bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapathons versus automated feature extraction: a comparative analysis for strengthening immunization microplanning
Authors: Mendes Amalia , Palmer Tess , Berens Andrew , Espey Julie , Price Rhiannan , Mallya Apoorva , Brown Sidney , Martinez Maureen , Farag Noha , Kaplan Brian
Published: March 2021

Background

The barriers to global essential immunization (EI) coverage are increasingly due to social instability and logistical factors like the displacement of vulnerable populations, the difficulty of accessing these populations, and the lack of geographic information for hard-to-reach areas. Microplanning, a population-based, healthcare intervention planning method has begun to leverage geographic information system (GIS) technology and geospatial methods to improve the remote identification and mapping of vulnerable populations to ensure inclusion in outreach and immunization services, when feasible. We compare two methods of accomplishing a remote inventory of building locations to assess their accuracy and similarity to currently employed microplan line-lists in the study area.
Methods

The outputs of a crowd-sourced digitization effort, or mapathon, were compared to those of a machine-learning algorithm for digitization, referred to as automatic feature extraction (AFE).
The accuracy assessments were
conducted: 1) an agreement analysis of the two methods assessed the
occurrence of matches across the two outputs, where agreements were
labeled as “befriended” and disagreements as “lonely”; 2) true and
false positive percentages of each method were calculated in
comparison to satellite imagery; and 3) counts of features
generated from both the mapathon and AFE were statistically
compared to the number of features listed in the microplan
line-list for the study area.
Results

The mapathon and AFE outputs detected 92,713 and 53,150 features, respectively. A higher proportion (30%) of AFE features were befriended compared with befriended mapathon points (28%). The AFE had a higher true positive rate (90.5%) of identifying structures than the mapathon (84.5%). The difference in the average number of features identified per area between the microplan and mapathon points was larger (t = 3.56) than the microplan and AFE (t = -2.09) (alpha = 0.05).
Conclusions

Our findings indicate AFE outputs had higher agreement (i.e., befriended), slightly higher likelihood of correctly identifying a structure, and were more similar to the local microplan line-lists than the mapathon outputs. These findings suggest AFE may be more accurate for identifying structures in high-resolution satellite imagery than mapathons. However, they both had their advantages and the ideal method would utilize both methods in tandem.
Clopidogrel-induced Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis: a Case Report
Authors: An Jin , Lee Seung Hwan , Chang Boksoon
Published: March 2021

Background In patients with cerebral infarction resulting from intracranial arterial stenosis, combined administration of clopidogrel and aspirin may be needed for the thereafter ischemic attack. Clopidogrel has an inevitable adverse effect profile, and the most common complications are related to hemorrhagic propensity. Case presentation A 79-year-old female patient had taken aspirin (100mg/d) for old cerebral infarction, and started taking the dual antiplatelet drug consisted of aspirin and clopidogrel (75mg/d) due to severe stenosis on both anterior cerebral arteries. Two weeks later, the patient presented dyspnea started 3 days ago, which had been worsened the last 24 h. Chest computed tomography on admission showed symmetric peribronchial ground glass opacity with reticulation in both lungs. Microorganism tests, including serology and bronchoalveolar lavage for infection, were all negative. Suspecting clopidogrel-induced acute interstitial pneumonitis, we withdrew clopidogrel and initiated steroid treatment. The patient’s clinical signs and chest radiographs improved after steroid treatment, and she was discharged on the 21st day of hospitalization. Conclusions Clopidogrel can induce acute interstitial pneumonitis as a rare complication. The present report shows the importance of recognizing this rare adverse effect of clopidogrel in clinical practice.
Modeling of contact stress and tool-based frictional forces considering edge effect through material separation exploration
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Weng Jian , Zhuang Kejia , Hu Cheng , Dai Xing , Wu Chaoqun
Published: March 2021

Cutting tools with round edge can enhance the performance of machining difficult-to-machine materials, while the complex contact mechanism related to micro cutting edge limits the deeper understanding of cutting mechanics. Material separation, which is associate to plough mechanism with formation of dead metal zone (DMZ), also requires the analysis of contact behavior. This study develops a contact model along the round edge together with the illustration of DMZ, with three contact feature points defined to explain the contact situation between workpiece and cutting edge. Among these feature points, two separation points related to DMZ classify the sliding and sticking region considering the dual-zone approach. The stagnation point is the zero shear stress point where a sudden change in shear stress direction happens. Besides, the parabolic stress model obtained from finite element simulations is established to define the normal contact distribution along the round edge. In this basis, the tool-based frictional forces are determined and two contact force components are classified for different contact regions. The proposed contact feature points and contact stress are validated through illustration with finite element simulations. Besides, orthogonal cutting tests ensure the practicality and accuracy of the proposed contact model and predicted cutting forces.
Seasonal variation in soil CO2 emission and leaf gas exchange of well-managed commercial Citrus sinensis (L.) orchards
Authors: Munjonji Lawrence , Ayisi Kingsley Kwabena , Mafeo T.P. , Maphanga T. , Mabitsela K.E
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To investigate whether soil clay content, cultivar and seasonal variation have any effect on soil CO2 emission rates and leaf CO2 assimilation rates in a drip-irrigated commercial Citrus sinensis orchard.
Methods

The study was carried out in the field as a randomised complete block design in 2x2 factorial consisting of two soil types and two citrus cultivars on a drip-irrigated commercial Citrus sinensis orchards with 2-week interval measurements of soil CO2 emission and leaf gas exchanges over period of a year.
Results

Soil clay content did not influence plant CO2 assimilation rates and soil CO2 emission rates in irrigated citrus. However, seasonal variation significantly influenced both processes. Soil CO2 emission rates were highest in summer and were more than double the rates observed in winter while leaf CO2 assimilation rates were highest in autumn and four times higher than the winter season rates. Mean seasonal soil CO2 emission rates were strongly influenced by mean minimum seasonal temperatures while leaf CO2 assimilation rates only showed a relatively weak relationship with mean maximum seasonal temperatures.
Conclusions

Soil clay content did not influence soil CO2 emission and assimilation rates in drip irrigated irrigated citrus. Citrus CO2 assimilation rate peaks in the autumn while soil CO2 emission rates peak in summer.Snapshot analysis of CO2 sequestration rates suggests that irrigated citrus orchards are net sinks of CO2. Empirically measured CO2 flux rates in a commercial drip-irrigated citrus orchard are presented.
Peri-neural Invasion is An Important Prognostic Factor of T2N0 Oral Cancer
Authors: Cheng Chi-Sheng , Chen Chien-Chih , Liu Yi-Chun , Wang Chen-Chi , Chou Yu-Shu
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To determine the prognostic factors of T2N0 oral cancer patients who have received radical surgery.Materials and Methods: From January 2012 to December 2017, a total of 166 T2N0 oral cancer patients who had received radical surgery were analyzed. Thirty-one of them received postoperative adjuvant therapy. The endpoints were disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS). The associated factors of survival according to pathologic results and treatment, including perineural invasion (PNI), angiolymphatic invasion (ALI), and adjuvant therapy, were analyzed.Results: The median follow up time was 43.5 months. The 3-year rates of DSS, and DFS were 86.1% and 80.1%, respectively. The 3-year DSS for perineural invasion (PNI) negative and PNI positive patients was 90.8% and 57.0%, respectively (p=0.0006), with the 3-year DFS for PNI negative and PNI positive patients being 84.2% and 54.6%, respectively (p=0.001). A multivariate analysis revealed PNI was an independent prognostic factor of DSS (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 3.29; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.35-8.02; p = 0.009), and DFS (HR = 4.68; 95% CI = 1.77-12.3; p = 0.002). Adjuvant therapy was also an independent prognostic factor of DSS (HR = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.08-0.78; p = 0.017), and DFS (HR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.07-0.96; p = 0.044).Conclusion: PNI was an independent prognostic factor and adjuvant therapy improved the clinical outcomes for T2N0 oral cancer patients.
Infuence of Pouring Temperature on Stir Casting of Al/SiC/Mg/Cu Composite
Authors: Thangaraju Tamilanban , S Ravikumar T , S Kanthasamy
Published: March 2021

The effect of pouring temperature while preparing Aluminium SiC metal matrix composites, with additional benefits of magnesium and copper through stir casting technique were investigated. The composites were fabricated by mixing 12 wt% of SiC reinforcements,4 wt% magnesium and 2 wt% copper into 6061 aluminium alloy melt at different pouring temperatures (630 ºC, 670 ºC and 710ºC). The addition of magnesium will enhance the wettability of the SiC particles with Al matrix. The inclusion of copper has considerable improvement in strength and hardness of the composite. The microstructure and mechanical properties (tensile strength and hardness) of the Al MMC are evaluated with the corresponding processing parameter, specifically pouring temperature of the cast composite.The metallurgical characterization utilizing optical and scanning electron microscope were observed for the prepared composites. The coarse microstructure and homogenous distribution of SiC particles were appeared within dendrite structures of the composites. The SiC particles has effectively distributed, and higher tensile strength and maximum hardness have occurred in composite at pouring temperature of 670ºC as compared to other composites. The mechanical properties were lower in composites prepared using lesser pouring temperature (630ºC) and significantly decreased for higher pouring temperature (710ºC) of the composites.
The Different Sensitivity of Dendritic Degeneration in Hippocampal and Cortical Neurons to Estrogen Decline in Female Aging Mice
Authors: Yang Lin , Zhang Shuai , Wang Yan-Ru , Li Ting-Ting , Huang Si-Yu , Qu Yang , An Xiao-Bin , Ai Jing
Published: March 2021

Aging is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epidemiological studies reported that women have higher incidence of AD than men, which is associated with estrogen deficiency post menopause. The integrity of dendrites ensures normal neuronal function, and dendrite degeneration is one of the hallmarks in AD. However, the contribution of estrogen deficiency in dendritic remodeling during female aging is still unclarified. In the present study, female 18- and 22-month-old mice showed an age-dependent cognitive decline. Interestingly, female 18- and 22-month-old mice induced dendritic degeneration in both hippocampus and cortex, wherein the dendritic degeneration of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and cortical nonpyramidal neurons were more obvious in 18-month-old mice and that would not deteriorate in 22-month-old mice. The female mice after ovariectomy (OVX) 5 months induced similar changes in female 22-month-old mice indicating by cognitive decline and dendritic degeneration, however, dendritic degeneration of the hippocampal DG granular cells was less bad than that in female 22-month-old mice. Besides, estradiol (E2) level, and estrogen receptor α and β (ERα and ERβ) in hippocampus and cortex decreased in aged female and OVX mice. Importantly, E2 application rescued these changes induced by OVX. In conclusion, the female aging-induced dendritic remodeling existed regional differences, wherein hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and cortical nonpyramidal neurons were the more vulnerable to onset of estrogen deficiency, while DG granular cells were more sensitive to age.
Comparison of Paenibacillus polymyxa wild-type and Nif− mutant in colonization, plant-growth promotion and nitrogen fixation contribution
Authors: Liu Shuang , Li Qin , Li Yongbin , Hao Tianyi , Zhang Haowei , Chen Sanfeng
Published: March 2021

Aims

This study aimed to compare the effect on colonization, plant-growth promotion and nitrogen fixation contribution by inoculation with Paenibacillus polymyxa wild-type and Nif−mutant.
Methods

Paenibacillus polymyxa wild-type and Nif− mutant was labeled with GFP and then the GFP-labeled bacteria were used to inoculate cucumber. The colonization patterns of P. polymyxa WLY78 in these plants were observed under the confocal laser scanning microscope. The effects of plant-growth promotion were investigated by greenhouse experiments. The nitrogen fixation contribution was estimated by 15N isotope dilution experiments.
Results

Observation by laser confocal microscopy revealed that both P. polymyxa WLY78 and ΔnifB-V mutant can effectively colonize cucumber root, stem and leaf tissues. Greenhouse experiments showed that inoculation with P. polymyxa WLY78 can significantly enhance the lengths and fresh wights of cucumber roots and shoots, but inoculation with ΔnifB-V mutant can not. 15N isotope dilution experiments showed that cucumber plants derive 25.93% nitrogen from nitrogen fixation performed by P. polymyxa WLY78, but the ΔnifB-V mutant nearly can not provide nitrogen for plant.
Conclusions

This present study demonstrates that nitrogen fixation plays an import role in promoting plant growth.
Coupling ecological water requirement to optimize water resources under changing climatic conditions
Authors: Yue Wencong , Liu Zhongqi , Su Meirong , Xu Meng , Rong Qiangqiang , Xu Chao , Tan Zhenkun , Jiang Xuming , Su Zhixin , Cai Yanpeng
Published: March 2021

Meeting ecological water requirements (EWR) is important for guaranteeing watershed system stability in many arid and semi-arid lands. Rainfall–runoff relationships under the effects of climate change may induce many adverse changes for EWR. Inherent uncertainties in water resources management and potential variations in EWR should both be considered to obtain desired water allocation strategies under changing climatic conditions. In this research, an integrated approach was proposed through incorporation of copula functions and a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation into a general chance-constrained programming (CCP) modeling framework. The proposed method was found effective for water resource management with respect to the following: (a) tackling correlated features in watershed rainfall and inflow under climate change based on copula–MCMC simulations, (b) obtaining runoff distributions using the copula sampling method under multiple climate change scenarios, (c) analyzing fluctuations of EWR based on varied monthly flows with consideration of diverse runoff distributions, and (d) obtaining desired water allocation strategies through the developed CCP model with consideration of EWR and water shortage risks. Application of the developed method to water resources management in the city of Dalian (China) indicated that the EWR in the watersheds of Dalian would suffer large variations under changing climatic conditions. Moreover, in comparison with the supply in 2025, the increase of water supply from transferring water from the Dahuofang Reservoir (Hun River) would be 6942–33,772, 6942–25,472, and 2849–14,259 Mt with risk tolerance levels of 20%, 50%, and 80%, respectively.
The Potential Effect of the IDH1 Mutation and MGMT Gene Promotor Methylation on the Control of Glioblastoma-Associated Epilepsy in Patients Receiving Anti-Epileptic Agents and Chemotherapies
Authors: Kurdi Maher , Butt Nadeem Shafique , Baeesa Saleh , Alghamdi Badrah , Maghrabi Yazid , Bardeesi Anas , Saeedi Rothaina , Alghamdi Fahad , Alghanmi Najla , Bari Mohammed O. , Samkari Alaa , Lary Ahmed I. , Alsinani Taghreed
Published: March 2021

Objective: (a) To assess the control of glioblastoma-associated seizure in patients receiving different anti-epileptic drugs and chemotherapies after total resection and its association with O-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promotor methylation and the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation; (b) to determine which anti-epileptic drug exerts the best effective control on glioblastoma-associated epilepsy; (c) to identify the relationship between seizure control and different anti-epileptic drugs and recurrence interval. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with postoperative glioblastoma-associated epilepsy in the period between 2014 and 2019. The correlations between the IDH1 mutation and MGMT promotor methylation with anti-epileptic drugs, chemotherapy type, seizure control, and recurrence interval were analyzed using different statistical methods. Results: This study included 53 adult patients with glioblastoma-associated epilepsy. The IDH1 mutation was present in 20 patients, and MGMT promotor methylation was present in 13 patients. Out of 53 patients, 37 cases received chemoradiotherapy while 16 cases receive only radiotherapy. Levetiracetam was the most prescribed anti-epileptic drug (n= 36, 60%), and 36 and 16 patients had controlled and uncontrolled seizures, respectively. The IDH1 mutation and unmethylated MGMT promotor were significantly present in cases with controlled epilepsy (P < 0.05). Among the anti-epileptic drugs, levetiracetam showed significantly better seizure control in cases with the IDH1 mutation and unmethylated MGMT promotor (P < 0.05). Patients did not show significant differences in either seizure control or the tumor recurrence interval (P > 0.05).Conclusion: (a) Glioblastoma-associated epilepsy can be better controlled in patients with the IDH1 mutation and unmethylated MGMT promotor compared with patients with the methylated MGMT promotor, (b) Levetiracetam is considered the first-line anti-epileptic drug for controlling seizures but may not enhance the sensitivity of glioblastomas to chemotherapies, (c) Lack of seizure control in glioblastoma patients may not be related to tumor recurrence despite one-year treatment with anti-epileptic drugs, (d) Better understanding of the risk factors and mechanisms associated with glioma-associated epilepsy are needed to improve patient quality of life.
GraphSynergy: Network Inspired Deep Learning Model for
Anti–Cancer Drug Combination Prediction
Authors: Yang Jiannan , Xu Zhongzhi , Wu William , Chu Qian , Zhang Qingpeng
Published: March 2021

Compared with monotherapy, anti-cancer drug combination can provide effective therapy with less toxicity in cancer treatment. Recent studies found that the topological positions of protein modules related to the drugs and the cancer cell lines in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network may reveal the effects of drugs. However, due to the size of the combinatorial space, identifying synergistic combinations of drugs from PPI network is computationally difficult. To address this challenge, we propose an end-to-end deep learning framework, namely Graph Convolutional Network for Drug Synergy (GraphSynergy), to make synergistic drug combination predictions. GraphSynergy adapts a spatial-based Graph Convolutional Network component to encode the high-order structure information of protein modules targeted by a pair of drugs, as well as the protein modules associated with a specific cancer cell line in the PPI network. The pharmacological effects of drug combinations are explicitly evaluated by their therapy and toxic scores. By introducing an attention component to automatically allocate contribution weights to the proteins, we show the ability of GraphSynergy to capture the pivotal proteins that play a part in both PPI network and biomolecular interactions between drug combinations and cancer cell lines. Experiments on two latest drug combination datasets demonstrate that GraphSynergy outperforms the state-of-the-art in predicting synergistic drug combinations. This study sheds light on using machine learning to discover effective combination therapies for cancer and other complex diseases.
Prediction of the Risk of C5 Palsy After Posterior Laminectomy and Fusion With Cervical Myelopathy Using Support Vector Machine: an Analysis of 184 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Wang Haosheng , Tang Zhi-Ri , Li Wenle , Fan Tingting , Zhao Jianwu , Kang Mingyang , Dong Rongpeng , Qu Yang
Published: March 2021

Background: This study aimed to predict the C5 palsy (C5P) after posterior laminectomy and fusion (PLF) with cervical myelopathy (CM) from routinely available variables by using support vector machine (SVM) method.Methods: We conducted a retrospective investigation based on 184 consecutive patients with CM after PLF, and data was collected from March 2013 to December 2019. Clinical and imaging variables were obtained and imported into univariable and multivariable logistics regression analysis to identify risk factors for C5P. According to published reports and clinical experience, a series of variables was selected to develop an SVM machine learning model to predict C5P. The accuracy (ACC), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and confusion matrices were used to evaluate the performance of the prediction model.Results: Among the total 184 consecutive patients, C5P occurred in 26 patients (14.13%). Multivariate analyses demonstrated the following 4 independent factors associated with C5P: electromyogram abnormal (odds ratio [OR] = 7.861), JOA recovery rate (OR = 1.412), modified Pavlov ratio (OR = 0.009), and presence of foraminal stenosis C4-C5 (OR = 15.492). The SVM model achieved an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.923 and ACC of 0.918. Meanwhile, the confusion matrix shown the classification results of the discriminant analysis. Conclusions: The designed SVM model presented a satisfied performance in predicting C5P from routinely available variables. However, future external validation is needed.
Based on Network Pharmacology to Explore the Active Ingredients and Molecular Targets of Zuojin Pill for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wei Ying , Ren Sichen , Wang Ruilin , Jing Manyi , Liu Honghong , Wang Min , Song Hongtao , Zhao Yanling
Published: March 2021

Background: Zuojin Pill (ZJP), a classic prescription, has the potential to prevent ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the active component and mechanism of ZJP is still arcane. Objective: This study aims to use a network pharmacology approach to find the bioactive compounds and potential action mechanisms of ZJP in the treatment of UC.Methods: Firstly, the components and putative targets of ZJP were collected based on the herbal medicine target database, and a network containing the interaction between the putative targets of ZJP and the potential therapeutic targets of UC was established. Then topological parameters were calculated to identify the key targets in the network and the key targets were imported into David database to perform path enrichment analysis.Results: 7 potential therapeutic components of ZJP and 26 key targets were obtained. These targets were related to signal transduction, response to drug, cellular response to lipopolysaccharide, MAPK cascade, inflammatory response, immune response, transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, apoptotic process, regulation of sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factor activity and lipopolysaccharide-mediated signaling pathway. Moreover, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway were predicted to participate in the treatment of UC, which directly regulated by 7 active components of ZJP. Quercetin and isorhamnetin have great development value in the treatment of UC. Moupinamide and palmidin A are of great value for exploration because of their safety and innovation.Conclusion: ZJP mainly were directly involved in UC through inflammation and immune regulation by PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway.
Rapid On-Site Evaluation, As a Diagnostic Method for PCP in a Patient with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Weng Xiangwen , An Xing , Chen Xian , gao peiyang , Zhi Lijia
Published: March 2021

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a common illness of the patients receiving long-term immunosuppressive treatment for which therapy is currently available. Early and prompt diagnosis of this pulmonary infection is a matter of great practical importance. Clinical presentation and radiology are not enough to confirm a diagnosis of PCP. Microscopic examination is available.Case presentation: Here we report a 63-year-old man with nephrotic syndrome,who was transferred to ICU due to unexplained aggravation of infection. The cause of pulmonary infection was identified by Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) finally and targeted treatment was given.Conclusions: ROSE can be a diagnostic approach for PCP, which is suitable for clinicians.
Interleukin 37 Expression was Negatively Associated with Pathological Grading in Human Gliomas
Authors: Liu Sheng , Ba Ying , Li Chenglong , Xing Mengyang , Zhang Tao , Liu Yongliang , Gao Yang , Xu Guangming
Published: March 2021

Background: Little is known about the roles of interleukin 37 (IL-37), a newly identified cytokine, in the pathogenesis of cancer. In this study, we aimed to determine the expression of IL-37 in gliomas with different pathological grades and evaluated its effects on survival. Methods: Ninety-five participants with different pathological grades of glioma were included in this study, which were classified into grade I-II (n=27), grade III (n=30), and grade IV (n=38). Ten normal brain tissues that were resected for intracranial decompression after traumatic brain injuries served as control group. The expression of IL-37 mRNA and protein in glioma tissues was determined using Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical techniques. The association between IL-37 expression and various clinicopathologic factors was evaluated. Results: IL-37 mRNA was expressed in normal tissues and tumor tissues, and the expression of IL-37 in tumor tissues were significantly higher than normal brain tissue (p<0.05). IL-37 expression showed decline with the increase of grade level. The expression of IL-37 was significantly lower in glioma tissues of a high malignancy compared with the glioma tissues of a low malignancy. Patients with low IL-37 expression showed a shorter survival time. Conclusions: Low IL-37 expression was negatively correlated with pathological grade, rather than pathological type. Low IL-37 was positively correlated with survival time. Thus, IL-37 maybe plays an inhibitory role in glioma progression.
Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis (CAPNON) associated with neurenteric cyst: an autopsy case showing unusual fatal outcome
Authors: Ichimata Shojiro , Hata Yukiko , Aikawa Akane , Ishizawa Shin , Sato Daisuke , Akai Takuya , Nishida Naoki
Published: March 2021

Background

Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the neuraxis (CAPNON) is a rare calcified tumefactive lesion that can occur in the brain or spine. Although the aetiology and natural course of CAPNON has not yet been fully established, recent study reported that many CAPNON cases have dual pathology, which may be associated with its aetiology.
Case presentation

A 53-year-old man with a history of an untreated brain mass was taken to a hospital by emergency transport. A computed tomography scan revealed an intracranial hypo-attenuated mass exhibiting mass effect. Several calcified foci were observed around the lesion. He suddenly showed tonic seizure after admission, therefore an emergency craniotomy was performed. However, he unfortunately died due to advanced cerebral oedema. Microscopic findings of the surgically obtained materials were consistent with neurenteric cyst (NC). Intracranial hard masses were found adjacent to NCs and the masses were composed of fibrous cartilage-like matrix with massive linear calcification and surrounding round-to-oval epithelioid cells.
Conclusion

CAPNON associated with NC was considered to be most appropriate diagnosis of present case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such case. The present case suggests that delay of treatment may cause a poor outcome, at least in CAPNON associated with NC. Careful investigation, including of the underlying pathology, may be essential for deciding treatment strategies for CAPNON.
Esophageal Granular Cell Tumor and Eosinophils: A Multicenter Experience
Authors: Reddi Deepti , Chandler Christropher , Cardona Diana , Schild Michael , Westerhoff Maria , McMullen Emily , Tomizawa Yutaka , Clinton Lani , Swanson Paul E.
Published: March 2021

Background: Esophageal granular cell tumor (eGCT) is rare, and the recent literature suggests a link between eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and eGCT. The aim of our study was to determine if EoE or other disorders associated with eosinophilia are consistently associated with eGCT. Methods: We retrospectively searched pathology databases of three academic institutions from 1999 to 2018 for eGCTs. The archived slides and medical records were reviewed.Results: From 294,855 esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedures, 45 patients (17 males and 28 females) with eGCTs were identified. The patients were 30-73 years in age (median 50) had eGCT (0.2 – 2.0 cm, average 0.71). Thirteen had a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, 5 had Barrett esophagus/goblet cell metaplasia and 1 had EoE. Thirty-four eGCTs had intralesional eosinophils (14 with peak >10 eosinophils/400x hpf); of these, 21 also had eosinophils in lamina propria (9 with peak >10 eosinophils/hpf). eGCT with atypical features (including nuclear enlargement and prominent nucleoli) were more likely to have increased eosinophils in non-epithelial compartments than those without atypia. Pleomorphism and spindled cells were seen in 3 eGCT cases (mean peak intralesional eosinophils: 43 per hpf); 2 of these had goblet cell metaplasia. We found no association between EoE and eGCT, p= 0.5966, (95% C.I. 0.0276, 6.5389, Fisher’s exact test). Instead, most patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease or Barrett esophagus.Conclusion: Eosinophilia, common in eGCT and adjacent stroma, likely drives atypical/reactive histologic features, but a pathogenic relationship between eosinophil rich inflammatory conditions and eGCT has not yet been established.
An analysis of histopathological features of Crohn’s disease in surgical specimens
Authors: Fu Yujuan , Liu Xiuli , Xu Jiaqi , Zhong Tingting , Jiang Junchang , Cao Qian , Fu Tianhong , Jiang Zhinong
Published: March 2021

Background

The diagnosis of Crohn’s disease is challenging. This study aimed to compare the histological features of Crohn’s disease and non-Crohn’s disease (i.e., other intestinal inflammatory diseases) in surgical specimens to identify histologic features for differential diagnosis.
Methods

We evaluated patients who were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (n = 171) and non-Crohn’s disease (n = 215) between 2010 and 2015 and underwent surgical bowel resection. The frequency of histological features in surgical resection specimens were compared between these two patient groups.
Results

Transmural inflammation, subserosal lymphoid aggregates, fissures or sinus-like structures, granulomas or granuloma-like nodules, abnormalities of the enteric nervous system, and mucosa structure alterations (i.e., muscularis mucosae thickening or mucosal atrophy with pseudopyloric gland metaplasia) were more frequent in Crohn’s disease than non-Crohn’s disease (p < 0.001 for all). A set of 3 of the above pathological features had a specificity of 93.5% for Crohn’s disease. Some of the above histologic features were further grouped as chronic inflammatory change that includes granulomas or granuloma-like nodules, lymphoid aggregates in the muscularis propria or subserosa, fissures or sinus-like structures, and architectural abnormality (i.e., the presence of abnormal enteric nervous system and/or mucosa structure alterations). A combination of transmural inflammation, chronic inflammatory change, and architectural abnormality had a sensitivity of 92.4% and a specificity of 97.7% for Crohn’s disease.
Conclusions

A combination of transmural inflammation, chronic inflammatory change, and architectural abnormality in surgical bowel resection specimens is diagnostic for Crohn’s disease.
Atmospheric scattering of energetic electrons from near-Earth space
Authors: Angelopoulos Vassilis , Tsai Ethan , Wilkins Colin , Zhang Xiaojia , Artemyev Anton , Liu Jiang , Runov Andrei , Iglesias Laura , Turner Drew , Strangeway Robert , Wirz Richard , Li Wen , Adair Lydia , Caron Ryan , Chung Maxwell , Cruce Patrick , Grimes Eric , Hector Kathryn , Lawson Michael , Leneman David , Masongsong Emmanuel , Norris Austin , Russell Cynthia , Shaffer Christopher , Wu Jiashu , Jha Sharvani , King James , Kumar Suyash , Nguyen Kelly , Nguyen Michelle , Palla Akhil , Roosnovo Alexa , Xie Erica , Yap Rebecca , Young Chanel , Blake J. B. , Adair Nick , Allen Matthew , Anderson Michael , Arreola-Zamora Michael , Artinger Jessica , Asher Jeffrey , Branchevsky Donna , Capitelli Michael , Castro Rommel , Chao Gary , Chung Nathan , Cliffe Micah , Colton Kyle , Costello Cian , Depe Danny , Domae Benjamin , Eldin Sarah , Fitgibbon Lauren , Flemming Alex , Fox Ian , Frederick Duncan , Gilbert Alex , Gildemeister Anthony , Gonzalez Alexander , Hesford Brayden , Krieger Renee , Lian Kevin , Mao Jason , McKinney Emmons , Miller Jordan , Nuesca Matt , Park Elisa , Pedersen Carter , Qu Ziyuan , Rozario Reuben , Rye Erik , Seaton Ryan , Subramanian Akshaya , Sundin Stephen , Tan Aysen , Turner Wynne , Villegas Austin , Wasden Matt , Wing Graham , Wong Cass , Zarifian Anais , Zhang Gary
Published: March 2021

In near-Earth space, the magnetosphere, energetic electrons (tens to thousands of kiloelectron volts) orbit around Earth, forming the radiation belts. When scattered by magnetospheric processes, these electrons precipitate to the upper atmosphere, where they deplete ozone, a radiatively active gas, modifying global atmospheric circulation. Relativistic electrons (those above a few hundred kiloelectron volts), can reach the lowest altitudes and have the strongest effects on the upper atmosphere; their loss from the magnetosphere is also important for space weather. Previous models have only considered magnetospheric scattering and precipitation of energetic electrons; atmospheric scattering of such electrons has not been adequately considered, principally due to lack of observations. Here we report the first observations of this process. We find that atmospherically-scattered energetic (relativistic) electrons form a low-intensity, persistent “drizzle”, whose integrated energy flux is comparable to (greater than) that of the more intense but ephemeral precipitation by magnetospheric scattering. Thus, atmospheric scattering of energetic electrons is important for global atmospheric circulation, radiation belt flux evolution, and the repopulation of the magnetosphere with lower-energy, secondary electrons.
Zonal Wave 3 Pattern in the Southern Hemisphere generated by tropical convection
Authors: Goyal Rishav , Jucker Martin , Gupta Alex Sen , Hendon Harry , England Matthew
Published: March 2021

A distinctive feature of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) extratropical atmospheric circulation is the quasi-stationary zonal wave 3 (ZW3) pattern, characterized by three high and three low-pressure centers around the SH extratropics. This feature is present in both the mean atmospheric circulation and its variability on daily, seasonal and interannual timescales. While the ZW3 pattern has significant impacts on meridional heat transport and Antarctic sea ice extent, the reason for its existence remains uncertain, although it has long been assumed to be linked to the existence of three major land masses in the SH extratropics. Here we use an atmospheric general circulation model to show that the stationery ZW3 pattern is instead driven by zonal asymmetric deep atmospheric convection in the tropics, with little to no role played by the orography or land masses in the extratropics. Localized regions of deep convection in the tropics form a local Hadley cell which in turn creates a wave source in the subtropics that excites a poleward and eastward propagating wave train which forms stationary waves in the SH high latitudes. Our findings suggest that changes in tropical deep convection, either due to natural variability or climate change, will impact the zonal wave 3 pattern, with implications for Southern Hemisphere climate, ocean circulation, and sea-ice.
In Vitro Callus Culture of Dianthus Chinensis L. for Assessment of Flavonoid Related Gene Expression Profile
Authors: Sreelek R. , Siril Elenjikkal A
Published: March 2021

Dianthus chinensis L. is an edible, ornamental herb used to prepare the Dianthi Herba, a Chinese traditional rejuvenating medicine. Owing to the rapid proliferation of callus tissues, in vitro production of flavonoids has their own specific importance. Callus cultures raised followed by auxin directed biosynthesis of flavonoid through related transcript profile were carried out. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 2,4- Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4- D) or picloram induced formation of friable callus from internode derived cultures of D. chinensis. Culture medium containing 2,4- D (10 µM) produced the highest flavonoid content, 4.44 mg quercetin equivalent per gram (QE g− 1) under incubation in continuous dark condition, while maximum dry weight yield (0.38 g/ culture) was obtained from 10 µM 2,4- D under 16 h light / 8 h dark condition (50 µmol m− 2 s− 1 irradiance) at 60 days of incubation. The callus raised in light condition in 10 µM 2,4- D selected to analyze flavonoid related gene expression profile viz., chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavanone-3-hydroxylase (F3H), and flavonol synthase (FLS) at specific time intervals. The transcript abundance of CHS, F3H, or FLS gene was higher at 60 days old callus cultures and reaching 11.59, 48.31, and 114.63-fold relative expression than that of initial callus tissues respectively. These understandings are critical for the regulation of targeted phytochemicals as well as their wide exploitation in the field of biological research.
Effect of Drosophila suzukii on blueberry VOCs: chemical cues for a pupal parasitoid, Trichopria anastrephae
Authors: Vega Gerardo de la , Triñanes Federico , González Andres
Published: March 2021

Biocontrol agents such as parasitic wasps use long-range volatiles and host-associated cues from lower trophic levels to find their hosts. Although, this chemical landscape may be altered by the invasion of exotic insect species. The spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a highly polyphagous fruit pest native to eastern Asia and recently arrived in South America. The aim of our study was to characterize the effect of SWD attack on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of blueberries, a common host fruit, and to correlate these odor changes with the olfactory-mediated behavioral response of resident populations of Trichopria anastrephae parasitoids. Using fruit VOC chemical characterization followed by multivariate analyses of the odor blends of SWD-attacked blueberries, we showed that the development of SWD immature stages inside the fruit generates a different odor profile than control fruits (physically damaged and free of damage). These differences can be explained by the diversity, frequency and amounts of fruit VOCs. The behavioral response of female parasitic wasps showed that T. anastrephae has an innate attraction to volatile cues from infested host fruits, which may lead to successful location of their insect host. Since resident parasitoids are able locate this novel potential host, biological control programs using local populations may be plausible as a SWD control strategy.
Expression Status and Prognostic Roles of m6A-related Genes in Multiple Myeloma: YTHDF2 as the independent prognostic factor
Authors: Liu Rui , Shen Ying , Wang Xiaman , Wu Dong , Zhai Meng , He Aili , Bai Ju
Published: March 2021

Background: N6-methyladenosine is the most abundant RNA modification, which plays a prominent role in multiple biology processes, including tumorigenesis. Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most frequent hematological cancer. However, the expression status and value of m6A-related genes in multiple myeloma remain elusive.Methods: m6A-related gene expression data and clinical information of MM patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Based on differentially expressed analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis, the prognostic m6A-associated genes were identified. The receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curves were used to verify the prognostic and diagnostic efficiency. The molecular mechanisms were investigated by differentially expressed mRNA and microRNA analyses with the help of online database ENCORI and POSTAR.Results: Among 22 m6A-related genes, HNRNPC, RBM15B, RBM15, YTHDF3, YTHDF2, HNRNPA2B1 and IGF2BP2 were significantly upregulated, while ZC3H13, FTO, IGF2BP3, ALKBH5 and YTHDC1 were significantly downregulated in MM patients. The high expression of HNRNPC, HNRNPA2B1, YTHDF2 and the low expression of ZC3H13 were associated with adverse survival. Furthermore, the expression level of YTHDF2 was the independent prognostic factor of MM. ROC curves suggested the great prediction performance for MM patients. Differentially expressed mRNA and microRNA analyses indicated the probable involvement of miR-205/YTHDF2/EGR1 axis.Conclusions: Our study first systematically analyzed the expression status of m6A-related genes in multiple myeloma, identified HNRNPC, HNRNPA2B1, YTHDF2 and ZC3H13 that could be the potential prognostic biomarkers, especially YTHDF2, which may be implicated in the miR-205/YTHDF2/EGR1 axis.
Older Children are at Increased Risk of Plasmodium Vivax in South-Central Ethiopia: A Cohort Study
Authors: Gari Taye , Lindtjørn Bernt , Solomon Tarekegn
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Better understanding of the distribution of Plasmodium vivax and its risk factors could be used to prevent and control malaria infection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the distribution and risk factors of P. vivax, and to compare them with P. falciparum occurrence in south-central Ethiopia.Methods: A cohort of 34,548 individuals were followed for 121weeks between 2014 and 2016 as part of larger cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) on malaria prevention in Ethiopia. Weekly home visit (active search) and patient self- report to health post (passive search) between the weekly home visits were used to register malaria cases. A blood sample was collected by finger prick and malaria was diagnosed using rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) Poisson model that accounts for repeated measure of malaria episodes was applied to assess the risk factors of P. vivax episode. Results: The overall incidence rate of P. vivax was7.4 episodes per 1,000 person-years of observation. The study showed households closer to the lake Zeway and Bulbula river (potential mosquito breeding sites) were more at risk of P. vivax infection (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR): 1.33; 95% CI = 1.23 –1.45). Furthermore, the age group under 5 years (IRR: 1.40, 95% CI=1.10 –1.79), the age group 5-14 years (IRR: 1.27, 95% CI=1.03 –1.57) and households with less educated household head (IRR: 1.63, 95% CI=1.10 –2.44), house roof made of thatch/leaf (IRR: 1.35, 95% CI = 1.11 -1.65) were at higher risk for P. vivax. Similar explanatory variables such as distance from the breeding sites, age group (under 5 years but not 5-14 years old), educational status and type of housing were also found to be the predictors of P. falciparum incidence. Conclusion: Household living closer to a mosquito breeding site, age group under 15 years, less educated household heads and thatch/leaf roof housing were the risk factor for P.vivax. The result of this study can be used for tailored interventions for malaria control and prevention by prioritizing those living close to potential mosquito breeding site, enhancing bed net use of children less than 15 years of age, and improving housing.
Factors Affecting the Grief Process After Perinatal Loss: A Case Control Study
Authors: Kishimoto Makiko , Yamaguchi Arisa , Niimura Marina , Mizumoto Miki , Hikitsuchi Tatsuo , Ogawa Kohei , Ozawa Nobuaki , Tachibana Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2021

Background: Factors associated with the grief process in response to perinatal loss have been investigated. However, few studies focused on the intrapersonal factors, such as developmental and personality traits. To investigate medical and psychosocial risk factors, including inter- and intrapersonal factors for the development of complicated grief following perinatal loss, while considering emotional support.Methods: A total of 50 subjects who were treated for grief due to perinatal loss at the National Center for Child Health and Development were divided into two groups according to the treatment period (<6 months: n = 28; ≥6 months: n = 22). We compared medical and psychosocial variables between the two groups using the χ2 test and t-test. All data were further analyzed using a logistic regression model to adjust for confounding effects.Results: Subjects who had traits of developmental/personality disorders (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 7.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–42.9, P =.030), and those treated with psychoactive drugs (adjusted OR: 5.77, 95% CI: 1.09–30.5, P =.039) required a longer treatment period (≥6 months).Conclusions: Patients with personality/developmental traits and those with active psychiatric symptoms required a more extended treatment period in response to loss, suggesting the accumulation of negative factors in these patients; thus, more intensive and specialized care is necessary for these patients. Precise analysis of the coping style, attachment style, communication skills, and life history including relationship with the original family of the patients may have implications on the approach toward patients with complicated grief after perinatal loss. Studies with larger sample size are required to increase the reliability of the present findings, and future research should address the effects of the differential attachment and coping styles of patients with developmental/personality traits on the grief process.