bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PNU-74654 enhanced the antiproliferative activity of gemcitabine via targeting Wnt/β-catenin Pathway in Pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sharifi Sajjad , Rahmani Farzad , Nosrati-Tirkani Abolfazl , Mehrabadi Shima , Fiuji Hamid , Khazaei Majid , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Rajabian Majid , Boromand Nadia , Parizade Seyed Mohammad Reza , Ferns Gordon A , avan Amir
Published: September 2021

Background : The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is dysregulated in pancreatic cancer and is reported to be associated with poor prognosis, indicating the need for identification of novel agents to improve the efficacy of current therapy or have better activity. Therefore in the present study we explored the anticancer activity of PNU-74654 alone or in combination with gemcitabine in 2 and 3 dimensional cell culture model of pancreatic cancer. Methods: The MTT assay was applied to determine the viability of PC cancerous cells (PCC), while the cytotoxicity of this agent was evaluated in 3D cell culture model (spheroid). The effects of PNU-74654 was investigated in established cell migration/invasion assays. Result: The expression of candidate genes affecting the cell cycle, migration, and Wnt/b-catenin pathway was evaluated at mRNA and/or proteins by RT-PCR or Western blot. PNU-74654 inhibited the cell growth at IC50 of 122±0.4 umol/L, and had a synergistic effect on the antiproliferative properties of gemcitabine by modulating the Wnt pathway. The PNU-74654/gemcitabine combination reduced the migratory and invasiveness of PC cells, compared to control cells through perturbation of E-cadherin. Conclusion: In aggregate our findings demonstrated the profound antitumor properties of PNU-74654 in pancreatic cancer, supporting further studies to evaluate the therapeutic impact of this novel therapy to target Wnt pathway in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Dolutegravir Reported Adverse Drug Reactions: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Wadesango Lesley , Wiafe Ebenezer , Padayachee Neelaveni , Mensah Kofi , Bangalee Varsha
Published: September 2021

Background: Until recently, the first-line regimen for the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was Tenofovir (TDF)-Emtricitabine (FTC) and Efavirenz (EFV). However, the use of EFV has now been limited due to adverse neurosensory effects and a low genetic barrier to resistance. This regimen has been replaced by the Dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimen since DTG has a high genetic barrier to resistance. Studies have reported a higher risk of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS), weight gain, insomnia, and neural tube defects amongst people who received DTG. This review aims to assess the adverse drug reaction (ADR) profile of Dolutegravir by identifying and classifying Dolutegravir-associated adverse drug reactions.Methods: Studies will be identified from an electronic database search. Studies that are potentially eligible will be selected through screening. Two team members will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data; conflicts will be resolved through discussion. The (PRISMA-P) flow diagram that outlines all phases of screening and reasons for exclusion will be used during the selection process. After the selection of the final study sample, a data extraction form will be used as a collection tool. The data will be entered into Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager (RevMan 5.2) for storage and management. All the evidence gathered will be assessed for bias through the use of the Risk of Bias tool RoB 2.0 of Cochrane Collaboration. Reported ADRs will then be classified. We will also provide data for the effect of different demographic factors on ADRs as well as the effects of co-administration of DTG with other drugs on ADRs. We will additionally provide information on how Dolutegravir use in different regimens affects the ADRs. Results from the review will be summarized quantitatively through meta-analysis. A forest plot will be used to present results from the meta-analysis. Conclusion: A review of existing studies will aid in establishing the safety profile of this drug. This review will make significant contributions to healthcare practice. It will aid in improving prescribers' and dispensers’ knowledge of the drug. Additionally, it will also aid in patient education of the potential ADRs to DTG.Systematic review registration DOI: doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Z9YAF
Effectiveness of Person-centred Integrated Care for Community-dwelling People With Hypertension and Diabetes in High-income Countries: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tu Qiang , Xiao Lily , Hyun Karice , Lin Shuanglan , Fuller Jeffrey , Hafiz Nashid , Mohammadi Leila , Redfern Julie
Published: September 2021

Background: Hypertension and diabetes are two of the high prevalent non-communicable diseases. Inadequate care coordination among health systems and between health professionals as well as limited self-care capability of patients lead to the suboptimal care for people with hypertension and diabetes. Person-centred integrated care aiming to address these three levels of barriers has been proposed by World Health Organization as a global strategy to enhance the quality of care for people with chronic diseases. However, the effectiveness and characteristics of integrated care for community-dwelling people with hypertension and diabetes has not been systematically assessed.Methods: A systematic literature search will be conducted in seven databases including MEDLINE, Emcare, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library of systematic reviews, Scopus and ProQuest. Additional studies will be identified through manual searching of reference lists and grey literatures. Quantitative studies (e.g. randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized trials, before-and-after studies) evaluating the effects of integrated care for community-dwelling people with hypertension and diabetes will be included. Primary outcomes will be systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Secondary outcomes will include the proportion of patients achieving target blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, blood lipid, treatment adherence, health knowledge, mortality, quality of life, hospitalisation, emergency department use, patient satisfaction, adverse events and caregiver burden. Two reviewers will independently screen articles, extract data and assess study quality. Methodological quality of the selected studies will be assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Disagreements will be resolved through team discussion. Random effects model will be used for data synthesis if feasible.Discussion: This systematic review will summarise the evidence regarding the overall effectiveness, core components and implementation mechanism of integrated care interventions for people with hypertension and diabetes. Findings from the review will provide crucial evidence to inform the development of health policy, clinical practice and health resources to relieve the burden of hypertension and diabetes on healthcare systems.Registration: The protocol is registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42021271338)
Rock2 Regulates Proliferation and Differentiation of Chondrocytes in Osteoarthritis through β-catenin Signaling
Authors: Hao Liang , Chen Jun , Shang Xiliang , Yang Wu , Chen Shiyi
Published: September 2021

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) adversely affects quality of life of elderly patients and is among hotspots and challenges of current research efforts. However, mechanism of occurrence and development of OA has not been fully elucidated. MethodsThrough qRT-PCR and Western blot assays, the current study established that levels of Rock2, a key protein in Rho signaling pathway, were significantly higher in OA cartilage. Furthermore, the current study explored effect of down-regulating Rock2 expression on growth and apoptosis of cartilage cells using CCK-8, Edu and Flow cytometry assays. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S (ARS) assays were then used to determine differentiation effects.ResultsFindings showed that expression of Rock2 is closely related to proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of chondrocytes. Furthermore, the current study confirmed that Rock2 affects growth and differentiation of chondrocytes by activating β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusionthe current study provided novel insights to targeted therapy of OA.
Spatial Heterogeneity Analysis of Soil Heavy Metals in Chongqing City Based on Different Interpolation Methods
Authors: Chen Wende , Cai Yankun , Wei Jun , Zhu Kun
Published: September 2021

Heavy metal pollution in urban soil is an important indicator of environmental pollution, which is of great significance to the sustainable development of cities. Choosing the best interpolation method can accurately reflect the distribution characteristics and pollution characteristics of heavy metals in soil, which is conducive to effective management and implementation of protection strategies. In this study, the grid sampling with a depth of 40cm was carried out in the whole study area based on the principle of uniform sampling, and the characteristics of As, Cu and Mn elements in the soil of the main urban area of Chongqing were investigated. The interpolation accuracy and difference of results of four interpolation methods, namely ordinary Kriging (OK), inverse distance weighting (IDW), local polynomial (LPI) and radial basis function (RBF), were analyzed and compared. The results showed that the average values of As (5.802 mg kg-1), Cu (23.992 mg kg-1) and Mn (573.316 mg kg-1) in the soil of the study area were lower than the background values of heavy metals in Chongqing. Coefficient of variation showed that As (55.71%), Cu (35.73%) and Mn (32.21%) all belonged to moderate variation. The parameters of semi-variance function theory model show that Cu element belongs to moderate spatial correlation, and As and Mn element have strong spatial correlation. The spatial distribution of the three elements was further predicted by using OK method, IDW method, LPI method and RBF method, which showed that LPI and OK method had strong smoothing effect and could not reflect the information of local point source pollution, while the interpolation results of IDW method and RBF method greatly retained the maximum and minimum information of element content, which reflected the necessity of using different methods when studying the spatial distribution of soil properties.
Evaluation of Indonesian Anti-obesity Traditional Medicinal Plants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Pancreatic Lipase Inhibition Activity
Authors: Hasim Hasim , Faridah Didah Nur , Afandi Frendy Ahmad , Qomaliyah Eka Nurul
Published: September 2021

BackgroundResearches and publication discussing performance of medicinal plants as anti-obesity have proliferated in recent years. In the view of ethnopharmacology, empiric evidence of Indonesian medicinal plants in management of obesity is widely accepted. In attempt to find anti-obesity agent, it is evidenced that the disorder can be resolved through inhibition of pancreatic lipase since the mechanism allowed to retard absorption of fat into cells. This current work aimed to screen Indonesian medicinal plants by using ethnopharmacology and meta-analysis approaches, emphasizing their ability to deal with obesity via pancreatic lipase inhibition. MethodsThe study followed two stages, i.e. systematic review and meta-analysis. Data from 6 scientific (Scopus, Science Direct, Proquest, Ebsco, Cengage Library and Emerald) were collected, screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The eligibility of the trials was determined according to criteria as follows: (1) design for lipase inhibition experiments; (2) population in all researches using in vitro protocols for antiobesity in last 10 years; (3) intervention for comparison between lipase inhibition IC50 properties of selected medicinal plants and orlistat; and (4) data adequacy enabling to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Further, all published papers we reviewed were written in English. Furthermore, steps of meta-analysis were performed on the selected data. Extraction of data in these articles collected number of samples, average values and standard deviation of IC50. The values focused on IC50 of samples in inhibiting lipase activities performed by plant extracts and orlistat as control. ResultA total 10 selected data meet the inclusion criteria. Morever these plant can be found and common as traditional medicine plant in Indonesia ConclusionAs the results, there were top 10 anti-obesity medicinal plants as follows: i.e. kelor (Moringa oleifera) leaves, kemangi (Ocimum basilicum) leaves, asam jawa (Tamarindus indica) leaves, asam gelugur (Garcinia atroviridis) fruit, lengkuas (Alpinia galanga) rhizome, and kencur (Kaempferia galanga) rhizome, kumis kucing (Orthosipon aristatus) leaves, jambu biji leaves (Psidium guajava leavaes), serai wangi (Cymbopogon nardus) and kayu secang (Caesalpinia sappan).
Transcriptome Analysis of gene in Mouse M-1 cells revealing the functional mechanism of Astragali radix extract
Authors: Wang Bing , Feng Qian , zhang chao , Chen Yuming , Chen Yu , Teng Jie , Cai Zhongzhen , Li Mengmei , Wang Lin , Zhao Yanpeng , Bai Xuemei
Published: September 2021

Background
Astragali Radix (AR),the dried root of legumes, belongs to the Qi- invigorating herbs in traditional Chinese medicine and plays an important role in the treatment of many diseases. In order to understand the mechanism of action of AR extract, we used AR extract to treat M-1, mouse kidney cells, and used transcriptome sequencing technology to detect the genomic transcription level of the cells under the action of AR at different concentrations and times.
Result
The results showed that after a low concentration of AR treatments on the cells, the expression of genes related to cell growth and cellular immune response changed significantly, among which multiple genes are related to mitochondrial function, while high concentrations of AR affected the expression of histones and disease-related genes. It showed that the low concentration of AR extract can achieve the effect of invigorating Qi by regulating the function of mitochondria. In addition, several important genes and pathways were identified as potential targets of AR activation.
Conclusion
The research not only clarified the main molecular biological mechanism of AR invigorating Qi, but also provided experimental basis and cellular physiology reference for the further clinical application of AR.
Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental study for the mechanisms of Qishen Yiqi Pills against Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Zhao Jie-wen , Liu Hai-dong , Man Ming-yin , Wang Lv-ya , Li Ning , Zhao Jing , Cheng Wen-li , Yu Kai-jiang
Published: September 2021

Background

Qishen Yiqi Pills (QSYQP) is a traditional Chinese compound recipe. However, our understanding of its mechanism has been hindered due to the complexity of its components and targets. In this work, the network pharmacology-based approaches were used to explore QSYQP’s pharmacological mechanism on treating cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
Results

From ETCM and TCM MESH databases we collected QSYQP’s 333 active components and their 674 putative targets. We constructed the sub-network influence by CVD genes and found that 40% QSYQP targets appeared in 20 modules, in which QSYQP’s targets and CVD genes co-existed as hub nodes in the sub-network. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that the 42 key targets were mainly expressed in platelets, blood vessels, cardiomyocytes, and other tissues. The main signaling pathways regulated and controlled by the key targets were inflammation, immunity, blood coagulation and energy metabolism. Network and pathway analysis identified 7 key targets, which were regulated by 7 compounds of QSYQP. 26 of the 42 important targets, including the 7 key targets were verified by literature mining. Twelve pairs of interactions between key targets and QSYQP’s compounds were validated by molecular docking. Further validation experiments suggested that QSYQP suppressed H/R induced apoptosis and cytoskeleton disruption of cardiomyocytes. Western blotting showed that the expression of cardiovascular diseases-related genes including ACTC1, FoxO1 and DIAPH1 was significantly decreased by establishing the hypoxia-reoxygenation model in vitro, while the protein expression of experimental group was significantly increased by adding QSYQP or its ingredients.
Conclusion

These results indicated the correlation of QSYQP treatment to the therapeutic effects of CVD. At the molecular level, this study revealed the multicomponent and multitargeting mechanisms of QSYQP in the regulation and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, potentially providing a reference for the further utilization of QSYQP.
How do we engage people in testing for COVID-19? A rapid qualitative evaluation of a testing programme in schools, GP surgeries and a university
Authors: Watson Daniella , Baralle Natalia Laverty , Alagil Jawahr , Anil Krithika , Ciccognani Sandy , Dewar-Haggart Rachel , Fearn Sarah , Groot Julia , Knowles Kathryn , Meagher Claire , McGrath Carmel , Muir Sarah , Musgrove Jo , Glyn-Owen Kate , Woods-Townsend Kath , Mortimore Andrew , Roderick Paul , Baird Janis , Inskip Hazel , Godfrey Keith , Barker Mary
Published: September 2021

Background
The UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) emphasises the need for high levels of engagement with communities and individuals to ensure the effectiveness of any COVID-19 testing programme. A novel pilot health surveillance programme to assess the feasibility of weekly community RT-LAMP testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus using saliva samples collected at home was developed and piloted by the University of Southampton and Southampton City Council.
Methods
Rapid qualitative evaluation was conducted to explore experiences of those who took part in the programme, of those who declined and of those in the educational and healthcare organisations involved in the pilot testing who were responsible for roll-out. This included 77 interviews and 20 focus groups with 223 staff, students, pupils and household members from four schools, one university, and one community healthcare NHS trust. The insights generated informed the design and modification of the Southampton COVID-19 Saliva Testing Programme and the next phase of community-testing.
Results
Conversations revealed that high levels of communication, trust and convenience were necessary to ensure people’s engagement with the programme. This suggests community leaders and stakeholder organisations should be involved throughout programme development and implementation to optimise these features of the testing.
Conclusions
Participants’ and stakeholders’ motivations, challenges and concerns need to be understood and these insights used to modify the programme in a continuous, real-time process to ensure and sustain engagement with testing over the extended period necessary.
Fabrication of n-ZnO/p-Si++ Hetero-junction Devices for Hydrogen Detection: Effect of Annealing Temperature
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Rawal Ishpal , Kumar Vipin
Published: September 2021

In the present study, we reports the fabrication of n-ZnO/p-Si++ hetero-junction devices for the detection of hydrogen leakage in ambient air environment. For the fabrication of n-ZnO/p-Si++ hetero-junction devices, high quality ZnO thin films are grown by controlled thermal evaporation technique on the highly doped p-type silicon substrates at 400 oC. The two sets of films deposited at 400 o C are further annealed at 500 and 600 oC to examine the effect of annealing temperature on the structural, morphology, electrical and gas sensing properties of the deposited films. It is revealed from the x-ray diffraction studies that the crystallite size, and the density of the films increase from 22.55 to 24.95 nm, from 5.65 to 5.68 g/cm3, respectively, on increasing the fabrication temperature from 400 to 600 oC. In contrast to it, the grain boundary specific surface area decrease from 8.79 x107 to 7.88 x107 m-1 on changing the fabrication temperature from 400 to 600 oC. The hydrogen gas sensing response of the fabricated devices has also been recorded at different operating temperatures and different hydrogen concentrations (200 to 1000ppm) in air ambient. It is found that the gas sensing response of the fabricated devices increase with increase in operating temperature (up to 100 oC) and decease beyond this temperature. The gas sensing responses of the devices fabricated at 400, 500 and 600 oC are found to be 97.22, 64.23 and 40.77 % at 1000 ppm of hydrogen. A decrease in gas sensing response with fabrication temperature is attributed to the increase in crystallite size (quantum size effect), density of films (i.e. lower penetration) and decrease in grain boundary specific surface area (i.e. active sites) with annealing temperature. The mechanism of the gas sensing in these devices has also been systematically analyzed under different models.
Evaluation and Validation of a Prediction Model for Extubation Success in Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Dryer Rebecca , Salem Anand , Saroha Vivek , Greenberg Rachel , Rysavy Matthew , Chawla Sanjay , Patel Ravi
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of a publicly available model predicting extubation success in very preterm infants.Study DesignRetrospective study of infants born < 1250 g at a single center. Model performance evaluated using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) and comparing observed and expected probabilities of extubation success, defined as survival ≥ 5 d without an endotracheal tube.ResultsOf 177 infants, 120 (68%) were extubated successfully. The median (IQR) gestational age was 27 weeks (25–28) and weight at extubation was 915 g (755–1050). The model had acceptable discrimination (AUROC 0.72 [95% CI 0.65–0.80]) and adequate calibration (calibration slope 0.96, intercept − 0.06, mean observed-to-expected difference in probability of extubation success − 0.08 [95% CI -0.01, -0.15]).ConclusionsThe extubation success prediction model has acceptable performance in an external cohort, supporting its potential utility in clinical decision-making. Additional studies are needed to determine if its use can improve outcomes.
Insulin-Related Lipohypertrophy: Ultrasound Characteristics, Risk factors, and Impact of Glucose Fluctuations
Authors: Lin Yiyang , Wang Wei , Hong Junfeng , Zeng Hua
Published: September 2021

BackgroundLipohypertrophy (LHT) has been suggested as an outcome of adipogenic effects of insulin injection-related tissue trauma. It is common clinically, but the current understanding of LHT by medical staff and diabetic patients is still insufficient, and it has not attracted attention as a research topic.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the ultrasound characterization of LHT, to identify factors associated with the development of LHT by assessing the prevalence of LHT compared to both clinical palpation and ultrasound detection methods, and to further evaluate the possible impact of LHT on patients' blood glucose fluctuations.MethodA cross-sectional study was established, in which 120 patients with type 2 diabetes were selected. General information was registered in the form of a questionnaire, and the patients were evaluated for LHT by ultrasonography and clinical palpation of the abdomen. Patients were instructed to inject equal amounts of insulin in LHT and normal adipose tissue (NAT) on a non-consecutive 2 d in a selected week, and the possible effect of LHT on patients' blood glucose fluctuations was assessed using a continuous glucose monitoring system. .ResultsLHT has special ultrasonic signs. We found a high rate of missed clinical palpation of LHT compared with ultrasonography (P < 0.05). The duration of insulin treatment, whether to rotate the injection site, frequency of needle use, and number of insulin injections per day were the main factors influencing the development of LHT (P < 0.05). Compared to NAT, LHT resulted in elevated largest amplitude of glycemic excursion, mean blood glucose, standard deviation of blood glucose, and postprandial glucose excursion, and large fluctuations in blood glucose (P < 0.05).ConclusionUltrasonography can detect more LHT than can clinical palpation. The development of LHT is related to many factors and can lead to significant blood glucose fluctuations; thus, LHT should be given sufficient attention.
Thermoelectric-based cooling system for high-speed motorized spindle I: Design and control mechanism
Authors: Kai-Guo Fan , Xiao Jianying , Wang Ruoda , Gao Rui
Published: September 2021

With the increase of spindle speed, heat generation becomes the crucial problem of high-speed motorized spindle. A new cooling system for motorized spindle is proposed based on the principles of thermoelectric refrigeration and fast heat conduction. The main strategy of the proposed ThermoElectric-based Cooling System (TECS) is using the ThermoElectric Cooler (TEC) to cool the spindle through a Heat Conduction Sleeve (HCS). The TEC is designed according to the heat generation of motorized spindle. The cooling capacity generated by the TEC is controlled by electric current passing through the TEC according to the temperature rise of HCS. The HCS is designed to distribute the cold quickly and is installed around the spindle sleeve working as cooling medium. The simulation results show that the cooling effect of the proposed TECS is better than water water-cooling system. It is meaningful to improve the accuracy of motorized spindle.
LRFN5 locus structure is influenced by the individual’s sex and associated with autism
Authors: Lybæk Helle , Robson Michael , de Leeuw Nicole , Hehir-Kwa Jayne Y. , Jeffries Aaron , Haukanes Bjørn Ivar , Berland Siren , de Bruijn Diederik , Mundlos Stefan , Spielmann Malte , Houge Gunnar Douzgos
Published: September 2021

BackgroundLRFN5 is a brain-specific gene needed for synaptic development and plasticity. It is the only gene in a large 5.4 Mb topologically associating domain (TAD) on chromosome 14, which we term the LRFN5 locus. This locus is highly conserved, but has extensive copy number variation. MethodsLocus structure was studied by chromatin immunoprecipitation (chIP-onchip) in fibroblasts from individuals with autism and controls, supplemented with a capture-HiC determination of TAD structures in a family trio. LRFN5 expression was studied in foetal brain cell cultures. In addition, locus interaction was studied in four large and independent cohorts by measuring deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium of a common deletion polymorphism. ResultsWe found that locus structural changes are associated with developmental delay (DD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In a large family, ASD in males segregated with a chromosome 14 haplotype carrying a 172 kb deletion upstream of LRFN5 . In a fibroblast capture-HiC study on an ASD-patient-parent trio, the ASDsusceptible haplotype (in the mother and her autistic son) had a TAD pattern different from both the father and a female control. When the trimethylated histone-3-lysine-9 chromatin (H3K9me3) profiles in fibroblasts from control males (n=6) and females (n=7) were compared, a male-female difference was observed around the LRFN5 gene itself (p<0.01). Intriguingly, in three cohorts of individuals with DD (n=8757), the number of heterozygotes of a common deletion polymorphism upstream of LRFN5 was 20-26% lower than expected from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This indicates early allelic interaction, and the genomic conversions from heterozygosity to wildtype or deletion homozygosity were of equal magnitudes. In a control group of medical students (n=1416), such conversions were three times more common than in the DD-patient cohorts (p=0.00001). Hypothetically, such allelic interaction is needed to establish monoallelic expression, which we found in foetal brain cell cultures. LimitationsThe male-female difference in H3K9me3 profiles was based on fibroblast data from a small number of individuals, and the monoallelic expression data on a single experiment. ConclusionsTaken together, allelic interaction, monoallelic expression and sexdependent differences make the LRFN5 locus attractive for exploring the genetic basis of synaptic memory and high-functioning male autism.
Giant Cell (Temporal) Arteritis: The Rate and Clinical Predictors of Histopathological Diagnosis
Authors: Yucel Ozlem Eski , Yucel Semih Murat , Gun Seda , Gungor Inci
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To determine the rate of histopathological diagnosis by temporal artery (TA) biopsy (TAB) and the predictive clinical features of TAB positivity in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA).
Methods

The records of patients who underwent TAB with pre-diagnosis of GCA between January 2006 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic characteristics, symptoms, clinical and laboratory findings, TAB data, and the medications of the patients were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups as TAB-negative and TAB-positive, and compared clinically. Factors affecting TAB positivity were determined.
Results

TAB confirmed the diagnosis of GCA in 48% of our cases. The median fixed TAB specimen length was 1.7 (0.5–4.0) mm. TAB positivity increased with age (74 vs. 66 years, p = 0.027) and was more common in women (91.7% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.019). Jaw claudication (66.7% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.027) and decreased pulse of the TA (58.3% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.022) were more in the TAB-positive group than in the TAB-negative. The median C-reactive protein (CRP) level was statistically higher in the TAB-positive group compared to the TAB-negative (37 mg/L vs. 12.6 mg/L, p = 0.039). The univariate logistic regression analysis revealed female gender [OR (95%CI): 2.9 (1.7-181.3), p = 0.016], presence of jaw claudication [OR (95%CI): 2.4 (1.6–75.5), p = 0.015], decreased TA pulse [OR (95%CI): 2.8 (1.6-174.5), p = 0.018], and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) [OR (95%CI): 0.03 (1.0-1.1), p = 0.049] as factors associated with TAB positivity.
Conclusion

The rate of TAB positivity was 48%. Older age, female gender, the presence of jaw claudication and decreased pulse of TA, high ESR and CRP values are predictive features of TAB positivity and GCA diagnosis.
Preparation and characterization of NextelTM 720/ alumina ceramic composites via the prepreg process
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Bo-xing , Guo Ying , Han Weijian , Zhao Tong , Qiu Wenfeng
Published: September 2021

In this work, the continuous Nextel™ 720 fiber reinforced alumina ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) were prepared by the prepreg process. The alumina matrix derived from aqueous slurry, which consisted of organic glue, alumina sol, nanometer alumina powder and micrometer alumina powder. This combination endowed the ceramic matrix composite with the prepreg processing capability, making the low-cost fabrication of complex shape components possible. The ratio of different alumina sources in aqueous slurry was optimized to offer good sintering activity, high thermal resistance, and excellent mechanical properties simultaneously. Furthermore, the preceramic polymer of mullite was used to strengthen the ceramic matrix through multiple impregnation process. The final CMC sample achieved a high flexural strength of 255 MPa and a good high-temperature stability. The maximum flexural strength of the CMC sample still remained 85% after heat-treatment at 1100 ℃ for 24 h.
High Throughput Printing of Two-Dimensional Materials into Wafer-scale Three-dimensional Architectures
Authors: Wei Xuan , Lin Chia-Ching , Wu Christine , Lu Ang-Yu , Qaiser Nadeem , Cai Yichen , Fu Jui-Han , Chiang Yu-Hsiang , ding lianhui , Ali Ola , Xu Wei , Zhang Wenli , Kong Jing , Chen Han-Yi , Tung Vincent
Published: September 2021

Architected materials that actively respond to external stimuli hold tantalizing prospects for applications in energy storage, harvesting, wearable electronics and bioengineering. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) which represent the three-atom-thick, two-dimensional (2D) building blocks, are excellent candidates but have found limited success compared to metallic, inorganic, and organic counterparts due to the lack of up-scalable manufacturing. Here we report the high-throughput printing of 2D TMDs into wafer-scale 3D architectures with structural hierarchy across seven orders of magnitude between critical feature sizes. Anode made of 3D MoS2 architectures comprises the concentric vortex-like intricacy that unites technological merits from architecture, mechanical engineering, and electrochemistry not found in its bulk or exfoliated/epitaxy counterparts. The result is, contrary to expectation, the high-rate, high-capacity, and high-loading lithium (Li)-storage, surpassing those state-of-the-art anode designs while the technique offers an evaporation-like simplicity for industrial scalability.
Truncation effect reduction for fast iterative reconstruction in cone-beam CT
Authors: Aootaphao Sorapong , Thongvigitmanee Saowapak , Puttawibul Puttisak , Thajchayapong Pairash
Published: September 2021

Background: Iterative reconstruction for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been applied to improve image quality and reduce radiation dose. In a case where an object is larger than a flat panel detector, most CBCT images contain truncated data or incomplete projections, which degrade image quality. In this work, we propose the truncation effect reduction for fast iterative reconstruction in CBCT imaging inside the field of view (FOV).Methods: The volume matrix size of FOV and the height of projection images were extrapolated to a suitable size. These extended projections were reconstructed by fast iterative reconstruction. Moreover, a smoothing parameter for noise regularization in iterative reconstruction was also modified to reduce the accumulated error while processing. The proposed work was evaluated by image quality measurements and compared with the conventional filtered back projection (FBP) method. To validate the proposed method, we used a head phantom for evaluation and tested on real human head data. Results: In the experimental results, the reconstructed images from the head phantom can be enhanced apparently. In addition, fast iteration reconstruction can be run continuously while remaining the consistent mean-percentage-error (MPE) value with a large number of iterations. The CNR of the soft-tissue images was improved by the increased contrast and the decreased noise. Visualization of low contrast in the ventricle and soft-tissue images can be observed much clearer compared to those from FBP using the same effective radiation dose of 5 mGy. Conclusions: Our proposed work has satisfactory performance to reduce the truncation effect, especially inside the FOV with better image quality for soft-tissue imaging. The convergence of fast iterative reconstruction tends to be stable for many iterations.
Study on Ablation Characteristics of Femyosecond Laser Nanoscale Processing for Aluminum Nitride and LeadZirconate Titanate Ceramics
Authors: Ho C. Y. , Zhou Liangliang , Xiong Chang-Wei , Qiao Dongkai
Published: September 2021

This paper analytically investigates an ultrashort pulsed laser nanoscale processing for aluminum nitride (AIN) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics. Processing characteristics of an ultra-short pulsed laser is different from that of long-pulsed laser due to ultrahigh intensity, ultrahigh power, and ultrashort time. The ultrasmall processing for materials can achieved by an ultra-short pulsed laser. This study proposes a model to analyze an ultrashort pulsed laser nanoscale processing for aluminum nitride (AIN) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics. The effects of optical penetration absorption and thermal diffusion on temperature are also discussed. The results reveal that the variation of ablation rate with laser fluences predicted by this work agrees with the available measured data for an ultrashort pulsed laser processing for AIN and PZT. For femtosecond lasers, the optical absorption and thermal diffusion, respectively, governs the ablated depth per pulse at the low and high laser fluences. The thermal diffusion length is small relative to the optical penetration depth for femtosecond laser. The optical penetration absorption governs the temperature in the workpiece. On the other hand, for the picosecond laser, the thermal diffusion length is large compared to the optical penetration depth. The thermal diffusion determines the temperature in the workpiece.
Excitation-power-dependent upconversion luminescence competition in single β-NaYbF4:Er microcrystal pumped at 808 nm
Authors: Yuan Maohui , Yang Zining , Yang Xu , Wang Linxuan , Wang Rui , Lan Sheng , Han Kai , Wang Hongyan , Xu Xiaojun
Published: September 2021

Controlling the upconversion luminescence (UCL) intensity ratio, especially pumped at 808 nm, is of fundamental importance in biological applications due to the water molecules exhibiting low absorption at this excitation wavelength. In this work, a series of β-NaYbF4:Er microrods were synthesized by a simple one-pot hydrothermal method and their intense green (545 nm) and red (650 nm) UCL were experimentally investigated based on single particle level under the excitation of 808 nm continuous-wave (CW) laser. Interestingly, the competition between the green and red UCL can be observed in highly Yb3+-doped microcrystals as the excitation intensity gradually increases, which leads to the UCL color changes from green to orange. However, the microcrystals doped with low Yb3+ concentration keep green color which is independent on the excitation power. Further investigations demonstrate that the cross-relaxation (CR) processes between Yb3+ and Er3+ ions result in the UCL competition.
A noble extended stochastic logistic model for cell proliferation with density-dependent parameters
Authors: Roy Trina , Ghosh Sinchan , Saha Bapi , Bhattacharya Sabyasachi
Published: September 2021

Cell proliferation often experiences a density-dependent intrinsic proliferation rate (IPR) and negative feedback from growth-inhibiting molecules in culture media. The lack of flexible models with explanatory parameters fails to capture such a proliferation mechanism. We propose an extended logistic growth law with the density-dependent IPR and additional negative feedback. The extended parameters of the proposed model can be interpreted as density-dependent cell-cell cooperation and negative feedback on cell proliferation. Moreover, we incorporate further density regulation for flexibility in the model through environmental resistance on cells. The proposed growth law has similarities with the strong Allee model and harvesting phenomenon. We also develop the stochastic analog of the deterministic model by representing possible heterogeneity in growth-inhibiting molecules and environmental perturbation of the culture setup as correlated multiplicative and additive noises. The model provides a maximum sustainable stable cell density (MSSCD) and a new fitness measure for proliferative cells. The proposed model shows superiority to the logistic law after fitting to real cell culture datasets. We illustrate both MSSCD and the new cell fitness for a range of parameters. The cell density distributions reveal the chance of overproliferation, underproliferation, or decay for different parameter sets under the deterministic and stochastic setups.
When is preservative-free therapy of glaucoma needed and advisable?
Authors: Malishevskaya T. N. , Petrov S. Yu. , Kosakyan S. M. , Vlasova S. A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose: to estimate the demand for preservative-free medical therapy of glaucoma in real clinical practice as part of the analysis of the compliance of specialized medical care of glaucoma patients and the approved clinical guidelines.

Material and methods. Head non-staff ophthalmologists in 34 regions of Russia were surveyed to find out the share of patients with a newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma; systemic contraindications; diseases of ocular surface tissues; using combination therapy if monotherapy proves ineffective. Also, we analyzed the current annual need for glaucoma treatment drugs in Russia and estimated the expected need for these drugs.

Results. The survey showed that, on average, (1) 64.35 % of glaucoma patients are prescribed monotherapy; (2) in the presence of systemic contraindications, nonselective beta-blockers are avoided in 85 % of cases; (3) ca. 53 % of glaucoma patients require preservative-free therapy; (4) almost 61 % of patients for whom monotherapy proved ineffective are prescribed combination therapy. As shown by calculated annual and projected demand for antiglaucomatous drugs in 2020, the leading position is taken by timolol (43.96 %), followed by dorzolamide (38.04 %), and tafluprost (11.93 %). Diseases of the ocular surface in glaucoma patients with glaucoma averaged 52.6 % in the surveyed regions.

Conclusion. The actual demand for preservative-free therapy in clinical practice in the analyzed regions is higher than the annual and predicted need as it is required by about 54% of all patients with glaucoma. Further epidemiological, pharmacological and economic studies of ocular surface disease incidence in patients with glaucoma and of the demand for preservative-free therapy are required in order to solve the issue of drug supply in regions of Russia.
Electrophysiological signs of retinal cone remodeling in geographic atrophy of the pigment epithelium in patients with non-exudative age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Neroeva N. V. , Zueva M. V. , Neroev V. V. , Tsapenko I. V. , Ryabina M. V. , Losanova O. A. , Katargina L. A.
Published: September 2021

Testing patients with primary geographic atrophy (GA) requires a multimodal approach and identification of functional biomarkers characterizing retinal structural remodeling.

Purpose: to identify the changes in the functional activity of the retinal cone system, which may serve as biomarkers of primary GA in non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Material and methods. We tested 22 patients (30 eyes) aged 45–83 (ave. 72.1 ± 10.8 years) with non-exudative AMD and 18 age matched controls (60.2 ± 7.6 years) all of which underwent standard ophthalmological examinations, optical coherence tomography, autofluorescence study, and fundus photography. Standard photopic ERGs, photopic flicker ERGs to stimuli with frequencies of 8.3, 10, 12, and 24 Hz, multifocal ERG (mfERG), and electrooculogram (EOG) were recorded.

Results. Electroretinographic signs for GA of retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillary layer atrophy were described. The results confirm early impairment of the activity of cones in GA and weakening of the functional interaction of M ller cells with the cone bipolar cells. The delayed P1 peak latency of mfERG indicates a decrease in the entire central retina function in non-exudative AMD. A selective reduction in the fovea's mfERG magnitude can serve as a biomarker of primary GA. The spread of the P1 anomaly to adjacent rings may indicate a possible risk of disease progression. A decrease in the dark trough on the EOG and an increase in the Arden ratio can serve as a biomarker of primary GA.

Conclusion. We determined electrophysiological signs which can serve as markers of early retinal dysfunction in eyes with primary GA and non-exudative AMD.
The changes of functional, structural and hemodynamic parameters of the optic disc in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and diabetes mellitus in long-term follow-up
Authors: Fursova A. Zh. , Gamza Ju. A. , Gusarevich O. G. , Derbeneva A. S. , Vasil’eva M. A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose: to study the long-term changes of functional, structural, and hemodynamic parameters of the optic nerve in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) accompanied by diabetes mellitus (DM).

Material and methods. The study involved 258 patients (258 eyes), which were divided into five groups: 1st group — 58 patients with stage I POAG and DM; 2nd group — 50 patients (50 eyes) with stage I POAG; 3rd — 50 patients with stage III POAG and DM; 4th — 50 patients with stage III POAG; 5th — 50 patients with DM. In addition to a complete ophthalmological examination, the patients underwent spectral optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography of the optic nerve head and macula. The observation period was 24 months.

Results. The worst decrease in maximally corrected visual acuity was noted in patients with DM + POAG (groups 1 and 3): in 1 year of observation — stage I — 10.29%, stage III — 7.32 %, in control groups with isolated POAG stages I and III, 1.15 and 2.04%, respectively, in patients with DM, 1.39%; in 2nd year — 14.71 and 14.63% with a comorbid course of the disease and 1.15 and 4.08% in the absence of DM, respectively. The MD index in the group DM + POAG stage I after 12 months was significantly lower compared to patients with stage I POAG (by 5.05%), after 24 months by 12.12, 0.34 and 1.69%, respectively (p £ 0.05). The groups of comorbid patients showed lower average thickness levels of the retinal nerve fibers layer than in the control groups: 78.81 ± 11.39 μm at stage I and 63.08 ± 10.32 μm at stage III. A similar pattern was noted for the thickness of the neuroretinal rim and its areas as well indicators of the optic disc excavation (volume and c/d ratio).No significant difference was noted in the density of the optic nerve disc perfusion in stages I and III POAG with DM against the respective control groups during the first visit, but we noted a significantly lower vascular density in patients with the initial stage of POAG and DM (0.39 ± 0.04 / mm) than in patients with isolated glaucoma (0.42 ± 0.03 / mm). As the disease progressed, there was a further significant decrease in the average indicators of optic nerve disc perfusion and vascular density (group 3: 39.17 ± 3.43% and 0.33 ± 0.03 / mm).

Conclusion. The study of the changes of visual, functional, structural and hemodynamic parameters of the optic nerve showed a faster rate of progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy if accompanied with DM.
Central serous chorioretinopathy in uveitis patients after corticosteroid therapy: a report of 6 cases
Authors: Skvortsova N. A. , Papasavvas I. , Herbort Jr C. P.
Published: September 2021

Purpose. To report central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in uveitis patients.

Material and methods. A retrospective chart review of uveitis patients seen in a time frame of 20 years at the Centre for Ophthalmic Specialised Care, Lausanne, Switzerland. The ophthalmic and systemic features are presented.

Results. Out of 1793 uveitis patients followed at the Centre for Ophthalmic Specialised Care, 6 patients (0.3%) developed CSСR following corticosteroid therapy due to uveitis. The mean age of patients was 40 ± 13.4 years, disease incidence was not associated with gender. In all 6 patients’ clinical disease was unilateral but subclinical signs were present in all fellow eyes. The mean duration of corticosteroid therapy before CSCR had occurred was 4.95 ± 4.0 months. The mean best-corrected visual acuity at the moment of CSCR was 0.6 ± 0.26 and 0.8 ± 0.17 after discontinuation of corticosteroids. Neurosensory retinal detachment and pigment epithelium detachment were observed in 3 eyes, respectively. During fluorescein angiography (FA), focal dye leakage and areas of alteration of RPE were observed in 6 out of 10 eyes. Diffuse hyperfluorescence of choroidal vessels observed by ICGA was detected in all eyes.

Conclusion. Central serous chorioretinopathy should be suspected when functional and morphological deterioration occurs in uveitis patients receiving corticosteroid therapy with no signs of inflammation reactivation. This complication is extremely rare but serious condition which needs a prompt tapering and discontinuing of corticosteroids.