bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LC3 and NLRC5 Interaction Inhibits NLRC5-Mediated MHC Class I Antigen Presentation Pathway in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Zhan Lei , Zhang Junhui , Zhang Jing , Liu Xiaojing , Zhu Suding , Shi Yuchuan , He Yu , Wang Wenyan , Fan Yijun , Tang Zhenhai , Chen Guo , Wei Bing , Cao Yunxia
Published: November 2021

Background: The major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC- I) transactivator, nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family caspase recruitment domain containing 5 (NLRC5), serves as a target for immune evasion in many cancers, including endometrial cancer (EC). An inhibition of autophagy can contribute to immunotherapy by assisting the MHC-I-mediated antigen presentation in cancer. However, the underlying mechanism for autophagy-regulated MHC-I in EC remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of autophagy on NLRC5 and MHC-I-mediated antigen presentation, and to identify the potential mechanisms underlying this process in EC.Methods: We examined the levels of autophagy and MHC-I genes by performing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), RNA-seq sequencing, western blotting, and qRT-PCR. The t-test, F-test, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used for statistical evaluations of tissue microarrays. Immunofluorescence staining, co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay were performed. HEC-1A, AN3CA, and Ishikawa EC cells were transfected designed, and the role of LC3 and NLRC5 in MHC-I-mediated antigen presentation in EC was further evaluated in a xenotransplantation model of HEC-1A cell line. Results: Autophagy was upregulated in EC endometrium as compared to that in normal endometrium. MHC I and NLRC5 expressions were lower in EC endometrium than in normal endometrium. Autophagy played a negative role in the MHC-I genes expression in vitro. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between LC3 and NLRC5 levels, and LC3 interacted with NLRC5 to inhibit NLRC5-mediated MHC-I antigen presentation pathway in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: An upregulation of LC3 in EC patients may contribute to tumor immune escape by restricting the NLRC5-mediated MHC-I antigen presentation pathway, suggesting that inhibiting LC3 and promoting NLRC5 may be a promising immunotherapy strategy in the management of EC.
Casual Effect of Serum Lipid Biomarkers On Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Li Fen-Fen , Wang Yuqin , Chen Qi , Xiang Lue , Rao Feng-Qin , Shen Li-Jun , Zheng Qin-Xiang , Yi Quanyong , Huang Xiu Feng
Published: November 2021

Background
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the major causes of vision loss. Early AMD needs to be taken seriously, whereas lipid biomarkers’ casual effects on early AMD remain unclear.
Methods
In this study, a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to systematically assess the causal relationships between seven serum lipid biomarkers, consisting of apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), direct low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein A [Lp(a)], and triglycerides (TG), and the risk of early AMD. Totally, 14,034 cases and 91,214 controls of European ancestry were included in the analysis (Number of SNPs = 11,304,110).
Results
MR estimates showed that a higher HDL-C level was strongly associated with increased risk of early AMD (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.15-1.35, P = 2.61 × 10−8). In addition, the level of ApoA was also positively associated with the risk of early AMD (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.50-2.77, P = 6.27 × 10−6). Conversely, higher LDL-C levels significantly decreased the risk of early AMD (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85-0.96, P = 2.03 × 10−3). In addition to LDL-C, higher levels of ApoB and TG were found to be positively associated with early AMD risk. Sensitivity analyses further supported these associations. Moreover, multivariable MR analyses, adjusting for the effects of correlated lipid biomarkers yielded similar results.
Conclusion
This study addresses the question of causality relationships that elevated circulating HDL-C/ApoA levels and increased risk of early AMD, whereas LDL-C, ApoB, and TG specifically reduce the risk of early AMD. These findings contribute to our better understanding of the role of lipid metabolism in drusen formation, particularly in early AMD development.
Central Diabetes Insipidus caused by Therapeutic Hypothermia after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning：A Case Report
Authors: Lei Shi , Song Haijing
Published: November 2021

Central diabetes insipidus(DI) usually has hypernatremia and increased urine output as the main clinical manifestations. It is also a rare complication of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and carbon monoxide poisoning, but it may be fatal if it is not recognized in time. This case describes a patient who experienced cardiac arrest due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and then successfully restored his spontaneous heart rate after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, the patient experienced unexpected hypernatremia and increased urine output during therapeutic hypothermia, and was diagnosed with central DI as a complication of cerebral edema. After treatment, he eventually developed spontaneous breathing and corrected electrolyte imbalances.Central DI should be taken seriously as a possible complication of increased urine output during therapeutic hypothermia after carbon monoxide poisoning cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and pituitary vasopressin should be used to treat central DI.
Hypermethylation of TMEM240 Involved in Expression Deficiency Predicts Poor Hormone Therapy Response and Disease Progression in Breast Cancer
Authors: Lin Ruo-Kai , Su Chih-Ming , Lin Shih-Yun , Thu Le Thi Anh , Liew Phui-Ly , Chen Jian-Yu , Tzeng Huey-En , Hung Chin-Sheng
Published: November 2021

Background:Approximately 25% of patients with early-stage breast cancer experience cancer progression throughout the disease course. Alterations in TMEM240 in breast cancer were identified and investigated to monitor treatment response and disease progression.Methods:Circulating methylated TMEM240 in the plasma of breast cancer patients was used to monitor treatment response and relapse events. Illumina methylation arrays were used to identify novel hypermethylated CpG sites and genes related to poor hormone therapy response. Quantitative methylation-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (QMSP), quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to measure DNA methylation, mRNA and protein expression levels in 335 breast samples from Taiwanese and Korean patients. Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox proportional hazards regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze 10-year survival and disease progression. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was used to investigate TMEM240 alterations in Western countries. Transient transfection and knockdown of TMEM240 were performed to determine its biological functions and its relationship to hormone drug treatment response in breast cancer cells.Results: Aberrant methylated TMEM240 was identified in breast cancer patients with poor hormone therapy response using genome-wide methylation analysis in the Taiwan and TCGA breast cancer cohorts. A cell model showed that TMEM240, which is localized to the cell membrane and cytoplasm, represses breast cancer cell proliferation and cell migration. TMEM240 protein expression was observed in normal breast tissues, but not detected in 88.2% (67/76) of breast tumors and in 90.0% (9/10) of metastatic tumors from breast cancer patients. Almost all triple-negative breast cancer patients (95.7%, 22/23) had deficient TMEM240 protein expression. QMSP revealed that in 54.5% (55/101) of Taiwanese breast cancer patients, the methylation level of TMEM240 was at least 2-fold higher in tumor tissues than in the matched normal breast tissues. Patients with hypermethylation of TMEM240 had poor 10-year overall survival (p = 0.003) and poor treatment response, especially hormone therapy response (p < 0.001). Prediction of disease progression based on circulating methylated TMEM240 was found to have 87.5% sensitivity, 93.1% specificity, and 90.2% accuracy, better than the currently used biomarkers CEA and CA-153.Conclusions: Circulating methylated TMEM240 is a potential biomarker for treatment response and disease progression monitoring in breast cancer.
Direct Conversion of Cellulose Into 5-HMF By Transition-Metal Doped Montmorillonite Catalyst In Water
Authors: Tunç Ebru , Hoşgün Emir Zafer , Hoşgün Halit L. , Bozan Berrin
Published: November 2021

In this study, transition metal doped montmorillonite catalyts (Cr-MMT, Cu-MMT, Fe-MMT and Zn-MMT) were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method and evaluated for the conversion of cellulose to 5-HMF in the water media. Metal-MMT catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, Ammonia-TPD and pyridine-FTIR to investigate the properties of the samples. Using Cr-MMT, an efficient conversion of cellulose to 5-HMF was achieved in the water system, affording a conversion yield 93.47% and 5-HMF yield 9.07% within 6 h at 200oC.
Anatomical Considerations for Appropriate Mini-plate Positioning in Open-Door Laminoplasty To Avoid Plate Impingement and Screw Facet Violation
Authors: Yang Jae Jun , Park Sehan
Published: November 2021

Objective
This study aimed to describe a safe zone for mini-plate positioning that can avoid instrument-related complications in laminoplasty.
Methods
The posterior surface length and inferior pole angle of the lateral mass were measured at each level using computed tomography. The safe zone was defined based on these measurements. Incidences of screw facet violation and plate impingement were recorded.
Results
Among 40 patients included, 15 (37.5%) had inappropriate plate positioning, causing screw facet violation or plate impingement, which more commonly occurred at distal (C5, C6) and proximal (C3, C4) levels, respectively. Lateral mass posterior surface length was shorter at the proximal levels, and the inferior pole angle of the lateral mass was smaller at the distal levels, signifying that the lateral mass became thin and long at the distal levels. Inserting the mini-plate with plate-to-lateral mass inferior pole distances of 4–5 mm and 5–6 mm at the C3–C5 and C6–C7 levels, respectively, would avoid instrument-related complications.
Conclusion
The risk of plate impingement was higher at the proximal level, whereas the risk of screw facet violation was higher at the distal level in open-door cervical laminoplasty. These risks coincide with anatomical differences at each level.
Investigation of the Effects of Silage Type, Silage Consumption, Birth Type and Birth Weight on Live Weight in Kıvırcık Lambs With MARS and Bagging MARS Algorithms.
Authors: ŞENGÜL Ömer , Çelik Şenol , AK İbrahim
Published: November 2021

This study was carried out to determine the effect of silage type, silage consumption, birth type (single or twin) and birth weight on live weight at the end of fattening in Kıvırcık lambs. In the experiment, 40 male Kıvırcık lambs aged 2.5-3 months were used and the animals were fattened for 56 days. During the fattening period, the lambs fed with 5 different types of silage (100% sunflower silage, 75% sunflower + 25% corn silage, 50% sunflower + 50% corn silage, 25% sunflower + 75% corn silage, 100% corn silage) pure and mixed in different proportions and concentrate feed. Data on fattening results were analyzed with MARS and Bagging MARS algorithms. The main objective of this research is to predict live weight of lambs using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) and Bagging MARS algorithms as a nonparametric regression technique. Live weight value was modeled based on factors such as birth type, birth weight, silage type and silage consumption. Correlation coefficient (r), determination coefficient (R2), Adjust R2, Root-mean-square error (RMSE), standard deviation ratio (SD ratio), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean absolute deviation (MAD), and Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) values of MARS algorithm predicting live weight were as follows: 0.9986, 0.997, 0.977, 0.142, 0.052, 0.2389, 0.086 and -88 respectively. Like statistics for Bagging MARS algorithm were 0.754, 0.556, 0.453, 1.8, 0.666, 3.96, 1.47 and 115 respectively. It was observed that MARS and Bagging MARS algorithms have revealed correct results according to goodness of fit statistics. However, it has been revealed that MARS algorithm gives better results in live weight modeling.
Cytokines, miRNAs, and Antioxidants as Combined Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ghit Amr , Deeb Hany El
Published: November 2021

Background:Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common long-term degenerative disorders of the CNS that primarily affects the human locomotor system. Owing to the heterogeneity of PD etiology and the lack of appropriate diagnostic tests, blood-based biomarkers became the most promising method for diagnosing PD. Even though various biomarkers for PD have been found, their specificity and sensitivity are not optimum when used alone. Therefore, the aim of this study was directed to evaluate changes in a group of sensitive blood-based biomarkers in the same PD patients compared to healthy individuals. Serum samples were collected from 20 PD patients and 15 age-matched healthy controls. We analyzed serum levels of cytokines (IL10, IL12, and TNF-α), α-synuclein proteins, miRNAs (miR-214, miR-221, and miR-141) and antioxidants (UA, PON1, ARE).Results:Our results showed an increase in sera levels of cytokines in PD patients as well as a positive correlation among them. Also, we found a significant increase in sera levels of α-synuclein protein associated with a decrease in miR-214 which regulates its gene expression. Lastly, we observed a decrease in sera levels of miR-221, miR-141, UA, PON1, and ARE, which have a prominent role against oxidative stress.Conclusion:Because of the many etiologies of PD, a single measure is unlikely to become a useful biomarker. Therefore, to correctly predict disease state and progression, a mix of noninvasive biomarkers is required. Although considerable work has to be done, this study sheds light on the role of certain biomarkers in the diagnosis of PD.
Real-World Efficacy of Letermovir Prophylaxis for Cytomegalovirus Infection After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Yoshimura Hideaki , Satake Atsushi , Ishii Yuka , Ichikawa Jun , Saito Ryo , Konishi Akiko , Hotta Masaaki , Nakanishi Takahisa , Fujita Shinya , Ito Tomoki , Ishii Kazuyoshi , Nomura Shosaku
Published: November 2021

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) and is associated with increased mortality. Letermovir (LET) is a novel antiviral drug used to prevent CMV infection. We retrospectively analyzed 111 consecutive patients who underwent aHSCT to evaluate the efficacy of LET prophylaxis for clinically significant CMV (csCMV) infection in real-world situations and analyzed the influence of LET on transplant outcomes. Thirty-eight patients who were prophylactically administered LET were compared with 73 patients without LET prophylaxis for aHSCT. On Day 180, the cumulative incidence of csCMV infection in patients who received LET prophylaxis was significantly lower than that in patients without LET prophylaxis (29.7% vs. 56.2%, P <0.001). Among patients who developed csCMV infection, the interval from aHSCT to the initiation of preemptive therapy was significantly longer in patients who received LET prophylaxis than in those who did not receive LET prophylaxis (129.5 days vs. 42 days, P <0.001). Six-month overall survival was 86.1% in patients who received LET prophylaxis and 66.8% in the non-LET group (P = 0.035). LET prophylaxis was highly effective in preventing csCMV infection in real-world situations and could potentially improve transplant outcomes, particularly when initiated early after transplantation.
Aqueous phase conversion of CO2 into acetic acid over thermally transformed MIL-88B
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Koley Paramita , Dwivedi Swarit , Shrotri Abhijit , Tanksale Akshat
Published: November 2021

Sustainable production of acetic acid (AA) is a high priority due to its high global manufacturing capacity and numerous applications. Currently it is predominantly synthesized via carbonylation of methanol, in which both the reactants are fossil-derived. CO2 transformation into AA is highly desirable to achieve net zero carbon emissions, but significant challenges remain to achieve this efficiently. Herein, we report a heterogeneous catalyst, thermally transformed MIL-88B with Fe0 and Fe3O4 dual active sites, for highly selective AA formation via methanol hydrocarboxylation. This efficient catalyst showed high AA yield (590.1 mmol/gcat.L) with 81.7% selectivity at 150°C in aqueous phase using LiI as a co-catalyst. The reaction is believed to proceed via formic acid intermediate. No significant difference in AA yield and selectivity was noticed during catalyst recycling study up to five cycles. This work scalable and industrially relevant for CO2 utilisation to reduce carbon emissions, especially if green methanol and green hydrogen are used.
Evaluation of Perceived Stress and Mental Health of Health Defenders in Military and Civilian Hospitals Infected with Corona Virus (COVID 19)
Authors: Rahnejat Amir mohsen , ghasemzadeh mohammadreza , Taghva Arsia , Donyavi Vahid , Yari Farnoosh , Sabayan Behnoush , Gholami Kiyanoosh , ghadam Haleh Shahed Hagh , Mohsenifar Jafar
Published: November 2021

Background: Considering the prevalence of coronavirus and its effect on mental health and increasing perceived stress, the aim of this study was to investigate the perceived stress and mental health of health defenders in military and civilian hospitals involved in treating patients with COVID 19. Methods: The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The available sampling method was done by sending online questionnaires of demographic characteristics, Goldberg general health and perceived stress (PSS). 323 health advocates were involved with virus patients. Through descriptive statistics, independent mean test, univariate analysis of variance and chi-square test were analyzed using SPSS 25 version. Results: the frequency of symptoms of mental disorder in military hospital staff (61.1%) and civilian hospital staff (50.7%) which indicates a significant difference between the two groups of employees (P <0.05); But there is no significant difference between the two groups in perceived stress.Conclusion: Considering the stressful period of COVID 19 pandemic, to reduce and prevent the psychological effects of this pandemic such as burnout, mental health problems, symptoms of persistent stress, providing psychological resilience interventions for treatment staff on the front lines of the crisis is one of the highest priorities during this epidemic.
The Airway Microbiota of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients and Its Relationship to Tumor Stage and EGFR Mutation
Authors: Huang DanHui , He Jing , Su Xiaofang , Wen YaNa , Zhang ShuJia , Liu LaiYu , Zhao Haijin , Ye CuiPin , Wu JianHua , Cai Shaoxi , Dong Hangming
Published: November 2021

Background: Accumulating studies have suggested the airway microbiota of lung cancer was significantly different from healthy controls. However, little was known about the relationship between airway microbiota and important clinical parameters of lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between sputum microbiota and lung cancer stage, lymph node metastasis, intrathoracic metastasis, and Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation. Methods: The microbiota of sputum samples from 85 newly diagnosed NSCLC patients were sequenced via 16S rRNA sequencing with V3-V4 region. Sequencing reads were filtered using QIIME2 and clustered against UPARSE. Results: The α diversity and β diversity was significantly different between patients in stage I to II (early stage, ES) and patients in stage III to IV (advanced stage, AS). Lefse identified that genera Granulicatella and Actinobacillus were significantly enriched in ES, and genus Actinomyces were significantly enriched in AS. PICRUSt2 identified NAD salvage pathway was significantly enriched in AS, which was positively associated with Granulicatella. Patients with intrathoracic metastasis were associated with increased genus Peptostreptococcus and incomplete reductive TCA cycle, which was associated with increased Peptostreptococcus. Genera Parvimonas, Pseudomona and L-valine biosynthesis were positively associated with lymph node metastasis. L-valine biosynthesis was related with increased Pseudomona. Finally, genus Parvimonas were significantly upregulated in adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutation. Conclusion: Taxonomy structure differed between different lung cancer stage. The tumor stage, intrathoracic metastasis, lymph node metastasis, and EGFR mutation were associated with alteration of specific airway genera and metabolic function of sputum microbiota.
Magnetically reusable and well-dispersed nanoparticles for oxygen detection in water
Authors: Cui Huahua , Wu Shanshan , Wang Lei , Sun Xiangzhong , Zhang He , Deng Mengyu , Tian Yanqing
Published: November 2021

In this study, we aimed to synthesize magnetically well-dispersed nanosensors for detecting dissolved oxygen (DO) in water, and explore their biological applications. Firstly, we synthesized two kinds of magnetic nanoparticle with average sizes of approximately 82 nm by one-step emulsion polymerization: polystyrene magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Os1-PS) and polymethylmethacrylate magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Os1-PMMA). Both types of nanoparticle present good dispersibility and fluorescence stability. The nanoparticles could be used as oxygen sensors that exhibited a high DO-sensitivity response in the range 0-39.30 mg/L, with a strong linear relationship. The nanoparticles have good magnetic properties, and so they could be recycled by magnet for further use. Recovered Fe3O4@Os1-PS still presented high stability after continued use in oxygen sensing for one month. Furthermore, Fe3O4@Os1-PS was employed for detecting the bacterial oxygen consumption of Escherichia coli (E-coli) to monitor the metabolism of bacteria. The results show that Fe3O4@Os1-PS provide high biocompatibility and non-toxicity. Polystyrene magnetic nanoparticles therefore present significant potential for application in biological oxygen sensing.
Advances in Single-Cell Sequencing Technology and its Applications in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Miaozhou , Xie Yanlin , Yan Tingting , Li Yanfang
Published: November 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer and is mainly treated with chemotherapy-based combination therapy. In recent years, the increasing development of single-cell sequencing (SCS) has become one of the most promising technologies in the field of biotechnology. The study of the heterogeneity of TNBC tumor cells using SCS will expand our current knowledge of metastasis, drug resistance mechanisms, mutations, and cloning in these cells; this will further guide clinical chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Relevant studies shown that SCS exactly plays an important role in clinical diagnosis and treatment. To highlight the role of SCS in the study of TNBC, we elaborate on the progress of research and the applications of SCS in TNBC.
Soluble Brain Homogenates from Diverse Human and Mouse Sources Preferentially Seed Diffuse Aβ Plaque Pathology When Injected into Newborn Mouse Hosts
Authors: Moore Brenda , Levites Yona , Xu Guilian , Hampton Hailey , Adamo Munir F , Croft Cara L. , Futch Hunter S , Moran Corey , Fromholt Susan , Janus Christopher , Prokop Stefan , Dickson Dennis , Lewis Jada , Giasson Benoit I. , Golde Todd E , Borchelt David R.
Published: November 2021

Background

Seeding of pathology related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD) by the injection of tissue homogenates, purified proteins, or recombinant proteins into model systems has revealed prion-like seeding of the protein aggregates that define these disorders. Most commonly these homogenates are injected into adult mice stereotaxically. Injection of brain lysates into newborn mice represents an alternative approach of delivering seeds that could be used to direct the evolution of amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology co-mixed with either tau or α-synuclein (αSyn) pathology in vulnerable mouse models.
Methods

Homogenates of human pre-frontal cortex were prepared and injected into the lateral ventricles of newborn (P0) mice expressing a mutant humanized amyloid precursor protein (APP), human P301L tau, human wild type αSyn, or combinations thereof. The injected brain homogenates were prepared from AD and AD/LBD cases displaying variable degrees of Aβ pathology and co-existing tau and αSyn deposits. Behavioral assessments of APP transgenic mice injected with AD brain lysates were conducted.
Results

We observed that the lysates from the brains of individuals with AD (Aβ+, tau+), AD/LBD (Aβ+, tau+, αSyn+), or Pathological Aging (Aβ+, tau-, αSyn-) efficiently seeded diffuse Aβ deposits, composed primarily of Aβ42 peptides, in our transgenic host animals. Moderate seeding of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) was also observed. No animal of any genotype developed discernable tau or αSyn pathology. Fear conditioning, cognitive, outcome was not significantly altered in APP transgenic animals injected with AD brain lysates compared to nontransgenic controls.
Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that diffuse Aβ pathology, which is a common feature of AD, AD/LBD, and PA brains, can be easily induced by injecting newborn APP mice with crude brain homogenates. Seeding of tau or αSyn comorbidities was disappointingly inefficient in the models we used, indicating additional methodological refinement will be needed to efficiently seed AD or AD/LBD mixed pathologies by injecting newborn mice.
Resolution of Inflammation is Disturbed in Acute Ischemic Stroke With Diabetes Mellitus and Rescued By Resolvin D2 Treatment
Authors: Tang Xin , Liu Lan , Miao Zhijuan , Zhang Jiawei , Cai Xiaolong , Zhao Bing-Qiao , Chen Gefei , Schultzberg Marianne , Zhao Yuwu , Wang Xiuzhe
Published: November 2021

Background: Inflammation plays an important role in diabetes mellitus (DM)-related acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The mechanisms of un-resolved inflammation in DM-related AIS are not fully understood. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are key regulators that promote resolution of inflammation. We aimed to examine resolution function in patients with AIS complicated with DM, and explore potential treatment effects of one of the SPMs, resolvin D2 (RvD2) ex vivo and in vivo. Methods: Cultured human macrophages, which were derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AIS and none-AIS patients with or without DM, were stimulated with oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Levels of SPMs and inflammatory markers were analyzed and RvD2 treatment effects were evaluated in these cells. For experiments in vivo, challenges with high fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) were used to induce DM in C57BL/6J mice. AIS model was established by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) followed by intra-cerebroventricular injection of RvD2. Results: Compared with macrophages of AIS patients without DM, the ratios of SPMs to leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were decreased in AIS patients with DM, accompanied by reduced expression of SPM synthesis enzyme, 15-lipoxygenase-1. Moreover, the levels of pro-inflammatory pathway markers were increased and the macrophages were skewed to M1 polarization in AIS patients with DM. In mice, treatment with RvD2 ameliorated pMCAO-induced brain injury, neurological dysfunction, and inflammatory response. Furthermore, RvD2 rescued resolution of inflammation by promoting macrophage /microglia polarization to pro-resolving M2 phenotype ex vivo and in vivo. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate resolution of inflammation is impaired by DM in AIS patients, implicating a novel mechanism of un-resolved inflammation in DM-related AIS. Furthermore, RvD2 promotes inflammation resolution in macrophages/microglia and protects DM-related AIS, and may thus serve as a novel therapeutic target.
Induction Cisplatin and Gemcitabine Versus Cisplatin, Fluorouracil, and Docetaxel in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: a Network Meta-analysis
Authors: WU Qiuji , Li Shaojie , Liu Jia , Zhong Yahua
Published: November 2021

Background and purposeCisplatin plus gemcitabine (GP), and cisplatin, fluorouracil plus docetaxel (TPF) has been approved in induction chemotherapy in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC). We compared the clinical outcomes and toxicities of these two regimens by network meta-analysis.Materials and methodsWe systematically searched studies comparing different regimens of IC plus CCRT versus CCRT alone for LANPC. Conventional and Bayesian network meta-analysis were conducted for statistical analysis.ResultsNine eligible studies with a total of 4,977 patients were involved. Compared with CCRT alone, IC+CCRT significantly improved PFS (HR=0.65 [95%CI, 0.54-0.77]) and OS (HR=0.68 [95%CI, 0.54-0.85]) in conventional meta-analysis. In Bayesian network meta-analysis, only TPF and GP improved clinical outcomes significantly. GP showed non-significant trends of superiority over TPF without increasing the incidence of ≥ grade 3 adverse events.Conclusion﻿Induction GP regimen showed non-significant trends of superiority in terms of clinical outcomes compared with TPF regimen in LANPC.
Discontinuing Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting CGRP Pathway After One-Year Treatment: An Observational Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Vernieri Fabrizio , Brunelli Nicoletta , Messina Roberta , Costa Carmelina Maria , Colombo Bruno , Torelli Paola , Quintana Simone , Cevoli Sabina , Favoni Valentina , d'Onofrio Florindo , Egeo Gabriella , Rao Renata , Filippi Massimo , Barbanti Piero , Altamura Claudia
Published: November 2021

Background: The monoclonal antibodies anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (mAbs anti-CGRP) pathway revolutionized migraine prevention. However, some drug agencies limited the treatment to one year due to their high costs. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of discontinuing mAbs anti-CGRP on monthly migraine days (MMDs) and disability in high-frequency episodic (HFEM) and chronic migraine (CM) patients. Methods: This observational longitudinal cohort study was conducted at 10 Italian headache centres (November 2019-July 2021). Consecutive adult patients followed up for three months (F-UP1-3) after discontinuation of a one-year erenumab/galcanezumab treatment were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the change in F-UP MMDs. Secondary endpoints included variation in pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS), monthly painkiller intake (MPI), and HIT-6 scores. We also assessed from F-UP1 to 3 the ≥50% response rates (RR), relapse rate to CM, and recurrence of Medication Overuse (MO).Results: We enrolled 154 patients (72.1% female, 48.2±11.1 years, 107 CM, 47 HFEM); 91 were treated with erenumab, 63 with galcanezumab. From F-UP1 to F-UP3, MMDs, MPI, NRS, and HIT-6 progressively increased but were still lower at F-UP 3 than baseline (Friedman's analysis of rank, p<.001). In the F-UP 1-3 visits, ≥50%RR frequency did not differ significantly between CM and HFEM patients. However, the median reduction in RR at F-UP3 was higher in HFEM (-47.7% [25th, -79.5; 75th ,-17.0]) than in CM patients (-25.5% [25th, -47.1; 75th ,-3.3]; Mann-Whitney U test; p=.032). Of the 84 baseline CM patients who had reverted to EM, 28 (33.3%) relapsed to CM at F-UP1, 35 (41.7)% at F-UP2, 39 (46.4%) at F-UP3. Of the 64 baseline MO patients ceasing MO, 15 (18.3%) relapsed to MO at F-UP1, 26 (31.6%) at F-UP2, and 30 (42.3%, 11 missing data) at F-UP3. Lower MMDs, MPI, NRS, and HIT-6 and higher RR in the last month of therapy characterized patients with 50% RR at F-UP1 and F-UP3 (Mann-Whitney U test; consistently p<.01).Conclusion: Migraine frequency and disability gradually increased after anti-CGRP mAbs interruption. Most patients did not relapse to MO or CM despite the increase in MMDs. Our data suggest to reconsider mAbs anti-CGRP discontinuation.
Analysis of preoperative and postoperative quality of life, sexual function, and sleep in patients with endometriosis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Halici Belfin Nur Arici , Aktoz Fatih , Kabakci Meric , Kiran Gurkan , Özcan Pinar
Published: November 2021

Purpose
Endometriosis affects the quality of life, sleep, and sexual life of patients due to pain. This study compared the scores of endometriosis patients in these three areas before and after surgery.
Methods
Patients between the ages of 18–60 with a prediagnosis of endometriosis were enrolled. Postoperative histopathological diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed in all patients. This study included 56 patients who completed pre- and postoperative (three months) evaluation of quality scale questionnaires: a visual analog scale for pelvic pain, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Endometriosis Health Profile-30 Questionnaire, and Female Sexual Function Index were administered prior to and three months after each patient’s surgery.
Results
Among the 56 female patients included in this study, statistically significant improvement statistically significant improvement was observed in pain scores, quality of life, sexual function, and sleep of all patients regardless of endometriosis stage.
Conclusion
Endometriosis is a disease that progresses, with increasing pain scores; it has negative effects on the quality of life, sexual function, and sleep of patients. Surgical or medical treatment can be performed considering the complaints and fertility status of the patients.
Parameter Identification and The Multi-Switching Sliding Mode Combination Synchronization of Fractional Order Non-Identical Chaotic System Under Stochastic Disturbances
Authors: Pan Weiqiu , Li Tianzeng , Wang Yu
Published: November 2021

This paper deals with the issue of the multi-switching sliding mode combination synchronization (MSSMCS) of fractional order (FO) chaotic systems with different structures and unknown parameters under double stochastic disturbances (SD) utilizing the multi-switching synchronization method. The stochastic disturbances are considered as nonlinear uncertainties and external disturbances. Our theoretical part is divided into two cases, namely, the dimension of the drive-response system are different (or same). Firstly, a FO sliding surface was established in term of fractional calculus. Secondly, depended on the FO Lyapunov stability theory, the adaptive control technology and sliding mode control technique, the multi-switching adaptive controllers (MSAC) and some suitable multi-switching adaptive updating laws (MSAUL) are designed, so that the state variables of the drive systems are synchronized with the different state variables of the response systems. Simultaneously, the unknown parameters are assessed and the upper bound of stochastic disturbances are examined. Selecting the suitable scale matrices, the multi-switching projection synchronization, multi-switching complete synchronization, and multi-switching anti-synchronization will become special cases of MSSMCS. Finally, examples are displayed to certify the usefulness and validity of the demonstrated scheme via MATLAB.
Considering Health Literacy in Cardiovascular Disease Management: A Qualitative Study on Healthcare Professionals’ and Patients' Perspectives
Authors: PERRIN Adèle , Damiolini Eléonore , Schott Anne-Marie , Zermati Jéremy , Bravant Estelle , Delahaye François , Dima Alexandra L. , HAESEBAERT Julie
Published: November 2021

Background: Implementing practices adapted to patient health literacy (HL) is a promising avenue for improving their outcomes in the context of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The health communication skills of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the quality of information provided are essential for low-HL patients. We aimed to explore HCPs knowledge about HL, patients and HCPs views on current practices regarding low-HL patients, and facilitators and barriers to adapting communication to patients’ HL level, in order to prepare the implementation of a complex intervention dedicated to improve CVD management for low-HL patients.Methods: We conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with HCPs practicing in cardiology units and patients hospitalized for CVD. Study design and analysis were based on the Theory of Planned Behavior for HCPs and the framework of Health Literacy and Health Action for patients. Deductive and inductive thematic analysis were used. Barriers and facilitators were structured into an Ishikawa fishbone diagram and implementation strategies were selected to address resulting themes from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC).Results: Fifteen patients and 14 HCPs were interviewed. HCPs had partial knowledge of HL dimensions. Perceptions of HCPs and patients were not congruent regarding HCP-patient interactions and information provided by hospital and community HCPs. HCPs perceived they lacked validated tools and skills, and declared they adapted spontaneously their communication when interacting with low-HL patients. Patients expressed unmet needs regarding communication during hospital discharge and at return to home. Conclusion: To implement HL-tailored practices in this setting, our results suggest that several implementation strategies will be valuable at individual (engaging patients and their family), interactional (educating and training of HCPs about HL) and organizational levels (creating a multidisciplinary HCPs interest group dedicated to HL). Trial registration: The study was registered on Clinical Trials: NCT03949309.
A Study of the Plant Folk Nomenclature of the Yi People in Xiaoliangshan, Yunnan Province, China, and the Implications for Protecting Biodiversity
Authors: A·D Yi-Won , Zhang Yu , Ding Xiao-Yong , Guo Chang-An , Wang Yu-Hua
Published: November 2021

BackgroundFolk plant nomenclature is a part of knowledge of indigenous people often used to distinguish plant species. This study aimed to document the folk botanical nomenclature of the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan, north-west Yunnan Province, which has not been systematically investigated to date. The results of this study will assist in conserving biodiversity and the language of the Yi people and will promote the transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge. MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey of plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan, Yunnan Province, was conducted from September 2019 to August 2021. Semi-structured Interviews and Key Informant Interviews were conducted to collect and document ethnobotanical information, which was then used to analyse the folk botanical nomenclature of the Yi people. In addition, the folk names of plants used by the Xiaoliangshan Yi community were compared with those of the Yi people living in the Daliangshan, where the environment is considerably different.ResultsIn this study, 266 informants were interviewed, and the names of 228 indigenous plants were extracted from 3088 use reports. The nomenclature used by the local Yi people is based on plant characteristics, plant habitat, plant-use, and the local culture. The folk names and the plant species have three types of correspondence. Moreover, some plant names are related to animals or Chinese loanwords. The comparison between the folk botanical names used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan and those used by the Yi people in the Daliangshan shows that 55 names are identical and the Yi people in both locations use 41 identical plants.ConclusionsThere are certain similarities and differences between the folk nomenclature of the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan and those in the Daliangshan. The findings are an example of how language evolves when people from the same ethnic group live in different geographical environments for extensive periods. In addition, the numerous Chinese loanwords in the folk botanical names of the Yi people in both locations indicate that a loss of traditional knowledge may be one of the greatest challenges to preserving the cultural heritage of the Yi people and to the conservation of biodiversity.
High-Definition Intravascular Ultrasound Versus Optical Frequency Domain Imaging for the Detection of Calcium Modification and Fracture in Heavily Calcified Coronary Lesion
Authors: Ishida Masaru , Oshikiri Yuya , Kimura Takumi , Sakamoto Ryohei , Shimoda Yudai , Ishikawa Yu , Koeda Yorihiko , Taguchi Yuya , Itoh Tomonori , Morino Yoshihiro
Published: November 2021

Purpose
While optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) can delineate calcium modification and fracture, the capability of high-definition intravascular ultrasound (HD-IVUS) for detecting these remains unclear. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of HD-IVUS for assessing calcium modification and fracture as compared to OFDI.
Methods
HD-IVUS and OFDI were used during orbital or rotational atherectomy procedures conducted for 21 heavily calcified coronary lesions in 19 patients. With OFDI assessment used as the gold standard, diagnostic accuracies of HD-IVUS for calcium modification and fracture were compared every 1 mm to the matched pre-stenting images (n=1,129). Calcium modification, as assessed by OFDI, was defined as polished and concave-shaped calcium. For HD-IVUS, calcium modification was defined as the presence of reverberation with concave-shaped calcium. In both assessments, the definition of calcium fracture was defined as a slit or complete break in the calcium plate.
Results
Calcified plaque was found in 86.4% of analyzed OFDI images. Calcium modification and fracture were detected in 20.6% and 11.0% of detected calcified plaques. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of HD-IVUS detection for calcium modification and fracture were 54.4%, 97.8%, 86.7%, 89.1% and 86.0%, 94.5%, 58.2%, 96.8%, respectively. Discordance cases between both assessments demonstrated that heterogeneous calcium visualized by OFDI, separated calcium and guide wire artifact can be misdiagnosed.
Conclusion
Diagnostic accuracies of HD-IVUS for assessing calcium modification and fracture were modest as compared to OFDI. These results suggest that OFDI guidance is more feasible during treatment of heavily calcified coronary lesions versus HD-IVUS guidance.
Determinants of Postnatal Care and Timing of the First Postnatal Care for Newborns in Ethiopia: Further Analysis of 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Kebede Sewnet Adem , Weldesenbet Adisu Birhanu , Tusa Biruk Shalmeno
Published: November 2021

Background: Neonatal mortality remain a persisting public health challenge in Ethiopia. Most of the factors that lead to neonatal deaths could be prevented through postnatal check-ups. However, in Ethiopia, coverage of PNC continues to be low. This study aims to assess the determinant factors of PNC visit and the timing of PNC among newborns in Ethiopia.Methods: Using the Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS) 2019, a total weighted sample of 2,105 women aged 15-49 giving birth in the 2 years preceding the survey was included in the study. Generalized linear mixed model were separately fitted to identify factors associated with any PNC for newborns delivered at home and health facility. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess timing of PNC with their associated factors.Results: Overall, only 13% (95% CI; 11.2, 14.0) of the newborns received PNC in Ethiopia. Among newborns delivered at home, attending any PNC were determined by region, maternal educational status and birth order. On the other hand, among newborns delivered in a health facility, region, number of ANC visit and religion were determinants of any PNC. Furthermore, attending first PNC within 48 hours after delivery was determined by region and religion. On the other hand, attending first PNC after 48 hours after delivery was determined by region number of ANC visits, maternal educational status and religion. Conclusion: The finding of current study revealed low coverage of PNC among newborns regardless of place of delivery in Ethiopia. The study makes the following recommendation: increase community health literacy on postnatal care, encourage delivery at health facility, link community home birth with PNC. It will be more valuable if there is sharing of experience from regions which have better PNC coverage.
Encoder Hurwitz Integers: The Hurwitz integers that have the ”division with small division” property
Authors: Duram Ramazan , Güzeltepe Murat
Published: November 2021

The residue class set of a Hurwitz integer is constructed by modulo function with primitive Hurwitz integer whose norm is a prime integer, i.e. prime Hurwitz integer. In this study, we consider primitive Hurwitz integer whose norm is both a prime integer and not a prime integer. If the norm of each element of the residue class set of a Hurwitz integer is less than the norm of the primitive Hurwitz integer used to construct the residue class set of the Hurwitz integer, then, the Euclid division algorithm works for this primitive Hurwitz integer. The Euclid division algorithm always works for prime Hurwitz integers. In other words, the prime Hurwitz integers and halves-integer primitive Hurwitz integers have the ”division with small remainder” property. However, this property is ignored in some studies that have a constructed Hurwitz residue class set that lies on primitive Hurwitz integers that their norms are not a prime integer and their components are in integers set. In this study, we solve this problem by defining Hurwitz integers that have the ”division with small remainder” property, namely, encoder Hurwitz integers set. Therefore, we can define appropriate metrics for codes over Lipschitz integers. Especially, Euclidean metric. Also, we investigate the performances of Hurwitz signal constellations (the left residue class set) obtained by modulo function with Hurwitz integers, which have the ”division with small remainder” property, over the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel by means of the constellation figure of merit (CFM), average energy, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).