bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling Unsaturated Flow in Porous Media Using an Improved Picard Iteration Scheme
Authors: Zhu S.R. , Wu L.Z. , Ma T. , Li S.H.
Published: May 2021

The numerical solution of various systems of linear equations describing fluid infiltration uses the Picard iteration (PI). However, because many such systems are ill-conditioned, the solution process often has a poor convergence rate, making it very time-consuming. In this study, a control volume method based on non-uniform nodes is used to discretize the Richards equation, and adaptive relaxation is combined with a multistep preconditioner to improve the convergence rate of PI. The resulting adaptive relaxed PI with multistep preconditioner (MP(m)-ARPI) is used to simulate unsaturated flow in porous media. Three examples are used to verify the proposed schemes. The results show that MP(m)-ARPI can effectively reduce the condition number of the coefficient matrix for the system of linear equations. Compared with conventional PI, MP(m)-ARPI achieves faster convergence, higher computational efficiency, and enhanced robustness. These results demonstrate that improved scheme is an excellent prospect for simulating unsaturated flow in porous media.
Adaptation to host cell environment during experimental evolution of Zika virus
Authors: Grass Vincent , Hardy Emilie , Kobert Kassian , Talemi Soheil Rastgou , Décembre Elodie , Guy Coralie , Markov Peter , Kohl Alain , Paris Mathilde , Bockmann Anja , Muñoz-González Sara , Sherry Lee , Höfer Thomas , Boussau Bastien , Dreux Marlène
Published: May 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection can cause important developmental and neurological defects in Humans. Type I/III interferon responses control ZIKV infection and pathological processes, yet the virus has evolved various mechanisms to defeat these host responses. Here, we established a pipeline to delineate at high-resolution the genetic evolution of ZIKV in a controlled host cell environment. We uncovered that serially passaged ZIKV acquired increased infectivity and simultaneously developed a resistance to TLR3-induced restriction. We built a mathematical model that suggests that the increased infectivity is due to a reduced time-lag between infection and viral replication. We found that this adaptation is cell-type specific, suggesting that different cell environments may drive viral evolution along different routes. Deep-sequencing of ZIKV populations pinpointed mutations whose increased frequencies temporally coincide with the acquisition of the adapted phenotype. We functionally validated S455L, a substitution in ZIKV envelope (E) protein, recapitulating the adapted phenotype. Its positioning on the E structure suggests a putative function in protein refolding/stability. Taken together, our results uncovered ZIKV adaptations to the cellular environment leading to accelerated replication onset coupled with resistance to TLR3-induced antiviral response. Our work provides insights into Zika virus adaptation to host cells and immune escape mechanisms.
Effectiveness of Selected Issues of Used Tyre Management in Poland
Authors: Przydatek Grzegorz , Budzik Grzegorz , Janik Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

The study aimed to assess used tyre management efficiency in Poland from 2008 to 2018, considering their recovery based on EU and national regulations. Within 11 years, over 5 million Mg of used tyres were introduced to the domestic market, exceeding 50 million registered vehicles. A significant process in tyre waste management was the recovery of 47% of tyres, which was almost fully correlated with the total amount of tyres. Only the growth trend of the manufactured tyres was considered significant, and the rarely used indicator of the accumulation of used tyres per area showed an uneven accumulation of worn tyres with the highest amount of 48.06 Mg km-2 in a region with a small area but significant volume of tyres. Therefore, management of used tyres requires taking actions that optimise increasing waste collection and rational recovery in the context of the further minimisation of environmental pressure and increasing the efficiency of their use, taking into account the advanced technology.
A Case of an Extremely Rare Disconnection of the External Iliac Artery and Novel Collateral Remodeling
Authors: Wang Shixuan , Zhou Ting , Yu Nan , Liu Ronghua
Published: May 2021

Background: Injury to the external iliac artery (EIA) can have serious consequences and can be extremely challenging for surgeons. Here, we report a patient with bizarre disconnection of the external iliac artery during a laparoscopic operation.Case presentation: On May 27, 2020, during a laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy operation to treat endometrial stromal sarcoma, we encountered an unusual anatomy: abnormal disconnection of the left external iliac artery in a 26-year-old female patient. The proximal and distal ends of the left external iliac artery demonstrated old narrowing without active bleeding, and the distance between the two disconnected ends was more than 3 cm. The scenario was surprising to the entire staff in the operating theater. After a comprehensive assessment of skin temperature, arterial pulsation and arterial blood flow, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) determined that collateral circulation of the left lower limb had been established and could meet the blood supply of the lower limbs, which was also confirmed three times by computed tomography angiography (CTA) and Doppler ultrasound of the blood vessels in the abdomen and lower limbs. Eleven months after the operation, the patient had no obvious abnormality, and the daily activities of the left lower limb were not affected. Follow-up after treatment for the patient is still in progress.Conclusions: We describe the details of the whole case of disconnection of the external iliac artery. We hope to summarize the experience and lessons learned through this case and a relevant literature review to improve the safety and orderliness of our future clinical work.
A Novel PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway- Associated Prognostic Signature Correlated with Immune Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhihuai , Xiong Chen , Chen Shuai , Sun Li , Gao Peng , Gao Yuan , Zhu Chunfu , Qin Xihu
Published: May 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become the third leading cause of death from cancer worldwide, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway acts as the most common carcinogenic pathway in HCC. But few studies have reported the prognostic value of PI3K/AKT associated genes (PAGs) and their association with immune infiltration in HCC.Methods: The mRNA sequencing data and clinical information were gained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. The 105 PAGs gene sets were from the Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) website. The biological processes of differently expressed PAGs were explored by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. A four-gene prognostic signature (SFN, PRKAA2, PITX2 and CDK1) was built based on the multivariate analyses results. Its prognostic value was trained in TCGA database and tested in GEO database and ICGC database. The association between risk score and immune infiltration were explored by CIBERSORT method.Results: a total of nine differently expressed PAGs were identified. GO and KEGG revealed these genes were correlated with different carcinogenic pathways. The patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group according to the median risk score. The high-risk group had shorter survival time compared with the low-risk group in Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed the better prognostic value of risk score (ROC=0.736) compared with other clinicopathological characteristics (AUC ≤ 0.511). The consistent results were obtained in the GEO database and ICGC database. The nomogram predicted the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rates in HCC. The risk score was correlated with immune infiltration of monocytes and M0 macrophages, and the expression of immune checkpoints (PDCD1, CTLA4, TIM3 and TIGIT) were related to risk score. Conclusion: Our study established a novel four-gene prognostic signature by integrated bioinformatic analysis. It provided new insight into the immunotherapy targets and may direct the individualized treatment in HCC.
Experiential Learning for Psychomotor Skills Development of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Students: An Action Research
Authors: Alrazeeni Daifallah , Younas Ahtisham , Rasheed Subia Parveen
Published: May 2021

Background

Experiential learning is useful for fostering the development of a wide range of clinical and relational skills. This study aimed to determine the usefulness of experiential learning for psychomotor skills development of emergency medical system (EMS) students.
Methods

An action research approach was used because it is useful for linking theory with action and practice. FISDAP tool was used to assess and monitor students’ performance and competencies achievement in psychomotor skills. The study was conducted at Prince Sultan College for Emergency Medical Services (PSCEMS), King Saud University (KSU). Skills Performance of 71 EMS students were analysed in the experiential learning implemented throughout the curriculum over 3 years.
Results

The finding indicates that the students’ skills performance fall below the minimum requirement during the clinical practicum and significantly improved during the time of internship period. The overall success rate across range between 26.58–35.74% across all the psychomotor skills. Whereas during the internship year student’s success rate range between 85.49–99.4% across all the psychomotor skills.
Conclusions

The findings of this study are promising and show that experiential learning is useful and effective way to develop psychomotor skills and competencies in EMS students. Educators and policy makers can use the findings for strategizing policies for curriculum planning and development.
Plasmonic Nanosensor Based on Mie Scattering in Multi-mode Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: zhu jun , Ren Yihong
Published: May 2021

The scattering and absorption characteristics of light by spherical particles are often analysed based on the classical Mie scattering theory.In this paper，we study refractive index sensor of multi-mode based on the Mie scattering and its extension theories. Based on the Mie scattering theory, the light extinction, scattering, absorption cross-section, and absorption efficiency associated with the spherical particle can be calculated.The structure that we design has a long wavelength possesses a higher power than that with a short wavelength.Also,the structural parameters induces a red-shift in the resonance spectrum. Lastly,the results of multi-mode are obtained: the transmittance of modes 1, 2, and 3 vary within the ranges 0.43–0.67, 0.61–0.46, and 0.26–0.5, respectively; the figures of merit of modes 1, 2, and 3 can reach as high as 12, 27.7, and 3.8, respectively; the refractive index sensitivity can reach as high as and . As indicated by these findings, the proposed structure can significantly improve the transmission characteristics of nanodevices. Such a structure holds significant potential for application in the field of on-chip plasma sensing and optical communication.
Increasing the Production of Xenocoumacin 1 by Optimizing the Fermentation Process of Xenorhabdus Nematophila
Authors: Han Yunfei , Gao Jiangtao , Zhang Shujing , Han Jinhua , Yan Zhiqiang , Ta Yongquan , Wang Yonghong
Published: May 2021

Background: Xenocoumacin 1 (Xcn 1), a kind of water-soluble antibiotic discovered from the cell-free broth of Xenorhabdus nematophila YL001, has exhibited excellent activity against bacteria, oomycetes and fungi. However, the low yield limits the development and utilization of Xcn1. In order to increase the yield of Xcn1, the fermentation process was optimized in this study. Results: Maltose and proteose peptone were identified as the best carbon and nitrogen sources that significantly affected Xcn1 production using a-factor-at-a-time approach. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the medium constituents for Xcn1 production by X. nematophila YL001. Higher Xcn1-content (113.65 μg/mL) was obtained after optimizing medium components. The optimal levels of medium components were (g/L): proteose peptone 20.83, maltose 12.74, K2HPO4 3.77. Fermentation conditions, such as initial pH, inoculum size, temperature, rotation speed, liquid volume and the length of fermentation, were also investigated by using a-factor-at-a-time method to get a higher production of Xcn1. X. nematophila YL001 was able to produce higher Xcn1 (153.56 μg/mL) at 25°C, initial pH 7.0, inoculum size 10%, culture medium 75 mL in a 250 mL shake flash with an agitation rate of 150 rpm for 48h. Additionally, kinds, concentrations and adding time of the precursor were also investigated. X. nematophila YL001 was able to produce the highest Xcn1 (173.99 μg/mL) when the arginine was added to the broth with 3 mmol/L at the 12th hour. An overall 243.38% increase in Xcn1 content was obtained as compared with mean observed response at TSB medium.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on optimization of fermentation process for Xcn1 production quantified by HPLC. The results show that nutrition, precursors and fermentation conditions had a highly influence on the production of Xcn1 by X. nematophila YL001. The optimized medium and fermentation conditions resulted in a 243.38% increase in Xcn1 production. This work will be helpful for the development of X. nematophila YL001 cultivation process for efficient Xcn1 production and lay a foundation for its industrial production.
Transcriptomic Alterations Induced by Vemurafenib After Treatment of Melanoma: A Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Xie Jiaheng , Cao Yuan , Zhu Zhechen , Ruan Shujie , Wang Ming , Shi Jingping
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Competing and Interfering Conflict: Insights from Decision-Making Tasks
Authors: He Xu , Qiu Boyu , Cheng Yanrong , Liu Ting , Wang Sixian , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2021

Cognitive control, the most distinguishing characteristic of human behavior, is typically studied by conflict paradigms, in which conflicts are induced by goal-irrelevant stimuli (interfering conflict). We argue that competing conflict, where all stimuli need to be processed, is more basic and can also be measured using a decision-making task. In the current study, participants completed modified versions of the backward masking majority function task and the Flanker task to compare the two types of conflict in several dimensions, including reaction and resolving time, effects related to cognitive control (conflict adaption and error-related slowing), inter-stimuli distance, and uncertainty of the location. The results of these comparisons illustrate the unity and diversity of these two types of conflict. The potential application of the computational model in competing conflict is also discussed. The results will not only deepen our understanding of cognitive control and decision-making but also contribute to other areas like artificial intelligence.
Disruption of the Oral Microbiota Is Associated With a Higher Risk of Relapse After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: de Molla Vinícius Campos , Heidrich Vitor , Bruno Julia , Knebel Franciele , Miranda-Silva Wanessa , Asprino Paula , Tucunduva Luciana , Rocha Vanderson , Novis Yana , Camargo Anamaria , Fregnani Eduardo , Arrais-Rodrigues Celso
Published: May 2021

Background: Intestinal microbiota (IM) diversity and composition regulates host immunity and affects outcomes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: We evaluated how the oral mucosa microbiota (OM) impacts the outcomes in patients who underwent allo-HSCT. Samples from the oral mucosa of 30 patients were collected at three time points: before the conditioning, at aplasia, and at engraftment. We analyzed the associations of OM diversity and composition with allo-HSCT outcomes. Results: Higher OM diversity at preconditioning was associated with a lower risk of relapse in 3 years (33% versus 68%, respectively; P = 0.04). Dominance (relative abundance ≥30%) by a single genus at preconditioning was associated with a higher risk of relapse (63% versus 36%, respectively; P = 0.04), worse progression-free survival (PFS; 19% versus 55%, respectively; P = 0.01), and poorer overall survival (OS) at 3 years (38% versus 81%, respectively; P= 0.02). Conclusion: The presence of Solobacterium at preconditioning was associated with a lower risk of relapse (9% versus 56%, respectively; P = 0.04). This is the first study to address the relationship between OM and clinical outcomes after allo-HSCT.
Reduced frequency of migraine attacks following COVID-19 disease
Authors: Houben Roland
Published: May 2021

Background:SARS-CoV-2 is a virus affecting different organs and causing a wide variety and severity of symptoms. Headache as well as loss of smell and taste are the most frequently reported neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 induced coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Case Presentation:Here we report on a 57-year old male patient with chronic migraine and medication overuse headache who fell ill with COVID-19. For many years prior to his Sars-Cov2 infection he suffered from very frequent migraine attacks and for control of headache he had been taking triptans almost daily. In the 16-month period before outbreak of COVID-19 on 98% of the days triptans were taken with only a 21-day prednisolone-supported triptan holiday, which, however, had no longer-lasting consequences on migraine frequency. Upon Sars-Cov2 infection, the patient developed only mild symptoms including fever, fatigue and headache. Directly following recovery from COVID-19 the patient surprisingly experienced a period with largely reduced frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Indeed, during 80 days following COVID-19, migraine as well as triptan usage were restricted to only 25% of the days no more fulfilling criteria of chronic migraine and medication overuse headache.Conclusion:SARS-CoV-2 infection might be capable of triggering mitigation of migraine.
The nose is the best niche for detection of pneumococcal colonisation following experimental challenge in adults of all ages
Authors: Nikolaou Elissavet , German Esther Lauryn , Blizard Annie , Howard Ashleigh , Hitchins Lisa , Chen Tao , Chadwick Jim , Pojar Sherin , Mitsi Elena , Solórzano Carla , Sunny Syba , Dunne Felicity , Gritzfeld Jenna F , Adler Hugh , Hinds Jason , Gould Katherine A , Rylance Jamie , Collins Andrea M , Gordon Stephen B , Ferreira Daniela M
Published: May 2021

Background

Previous studies have suggested that the pneumococcal niche changes from the nose to the oropharynx with age. We use an Experimental Human Pneumococcal Challenge model to investigate pneumococcal colonisation in each anatomical niche with age.
Methods

Healthy adults (n = 112) were intranasally inoculated with Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6B (Spn6B) and were categorised as young 18-55yrs (n = 57) or older > 55yrs (n = 55). Colonisation status (frequency and density) was determined by multiplex qPCR targeting the lytA and cpsA-6A/B genes in both raw and culture-enriched nasal wash and oropharyngeal swab samples collected at 2-, 7- and 14-days post-exposure. For older adults, raw and culture-enriched saliva samples were also assessed.
Results

64% of NW samples and 54% of OPS samples were positive for Spn6B in young adults, compared to 35% of NW samples, 24% of OPS samples and 6% of saliva samples in older adults. Many colonisation events were only detected in culture-enriched samples. Experimental colonisation was detected in 72% of young adults by NW and 63% by OPS. In older adults, this was 51% by NW, 36% by OPS and 9% by saliva.
Conclusions

The nose is the best niche for detection of experimental pneumococcal colonisation in both young and older adults.
Early Versus Delayed Hip Reduction in Treating Femoral Head Fracture Combined With Posterior Hip Dislocation: A Comparative Study
Authors: Wang Shanxi , Li Bohua , Zhang Zhengdong , Yu Xiaojun , Li Qin , Liu Lei
Published: May 2021

Background: Few studies focus on the treatment of femoral head fracture combined with posterior hip dislocation, and the the safe interval time between injury and reduction still remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the outcome of early and delayed hip reduction in treating femoral head fracture combined with posterior hip dislocation. Methods: A total of 71 patients were evaluated in this retrospective study. Based on the time to hip reduction, they were divided into early group (within 6 hours after injury) and delayed group (between 6 - 12 hours after injury). The two groups were compared in reference to hospital day, fracture healing time, the occurrence of complications and final functional outcome. The Thompson-Epstein criteria, modified merled’ Aubigne-Postel scores, visual analog scale (VAS) and Medical Outcomes Short Form 12-item questionnaire score (SF-12) were used for final functional evaluation.Results: The mean hospital day and fracture healing time in the early group were significantly lower than delayed group. The incidence of infection, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) in the delayed group were higher than early group. The early group had better functional outcomes in term of Thompson-Epstein criteria, modified merled’ Aubigne-Postel scores and physical component scale (PCS) than delayed group. Conclusions: For the treatment of femoral head fracture combined with posterior hip dislocation, the early and prompt hip reduction can effectively facilitate the fracture healing and patient recovery as well as obtain better functional outcomes.
Analysis of Genomic Variation in Different Brassica Napus Synthetic Allopolyploids
Authors: Wei Yunxiao , Li Guoliang , Li Fei , Zhang Shujiang , Zhang Shifan , Zhang Hui , Zhang Rui , Sun Rifei
Published: May 2021

Allopolyploidy is an evolutionary and mechanisticaly intriguing process involving the reconciliation of two or more sets of diverged genomes and regulatory interactions, resulting in new phenotypes. In this study, we explored the genomic variation of eight F2 synthetic B. napus using whole-genome sequencing. We found that there was a genetic variation in the F2 generation. Part of the variation was consistent in the F2 generation, and a small number of mutations only appeared in a single plant of the F2 generation. The analysis of copy number variation (CNV) found that most of the AA genome was lost, and most of the CC genome was obtained. In addition, there was inter-chromosomal translocation (CTX) in the F2 generation and the number of each plant was different. The above results indicate that the F2 generation showed genetic variation and there was a difference between eight plants, which may lay a molecular basis for the unique field performance of the offspring. It provides a new perspective of genomic variation and trait separation in the early stages of allopolyploid polyploid formation.
Establishing an Appropriate Z Score Regression Equation for Chinese Pediatric Coronary Artery Echocardiography: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fan Shu-min , Xia Bei , Liu Wei-xiang , Yu Wei , Wu Zhi-xia , Chen Shu-Bao , Liu Qing-Hua , Chen Wen-juan , Zhu Shan-liang , Jin Mei , Min Jie-Qing , Xu Yang
Published: May 2021

Background: Z score utility is emphasized in classifying coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease patients. The present study is the largest such multicenter Chinese pediatric study about coronary artery diameter reference values and Z score regression equation to date. It is useful in Chinese pediatric echocardiography.Methods: A multicenter cohort was assembled, which consisted of 852 healthy children between 1 month and 17 years of age, ten children were excluded because their ultrasound images were not clear, or lost in following up. Diameters of the right coronary artery, left coronary artery, and left anterior descending coronary artery were assessed using echocardiography. Data were body surface area (BSA)-corrected using BSA calculated via either the Stevenson BSA formula or the Haycock BSA formula. Coronary artery diameter reference values and Z score regression equations were established for use in the Chinese pediatric population. Results: No difference was observed between coronary artery diameter data corrected using BSAste or BSAhay. Of the five assessed regression models, the exponential model exhibited the best fit and was therefore selected as the basis for derivation of the SZ method. When comparing Z scores, those produced by the SZ method conformed to the standard normal distribution, while those produced by the D method did not. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between Z scores produced by the SZ and D methods (P < 0.05).Conclusions：Coronary artery diameter reference values for echocardiography were successfully established for use in the Chinese pediatric population, and a Z score regression equation more suitable for clinical use in this population was successfully developed.
The Challenges of Physicians' Participation in Hospital Accreditation Programs: A Qualitative Study in Iran
Authors: Ebrahimipou Hosein , Houshmand Elahe , Varmaghani Mehdi , Javan-Noughabi Javad , Mojtabaeian Seyyed Morteza
Published: May 2021

Background. Due to the increasing pressure on hospitals to improve the quality of patient care, the need for physicians to participate in quality improvement Programs, especially hospital accreditation, has become more important. The present study was conducted to describe challenges of physicians' participation in accreditation programs in Iran using a qualitative approach.Methods. We conducted interviews with 11 managers, 9 physicians, 8 officials and experts in the field of quality management selected through purposive snowball sampling. The initial in-depth unstructured interviews were reviewed and transformed into semi-structured ones. The data obtained were analyzed in ATLAS.ti using the conceptual framework method.Results. 3 main concepts (cultural, organizational, behavioral) and 12 sub-concepts (Motivation, patient demand, mutual trust and evaluation system, high workload, understanding the role of quality management unit, unrealistic accreditation, nature of accreditation, empowerment of physicians in the field of quality, effective communication, resource constraint, ambiguity in the role of uncertainty about participation), And 57 items emerged from the analysis of the data.Conclusion. The implementation of this program can be improved through Culture building, proper accreditation training and quality improvement activities in the medical community helped to implements.
Comparative study of Hormonal Receptor Status Discrepancy - Brain Breast Cancer Metastasectomy vs Other Localities.
Authors: Procházková Kristýna , Vodička Josef , Horová Jana , Hošek Petr , Vrzáková Radana , Soukupová Veronika , Skála Martin , Šebek Jakub , Kučera Radek , Dostál Jiří , Přibáň Vladimír , Hes Ondřej , Svoboda Tomáš , Fínek Jindřich , Třeška Vladislav
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Hormonal receptor (HR) status is one of the key factors when determining the treatment of breast cancer. Even though HR conversion is one of the most researched topics recently, most of the previous studies include only the results of biopsies instead of samples obtained by metastasectomy. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the occurrence of HR status conversion in brain breast cancer metastatic tissue to other localities. Methods: A total of 50 patients after breast cancer metastasectomy of brain, lung or liver were included in the study. The clinical characteristics were recorded. Results: HR conversion was observed in a total of 30 cases (60.0%), while HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) discrepancy occurred only in one case (2.0%). Endocrine therapy significantly contributed to the decrease progesterone and estrogen receptor expression in metastatic tissue compared to the primary tumor (p = 0.009, p = 0.023; respectively). Triple negativity was more common in the brain metastases (p = 0.039). Liver metastases occurred in significantly younger patients (p = 0.034), however brain metastases had the poorest OS (p = 0.007). Conclusion: HR conversion occurs in more than 50% of cases of breast cancer metastatic disease, while HER2 discrepancy is rare. Hormonal therapy significantly contributes to the decrease of HR positivity in metastases. Triple negativity is more common in the brain metastases than in other localities. Brain metastases of breast cancer are associated with the poorest prognosis.
Study on the Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Homocysteine in the Physical Examination Population
Authors: Bao Fang , Cui Ming , Shi Xiuying , Ju Shaoqing , Cong Hui
Published: May 2021

Background: Homocysteine (Hcy) is considered to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. No study has evaluated the distribution of Hcy on a large-scale health examination. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the level and distribution of Hcy in the healthy physical examination population and the correlation with other biomarkers, and analyzed for cardiovascular and other diseases. The prevention provides an important scientific basis.Methods: From February 2017 to April 2020, 8063 medical examination populations were selected for analysis. Determination of serum Hcy, TC, TG, LDL-c, HDL-c, ALT, ALP, γ-GT, TBIL, GLU, urea, Cr, UA and related metabolic risk factors. According to the multivariate regression model of age, gender, smoking, drinking, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the relationship between Hcy and other biochemical indicators was evaluated. Results: Among 8063 cases, the age, BMI, SBP and DBP of the high-Hcy group were higher than those of the low-Hcy group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), and the proportion of males, smoking and drinking were higher than the low In the Hcy group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); the ALT, ALP, γ-GT, TBIL, Urea, Cr, UA, and TG in the high Hcy group were higher than those in the low Hcy group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05 ); HDL-c in the high-Hcy group was lower than that in the low-Hcy group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in TC, LDL-c, and GLU between the high- and low-Hcy groups (P>0.05). In multivariate analysis, lnHDL-C was negatively correlated with lnHcy (β=-0.038, SE=0.016, P<0.05), lnCr was positively correlated with lnHcy (β=0.055, SE=0.016, P<0.05), lnUA and lnHcy were positive correlation (β=0.043, SE=0.019, P<0.05). Conclusion: Hcy is closely related to HDL-c, Cr and UA, which indicates that Hcy may affect the metabolism of HDL-c and UA, and can also be used as an auxiliary diagnostic index for kidney injury.
Effect of informal care on health care utilisation for the elderly in China: Evidence from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)
Authors: Chen Xinlan , Su Dai , Chen Xinlin , Chen Yingchun
Published: May 2021

BackgroundReceiving informal care from family members is the mainstream way of care for the elderly in China because of the influence of the culture of filial piety. However, the relationship between informal care and health care use in urban and rural areas needs to be further explored. This study aimed to understand the effect of informal care on health care utilisation for the elderly and explore how this effect differ between urban and rural China.MethodA total of 5704 residents aged 65 years and above were selected from the wave 3 (2015) and wave 4 (2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, which is a nationally representative survey. A negative binomial regression model for panel data was used to explore the relationship between informal care and health care utilisation. Besides, a fixed-effect binary choice model for panel data was used for sensitivity test.ResultThe elderly who received informal care had an increase in outpatient and inpatient visits compared with those who did not receive. The inpatient visits of the elderly who received 15–29 days of informal care was higher (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 2.082, P < 0.05). In addition, the elderly who received informal care for more than 30 days had 39.6% more inpatient visits (IRR = 1.396, P < 0.01) and 37.4% more outpatient visits than the elderly who did not receive informal care (IRR = 1.374, P < 0.05). For urban respondents, receiving informal care can facilitate outpatient use of the elderly, but for rural respondents, receiving informal care can predict an increase in outpatient and inpatient visits.ConclusionThe impact of informal care on health care utilisation varies between rural and urban residents. Relevant departments should pay attention to the differences in the medical service utilisation amongst different elderly groups and gradually reduce the medical inequality of the elderly.
Kosmotropic anion for improving cycling stability of aqueous lithium-ion batteries in salt-in-water electrolytes
Authors: Oh Hyunjeong , Shin Seung-Jae , Yamagishi Hirona , Ohta Toshiaki , Yabuuchi Naoaki , Kim Hyungjun , Byon Hye Ryung
Published: May 2021

The incompatibility between Li+-intercalated electrodes and water limits the practical feasibility of aqueous lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which are economical and environmentally benign energy storage systems. Tremendous amounts of salts dissolved in water (water-in-salt) have been utilized to mitigate the access of water to the electrode/electrolyte interface and to extend the electrochemical potential window of aqueous LIBs. However, this approach has low viability owing to the expense of the salts. Here, we show that kosmotropic anions with moderate concentrations (0.5 ~ 3 mol kg− 1) protect the LiCoO2 electrode by harnessing water molecules. The sulfates of kosmotropic anions develop rigid water-solvation shells and also form ion pairs with Li+. All-atomic-level multiscale simulation revealed that sulfates tied with Li+ and the water shell are highly concentrated at the interface, thus decreasing the density of free water. The suppressed water activity explains the superior cell performance achieved with 0.5 mol kg− 1 sulfate relative to that in cells with 1 mol kg− 1 of chaotropic anions such as nitrate, perchlorate, and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. The formation of a liquid-phase protective layer is a new concept for developing stable aqueous batteries without the requirement for a solid-state electrolyte or an artificial protective layer on the electrode.
Comparing Dual-zone Immediate Implant Placement and Socket-shield Technique for Ridge Width Changes in Maxilla: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shadid Rola
Published: May 2021

Background: The socket-shield technique still requires more scientific based evidence to be recommended as everyday clinical practice, the aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the facial-palatal ridge dimensional changes that occurred after a minimum of 8 months following flapless dual-zone (DZ) immediate implant placement and socket-shield (SS) immediate placement in the maxilla.Methods: A total of 19 patients who received 20 implants were included with 10 implants (MegaGen AnyRidge) were placed for each treatment, DZ and SS. Cast models were made at least 8 months after implant placement to assess the dimensional ridge changes by measuring the facial palatal ridge width on implant sites (T) at six designated points starting from gingival margin (0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7) and comparing it with the corresponding measurement on contralateral tooth site (C). Results: All 20 placed implants demonstrated successful osseointegration and survived 9-24 months following implantation (survival rate 100%). Two out of ten cases of SS group presented with minor manageable complications of external shield exposure. DZ group showed an average facial-palatal reduction of nearly 0.3 mm; however, there were no significant differences between T and C (P =.47), while SS group revealed a mean gain in ridge contour of approximately 0.2 mm with also no significant differences existed between T and C (P = .64) in the 8-months follow-up. When comparing between the two treatments, there were significant differences in ridge width changes (P < .05), indicating better preservation of the ridge contour at 8-months for SS treatment.Conclusion: The socket shield immediate implant placement produced better preservation of the ridge contour at 8-months post-extraction; however, the dual-zone technique yielded non clinically significant reduction in the ridge contour at the same follow-up.
The neuro-inflammasome in Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral Stroke
Authors: LEE JONG HOON , Lee Chul Joong , Park Jungwuk , Lee So Jeong , Choi Su-hee
Published: May 2021

Aim/Background: This Review investigated a patient with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treated with 4,4’-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) as a neuro-inflammasome competitor.Methods: We monitored AD’s progression through Numeric Clinical staging (NCS) with a new biomarker. NCS was determined by the AD symptoms and neuropsychiatric (NP) symptoms caused by anti-AD drugs (AAD) as a biomarker (D). We also monitored the function of DDS for Stroke in a no-intake emergency state.Results: By introducing (D), AD's progression was monitored through NCS staging; AAD side effects and neuropsychiatric symptoms were distinguished. DDS was stopped in the Stroke with NCS 6 by AAD, and it rapidly proceeds to cerebral infarct.Conclusions: AADs can occasionally exacerbate AD and Stroke. DDS can alleviate mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early AD and Stroke. We clinically confirmed the role of DDS as a neuro-inflammasome competitor after Stroke. DDS keep neuronal survivals within 24 - 55 hours in the Seoul cohort.
Classifying subtypes and predicting survival of renal cell carcinoma using histopathology image-based deep learning
Authors: Wang Fei , Geng Yuanzhe , Wang Ting , Zhao Ke , Xu Bin , Zhang Dachuan , Cai Hongzhou , Yuan Qinbo , Lu Hang , Zhang Yue , Li Xu , Sun Yangyang , Gong Hang , Alolga Raphael N , Fan Xiangshan , Ma Gaoxiang , Qi Lian-Wen
Published: May 2021

Classifying histopathological subtypes and predicting survival of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients are critical steps towards treatment. In this work, we first proposed a deep learning method involving patch-based segmentation, intelligent feature extraction and heatmap visualization for classifying RCC into clear cell RCC, papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, and adjacent benign tissue. This algorithm was trained and validated using 2,374,446 patches, 6,340 whole-slide images, 2,399 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas and 6 independent centers. The classifiers provided areas under the curves of 0.979 to 0.996 in the internal phase, and 0.914 to 0.995 in the 6-center external phase. Furthermore, a modified deep learning approach comprising automated detection of regions of interest, patch-level learning, and morphological features-based risk scoring was developed for predicting survival of clear cell RCC patients. The prognostication model provided a hazard ratio for poor versus good prognosis of 2.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53–4.50, P = 4.35e-4] in the testing set, and 2.57 [95% CI 1.43–4.64, P = 1.68e-3] in an independent validation set using multivariable analyses. In conclusion, the developed histopathology image-based deep learning frameworks have the clinical potential to assist pathologists in systematically evaluating histological information of RCC patients.
Constitutive modeling for the mechanical behavior of rubber with filler particles
Authors: Gour Sankalp , Singh Deepu Kumar , Kumar Deepak , Yadav Vinod
Published: May 2021

The present study deals with the constitutive modeling for the mechanical behavior of rubber with filler particles. An analytical model is developed to predict the mechanical properties of rubber with added filler particles based on experimental observation. To develop the same, a continuum mechanics-based hyperelasticity theory is utilized. The model is validated with the experimental results of the chloroprene and nitrile butadiene rubbers filled with different volume fractions of carbon black and carbon nanoparticles, respectively. The findings of the model agree well with the experimental results. In general, the developed model will be helpful to the materialist community working in characterizing the material behavior of tires and other rubber-like materials.
The diversity of unique 1,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid coding common genes and novel Universal stress protein in Ectoine TRAP cluster (UspA) in 32 Halomonas species
Authors: Rekadwad Bhagwan , Li Wen-Jun , PD Rekha
Published: May 2021

Objectives To decipher the diversity of unique ectoine-coding housekeeping genes in the genus Halomonas.Results In Halomonas, 1,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid has a crucial role as a stress-tolerant chaperone, a compatible solute, a cell membrane stabilizer, and a reduction in cell damage under stressful conditions. Apart from the current 16S rRNA biomarker, it serves as a blueprint for identifying Halomonas species. Halomonas elongate 1H9 was found to have 11 ectoine-coding genes. The presence of a superfamily of conserved ectoine-coding among members of the genus Halomonas was discovered after genome annotations of 93 Halomonas spp. As a result of the inclusion of 11 single copy ectoine coding genes in 32 Halomonas spp., genome-wide evaluations of ectoine coding genes indicate that 32 Halomonas spp. have a very strong association with Halomonas elongata 1H9, which has been proven evidence-based approach to elucidate phylogenetic relatedness of ectoine-coding child taxa in the genus Halomonas. Total 32 Halomonas species have a single copy number of 11 distinct ectoine-coding genes that help Halomonas spp. produce ectoine under stressful conditions. Furthermore, the existence of the Universal stress protein (UspA) gene suggests that Halomonas species developed directly from primitive bacteria, highlighting the role of Halomonas species in evolutionary terms.
What Impact has SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers (HCWs) Mortality & Infections across 36 states & union territories of India? How to prevent mortality & morbidity of HCWs?
Authors: Kumar Piyush
Published: May 2021

Background

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2/covid-19/novel coronavirus is an acute infectious communicable disease spreading mainly via respiratory, eye, mouth and other possible routes from person to person as well as through contact with infected non living objects. The pandemic has massively increased healthcare systems burden due to high hospitals admission rate, infection rates, morbidity, and mortality. QALY (quality adjusted life years) & DALY (disability adjusted life years) are also important for consideration of impact of this pandemic. The healthcare systems is under constant massive pressure to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus & a huge part of this responsibility is being shouldered by frontline health care workers including doctors, nurses, paramedical workers, ASHAs and Anganwadi services etc. Hence HCWs are inevitably and routinely exposed to the virus hence naturally are at high risk of infection, possible mortality & morbidities.
Objectives

The key objective is to find out impact of SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers (HCWs) Mortality & Infections across 36 states & union territories of India. What are the reasons of mortality and morbidity & How to prevent mortality & morbidity of HCWs? Methodology/settings & design (search strategy-Research
Methods):

Several databases were searched for deaths of HCWs in India between January 2019 and 18th May 2021, including MoHFW website, PUBMED, WHO COVID-19 database, COVID-19 Study Register, and Google scholar. The search terms used were: “healthcare providers /health care workers/nurses- death in India due to COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “Coronavirus,” using Google search. Whatever data obtained is tabulated.
Results

There is increase in mortality of HCWs in India. The data is not available completely in my search. Beside increased death I have found a lot of controversy and questions raised on the issue of this data. There is lot of discrepancy in data given by Government and other sources. According to the Indian Medical Association, 244 doctors have lost their lives due to Covid in the second wave. Of them, 50 deaths were recorded on Sunday. The highest number of fatalities have been reported from Bihar (69) followed by Uttar Pradesh (34) and Delhi (27).
Conclusion

The government and other agencies should collect and provide the data publicly so that it can be analysed by different sections of researchers to give feedback which will help in making policies helpful to protect HCWs. A large number of medical staffs are infected due to the lack of adequate protection. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic is growing day by day with lack of essential facilities for treatment. Some experts have warned of a possible third wave of COVID-19.
Influence of Substrates and Hydrogels on Spearmint (Mentha spicata) Growth and Flowering in a Rooftop Garden
Authors: Ju Jin-Hee , Yoon Yong-Han , Ju Se-Young
Published: May 2021

Agricultural hydrogels improve water retention in a variety of substrates. However, little is known about their impact on herb cultivation in rooftop farming. To identify the optimal substrate and hydrogel concentration for the growth and flowering of spearmint (Mentha spicata) in rooftop gardens, coir and perlite were mixed in three different ratios of 80% to 20% (v/v; referred to as C4P1), 50% to 50% (C1P1), or 20% to 80% (C1P4). Hydrogels were added into different substrates at different concentrations including 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 kg⋅m–3. Substrate composition significantly affected the growth (P < 0.001) and flowering (P < 0.05) properties of spearmint. The addition of hydrogels into substrates resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in growth parameters for spearmint during the dry season. However, plants grown in C4P1, which has the highest ratio of coir, displayed inferior growth and flowering compared with those of the other two substrates during the rainy season. Therefore, a perlite-based substrate, such as C1P4 with added hydrogel, provides a suitable environment for the cultivation of spearmint in rooftop gardens regardless of seasonal rainfall patterns.
Optimization of the Cultivation Processof a Producer Clone of the Recombinant Lysosomal Iduronate-2-sulfatase Enzyme
Authors: Pantyushenko M.S. , Tikhonov R.V. , Piskunov A.A. , Bade V.N.
Published: May 2021

This paper describes experiments aimed at developing conditions for suspension culturing of a producer clone of the recombinant lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase based on the CHO cell line. As a result of sequential culturing in batch and fed-batch modes, the optimal nutrient medium composition was established, providing a 2.5-fold increase in the iduronate-2-sulfatase specific activity. Optimization of the feed formulation was carried out, which increased the yield of recombinant iduronate-2-sulfatase. The ambr® 15 Cell Culture System of minibioreactors was used to optimize the cultivation process. Chinese hamster ovary cells, CHO, iduronate-2-sulfatase, idursulfase, lysosomal enzyme, sulfatases, Аmbr Tap Biosystems, ambr® 15 Cell Culture System, mucopolysaccharidosis type II, formyl glycine generating enzyme, optimization of cell culturing conditions, fed-batch culture, batch culture.