bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome-Wide Association Study Reveals New Molecular Interactions Associated with Melanoma
Authors: Saad Mohamed , Hamed Mohamed
Published: April 2023

The journey of discovering melanoma biomarkers is never ending. Under that assumption, this study is attempted to partially fill in a gap in that journey by identifying biomarkers related to melanoma. A transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) was conducted on genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of malignant melanoma of skin (UK biobank dataset) and The Cancer Genome Atlas-Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (TCGA-SKCM) gene expression weights. Afterwards, a gene enrichment analysis was applied on the TWAS significant associations. The melanoma’s gene-microRNA (miRNA) regulatory network was constructed from the TWAS genes and their corresponding miRNAs. At last, a disease enrichment analysis was conducted on the corresponding miRNAs. The TWAS detected 27 genes associated with melanoma having P-value less than 0.05, namely, AMIGO1, GSTM3, MDM4, COPA, DENND4B, RAB13, IL1A, ANAPC13, CRIPAK, LOC389458, LOC441204, MTERFD1, CBWD1, B3GAT1, HOXC10, DDX11, PROZ, DHRS1, SPATA5L1, C16orf73, EIF3CL, FANCA, SCRN2, ALDH16A1, UPK1A, EDEM2, and TEF. After Joint/Conditional test, one gene (AMIGO1) was dropped out, resulting in 26 significant genes. The gene ontology (GO) biological process ended with the association of the extended gene set (76 genes) with protein K11-linked ubiquitination, and regulation of cell cycle phase transition. K11-linked ubiquitin chains regulates cell division. Interestingly, the extended gene set was related to different skin cancer subtypes. Moreover, the enriched pathways were nsp1 from SARS-CoV-2 inhibits translation initiation in the host cell, cell cycle, translation factors, and DNA repair pathways Full Network. The gene-miRNA regulatory network identified 10 hotspot genes: TP53, BRCA1, FANCA, BLM, USP7, MDM2, MDM4, IL1A, EIF3F, and ANAPC16; and 4 hotspot miRNAs: mir-16, mir-15a, mir-125b, and mir-146a. Melanoma was one of the top ten diseases associated with the corresponding (106) miRNAs. Our results shed light on melanoma pathogenesis and biologically significant molecular interactions. Besides, our study gives a comprehensive pipeline for the TWASs generally.
WITHDRAWN: Relationships between physical activity and social anxiety levels among college students in China
Authors: Ju Mingxiao , Yu Wenbing , Tao Xiaojie , Liu Bingxi , Li Keke , Jiao Qianxin , Gao Lili , Li Shouqi
Published: April 2023

Background Physical activity (PA) can effectively reduce social anxiety (SA), which is currently one of the most effective forms of psychological intervention. This study explored the relationship between exercise frequency, intensity, duration and social anxiety.Methods This study was a college-based cross-sectional study. 844 college students from six universities in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, were sampled for this study. The daily physical activity of the participants was assessed using the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3, While the social anxiety level was evaluated using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. A survey questionnaire was developed to investigate the essential characteristics of the participants. In addition, this study examined the relationship between physical activity components (frequency, duration, intensity) on motion features and social anxiety levels. Additional work was conducted to test if physical exercise played an alleviation role in mediating social anxiety levels in college students. Finally, moderation was analyzed using PROCESS macro for SPSS, and the relationship was evaluated by non-linear index fitting.Results The results revealed that the exercise intensity(I) (F = 24.35, p < 0.01), exercise frequency(F) (F = 16.31, p < 0.01), and exercise duration (D) (F = 9.8, p < 0.01) were significant differences correlated with the score of social anxiety. This post hoc analysis showed that the SA level of Frequency 1(F1) was significantly higher than that of Frequency 3(F3) and Frequency 5(F5), and the SA level of Intensity 1(I1) was substantially higher than that of Intensity 3(I3) and Intensity 5(I5). In addition, the SA level of Duration 1(D1) was significantly higher than that of Duration 3(D3) and Duration 5(D5). In addition, the total score of SA was negatively correlated with the total score of physical activity (p < 0.01).Conclusions Physical activity can alleviate social anxiety among university students. The most beneficial and optimized exercise plan: Moderate intensity, once or twice a week, and 21–30 minutes of exercise per session may reduce social anxiety.
Fecal antibiotic resistance genes were transferred through the distribution of soil-lettuce-snail foodchain
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhao Jiayi , Chen Minglong , Tang Xinyue , Wang Yijia , Zou Yun
Published: April 2023

Massive antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) were detected in the soil modified by manure, which may affect human life safety through the food chain. However, the transmission of ARGs through the soil-plant-animal food chain is still unclear. Therefore, this study used high-throughput quantitative PCR technology to explore the effects of pig manure application on ARGs and bacterial communities in soil, lettuce phyllosphere and snail excrement.The results showed that a total of 384 ARGs and 48 MEGs were detected in all samples after 75 days of incubation. The diversity of ARGs and MGEs in soil components increased significantly by 87.04%and 40%with the addition of pig manure. The absolute abundance of ARGs in the phyllosphere of lettuce was significantly higher than that of the control group, with a growth rate of 212.5%.Six common ARGs were detected between the three components of the fertilization group, indicating that there was internal transmission of fecal ARGs between the trophic levels of the food chain.Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were identified as the dominant host bacteria in the food chain system, which were more likely to be used as carriers of ARGs to promote the spread of resistance in the food chain.The results were used to evaluate the potential ecological risks of livestock and poultry manure and provide theoretical basis and scientific support for the formulation of ARGs prevention and control policies.
Effect of aluminizing and laser shock peening on high temperature oxidation resistance of AISI 321 stainless steel for solar thermal power generation heat exchanger
Authors: Li Wei , Qin Wenyang , Jiang Dapeng , Bo Guowei , Ni Song , Chen Hui , Zhao Yilin , Huang Weiying , Peng Xulong , He Jianjun , Ren Yanjie , Li Cong , Zhou Libo , Zhang Shengde , Chen Jian
Published: April 2023

The high-temperature oxidation resistance of AISI 321 stainless steel for solar thermal power generation heat exchanger highly determines its service life. Therefore, in this work, aluminizing treatment and aluminizing with subsequent laser shock peening (LSP) were employed to improve the high-temperature oxidation resistance of AISI 321 stainless steel at 620°C. The results showed that these two treatments decreased the oxidation rate as compared to the base AISI 321 steel. Concretely, the optimal oxidation resistance was observed in the aluminized steel before an oxidation testing time of 144 h due to the increased the entropy of the LSP-treated specimen. After 144 h, however, the LSP-treated sample showed the best oxidation resistance because of the formation of protective α-Al2O3. For the LSP-treated samples, the large amount of sub-grain boundaries formed on aluminized layer could act as the fast short-circuit path for the outward diffusion of Al element, facilitating the rapid nucleation of α- Al2O3. Meanwhile, the aluminized layer is able to isolate the contact between oxidation environment and matrix, thereby decreasing the oxidation rate. Further, the oxidation parabolic constant D(t) of LSP-treated steel was calculated to be minimum (6.45787×10–14), which is respectively 69.18% and 36.36% of aluminized steel and 321 steel during the whole oxidation process. Consequently, the combination of aluminizing and LSP can better improve the high-temperature oxidation resistance of 321 stainless steel.
Catalytic Performance of Single-Atom Catalysts M1/PW12O40 for Alkyne Hydrogenation
Authors: Talib Shamraiz , Jiang Xuelian , Feng Shixiang , Zhao Mengdie , Yu Qi
Published: April 2023

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have provoked significant curiosity in heterogeneous catalysis due to the benefits of maximum metal atoms usage, robust metal-support interaction, single-metal-atom active sites, and high catalytic efficiency. Transition metal (M1) adatoms anchored on highly stable phosphotungstic acid (PTA) cluster (Scheme 1) provide an opportunity for altering their electronic, magnetic and catalytic characteristics. In this study, the electronic structures and catalytic mechanism of ethyne hydrogenation of SACs with the group-9 metal atoms M1(M1= Co, Rh, Ir) anchored on PTA cluster have been explored by using first-principles quantum calculations. It is found that the catalytic activity of ethyne hydrogenation is determined by two critical parameters: the adsorption energies of the adsorbate (H2, C2H2) and the activation energy barrier of ethyne hydrogenation. We have shown that the reaction pathway of ethyne hydrogenation reaction on the experimentally characterized Rh1/PTA at room temperature consists of three steps: C2H2and H2coadsorption on Rh1/PTA, H2attacking C2H2to form C2H4, then C2H4desorbing or further reacting with H2to produce C2H6and completing the catalytic cycle. The Rh1/PTA possesses fair catalytic activity with C2H4desorption energy of 1.46 eV at the rate determining step and high selectivity for ethylene formation through the Langmuir−Hinshelwood mechanism. The potentially competitive mechanism for the formation of ethane is not kinetically favorable, with a 2.59 eV barrier for ethylene hydrogenation. Moreover, micro-kinetics analysis is also carried out to further understand the mechanism and catalytic performance. The work reveals that the PTA supported SACs can be a promising catalyst for alkyne hydrogenation.
Comparison of Plasma Oxytocin Level in Women With Natural and Surgical Menopause
Authors: Korkmaz Hilal , Deveci Canan Dura , üstün yusuf , pehlivanoğlu bilge
Published: April 2023

Objective We aimed to investigate plasma oxytocin level in women with natural and surgical menopause and its relation with other metabolic parameters.Methods This study included 89 postmenopausal women admitted to menopausal outpatient clinics and gave written consent to participate. Participants were allocated into natural (Group 1; n = 61) and surgical (Group 2; n = 28) menopause groups based on causative process for the onset of menopause. After the clinical evaluation and physical examination, blood samples are collected for biochemical profile and plasma oxytocin levels. The complete blood count, lipid profile, thyroid panel, blood glucose concentration, vitamin D and liver enzymes were measured by autoanalyzer, plasma oxytocin level was measured spectrophotometrically by ELISA method.Results The groups were comparable for age, body mass index, menopause duration, gravity and blood parameters measured except significantly different plasma oxytocin levels between the two groups as 6.8 (3.2–20.6) ng/ml in natural menopause group and 4.2 (2.9–18.2) ng/ml in surgical menopause group (p < 0.001). Plasma oxytocin level was also negatively correlated with age (r = -0.245, p = 0.022) and menopausal duration (r = -0.275, p = 0.01).Conclusion Our results point out that oxytocin might be a target hormone to manage menopause associated disorders and/or it should be considered for its role in the differences in the incidences of postmenopausal diseases and quality of life in the course of natural and surgical menopausal transition.
Effect of Ixekizumab on Enthesitis-related arthritis non-responsive to anti-TNF treatment, a case report
Authors: Zheng Qi , Ma Xiaohui , Zhong Mengmeng , Zhang Yan , Lu Meiping
Published: April 2023

Background:To describe the effectiveness of Ixekizumab on a patient with ERA who was refractory to conventional treatment and TNF inhibitors.Case presentation:A 15-year-old boy who manifested as swollen knees, bilateral ankle arthritis, sausage toes and low-grade fever was diagnosed as Enthesitis related arthritis. There was one episode of uveitis three years before the onset of joint symptoms. The patient had a high level of inflammation (ESR to 107 mm/hour, CRP to 248.77 mg/L) with increased level of serum IL-6 and VEGF. Combination therapy of NSAIDs with sulfasalazine, Adalimumab, Infliximab, low dose steroid, Golimumab and Tofacitinib were applied correspondingly. The systemic inflammation of this patient (not including swollen toes and enthesitis) got a little better with oral steroids, but intensified again when steroid was weaned. Ixekizumab (80mg, Q2W twice, then 80mg Q4W) combined with oral methotrexate were then applied for this patient. ESR and CRP decreased into normal level with quick alleviation of arthritis within the first month of treatment. A persistent clinical remission was achieved by using Ixekizumab in the following two years of therapy. Apart from slight redness and swelling at the injection site, no significant side effects were observed during follow up.Conclusion:Ixekizumab can be a substitutive therapy for ERA patients who were unresponsive to traditional therapy or anti-TNF treatment.
Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of pediatric idiopathic and secondary macular epiretinal membrane
Authors: Liu Jing-hua , Wang Qian , Li Song-feng , Deng Guang-da , Ma Jing , Li Liang , Yuan Mingzhen , Lu Hai
Published: April 2023

Background: To describe and compare the different clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients with pediatric idiopathic and secondary macular epiretinal membranes (ERMs).
Methods: A cohort of pediatric patients (≤14years) underwent surgical removal of macular ERMs were selected from January 2019 to September 2021. Those patients were grouped into idiopathic macular ERMs group and secondary macular ERMs group, medical data including ocular manifestations were assessed and compared preoperatively and postoperatively.
Results :A total of 41 patients (50 eyes) were included, mean age at surgery was 6.5 years (3～14 years), mean follow-up duration was 19.5months (12～31 months). Fourteen of the 41 patients (34.1%) had idiopathic macular ERMs. Compared with secondary macular ERMs, pediatric idiopathic ERMs had an older age at surgery(p=0.032) and were mostly found fortuitously by school visual acuity (VA) screening(p=0.028) with more cases with appearance of cellophane macular reflex (p=0.047); on OCT images, idiopathic macular ERMs were more likely to have taco folds (p=0.031)and less ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruptions (p=0.026) ; idiopathic macular ERMs were more likely to have better preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)(p<0.001); surgical removal of pediatric macular ERMs results in VA improvement with less postoperative complications in pediatric idiopathic ERMs.
Conclusion: Pediatric idiopathic macular ERMs have many different clinical characteristics compared with that of pediatric secondary macular ERMs; surgical removal of pediatric macular ERMs results in VA improvement with less postoperative complications in pediatric idiopathic ERMs.
Trial registration: Retrospective case series study, not applicable. NCT2378898
MYCT1 inhibits hematopoiesis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by suppressing RUNX1 transcription
Authors: Fu Wei-Neng , Liang Ying , Wei Xin , Yue Peng-Jie , Zhang Hecheng , Li Zhen-Ning , Sun Yuan-Yuan
Published: April 2023

Abnormality of the chromosomal karyotype is one factor causing poor prognosis in patients with lymphoma. Here, in the analysis of the abnormal karyotype of lymphoma patients, the three smallest overlapregions were found, in which MYCT1 was located. MYCT1 was first cloned by our research team as tumor suppressor gene, but studies related to the occurrence and development of lymphoma have not been reported. In this study, we found MYCT1 could inhibit proliferation and promote cell cycle arrest in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that MYCT1 represses RUNX1 transcription by binding MAX. The findings provide clues and a basis for in-depth studies of MYCT1 in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of lymphoma.
The mediating role of mental vulnerability between negative life events and interaction anxiousness
Authors: Gong Yuxin
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The study aims to analyze the relationships between mental vulnerability, negative life events and interaction anxiousness among undergraduate students in China and examine the mediating role of mental vulnerability on undergraduate students.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey target for undergraduate students in Liaoning province. The sample included 1,238 college students. Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression and structural equation modeling method were applied to analyze the data.
Results: The results suggest that mental vulnerability played a partial mediating role
between negative life events and interaction anxiousness among undergraduate students.Negative life events had a significant indirect effect on the interaction anxiousness
through mental vulnerability.
Conclusions: The study result will contribute to improve the physical and mental health development of undergraduate students.
Scour Analysis in a Climate Change Context Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Baron Edward Alexis , Bento Ana Margarida , Matos José Campos e , Calçada Rui , Gavin Kenneth
Published: April 2023

Global climate change can create uncertainty and affect local weather patterns, which in turn can increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as flooding. Flooding is considered one of the major causes of bridge collapse and it is important to ensure the safety and functionality of these structures against such hazards. This paper presents a methodology for an artificial neural network that can estimate peak flow discharge by analyzing a projected precipitation database and considering various parameters related to climate change uncertainties. The results of the machine learning model can then be used in a hydraulic model to identify flood-prone areas and estimate hydraulic parameters such as flow velocity and water column height using a geographic information system. In addition, the methodology can evaluate the most significant and recurring impact of flooding on bridges, namely the scouring process. The proposed methodology was tested in a masonry arch bridge case study in Portugal. The results show the effectiveness of the methodology in predicting flood risk and assessing the potential impact on bridge safety and functionality.
Conservative endodontic microsurgery to protect critical anatomical structures--Selective curettage: A case series
Authors: Li Nan , Zhang Rui , Qiao Weiwei , Meng Liuyan
Published: April 2023

Endodontic microsurgery has obtained highly successful outcomes in preserving teeth with persistent or recurrent periapical periodontitis that nonsurgical endodontic treatments do not work. To avoid complications in conditions that periapical lesions invade anatomical structures such as nasopalatine nerve tube, mandibular canal, selective curettage has been proposed as an alternative choice of complete curettage in surgery. This case series presented 8 cases, which underwent selective curettage for adjacent critical anatomical structures were involved in the periapical periodontitis radiographically, and those cases were confirmed as periapical cysts or granulomas by biopsy. At least 1 year’s clinical and radiographic follow-ups showed complete or incomplete healing in these cases with no adverse effects.
Pyomyositis associated with abscess formation caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae in children: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Barchi Luca , Fastiggi Michele , Bassoli Ilaria , Bonvicini Federico , Silvotti Monica , Iughetti Lorenzo , De Fanti Alessandro
Published: April 2023

Background Pyomyositis is an unusual bacterial infection but potential severe in children. Staphylococcus Aureus is the main caused of this disease (70–90%), following by Streptococcus Pyogenes (4–16%). Streptococcus Pneumoniae rarely caused invasive muscular infections. We describe a case of pyomyositis caused by Streptococcus Pneumonia in an adolescent 12-year-old female.Case presentation: I.L. referred to our hospital for high fever associated with right hip and abdominal pain. The blood exams showed increase of leukocytes with prevalence of neutrophils with high level of inflammatory markers (CRP 46,17 mg/dl; Procalcitonin 25,8 ng/ml). The abdomen ultrasonography was unremarkable. The CT and MRI of the abdomen and right hip revealed pyomyositis of the iliopsoas, piriformis and internal shutter associated with collection of pus between the muscular planes (Fig. 1). The patient was admitted to our paediatric care unit, and she was initially treatment with intravenous Ceftriaxone (100mg/kg/die) and Vancomycin (60mg/kg/die). On day 2, a pansensitive Streptococcus Pneumoniae was isolated from the blood culture, and the antibiotic treatment was changed to only IV Ceftriaxone. She was successively treated with IV Ceftriaxone for 3 weeks, then continued with oral Amoxicillin for a total of 6 weeks of therapy. The follow up showed a complete resolution of the pyomyositis and psoas abscess after 2 months.Conclusion Pyomyositis associate with abscess is a rare and very dangerous disease in children. The clinical presentation can mimic symptoms of other pathologies like osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, so many times is hard to identify. The main risk factors include story of recent trauma and immunodeficiency, not present in our case report. The therapy involves the antibiotics and, if possible, abscess drainage. In literature there is much discussion about duration of antibiotic therapy
The supply of macro- and microelements to cotton plants at different distances from the pipes of fertilizer production factory
Authors: Litvinovich Andrey , Lavrishchev Anton , Bure Vladimir , Zhapparova Aigul , Saljnikov Elmira
Published: April 2023

Environmental pollution from industrial plants via air deposition is a globally urgent problem. The article presents the study of the influence of dust and gas emissions from a factory for the production of mineral fertilizers on cotton plants in Uzbekistan. The composition of technogenic dust deposited on plant leaves has been determined. The chemical composition of the above-ground and underground organs of cotton at different distances from the source of pollution has been established. The radius of aerial dispersion of industrial emissions was best described by measurements of the fluorine content in washed and unwashed cotton leaves. Empirical models have been developed that describe the relationship between P, K, Mg, Ca, S, F, and Mn in plant roots and leaves depending on the distance to the pollution source. The results of biometric observations were summarized and the yield of raw cotton was established. Zones of different levels of technogenic load on cotton plants were identified. It has been shown that the resistance of cotton against aerial pollution by acid gases (SO2 and H2S) from the emissions is determined by the ability of cotton plants to neutralize toxic compounds of their transformation by increasing the influx of alkaline earth metals to the affected tissues. This study showed the possibility of growing cotton in the vicinity of the fertilizer factory. Despite the resistance of cotton to industrial pollution, monitoring of areas identified as impact zones is recommended.
Deaggregation of Probabilistic Seismic Hazard for Designated Cities in Ghana
Authors: Ahulu Sylvanus Tetteh , Gidigasu Solomon Senyo , Nuamah Daniel
Published: April 2023

A probabilistic seismic hazard study based on the values of spectral acceleration (SA), and peak ground acceleration (PGA) has been performed for the southern part of Ghana. Three conceivable seismic sources inside and near Ghana were identified and considered based on a modern and integrated earthquake catalog of over a century (1615–2009). Epistemic uncertainties associated with input parameters were considered and implemented in the seismic hazard calculation using a logic tree method. These included the chosen suitable ground-motion attenuation equations. Thereafter, the deaggregation of the seismic hazard, expressed in magnitude and distance, for selected cities in Ghana was estimated to aid in the understanding of the contributions to the hazard of various seismic sources. Deaggregation of the seismic hazard was estimated for SA of 0.2 s, and 1.0 s as well as PGA at 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years. All in all, the results show that the sources located close to the cities contribute most to their seismic hazard, especially for PGA. More distance sources only contribute to the hazard at longer periods (e.g. 1.0s) The importance of the outcome of this type of study is that deaggregation of the seismic hazard offers valuable data of the seismic sources that contribute towards the hazard at a specific location. This information can be used to decide on the scenario-based ground-motion time histories necessary for the seismic design of structures.
Health Systems Interventions for Prevention of Maternal Peripartum Infection in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abwao Roseline , Mapesa Job , Tenambergen Wanja , Odada David , Gathoni Nasra , Riunga Felix
Published: April 2023

Background
Maternal peripartum infection is still a widespread avoidable problem in Low and Middle Income countries (LMICs) despite developments in postnatal care. Lately systems approach, encompassing all the factors in the health system, is being recognized as ameliorate option for the improvement of maternal health and prevention of maternal mortality.
Objective:The aim of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate interventions to prevent maternal peripartum infection in LMICs.
Methods -The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Scopus,World Health Organization (WHO) ,the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) websites were searched to identify interventional studies to prevent maternal peripartum infection using the PRISMA model. The article searching was conducted for a period of 3 months (01/08/2022 to 30/10/2022). Search terms were “Peripartum”, “Infection”, “Genital tract”, and their MESH terms. The inclusion criteria were primary studies that reported interventions for the prevention of maternal peripartum infection, studies from LMICs and those written in English language. Cochrane Risk of Bias tools were used to appraise the quality of the studies.
Results – From 1662 article results,29 articles were included covering 56,151 participants. The interventions were grouped into six domains: antibiotic prophylaxis 11(37.9% of studies), self-care training 6 (20.6%), skin preparation 6 (20.6%), systems approach 2 (6.9%), Traditional Birth Attendant training (6.9 %) and use of Clean Delivery Kit 2(6.9%).12 studies reported a significantly lower risk of infection. Six studies reported a significantly improved knowledge and practice of women regarding maternal peripartum infection. Two studies reported no change in the risk of infection.
Conclusion- There is limited research from LMICs on interventions to prevent maternal peripartum infection, however the studies are of good quality. The study identified six domains of interventions which were mainly inpatient settings targeting maternal peripartum infection in isolation without consideration of other system components. This provides an opportunity for achieving optimum reduction in maternal peripartum infection though systems approach. Health systems interventional studies are therefore needed to further the gains in maternal peripartum infections prevention in LMICs.
Study registration: PROSPERO CRD42022342550
Time-domain observation of interlayer exciton formation and thermalization in a MoSe2/WSe2 heterostructure
Authors: Conte Stefano Dal , Policht Veronica , Mittenzwey Henry , Dogadov Oleg , Katzer Manuel , Villa Andrea , Li Qiuyang , Kaiser Benjamin , Ross Aaron , Scotognella Francesco , Zhu Xiaoyang , Knorr Andreas , Selig Malte , Cerullo Giulio
Published: April 2023

Vertical heterostructures (HS) of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) host interlayer excitons (ILX), with electrons and holes residing in different layers. With respect to their intralayer counterparts, ILX feature much longer lifetimes and diffusion lengths, paving the way to excitonic optoelectronic devices operating at room temperature. While the recombination dynamics of ILX has been intensively studied, the formation process and its underlying physical mechanisms are still largely unexplored. Here we use ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy with a white-light probe, spanning both intralayer and interlayer exciton resonances, to simultaneously capture and time-resolve interlayer charge transfer and ILX formation dynamics in a MoSe2/WSe2 HS. We find that the ILX formation timescale is nearly an order of magnitude (∼1 ps) longer than the interlayer charge transfer time (∼100 fs). Microscopic calculations attribute the relative delay to an interplay between phonon-assisted interlayer exciton cascade and subsequent cooling processes, and excitonic wave-function overlap. Our results provide an explanation to the efficient photocurrent generation observed in optoelectronic devices based on TMD HS, as the ILX have an opportunity to dissociate during their thermalization process.
Identification of Key Extracellular Proteins and miRNAs for Use as Diagnostic Biomarkers of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Zhihan , Tuerxun Palati , Jia Xiaoshi , zhao ke
Published: April 2023

Background: Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) is an inflammatory disease that is pathologically characterized by the destruction of cartilage and subchondral bone. During the progression of TMJ-OA, the concentration of some extracellular proteins (EPs) in the synovial fluid are altered in the inflammatory environment. Micro RNAs formed an important epigenetic regulation mode during disease progression, which were secreted by cells by means of vesicles then regulated gene transcription. However, the relationship among these proteins, micro RNAs and inflammation was still unclear.
Methods: In this study, bioinformatics tools were used to compare the expression profiles of synovial membranes from human TMJ-OA samples and normal TMJ samples.
Results: Four genes, including MMP2, FN1, TIMP1, and APOE were identified as hub EPGs. Four miRNAs were identified as key differentially expressed miRNAs (kDEMs) and formed a miRNA-mRNA network with four hEPGs. Furthermore, after stimulation of chondrocytes and SW982 cells with IL-1β in vitro, the gene and protein expression levels of the hEPGs were increased and the four kDEMs were decreased compared with those in the normal group.
Conclusion: The study of differentially expressed EPs and miRNAs in TMJOA is of great significance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
No increase in translocated chromosomal aberrations, an indicator of ionizing radiation exposure, in childhood thyroid cancer in Fukushima Prefecture
Authors: Sakai Akira , Tsuyama Naohiro , Ohira Tetsuya , Sugai-Takahashi Misaki , Ohba Takashi , Azami Yusuke , Matsumoto Yoshiko , Iwadate Manabu , Suzuki Satoshi , Sato Maki , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Ishikawa Tetsuo , Suzuki Shinichi
Published: April 2023

To investigate the effects of radiation exposure due to the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, following the disaster Fukushima Prefecture launched thyroid ultrasound examinations of residents who were generally younger than 18 years at the time of the earthquake. As the rate of pediatric thyroid cancer was higher than expected, we conducted biological dose assessment based on the frequency of translocated chromosome (Tr) aberrations using peripheral blood lymphocytes. Tr formation frequency was compared among the thyroid cancer (n = 38, median age 18 years, age range 12–26 years), thyroid-related disease (n = 30, median age 21 years, age range 15–28 years), and healthy controls (n = 32, median age 21 years, age range 20–23 years) groups. Tr aberration frequency was initially significantly higher in the thyroid cancer than in the other two groups; however, differences among the groups disappeared after adjusting for history of CT scan, as 92%, 67%, and 28% of those in the thyroid cancer, thyroid-related disease, and control groups, respectively, had undergone CT previously. Therefore, the significant difference in the initial number of Tr formations is presumably due to radiation exposure from CT. Accordingly, the effects of medical exposure on the chromosomes of children and adolescents should be noted.
Molecular networking-based drug repurposing strategies for SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting alpha-1-antitrypsin (SERPINA1)
Authors: Parameswaran Dakshinesh , Gurumoorthy Premkumar Kuduva , Munusamy Ravikumar , Thangavelu Saravanan , Selvaraj Jubie , Akey Krishna Swaroop , Chellappa Selvinthanuja , Vivekanandan Lalitha , Thangavelu Prabha
Published: April 2023

Background For a deeper comprehension of the condition and the development of more potent therapies, it is essential to understand COVID-19 pathogenesis. Transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) are two of the most significant proteases in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. An intrinsic tissue protector with antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects is called alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), and it inhibits the protein TMPRSS2, which is crucial for SARS-CoV-2-S protein priming and viral infection. It also prevents the activity of pro-inflammatory chemicals like neutrophil elastase, TNF-, and IL-8.Objective According to current findings, repurposing available medications will result in more effective functioning than using newly designed medications. Based on this, we used FDA-approved drugs and did a computational study to find out what role A1AT plays in SARS-CoV-2 infections and how it stops Covid-19 from spreading.Method This computational study comprises the screening of FDA approved drugs by using molecular networking studies via cytoscape version 3.9.1 to identify any drugs binding interactions with SERPINA1, a gene that provides instructions for making a protein called A1AT, which is a type of serine protease inhibitor, followed by the generation of a pharmacophore model, virtual screening, and docking studies.Result The 22 compounds that were selected from this molecular-networking model were subjected to pharmacophore modelling followed by virtual screening. Through this screening, we have selected 22 molecules based on the Lipinski rule and low RMSD value, i.e., below 0.069235 Ao. From the ZINC database, the top six molecules discovered were found to have a higher affinity for A1AT when compared to the co-crystal ligand (-12.8236). The highest scores obtained by alpha-1-antitrypsin (PDB ID: 7NPK) are − 22.0254 and − 21.676 for ZINC00896543 and ZINC05316843, respectively.Conclusion Consequently, the molecules found by using different software programmes may be employed to control and treat COVID 19. By increasing the levels of A1AT, we may thus infer that these molecules have excellent action in the reversal of COVID-19.
The ViaHole Technique: A Novel Approach for Recanalizing Major Side Branch Occluded by Viabahn Stent-Graft
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Tsujimoto Masanaga , Otake Ryo , Kashima Yoshifumi , Sato Katsuhiko , Fujita Tsutomu
Published: April 2023

Background: Heparin-bonded endoluminal stent-graft covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) has been utilized to manage arterial rupture. Stent-graft implantation might require crossing a major branch for hemostasis, potentially causing limb ischemia. We propose the ViaHole technique as a novel recanalization method for major branch occlusion.
Main text: A 72-year-old male with a history of right popliteal aneurysm treatment involving stent-graft implantation suffered from acute limb ischemia (ALI). Imaging revealed occlusion from the distal superficial femoral artery (SFA) to below-the-knee arteries. During thrombus removal attempts by surgical thrombectomy, an unintentional rupture occurred in the proximal posterior tibial artery (PTA). Surgical bypass was infeasible due to no run-off in below-the-knee arteries. Hemostasis was succeeded by endoluminal stent-grafts implantation from the tibioperoneal trunk to the proximal PTA. However, recurrent ALI occurred three months later. Surgical bypass was again deemed unfeasible due to no distal anastomosis site. After unsuccessful recanalization attempts for bilateral tibial arteries, the decision was made to recanalize the peroneal artery occlusion using the ViaHole technique.
This technique involved several steps: 1) advancing retrograde devices into the peroneal artery occlusion, 2) guiding the retrograde guidewire to touch the outer surface of the posterior wall of the ePTFE on the stent-graft at the peroneal arterial ostium, 3) puncturing the stent-graft completely using a 20-gauge needle to touch the retrograde device, 4) manipulating the retrograde guidewire through the needle hole and externalizing it, 5) advancing the retrograde microcatheter over the guidewire and through the hole of the ePTFE into the tibioperoneal trunk, 6) catching the retrograde microcatheter using an antegrade 4-Fr catheter, 7) inserting an antegrade guidewire into the retrograde microcatheter, 8) advancing an antegrade microcatheter into the peroneal artery, 9) dilating the lesion and stent-graft hole using a 3.0-mm noncompliant balloon, 10) ensuring hemostasis by inflating the 3.0-mm balloon to achieve hemostasis at the puncture site. The final angiogram demonstrated sufficient blood flow, resulting in symptom improvement. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day, and 1-year patency was confirmed.
Conclusions: The ViaHole technique may be valuable for revascularizing a major side branch occluded by stent-graft implantation.
ACSL1 Regulation of Ferroptosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma via the HO-1/GPX4 Axis Mechanism
Authors: Wang Zicheng , Zhao Leizuo , Kang Weiting , Xu Yingkun , Zhang Peizhi , Deng Wentao , Peng Fan , Hao Yuhu , Xia Qinghua
Published: April 2023

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the expression level of long chain acyl-CoA synthase 1 (ACSL1) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tissue and explore its biological role in the progression of ccRCC.Methods Using Reversed Phase Protein Array (RPPA) sequencing technology, we identified ACSL1 as the target gene of interest. We then used the TCGA database to analyze the mRNA expression level of ACSL1 in ccRCC tissue and its clinical relevance. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were used to measure the expression level of ACSL1 in ccRCC tissue and investigate the correlation between ACSL1 expression level and clinicopathological characteristics and patient prognosis. CCK-8 technology and ferrostatin-1 were used to investigate the correlation between ACSL1 and ferroptosis in renal cancer cells. We also measured the content of malondialdehyde, glutathione, reactive oxygen species level, and degree of mitochondrial damage under electron microscopy to detect the effect of ACSL1 on ferroptosis of renal cancer cells. Additionally, we used RNA-Seq and Western blotting techniques to explore the potential mechanism of ACSL1 in renal cancer cells. Finally, we investigated the effect of ACSL1 on tumor growth using a xenotransplantation model.Results Our results showed that the expression level of ACSL1 in ccRCC tissue was significantly decreased and was correlated with clinical characteristics. The low expression level of ACSL1 was associated with poor patient prognosis. Overexpression of ACSL1 in renal cancer cells led to a significant decrease in GSH content, an improvement in the ability of lipid peroxidation, a significant increase in ROS level, significant shrinkage of intracellular mitochondria, and decreased expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11. RNA-Seq and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that ACSL1 regulates ferroptosis in ccRCC through the HO-1/GPX4 axis. Western blotting confirmed that ACSL1 upregulated the expression of HO-1 and inhibited the expression of GPX4.Conclusion The expression of ACSL1 is low in human ccRCC tissue, and ACSL1 may be a potential target and prognostic marker for the treatment of ccRCC.
Role of ER-Mitochondria interface in the regulation of Glioma Stem Cells
Authors: Turos-Cabal Maria , Sanchez-Sanchez Ana Maria , Puente-Moncada Noelia , Herrera Federico , Rodriguez-Blanco Jezabel , Antolin Isaac , Alvarez-Vega Marco Antonio , Rodriguez Carmen , Martín Vanesa
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Glioblastoma (GBM) treatment is extremely challenging due to the high complexity of the tumor, being one of the tumors in which a subpopulation of highly resistant cancer initiating cells (GICs) has been clearly identified. Thus, understanding the differences between GICs and tumor bulk cells is therefore essential to move to less conventional but more efficient approaches.
Methods: fluorimetry was used to measure glucose uptake, mitochondrial calcium, intracellular oxidants and mitochondrial membrane potential. Spectrophotometry was used to monitor lactate dehydrogenase activity. Self-renewal was determined by the limiting dilution assay and cell death by trypan blue exclusion assays. Protein expression was determined by western blot while gene expression was determined by real-time PCR.
Results: We found that, unlike their differentiated progeny, GICs survival and stemness depend on mitochondrial metabolism. GICs present higher glucose uptake and mitochondrial membrane potential and less LDH activity, being more sensitive to mitochondrial inhibition than their differentiated counterparts. Calcium flux seems to play an essential role in the maintenance of this distinct metabolic phenotype with a decrease in the expression of VDAC and Grp75, two of the main proteins in the transfer of calcium from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the mitochondria. Disruption of ER homeostasis using ER stress inducers or inhibition of ER-mitochondrial contact sites using the Grp75 inhibitor MKT-707 resulted in GICs cytotoxicity and loss of stemness. Moreover, MKT-077 also potentiates the effect of temozolomide, current treatment for glioblastoma.
Conclusions: our data indicates that ER-mitochondrial homeostasis is essential for regulation of GICs metabolism, survival and stemness.
Post retention strength of apical and conventional coating obturation method using bioceramic sealer: A laboratory investigation.
Authors: Chanapairin Benjarat , Kulvitit Sirinya , Sathorn Chankhrit
Published: April 2023

Objectives
Bioceramic sealer (BCS) occupied dentinal tubules have been shown to reduce fibre post retention strength. Coating gutta percha with BCS only on apical portion leaving middle and coronal part of the canal unsmeared by BCS may improve post retention strength due to increased retention strength between dentin and resin cement interface. The purpose of the study was to test if this was the case.
Materials and Methods
Twenty seven extracted human mandibular premolars were instrumented and randomly assigned to three obturation methods: conventional coating (CC), non coating (NC), and apical coating (AC). After post cementation, two samples were prepared at apical, middle, and coronal root level (one for scanning electron microscope (SEM) study and another push out bond strength (PBS) test). After PBS test, failure modes were determined by stereo microscope: dentine-cement (DC), post-cement (PC) and mixed. PBS data were analysed by One way ANOVA for the specific effects of obturation methods. Repeated ANOVA was used for the specific effects of root levels on PBS in different obturation methods.
Results
PBS of CC at the middle 1/3 was significantly higher than the apical 1/3. PBS of AC and NC was significantly higher than CC group at apical 1/3 and coronal 1/3 level. DC was found most in CC group while PC was found most in NC and AC group.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Apical coating obturation method under operating microscope had significantly higher PBS than conventional coating method. This may reduce the chance of fibre post dislodgement.
PD-1 Inhibitor Induced Hypertrophic Lichen Planus: A Case Study
Authors: Lim Olivia , Maher Eamonn , Miller Daniel D.
Published: April 2023

PD-1 inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of cancer and are being employed to treat an expanding array of cancers. Therefore, to best serve our patients, we must familiarize ourselves with the spectrum of skin manifestations associated with PD-1 inhibitor therapy. We report a unique case of hypertrophic lichen planus in a 64-year-old male treated with pembrolizumab that initially presented with a keratoacanthoma (KA) morphology before evolving into a more typical hypertrophic lichen planus. The patient had symptoms of mucositis for 4 months until nodules and plaques began emerging on his shins and dorsal hands, at which time the patient was referred to dermatology. Initial biopsy of shin nodule looked histologically compatible to a keratoacanthoma with lichenoid inflammation. Mohs surgery was performed on the patient's hands due to concerns of functional impairment. However, the lesions within the surgical site recurred rapidly. Repeat biopsy was performed of both the hand and the shin. Histopathology revealed features consistent with hypertrophic lichen planus. By this time, lower extremity lesions that initially appeared as KA-like had progressed to a more typical appearing hypertrophic lichen planus. Therapy was started with topical clobetasol and acitretin. All lesions resolved within 1–2 months. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high suspicion for lichenoid reactions as sequelae to PD-1 inhibitors and displays how these reactions do not always present in their classical forms initially, and can transform over time.
Spray-coated Inorganic Lead-free Double Perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 Based Large-scale Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Enhanced Energy Harvesting
Authors: Wang Mengrou , Zhao Jingda , Xu Yubing , Wang Xin , Onwudiwe Damian Chinedu , Fayemi Omolola Esther , Elemike Elias Emeka , Bae Byung Seong , Zhu Ying , Zhu Zhuoya , Zhao Zhiwei , Li Qing , Lei Wei
Published: April 2023

Low-cost, handily prepared, and efficient large-scale triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is considered as the new scheme for distributed mechanical conversion or renewable blue energy utilization. Semiconductors with high carrier mobility introduction potency overcome pure polymer restriction for uncompetitive short current density. An extremely popular all-inorganic lead-free double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6(CABB) has emerged as extraordinary potential material in the substitution of semiconductor triboelectric material, which overcomes the limitations of high impedance associated with organic polymer insulator-based materials. In this current study, assembled by CABB which was certified as an available positive frictional material, TENG with a sandwiched structure of ITO/c-TiO2(compact TiO2)/m-TiO2(mesoporous TiO2)/CABB - the poly tetra fluoroethylene (PTFE)/Al exhibits appropriate performance on environmental stability and output capacity. A comparison of the fabrication process showed that spraying is an inexpensive method to prepare large-scale functional films of CABB TENG with brilliant relative dielectric constant and work function (Wf) difference that possess more distinguished output characteristics. This was confirmed by the appearance of higher open-circuit voltage of 105 V, larger short-current density of 2.45 mA/m2at 0.25 Hz motion parameter, and more abundant power density output of 0.76 W/m2under a higher frequency of 10 Hz. Further study clearly confirmed that both higher frequency and larger contact area are conducive to the total output power, while terminal charging speed is inversely or positively proportional with capacitance or mechanical frequency. The final physical display effect showed that spraying with CABB TENG could light up at least 53 commercial yellow LEDs, holding decent energy conversion ability. This confirms its efficiency, high throughput, and cost efficiency.