bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ambient Air Quality Improvement on Mortality From Acute Air Pollution Exposure in Beijing
Authors: Han Jingxiu , Jingxiu Han , Congshen Meng , Jingyi Liu , Chunyu Xu , Zhe Liu , Qin Wang , Yue Liu , Dongqun Xu
Published: April 2021

Exposure to air pollutants increase the mortality of population. Developing countries have taken measures to control air pollution. To explore the effects of air quality improvement on mortality, air quality and acute exposure-response coefficients of excess death in Beijing since the 1990’s were analyzed. It was divided into five stages according to the concentration level of pollutants. Coefficients for period 1990 – 2013 were obtained by retrieving literatures published before December 31, 2019. The coefficients for period 2015 – 2017 were obtained by analyzing the daily data of air pollutant concentration, meteorological and human mortality conducting Poisson Generalized Additive Model (GAM). Meta-analysis of random effect model was used to estimate the integrated coefficient of multiple studies at each stages. Comparative analysis was used to analyze the variation of air quality and coefficients in different stages. The results showed that the concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤10μm (PM10) and ≤2.5μm (PM2.5) decreased by up to 50%, 21%, 22% and 15% in different stages. The coefficient of SO2 on death from respiratory diseases decreased by up to 63.79%. The coefficients of NO2 on mortality from non-accidental causes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease decreased by up to 0.95%, 1.34% and 0.54%. The coefficients of PM10, PM2.5 on mortality from cardiovascular diseases and respiratory disease were decreased by up to 0.19%, 0.31%, 0.65% and 0.36%. Continued improvements in air quality have reduced the acute impact on the health of the local population.
Diminution of Hg(II)-induced cellular and DNA damage in human blood cells by uric acid
Authors: Ahmad Shahbaz , Tufail Neda , Parveen Nazia , Mahmood Riaz
Published: April 2021

Mercury (Hg) is a widespread environmental pollutant and toxicant which induces multiple organ damage in humans and animals. Hg toxicity is mediated by the induction of oxidative stress in target cells. We have used uric acid (UA), a potent antioxidant found in biological fluids, to protect human red blood cells (RBC) and lymphocytes against Hg-mediated cell, organelle and geno-toxicity. RBC were incubated with HgCl2, an Hg(II) compound, either alone or in presence of UA. Incubation of RBC with only HgCl2 increased production of nitrogen and oxygen radical species, enhanced methemoglobin levels, heme degradation, free ferrous iron, oxidation of proteins and membrane lipids and reduced antioxidant capacity of cells. Prior incubation of RBC with UA led to considerable UA concentration-dependent decline in formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and also attenuated alterations in oxidative stress and biochemical parameters. UA enhanced the antioxidant capacity of RBC and restored metabolic, plasma membrane-bound and antioxidant enzyme activities. Scanning electron microscopy showed that UA prevented HgCl2-mediated morphological changes in RBC. HgCl2 dissipated the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased lysosomal membrane damage in lymphocytes, but UA pre-treatment attenuated these effects. Genotoxicity analysis by comet method showed that UA protected lymphocyte DNA from HgCl2-induced damage. Importantly, UA itself did not exhibit any deleterious effects in either RBC or lymphocytes. Thus, UA protects human blood cells from Hg(II)-mediated oxidative damage reducing the harmful effects of this extremely toxic metal. We suggest that UA performs a similar protective role in the plasma against heavy metal toxicity.
Ketoconazole-p Aminobenzoic Cocrystal Exhibits a Potent Anti-inflammatory Effect on the Skin of BALBc Mice 
Authors: Danescu Sorina , Filip Gabriela Adriana , Moldovan Remus , Olteanu Diana , Nagy Andras , Filip Xenia , Martin Flavia , Kacso Irina , Baldea Ioana
Published: April 2021

Fungal infections are a growing global health problem. Therefore, our group has designed and characterized a novel cocrystal formulation starting from ketoconazole and para-amino benzoic acid, named KET-PABA aiming to improve the bioavailability, biocompatibility, and efficiency of the parent drug. The cocrystal showed improved physical properties, such as stability in suspension, solubility, as well as antimycotic efficiency as compared to ketoconazole. The current study investigated the local possible side effects induced on BALBc mice skin by the application of KET-PABA cocrystal. KET-PABA proved to be safe, without signs of skin sensitization as shown by the mouse ear sensitization test (MEST), or histopathology. KET-PABA induced a potent anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL1α, IL1β, IL6 and TNFα, and other inflammation promoters such as NRF2, compared to the vehicle. KET-PABA had no effect on the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10, or proinflammatory enzyme COX2 and had minimal effects on the activation of the NFκB pathway. Overall, KET-PABA application induced no sensitization, moreover, it induced an anti-inflammatory response. Based on the improved antimycotic effect versus ketoconazole and the anti-inflammatory action, KET-PABA cocrystal has the potential to be an efficient drug in the treatment of cutaneous mycosis.
Level of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies after two doses CoronaVac vaccine: Primarily report
Authors: Binay Umut , Karakecili Faruk , Barkay Orcun , Gul Ozlem , Mertoglu Cuma
Published: April 2021

Background: It is necessary to use an effective vaccine to end the COVID-19 pandemic.CoronaVac vaccine is used in our country and we aimed to examine the level of antibody development after theseconddose.Methods:This is a retrospective, cross-sectional research. The dataof the people, who applied to a university hospital between January and March 2021, were analyzed. Those who had SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgMmeasurement in the previous two weeks before the CoronoVac vaccine, and those who were both found negative and who had SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM measurement after the seconddose of CoronaVac vaccine were included in the research. SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM were measured by VIDAS® (BioMérieux, Marcy-l'Etoile, France) device for the detection of spike protein specific IgG/IgM of SARS-CoV-2 in human serum with ELFA (Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay) technique.Results: 75 people were included in thisresearch. It was found that the individuals had SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM measurements between 14 and 21 days after the first dose of CoronaVac vaccine.It was observed that 12% (n = 9) of the cases had a history of COVID-19.The rate of positivity for SARS CoV-2 IgG level after vaccination was 100%.Conclusions: It can be said that two doses of CoronaVac vaccine create an effective humoral immunity.
Machine Learning Concepts for Correlated Big Data Privacy
Authors: BISWAS SREEMOYEE , Khare Nilay , Agrawal Pragati , Jain Priyank
Published: April 2021

With data becoming a salient asset worldwide, dependence within data kept on growing, hence the real world datasets that one works upon in today's time are highly correlated. Since the past few years, researchers have given attention to this aspect of data privacy and found that where there exists a correlation among data, the existing privacy guarantees could not be assured with existing privacy algorithms. The privacy guarantees provided by existing algorithms were enough when there existed no relation between data in the datasets. Hence, by keeping the existence of data correlation into account, there is a dire need, to reconsider the privacy algorithms. Some of the research have considered to utilize a well known machine learning concept, i.e., Data Correlation Analysis to understand the relationship between data in a better way. This has given some promising results as well. Though its less but still a considerable amount of research has been done for correlated data privacy. But correlated big data privacy is very less explored. The real world datasets that are worked upon, are often large in size (technologically termed as big data) and house a high amount of data correlation. Hence, there is a grave need to understand and propose solutions for correlated big data privacy.
Short report: Examining the effect of a wearable, anxiety detection technology on improving the awareness of anxiety signs in autism spectrum disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nguyen Jenny , Anagnostou Evdokia , Brian Jessica A , Kushki Azadeh
Published: April 2021

Anxiety is prevalent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can negatively impact physical and mental health. Self-awareness of anxiety signs is a key barrier to success of anxiety interventions for many children. To address this, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess if the Anxiety Meter, a wearable, real-time anxiety detection technology can improve awareness of anxiety symptoms and the initiation of relaxation techniques in children with ASD. Twenty-eight children with ASD were trained on the use of the Anxiety Meter and taught a diaphragmatic breathing relaxation technique over three visits. On the fourth visit, participants were randomized to either receive feedback of their anxiety level or no feedback from the Anxiety Meter while completing a stress-eliciting task (public speaking) and asked to engage in deep breathing if anxious. Feedback from the Anxiety Meter was associated with increased likelihood of initiating deep breathing in response to anxiety. Although these results are limited by the relatively small sample size, they support the feasibility of using a wearable device and real-time feedback to improve anxiety symptom awareness.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02160691. Registered 5 June 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02160691
Investigation on the Utilization Of Coal Washery Rejects By Different Microbial Sources For Biogenic Methane Production
Authors: Ponnudurai Vinitha , Rajarathinam Ravikumar , Muthuvelu KirupaSankar , Velmurugan Sivasubramanian , Nalajala Radha Krishna , Arumugam Loganathan
Published: April 2021

High energy consumption and depletion of fossil fuels lead to the introduction of new technologies to produce alternative fuels with fewer emissions of greenhouse gases. The present investigation was focused to utilize the waste coal washery rejects as a substrate to produce biogenic methane under optimum conditions. Experiments were performed to explore the efficiency of non-coal samples (cow dung, distillery anaerobic digester sludge) and coal mines enriched samples in the degradation of coal washery rejects. Further cow dung, distillery anaerobic sludge, and coal washery rejects were taken at various concentrations to develop anaerobic slurry with the capacity to grow under coal. Whereas the anaerobic slurry which contains 1:1:1 of cow dung, distillery anaerobic sludge, and coal washery rejects produced methane of around 55.7%. The coal enriched samples showed the maximum of 22.6% of methane. Subsequently, the best methane-producing anaerobic non-coal consortiums were compared with coal enriched microbial culture in converting coal washery rejects of 10 g/l to methane. Results revealed that cow dung inoculum and coal mine enriched inoculum source produced the nearly same amount of methane. This study suggested that the selected anaerobic slurries and coal enriched sample can utilize sub-bituminous coal washery rejects in methane production. Thus, these consortiums can be applied in converting a large amount of coal washery rejects into methane thus can lead to the reclamation of the site.
Experimental characterization and numerical determination of the rigidity of a Binder Magnetic synchronous belt transmission type AT10
Authors: Mohammed Merghache Sidi , Mohammed Merghache Sidi , Amine Hamdi
Published: April 2021

Given the important role of synchronous belts in the functioning of mechanisms, they are the subject of numerous studies and researches in order to define them more and more finely. Their mechanical characteristics influence the behavior in operation of the mechanisms that they entail. Also, the measurement of the characteristics of the longitudinal stiffness of the belt and the stiffness of the teeth is necessary to better control their behavior. In addition, these parameters constitute input data for models of lifetime and dynamic behavior of synchronous transmissions. An approach for the determination of longitudinal stiffness is presented. We have demonstrated a study comparing the measurement of the rigidity of a toothed belt by two methods. This is to qualify the first method of measurement through experimentation. And the second measurement method using the simulation of this toothed belt by SOLIDWORKS software.
Molecular Identification of Immunity- and Ferroptosis-related Gene Signature in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Taisheng , Zhang Jinye , Hu Xiaoshan , Xie Tao , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2021

Background: Lung cancer is one of the dominant causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death, plays an important role in the cancer immunotherapy. However, the role of immunity- and ferroptosis-related gene signature in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown.Method: The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) expression data and clinical information of NSCLC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and performed differential analysis. Univariate and multivariate cox regressions were used to identify the ferroptosis-related gene, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) model was established using the independent risk factors. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to investigate the biological functions of differential genes.Results: A 5-gene signature was constructed to stratify patients into high- and low-risk groups. Compared with patients in the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group showed significantly poor overall survival (P < 0.001 in the TCGA cohort and P = 0.001 in the GSE13213 cohort). The risk score was an independent predictor for overall survival in multivariate Cox regression analyses (HR > 1, P < 0.01). The 1 year-, 2 year- and 3 year-ROCs were 0.792, 0.644 and 0.641 in TCGA and 0.623, 0.636 and 0.631 in GSE13213, respectively. Functional analysis revealed that immune-related pathways were enriched, and immune status were different between two risk groups. Conclusions: We identified differently expressed immunity- and ferroptosis-related genes that may involve in NSCLC. These genes may predict the overall survival in NSCLC and targeting ferroptosis may be an alternative for clinical therapy.
Logistic regression analysis on risk factors of augmented vertebra recompression after percutaneous vertebral augmentation
Authors: An Zhongcheng , Chen Chen , Wang Junjie , Zhu Yuchen , Dong Liqiang , Wei Hao , Wu Lianguo
Published: April 2021

Objective: To explore the high-risk factors of augmented vertebra recompression after percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF), and analyze the correlation between these factors and augmented vertebra recompression after PVA.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 353 patients who received PVA for a single-segment osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture from January 2017 to December 2018 in our department according to inclusion criteria. All cases meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into two groups: 82 patients in recompression group and 175 patients in non-compression group. The following covariates were reviewed: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), injured vertebral segment, bone mineral density(BMD) during follow-up, intravertebral cleft（IVC）before operation, selection of surgical methods, unilateral or bilateral puncture, volume of bone cement injected, postoperative leakage of bone cement, distribution of bone cement, contact between the bone cement and the upper or lower endplates, and anterior height of injured vertebrae before operation, after surgery and at the last follow-up. Univariate analysis was performed on these factors, and the statistically significant factors were substituted into the logistic regression model to analyze their correlation with the augmented vertebra recompression after PVA. Results: A total of 257 patients from 353 patients were included in this study. The follow-up time was 12-24 months, with an average of (13.5±0.9) months. All the operations were successfully completed, and the pain of patients was relieved obviously after PVA. Univariate analysis showed that in the early stage after PVA, the augmented vertebra recompression was correlated with BMD, surgical methods, volume of bone cement injected, preoperative IVC, contact between bone cement and the upper or lower endplates, and recovery of anterior column height. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Among them, multiple factors logistic regressioin elucidated that more injected cement (P<0.001,OR=0.558) and high BMD (P=0.028, OR=0.583) were negatively correlated with the augmented vertebra recompression after PVA, which meant protective factors (B<0). Preoperative IVC (P<0.001, OR=3.252) and bone cement not in contact with upper or lower endplates (P=0.006, OR=2.504) were risk factors for the augmented vertebra recompression after PVA. The augmented vertebra recompression after PVP was significantly less than that of PKP (P=0.007, OR=0.337).Conclusions: The augmented vertebra recompression after PVA is due to the interaction of various factors, such as surgical methods, volume of bone cement injected, osteoporosis, preoperative IVC, and whether the bone cement is in contact with the upper or lower endplates.
RNA-Seq Reveals Adaptive Genetic Potential of the Rare Torrey Pine (Pinus torreyana) in the Face of Ips Bark Beetle Outbreaks
Authors: Steele Stephanie E. , Ryder Oliver , Maschinski Joyce
Published: April 2021

The ability of tree species to adapt to water stress and increased frequency of bark beetle outbreaks with climate change may increase with population size and standing genetic variation, calling into question the resilience of small, rare plant populations. The Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana) is a rare, genetically depauperate conifer that occurs naturally in a mainland and island population in southern California. Due to recent declines in the mainland population coinciding with drought and Ips paraconfusus bark beetle outbreaks, the species would benefit from an assessment of adaptive genetic diversity. Here, we use RNA-Seq to survey gene-coding diversity across 40 individuals to 1) characterize patterns of genetic diversity in the species and 2) test for genetic differentiation between trees that succumbed to beetle attack or survived following an outbreak. Consistent with previous studies, we found few genetic variants, with most SNPs occurring as fixed differences between populations. However, we found structure within the mainland and polymorphisms segregating in both populations. Interestingly, we found differentiation in genotypes between attacked and surviving trees, 11 SNPs associated with survival status, and an enrichment of defense-related functions among the top 10% of SNPs. While low diversity suggests limited adaptive capacity, genetic associations with survival in functionally relevant genes suggest adaptive potential for bark beetle defense. This initial study prompts future research to explore the genetic basis of putative resistance and suggests conservation efforts should protect surviving genotypes and the full spectrum of genetic diversity across populations to preserve the evolutionary potential of the species.
New insight into long non-coding RNAs associated with bone metastasis of breast cancer based on an integrated analysis
Authors: zhang Yu , Huang Xiaofeng , Liu Jin , Chen Guo , Liu Chengjun , Zhang Sen , Li Jiaxin
Published: April 2021

Background
Bone is the most common site of metastatic breast cancer, and it is a leading cause of breast cancer-related death. This study aimed to explore bone metastasis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in breast cancer.
Methods
Four mRNA datasets and two lncRNA datasets of bone metastasis, lung metastasis and liver metastasis of breast cancer were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in group of bone metastasis vs lung metastasis and bone metastasis vs liver metastasis, as well as the overlap of the two groups, were identified. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction of DEmRNAs were conducted. The cis nearby-targeted DEmRNAs of DElncRNAs were obtained. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of selected DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs. LOC641518- lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) pair was selected to verify its role in migration and invasion capability of breast cancer cells by wounding healing assay and transwell invasion assay.
Results
A total of 237 DEmRNAs were obtained in bone metastasis compared with both lung metastasis and liver metastasis. A total of 3 DElncRNAs in bone metastasis compared with both lung metastasis and liver metastasis were obtained. A total of 7 DElncRNA-nearby-targeted DEmRNA pairs and 15 DElncRNA-nearby-targeted DEmRNA pairs in group of bone metastasis vs lung metastasis and bone metastasis vs liver metastasis, were detected, respectively. Four cis LncRNA-mRNA interaction pairs were identified, which are LOC641518-LEF1, FLJ35024-Very Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor (VLDLR), LOC285972-Retinoic Acid Receptor Responder 2 (RARRES2) and LOC254896- TNF receptor superfamily member 10c (TNFRSF10C). qRT-PCR using clinical samples from our hospital confirms the bioinformatics prediction. siRNA knocking down LOC641518 down-regulates LEF1 mRNA expression, and reduces the migration and invasion capability of breast cancer cells.
Conclusions
We concluded that four LncRNA-mRNA pairs, including LEF1-AS1-LEF1, may play a central role in breast cancer bone metastasis.
Quantum-Chemical Study of the Biogenic Amino Acids
Authors: Boča Roman , Vranovičová Beata
Published: April 2021

Ten amino acids have been subjected to the quantum chemical calculations using the ab initio MO-LCAO-SCF calculations and semiempirical PM3 method. When the geometry optimization started form the X-ray structure confirming the zwitterionic form, the ab initio calculations in vacuo result in the amino acid (canonical) form with the hydrogen atom attached not to the amine but to the carboxylate group. At the optimum geometry a number of properties were evaluated: dipole moment, dipole polarizability, molecular surface, molecular volume, HOMO, LUMO, ionization energy and electron affinity using the ΔSCF approach and their values corrected for electron correlation by the 2 nd –order perturbation theory (MP2). In addition, the molecular electrostatic potential and the charge density have been drawn. These properties have been mutually correlated by employing the statistical multivariate methods: the cluster analysis, the probabilistic neural network classifier, the principal component analysis and the Pearson pair correlation.
Adaptation Potential of Farmers’ Own Risk Management Strategies in Smallholder Agriculture: Some Evidence from India
Authors: Birthal Pratap Singh , Hazrana Jaweriah , Negi Digvijay
Published: April 2021

Farmers in developing countries are more exposed to frequent climatic shocks, and they, in the absence of a well-functioning market for crop insurance, rely on their own risk management strategies to reduce adverse effects of climatic shocks on agricultural production. This study evaluates adaptation benefits of farmers’ own risk management strategies in Indian agriculture, and comes out four key highlights. One, farmers, based on their historical exposures to climatic shocks, resource endowments and access to information and credit, often use more than one risk management measure at a time. Two, all risk management strategies, including the mitigation, transfer and coping, contribute towards improving agricultural productivity and reducing downside risk exposure, but it is the risk mitigation strategy that is more efficient. Three, joint adoption of risk management strategies generates even larger adaptation benefits. Four, although joint adoption of these strategies is positively associated with farm size, with information and liquidity constraints relaxed probability of their joint adoption is likely to increase on smaller farms.
Clinical Analysis of Patients With New-Onset Untreated Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Complicated With Cytomegalovirus Infection Short Title: Untreated SLE With CMV Infection
Authors: Li Xin , Gao Shuang , Deng Xiao Li
Published: April 2021

We investigated the clinical characteristics and short-term prognosis of patients with new-onset, untreated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Of the 86 patients enrolled in this study, 60 had active CMV infection. The proportions of patients with fever (65.0% versus 38.5%, P = 0.041), hematologic system involvement (80.0% versus 57.7%, P = 0.032), kidney involvement (50.0% versus 26.9%, P = 0.047), anti-double-stranded-DNA antibody positivity (51.7% versus 26.9%, P = 0.034), and severe disease activity (SLEDAI-2000 ≥ 15 points; 58.3% versus 30.8%, P = 0.019) were significantly higher, whereas serum C3 complement levels (0.48 ± 0.22 versus 0.60 ± 0.25, P = 0.032) were significantly lower in the CMV+ group than in the CMV- group, respectively. Initial SLE treatment, clinical features, laboratory data, and SLE treatment did not differ at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. In patients with CMV+, there were no significant differences in clinical features, laboratory data, SLE treatment, and laboratory index at 3-month follow-up between patients with or without antiviral treatment. These findings provided important insights into the characteristics of new-onset SLE complicated with active CMV infection and showed that antiviral treatment may have affect short-term prognosis.
“How to Measure the Outcome in the Treatment of Vertebral Compression Fractures? A Systematic Literature Review of Highly Cited Level-I Studies.”
Authors: Häckel Sonja , Renggli Angela A. , Albers Christoph E. , Benneker Lorin M. , Deml Moritz C. , Bigdon Sebastian F. , Hoppe Sven
Published: April 2021

Background: The economic burden of vertebral compression fractures (VCF) caused by osteoporosis was estimated at 37 billion euros in the European Union in 2010. In addition, the incidence is expected to increase by 25% in 2025. The recommendations for the therapy of VCFs (conservative treatment versus cement augmentation procedures) are controversial, what could be partly explained by the lack of standardized outcomes for measuring the success of both treatments. Consensus on outcome parameters may improve the relevance of a study and for further comparisons in meta-analyses. The aim of this study was to analyze outcome measures from frequently cited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about VCF treatments in order to provide guidance for future studies.
Material and Methods: We carried out a systematic search of all implemented databases from 1973 to 2019 using the Web of Science database. The terms "spine" and "random" were used for the search. We included: Level I RCTs, conservative treatment or cement augmentation of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, cited ≥ 50 times. The outcome parameters of each study were extracted and sorted according to the frequency of use.
Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 23 different outcome parameters were used in the nine analyzed studies. Overall, the five most frequently used outcome parameters ( 4 times used) were the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain (n = 9), European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions (EQ-5D; n = 4) and Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ, n = 4).
Conclusion: With our study, we demonstrated that a large inconsistency exists between outcome measures in highly cited Level I studies of VCF treatment. Pain (VAS), followed by HrQoL (EQ-5D) and disability and function (RMDQ), opioid use, and radiological outcome (kyphotic angle, VBH, and new VCFs) were the most commonly used outcome parameters.
Ultra-wideband, Wide Angle, Asymmetric Transmission based Chiral Metasurface for C and X Band Applications
Authors: Bokhari Syed Hussain Ali , Cheema Hammad M.
Published: April 2021

A multi-layered chiral device manifesting asymmetric transmission (AT) facilitating one-way channeling of electromagnetic (EM) waves, based on the inherent polarization is presented. The designed metasurface depicts a high transmission contrast with an efficiency above 80% for an ultra-wide operational range of 6.3-12.3 GHz, constituting a fractional bandwidth of 64%. As an additional feature, the reported metasurface yields robustness against oblique incidences up to 45◦ while maintaining high transmission efficiency. This report also introduces a unique analogy of the AT based communication system with logic-gates by formulating its truth-table and logic circuit. Furthermore, new insights of AT magnitude’s dependence to oblique incidences are presented on the account of surface impedance mismatch due to TE and TM polarization with varying incidence angle. Moreover, avoidance of grating lobes and the associated transmission deterioration through utilization of electrically small periodic metasurface is presented. The results have been numerically and practically validated yielding state-of-the-art features. Operating within C and X band, the reported work is an ideal candidate for practical AT applications.
Manufacturing of high-precision surface micro-structures on stainless steel by ultrasonic impact peening
Authors: Zhao Xuesen , Zhao Dongxu , Hu Wangjie , Zhang Junjie , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Jianguo , Sun Tao
Published: April 2021

Ultrasonic impact peening (UIP) is not only a mature technique of surface treatment, but also a promising method of surface texturing for promoting performance and functionalities of components and devices. In the present work, we demonstrate the feasibility of applying UIP in the manufacturing of high precision surface micro-structures on 316L stainless steel using a YG6 cemented carbide tool. Specifically, analytical investigation of the material deformation map under UIP is carried out, which is validated by corresponding finite element simulations based on a combined nonlinear isotropic/kinematic hardening model, as well as experiments performed on home-made UIP apparatus. Finally, surface micro-structures of aligned grooves with a depth of 2 µm and a periodicity of 240 µm are fabricated by using UIP, and are subsequently subjected to linear reciprocating ball-disk sliding tests. Corresponding experimental results show that the micro-structures fabricated by UIP possess comparable accuracy of groove morphology and frictional properties with that fabricated by using ultrasonic elliptical vibration cutting using a single crystal diamond tool. The present work sheds lights on the low-cost fabrication of high precision surface micro-structures on ferrous metals by mature UIP technique.
The Proteome Map and PeptideAtlas of a widely cultivated tropical water fish Labeo rohita: A resource for the Aquaculture Community
Authors: Nissa Mehar Un , Reddy Jaipal , Mukherjee Arijit , Pinto Nevil , Ghosh Biplab , Sun Zhi , Ghantasala Saicharan , Chetanya Chetanya , Shenoy Sanjyot , George Trinica , Moritz Robert , Goswami Mukunda , Srivast Sanjeeva
Published: April 2021

With the global consumption of fish outpacing population growth, aquaculture sector is facing challenges to address the rising demand of food and nutritional security. Integrative omics research provides a strong platform to understand the basic biology and translate this knowledge into sustainable solutions in tackling disease outbreak, increasing productivity thus ensuring food security. To further understand the complex biology of host-pathogen response and support the aquaculture effort, genome and proteome reference maps moving beyond simple sequence information of cultivated fish species will accelerate research and translation of quality products for food industries. Towards this end, we have performed an extensive proteomics-based investigation of Labeo rohita, one of the economically important fish species produced in world aquaculture. Deep proteomic profiling of 17 histologically normal tissues, plasma and embryo provided mass-spectrometric evidence for 6015 high confident canonical proteins at 1% false discovery rate. Tissue enriched expression of several biologically important proteins was validated using targeted proteomics with high quantitative accuracy. We characterised the global post translational modifications (PTMs) in terms of acetylation (n-terminus and lysine), methylation (n-terminus, lysine and arginine) and phosphorylation (serine, threonine and tyrosine) to present a comprehensive proteome resource. An interactive web-based portal was developed to support the Labeo rohita PeptideAtlas, (www.peptideatlas.org), a unique community resource for mass spectrometry-based peptide/protein evidence in fish. This draft proteome map of Labeo rohita would advance basic and applied research in aquaculture to meet the most critical challenge of providing food and nutritional security to an increasing world population.
Computerized Investigation of Real Tooth Contact Analysis of Face-milled Spiral Bevel Gears
Authors: Liu GuangLei , Yan Weidong , Liu Yao
Published: April 2021

Real tooth contact analysis of spiral bevel gears is based on the original tooth surface grids (OTSG) formed by coordinate measuring machine (CMM). Since the size of OTSG is smaller than the tooth surface, it is sometimes impossible to get full meshing information. Reverse engineering is a way to solve the problem. The basic idea is to expand OTSG to the tooth surface boundary by reversing the manufacturing parameters of the spiral bevel gear drive. Thus a generalized reversing objective is set up for both of the gear and the pinion, which is the summation of deviations of all nodes between OTSG and corresponding computational tooth surface grids (CTSG) expressed by manufacturing parameters. The gear manufacturing parameters are reversed by observing duplex method. The pinionmanufacturing parameters are reversed by attempting the meshing behavior taken as input to local synthesis with modified roll motion. The initial meshing behavior is approximately ascertained by discrete tooth contact analysis based on OTSG, and meshing behavior at the mean contact point is figured out by interpolation method for function of transmission errors and contact path. Having reversed the manufacturing parameters, OTSG is expanded to the tooth surface boundary and real tooth contact analysis is conducted. A zero bevel gear drive of an aviation engine was employed to demonstrate the validity of the proposed methodology. The proposed method makes the real tooth contact analysis practical and provides prospect to improve meshing behavior more precisely.
Incidence of Food Insecurity Risk Factors Within a Large, Obesogenic Regional Community: A Population-based Study
Authors: Ward Aletha , Mullens Amy , Rogers Cath , Gilmour John
Published: April 2021

Aim: This descriptive study examined the incidence of food insecurity indicators in a large regional community, in Queensland, Australia, where high rates of obesity and corresponding obesity-driven non-communicable diseases are present. The implications of food insecurity in a large regional community are due to findings within the literature that demonstrate an association between mild-to-moderate food insecurity and a higher incidence of overweight or obesity. This concept was termed the ‘food insecurity obesity paradox’ within the literature. Subject and Methods: Six key food insecurity risk factors were examined using chi-square analysis and odds ratio, including education level, unemployment, single-parent status, rental status, Indigenous heritage, and young people. Publicly available information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics was utilized for data analysis.Results: Analysis indicated that social inequity, associated with food insecurity may result in higher obesity levels within regional Australia. These findings were even more pronounced among females, young people, and Indigenous community members, who had a higher incidence of corresponding social and cultural determinants that influenced experience of food system inequity. Conclusion: The present study has indicated that high rates of obesity in ‘at risk’ communities, government policies designed to create social mobility to address social inequity, may be effective in decreasing obesity rates and the associated corresponding chronic disease burden.
From Machine Learning to Transfer Learning in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: the Case of Rock Analysis for Mars Exploration
Authors: Sun Chen , Xu Weijie , Tan Yongqi , Zhang Yuqing , Yue Zengqi , Zou Long , Shabbir Sahar , Wu Mengting , Chen Fengye , Yu Jin
Published: April 2021

With the ChemCam instrument, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has successively contributed to Mars exploration by determining elemental compositions of soils, crusts and rocks. American Perseverance landed since Feb 18, 2021 on Mars and Chinese Tianwen 1 planned for landing soon, further increase the number of LIBS instruments on Mars. Such unprecedented situation requires a reinforced research effort on the methods of LIBS spectral data treatment. Although the matrix effects correspond to a general issue in LIBS, they become accentuated in the case of rock analysis for Mars exploration, because of the large variation of rock compositions leading to the chemical matrix effect, and the difference in surface physical properties between laboratory standards (in pressed powder pellet, glass or ceramic) used to establish calibration models and natural rocks encountered on Mars, leading to the physical matrix effect. The chemical matrix effect has been tackled in the ChemCam project with large sets of laboratory standards offering a good representation of various compositions of Mars rocks. The present work more specifically deals with the physical matrix effect which is still expecting a satisfactory solution. The approach consists in introducing transfer learning in LIBS data treatment. For the specific application of total alkali-silica (TAS) classification of rocks (either with a polished surface or in the raw state), the results show a significant improvement of the prediction ability of pellet-based models when trained together with suitable information from rocks in a procedure of transfer learning. The correct TAS classification rate increases from 25% for polished rocks and 33.3% for raw rocks with a machine learning model, to 83.3% with a transfer learning model for the both types of rock samples.
Enhancing-ARDS diagnostics for ICU patients: a retrospective, nested case-control study to develop a biomarker-based model
Authors: Fu Xuan , Lin Jinle , Seery Samuel , Tao Wuyuan , Lu Yanxiu , Ye Jianbing , Zeng Shiyong , Wei Jian , Luo Yi , Shang You , Zhang Wenwu , Yu Xuezhong , Wu Jian , Xu Jun , Zhu HuaDong , Dou Qingli , Wang Lijun , Zeng Xiaobin
Published: April 2021

Background: To investigate whether a series of biomarkers including club cell protein 16 (CC16), angiopoietin 2(Ang-2), soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE), high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), and surfactant protein D (SPD) could be utilized for identifying patients, thereby increasing the diagnostic value of acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) in intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: 211 ICU admissions were enrolled in this retrospective, nested case-control study. These patients were then divided into ARDS (n=79) and non-ARDS (n=132) groups according to the Berlin criteria on ICU day 1. Patient characteristics, vital signs, and laboratory examinations were collected within three hours of admission. Five inflammatory associated plasma biomarkers, as well as lung epithelial and endothelial injury which included CC16, Ang-2, sRAGE, HMGB1 and SPD were measured in the morning of day two in the ICU. Diagnostic values were analyzed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied for predictive purposes. Results: C-reactive protein (CRP), NT-proBNP, and PH values for traditional indicators and five biomarkers were analyzed with an objective ARDS indicator, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio. Evidence suggests that only four of potential indicators analyzed here, and CRP hold high diagnostic value. The area under curve (AUC) for each were as follows: CC16 (AUC: 0.752; 95%CI0.680-0.824), Ang-2 (AUC: 0.695; 95%CI 0.620 -0.770), HMGB1 (AUC: 0.668; 95%CI 0.592-0.744), sRAGE (AUC: 0.665; 95%CI 0.588-0.743), CRP (AUC: 0.701; 95%CI 0.627-0.776). No single indicator surpassed the diagnostic capability of the PaO2/FiO2 ratio which had an AUC: 0.844(95%CI 0.789-0.898), especially in terms of sensitivity. However, when the binary logistic model was transformed and the model was built, the AUC increased from 0.647(95%CI 0.568-0.726) to 0.911(95%CI 0.864-0.946). Among the combinations tested, PaO2/FiO2+CRP+Ang-2+CC16+HMGB1 resulted in an AUC of 0.910 (95%CI 0.863-0.945), while PaO2/FiO2+CRP+Ang-2+CC16+HMGB1+sRAGE+SPD have an AUC of 0.911(95%CI 0.864-0.946). Conclusions: A combination of the assessed biomarkers could enhance ARDS diagnostics, which has obvious ramifications for patient care and prognosis. It may be possible to develop a predictive ARDS nomogram; however, of the combinations tested here, we would recommend PaO2/FiO2+CRP+Ang-2+CC16+HMGB1 for clinical practice. This is because of the cost implications in contrast with the benefit involved in utilizing the more elaborate model. Although, further health economics research is required to consider this opportunity cost for emergency care policy.
Cerebral blood flow and cognitive outcome after pediatric stroke in the middle cerebral artery
Authors: Steiner Leonie , Federspiel Andrea , Jaros Jasmine , Slavova Nedelina , Wiest Roland , Steinlin Maja , Grunt Sebastian , Everts Regula
Published: April 2021

Adaptive recovery of cerebral perfusion after pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is sought to be crucial for sustainable rehabilitation of cognitive functions. We therefore examined cerebral blood flow in the chronic stage after stroke and its association with cognitive outcome in patients after pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). This cross-sectional study investigated cerebral blood flow and cognitive functions in 14 patients (age 13.5 ± 4.4 years) after pediatric AIS in the middle cerebral artery (time since AIS was at least 2 years prior to assessment) when compared with 36 healthy controls (aged 13.8 ± 4.3 years). Cognitive functions were assessed using neuropsychological tests and cerebral blood flow was measured with arterial spin labeled imaging in the area of the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral artery (ACA, MCA, PCA). Patients had significantly lower IQ scores and poorer cognitive functions compared to healthy controls. Arterial spin labeled imaging revealed significantly lower cerebral blood flow in the ipsilesional MCA and PCA in patients compared to healthy controls. Further, we found significantly higher interhemispheric perfusion imbalance in the MCA in patients compared to controls. Higher interhemispheric perfusion imbalance in the MCA was significantly associated with lower working memory performance. Our findings revealed that even years after pediatric stroke in the MCA, reduced ipsilesional cerebral blood flow occurs in the MCA and PCA and interhemispheric imbalance is associated with cognitive performance. Thus, our data suggest that cerebral hypoperfusion might underlie some of the variability observed in long-term outcome after pediatric stroke.
A Cohort Study to Investigate Sex-specific Differences in ANCA-associated Glomerulonephritis Outcomes
Authors: Scott Jennifer , Canepa Carolina , Buettner Antonia , Ryan Louise , Moloney Brona , Cormican Sarah , Walsh Cathal , White Arthur , Salama Alan D , Little Mark A.
Published: April 2021

IntroductionData surrounding sex-specific differences in ANCA-associated vasculitis glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN) outcomes is sparse. We hypothesised that the previously observed increased risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in males is driven by sex-specific variation in immunosuppression dosing.MethodsPatients were recruited to the Irish Rare Kidney Disease Registry or followed by the Royal Free Hospital vasculitis team (2012-2020). Inclusion criteria: prior diagnosis of ANCA-GN (biopsy proven pauci-immune glomerulonephritis) and positive serology for anti-MPO or –PR3 antibodies. Renal and patient survival, stratified by sex and Berden histological class, was analysed. The cumulative- and starting dose/kilogram of induction agents and prednisolone, respectively, was compared between sexes. Results332 patients were included. Median follow-up was time 40.2 months (IQR 17.3–69.2). 73 (22%) reached ESKD and 47 (14.2%) died. Overall 1- and 5-year renal survival was 82.2% and 76.7% in males and 87.1% and 82.0% in females, respectively (p 0.13). The hazard ratio for ESKD in males versus females, after adjustment for age, ANCA serology, baseline creatinine and histological class was 1.07 (95% CI 0.59–1.93). There was no difference between sexes in the dose/kilogram of any induction agent.ConclusionWe did not observe a strong impact of sex on renal outcome in ANCA-GN. Treatment intensity does not vary by sex.
The Association between ANXA2 mutations and Clinical Pathological Features in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Liu Jiayou , Xie Shaoli , Mo Linglong , Pu Lulan , Xu Mingfei , Yi Qian , Li Jingjia , Yang Yi , Rong Xinxin , Li Jinsui , Zhou Fangfang , Zhang Xiaoming , Zeng Mei , Hou Lingmi , Deng Shishan
Published: April 2021

Background

Genetic mutations have been reported in many tumors. In this study, we aimed to examine whether ANXA2 mutations occur in breast cancer and to investigate their association with clinicopathological characteristics in patients.
Materials and Methods

We collected breast cancer and adjacent normal tissue samples from 112 patients, extracted total RNA, and performed PCR-SSCP and bidirectional Sanger sequencing. ANXA2 mutations were identified by NCBI BLAST (blastn and blastx), and their correlation with clinical data were analyzed.
Results

ANXA2 mutations were detected in breast cancer tissues (missense mutations 38.39%) at a higher incidence than in adjacent normal tissues (missense mutations 8.04%) and mainly located in domain and repeats 1. Moreover, mutations in breast cancer tissues were associated with clinical stages, molecular subtype, ER, PR, and lymph-node metastasis of patients. Within a mean follow-up time of 52.5 months, the 5-year OS of patients with missense mutations was lower than those without. Among those mutations, c.(350AG > GA), c.(375G > A), c.(487T > A) and c.(693G > A) were associated with younger patients. c.(350AG > GA) was related to higher clinical stage and lymph-node metastasis. c.(375G > A) was linked to HER2(-) cases, while c.(693G > A) tended to be TNBC cases.
Conclusion

ANXA2 missense mutations mainly occurred on domain and repeats 1 in breast cancer, which may be associated with pathogenesis, clinical stage, molecular subtyping, lymph node metastasis and 5-year OS of breast cancer. These mutations may contribute to the early screening, diagnosis, and targeted treatment of breast cancer.