bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire: Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation in Italian Athletes With Musculoskeletal Injuries
Authors: Monticone Marco , DOVER Geoffrey , MASSIDDA Myosotis , GIORDANO Andrea , FRANCHIGNONI Franco
Published: September 2021

Background. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and validate an Italian version of the Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ-I).Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional evaluation of the psychometric properties of the AFAQ-I in athletes with musculoskeletal injuries, culturally adapting it in accordance with international standards. Psychometric evaluation included exploratory factor analysis, reliability (internal consistency [Cronbach’s alpha], inter-item correlation, and test–retest reliability [intra-class correlation coefficient]). To examine construct validity, we compared (Spearman rank correlation) the AFAQ-I with a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire subscales (Physical Activity, FABQ-PA; and Work, FABQ-W). We evaluated sensitivity to change through the minimum detectable change (MDC).Results. The AFAQ-I was administered to 133 university athletes with musculoskeletal injuries (26 females, mean age 25.3 ± 5 years, mean average pain duration 5.6 ± 8.7 months), and resulted acceptable. Factor analysis revealed a 1-factor 10-item solution (explained variance: 53%). Internal consistency was 0.78; average inter-item correlation 0.27; test–retest reliability ICC(2,1) 0.95. As hypothesized a priori, construct validity showed moderate correlations of the AFAQ-I with NPRS (ρ = 0.42), PCS (ρ = 0.59), FABQ-PA (ρ = 0.40) and FABQ-W (ρ = 0.34). The MDC was 4.42 points.Conclusion. The AFAQ-I is a valid Italian translation of AFAQ and demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties. We can recommend its use for clinical and research purposes.
Genetic Association of Interkeukin-21 and Interleukin-23 Receptor Polymorphisms With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Iranian Population
Authors: Azadeh Nazanin , Aflaki Elham , Nazarinia Mohammad Ali , Shenavandeh Saeedeh , Malekmakan Mohammad Reza , Sarvestani Eskandar Kamali
Published: September 2021

Objective: T helper 17 (Th17) is believed to play a crucial role in pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our study aimed to detect the potential association of IL-21 and IL-23R polymorphisms with susceptibility to SLE. Method: Two hundreds and ten patients with SLE and the same number of matched controls were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction to detect two polymorphisms of IL-21 and one polymorphism of IL-23 receptor (IL-23R). Clinical data was collected from patients’ archives. Results: IL-21 polymorphisms (rs4833837 C/T and rs2055979 G/T) did not show any association with the disease susceptibility (p= 0.54 and p= 0.49, respectively). Comparison of patients with rs2055979GG and T allele carriers showed higher frequency of rs2055979GG genotype in patients with pleurisy compared to the ones without pleurisy (p=0.004). In addition, categorization of IL-23R rs10889677 to GG and T allele carriers (TT+TG) showed an association between TT+TG genotypes and susceptibility to SLE (p=0.0002). Moreover, a significant association was found between the inheritance of rs10889677GG+TG genotypes and presence of mucosal ulcers in SLE patients (p=0.01).Discussion: The results showed that the lower IL-21 producer rs2055979GG genotype was associated to pleurisy. Lower IL-21 serum levels in patients with rs2055979GG genotype may lead to more frequent pulmonary infections and an increased risk of pleurisy. Association of high+ intermediate IL-23R producer genotypes (rs10889677TT+TG) with SLE may be explained by possible overactivation of Th17 cells. Higher activity of Th17 cells may also explain the over representation of mucosal ulcer in patients with high producer genotype of IL-23R.
Efficacy and Safety of ACEIs/ARBs in Patients with COVID-19 Combined with Chronic Kidney Disease: a Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Jing , Li Xueying , Mao Nan , Ren Sichong , Fan junming
Published: September 2021

Background: Despite the control measure taken against the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) at global level, the pandemic has started to rebound and transmitted rapidly worldwide due to the delta strain. This strain is more virulent than the original severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus. The approved vaccines or drugs can reduce mortality; still various efforts are being made to seek a complete cure. Currently, it remains controversial whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) are useful in managing COVID-19 patients having comorbidities like chronic kidney disease(CKD). Evidence concerning the application of ACEIs/ARBs needs to be established through advanced meta-analyses and systematic reviews.Methods/design:This study is designed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The studies published from December 1, 2019, to August 31, 2021 will be considered. The primary databases such as Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database will be included, and meeting records and grey literature databases will be retrieved to compare at least two terminations or discontinued ACEIs or ARBs in clinical intervention studies. The primary results will include kidney function biomarkers, blood pressure, and long-term mortality or hospital admission severity. Pairwise random effects and meta-analyses will be performed for the selected literature using RevMan (V.5.3). The bias risk evaluation, heterogeneity, consistency, transitivity, and evidence quality will be followed as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions suggestions.Discussion: This review will use a structured and effective method to analyze the effectiveness and security of ACEIs and ARBs in treating COVID-19 patients with CKD. Research results can present valuable evidence for patients, clinicians, researchers, or decision-makers.Systerm review: PROSPERO registration number CRD42021268701.
Tumor hypoxia drives suppressor function in exhausted T cells limiting antitumor immunity
Authors: Delgoffe Greg , Vignali Paolo , DePeaux Kristin , Watson McLane , Lontos Konstantinos , McGaa Nicole , Scharping Nicole , Menk Ashley
Published: September 2021

While CD8+ cytotoxic T cells are clearly critical for identification and elimination of cancer cells, factors concentrated within the tumor microenvironment drive their altered differentiation to a hypofunctional, short-lived state termed exhaustion. Exhaustion is a progressive lineage, and it is now clear that the most terminally exhausted T (tTexh) cells are not the targets of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy but rather serve as factors that limit immunotherapeutic efficacy. Compared directly, tumor-infiltrating CD8+ tTexh cells bear notable phenotypic similarity to CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, suggesting beyond loss of proinflammatory function, tTexh cells may be directly anti-functional and constrain tumor specific immunity. Here we show, when isolated from the same tumor microenvironment, terminally exhausted CD8+ T cells carried similar capacity to suppress T cell proliferation as CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells. Unlike Treg cells, tTexh cells suppress solely via the ectonucleotidase CD39, which serves to deplete extracellular ATP (eATP) and produce an adenosinergic environment. CD39 expression in tTexh cells is driven by exposure to tumor hypoxia, such that therapeutic targeting of hypoxia limits tTexh suppression and support responses to immunotherapy. Specific deletion of CD39 in CD8+ T cells slows tumor progression and improves response to checkpoint blockade, highlighting a major role for immunosuppression by exhausted T cells in cancer. Thus, tTexh cells are an unappreciated immunoregulatory population and for full immunotherapeutic efficacy, strategies should be designed to either limit their generation, reprogram their immunosuppressive nature, or remove them from the tumor microenvironment.
Positive Coping Styles Reduction in Elderly End Stage Renal Disease Patients: Mediating Role of White-Matter Mean Diffusivity
Authors: Gu Meiling , Zhao Yane , Jin Dongsheng , Zhong Yuan , Zhang Huixin , Tong Fupei , Wu Jianze , Chen Yan
Published: September 2021

End-stage renal disease patients are usually accompanied by abnormalities in white matter microstructure. However. Whether WM changes are different from prior studies and the correlation between the abnormal WM structure and emotion regulation strategies and coping characteristics in elderly ESRD patients remain unclear. Twenty-eight patients and twenty-eight healthy controls (HC) were included in our study. We used Tract-based spatial statistic (TBSS) to investigate the microstructural changes of WM. Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and the Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) were used to measure emotional regulation strategies and coping styles. Our study revealed the damage of WM structure was widespread and there were differences in emotional regulation strategies and coping styles compared elderly ESRD patients with HC. Furthermore, positive coping style and cognitive reappraisal are significantly correlated with changes in WM microstructure. Mediating analysis showed that the mean diffusivity (MD) of the significantly different brain regions played a complete mediating role between group and positive coping style. Taken together, our results may provide a new diagnostic marker to explore the characteristics of WM damage, emotion regulation and coping style in elderly ESRD patients during hemodialysis.
Determinants of Scavenger Receptor Expression Levels in Human Macrophages
Authors: Ralefatane Maile , Cave Eleanor , Crowther Nigel
Published: September 2021

Background

Atherosclerosis involves the accumulation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL)-laden foam cells (FC) within the blood vessel intima. Macrophages are transformed to FCs by the uptake of OxLDL, a process mediated by scavenger receptors (SRs), which include MSR1, CD36 and CD68. Atherosclerosis differs in prevalence across ethnic groups, being less common in African than Indian or European populations. Therefore, our aim was to measure SRs gene expression from macrophages isolated from these three ethnic groups.
Methods

Ten participants were recruited from each ethnic group (African, European and Indian). Anthropometry and fasting serum lipid and glucose levels were measured. Monocytes were isolated from whole blood and converted to macrophages using standard cell culture procedures. Macrophage RNA was isolated, and reverse transcribed to cDNA. Relative gene expression was calculated using the ∆∆Ct relative quantification method with β-actin used as the normalization control. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify the determinants of macrophage SRs expression.
Results

Expression of the CD36 gene correlated with age (β = 0.33, p = 0.02), LDL (β = 0.29, p = 0.03) and CD68 expression (β = 0.57, p < 0.001). Expression of CD68 correlated with triglycerides (β = 0.45, p = 0.005) and European ethnicity (β = 0.56, p < 0.001). Expression levels of MSR1 correlated positively with LDL (β = 0.27, p = 0.01) and negatively with HDL (β=-0.33, p = 0.003) and African ethnicity (β=-0.73, p < 0.001).
Conclusions

These data suggest that serum lipids may modulate foam cell formation via effects on macrophage SRs gene expression. Furthermore, ethnic differences in atherosclerotic plaque formation may be mediated through differential CD68 and MSR1 expression levels within macrophages.
Partner bereavement and brain pathologies: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Kim Jee Wook , Byun Min Soo , Lee Jun Ho , Yi Dahyun , Kim Min Jung , Jung Gijung , Lee Jun-Young , Lee Yun-Sang , Kim Yu Kyeong , Kang Koung Mi , Sohn Chul-Ho , Lee Dong Young
Published: September 2021

Background: Partner bereavement is one of life’s greatest stresses and has been suggested to trigger or accelerate cognitive decline and dementia. However, little information is available about potential brain pathologies underlying the association between partner bereavement and cognitive decline. Aims: We aimed to test the hypothesis that lifetime partner bereavement is associated with in vivo human brain pathologies underlying cognitive decline. Method: A total of 319 ever-married older adults between 61 and 90 years of age underwent comprehensive clinical assessments and multimodal brain imaging including [11C] Pittsburgh compound B-positron emission tomography (PET), AV-1451 PET, [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET, and magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Participants were classified as experiencing no partner bereavement or partner bereavement, and comparisons using propensity score matching (59 cases and 59 controls) were performed. Partner bereavement was significantly associated with higher cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume compared to no partner bereavement. Interactions and subsequent subgroup analyses showed that partner bereavement was significantly associated with higher WMH in the older (>75 years) subgroup and among those with no- or low-skill occupations. In addition, partner bereavement at 60 years or over affect WMH volume compared to no partner bereavement, whereas partner bereavement at 60 years did not. No group differences were observed in other brain pathologies between partner bereavement categories. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the partner bereavement may contribute to dementia or cognitive decline by increasing cerebrovascular injury, particularly in older individuals and those with no- or low-skill occupations.
Down-regulation of EPB41L4A-AS1 mediated the brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases via damaging synthesis of NAD+ and ATP
Authors: Yang Tingpeng , Wang Yanzhi , Liao Weijie , Zhang Shikuan , Wang Songmao , Xu Naihan , Xie Weidong , Luo Cheng , Wang Yangyang , Wang Ziqiang , Zhang Yaou
Published: September 2021

Background: Long noncoding RNA EPB41L4A-AS1 plays a very important role in metabolism. Aging and neurodegenerative diseases are typical metabolic-related processes. As a metabolism-related lncRNA, EPB41L4A-AS may be involved in the development of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we aim to reveal the mechanism of EPB41L4A-AS in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.Methods: Age-related differential expression analysis was applied on the gene expression profile of the hippocampus in the Genotype-Tissue Expression database to obtain age-related differentially expressed genes and the weighted correlation network analysis algorithm was used to construct a gene co-expression network for age-related differentially expressed genes to obtain different gene clustering modules. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, protein-protein interaction network, and correlation analysis were used to reveal the mechanism of EPB41L4A-AS1. The mechanism was verified using Gene Expression Omnibus profile GSE5281 and biology experiments (construction of cell lines, Real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot, measurement of ATP and NAD+ levels, nicotinamide riboside treatment, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation) in neurons and glial-derived cells.Results: EPB41L4A-AS1 is down-regulated in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. EPB41L4A-AS1 related genes are genes of the electron transport chain and NAD+ synthesis pathway. Furthermore, these genes are highly related to neurodegenerative diseases and EPB41L4A-AS1 has a positive correlation with them. In addition, biology experiments proved that the down-regulation of EPB41L4A-AS1 can reduce the expression of these genes via modification of the acetylation of lysine 27 on histone 3, resulting in the down-regulation of NAD+ and ATP levels, while the overexpression of EPB41L4A-AS1 and nicotinamide riboside treatment can restore the levels of NAD+ and ATP.Conclusions: Down-regulation of EPB41L4A-AS1 not only disturbs NAD+ biosynthesis but also affects ATP production. As a result, the high demand of brain for NAD+ and ATP can not be met, which promotes the development of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. However, overexpression of EPB41L4A-AS1 and nicotinamide riboside, a substrate of NAD+ synthesis, can reduce EPB41L4A-AS1 down-regulation mediated decrease of NAD+ and ATP synthesis. Our results provide a new perspective on brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Development and Implementation of Crater and Flank Tool Wear Model for Hard Turning Simulations
Authors: Cappellini Cristian , Abeni Andrea
Published: September 2021

This paper concerns the tool wear in hard turning of AISI 52100 hardened steel by means of PCBN tools. The purposes of this work are the development of a tool wear model and its implementation in a FEM-based procedure for predicting crater and flank wear progression during machining operations for studying the influence of tool wear on the process in terms of tool geometry modifications and stress variation on the tool. Deform 2D FEM software has been utilized to simulate the orthogonal cutting process and the tool wear model has been implemented into the software by means of a dedicated subroutine able to estimate the wear rate and to update the geometry of the worn tool. Previous performed research showed the employment of analytical models for the evaluation of crater wear of flank wear separately, and FEM models only for the crater depth evolution without pointing their attention on the behavior of flank width. A new analytical model, concerning both crater and flank wear, has been proposed and validated by the authors. The validation of the model has been achieved by the comparison between experimental and simulated wear parameters. For doing this, an extended experimental campaign has been accomplished. The comparison results have shown good agreement. Once validated, the FEM strategy has been utilized for examining the influence of tool wear on the effective rake angle and the related tool stresses, individuating the excessive positive rake angle value as the final tool breakage mechanism.
Variability of Respiratory Rate Measurements in Neonates- Every Minute Counts
Authors: Njeru Catherine M. , Dunsmuir Dustin T. , Macharia William M. , Ansermino J. Mark
Published: September 2021

Background: Respiratory rate is difficult to measure, especially in neonates who have an irregular breathing pattern. The World Health Organisation recommends a one-minute count, but there is limited data to support this length of observation. We sought to evaluate agreement between the respiratory rate (RR) derived from capnography in neonates, over 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 120 seconds and 300 seconds, against the recommended 60 seconds.Methods: Neonates at two hospitals in Nairobi were recruited and had capnograph waveforms recorded using the Masimo Rad 97. A single high quality 5 minute epoch was randomly chosen from each subject. For each selected epoch, the mean RR was calculated using a breath-detection algorithm applied to the waveform. The RR in the first 60 seconds was compared to the mean RR measured over the first 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 120 seconds, full 300 seconds, and last 60 seconds. We calculated bias and limits of agreement for each comparison and used Bland-Altman plots for visual comparisons.Results: A total of 306 capnographs were analysed from individual subjects. The subjects had a median gestation age of 39 weeks with slightly more females (52.3%) than males (47.7%). The majority of the population were term neonates (70.1%) with 39 (12.8%) having a primary respiratory pathology. There was poor agreement between all the comparisons based on the limits of agreement [confidence interval], ranging between 11.9 [-6.79 to 6.23] breaths per minute in the one versus two minutes comparison, and 34.7 [-17.59 to 20.53] breaths per minute in the first versus last minute comparison. Worsening agreement was observed in plots with higher RRs.Conclusions: Neonates have high variability of RR, even over a short period of time. A slight degradation in the agreement is noted over periods shorter than one minute. However, this is smaller than observations done three minutes apart in the same subject. Longer periods of observation also reduce agreement. For device developers, precise synchronization is needed when comparing devices to reduce the impact of RR variation. For clinicians, where possible, continuous or repeated monitoring of neonates would be preferable to one time RR measurements.
Metabolite Comparison between Serum and Follicular Fluid of Dairy Cows with Inactive Ovaries Postpartum
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Song Yuxi , Sun Shuhan , Bai Yunlong , Zhao Chang , Zhang Feng , Zhang Yingying , Fu Shixin , Xia Cheng
Published: September 2021

Inactive ovaries (IO) is a kind of postpartum ovarian disease in dairy cows, which sometimes accounts for 50% of ovarian disease, which seriously affects the dairy cows’s reproductive efficiency. To explore the metabolic changes in the serum and follicular fluid of dairy cows with IO during lactation, in this study six estrus (E) cows and six IO cows at 50 to 55 days in milk were selected according to B ultrasonic detection and clinical manifestations. The differential metabolites in serum and follicular fluid between the E cows and IO cows were identified by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, combined with multidimensional statistical methods. The result shows that dairy cows with IO were in a subclinical ketosis status (BHBA > 1.20 mmol/L), 14 differential metabolites in the serum of IO cows included 10 increased metabolites and 4 decreased metabolites, while 14 differential metabolites in the follicular fluid of IO cows included 8 increased metabolites and 6 decreased metabolites. These differential metabolites mainly involve 9 metabolic pathways. Among them, the common enrichment pathway of different metabolites in serum and follicular fluid are glycerophospholipid metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions. In conclusion, there are significant differences in the differential metabolites and enrichment pathways between serum and follicular fluid of IO cows. It implies that there are the complex changes in blood metabolism and local follicular metabolism of IO cows with subclinical ketosis, which their interaction relationship needs to be further confirmed.
One-dimensional Droplet Model for Prediction of Jet-tip Height of Subcooling Mixing Jet for Cryogenic Propellant Storage Tank
Authors: Kawanami Osamu , Takeda Kentaro , Matsushima Ryoki , Imai Ryoji , Umemura Yutaka , Himeno Takehiro
Published: September 2021

This study proposes a one-dimensional droplet model to predict the jet-tip height of a subcooling mixing jet issuing from the bottom of a cryogenic propellant storage tank. Cryogenic liquids, such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, are used as propellants and oxidants in spacecraft propulsion systems that require long-term storage in a closed tank. However, thermal stratification forms near the gas-liquid interface during long-term storage of cryogens due to heat flowing into the tank from the surrounding environment. In addition, boil-off gas (BOG) is generated from the interface, which causes increased pressure in the tank. To reduce the BOG, it is effective to destroy the thermal stratification by mixing in the cold jet issuing from the bottom of the tank. Ground experiments using FC-72 and water as test fluids are conducted to investigate the behavior of the jet using the proposed one-dimensional spherical droplet model as the tip of the jet. The jet behavior is visualized using the Shadowgraph system and the height of the jet-tip is investigated under various experimental conditions. The proposed model is also verified by comparison with experimental data available in the literature. The results show that the proposed model aligns well with the experimental data.
Elevated ASF1B Promotes Apoptosis in Gastric Tumour Cells Through the Bax/Bcl-2-p53 Pathway and is Related to a Good Prognosis
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Huang Lu , Xiao Yafei , Wang Congcong , Li Quanying , Qin Changjiang
Published: September 2021

Background: Previous studies have shown that ASF1B, a H3-H4 histone chaperone, plays a key role in cancer. However, the prognostic relevance and mechanism of ASF1B in patients with gastric cancer (GC) are not clear. Therefore, we explored the prognostic role of ASF1B in gastric cancer and explored its biological function.Methods: From the bioinformatics perspective, R software was used for prognostic correlation analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) were used to screen related differential genes, and R software was used for Gene Oncology（GO）functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. In vitro, CCK-8 colorimetric assays and wound healing assays were used to evaluate the cell proliferation and migration abilities. The mechanism was investigated by western blot and cell functional assays.Results: Bioinformatics analysis showed that ASF1B was highly expressed in gastric cancer and that its expression was negatively correlated with T stage and prognosis. Cox regression analysis showed that ASF1B could be used as an independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer. The module genes were identified by WGCNA, and the genes related to ASF1B expression were identified by a PPI coexpression network construction. GO analysis showed enrichment in the terms positive regulation of cell cycle, DNA integrity checkpoint, regulation of double strand break repair, and signal transduction of p53; KEGG analysis showed enrichment in the p53 signalling pathway. GSEA showed that ASF1B was highly enriched in gene sets such as p53 signalling pathway, base excision repair, homologous recombination, and mismatch repair. TIMER analysis showed that the expression of ASF1B was closely related to the key genes of p53 apoptosis. In vitro experiments showed that ASF1B gene knockdown enhanced the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells and inhibited gastric cancer cell apoptosis by downregulating P53/Bax and upregulating the expression of the Bcl-2 protein.Conclusions: ASF1B may be an independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer. Downregulation of ASF1B promotes the proliferation and invasion of gastric tumour cells and is related to poor prognosis.
Centella Asiatica Ameliorates Radiation-induced Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction by Secreting Epidermal Growth Factor in Endothelial Cells.
Authors: Kwak Seo Young , Shim Sehwan , Jang Won Il , Lee Seung Bum , Kim Min-Jung , Park Sunhoo , Cho Sang Sik , Kim Hyewon , Lee Sun-Joo , Jang Hyosun
Published: September 2021

BackgroundRadiation-induced intestinal damage is frequently observed following radiotherapy for abdominal and pelvic cancer or occurs due to radiation exposure in a nuclear accident. In an effort to overcome radiation-induced normal tissue damage, a variety of radio-mitigator candidates have been investigated. The loss of the epithelium and its barrier function leads to ‘leaky gut’, so recovery of damaged epithelium is an important strategy in therapeutic trials. Centella asiatica (CA), a traditional herbal medicine in Chinese culture, is widely used for wound healing by protecting against endothelial damage. In this study, we investigated the radio-mitigating effect of CA, focusing on crosstalk between endothelial and epithelial cells.ResultsCA treatment attenuated radiation-induced endothelial dysfunction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and mitigated radiation-induced enteropathy in a mouse model. In particular, treatment of the conditioned media from CA-treated irradiated endothelial cells recovered loss of epithelial integrity by regulating zonula occludens 1 and desmoglein 2 in radiation exposure. We also determined that epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a critical factor secreted by CA-treated irradiated endothelial cells. Treatment with EGF, which can mimic the effect of CA-induced secretion in irradiated endothelial cells, effectively improved the radiation-induced epithelial barrier dysfunction. In addition, blockade of EGF in CA-induced endothelial secretome impeded epithelial barrier recovery. Finally, we identified the therapeutic effects of CA-induced endothelial secretome in a radiation-induced enteropathy mouse model with epithelial barrier restoration.Conclusions﻿We have shown therapeutic effects of CA on radiation-induced enteropathy, with the recovery of endothelial and epithelial dysfunction, focusing on the crosstalk between endothelial cells and epithelial cells. Thus, our finding suggest that CA is an effective radio-mitigator against radiation-induced enteropathy.
Calculating the force-dependent unbinding rate of biological macromolecular bonds from force-ramp optical trapping assays
Authors: Paul Apurba , Alper Joshua
Published: September 2021

The non-covalent biological bonds that constitute protein-protein or protein-ligand interactions play crucial roles in many cellular functions, including mitosis, motility, and cell-cell adhesion. The effect of external force (𝐹) on the unbinding rate (𝑘off(𝐹)) of macromolecular interactions is a crucial parameter to understanding the mechanisms behind these functions. Optical tweezer-based single-molecule force spectroscopy is frequently used to obtain quantitative force-dependent dissociation data on slip, catch, and ideal bonds. However, analyses of this data using dissociation time or dissociation force histograms often quantitatively compare bonds without fully characterizing their underlying biophysical properties. Additionally, the results of histogram-based analyses can depend on the rate at which force was applied during the experiment and the experiment’s sensitivity. Here, we present an analytically derived cumulative distribution function-like approach to analyzing force-dependent dissociation force spectroscopy data. We demonstrate the benefits and limitations of the technique using stochastic simulations of various bond types. We show that it can be used to obtain the detachment rate and force sensitivity of biological macromolecular bonds from force spectroscopy experiments by explicitly accounting for loading rate and noisy data. We also discuss the implications of our results on using optical tweezers to collect force-dependent dissociation data.
Seroprevalence and Infection Attack Rate of COVID-19 in Indian Cities
Authors: He Daihai , Fei Yiming , Zhao Shi , Xu Hainan , Zhang Xingyue , Musa Salihu S
Published: September 2021

Objectives. Serological surveys were used to infer the infection attack rate in different populations. The sensitivity of the testing assay, Abbott, drops fast over time since infection which make the serological data difficult to interpret. In this work, we aim to solve this issue. Methods. We collect longitudinal serological data of Abbott to construct a sensitive decay function. We use the reported COVID-10 deaths to infer the infections, and use the decay function to simulate the seroprevalence and match to the reported seroprevalence in 12 Indian cities. Results. Our model simulated seroprevalence match the reported seroprevalence in most (but not all) of the 12 Indian cities we considered. We obtain reasonable infection attack rate and infection fatality rate for most of the 12 Indian cities. Conclusions. Using both reported COVID-19 deaths data and serological survey data, we infer the infection attack rate and infection fatality rate with increased confidence.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Electrocardiogram Abnormalities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Machine Learning Study with Follow-Up Data
Authors: Hu Zuoyu , Hu Zhuoran , Guo Xinghua , Weng Weizhen , Chen Ye , Pan Yunfeng
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUNDElectrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities could predict some subsequent cardiovascular events. Cardiac involvement is a major extra-articular manifestation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to determine the prevalence of three major ECG abnormalities in RA patients, discover the associated ECG abnormalities associated with machine learning (ML) approaches, and then examine these preselected factors in the follow-up patients with traditional Cox regression.METHODSConsecutive RA patients' records were retrieved from the hospital database; about one-third of patients had follow-up data. Abnormal ECGs with clinical significance were grouped into non-specific ST-segment/T-wave changes, QT interval prolongation, and QRS-T angle increase. Machine learning approaches assessed the associated factors of these abnormalities. The top-important factors selected by the most optimal ML would be used to construct Cox regression models.RESULTSTwo hundred twenty-six patients were enrolled for the first step cross-sectional study. Non-specific ST-T changes (27%) were the most prevalent abnormalities among patients with abnormal ECGs. Random forest models had the best performance in the discovery of associated factors for three outcomes. Cox regression validated that rheumatoid factor and low-density lipoprotein were common risk factors within those three abnormalities. Hypertension, ESR, and serum immunoglobulin G were influential factors for non-specific ST-T changes, prolonged QT interval, and increased QRS-T angle specifically.CONCLUSIONSNon-specific ST-T changes were the most common abnormalities seen in ECGs of RA patients. Our finding suggests that rheumatoid factor, LDL, hypertension, and inflammatory indicators are important risk factors for these ECG abnormalities.
Recycling Industrial Food Wastes for Lipids Production by Oleaginous Yeasts Rhodosporidiobolus Azoricus and Cutaneotrichosporon Oleaginosum.
Authors: Donzella Silvia , Serra Immacolata , Fumagalli Andrea , Pellegrino Luisa , Compagno Concetta
Published: September 2021

BackgroundMicrobial lipids have been emerging as a sustainable alternative to vegetable oils and animal fat to produce biodiesel and industrial relevant chemicals. The use of wastes for microbial processes can represent a way for upgrading low value feedstock to high value products, addressing one of the main goals of circular economy, the reduction of wastes by recycling. Two oleaginous yeasts, Rhodosporidiobolus azoricus and Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosum, were used in this study to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. ResultsIn this study wastes from industrial food processing, as pumpkin peels and syrup from candied fruits manufacture, were used for yeast cultivation and for lipids production. Evaluation of growth and sugar consumption revealed marked differences between the yeasts in capacity to utilize sucrose and glucose, the main sugars present in the feedstock. In particular, we observed an unexpected limitation in glucose metabolism on mineral media by R. azoricus. Both species showed ability to grow and accumulate lipids on media exclusively composed by undiluted pumpkin peels hydrolysate, and R. azoricus was the best performing. By a two-stage process carried out in bioreactor, this species reached a biomass concentration of 45 g/L (dry weight) containing 55% of lipids, corresponding to a lipid concentration of 24 g/L, with a productivity of 0.26 g/L/h and yield of 0.29 g lipids per g of utilized sugar. These values are close to the highest reported so far from organic wastes. ConclusionsWastes from industrial food processing were sufficient to completely support yeast growth and to induce lipid accumulation. This study provides strong evidence that the concept of valorisation through the production of lipids from the complete metabolism of nutrients present in agro-industrial wastes by oleaginous yeasts is promising for implementation of biotechnological processes in a circular economy contest.
Quasi-three-dimension Structured Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates Based on Silver Nanoparticles/ Porous Silicon Hybrid
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Van , Vu Duc Chinh , Bui Huy , Pham Thanh Binh , Hoang Thi Hong Cam , Pham Van Hai , Pham Van Hoi
Published: September 2021

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful spectroscopic technique for ultrasensitive and selective bio-chemical detection due to its capability of providing “fingerprint” information of molecular structures in low concentrations even at single molecular level. In this work, we present the silver nanoparticles/porous silicon (AgNPs/PSi) hybrid structures as SERS substrates prepared by a fast, straightforward and effective method using the PSi immersion plating in silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution. The nano-silvers can simultaneously grow on the surface and nano-pillars of porous silicon making quasi-three-dimension (quasi-3D) structural SERS substrate that has a large surface area to adsorb moleculars for SERS measurement. The proposed SERS substrate can detect Diphenylamine (DPA) with ultralow concentration of 10-9 M (~0.17 ppb), which would have higher enhancement than 2D surface SERS based on nano-silver deposited on silicon substrate and other electrochemical sensors.
Bi-functional Metasurface Polarizer for Reflected and Transmitted Waves
Authors: Huang Xiaojun , Ma Xia , Li Xuewen , Fan Jingdao , Guo Liang , Yang Helin
Published: September 2021

Manipulating the polarizations of electromagnetic waves by flexible and diverse means is desirable for a myriad of microwave systems. More recently, metasurfaces offer the promising alternatives to conventional polarization manipulating components because of the flexibility of their geometry could be arbitrarily customized. In this context, a bi-layered metasurface was presented to simultaneously manipulate the polarized states of reflected and transmitted microwaves. No matter whether the incident electromagnetic wave is x-polarized or y-polarized, the reflected and transmitted waves will be converted into orthogonal y- polarized waves at the operating frequency. The designed metasurface has a high polarization conversion rate(PCR) above 90% for both normal and oblique incidence. The experimental results verify the correctness of the simulated results. Finally, axial ratio and surface current distributions were employed to reveal the physics of polarization manipulation. The proposed metasurface will be beneficial to the design of flexible and versatile polarization converters and has great potential for applications in polarization controlled devices and also is believed extendable to higher frequency regimes.
A Comparative Study of the Sarcopenia Screening in Older Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Hanada Masatoshi , Sakamoto Noriho , Ishimoto Hiroshi , Kido Takashi , Miyamura Takuto , Oikawa Masato , Nagura Hiroki , Takeuchi Rina , Kawazoe Yurika , Sato Shuntaro , Hassan S. Ahmed , Ishimatsu Yuji , Takahata Hideaki , Mukae Hiroshi , Kozu Ryo
Published: September 2021

Background: The calf circumference (CalF), the strength, assistance in walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls (SARC-F) and the SARC-CalF questionnaires for sarcopenia screening have been used by Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019). The aim of this study was to assess accuracy of these three sarcopenia screening tools in patients with interstitial lung disease. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, stable patients with interstitial lung disease were enrolled. The SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and CalF, used in patients with interstitial lung disease, were compared to the diagnostic criteria proposed by AWGS 2019. The accuracy of screening tools was compared using sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were computed. Results: Seventy eight patients were analyzed, and sarcopenia was identified in 25 (32.1%) patients with interstitial lung disease by the AWGS 2019 criteria. The sensitivity of the CalF was highest (96%) of the three screening tools, while the specificity was 60%. The sensitivity of SARC-F and SARC-CalF were 24% and 68%, while the specificity were 92% and 66%, respectively. The AUCs of CalF, SARC-F, and SARC-CalF in all patients were 0.78, 0.58, and 0.67, respectively. Conclusions: The CalF is most suitable for screening sarcopenia in patients with interstitial lung disease, while SARC-F and SARC-CalF are not.
REalist Synthesis Of non-pharmacologicaL interVEntions for antipsychotic-induced weight gain (RESOLVE) in people living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI)
Authors: Maidment Ian , Wong Geoff , Duddy Claire , Upthegrove Rachel , Oduola Sheri , Robotham Dan , Higgs Suzanne , Ahern Amy
Published: September 2021

BackgroundPeople with severe mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia die on average 15 to 20 years earlier than everyone else. Two-thirds of these deaths are from preventable physical illnesses such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, which are worsened by weight gain. Antipsychotics are associated with significant weight gain. In RESOLVE, a realist synthesis, combining primary and secondary data, will be used to understand and explain how, why, for whom, and in what contexts non-pharmacological interventions can help service users to manage antipsychotic-induced weight gain.MethodsA five-step approach will be used to develop guidance:1. Developing the initial programme theoryAn initial (candidate) programme theory, which sets out how and why outcomes occur within an intervention, will be developed.2. Developing the search The initial programme theory will be refined using academic and grey literature. The proposed initial sampling frame is:Context: people living with SMI, taking antipsychotics, different types of SMI.Intervention: non-pharmacological interventions. Mechanisms: triggered by the intervention.Outcomes e.g. weight, metabolic adverse events, quality of life, adherence, burden, economic. Searching for relevant documents will continue until sufficient data is found to conclude that the refined programme theory is coherent and plausible. Lived Experience (service users) and Stakeholder (practitioners) groups will provide feedback.3. Selection, appraisal, data extractionDocuments will be screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Text extracted from these documents will be coded as contexts, mechanisms and their relationships to outcomes.4. Primary Data Collection Realist interviews with up to 30 service users and informal carers, and 20 practitioners will gather data to support, refute or refine the programme theory. 5. Data AnalysisA realist logic of analysis will be used to develop and refine the programme theory from secondary and primary data. The analysis will aim to identify practical intervention strategies to change contexts so that key mechanisms are triggered to produce desired outcomes. Guidance will be produced based on these strategies. DiscussionThis realist synthesis aims to develop guidance for service users and practitioners on the most appropriate interventional strategies to manage and limit antipsychotic weight gain.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO: CRD42021268697
CCL17/CCL22 Predict the Survival and Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy of Patients with HNSCC
Authors: Zhou Wenkai , Zhang Xu , Long Yin , Lin Xiaohu , Zhang Yu , Liu Zheqi
Published: September 2021

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was considered as an immunosuppressive disease. Cross-talk between cancer cells and immune cells is modulated in part by chemokines CC ligands (CCL). However, the prognostic value and function of CCL in HNSCC have not been clarified. Methods: To identify the key members of CCL family, CCL17 and CCL22 were selected through co-expression analysis. We further evaluated the correlation between the expression of CCL17/CCL22 and cancer immune infiltration through TIMER and scRNA-seq data. TIDE database was used to evaluate whether these molecules can be used as targets for immunotherapy.Results: The results indicated high expression of CCL17 and CCL22 were associated with a better prognosis. CCL17/CCL22 might regulate the T cells activation and were positively correlated with the CD4+ T cells infiltration levels. CCL17/CCL22 can also act as a predictive biomarker for the response to immune checkpoint blockade in HNSCC patients.Conclusions: High expression of CCL17/CCL22 may predict a better response of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in HNSCC. These findings may elucidate the roles played by CCL17/CCL22 in HNSCC progression and identify a new strategy in promoting collaborative activities in the context of immunotherapy.
Cloud accounting adoption in Thai SMEs amid the COVID-19 pandemic: An explanatory case study
Authors: Sastararuji Dalinee , Hoonsopon Danupol , Pitchayadol Pongsakorn , Chiwamit Pimsiri
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) function. To maintain business efficiency and reduce operating costs in the context of the constraints imposed by the pandemic, SMEs have been forced to embrace new digital technologies. Cloud accounting is becoming an increasingly important business operating tool for SMEs. By adopting cloud-based accounting, SMEs can become more efficient, financially organized, and flexible. This study aims to investigate the factors that have a pervasive influence on cloud accounting adoption among SMEs in Thailand, following the pandemic's effects. This study integrates three technology adoption theories—the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, Diffusion of Innovation theory, and Institutional Theory—and studies them alongside SMEs' unique characteristics. The research employs a qualitative case study method and triangulated sources of evidence. The findings provide important implications for the research community, policymakers, cloud accounting vendors, and SME owners aiming to formulate better approaches to cloud accounting adoption after the pandemic. The results suggest that vendors should focus on SMEs' particular characteristics and needs. By contrast, SMEs should determine the organizational fit of the cloud accounting platform and integrate cloud accounting with other aspects of their operations.
Adsorptive Removal of Drimarene Brilliant Blue by Thermo Stable, Eco-friendly Graphene Oxide Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohols Hydrogels With High Reusability Potential
Authors: Mustafa Adeel , Yaqoob Nazia , Almas Maheen , Kamal Shagufta , Zia Khalid Mahmood , Rehman Saima
Published: September 2021

In this study graphene oxide (GO) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites hydrogels were synthesized and used as efficient adsorbents for Drimarene Brilliant Blue K-4BL. GO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by modified Hummer’s method. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed homogeneous dispersion of reinforcement in the synthesized composites. Moreover thermal stability of the composites was significantly enhanced by the addition of graphene oxide nanoparticles. The synthesized composites were used for the removal of Drimarene brilliant Blue from model waste water. The effect of pH, content of GONPs and initial concentration of Drimarene Brilliant Blue K-4BL on the adsorption capacity of synthesized GO/PVA composites were investigated. The equilibrium isothermal data were studied by applying Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Results demonstrated that the adsorption process is well described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. According to the Langmuir model, maximum adsorption capacity i.e. 32mg/g was obtained at 0.7% GO/PVA composite. From the kinetic study it was concluded that pseudo-second-order model is the best fitted. Synthesized composites showed excellent reusability (almost 95 %) for the adsorption of Drimarene Brilliant Blue K-4BL after four successive cycles of adsorption and desorption. Thus, the GO/PVA composites demonstrated a great potential in terms of cost effectiveness, efficiency and reusability for the removal of Drimarene Brilliant Blue K-4BL dye.