bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
16S Metagenomics of Nitrifying Bacteria and Archaea Inhabiting Maize Rhizosphere and the Influencing Environmental Factors
Authors: Ayiti Oluwatobi Esther , Ayangbenro Ayansina Segun , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: November 2021

The maize rhizosphere soil is unique with diverse microorganisms. Nitrifying bacteria and archaea are ubiquitous and can transform ammonia locked up in soil or manure into nitrate; a more soluble form of nitrogen. However, nitrifying bacteria and archaea inhabiting maize rhizosphere are yet to be identified. We elucidate the diversity and abundance of nitrifying bacteria and archaea associated with maize rhizosphere across different growth stages using 16S metagenomics sequencing. Also, the influence of environmental factors on the nitrifying communities was evaluated. The maize rhizosphere soil was collected from North-West University, Molelwane, South Africa. DNA was extracted using Nucleospin Soil DNA extraction kit and the V3-V4 hypervariable region was sequenced on Illumina Miseq platform. MG-RAST was used to analyze the raw sequences. The environmental factors were measured using standard procedure. The result revealed 9 genera of nitrifying bacteria; Nitrospira, Nitrosospira, Nitrobacter, Nitrosovibrio, Nitrosomonas, Nitrosococcus, Nitrococcus, unclassified (derived from Nitrosomonadales), unclassified (derived from Nitrosomonadaceae) and 1 archaeon Candidatus Nitrososphaera. The Nitrospirae phyla group which had the most nitrifying bacteria was more abundant at the tasselling stage (67.94%). Alpha diversity showed no significant difference. However, the Beta diversity showed significant difference (P=0.01, R=0.58) across the growth stages. The growth stages had no significant effect on the diversity of nitrifying bacteria and archaea, but the tasselling stage had the most abundant. A correlation was observed among some of the environmental factors. The research outcome can be put into consideration while carrying out a biotechnological process that involves nitrifying bacteria and archaea.
Increased Expression Regulator of G-protein Signaling 1 Predicts Unfavorable Prognosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lin Hai , Zhu Feng , Wang Jun , Liu Yubiao , Fu Weihua
Published: November 2021

Background: Regulator of G-protein signaling 1 (RGS1) expression has been reported to be a prognostic marker for specific cancers, but its function in gastric cancer (GC) remains to be elucidated. Methods: RNA-sequencing data and clinicopathologic characteristics of 434 GC patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. the expression level of RGS1 in GC tissues are significantly higher than pan-cancer tissues. The high expression of RGS1 is associated with worse progression of GC. The diagnostic value of RGS1 was evaluated by calculating receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Cox proportional hazards regression modeling and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to explore clinicopathologic characteristics related to overall survival (OS) in GC patients. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate the impact of RGS1 on prognosis in the study population in our center. Results: The expression level of RGS1 in GC were significantly higher comparing with normal stomach tissues (p=0.016). The expression of RGS1 was significantly associated with poor differentiation (p=1.917e-06), T stage (p=1042e-04), N stage (p=0.049) and TNM stage (p=0.004). The area under the ROC curve was 0.610. High RGS1 expression was significantly associated with poor OS (p=0.002). Multivariate analysis shows high RGS1 expression(p=0.031) was independent poor prognostic factors of OS. Conclusion: High RGS1 protein expression was correlated with poor clinical outcomes, which was also independent predictors of worse OS. RGS1 may be a promising target for a new GC therapy.
Misclassification of Gleason grade and tumor stage in Asian-American patients with low-risk prostate cancer: A SEER-Based Analysis
Authors: Li Xiao , Xu Zicheng , Xu Wenbo , Qi Feng , Zou Qing
Published: November 2021

Background
This study aimed to investigate the misclassification rates of Asian-American patients with low-risk prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP).
Methods
Patients diagnosed with low-risk PCa treated with RP between 2010 and 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were included in this study. Then, basic characteristics and pathological outcomes of enrolled patients were retrospectively extracted. We compared the rates of upgrading and/or upstaging between Asian-American patients and White/Black patients. Moreover, temporal trend analyses were performed to explore the changes in upgrading and upstaging rates in each race over time. Finally, logistic regression models were constructed to explore the role of Asian race in upgrading and upstaging and to screen out potential risk factors for predicting upgrading and upstaging in Asian-American patients.
Results
In patients with low-risk PCa, Asian-Americans had significantly higher rate of upgrading than Whites (51.25% vs. 45.18%, P<0.001), while no statistical difference was found in the comparison of upstaging rate (10.01 vs. 10.01, P=0.536). Moreover, Asian-Americans were more likely to upgrade to diseases with higher ISUP grade than Whites (P=0.010). The rate of upgrading increased significantly over time in White and Black patients, but not in Asian-American patients. Finally, race seemed to be an independent risk factor for predicting upgrading, while the racial differences seemed to be more pronounced between White and Black patients.
Conclusion
Asian-American patients had a significantly higher rate of upgrading than White patients. Moreover, Asian-American patients were more likely to upgrade to diseases with higher ISUP grade. Further risk assessment before clinical decision for low-risk PCa patients with the help of significant clinical variables is required.
Sex Differences in Depressive Symptom Networks Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in South Korea: A Network Comparison Test
Authors: Lee Chiyoung , Hu Xiao
Published: November 2021

This cross-sectional study investigated the sex differences in depressive symptom networks among community-dwelling older adults in Korea. The analysis was based on the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey data targeting older adults aged 65 years or older. Using network analysis, depressive symptom networks were constructed according to the items listed in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for propensity score-matched male (n = 1,885) and female groups (n = 2,848). Strength centrality and network stability were tested. A network comparison test was performed to compare the global strength, network structure, and specific edge strength between the networks. Symptoms central to the network were similar between sexes, which were suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and psychomotor retardation/agitation. However, the global structure (S = 0.67, p = .008) and network structure (M = 0.11, p = .043) differed between sexes. The female symptom network showed more strengthened edges (Smale = 2.00; Sfemale = 2.66). Particularly, four edges—loss of interest–hopelessness (E = 0.09, p = .016), sleep disturbance–low energy/fatigue (E = 0.11, p = .005), loss of interest–concentration difficulty (E = 0.05, p = .047), and worthlessness–concentration difficulty (E = 0.08, p = .045)—were more pronounced in the female network. Our results may help guide future research and clinical interventions for female depression.
Knockdown of TRAF1 in NSCIC Contributes Gefitinib Sensitivity by Promoting G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Wen Xiaoxing , Zhang TingTing , Feng Tao , Wang Bingping , Fang Tao
Published: November 2021

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) achieves remarkable success in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) bearing activating EGFR mutations. However, EGFR-TKI resistance is still a obstacles in the clinical practice. TRAF1 as a member of TRAF family participates NSCLC progression. In our previous research found that TRAF1 played an important role in the progression of NSCLC.Methods: In vivo and vitro, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot (WB) were carried out to check the expression of TRAF1 in gefitinib-sensitive and -resistant NSCLC samples. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and flow cytometry were used to measure cell proliferation, apoptosis and cycle arrest.Results: Here we showed that TRAF1 over-expression is associated with clinical resistance to EGFR TKI. TRAF1 was significantly up-regulated in gefitinib-resistant cells. Knockdown of TRAF1 increased the sensitivity of gefitinib-resistant cell. Knockdown of TRAF1 induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Conclusions: Therefore, our results highlight the function of TRAF1 in the EGFT-TKI resistance.
Dynamic Three-Dimensional Shoulder Kinematics In Patients With Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: A Comparison of Patients With And Without Subscapularis Tears
Authors: Yamada Yuji , Kai Yoshihiro , Kida Noriyuki , Koda Hitoshi , Ikeda Hitoshi , Takeshima Minoru , Hoshi Kenji , Gamada Kazuyoshi , Morihara Toru
Published: November 2021

Background: Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) with subscapularis tears cause severe shoulder dysfunction. This study aimed to examine the influence of subscapularis tears on 3D shoulder kinematics during scapular plane abduction in patients with MRCTs.Methods: Fifteen patients were enrolled and were divided into two groups: supraspinatus and infraspinatus tears either with subscapularis tear (Torn Subscapularis group: 10 shoulders) or without subscapularis tear (Intact Subscapularis group: 5 shoulders). Single-plane fluoroscopic images during scapular plane elevation and computed tomography-derived 3D bone models were matched to the fluoroscopic images using 2D/3D registration techniques. Changes in 3D kinematic results were compared.Results: The humeral head center at the beginning of arm elevation was significantly higher in the Torn Subscapularis group than in the Intact Subscapularis group (1.8 ± 3.4 mm vs. −1.1 ± 1.6 mm, respectively, P < 0.05). In the Torn Subscapularis group, the center of the humeral head migrated superiorly, then significantly downward at 60° arm elevation (P < 0.05). In the Intact Subscapularis group, there was no significant difference in the superior-inferior translation of the humeral head between the elevation angles.Conclusions: In cases of MRCT with a torn subscapularis, the center of the humeral head showed a superior translation at the initial phase of scapular plane abduction, subsequently, there was inferior translation. These findings suggest that the subscapularis muscle plays an important role in determining the glenohumeral joint’s dynamic stability in a superior-inferior direction in patients with MRCTs.
Diagnosis of Breast Sparganosis by Ultrasonography Combine with Molecular Biological Methods
Authors: Yang Ping , Zheng Wei , Wang Lifu
Published: November 2021

Background: Sparganosis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the plerocercoid larvae of the genus Spirometra. The sites affected by the plerocercoid infection include subcutaneous tissues, brain, eyes, the abdominal viscera, and urogenital organs. In clinical practice, due to the limited laboratory approaches for the specific detection of sparganum, breast Sparganosis was often initially suspected to be breast tumor. Case presentation: In the present report, a 65-year-old woman was admitted to the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China, because of a mass in her left breast. Breast ultrasonography showed multiple bands with low echo and uneven echo, and color doppler flow imaging showed no blood flow signal in the lesion. Therefore, the possibility of tumor was excluded and a preliminary diagnosis of Sparganosis was made. Subsequently, a lumpectomy was carried out and revealed a 30 cm worm. Then histopathological examination diagnosed this case was sparganosis and the worm was Sparganum proliferum. To further verify our diagnosis, the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene was amplified by PCR, sequence analysis of PCR products made us sure that it was the Sparganum proliferum. Conclusion: We present Sparganosis could be preliminarily distinguished from breast tumor by ultrasonography, and then confirm Sparganosis by molecular biological methods, which provided a more efficient method for the detection of Sparganosis.
Collective health research assessment: Development of a tool to measure the impact of multi-stakeholder research initiatives
Authors: Kork Anna-Aurora , Antonini Carla , García-Torea Nicolás , Luque-Vílchez Mercedes , Costa Ericka , Senn Juliette , Larrinaga Carlos , Bertorello Deborah , Brichetto Giampaolo , Zaratin Paola , Andreaus Michele
Published: November 2021

Background

The need for measuring the impact of health research more collaboratively and from multi-dimensional perspectives has been acknowledged. As part of a Collective Research Impact Framework (CRIF), a scorecard was developed that will engage stakeholders in measuring the impacts of health research and innovation. The purpose of this study is to describe the developmental process of the MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard and how it can be used as a practical tool for assessing future responsible research and innovation actions collectively.
Methods

Based on an extensive review of the health research impact literature and multi-stakeholder initiatives, a total of 1,556 impact indicators were collected into a database. The Master Scorecard was then co-created by engaging key stakeholders and conducting semi-structured interviews with experts in the field.
Results

The MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard consists of five accountability dimensions: the excellence, efficacy, economic, social and patient-reported dimensions. The tool includes 126 potential indicators classified into 52 measurement aspects that are considered the most relevant topics applicable to multi-stakeholder research and innovation initiatives in assessing their impact based on their mission and stakeholders’ interests. The MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard allows the strategic management of multi-stakeholder research initiatives to demonstrate their research impact on people and society. The value of the tool is that it is comprehensive, customizable and easy to use.
Conclusions

The MULTI-ACT Master Scorecard is an example of how the views of society can be taken into account in assessing research impacts in a more sustainable and balanced way. The engagement of patients and other stakeholders is an integral part of the CRIF, facilitating collaborative decision-making in the design of policies and research agendas. In policy-making, the collective approach allows extending the evaluation perspective to the needs of society and toward responsible research and innovation. Multi-dimensionality fosters research and innovations to be more responsive to systemic challenges and developing more equitable and sustainable health services.
Pediatric Behcet's Disease Patient with Cardiac Valvular Lesions: case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Yao Xin , Wang Xin-Ning , Zhou Zhi-Xuan , Li Sheng-Nan , Lai Jianming
Published: November 2021

Background

To explore the clinical characteristics, treatment regimen, and prognosis of cardiac valvular involvement in pediatric Behcet's disease.
Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data obtained from one pediatric patient suffering from Behcet's disease with cardiac valvular involvement. Present study also reviewed the literature related to cardiac involvement in pediatric Behcet's disease.
Results

The disease onset in the female patient was reported at the age of 3 years, with clinical symptoms, including apthous ulcers, fever, perianal ulcers, and erythema nodosum, accompanied by a significant increase in the inflammatory markers. Echocardiography indicated that aortic valve (AV) lesions, which were absent initially, developed later, gradually exacerbated. Initially, she was diagnosed as "infectious disease" and "systemic inflammatory response syndrome", and antibiotic therapy proved ineffective. After an accurate diagnosis of Behcet's disease, the patient was given glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and biologics, which resulted in the relief of the symptoms; however, cardiac valvular lesions continued to exacerbate. Subsequent treatment included medical treatment and surgical treatment, and the patient's condition was stable at follow-up.
Conclusions

Cardiac valvular lesions in pediatric Behcet's disease are rare with insidious onset, enhancing the propensity of misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. Main manifestations include recurrent oral ulceration, skin lesions, and fever. Cardiac involvement may occur early, yet the symptoms are insidious, requiring comprehensive physical examination and close monitoring of echocardiography. Glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants are the primary therapy for cardiac involvement in Behcet's disease. When cardiac valvular damage and dysfunction are observed, treatment regimens can be jointly recommended by multidisciplinary consultation to conduct the surgical treatment on time.
3D Heat transfer Simulation of an injection mold: comparison between ANSYS Workbench and ANSYS Mechanical APDL
Authors: Silva Hugo Miguel , Fernandes Leandro , Rodrigues Hugo Luís , Noversa João Tiago , Pontes António José
Published: November 2021

Because of recent advancements in additive manufacturing, fabricating conformal cooling channels (CCCs) has become easier and more economical. In the injection molding process, CCCs provide higher cooling performance than standard (straight drilled) channels. The major reason for this is that CCCs may follow the courses of the molded geometry, whereas typical channels created using traditional machining processes cannot. Using CCCs can reduce thermal strains and warpage while also improving cycle time and achieving a more uniform temperature distribution. CCC, on the other hand, has a more complicated design procedure than traditional channels. Simulations using computer-aided engineering (CAE) are critical for achieving an effective and cost-effective design. This article compares two ANSYS modules for the purpose of validating results. It can be inferred that the two modules produce similar results for models with fine mesh. As a result, the ANSYS module to work on should be chosen depending on the job's goal as well as the CAD geometry's complexity.
Impact of the El Niño type and PDO on the Winter Sub-seasonal North American Zonal Temperature Dipole via the Variability of Positive PNA Events
Authors: Ge Yao , Luo Dehai
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the winter (from December to February, DJF) North American surface air temperature (SAT) anomaly in midlatitudes shows a “warm west/cold east” (WWCE) dipole pattern. To some extent, the winter WWCE dipole can be considered as being a result of the winter mean of sub-seasonal WWCE events. In this paper, the Pacific SST condition linked to the WWCE SAT dipole is investigated. It is found that while the sub-seasonal WWCE dipole is related to the positive Pacific North American (PNA+) pattern, the impact of the PNA+ on the WWCE dipole depends on the El Niño SST type and the phase of Pacific decadal Oscillation (PDO). For a central-Pacific (CP) type El Niño, the positive (negative) height anomaly center of PNA+ is located in the western (eastern) North America to result in an intensified WWCE dipole, though the positive PDO favors the WWCE dipole. In contrast, the WWCE dipole is suppressed under an Eastern-Pacific (EP) type El Niño because the PNA+ anticyclonic anomaly dominates the whole North America. Moreover, the physical cause of why the El Niño type influences PNA+ is further examined. It is found that the type of El Niño can significantly influence the location of PNA+ through changing North Pacific midlatitude westerly winds associated with the Pacific Hadley cell change. For the CP-type El Niño, the eastward migration of PNA+ is suppressed to favor its anticyclonic (cyclonic) anomaly appearing in the west (east) region of North American owing to reduced midlatitude westerly winds. But for the EP-type El Niño, midlatitude westerly wind is intensified to cause the appearance of PNA+ anticyclonic anomaly over the whole North America due to enhanced Hadley cell.
Heavy Metal Bioremediation by Novel Microbial Strains Proteus Mirabilis and Bordetella Avium
Authors: Ganorkar Rohini , Jadeja Niti B. , Shanware Arti
Published: November 2021

The entitled study focuses on exploring the microbial diversity and its applicability in the remediation of metal contaminated soil using microbes which is a reliable, and cost effective technique. Present investigation studied microbiota present in tungsten enriched soil of kuhi-Agargaon-Khobna region using culturable approach confirmed by ICP-MS and SEM-EDS analysis. Furthur applicability in Bioremediation and Azo Dye degradation was studied. XRF analyses of soil samples were performed followed by traditional microbiological analysis for isolation of tungsten tolerant bacteria’s. Tungsten accumulation was confirmed using ICP-MS and SEM-EDS techniques. Different metals and azo dye tolerance studies were conducted. Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed the antibiotic resistance profile of these microbes. XRF analyses of soil samples from these regions measured about 300 ppm tungsten/kg of soil at the Agargaon region and 200 ppm tungsten/kg of soil at the Khobna region. The traditional microbiological analysis resulted in two bacterial isolates which were identified for tolerance to tungsten named as Proteus mirabilis strain RS2K and Bordetella avium strain RS3K through 16S rDNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. These microbes were found to accumulate tungsten intracellularly as confirmed through ICP-MS and SEM-EDS analyses. In addition to (sodium) tungsten, the microbes were tolerant to tungstic acid, ammonium metaparatungstate, mercuric chloride, cobalt chloride and azo dyes .Microbes exhibited well-equipped cellular mechanisms for metal tolerance to survive in heavy metal-laden ecology. The novel strains obtained through a culturable approach in this study contain substantial potential in bioleaching of heavy metals and green mining.
Comparison of Region-of-Interest Delineation Methods for Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy
Authors: Wu Penghuan , Huang Chengyan , Shi Benchao , Jin Anmin
Published: November 2021

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging is a promising technique for determining the responsible lesion of cervical radiculopathy, but the selection and delineation of the region of interest (ROI) affects the results. To explore the impact of different ROI sketching methods on the repeatability and consistency of DTI measurement values in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).
Methods

This was a retrospective study that included CSR patients who underwent DTI imaging. The images were analyzed independently by two radiologists. Four delineation methods were used: free-hand method, maximum roundness, quadrilateral method, and multi-point averaging method. They re-examined the images 6 weeks later. To investigate the consistency between the two measurements and the reproducibility between two radiologists, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used.
Results

A total of 42 CSR patients were enrolled in this study. The distribution of compressed nerve roots was five C4, eight C5, sixteen C6, eleven C7, and two C8. No difference was found among the four methods in fractional anisotropy (FA) or apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), irrespective of radiologists. (all P>0.05). Similar results were observed between the first and second measurements (all P>0.05), but some significant differences were observed for radiologist 2 for the four-small rounds method (P=0.033). Between the two measurements and the two radiologists, the free-hand and single largest circle methods were the two methods with the highest ICC (all ICC >0.90).
Conclusion

For the delineation of DTI ROI in patients with CSR, the free-hand and single largest circle methods were the most consistent methods.
Genetic predisposition to papillary thyroid carcinoma is mediated by a long non-coding RNA TINCR enhancer polymorphism
Authors: Wang Qiang , Huang Hong , Chen Peng , Xiao Xiao , Luo Xiaolei , Wang Yanyun , Gao Linbo , Zhang Lin
Published: November 2021

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the enhancer region have been demonstrated to confer to altered enhancer activities, aberrant gene expression, and cancer susceptibility. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between an SNP, rs8101923, within terminal differentiation-induced non-coding RNA (TINCR) and the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Blood samples from 559 patients with PTC and 445 healthy individuals were collected. The rs8101923 was genotyped by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. The impact of the rs8101923 on TINCR expression and enhancer activity was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay. The binding of AP-2α to TINCR enhancer was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The rs8101923 G allele was significantly associated with a higher risk of PTC (adjusted OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.15–1.64). Mechanistically, the rs8101923 was related to increased transcriptional levels and enhancer activities (P < 0.05). Transcription factor AP-2α binds to the enhancer region of TINCR containing the rs8101923 locus, and promotes cell proliferation in PTC. These findings suggest the rs8101923 as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of PTC, which provides evidence for explaining the mechanism of the rs8101923 risk allele predisposing to PTC.
TMEM88 is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlates With Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liman Andrew , Gu Yang , Liu Pengpeng , Liu Quanyan
Published: November 2021

BackgroundTransmembrane protein 88 (TMEM88) has emerged as a newly discovered cancer-related protein that acts as a cancer-promoting or cancer-inhibiting regulator in multiple tumor types. However, the exact role of TMEM88 in liver cancer is undetermined. The current study was designed to determine the expression of TMEM88 in liver cancer. ResultsTMEM88 expression was significantly lower in several human cancers, but higher in liver and bile cancer, than in corresponding normal tissues. TMEM88 expression in HCC tissues correlated with prognosis. Low TMEM88 expression associated with poorer overall survival, disease-specific survival, progression-free survival, and relapse-free survival in multiple cohorts of HCC patients, particularly at late disease stages (grade 2 and 3). TMEM88 showed strong correlation with tumor-infiltrating B cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that TMEM88 is a potential prognostic biomarker that determines cancer progression and correlated with tumor immune cells infiltration in HCC.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the kidney in an End Stage Renal disease patient in a tertiary health care center; a case report and review of literature, Assiut university hospital experience 2021,
Authors: abdelkader abdelrahman mohamed , Zarzour mohamed
Published: November 2021

The literature mentioned few case that are squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis since 1955. Renal cell carcinoma with all its variants represent more than ninety percent, the remaining ten percent is divided on urothelial tumors, sarcomas and metastasis from other organs. Squamous cell carcinoma of the urothelium is not common, but in Egypt it was very frequently seen in the bladder, multiple cause are proposed such as the chronic irritation caused by Schistosomiasis infection .The general role of this type is that it is resistant to both chemo and radiotherapy with fair outcome to surgery if early intervention was done. This article will discuss a case that developed squamous cell carcinoma in the renal bed after nephrectomy, which was managed with excellent outcome in assiut university hospital
Quantification of Industrial Wastewater Discharge From The Major Cities in Sichuan Province (China) From 2003 To 2018
Authors: Yang Zhen’an , Zhang Yawen , guo Hui , Ma Zhaoxu
Published: November 2021

Wastewater discharge is produced as a side effect of socio-economic activities and exerts severe pressure on the environment, its characteristics depend on the rate of urbanization and industrialization. We used spatial autocorrelation, environmental Kuznets curve (EKC), and logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) model to study the spatial characteristics and driving factors of industrial wastewater discharge in Sichuan province (2003–2018). We showed that the amount of industrial wastewater discharge in Sichuan province for the period was reduced from 116580 to 42064.96 million tons as observed from the Moran index ranging from -0.31 to 0.30. We identified five types of the EKC (monotonically decreasing, N, inverted N, U, and inverted U shape) in 18 major cities of Sichuan province. The technical effect (from -0.28 to -16.37) can reduce the discharge of industrial wastewater, while structure effect (0.05–3.83), economy effect (0.19–7.79) and population effect (from -0.08 to 0.46) can promote the industrial wastewater discharge. Our findings suggest that industrial wastewater discharge was reduced and showed a scattered distribution characteristic in Sichuan Province from 2003 to 2018. It is necessary to strengthen technical management measures to reduce industrial wastewater discharge in Sichuan province.
Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials in Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Associations With Behavioural Rating Scales And Impact of Psychostimulant Medication
Authors: Lalancette Eve , Charlebois-Poirier Audrey-Rose , Agbogba Kristian , Knoth Inga Sophia , Jones Emily J.H. , Mason Luke , Perreault Sébastien , Lippé Sarah
Published: November 2021

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder often associated with cognitive dysfunctions, including a high occurrence of deficits in visuoperceptual skills. The neural underpinnings of these visuoperceptual deficits are not fully understood. We used steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) to investigate possible alterations in the synchronization of neural activity in the occipital cortex of children with NF1. Methods: SSVEPs were measured using electroencephalography and compared between children with NF1 (n = 28) and neurotypical controls (n=28) aged between 4 and 13 years old. SSVEPs were recorded during visual stimulation with coloured icons flickering at three different frequencies (6Hz, 10Hz and 15 Hz) and analyzed in terms of signal-to-noise ratios. A mixed design ANCOVA was performed to compare SSVEP responses between groups at the three stimulation frequencies. Pearson’s correlations with levels of intellectual functioning as well as with symptoms of ADHD, ASD and emotional/behavioural problems were performed. The impact of psychostimulant medication on the SSVEP responses was analyzed in a subset of the NF1 group (n=8) with paired t-tests.Results: We observed reduced signal-to-noise ratios of the SSVEP responses in children with NF1. The SSVEP responses were negatively correlated with symptoms of inattention and with symptoms of emotional/behavioural problems in the NF1 group. The SSVEP response generated by the lowest stimulation frequency (i.e., 6Hz) was rescued with the intake of psychostimulant medication. Conclusions: Impaired processing of rhythmic visual stimulation was evidenced in children with NF1 through measures of SSVEP responses. Those responses seem to be more reduced in children with NF1 who exhibit more symptoms of inattention and emotional/behavioral problems in their daily life. SSVEPs are potentially sensitive electrophysiological markers that could be included in future studies investigating the impact of medication on brain activity and cognitive functioning in children with NF1.
Experience for Glaucoma Patients During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: qian ye , Ye Qian , Chen Xiao , Song Yanping , Zhang Wen-qiang
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To reviewed our measures and other experiences associated with the treatment of glaucoma patients during the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak . Methods: Measures consistent with the clinical situation and the type of glaucoma were implemented in each case. Results: Consultation for treatment was provided through a WeChat glaucoma patient group. In our survey, 58.5%patients indicated an increase in negative emotions during the outbreak, and psychological counseling was provided frequently. Difficulties in purchasing eye drops were reported by 79.2% of glaucoma patients, so an online medicine supply system was set up and eyedrops from the pharmacy or hospital pharmacy were mailed to the patients. Phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis was performed in7acute primary angle-closure glaucomapatients (11eyes) who experienced sustained high IOP(onset time, 12-65d). The IOP decreased significantly after the operation(t=7.895，P<0.01) without showing serious complications or infections. In addition, lectureson glaucoma prevention were promoted online. Conclusion: Effective measures can relieve thepsychological pressure and intraocular symptoms in glaucoma patientsin epidemic outbreak areas.
Improving Mechanical Property and Microstucture Evolution of 7075 Aluminum Panel Formed by Unequal Alternate Double-sided Laser Shock Forming
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Qiao Hongchao , Lu Ying , Zhao Jibin , sun boyu , he jiaqi
Published: November 2021

With thrust weight ratio increasing, integral panel is an important component to reduce the aircraft weight, and it is a great challenges to ensure the forming accuracy and mechanical property in the lager-scale panel. Laser shock forming has a great development prospect in achieving integral panel forming and improving its mechanical properties. This work investigated unequal alternate double-sided laser shock forming, which can make 7075 aluminum panel form and induce harden layer in both panel sides. The improvement in mechanical properties and microstucture evolution of 7074 aluminum panel were analyzed after unequal alternate double-sided laser shock forming. The residual stress and microhardness in surface and subsurface were verified to be enhanced by the laser shock wave. The results of XRD and EBSD provided an evidence of grain refinement. The strengthening mechanism of unequal alternate double-sided laser shock forming was analyzed in this work. The grains are distorted and refined during high strain rate plastic deformation due to dislocation slip and accumulation. The mechanical properties were enhanced by unequal alternate double-sided laser shock forming for harden layers in both panel sides. The harden layers and grain refinement has a great significance in inhibiting the crack generation and growth.
Hindfoot motion analysis by subtalar compensation and ankle osteoarthritis stage using a multi-segment foot model
Authors: Kang Ho Won , Kim Dae-Yoo , Park Gil-Young , Kim Jung Min , Lee Dong-Oh , Lee Dong Yeon
Published: November 2021

Background

The biomechanics of the hindfoot in ankle osteoarthritis (OA) are not yet fully understood. Here we aimed to identify hindfoot motion in a gait analysis using a multi-segment foot model (MFM) according to ankle OA stage or hindfoot alignment by the presence of subtalar compensation.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, simple radiographs, and gait MFM data of 54 ankles admitted to our hospital for the treatment of advanced ankle OA. Spatiotemporal gait parameters and three-dimensional motions of the hindfoot segment were analyzed according to sex, age, body mass index, Takakura classification, and presence of subtalar compensation.
Results

No spatiotemporal gait parameters differed significantly according to the presence of subtalar compensation or ankle OA stage. Only normalized step width differed significantly (P = .028). Average hindfoot motion (decompensation versus compensation) did not differ significantly between the sagittal and transverse planes. Graphing of the coronal movement of the hindfoot revealed collapsed curves in both groups that differed significantly. Compared with Takakura stages 3a, 3b, and 4, cases of more advanced stage 3b had a smaller sagittal range of motion than those of stage 3a (P = .028). Coronal movement of the hindfoot in cases of Takakura stage 3a/3b/4 showed a relatively flat pattern.
Conclusions

The spatiotemporal parameters were not affected by the alignment state of the heel resulting from subtalar compensation. The sagittal range of hindfoot motion decreased in patients with advanced ankle OA. Once disrupted, the coronal movement of the subtalar joint in ankle OA did not change regardless of ankle OA stage or hindfoot compensation state.
Monitoring and Prediction of Climate Change Impact on 24-h Probable Maximum Precipitation in the Southeast of Caspian Sea
Authors: Afzali-Gorouh Zahra , Faridhosseini Alireza , Bakhtiari Bahram , Mosaedi Abolfazl , Salehnia Nasrin
Published: November 2021

Due to the impacts of climate change on Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP), and its importance in designing hydraulic structures, PMP estimation is crucial. In this study, the effect of climate change on 24-h probable maximum precipitation (PMP24) was investigated in a part of the Qareh-Su basin located in the Southeast of Caspian Sea. So far, there are no studies emphasizing on climate change impact on hydrological (physical) PMP values have been conducted in the study area. For this purpose, the climatic data were applied during the years 1988–2017. To generate future data, the outputs of the CanESM2 (Second Generation Canadian Earth System Model) model as a general circulation model (GCM) under optimistic (RCP2.6), middle (RCP4.5), and pessimistic (RCP8.5) emission scenarios, and statistical downscaling model (SDSM) were used in the near (2019-2048) and the far (2049-2078) future periods. The PMP24 values were estimated using a physical method in the baseline and future periods under the three scenarios. The PMP24 value was estimated at 143 mm for the baseline-period, using a physical approach. These values were 98, 105, and 109 for the near-future and 129, 122, and 126mm for the far-future period. The results showed that the physical approach's PMP24 values tend to fall at 14-38%. Overall, the PMP24 values decrease in the future, and the rate of decrease in the near-future was more than the rate of the far-future. The spatial distribution maps of PMP24 in the baseline and future-periods showed that the PMP24 values decreased from west to east.
An Efficient Quantum based D2D Computation and Communication Approach for the Internet of Things
Authors: Mekala M S , Srivast Gautam , Lin Jerry Chun-Wei , Dhiman Gaurav , Park Ju H , Jung Ho-Youl
Published: November 2021

We can say with some clarity that the Internet of Things (IoT) can be made up of a set of embedded devices such as light detection sensors, ranging (LiDAR) sensors, and millimetre-wave (mmWave) sensors. These sensors generate a massive amount of data in which limited communication capacity is available to share a massive amount of data to Fog-based Roadside Units (RSU) for data process and analysis service. Fog-based RSU has become an emerging paradigm in intelligent transportation but needs research attention to design intelligent decision-making methods for data communication and computation at Fog-based RSU. To address these issues, we design a two-level Quantum based D2D Computation, Communication ($QDC^{2}$) approach. First, design a bandwidth allocation strategy based on spatial importance score factors to resolve embedded devices' data transmission issues. Second, design an adaptive equilibrium service offloading strategy based on device-centric measurements to assess the computation capacity and performance rate for resolving Fog-node computation consistency issues. Additionally, Fog-based RSU is interconnected with LAN helps to optimize service latency. Simulation results show that our approach achieved a high service reliability rate (79.56\%), low error rate (0.9\%), and an execution delay of 22.5s for 15 devices than state-of-art approaches.
Behavioral and Slice Electrophysiological Assessment of DREADD Ligand, Deschloroclozapine (DCZ) in Rats
Authors: Nentwig Todd , Obray J. Daniel , Vaughan Dylan , Chandler L. Judson
Published: November 2021

Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) have become a premier neuroscience research tool for enabling reversible manipulations of cellular activity following experimenter-controlled delivery of a DREADD-specific ligand. However, several DREADD ligands, e.g., clozapine-N-oxide (CNO), have metabolic and off-target effects that may confound experimental findings. New DREADD ligands aim to reduce metabolic and potential off-target effects while maintaining strong efficacy for the designer receptors. Recently a novel DREADD ligand, deschloroclozapine (DCZ), was shown to induce chemogenetic-mediated cellular and behavioral effects in mice and monkeys without detectable side effects. The goal of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of systemic DCZ for DREADD-based chemogenetic manipulations in behavioral and slice electrophysiological applications in rats. We demonstrate that a relatively low dose of DCZ (0.1 mg/kg) supports excitatory DREADD-mediated cFos induction, DREADD-mediated inhibition of a central amygdala-dependent behavior, and DREADD-mediated inhibition of neuronal activity in a slice electrophysiology preparation. In addition, we show that this dose of DCZ does not alter gross locomotor activity or induce a place preference/aversion in control rats without DREADD expression. Together, our findings support the use of systemic DCZ for DREADD-based manipulaations in rats, and provide evidence that DCZ is a superior alternative to CNO.
The Incidence And Risk Factors of Serum Hypokalemia After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Pan Pin , Zhang Zitao , Zhang Xiaofeng , Jiang Qing , Xu Zhihong
Published: November 2021

Background: Regular monitoring of serum potassium after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a routine examination, which can detect abnormal serum potassium and reduce adverse events timely caused by postoperative hypokalemia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of hypokalemia after primary total hip and knee replacement.Methods: This study included patients who underwent unilateral total knee or hip arthroplasty in our department from April 2017 to March 2018. The serum potassium level before and after operation was collected and retrospectively analyzed. The differences in age, BMI and other factors between hypokalemia patients and non-hypokalemia patients at different time points after surgery were compared, and then the risk factors of postoperative hypokalemia were analyzed based on multiple logistic regression.Results: The total incidence of postoperative hypokalemia was 53.1%, while the respective rate on the first, third and fifth postoperative day was 12.5%, 40.7% and 9.6%. The serum potassium level on the first, third and fifth postoperative day was 3.84±0.32mmol/l, 3.59±0.34mmol/l and 3.80±0.32mmol/l, while among which, the level on the third day was the lowest (p=0.015). The independent risk factors for hypokalemia after total hip and knee replacement were the level of preoperative serum potassium (p=0.011), preoperative red blood cells (p=0.027), and a history of diabetes (p=0.007).Conclusion: Regular monitoring of serum potassium should be performed after TJA due to hypokalemia was a very common complication. We need to pay more attention to patients’ preoperative potassium and red blood cells, especially patients with diabetes.
Intratumoral and Peritumoral CT-Based Radiomics Strategy Reveals Distinct Subtypes of Nonsmall-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tang Xing , Huang Haolin , Du Peng , Yin Hong , Xu Xiaopan
Published: November 2021

Purpose To evaluate a new radiomics strategy that incorporates peritumoral and intratumoral features extracted from lung CT images with ensemble learning for pretreatment prediction of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).Methods A total of 105 patients (47 LUSC and 58 LUAD) with pretherapy CT scans were involved in this retrospective study and were divided into training (n=73) and testing (n=32) cohorts. Seven categories of radiomics features involving 3078 metrics in total, were extracted from the intra- and peritumoral regions of each patient’s CT data. Student’s t-tests in combination with three feature selection methods were adopted for optimal features selection. An ensemble classifier that was generated with five machine learning classifiers and optimal features, was developed and the performance was quantitatively evaluated using both training and testing cohorts for the prediction task.Results The classification models developed by using optimal feature subsets determined from intratumoral region and peritumoral region with the ensemble classifier achieved mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87, 0.83 in the training cohort and 0.66, 0.60 in the testing cohort, respectively. The model developed by using the optimal feature subset selected from both intra- and peritumoral regions with the ensemble classifier achieved great performance improvement, with AUC of 0.87 and 0.78 in both cohorts, respectively.Conclusions The proposed new radiomics strategy that extracts image features from the intra- and peritumoral regions with ensemble learning, could greatly improve the diagnostic performance for the histological subtype stratification in patients with NSCLC.
Optimization of Processing Technology Based on Chemical Composition Difference and Anti-Fibrotic Activity
Authors: Ding Chuan , Xu Peng , Ning Yan , Shan QiYuan , Niu Minjie , Cai Hao , Han Xin , Cao Gang
Published: November 2021

Background

Cornus officinalis, a kind of edible herbal medicine, has been widely used in liver and kidney protection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-oxidant activities, which can be enhanced with wine-steamed (WS) processing.
Methods

Based on the activations of HSC-T6 and HK-2, our study used single-factor plus orthogonal design to investigate the anti-fibrosis of C. officinalis processed with steamed (S), high-pressure steamed (HPS), WS, high-pressure wine-steamed (HPWS), wine-dipped (WD), and wine-fried (WF). The chemical constituents in processed C. officinalis with higher anti-fibrotic activities were detected by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS.
Results

Results showed that C. officinalis with HPWS significantly inhibited the activations of HSC-T6 and HK-2. Moreover, compounds in C. officinalis with HPWS were obtained via UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, indicating that 27 components were changed compared with raw C. officinalis.
Conclusions

These results demonstrated that HPWS is the optimal processing technology for anti-fibrosis of C. officinalis.
ConsensusPrime - A Bioinformatic Pipeline For Ideal Consensus Primer Design
Authors: Collatz Maximilian , Braun Sascha D. , Monecke Stefan , Ehricht Ralf
Published: November 2021

High quality oligonucleotides for molecular amplification and detection procedures of diverse target sequences depend on sequence homology. The identification of homogeneous regions in alignments can be done manually only if alignments are small and if they contain sequences of high similarity. For large and inhomogeneous alignments, the process of finding the best regions needs to be automated.The ConsensusPrime pipeline was developed to detect the most homolog regions from multiple sequences. It automates the prediction of optimal consensus primers for analytical and diagnostic procedures/assays.ConsensusPrime is a fast and easy to use pipeline for predicting optimal consensus primers that is executable on local systems without depending on external resources and webservices. An implementation in a Docker image ensures platform-independent executability and installability despite the combination of multiple programs. The source code and installation instructions are freely available on GitHub (https://github.com/mcollatz/ConsensusPrime).