bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Acivity of Chiral Amino Alcohols and Amides as New Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: KOCAKAYA Safak OZHAN , Yener Ismail , Ertaş Abdulselam , Karakaplan Mehmet
Published: June 2021

A series of biological active compounds 1–14 have been synthesized and used as potential inhibitors for AChE and BuChE. Potential inhibitor efficacy of these molecules to the target enzymes have been searched in vitro and theoretical by dock and molecular dynamic calculations. The results show that chiral amino alcohol compounds 6, 7 and 9 exhibited good value for medication scores. Among the tested compounds the best inhibition activities have been obtained with compounds 6 for AChE and BuChE by 87.68 and 92.46 % values, respectively at 50µg/mL concentration. The anticipated value of 6 also justified superb correlation with invitro statistics and it could be taken into consideration as drug candidate molecule for designing of novel drug. Potential inhibitory outcomes of those molecules on the right track proteins were investigated the use of Docking and Molecular Dynamics calculations. Dock score evaluation and Lipinski parameters have been proven those ligands are ability inhibitors against applicable enzymes. Our findings endorse that related compounds can be applied as a capacity supply of anti-alzheimer active molecules for designing novel products.
Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Performed During Contrast-Induced Hypotension
Authors: Soomro Armaghan Y , Almaddah Nureddin , Lendel Vasili , Agarwal Shiv Kumar , Uretsky Barry F.
Published: June 2021

Objectives: To demonstrate the feasibility and safety of performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during contrast reaction producing severe hypotension.Background: The development of profound hypotension due to a contrast reaction usually signals procedure termination. Methods and Results: We report successful completion of planned PCI with blood pressure support with vasopressors during contrast-induced hypotension in 9 procedures in 3 patients with previously known contrast reaction. Conclusions: This case series provides support for the feasibility and safety of performing successful planned PCI under blood pressure support in patients with contrast reaction causing severe hypotension. A management approach for considering intervention in the setting of contrast-induced hypotension is provided.
Differential Growth Rates, Rather Than Compaction, Determine Left Ventricular Wall Formation
Authors: Faber Jaeike , Wüst Rob , Dierx Inge , Hummelink Janneke , Kuster Diederik , Nollet Edgar , Moorman Antoon , Sánchez-Quintana Damián , Wal Allard van der , Christoffels Vincent , Jensen Bjarke
Published: June 2021

Trabecular muscle makes up most of the ventricular wall of the human embryo. It is presumed that compaction in the foetal period changes ventricular wall morphology by converting weaker trabeculae to stronger compact muscle. Using developmental series covering the embryonic and foetal periods of human, mouse and chicken, we show ventricular morphology is determined by differential rates of positive growth of trabecular and compact layers rather than compaction. In mouse, foetal cardiomyocytes are relative weak, but adult trabecular and compact cardiomyocytes are equally strong. In foetal and adult humans, trabecular and compact myocardium exhibit a similar abundance of immunohistochemically detected vascular, mitochondrial and sarcomeric proteins. Even in human noncompaction, a congenital malformation characterized by excessive trabeculation, the trabecular and compact muscle are similar. In conclusion, trabecular and compact myocardium are equally equipped for force production and their proportions are determined not by compaction, but by differential growth rates.
An Experimental Study on Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Natural Materials for Productivity Enhancemento Single Slope Solar Still
Authors: NATARAJAN SENDHIL KUMAR , Suraparaju Subbarama Kousik , Elavarasan Rajvikram Madurai , Pugazhendhi Rishi , Hossain Eklas
Published: June 2021

The proposed research study aims to improve the productivity of solar still (SS) by using low-cost and eco-friendly materials. The aforementioned objective was achieved by enhancing the evaporation rate of seawater in the absorber basin and the condensation rate over the glass cover of the solar still. In this study, the low-cost and eco-friendly materials used for enhancing the evaporation rate in the solar still were Molasses Powder (MP), Sawdust (SD), Rise Husk (RH). In addition to these materials, Bamboo Straw (BS), Banana Leaf stem (BL), and Rice Straw (RS) were used as absorbing materials over the glass cover for enhancing the condensation rate. The experiments were carried out under similar meteorological conditions and the results of the modified solar still were compared with Conventional Solar Still (CSS). The productivities of CSS, SSMP, SSRH, SSSD, SSBS, SSBL and SSRS were about 2250 mL/m2, 2383 mL/m2, 2467 mL/m2, 3033 mL/m2, 2700 mL/m2, 2683 mL/m2, and 3367 mL/m2 , respectively. The results of the experimental investigation highlighted that the SSSD had a comparatively better evaporation rate and 34.81% higher yield than CSS. Besides, SSRS had a comparatively better condensation rate and a 51.88% higher yield than CSS. Later, the combination of sawdust (SD) and rice straw (RS) was investigated for combined enhancement of evaporation and condensation. The solar still with sawdust and rice straw (SSSDRS) showed a 62.88% improvement in productivity with 3633 mL/m2 when compared to CSS. Also, the economic analysis showed that the cost per litre (CPL) of freshwater obtained from SSSDRS was about ₹ 1.9 ($ 0.025) with a payback period of 4.4 months which was the least when compared to all the considered cases.
Epigenetic Silencing of Tumor Suppressor lncRNA NKILA: Implication on NF-κB Signaling in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Min Yue , Calin George , Deng Ming Dan , Au-Yeung Rex K.H. , Wang Lu Qian , Chim James
Published: June 2021

Background
The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NKILA, localized to 20q13.31, is a negative regulator of NF-κB signaling. As a CpG island is embedded in the promoter region of NKILA, NKILA is hypothesized as a tumor suppressor lncRNA reversibly silenced by promoter DNA methylation in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Methods
Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and quantitative bisulfite pyrosequencing were performed to detect the methylation of NKILA in normal peripheral blood buffy coats, normal tonsils tissue, NHL cell lines and NHL primary samples. SU-DHL-6 cells were treated with 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine for reversal of methylation-associated NKILA silencing. Tumor suppressor properties and biological function of NKILA were demonstrated by knockdown of NKILA in SU-DHL-1 cells.
Results
By pyrosequencing-verified MSP, NKILA was unmethylated in normal healthy controls, including 10 peripheral blood buffy coats and 11 tonsils tissue, but completely methylated in one (10%) NHL cell line SU-DHL-6. Among the lymphoma cell lines, by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, methylation of NKILA was inversely correlated with its expression. In the completely methylated SU-DHL-6 cells, hypomethylation treatment with 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine resulted in promoter demethylation and re-expression of NKILA transcript. In 102 NHL primary samples, NKILA methylation was observed in none of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cases, but in 29 (51.79%) diffuse large-B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and 4 (20%) peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) cases, hence preferentially methylated in DLBCL than MCL (P < 0.0001) and PTCL (P = 0.007). Mechanistically, knockdown of NKILA resulted in promoting IkBα phosphorylation associated with nucleus translocation of total p65 and phosphorylated p65 in SU-DHL-1 cells, hence constitutive NF-κB activation. Functionally, knock-down of NKILA in SU-DHL-1 cells led to decreased cell death and increased cellular proliferation, indicating a tumor suppressor role of NKILA in NHL cells.
Conclusion
NKILA is a tumour suppressor lncRNA frequently hypermethylated in DLBCL. Promoter DNA methylation-mediated NKILA silencing led to increase of cellular proliferation and decrease of cell death via repression of NF-κB signaling in NHL cells.
A Combined Experimental and Atomistic Investigation of PTFE Double Transfer Film Formation and Lubrication in Rolling Point Contacts
Authors: von Goeldel Stephan , Reichenbach Thomas , König Florian , Mayrhofer Leonhard , Moras Gianpietro , Jacobs Georg , Moseler Michael
Published: June 2021

Solid lubricants such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are used in rolling-element bearings (REBs) when conventional lubrication (i.e. by fluids or greases) cannot be applied owing to extreme operating conditions (e.g. high temperatures or vacuum). Often a double transfer film mechanism is used with a cage acting as a lubricant reservoir resupplying the REB with solid lubricant by cage wear. An increase in service life of such bearings requires a better understanding of the transfer processes in the sliding and rolling contacts. Here, we investigate the effect of PTFE resupply on friction and lubricant film formation in a steel/steel and steel/glass rolling contact by tribometry and classical molecular dynamics (MD). A ball-on-disk tribometer is enhanced by a pin-on-disk sliding contact that transfers PTFE to the disk. The experiment allows simultaneous in situ measurement of friction and film thickness by white light interferometry in the rolling point contact. Increasing the pin load results in an increased PTFE film thickness in the rolling contact accompanied by a significant decrease in friction. To elucidate the observed film transfer and friction mechanism, sliding MD simulations with a newly developed density-functional-based, non-reactive force field for PTFE-lubricated iron oxide surfaces are performed. A strong adhesion of PTFE chains to iron oxide drives transfer film formation, while shear-induced chain alignment within PTFE results in reduced friction. The simulations reveal an anti-correlation between PTFE film thickness and friction coefficient – in agreement with the experiments. These investigations are a first step towards methods to control PTFE transfer film formation in REBs.
Hydrologic Similarity Based on Width Function and Hypsometry: An Unsupervised Learning Approach
Authors: Bajracharya Prashanta , Jain Shaleen
Published: June 2021

In ungauged or data-scarce watersheds, systematic analyses of a set of proximate watersheds (for example, selected based on locational proximity or similarity in climate, morphometry, lithology, soils, and vegetation) have been shown to lend significant insights regarding hydrologic response and prediction. Current approaches often rely on: (a) statistical regression models that use measurable watershed attributes, such as area, slope, and stream length; and (b) comparative hydrology that considers watershed characteristics to assess hydrologic similarity to select analogous gauged watersheds as proxies. Newer conceptions regarding hydrologic similarity focus on hydrologic response and therefore emphasize the use of dynamical measures of the stream network and watershed terrain. For example, the width function and hypsometric curve can be readily estimated using the available global digital terrain datasets and represented as functional forms involving a small set of parameters, thus achieving significant data reduction. In this study, a new approach to hydrological similarity in watersheds, one that utilizes these functional forms to identify dynamically similar watersheds, is presented. Dissimilarity matrices are created based on divergence measures, and watersheds are classified using hierarchical clustering. The joint analysis of watershed width functions and hypsometric curves allows for the classification of watersheds into a reduced number of dynamically-similar groups. An illustrative case study for the Narmada River, with 72 sub-watersheds, is presented.
Single emission spectrum measurement enables control of
organic LED emission zone giving ultralong device lifetime
Authors: Ciarnáin Rossa Mac , Mo Hin Wai , Nagayoshi Kaori , Fujimoto Hiroshi , Harada Kentaro , Gehlhaar Robert , Ke Tung-Huei , Heremans Paul , Adachi Chihaya
Published: June 2021

Device optimization of light-emitting diodes targets the most efficient conversion of electrically injected charges into emitted light. Where charges recombine and where light is emitted from is known as the emission zone. Determining its form is key to better understanding the physical processes determining device performance. However, a thorough measurement study has not been shown. Here we present an accessible technique to visualize the emission zone in unprecedented detail at all luminescing current densities. Only a single emission spectrum must be measured (at normal direction to the device layers with no additional optics) and compared with the simulated emission spectrum. This method allows physical understanding based, instead of speculative, optimisation of LED device architectures. We demonstrate its impact by examining the device structure – emission zone – lifetime relationships of a thermally activated delayed fluorescence OLED to achieve an ultralong 4500 hour T95 lifetime at 1000 cd/m2 with 20% external quantum efficiency.
Atomically engineered interfaces yield extraordinary electrostriction
Authors: Pryds Nini , Zhang Haiwu , Park Dae-Sung , Gauquelin Nicolas , Santucci Simone , Christensen Dennis , Jannis Daen , Chezganov Dmitry , Rata Diana , Castelli Ivano , Verbeeck Johan , Lubomirsky Igor , Muralt Paul , Damjanovic Dragan , Esposito Vincenzo
Published: June 2021

Electrostriction is a property of all the dielectric materials where an applied electric field induces a mechanical deformation proportional to the square of the electric field. The magnitude of the effect is usually minuscule. However, recent discoveries of symmetry-breaking phenomena at interfaces opens up the possibility to extend the electrostrictive response to a broader family of dielectric materials.1,2 Here, we engineer the electrostrictive effect by epitaxially depositing alternating layers of Gd2O3-doped CeO2 and Er2O3-stabilized δ-Bi2O3 with atomically controlled interfaces on NdGaO3 substrates. We find that the electrostriction coefficient reaches 2.38×10-14 m2/V2, exceeding the best-known relaxor ferroelectrics by three orders of magnitude. Our atomic-scale calculations show that the extraordinary electrostriction coefficient is driven by the coherent strain imparted by the interfacial lattice mismatches. Thus, artificial heterostructures open a new avenue to design and manipulate electrostrictive materials and devices for nano/micro actuation and cutting-edge sensor applications.
Prediction of Nickel Concentrations in Urban and Peri-Urban Soils: Application of a Hybridized Empirical Bayesian Kriging and Support Vector Machine Regression Approach
Authors: Agyeman Prince Chapman , Kebonye Ndiye Michael , JOHN Kingsley
Published: June 2021

Soil pollution is a big issue caused by anthropogenic activities. The spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) varies in most urban and peri-urban areas. As a result, spatially predicting the PTEs content in such soil is difficult. A total number of 115 samples were obtained from Frydek Mistek in the Czech Republic. Calcium(Ca), magnesium(Mg), potassium(K), and nickel (Ni) concentrations were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. The correlation matrix between the response variable and the predictors revealed a satisfactory correlation between the elements. The prediction results indicated that support vector machine regression (SVMR) performed well although its estimated root mean square error (RMSE) (235.974) and mean absolute error (MAE) (166.946) were higher when compared with the other methods applied. Conversely, the hybridized model of empirical bayesian kriging -multiple linear regression (EBK-MLR) performed poorly as indicated by the measured coefficient of determination value below 0.1. The empirical bayesian kriging-support vector machine regression (EBK-SVMR) model was the best model, with low RMSE (95.479) and MAE (77.368) values and a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.637). EBK-SVMR modeling technique was visualized using self-organizing map. The clustered neurons of the hybridized model CakMg -EBK-SVMR component plane showed a diverse color pattern predicting the concentration of Ni in the urban and peri urban soil. The results proved that combining EBK and SVMR is an effective technique for predicting Ni concentrations in urban and peri-urban soil.
Ferroptosis inhibitor alleviates cytotoxicity induced by cobalt nanoparticles through reactive oxygen species attenuation
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhang Weinan , Liu Fan , Liu Yake
Published: June 2021

Background Currently, tissue damage induced by cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) are the most noticeable adverse effect in the patients with metal-on-metal (MOM) hip prostheses. Therefore, effective therapeutic strategy is needed to limit the toxicity of CoNPs. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of ferroptosis inhibitor on CoNPs-induced cytotoxicity. Methods To evaluate the detoxification effect of ferroptosis inhibitor, MG-63 cells were treated with CoNPs and ferroptosis inhibitor for 24 h. The cell viabilities were measured by CCK-8 assay. The expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) were examined by western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the GSH level were measured by the relevant kits. The cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured with Elisa.Results The cytotoxic effects of CoNPs were time- and dose-dependent. In addition, CoNPs elicited a significant (p <0.05) reduction in cell viability and the glutathione (GSH) level with a concomitant increase in ROS generation and inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) after 24 hours of exposure. Deferiprone (DFP) provided significant protection for cells after treatment with CoNPs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that CoNPs decreased the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11, and treatment with DFP inhibited the decrease.Conclusions CoNPs were highly cytotoxic and ferroptosis inhibitor DFP has a detoxification effect on cytotoxicity induced by CoNPs. Ferroptosis plays an important role in the process that CoNPs induced the cytotoxicity. The effectiveness of ferroptosis inhibition on MG-63 cells may initiate the development of novel strategies for reducing the adverse effects associated with metal implants in future.Trial registration: no human participant.
Cloning, Characterization, and Overexpression in Arabidopsis to Determine the Function of SPL Genes from Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria Vesca)
Authors: Bai Yibo , Liang Morong , Ma Chuangju , Cheng Zongming , Xiong Jinsong
Published: June 2021

SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) proteins is a class of plant specific transcription factors that play important roles during plant development. However, the majority of SPL genes in strawberry are functionally uncharacterized. In this study, three SPL genes, i.e. FvSPL1, FvSPL2, and FvSPL11 (FvSPL1/2/11), from woodland strawberry were cloned and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis with SPL genes from Arabidopsis, tomato and chrysanthemum indicated that FvSPL1/2/11 were clustered into the same group with those of miR156 target site located at the 3’-untranslated region (UTR). Further biochemical analysis indicated that FvSPL1 was exclusively localized in the nucleus. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated FvSPL1 could specifically recognized the GTAC motif. Transcriptional activity analysis showed FvSPL1 was a transcriptional activator that could activate the expression of FvAP1 gene. Finally, all of the transgenic Arabidopsis that overexpression the three FvSPL genes were exhibited significantly early flowering phenotype. Taken together, our study indicated that FvSPL1/2/11 similar to their orthologs in Arabidopsis mainly functions in regulating plant flowering. These results enriched our understanding to the functions of SPL genes in strawberry and might be utilized for strawberry flowering time manipulation in the future.
Job Requirements and Physical Demands (JRPD) Questionnaire: Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation in Iranian Army Personnel with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Ramezani Mehdi , Pourghayoomi Ehsan , Taghizadeh Ghorban
Published: June 2021

Background: Biomechanical risk factors have been identified as the main predisposing factor of Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP), especially in Army personnel. The Job Requirements and Physical Demands (JRPD) questionnaire has been developed to assess the biomechanical exposures related to CLBP. Examining the biomechanical risk factors could prevent CLBP. This research was designed to cross-cultural adaptation and the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Job Requirements and Physical Demands (JRPD) questionnaire among Iranian Army personnel with Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP).Methods: In this non-experimental and methodological designed study, the content validation of the JRPD was performed after translating to Persian. The Persian JRPD was administered to 198 Army personnel with CLBP, with an interval of seven days, to assess test-retest reliability. Scores of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Borg's Category-Ratio (CR10) scale, General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and two Physical Functioning (PF1 and PF2) items of the 12-item Short Form survey (SF-12) were recorded to estimate the correlation with the Persian JRPD.Results: After content validation, the number of items in the Persian JRPD remained unchanged. Persian JRPD was correlated with VAS (r = .27; p < .001), Borg's scale (r = .19; p < .009), GHQ-28 (r = .31; p < .001), PF1 (r = -.35; p < .001), and PF2 (r = -.27; p < .001). Also, test-retest reliability and internal consistency values were found to be .80 and .91, respectively.Conclusion: The Persian version of the JRPD is a valid questionnaire with good reliability when applied to Iranian Army personnel with CLBP.
Automated Recognition of Objects and Types of Forceps in Surgical Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Bamba Yoshiko , Ogawa Shimpei , Itabashi Michio , Kameoka Shingo , Okamoto Takahiro , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: June 2021

Background: Analysis of operative data with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is expected to improve the knowledge and professional skills of surgeons. Identification of objects in videos recorded during surgery can be used for surgical skill assessment and surgical navigation. The objectives of this study were to recognize objects and types of forceps in surgical videos acquired during colorectal surgeries and evaluate detection accuracy.Methods: Images (n=1818) were extracted from 11 surgical videos for model training, and another 500 images were extracted from 6 additional videos for validation. The following 5 types of forceps were selected for annotation: ultrasonic scalpel, grasping, clip, angled (Maryland and right-angled), and spatula. IBM Visual Insights software was used, which incorporates the most popular open-source deep-learning CNN frameworks.Results: In total, 1039/1062 (97.8%) forceps were correctly identified among 500 test images. Calculated recall and precision values were as follows: grasping forceps, 98.1% and 98.0%; ultrasonic scalpel, 99.4% and 93.9%; clip forceps, 96.2% and 92.7%; angled forceps, 94.9% and 100%; and spatula forceps, 98.1% and 94.5%, respectively.Conclusions: Forceps recognition can be achieved with high accuracy using deep-learning models, providing the opportunity to evaluate how forceps are used in various operations.
The Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in Patients With Luminal A Invasive Breast Ductal Carcinoma
Authors: Eshghifar Nahal , Rouhollah Fatemeh , Barikrow Nooshin , Pouresmaeili Farkhondeh , Taheri Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women around the world. The molecular mechanisms of this heterogeneous disease have been extensively investigated; but still; need many sensitive and specific markers for prognostic and early diagnostic approaches. Non-protein coding RNAs known as lncRNAs are reported in tumorogenesis involvement. hence could be used as therapeutic targets.In the present study, we examined the expression levels of CCAT1, PDCD4, PDCD4-AS1, and MEG3 LncRNAs in tumor and adjacent breast tissues in 88 Iranian patients by quantitative real-time PCR. CCAT1 was notably overexpressed and PDCD4-AS1 was decreased in tumor samples, PDCD4 and PDCD4-AS1 showed a positive association with each other, higher levels of PDCD4-AS1 were associated with better survival, tumor samples showed lower levels of PDCD4 compared to normal tissue.Our findings show that lncRNAs play critical roles in controlling post-transcriptional gene expression of key tumor suppressor or oncogenic genes, leading to TNBC progression.As a result, this research looked into the prognostic role of lncRNAs in breast cancer patients.
The Impact of Histologies on Clinical Outcomes of Spinal Metastases Treated with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Authors: Guo Lanlan , Xu Qingqing , Ke Lixin , Wu Ziwei , Zeng Ziyi , Chen Lei , Lu Lixia , Chen Yuanyuan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of histologies on outcomes of spinal metastases treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and identify the correlated prognostic factors.
Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent SBRT with no prior radiation for spinal metastases between October 2015 and October 2020 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance the distribution of related baseline characteristics. The endpoints included overall survival (OS), local control (LC), pain relief, and time to pain relief.
Results

A total of 202 consecutive patients with 345 spinal metastases were treated with a median follow-up time of 16.02 months (range, 0.73–57.90 months). The 1- and 2-year OS rates were 57% and 50%, respectively. The median survival was 35.63 months. A higher Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score at consult predicted for better OS (P = 0.020). The presence of pain at enrollment assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) predicted for worse OS (P = 0.038). The 1-year LC rate was 92.0%. The pain relief rate was 76.30% (103/135 patients). Younger age was identified to be prognostic for better pain relief (P = 0.037). In the univariate and multivariate analysis, no variable was independently associated with time to pain relief. As for toxicity, no Grade ≥ 3 toxicity was observed.
Conclusions

SBRT is feasible and appears to be an effective treatment paradigm for patients with spinal metastases, with limited accepted toxicities.
Clinical Significance of Serum Levels of ROM (Reactive Oxygen Metabolites) in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Biologic Agents as a Predictor for the CDAI-, SDAI-, and Boolean-Remission
Authors: Nakajima Arata , Terayama Keiichiro , Sonobe Masato , Akatsu Yorikazu , Saito Junya , Norimoto Masaki , Taniguchi Shinji , Takahashi Hiroshi , Aoki Yasuchika , Nakagawa Koichi
Published: June 2021

We previously showed that reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) serum levels were associated with the DAS28 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we aimed to investigate whether ROM would be predictive of the CDAI-, SDAI- or Boolean-remission. Fifty-one biologic agents (BA)-naïve RA patients were included in this observational study. Associations between ROM, C-reactive protein (CRP), MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-3, DAS28-ESR, CDAI, SDAI, and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) at 12 weeks and the DAS28-, CDAI-, SDAI-, and Boolean-remission at 52 weeks were investigated. The DAS28-, CDAI-, SDAI- and Boolean-remission rates at 52 weeks were 66.7, 52.9, 54.9 and 54.9%, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that ROM and HAQ at 12 weeks were associated with the CDAI-, SDAI- and Boolean-remission at 52 weeks. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses demonstrated that the cut-off value for CDAI remission was 389.5 U.Carr, and that for SDAI and Boolean remission was 389.5 U.Carr. ROM at 12 weeks of initial treatment with BAs was a predictor for the CDAI-, SDAI-, and Boolean-remission at 52 weeks. Serum levels of ROM may be a useful biomarker in the current treatment strategy aiming at the early remission of RA.
Uplift Resistance Capacity of Anchor Piles used in Marine Aquaculture
Authors: Gui Fukun , Kong Jianqiao , Feng Dejun , Qu Xiaoyu , Zhu Fang , You Yang
Published: June 2021

Anchor piles are widely used in marine aquaculture, and their uplift resistance capacity largely determines their safety, especially in harsh ocean environments. However, a practical guide on its design and installation is wanting. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of the initial tension angle, pile diameter, embedded depth, and pile configuration on the uplift resistance capacity of anchor piles for marine aquaculture under oblique loads. The results show that increasing the initial tension angle of circular and square single piles can significantly improve the uplift resistance capacity. The failure load of the square single pile was slightly higher than that of the circular single pile. Increasing the pile diameter can effectively improve the failure load and delay the development speed of the pile top displacement. Increasing the embedded depth can effectively improve the failure load and increase the lateral displacement of the pile top. The uplift resistance capacity of the dual anchor piles was better than that of the single anchor piles. The layout configuration has little effect on the failure load, but has a large effect on the displacement development.
Mechanism of Tripterygium Wilfordii for the Treatment of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Shi Honghong , Hou Yanjuan , Su Xiaole , Qiao Jun , Wang Qian , Guo Xiaojiao , Gao Zhihong , Wang Lihua
Published: June 2021

Background

Tripterygium wilfordii has been widely used for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), while the pharmacological mechanisms are still unclear. This study is aimed at revealing potential therapeutic targets and pharmacological mechanism of tripterygium wilfordii for the treatment of IMN based on network pharmacology.
Methods

Active components of tripterygium wilfordii were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. IMN-associated target genes were collected from GeneCards database, DisGeNET database, and OMIMI database. VENNY 2.1 was used to identify the overlapping genes between active compounds of tripterygium wilfordii and IMN target genes. Using STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software to analyze interactions among overlapping genes. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment of the targets were analyzed using the Rx64 4.0.2 software, colorspace, stringi, DOSE, clusterProfiler, and enrichplot packages.
Results

A total of 153 compounds-related genes, 1485 IMN-related genes were obtained, and 77 overlapping genes between them were identified. The protein–protein interactions network indicated that the targets AKT1, TNF, VEGFA, TP53, PTGS2, CXCL8, MAPK8, STAT3, JUN, and CASP3 play an important role in the treatment effect of tripterygium wilfordii for IMN. The enrichment analysis showed that the main pathways of targets were AGE signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.
Conclusion

This study reveals potential mechanisms of multi-component and multi-target of tripterygium wilfordii for the treatment of IMN based on network pharmacologic approach, and provide a scientific basis for further experimental studies.
Molecular Investigation of Fibronectin-Binding Protein Genes and Capacity of Biofilm Production in Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated From Clinical Samples
Authors: Soghondicolaei Hossein Jafari , Ahanjan Mohammad , Gholami Mehrdad , Mirzaei Bahman , Goli Hamid Reza
Published: June 2021

Biofilm production increases Staphylococcus aureus resistance to antibiotics and also host defense mechanisms. The current study aims to evaluate the biofilm formation by S. aureus and to determine the prevalence of fibronectin-binding protein genes, also its correlation with drug resistance. In this study, 100 clinical isolates of S. aureus were collected. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates was evaluated by the disk agar diffusion method. The ability of biofilm formation in the studied isolates was also determined by microplate colorimetric assay. Then, all isolates were screened by polymerase chain reaction for the fnbA and fnbB genes. Out of 100 clinical isolates of S. aureus, the highest and lowest antibiotic resistance rates were against penicillin (94%) and vancomycin (6%). Thirty-two cases were found to be multi-drug resistant (MDR) among the all strains. The ability of biofilm production was observed in 89% of the isolates. The PCR results showed that the prevalence of fnbA and fnbB genes were 91% and 17%, respectively. Moreover, 100% and 21.8% of the MDR strains harbored the fnbA and fnbB genes respectively. The ability to form biofilm in MDR isolates of S. aureus is more than non-MDR isolates, especially fnbA positive ones. As the bacteria in the biofilm are difficult to kill by antibiotics, attention to the removal or control of the biofilm production seems to be necessary.
Machining-Reliability-based Optimization of Process Parameters for Marine Diesel Engine Block Hole System Using HJ-PSO
Authors: ZHOU HONGGEN , Yang Weibin , SUN LI , JING XUWEN , LI GUOCHAO , Cao Liping
Published: June 2021

The processing quality of the block hole system affects the working performance of the marine diesel engine block directly. Choosing an appropriate combination of process parameters is a prerequisite to improve the accuracy of the block hole system. Uncertain fluctuations of process parameters during the machining process would affect the process reliability of the block hole system, resulting in an ultra-poor accuracy. For this reason, the RBF method is used to establish the relationship between the verticality of the cylinder hole and process parameters, including cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed rate. Taking the minimum cylinder hole verticality as the goal and setting the process reliability constraints of the cylinder hole based on Monte Carlo, a reliability optimization model of processing parameters for cylinder hole is established in this paper. Meanwhile, an improved particle swarm algorithm was designed to solve the model, and eventually, the global optimal combination of process parameters for the cylinder hole processing of the diesel engine block in the reliability stable region was obtained.
Effects of the Full Coverage Policy of Essential Medicines on Inequality in Medication Adherence: A Longitudinal Study in Taizhou, China
Authors: Guo Zhi-gang , Zheng Li-guang , Fu Meng-yuan , Li Huang-qian-yu , Bai Lin , Guan Xiaodong , Shi Lu-wen
Published: June 2021

Background
The full coverage policy for essential medicines (FCPEMs) was proposed and implemented in Taizhou city of Zhejiang Province of China to promote equal access and adherence to medicines. This study aimed to examine the effects of FCPEMs on the inequality in medication adherence among local patients with hypertension and diabetes, and to explore their influencing factors
Methods
We collected electronic health records of patients with hypertension and diabetes of three districts of Taizhou from 2011–2016. With the implementation time of FCPEMs being different, we applied a retrospective longitudinal study design and selected the records of 1 baseline year before and 3 follow-up years after following the implementation of FCPEMs. All data entries of the same patient were aggregated and generated a dataset with 4-year longitudinal data. The concentration index (CI) and its decomposition method were employed to measure the factors contributing to inequality in medication adherence and the role played by FCPEMs.
Results
The sample size of the 4 years retrospective longitudinal data rose from 264,836 to 315,677, 340,512 and 355,676 individuals and the proportion of the patient taking the free medicines were 17.6–25.0% and 29.8% after FCPEMs. The proportion of patients with high adherence increased from 39.9–51.6%, 57.2%, 60.5% and CI changed from 0.073 to -0.011, -0.029, -0.035, where the rate of the contribution of FCPEMs were 54.792%, 1.223% and − 19.092% and ranked 2nd, 7th and 2nd after the implementation of FCPEMs. The changes in CI of medication adherence for every two years were − 0.084, -0.018, -0.006, and the contribution of FCPEMs were − 0.006, 0.006, 0.007, ranking the 2nd, 2nd and 1st and mainly attributed to the changes of CI of FCPEMs.
Conclusions
The medication adherence of patients with hypertension and diabetes improved after the implementation FCPEMs in Taizhou, but the inequality did not show a consistent rate of improvement. In general, FCPEMs contributed to improvements in the inequality in medication adherence. FCPEMs could be a protective factor against the income-related inequalities, but this would need further investigations and to be accompanied by other systematic efforts.
METTL14 Suppresses Pyroptosis and Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Down-Regulating TINCR lncRNA
Authors: Meng Liping , Lin Hui , Huang Xingxiao , Wen Jingfan , Wu Shengjie
Published: June 2021

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most important epigenetic regulation of RNAs, such as lncRNAs. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism of m6A in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is very limited. In this study, we sought to define the role of METTL14-mediated m6A modification in pyroptosis and DCM progression.Methods: DCM rat model was established and qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression of METTL14 and TINCR. Gain-and-loss functional experiments were performed to define the role of METTL14-TINCR-NLRP3 axis in pyroptosis and DCM. RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were carried out to verify the underlying interaction.Results: In vivo and in vitro studies showed that pyroptosis was tightly involved in DCM progression. METTL14 was downregulated in cardiomyocytes and hear tissues of DCM rat tissues. Functionally, METTL14 suppressed pyroptosis and DCM via downregulating lncRNA TINCR, which further decreased the expression of key pyroptosis-related protein, NLRP3. Mechanistically, METTL14 increased m6A methylation level of TINCR gene, resulting in its downregulation. Moreover, the m6A reader protein YTHDF2 was essential for m6A methylation and mediated the degradation of TINCR. Finally, TINCR positively regulated NLRP3 through increasing its mRNA stability.Conclusions: Our work revealed the novel role of METTL14-mediated m6A methylation and lncRNA regulation in pyroptosis and DCM, which could help extend our understanding the epigenetic regulation of pyroptosis in DCM progression.
Nanoceria Seed Priming Improves Salt Tolerance in Rapeseed Through Modulating ROS Homeostasis and α-Amylase Activities
Authors: Khan Mohammad Nauman , Li Yanhui , Khan Zaid , Chen Linlin , Liu Jiahao , Hu Jin , Wu Honghong , Li Zhaohu
Published: June 2021

Background: Salinity is a big threat to agriculture by limiting crop production. Nanopriming (seed priming with nanomaterials) is an emerged approach to improve plant stress tolerance; however, our knowledge about the underlying mechanisms is limited. Results: We used cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) to prime rapeseeds and investigated the possible mechanisms behind nanoceria improved rapeseed salt tolerance. We synthesized and characterized polyacrylic acid coated nanoceria (PNC, 8.5 ± 0.2 nm, -43.3 ± 6.3 mV) and monitored its distribution in different tissues of the seed during the imbibition period (1, 3, 8h priming). Our results showed that compared with the no nanoparticle control, PNC nanopriming improved germination rate (12%) and biomass (41%) in rapeseeds under salt stress (200 mM NaCl). During the priming hours, PNC were located mostly in the seed coat, nevertheless the intensity of PNC in cotyledon and radicle was increased alongside with the increase of priming hours. During the priming hours, the amount of the absorbed water (52%, 14%, 12% increase at 1, 3, 8h priming, respectively) and the activities of α-amylase were significantly higher (175%, 309%, 295% increase at 1, 3, 8h priming, respectively) in PNC treatment than the control. PNC primed rapeseeds showed significantly lower content of MDA, H2O2, and •O2— in both shoot and root than the control under salt stress. Also, under salt stress, PNC nanopriming enabled significantly higher K+ retention (29%) and also significantly lower Na+ accumulation (18.5%) and Na+/K+ ratio (37%) than the control. Conclusions: Our results suggested that besides the more absorbed water and increased α-amylase activities, PNC nanopriming improves salt tolerance in rapeseeds through maintaining ROS homeostasis and Na+/K+ ratio. It adds more knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying nanopriming improved plant salt tolerance.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Cell-Free DNA Methylation Profiling with MeDIP-Seq Identified Potential Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Tao , Niu Qiang , Qin Chang Jiang , Zhang Ming , Wu Guang Ming , Li Hua Zhong , Li Yan , Wang Chen , Du Wen Fei , Wang Chen Yang , Zhao Qiang , Zhao Xiao Dong , Wang Xiao Liang , Zhu Jian Bin
Published: June 2021

Background: To verify the feasibility of genome-wide plasma cell-free DNA(cfDNA) methylation profiling for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.Methods: We performed a genome-wide cfDNA methylation profiling study of colorectal cancer patients by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation coupled with high throughput sequencing (MeDIP-seq).Results: Compared with the control group, 939 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) located in promoter regions were found in colorectal cancer patients, 16 of these DMRs were hypermethylated and the remaining 923 were hypomethylated. In addition, these hypermethylated genes, mainly including PRDM14, RALYL, ELMOD1, and TMEM132E, were validated and confirmed in colorectal cancer by using publicly available DNA methylation data.Conclusions: Our study indicates that MeDIP-seq can be used as an optimal approach for analyzing cfDNA methylomes, and the differentially methylated genes obtained by MeDIP-seq can be used as potential biomarkers for clinical application in patients with colorectal cancer.
Microfluidic Device Engineered to Study the Trafficking of Multiple Myeloma Cancer Cells Through the Sinusoidal Niche of Bone Marrow
Authors: Sui Chao , Zilberberg Jenny , Lee Woo
Published: June 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable B cell malignancy characterized by the accumulation of monoclonal abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). It has been a significant challenge to study the spatiotemporal interactions of MM cancer cells with the embedded microenvironments of BM. Here we report a microfluidic device which was designed to mimic several physiological features of the BM niche: (1) sinusoidal circulation, (2) sinusoidal endothelium, and (3) stroma. The endothelial and stromal compartments were constructed and used to demonstrate the device’s utility by spatiotemporally characterizing the CXCL12-mediated egression of MM cells from the BM stroma and its effects on the barrier function of endothelial cells (ECs). We found that the egression of MM cells resulted in less organized and loosely connected ECs, the widening of EC junction pores, and increased permeability through ECs, but without significantly affecting the number density of viable ECs. The results suggest that the device can be used to study the physical and secreted factors determining the trafficking of cancer cells through BM. The sinusoidal flow feature of the device provides an integral element for further creating systemic models of cancers that reside or metastasize to the BM niche.
Bacillus Benefits the Growth of Ambrosia Artemisiifolia by Increasing Available Nutrient Levels
Authors: Zhang Fengjuan , Sun Jianru , Wang Chang , Li Chunying , Chen Xue , Xu Haiyun
Published: June 2021

AimsBacillus, a gram-positive bacterium, has multiple beneficial traits which help the plants in nutrients acquisition, either directly or indirectly. However, the mechanisms that mediate the positive or negative impact of Bacillus on exotic or native species are poorly understood. Our objective was to determine whether the quantitative and/ or qualitative differences in the Bacillus community present on the exotic Ambrosia artemisiifolia and the native Setaria viridis provide a competitive advantage to the invader over native species. MethodsA. artemisiifolia monoculture, mixture of A. artemisiifolia and S. viridis and S. viridis monoculture were designed in the field experiment. Bacillus diversity in their rhizospheres was analyzed using 16S rRNA and their effects on the competitive growth of A. artemisiifolia and S. viridis were tested in greenhouse experiment.ResultsThe Shannon index, species richness, and evenness index of Bacillus diversity in the rhizosphere soil of A. artemisiifolia in the monoculture treatment were lower than in the mixture treatment. The relative abundance of Bacillus megaterium in the rhizosphere soil of A. artemisiifolia was higher than that in the rhizosphere soil of S. viridis. Whether Bacillus in the rhizosphere soil of A. artemisiifolia or B. megaterium inoculation enhanced the relative competitiveness of A. artemisiifolia and inhibited that of S. viridis by altering their carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations. ConclusionsA. artemisiifolia invasion influenced Bacillus communities, especially B. megaterium. The higher abundance of B. megaterium in A. artemisiifolia rhizosphere creates higher levels of the available nutrient than that in native S. viridis.
Laparoscopic vs open pancreaticoduodenectomy- An updated meta-analysis of randomized control trials.
Authors: Vasavada Bhavin , Patel Hardik
Published: June 2021

Background: There is ongoing debate regarding the usefulness of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. This study aimed to analyze all the randomized control trials published including the most recent one.Material and methods: The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and MOOSE guidelines. Heterogeneity was measured using Q tests and I2. The random-effects models were used to summarize the relative risks, odds ratios, and mean differences as appropriate.Results: 4 RCTs were included consisting of 818 patients. 411 patients were in the laparoscopic group and 407 in the open pancreaticoduodenectomy group. Weighted baseline patient characteristics were similar except more patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and more males were there in the open pancreaticoduodenectomy group. There was no difference in-hospital stay,90 days complications rate, 90 days mortality, R1 resection, postoperative pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, post pancreatectomy hemorrhage, bile leak between the two groups. Operative time was more in the laparoscopic group. Blood loss [mean difference − 132.12 ml (-172.60,-91.65)] and surgical site infection [Risk ratio 0.41 ( 0.17-1.0)] were significantly lesser in laparoscopic group.Conclusion: There was no benefit in-hospital stay or clinical outcomes after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Blood loss and surgical site infection were lesser in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Partial Wave Direct Method Solution to Phase Problem
Authors: Pullooru Bhanumoorthy
Published: June 2021

We present the quantum theory derived partial wave direct method solution to phase problem. We cast crystal diffraction as a boundary value problem with Maxwell-Schrödinger equation as the governing partial differential equation. We show that phases of transforming sub-amplitudes in definite momentum eigen series become physically measurable as experimental azimuthal angles in the stationary spherical coordinate system with polar axis aligned along primary beam.