bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Compound Mode Crack Propagation Law of Semi Circular Arch Roadway Under Impact Load
Authors: Li Chengxiao , Yang Renshu , Zhang Yuantong , An Chen
Published: February 2021

Various kinds of defects are usually contained in the underground roadway. When the roadway is impacted by external load, the location of defects will influence the roadway with different degrees. In order to study the effect of the location of defects on crack propagation in roadway, in this paper, the stress wave produced by the bullet impacting the incident rod was used as the impact load. Meanwhile, the variations of speed, displacement and dynamic stress intensity factor (DSIF) of cracks, during crack propagation, were obtained by using the experimental system of digital laser dynamic caustics (DLDC). And the extended finite element software ABAQUS is used for numerical simulation. Based on the method of experimental-numerical simulation, the crack propagation path is verified and the impact fracture behavior of semi-circular arch roadway with different defect positions is presented. It can be concluded that when the prefabricated crack is located at the central axis of sample, the crack propagation belongs to pure mode I; when the prefabricated crack is 5mm away from the central axis, the crack propagation appears between mode I and I-II mixed mode alternately; when the prefabricated crack is at the edge of semi-circular arch roadway, the crack propagation follows I-II mixed mode
Highly Viscoelastic, Stretchable, Conductive, and Self-Healing Strain Sensors based on Cellulose Nanofibers-Reinforced Polyacrylic Acid Hydrogel
Authors: Jiao Yue , Lu Kaiyue , Lu Ya , Yue Yiying , Xu Xinwu , Xiao Huining , Li Jian , Han Jingquan
Published: February 2021

Conductive and self-healing hydrogels are among the emerging materials that mimic the human skin and are important due to their probable prospects in soft robots and wearable electronics. However, the mechanical properties of the hydrogel matrix limit their applications. In this study, we developed a physicochemically dual cross-linked chemically modified-cellulose nanofibers-carbon nanotubes/polyacrylic acid (TOCNF-CNTs/PAA) hydrogel. The TOCNFs acted both as a nanofiller and dispersant to increase the mechanical strength of the PAA matrix and break the agglomerates of the CNTs. The final self-healing and conductive TOCNF-CNTs/PAA-0.7 (mass ratio of CNTs to AA) hydrogel with a uniform texture exhibited highly intrinsic stretchability (breaking elongation to ca. 850%), enhanced tensile properties (ca. 59kPa), ideal conductivity (ca. 2.88S·m− 1) and pressure sensitivity. Besides, the composite hydrogels achieved up to approximately 98.36% and 99.99% self-healing efficiency for mechanical and electrical properties, respectively, without any external stimuli. Therefore, the as-designed multi-functional self-healing hydrogels, combined with stretching, sensitivity, and repeatability, possess the ability to monitor human activity and develop multifunctional, advanced, and commercial products such as wearable strain sensors, health monitors, and smart robots.
Association of Lung CT Findings in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) With Patients' Age, Body Weight, Vital Sings and Medical Regimen
Authors: Al-Shudifat Abdel-Ellah , Al-Radaideh Ali , Hammad Shatha , Hijjawi Nawal , Baker Shaden Abu- , Azab Mohammed , Tayyem Reema
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 spread quickly in Jordan in the past few months. Many changes have been observed in lungs of COVID-19 patients which required their hospitalization. So far, many studies have been conducted on the epidemiological features of COVID-19 illness; however, the evidence regarding the pathological influence on lungs is still lacking. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to detect the possible association between lung computed tomography (CT) findings in COVID-19 and patients' age, body weight, vital sings, and medical regimen. The present cross-sectional study enrolled 230 COVID-19 patients in Prince Hamza Hospital in Jordan. Demographic data as well as major lung CT scan changes were obtained from the hospital records of the COVID-19 patients. The main observed major lung changes among the enrolled COVID-19 patients included ground glass opacification in 47(15.2%) patients and consolidation in 22(7.1%) patients. The higher percentage of patients with major lung changes (24%) was observed among patients above 60 years old, while (50%) of patients with no changes in their lung’s findings in the age group of 18-29 years old. Results obtained from the present study showed that only patients with major CT lung changes (9.7%) were prescribed more than three antibiotics. Additionally, 41.6 % patients with major lung CT scan changes had either dry (31.0%) or productive (10.6%) cough at the admission. Several predictors of lung CT scan changes have been detected in this study including age, BMI, medications, severity of symptoms, and cough at admission.
Loss of Calretinin in L5a Impairs the Formation of the Barrel Cortex Leading to Abnormal Behaviors
Authors: Su Mingzhao , Liu Junhua , Yu Baocong , Zhou Kaixing , Sun Congli , Yang Mengjie , Zhao Chunjie
Published: February 2021

The rodent whisker-barrel cortex system has been established as an ideal model for studying sensory information integration. The barrel cortex consists of barrel and septa columns that receive information input from the lemniscal and paralemniscal pathways, respectively. L5a is involved in both barrel and septa circuits and play a key role in information integration. However, the role of L5a in the development of the barrel cortex remains unclear. Previously, we found that Calretinin is dynamically expressed in L5a. In this study, we analyzed Cr KO mice and found that the dendritic complexity and length of L5a pyramidal neurons were significantly decreased after Cr ablation. The membrane excitability and excitatory synaptic transmission of L5a neurons were increased. Consequently, the organization of the barrels was impaired. Moreover, L4 spiny stellate cells were not able to properly gather, leading to abnormal formation of barrel walls as the ratio of barrel/septum size obviously decreased. Cr KO mice exhibited deficits in exploratory and whisker-associated tactile behaviors as well as social novelty preference. Our study expands our knowledge of L5a pyramidal neurons in the formation of barrel walls and deepens the understanding of the development of the whisker-barrel cortex system.
A New Three-Dimensional Mobile Magnetic Melt Spinning Device
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhao Wu , Liu Qingjie , Yu Miao
Published: February 2021

The size and morphology of nanofibers directly determine their application scope and performance, while regular patterned fibers further demonstrate their superior performance in the field of sensors and biomaterials. Melt electrospinning enables controlled deposition of fibers and is currently one of the most important means of preparing patterned fibers. However, due to the existence of high-voltage electric field, melt electrospinning has safety problems such as partial discharge and electric field breakdown, coupled with the charge rejection on the fiber surface, which seriously affects the positioning deposition of fibers and makes it difficult to obtain regular patterned fibers, greatly limiting the application areas and application effects of patterned fibers. Therefore, the improvement and innovation of the spinning process is particularly urgent. Based on material-field model and contradiction matrix of TRIZ theory, the problems of melt electrospinning device are systematically analyzed. The technical conflicts are solved by the inventive principles. A three-dimensional mobile magnetic melt spinning device model is constructed, a magnetic spinning test prototype is developed, and the prototype performance and influencing factors are studied by fiber morphology. The results show the following: (1) Replacing electrostatic fields with permanent magnetic fields can fundamentally avoid safety hazards such as electric field breakdown. (2) The magnetic field force on the molten polymer fluid can generate enough stretching force to overcome the surface tension and form fibers. (3) The fibers are deposited without a whipping instability phase similar to the electrospinning process, allowing easy preparation of regular patterned fibers. (4) The planar motion of the collector creates additional stretching effect on the fibers, which can further reduce the fiber diameter. (5) In magnetic spinning, no external high-voltage power supply is required, enabling the portability of the device. The results of this paper can provide a new method for preparing nanofibers with patterned morphology.
Real-time and on-line monitoring of ethanol fermentation process by viable cell sensor and electronic nose
Authors: Feng Yao , Tian Xiwei , Chen Yang , Wang Zeyu , Xia Jianye , Qian Jiangchao , Zhuang Yingping , Chu Ju
Published: February 2021

In this study, an introduction of viable cell sensor and electronic nose into ethanol fermentation was investigated, which could be used to real-time and on-line monitor the amount of living cells and product content. Compared to the conventional off-line biomass determination, the capacitance value exhibited a completely consistent trend with colony forming units, indicating that the capacitance value could reflect the living cells in the fermentation broth. On the other hand, in comparison to the results of off-line determination by high performance liquid chromatography, the ethanol concentration measured by electronic nose presented an excellent consistency, so as to realize the on-line monitoring during the whole process. On this basis, a dynamic feeding strategy of glucose guided by the changes of living cells and ethanol content was developed. And consequently, the ethanol concentration, productivity and yield enhanced by 15.4%, 15.9% and 9.0%, respectively. The advanced sensors adopted herein to monitor the key parameters of ethanol fermentation process could be readily extended to an industrial scale and other similar fermentation processes.
Hippocampal connectivity with retrosplenial cortex drives neocortical tau accumulation and memory function
Authors: Ziontz Jacob , Adams Jenna , Harrison Theresa , Baker Suzanne , Jagust William
Published: February 2021

The mechanisms underlying accumulation of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related tau pathology outside of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) in older adults are unknown but crucial to understanding cognitive decline. Neural connectivity has recently been implicated in the propagation of tau in humans, consistent with data from animal studies. Using resting state functional connectivity and tau PET imaging, we examined MTL structures involved in medial parietal tau deposition in cognitively normal older adults. Functional connectivity between retrosplenial cortex and hippocampus, but not entorhinal cortex, correlated with tau in medial parietal lobe. Further, hippocampal-retrosplenial connectivity strength modulated the correlation between MTL and medial parietal lobe tau, as well as between medial parietal tau and episodic memory. Medial parietal tau spread thus reflects patterns of neural connectivity that represent a critical step in the evolution of cognitive dysfunction in aging and AD.
Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide Α Is Dispensable for Many Danger-related Motivational Responses
Authors: Zajdel Joanna , Sköld Johan , Jaarola Maarit , Singh Anand Kumar , Engblom David
Published: February 2021

Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) expressing neurons in the parabrachial nucleus have been shown to encode danger. Through projections to the amygdala and other forebrain structures, they regulate food intake and trigger adaptive behaviors in response to threats like inflammation, intoxication, tumors and pain. Despite the fact that this danger-encoding neuronal population has been defined based on its CGRP expression, it is not clear if CGRP is critical for its function. To examine the role of CGRP in danger-related motivational responses, we used male and female mice lacking αCGRP, which is the main form of CGRP in the brain. These mice had no, or only very weak, CGRP expression in the parabrachial nucleus and its projections to the amygdala. Despite this, they displayed normal danger-related responses such as inflammation-induced anorexia and conditioned taste aversion. Further, mice lacking αCGRP showed normal nociceptive responses, intact aversion to thermal pain and close to normal pain-induced escape behavior. Collectively, our findings suggest that αCGRP is not necessary for short term danger-encoding and threat-related responses but that the parabrachial CGRP expressing neurons use other transmitters for these functions.
Bilateral Terrible Triad Elbow the rare injury, an Operative challenge: A case report
Authors: Attarde Dheeraj somanath , Patil Atul , Sancheti Parag , Shyam Ashok
Published: February 2021

Terrible triad of the elbow are a part of rare complex injury around elbow and consists of posterior dislocation combined with the fractures of the radial head and coronoid process of the ulna. Variable outcome has been reported in such injuries, we report a case of a 44-year-old man presenting with bilateral terrible triad of the elbow joints injured due to fall from height. Our surgical procedure included fixation of the radial head through a lateral approach on one side and excision of fractured fragment on another along with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) repair bilaterally, also fixation of the coronoid process and repair of medial collateral ligament (MCL) done on both sides through an anteromedial incision. Bone union was achieved 3 months after surgery. Patient resumed his routine activities at end of 5 months with good functional outcome.
First case of COVID-19 infection in a adult patient with Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome
Authors: Piazza Isabelle , Ferrero Paolo
Published: February 2021

Background: Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (EVC) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, the features of the syndrome are: chondral and ectodermal dysplasia characterized by short ribs, polydactyly, growth retardation resulting in dwarfism, teeth and craniofacial abnormalities and heart defects (mostly endocardial cushions and atrial septal defects). Case presentation: We describe the first case of COVID-19 infection in a 24-years-old girl, diagnosed with EVC syndrome. The patient suffered only from a mild illness, she remained stable with normal saturation without need of neither respiratory support nor specific therapy and she was rapidly discharged.Conclusions: This case appraises the pathophiosiologic interplay between different specific prognostic variable in a syndromic patient with congenital heart disease and COVID-19.
Timber Identification in the Taxonomically Challenging Sapotaceae Family
Authors: Deklerck Victor , Price Erin , Abeele Samuel Vanden , Liévens Kévin , Espinoza Edgard , Beeckman Hans
Published: February 2021

The illegal timber trade is still rampant so robust identification and tracking techniques are necessary to combat this wildlife crime. To follow and enforce timber import laws and adjoining timber species identification, the identity of the botanical species must be well defined. Since the Sapotaceae family is known as a taxonomically challenging family, we focus in this study on the four most valuable Sapotaceae timber species from tropical Africa: Autranella congolensis (De Wild.) A.Chev., Baillonella toxisperma Pierre, Tieghemella africana Pierre and Tieghemella heckelii (A.Chev.) Pierre ex Dubard. The wood anatomical characteristic fiber lumen fraction and Direct Analysis in Real Time – Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (DART-TOFMS) are used to differentiate between the four species and to make inferences on the species delineation and taxonomic identity. Based on visual assessment of the box-plots for the fiber lumen fraction measurements, two groups can be discerned: (1) A. congolensis and B. toxisperma, and (2) T. africana and T. heckelii. In addition, all Mann-Whitney U comparisons and the differences in underlying distributions (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) for the fiber lumen fraction measurements were significant between all species. However, when permutating the data within those two groups, significant differences were still found. This could indicate that the differences based on the fiber lumen fraction are more nuanced. The DART-TOFMS analysis shows that A. congolensis and B. toxisperma have distinct chemotypes, while T. heckelii and T. africana have remarkably similar chemotypes. Our results provide support for the possibility that T. africana and T. heckelii are more closely related than previously considered. A taxonomic study would be beneficial to assess the species limits of T. heckelii and T. africana, as our results suggest they could be conspecific. This would have important implications towards the timber trade and adjoining timber species identification, for the Tieghemella species, and their conservation.
Formation pathways of proteins in space
Authors: Krasnokutskiy Sergiy , Chuang Ko-Ju , Jaeger Cornelia , Ueberschaar Nico , Henning Thomas
Published: February 2021

Until now, experiments demonstrated the possible formation of relatively small prebiotic molecules under typical space conditions. We demonstrated experimentally that condensation of atomic carbon on the surface of cold solid particles (cosmic dust) leads to the formation of monomeric fragments of polyglycine. These fragments polymerize effectively producing polypeptides. The chemistry involves three of the most common species (CO, C, and NH3) present in star-forming molecular clouds. It proceeds via a novel pathway that skips the stage of amino acids formation in protein synthesis and is effective even at low temperatures without irradiation or presence of water. Therefore, the amount of proteins formed in space through this process could be quite substantial. The delivery of proteins to rocky planets in the habitable zone might be an important element for the origin of life.
Myocardial deformation in patients with a single left ventricle using 2D cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking: a case-control study
Authors: Strodka Fabian , Logoteta Jana , Schuwerk Roman , Ravesh Mona Salehi , Gabbert Dominik Daniel , Uebing Anselm Sebastian , Krupickova Sylvia , Voges Inga
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Ventricular dysfunction is a well-known complication in single ventricle patients in Fontan circulation. As studies exclusively examining patients with a single left ventricle (SLV) are sparse, we assessed left ventricular (LV) function in SLV patients by using 2D-cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking (2D-CMR-FT) and 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE).
Methods
54 SLV patients (11.4, 3.1–38.1 years) and 35 age-matched controls (12.3, 6.3–25.8 years) were included. LV global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain (GLS, GCS, GRS) and strain rate (GLSR, GCSR, GRSR) were measured using 2D-CMR-FT. LV volumes, ejection fraction (LVEF) and mass were determined from short axis images. 2D-STE was applied in patients to measure peak systolic GLS and GLSR. In a subgroup analysis, we compared double inlet left ventricle (DILV) with tricuspid atresia (TA) patients.
Results
The population consisted of 19 DILV patients, 24 TA patients and 11 patients with diverse diagnoses. 52 patients were in NYHA class I and 2 patients were in class II. Median LVEF in patients was lower compared to controls (55.6% vs. 61.2%, p = 0.0001). 2D-CMR-FT demonstrated reduced GLS, GCS and GCSR values in patients compared to controls. LVEF correlated with GS values in patients (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between GLS values from 2D-CMR-FT and 2D-STE in the patient group. LVEF, LV volumes, GS and GSR were not significantly different between DILV and TA patients.
Conclusion
Although most SLV patients had a preserved EF, our results suggest that, LV deformation and function may behave differently in SLV patients compared to healthy subjects.
The New Compound Heterozygous Mutation of NUP Nephropathy: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Pei Yuxin , Rong Liping , Jiang Mengjie , Lin Zhilang , Cheng Cheng , Chen Lizhi , Jiang Xiaoyun
Published: February 2021

Backgrounds: NUP nephropathy is identified as a rare monogenic cause of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome recently. To explore the relationship between NUP mutation and renal disorders, we provide two cases and a literature review of the genotypical and phenotypical features in patients with NUP nephropathy.Results: We reported two patients with newly diagnosed NUP nephropathy who carried a compound heterozygous mutations in NUP107 and NUP93 gene respectively. Both patients were diagnosed steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and progressed to end-stage renal disease in childhood. While the mutation c.1537+1G>A in NUP93 gene was previously described, the mutations c.460A>G and c.1085C>T in NUP107 gene and c.1472A>T in NUP93 gene were novel. We also summarized the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of NUP nephropathy in eighty-six reported patients who carried 50 different mutations in 6 NUP genes (NUP107, NUP93, NUP205, NUP85, NUP133, NUP160). The majority of them were Asians (66/86, 76.7%). The mutation c.2492A>C and c.1079-1083del in NUP107 had been identified as the founder mutations in East Asian[1-3], while c.1772G>T and c.1886A>G in NUP93 might be the founder mutations in Western Europe and Turkish respectively. Nephrotic syndrome was the most common renal manifestation (68/86, 79.1%). Although the renal prognosis was poor that 80.8% (59/73) of them developed end-stage renal disease within the first two decades, the outcome of renal transplantation in NUP nephropathy is better than patients with other steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was the most prevalent renal biopsy pathologic type (56/65, 86.1%). Various extra-renal manifestations were found in 44.8% (26/58) of patients. Neurological involvement was the most common extra-renal presentation (22/26, 84.6%), including microcephaly (13/22, 59.1%), intellectual disability (12/22, 54.5%), and global developmental delay (10/22, 45.5%). Diverse abnormalities of the facial appearance (8/26, 30.8%), short stature (5/26, 19.2%),and contain convergent strabismus (4/26, 15.4%) had also been reported. There are significant differences in extra-renal manifestations between different genomics. Conclusions: The renal manifestation of NUP nephropathy is highly consistent that most patients suffered early-onset SRNS with FSGS. More than half of the patients had extra-renal symptom concomitantly. Asians showed potential susceptibility to NUP nephropathy. Despite the limited reports, some genotype-phenotype correlations have been gradually revealed.
A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Control Trial to Evaluate the Implementation and Effectiveness of Optimized Quality-Improvement Initiatives in Improving Quality of Care for Acute Cardiac Events in Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Zhou Shuduo , Dong Xuejie , Liu Fangjing , Zhang Yan , Yue Dahai , Zhou Qiang , Jin Yinzi , Zheng Zhi-Jie
Published: February 2021

Background: The National Chest Pain Center Accreditation Program (CHANGE) is the first hospital-based, multifaceted, nationwide quality improvement (QI) initiative, to monitor and improve quality of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care in China. The QI initiatives, as implementation strategies, include a bundle of evidence-based interventions adapted for implementation in China. During the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), fear of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, national lockdowns, and altered health care priorities have highlighted the program’s importance in improving STEMI care quality. This study aims to minimize the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of STEMI care, by developing interventions that optimize the QI initiatives, implementing and evaluating the optimized QI initiatives, and developing scale-up activities of the optimized QI initiatives in response to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies.Methods: A stepped wedge cluster randomized control trial will be conducted in three selected cities of China: Wuhan, Suzhou, and Shenzhen. Two districts have been randomly selected in each city, yielding a total of 24 registered hospitals. This study will conduct a rollout in these hospitals every 3 months. The 24 hospitals will be randomly assigned to four clusters, and each cluster will commence the intervention (optimized QI initiatives) at one of the four steps. We will conduct hospital-based assessments, questionnaire surveys among health care providers, community-based household surveys, and key informant interviews during the trial. All outcome measures will be organized using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework, including implementation outcomes, service outcomes (e.g., treatment time), and patient outcomes (e.g., in-hospital mortality and 1-year complication). The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research framework will be used to identify factors that influence implementation of the optimized QI interventions.Discussion: The study findings could be translated into a systematic solution to implementing QI initiatives in response to COVID-19 and future potential major public health emergencies. Such actionable knowledge is critical for implementors of scale-up activities in low- and middle-income settings.Trial registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR 2100043319), registered 10 February 2021
The interaction between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66met polymorphism and dietary indices, The Healthy Eating Index (HEI), The Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), and Phytochemical index (PI), on anthropometric indices, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in patient with type2 diabetes
Authors: Koohdani Fariba , Naeini Zeinab , Aghazadeh Negin , Karimi Elmira , Esmaeily Zahra , Abaj Faezeh , Rafiee Masoumeh
Published: February 2021

Background: Although many studies suggest an association between BDNF Val66Met with eating disorders and obesity especially in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the interaction between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and diet quality indices in diabetic patients have not been investigated yet. The current study was aimed to evaluate the interaction between the diet quality indices including Healthy Eating Index (HEI), Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), Phytochemical Index (PI) and BDNF Val66Mat (rs6265) polymorphism on markers of inflammation, and oxidative stress in T2DM patients.Methods: This current cross-sectional study was conducted on 634 Iranian T2DM patients aged 35–65 years of both genders were randomly recruited. Dietary intakes was estimated by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 148 food items. All participants were categorized into three categories, based on DQI, HEI, and PI scores. The interactions were tested using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in adjusted and unadjusted models.Results: There were significant gene-diet interactions between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and HEI, DQI, and PI scores in modulating body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) values. Our results showed that higher scores for all diet-quality indices were significantly associated with a lower BMI and WC values after adjustment (P Interactions < 0.05). We also observed a significant interaction between the DQI scores and Val66Met polymorphism on level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p-interaction= 0.01). The highest quartile of DQI was associated with elevated level of SOD in the Val/Met and Met/Met genotype group. Moreover, the interaction between the DQI scores and Val66Met polymorphism on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) tended to be significant.Conclusions: Higher scores for all diet-quality indices were significantly associated with a lower BMI and WC values. There were significant differences for PTX and PGF2A among HEI tertiles. The interaction between the polymorphism and DQI on TAC and SOD levels were significant.
Clinicopathological Prognostic Factors Influencing Survival Outcomes of Vulvar Cancer
Authors: Muangchang Monwanee , Suprasert Prapaporn , Khunamornpong Surapan
Published: February 2021

Backgroud: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) is the most common vulva cancer. This study purpose to evaluate the clinicopathological prognostic factors for survival outcomes of this disease after treated with surgery. Methods: All SCCA vulva cancer patients who underwent surgery between January 2006 and December 2017 were reviewed. The clinicopathological factors were analyzed to identify the prognostic factors for the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) using the Kaplan- Meier method and Cox-Proportional Hazard model.Results: One hundred twenty-five patients were recruited with a median age of 57 years. The recurrence rate was 35.2%. Patients with recurrence revealed a significant poorer five-year OS rate than those who did not recur (23.7% vs. 79.4%, P < 0.001). About 58.1% of palpable groin nodes revealed metastasis. The independent poor prognostic factors for PFS were groin node-positive and a tumor diameter more than 25 mm. whereas postmenopausal status, preoperative tumor area more than 11 cm2, and groin node enlargement were independent poor prognostic factors for OS. Conclusion: Groin node-positive and tumor diameter longer than 25 mm. were independent poor prognostic factors for PFS whereas postmenopausal status, large tumor area than 11 cm2, and enlargement of groin nodes were independent poor prognostic factors for OS. Patients with these factors should be closely followed.
Identification of a three-gene signature associated with immune infiltration to distinguish follicular thyroid cancer and adenoma: an integrated bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Zhang Yun , Huan WU , Wei XIA , Wei WEI , Huijuan YUAN
Published: February 2021

Background

Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), accounting for about 15% of all thyroid cancers, was characterized by a more invasive nature and earlier hematogenous spread. The distinction between FTC and follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) remained challenging for clinical scientists due to their highly similar cytological features at present, and frequently led to potentially unnecessary surgical procedures. The present study aimed to identify potential new biomarkers to improve diagnosis.
Methods

Three GEO datasets (GSE82208, GSE15045, and GSE29315) were downloaded to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between FTC and FTA. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were explored by ClusterProfiler package. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established and hub genes were selected. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to construct and evaluate a gene signature model for differential diagnosis. Diagnostic efficacy of the model was further confirmed in an independent dataset GSE27155. CIBERSORT was used to characterize 22 infiltrating immune cell fractions of FTC and FTA samples.
Results

After gene integration, a total of 210 DEGs (55 upregulated and 155 downregulated) were identified, which were enriched in immune or cancer-related biological processes and pathways, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Seven hub genes were selected from PPI analysis. A three-gene signature (FOS, IL1B, and TOP2A) was constructed to distinguish FTC and FTA, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.839. Diagnostic efficacy of the signature was further conformed in an independent dataset GSE27155 with an AUC of 0.862. Moreover, the gene signature was associated with CD8 T-cell, which was significant different in FTC compared to FTA.
Conclusions

This study identified potential crucial genes and pathways that might be involved in the pathophysiology of FTC. Especially, a three-gene signature with diagnostic value was development. Furthermore, the landscape of immune infiltration in FTC was explored for the first time. The results would promote our understanding about the molecular mechanism of FTC development and provide potential target genes for differential diagnosis.
Identification and Characterization of the Roles of CircCASP9 in Gastric Cancer Based on a CircRNA–miRNA–mRNA Regulatory Network
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Qin Chuan , Zhang Han , Guo Xiong , Cheng Anqi
Published: February 2021

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial roles in gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to construct a new circRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network for GC and validate a specific circRNA in GC tissues and cell lines.Methods: We obtained circRNA profiles from an in-house circRNA microarray and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and microRNA (miRNA) profiles from StarBase and CircBank. Messenger RNA profiles were downloaded from GEO. We then constructed a ceRNA network using the extracted circRNA (circCASP9), miRNA (miR-589-5p) and 52 mRNAs. The expression of circCASP9 was confirmed in GC tissues and cell lines, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The function of circCASP9 was validated in GC cell lines, using the cell counting kit-8, ethynyl deoxyuridine, transwell, and colon assays. The sponge function of circCASP9 for miR-589-5p was verified using dual luciferase assays. Results: A novel ceRNA network was established with one downregulated circRNA, one upregulated miRNA, and 52 downregulated mRNAs. CircularCASP9 was downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines and sponged miR-589-5p. Furthermore, circCASP9 inhibited GC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conclusions: We identified the expression and anticancer effects of the core circRNA circCASP9 in a novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA regulatory network of GC. This present study may provide a novel therapeutic target and insight understanding of the mechanism of gastric cancer.
Longitudinal Profiling Of The Burn Patient Cutaneous And Gastrointestinal Microbiota
Authors: Lima Kelly , Davis Ryan , Liu Stephenie , Greenhalgh David , Tran Nam
Published: February 2021

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients that have sustained a severe burn injury. Early detection and treatment of infections improves outcomes and understanding changes in the host microbiome following injury and during treatment may aid in burn care. The loss of functional barriers, systemic inflammation, and commensal community dysbiosis all contribute to a burn patient’s increased risk of infection. We sampled 10 burn patients to evaluate cutaneous microbial populations on the burn wound and corresponding spared skin on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-intensive care unit admission. In addition, skin samples were paired with perianal and rectal locations to evaluate changes in the burn patient gut microbiome following injury and treatment. We found significant (P = 0.011) reduction in alpha diversity on the burn wound compared to spared skin throughout the sampling period as well as reduction in common skin commensal bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermitis. Compared to healthy volunteers (n = 18), the burn patient spared skin also exhibited a significant reduction in diversity (P = 0.001). Treatments such as systemic or topical antibiotic administration, skin grafting, and nutritional formulations also impact diversity and community composition at the sampling locations. When evaluating each subject individually, an increase in relative abundance of a clinically isolated bacteria could be seen in 5/9 infections detected among the burn patient cohort.
The Different Outcomes Between Breast-Conserving Surgery plus Radiotherapy and Mastectomy in Metaplastic Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Xia Lin-Yu , Xu Wei-Yun , Hu Qing-Lin
Published: February 2021

Background: Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) are rare. The survival outcomes of MBC patients after breast conserving surgery plus radiotherapy (BCS+RT) or mastectomy have not been established. The aim of this study was to compare survival outcomes of MBC patients subjected to BCS+RT or mastectomy therapeutic options.Methods: Patients who were subjected to BCS+RT or mastectomy between 2004 and 2014 were enrolled in this study through the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and the overall survival (OS) of the participants were determined. Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan Meier method were used to determine the correlation between the two surgical methods and survival outcomes. Results: A total of 1197 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 439 patients were subjected to BCS+RT, while 758 patients were subjected to mastectomy. Multivariate analysis showed a significantly high OS for MBC patients who were subjected to BCS+RT compared to those subjected to mastectomy (HR = 0.697, 95% CI = 0.527- 0.922, P=0.012). However, the BCSS for the two groups were statistically comparable (HR = 0.806,95% CI = 0.561-1.158, P= 0.244). After PSM, the BCS+RT and mastectomy groups consisted of 321 patients, respectively. The univariate and multivariate analysis with a 6-month landmark all indicate that patients receiving BCS+RT has higher OS than patients receiving mastectomy (HR = 0.701,95% CI = 0.496-0.990, P=0.044; HR = 0.684,95% CI = 0.479-0.977, P=0.037) while the BCSS was no difference between the two groups(HR = 0.739,95% CI = 0.474-1.153, P = 0.183; HR = 0.741,95% CI = 0.468-1.173, P = 0.200). Conclusion: The BCS+RT therapeutic option exhibits a high OS in MBC patients compared to the mastectomy approach.
Manipulating electron redistribution to achieve exotic electronic pyroelectricity in dynamic [FeCo] crystals
Authors: Sadhukhan Pritam , Wu Shu-Qi , Long Jeremy , Nakanishi Takumi , Kanegawa Shinji , Gao Kaige , Yamamoto Kaoru , Okajima Hajime , Sakamoto Akira , Baker Michael , Kroll Thomas , Sokaras Dimosthenis , Okazawa Atsushi , Kojima Norimichi , Shiota Yoshihito , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Sato Osamu
Published: February 2021

Pyroelectricity plays a crucial role in modern sensors and energy conversion devices. However, obtaining materials with large and nearly constant pyroelectric coefficients over a wide temperature range for the practical uses remains a formidable challenge, because in conventional ferroelectric materials the pyroelectric effect promptly declines upon cooling from the transition temperature. Attempting to discover a solution to this obstacle, we combined molecular design of labile electronic structure with the crystal engineering of the molecular orientation in lattice resulting in the electronic pyroelectricity of purely molecular origin. Here, we report a polar crystal of an [FeCo] dinuclear complex exhibiting a peculiar pyroelectric behavior (a substantial sharp pyroelectric current peak and an unusual continuous pyroelectric current at higher temperatures) which is caused by a combination of Fe spin transition and redistribution of electron density between redox isomers of high-spin Fe through a charge transfer between the Fe atom and redox active ligand. As a result, temperature dependence of the pyroelectric behavior reported here is opposite and originates from the interconversion between three distinct electronic states. The obtained pyroelectric coefficient is comparable to that of polyvinylidene difluoride at room temperature.
Phosphorus coordinated Rh single-atom sites on nanodiamond as highly regioselective catalyst for hydroformylation of olefins
Authors: Gao Peng , Liang Guanfeng , Ru Tong , Liu Xiao Yan , Qi Haifeng , Wang Aiqin , Chen Fener
Published: February 2021

Single-atom Rh catalysts present superior activity relative to homogeneous catalyst in olefins hydroformylation, yet with limited success in regioselectivity control. In the present work, we develop a novel phosphorus coordinated Rh1 single-atom catalyst with nanodiamond as support. Benefiting from this unique structure, the catalyst exhibits excellent activity and regioselectivity for the hydroformylation of arylethylenes with wide substrate generality, i.e., with high conversion (>99%) and high regioselectivity (>90%), which is comparable with the homogeneous counterparts. The coordination interaction between Rh1 and surface phosphorus species is clarified by 31P solid-state NMR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Rh single atoms are firmly anchored over nanodiamond through Rh-P bonds, guaranteeing good stability in the hydroformation of styrene even after six runs. Finally, by using this new catalyst, two kinds of pharmaceutical molecules, Ibuprofen and Fendiline, are synthesized efficiently with high yields, demonstrating a new prospect of single-atom catalyst in pharmaceutical synthesis.
Photoresponse properties of Au/(CoFe2O4-PVP)/n-Si/Au (MPS) diode
Authors: Ulusan A. Buyukbas , Tataroglu Adem , altindal S. , Azizian-Kalandaragh Y.
Published: February 2021

Photo-response properties of the Au/(CoFe2O4-PVP)/n-Si (MPS) diode were investigated using current-voltage (I-V) measurements achieved under dark and various illumination conditions. The experimental results showed that the MPS diode has a good response to the illumination. Especially, in reverse-bias region, photocurrent (Iph) increases with increasing illumination intensity (P) due to the formation of electron–hole pairs. The double-logarithmic Iph-P plot has a good relation with 1.27 slope and such high value of slope indicates a lower density of the unoccupied trap level. This indicates that the diode exhibits a good photoconductive and photovoltaic behavior. The photo-to-dark current ratio confirms the photo-sensitivity of the diode. Thermionic emission (TE) theory was used to determine the diode electronic parameters such as saturation current (I0), ideality factor (n) and barrier height (ΦB0) and their values were calculated from the measured I-V data. Moreover, the ΦB0 and series resistance (Rs) were extracted from an alternative method suggested by Norde. All these parameters (ΦB0, n, Rs, and I0) decrease with increasing illumination intensity and there is a good linear correlation between ΦB0 and n as ΦB0 (n) = 4.72x10− 2n + 0.5464 eV. As a results, the fabricated MPS diode due to the excellent photo-response can be used for photovoltaic applications.
The Impact of The [TIMP-2] × [IGFBP7]-Guided Checklist for Early Recognition and Treatment of Acute Illness on The Prevention of Acute Kidney Injury In Patients With Septic Shock
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Li Jing , Wang Dongqiang , Wang Yongqiang , Dou Lin , Gao Hongmei
Published: February 2021

Background: Sepsis is the main aetiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients, with high morbidity and mortality. The early identification of septic patients at high risk for AKI, followed by the timely implementation of appropriate interventions, is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 ([TIMP-2] × [IGFBP7]) are promising biomarkers for AKI. Furthermore, the Checklist for Early Recognition and Treatment of Acute Illness (CERTAIN) is a tool for evaluating and treating acute illness in a timely manner based on best practices. We hypothesized that the use of this biomarker-guided point-of-care tool would improve the prognosis of patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI).Methods: This was a single-centre prospective before-and-after study in the ICU of a comprehensive tertiary hospital. From June 2015 to December 2020, we assessed and managed patients with septic shock based on the biomarker-guided CERTAIN checklist. A checklist based on the Sepsis 3.0 bundle and urinary [TIMP-2] × [IGFBP7]>0.3(ng/mL)2/1000 within 12 hours were used as the inclusion criteria. The CERTAIN checklist includes the care bundles recommended in the Sepsis 3.0 bundle and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 guidelines. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate-to-severe AKI on the first day and within seven days after enrolment and mortality at 90 days after discharge from the hospital. The secondary outcomes were the ICU length of stay, non-mechanical ventilation duration, and the proportions of patients with the recovery of renal function and major adverse kidney events (MAKEs) at 90 days after exposure to events initiating AKI.Results: At the end of the study, 124 patients had been treated based on the checklist. When compared to a cohort of 112 patients matched for disease, the CERTAIN group had a lower proportion of patients needing mechanical ventilation, a lower proportion of patients needing vasoactive agents, a shorter ICU length of stay, and a higher proportion of patients with recovered kidney function. Furthermore, there was a trend towards a higher 90-day survival rate in the CERTAIN group.Conclusions: Implementation of the CERTAIN checklist was associated with improvements in the short-term recovery of kidney function, airway and haemodynamic management and mortality in patients with SA-AKI.Trial registration: NCT01973829; Date of registration: November 1, 2013.
Effect of Cu Substitution on Magnetic and DC Electrical Resistivity Properties of Ni-Zn Nano Ferrites
Authors: Chandramouli K. , Rao P. Anantha , Suryanarayana B. , Raghavendra Vemuri , Parajuli D. , Taddesse Paulos , Mammo Tulu Wegayehu , Raju M. K. , Nandigam Murali
Published: February 2021

Cu substituted Ni0.5Zn0.5-xCuxFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) samples is synthesized using the sol-gel auto-combustion process. X-ray diffraction shows its cubic spinel structure. The lattice constant decreases as the Cu content increases. The sizes of the crystallites are also decreasing in the range of 42.68 nm to 21.75 nm. The wavenumbers of tetrahedral and octahedral sites sighted in the FTIR spectra are similar to that of the precursor. The increment in the copper content increases the DC conductivity. The electrical resistivity decrease with increase in the temperature, i.e. it has a negative temperature coefficient with resistance similar to semiconductors. The remnant ratios R obtained from VSM show their isotropic nature forming single domain ferrimagnetic particles. The resultant material is widely significant, as indicated by its result.
Evaluation of COVID-19 Pandemic in Six Asia-Pacific Countries using Data-Driven and Machine Learning Method Based on the Current Management and Interventions
Authors: Ao Shuang , Huang Wenbo , Han Dan , Liu Yuming , Liu Shuang , huang yaojiang
Published: February 2021

Background South-east Asia and Western Pacific countries have large populations and underreporting of Covid19, which pose challenges to the large-scale response. Methods Data-driven methods are used to evaluate the Government or society’s interventions and the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and machine learning method are used to forecast the trend of COVID-19 pandemic based on the current management and interventions. Results The results show that. India received low government response index scores in February, and the number of confirmed cases and active cases in September became quite high with large stock and the overall growth rate is higher than 1. The number of daily confirmed cases in Bangladesh, Japan and Philippines is low and on the decline, it is rising in Malaysia and Indonesia. The number of active cases in Bangladesh, Japan, India and Bangladesh has begun to decline, Malaysia and Indonesia is no sign of decline. Bangladesh, Japan and Philippines will be flat or moderating, while Malaysia and Indonesia will still have no slowdown momentum and the situation will be severe. Conclusions The results show that the existing management and interventions responses are effective, although they have room for improvement, and Malaysia and Indonesia need to be improved and strengthened.