bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GMMchi: Gene Expression Clustering Using Gaussian Mixture Modeling
Authors: Liu Ta-Chun , Kalugin Peter N. , Wilding Jennifer L. , Bodmer Walter F.
Published: March 2022

Background: Cancer evolution consists of a stepwise acquisition of genetic and epigenetic changes, which alter the gene expression profiles of cells in a particular tissue and result in phenotypic alterations acted upon by natural selection. The recurrent appearance of specific genetic lesions across individual cancers and cancer types suggests the existence of certain “driver mutations,” which likely make up the major contribution to tumors’ selective advantages over surrounding normal tissue and as such are responsible for the most consequential aspects of the cancer cells’ gene expression patterns and phenotypes. We hypothesize that such mutations are likely to cluster with specific dichotomous shifts in the expression of the genes they most closely control, and propose GMMchi, a Python package that leverages Gaussian Mixture Modeling to detect and characterize bimodal gene expression patterns across cancer samples, as a tool to analyze such correlations using 2x2 contingency table statistics.Results: Using well-defined simulated data, we were able to confirm the robust performance of GMMchi, reaching 85% accuracy with a sample size of n = 90. We were also able to demonstrate a few examples of the application of GMMchi with respect to its capacity to characterize background florescent signal in microarray data, filter out uninformative background probe sets, as well as uncover novel genetic interrelationships and tumor characteristics. Our approach to analysing gene expression analysis in cancers provides an additional lens to supplement traditional continuous-valued statistical analysis by maximizing the information that can be gathered from bulk gene expression data.Conclusions: We confirm that GMMchi robustly and reliably extracts bimodal patterns from both colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line-derived microarray and tumor-derived RNA-Seq data and verify previously reported gene expression correlates of some well-characterized CRC phenotypes.
Design and Evaluation of a Multi-level Reactive Power Market
Authors: Bozionek Jan , Wolgast Thomas , Nieße Astrid
Published: March 2022

The shift from conventional power plants on transmission level to distributed energy resources in the distribution grids requires procedures to enable efficient and economic reactive power exchange across different voltage levels. In this paper, we propose a multi-level reactive power market that enables reactive power provision from distributed energy resources to higher voltage levels. Each grid operator operates a local reactive power market and offers local reactive power potential, as an intermediary, to superordinate grid operators by passing on its aggregated cost curve and flexibility range. As a result, there is a low requirement of communication between the market participants and each grid operator is free to choose its local market rules as well as the optimization algorithm used. First results from a case study show that our decentralized market approach can realize an economically efficient multi-level reactive power provision that is close to a centrally computed optimal solution, without violating local grid constraints.
Topological Analysis of the CT Based Parametric Response Map in a Large COPD Population: a COPDGene Study
Authors: Bell Alexander J. , Ram Sundaresh , Labaki Wassim W. , Hoff Benjamin A. , Murray Susan , Kazerooni Ella A. , Galban Stefanie , Lynch David A. , Humphries Steven M. , Martinez Fernando J. , Hatt Charles R. , Han MeiLan K. , Galban Craig J.
Published: March 2022

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) functional small airways disease (fSAD) has been identified as a transitional state between healthy lung and irremediable emphysema. Topological analysis of the CT-based parametric response map (PRM) spatially quantifies distribution and arrangement of fSAD and emphysema. We present a cross sectional analysis of topological PRM (tPRM) in 8,972 participants from the COPDGene study, covering a complete spectrum of COPD severity. We aimed to evaluate tPRM dynamics with respect to GOLD and test association of tPRM with pulmonary function using Spearman correlation and stepwise linear regression. Baseline CT and clinical data were included, and tPRM was computed as whole lung averages summarizing disease volume density, surface area, curvature and perforation (measured by Ⲭ). Strong correlation (ρ = -0.74, p < 0.001) was determined between degree of perforation in healthy lung (ⲬNorm) and fSAD regions (ⲬfSAD), transposing from predominantly healthy lung perforated with fSAD (GOLD 2, ⲬNorm = -0.84, ⲬfSAD = 0.47) to fSAD perforated with healthy lung (GOLD 4, ⲬNorm = 0.39, ⲬfSAD = -0.36). tPRM significantly (p < 0.05) contributed to regression modelling of FEV1/FVC (R2 = 0.71), where surface area of emphysema had the most notable effect (β = -0.49, p < 0.01). Thus, tPRM provided insight into topology of fSAD and emphysema in COPD and associated statistically with clinical lung function measures.
Association Between the Risk of Hepatitis Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma and EGF Polymorphism: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Lingling , Wu Qianbo , Zhang Min
Published: March 2022

Background
The study aims to provide a comprehensive account of the association of the EGF 61A/G polymorphism (rs4444903) and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods
Electronic searches of the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically conducted to select studies by two independent researchers. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to assess the strength of the association.
Results
In general, a total of 18 articles were enrolled with 2692 cases and 5835 controls for rs4444903. The meta-analysis results of the pooling all studies showed that the EGF + 61A/G polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma in all genetic models. In subgroup analyzes based upon ethnicity, a significantly elevated association was observed between EGF + 61A/G polymorphism and the risk of virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma in Asian populations (G vs. A: OR = 1.15, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.02–1.29, I2 = 40.1%), European populations (G vs. A: OR = 1.59, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.05–2.41, I2 = 0.0%) and African populations (G vs. A: OR = 4.46, P < 0.001, 95% CI 1.53–13.02, I2 = 93%)
Conclusions
EGF gene + 61A/G polymorphism is significantly associated with the increased risk of HCC, particularly in Asian populations.
Does mesna (mercapto-ethanesulphonate sodium) protect ovarian reserve after cyclophosphamide treatment: an in vivo study with rats
Authors: Baghaki Hayriye Sema , Kaya Cihan , Soztutar Erdem , Aksoy Nilay , Yasar Levent , Ekin Murat , Ekin Deniz
Published: March 2022

Purpose
This study sought to investigate the protective effect of 2-mercaptoethane sodium sulfonate (mesna) on the ovarian reserve of rats being treated with cyclophosphamide.
Methods
Twenty-four adult female Wistar albino rats were equally divided into three groups. Group A (n = 8) received saline injections, Group B (n = 8) received cyclophosphamide, and Group C (n = 8) received cyclophosphamide + mesna. Preoperative blood samples (1 ml) were taken from all of the rats prior to any medication being given. The rats in all of the groups underwent bilateral oophorectomy and 1 ml of blood samples were taken 24 hours after the surgery. The difference in the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level between the pre- and postoperative blood samples was determined. The rats’ ovaries were histomorphologically evaluated. Immune staining was performed to detect the AMH receptor expression level in the ovarian tissue. Finally, a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis was performed to assess the level of apoptosis.
Results
A considerable increase was noted in the AMH receptor expression level in Group C when compared with Group B (122 vs. 117, respectively; p: 0.007). In addition, the number of atretic follicles was found to be significantly lower in Group C than in Group B (10 vs. 5 respectively; p: 0.002). However, the TUNEL analysis revealed no significant difference between Group B and Group C with regard to apoptosis.
Conclusion
Mesna could decrease follicular atresia and increase the expression of AMH receptors in the follicles following acute cyclophosphamide toxicity.
Challenge and Competence between natural bio-adsorbent green microalgae and synthetic adsorbent magnetic nanoparticles for copper (II) ion in water
Authors: Hamadamin Shireen Ibrahim , Anwer Sewgil Saaduldeen , Abdulkareem Parween Mohsin , Sdiq Kwestan Hasan
Published: March 2022

The present work investigated the more competent and challenging adsorbent to remove copper ions from aqueous solutions, comparing the efficiency between the natural microalgae bio-adsorbent chlorella species (that are present in Greater Zab River near Erbil city, which is known as hyper accumulate heavy metal ions) and synthetic magnetic nanoparticles coated with silica (SiO2) (that are gaining popularity for the treatment of heavy metals in water because of there smaller size, highly dispersible in different pH and magnetically resonant efficient). All the materials synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis, the morphology observed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), crystalline structure, and grain size provided by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The maximum Cu+ 2 ion adsorption was for 100mg/L for the copper solution was 57.2%, at pH8 was 59.7%, and at the temperature, 30°C was 80.2% are the optimum conditions obtained for each adsorbent. The more efficient adsorbent for copper ion acquired was low cost, and environmentally friendly natural bio-adsorbent chlorella spices (sp.) was 0.24mg/g, due to high surface functional group and has high selective as compared to magnetic nanoparticles that are coated with SiO2 are lower capacity for adsorption 0.16mg/g.
Urinary Dielectric Properties for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zhu Chao-Zhe , Ting Hua-Nong , Ng Kwan-Hoong , Mun Kein-Seong , Ong Teng-Aik , Wang Nan
Published: March 2022

The study investigated the urinary dielectric properties for bladder cancer in a non-invasive manner. 10 healthy subjects and 10 subjects with bladder cancer were recruited for the study. The urine samples were analyzed using urinalysis and urine cytology assessment. A vector network analyzer was used to measure the dielectric constant (Ɛ’) and loss factor (Ɛ’’) of urine at microwave frequencies between 0.2 GHz to 50 GHz at 25°C, 30°C, 37°C, respectively. Statistically significant differences in dielectric constant and loss factor were observed between healthy subjects and subjects with bladder cancer especially at frequencies between 25 GHz and 40 GHz at 25°C. Correlation was observed between urinary exfoliated urothelial cell number and the dielectric properties of subjects with bladder cancer at 25°C. Subjects with bladder cancer had statistically significant lower dielectric constant value and higher loss factor value than those of healthy subjects. The dielectric constant correlated negatively with urinary exfoliated urothelial cell number while loss factor correlated positively with urinary exfoliated urothelial cell number.
Plant-litter-soil feedbacks driven primarily by litter type and plant compartment, but not modified by litter exposed to insect herbivory
Authors:   Jonathan Richard De Long (S98), Heinen Robin , Hannula S. Emilia , Jongen Renske , Steinauer Katja , Bezemer T. Martijn
Published: March 2022

Purpose Insect herbivory affects plant growth, nutrient and secondary metabolite concentrations and litter quality. Changes to litter quality due to insect herbivory can alter decomposition, with knock on effects for plant growth mediated through the plant-litter-soil feedback pathway. Methods Using a multi-phase glasshouse experiment, we tested how changes to fast- and slow-growing grass shoot and root litter quality caused by insect herbivores affect the performance of response plants in the soil in which the litter decomposed. Results We found that insect herbivory resulted in marginal changes to litter quality and did not affect growth when plants were grown with fast- versus slow-growing litter. However, there was a strong interactive effect between litter type (i.e., root versus shoot) and response plant compartment (i.e., root versus shoot growth): shoot litter resulted in a marginally negative effect on both roots and shoots, while the addition of root litter had a strong negative effect on root growth and a positive effect on shoot growth. Further, shoot litter exposed to insect herbivory interacted with response plant identity to affect root growth. Conclusions Our results suggest that whether litter originates from plant tissues exposed to insect herbivory or not and its interaction with fast- versus slow-growing grasses is of little importance. In contrast, litter origin (root versus shoot) effects on allocation to root versus shoot growth and species-specific responses to litter exposed to insect herbivory appear to play a critical role in the plant-litter-soil feedback pathway. Taken collectively, plant-litter-soil feedbacks likely affect broader ecosystem processes.
Central Venous Catheter Associated Bloodstream Infections and Thrombosis in Patients Treated for Gastroschisis and Intestinal Atresia: a Retrospective Cohort Study of 238 Patients
Authors: Schattenkerk Laurens D. Eeftinck , Musters Gijsbert D. , Otterloo Eliane D. de Mol van , de Justin JR. , Tabbers Merit M. , de Jonge Wouter J. , Heurn Ernest LW. van , Derikx Joep PM.
Published: March 2022

Background: Central venous catheter related complications, mainly central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and thrombosis, can complicate treatment of intestinal atresia or gastroschisis. Incidences and risk factors, e.g., location (central versus peripheral inserted) or mode of insertion (tunnelled versus non-tunnelled), of these complications are widely unknown. Therefore, we aim to identify the incidence of and risk factors for CLABSI and thrombosis in these patients.Methods: Children treated for intestinal atresia or gastroschisis between 1998-2021 at our tertiary referral center were retrospectively included. Risk factors for CLABSI were identified using logistic regression and the correlation between thrombosis and location/mode of insertion was evaluated using chi2-tests.Results: In 238 patients, 35% developed CLABSI and 7% thrombosis. Treatment by enterostomy (OR:3.1;95%-CI:1.5–6.4) and non-tunnelled catheters (OR:2.0;95%-CI:1.3–4.6) significantly increased the CLABSI-risk whilst patient’s sex, catheter placement directly into central vein, preterm birth, trisomy 21, experiencing a major postoperative complication (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III) and birthweight didn’t. Catheter dwell time was shorter (p<0.01) and CLABSIs developed faster (p=0.02) in non-tunnelled compared to tunnelled catheters. Catheter related thrombosis occurred more often in non-tunnelled catheters (p=0.03), whilst no correlation (p=0.34) was found between location of insertion.Conclusion: CLABSI occurs in approximately one third of the children treated for intestinal atresia or gastroschisis and a catheter related thrombosis occurs in one in fourteen. When in doubt which catheter to use in these patients, a tunnelled catheter is preferred over a non-tunnelled, specifically in case of enterostomy formation, since a tunnelled catheter is comparatively less at risk of catheter related infections and thrombosis.
A Multi-Component Reaction for Covalent Immobilization of Lipases on Amine-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles: Production of Biodiesel from Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Amini Yalda , Shahedi Mansour , Habibi Zohreh , Yousefi Maryam , Ashjari Maryam , Mohammadi Mehdi
Published: March 2022

A new approach was used for the immobilization of Thermomyces lanuginosa lipase (TLL), Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) and Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RML) on amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2) via a multi-component reaction route (using cyclohexyl isocyanide). The used method offered a single-step and very fast process for covalent attachment of the lipases under extremely mild reaction conditions (25°C, water pH 7.0). Rapid and simple immoblization of 20 mg of RML, TLL and CALB on 1g of the support after 2h of incubation produced 100%, 98.5% and 99.2% immobilization yields, respectively. Thermal and co-solvent stability of the derivatives showed. The immobilized derivatives were then used for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in combination with central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed to evaluate and optimize the biodiesel production. The effect of some parameters such as catalyst amount, reaction temperature, amount of methanol, water content for TLL or water adsorbent for RML and CALB and ratio of t-butanol (wt%) was investigated on the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) yield. For immobilized RML, TLL and CALB the maximum FAME yield was 74%, 81% and 78% respectively.
Genetics Education in Primary Care Residency Training: Satisfaction and Current Barriers
Authors: Falah Nadia , Umer Amna , Warnick Emilea , Vallejo Manuel , Lefeber Timothy
Published: March 2022

Background: Genetics education can be integrated into general care medicine through primary care residency programs. A study of primary care residents was done to evaluate quality, satisfaction, and barriers in genetics education in residency training programs. Thus, providing more evidence for the necessity for its development and progress.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive self-administered questionnaire survey was delivered to four primary care West Virginia University (WVU)residency training programsin 2020-2021. The anonymous 14-item survey included the following questionnaire domains: general data, genetics training satisfaction, and genetics education barriers. Results: The survey response rate was 52% (70/123) and 59 participants completed the survey. Overall, respondents viewed genetic education as critical to their chosen specialty (90%). Trainees at all educational levels obtained their education mostly from class based educational curricula (77% from lectures, 65% from didactic and 49% from grand rounds). The majority of survey respondents indicated insufficient experience with genetic patient care (34% ward genetic consultation, 5% clinic experience, 0% genetic department rotation). The percentage of residents who were satisfied with genetic topics were as follows: basic genetics (57%), capturing family history (82%), initiating basic genetic workup (15%), a basic understanding of the genetic report (23%), basic management surveillance in the genetic patient (18%), understanding the genetic referral and explaining it to a patient (47%). Residents reported barriers to genetic interest included complexity of the field (87%), followed by limited utility of genetics testing (41%). The most common suggestions for improving the genetic education component were to provide more lectures (61%), followed by enhanced advertisement of genetic education resources specifically rotations in the genetics department (22%). Other suggestions include the integration of genetic education in inpatient learning (20%) and providing research experience (7%). Conclusion: Primary care residents were satisfied with their genetic knowledge in the classroom and stated a clear need for enhanced hands-on clinical skills and research experience in their current residency training. The survey suggestions for improvement can enhance primary care residents’ genetic training that can lead to advances in rare disease recognition, precision medicine, and improve access to genetics testing.
The BETA-GBS score: A prediction tool for infective endocarditis in beta-haemolytic streptococcal bacteraemia
Authors: Hasegawa Ryo , Matsuo Takahiro , Mori Nobuyoshi , Takahashi Osamu
Published: March 2022

Background: Although beta-haemolytic streptococci (BHS) is a less common causative pathogen of infective endocarditis (IE) than Staphylococcus aureus or viridans group streptococci, IE is a serious condition, and it is important to predict IE in BHS bacteraemia (BHS-IE). The purpose of this study was to develop a predictive score for BHS-IE.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study comparing the clinical features of BHS-IE and BHS-non-IE in adult patients with BHS bacteraemia at a 520-bed tertiary hospital in Tokyo, Japan, from 2004 to 2020. IE was diagnosed according to modified Duke's criteria, and both ‘Definite’ and ‘Possible’ were included. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted using logistic regression.Results: Among 250 patients with BHS bacteraemia, 47 (19%) were diagnosed with BHS IE. The median (Interquartile rate) patient age was 71 (59, 84) years, and 121 (68%) were male. The proportions of group A streptococci, group B streptococci (GBS), group C/G streptococci were 14%, 38.4%, and 47.6%, respectively. Five predictors, either independently associated with BHS IE or clinically relevant, were used to develop the BETA-GBS prediction score: Blood pressure drop (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg or on vasopressor) (1 point); Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP ≥ 10 mg/dl) (2 points); Thrombocytopenia (Platelet count < 150 /µl) (1 point); Auscultation of heart murmur (1 point); GBS (1 point). In a receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66 - 0.82). The cut-point was 2. A score < 2 had a sensitivity of 87% (95%CI: 0.743 - 0.952), a specificity of 37% (95%CI: 0.308 - 0.445), and a negative predictive value of 93%, respectively.Conclusions: We developed the score to help clinicians rule out IE in BHS bacteraemia. Further research is warranted for validation.
MRI Measurements Predict Major Low Anterior Resection Syndrome in Rectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Yan , Liu Xin-Zhi , Li Xiao-Ting , Wang Lin , Zhu Hai-Bin , Sun Rui-Jia , Guan Zhen , Lu Qiao-Yuan , Zhu Hai-Tao , Wang Wei-Hu , Li Zhong-Wu , Wu Ai-Wen , Sun Ying-Shi
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Current low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score is lagging behind and only based on clinical symptoms patient described. Whether there are preoperative imaging indicators can be used to predict LARS is unknown. We proposed to identify patients with high risk for major LARS by MRI measurements.Methods: Patients received curative restorative anterior resection (median 75.7 months since surgery) from Sept. 2007 to Sept. 2015 were collected to complete LARS score. MRI measurements associated with LARS were tested, and a multivariate logistic model was conducted for predicting LARS. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the model.Results: 255 patients (neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy) and 72 patients (direct surgery) were enrolled. The incidence of major LARS in NCRT group was significantly higher (53.3% vs.34.7%) (P＝0.005).This study showed that the distance between the tumor’s lower edge and anal rectal joint (ARJ)(DTA) was an important factor for major LARS in both groups (P<0.001). In neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group, the thickness of ARJ (TARJ), DTA and sex were independent factors for predicting major LARS; ORs were 0.382 (95% CI, 0.198-0.740), 0.653 (95% CI, 0.565-0.756) and 0.935 (95% CI, 0.915-0.955). The AUC of the model was 0.842 (95% CI, 0.794-0.890). In patients with direct surgery, only DTA was independent factor of major LARS, OR was 0.958 (95% CI, 0.930-0.988). The AUC was 0.777 (95% CI: 0.630-0.925).Conclusions: Baseline MRI measurements have the potential to predict major LARS in rectal cancer, which will benefit the decision making and improve patients’ life quality.
Barriers And Enablers To Switching From A Solid To A Liquid Formulation Of Parkinson’s Medication: A Theory-Based Mixed Methods Investigation
Authors: Atkins Bethany , Bhattacharya Debi , Smith Caroline , Scott Sion
Published: March 2022

Background: Swallowing tablets/capsules can become difficult and dangerous for People with Parkinson’s (PwP) who develop oropharyngeal dysphagia. Switching to a liquid delays the need for progressing to last line patches/injections. However, liquids are rarely used therefore a change in prescribing practice is warranted but, as with any change in behaviour, may be met with resistance.Aim: To characterise PwPs and carers’ barriers and enablers (determinants) of switching from solid to liquid Parkinson’s medication formulations.Method: Underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework, focus groups with PwPs and carers were convened to identify determinants of switching, which were then used to develop a questionnaire distributed across the UK. Determinants were prioritised if ≥50% of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they were important to their decision to switch to a liquid formulation. Percentage precisions were reported as 95% confidence intervals.Results: From three focus groups and 131 questionnaires responses, PwPs and carers prioritised nine determinants. Three enablers had almost unanimous agreement: liquids’ flexibility for incremental dosing (72% ±8); decline in Parkinson’s control (72% ±8); prescriber’s endorsement to switch (70% ±8). The barriers: perception that tablets/capsules are easier to dose than liquids (72% ±8); and prescriber’s opposition to switching (70% ±8), attracted similarly high agreement.Conclusion: There is a desire to switch to liquids when Parkinson’s progresses and for their use beyond this to offer flexibility in dosing, a previously unrecognised indication for switching. The only notable resistance to switching may be addressed by innovations from the pharmaceutical industry to make liquids easier to measure.
Blocking Androgen Receptor/Androgen Receptor Variant7 Decreases Metastasis of Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer Cells Through Modulating Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Ali Belal M , El-Abhar Hanan S , Mohamed Ghada , Sharaky Marwa , Shouman Samia A , Kamel Marwa Wagih
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Androgen receptor (AR) is often expressed in breast cancer, but its role in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) type is controversial. Although AR and its splicing variant 7 (ARV7) play a role in the pathobiology of breast cancer, the precise mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the influence of the blockers of AR (Enzalutamide) and ARV7 (EPI-001) on metastasis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in T47D, an ER+ breast cancer cell line. Methods: T47D cells were cultured/treated with Enzalutamide or EPI-001; cytotoxicity and cell cycle analysis were determined using Sulphorhodamine-B (SRB) assay and Flowcytometry analysis, respectively, whereas metastasis was assessed by the Scratch wound healing assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of AR, ARV7, C-myc, N-Cadherin, E-Cadherin, NF-κB, ROCK1 and 2 and Western blot was used for evaluating the protein expression of cyclin dependent kinases (CDK4, CDK6, Cyclin E), Fibronectin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9). Results: Our results indicated that treatment with Enzalutamide or EPI-001 didn't significantly affect cell proliferation of T47D. However, cells were arrested at S-phase accompanied by a decline in CDK4, CDK6, Cyclin E and metastasis. Fibronectin, VEGF, MMP2, MMP9, ROCK1 and ROCK2 proteins were downregulated. C-myc and NF-κB levels were declined by EPI-001, but not Enzalutamide.Conclusion: Blocking AR/ARV7 has no effect on cell proliferation, but decreases metastasis by regulating key markers and processes involved in EMT in ER+ breast cancer cells.
Screening of four green microalgae potentially used as feedstock for biodiesel and nutraceuticals
Authors: Mohmmed Soha , Eladel Hamed , Battah Mohamed , Ibrahim Yasmine
Published: March 2022

Detection of oleaginous microalgae with high lipid productivity is a crucial feature for biofuel and nutraceutical production. Therefore, screening of microalgae from different habitats has become highly significant to face the request on these bioresources. Accordingly, the present study aimed to screen the efficiency of biodiesel feedstocks and the ability to accumulate essential fatty acids of four green microalgae (Chlorolobion braunii, Tetradesmus obliquus, Monoraphidium miutum, and Asterarcys quadricellulare), isolated from soil samples of Benha Egypt. Although T.obliquus was the highest biomass productive species (689 mgL− 1d− 1), M. minutum recorded the top of lipid productivity (29 mg L− 1d− 1). Fatty acid profiles of the four microalgae confirmed their suitability for biodiesel production where it recorded biodiesel properties within the limits of international standards. Also, species selection through PROMETHEE and GAIA analysis revealed that C. braunii is the best promising as a potential source for biodiesel production because it has a high saturated fatty acids proportion (39.75%) and shows cetane number (54.99) and low iodine value (100.57) and many other biodiesel properties within the standards limit. In addition, the screened microalgae showed a high percentage of omega fractions in their total fatty acids. Asterarcys quadricellulare and M. minutum recorded high omega-3 fatty acids content of 34.4% and 28.9%, respectively.
Evaluation of the ejector two-stage compression refrigeration cycle with work performance from energy, conventional exergy and advanced exergy perspectives
Authors: Xie Jing , Yang Dazhang , Jie Zhu , Li Yang
Published: March 2022

Low temperature cold chain is the top priority of logistics development at this stage. CO2 (carbon dioxide) refrigeration system is widely used. However, the low efficiency of CO2 refrigeration system is the biggest obstacle to its development. In this research work, a novel trans-critical CO2 refrigeration cycle with ejector for cryogenic storage is proposed. The energy and traditional exergy model of the system are established, and the advanced exergy model is established based on the traditional exergy model, and the actual performance of the system is analyzed. The results show that the exergy destruction of each component of the ejector is the largest in the system, and the optimization potential is the highest in both traditional and advanced exergy models. After studying the influence of main parameters in the system cycle on the system performance and performance, it is found that there is an optimum intermediate pressure and gas cooler pressure in the system to maximize the system performance and efficiency. According to the influence of the change of system parameters on the system, it is found that the outlet temperature of gas cooler has the greatest influence on the optimization of ejector.
Enzymatic upgrading of nanochitin using an ancient Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase
Authors: Barandiaran Leire , Alonso Borja , Reifs Antonio , Larraza Izaskun , Olmos-Juste Raquel , Calvo Alba Fernandez , Eceiza Arantxa , Perez-Jimenez Raul
Published: March 2022

Numerous enzymes have the potential to upgrade biomass converting it into high-tech materials for new technological applications. However, natural enzyme features, such as stability, often limit their use beyond the chemical conversion of the substrate. The development of strategies for the enzymatic conversion of biomass into high-value materials may broaden the range of applications of enzymes and enzyme design techniques. A relevant case is Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase (LPMO), a class of enzymes that catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of glycosidic bonds. Here, we shoe that an ancestral LPMO, unlike its modern counterpart, could efficiently generate chitin nanocrystal (EnCNCh). Physicochemical characterization of EnCNCh demonstrates modifications that make it superior compared to nanochitin obtained either by acid treatment or modern enzymes. We showed that EnCNCh was suitable for controlled 2D and 3D cell cultures, as well as for engineering a biomatrix that combined with graphene oxide (GO) resulted in a hybrid conductive bioink for applications in bioengineering.
Study on optimization of the dynamic performance of the robot bonnet polishing system
Authors: Pan Ri , Hu Chunfu , Fan Jinwei , Wang Zhenzhong , Huang Xuepeng , Lu Feng
Published: March 2022

To solve the problem of processing quality degradation due to vibration in the robot bonnet polishing system (RBPS), the vibration generation mechanism of the polishing system is revealed based on the modal analysis and dynamic modeling of the RBPS. The modal analysis results showed that the operating frequency of the system is near the natural frequency, which makes the system susceptible to resonance. On the other hand, the forced vibration caused by the polishing force leads to high vibration at the end of the robot during the polishing process. In order to suppress the vibration generated by the polishing system and optimize the dynamic characteristics of the polishing system, a vibration suppression method to increase the damping ratio of the system was proposed. The experiments of SiC fixed point polishing were performed using both vibration suppression bonnet and original bonnet. The surfaces RMS and PV of the parts polished by the vibration suppression bonnet were generally better than those of the original bonnet. The vibration suppression bonnet has improved the convergence ratio of RMS and PV by 42.59% and 19.56% respectively over the original bonnet in the whole surface polishing experiments. The PSD analysis illustrated that the vibration suppression bonnet can better suppress the intermediate frequency errors. The effectiveness of the method in suppressing vibration and improving machining quality is demonstrated.
Andrographolide attenuates RSV-induced inflammation by suppressing apoptosis and promoting pyroptosis after respiratory syncytial virus infection in vitro
Authors: Che Siyi , Xie Xiaohong , Lin Jilei , Liu Ying , Xie Jun , Liu Enmei
Published: March 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the most common viral pathogen causing acute lower respiratory tract infection among children under five years old worldwide, still lacks specific therapeutic drugs. Andrographolide has been found efficacious in various virus infections, however, its effects on RSV infection remains unknown. Herein, in this study we quantified RSV virus load, IL-6 and IL-8 in A549 cell supernatant, and found andrographolide decreased the viral load and attenuated RSV-induced inflammation. Then, using online databases, we discovered 25 potential targets of andrographolide in the treatment of RSV-infected airway epithelial cells. Subsequently, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis led to the identification of CASP1, CCL5, JAK2, STAT1 as significant players. We verified the mRNA expression change of the potential target genes, which showed that andrographolide noticeably suppressed the increase of CASP1, CCL5, JAK2 and STAT1 post RSV infection. IL-1β, which is downstream of CASP1, was also up-regulated after RSV infection and down-regulated by andrographolide. Furthermore, we conducted Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis assay and Western blotting to determine whether andrographolide has an impact on the death pattern of RSV-infected cells. Interestingly, RSV infection decreased the protein levels of caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1, cleaved IL-1β, N terminal of GSDMD and Bcl-2, while andrographolide elevated them. These results suggested that andrographolide might attenuate RSV-induced inflammation by suppressing apoptosis and promoting pyroptosis of infected epithelial cells and thus inducing effective viral clearance.
Effect of cryogenic treatment on corrosion resistance of AZ61 magnesium alloy welded joint
Authors: Gong Xiaoyuan , Liu Jinming , Li Junqi , Xiao Fengqing
Published: March 2022

The welding test of 7mm thick AZ61 magnesium alloy plate was carried out by MIG welding; the joint was cryogenically treated at -180℃, and the holding time was 4h, 8h and 12h respectively; Weight loss method and electrochemical method were used to test the influence of cryogenic treatment on the corrosion resistance of welded joints before and after cryogenic treatment, and the corrosion morphology of specimens was observed by SEM. The test results show that the corrosion resistance of the joint sample reaches the best when the cryogenic treatment temperature is -180℃ and the holding time is 8h.
Association Analysis Of IKZF4 Gene With Alopecia Areata In Chinese Han Population
Authors: Miao Ying , Hu Ruiming , Sheng Youyu , Qi Sisi , Yang Qinping
Published: March 2022

Background: The IKZF4 gene encodes Eos, a zinc finger transcription factor that belongs to the Ikarosfamily. High expression of Eos on Treg cells is important for the suppression of autoimmune responses and immune homeostasis. It has been suggested that the SNP in IKZF4 may influence the pathogenesis of AA.Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between IKZF4 polymorphism and AA in Chinese Han population.Materials and Methods: In this study, we examined 459 patients and 434 controls using HRM analysis and direct sequencing to assess.the rs1701704 polymorphism.. Results: The prevalence of the C/C, A/C and A/A genotypes was 7.4%, 37.5% and 55.1%, respectively. There were significant differences in genotype distribution and allele frequencies between AA and control group (p<0.0001). The frequency of C allele in AA group was significantly higher(p<0.0001), and the frequencies of C allele and C/C genotype in patients with family history were higher (p<0.0001;p=0.001;).Conclusions: The rs1701704 SNP of IKZF4 may be a genetic marker for assessing the risk of AA in Chinese Han population.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment of cognitive dysfunction after basal ganglia stroke
Authors: Ye Baoye , Wei Dingqun , Pan Lin
Published: March 2022

Objective

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to evaluate cognitive dysfunction after basal ganglia stroke, and factors affecting total MoCA score were examined.

Methods

Data were retrospectively analyzed for 30 patients with basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage or basal ganglia cerebral infarction, who were admitted to The Second Affiliated

Hospital of Fujian Traditional Medical University (Fujian, China) from January 2017 to March 2020. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the MoCA, and potential correlations were explored between clinicodemographic characteristics (sex, age, stroke location and etiology) and

MoCA dimensions or total MoCA score.

Results

Univariate linear regression showed that the total MoCA score was significantly associated with sex, age, executive function, naming, attention, abstract generalization ability, memory ability, and visuospatial orientation. However, multivariate linear regression identified only executive function, naming, attention, memory ability, and visuospatial orientation as significantly associated with the total MoCA score.

Conclusions

We showed that the MoCA test can be used for patients with basal ganglia stroke. The total MoCA score of basal ganglia stroke was significantly associated with impairments in executive function, naming, attention, memory ability, and visuospatial orientation.
Hydrazone based materials; Quantum chemical studies, Spectroscopic Properties and A Comparable Experimental-Theoretical investigation.
Authors: sakr mahmoud , Sherbiny Farag F. , El-Etrawy Abd-Allah Sh.
Published: March 2022

Due to numerous pharmaceutical and biological activities hydrazone (TC) based materials, it was important to investigate quantum chemical studies such as Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, molecular electrostatic potential (MESP), and local reactivity usage Fukui function for six TC derivatives compounds. DFT, NBO, MESP, and local reactivity calculations were obtained via utilizing CAM-Becke's three-parameter functional and Leee Yange Parr (CAM-B3LYP) functional and 6-311G++(2d, 2p) basis set. Optimized molecular structures for all studied compounds were obtained usage the DFT/CAM-B3LYP/6-311G++(2d, 2p) method. In addition, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), energy gap (Eg), light harvest efficiency (LHE), and open-circuit voltage (Voc) of all studied MSs are calculated and illustrated. These properties indicate that these molecular modeling structures as good candidates for utilization in organic DSSCs. The calculated spectroscopic investigations of hydrazine derivatives have been obtained by applying TD/B3LYP/6-311G++(2d, 2p) method. the calculated UV-Vis absorption spectra for molecular structures under study show nice correlations with experimental spectra.
Systematic Pan-cancer Analysis on the Expression and Role of RCC1/SNHG3/SNHG12
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hu Kai , Yu Huomei , Liu Shiyan , Liao Deyu
Published: March 2022

Regulator of chromatin condensation 1 (RCC1) is the major guanine nucleotide exchange factor of RAN GTPase, which plays a key role in various biological processes such as cell cycle and DNA damage repair. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) and SNHG12 are long-stranded non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and are located on chromatin very close to the sequence of RCC1. Many studies have shown that they are aberrantly expressed in tumor tissues and can affect the proliferation and viability of cancer cells. Although the effects of RCC1/SNHG3/SNHG12 on cellular activity have been reported, respectively, their overall analysis on the pan-cancer level has not been performed. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of RCC1/SNHG3/SNHG12 in 33 cancers through the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Database. The results showed that RCC1/SNHG3/SNHG12 were highly expressed in a variety of tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. The expression of RCC1/SNHG3/SNHG12 in BRCA, LGG and LIHC was associated with TP53 mutations. In addition, RCC1/SNHG3/SNHG12 expression was closely associated with the prognosis of patients with multiple tumors. Immunocorrelation analysis indicated that RCC1/SNHG3/SNHG12 showed a correlation with multiple immune cell infiltration. The results of enrichment analysis suggested that RCC1/SNHG3/SNHG12 was involved in the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis and other pathways. We found that these effects were mainly mediated by RCC1, while the trend of SNHG3/SNHG12 regulation was also consistent with RCC1. We refer to this phenomenon as "homodomain effect". These findings provide new and comprehensive insights into the role of RCC1/SNHG3/SNHG12 in tumor development and show their potential as clinical monitoring and therapy.
Primordial germ cells identification and traceability during the initial development of the Siluriformes fish Pseudopimelodus mangurus.
Authors: Monzani Paulo Sérgio , Shiguemoto Gustavo Fonseca , Coelho Geovanna Carla Zacheo , López Lucia Suárez , Pessoa Giselle Pessanha , Santos Silvio Carlos Alves dos , Senhorini José Augusto , Yasui George Shigueki
Published: March 2022

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are responsible for the generation of all germ cells, and therefore, they are essential targets to be used as a tool for the production of germline chimera. The labeling and route of PGCs were evaluated during the initial embryonic development of Pseudopimelodus mangurus, using whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) and mRNA microinjection in zygotes. The WISH method was synthesized a specific RNA antisense probe using part of the coding region from P. mangurus nanos3 cDNA. The RNA microinjection was performed using the GFP gene reporter regulated by translation regulatory P. mangurus bucky ball and nanos3 3’UTR sequences, which are germline-specific markers used to describe in vivo migration of PGCs. The nanos3 and bucky ball gene expressions were evaluated in tissues for male and female adults and initial development phases and larvae from first to seventh days post-hatching. The results from the WISH technique appointed to the origin of PGCs in P. mangurus from the aggregations of nanos3 mRNA in the cleavage grooves and the signals obtained of nanos3 probes corresponded topographically to the migratory patterns of the PGC reported for other fish species. The microinjection of GFP-nanos3 3'UTR mRNA in the zygotes of P. mangurus was not successful for PGC labeling, but it was possible to identify three embryos injected, presenting 3 to 5 evidence of possible PGC labeled in the hatching phase. The nanos3 and bucky ball gene expression was reported in the female gonads and from fertilized eggs until the blastula phase. These results provide information about the PGC migration of P. mangurus and the possible use of PGCs for the future generation of germline chimera to be applied in the conservation efforts of Neotropical Siluriformes species, contributing to the establishment of genetic banks, manipulation of organisms, and assisting in biotechnologies such as the transplantation of germ cells in fish.
Integrative approaches of DNA methylation patterns according to age, sex, and longitudinal changes
Authors: Gim Jeong-An
Published: March 2022

Background: In humans, age-related DNA methylation has been studied in blood, tissues, buccal swabs, and fibroblasts, and changes in DNA methylation patterns according to age and sex have been detected. To date, approximately 137,000 samples have been analyzed from 14,000 studies and the infor-mation has been uploaded to the NCBI GEO database.Methods: A correlation between age and methylation level and longitudinal changes in methylation levels was revealed in both sexes. Here, 20 public datasets derived from whole blood were analyzed using the Illumina BeadChip.Results: Of the 20 datasets, nine were from a longitudinal study. All data had age and sex as common variables. Comprehensive details of age-, sex-, and longitudinal change-based DNA methylation levels in the whole blood sample were elucidated in this study. ELOVL2 and FHL2 showed the maximum correlation between age and DNA methylation. The methylation patterns of genes related to mental health differed according to age.Conclusions: Based on 20 public DNA methylation datasets, methylation levels according to age and longitu-dinal changes by sex were identified and visualized using an integrated approach. The results highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying the association of sex and biological age with changes in DNA methylation, and the importance of optimal genomic information management.