bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Genomic-Clinicopathologic Nomogram for the Preoperative Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhong Xin , Xuan Feichao , Qian Yun , Pan Junhai , Wang Suihan , Chen Wenchao , Lin Tianyu , Zhu Hepan , Wang Xianfa , Wang Guanyu
Published: August 2020

Background: Preoperative evaluation of the lymph node (LN) state is of pivotal significance for therapy strategy decisions in gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, there is lack of noninvasive method that can identify such status preoperatively. We aimed at developing a genomic biosignature based model to forecast the possibility of LN metastasis in GC patients.Methods: We employed the RNA profile retrieving strategy and conducted RNA expression profiling in a large GC cohort (GSE62254, n = 300) from Gene Expression Ominus (GEO). In the exploratory stage, 300 GC patients from GSE62254 were involved and the differentially expressed RNAs (DERs) for LN-status were determined using R software. The GC samples in GSE62254 were randomly divided into a learning set (n = 210) and a verification set (n = 90). By performing the Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression approach, a set of 23-RNA signature was established and the signature based nomogram was subsequently built for distinguishing LN condition. The diagnostic effectiveness of this model was assessed, as well as the clinical performance subsequently assessed using the decision curve analysis (DCA). Metascape was used for bioinformatic analysis of the DERsResults: Based on this genomic signature, we established a nomogram which robustly distinguished LN status in the learning (AUC = 0.916, 95% CI 0.833–0.999) and verification sets (AUC = 0.775, 95% CI 0.647–0.903). DCA demonstrated the clinical value of this nomogram. Functional enrichment analysis of the DERs was conducted using bioinformatics methods which posited that these DERs were involved with several lymphangiogenesis-correlated cascades.Conclusions: Here, we present a genomic signature based nomogram that integrates the 23-RNA biosignature based scores and Lauren classification. This model can be readily utilized to estimate the possibility of LN metastasis with good performance in GC. The uncovering of the DERs reveals the prospective biogenesis of LN metastasis in GC.
miRNA-101 Regulates Filamentogenesis During Migration and Invasion of Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Ping , Wudu Muli , Huang Zi-Qi , Liu Yang , Erken Abuliaizezi , Lin Chen
Published: August 2020

Background: miRNAs play critical roles in cervical cancer (CC) progression. miRNA-101 is a tumour suppressor in several cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effect of miRNA-101 on the biological behaviour of CC cells by analysing the formation of filamentous pseudopodia.Methods: Quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyse miRNA-101 expression in CC cells before and after its transfection. Cell counting kit-8, transwell migration, and wound healing assays were performed to investigate the effect of miRNA-101 on the malignant behaviour of CC cells in vitro. The impact of miRNA-101 on filopodia initiation in CC cells was investigated via scanning electron microscopy and TRITC-labelled phalloidin staining evaluation. In vivo analysis was performed using a nude mouse model of CC, established via subcutaneous tumour transplantation, to validate the role of miRNA-101 on CC malignant behaviour. One-way ANOVA with Fisher’s least significant difference post hoc test and t-test were used to evaluate statistical significance of differences between groups.Results: miRNA-101 was significantly downregulated in CC cell lines. Overexpression of miRNA-101 inhibited the malignant behaviours of CC cells in vitro, while it inhibited the formation of filopodia in CC cells. Similar results were observed using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy.Conclusions: These results indicate that miRNA-101 inhibits CC migration and invasion. The present findings, combined with future research, will help provide a theoretical basis and novel insight for the clinical management of CC.
Effect of Ca+2 on P. aeruginasa and B. cereus metabolites
Authors: Kahraman Hüseyin , Keskin Zeliş Budak
Published: August 2020

Background: The effects of Ca+2 on virulence and some parameters were tried to be analyzed in this study. P. aeruginosa and B. cereus were used as Gram (-) bacteria as a control and Gram (+) bacteria as a control. Both bacteria are soil bacteria. Results: Amylase; P. aeruginosa is 102% increase in 0.1 M Ca+2 concentrations and B. cereus caused an increase in 123%. Biofilm P. aeruginosa; 200% increase in 0.1 M Ca+2 concentrations. B. cereus caused a 252% increase in the presence of 0.15 M Ca+2. Las B; in accordance with B. cereus, Las B activity decreased 1.7 times more than with P. aeruginosa. H2O2; P. aeruginosa increased by 60% resistance. B. cereus caused only a 3% increase. Protease in P. aeruginosa increase of 220%. B. cereus caused a 548% increase. Pyorubin, a pigment, caused an increase in the presence of Ca+2. However, these increases are not seen as significant increases.Conclusion: In this study; the effect of Ca+2 on protease, amylase, LasB elastolytic assay, H2O2, pyorubin and biofilm was investigated in a 24 hour time. In the study we have conducted here, the effect of Ca+2 meat on the production of some secondary metabolites on Gram (-) P. aeruginosa and Gram (+) B. cereus was investigated for the first time. As a result, although there are many different related studies, they are not comparative as in ours. Therefore, our study has progressed in a different direction and it is a first in its field.
An Empirical Analysis of Policy Barriers Related to Trade Costs for Exporters
Authors: Noureen Shabana , Mahmood Zafar
Published: August 2020

The trade costs imposed by numerous policy and non-policy barriers on exporters are still considered an impediment in their export growth rate. Thus, this paper aims to measure over-year trends in total trade costs and trends in trade costs related to policy barriers. Further, to find out which trade cost-policy barriers are high. The research found that total trade costs have a decreasing trend for the rest of the world while developing countries like Pakistan have the lowest rate of a declining trend. Trade cost estimates associated with tariff barriers show a declining trend, whereas trade costs related to non-tariff barriers are on the rise as compared to developed countries. The results further reveal that higher trade costs are among the major factors that have rendered especially developing countries’ exports uncompetitive in world markets.JEL codes: F1, F10, F13, F14
Impact of Variety Type and Irrigation on Technical Efficiency of Potato Farmers: The Case of Terai Region of Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Surya Prasad , Ghimire Yuga Nath , Timsina Krishna Prasad , Gairhe Samaya
Published: August 2020

The national average potato productivity is far below as compared to other neighbouring countries due to several production constraints. Variety and irrigation are the important factors to increase production. The aim of this study is to find the technical efficiency of potato production and to estimate the impact of variety type and irrigation on technical efficiency. A multistage random sampling procedure was employed to select 300 potato farmers from three districts of Nepal. The study used a stochastic frontier production function model to find the production elasticity coefficients of inputs, determinants of efficiency, and technical efficiency of potato farmers. Results showed that variety type and irrigation have a significant positive impact on the technical efficiency of potato production. Nepalese improved varieties adopter farmers were more efficient (73%) than Indian (66%) and local (59%) potato varieties. Likewise, Irrigated potato farming has higher efficiency (71%) than rainfed potato (61%) farming. The mean technical efficiency value of potato farmers was 69 per cent and farmers can increase it with better use of available resources. It is suggested that use of improved potato varieties and irrigation application along with proper amounts of inputs used help to improve technical efficiency of potato farmers.
Identification of Inpatients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Risk of Clinical Deterioration: A Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wu Xiaojing , Ni Lan , Chen Lei , Zhou Changzhi , Gao Chang , Xia Jingen , Tian Ye , Gu Sichao , Li Min , Feng Yingying , Duan Jun , Wang Yi , Xie Jungang , Guo Qiang , Zhao Jianping , Hu Yi , Cheng Zhenshun , Zhan Qingyuan
Published: August 2020

Background: Current information is not enough to recognize the risk factors of clinical deterioration and to make medical decisions in COVID-19 patients. Methods: A retrospective study was performed, with collecting data from medical records of COVID-19 patients in three designated hospitals from January 8, 2020 to May 6, 2020. Clinical data were analyzed between the deteriorated and the non-deteriorated patients, which was defined as either a increase of 2 categories on the modified 6-category ordinal scale, or a decline of PaO2-to-FIO2 ratio more than 100mmHg. Results: Total 238 patients with COVID-19 were selected, where 31 were deteriorated and 207 were non-deteriorated. In the deterioration group, the case fatality rate was up to 41.9%. Compared with non-deteriorated patients, the deteriorated were older (65.8[IQR 54.3-72.3] vs 54.4[41.0-66.1], p=0.004) and were more likely to have chronic medical illnesses (17[54.8%]) vs 92[44.4%]). Multivariable regression showed that three variables, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)≥3.66 (OR, 9.85; 95% CI, 1.68-57.57), hyponatremia (OR, 8.35; 95% CI, 1.74-40.16), and presence of ground-glass opacities with consolidation (OR, 5.84; 95% CI, 1.24-27.49) were associated with increased odds of clinical deterioration. The variable that inspiring air or traditional oxygen therapy only within 72 hours after admission, indicated a decreased odd of illness progression (OR, 0.075; 95% CI, 0.012–0.465).Conclusions: COVID-19 patients with clinical deterioration had more common extra-pulmonary organ impair in early stage and high case fatality rate. Three factors, NLR ≥3.66, hyponatremia and presence of ground-glass opacities with consolidation were determined as high risk factors in deterioration.
Evaluation of the Predictive Power of the Theory of Planned Behavior on the Intention of Pregnant Women to Neonatal Care
Authors: Navabi Azamalsadat , shamsi mohsen , khorsandi mahboobeh , zamanian Maryam
Published: August 2020

Background: Considering that neonatal are the most sensitive group to kind of diseases, the present study aimed to evaluation of the predictive power of the Theory of Planned Behavior on the intention of pregnant women to neonatal care.Method: In this cross-sectional study, 100 pregnant women in trimester of pregnancy were selected by random sampling. Data was collected using valid and reliable questionnaire and interviews conducted with pregnant women. The questionnaire included demographic characteristic of the mothers and theory planned behavior construct. Finally the data were analyzed by SPSS 20 T-test, Chi-square, Correlation, ANOVA and regression. Results: The average age of the sample was 26.12±4.9 and the average duration of marriage age was 3.9 ±2.74 years. There was a high correlation between perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention (r=0.40; p < 0.001). Over 40% of pregnant women were shown to lack overall Knowledge about the items related to neonatal care. The mothers who were better prepared for parenting tended to have a higher level of schooling, perceived control behavior and knowledge. Regression analysis showed that the knowledge and perceived behavior control R2 =32% in the prediction of neonatal care intentions.Conclusions: Findings of this study show support for the predictive ability of the theory of planned behavior in predicting for neonatal care therefore the design of educational intervention should be based on intention and knowledge as the most important predictors of maternal behavior.
Immediate Effects of Ischemic Compression Therapy on Myofascial Trigger Points on Pain, Mobility and Strength in Individuals With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Single-arm Study
Authors: Nascimento José Diego Sales do , Alburquerque-Sendín Francisco , Ferreira Laysla Carla de Castro , Sousa Catarina de Oliveira
Published: August 2020

Background: The myofascial trigger points (MTPs) may be associated with in shoulder dysfunction.Objective: To evaluate the immediate effect of ischemic compression therapy (ICT) and to verify the effect of the evaluation protocol on MTPs, pain, mobility and strength of shoulder.Methods: 15 individuals were assessed for the amount of MTPs, pressure pain threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM), isometric strength of shoulder muscles and pain in performing these tests. The evaluations took place 48 hours before the ICT, immediately before, and after the ICT.Results: There was a reduction in the total amount of MTPs (p<0.01; Cliff’s d=0.24-0.35) and an increase in the PPT in the middle deltoid muscle (p=0.03) in the comparisons pre and post treatment, while there was no difference in ROMs and strength measures (p>0.05). The pain was less during the sagittal elevation ROM (p<0.01; d=0.80) and internal rotation (p=0.05; d=0.57), and during the performance of strength in arm elevation and external rotation (p=0.01; d=0.72 and d=0.68). There was generally no difference in the variables assessed between baseline and pre-treatment (p>0.06).Conclusion: The ICT immediately reduced the amount of MTPs and pain during mobility and strength. The evaluation protocol did not influence the studied variables.Trial registration: ReBEC (RBR-3DDG2K). Registered in July 5th, 2017 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3ddg2k/.
Dielectric Spectroscopy of the (K0.44Na0.52Li0.04)0.97La0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O3 Ceramic Obtained by Sol-Gel
Authors: López-Noda R. , Portelles J. , Rojas-George G. , Reyes-Rojas A. , Fuentes J. , Rebellon-Watson J.F. , Hmŏk H'Linh , Cruz M.P. , Beltrones J.M. Siqueiros
Published: August 2020

(K0.44Na0.52Li0.04)0.97La0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O3 lead free ceramics were synthesized by sol-gel method. Their morphology, crystal structure and spectroscopic dielectric properties were analyzed by the appropriate techniques. The co-existence of an orthorhombic and a tetragonal ferroelectric phase at room temperature is confirmed by Rietveld analysis. La and Li cations are effective in shifting down the ferroelectric transition temperatures. The tetragonal to cubic transition, (TT-C), takes place at 371 °C while the orthorhombic to tetragonal, (TO-T), occurs at 110 °C, and the maximum relative permittivity (ɛmax) at TT-C is 3000, which is among the highest for KNN-based ceramics obtained by different methods. Conductivity behaves according to Jonscher’s law in the frequency and temperature range of this study. The activation energy values corresponding to the different conduction mechanisms were obtained. The results were compared with those for the same composition obtained by combining the reactive template grain growth (RTGG) technique and the solid-state method.
Effect of crosstalk between Th17 and Th9 cells on the activation of dermal vascular smooth muscle cells in systemic sclerosis and regulation of tanshinone IIA
Authors: Liu Mengguo
Published: August 2020

Background: To evaluate the effect of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and Th9 cells on the activation of dermal vascular smooth muscle cells (DVSMCs) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and regulation of tanshinone IIA. Methods: The expression of interleukin 17 receptor (IL-17R) and interleukin 9 receptor (IL-9R) in the skin of SSc patients was assessed by immunofluorescence. The expression of IL-9 and IL-9R mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SSc patients were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The proportion of Th9 cells in PBMCs of SSc patients was sorted by flow cytometry. The effect of IL-9 on the differentiation of Th17 and IL-17 on that of Th9 was detected by flow cytometry. The proportion of Th9 and Th17 cells in SSc patients was detected by flow cytometry. The level of collagen I, III, α-SMA, IL-9R, IL-17R, JNK, P38, and ERK were analyzed using Western blot (WB).Results: Th9 cells were highly expressed in SSc. IL-9 stimulated the differentiation of immature T cells into Th17 cells. IL-17 induced the differentiation of immature T cells into Th9 cells. Tanshinone IIA inhibited the differentiation of immature T lymphocytes into Th17 and Th9. WB showed that the combined action of IL-17 and IL-9 upregulated the inflammation and proliferation of DVSMCs. Anti-IL17, anti-IL9, and tanshinone IIA inhibited the functional activation of DVSMCs.Conclusions: The current results suggested that Th17 and Th9 cells induced the activation of DVSMCs in SSc through crosstalk in vitro, and tanshinone IIA inhibited the process.
Clinical Analysis of Prophylactic Para-Aortic Intensity-Modulated Radiation in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Jin Ge , Fan Xiaomei , Li Kuixiu , Niu Shuhuai , Liu Siyang , Zhang Qianying
Published: August 2020

Objective: To compare and evaluate survival, prognosis, treatment failure, and toxicity between two treatment regimens in cervical cancer patients radiologically diagnosed with pelvic lymphadenopathy and without para-aortic lymphadenopathy. Methods: Thirty-one patients with cervical cancer were prospectively selected for primarily treatment as the extended-field, intensity-modulated radiation group (EF-IMRT group), and 37 patients were chosen simultaneously as the pelvic intensity-modulated radiation group (P-IMRT group). Both groups were diagnosed with pelvic lymphadenopathy without para-aortic lymphadenopathy before treatment by radiology. Pelvic and para-aortic IMRT was employed in the EF-IMRT group, with an upper exposed level of the left renal vein, while pelvic IMRT was employed in P-IMRT group. Both groups were treated with high dose rate 192Ir brachytherapy and platinum-based concurrent chemotherapy. Results: In the short-term, there was no effective difference between the groups. Regarding long-term efficacy, the 3-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and progression and metastasis-free survival (PAMFS) in the EF-IMRT group and P-IMRT group were 87.0% vs. 74.6%, 83.6% vs. 61.7% and 96.0% vs. 80.5%, respectively. Treatment regimens, tumor size, and radiation time were all independent prognostic factors of OS and PFS. Treatment regimens, tumor size, and total equivalent dose in 2 Gy/f (EQD2) of point A were independent prognostic factors of PAMFS.Conclusions: The risk of mortality, tumor progression, and metastasis in the para-aortic lymph nodes were significantly lower when using EF-IMRT than when using P-IMRT. EF-IMRT did not increase the incidence of gastrointestinal toxicities and genitourinary toxicities, and the toxicities at the late stages were mild.
A Novel Chemically-Modified Curcumin 2.24: Short-term Systemic Treatment for Natural Periodontitis in Dogs
Authors: DENG JIE , Golub Lorne M , Lee Hsi-ming , Bhatt Heta Dinesh , Hong Hou-Lin , Johnson Francis , Scaduto Joseph , Zimmerman Thomas , Gu Ying
Published: August 2020

Chronic periodontitis, a severe periodontal inflammatory disease, is initiated by the anaerobic microbial biofilm, however the tissue-breakdown is predominantly mediated by the host-response. The pathogenesis mediated by the latter is characterized by the generation of inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines), and the production of collagenolytic and tissue-destructive enzymes (especially the matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs) causing connective tissue and bone destruction. These biochemical changes, such as over-production of MMP-9, might be detected in the very-early stage of this disease/inflammatory process, even before apparent clinical manifestations. Interestingly, our pilot study of a short-term/1-month therapy of CMC2.24 (a novel chemically-modified curcumin) in the beagle dogs with naturally-occurring periodontitis indicated that, it did appear to significantly reduce both pro- and activated-MMP-9 in peripheral blood, compared to placebo group at early stage (1 month), prior to apparent clinical improvement at late stage (3 months). And therefore, MMP-9 may serve as an early and sensitive biomarker that can precede and predict future clinical changes in disease severity and response to treatment which we observed in our long-term study in this dog model of natural periodontitis.
LncRNA LINC00337 Sponges miR-1285-3p to Promote Proliferation and Metastasis of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells Through Up-Regulating YTHDF1
Authors: Zhang Ru-nan , Wu Dong-mei , Wu Li-ping , Gao Guo-wei
Published: August 2020

Background: Emerging studies have attested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) predominantly functioned in carcinogenesis of multiple developing human tumors. The current research aimed at probing the underlying participation and mechanisms of LINC00337 in lung adenocarcinoma.Methods: Here we analyzed TCGA and GTEx datasets and chose LINC00337 as research object. Cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and invasion were detected in gain and loss experiment of LINC00337 both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter assays, western blotting analysis, rescue experiment were performed to investigate underlying molecular mechanisms of LINC00337 function. Results: LINC00337 was remarkably increased in lung adenocarcinoma. Also, LINC00337 knock-down was unraveled to repress cell invasion and proliferation as well as cell cycle, and gear up apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo. With respect to mechanism, LINC00337 knock-down boosted miR-1285-3p to be expressed and then restrained YTHDF1 to be expressed post-transcriptionally. Crucially, both miR-1285-3p decrement and YTHDF1 overexpression successfully countered the influence on cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis caused by LINC00337 shRNA.Conclusions: These results suggest that LINC00337 acted as an oncogenic lncRNA, targeting miR-1285-3p and regulating YTHDF1 expression, to promote the progression of lung adenocarcinoma.
Prospective validation of the BISHE score as a predictor of the need for massive transfusion in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Chen Yi-Chuan , Wu Kai-Siang , Hung Ming-Szu
Published: August 2020

Background: Emergency transfusion strategies for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) have not been well developed. The BISHE is a recently developed scoring system for prediction of patients likely to require massive transfusion but has not been validated. In this study, we evaluated the predictive ability of the BISHE score and that of a revised scoring system in an effort to improve care for patients with UGIB and allow better resource allocation. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included patients who were admitted to our hospital between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2019 and required massive transfusion (defined as receiving three units of red blood cells over one hour) in the emergency department. The predictive accuracy of the BISHE score and that of the revised scoring system were compared using area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis. Results: Liver cirrhosis, an international normalized ratio >1.5, and hemoglobin <8.0 g/dL were independently associated (p<0.05) with requirement for massive transfusion. The revised scoring system discriminated successfully between patients with UGIB requiring massive transfusion and their counterparts who did not (AUROC 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.78–0.86) and performed better than the BISHE score (AUROC 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.76; p=0.004).Conclusions: Compared with the BISHE score, the revised scoring system was better able to identify patients likely to require massive transfusion.
Valuing Wetland Ecosystem in Ethiopia an Empirical Evidence with Choke Mountain: Application of Choice Experiment
Authors: Takele Melaku Tarekegn , Awoke Belaynesh , Merid Eshetie Woretaw
Published: August 2020

Ecosystem services have not market price. In Ethiopia, choke mountain wetland ecosystem has major contribution for providing water, regulating climate, and offering recreational. Valuing this natural resource helps to protect it from damage. The objective of the study is to value choke mountain wetland ecosystem by using choice experiment. To value it the attributes are biodiversity, recreational service, water availability, job opportunity, and monetary payment. Primary data was collected from 270 sample households. Both descriptive and econometrics analysis were conducted. The study found that households had good awareness about the choke mountain wetland ecosystem services. Mixed logit models were used for valuation, and all attributes are significant to affect the probability of choosing an alternative scenario. The study found that households gave higher value for biodiversity improvement than the rest and water availability is the least preferable attributes. The total WTP for the first and second alternatives was 7,133,034.216 and 7,031,211.146 respectively; it was high in the second alternative. Moreover, compensating surplus which reflect overall willingness to pay for a change from the status quo to alternative improvement scenarios were estimated. Estimated results for high improvement scenario and medium improvement scenario were ETB 2,119,457.028 and 1,955,828.606 respectively.
Exposure to Mycobacteria influences disease progression in COVID-19 patients 
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Sural Sumit , Gupta Ayush , Rousa Shashank , B.C.Koner  , Bhalotra Anju , Chawla Rohit
Published: August 2020

Background: COVID-19−related deaths are significantly higher in countries with higher quality of life. A strong negative correlation is reported between the BCG index and COVID- 19 mortality. The present study explored if a high Th1immunity due to frequent exposure to strong Th1 antigens like Mycobacteria or Salmonella could be the cause for lesser COVID-19−related deaths in Indian population. Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted with 3 groups of twenty patients each of mildly symptomatic (A), severely ill (S) Covid patients and healthy volunteers with a Covid Negative report (H).Results: All severely ill patients showed increased leucocyte counts, lymphopenia and raised D-dimer. A gross reversible unresponsiveness of T cells was seen among all patients in S group with absolutely no response even to the mitogen stimulus. Quantiferon TB test value and distribution of test positivity was significantly lower in group S. Three out of 6 survived patients in S group had positive Quantiferon TB test while 2 patients turned positive on repeat test and the sixth patient showed high TH titre on widal test.Conclusion: Altered Th1 immunity associated with frequent community exposure of tuberculosis and typhoid antigen in Indian population might be responsible for its relatively lesser prevalence and mortality following Covid-19.
Intracerebral hemorrhage in COVID-19 patients with pulmonary failure – a propensity score matched registry study
Authors: Lang Corinna N. , Dettinger Johanna S. , Berchtold-Herz Michael , Utzolino Stefan , Bemtgen Xavier , Zotzmann Viviane , Schmid Bonaventura , Biever Paul M. , Bode Christoph , Müller-Peltzer Katharina , Duerschmied Daniel , Wengenmayer Tobias , Niesen Wolf-Dirk , Staudacher Dawid L.
Published: August 2020

Background: Hypercoagulopathy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary artery embolism necessitate systemic anticoagulation. Case reports of intracerebral hemorrhages in ventilated COVID-19 patients warrant precaution. It is unclear however, if COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with and without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy (ECMO) have more intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) compared to other ARDS patients.Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational single center study enrolling all patients with ARDS from 01/2018-05/2020. Patients with ARDS positive for SARS-CoV2 PCR were allocated to the COVID-19 group. Propensity score matching was performed for age, ECMO and risk of bleeding according to HAS-BLED score.Results: A total of 163, mostly severe ARDS patients were identified, 116 (71.2%) without COVID-19 and 47 (28.8%) positive for SARS-CoV-2. The two groups were comparable concerning the main confounders of ICH including age, HAS-BLED score, need for ECMO-therapy as well as anticoagulation levels reported. In 63/163 cases (38.7%), veno-venous ECMO therapy was required and ICU survival was 52.8%. Although HAS-BLED-score on admission was generally low (1.6±1.3), intracerebral hemorrhage was detected in 22 patients (13.5%) with no statistical difference between the groups (11.2 vs. 19.1% with and without SARS-CoV-2, respectively, p=0.21). Propensity score matching confirmed similar intracerebral bleeding rates in both groups (12.8 vs. 19.1% with and without SARS-CoV-2, respectively, p=0.57). Conclusions: Intracerebral hemorrhage was detectable in every tenth patient with ARDS. We found no statistically significant increased bleeding rate in patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 compared to other causes of ARDS.
Development of Two Wheeled Robot (TWR) by Single Stepper Driver Using PID Controller
Authors: Maheshbhai Vasvani Ashish , KUMAR DEEPAK , Sinha Ravi
Published: August 2020

The mechanical stability is an important parameter for the development of specific robots. Nowadays, it has turned into an essential region of research in the current development, due to increased applications of robots in various fields such as biomedical, aerospace, marines etc. In this paper, Two wheeled Robot (TWR) is designed and fabricated following the concept of an inverted pendulum. It balances itself up in the vertical position. The Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller was utilized to locate its stable transformed position. The developed two wheeled robot (TWR) was controlled using angle of pendulum (). It consists of two stepper motors, one arduino Nano microcontroller, Inertial Mass Unit (IMU) sensor and stepper motor driver. An IMU sensor comprises of 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope which measure acceleration and angular velocity. The angle of robot () with respect to the vertical position is computed from the mesaured data. It helps the wheel to prevent from fall by providing the acceleration according to its inclination () from the vertical position. Further, complementary filter was used to compensate gyro drifts with the help of accelerometer readings. PID constants were tuned until optimum values are achieved. Performances were compared with ardunio UNO based Self-Balancing Robot [20] & found that the performance of TWR is almost similar to ardunio UNO based Self-Balancing Robot.
Effects of age and comorbidities on inflammatory markers in community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Viasus Diego , Simonetti Antonella F , Estupiñan-Bohorquez Andres , Carratalà Jordi
Published: August 2020

Background: Studies have suggested that an inappropriate inflammatory response is a major cause of treatment failure and mortality in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We aimed to determine the effect of comorbidities and age on serum inflammatory markers in CAP.Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study of adults hospitalized with CAP. For the purposes of this study, we compared patients according to comorbidities and age. Inflammatory markers were measured at hospital admission, focusing on acute phase proteins, cytokines, and monocyte human leukocyte antigen DR (mHLA-DR) expression.Results: In patients with chronic pulmonary disease (COPD), serum cytokines had significantly decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and mHLA-DR expression, as well as the C-reactive protein (CRP), compared with patients who had no comorbidities. Similarly, patients with chronic heart disease had a significantly reduced CRP levels and mHLA-DR expression, whereas patients with chronic kidney disease had significantly higher serum levels of procalcitonin and TNF-α. Lower procalcitonin, IL-6, and IL-10 levels, as well as mHLA-DR expression, were documented in older patients, but with no significant differences compared to younger patients. Multimorbidity in older patients was associated with significant lower levels of CRP and mHLA-DR expression.Conclusions: The circulating inflammatory markers to CAP have profiles that differ with age and underlying comorbidities. Multimorbidity in the elderly is also associated with lower serum levels of some inflammatory markers. These findings suggest that age and comorbidities have much more of an impact than to simply reduce physiological reserve and can cause variations in the inflammatory response in CAP.
A new formulation of pet’s food product using by-Products from commercial tuna cannery : Physicochemical caracterization, and DLC determination
Authors: Karray Aida , Ktata Amei , Sayari Adel
Published: August 2020

Background : Tunisia has natural resources favorable to fishing with a coastline that extends for a total length of 1,300 kilometres. The large quantities processed show that tuna canneries generate an important amounts of discarded high quality species. These wastes are, of course, problems, but they also offer excellent opportunities for biotechnological exploitation. The disposal of these wastes has always been expansive and has often a harmful impact on the environment, but thanks to the evolution of techniques and the development of markets, it is now possible to transform this waste stream into useful and marketable products. Results: In the present work, we focused primary on the characterization of the red muscles of a tuna cannery for inclusion in the formulation of young dog’s wet food. The composition of these co-products indicates a high protein content (80%), and a moderate fat and mineral content (11% and 8%, respectively). Nevertheless, the carbohydrate content in the red muscles of this fish remains low (2%). To increase the carbohydrate content whish constitute the principal energy source and fiber proportion to improve product digestibility by the animals, cereals (maize flour and rice flour) were used. Four formulae were tested, using the same manufacturing process. thA physicochemical study of the finished products was carried out and the Limit Date of Consumption was determined and estimated to 3 years and 3 months. Microbiological analyses were carried out to ensure the safety of the finished product and the results showed the absence of pathogens and the compliance of the product with current standards. Conclusion: Thanks to their high protein content, tuna discarded products represent an important source for the development of a new animal feed product, including the young dog.
Study on the small breast epithelial mucin tumor tissue expression difference and its relationship with survival in triple-negative breast cancer patients in Han, Miao and Buyi ethnic
Authors: Liang Liu , Weilin Ye , Hui Liu , Qili Lu , Jun Wang , Yan Yang , Yang He
Published: August 2020

Objective: To investigate Small breast epithelial mucin(SBEM) expression difference in mammary tissues and relationship with survival in thetriple-negative breast cancer(TNBC) patients in Han, Buyi and Miao ethnic.Methods: In our study, SBEM protein expressions were detected by means of immunohistochemistry in 297 patients diagnosed from 2014 to 2015,including 99 normal breast tissue specimens, 99 cases of breast benign tumor tissue specimens and 99 tissues specimens from TNBC patients.Each set of tissue specimens contains 33 samples from Han,Miao and Buyi ethnics, respectively.We analyze the expression of SBEM in different mammary tissues in different ethnics and the association of different SBEM expression levels in tissue of TNBC patients with clinical- pathological features, DFS and OS in Han,Miao and Buyi ethnics,respectively. Results: SBEM expression in breast cancer tumor cells were related to the ki67 in the Han, Miao and Buyi ethnic (P=0.034、0.027、0.047), respectively. There was a marked associations between the SBEM expression level and lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.042、0.039) in the Han and Miao ethnic, while the same results were not found in the Buyi people (P=0.072).There was significant difference in DFS ( P =0.028、0.013)and OS ( P =0.09、0.037) between the high expression group and low expression group in the Han and Miao ethnic.But there was no significant difference in DFS (P = 0.053 ) and OS (P = 0.088 )in the Buyi people.Conclusion: The SBEM positive detection rate was no significant difference in the han, miao and buyi ethnic groups. SBEM was associated with DFS and OS in the Han and Miao ethnic, while no correlation in the Buyi ethnic.
Structure of human sodium leak channel NALCN in complex with FAM155A
Authors: Xie Jiongfang , Ke Meng , Xu Lizhen , Lin Shiyi , Huang Jin , Zhang Jiabei , Yang Fan , Wu Jianping , Yan Zhen
Published: August 2020

NALCN, a sodium leak channel mainly expressed in the central nervous systems, is responsible for the resting Na+ permeability that controls neuronal excitability. Dysfunctions of the NALCN channelosome, NALCN with several auxiliary subunits, are associated with a variety of human diseases. Here, we reported the cryo-EM structure of human NALCN in complex with FAM155A, at an overall resolution of 3.1 angstrom. FAM155A forms extensive interactions with the extracellular loops of NALCN that help stabilize NALCN in the membrane. A Na+ ion-binding site, reminiscent of a Ca2+ binding site in Cav channels, is identified in the unique EEKE selectivity filter. Despite its ‘leaky’ nature, the intracellular gate is sealed by S6I, II-III linker and III-IV linker. Our study establishes the molecular basis of Na+ permeation and voltage sensitivity, and provides important clues to the mechanistic understanding of NALCN regulation and NALCN channelosome-related diseases.
Floral scent components in Rhododendron fortunei and its regulation by gene expression of S-adenosyl-l-methionine:benzoic acid carboxyl methyl transferase (BAMT)
Authors: chenfei zhang , XiaoHong Xie , YongHong Jia , QingHao Wang , WenJing Wang , SiJia Lv , Fan He , Dongbin Li , ZhiHui Chen , YueYan Wu
Published: August 2020

Background: Rhododendron fortunei belongs to a scented Rhododendron species native to China, which produces fragrant flowers of great ornamental and environmental values. However, the scents in R. fortunei have not yet been investigated. Results: The results showed that three main VOCs measured from highest to lowest are methyl benzoates, terpenes and fatty acid derivatives. Their content increased after the flower bud opening and reached the highest at half to full blossom. In a flower most VOC contents were measured in petals and only trace amount in other tissues such as stamen, pistil. A small amount of VOCs was determined in leaves as well. All aromatic values were almost corresponded to the contents of three main VOCs, indicating that the flower fragrance arises truly from these VOC components. To understand the mechanism of the formation of this main type fragrance and its regulation, we firstly isolate a gene of RfBAMT from petal of R. fortunei by using homologous cloning and RACE technology. The full length of its cDNA was 1383 bp，with an open reading frame of 1104 bp, encoding a total of 368 amino acids. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that RfBAMT was the closest to the BSMT of Camellia japonica, belonging to methyltransferases family. Then we measured the expression level of RfBAMT again at four flower developmental stages and in different flower tissues and leaves. The results showed that the expression level of this gene was highly positively correlated with the emitted content of methyl benzoates in the flowering, implying that RfBAMT plays a pivotal role in the formation and regulation of methyl benzoates in R. fortunei . Conclusions: This research showed that the RfBAMT was cloned and identified in our study and its expression level was highly positively correlated with the emitted content of methyl benzoates in the flowers and leaves, which indicated this gene may play an important role on regulation of methyl benzoate synthesis in R. fortunei .
Rezension: Christoph Urwyler, Die Praxis der bedingten Entlassung aus dem Strafvollzug
Authors: Biberstein Lorenz
Published: August 2020

Die bedingte Entlassung stellt die letzte Stufe des Strafvollzugs dar und soll Gefangene auf ein Leben in Freiheit vorbereiten. Aus amtlichen Statistiken weiss man, dass einerseits kantonale Unterschiede in der Entlassungspraxis bestehen und andererseits die bedingten Entlassungen in den letzten Jahren rückläufig sind. Über die Hintergründe dieser Befunde und die detaillierten Prozesse bei bedingten Entlassungen ist jedoch wenig bekannt. In seiner Dissertation geht Christoph Urwyler diesen Punkten nach. Auf theoretischer Ebene arbeitet er die rechtlichen Grundlagen für die bedingte Entlassung auf, aus empirischer Sicht geht er auf Basis einer umfassenden Aktenerhebung der Frage nach, wie die Entlassungsentscheide im bestehenden weiten Ermessensspielraum zustande kommen.
Non-boost invariant fluid dynamics
Authors: de Boer Jan , Hartong Jelle , Have Emil , Obers Niels , Sybesma Watse
Published: August 2020

We consider uncharged fluids without any boost symmetry on an arbitrary curved background and classify all allowed transport coefficients up to first order in derivatives. We assume rotational symmetry and we use the entropy current formalism. The curved background geometry in the absence of boost symmetry is called absolute or Aristotelian spacetime. We present a closed-form expression for the energy-momentum tensor in Landau frame which splits into three parts: a dissipative (10), a hydrostatic non-dissipative (2) and a non-hydrostatic non-dissipative part (4), where in parenthesis we have indicated the number of allowed transport coefficients. The non-hydrostatic non-dissipative transport coefficients can be thought of as the generalization of coefficients that would vanish if we were to restrict to linearized perturbations and impose the Onsager relations. For the two hydrostatic and the four non-hydrostatic non-dissipative transport coefficients we present a Lagrangian description. Finally when we impose scale invariance, thus restricting to Lifshitz fluids, we find 7 dissipative, 1 hydrostatic and 2 non-hydrostatic non-dissipative transport coefficients.
O uso de Veículos Aéreos Não Tripulados (VANTs) nas operações de paz da ONU
Authors: Aguilar Sergio Luiz Cruz , Tauane dos Santos Jéssica
Published: August 2020

Em 2015, a Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) introduziu Veículos Aéreos Não Tripulados (VANTs) na Missão Multidimensional Integrada de Estabilização das Nações Unidas no Mali (MINUSMA). Este trabalho utiliza o caso da MINUSMA para discutir o uso dessa tecnologia nas operações de paz. O argumento central é que a utilização de VANTs no Mali é fruto de inovação adaptativa no campo das missões de paz. Para substanciar o argumento, utilizam-se documentos da ONU, fontes secundárias e entrevistas. A análise utiliza elementos selecionados da chamada ‘revolução de assuntos militares’ e da literatura sobre inovação militar: doutrina, organização, custos, domínio da informação, comando e controle, simulação e treinamento, e agilidade/ímpeto. O texto apresenta alguns aspectos da ‘revolução de assuntos militares’ e da inovação militar, descreve a evolução nas operações de paz que resultou no uso de VANTs e o contexto em que eles foram desdobrados no Mali para, no final, discutir a utilização dessa tecnologia na MINUSMA e nas missões de paz em geral.
The Quad
Authors: Gabriel João Paulo Nicolini , Mandelbaum Henoch Gabriel , Carvalho Carlos Eduardo
Published: August 2020

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, abbreviated to Quad, comprises Australia, the United States, Japan, and India. Although many think tanks and media outlets have written about recommendations to further this initiative, this essay believes the Quad is only evidence of a rising patchwork of small strategical dialogues within the Indo-Pacific region. The aims here are twofold: (a) to demonstrate the definitions and relevance of the Quad amid the soaring rivalry in the Indo-Pacific; and (b) to grasp this initiative as a “minilateral”grouping, which is settled in a more informal structure than multilateral institutions. In assessing these hypotheses, this research employs a qualitative content analysis of official statements and documents about the Quad meeting and national policies toward the Indo-Pacific. A systematic bibliographical review was applied to refine theoretical frameworks and to triangulate sources. In conclusion, this paper infers the Quad is not as ambitious and strong as previous literature claimed. These four members developed divergent interests in the Indo-Pacific; thereby, an alliance against China seems unlikely.
A desaceleração da economia da China e a transição para um “novo normal” no século 21
Authors: Manzi Rafael Henrique Dias , Viola Eduardo
Published: August 2020

A China tem passado por profundas mudanças econômicas desde o fim da década de 1970. As elevadas taxas de crescimento econômico transformaram a China de país pobre e agrícola em uma economia de renda média e industrializada no início do século 21. De todo modo, a partir da eclosão da crise global de 2008, a economia da China entrou em uma nova fase de relativa desaceleração e transição para um “novo normal”, com taxas de crescimento econômico ao redor de 6%. O principal objetivo deste artigo é examinar os fatores que explicam a desaceleração da economia da China no contexto pós-crise global de 2008. Osresultados apontam que a desaceleração da economia chinesa para um “novo normal” é um fenômeno esperado e reflete dinâmicas estruturais de um país que atingiu a renda média. Ao mesmo tempo, o aprofundamento dos desequilíbrios macroeconômicos e a perda de eficiência econômica evidenciam o esgotamento das políticas econômicas adotadas a partir da eclosão da crise global de 2008.
O conceito de estabilização
Authors: Oliveira Gilberto Carvalho
Published: August 2020

Este artigo examina a noção de estabilização dentro das doutrinas das potências ocidentais, particularmente dos EUA, e suas implicações no campo das operações de paz contemporâneas. Adotando as lentes analíticas dos Estudos para a Paz, o artigo procura mostrar que a elucidação do significado do rótulo estabilização não é mera questão de semântica, mas importa precisamente porque tem implicações explanatórias, normativas e conceituais importantes para a compreensão das mudanças em curso no modelo de intervenções internacionais justificadas em nome da paz. De uma perspectiva explanatória, o artigo sugere a hipótese deque as transformações mais recentes nas missões de paz da ONU, sobretudo o seu perfil cada vez mais intrusivo e ofensivo, refletem influências recebidas das experiências e doutrinas de estabilização desenvolvidas nas últimas duas décadas pelas potências ocidentais sob o guarda-chuva da OTAN. Indo além dessa preocupação explanatória, o artigo contribui para a compreensão das implicações normativas e conceituais que o foco na estabilização e suas fortes conotações estratégico-militares trazem para o tradicional papel de árbitro imparcial da ONU no campo da Resolução de Conflitos e para a agenda crítica dos Estudos para a Paz.