bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photons guided by axons may enable backpropagation-based learning in the brain
Authors: Zarkeshian Parisa , Kergan Taylor , Ghobadi Roohollah , Nicola Wilten , Simon Christoph 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Despite great advances in explaining synaptic plasticity and neuron function, a complete understanding of the brain’s learning algorithms is still missing. Artificial neural networks provide a powerful learning paradigm through the backpropagation algorithm which modifies synaptic weights by using feedback connections. Backpropagation requires extensive communication of information back through the layers of a network. This has been argued to be biologically implausible and it is not clear whether backpropagation can be realized in the brain. Here we suggest that biophotons guided by axons provide a potential channel for backward transmission of information in the brain. Biophotons have been experimentally shown to be produced in the brain, yet their purpose is not understood. We propose that biophotons can propagate from each post-synaptic neuron to its pre-synaptic one to carry the required information backward. To reflect the stochastic character of biophoton emissions, our model includes the stochastic backward transmission of teaching signals. We demonstrate that a three-layered network of neurons can learn the MNIST handwritten digit classification task using our proposed backpropagation-like algorithm with stochastic photonic feedback. We model realistic restrictions and show that our system still learns the task for low rates of biophoton emission, information-limited (one bit per photon) backward transmission, and in the presence of noise photons. Our results suggest a new functionality for biophotons and provide an alternate mechanism for backward transmission in the brain.
Analysis of the influence of piston-cylinder friction on the torsional vibration characteristics of compressor crankshaft system
Authors: Li Tao , Zhiqiang Huang , Chen Zhen , Zhang Kehai , Wang Jie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
With the development of compressors towards high speed and multiple columns, the torsional vibration phenomenon has become a major factor affecting the service life and reliability of the shaft system. Therefore, this paper considers the influence of friction between piston and cylinder on the instantaneous inertia of the crank connecting rod mechanism, establishes a nonlinear torsional vibration mechanics model of shale gas compressor shaft system, solves the natural frequency of the shaft system under undamped and damped conditions using the eigenvector method, and investigates the influence of the friction coefficient between piston and cylinder and the operating speed on the torsional vibration response of the shaft system under the self-excitation of the shaft system and the action of and excitation moment by the Runge-Kutta methods. The results show that after considering the friction between the piston and the cylinder, the 2nd order natural frequency of the shaft system shows a "high-low-high" fluctuation pattern; As the friction coefficient increases, the amplitude of the shaft system and the peak vibration speed show a rising trend; Meanwhile, when the speed increases, the vibration of the shaft system changes from chaotic \ period to the proposed periodic state, but the amplitude shows a decreasing trend. The research in this paper aims to improve the theory of nonlinear dynamics of compressor shaft systems, and the determined nonlinear parameters can be used to guide the operation and maintenance of compressors in engineering.
Protective Effect of SIRT1 on TGF-β1 Pathway via mTOR in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Gu Yanting , Xu Pengcheng , Wang Yanchun , Jiang Dechun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Increasing amounts of evidence show that silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) expression in mitochondria plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, no studies were carried out to evaluate regulation of SIRT1 in TGF-β1/Smad3 deacetylation. In this study, we demonstrated that overexpressing of SIRT1 may decrease TGF-β1 and Smad3 expression in HEK293 cells through regulating mTOR. In addition, the result is the opposite when SIRT1 reduced in HEK293 cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that although the relationship between SIRT1 and TGF-β1/Smad3 deacetylation has not been reported, and it can be speculated that SIRT1 is closely related to TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway and this situation correlates with the regulation of mTOR and ROS generation. The available evidence implies that SIRT1 has great potential as a clinical target for the prevention and treatment of renal fibrosis in the development of DN.
Mycobacterium avium Brain Abscess in a 45 year-old Male with HIV-Induced Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS)
Authors: Alfarkh Wedad , DiNardo Andrew , Goodman Jerry C. , Muldrew Kenneth L. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) consists of two mycobacterial species- M.avium and M. intracellulare. The organisms exist in nature in water, soil, and food and can be acquired via inhalation or ingestion. It is an uncommon cause of infection, initially affecting the pulmonary system in patients with underlying lung disease or immunocompromised patients. Extra-pulmonary infection can occur in the liver, spleen, skin, soft tissue, and lymph nodes. Only ten cases in the English literature have documented central nervous system (CNS) infections. Additionally, these eight cases were reported in HIV positive patients who presented with single or multiple enhancing brain lesions and were initially misdiagnosed as toxoplasmosis. Case presentation: We report a case of a 45-year-old male who was diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS and was found to have four parietal and temporal ring-enhancing lesions by MRI that failed to improve on anti-Toxoplasmosis therapy. A brain biopsy demonstrated multiple nodular granulomata with lymphoplasmacytic cells, epithelioid histiocytes, and rare giant cells. No caseous necrosis is seen, but foci of micronecrosis were present. No toxoplasmosis or primary CNS lymphoma was present. Very abundant acid-fast bacilli were seen on Fite and auramine stains. In addition, there was heavy CD8+ T cell infiltration suggestive of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS). PCR and sequencing of paraffin-embedded brain tissue demonstrated M. avium. He was treated with Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol (RIPE) plus clarithromycin 500 mg BID that was switched to azithromycin 500 mg to decrease QTc prolongation. He is also now on anti-retroviral therapy. At the last clinic visit approximately five months after diagnosis of CNS MAC, he was very much improved.Conclusion: Brain MAC abscess is very rare, with less than 10 cases being previously reported in both AIDS and non-AIDS patients. This diagnosis should be considered in immunocompromised patients who do not respond to anti-toxoplasmosis therapy and brain biopsy is important to provide definitive identification and guide treatment.
Screening performance in high-risk groups of breast cancer by integrating classical risk factors, mammographic density and polygenic risk
Authors: Huang Yubei , Wang Zhipeng , Lyu Zhangyan , Dai Hongji , Zhao Yanrui , Liu Peifang , Zhu Ying , Song Fengju , Chen Kexin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Risk prediction models integrating classical risk factors (CRF), mammographic density (MD), and polygenic risk score (PRS) are increasingly developed to identify high-risk groups of breast cancer. Few studies investigate the screening performance in high-risk groups by these models.Methods: Based on a median follow-up of 11.7 years of 7794 women from the Multi-modality Independent Screening Trial (MIST), four risk prediction models with CRF (ModelCRF), CRF and MD (ModelCRF+MD), CRF and PRS (ModelCRF+PRS), and all three components (ModelFULL) were developed to identify high-risk groups of breast cancer. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidential interval (CI) of breast-cancer mortality for high-risk groups compared to low-risk groups was calculated to determine potential benefit of risk-reducing interventions. The detection rate (DR), accuracy and cancer-stage for clinical breast examination (CBE), breast ultrasonography (BUS), and mammography (MAM) were compared to determine the optimal screening method for high-risk groups.Results: The areas under the curve of risk prediction model increased from 0.573 (95%CI: 0.532-0.614) for ModelCRF, to 0.587 (95%CI: 0.544-0.630) for ModelCRF+MD, 0.670 (95%CI: 0.622-0.717) for ModelCRF+PRS and 0.674 (95%CI: 0.623-0.725) for ModelFULL. The HRs of breast cancer mortality for high-risk groups compared to low-risk groups increased from 1.81 (95%CI: 1.17-2.81) for ModelCRF, to 2.22 (95%CI: 1.35-3.67) for ModelCRF+MD, 2.48 (95%CI: 1.43-4.29) for ModelCRF+PRS, and 3.68(95%CI: 1.94-6.99) for ModelFULL. Among high-risk groups by ModelCRF, the DR of BUS was similar to that of MAM (3.926/1,000 vs. 2.399/1,000, P=0.193), but significantly higher than that of CBE (1.091/1,000, P=0.024). Compared with MAM, BUS showed significantly lower sensitivity (50.0% vs. 81.8%, P=0.026), but comparable specificity (99.2% vs. 99.3%), positive prediction values (22.9% vs. 34.6%), and negative prediction values (99.8% vs. 99.9%). Further analyses showed no significant difference in the proportions of early-stage breast cancer detected between BUS and MAM (50.00% vs. 61.54%, P=0.673). Similar results were observed in high-risk groups by other models.Conclusions: Accurate risk assessment integrating CRF, MD and PRS is needed to identify high-risk groups of breast cancer. The higher the risk, the greater the benefit of the intervention. BUS was comparable to MAM for screening breast cancer in high-risk groups.
Effect of age and analysis of prognostic risk factors in the treatment of complex tibial plateau fracture
Authors: Wang Junwen , Zhu Fukang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction： The primary aim is to compare the t complex tibial plateau fractures（CTPFs）treated with open reduction internal fixation（ORIF）between elderly (age≥55 years) and young(age＜55 years) patients. The second aim is to investigate the risk factors in the treatment of CTPFs.Material and Method： Patients who received double-incision approaches for CTPFs between November 2016 and December 2020 were collected retrospectively. The treatment effect was assessed by operation time、lower limb alignment、non-anatomical reduction of the articular surface、infection rate、hospital for special surgery knee score（HSS） and range of motion（ROM）. We defined treatment failure as either the HSS＜75 or the ROM＜100° in the last follow-up and performed a multivariable logistic model to identify the risk factors for treatment failure.Result： There were no differences between the groups in terms of demographics except for diabetes（P=0.012）. We detected no differences in the variables of treatment evaluation except the HSS(P=0.0001) and ROM(P=0.001). While the value of HSS and ROM in the elderly was still as high as 82.21±7.29 and 114.00±14.64° respectively. Age≥55 yeas（P=0.001）、tobacco use（P=0.012）、non-anatomical reduction of the articular surface（P=0.036） were risk factors for treatment failure.Conclusions： ORIF combined with double-incision was still suitable for most elderly patients. In addition to focusing on the surgical treatment, attention should also be paid to the patients' personal habits.
Multistage Nucleic Acid Amplification Induced Nano-Aggregation for 3D Hotspots-Improved SERS Detection of Circulating miRNAs
Authors: Sun Yudie , Fang La , Yi Yang , Feng Aobo , Zhang Kui , Xu Jing-Juan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Circulating miRNAs in the blood can regulate disease development and thus indicate disease states via their various expression levels. For these reasons, circulating miRNAs constitute useful biomarkers, and an approach to the accurate detection of circulating miRNAs is attractive in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. However, methods for detecting circulating miRNA that take both sensitivity and practicality into account are not currently available. Therefore, we aimed herein to solve some inherent problems in the actual detection using a robust surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform with integrated nucleic acid amplification and nanoparticle aggregation to construct 3D hotspots for improving performance of analyzing circulating miRNAs. After target recognition and initial signal amplification by DNAzyme, we observed that release triggered an open hairpin DNA on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which then promote AuNP aggregation, causing the accumulation of a large number of hotspots in three-dimention. The SERS biosensor achieved a better performance than the sandwich-type separation detection, with a low detection limit (0.37 fM) and a broad linear range (1 fM-10 nM) in liquids. This SERS platform can be used as a powerful tool for the detection of circulating miRNAs, and it can be used to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of various clinical-disease diagnoses.
Expression of MicroRNA 181a and its Target Genes: BCL2 and NOVA1 in Plasma Cell Myeloma
Authors: Elbordiney Magdy , Elgandour Ashraf , Wageeh Yasmine , Elwafa Reahm Abo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Plasma cell myeloma (PCM) is one of the most common hematological malignancies. Despite advances in myeloma treatment, it remains an incurable disease. Studying the molecular bases of PCM has become essential to understand the pathobiology of the disease and hence for better management. The role of miRNAs is evolving in many malignancies, their use as markers for diagnosis, prognosis or as therapeutic modalities is promising. This study aimed at investigating the role of miR-181a and its target genes BCL2 and NOVA1 in PCM. Methods: The expression of miR-181a and its target genes BCL2 and NOVA1 was studied in bone marrow samples of 50 newly diagnosed PCM patients compared to 50 control subjects using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR). Results: miR-181a, BCL2 and NOVA1 were found to be significantly upregulated among PCM patients compared to controls. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between miR-181a and BCL2. Furthermore, BCL2 and NOVA1 expression were found to be positively correlated. High levels of BCL2 were associated with advanced disease stages, presence of bone lesions as well as higher percentage of plasma and myeloma cells in bone marrow.Conclusion: The current study results are highly suggestive of the potential role miR181a plays in PCM development and progression, and explains how it can play its role through influencing its targets expression levels.
The chronological demographics of ventricular-arterial decoupling in patients with sepsis and septic shock: A prospective observational study
Authors: Nasu Michitaka , Sato Ryota , Takahashi Kuniko , Nakaizumi Takayuki , Maruyama Akiyoshi , Ueda Shinichiro 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background:Ventricular-arterial coupling (V-A coupling) recently gathers attention from clinicians as a load-independent indicator of left ventricular systolic function. We aimed to describe the chronological demographics of V-A decoupling in patients with sepsis and septic shock through the clinical course.Method:We conducted a single-center prospective observational study comprising adult patients with sepsis and septic shock admitted to the tertiary care hospital between 04/2017 and 03/2019. Patients’ characteristics, lab data on admission, and echocardiographic parameters including Ea and Ees on the day- 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14-28 were collected. V-A decoupling was defined as Ea/Ees ≥ 1.36.Results:Seventy-one patients with sepsis or septic shock were enrolled. The prevalence of V-A decoupling was as follows; day-1: 25.4%, day-2: 23.8%, day-3: 13.3%, day-7: 18.5%, day-14-28: 30.3%, respectively. Ea was higher in patients with V-A decoupling than those without throughout the clinical course (day1; 2.8 vs. 1.8, p< 0.01, day2; 2.7 vs. 1.9, p<0.01, day3; 2.8 vs. 2.1, p=0.06, day7; 2.7 vs. 1.9, p=0.02, day14-28; 2.4 vs. 1.8, p=0.08). This increase in Ea was mainly induced by reduced stroke volume (SV) as well as high systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the earlier course of sepsis but only by increased SBP in the later course of sepsis. Ees was lower in patients with V-A decoupling than those without throughout the clinical course (day1; 1.3 vs. 2.1, p< 0.01, day2; 1.5 vs. 2.3, p<0.01, day3; 1.6 vs. 2.3, p=0.02, day7; 1.8 vs. 2.3, p=0.01, day14-28; 1.2 vs. 1.9, p=0.07). Increased SBP and the estimated normalized ventricular elastance were responsible for this reduction of Ees.Conclusion:We reported that V-A decoupling was commonly seen in patients with sepsis and septic shock. In patients with V-A decoupling, both Ea and Ees were significantly altered, but the causes of these alterations appeared to be changing over the clinical course of sepsis.
Measures of malaria transmission, infection, and disease in an area bordering two districts with and without sustained indoor residual spraying of insecticide in Uganda
Authors: Nankabirwa Joaniter I , Bousema Teun , Blanken Sara Lynn , Rek John , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Greenhouse Bryan , Rosenthal Philip J , Kamya Moses R , Staedke Sarah G , Dorsey Grant 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Tororo District, in Eastern Uganda, experienced a dramatic decline in malaria burden following the implementation of indoor residual spraying of insecticide (IRS) in 2014; the adjacent Busia District did not receive IRS. Data from areas near the margins of IRS coverage are limited. In this study, measures of malaria transmission, infection, and disease were compared between two parishes in Tororo District (Kayoro and Osukuru) and one in Busia District (Buteba), where IRS was not implemented.Methods: A cohort of 483 residents from 80 randomly selected households were followed from August 2020 to January 2021. Mosquitoes were collected every 2 weeks using CDC light traps in rooms where participants slept; parasitemia and gametoctyemia measured every 4 weeks by microscopy and PCR, and symptomatic malaria measured by passive surveillance. Results: The annual entomological inoculation rate was significantly higher in Buteba (108.2 infective bites/person/year), compared to Osukuru (59.0, p=0.001) and Kayoro (27.4, p<0.001). Overall, parasite prevalence was 19.5% by microscopy and 50.7% by PCR, with no significant differences between the three parishes. Among infected individuals, gametocyte prevalence by PCR was 45.5% and similar between sites. The incidence of malaria was significantly higher in Osukuru (2.46 episodes PPY) compared to Buteba (1.47, p=0.005) and Kayoro (1.09, p<0.001). For participants over 15 years of age, the risk of symptomatic malaria if microscopic parasitemia was present was higher in Osukuru (relative risk [RR]=2.99, p=0.03) compared to Buteba. Conclusions: Transmission intensity was modestly lower in two border parishes of Tororo District, where IRS was sustained for 6 years, compared to that in Busia District, where IRS was not implemented. Although parasite prevalence was similar between the three parishes, incidence of malaria was higher in one parish in Tororo. These observations highlight the complexity of relationships between malaria transmission intensity, parasite prevalence and disease incidence, and the potential for differences in immunity and clinical presentation resulting from differing transmission dynamics over time.
New research on aberrant alterations of WIF-1 hypermethylation during the colorectal cancer development
Authors: Tian Xin , Ma Jianzhong , Sui Chengguang , Zhou Ximing , Wang Yueping 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: The molecular pathological mechanism of CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP ) is not very clear,the variation regularities of Wnt inhibitory factor-1(WIF-1) hypermethylation in CIMP, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) catalyzed with WIF-1 hypermethylation and hypermethylation relationship between WIF-1 tissue and feces had not been reported, these were studied in this paper. Materials and Methods: The big data and meta-analysis were used to handle experiment data.Results: 13 independent articles had included 1444 tissue and 590 fecal cases. WIF-1 hypermethylation of control tissue or feces was used as standard reference, this results showed that ORs (95%CI) of WIF-1 hypermethylation of colorectal cancer (CRC) and adenoma or polyp in tissue were 53.32(19.26– 147.63) and 15.64 (6.84 – 35.78), and these in feces were 32.38 (11.99 – 87.49) and 10.35 (3.36 – 32.04), respectively. This study showed that WIF-1 hypermethylation frequencies of CRC and adenoma or polyp in tissue were 68% and 59%, and that in feces were 44% and 34 %, respectively. WIF-1 hypermethylation risk in tissues was significantly higher than that in feces. There was a linear equation between the hypermethylation rate of tissue and that of feces. The quadratic curve of WIF-1 hypermethylation in tissue reflected overall changing characteristic of DNMT.Conclusions: WIF-1 hypermethylation based on this quadratic cueve above can gradually produce powerful strength, promote the transcriptional inactivation expansion, and ultimately lead to CRC occurrence. DNMT catalyzed with WIF-1 hypermethylation also shares quadratic curve feature. WIF-1 hyperthylation in feces reflects WIF-1 hyperthylation in tissue, it is a non-invasive important biomarker in early CRC diagnose.
Development of Microflow Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Metabolomic Assays for Analysis of Mammalian Biofluids
Authors: Harwood-Stamper Annie J. , Rowland Caroline A. , Dunn Warwick B. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: The application of untargeted metabolomics assays using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) to study metabolism in biological systems including humans is rapidly increasing. In some of these studies there is a requirement to collect and analyse low sample volumes of biofluids (e.g. tear fluid) or low cell and tissue mass samples (e.g. tissue needle biopsies). The application of microflow, capillary or nano liquid chromatography (≤ 1.0mm column internal diameter (ID)) theoretically should accomplish a higher assay sensitivity compared to analytical liquid chromatography (2.1–5.0mm column internal diameter). Objectives: To date, there has been limited research into microflow UHPLC-MS assays that can be applied to study samples of low volume or mass. This paper presents three complementary UHPLC-MS assays (aqueous C18 reversed-phase, lipidomics C18 reversed-phase and Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC)) applying 1.0mm internal diameter columns for untargeted metabolomics. Methods: Human plasma and urine samples were applied for the method development, with porcine plasma, urine and tear fluid used for method assessment. Data were collected and compared for columns of the same length, stationary phase and stationary phase particle size but with two different column internal diameters (2.1mm and 1.0mm). Results: All three assays showed an increase in peak areas and peak widths when applying the 1.0mm ID assays. HILIC assays provide an advantage at lower sample dilutions whereas for reversed phase (RP) assays there is no benefit added. This can be seen in the validation study where a much higher number of compounds was detected in the HILIC assay. RP assays were still appropriate for small volume samples with suitable numbers of compounds being detected. Conclusions: In summary, the 1.0mm ID column assays are applicable for small volume samples where dilution is required during preparation.