bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Electrical Characterization of AlGaN/GaN HEMT with Multi-finger Gate
Authors: He Lijun , Zhao Boyang , He Chengyun , Xie Zhiyang , Long Xing , Zhang Zhaopeng , Qi Fei
Published: August 2021

This paper presents an exhaustive TCAD based comparison of the multi-gate and T-gate AlGaN/GaN HEMT. This paper simulates the DC and RF characteristics of the device and makes an accurate comparison. The important feature of the device such as threshold voltage, drain current output characteristics, transconductance, cut-off frequency, and maximum oscillation frequency were obtained. It is concluded that the shape optimization of the HEMT with multi-finger gates and the advantages over traditional T-gate devices. The device of two-finger gate with 50nm spacing has the best output characteristics, and its maximum saturation current is about 110% the size of the device of four-finger gate with 200nm at VGS=0V. And the gm and the gain of the device with 50nm spacing two-finger gate is 76mS/mm larger than the HEMT of three-finger gate with 200nm. In addition, we also conducted a simulation in the case of changing only refers to finger-gate length and cap-gate length. And it is concluded that the two-finger gate HEMT with 250nm finger-gate length and 2.0µm cap-gate length has the best output characteristics, which output current is 0.159 A/µm at VGS=-1.5V. The results show that AlGaN/GaN HEMT with multi-finger gate have great potential for high power and high frequency applications electronic devices.
Different In Situ Immune Patterns Between Primary Tumor And Lymph Node In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Potential Impact On Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy
Authors: Ye Zheng-Hao , Zhao Ze-Rui
Published: August 2021

Background Neoadjuvant immunotherapy is promising for locally-advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The in situ immune patterns, as predictor of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade outcomes, of the primary tumor (PT) and metastatic lymph nodes (mLNs) is unknown. Methods Multiplex immunofluorescence staining and multispectral imaging were used to evaluate the in situ immune patterns of T cells (CD3+) and cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) in terms of density, location (center of tumor [CT] and invasive margin [IM]), and the PD-L1 expression status of tumor cells and stromal T cells of paired PTs and mLNs in 38 stage-III NSCLCs.Results The densities of T cells and cytotoxic T cells were correlated between PTs and mLNs at both CT and IM. Higher densities of stromal T cells (S-CD3+) at CT and both S-CD3+ and cytotoxic T cells (S-CD8+) at IM were observed in mLNs compared to PTs, while in tumor compartment, there were no differences in the densities of T cells (T-CD3+) or cytotoxic T cells (T-CD8+). Only the density of stromal PD-L1-positive T cells (S-PD-L1+CD3+) at CT was correlated between PTs and mLNs, while the densities and frequencies of S-PD-L1+CD3+ at CT and IM of mLNs were higher than PTs. Combine positive score discordance of PD-L1 between PTs and mLNs was greater than tumor proportion score.Conclusions In situ immune patterns of T cells and cytotoxic T cells were different between PTs and mLNs in NSCLC. Higher densities of S-CD3+ and S-PD-L1+CD3+ in mLNs may result in better immune-mediated response to neoadjuvant immunotherapy.
Identification of Elongation Factor-2 as a Novel Regulator of Mitochondrial Fission
Authors: Kim Jinhwan , Cheng Yan , Li Yanfeng , Zhang Yi , Cheng Ji , Zhu Hua , Takahashi Yoshinori , Xiong Xingdong , Gu Lixiang , Ngule Chrispus , Ren Xingcong , Xiong Xiaofang , Song Jianxun , Liu Xiaoqi , Yang Jin-Ming
Published: August 2021

Mitochondria continuously undergo morphologically dynamic processes of fusion and fission to maintain their size, shape, amount, and function; yet the precise molecular mechanisms by which mitochondrial dynamics is regulated remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we report a previous unappreciated but critical role of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) in regulating mitochondrial fission. eEF2, a G-protein superfamily member encoded by EEF2 gene in human, has long been appreciated as a promoter of the GTP-dependent translocation of the ribosome during protein synthesis. We found unexpectedly in several types of cells that eEF2 was not only present in the cytosol but also in the mitochondria. Furthermore, we showed that mitochondrial length was significantly increased when the cells were subjected to silencing of eEF2 expression, suggesting a promotive role for eEF2 in the mitochondrial fission. Inversely, overexpression of eEF2 decreased mitochondrial length, suggesting an increase of mitochondrial fission. Inhibition of mitochondrial fission caused by eEF2 depletion was accompanied by alterations of cellular metabolism, as evidenced by a reduction of oxygen consumption and an increase of oxidative stress in the mitochondria. We further demonstrated that eEF2 and Drp1, a key driver of mitochondrial fission, co-localized at the mitochondria, as evidenced by microscopic observation, co-immunoprecipitation, and GST pulldown assay. Deletion of the GTP binding motif of eEF2 decreased its association with Drp1 and abrogated its effect on mitochondria fission. Moreover, we showed that wild-type eEF2 stimulated GTPase activity of Drp1, whereas deletion of the GTP binding site of eEF2 diminished its stimulatory effect on GTPase activity. This work not only reveals a previously unrecognized function of eEF2 (i.e., promoting mitochondrial fission), but also uncovers the interaction of eEF2 with Drp1 as a novel regulatory mechanism of the mitochondrial dynamics. Therefore, eEF2 warrants further exploration for its potential as a therapeutic target for the mitochondria-related diseases.
A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of The ¡Vamos Por Más! Parenting Program Implementation in Chile
Authors: Meyer Jessica K.V. , Diaspro Gabriela , Muñoz Iván , Burmeister Catalina , Garcia-Huidobro Diego
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Substance use is a significant global concern. Strengthening parenting in families with adolescents has been shown to reduce substance use initiation. The ¡Vamos por Más! (¡VxM!) program is a positive-parenting program developed in Chile to improve family relations and reduce adolescent substance use that combines in-person school workshops, multimedia messaging and personalized support.
Objective

This manuscript reports a mixed-methods evaluation of the pilot implementation of the ¡VxM! program utilizing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Proctor’s taxonomy for process outcomes.
Methods

An explanatory sequential design was used. Quantitative methods evaluated program use, acceptability, appropriateness, and fidelity, and were followed by qualitative focus groups (FGs) to assess the implementation process and understand these outcomes. Thirteen FGs stratified by school and role, including school leaders (n = 7), program facilitators (n = 19), participants (n = 36), and researchers (n = 4), were conducted.
Results

The program was implemented in three schools, reaching 253 families with in-person workshops (40.5% of potential participants), 257 parents who viewed on average 72.1% of sent multimedia messages, and 2 families who used the personalized support (0.3%). Overall, the program was viewed as acceptable and appropriate by participants and implementers due to the high quality of program materials, targeted content, and activities. Implementation differed by schools. Key implementation factors were the outer context, inner school setting, and implementation processes.
Conclusion

This comprehensive evaluation, including both intervention implementers and participants, identified implementation facilitators, barriers, and outcomes. Future ¡VxM! implementations should alter program components of schools with lower engagement to improve program implementation and outcomes.
Analysis of Genotypic Variation and Selection of Superior Genotypes of Balanites roxburghii Planch. from South India
Authors: Yadav Guggalada Govardhana , Hosakatte Niranjana Murthy
Published: August 2021

Balanites roxburghii is an important medicinal plant of India and is used in the treatment of various diseases and disorders. Seeds possess a high amount of oil and could be used in biodiesel production. This plant is also a source of diosgenin, a therapeutically useful compound. Domestication of this plant provides opportunities for the commercial production of those valuable products. Hence the present study was planned to assess the variability of B. roxburghii in Southern India and identifying the superior genotypes based on the morphological characterization. A total of 45 accessions from 35 populations were collected and variation in 9 quantitative and 3 qualitative morphological traits related to fruits was analyzed. Fruit weight showed the highest variation, ranging from 10.23 g in the accession KA-04C to 37.69 g in TN-03. Pulp weight was ranged from 1.71 g in KA-04C to 10.24 g in TN-03. Seed kernel weight was highest in TE-04 (3.87 g) followed by KA-04A (3.21 g) and TE-05A (2.98 g). PCA analysis showed that fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, pulp weight, rind weight, and endocarp weight were the major traits contributing to the diversity. Cluster analysis resulted in the formation of 4 groups and among them, 2 accessions of clusters 3 and 6 accessions of cluster 4 showed superior fruit characters by having the highest fruit weight, pulp weight, and seed kernel weight. Accessions of these groups could be considered in future domestication programs.
Hsa-miR-1-2/miR-133a-1 Cluster Expression Silencing by DNA Hypermethylation Triggers Oncogenes Contributing to Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness
Authors: Massillo Cintia , Duca Rocío Belén , Farré Paula Lucía , Gardner Kevin , Lacunza Ezequiel , De Siervi Adriana
Published: August 2021

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is currently the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. The incidence and mortality of PCa worldwide correlate with increasing age and bad dietary habits. Previously, we investigated the mRNA/miRNA role on PCa development and progression using high fat diet (HFD) chronically fed mice models. Here our main goal was to investigate the effect of HFD on the expression of prostate cancer-related miRNAs and their relevance in PCa patients. Methods: Using microarray data from mice prostate tumors generated by TRAMP-C1 cell inoculation, we focused on the role of three candidate miRNAs (miR-133a-3p/133b/1-3p) and their target genes. Based on data from public databases, we examined the expression levels of hsa-miR-133a-3p/133b/1-3p and their correlation with clinicopathological features in PCa patients. The biological roles of hsa-miR-133a-3p/133b/1-3p and their relevant target genes were investigated by bioinformatics approaches. The promoter methylation of hsa-miR-133a-3p/133b/1-3p host genes and their correlation with mature miRNA expression was further evaluated.Results: We identified 6 up- and 18 down-regulated miRNAs in TRAMP-C1 mice prostate tumors under HFD conditions using miRNA microarrays. Target genes (1,278) of down-regulated miRNAs involved in cancer-related biological processes were identified using DIANA-TarBase and STRING databases. Three down-regulated miRNAs: hsa-miR-133a-3p, 133b and 1a-3p showed nine common target genes that negatively correlated with miRNA expression in prostate tumors from patients. Hsa-miR-133a-3p/133b/1-3p expression levels were significantly decreased in PCa compared to normal tissues and their low expression correlated with bad clinicopathological features in patients. We also examined the promoter region of hsa-miR-133a-3p/133b/1-3p encoding genes in PCa patients and then compared methylation at these loci with mature miRNA expression. This analysis revealed that hsa-miR-1-2/miR-133a-1 cluster promoter hypermethylation decreased hsa-miR-133a-3p/1-3p expression in prostate tumors. Furthermore, CENPF and WHSC1, two common hsa-miR-133a-3p/133b/1-3p target genes, were found significantly up-regulated in PCa and positively correlated with advanced clinicopathological characteristics in PCa patients.Conclusion: Our results provide an explanation for the aggressiveness of PCa and link it mechanistically to the attenuation of hsa-miR-133a-3p/133b/1-3p expression by promoter hypermethylation. Hsa-miR-133a-3p/133b/1-3p downregulation may enhance PCa aggressiveness in part by targeting CENPF and WHSC1. Therefore, hsa-miR-133a-3p/133b/1-3p might be potential therapeutic targets for lethal PCa.
A Sensitive PCR-Based Mismatch Detection Assay for Circulating Tumor DNA Enrichment and Screening
Authors: Xiong Yaming , Tang Hailing
Published: August 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Single-Cell RNA-seq Reveals LGALS1 and LAG3 as Novel Drivers of Ibrutinib Resistance in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Jin Hui , Huang Bin , Wu Zijuan , Zhu Huayuan , Tang Hanning , Wu Jiazhu , Gu Danling , Cai Yun , Wang Luqiao , Lu Xueying , Xu Wei , Li Kening , Wang Qianghu , Li Jian-Yong
Published: August 2021

BackgroundChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a highly heterogeneous malignant lymphoproliferative B-cell disorder that can be treated using ibrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor. However, the ibrutinib resistance of CLL patients has caused widespread concerns, necessitating the development of novel treatment strategies. MethodsHere, we identified lectin galactoside-binding soluble 1 (LGALS1) and lymphocyte-activating gene 3 (LAG3) as potential markers for ibrutinib-resistant CLL using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and the results were validated in an ibrutinib-resistant CLL cell line (MEC1-IR) and primary cells from CLL patients. Marker-gene expression was detected while functional analyses were conducted with or without OTX008, a selective Galectin-1 inhibitor. ScRNA-seq revealed that the biological features, gene expression profiles, and clonal signatures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with ibrutinib-resistant CLL were distinct from those displayed by PBMCs from ibrutinib-sensitive patients.ResultsA close correlation between LGALS1 and LAG3 expression was observed and these factors were found to be highly expressed in ibrutinib-resistant CLL, with diagnostic and prognostic stratification, indicating that they may serve as drivers of ibrutinib-resistant CLL. Concordantly, LGALS1 and LAG3 expression was higher in ibrutinib-resistant CLL cells and primary cells, and OTX008 suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in both cells.ConclusionLGALS1 and LAG3 gene panel is promising indicator of ibrutinib-sensitivity and prognosis marker of CLL. LGALS1 inhibitor OTX008 is effective in CLL patients, both those naïve to and those resistant to ibrutinib.
Genomic Association Between Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, Angiotensinogen And ARNT-Like Protein-1Genes With Susceptibility To Gestational Diabetes In Egyptian Women
Authors: Ashour Esmat , Gouda Weaam , Mageed Lamiaa , Okasha Ahmed , Afify Mie , Shaker Yehia M , Fawzi Olfat M
Published: August 2021

Background and aims: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is well-defined as glucose intolerance first documented during pregnancy. In the present study, we examined the possible associations between I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene, the M235T variant of angiotensinogen (AGT) gene, and the rs7950226 polymorphism of the ARNT-like protein-1 (BMAL1) gene and the risk for GDM, in Egyptian pregnant women. Subjects and methods: This study recruited 160 GDM cases and165 controls. Genomic DNA was derived from peripheral blood leukocytes and ACE gene (I/D) genotyping was performed using the method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used for identifying the M235T variant of AGT gene and the rs7950226 polymorphism of the BMAL1. Results: The II, ID, and DD genotypes of the ACE gene have significant differences in GDM compared to controls (p= 0.000 and X2= 81.77). The M235T polymorphism of the AGT gene was increased with GDM risk. Furthermore, the AA genotype of the BMAL1 rs7950226 gene was significantly related to the GDM risk (P = 0.000 and X2= 52.82). The allele frequencies of the three variants vary significantly between women with gestational diabetes mellitus and control additionally; the risk factors of body mass index (BMI), family history, hypertension, and diabetes were significantly correlated with the GDM risk with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion: The present study suggested significant associations between ACE (DD), AGT (TT), and BMAL1 rs7950226 (AA) gene polymorphisms with GDM susceptibility in Egyptian pregnant women and there was a possibility to identify that II + MM + GG as protective haplotypes and DD + TT + AA as risk haplotypes for GDM.
Characteristics of Cirrhosis Patients With Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction In China: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Cai Zhaobin
Published: August 2021

Objective: Mounting evidence links cirrhosis patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction（LVDD） has a poor prognosis. However, little is known about these particular individuals. Therefore, we conducted this cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of LVDD and its associated risk factors.Methods: Consecutive cirrhosis patient who were attending Hangzhou Xixi hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 were included in this study. According to the American Society of Echocardiography 2016 criteria, cirrhosis patients were sorted into two group: the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction(LVDD) group and left ventricular diastolic function normal(LVDDn) group. Patients’ demographic data, clinical characteristics, laboratory data were recorded. Furthermore, we conducted a multi-factor analysis.Results: A total of 398cirrhosis patients were included in the study. The incidence of LVDD in this study was 49.7% (198 cases). In this study, the mean age and BMI of the patients were 52.9±8.2 years and 23.0±3.3kg/m2，respectively. Of 398 patients, 255(64.1%) of them were males. With regard to etiology, there were 296 patients (74.4%) with hepatitis B cirrhosis and 59 patients (14.8%) with alcoholic cirrhosis. The LVDD group had higher age, higher BMI, greater frequency of ascites and esophageal varices, prolonged prothrombin time, increased international normalized ratio, increased bilirubin, increased CK and AST, and longer QT interval than the LVDDn group(p<0.05, both). In terms of echocardiography, the LVDD group had larger aortic inner diameter, left atrial inner diameter and left ventricular wall diastolic thickness than LVDDn group(p<0.05, both). The multivariate analysis showed age>55 years, BMI>24kg/m2, hepatic decompensated, QTcB>440ms were independently associated with risk of LVDD.Conclusion: The prevalence of LVDD among cirrhosis patients was 49.8%. Cirrhosis patients with LVDD had worse liver function. Further, age>55 years, BMI>24kg/m2, hepatic decompensated, QTcB>440ms were independent predictors of LVDD.
A Pseudo-SBAS Method To Invert 2D Deformations of The 2021 Central Greece Earthquake Sequence Using Multi-Track And Multi-Temporal Sentinel-1 SAR Data
Authors: Ma Zhangfeng , Liu Xiaojie , Huang Qihuan , Li Guihua , Liu Jihong , Zhou Cheng , Hu Jia , Gao Zhuang , Sha Pengcheng , Cui Yan , Qin Shuhong , Huang Teng , Gao Jiandong
Published: August 2021

Multi-track InSAR data have been widely applied to decompose 2D (East-West and Up-Down) co-seismic deformation in order to intuitively interpret the co-seismic deformation. Most of the previous efforts well studied the decomposition of single earthquake deformation using a pair of ascending and descending InSAR data. However, the deformation decomposition of multiple earthquake events in a short time period is rarely discussed and hard to implement. That's because it's hard to make sure that deformation related to each earthquake can be imaged by a pair of ascending and descending track. In this paper, a Pseudo-Small BASeline (SBAS) method is developed to decompose 2D deformation of each earthquake in a sequence event. The rationale behind is that several interferograms with different imaging geometries contain co-seismic deformation related to single or multiple earthquakes, and it provides us the opportunity to separate the 2D deformation of a single or multiple events by fusing the short temporal baseline interferograms from multi-track and multi-temporal SAR observations. The proposed method has two parts. The first part is to correct phase unwrapping errors using a compressed sensing method based on redundant SBAS interferograms. In the second part, we incorporate strain model and the conception of SBAS technique into 2D deformation decomposition. We used our proposed Pseudo-SBAS method and four tracks Sentinel-1 data to study the deformation decomposition of an earthquake sequence hit the Central Greece in March 2021. The comprehensive comparisons on synthetic and real Sentinel-1 data confirm the validity of the proposed method. The experimental results also indicate that a triggering mechanism of cascading rupture process can explain the occurrence of these three sequent earthquakes, and the decomposed post-seismic deformation of the first earthquake in EW direction move towards the opposite direction to the co-seismic deformation.
FAM96A and FAM96B Suppress Breast Cancer Proliferation and Migration via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Di-Di , Sun Xiao-Lin , Liang Zhao-Yuan , Zhang Li-Na
Published: August 2021

Background: Family with sequence similarity 96 member A and B (FAM96A and FAM96B) are two highly conserved homologous proteins belonging to MIP18 family. Many studies have shown that FAM96A and FAM96B play many different functions mainly through interacting with other different proteins. Recently, several studies show that FAM96A and FAM96B are significantly down-regulated compared in human gastrointestinal stromal tumors, colon cancer, liver cancer and gastric cancer with corresponding normal tissues. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of FAM96A and FAM96B in breast cancer development and metastasis are still unclear. In this work, we aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of FAM96A and FAM96B in breast cancer progression.Methods: We used specific siRNAs to down-regulate FAM96A and FAM96B expression, and used recombinant plasmids to up-regulate FAM96A and FAM96B expression in breast cancer cells. Cell proliferation was measured using MTT and colony formation assays. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry analysis. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to examine cell migration and invasion abilities. The relationships among FAM96A/B, EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were determined by analyzing the expression changes of classical markers and biological functional changes after XAV-939 inhibitor treatment. Results: We found that FAM96A and FAM96B expression in breast cancer was down-regulated. FAM96A/B overexpression suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration, induced cell apoptosis and led to cell cycle arrested in G0/G1 phase. Conversely, FAM96A/B knockdown exhibited the opposite effects on breast cancer cells. Moreover, our data demonstrated that FAM96A/B overexpression suppressed EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, while FAM96A/B knockdown showed the promoting effects on EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, a Wnt pathway inhibitor, XAV-939 treatment reversed the promoting effects of FAM96A and FAM96B knockdown on breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration.Conclusions: Our findings revealed that FAM96A and FAM96B may act as tumor suppressor genes and inhibit breast cancer progression via modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which can provide the potential markers for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Visceral Fat is Better Related To Liver Function and Lipid Metabolism Than Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Haiteng , Sun Guiju , Pan Youwen , Wang Bin , Wang Wei , Xia Hui
Published: August 2021

Objective: The role of visceral fat area (VFA) in the metabolism of lipid and liver function was not known. To compare and evaluate the correlation of VFA, waist circumference (WC) and Body mass index (BMI) measured by Bioelectrical impedance (BIA) in terms of lipid metabolism and liver function. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve), optimum cut-off points and odds ratio (OR) for liver function and lipid metabolism variables were recommended.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the subjects with the diagnose of obesity, including normal, overweight and obesity groups Direct Segmental Multi-Frequency Biolectrical Impedance technology was used to analysze body composition and biochemical indicators were tested. Participants were divided into normal and unnormal groups by lipid and liver indicators, cut off value of VFA and related variables was calculated by ROC analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted. Results: Ninety-five participants were enrolled in this study, fifty-seven (60%) were male, and the average age was thirty-four years old. Compared with normal group, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotien (LDL) disorder groups have a higher VFA (normal HDL group 87.3cm2< unnormal HDL group 115.8cm2; normal LDL group 90.5cm2< unnormal LDL group 109.0cm2, p<0.05). VFA was higher in the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) disorder group than in the normal, and the difference was significant (144.6cm2>96.2cm2, p=0.016). BMI, WC and VFA values was manifested positively correlated to glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), respectively. Area under the curve (AUC) of VFA was over than 0.7 revealed great ability of related to lipid HDL metabolism (p=0.004). VFA (AUC= 0.701, 95% CI 0.577-0.826, p =0.004) provides a better diagnostic accuracy to distinguish between HDL disorder and normal groups. The optimal cut-off value for VFA was 80.2cm2 with 81.3% sensitivity and 56.8% specificity. For LDH disorder, a cut-off value of VFA 125.3 cm2 shows a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 78.9% (AUC=0.792, 95% CI 0.595-0.989, p=0.019). The risk of lipid metabolism disorder and liver dysfunction were explored, and Multivariate analysis showed that VFA>80.2cm2 (OR=2.81, p=0.034) was a significantly risk factor related to HDL disorder and VFA>125.3cm2 (OR=18.75, P=0.01) was the risk factor for LDH disorder. While, WC and BMI wasn’t in the regression equation.Conclusion: VFA was more reliable and related to the lipid metabolism and liver function. VFA could be used as an independent indicator for the evaluation of the risk lipid metabolism disorder and liver dysfunction.
Extraction of Nanocrystals from Millet (Eleusine Coracana) Husk Waste : Optimization using Box Behnken Design Method in Response Surface Methodology (Rsm)
Authors: Musamba Banza , Rutto Hilary
Published: August 2021

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have unique and diverse applications in the various fields of developing nanomaterials. In this work, cellulose nanocrystals were extracted from millet husk residue waste using a homogenized acid hydrolysis method. The effects of the process variables namely; homogenization speed, acid concentration and acid to cellulose ratio on the yield and swelling capacity were investigated and optimized using the Box Behnken design method in response surface methodology. The cellulose and nano-cellulose obtained were characterized using transform infrared microscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The numerical optimization analysis results showed that the maximum yield of CNCs from cellulose was 93.12 % and obtained at homogenization speed, acid concentration, and acid to cellulose ratio of 7464.0 rpm, 63.40 wt %, and 18.83 wt % respectively. The maximum swelling capacity of 2.81 % was obtained at homogenization speed, acid concentration, and acid to cellulose ratio of 8000 rpm, 62.5 wt %, and 25 wt % respectively. A mathematical model was obtained to predict the yield and the swelling capacity of cellulose nanocrystals with R2 of the value of 98.9 % and 97.9% respectively. The TGA showed that the thermal stability of cellulose was higher than that of CNCs, FTIR results showed functional groups of CNCs and cellulose were similar, SEM image of CNCs is porous and displayed narrow particle size and needle-like morphology as compared to cellulose and XRD pattern presented an increase in the intensity of CNCs.
Experimental Analysis of Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of Soft and Hard Coals With Same Coalification
Authors: Ullah Barkat , Cheng Yuanping , Wang Liang , Yang Weihua , Jiskani Izhar Mithal , Hu Biao
Published: August 2021

Accurate and quantitative investigation of the physical structure and fractal geometry of coal has important theoretical and practical significance for coal bed methane and the prevention of dynamic disasters such as coal and gas outbursts. This study investigates the pore structure and fractural characteristics of soft and hard coals using nitrogen and carbon dioxide (N2/CO2) adsorption. Coal samples from Pingdingshan Mine in Henan province of China were collected and pulverized to the required size (0.2-0.25mm). N2/CO2 adsorption tests were performed to evaluate the pore size distribution (PSD), specific surface area (SSA), and pore volume (PV). The pore structure was characterized based on fractural theory. The results unveiled that the strength of coal has a significant influence on pore structure and fracture dimensions. The obvious N2-adsorption isotherms of the coals were verified as Type IV (A) and Type II. The shape of the hysteresis loops indicates the presence of slit-shaped pores. There are significant differences in SSA and PV between both coals. The soft coal showed larger SSA and PV than hard coal that shows consistency with adsorption capacity. The fractal dimensions of soft coal are respectively larger than that of hard coal. The greater the value of D1 (complexity of pore surface) of soft coal is, the larger the pore surface roughness and gas adsorption capacity is. The results enable us to conclude that the characterization of pores and fractures of soft and hard coals is different, tending to different adsorption/desorption characteristics and outburst sensitivity. In this regard, results provide a reference for formulating corresponding coal and gas outburst prevention and control measures.
Purification and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds Extracted from Suaeda Maritima Leaf and its Impact on Pathogenicity of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Catla Catla Fingerlings
Authors: G Beulah , D Divya , N.S. Sampath Kumar , M.V.N. Sravya , K Govinda Rao , Chintagunta Anjani Devi , G Divya , S Hari Chandana , Dantu Blessy Beulah , PALLI SIMHACHALAM GULLI
Published: August 2021

Incidence of various dreadful microbial infections and the development of antibiotic resistance by infection causative microbes are the main reasons for reducing aquaculture productivity. Hence, there is an immense need for the discovery of alternative and efficient treatment for quick recovery of diseased fishes. In the present study, Suaeda maritima leaf extracts (hexane, diethyl ether, ethanol, and water) were screened for in vitro and in vivo antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Out of all the four extracts, ethanolic extract showed highest antibacterial activity against S.aureus (4.9±1.3 mm), B.subtilis (1.6±0.3 mm), K.pneumonia (4.2±1.8 mm), and P.aeruginosa (4.1±1.2 mm). Similarly, antioxidant activity was also higher for ethanolic extract (500 µg/ml) based on DPPH radical scavenging ability (71.6±1.4 %) and reducing potential (149 μg/mL) assays. Further, ethanolic extract was purified consecutively via column chromatography and preparative TLC where an active fraction was selected based on highest antibacterial (10.1±1.4 mm) and antioxidant properties (82.3±2.8 %). Active fraction was loaded onto mass spectroscopy and identified the presence of four active constituents such as 1,2,9,10-tetramethoxy-6-methyl-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinolin-3-yl) methanol; 3',7-Dimethoxy-3-hydroxyflavone; Saponin and (19R)9acetyl19hydroxy10,14dimethyl20oxopentacyclo[11.8.0.0<2,10>.0<4,9>.0<14,19>]henicos-17-yl-acetate. Besides, in vivo studies were conducted on Catla catla fingerlings infected with P. aeruginosa under laboratory conditions. The fingerlings were segregated into 5 groups, among which group 4 and 5 were treated with crude and purified extracts. Both the extracts were efficient in treating infected fingerlings and recorded 100% survival rate which is even better than group-3 treated with a synthetic antibiotic (77%). Hence, S. maritima leaf extract can be considered as a possible alternative medicine in aquaculture
In Vitro Assessment of Anthelmintic Activities of AgO Nanoparticle in Comparison to Closantel Against Liver Fluke Dicrocoelium Dendriticum
Authors: Arbabi Mohsen , Haddad Atefeh , HosseipourMashkani Seyed Mostafa , Hooshyar Hossein
Published: August 2021

Background: Dicrocoeliasis is a rare Food-Born parasitic disease of the grazing herbivores as well humans, caused by Dicrocoelium dendriticum making severe pathological changes of the liver and bile systems, and therapeutic options for treatment are limited. With the appearance of drug resistance in liver flukes, there is a need to focus on alternative approaches to control helminth parasites of veterinary importance. Because of low-performance medications; drug delivery poses a great challenge for better treatment of Dicrocoeliasis. The current study aims to determine the anthelmintic properties of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO) as a new method in dicrocoeliasis treatment, in vitro assay.Methods: The impacts of various concentrations of AgO nanoparticles (50-200 µg/ml) for 12-24 hours were compared with the Closantel, as the chemical drug. The anthelmintic efficacy was measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique.Results: SEM images of treated worms by AgO (200 µg/ml) showed severe damage, including complete loss of sensory papillae and destruction of prominent network structures and tegument vesicles. The mortality rates how the anthelmintic properties of AgO were highly relied on time and concentration, as far as increasing the time and concentration cause increasing the mortality rate. According to the MTT assay, the toxicity of AgO, at concentrations, 800 µg/ml is 8.7 %. Conclusions: Hence, it could be concluded that AgO NPs performed anthelmintic properties effects. To the best of our knowledge, no previous reports have assessed the effect of AgO NP on liver fluke D.dendriticum. Therefore, the present study provides a basis for future research on the control of this common trematode.
The short chain fatty acid butyrate prevents intracellular replication of Legionella by regulating cysteine levels in macrophages
Authors: Abraham Gilu , Swaminathan Angavai , Barlow Christopher , Nguyen Thanh , Bhuvan Tejasvini , Heng Tracy , Lazarou Michael , Kapetanovic Ronan , Sweet Matthew , Traven Ana , Creek Darren , Beilharz Traude , Marino Eliana , Naderer Thomas
Published: August 2021

Macrophages can prevent infections from intracellular pathogens by restricting access to essential nutrients, termed nutritional immunity. With the exception of tryptophan depletion, it is unclear if other amino acids are similarly regulated in infected macrophages. Here, we show that the expression of nutrient transporters in Legionella-infected macrophages is modulated by the short chain fatty acid butyrate. Butyrate prevented the upregulation of the cystine/glutamate exchanger, Slc7a11, in macrophages infected with L. pneumophila, which decreased cellular cysteine levels. Butyrate and the Slc7a11 inhibitor erastin impaired intracellular Legionella replication in macrophages in vitro, with these being restored by exogenous supplementation with cysteine. Butyrate caused increased histone acetylation in infected macrophages, and pan- and class II HDAC inhibitors also restricted intracellular Legionella growth in a cysteine-dependent manner. Intranasal administration of butyrate reduced L. pneumophila lung burdens in mice. Our data suggest that butyrate alters the metabolism of macrophages to promote nutritional immunity by decreasing cysteine levels and that this can be harnessed to treat bacterial lung infections.
Evaluation of an Ultrasound-Guided Palpation Intervention for Palpation Skill Training: A Single-Blind, Parallel Group, Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Kitagawa Takashi , Aoki Yuma , Sugimoto Hotaka , Ozaki Natsumi
Published: August 2021

Although there are increasing reports on the usefulness of sonopalpation with ultrasound imaging, many previous studies have reported interventions without a control group. This single-blind, parallel group randomised controlled trial aimed to determine whether educational instruction with sonopalpation for medical students has a superior effect on skill improvement than traditional instruction without ultrasonography. Twenty-nine medical students participated in the study and were randomised using block randomisation into an ultrasound imaging group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 14). Then, they underwent three training sessions focusing on the shoulder joint. Participants underwent a scoring assessment of their palpation skills at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up 3 months after training. The raters were blinded to the subjects’ group. The Friedman and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. The intervention group showed a significant increase in scores at post-intervention and at the 3-month follow-up when compared with the pre-intervention group (p < 0.05); the effect sizes were large (0.849 and 0.849, respectively). A comparison of the scores at different time points after the intervention at the 3-month follow-up revealed that there was no significant difference between the groups. Education using ultrasound images may improve the sonopalpation skills of medical students.
Antimicrobial Activity of Bacteriocin Produced By a New Lactobacillus Curvatus sp.LAB-3H Isolated From Traditional Yogurt
Authors: Heidari Zahra , Ghasemi Mohammad Faezi , Modiri Leila
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the use of bacteriocin-producing Lactobacillus species has received much attention in different areas including using as probiotics, food preservation, and as broad antimicrobial spectrum activity. In this study, a bacteriocin-producing Lactobacillus strain was isolated from traditional yogurt. The isolate was identified by morphological, biochemical,16S rRNA analysis, and designated as Lactobacillus curvatus LAB-3H. The primary antimicrobial activity of the isolate was evaluated on Micrococcus luteus PTCC 1408 by the agar gel diffusion method. The growth of L. curvatus LAB-3H in MRS broth at 37°C and its antimicrobial activity against Lactobacillus casei ATCC 39392 was evaluated. In batch culture analysis, bacteriocin production starts at the early exponential growth phase and continues to the middle of the stationary phase about (660 AU/ml) at 28h and pH 3.8. Bacteriocin produced by L. curvatus LAB-3H showed antibacterial activity against some selected foodborne pathogens including; Listeria monocytogenes PTCC1294, Bacillus cereus PTCC1857, Staphylococcus aureus PTCC1917 and, Escherichia coli PTCC1276. For purification of bacteriocin, ammonium sulfate precipitation and cation exchange chromatography methods were used. The maximum antimicrobial activity observed was about 3985.15 AU/mg of protein, which was a 249.22-fold increase, and 5.21% yield compared with that in the cell-free supernatant. The molecular weight of bacteriocin was approximately 55 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The obtained results in this study demonstrate that bacteriocin from L. curvatus LAB-3H is a potential candidate for controlling microbial contaminations and can be used in different sectors such as food industries.
Identification of An Immune-related Signature in Predicting Prognosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Li Qilin , Meng Xinyao , Chen Weimin , Chen Xin , Mao Jing
Published: August 2021

Background: Immunotherapy is one of the most promising treatment strategies in cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aims to identify an immune-related signature to predict clinical outcomes of OSCC patients. Methods: Gene transcriptome data of OSCC tumour and normal tissues and corresponding clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Tumor Immune Estimation Resource algorithm (ESTIMATE) was used to calculate the immune/stromal-related scores. The immune/stromal scores and associated clinical characteristics of OSCC patients were evaluated. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator (LASSO) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the prognostic prediction capacity. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Ontology (GO) function annotation were used to analysis the functions of TME related genes.Results: 11 predictor genes were identified in the immune-related signature and overall survival (OS) in the high-risk group significantly shorter than the low-risk group. ROC analysis showed the TME related signature has well ability of predicting the total OS of OSCC patients. What’s more, GSEA and GO function annotation proved that immunity and immune-related pathways are mainly enriched in the high-risk group.Conclusions: We identified an immune-related signature that was closely correlated with the prognosis and immune response to OSCC patients. This signature may have important implications for improving the clinical survival rate of OSCC patients and provide a potential strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
Operational Challenges that May Affect Implementation of Evidence-Based Interventions at Mobile Produce Markets
Authors: Kasprzak Christina , Lally Anne , Schoonover Julia J. , Gallicchio Deanna , Haynes-Maslow Lindsey , Vermont Leah N. , Ammerman Alice S. , Raja Samina , Tumiel-Berhalter Laurene , Tirabassi Jill N. , Leone Lucia A.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Mobile produce markets are becoming an increasingly prevalent, accepted, and effective strategy for improving fruit and vegetable (F&V) access and consumption across underserved and lower-income communities. However, there is limited published research on mobile market operations. The goal of this research is to identify the challenges mobile markets face and ways to potentially mitigate those challenges. We will also discuss implications of our findings on implementation of evidence-based interventions for mobile produce markets. Methods: We conducted 21 semi-structured key informant (KI) interviews to assess common practices of mobile market organizations that had been operating for 2 + years. We asked KIs about their organizational structure, operations, procurement and logistics, evaluation efforts, marketing and community engagement, success and challenges. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by two independent coders using ATLAS.ti 8.0 qualitative software. A secondary qualitative analysis identified subthemes related to common challenges and remedial practices. An inductive coding process was applied to match identified challenges to the appropriate Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results: The leading challenges cited by KIs correspond to the CFIR domains of inner setting (e.g., funding and resources), outer setting (e.g., navigating regulations), and process (e.g. engaging community partnership). Practices that may mitigate challenges include maximizing ancillary services, adopting innovative volunteer and staffing structures, and formalizing agreements with community partners. Conclusion: Common and persistent challenges ought to be addressed to ensure and enhance the positive public health impacts of mobile produce markets. Contextual factors, particularly organizational factors, that impact implementation should also be considered when implementing an evidence-based-intervention at a mobile market. Further research is needed to determine which innovative solutions are the most effective in mitigating challenges, improving implementation, and enhancing sustainability of mobile markets.
Control-Oriented Modeling Of A Thermal Engine Based On A Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Banta Nelson Junior Issondj , Offole Florence , Essola Dieudonne , Yotchou Vidal Giovani Tchato , Abbe Claude Valery Ngayihi , Mouangue Ruben
Published: August 2021

The work carried out in this paper focused on "control-oriented modeling of a thermal engine using a deep learning approach". The goal of this work is to develop a neural network model of a thermal engine and to make a prediction of parameters related to engine management and directly impacting pollutant emissions and fuel consumption. For it, data was taken from an experimentation engine and made it possible to make maps of its operation. These maps enabled the calibration of a Simulink model of a thermal engine. Through a systems identification approach, the temporal response of the motor was estimated and made it possible to develop a database which was used for the training the LSTM artificial neural network. The work carried out showed that the learning phase of the neural network proceeded in a consistent way (overall decrease in cost functions) and converged towards a value of RMSE = 1.09 better than those observed in the literature. The resulting neural engine model made it possible to predict several variables (fuel mass flow rate and pollutant mass flow rates) with acceptable residual errors. These results reveal that the neural model obtained correctly predicts the said variables and can therefore be used in closed-loop simulations of the operation of a vehicle or for a context of simulation of the operation of the engine.
RNF208 is a Biomarker Associated with Immune Infiltration in Low-Grade Gliomas
Authors: cheng tong , Xu Manyu , Wu Bowen , Jiang Sutian , Wu Qianqian , Zhang Xiaojing
Published: August 2021

Background: Gliomas that contain common tumors originating in the central nervous system include low-grade gliomas (LGGs) and high-grade gliomas (HGGs). RNF208 is a gene that has not been researched in LGGs. Methods: Our study appraised the function of RNF208 in LGGs using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The RNF208 expression level was analyzed via the Oncomine and TCGA database. The association between RNF208 expression levels and the clinical survival outcomes was evaluated by using COX regression and Kaplan-Meier plotting analysis. CIBERSORT was applied to investigate the correlation between RNF208 expression levels and cancer immune infiltrating cells. To explore relevant biological processes, we carried out Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. A protein network interacting with RNF208 was also established using the STRING tool. Results: A group of data of LGGs patients based on the TCGA database revealed that high RNF208 expression level was relevant to a favorable prognosis. Besides, RNF208 expression that served as an independent factor was significantly correlated with WHO grade groups in univariate analysis. Furthermore, RNF208 expression was negatively correlated with the immune infiltration level of 22 species of immune infiltrating cells and immune checkpoints including PD1, PDL2, TIM3, and CTLA4. GSEA showed that 20 biological pathways were discriminatively enriched in the RNF208 low expression level. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that RNF208 would be regarded as a promising prognostic biomarker in LGGs.