic Metabolic Syndrome? HbA1c-A Marker of Severe Infection.
Authors: Rysz Susanne , Fagerlund Malin Jonsson , Rimes-Stigare Claire , Larsson Emma , Jalde Francesca Campoccia , Mårtensson Johan
Published: May 2021

Background: The comorbidities commonly observed in severe Covid-19 are diagnoses that comprise the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic status of patients when infected with SARS-Cov-2 and its significance for the severity of the disease is not yet fully understood. We investigated the association between respiratory symptoms and the levels of HbA1c in hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we included all inpatients at the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden who had both a positive SARS-CoV-2 test and who had a HbA1c test obtained within 3 months of admission. The primary reasons for hospitalization included trauma, stroke, myocardial infarction, acute or elective surgery as well as infection. Based on HbA1c level and diabetes history, we classified patients into the following dysglycemia categories: prediabetes, unknown diabetes, controlled diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex and body mass index, to assess the association between dysglycemia categories and development of respiratory failure when infected with SARS-CoV-2. Primary outcome was respiratory failure associated with SARS-CoV-2.Results: Of the 385 study patients, 88 (22.9%) had prediabetes, 68 (17.7%) had unknown diabetes, 36 (9.4%) had controlled diabetes, and 83 (21.6%) had uncontrolled diabetes. Overall, 299 (77.7%) patients were admitted with or developed SARS-CoV-2-assoociated respiratory failure during hospitalization. The proportion of patients in need of intensive care (62.5% vs 26.7%, p<0.001), mechanical ventilation (60.9% vs. 26.7%, p<0.001) and renal replacement therapy (14% vs. 1.2%, p<0.001) were all higher in patients with SARS-CoV-2 associated respiratory failure vs. patients without. In addition, 83% of the ICU patients with SARS-CoV-2 associated respiratory failure had a HbA1c > 42 mmol/mol. In multivariable logistic regression analysis compared with no chronic dysglycemia, prediabetes (OR 14.41, 95% CI 5.27-39.43), unknown diabetes (OR 15.86, 95% CI 4.55-55.36), and uncontrolled diabetes (OR 17.61, 95% CI 5.77-53.74) was independently associated with increased risk of SARS-CoV-2-induced respiratory failure.Conclusion: Metabolic imbalance, reflected by elevated HbA1c with or without previous diagnosed diabetes mellitus, was associated with a more severe course of SARS-CoV-2-respratory infection. We suggest that HbA1c could be used as a marker of risk for severe Covid-19.
From Natural Oils to Epoxy Resins: A New Paradigm in Renewable Performance Materials
Authors: Radojčić Dragana , Hong Jian , Petrovic Zoran S.
Published: May 2021

The direct conversion of natural products to useful engineering materials is desirable from both economic and environmental considerations. We are describing the synthesis and properties of 100 % oil-based epoxy resins generated from three epoxidized oils. The catalyst, tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C6F5)3) in toluene, allowed for controlled cationic polymerization at a very low concentration. Epoxidized oils (derived from triolein, soybean, and linseed oil) had varying epoxy content, rendering resins of different cross-link density. The polymerization was carried out at room temperature followed by post-curing at elevated temperature to speed up conversion. Epoxy resins were amorphous transparent glasses with glass transitions below glass transitions and hard rubbers above. Despite their high cross-link density, these materials show relatively low Tg’s reflecting the aliphatic nature of fatty acids and the presence of plasticizing “dangling” chains. The structure of the triglyceride starting oils influenced the properties of the resulting materials: the more regular structure of triolein compared to the very heterogeneous structures of soybean and linseed oils seemed to have enhanced some properties of the polymer networks. These epoxy polymers are potentially useful as encapsulating and potting compounds for electronic applications.
Changes of antithrombotic prescription in atrial fibrillation patients with acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention and the subsequent impact on long-term outcomes: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lee Chiao-Chin , Chang Chiao-Hsiang , Hung Yuan , Lin Chin-Sheng , Yang Shih-Ping , Cheng Shu-Meng , Yu Fan-Han , Lin Wei-Shiang , Lin Wen-Yu
Published: May 2021

Objectives:The choice of optimal antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial. The aim of this longitudinal cohort study is to investigate the prescribing pattern of antithrombotic regimen in different cohorts and its subsequent impact. Setting and Design:Longitudinal data from the Tri-Service General Hospital-Coronary Heart Disease (TSGH-CHD) registry, between January 2016 and August 2018 was screened. Participants and method:Patients with prior history of nonvalvular AF, who had ACS presentation or had underwent PCI were selected, and these patients were divided into cohort 1 and cohort 2, according to the index date of antithrombotic prescription before and after the PIONEER AF-PCI study.Primary and secondary outcomes:The primary safety endpoints were composites of major bleeding and/or clinically relevant non-major bleeding. The secondary efficacy endpoints included the occurrence of all-cause mortality, stroke/systemic embolization, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and >30-days coronary revascularization. Results:A total of 121 patients were included into analysis (cohort 1=35; cohort 2=86). Comparing with cohort 1, the prescription rate of triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) increased from 17.1% to 38.4%, especially the regimen with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) plus low-dose non-vitamin-K dependent oral anticoagulation (NOAC). However, the prescription rate of dual antithrombotic therapy (DAT) decreased (14.3% to 10.5%), as well as the prescription rate of DAPT (68.6% to 51.2%). These changes of antithrombotic prescription across different cohorts were not associated with risk of adverse safety (HR= 0.87; 95% CI, 0.42-1.80, p=0.710) and efficacy outcomes (HR=0.96; 95% CI, 0.40-2.32, p=0.930). Conclusions: Entering the NOAC era, the prescription of TAT increased alongside the decrease in DAT. As the prescription rate of DAPT without anticoagulation remained high, future efforts are mandatory to improve the implementation of guidelines and clinical practice.
Exploring Rare Cellular Activity in More Than One Million Cells by a Trans-scale- Scope
Authors: Ichimura Taro , Kakizuka Taishi , Horikawa Kazuki , Seiriki Kaoru , Kasai Atsushi , Hashimoto Hitoshi , Fujita Katsumasa , Watanabe Tomonobu M. , Nagai Takeharu
Published: May 2021

In many phenomena of biological systems, not a majority, but a minority of cells act on the entire multicellular system causing drastic changes in the system properties. To understand the mechanisms underlying such phenomena, it is essential to observe the spatiotemporal dynamics of a huge population of cells at sub-cellular resolution, which is difficult with conventional tools such as microscopy and flow cytometry. Here, we describe an imaging system named AMATERAS that enables optical imaging with an over-one-centimeter field-of-view and a-few-micrometer spatial resolution. This trans-scale-scope has a simple configuration, composed of a low-power lens for machine vision and a hundred-megapixel image sensor. We demonstrated its high cell-throughput, capable of simultaneously observing more than one million cells. We applied it to dynamic imaging of calcium ions in HeLa cells and cyclic-adenosine-monophosphate in Dictyostelium discoideum, and successfully detected less than 0.01% of rare cells and observed multicellular events induced by these cells.
The Clinical Impact of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) Test in Hospitalized Patients with Suspected Sepsis: A Multicenter Prospective Study.
Authors: Zuo Yi-Hui , Wu Yi-xing , Chen Yan , Li Yu-ping , Song Zhen-ju , Luo Zhe , Ju Min-jie , Shi Min-hua , Xu Shu-yun , Zhou Hua , Li Xiang , Jie Zhi-jun , Liu Xue-dong , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2021

Background:Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a newly developed technology and able to detect pathogens rapidly, which may have great importance in early diagnosis and clinical management of infectious diseases. Our study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance and clinical impact of metagenomic NGS (mNGS) in hospitalized patients with suspected sepsis and analyze the suitable population for mNGS test besides culture.Methods:A multi-center, prospective cohort study was performed. We enrolled eligible patients with hospitalized infection, collected demographic and clinical characteristics, and record the 30-day survival. Blood samples were collected on the day of enrollment to perform blood culture and mNGS test. Diagnostic efficacy of mNGS test and blood culture were calculated, and clinical impact of antibiotic regimen modification based on pathogenic test were also analyzed with SPSS22.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL).Results:We collected demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, and record the 30-day survival. Blood samples were collected on the day of enrollment to perform blood culture and mNGS test. Diagnostic efficacy of mNGS test and blood culture were calculated, and clinical impact of antibiotic regimen modification based on pathogenic test were also analyzed. A total of 277 patients were enrolled and 162 were diagnosed with sepsis. Among patients with 30-day follow-up data, the mortality was 44.8% (121/270). The mNGS test exhibited shorter turn-out time [27.0(26.0, 29.0) vs 96.0(72.0, 140.3) hours, P < 0.001] and higher sensitivity (90.54% vs 36.00%, P < 0.001) than blood culture, especially for fungal infections. The mNGS test showed better performance for patients with mild symptoms, prior antibiotics use, and early stage of infection than blood culture. Higher reads of pathogens detected by mNGS was related to 30-day mortality (P=0.002). The mNGS test was capable of guiding antibiotic regimen modification and ameliorating prognosis. Negative mNGS results helped with antibiotic de-escalation safely.Conclusions mNGS technology may be helpful for patients with possible blood-stream infections, especially in fungal infection and for patients with mild symptoms, prior antibiotics use and early stage of infection. Its role in antibiotic stewardship and ameliorating prognosis warrants further study.Trial registrationThe study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Number: ChiCTR1800019187) on 01/24/2019 (Retrospectively registered).
Study of the effect of Pioglitazone and Cetuximab on Cancer Stem-like Cellsenriched HT29 cell line
Authors: Alamdar Nasim , Baghaei Kaveh , Farivar Shirin , Hamidieh Amir Ali , Saltanatpour Zohreh
Published: May 2021

One of the major causes of cancer resistance to chemotherapy has been found to be the presence of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) in cancerous tissues. Probably, these cells are the source of cancer and the cause of malignancy and recurrence in the affected population. Therefore, it is possible to target CSCs to treat cancer. Since the percentage of CSCs in the total tumor mass is very low, so studies about these cells depend on their isolation and enrichment methods. Some studies have suggested that EMT induction in population of normal epithelial cells and cancer cells by inhibiting of E-cadherin, protects them against chemotherapy, anticancer and apoptosis drugs, moreover they get characteristics of CSCs. So in order to study CSCs can enrich them by inhibiting of E-cadherin in tumor population.In this study, we tried to examine how the effect of Pioglitazone and Cetuximab, two drugs used in chemotherapy of Colon Cancer, on CSCs enriched HT29 cell line (was called HT29-shE) in which CSCs were enriched with induction of EMT by inhibiting of E-cadherin using shRNA.For this purpose, after cell preparation EMT and CSCs markers in Pioglitazone and Cetuximab treated cells were assessed and compared with untreated cells using flow cytometry, real‐time PCR and microscopic monitoring. The findings showed mesenchymal morphology of HT29-shE changed to epithelial morphology after Pioglitazone and Cetuximab treatment, moreover E-cadherin expression increased and Vimentin expression decreased. In addition, expression of CSC markers (CD133+ and CD44+) were reduced in HT29-shE after treatment.
Development of a PET/CT Molecular Radiomics-clinical Model to Predict Local Lymph Node Metastasis of Invasive Lung Adenocarcinoma (≤ 3cm)
Authors: Chang Cheng , Ruan Maomei , Chen Chunji , Yu Hong , Sun Xiaoyan , Ge Yaqiong , Duan Shaofeng , Teng Wenjing , Wu Qianfu , Zhao Wenlu , Qian Xiaohua , Wang Rui , Lei Bei , Wang Lihua , Yan Hui , Liu Ciyi , Liu Liu , Feng Jian , Xie Wenhui
Published: May 2021

Purpose To investigate the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT molecular radiomics combined with the clinical model in predicting local lymph node metastasis (LLNM) with invasive lung adenocarcinoma (≤3cm). Methods 528 lung adenocarcinoma patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Five models, including integrated PET/CT molecular radiomics-clinical, PET/CT radiomics, PET radiomics, CT radiomics, and clinical models, were developed for the prediction of LLNM. The predictive performance was examined by ROC curve analysis and clinical utility was validated by nomogram and decision curve analysis (DCA) analyses. Results 10 PET/CT radiomics features and 2 clinical characteristics were selected for the construction of the integrated PET/CT molecular radiomics-clinical model. This integrated model performed better than the clinical model and three other radiomics models, and the AUC value of the integrated model was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93-0.97) in the training group and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89-0.97) in the test group, respectively. The clinical application of this integrated model in predicting LLNM was also confirmed by nomogram and DCA analyses. Conclusions The integrated PET/CT molecular radiomic-clinical model developed here has the greater advantage to predict LLNM of clinical invasive lung adenocarcinoma (≤3cm) when compared with the simple radiomics model or clinical model.
Adult Primary Pineal Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma With FOXO1 Gene Rearrangement and OLIG2 Expression: a Case Report and the Literature Review
Authors: Xie Lesi , Wang Wei , Zhou Hong , Han Zhijiang , Xu Jinghong , Xu Zhihong , Xiang Jingjing
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is a common malignant soft tissue tumor in child and adolescents. When diagnosed in adults, it is an aggressive, often fatal disease. Intracranial ARMS in adults is rare, especially in the pineal region. Case presentation: A 36-year-old Chinese man presented with a 3-month history of dizziness and 1-month history of headache and unsteady walking. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a pineal region lesion with obstructive hydrocephalus. He received ventricular-abdominal shunt and endoscopic-assisted pineal lesion resection.The tumor appears as a solid sheet-like growth of medium-sized round or oval cells with map-like necrosis and some rhabdomyoblasts. Immunohistochemical test revealed that tumor cells were diffusely positive for desmin, myogenin, MyoD1, ALK and CD56. Notably, the tumors were diffusely positive for OLIG2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed the FOXO-1 gene rearrangement. The final diagnosis of the present case is ARMS of the pineal gland. Conclusions: We presented an extremely rare case of primary ARMS in adult pineal region particularly with expression of OLIG2 and confirmed by PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion gene detection.
Women’s Decision-Making Autonomy in Maternal Health Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Reproductive Age Women in Southern, Ethiopia
Authors: eshetu kirubel , Gelaw Belete , Lankrew Tadele , Assefa Andualem , Demeke Tsegaye
Published: May 2021

BackgroundWomen autonomy is ability of women to make self-regulating decision to meet their requirement without any one initiation. Women who can autonomously decide on their health utilized maternal health care is poor, even though a lot of effort has been made. Only less than 32% of developing countries women have decision making power to visit maternal health service.ObjectiveTo assess the women decision making autonomy in their maternal health service utilization and its associated factors among reproductive age group women in southern Ethiopia, from March1, 2019 to March 30, 2019.Methods and materialA cross-sectional study design was conducted. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tests and binary logistic regression was used. All independent variables with p- value of < 0.25 at bivariate analysis were included in multivariate model to determine the predictors of the outcome variable, and to control the confounding factors. For all statistical tests, a P value of < 0.05 was a cut off point for statistical significant.Resultsprevalence of women decision making autonomy in their maternal health service utilization was 58.2% [(AOR = 58.2% (95 %CI (54.2–62.0). Number of family size 2.2 [AOR (95% CI) = 2.2, 95% CI (1.3–3.72)], occupation, 4.3 [AOR (95% CI) = 4.3 95% CI (1.10–9.3)] economic status, 2.2[AOR (95% CI) = 2.2, 95% CI (1.3-.3.72)] respondent age above 35 4.8[AOR(95%CI = 4.8,95%CI(2.3–10)] were the factors significantly associated with decision making autonomy.Conclusionprevalence of women decision making autonomy in their maternal health service utilization was 58.2% which was found to be low. Decision making autonomy was more common with low income, large family size, respondent age and lack women occupation. Improved the women’s decision making by giving Health education on the importance of maternal health services and gender equality recommended to reducing the problem.
Solid-state Thermoelectric Characteristics of NiII, FeII, CoII, and CuII Borohydrides
Authors: Arafa Isam M. , Shatnawi Mazin Y. , Obeidallah Yousef N. , Hijazi Ahmed K. , Yousef Yaser A .
Published: May 2021

Four transition metal borohydrides (MTBHs, MT = Ni, Fe, Co, and Cu) were prepared by sonicating a mixture of the desired MT salt with excess NaBH4 in a nonaqueous DMF/CH3OH media. The process afforded bimetallic (Ni-BH4), trimetallic (Fe-BH4, Co-BH4), and mixed-valence (Cu-H, Cu-BH4) amorphous, ferromagnetic nanoparticles as identified by thermal, ATR-IR, X-Ray diffraction, and magnetic susceptibility techniques. The electrical conductivity (σ) of cold-pressed discs of these MTBHs shows a nonlinear increase while their thermal conductivity (κ) decreases in the temperature range of 303 ≤ T ≤ 373 K. The thermal energy transport occurs through phonon lattice dynamics rather than electronic. The σ/κ ratio shows a nonlinear steep increase from 9.4 to 270 KV-2 in Ni-BH4, while a moderate-weak increase is observed for Fe-BH4, Co-BH4, and Cu-BH4. Accordingly, the corresponding thermoelectric (TE) parameters S, PF, ZT, and η were evaluated. All TE data shows that the bimetallic Ni-BH4 (S, 80 μVK-1; PF, 259 μWm-1K-2; ZT 0.64; η, 2.56%) is a better TE semiconductor than the other three MT-BHs investigated in this study. Our findings show that Ni-BH4 is a promising candidate to exploit low-temperature waste heat from body heat, sunshine, and small domestic devices for small-scale TE applications.
Socio-Economic Differences Control Species Composition of Urban Gardens in a Metropolitan Area of Argentina
Authors: SPESCHA VERONICA , ARÁOZ EZEQUIEL
Published: May 2021

Human population is becoming increasingly more urbanized, and in that context private gardens contribute to biodiversity and to access to ecosystem services in cities. The urbanized landscape reflects social, economic and cultural differences of the population, which affect the patterns of urban biodiversity. Socioeconomic level is one of the main factors that spatially structure cities, for which it likely influences several attributes of gardens. In this study we characterized urban vegetation diversity in 50 private gardens of an urban agglomerate of Argentina, Gran San Miguel de Tucumán. We aimed to determine which variables control ecological attributes of gardens. We used socioeconomic indicators obtained from the 2010 Nacional Population and Households Census, and data obtained through a survey to garden owners. Our study suggests that species composition of gardens responds to socioeconomic conditions, which might be linked to the exchange of species as the main method to obtain plants and to strengthen social bonds by belonging to a similar socioeconomic level rather than neighborhood or geographic distance. Based on our analyses, gardens in areas with higher socioeconomic level were larger. Species richness and socioeconomic level of gardens were not significantly associated, and species diversity was related to garden age, with older gardens being more diverse.
Transcriptional regulatory networks mediated by abnormal m6A modifications in tumor development
Authors: Qu Wenzheng , Li Xuekun
Published: May 2021

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the common modifications of transcripts that is regulated by related proteins including writers, readers and erasers. Abnormal m6A modification plays an important role in the process of tumor development. Current approaches for tumor m6A RNA methylation, based on sequencing data from public databases, focus on the comparison of m6A modification regulator expression by RNA-seq data.
Results

We obtained MeRIP-seq and corresponding RNA-seq data from GEO database to compare and analyze the distributional characteristics of m6A in different types of tumor samples, the differences in m6A modification enrichment, and the regulatory role in gene transcriptional expression level. We found that the enrichment of m6A modification was enhanced in IMPA and GBM tumor samples, but was decreased in METTL3 knockdown tumor cells. Combined with clinical data from the TCGA database, we found that the high expression of DUSP7 significantly affected the overall survival of AML patients and was involved in tumor development through the PIK3R2 protein and MAPK signaling pathways.
Conclusion

Abnormal m6A modification enrichment in tumor samples leads to dysregulation in the expression of cancer-related genes.
Generation Mechanism and Evolution of Five-state Meshing Behavior of a Spur Gear System Considering Gear-tooth Time-varying Contact Characteristics
Authors: Jian-Fei Shi , Gou Xiang-feng , Zhu Ling-yun
Published: May 2021

Teeth disengaging or back-side teeth meshing induced by backlash reduces the transmission quality and dynamic performance of gear systems, and accurate interpretation of multi-state meshing behavior can provide guidance for structural optimization and performance evaluation. Therefore, the multi-state meshing behavior of the gear system is elaborated. A new nonlinear dynamic model of a spur gear system with five-state meshing behavior is proposed based on time-varying backlash and contact ratio. The time-varying meshing stiffness and time-varying backlash considering the elastic contact of gear teeth, gear temperature rise and lubrication are included in the model. The five-state meshing behavior is clearly characterized by constructing five Poincaré maps, and its generation mechanism is studied using dynamic meshing force time history, teeth relative displacement time history and phase portrait. The bifurcation and evolution of five-state meshing behavior are analyzed under the effects of load factor, meshing frequency and error coefficient. The results show that the mutation in the direction of dynamic meshing force leads to teeth disengaging and back-side single or double teeth contact, forming multi-state meshing behavior. Bifurcation caused by parameter changes greatly affects the evolution of five-state meshing behavior, particularly grazing bifurcation can decrease the number of teeth disengagement. Chaotic behavior or trajectory expansion inspires multi-state meshing vibration of the system. Previous gear system models could not reveal these phenomena due to ignoring the multi-state meshing behavior.