bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential responses to e-cig generated aerosols from humectants and different forms of nicotine in epithelial cells from nonsmokers and smokers
Authors: Escobar Yael-Natalie H. , Morrison Cameron B. , Chen Yuzhi , Hickman Elise , Love Charlotte A. , Rebuli Meghan E. , Surratt Jason D. , Ehre Camille , Jaspers Ilona
Published: April 2021

In the United States, millions of adults use electronic cigarettes (e-cigs), and a majority of these users are former or current cigarette smokers. It is unclear, whether prior smoking status affects biological responses induced by e-cigs. In this study, differentiated human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) from nonsmokers and smokers at air-liquid interface were acutely exposed to the e-cig generated aerosols of humectants, propylene glycol (PG), and glycerol (GLY). Mucin levels were examined in the apical washes, and cytokine levels were assessed in the basolateral supernatants 24 h postexposure. The aerosol from the GLY exposure increased mucin 5, subtype AC (MUC5AC) levels in the apical wash of hNECs from nonsmokers, but not smokers. However, the aerosol from GLY induced pro-inflammatory responses in hNECs from smokers. We also exposed hNECs from nonsmokers and smokers to e-cig generated aerosol from PG:GLY with freebase nicotine or nicotine salt. The PG:GLY with freebase nicotine exposure increased MUC5AC and mucin 5, subtype B (MUC5B) levels in hNECs from nonsmokers, but the nicotine salt exposure did not. The PG:GLY with nicotine salt exposure increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in hNECs from smokers, which was not seen with the freebase nicotine exposure. Taken together, these data indicate that the e-cig generated aerosols from the humectants, mostly GLY, and the type of nicotine used cause differential effects in airway epithelial cells from nonsmokers and smokers. As e-cig use is increasing, it is important to understand that the biological effects of e-cig use are likely dependent on prior cigarette smoke exposure.
What is the physiological role of hypothalamic tanycytes in metabolism?
Authors: Bolborea Matei , Langlet Fanny
Published: April 2021

In vertebrates, the energy balance process is tightly controlled by complex neural circuits that sense metabolic signals and adjust food intake and energy expenditure in line with the physiological requirements of optimal conditions. Within neural networks controlling energy balance, tanycytes are peculiar ependymoglial cells that are nowadays recognized as multifunctional players in the metabolic hypothalamus. However, the physiological function of hypothalamic tanycytes remains unclear, creating a number of ambiguities in the field. Here, we review data accumulated over the years that demonstrate the physiological function of tanycytes in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, opening up new research avenues. The presumed involvement of tanycytes in the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders and age-related neurodegenerative diseases will be finally discussed.
Skin wetness detection thresholds and wetness magnitude estimations of the human index fingerpad and their modulation by moisture temperature
Authors: Merrick Charlotte , Rosati Rodrigo , Filingeri Davide
Published: April 2021

The perception of wetness is a fundamental sensory experience which underpins many aspects of life, from homeostasis to enjoyable experiences. Although previous research has highlighted the importance of cold sensations in human wetness perception, the maximum sensitivity of our wetness sensing system remains to be established. This research presents a novel methodology, which for the first time, has quantified the high sensitivity of the human index fingerpad to wetness and its modulation by moisture temperature.
Coordination of hip and spine to maintain equilibrium in unstable sitting revealed by spectral analysis
Authors: Alshehri Mansour Abdullah , van den Hoorn Wolbert , Klyne David M. , Hodges Paul W.
Published: April 2021

This is the first multidirectional spectral analysis of how the hip and spine coordinate during unstable sitting and how different factors impact this coordination. Seat movement was coherently counteracted (out-of-phase) by angular motion of the hip and lower lumbar spine in the sagittal plane and by the lumbar spine in the frontal plane. Although higher BMI and balancing with eyes closed increased movement amplitude, this did not compromise coordination between segments to control balance, instead, coherence increased.
Dietary Diversity Feeding Practice and Its Associated Factors among Infants and Young Children Aged between 6 and 23 Months in Birbir Town, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Habtamu Tseganesh , Debebe Sindu , Solomon Tegegn , Zerihun Tariku Eshetu , Gebeyehu Tiruneh Selamawit
Published: April 2021

A significant proportion of infant and young child mortality can be prevented by the provision of a diverse diet. Globally, an estimated 45% of deaths of children under the age of 5 are because of malnutrition. More than two-thirds of these deaths are associated with inappropriate child-feeding practices. This situation is the worst in Ethiopia. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the status of dietary diversity and identify relevant variables. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 335 randomly selected mothers/caregivers who had infants and young children aged between 6 and 23 months. Data were collected by interview with a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with dietary diversity practices and statistical significance was declared at

p
<
0.05

. Only 12.6% (95% CI; 9.2, 16.6) of children aged 6 to 23 months had adequate dietary diversity. Having a backyard garden and primary education were associated with adequate dietary diversity practices. In this study, the status of adequate dietary diversity feeding practice is low. Therefore, interventions targeting dietary diversity should encourage households to have backyard gardens, and strengthening counseling of mothers/caregivers attending antenatal care and postnatal care is proposed for achieving adequate dietary diversity practices.
The Study’s Chemical Interaction of the Sodium Silicate Solution with Extender Pigments to Investigate High Heat Resistance Silicate Coating
Authors: Le Cuong Manh , Le Thu-Huong
Published: April 2021

Silicate coating is water-based paint with many advantages and wide applications in many different industries. However, there are still some problems with silicate coating: how to increase its resistance to heat at high temperatures and prolong the life of the coating. Silicate paints have high durability and longevity dependent mainly on the chemical interaction of the silicate binder with extender pigments. Therefore, our groups have studied the geopolymerization process of the sodium silicate solution with extender pigments to investigate high heat resistance silicate coating. The effect of curing time on the chemical interaction between sodium silicate solution and extender pigments (ZnO, TiO2, Fe2O3, CaCO3, and Na2SiF6) was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The shift of antisymmetric stretching vibration of the Si-O-Si bond (1060 cm−1) to low frequency and increase of the intensity of the Si-O-Si stretching as curing time increases from 1 to 20 days are due to the increased chemical interaction between extender pigments (ZnO, TiO2, Fe2O3, CaCO3, and Na2SiF6) and sodium silicate solution. Moreover, TG results of ZnO-silicate, TiO2-silicate, CaCO3-silicate, Na2SiF6-silicate, and Fe2O3-silicate coating at 1 and 20 days of curing show high residual geopolymer about 69–90% at 800°C. Thus, we proposed that the geopolymerization process between sodium silicate solution and extender pigments (ZnO, TiO2, Fe2O3, CaCO3, and Na2SiF6) increases when the curing time from 1 to 20 days leads to forming geopolymer silicate with high thermal stability. In addition, the optimal mixing ratio between sodium silicate solution and extender pigments (ZnO, TiO2, Fe2O3, CaCO3, and Na2SiF6) is as follows: 25% binder (sodium silicate solution), 8% ZnO; 5% TiO2, 5% Fe2O3, 1% Na2SiF6, 21% CaCO3, 34% H2O, and 1% additives to make high heat resistance silicate coating with temperature resistance at 1000°C.
Identification and Characterization of a Cryptic Genomic Deletion-Insertion in EYA1 Associated with Branchio-Otic Syndrome
Authors: Zheng Hao , Xu Jun , Wang Yu , Lin Yun , Hu Qingqiang , Li Xing , Chu Jiusheng , Sun Changling , Chai Yongchuan , Pang Xiuhong
Published: April 2021

Branchio-oto-renal spectrum disorder (BORSD) is characterized by hearing loss accompanied by ear malformations, branchial cysts, and fistulae, with (branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BORS)) or without renal abnormalities (BOS (branchio-otic syndrome)). As the most common causative gene for BORSD, dominant mutations in EYA1 are responsible for approximately 40% of the cases. In a sporadic deaf patient diagnosed as BOS, we identified an apparent heterozygous genomic deletion spanning the first four coding exons and one 5′noncoding exon of EYA1 by targeted next-generation sequencing of 406 known deafness genes. Real-time PCR at multiple regions of EYA1 confirmed the existence of this genomic deletion and extended its 5′boundary beyond the 5′-UTR. Whole genome sequencing subsequently located the 5′and 3′breakpoints to 19268 bp upstream to the ATG initiation codon and 3180 bp downstream to exon 5. PCR amplification across the breakpoints in both the patient and his parents showed that the genomic alteration occurred de novo. Sanger sequencing of this PCR product revealed that it is in fact a GRCh38/hg38:chr8:g.71318554_71374171delinsTGCC genomic deletion-insertion. Our results showed that the genomic variant is responsible for the hearing loss associated with BOS and provided an example for deciphering such cryptic genomic alterations following pipelines of comprehensive exome/genome sequencing and designed verification.
Identification of Key miRNAs in the Treatment of Dabrafenib‐Resistant Melanoma
Authors: Gao Guangyu , Yao Zhen , Shen Jiaofeng , Liu Yulong
Published: April 2021

Dabrafenib resistance is a significant problem in melanoma, and its underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to research the molecular mechanism of drug resistance of dabrafenib and to explore the key genes and pathways that mediate drug resistance in melanoma. GSE117666 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and 492 melanoma statistics were also downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Besides, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified by taking advantage of the R software and GEO2R. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and FunRich was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to identify potential pathways and functional annotations linked with melanoma chemoresistance. 9 DEMs and 872 mRNAs were selected after filtering. Then, target genes were uploaded to Metascape to construct protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network. Also, 6 hub mRNAs were screened after performing the PPI network. Furthermore, a total of 4 out of 9 miRNAs had an obvious association with the survival rate (P < 0.05) and showed a good power of risk prediction model of over survival. The present research may provide a deeper understanding of regulatory genes of dabrafenib resistance in melanoma.
[Retracted] Exploring the Potential of Interferon Gamma Gene as Major Immune Responder for Bovine Tuberculosis in River Buffalo
Authors: Javed Maryam , Raza Syed Ahmed , Nadeem Asif , Ali Muhammad Muddassir , Shehzad Wasim , Mehmood Khalid
Published: April 2021

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a widespread zoonotic infection targeting the livestock sector, especially in developing countries, and posing a risk to humans and animal populations. Its recent prevalence in river buffaloes has been estimated as higher as 33.7%. In emergent countries like Pakistan, there is likeliness of human‐livestock interfaces extensively and lacking of effective preventive measures that illustrate the risk of spreading the infection at a remarkable rate. The river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an upkeep host of Mycobacterium bovis and is responsible for disease transmission among buffaloes and other livestock species. In this study, potential molecular biomarkers in the Interferon‐gamma gene (IFNg) were identified after genomic screening of river buffaloes. Unique genomic loci in river buffalo proved the novelty of the genomic structure of this phenomenal animal but also highlighted its significance in natural immunity against the Mycobacterium. A total of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the coding region of IFNg. The SNPs in the exonic region were all transitions, i.e., the conversion of purines to purines. These SNPs were analyzed for Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium, chi2 test, gene diversity, and protein structural conformation. Pathway analysis in tuberculosis revealed that IFNg inhibits the antigen‐presenting cells (APC) through JAK and STAT pathways. Network analysis of IFNg proteins in both species showed strong associations among the immunity‐related proteins (interleukins, tissue necrosis factors) and receptors of interferons. The identified polymorphic sites might be novel‐potentiated markers for the selection of animals with superior immune response against bTB and can be exploited as promising genomic sites for breeding the resistant animal herds to combat Mycobacterium infection in a long run.
On the Blowup for the 3D Axisymmetric Incompressible Chemotaxis-Euler Equations
Authors: An Shangyong , Zhang Qian
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we investigate the 3D incompressible chemotaxis-Euler equations. Taking advantage of the structure of axisymmetric fluids, we establish the blowup criterion of the system using the Fourier localization method.
Research on Sports Balanced Development Evaluation System Based on Edge Computing and Balanced Game
Authors: Han Zhong
Published: April 2021

Sports can promote physical and mental health and the development of personality. How to build a balanced development evaluation system for sports and find a quality education suitable for the school are particularly important. In this article, we use edge computing technology to design a balanced development framework for sports. The framework will guide students to actively participate in physical exercise and develop sports to a higher, more comprehensive level. Then, the equilibrium game model is used to analyse the evaluation system of the balanced development of college sports. The research results show that the university sports balanced development evaluation system has good application prospects. The empirical analysis results verify its accuracy and reliability.
The Resistive Switching Behavior of Al/Chitosan-Graphene Oxide/FTO Structure
Authors: Do Ho Hau Huu , Le Trung Minh , Pham Ngoc Kim
Published: April 2021

Resistive random access memory (RRAM) is emerging as a new class of nonvolatile memory that offers promising electronic properties and simple metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structures for sandwich layers, such as organics, inorganics, and hybrid materials. Hybrid structures have attracted much interest recently because of their advantageous properties. The combination of chitosan (CS) and graphene oxide (GO) acts as switching layers in the Al/CS-GO/FTO RRAM structure it is studied with bipolar switching behavior at approximately 102 ON/OFF ratios during 100 cycles. This hybrid interaction is identified by shifts in the D, G, and 2D bands using Raman spectroscopy. The conduction mechanism is proposed to be a space-charge-limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism and trap-assisted tunneling conduction mechanism in the ON and OFF states, respectively. The trapped and detrapped electrons move through the trap sites with external electric fields, and this movement is responsible for the switching mechanism of the CS-GO nanocomposite memory device.
[Retracted] Meta‐Analysis on Cognitive Benefit of Exercise after Stroke
Authors: Yang Bo , Wang Shuming
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveThe objective of this paper is to evaluate the cognitive benefit of exercise after stroke, so as to provide more accurate and reliable guidance for targeted exercise intervention. Methods. Randomized controlled trials of the relationship between exercise and cognition after stroke were identified in Cochrane Library and PubMed. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane tool of bias. SMD and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and Chi‐squared test (Q) was adopted to estimate the heterogeneity. Results. (a) Twenty‐three studies met inclusion criteria, including 1528 participants. Heterogeneity was from low to high such as attention (I2 = 0.00%), executive function (I2 = 0.00%), cognition (I2 = 64%), and working memory (I2 = 77%). (b) The overall effect on cognition was small (SMD = 0.16 [0.04, 0.28]) but significant and there is a difference between cognitive domains in attention (SMD = −0.35 [−0.57, −0.14]), executive function (SMD = −0.24 [−0.40, −0.08]), and working memory (SMD = 0.36 [0.20, 0.53]). (c) Exercise training was less effective before the 18th month after stroke. Higher benefits on cognition were found after combined therapy compared with other exercise programs, and the older the stroke survivors, the less the cognitive benefit of exercise. Conclusion. Small‐to‐moderate effect of exercise on cognitive benefit after stroke was found, and the effect was moderated by treatment protocols and sample characteristics.
Xueshuantong Injection in Treating Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Systematic Review and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Li Wenhui , Xu Feng , Huang Renyan , Fan Weijing , Fu Changgeng , Xu Lei , Wang Xvhong , Lu Huimin , Li Yuanxiang
Published: April 2021

Aims. In recent years, the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) presents an increasing trend year by year. The current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of Xueshuantong injection for DVT is controversial. This systematic review (SR) aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Xueshuantong injection in the treatment of DVT systematically and provide an evidence-based reference for clinical treatment. Methods. Nine electronic databases were used to identify the literature consisting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a date of search of 1 November 2020. Clinical effective rate and incidence rate of adverse events were investigated as primary outcomes. Patency rate of femoral vein, patency rate of popliteal vein, patency rate of posterior tibial vein, circumference difference, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and D-dimer (D-D) were investigated as secondary outcomes. Revman 5.4.1 was used to analyze the results. Analysis of the power of evidence was performed with Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA). Results. A total of 12 articles including 1018 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the clinical effective rate in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group, the incidence rate of adverse events in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group; after the operation, the patency rate of femoral vein, patency rate of popliteal vein, patency rate of posterior tibial vein, circumference difference, APTT, and D-D in the experimental group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant. TSA suggested that the meta-analysis concerning the clinical effectiveness of Xueshuantong injection in the treatment of DVT was of adequate power to reach firm conclusions. Conclusion. Based on the current analysis, Xueshuantong injection as an add-on treatment provided better treatment effect for DVT with adequate power but this benefit should be considered with caution because of the small number of studies included in the meta-analysis and the high or unclear risk of bias of the included trials, suggesting that further studies are needed.
The Possible Role of Vitamin D Deficiency in Early Implant Failure
Authors: Hakim Lotfollah Kamali , Ghasemi Tayebeh , Bashar Saeed , Dortaj Dorara
Published: April 2021

Background. Dental implants are one of the most successful treatments for restoring tooth function and beauty. Identifying the causes of dental implant failure is useful and vital. This review was aimed at studying the possible role of vitamin D in early implant failure. Method and Material. This review was designed based on the PRISMA guideline. Data was collected using keywords including implant, vitamin D, deficiency, failure, dental, OR tooth in international databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase, until 2020. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted and gathered in a checklist. Results. Finally, twelve studies were selected from five different countries. In 6 studies (2 animal studies and four human studies), there was no significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and dental implant failure. In the other six studies (1 animal study and five human studies), there was a significant relationship in this regard. Conclusion. It is difficult to conclude the association between vitamin D and implant failure based on the literature’s researches. However, vitamin D appears to play an essential role in implant success through its effects on immune system modulation.
A New Tracking Algorithm Based on Improved Fuzzy C-Means Dynamic Kalman Filter in Sport Video
Authors: Zhou Yonghua , Huang Ting , Li Shangbin
Published: April 2021

The paper studied the problems of soccer detection and tracking in soccer tracking, in soccer detection; as the size of the soccer is too small to extract distinguishable feature, it is difficult to detect the soccer automatically. To solve this problem, a soccer detection algorithm was based on class weighted spatial Fuzzy C-means (ws-FCM) was proposed. Firstly, the target function of the spatial Fuzzy C-means was improved. Subsequently, a bi-threshold strategy was proposed to detect the soccer automatically. In the aspect of soccer tracking, existing methods fail to detect the soccer when it was occluded by several players successively. To solve this problem, the motion state of soccer of broadcast soccer video was analyzed, which is inspired by the contextual cueing effect of human visual search. According to the motion state of the soccer, parameters updating function of dynamic Kalman filter (DKF) were improved. Thus, a soccer tracking algorithm based on multiple search regions dynamic Kalman filter (MDKF) was proposed, which enhances the robustness of soccer tracking by extending the search area. The experiments show that the proposed algorithm can automatically detect soccer in images with high detection accuracy and can track the soccer more robustly, with better occlusion handle ability.
miR‐720 Regulates Insulin Secretion by Targeting Rab35
Authors: Lu Chunting , Wang Dan , Feng Yunlu , Feng Lie , Li Zejian
Published: April 2021

miRNAs pose a good prospect in the diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study is aimed at investigating whether miR‐720 targets Rab35 to regulate insulin secretion in MIN6 cells and its molecular mechanism and the clinical value of miR‐720 as a specific biomarker of T2D. Fifty‐five samples of new diagnosis T2D patients and normal control were collected. Levels of miR‐720, fasting blood glucose, insulin, and other indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism were determined. We increased and decreased the miR‐720 expression using miR‐720 mimic and inhibitor to identify the effect of miR‐720 on insulin secretion in MIN6 cells, respectively. Then, we used miR‐720 mimic, miR‐720 inhibitor, and dual luciferase reporter gene assays to prove miR‐720 which regulates insulin secretion by targeting Rab35 in MIN6 cells. In addition, we overexpressed and silenced the Rab35 gene to detect the expression of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in MIN6 cells by RT‐PCR and western blot. In this study, circulating miR‐720 was significantly higher in the T2D group than the control group, and miR‐270 was positive correlated with FBG, while negatively correlated with FINS. The overexpression of miR‐720 inhibited insulin secretion, and miR‐720 downregulation promoted insulin secretion. miR‐720 regulated insulin secretion by targeting Rab35 in MIN6 cells. Compared with the control group, the expression of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR was significantly decreased by the overexpression of the Rab35 gene, while the silencing Rab35 gene could induce the expression of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR. Furthermore, miR‐720 mimic could activate the PI3K pathway. We conclude that miR‐720 may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of T2D. Increase of miR‐720 reduced the Rab35 expression then activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway, thus inhibiting insulin secretion.
Web-Based Human-Machine Interfaces of Industrial Controllers in Single-Page Applications
Authors: Jeng Shyr-Long , Chieng Wei-Hua , Chen Yi
Published: April 2021

Advances in conventional industrial controllers have led to new technologies such as multilanguage use, cross-platform applications, and remote monitoring and control. However, the human-machine interfaces (HMIs) of conventional industrial controllers and mobile devices cannot directly transmit instant messages to each other. This study describes a simple method of upgrading the HMIs of conventional industrial controllers into controllers capable of Web-based remote access. The study began with the development of a model-view-controller architecture consisting of Hypertext Markup Language, Cascading Style Sheets, and JavaScript and proceeded to the implementation of a single-page application (SPA) method through AJAX and WebSocket, which communicates with the back-end Node.js server to transfer data. Future advancements will enable information to flow through cross-platform devices across various operating systems and Web browsers, allowing users to remotely monitor and control machines from mobile smart devices. We demonstrated the simplicity of the SPA method by transforming a conventional personal computer-based industrial controller, WINPC32, to an all-purpose Web-based HMI for industrial use with the graphic user interface software, GPX.
A Complex Network Approach for Quantitative Characterization and Robustness Analysis of Sandstone Pore Network Structure
Authors: Hu Yuhao , Liu Guannan , Gao Feng , Yue Fengtian , Gao Tao
Published: April 2021

The rational characterization and quantitative analysis of the complex internal pore structure of rock is the foundation to solve many underground engineering problems. In this paper, CT imaging technology is used to directly characterize the three-dimensional pore network topology of sandstone with different porosity. Then, in view of the problem, which is difficult to quantify the detailed topological structure of the sandstone pore networks in the previous study, the new complex network theory is used to characterize the pore structure. PageRank algorithm is based on the number of connections between targets as a measure index to rank the targets, so the network degree distribution, average path length, clustering coefficient, and robustness based on PageRank algorithm and permeability-related topological parameters are studied. The research shows that the degree distribution of sandstone pore network satisfies power law distribution, and it can be characterized by scale-free network model. The permeability of rock is inversely proportional to the average path length of sandstone network. The sandstone pore network has strong robustness to random disturbance, while a small number of pores with special topological properties play a key role in the macroscopic permeability of sandstone. This study attempts to provide a new perspective of quantifying the microstructure of the pore network of sandstone and revealing the microscopic structure mechanism of macroscopic permeability of pore rocks.
High Biofidelity 3D Biomodel Reconstruction from Soft and Hard Tissues (Knee), FEM, and 3D Printing: A Three‐Dimensional Methodological Proposal
Authors: Marquet-Rivera Rodrigo Arturo , Urriolagoitia-Sosa Guillermo , Hernández-Vázquez Rosa Alicia , Romero-Ángeles Beatriz , Mastache-Miranda Octavio Alejandro , Urriolagoitia-Calderón Guillermo
Published: April 2021

The modelling of biological structures has allowed great advances in Engineering, Biology, and Medicine. In turn, these advances are seen from the design of footwear and sports accessories, to the design of prostheses, accessories and rehabilitation treatments. The reproduction of the various tissues has gone through an important evolution thanks to the development of computer systems and programs. However, knowledge of the medical‐biological and engineering areas continues to be required, and it involves a considerable investment of time and resources. The resulting biomodels still require great precision. The present work shows a methodology that allows to optimize computational resources and reduce elaboration time of biomodels. Through this methodology, it is possible to generate a biomodel of high biofidelity of a human knee. This biomodel is constituted by hard tissues (cortical and trabecular bones) and soft tissues (ligaments and meniscus) resulting in the modelling of the lower third of the femur, the tibial plateaus, the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, external lateral ligament, interior lateral ligaments, and the meniscus. With this model and methodology, it is possible to perform numerical analyses that will provide results very similar to those of real life. As, the methodology allows to assign the mechanical properties to each tissue and the anatomical structure.
Latest Updates on the Advancement of Polymer-Based Biomicroelectromechanical Systems for Animal Cell Studies
Authors: Garcia-Ramirez Ricardo , Cerda-Kipper Ana S. , Alvarez Damaris , Reveles-Huizar Sofia , Garza-Abdala Jorge A. , Hosseini Samira
Published: April 2021

Biological sciences have reached the fundamental unit of life: the cell. Ever-growing field of Biological Microelectromechanical Systems (BioMEMSs) is providing new frontiers in both fundamental cell research and various practical applications in cell-related studies. Among various functions of BioMEMS devices, some of the most fundamental processes that can be carried out in such platforms include cell sorting, cell separation, cell isolation or trapping, cell pairing, cell-cell communication, cell differentiation, cell identification, and cell culture. In this article, we review each mentioned application in great details highlighting the latest advancements in fabrication strategy, mechanism of operation, and application of these tools. Moreover, the review article covers the shortcomings of each specific application which can open windows of opportunity for improvement of these devices.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Causes of Visual Impairment in an Elderly Chinese Uygur Population in Southern Xinjiang
Authors: Sun Yi , Jin Guangming , Yang Mengting , Fu Jing , Chen Xueyi , Lou Bingsheng
Published: April 2021

Purpose. To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and major causes of visual impairment (VI) in an elderly Chinese Uygur population in southern Xinjiang. Methods. This was a population-based cross-sectional study. Participants aged 50 years and older from Haohan Country, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, were enrolled from August 2018 to December 2018 using cluster sampling. Participants underwent examinations including presenting visual acuity (PVA), pinhole vision, slit-lamp, intraocular pressure, and direct ophthalmoscopy. Participants’ education and demographic information was collected by a questionnaire. The prevalence, risk factors, and major causes of vision loss were evaluated. Results. A total of 1465 participants (85.4% response rate) were enrolled. The mean age of the subjects was 59.1 ± 9.7 years. The prevalence of mild VI, moderate VI, severe VI, and blindness in the better eye was 13.3%, 12.8%, 2.9%, and 3.4%, respectively. The prevalence of low vision and blindness in this study was higher than that in Altay & Tacheng and Changji in northern Xinjiang, lower than that in Luxi, and similar to that in Tibet. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, education level, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with low vision and blindness (

P
≤
0.001
,
<
0.05
,
0.002

, respectively). The major causes of low vision were cataract (42.6%), refractive error (19.6%), and glaucoma (12.6%), whereas the primary causes of blindness were cataract (34%), glaucoma (34%), and retinitis pigmentosa (10%). Conclusions. VI is an important public health issue among elderly Uygur individuals in the area, especially for those with low education levels. Cataract is the leading cause of low vision and blindness.
A Novel Deceptive Jamming Approach for Hiding Actual Target and Generating False Targets
Authors: Mehmood Shahid , Malik Aqdas Naveed , Qureshi Ijaz Manssor , Khan Muhammad Zafar Ullah , Zaman Fawad
Published: April 2021

Deceptive jamming is a popular electronic countermeasure (ECM) technique that generates false targets to confuse opponent surveillance radars. This work presents a novel approach for hiding the actual target while producing multiple false targets at the same time against frequency diverse array (FDA) radar. For this purpose, the modified FDA radar is assumed to be mounted on the actual aircraft. It intercepts the opponent’s radar signals and transmits back to place nulls in the radiation pattern at the desired range and direction to exploit FDA radar’s range‐dependent pattern nulling capability. The proposed deceptive jammer produces delayed versions of the intercepted signals to create false targets with multiple ranges to confuse the opponent’s radar system. The novel mathematical model is proposed whose effectiveness is verified through several simulation results for different numbers of ranges, directions, and antenna elements.
A Prospective Comparison of Three Strategies for Evaluating Blood Loss in Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Authors: Yuan Xiaojuan , Yu Wei , Wu Ronghua , Li Longkun , He Fan
Published: April 2021

Objective. The aim of the current investigation is to develop a new strategy for evaluating blood loss in the process of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Methods. 318 patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that need TURP were enrolled in this study. Hospitalization information including age, height, weight, surgery time, prostate volume, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (HCT) percentage, and red blood cell count (RBC) was evaluated for each patient. All statistical analysis drawing were conducted using R software. Results. Three methods were employed for calculating blood loss in TURP. Results from a new method display 0 missing value and got higher confidence (0 of 318, Poisson distribution, P < 0.001) compared with blood loss calculated with hemoglobin concentration (20.44%) and hematocrit percentage (19.18%). Also, the new method demonstrated narrow range (0.03~270.03 ml) and approximate normal distribution compared with blood loss calculated with hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit percentage. More importantly, the new method explained positive correlation with prostate volume (R2 = 0.138, P < 0.001) and also surgery lasting time (R2 = 0.193, P < 0.001). Conclusion. Methods developed for calculating blood loss in TURP in the current study displayed more accurate and reasonable evaluation of bleeding, which can guide the transfusion blood for patients.
Reproductive Factors and Lung Cancer Risk among Never-Smoking Japanese Women with 21 Years of Follow-Up: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wilunda Calistus , Sawada Norie , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: April 2021

Background:

Previous studies have reported inconsistent associations between reproductive factors and lung cancer.

Methods:

We used data from the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study, which included 400 incident lung cancer cases (305 adenocarcinoma) among 42,615 never-smoking women followed for a median of 21 years, to examine the associations of reproductive and hormonal factors with lung cancer by histological type using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

Longer fertility span (≥36 years vs. ≤32 years) was associated with increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.07–2.06, Ptrend = 0.01) but not with all lung cancer or nonadenocarcinoma. Similarly, late age at menopause (≥ 50 years) was associated with increased adenocarcinoma risk (vs. ≤ 47 years, HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.01–1.96, Ptrend 0.04). Compared with premenopausal women, women with natural menopause (HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.02–3.88) or surgical menopause (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.33–5.67) were at increased risk of adenocarcinoma. In contrast, breastfeeding was associated with reduced risk of nonadenocarcinoma (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28–0.92). No significant association with parity, age at first birth, exogenous hormone use, or length of menstrual cycle was detected.

Conclusions:

Reproductive factors may play a role in lung carcinogenesis. Future studies that include estrogen and progesterone biomarkers may help clarify the role of endogenous hormones in lung carcinogenesis.

Impact:

Fertility span and age at menopause may be useful variables in developing risk prediction models for lung adenocarcinoma among nonsmoking women.
Resting Heart Rate and Risk of Cancer Mortality
Authors: Gutierrez-Martinez Leidys , Brellenthin Angelique G. , Lefferts Elizabeth C. , Lee Duck-chul , Sui Xuemei , Lavie Carl J. , Blair Steven N.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Increased resting heart rate (RHR) is a predictor of mortality. RHR is influenced by cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Little is known about the combined associations of RHR and CRF on cancer mortality.

Methods:

50,108 men and women (mean age 43.8 years) were examined between 1974 and 2002 at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas. RHR was measured by electrocardiogram and categorized as <60, 60–69, 70–79, or ≥80 beats/minute. CRF was quantified by maximal treadmill test and dichotomized as unfit and fit corresponding to the lower 20% and the upper 80%, respectively, of the age- and sex-specific distribution of treadmill exercise duration. The National Death Index was used to ascertain vital status. Cox regression was used to compute HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cancer mortality across RHR categories.

Results:

During a mean follow-up of 15.0 ± 8.6 years, 1,090 cancer deaths occurred. Compared with RHR <60 beats/minute, individuals with RHR ≥80 beats/minute had a 35% increased risk of overall cancer mortality (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.06–1.71) after adjusting for confounders, including CRF. Compared with “fit and RHR <80 beats/minute”, HRs (95% CI) for cancer mortality were 1.41 (1.20–1.66), 1.51 (1.11–2.04), and 1.78 (1.30–2.43) in “unfit and RHR <80,” “fit and RHR ≥80,” and “unfit and RHR ≥80 beats/minute,” respectively.

Conclusions:

RHR ≥80 beats/minute is associated with an increased risk of overall cancer mortality. High CRF may help lower the risk of cancer mortality among those with high RHR.

Impact:

RHR along with CRF may provide informative data about an individual's cancer mortality risk.
Genome-wide Copy-number Alterations in Circulating Tumor DNA as a Novel Biomarker for Patients with High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Paracchini Lara , Beltrame Luca , Grassi Tommaso , Inglesi Alessia , Fruscio Robert , Landoni Fabio , Ippolito Davide , Delle Marchette Martina , Paderno Mariachiara , Adorni Marco , Jaconi Marta , Romualdi Chiara , D'Incalci Maurizio , Siravegna Giulia , Marchini Sergio
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

High-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (HGS-EOC) is defined by high levels of somatic copy-number alterations (SCNA) with marked spatial and temporal tumor heterogeneity. Biomarkers serving to monitor drug response and detect disease recurrence are lacking, a fact which reflects an unmet clinical need.

Experimental Design:

A total of 185 plasma samples and 109 matched tumor biopsies were collected from 46 patients with HGS-EOC, and analyzed by shallow whole-genome sequencing (sWGS). The percentage of tumor fraction (TF) in the plasma was used to study the biological features of the disease at the time of diagnosis (T0) and correlated with patients' survival. Longitudinal analysis of TF was correlated with CA-125 levels and radiological images to monitor disease recurrence.

Results:

Gain in the clonal regions, 3q26.2 and 8q24.3, was observed in the 87.8% and 78.05% of plasma samples, suggesting that plasma sWGS mirrors solid biopsies. At T0, multivariate analysis revealed that plasma TF levels were an independent prognostic marker of relapse (P < 0.022). After platinum (Pt)-based treatment, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis showed a change in the heterogeneous pattern of genomic amplification, including an increased frequency of amplification, compared with before Pt-based treatment in the 19p31.11 and 19q13.42 regions. TF in serially collected ctDNA samples outperformed CA-125 in anticipating clinical and radiological progression by 240 days (range, 37–491).

Conclusions:

Our results support the notion that sWGS is an inexpensive and useful tool for the genomic analysis of ctDNA in patients with HGS-EOC to monitor disease evolution and to anticipate relapse better than serum CA-125, the routinely used clinical biomarker.

See related commentary by Dhani, p. 2372
Tumor Immune Microenvironment during Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Taki Mana , Abiko Kaoru , Ukita Masayo , Murakami Ryusuke , Yamanoi Koji , Yamaguchi Ken , Hamanishi Junzo , Baba Tsukasa , Matsumura Noriomi , Mandai Masaki
Published: April 2021

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to play a critical role in tumor development from initiation to metastasis. EMT could be regarded as a continuum, with intermediate hybrid epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes having high plasticity. Classical EMT is characterized by the phenotype change of epithelial cells to cells with mesenchymal properties, but EMT is also associated with multiple other molecular processes, including tumor immune evasion. Some previous studies have shown that EMT is associated with the cell number of immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and the expression of immune checkpoints, such as programmed cell death-ligand 1, in several cancer types. At the molecular level, EMT transcriptional factors, including Snail, Zeb1, and Twist1, produce or attract immunosuppressive cells or promote the expression of immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules via chemokine production, leading to a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. In turn, immunosuppressive factors induce EMT in tumor cells. This feedback loop between EMT and immunosuppression promotes tumor progression. For therapy directly targeting EMT has been challenging, the elucidation of the interactive regulation of EMT and immunosuppression is desirable for developing new therapeutic approaches in cancer. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and immunotherapy targeting immunosuppressive cells could be a promising therapy for EMT.
Usual-Risk Pregnant Women’s Health-Related Quality of Life through Pregnancy and Puerperium with Anthroposophical Prenatal Care: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Götz Daniel Pereira , Hosomi Jorge Kioshi , de Morais Moacyr Mendes , Nakamura Mary Uchiyama
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Pregnancy is a physiological event that can lead to a decrease in quality of life. Symptoms within this period lack riskless treatment options. However, the anthroposophical integrative view points out the stimulation of vital energy recuperation as a possible inducer of changes in health perception for pregnant women. Objective: The aim was to observe the health-related quality of life variation in women during pregnancy and puerperium. The evaluation was based on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form (SF-36). Method: This is a retrospective longitudinal study of SF-36 questionnaires administered at 3 different time points: at the first appointment, at an appointment between the 36th ± 1 week of pregnancy and at another appointment within the puerperium period. Results: Sixty-five patients completed the 3 questionnaires within the period of the study. The 8 domains of SF-36 and women’s behaviors throughout the prenatal and puerperal care period were analyzed. Quality of life decreased by the third trimester, with recuperation in the puerperium. Physical components were reduced significantly, while emotional and social components did not change significantly. Scores in mental health and vitality, as well as general health status, were higher in puerperium. Conclusion: Multiprofessional intervention broadened by the anthroposophical perspective fosters the health-related quality of life of women through gestation and puerperium.
Diagnosis and Molecular Profiling of Lung Cancer by Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy of Superficial Metastatic Sites Is Safe and Highly Effective
Authors: Livi Vanina , Paioli Daniela , Cancellieri Alessandra , Betti Sara , Natali Filippo , Ferrari Marco , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Trisolini Rocco
Published: April 2021

Background: Diagnosis, staging, and molecular profiling of lung cancer are mostly carried out with bronchoscopy or CT-guided aspiration/biopsy. However, patients with locally advanced or advanced disease often harbor “superficial” metastases for which a percutaneous, ultrasound-assisted needle aspiration/biopsy (US-NAB) might represent an equally effective yet less invasive and costly alternative. Patients and Methods: We reviewed a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients with known/suspected lung cancer who underwent a US-NAB of a suspected “superficial” metastasis. Cancer genotyping was carried out with next-generation sequencing using the Oncomine™ Focus DNA and RNA fusion panels. PD-L1 immunohistochemistry was performed with the SP263 antibody. Feasibility, diagnostic yield for tissue diagnosis, sensitivity for malignancy, diagnostic yield for the molecular profiling, and complications were the study endpoints. Results: A total of 98 lesions were evaluated, and 93 were biopsied (95% feasibility). The spectrum of sampled sites included lymph nodes (63 patients), bone (11), subcutaneous tissue (8), muscle (7), and the pleura (4). The diagnostic yield for a tissue diagnosis was 93% (91/98). US-NAB correctly identified 85 of the 87 patients finally diagnosed with malignancy (98% sensitivity). Cancer genotyping and PDL1 testing were successfully completed in 41/42 patients (98%) and in 40/50 patients (80%) for whom these tests were requested, respectively. No complications were observed. Conclusion: US-NAB of “superficial” metastasis of lung cancer is safe and is associated with high success for diagnosis and molecular profiling. In this clinical setting, using US-NAB as a first-step technique would significantly limit the use of more invasive and costly diagnostic procedures.