bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Nonlinear ODE mathematical analysis of the insulin-glucose model in the presence of a condition in glycemia function H(G).
Authors: Gamboa Diana , Coria Luis N. , Valle Paul A.
Published: June 2021

This work aims to analyze a fifth-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations that describe the glucoregulatory model system based on intravenous injection of glucose via in-vivo experimentation in rats reported previously in the literature. A mathematical analysis shows that existence of an invariant plane condition associated with insulin can determine a type 1 or type 2 diabetes classification. The bounded positive invariant domain (BPID) by applying the Lyapunov direct method establishes a mathematical preamble where maximum cell population is associated to an upper bound set given by a localizing function by applying the LCIS (Localizing Compact Invariant Set) method. Furthermore, an equilibrium point's existing condition is defined if U(t) is an invariant plane and H(G) exists. Also are discussed parameter conditions for renal glucose excretion (k5) and the rate constant of glucose absorption (ka) as a case of study when glycemia function presents existence conditions with or without insulin variable.
Plasma Cell Sensor Using Photonic Crystal Cavity
Authors: Zaky Zaky , Moustafa B. , Aly Arafa H.
Published: June 2021

The performance of one-dimensional photonic crystal for plasma cell application is studied theoretically. The geometry of the structure can detect the change in the refractive index of the plasma cells in a sample that infiltrated through the defect layer. We have obtained a variation on the resonant peak positions using the analyte defect layer with different refractive indices. The defect peak of the optimized structure is red-shifted from 2195 nm to 2322nm when the refractive index of the defect layer changes from 1.3246 to 1.3634. This indicates a high sensitivity of the device (S=3300 nm/RIU) as well as a high Q-factor (Q=103). The proposed sensor has a great potential for biosensing applications and the detection of convalescent plasma.
The Effect of Cellulose Particles with Different Structure on the Stability of Thyme Oil Emulsion
Authors: Niu Fuge , Zhang Bin , Du Yixuan , Hu Demei , Ma Shuang , Pan Weichun
Published: June 2021

The thyme oil emulsion was prepared using a novel type of spherical nanocellulose obtained under different hydrolysis time. The effect of different nanocellulose structures on the interfacial adsorption properties of emulsion and loading efficiency of thyme oil were analyzed. The results showed the particle size of emulsion decreased with the increasing of hydrolysis time. The loading efficiency of all emulsions for thyme oil reached about 80%. The retention rate of thyme oil decreased during the storage period, and rising temperatures will exacerbate the loss of thyme oil. Compared to the 2 h, emulsions stabilized by 10 h nanocellulose exhibited better stability and higher retention at all storage conditions. This was mainly due to the fact the nanocellulose (10 h) formed a dense structure that prevented the essential oils from volatilizing and migrating. The experimental results confirmed that cellulose can be used as stabilizer to encapsulate and transport hydrophobic active ingredient.
A Non-conventional Approach to Understanding the Geographical Influence on the Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and IFR
Authors: Ketipearachchi Udaya
Published: June 2021

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is not well understood and different models are needed (i.e. one model cannot answer it all) to understand and fight this disease. Here, we present two models based on indirect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 that explain the influence of ambient temperature and air pollution on outdoor and indoor behavior of SARS-CoV-2. These models discuss the temperature dependency of the lethality of SARS-CoV-2 and its spread during indoor and outdoor exposure. Furthermore, the temperature effect on the half-life of SARS-CoV-2 is discussed if the SARSCoV-2 is transmitted via particulate matter or surfaces. It is also important to understand the role of dew point instead of the humidity factor alone as the combined effect of temperature and humidity might play a major role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 .
Resonance for analog recurrent neural network
Authors: Qu Yurui , Zhou Ming , Khoram Erfan , Yu Nanfang , Yu Zongfu
Published: June 2021

There is a strong interest in using physical waves for artificial neural computing because of their unique advantages in fast speed and intrinsic parallelism. Resonance, as a ubiquitous feature across many wave systems, is a natural candidate for analog computing in temporal signals. We demonstrate that resonance can be used to construct stable and scalable recurrent neural networks. By including resonators with different lifetimes, the computing system develops both short-term and long-term memory simultaneously.
A Dockerized Big Data Architecture for Sports Analytics
Authors: Özgüven Yavuz Melih , Gönener Utku , Eken Süleyman
Published: June 2021

The revolution of big data has also affected the area of sports analytics. Many big companies have started to see the benefits of combining sports analytics and big data to make a profit. Aggregating and processing big sport data from different sources becomes challenging if we rely on central processing techniques, which hurts the accuracy and the timeliness of the information. Distributed systems come to the rescue as a solution to these problems and the MapReduce paradigm is promising for large-scale data analytics. In this study, we present a big data architecture based on Docker containers in Apache Spark. We demonstrate the architecture on four data-intensive case studies including structured analysis, streaming, machine learning methods, and graph-based analysis in sport analytics, showing ease of use.
Macroscopic stress-strain response and strain localization behavior of biopolymer-treated soil
Authors: Soldo Antonio , Miletic Marta , Aguilar Victor
Published: June 2021

Enhancement of soil engineering properties with biopolymers has been shown recently as a viable and environmentally benign alternative to cement and chemical stabilization. Interest in biopolymer-treated soil is evident from the upsurge of related research activities in the last five years, most of which have been of experimental nature. However, biopolymers have not yet found their way into engineering practice. One of the reasons for this may be the absence of computational models that would allow engineers to incorporate biopolymer-treated soil into their designs. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to numerically capture a macroscopic stress-strain response and investigate the effect of biopolymers on the onset of strain localization. Several diagnostic strain localization analyses were conducted, thus providing strain and stress levels at the onset of strain localization, along with the orientations of the deformation band. Several unconfined compression and triaxial tests on the plain and biopolymer-treated soils were modeled. Results showed that biopolymers significantly improved the mechanical behavior of the soil and affected the onset of strain localization. The numerical results were confirmed by the digital image analysis of the unconfined compression tests. Digital image processing successfully captured high strain concentrations, which tend to occur close to the peak stress.
A New Vaccine Targeting the S1 of the S Protein Induce Mice Immune Response against COVID-19
Authors: Jie Zhen-Wang , Sun Wei-Hong , Wang Xiao-Na , Lin Yu-Ting , Zhang Zi-Yan , Weng Kai , He Hua-Mei , Lin David
Published: June 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Scientific multi-agent reinforcement learning for wall-models of turbulent flows
Authors: Bae H. Jane , Koumoutsakos Petros
Published: June 2021

The predictive capabilities of turbulent flow simulations, critical for aerodynamic design and weather prediction, hinge on the choice of turbulence models. The abundance of data from experiments and simulations and the advent of machine learning have provided a boost to these modeling efforts. However, simulations of turbulent flows remain hindered by the inability of heuristics and supervised learning to model the near-wall dynamics. We address this challenge by introducing scientific multi-agent reinforcement learning (SciMARL) for the discovery of wall models for large-eddy simulations (LES). In SciMARL, discretization points act also as cooperating agents that learn to supply the LES closure model. The agents self-learn using limited data and generalise to extreme Reynolds numbers and previously unseen geometries. The present simulations reduce by several orders of magnitude the computational cost over fully-resolved simulations, while reproducing key flow quantities. We believe that SciMARL creates new capabilities for the simulation of turbulent flows.
Vitamin D-related Polymorphisms and Vitamin D Levels as Risk Biomarkers of COVID-19 Infection Severity
Authors: FREITAS Ana Teresa , Calhau Conceicao , Antunes Goncalo , Araujo Beatriz , Bandeira Matilde , Barreira Sofia , Bazenga Filipa , Braz Sandra , Caldeira Daniel , Santos Susana Constantino Rosa , Faria Ana , Faria Daniel , Fraga Marta , Nogueira-Garcia Beatriz , Goncalves Lucia , Kovalchuk Pavlo , Lacerda Luisa , Lopes Hugo , Luis Daniel , Medeiros Fabio , Melo Ana M P , Melo-Cristino Jose , Miranda Ana , Pereira Clara , Pinto Ana Teresa , Pinto Joao , Proenca Helena , Ramos Angelica , Rato Joao P R , Rocha Filipe , Rocha Julio Cesar , Moreira-Rosario Andre , Vazao Helena , Volovetska Yuliya , Guimaraes Joao-Tiago , Pinto Fausto J
Published: June 2021

Background: Vitamin D is a fundamental regulator of host defences by activating genes related to innate and adaptive immunity. Previous research shows a correlation between the levels of vitamin D in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the degree of disease severity. This work investigates the impact of the genetic background related to vitamin D pathways on COVID-19 severity. For the first time, the Portuguese population was characterized regarding the prevalence of high impact variants in genes associated with the vitamin D pathways. Methods: This study enrolled 517 patients admitted to two tertiary Portuguese hospitals. The serum concentration of 25 (OH)D, was measured in the hospital at the time of patient admission. Genetic variants, 18 variants, in the genes AMDHD1, CYP2R1, CYP24A1, DHCR7, GC, SEC23A, and VDR were analysed. Results: The results show that polymorphisms in the vitamin D binding protein encoded by the GC gene are related to the infection severity (p = 0.005). There is an association between vitamin D polygenic risk score and the serum concentration of 25 (OH)D (p = 0.042). There is an association between 25 (OH)D levels and the survival and fatal outcomes (p = 1.5e-4). The Portuguese population has a higher prevalence of the DHCR7 RS12785878 variant when compared with its prevalence in the European population (19% versus 10%).Conclusion: This study shows a genetic susceptibility for vitamin D deficiency that might explain higher severity degrees in COVID-19 patients. These results reinforce the relevance of personalized strategies in the context of viral diseases.
Screening of Hub Genes Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma by Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Wei Zimeng , Zhao Min , Zang Linnan
Published: June 2021

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main histological subtype of lung cancer. However, the molecular mechanism underlying LUAD is not yet clearly defined, but elucidating this process in detail would be of great significance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Methods

Gene expression profiles were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), and the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by online GEO2R analysis tool. Subsequently, the enrichment analysis of function and signaling pathways of DEGs in LUAD were performed by gene ontology (GO) and The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the DEGs were established through the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and hub genes were screened by plug-in CytoHubba in Cytoscape. Afterwards, we detected the expression of hub genes in LUAD and other cancers via GEPIA, Oncomine and HPA databases. Finally, Kaplan-Meier plotter were performed to analyze the prognosis efficacy of hub genes.
Results

74 up-regulated and 238 down-regulated DEGs were identified. As for the up-regulated DEGs, KEGG analysis results revealed they were mainly enrolled in protein digestion and absorption. However, the down-regulated DEGs were primarily enriched in cell adhesion molecules. Subsequently, 9 hub genes: KIAA0101, CDCA7, TOP2A, CDC20, ASPM, TPX2, CENPF, UBE2T and ECT2, were identified and showed higher expression in both LUAD and other cancers. Finally, all these hub genes were found significantly related to the prognosis of LUAD (p < 0.05).
Conclusions

Our results screened out the hub genes and pathways that were related to the development and prognosis of LUAD, which could provide new insight for the future molecularly targeted therapy and prognosis evaluation of LUAD.
Phytotoxic Effects of Treated Wastewater Used for Agricultural Irrigation On Root Hydraulic Conductivity and Plant Growth
Authors: Asli Sare , Massalha Nedal , Hugerat Muhamad
Published: June 2021

AimsTo determine the effects of treated wastewater (TWW) and dialyzed TWW (DTWW) through dialysis tube with a cut-off at 6000-8000 Da, on the water transport characteristics of maize seedlings (Zea mays L). MethodsLaboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effect of TWW on the hydraulic conductivity of excised roots. Moreover, the effect on transpiration, plant growth, root cell permeability and on the plant fresh and dry weight was determined. ResultsPressurized water flow through the excised primary roots was reduced by 25%-52%, within 90 min of exposure to TWW or DTWW. In hydroponics, DTWW affected root elongation severely by 58 %, while cell-wall pore sizes of same roots were little reduced (by 6%). Additionally, the exposure to TWW or DTWW caused inhibition of both leaf growth rate by (26%-70%) and transpiration by (14%-64%). While in soil growth, the plant fresh and dry weight was also significantly affected but not with secondary DTWW. Conclusions These impacts appeared simultaneously to involve phytotoxic and physical clogging impacts. First, the inhibition in hydraulic conductivity through live roots (phytotoxic and physical effects) after exposure to secondary DTWW was by 22%, while through killed roots accepted after hot alcohol disruption of cell membranes (physical effects only); was only by 14%. Second, although DTWW affected root elongation severely by 58%, cell-wall pore sizes of same roots were little reduced by 6%. We conclude that large molecules, such as polypeptides, remained after the dialysis process, may have produced hormone-like activity that affected root water permeability.
Understanding the Relationship between Electric Power Consumption, Technological Transfer, Financial development and Environmental Quality.
Authors: Kahouli Bassem , Alrasheedy Benayan Bani , Chaaben Nahla , Triki Rabab
Published: June 2021

This research paper attempts to investigate both the long-run and causality relationship among electric power consumption (EPC), technological transfer, financial development (FD), and environmental quality for the Saudi Arabia (KSA) economy from 1980 to 2019. In doing so, we propose a carbon emission function tested by incorporating multi-steps techniques such as autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) has been exploited to determine the existence of cointegration or no; while vector error correction model (VECM) has been applied to decide the direction of causality. In this paper we have proposed two proxies of technological transfer, namely imported technology (MT) and Technical cooperation grants (TCG). The results indicate the existence of cointegration between the concerned series. Besides, the existence of a feed-back effect among variables (except TCG) in the long-run. However, in the short run feed-back effect exists among EPC and EnvQ; MT and EnvQ; EPC and MT. Thus, the paper provides original visions for policy makers to encourage the technological transfer by financing and supporting the electric energy sector which constitutes the main locomotive to improve the environment quality for the KSA.JEL classification : C32, C52, O11, Q43
Discovery of Genomic Regions Associated With Resistance to Late Wilt Disease Caused by Harpophora Maydis (Samra, Sabet and Hing) in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Sunitha N. C. , Gangappa E. , Gowda R. P. Veeresh , S Ramesh , Biradar Sunil , Swamy Dharanendra , Hemareddy H. B.
Published: June 2021

Late wilt disease (LWD) caused by Harpophora maydis (Samra, Sabet and Hing) is emerging as major production constraint in maize across the world. As a prelude to develop maize hybrids resistance to LWD, genetic basis of resistance was investigated. Two F2:3 mapping populations (derived from CV156670 × 414-33 (P-1) and CV156670 × CV143587 (P-2)) were challenged with LWD at two locations (Kallinayakanahalli and Muppadighatta) during 2017 post-rainy season. Wider range of LWD scores were observed at both locations in both the populations. LWD response was influenced by significant Genotype × location interaction. Six and 56 F2:3 progeny families showed resistance level better than resistant parent. 150 and 199 polymorphic SNP markers were used to genotype P-1 and P-2, respectively. Inclusive composite interval mapping was performed to detect significant QTL, QTL × QTL, QTL × Location interaction effects. Three major and four minor QTL controlling LWD resistance were detected on chromosome-1. Position and effect of the QTL varied with the location. Significant di-QTL interactions involving QTL (with significant and/or non-significant effects) located within and between all the ten chromosomes were detected. Five of the seven detected QTL in our study showed significant QTL × location interaction. Though two major QTL (q-lw-1.5 and q-lw-1.6) with lower Q×L interaction effects could be considered as stable, their phenotypic variance is not large enough to deploy them in MAS. Based on these results, strategies to breed maize for resistance to LWD are discussed.
Secretory Expression of Cyclohexanone Monooxygenase by Methylotrophic Yeast for Efficient Omeprazole Sulfide Bio-oxidation
Authors: Li Ya-Jing , Zheng Yu-Cong , Geng Qiang , Liu Feng , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Xu Jian-He , Yu Hui-Lei
Published: June 2021

Prochiral pyrmetazole can be asymmetrically oxidized into (S)-omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux, by an engineered cyclohexanone monooxygenase (CHMOAcineto-Mut) that has high stereoselectivity. CHMOAcineto-Mut is produced by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, where it is expressed intracellularly. Thus, isolating this useful biocatalyst requires tedious cell disruption and subsequent purification, which hinders its use for industrial purposes. Here, we report the extracellular production of CHMOAcineto-Mut by a methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris, for the first time. The recombinant CHMOAcineto-Mut expressed by P. pastoris showed a higher flavin occupation rate than that produced by E. coli, and this was accompanied by a 3.2-fold increase in catalytic efficiency. At a cell density of 150 g/L cell dry weight, we achieved a recombinant CHMOAcineto-Mut production rate of 1,700 U/L, representing approximately 85% of the total protein secreted into the fermentation broth. By directly employing the pH adjusted supernatant as a biocatalyst, we were able to almost completely transform 10 g/L of pyrmetazole into the corresponding (S)-sulfoxide, with >99% enantiomeric excess.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Responsive Nanoprobe For Bioimaging And Targeted Therapy of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Shen Chong , Gao Ming , Chen Haimin , Zhan Yanting , Lan Qiumei , Li Zhimin , Xiong Wei , Qin Zainen , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin
Published: June 2021

Stimulus-responsive therapy that allows precise imaging-guided therapy is limited for osteoarthritis (OA) therapy due to the selection of proper physiological markers as stimulus. Based on that the over-production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) is one of the leading causes of OA, we selected ROS as markers and designed a cartilage-targeting and ROS-responsive theranostic nanoprobe that is highly specific for effective bioimaging and therapy of OA. This nanoprobe was fabricated by using PEG micelles modified with ROS-sensitive thioketal linkers (TK) and cartilage-targeting peptide, termed TKC, which was then encapsulated with Dexamethasone (DEX) to form TKC@DEX nanoparticles. Results showed that the nanoprobe can smartly “turn on” in response to excessive ROS and “turn off” in the normal joint. By applying different doses of ROS inducer and ROS inhibitor, this nanoprobe can emit ROS-dependent fluorescence according to the degree of OA severity, helpful to precise disease classification in clinic. Specifically targeting cartilage, TKC@DEX could effectively respond to ROS and sustained release DEX to remarkably reduce cartilage damage in the OA joints. This smart, sensitive and endogenously activated ROS-responsive nanoprobe is promising for OA theranostics.
Infant Feeding Type of Children Who Qualify For SARS-CoV-2 Testing: An Observational Study.
Authors: Verd Sergio , Ramakers Jan , Vinuela Isabel , Martin-Delgado Maria-Isabel , Prohens Aina , Diez Ruth
Published: June 2021

Background: It has been demonstrated that children who had been breastfed remain better protected against various infections, and notably respiratory tract infections, well beyond infancy. Since the role of breastfeeding to explain why children are less affected by COVID-19 has not been studied until now, the aim of this study was to determine whether any history of breastfeeding reduces the incidence rate of COVID-19 in children.Methods: This was a secondary analysis of an observational study on clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric COVID-19 in Majorca. A total of 691 children were recruited. Eligible participants were children under 14 who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric emergency services. The independent explanatory variable was initial breastfeeding. Bivariate analyses were conducted through the Chi-square test, the Fisher's Exact test or the Student’s T test. All children had the same demographic, epidemiological and clinical data collected through a study team member interview and via the participants medical records. Aspredicted Trials Registry number is #62721. Results: Within the sample of children who visited emergency services with symptoms of potential COVID-19, we found higher prevalence of positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test results among those who were exclusively formula fed compared with those who were ever breastfed (OR, 2.48; 95%CI, 1.45-3.51; P=0.036). Conclusions: Since approximately 1 in 60 ever breastfed symptomatic children had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 versus 1 in 25 never breastfed symptomatic children, this study shows that initially breastfed children remain at lower risk of COVID-19.
Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain are Associated with the Maternal-Infant Adverse Outcomes in Chinese Women with Gestation Diabetes
Authors: Zheng Qing-Xiang , Wang Hai-Wei , Jiang Xiu-Min , Lin Yan , Liu Gui-Hua , Pan Mian , Ge Li , Chen Xiao-Qian , Wu Jing-Lin , Zhang Xiao-Yun , Pan Yu-Qing , HE Hong-Gu
Published: June 2021

The gestational weight gain (GWG) range of Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) still remains unclear. Our objective was to identify the ranges of GWG in Chinese women with GDM, and to investigate the associations between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), GWG and maternal-infant adverse outcomes. GDM Women delivering singleton from 2013 to 2018 in a tertiary public hospital were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the joint effects of pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG on maternal-infant adverse outcomes. Finally, 14,578 women were collected. The ranges of GWG of Chinese women with GDM in the underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese groups were 5.95-21.95kg, 4.23-21.83kg, 0.88-21.12kg and-1.76-19.95kg, respectively. The risks of large for gestational age (LGA), macrosomia and cesarean delivery were significantly increased with the increase of pre-pregnancy BMI. Furthermore, the risks of LGA, macrosomia and cesarean delivery were significantly higher in normal weight group with GWG higher than the National Academy of Medicine’s (NAM) recommendation. Similarly, in overweight group with GWG higher than NAM recommendation, the risks of LGA were significantly higher, while, the risks of macrosomia were significantly lower. In conclusion, the ranges of GWG in GDM women were different with NAM recommendation.
Home Mechanical Ventilation: Results of A National Program In Adults (2008 to 2017), Ministry of Health, Chile
Authors: Maquilon Cesar , Antolini Monica , Valdés Nicolas , A Marianela Andrade , Canales Krishnna , Rabec Claudio , Olave Cristian , Aguayo Miguel , Matus Patricia Rivas , Vilaro Carmen Andrade , Venegas Angela , Zapata Sandra , Torres Maria Elena , Cabrera Osvaldo , Villalobos Jorge
Published: June 2021

Background: Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is a viable and effective strategy for patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF) of different causes. The Chilean Ministry of Health started in 2006 a program for HMV in Children and in 2008 it began a program for HMV in adults. All belonged to the state health insurance.Methods: Prospective cohort of adult patients with CRF in 10 regions of Chile admitted to the national HMV program, their demographic, clinical and functional characteristics, mode of admission, time in the program and survival.Results: A total of 1,105 patients were included. Median age was 59 years (44-58, IQR1-IQR3). Women were 58.1%. The body mass index was 34.9 (26-46) kg/m2, and 942 (85.4%) belonged to low-income socioeconomic groups. The baseline score on the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency questionnaire (SRI) was 47 (35-62.1) points, 98.5% lived in urban areas, 76.2% initiated HMV in the stable chronic mode, 23.8% in the acute mode and 99 patients were transferred from the children's program. There were 1047 patients on noninvasive ventilation and 58 on invasive ventilation through tracheostomy. Baseline PaCO2 was 58.2 (52-65) mmHg. Device usage time was 7.3 h/d (5.8-8.8), the time in HMV was 21.6 (12.2-49.5) months. The diagnostic groups were COPD, 35%; obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), 23.9%; neuromuscular disease (NMD) 16.3%; non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis or tuberculosis (non-CF BC or TBC) 8.3%; Scoliosis, 5.9%; and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) 5.24%. The lowest 1- and 3-year survival rates were observed in the ALS group, i.e., 67% and 26%, respectively, and the lowest 9-year survival was observed in the non-CF BC or TB and COPD, 27% and 30.9%, respectively. The best survival rates at 9 years were 57.7%, 57.2% and 50.9% for patients with OHS, Scoliosis and NMD, respectively.Conclusion: The most common diagnoses were COPD and OHS. Patients were hypercapnic and had poor quality of life at program admission. The best survival was observed in patients with OHS, Scoliosis and NMD.
The Cumulative Dose-Dependent Effects of Metformin on the Development of Tuberculosis in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Heo Eunyoung , Kim Eunyoung , Jang Eun Jin , Lee Chang-Hoon
Published: June 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-known risk factor for tuberculosis (TB). Metformin, which is an essential anti-diabetic drug, has been shown to exhibit anti-TB effects in patients with DM. Its effect on preventing the development of TB among patients who are newly diagnosed with DM remains unclear. We evaluated the protective effect of metformin on the development of TB among newly diagnosed patients with type 2 DM.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using the claims database. The study population included newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients between January 2003 and March 2011. A metformin user was defined if a patient had taken metformin for more than 28 days within the first 6 months after the initial cohort entry. Primary outcome was the development of TB within 2 years after the index date. Results: Metformin use was not associated with the prevention of TB development (Metformin user: 44/12,916 (0.34%) vs. Metformin non-user: 40/12,916(0.31%); HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.75-1.83; P = 0.482). There was, however, a reduction in the development of TB among patients taking a higher cumulative dose of metformin. Patients in the highest quartile of cumulative metformin dose had only a 10% risk of developing TB compared to metformin non-users. In contrast, patients in the second quartile had a higher risk of developing TB than patients in the first quartile. Conclusions: The highest cumulative doses of metformin were protective against the development of TB among newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients.
Synaptotagmin13 Is A Neuroendocrine Marker In Brain, Intestine And Pancreas
Authors: Tarquis-Medina Marta , Scheibner Katharina , Garcia Ismael Gonzalez , Bastidas-Ponce Aimée , Sterr Michael , Jaki Jessica , Schirge Silvia , García-Cáceres Cristina , Lickert Heiko , Bakhti Mostafa
Published: June 2021

Synaptotagmin13 (Syt13) is an atypical member of the vesicle trafficking Synaptotagmin protein family. The expression pattern and the biological function of this Ca2+-independent protein are not well resolved. Here, we have generated a novel Syt13-Venus fusion (Syt13-VF) fluorescence reporter allele to track and isolate tissues and cells expressing Syt13 protein. The reporter allele is regulated by endogenous cis-regulatory elements of Syt13 and the fusion protein follows an identical expression pattern of the endogenous Syt13 protein. The homozygous reporter mice are viable and fertile. We identify the expression of the Syt13-VF reporter in different regions of the brain with high expression in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing and oxytocin-producing neuroendocrine cells. Moreover, Syt13-VF is highly restricted to all enteroendocrine cells in the adult intestine that can be traced in live imaging. Finally, Syt13-VF protein is expressed in the pancreatic endocrine lineage allowing their specific isolation by flow sorting. These findings demonstrate high expression levels of Syt13 in the endocrine lineages in three major organs harboring these secretory cells. Collectively, the Syt13-VF reporter mouse line provides a unique and reliable tool to dissect the spatio-temporal expression pattern of Syt13 and enables isolation of Syt13-expressing cells that will aid in deciphering the molecular functions of this protein in the neuroendocrine system.
The Relation of Surgical Procedures And Diagnosis Groups To Unplanned Readmission In Spinal Neurosurgery. A Retrospective Single Center Study.
Authors: Sander Caroline , Oppermann Henry , Nestler Ulf , Sander Katharina , Fehrenbach Michael , Wende Tim , von Dercks Nikolaus , Meixensberger Juergen
Published: June 2021

PurposeUnplanned readmission has gained increasing interest as a quality marker for inpatient care, as it is associated with patient mortality and higher economic costs. Spinal neurosurgery is characterized by a lack of epidemiologic readmission data. The aim of this study was to identify causes and predictors for unplanned readmissions related to index diagnoses and surgical procedures. MethodsIn this study from 2015-2017, spinal neurosurgical procedures were recorded. The main reasons for an unplanned readmission in between 30 days after discharge were identified. Multivariate logarithmic regression revealed predictors of unplanned readmission. Results1172 patient records were examined, of which 4.27 % disclosed unplanned readmissions. Among the surgical patients the readmission rate was 4.06 % mainly due to surgical site infections, for the non-surgical patients 5.06 % due to uncontrolled pain. A night-time surgery presented as independent predictive factor. ConclusionIn the heterogeneous group of spinal neurosurgical patients, stratification into diagnostic groups is necessary for statistical analysis. Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and spinal abscesses are mainly affected by unplanned readmission. The surgical procedure dorsal root ganglion stimulation is an independent predictor of unplanned re-hospitalizations, as is timing of surgery.
Analysis of eight nutrient elements in peripheral blood of children and adolescents using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Luan Fang , Liu Bin , Sun Shuzhen , Chen Yuan , Xu Yanqiu , Jiang Xuerui , Guo Xiangrui , Cheng Shiqing , Wang Yong
Published: June 2021

Background

Several researches have been conducted on the associations between elements and diseases. Few studies have examined trace elements in young people’s hair. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of age, gender and season on the contents of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se) and strontium (Sr) as well as to establish the reference intervals (RIs).
Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 589 apparently healthy children and adolescents under 19 years old. Quantitative analysis has been carried out using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Eight nutrient elements in peripheral blood of children and adolescents in eastern China were grouped according to age, sex or season, and analyzed using and Mann-Whitney U test and spearman statistical analyses. RIs were defined by using 95% confidence interval.
Results

Precisions of ICP-MS detecting for Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Se and Sr are 2.8%~12.2%. The linearity were all > 0.999 and the bias were all within 10%. Differences between contents of particularly Mg, Fe, Cu and Zn in girls’ and boys’ whole blood were found, and higher contents of Mg, Cu for boys were measured in some age groups. Positive correlations for Fe, Zn, Se and Sr, while negative for Ca and Cu were found with age. And substantial differences between age groups were stated. In general, an increasing trend was found for bioelements (Fe, Zn,Se) both for girls and boys in all age groups, while for Ca and Cu changes were even decreasing for children and teenagers. The most frequently correlating element pairs were Fe-Zn, Mg-Se, and Fe-Se in five successive age groups. Lower contents of essential elements (Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Se) were found in summer comparing with other seasons. Finally, the reference interval of each element was initially established according to age and gender grouping.
Conclusions

The contents of elements in whole blood varies depending mainly on the gender and age of children and adolescents. Besides, season is also a factor that affects the contents of elements in the body. The reference intervals of elements in whole blood grouped by age and gender provide a reference basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of element-related diseases.
Jejuno-jejunal intussusception in an adult – a rare presentation of abdominal pain in the Emergency Department
Authors: Zaabi Ahmed Hasan Yousef Al , Janahi Jasmine Abdulla Al , Alremaithi Salwa Najim , Rathinavelu Balamurugan , qayyum hasan
Published: June 2021

Background

Abdominal pain is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED) and the differential diagnoses is broad. Intussusception is a more common diagnosis in children, with only 5% of cases reported in adults. 80–90% of adult intussusception is due to a well-defined lesion resulting in a lead point, whereas in children, most cases are idiopathic. Adult intussusception is also more commonly associated with malignancy, compared to children. In adults, malignancy is more common in intussusception involving the large bowel compared to intussusception in the small bowel.
Case presentation

We present a case of a 54-year-old lady who presented to our ED with abdominal pain and vomiting. She had multiple abdominal surgeries in the past. On examination, she had epigastric and peri-umblical tenderness. In view of her persistent abdominal pain that was refractory to analgesia, she had computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen which revealed a jejuno-jejunal intussusception and proximal small bowel obstruction. The patient had an urgent laparoscopy and small bowel resection of the intussusception segment was performed. No pathological lead point was identified on imaging or intra-operatively. The patient made a full recovery post operatively.
Conclusion

Our case report illustrates a rare diagnosis of abdominal pain and vomiting, presenting to the Emergency Department. With increasing accessibility to CT, most cases of adult intussusception are found incidentally on contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis. While there is no consensus on management, it is more common for adult intussusception patients to have operative intervention, compared to childhood intussusception.
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging for Monitoring the Immune Response of Immunogenic Chemotherapy
Authors: Hu Junjiao , Yu Xin , Yin Peidi , Qiu Lin , Du Bin , Cai Xiangran
Published: June 2021

Background: Traditional chemotherapeutic drugs have the potential to increase tumor cell immunogenicity by activating immunogenic cell death (ICD). The accumulation of preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that the success of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, immunogenic chemotherapy depends (at least in part) on their ability to stimulate anti-cancer immune responses. Although the pathological examination is the gold standard for detecting the antitumor immune response, it is invasive and cannot be performed repetitively. Hence, the aim of our study was to evaluate the predictive value of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the quantitative assessment of conventional chemotherapy-activated immune responses in mouse tumor models and clinics.Methods: A total of 19 subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into treated and control groups. Both groups had orderly IVIM DWI examinations before and on days 6 and 12 after the administration of cyclophosphamide (CPA) or saline. The expressions of immune-related genes in the tumor were measured by qPCR or detected by immunohistochemical assay. In addition, six patients with breast cancer requiring neoadjuvant chemotherapy also underwent functional MRI examinations. The primary statistical analysis methods were the Wilcoxon test of variance, correlation analysis, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test.Results: The tumoral pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), the perfusion fraction (f), and the blood flow-related parameter (fD*) of the treatment group showed a trend that significantly decreased on day 6. Then, these values increased on day 12, while they displayed the opposite tendency in the control group. Compared with the control group, a strong induction of the expression of the immune responses in the CPA treatment group was observed on day 12. Additionally, the changes in functional MRI parameters in the six patients with breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed similar trends to those in the tumor-bearing mice in the CPA treatment group.Conclusions: The immune response induced by immunogenic chemotherapy could be effectively evaluated using IVIM-DWI. The D and D* values could be potential, sensitive imaging markers for identifying the antitumor immune response initiated by immunogenic chemotherapy.
Effects of Different Protein Levels on Growth Performance and Stress Parameters in Beef Calves Under Heat Stress
Authors: Kim Won Seob , Nejad Jalil Ghassemi , Peng Dong Qiao , Jo Yong Ho , Kim Jong Kyoo , Lee Hong Gu
Published: June 2021

Background: This study investigated the effects of dietary protein levels under various heat stress (HS) levels on the growth performance and stress parameters in Korean native beef calves. Forty calves (body weight of 202.2 ± 3.31 kg) were randomly assigned to climatic-controlled chambers with 3×3 factorial arrangements. Treatment groups were three dietary protein levels (low protein; LP = 12.5%, medium protein; MP = 15%, and high protein; HP = 17.5%) and three stress levels (mild: temperature-humidity index (THI) = 74 to 76, moderate: THI = 81 to 83, and severe: THI = 89 to 91) with control (threshold: THI = 70 to 73 and dietary protein level 12.5%). The calves were subjected to ambient temperature (22 °C) for 7 days and subsequently to the temperature and humidity corresponding to the target THI level for 21 days.Results: As a result, average daily gain (ADG) was decreased (P < 0.05) under severe HS level compared to the mild and moderate HS stress levels. However, HP increased ADG (P < 0.05) than moderate levels (LP) and severe levels (LP and MP). Under different HS levels (mild, moderate, and severe), HR, RT, and blood cortisol were increased compared to a threshold level, but no differences were observed in the parameters among various protein levels. Varied HS levels decreased the levels of blood glucose, NEFA, and amino acids (AAs) (lysine and glutamic acid) compared to a threshold (P < 0.05). But, the HP group resulted in increased levels of blood glucose, NEFA, and AAs (lysine and glutamic acid) compared to LP and MP groups under severe HS stress. The expression level of the HSP70 gene (P < 0.05) in PBMC and hair follicles was increased following an increase in moderate and severe HS levels. Also, HSP70 gene expression in the HP group was decreased compared with LP and MP groups under intense HS level.Conclusions: Overall, HS in Korean native beef calves exhibited negative effects on ADG, blood glucose, NEFA, and AA profile. However, 17.5% of dietary protein (HP) could compensate for the growth of heat-exposed Korean native beef calves through the regulation of homeostasis by protein and energy metabolism. Also, it was evident that adequate protein (HP) is used as a major nutrient for HSP70 synthesis in PBMC and hair follicles causing a boost in the immune system of heat-exposed Korean native beef calves.
Optimal Discrete-Time Sliding-Mode Control Based on Recurrent Neural Network: A Singular Value Approach
Authors: Toshani Hamid , Farrokhi Mohammad
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a strategy involving the combination of optimal discrete-time sliding-mode control and recurrent neural networks is proposed for a class of uncertain discrete-time linear systems. First, a performance index based on the reaching law and the control signal is defined. Then, the constrained quadratic programming problem is formulated considering the limitations on the control signal as the static constraint. The dynamic and algebraic model of the neural network is derived based on the optimization conditions of the quadratic problem and their relationship with the projection theory. The proposed method prevents the chattering by selecting proper parameters of the twisting reaching law. The convergence of the neural network is analysed using the Lyapunov stability theory. A singular-value-based analysis is employed for robustness of the proposed method. The stability conditions of the discrete-time closed-loop system is analysed by studying eigenvalues of the closed-loop matrix using the singular value approach. The performance of the proposed algorithm is assessed in simulated example in terms of chattering elimination, solution feasibility, and encountering uncertainties and is compared with the recently proposed DSMC methods in the literature.
Retrospective Analysis of Induction Chemotherapy Plus Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy under Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Mode for Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liao Kai , Tao Hao-Yun , Zhan Ze-Jiang , Qiu Wen-Ze , Zheng Rong-Hui
Published: June 2021

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) originates from the mucous epithelium of the nasopharynx. Although induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the major therapeutic protocol used for locally advanced NPC without metastasis, more researches are needed to evaluate the curative effects.Aims: We aim to identify the therapeutic effects and prognosis after induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advancedNPC under the intensity modulated radiotherapy mode.Methods: The patients (N= 544) with locally advanced NPC (III and IVa) after intensity modulated radiotherapy with induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy were included in this study. We analyzed the characteristics of patients including gender, age, smoking status, tumor-node staging system, clinical stage, pathological type, the therapy protocol of induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and chemotherapy prescription.Results: We have found the 5-year survival rates of OS, PFS, LRRFS, and DMFS were 85.21%, 78.51%, 90.71%, and 85.21% in follow-up and these data indicated that our therapeutic procedure provided beneficial effects on survival rates. Following, the chemotherapy drug base on DOC provided more beneficial effect of survival rate compared with TXT but there was no significant difference between chemotherapy drug base on DDP and NDP treated with NPC patients. The therapeutic effects of induction chemotherapy revealed no difference between TPF and TP. In addition, there was also no significant change between concurrent chemotherapy with TP dual drugs or platinum single drug. Moreover, the survival rate showed no difference between platinum accumulation dose ofmore and less than 150mg/m2for concurrent chemotherapy.Conclusion: Our results indicate that induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy under intensity modulated radiotherapy which is the standard therapeutic method for locally advanced NPC provides beneficial therapeutic effects, and it is worthy of further study.
Insights into the Pathobiology of TMPRSS3-Related Hearing Loss and Implications for Cochlear Implant Patients with TMPRSS3 Mutations.
Authors: Tucker Brady J. , Chen Yuan-Siao , Shin Timothy J. , Cabrera Ernesto , Booth Kevin T. , Nelson Rick F
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVES

To review the audiological outcomes after cochlear implantation (CI) for TMPRSS3-associated autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) and evaluate the spatial expression pattern of TMPRSS3 within the human cochlea.
METHODS

Review all published cases of CI in patients with TMPRSS3-associated ARNSHL to compare postoperative consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) word performance to published adult CI cohorts. Protein structural modeling of TMPRSS3 variants associated with post-lingual hearing loss. Determine TMPRSS3 expression pattern in human inner ear organoids and human cochlea.
RESULTS

Nine articles detailed 27 patients (30 total CI ears) with TMPRSS3-associated hearing loss treated with CI. Of these, 6 cases reported prelingual onset (< 2yo) and 24 cases reported post-lingual onset (≥2yo) of hearing loss. Subjectively, 85% of cases had a favorable outcome. Objectively, the postoperative mean (SD) post-operative CNC word score was not significantly different than other adults [66.2% (25.8%) correct vs. 50.1% (12.5%); F(1,6) = 1.97, P = 0.21]. In the TMPRSS3 cohort, poor performers (CNC < 30% correct) were significantly older than good performers [49 (± 13.3) years vs. 17.4 (± 18.4) years; P < 0.01] and all harbored the A138E variant. TMPRSS3 immunostaining is restricted to the otic epithelial cells and is not expressed within auditory neurons of human cochlea and human inner ear organoids.
CONCLUSIONS

Patients with TMPRSS3-related hearing loss exhibit similar postoperative performance to other adult CI patients. TMPRSS3 is not expressed in human auditory neurons and the duration of hearing loss prior to CI likely contributes to poor performance.