bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coagulation Patterns and the Impacts on Traffic-Related Ultrafine Particle Dispersion in Road Tunnels Employing Dynamic Mesh Algorithms
Authors: Zhao Yu , Yang Wanning , Song Xiaocheng , Jiang Chaowen , Feng Yao
Published: April 2021

Following our simulation results in paper (Zhao et al., 2020). In this study we continue to analyze the diffusion mechanism of ultrafine particles and the particle coagulation phenomenon with the size range of 26 ~ 287 nm exhausted from the vehicles during the process of passing through a 100 m long tunnel using the Realizable k-ε model and the dynamic grid technique. In this paper, a three-dimensional model consisting of a 100 m highway tunnel and four side-by-side gasoline vehicles (L×W×H = 4.5 m×1.8 m×1.5 m) were established in the STAR-CCM + computational fluid dynamics software. The gasoline vehicles travelled simultaneously under the different situations of three driving speeds of 60 km h− 1, 40 km h− 1 and 20 km h− 1 during the simulation. Through data analysis and research, it is found that the coagulation process of particles is very complicated, especially at low speeds. When the vehicle speed is 20 km h− 1, the variation of particle concentration at the vehicle wake near the tailpipe (at the vertical plane located 0.1 m behind the exhaust pipe) will cause a large error if the coagulation action is not taken into account. The relative error of the average particle concentration at 0.5 s of the vertical section 0.1m away from the exhaust pipe is as high as 193.51%. The relative error in the whole tunnel is only 2.82%, less than 5%, thus the influence of coagulation can be ignored for the whole tunnel. This study clarified the importance of coagulation in different areas and its influence on the diffusion of particulate matter, which is conducive to further analysis of the diffusion characteristics of particulate matter and can appreciably reduce the pollution degree in the tunnel by changing the coagulation efficiency of particulate matter in the future.
Physicochemical Quality of Metformin Hydrochloride tablet Brands available in Jimma Town, South west, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Yimer , Bekele Anbessa , Suleiman Sultan , Chali Belachew Umeta
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Metformin hydrochloride, classified under the class of biguanide, is an oral anti-diabetic agent used in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. According to the biopharmaceutical classification system, metformin is classified as a Class III drug. This study aims to compare the quality of metformin hydrochloride 500 mg tablets available in Jimma town.Methods: The physical characteristic, packaging and labeling information of samples were evaluated according to the WHO guideline. In-vitro tests such as weight variation, friability, dissolution rate, and assay were performed on six brands of metformin hydrochloride tablets available in Jimma town following method outlined in USP. Experimental data were analyzed using SPSS- 20 and one-way ANOVA. To compare the dissolution profiles of the generic products with innovator product, a model-independent approach, similarity factor (f2), difference factor (f1) and dissolution efficiency (DE) were used.Results: All the tested brands were in line with the WHO specifications for physical characteristics, packaging and labeling of pharmaceuticals. Insumet had percent weight deviation more than 5% and failed to comply with the USP specification for uniformity of weight. Statistically, all brands had significant difference in their mean weight variation (P<0.001). The assay results range from 95.21% to 99.61% showing that all the brands met the USP requirement. Moreover, a single point dissolution test results of the brands ranged from 85.4% to 96.7% showing compliance to USP specification. Conclusion: No brand showed any sign of counterfeit and only Insumet failed to comply with the USP specification for weight variation test. All brands complied with the United States Pharmacopeia specification for the friability, assay and single point dissolution test. Furthermore, the model-independent approach and dissolution efficiency revealed that all the brands were interchangeable with the comparator product.
Study of the Yahoo-yahoo Hash-tag Tweets Using Sentiment Analysis and Opinion Mining Algorithms
Authors: Abayomi-Alli Adebayo , Abayomi-Alli Olusola , Misra Sanjay , Fernandez-Sanz Luis
Published: April 2021

BackgroundSocial media opinion has become a medium to quickly access large, valuable, and rich details of information on any subject matter within a short period. Twitter being a social microblog site, generate over 330 million tweets monthly across different countries. Analyzing trending topics on Twitter presents opportunities to extract meaningful insight into different opinions on various issues.AimThis study aims to gain insights into the trending yahoo-yahoo topic on Twitter using content analysis of selected historical tweets.MethodologyThe widgets and workflow engine in the Orange Data mining toolbox were employed for all the text mining tasks. 5500 tweets were collected from Twitter using the 'yahoo yahoo' hashtag. The corpus was pre-processed using a pre-trained tweet tokenizer, Valence Aware Dictionary for Sentiment Reasoning (VADER) was used for the sentiment and opinion mining, Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) was used for topic modeling. In contrast, Multidimensional scaling (MDS) was used to visualize the modeled topics. ResultsResults showed that "yahoo" appeared in the corpus 9555 times, 175 unique tweets were returned after duplicate removal. Contrary to expectation, Spain had the highest number of participants tweeting on the 'yahoo yahoo' topic within the period. The result of Vader sentiment analysis returned 35.85%, 24.53%, 15.09%, and 24.53%, negative, neutral, no-zone, and positive sentiment tweets, respectively. The word yahoo was highly representative of the LDA topics 1, 3, 4, 6, and LSI topic 1.ConclusionIt can be concluded that emojis are even more representative of the sentiments in tweets faster than the textual contents. Also, despite popular belief, a significant number of youths regard cybercrime as a detriment to society.
Fault Compensation Control of MIMO Nonlinear Systems Subject to Unknown Control Directions
Authors: Dun Yi-Fan , Wu Li-Bing , Hu Yu-Han , Fan Jun-Mei , Zhang Zhi-Guo
Published: April 2021

This study is primarily focused on the issue of low-complexity prescribed performance fault compensation for multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) uncertain nonlinear systems with actuator failures, coupling states, and unknown control directions. First of all, proper logarithm-type error conversion functions and smooth orientation functions are linked to design the continuous control signals in the state feedback controller. Then, based on the idea of proof by contradiction, it is shown that the state errors converge to a predictable compact aggregate at the definite rate. Meanwhile, the boundedness of any closed-loop signals might be guaranteed. The simulation example results are delivered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed control strategy at last.
A single-nucleotide polymorphism involved in alternative splicing of PTEN is associated with chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer in Chinese population
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Shasha , Zhang Zhongliang , Ma Qinglong , Chen Xiaohua , Zhao Dapeng , Zhao Meie , Wang Chunwei , Di Cuixia , xie xiaodong
Published: April 2021

Background

Chemoresistance is still the main reason for the failure of breast cancer treatment and is the main cause of death of breast cancer patients. Although many studies have shown the association between genetic polymorphisms of PTEN and chemotherapy resistance, the molecular mechanism of breast cancer chemotherapy has not been further studied. This study aims to investigate the potential association between PTEN gene polymorphism and breast chemotherapy resistance in the Chinese population, and explore whether alternative splicing of the PTEN gene is affected by the gene polymorphism.
Methods

The study included 234 patients with breast cancer chemotherapy, 157 chemotherapy sensitive cases and 77 chemotherapy resistant cases. rs786204926 of the PTEN gene was analysed by Sanger sequence and Sequenom MassArray typing technology. Furthermore, we used silicon analysis to predict whether polymorphism affect the process of alternative splicing and to analyze how it affects.
Results

In genotyping and allelic analysis, there was a significant association between rs786204926 polymorphism and breast cancer chemotherapy resistance. Carrying the G allele or AG genotype will reduce the risk of breast cancer-based resistance to chemotherapy with anthracyclines. Silicon analysis showed that the mutation of rs786204926 produced a new receptor site, which might affect alternative splicing of PTEN gene.
Conclusions

We speculate that the mechanism of breast cancer chemotherapy resistance might be caused by a change in the alternative splicing caused by the rs786204926 of the PTEN gene. Thus, our study might provide theoretical guidance for the individualized treatment of clinical breast cancer patients.
Multiscale Entropy Analysis of Short Signals: The Robustness of Fuzzy Entropy-Based Variants
Authors: Borin Airton Monte Serrat , Humeau-Heurtier Anne , Murta Luiz Otavio , Silva Luiz Eduardo Virgilio
Published: April 2021

Multiscale entropy (MSE) analysis is a fundamental approach to access the complexity of a time series by estimating its information creation over a range of temporal scales. However, MSE may not be accurate or valid for short time series. This is why previous studies applied different kinds of algorithm derivations to short-term time series. However, no study has systematically analyzed and compared their reliabilities. This study compares the MSE algorithm variations adapted to short time series on both human and rat heart rate variability (HRV) time series. The most used variations of MSE are studied: composite MSE (CMSE), refined composite MSE (RCMSE), modified MSE (MMSE), and their fuzzy versions. We also analyze the errors in MSE estimations for a range of incorporated fuzzy exponents. The results show that fuzzy MSE versions-as a function of time series length-present minimal errors compared to the non-fuzzy algorithms. The traditional multiscale entropy algorithm with fuzzy counting (MFE) has similar accuracy to alternative algorithms with better computing performance. For the best accuracy, the findings suggest different fuzzy exponents according to the time series length.
Cost and consequences of using 7.1% chlorhexidine gel for newborn umbilical cord care in Kenya
Authors: Brown Lecia , Martin Alan , Were Christopher , Biswas Nandita , Liakos Alexander , DeAngelis Elena , Evitt Lee
Published: April 2021

Background: Umbilical-cord infection (omphalitis) is a major cause of neonatal mortality in Kenya. Chlorhexidine 7.1% digluconate gel, (CHX), delivering 4% chlorhexidine was identified as a life-saving commodity for newborn cord care by the United Nations and is included on the World Health Organization and Kenyan Essential Medicines Lists. Methods: We employed a cost-consequence model to assess resource saving and breakeven price of implementing CHX for neonatal umbilical cord care versus dry cord care (DCC) in a Kenyan birth cohort. Firstly, the number of omphalitis cases and cases avoided by healthcare sector were estimated. Economic outcomes associated with omphalitis cases avoided were then determined, including direct, indirect and total cost of care associated with omphalitis, resource use (outpatient visits and bed days) and societal impact (caregiver workdays lost). Treatment effect inputs were calculated from a Cochrane meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) (base case) and 2 other RCTs. Costs and other inputs were sourced from the literature and supplemented by expert clinical opinion/informed inputs, making assumptions as necessary. Reports: The model estimated that, over 1 year, ~23,000 omphalitis cases per 500,000 births could be avoided through CHX application versus DCC, circumventing ~13,000 outpatient visits, ~43,000 bed days and preserving ~114,000 workdays. CHX was associated with annual direct cost savings of ~590,000 US dollars (USD) versus DCC (not including drug-acquisition cost), increasing to ~2.5 million USD after including indirect costs (productivity, notional salary loss). The most-influential model parameter was relative risk of omphalitis with CHX versus DCC. Breakeven analysis identified a budget-neutral price for CHX use of 1.18 USD/course when accounting for direct cost savings only, and of 5.43 USD/course when also including indirect cost savings. The estimated breakeven price was robust to parameter input changes. DCC does not necessarily represent standard of care in Kenya; other, potentially harmful, approaches may be used, meaning cost savings may be understated. Conclusions: Estimated healthcare cost savings and potential health benefits provide compelling evidence to implement CHX for umbilical cord care in Kenya. We encourage comprehensive data collection to make future models and estimates of the impacts of upscaling CHX use more robust.
Reconciling Validity and Challenges of Patient Comfort and Understanding: Guidelines to Patient-Oriented Questionnaires
Authors: Hudon Catherine , Danish Alya , Lambert Mireille , Howse Dana , Cassidy Monique , Dumont-Samson Olivier , Porter Judy , Rubenstein Donna , Sabourin Véronique , Doucet Shelley , Ramsden Vivian R. , Bisson Mathieu , Schwarz Charlotte , Chouinard Maud-Christine
Published: April 2021

Background: Patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) are widely recognized as important tools for achieving a patient-centered approach in health research. While PROMs are subject to several stages of validation during development, even questionnaires with robust psychometric properties may pose problems for targeted patients. Challenges can rise for reasons of clarity, understanding, comfort, or the complexity of the patient’s situation (e.g., their health needs). How can good practices in questionnaire development and validation on one hand, and challenges of accommodating patient comfort and understanding on the other hand be reconciled? Building on the experience of patient engagement in the PriCARE research program, this paper aims to propose: 1) steps to address challenges of patient comfort and understanding of the questionnaires and to reach consensus, and 2) patient-oriented guidelines for administrating the questionnaires. Methods: Based on a participatory approach and the patient engagement framework in the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, team members, including patient partners, worked together to discuss the problem, review the questionnaires, and come up with different solutions. Based on literature presenting similar processes in research projects, a working group was created to produce guidelines for administering the questionnaires. We present a step-by-step description of strategies used in PriCARE, to reconcile good research practices for using validated questionnaires and the challenges in questionnaire development related to patient comfort and understanding. Results: This paper demonstrates how patient partners were engaged in PriCARE and integrated into the program’s governance structure, the challenges they raised regarding the questionnaires, and how the challenges were addressed in a six-step approach: 1) Recognizing patient partner concerns, discussing these concerns, and reframing the challenges; 2) Detailing and sharing evidence of the validity of the questionnaires; 3) Evaluating potential solutions; 4) Searching literature for guidelines; 5) Creating guidelines; 6) Sharing and refining guidelines. Conclusion: This six-step approach demonstrates how research teams can integrate patient partners as equal members, develop meaningful collaboration through recognition of individual experiences and expertise, and ensure the patient perspective is taken into consideration in questionnaire research, the development of data collection tools, and healthcare innovation in general.
Quality of Life in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease Submitted to Percutaneous, Surgical and Medical Therapies: A Cohort Study
Authors: Silveira Lucas Molinari Veloso da , Almeida Adriana Silveira , Fuchs Felipe C. , Silva Aline Gonçalves , Lucca Marcelo Balbinot , Scopel Samuel , Fuchs Sandra C. , Fuchs Flávio D.
Published: April 2021

Background: Clinical, surgical and percutaneous strategies have been shown similar effectiveness in the prevention of major cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The possibility that these strategies have differential effects over health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been debated, particularly in patients treated outside clinical trials.Methods: 454 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease during an elective diagnostic coronary angiography were assigned to Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or optimal medical treatment (OMT), and followed on average for 6.0 ± 1.9 years. HRQoL was assessed by a validated Brazilian version of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) questionnaire. The association between therapeutic strategies and scores of QoL were tested by ANOVA and adjusted for confounding in a general linear model. Results: There was no difference in the Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores in the follow-up evaluation by therapeutic strategies: 51.4, 53.7 and 52.3, respectively, for MT, PCI, and CABG. Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores were higher in the PCI group, when compared to the CABG and MT (46.4 vs. 42.9 and 43.8, respectively), but these differences were no longer different after adjustment for confounding variables.Conclusion: In a long-term follow-up of patients with stable CAD, HRQoL was not different in patients treated by medical, percutaneous or surgical treatments.
A novel technique to rebuild the Valsava sinus in acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Zhao Long , Hong Ruofeng , Fei Jianbin , Li Junpeng , Pan Jianneng , Yang Wenyu
Published: April 2021

Background. There has been many techniques described to preserve the integrity of the aortic root with good outcomes for those with acute type A aortic dissection. However, whether to use these technique in emergency patients presenting with AADA remains controversial.Methods. Between December 2019 and Feburary 2021, 11 patients underwent aortic root partial repair using a button technique.Results. The postoperative echocardiography 1 month after operation showed mild regurgitation in 7 cases and moderate regurgitation in 2 cases. Two patients died because of low cardiac outflow. Temporary neurological dysfunction was observed in one patient and hoarseness occurred in one patient.Conclusions. Our partial aortic root remodeling operation is very easy to operate and has a good short-term effect. It might be a useful strategy for acute type A aortic dissection in patients with one or two Valsalva sinuses affected.
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2, Gamma Subunit, Suppresses Proliferation and Regulates the Cell Cycle via the MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Lu Jielun , CHEN SHUYI , TAN HUO , HUANG ZHENQIAN , LI BO , LIU LING , CHEN YIMIN , ZENG XIAOZHEN , ZOU YAWEI , XU LIHUA
Published: April 2021

Purpose The expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit 3 (EIF2S3) in patients with non-small cell lung and colorectal cancer is lower than that in healthy individuals. However, the functions of EIF2S3 remain unclear, and its study in leukemia has not been reported. The article aims to explore the role of EIF2S3 in AML (acute myeloid leukemia) and its underlying mechanism. Methods Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to evaluate the expression levels of EIF2S3, and its association with patient prognosis was determined. Inducible HEL-EIF2S3 and HL-60-EIF2S3 cell lines were established by retrovirus infection. Cellular proliferation and the cell cycle were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit 8 and flow cytometric analyses. Tumorigenic ability was evaluated using xenograft nude mouse model. Gene expression profiles were analyzed in HL-60-EIF2S3 cells by next-generation sequencing, and WB analysis was performed to detect the expression of related proteins.Results The expression of EIF2S3 in patients with AML was lower than that experiencing CR (P=0.02). Furthermore, EIF2S3 overexpression inhibited cellular proliferation, halted G0/1 to S phase cell cycle progression and inhibited tumorigenicity (P=0.015). 479 differentially expressed genes were identified between HL60-EIF2S3 DOX (-) and HL60-EIF2S3 DOX (+) cells via NGS and several of them involved in MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. The phosphorylation levels of ERK decreased when EIF2S3 was overexpressed(P＜0.050).Conclusion EIF2S3 overexpression may result in a decrease in cellular proliferation, cell cycle arrest and tumorigenic inhibition via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in AML cells.
The Digitally Associated Display Model For Convenience Stores: A Case Study
Authors: Jing Shuwei , Li Mingxia , Zhang Qian , Yang Fudong
Published: April 2021

Commodity display is one of the important means to improve customer shopping experience and enhance competitiveness in the convenience. Previous research only based on the characteristics of the commodities, but did not consider the importance of customers to display of commodities. Therefore, this paper presents the digitally associated display model that combines customer group concepts and digital means to mine customer and commodities information. First, analyze the preliminary association rules of commodities by Apriori algorithms, to provide data support, and check whether the data is true and feasible. Second, apply RFM model to analyze customers to get the importance of customers. Finally, construct a digital display model that combines customer group concepts and digital means to mine customer and commodities information. The research showed that: (1) the digitally associated display model can provide a scientific basis for the community convenience store to optimize the way of commodity display; (2) the digitally associated display model can optimize the layout of commodities to bring great room for profit growth for convenience stores. (3) the digitally associated display model can provide a reference for optimizing customer management methods, which is conducive to enhancing customers' shopping experience and satisfaction.
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 N , Mitchell Jacqueline C , Glennon Elizabeth , Nikolaou Nikolas , Houart Corinne
Published: April 2021

BackgroundAberrantly 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.MethodsNeurite complexity and synaptic density were studied in rat primary neurons expressing eGFP-FUSWT, eGFP-FUSR514G or eGFP-FUSΔNLS. To investigate synaptic and neuronal changes in vivo, a motor neuron specific zebrafish over-expression model with mosaic expression of MNX1:Gal4 and UAS: eGFP-FUSWT, UAS: eGFP-FUSR514G or UAS: eGFP-FUSΔNLS was assessed for alterations to axonal growth, branching and NMJ density. Using live imaging, mitochondrial trafficking in in vitro neuronal models expressing mutant FUS was conducted. Complementary proximity ligation assays assessed endogenous protein interactions, while overexpression of mutant FUS evaluated if mutations led to alterations in this interaction. Lastly, Puromycin assays investigated how mutant FUS caused differences in global protein translation. ResultsWe found that mutant FUS alters synaptic numbers and neuronal complexity in both primary neurons and zebrafish models. The degree to which FUS is mislocalised leads to differences in the synaptic changes which is mirrored by changes in mitochondrial numbers and transport. Furthermore, we showed that FUS interacts and localises with Syntaphilin (SNPH), and that mutations in FUS affect this relationship, which may lead to the synaptic and mitochondrial phenotypes observed. Finally, we demonstrated that in primary neurons mutant FUS-driven changes in global protein translation correlate with synaptic and mitochondrial defects shown for each respective mutation. ConclusionsWe 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. Moreover, we demonstrate a novel interaction between FUS and SNPH, which 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.
Impact of Reconstruction Parameters on Spatial Resolution and Its Comparison Between Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride SPECT/CT and Conventional SPECT/CT
Authors: Wang Miao , Dong Sheng , Zhang Ruyi , Wang Shen , Shen Yiming , Li Ning , Wang Peng , Tan Jian , Meng Zhaowei , Jia Qiang
Published: April 2021

Background: To evaluate the impact of reconstruction parameters on spatial resolution of tomographic image in SPECT/CT, and to compare spatial resolution between a new polyvalent whole-body Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride camera (CZT-SPECT/CT) and a conventional dual-head Anger camera (conventional SPECT/CT). Spatial resolution was evaluated with four line sources filled with 99mTc in tomographic images reconstructed by varying reconstruction parameters. Ordered-subset expectation maximization (OSEM) algorithm was performed with varying iterations (1-20), the number of subsets was fixed at 10. Butterworth filter, Gauss filter and no-filter were selected respectively. Computed tomography-based attenuation correction (CTAC), scatter correction (SC), resolution recovery (RR) and no-correction (NC) were adopted for image correction respectively. Filtered back projection (FBP) with Butterworth filter and CTAC was also performed in image reconstruction. Spatial resolution was expressed by full width at half-maximum (FWHM) value.Results: The impact of reconstruction parameters on spatial resolution was identical in both cameras: FWHM values decreased with the increase of iterations and converged uniformly when the number of iterations was over 4. FWHM values decreased with the increase of cutoff frequency of Butterworth filter and increased with the increase of Gauss filter. SC and RR improved spatial resolution, whereas CTAC had negligible effect on spatial resolution reconstructed by OSEM. FWHM was generally lower with OSEM reconstruction than FBP reconstruction. On the whole, under the same reconstruction conditions, CZT-SPECT/CT had a lower FWHM value than conventional SPECT/CT.Conclusions: The spatial resolution was improved with the increase of iterations. Increasing the cutoff frequency of Butterworth filter and decreasing the Gauss filter enhanced spatial resolution. The spatial resolution was better reconstructed by OSEM associated with AC, SC and RR than FBP. CZT-SPECT/CT had better spatial resolution than conventional SPECT/CT.
Mycorrhization of Quercus Mongolica Seedlings by Tuber Melanosporum Alters Root Carbon Exudation and Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities
Authors: Wang Yanliang , Wang Ran , Lu Bin , Guerin-Laguette Alexis , He Xinhua , Yu Fuqiang
Published: April 2021

Aims To study how ectomycorrhizas (ECMs) mediate plant performance and rhizosphere soil bacterial communities via altered physiological characteristics and root carbon exudation. Methods Tuber melanosporum-colonized and uncolonized Quercus mongolica seedlings were grown on a substrate consisting of 41 % peat, 41 % pumice, 9 % pine bark and 9 % lime. Gas exchange fluorescence system, inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectrometer, high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to analyze photosynthetic and nutritional characteristics, and rhizosphere carbon exudates, and bacterial communities. Results Tuber melanosporum mycorrhization increased leaf photosynthetic rate (by 69 %) and phosphorus concentration (94 %); increased rhizosphere pH (0.4 units), total organic carbon (TOC, 76 %) and acid phosphatase activity (33 %); but decreased leaf potassium concentration (26 %) and rhizosphere organic anions (50 %). Additionally, sugars like galactose were present in rhizosphere extract of colonized, but not uncolonized seedlings. Mycorrhization altered rhizosphere bacterial communities, with only ~10 % operational taxonomic units (OTUs) shared by both colonized and uncolonized seedlings; T. melanosporum enriched the phylum actinobacteria and the OTU of amb-16S-1323, IMCC26256 and PLTA13, but reduced SWB02. The abundances of different OTUs were differently affected by T. melanosporum colonization, and they were correlated with different physiological and/or rhizosphere factors. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that T. melanosporum ECM colonization can regulate carbon economy and rhizosphere bacterial communities of Q. mongolica seedlings grown in a previously sterilized peat-based substrate, to promote plant growth and nutrient cycling.
Synthesis of Iridium-Based Nanocomposites With Catalase Activity For Cancer PTT/PDT Therapy
Authors: Wu Hang , Jiang Qi , Luo Keyi , Zhu Chunping , Xie Mengmeng , Wang Shige , Fei Zhewei , Zhao Jiulong
Published: April 2021

The combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted attention due to its enhanced tumor synergetic effect. This study proposes a novel nanoenzyme-based theranostic nanoplatform, IrO2@MSN@PDA-BSA(Ce6), for the combined PTT and PDT of tumors. IrO2 was prepared by a simple hydrolysis method and coated with a thin layer of mesoporous silica (MSN) to facilitate the physical adsorption of Chlorin e6 (Ce6). The PDA coating and IrO2 NPs of the nanoplatform demonstrated an improved photothermal conversion efficiency of 29.8 % under NIR irradiation. Further, the Ce6 loading imparts materials with the ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) under 660 nm NIR laser irradiation. It was also proved that the IrO2 NPs could catalyze the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to generate endogenous oxygen (O2), thereby enhancing the efficiency of PDT. The in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that the nanocomposites were highly biocompatible and could produce a satisfactory tumor therapeutic effect. Thus, the findings of the present study demonstrate the viability of using theranostic nanoenzymes for translational medicine.
Spatial Distribution and Epidemiology of Echinococcus Granulosus Infection in Sheep and Goats Slaughtered in a Hyperendemic European Mediterranean Area
Authors: Bosco Antonio , Alves Leucio Camara , Cociancic Paola , Amadesi Alessandra , Pepe Paola , Morgoglione Maria Elena , Maurelli Maria Paola , Miranda Edyniesky Ferrer , Santoro Kleber Régis , Ramos Rafael Antonio Nascimento , Rinaldi Laura , Cringoli Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, highly widespread in livestock, particularly sheep and goats. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution of CE in sheep and goats slaughtered in a hyperendemic Mediterranean area.Methods: A survey was conducted in Basilicata region (southern Italy) from 2014 to 2019. A total of 1454 animals (1265 sheep and 189 goats) from 824 farms were examined for hydatid cysts detection by visual inspection, palpation and incision of target organs. All the CE cysts were counted and classified into five morphostructural types (unilocular, multisepted, calcified, caseous and hyperlaminated). The molecular analysis was performed on 50 cysts. For spatial analysis, kriging interpolation method was used to create risk maps, while the clustering was assessed by Moran’s I test.Results: CE prevalence of 72.2% (595/824) and 58.4% (849/1454) were observed at the farm and animal level, respectively, with higher values in sheep (62.9%) than goats (28.0%). The liver and lungs were the most frequently infected organs both in sheep and goats. Most of recovered cysts belonged to the calcified and multisepted morphotypes. All the isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (genotypes G1-G3). Spatial distribution showed a moderate clustering of positive animals.Conclusions: The findings of this study can be used to better understand the eco-epidemiology of echinococcosis and to improve the CE surveillance and prevention programs in regions highly endemic for CE.
Prevalence and Determinants of Readiness of Health Facilities for Quality Antenatal Care Services in Bangladesh
Authors: Nilima Shahnaz , Sen Kanchan Kumar , Zahura Fatima Tuz , Bari Wasimul
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThe quality antenatal care (ANC) services can reduce the risk of the pregnancy complications, and hence reduce the maternal and child morbidity and mortality. To ensure the quality ANC services to the pregnant women, it is essential that healthcare providers should be fully prepared with six tracer indicators recommended by World Health Organization. In this study, the prevalence of readiness by selected covariates has been examined. Potential factors responsible for the readiness have also been identified.MethodsUsing data from nationally representative Bangladesh Health Facility Survey (BHFS), 2017, the readiness indices of health facilities providing ANC services have been measured based on the six tracer indicators of the service. The chi-square test has been applied to check the association of selected covariates with the readiness index, and to obtain the adjusted associations of covariates, we have carried out a multinomial logistic regression model. ResultsOnly 4.26% of the facilities is found to provide quality ANC services to the pregnant women. Rural facilities have lower readiness to provide quality services compared to urban facilities [RRR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.06-0.31; p<0.001]. Community clinics and private hospitals are less likely to have medium or high readiness compared to public hospitals or clinics. The health facilities having specialist or MBBS doctors are more likely to be considered as ready for quality ANC services compared to others facilities. Regional difference exists in readiness for providing the service.ConclusionA huge gap has been found in the facilities of Bangladesh to prove quality ANC services. This is a high time to reduce this gap in achieving sustainable development goals related with maternity and neonatal mortality. The present study recommends that the government of Bangladesh should take necessary initiatives to fully prepared healthcare providers so that quality ANC services can be equally provided to each pregnant woman.
The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Immunity Induced by Nano-Pulse Stimulation
Authors: Guo Siqi , Burcus Niculina I. , Scott Megan , Jing Yu , Semenov Iurii
Published: April 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of tumor cells treated with Nano-Pulse Stimulation (NPS). Recently, ROS have been suggested as a contributing factor in immunogenic cell death and T cell-mediated immunity. This research further investigated the role of NPS induced ROS in antitumor immunity. ROS production in 4T1-luc breast cancer cells was characterized using three detection reagents, namely, Amplex Red, MitoSox Red, and Dihydroethidium. The efficiency of ROS quenching was evaluated in the presence or absence of ROS scavengers and/or antioxidants. The immunogenicity of NPS treated tumor cells was assessed by ex vivo dendritic cell activation, in vivo vaccination assay and in situ vaccination with NPS tumor ablation. We found that NPS treatment enhanced the immunogenicity of 4T1-luc mouse mammary tumor, resulted in a potent in situ vaccination protection and induced long-term T cell immunity. ROS production derived from NPS treated breast cancer cells was an electric pulse dose-dependent phenomenon. Noticeably, the dynamic pattern of hydrogen peroxide production was different from that of superoxide production. Interestingly, regardless of NPS treatment, different ROS scavengers could either block or promote ROS production and stimulate or inhibit tumor cell growth. The activation of dendritic cells was not influenced by blocking ROS generation. The results from in vivo vaccination with NPS treated cancer cells suggests that ROS generation was not a prerequisite for immune protection.
Atypical infectious mononucleosis in the cervical region mimicking lymphoma in an adult: a case-based literature review
Authors: Zheng Shize , Shi Ce , Ren Feilong , Ren Chunxia , Meng Lin , Hao Yifan , Fan Xinyi , Qiao Chunyan , Sun Hongchen
Published: April 2021

BackgroundInfectious mononucleosis (IM) is an infectious clinical entity commonly seen in adolescence and early adulthood. It is caused in the majority of cases by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and it presents as pharyngitis, fever, and lymphadenopathy. As the viruses mainly target the lymphocytes and reticuloendothelial system of the body, leading to the proliferation of the lymphatic tissues, it is often mistaken as lymphoma. Most cases of IM can be easily distinguished from lymphoma by clinical presentations and laboratory findings. However, atypical clinical presentations or laboratory findings occasionally occur, including the ages of patients over 30, generalized or isolated lymphadenopathy at unusual sites, negative heterophile antibody tests, absence of atypical lymphocytosis in the peripheral blood smear, etc. These atypical cases may lead to confused diagnosis. Therefore, IM should be differentiated from malignant lymphoma. In this paper, we reported a case of atypical IM in the cervical region of an adult, with elder age and longer disease course than typical IM.Case presentationIn this paper, we reported a case of IM in the cervical region of a 31-year-old man, and reviewed the recent literatures on the pathogenesis, as well as differential diagnosis of IM.ConclusionWhen facing enlarged tonsil or cervical lymph nodes, the pathologists should increase vigilance to the differential diagnosis between infectious diseases and lymphomas. Especially in ambiguous cases, it is essential to test for EBER by in situ hybridization to rule out IM before making a preliminary diagnosis of lymphoma.
Insights into the molecular mechanisms of Huangqi decoction on liver fibrosis via computational systems pharmacology approaches
Authors: Wang Biting , Wu Zengrui , Li Weihua , Liu Guixia , Tang Yun
Published: April 2021

Background: The traditional Chinese medicine Huangqi decoction (HQD) consists of Radix Astragali and Radix Glycyrrhizae in a ratio of 6 : 1, which has been used for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this study, we tried to elucidate its action of mechanism (MoA) via a combination of metabolomics data, network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. Methods: Firstly, we collected prototype components and metabolic products after administration of HQD from a publication. With known and predicted targets, compound-target interactions were obtained. Then, the global compound-liver fibrosis target bipartite network and the HQD-liver fibrosis protein-protein interaction network were constructed, separately. KEGG pathway analysis was applied to further understand the mechanisms related to the target proteins of HQD. Additionally, molecular docking simulation was performed to determine the binding efficiency of compounds with targets. Finally, after taking concentration of prototype compounds and metabolites of HQD after administration into consideration, the critical compound-liver fibrosis target bipartite network was constructed.Results: We collected 68 components, including 17 prototype components and 51 metabolic products after administration of HQD, and 540 compound-target interactions were obtained between the 68 components and 95 targets. Combining network analysis and molecular docking, as well as concentration of prototype compounds and metabolites of HQD, our final results demonstrated that eight compounds (three prototype compounds and five metabolites) and eight targets (CDK1, MMP9, PPARD, PPARG, PTGS2, SERPINE1, TP53, and HIF1A) might contribute to the effects of HQD on liver fibrosis by reducing fibrogenesis and stimulate degradation, which through p53 signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway.Conclusions: Our results would shed light on the complicated MoA of traditional Chinese medicine and help to attract attention to the therapeutic effects of metabolites of original components in Chinese herbs through computational methods.
Agrimoniin Sensitizes Pancreatic Cancer to Apoptosis through ROS-Mediated Energy Metabolism Dysfunction
Authors: Zhu Xiandong , Duan Feixiang , Wang Yongqiang , Zhang Hewei , Wang Xiaowu , Zhang Yan , Tang Hengjie , Huang Hongjian , Chen Bicheng , Sun Linxiao
Published: April 2021

Background
Agrimoniin, a polyphenol compounds isolated from Agrimonia pilosa ledeb, has antiviral, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities in vivo and in vitro. However, its molecular mechanism in pancreatic cancer remains to be determined.
Methods
The proliferation was detected by colony formation, cell proliferation and toxicity, and real-time cell analysis techniques. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to measure the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. The level of intracellular ROS or mitochondrial membrane potential was measured with a DCFH-DA or JC-1 probe. Cell metabolism assays were analyzed and evaluated by using Agilent Seahorse Bioscience XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. The target proteins were analyzed by Western blot. Subcutaneous cancer models in nude mice were established to evaluate the anticancer effects in vivo.
Results
Agrimoniin inhibited cell growth and promoted cell apoptosis by regulating cell metabolism in pancreatic cancer cells. Agrimoniin increased the ROS level in pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing Nrf2-dependent ROS scavenging system and disrupting normal mitochondrial membrane potential. We also found that agrimoniin significantly disrupted mitochondrial function and reduced the protein expression of mTOR/HIF-1α pathway and subsequently decreased oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. Eventually, agrimoniin affected intracellular energy metabolism and induced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells.
Conclusions
These findings reveal the novel function of agrimoniin in promoting apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells through mediating energy metabolism dysfunction.
When to Stop Testing Software: Economic Approach
Authors: Nguyen Thach Ngoc , Zapata Francisco , Kosheleva Olga
Published: April 2021

When should we stop testing software and release it? Many software engineering papers attempt to answer this question -- from the computer science viewpoint. However, the ultimate objective of every company -- and software companies are not an exception -- is to bring profit. In view of this fact, in this paper, we analyze the problem of when to stop testing from the economic viewpoint. For the simplified first-approximation model, we provide an explicit answer, and we describe how this answer can be made more accurate by using more adequate models.
Genetic Profile and Clinical Implications of PDGFRB Fusion in Adult B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Xu Guofa , Bao Xie-bing , Liu Li-min , Wang Man , Zhang Zhi-bo , Zeng Zhao , Xie Jun-dan , Qiu Hui-ying , Chen Su-ning , Wu De-Pei
Published: April 2021

Background:To investigate the pathogenesis, genetic changes, treatment and prognosis of adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) with platelet-derived growth factor receptor B (PDGFRB) fusion. Method：Clinical characteristics, treatment process and prognosis of 7 adult B-ALL patients with PDGFRB fusion were presented respectively, and the PDGFRB fusion was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA sequencing and Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: 7 adult B-ALL patients with PDGFRB fusion were presented respectively. There were 5 males and 2 females, with a median age of 21 (range, 17-39) years and a median white blood cell count of 7.85 (range, 2.30-111.25) ×10^9/L. The fusion partners were EBF1, SMIM3 and TERF2. Three of 7 cases received tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeted therapy, and 4 of 7 cases received chimeric antigen receptor T -cell (CAR-T) therapy. A total of 6 (85.71%) cases underwent haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo-HSCT). Overall response rate was 71.43% (4/7), and the common adverse reactions during induction were febrile neutropenia and nausea. Seventy-five percent (3/4) and 100% (6/6) of patients were minimal residual disease negative after CAR-T and Haplo-HSCT. To the last follow-up, 2 of 7 cases relapsed in 2 and 7 months after remission, respectively, and the estimated 36 months of Event-free survival and Overall survival was 75.0% and 66.7%.Conclusions: intensive therapy combined with CAR-T or TKI is needed to achieve deep remission, and sequential Haplo-HSCT may improve the prognosis of adult B-ALL with PDGFRB fusion.
Xanthine Oxidoreductase Activity in Platelet-Poor and Rich Plasma As a Oxidative Stress Indicator in Patients Required Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Cecerska-Heryć Elżbieta , Heryć Rafał , Dutkiewicz Grażyna , Michalczyk Anna , Grygorcewicz Bartłomiej , Serwin Natalia , Napiontek-Balińska Sylwia , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: April 2021

Background: Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a hydroxylase enzyme involved in the metabolism of purines. XOR activity can vary as the homodimer protein can be converted into two different isoforms: XD (antioxidant) and XO (prooxidant). Oxidative stress and inflammation that accompany chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis, and kidney transplantation result in platelet activation. This study aimed to determine the influence of applied renal replacement therapy on the activity of xanthine oxidoreductase and its isoforms.Methods: The study group consisted of 117 patients divided into 4 groups: hemodialysis (30), peritoneal dialysis (30), kidney transplant patients (27) and conservative treatment (30). The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers.Results: Significant differences were found in XOR activity in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) within the groups studied (p=0.001). There was a relationship between type of renal replacement therapy and the oxidoreductase isoforms in PPP (p<0.001 all isoforms), and XD (p=0.008) and XO (p<0.001) in PRP. An association was observed between the activity of all oxidoreductase isoforms in PPP and PRP, and type of renal replacement therapy, duration of dialysis and the age of patients. The presence of CKD also reflected differences in XD and XO activity in PPP.Conclusions: The type of renal replacement therapy used in CKD patients, age of patients, duration of dialysis, CKD causes, and stage of progression significantly affect the activity of XOR and its isoforms.