bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the Eligibility of Glaucoma Patients for Potential Gene Therapy Among a Clinic Population
Authors: Bourne Rupert , Gruzei Carmen , Zhang Jufen
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Glaucoma patients who deteriorate despite standard treatment may benefit from novel gene therapies. Key inclusion criteria for a glaucoma gene therapy trial were devised. A retrospective chart review in a glaucoma clinic population was conducted. Feasibility of gene therapy inclusion criteria and factors associated with progression and fast progression < -1 decibels/year (dB/y) were evaluated.
Methods

374 Primary Open Angle Glaucoma patients all of whom had performed at least 5 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm Standard visual fields within a 58 months period. Two definitions were applied to characterise visual field progression rate using Guided Progression Analysis for an individual patient based on A, the eye with the greatest visual field loss, or B, the eye with the most rapid progression rate.
Results

Mean rate of visual field progression was − 0.50 dB/y (Definition A) and − 0.64 dB/y (Definition B). 19.0% (A) and 21.9% (B) of eyes, 71 (A) and 82 (B) eyes, were ‘fast progressors’ (< -1 dB/y). 37 (A) and 43 (B) eyes met the putative gene therapy inclusion criteria (≥ 50 years; mean deviation ≤ -4 to ≥ -12; ≤ -20 dB, progression rate between − 1 to -4 dB/y). Beta blockers (Odds ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 2.84 (1.39–5.80); p = 0.004) (A), (OR (95%CI): 2.48 (1.30–4.75); p = 0.006) (B) and alpha agonists (OR (95%CI): 2.18 (1.14–4.17); p = 0.02) (A), (OR (95%CI) 2.00 (1.08–3.73); p = 0.028) (B) were significantly associated with fast progression.
Conclusion

A substantial proportion (10%) of patients in this clinic population would meet recommended gene therapy inclusion criteria.
Decreased Expression of ENPP6 Predicts the Occurrence of Pain in Malignant Spinal Tumour
Authors: Hu Jie , Zhong Birou , Guo Yuqian
Published: April 2021

Background: Neuropathic pain (NeP) characterized by neuroplasticity and neuroinflammatory change is a common complication associated with spinal metastasis. However, there are no reliable candidates for diagnosis and treatment. Recently, cancer research has incorporated molecules into the treatment of patients with NeP, therefore, it is necessary to find key molecules of NeP to provide new targets for diagnosis and treatment.Methods: We analyzed RNA-seq data around the expression of ENPP6 based on bioinformatic methods, including differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology (GO), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and GSEA analyses, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, immune cell infiltration and mutation analysis.Results: We divided with pain samples into the High and Low ENPP6 expression groups. A total of 231 DEGs were identified. GO and KEGG analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in Inflammation and cancer associated pathways. GSEA analysis showed that DEGs was significantly enriched in ARF3 and P38/MK2, RHO and RAS, and BRAFT and AKT1/E17K pathway. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the expression of ENPP6 was significantly correlated with autophagy phenotype and immunophenotype. Immune infiltrating analysis showed that activated NK cells were significantly highly expressed in Low group. ROC analysis of ENPP6 suggested that the area under the ROC curve was 0.925. Mutation sites analysis showed that most of the mutations in ENPP4-7 were phosphorylation sites.Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into molecular mechanisms underlying NeP, and identifying ENPP6 may serve as potentially diagnostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for NeP.
Theoretical Research on Cage-like Oxadiazole-based Energetic Compounds and Its Derivatives
Authors: Huang Yan , Zhan Le-Wu , Zhang Qian , Hou Jing , Li Bindong
Published: April 2021

In this manuscript, we reported the design and prediction of two oxadiazole-based cage-like molecules and their derivatives using density function theory (DFT). The heats formation and detonation properties were calculated using Hess’s law and Kamlet-Jacobs equations with B3PW91 method. The molecular stability and geometry were analyzed using M06-2X method and molecular crystal structures were predicted based on Monte Carlo simulation, while chemical reactive sites were judged using PBE0 method based on Fukui function. The theoretical calculation result proved that the designed molecules exhibit ideal symmetric cage-like geometry and show superior physicochemical and detonation properties. Compared with traditional energetic materials, the designed molecules display more positive solid heats formation and lower sensitivity. The designed molecules could be considered as promising HEDM candidates with potential synthesis and application value.
Effect of Dietary Patterns and, or Nutrition Strategies Reducing Risk in Adverse Maternal Health Occurrences during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Larbi Josephine Ansaa , Steiner-Asiedu Matilda , Vuvor Fredrick , Adusei Anthony , Egbi Godfred
Published: April 2021

Dietary patterns and nutrition strategies are essential to maintain optimal maternal health during pregnancy to prevent and minimize conditions that lead to complications. Previous studies found nutrition education and counseling effect on food habit modification, beneficial during pregnancy. In promoting health and reducing adverse maternal conditions during pregnancy, need increasing knowledge on diversities of dietary pattern consumption, modify attitude and practice. The present review conducted on effect of dietary patterns and/or nutrition interventions on health risks such as hypertension disorders in pregnancy or gestational hypertension or high blood pressure related to obesity or overweight, low haemoglobin, undernutrition and anaemia. Eighteen eligible studies identified. Studies on dietary patterns: Mediterranean or DASH diets, DASH diet vs Western diet with dietary counseling, combined nutrition counseling, advice and healthy diet. Healthy diet vs Western, Traditional or high-energy-foo; 2 healthy diets rich in fruit and vegetables. Two healthy diets combined with dietary counseling, nutrition messages compared with high-energy-food. The remaining 5 studies were nutrition education and health promotion model, dietary counseling and knowledge, attitude and practice with healthy diet, nutrition education with or without diet plan, then guided counseling with planned behaviour model. The studies reported positive impact on reduction of maternal adverse conditions, improved anthropometric, haemoglobin, undernutrition or malnutrition status. Study designs were 5 randomized controlled interventions, 11 prospective or longitudinal cohort studies and 2 systematic review.
Interference Due to Heterophilic Antibody, Biotin and Thyroid Hormone Autoantibody
Authors: ni jiajia , yu long , li jingyi , zhang li , yang qingqing , kou chunjia , li shuqi , tian guoyu , wang yuyao , liu xueying , zhou huizhi , zhang haiqing
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Immunoassay is susceptible to interference by other substances in the serum. The main substances interfering with thyroid function testing include heterophilic antibody, biotin, thyroid hormone autoantibody, and Macro-TSH. We reported a patient with fraudulently elevated FT4 and TSH and described various common experimental methods used to explore the existence of substances interfering with thyroid function testing.Methods and Results: FT4 and TSH were significantly lower when measured on the Architect platform (FT4: 7.09 pmol/L, TSH: 58.94 µIU/ml). Polyethylene glycol precipitation showed lower FT4 and TSH, suggesting the presence of a high molecular weight interfering substance. Heterophile blocking tube study showed heterophilic antibody interfered with TSH detection. 125I-hTSH binding study and radioimmunoprecipitation assay indicated that the patient didn’t contain anti-TSH autoantibody. The new generation of Elecsys immunoassay kit indicated that biotin interfered with TSH detection. Radioimmunoprecipitation assay showed that all four kinds of thyroid hormone autoantibodies were positive. After reviewing 24 literatures, we provided the diagnostic strategy for investigation of interferences with thyroid function immunoassays.Conclusion: We reported a case with falsely elevated TSH due to the combined action of heterophilic antibody and biotin and fraudulently elevated FT4 caused by thyroid hormone autoantibody. When there is a discrepancy between thyroid function and clinical manifestation, the presence of immunoassay interference with one or more indicators needs to be considered.
Expression and prognostic significance of CBX2 in colorectal cancer: Database mining for CBX family members in malignancies
Authors: Zhou He , Xiong Yongfu , Liu Zuoliang , Hou Songlin , Zhou Tong
Published: April 2021

Background: The Chromobox (CBX) domain protein family, a core component of polycomb repressive complexes 1, is involved in transcriptional repression, cell differentiation, and program development by binding to methylated histone tails. Each CBX family member plays a distinct role in various biological processes through their own specific chromatin domains, due to differences in conserved sequences of the CBX proteins. It has been demonstrated that colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multiple-step biological evolutionary process, whereas the roles of the CBX family in CRC remain largely unclear.Methods: In the present study, the expression and prognostic significance of the CBX family in CRC were systematically analyzed through a series of online databases, including Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), Oncomine, Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA).Results: Most CBX proteins were found to be highly expressed in CRC, but only the elevated expression of CBX2 could be associated with poor prognosis in patients with CRC. Further examination of the role of CBX2 in CRC was performed through several in vitro experiments. CBX2 was overexpressed in CRC cell lines via the CCLE database and the results were verified by RT-qPCR. Moreover, the knockdown of CBX2 significantly suppressed CRC cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, the downregulation of CBX2 was found to promote CRC cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Based on these findings, CBX2 may function as an oncogene and potential prognostic biomarker. Thus, the association between the abnormal expression of CBX2 and the initiation of CRC deserves further exploration.
WITHDRAWN: Synthesis of β-Glucan nanoparticles from red algae derived β-Glucan for potential biomedical applications
Authors: Ramalingam Parthasarathy , Seetharaman Prabu kumar , H.C. Yashavantha Rao , Chelliah Jayabaskaran
Published: April 2021

The present study highlighted that the synthesis of β-Glucan nanoparticles (β-GluNPs) developed as a facile method to prevent cancer and infectious diseases, which is highly effective and inexpensive in the biological field. This research study has demonstrated the use of marine algae (Gracilaria corticate) to extract water-soluble β-Glucan and synthesis of β-GluNPs by dissolving the extracted β-Glucan in NaOH under optimal conditions. The molecular structure of the extracted and stabilized β-GluNPs was analysed using NMR. Further, the Physico-chemical parameters of β-GluNPs were analysed by the high throughput instruments like UV spectroscopy, FTIR, DLS, ZETA Potential, SEM, HRTEM, and XRD analysis. The synthesis of β-GluNPs confirmed by IR spectroscopy. The HR-TEM results demonstrated that the formation of polydispersed nanoparticles with a mean size of 20 ± 5 nm. The hydrostatic zeta potential was − 22.7mV, which indicated their colloidal stability. The XRD pattern revealed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. Besides, β-GluNPs performed better antibacterial activity against the tested pathogens. The apoptosis and DNA fragmentation observed to be IC50 42.5 µg/ml of the β-GluNPs. The DNA fragmentation assay indicated the selective inhibition of the MCF-7 cell line by DNA damage. Hence, β-GluNPs used as a promising alternative drug against human breast cancer.
Modulation Instability Analysis of a Nonautonomous (3+1)-Dimensional Coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Patel Arvind , KUMAR VINEESH
Published: April 2021

We investigate the modulation instability (MI) analysis of a nonautonomous (3+1)-dimensional coupled nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation with time-dependent dispersion and phase modulation coefficients. By employing standard linear stability analysis, we obtain an explicit expression for the MI gain as a function of dispersion, phase modulation, perturbation wave numbers and an initial incidence power. The nonautonomous coupled NLS equation is found to be modulationally unstable for the same sign of dispersion and phase modulation coefficients. This equation is modulationally stable for zero dispersion and or phase modulation coefficients. But non-zero dispersion coefficient, it is modulationally stable/unstable on distinct bandwidth of wave numbers. The trigonometric, exponential, algebraic function of time and constant have been chosen as test functions for dispersion and phase modulation to find the effect on the MI analysis. The effect of focusing and defocusing medium on the MI analysis has also been investigated. The MI bandwidth in the focusing medium is found to be larger than defocusing medium. It is found that the modulation instability of the equation can be managed by proper choice of the dispersion and phase modulation parameters.
Brusatol Inhibits Laryngeal Cancer Cell Proliferation and Metastasis Via Abrogating JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhou Jiangtao , Hou Jing , Wang Jun , Wang Jiajing , Gao Jianping , Bai Yun’e
Published: April 2021

Background: Brusatol (BR) is a principal bioactive quassinoid derived from the Chinese medicinal plant Brucea javanica, which has recently been reported to exert notable cytotoxic effects against numerous cancer cell lines. However, the role that BR played in Laryngeal cancer (LC) is seldom known by the public. In the current study, we have investigated the effects of BR on human laryngeal squamous carcinoma cell (Hep-2) and explored its underlying mechanism both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods: In the present research, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cycle, migration and invasion assays were used to examine the anti-tumor effect of BR on Hep-2 cells. qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting were performed to study the molecular mechanisms of the action. A subcutaneous tumor-bearing model of Balb/c mice with Hep-2 cells of laryngeal carcinoma was established to observe the inhibitory effect of BR on laryngeal cancer cells in vivo. Results: The results indicated that BR markedly inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of Hep-2 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner, with no significant toxic effect on normal cells BEAS-2B. Also, BR induced cell apoptosis and the cells were blocked in the S phase to suppress cell proliferation. Moreover, the results of IHC showed that BR induction inhibited the protein expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers. Mechanistically, western blotting results exhibited that BR could suppress the protein expression of JAK2/STAT3 and their phosphorylation levels. In vivo experiments further confirmed the anti-cancer effect of BR on laryngeal carcinoma cells in vitro, BR suppressed the growth of xenograft laryngeal tumors without apparent toxicity.Conclusions: Consequently, the present study revealed that the anti-LC effect of BR might be closely relevant to abrogation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling mediated EMT process. BR may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of laryngeal cancer.
Association of Intrarenal Resistance Index and Systemic Atherosclerosis After Kidney Transplantation.
Authors: Köger Philip , Engelberger Stephan , Wüthrich Rudolf , Valentin Marie-Luise , Kucher Nils , Thalhammer Christoph , Clemens Robert Karl
Published: April 2021

Background
Patients after kidney transplant are at risk of cardiovascular morbidity. Surveillance of kidney transplants is mandatory to ensure a maximal transplant lifespan. Renal function is measured by levels of creatinine (clearance) while morphological aspects and other parameters like the kidney-size and Resistance Index are assessed with Duplex sonography. An elevated Resistance Index is associated with renal graft failure. The Resistance Index can also be measured in the carotid artery. It is uncertain whether a correlation between intrarenal RI after kidney transplant and the RI of the internal carotid artery exists.
Material and Methods
Resistance index of kidney transplants and of the carotid artery were measured with duplex sonography in adult patients after kidney transplant. Carotid intima-media thickness as well as the Framingham risk score and the Augmentation index, all known markers of atherosclerosis, were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed with STATA. Continuous data were expressed as means +/- standard deviation and compared by Kruskal-Wallis Test. Correlations between the RI in Carotid artery and the RI of the kidney transplant were based on Spearmen test with the level of significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
98 consecutive patients (60% male, mean age of 48.7 (+/-15.6)) were included. Mean interval after transplantation was 27.5 (+/- 8.5) months and the mean serum creatinine was 308 (+/- 220.3) mmol/L. The RI of the internal carotid artery and the renal transplant were significantly correlated (p < 0.05). A strong correlation between the RIs and the Augmentation Index (AIx) was found.
Conclusion
The RI of the kidney transplant is correlated with the RI of the carotid artery and to markers of general atherosclerosis. This observation may be helpful to identify patients after kidney transplant with higher risk for cardiovascular events.
A Novel Nano-sized Co3O4@C Catalyst Derived from Co-MOF Template for Efficient Hg0 Removal at Low Temperatures with Outstanding SO2 Resistance
Authors: Zhou Jiacheng , Shen Qicheng , Yang Jie , Tariq Muhammad , Sun Wei , Cao Limei , Yang Ji
Published: April 2021

Co3O4 is a promising Hg0 removal catalyst for industrial application. Operating temperature and low sulfur resistance are two of the main problems that hinder its industrial application in Hg0 removal. Herein, a metal-organic framework (Co-BDC) was introduced as a sacrificial template to obtain the catalyst nano-sized Co3O4@C by calcination. Part of the organic ligands carbonized during the calcination. Carbon wrapped Co3O4 and reduced metal agglomeration. The optimal Hg0 removal temperature of the existing cobalt oxides catalysts was always around 150 ℃, but H2-TPR showed that the oxygen atoms on the Co3O4@C were more active than those on commercial Co3O4, causing the Hg0 removal temperature window of Co3O4@C to shift to lower temperatures. The Hg0 removal efficiency of Co3O4@C could reach almost 100% even at 25 ℃. In the meanwhile, Co3O4@C also showed a strong SO2 resistance at ambient temperature. Experimental results and characterization proved that SO2 did not compete with Hg0 on the surface of Co3O4 at low temperatures. On the contrary, it participated in the oxidation of Hg0. This is a great improvement for Co3O4 catalyst in Hg0 removal. It reduces the restrictions on the application of Co3O4 in Hg0 removal. Co3O4@C shows considerable potential as an Hg0 removal catalyst.
2D→3D Polycatenated Cu(I) Coordination Polymer: Photocatalytic Property and Protective Activity on COPD by Reducing the INF-γ Production
Authors: Zhu Jun-Fei , Yang Weiwei , Yang Jian , Jin Li-Tong
Published: April 2021

Reported here is a new [Cu4I4] cluster-based coordination polymer, namely [Cu4I4(bib)2]n·n(DMF) (1, bib = 1,4-bis(imidazolyl)butane, DMF = N,N’-dimethylformamide), which was synthesized by the self-assemble reaction of CuI, bib and KI under solvothermal conditions. Remarkably, compound 1 shows promising photocatalytic performance toward to the degradation of MB solution under visible light irradiation. For the COPD treatment, the ELISA detection kit was conducted to determine the content of INF-γ released by the respiratory tract mucosal epithelial cells. In addition to this, the activation levels of the NF-κB signaling pathway was still need to be assessed by the real time RT-PCR after the compound treatment.
Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) Regulates The Progression and Imatinib Resistance of Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: CHENG XIAOBIN , Wang Jinhai , Fan Weina , Lu Sen , Wang Weilin
Published: April 2021

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a common tumor that originates from mesenchyme in the alimentary system. Compared to the typical gastrointestinal carcinomas, GISTs exhibit unique malignant behaviors. Bioinformatic tools and subsequent experiments were applied to investigate novel targets involved in GIST progression and imatinib resistance. Methods: Differences of gene expression profiles between advanced and non-advanced GISTs were comprehensively analyzed based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE136755. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was conducted to identify the potential target gene. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to elucidate relevant biological events of the target gene based on dataset GSE47911. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed to validate the prognostic value of the target gene in GISTs. Overexpression of the target gene was conducted to analyze its functions in proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and imatinib resistance of GIST/T1 cells. Results: In current study, a total of 606 differentailly expressed genes (DEGs) were screened based on dataset GSE136755 and the upregulated DEGs in advanced GISTs were mainly involved in cell division through functional annotations. The intersected hub gene, Aurora Kinase A (AURKA), was identified by degree and bottleneck algorithms. GSEA revealed that AURKA was involved in cell cycle-related biological processes. Oncomine and GEPIA databases supported an elevated expression pattern of AURKA in most human malignances. Clinical assay demonstrated that AURKA could be an independent prognostic factor for GISTs. Additionally, overexpression of AURKA was experimentally demonstrated to promote cell proliferation and survival, and enhance imatinib resistance of GIST/T1 cells. Conclusions: These findings indicated that overexpression of AURKA promoted GIST progression and enhanced imatinib resistance, implying the potential of AURKA as a therapeutic target for GISTs.
Growth Performance of Indigenouns Goat Breeds Through Grazing Supplemented with Graded Levels of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas) Silage in Loma Woreda, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Lorato Yaekob Lomba , Alambo Amare Abera
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT Background: A study was carried out in Loma district of Southern part of Ethiopia that aimed to determine the effects of supplementation of graded levels of sweet potato vine silage on growth performances of grazing indigenous goat breeds. Loma district, the potential area for sweet potato production, that they practiced feeding sweet potato for animal feed shortage especially during dry season in the study area. Two hundred Sixteen indigenous yearling male local goats (16.3±0.4kg) were randomly selected for on-farm feeding trial. The goats were blocked into four groups of fifty four animals based on their initial body weight. Dietary treatments were randomly assigned to each animal in the groups. Animals which were assigned randomly in each block were given to farmers. The treatment comprised of grazing alone as treatment 1, grazing+78 g dry matter sweet potato silage as treatment 2, grazing +156 g dry matter sweet potato silage as treatment 3, grazing + 234 g dry matter sweet potato silage as treatment 4. Results: The highest dry matter contents (89.7%) were observed in final trial periods compared to initial and mid-term of trial periods. The average daily gain for Treatment 4 was higher (P<0.05) than those goats in Treatment 1 and Treatment 2. The weight gain for Treatment 3 and Treatment 4 were similar (P>0.05). About 96.7% of the respondents produce sweet potato. Conclusions: In the current feeding trial study results indicated that, the increased supplementation of sweet potato vine silage revealed increased performance of grazing local goats. Intake of dry matter increased from 78% to 234% with increasing levels of sweet potato vine silage supplementation. There was higher average daily gain for the supplemented group (60, 80 and 97g/head/day in Treatment 2, Treatment 3 and Treatment 4, respectively) than non-supplemented ones (34.2g/head/day). Therefore, from these findings it is concluded that supplementation of sweet potato silage favors better growth rate however we need to work on improving the productivity of sweet potato and improve benefits of feeding to goats.
The STUN (STop UNhealthy) Alcohol Use Now Trial: Study Protocol for an Adaptive Randomized Trial on Dissemination and Implementation of Screening and Management of Unhealthy Alcohol Use in Primary Care
Authors: Jonas Daniel E. , Barclay Colleen , Grammer Debbie , Weathington Chris , Birken Sarah A. , DeWalt Darren A. , Shoenbill Kimberly A. , Boynton Marcella H. , Mackey Monique , Riley Sean , Cykert Samuel
Published: April 2021

Background: Unhealthy alcohol use is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the US and is associated with many societal and health problems. Less than a third of people who visit primary care providers in the US are asked about or ever discuss alcohol use with a health professional. Methods/design: This study is an adaptive, randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the effect of primary care practice facilitation and telehealth services on evidence-based screening, counseling, and pharmacotherapy for unhealthy alcohol use in small-to-medium-sized primary care practices. Study participants will include primary care practices in North Carolina with 10 or fewer providers. All enrolled practices will receive a practice facilitation intervention that includes quality improvement (QI) coaching, electronic health record (EHR) support, training, and expert consultation. After 6 months, practices in the lower 50th percentile (based on performance) will be randomized to continued practice facilitation or provision of telehealth services plus ongoing facilitation for the next 6 months. Practices in the upper 50th percentile after the initial 6 months of intervention will continue to receive practice facilitation alone. The main outcome measures include the number (and %) of patients in the target population who are screened for unhealthy alcohol use, screen positive, and receive brief counseling. Additional measures include the number (and %) of patients who receive pharmacotherapy for AUD or are referred for AUD services.Discussion: A successful intervention would significantly reduce morbidity among adults from unhealthy alcohol use by increasing counseling and other treatment opportunities. The study will produce important evidence about the effect of practice facilitation on uptake of evidence-based screening, counseling, and pharmacotherapy for unhealthy alcohol use when delivered on a large scale to small and medium-sized practices. It will also generate scientific knowledge about whether embedded telehealth services can improve use of evidence-based screening and interventions for practices with slower uptake. The results of this rigorously conducted evaluation are expected to have a positive impact by accelerating the dissemination and implementation of evidence related to unhealthy alcohol use into primary care practices.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04317989. March 23, 2020 –registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04317989?titles=STUN&draw=2&rank=1
A Prognostic Model Constructed Based on Rna Binding Protein to Predict the Prognosis of Patients With Rectal Cancer
Authors: Zhou Liqiang , Wu You , Li Shihao , Wu Dengzhong , Wang Jinliang , Yuan Yiwu , Xin Lin
Published: April 2021

Background: The incidence of rectal cancer in young people is increasing, and there has been a problem of poor prognosis in recent years. Many studies have shown that RNA binding protein (RBP) is related to the progression of various malignant tumors. However, the role of RBPs in rectal cancer is poorly understood. New prognostic models are urgently needed.Materials and methods: In the study, we used the RBPTD database, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the transcription data information and corresponding clinical information of rectal cancer patients in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to screen out RBPs that are differentially expressed in tumor tissues and normal tissues. Subsequently, we analyzed the prognostic value of these RBPs using bioinformatics methods. In order to screen the key RBP in the occurrence of rectal tumors and establish a prognostic risk score model. The use of survival analysis shows that assessing the relationship between key RBPs and the patient's overall survival rate. In the TCGA cohort, the prognostic model was further tested. At the same time, the nomogram of the 6 RBP mRNAs in the TCGA cohort was constructed, and the ROC curve was used for verification. Finally, q-PCR was performed on clinical samples to verify the expression of hub genes.Results: The new 6RBP (EXO1, TOP2A, RUVBL1, NXT1, PACSIN2, WDR4) prognostic model was established to predict the prognosis of rectal cancer. The ROC curve showed good results in the training cohort and validation cohort. The new 6RBP (EXO1, TOP2A, RUVBL1, NXT1, PACSIN2, WDR4) prognostic model was established to predict the prognosis of rectal cancer. The ROC curve showed good survival prediction in both the training cohort and the validation cohort. The constructed nomogram has certain guiding significance for clinical decision-making. In addition, GSEA analysis revealed potential biological functions. The q-PCR verification results showed the consistency with the construction of the prognostic model.Conclusions: We constructed a six RBPs prognostic model and a nomogram to predict the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer, and performed q-PCR expression testing through clinical samples, which may help clinical decision-making.
Selection for Low-cadmium Cultivars and Cadmium Subcellular Distribution Comparison between Two Selected Cultivars of Eggplant (Solanum Melongena L.)
Authors: Shen Chuang , Fu Hui-Ling , Liao Qiong , Huang Bai-Fei , Huang Ying-Ying , Xin Junliang
Published: April 2021

Excessive accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in vegetables poses a serious threat to human health; therefore, it is urgent to screen and cultivate vegetable cultivars with low Cd accumulation in the edible parts. Eggplant has a high tendency for Cd accumulation, but research on its low Cd accumulation cultivars is still rare. In this study, to screen low-Cd cultivars, 30 eggplant cultivars were screened using soils containing 0.22 mg/kg, 2.9 mg/kg (low-Cd), and 4.7 mg/kg of Cd (high-Cd). MYCQ and ZGQ were confirmed as low-Cd cultivars, BXGZ and WCCQ were confirmed as high-Cd cultivars, and a 2.52–3.88 fold difference in Cd concentration was observed in their fruits. The subcellular distribution revealed that the root cell wall and vacuole Cd concentrations of a typical low-Cd cultivar (MYCQ) were significantly higher than those of a typical high-Cd cultivar (BXGZ); however, the Cd concentrations in the cell wall and vacuole in fruits, leaves, and stems were significantly lower in MYCQ than in BXGZ. These results indicated that the low-Cd cultivars of eggplant could lessen Cd toxicity through the elevated Cd retention and sequestration levels of root cell walls and vacuoles, thus reducing Cd transport from roots to aboveground tissues, leading to low Cd accumulation. The findings of this study can provide a physiological and biochemical foundation for the screening and breeding of low-Cd cultivars of fruit vegetables and demonstrates that the application of low-Cd cultivars is necessary for food safety in humans.
Tuning weight values by resolving imbalances at nodes in an augmented artificial neural network
Authors: Shinkai Gou
Published: April 2021

Tuning the weight values in an artificial neural network for a computational function is essential for artificial intelligence. This letter proposes tuning based on a mathematical model, which conceptually extends the artificial neural network by allowing an imbalance between the sum of the incoming values to a node and the outgoing values from the node in the network. In a different way from the gradient-descent-based tuning that uses multiple updates to minimise the difference between the required output values and the computed output values of an artificial neural network, the proposed tuning resolves the imbalance at each node in the network. The proposed tuning exhibits similar performance to the existing stochastic-gradient-descent-based tuning. In contrast, the proposed tuning does not need to explore the optimal parameters to obtain the optimal weight values. These benefits of the proposed tuning method could accelerate the advancement of artificial intelligence.
Immune and Stromal Score-Related Gene Signatures For Risk Stratification of Gynaecologic Cancers
Authors: Gao Li , Liang Zi-Qian , Wei Zhu-Xin , Chen Jun-Hong , Zeng Jing-Jing , Chen Gang
Published: April 2021

Background: The immune and stromal landscape of gynaecologic cancers is far from elucidated, and there is a lack of systematic prognostic analysis of the immune or stromal parts of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in all types of gynaecologic cancers. We aimed to establish immune and stromal score-based risk signatures for each type of gynaecologic cancer.Methods: In the present study, using the algorithm of “Estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumours using expression data”, we calculated immune and stromal scores for cervical squamous carcinoma (CESC), uteri corpus endometrial cancer (UCEC) and ovarian cancer (OVCA) from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) to establish immune and stromal score-based risk signatures. Multi-omics analysis combining single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), tumour mutation burden (TMB) and gene set variation analysis was further performed to investigate the mechanism of immune and stromal score-based risk signatures in gynaecologic cancers. Eventually, the prognostic value of some signature genes was examined in independent microarrays and aberrant expression of IHH in UCECs through immunohistochemistry. Results: According to the results, the prognosis prediction ability of the immune and stromal score-related risk signatures constructed for pan-gynaecological cancers withstood the tests of tROC curves and Kaplan-Meier survival curves, proving to be effective in risk stratification. Three signature genes, including BNC1, CCDC80, and IHH, were verified in independent datasets to have prognostic value in gynaecologic cancers. Conclusions: In summary, the immune and stromal score-related risk signature constructed in this study might be promising prognostic markers for pan-gynaecological cancers.
Interfacial Interactions and Tribological Behaviour of Metal-Oxide/2D-Material Contacts
Authors: Yadav Shwetank , Arif Taib , Wang Guorui , Sodhi Rana N.S. , Cheng Yu Hui , Filleter Tobin , Singh Chandra
Published: April 2021

This work combines experimental atomic force microscopy (AFM) and DFT simulations to study oxidized metal (oxidized copper & titanium) and 2D material (graphene & MoS2) interfaces. Combining AFM and DFT allowed identifying the interfacial interaction and established a correlation between tribological behavior, interfacial charge distribution, and variations in the potential energy profile with sliding along the metal/2D-materials interfaces. The TiO2 (rutile) and CuO (cupric oxide) metal oxides were mostly found to chemisorb along the interface with the 2D-materials. Both the metal-oxide counter-surfaces (TiO2 and CuO) exhibited higher friction force and adhesion on graphene than on MoS2. The CuO surface was inferred to be copper rich based on comparison with DFT simulations. The interfacial electronic charge distribution and relative energy change were identified to strongly influence sliding and adhesive behavior between oxidized-metal/2D-material contacts when considering only electronic effects in the DFT simulations. More homogenous interfacial charge distribution/sharing and lower surface energy variation, as found on the MoS2 surfaces, were identified to lower friction and adhesion. Non-electronic effects not captured by simulations were found to likely dominate interfacial shear strength measurements experimentally. Therefore, MoS2 should be used in interfacial applications involving TiO2 and copper rich CuO surfaces requiring lower adhesion and friction.
Intermittent saltation drives Mars-like sand transport on Titan
Authors: Comola Francesco , Kok Jasper , Lora Juan , Cohanim Kaylie , Yu Xinting , He Chao , McGuiggan Patty , Hörst Sarah , Turney Francis
Published: April 2021

Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, is characterized by gigantic linear dunes and an active dust cycle. Much like on Earth, these and other aeolian processes are caused by the wind-driven mobilization of surface grains, known as saltation. To date, very little is known about the conditions that allow for the occurrence of saltation on Titan. In fact, Titan saltation may be fundamentally different from Earth saltation given the denser atmosphere, the lower gravity, and the cohesion of its surface grains. Here, we draw on experiments, theory, and modeling to progress towards a comprehensive understanding of saltation on Titan. We find that aerodynamic lifting of surface grains requires strong wind speeds due to the high cohesion of the grains. However, saltation may be sustained through granular splash at wind speeds much smaller than those required to initiate grain motion. This suggests that most saltation transport on Titan is intermittent rather than continuous. We account for these insights by proposing a saltation mass flux parameterization specific for Titan conditions that accounts for transport intermittency, and use it to quantify yearly sediment transport with a general circulation model. The results show that Titan's prevailing atmospheric circulation is capable of generating highly intermittent yet significant saltation, yielding yearly transport rates similar to those on the most active dunes of Mars. Furthermore, we find that accounting for surface topography might be critical to answering open questions related to Titan's landscape evolution, including the formation of linear dunes in opposite direction to the prevailing circulation.
Measuring residual strain and stress in thermal spray coatings using neutron diffractometers
Authors: Faisal Nadimul Haque , Ahmed Rehan , Prathuru Anil K , Paradowska Anna , Lee Tung Lik
Published: April 2021

Background: During thermal spray coating, residual strain is formed within the coating and substrates due to thermo-mechanical processes and microstructural phase changes. Objective: This paper provides a comprehensive guide to researchers planning to use neutron diffraction technique for thermal spray coatings, and reviews some of these studies. Methods: ENGIN-X at the ISIS spallation source is a neutron diffractometer (time-of-flight) dedicated to materials science and engineering with high resolution testing. The focus is on the procedure of using ENGIN-X diffractometer for thermal spray coatings with a view that it can potentially be translated to other diffractometers. Results: Number of studies involving neutron diffraction analysis in thermal spray coatings remain limited, partly due to limited number of such strain measurement facilities globally, and partly due to difficulty is applying neutron diffraction analysis to measure residual strain in the thermal spray coating microstructure. Conclusions: This technique can provide a non-destructive through-thickness residual strain analysis in thermally sprayed components with a level of detail not normally achievable by other techniques. Neutron sources have been used to measure strains in thermal spray coatings, and here, we present examples where such coatings have been characterised at various neutron sources worldwide, to study residual strains and microstructures.
Determinants of Nutrition Care Practice by Midwives and Nurses in the Antenatal and Postnatal Care Settings: A Multi-Site Cross-sectional Survey From Ghana
Authors: Kumbiley Jacqueline , Amalba Anthony , Aryee Paul Armah , Azure Simon Agongo , MOGRE VICTOR
Published: April 2021

Background: Midwives and nurses are in an opportune position to provide nutrition care to pregnant women and lactating mothers during routine antenatal and postnatal care. However, midwives and nurses may not have adequate competencies and confidence to provide effective nutrition care. We evaluated the adequacy of nutrition education received in nursing and midwifery school; nutrition care competencies; self – efficacy and the nutrition care practice of midwives and nurses during routine antenatal and postnatal care in Ghana. We also evaluated determinants of nutrition care practice among these participants.Methods: This was a multi-site cross- sectional study conducted among midwives and nurses working at antenatal and postnatal contact points in Sunyani Municipality, Ghana. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and frequencies were used to describe the data. Results: Almost 90% (n=267) of the participants received nutrition education during training. More than half of the participants were either unsatisfied or uncertain with: the amount of time allocated for nutrition education during training in school (77.5%); the integration of nutrition content into the curriculum (82.6%); and how nutrition course content was presented (77.4%). Almost 40% of the participants felt inadequately prepared from school to provide nutrition care during routine antenatal and postnatal care. The mean (±SD) knowledge of the participants was 57.46 (8.12) %. Participants attitude towards nutrition care was positive. Self-efficacy level ranged from moderate to low. Factors that had a positive association with nutrition care practice were age of respondents (B = 0.04; p = 0.002), nutrition-related knowledge (B = 0.05; p = 0.016), adequacy of nutrition education in school (0.14; p = 0.006), receipt of nutrition training after school (B = 0.38; p = 0.010) and nutrition care self-efficacy (B = 0.03; p = 0.048). Conclusion: Nutrition education received during nursing/midwifery training was unsatisfying and inadequate, resulting in participants inadequate knowledge in basic nutrition issues, feeling ill prepared, less confident and lacking the key skills to provide nutrition care. Although participants recognised nutrition care to be important and as their responsibility to provide it, they could not provide nutrition care as may be needed by mothers during routine antenatal and postnatal care.
Overturning of the façade in single-nave churches under seismic loading
Authors: de Felice Gianmarco , Fugger Rebecca , Gobbin Francesca
Published: April 2021

The out-of-plane collapse of the façade represents one of the major threats and the most frequent cause of damages of churches due to strong earthquakes. Due to the slenderness of the façade and the lack of adequate connections to the side walls and the wooden roof, the seismic action can trigger the overturning. A detailed assessment is therefore required to judge whether or not to intervene. This paper presents an approach for the seismic assessment of the stability of the façade, through a discrete element model based on a photographic survey, with the aim of representing the actual geometry and arrangement of the stone units and their effects on the kinematics of the overturning. The collapse mechanism is simulated with both, quasi-static pushover and dynamic pulse-based analyses and the results compared to those of conventional rigid-body kinematics. The proposed approach is then applied to seven masonry churches that suffered severe damages during the 2009 L’Aquila (Italy) earthquake and the failure mode provided by the analyses is compared to the damages caused by the earthquake. The method is able to give a reliable estimate of the expected failure mechanism, taking into account the quality of the masonry and the connections to the side walls, while also providing the seismic acceleration required to trigger the motion and the ultimate displacement beyond which collapse occurs.
Investigation on the Stiffness of Wire Web of Multi Wire Sawing Machine and Its Influence on Machining Accuracy
Authors: qiu jian , Zhang Shanbao , Fu Rilai , Zhu He , Yang Guodong , Zou Yingkui , Ge Renpeng
Published: April 2021

Diamond wire sawing has gradually applied as the dominant way of silicon sawing in the photovoltaic and semiconductor industry. In the design and evaluation field of diamond wire sawing machine, little research on the static stiffness are presented. But in the design field of traditional metal cutting machine tools, stiffness is an extremely important performance index. The stiffness of wire web should be mastered to improve the machining accuracy of diamond wire sawing. The special significance of this study is that stiffness of wire web is considered to be the key index of multi wire sawing performance, as a result, wire lag and wire bow due to the loss of the stiffness of wire web could be minimized. Aiming at the problem of the stiffness of wire web, the measurement method, process and evaluation standard were proposed. The influence of the stiffness of wire web on the machining process, wire bow, cutting force, machining accuracy and other factors were studied.
Chemical Assisted Laser Beam Machining of SiC Ceramic and Optimization of Process Parameters
Authors: Bonsa Ketema Bobe , Jiru Moera Gutu , SINGH BALKESHWAR , Gidebo Tewodros Derese
Published: April 2021

Chemo mechanical laser beam assisted finishing is the process of a conceptual combination of a fundamental cognitive process. In this process, three basic concepts are synthesized to obtain a smooth surface of silicon carbide. Three different chemicals of H2SO4 , HCl, and HF with a 50% solution with purified water were used. Continuous mode CO2 power from 250W-300W was used to melt the surface after acid was applied. The smooth surface was evaluated using morphology, including pore pattern, pore depth, and pore width was studied under a scanning electron microscope, and the surface roughness, wear-resistance, and hardness were analyzed using a non-contact surface profilometer, scratch tester TR-101, and Digital Rockwell hardness device respectively. The results were statistically analyzed using Design expert software analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed a significant change in the pore pattern, crystal structure, surface roughness, wear-resistance, and hardness. This result was verified by scanning electron microscope, optical microscope, Non-contact profilometer, and scratch tester TR-101machine. The hardness of the smooth surface was increased as well as surface roughness and the coefficient of friction also improved as compared to substrate silicon carbide.