bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MDA-LDL vaccination induces athero-protective germinal center-derived antibody responses
Authors: Martos-folgado Inmaculada , Lorenzo Cristina , Busse Christian , Delgado Pilar , Mur Sonia , Cobos Laura , Martin-Ventura Jose Luis , Escolà-Gil Joan Carles , Wardemann Hedda , Ramiro Almudena
Published: November 2021

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries that can lead to thrombosis, infarction and stroke and is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Immunization of pro-atherogenic mice with malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) neo-antigen is athero-protective. However, the immune response to MDA-LDL and the mechanisms responsible for this athero-protection are not completely understood. Here, we find that immunization of mice with MDA-LDL elicits memory B cells, plasma cells, and switched anti-MDA-LDL antibodies as well as clonal expansion and affinity maturation, indicating that MDA-LDL triggers a bona fide germinal center antibody response. Further, Blimp1-deficient pro-atherogenic chimeras lacking germinal center-derived plasma cells, show accelerated atherosclerosis. Finally, we show that MDA-LDL immunization does not promote athero-protection in mice lacking germinal-center derived plasma cells, indicating that germinal center-derived antibodies are important for MDA-LDL-driven athero-protection. These findings support the idea that MDA-LDL-based vaccines could potentially be used for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.
Seasonal Changes and Decrease of Suicides and Suicide Attempts in France Over the Last 10 Years”.
Authors: AKKAOUI Marine AMBAR , CHAN-CHEE Christine , LAAIDI Karine , FIFRE Gregory , LEJOYEUX Michel , VAIVA Guillaume , PEYRE Hugo , Geoffroy Pierre Alexis
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the evolution of suicides and suicide attempts over the last 10 years in France. Methods: We analyzed the number of deaths by suicide and suicide attempts in metropolitan France (2009-2018) from French national databases, on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Seasonal variation in suicide rates was modeled using a cosinor function. Based on this model, we determined the association of suicides and suicide attempts with geographic characteristics, age, gender, means used and psychiatric disorders. Results: The number of suicides and suicide attempts decreased over the last ten years in France (mean decrease of 14.49% and 11.69% per year). We observed a significant and recurrent seasonal pattern of suicides and suicide attempts in France, with a peak in spring. The suicide and suicide attempt rates were higher in the northern departments of France. Suicides were more frequent for men (75%) and middle-age individuals (45-54 years old), while suicide attempts were more frequent for women (62%) and young adults and middle-age individual (15-19 and 40-49 years old). Nearly two-thirds of the patients who attempted suicide suffered from comorbid psychiatric disorders. Mood disorders was the most frequent comorbid psychiatric disorder (54%). Voluntary drug intoxication was the most common means of suicide attempt (80%), and hanging was the most common means of suicide (54%).Conclusion: The number of suicides and suicide attempts decreased in France over the last 10 years, with large and recurrent seasonal variations. These findings could be used to alert and adjust prevention policies, as well as developing preventive strategies such as chronotherapeutics.
Evaluation of Post-COVID-19 Chest Pain and Dyspnea in Outpatients Using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Omar Timor , İliş Doğan , Oflu Yusuf , Karakayalı Muammer , Bucak Halil Murat , Artaç İnanç
Published: November 2021

Clinicians are frequently facing patients complaining of post-COVID-19 chest pain and dyspnea. However, it remains to be seen if these symptoms indicate pathology of the cardiovascular system. We aimed to evaluate heart functions in outpatients with post-COVID-19 chest pain and dyspnea, using 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). This cross-sectional study recruited consecutive patients who presented to cardiology outpatient clinics between June 15 and July 15, 2021. Subjects had recovered from COVID-19 1-2 months prior to admission. ECG, echocardiography including 2D-STE images, were obtained for all patients. Findings were compared with sex and an age-matched control group consisting of 67 healthy adults. A total of 78 patients were included. The median age was 38 (IQR, 34-45) years, and 64.1% were female. There were no significant differences between the patients and control group regarding laboratory, ECG, and echocardiography findings. Moreover, left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) measurements in both patient and control groups were within the normal ranges and did not show a significant difference [-20.5 (-21.8- -17.9) vs. -19.8 (-21.4- -18.9), p=0.894]. Post-COVID-19 chest pain and dyspnea are unlikely signs of cardiovascular involvement in outpatient young adults who had not been hospitalized with COVID-19.
Type 1 diabetes management and hospitalisation in the over 25’s at an Australian outer urban diabetes clinic
Authors: Patel Shivani , Farkash Celine , Simmons David
Published: November 2021

AimsTo describe clinic management and referral pathways among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) aged >25 years attending a public outpatient diabetes service. MethodsRetrospective cohort study of people with T1D aged >25 years seen by endocrinologists in one Australian urban public outpatient in 2017. Electronic and paper medical records were reviewed using a dataset adapted from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2015 guidelines. ResultsAmong the 111 people with T1D (mean age 41 ± 13 years, 55% men, mean body mass index 27.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2), mean HbA1c was 8.1 ± 1.9% (66 ± 19 mmol/mol) (lower than the Australian National Diabetes Audit: 8.5%/69 mmol/mol) with 25.5% meeting the guideline target of <53 mmol/mol (7.0%). Most people had seen a diabetes educator (80.2%) or dietitian (73.0%) and had complication screening. Complication rates were high (nephropathy 20.4%, retinopathy 27.4%, peripheral neuropathy 30.1%, ischaemic heart disease/acute infarction 10.5%). Overall, 27% of referrals occurred following an acute inpatient admission or emergency department presentation and 13% for management of diabetes in pregnancy. ConclusionsA high proportion of people with T1D accessed public specialist care either during pregnancy or after a largely avoidable acute glycaemia-related hospital presentation. Subsequent care was in line with national specialist standards. This area has a “wait for acute event” rather than “complication prevention” model of care, associated with under-referral to the local multidisciplinary specialist service. Understanding how widespread this model of care is, and ways to reduce its prevalence, are urgently required.
Identification of Candidate Genes That Specifically Regulate Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Fat Deposition Using Transcriptomic and Proteomic Profiles in Dingyuan Pigs
Authors: Zhang Pan , Li Qinggang , Wu Yijing , Zhang Yawen , Zhang Bo , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2021

Subcutaneous fat and intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition are closely related to meat production and pork quality. Dingyuan pig, as a native pig breed in China, low selection leads to obvious genetic and phenotypic differences in the population. Individuals with extreme fat content in the population are ideal models for studying the mechanism of fat deposition. In this study, we used RNA-Seq and tandem mass tags-based (TMT) proteomics to analyze the key pathways and genes that specifically regulate subcutaneous fat and IMF deposition in Dingyuan pigs. We identified 191 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 61 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in the high and low back fat thickness (HBF, LBF) groups, 85 DEGs and 12 DAPs were obtained in the high and low intramuscular fat (HIMF, LIMF) groups. The functional analysis showed that the DEGs and DAPs in the backfat groups were mainly involved in carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids, whereas the IMF groups were involved in the insulin pathway, longevity, and some disease-related pathways. we found 33 candidate genes that might tissue-specifically lipids deposition for subcutaneous and intramuscular fat. Our research provides theoretical reference materials for the improvement of fat deposition traits of local pig breeds in my country.
Transplantation of Wnt4-Modified Neural Stem Cells Mediate M2 Polarization to Promote Spinal Cord Injury Repair
Authors: Li Xiang , Long Lingli , Hu Yue , Zhang Wenwu , Zhong Fangling , Tuo Ying , Cheng Xing , Wan Yong
Published: November 2021

Background: Neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation has been considered as a potential strategy to reconnect the neural circuit after spinal cord injury (SCI) but the therapeutic effect was still unsatisfied because of the poor inflammatory microenvironment. Previous study reported that neuroprotection and inflammatory immunomodulation were considered to be most important mechanism of NSCs transplantation. In addition, Wnt4 has been considered to be neurogenesis and anti-inflammatory so that it would be an essential assistant agent for NSCs transplantation.Results: We report the first piece of evidence to confirm the interaction between Wnt4-modified NSCs and macrophages using NSCs- macrophages co-cultured system. Wnt4-modified NSCs induce M2 polarization and inhibit M1 polarization of macrophages through suppress TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway; furthermore, M2 cells promote neuronal differentiation of NSCs through MAPK/JNK signal pathway. In vivo, transplantation of Wnt4-modified NSCs improve inflammatory microenvironment through induce M2 polarization and inhibit M1 polarization of macrophages to promote axonal regeneration and tissue repair.Conclusion: The current study indicated that transplantation of Wnt4-modified NSCs mediate M2 polarization of macrophages to promote spinal cord injury repair. Our novel findings would provide more insight of SCI and help with identification of novel treatment strategy.
Identification of HBA2 and NR4A2 as potential prognostic molecular markers of MYCN amplified neuroblastoma
Authors: Peng Junwei , Lv Linya
Published: November 2021

Background
Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial solid tumor in children, and the prognosis of children with MYCN amplified type is poor. The prognostic factors in children with MYCN amplified form are still unclear.
Methods
Download data sets GSE53371 and GSE49710 from GEO database. The GSE53371 data set is used to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of MYCN amplified and MYCN non-amplified NB patients, and then cross the key module genes in the WGCNA analysis results to obtain their key genes. Then these key genes were analyzed for GO and KEGG function enrichment to analyze their potential biological functions and signal pathways. Single-factor COX regression and multi-factor COX regression analysis are used to screen key genes related to prognosis from key genes to construct risk scores. Finally, qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression of HBA2 and NR4A2 in tissue samples collected from the clinic.
Results
20 core genes were obtained after intersecting the differential genes between MYCN amplified and non-amplified samples with WGCNA analysis results. Univariate COX regression analysis showed that a total of 4 genes were closely related to the overall survival of MYCN amplified NB patients (p <0.05). Further multivariate COX regression analysis showed that HBA2 and NR4A2 have independent prognostic significance. Finally, the qRT-PCR test results of clinical samples showed that, compared with the MYCN unamplified group, the expression of HBA2 in the MYCN amplified group increased, and the expression of NR4A2 decreased.
Conclusion
HBA2 and NR4A2 are diagnostic prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for patients with MYCN amplified NB.
Oxidative Stress and Calcium Dyshomeostasis Mediated CPF-Induces EPC Cell Apoptosis and Necroptosis
Authors: Miao Zhiying , Cui Jiawen , Yu Meijin , Teng Xiaohua
Published: November 2021

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a broadly used organophosphate insecticide, and as environmental contamination has been confirmed to be harmful to the health of humans and animals, the effects of CPF on fish are still unclear. We aim to detect whether CPF has effects on the common carps, and identify the mechanisms of the effects. In accordance with the IC50 of CPF for epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells was 8.945 µM, 0, 3, 5 and 7 µM CPF were marked as C, L, M and H group. The results indicated that CPF exposure led to oxidative stress in EPC cells. Moreover, Calcium ion (Ca2+) imaging indicated that CPF triggers Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, as induced ER Ca2+ fluxed into cytoplasm and mitochondrial, and mediates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, which have further confirmed with the increased transcription of ER stress related genes. Meanwhile, CPF induced collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), enhancement of ROS generation and depletion of ATP level in both cytoplasm and mitochondrial, substantiated mitochondrial dysfunction has been evoked. Besides, the AO/EB staining and flow cytometry analysis ascertained that CPF induces apoptosis and necroptosis in EPC cells. Hence, we further verified that via determining the expression of apoptotic pathway genes and necroptotic pathway genes. Consequently, we illuminated the mechanisms of CPF effects on the common carps from the perspective of Ca2+ homeostasis, and provided a novel concept for investigating the toxicity of CPF as environmental pollution on aquatic organisms.
Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty Retrospective Case Control Study: Does Genicular Injection Application Yield a More Effective Pain Control Compared with Periarticular Injection?
Authors: Küçükalp Abdullah , Özdemir Bülent
Published: November 2021

Background:The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that administering the analgesic solution prepared for periarticular injection as a genicular injection to patients undergoing bilateral knee arthroplasty has equivalent effect to periarticuler injection and provides equal or enhanced pain control. Thus, these two different practices were compared.Methods:This was a case control study, during which simultaneous bilateral knee arthroplasty patients were evaluated retrospectively. The analgesic solution prepared for periarticular injection was applied as a genicular injection to one knee of each of 30 patients operated on in the same session, and was applied as standard periarticular injection to the other knee. The study group comprised the patients operated on in the same session who were subject to genicular infiltration anaesthesia and the control group consisted of patients with standard periarticular infiltration anaesthesia administered to the other knee. The study data are summarized via descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, etc.). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 software. Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test was used for comparisons. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0,05.Results:Pain scores were lower during the early postoperative period in the knees of patients who received the genicular injection (p<0.005). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to drainage volume, complications and range of joint motion.Conclusions:Genicular injection is a reliable and effective procedure for early postoperative pain control.
Dual Role of Grass Clippings As Buffering Agent and Biomass During Anaerobic Co-digestion With Food Waste
Authors: Chakraborty Debkumar , Palani Sankar Ganesh , Ghangrekar Makarand M. , N Anand , Pathak Pankaj
Published: November 2021

There is a dire need to replace the chemical buffers that regulate the redox environment in single-stage anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste (FW). Hence, the applicability of grass clippings (GC) as an eco-friendly buffering agent and biomass during the anaerobic co-digestion of FW was explored. A focus was primarily given on the effects of GC on the redox environment and acidogenesis. Concomitantly the production of volatile fatty acids, hydrogen and methane in mesophilic conditions was monitored. Organic load and substrate to inoculum ratio were kept constant in all the experiments, and no chemical buffer was used. The results revealed that GC regulated the redox environment by inhibiting rapid pH drop in the digester with 10 % GC. The addition of 2, 4, and 6 % GC promoted acidogenesis with increased production of acetic and butyric acids; whereas, 8 and 10 % GC promoted solventogenesis with ethyl alcohol production. Hydrogen generation from the experiments with GC was in the range of 27-30 % of the total biogas, which was marginally higher than from the control (25 %). Methane concentration was negligible in the biogas generated from all experiments. The acidification rate, VFA production/consumption rate, specific hydrogen yield, hydrogen conversion efficiency, and volatile solid removal were maximum and minimum in the reactors with 6 and 10 % GC, respectively. From the above results, it can be concluded that the addition of GC to FW would regulate the sudden pH changes and enhance the production of value-added biochemicals, to make the process cost-effective.
Grain Dispersal Mechanism In Cereals Arose From a Genome Duplication Followed By Changes in Spatial Expression of Genes Involved In Pollen Development
Authors: Cross Arthur , Baijun John , Waugh Robbie , Golicz Agnieszka , Pourkheirandish Mohammad
Published: November 2021

One of the most critical events in the process of cereal domestication was the loss of the natural mode of grain dispersal. Grain dispersal in barley is controlled by two major genes, Btr1 and Btr2, which affect the thickness of cell walls around the disarticulation zone. The barley genome also encodes Btr1-like and Btr2-like genes, which have been shown to be the ancestral copies. While Btr and Btr-like genes are non-redundant, the biological function of Btr-like genes is unknown. We explored the potential biological role of the Btr-like genes by surveying their expression profile across 212 publicly available transcriptome datasets representing diverse organs, developmental stages and stress conditions. We found that Btr1-like and Btr2-like are expressed exclusively in immature anther samples throughout Prophase I of meiosis within the meiocyte. The similar and restricted expression profile of these two genes suggests they are involved in a common biological function. Further analysis revealed 141 genes co-expressed with Btr1-like and 122 genes co-expressed with Btr2-like, with 105 genes in common, supporting Btr-like genes involvement in a shared molecular pathway. We hypothesize that the Btr-like genes play a crucial role in pollen development by facilitating the formation of the callose wall around the meiocyte or in the secretion of callase by the tapetum. Our data suggest that Btr genes retained an ancestral function in cell wall modification and gained a new role in grain dispersal due to changes in their spatial expression becoming spike specific after gene-duplication.
Valorisation of Bagasse Cane by-Product: Effect of Cellulosic Fibers and Coupling Agent on Thermal, Mechanical and Rheological Behaviours of Reinforced Polypropylene
Authors: BOUSSETTA Abdelghani , CHARII Hassan , BENHAMOU Anass AIT , BARBA Francisco J. , GRIMI Nabil , SIMIRGIOTIS Mario J. , MOUBARIK Amine
Published: November 2021

Recently more attentions are growing every day towards the valorisation of industrial by-product especially those generated through agriculture and food industries, as the demands of bio-based resources for the necessary transition from fossil hydrocarbon sources to natural based products are increasing. This paper focuses on the potential effect of chemical treatments and modification as well as fibers loading on the thermal, mechanical, and rheological behaviour of reinforced Polypropylene (PP). During this work, fibers were prepared using alkali and bleaching treatments and then characterized using different analysis such SEM, X-ray, FT-IR and TGA/DTG. The composite materials were elaborated using twin-screw extrusion followed by injection molding by mixing PP with 5 to 10 Wt.% of raw bagasse cane (RBC), alkali bagasse cane (ABC) and bleached cellulose microfibers (BCM) as well as cellulose microfibers with Styrene-(ethylene-butene)-styrene three-block co-polymer grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) as coupling agent. The result achieved from this study shows that the use of different type of fibers led to significant decrease in thermal degradation of PP. The mechanical results show a significant improvement in Yung’s modulus, tensile strength and hardness of the reinforced PP compared to neat PP. However, a remarkable decrease was obtained in elongation at break and toughness for all reinforced composites compared to neat PP. Besides, higher and low torsion modulus was obtained for PP reinforced with BCM and SEBS-g-MA-BCM, respectively.Statement of Novelty: This study aims to valorise bagasse sugar cane by-product as a lignocellulosic source for the isolation of cellulose fibers. Innovative composite materials were prepared based on polypropylene.
The Globulin, A/G and NLR do not Perform better than CRP and ESR in PJI Diagnosis
Authors: Jiao JingBo , Huang Jin-cheng , Chen Xiao , Jin Yi
Published: November 2021

Objective: To test the significance of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), globulin(GLN) , albumin to globulin ratio (A/G), and neutrophil to lymphocyterate (NLR) in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 115 patients diagnosed from January 2017 to December 2020 with PJI (PJI group, median age 71.00 years [range, 41-94 years], 24 males, 29 females), and aseptic loosening (aseptic group, median age 68.50 years [range, 34–85 years], 32 male, 30 female) in our department. Demographic data and thesensitivity and specificity of preoperative CRP, ESR, GLB,A/G, and NLR in PJI diagnosis were compared. Results: There were no significant differences when the demographic data of the two groups were compared. The expression level of CRP (24.89 mg/L([IQR], 0.1 to 200)), ESR (3 mm/h([IQR], 6 to 120)), GLB (31.70 g/L ( [IQR], 18.50 to 60.60)), and NLR (2.51([IQR], 0.93 to 12.23)) in the PJI group were higher than in the aseptic loosening group (CRP: 2.245 mg/L([IQR], 0.2 to 111.94);ESR: 16 mm/h ([IQR], 2 to 76); GLB: 26.60 g/L([IQR], 17.90 to 68.20); NLR: 1.85([IQR], 0.63 to 9.09)). The expression level of A/G (1.15([IQR], 0.55 to 2.16)) in the PJI group was lower than in the aseptic loosening group (1.51([IQR], 0.71 to 2.40)). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) for CRP, ESR, GLB,A/G, and NLR were 0.841 (95% confidence interval, 0.761-0.903), 0.850 (0.771-0.910),0.747(0.658-0.824),0.779(0.692–0.851), and 0.708 (0.616–0.789), respectively. When GLB > 26.6g/L, A/G ＜1.32, and NLR >2.1 were set as the threshold values for the diagnosis of PJI, The sensitivity of GLB and A/G (90.57%, 81.13%) is higher than CRP (71.70%) and ESR (79.25%), but the specificity (GLB: 51.61%, A/G: 72.58%) was significantly lower than of CRP (87.10%) and ESR (75.81%). The ROC analysis of NLR showed that its sensitivity (73.58%) and specificity (70.97) had no significant advantages over CRP and ESR. Conclusion: globulin, A/G and NLR do not perform better than CRP and ESR in PJI diagnos is.
Busto COVID-19 Score Identify Low Risk Patients. External Validation.
Authors: Fabrizio Foieni , Giovanna Beltrami Laura Maria , Girolamo Sala , Nicola Ughi , Francesca Del Gaudio , Veronica Menegon , Paolo Ghiringhelli , Oscar Epis
Published: November 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with severe acute respiratory failure. Early identifcation of low-risk COVID-19 patients is crucial, discharging safely patients to home and optimizing the use of available resources. Methods: We aimed to external validate a simple score for the prediction of low-risk outcomes. A retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 was carried out by the Busto Hospital and Niguarda hospital. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and treatment variables were collected at hospital admission. Variables included in this retrospective cohort were analized to validate the Busto COVID-19 score as a Clinical Risk Score able to individuate low risk COVID-19 patients. Among COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital, severe outcome was defned as the composite of the admission to the Intensive Care Unit or death. Results: The development cohort included 427 consecutive patients. The mean (SD) age of patients among the cohort was 60.5 years; 273 (63%) were men. As potential predictors, Busto COVID-19 score variables include: lung ultrasound abnormality, age, total white blood cells count , C-reactive protein value, pO2/FiO2 ratio, lactates value, arterial hypertension and fever from 5 days or more and resulted in the best performing score with an area under the curve in the derivation sample of 0.88 and 0.71 in the external sample. Conclusions: The proposed score can identify patients at low risk for severe outcome who can be safely managed in a low-intensity setting after hospital admission for COVID-19.
Prevalence and Types of Gender-Based Violence among Secondary School Students During Covid-19 Pandemic in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria
Authors: Udigwe Ifeoma Bridget , Nnamani Chioma Phyllis , Ajator Chioma Chetachukwu , Mbachu Chioma Pauline , Ofiaeli Ogochukwu Chioma , Mbanuzuru Ahoma Victor , Umeh Uche M
Published: November 2021

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) increases during every type of emergency whether economic crises, conflicts or disease outbreak like in the case of Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of GBV among secondary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anambra State, South East, Nigeria.Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study, conducted among 403 secondary school student who were recruited consecutively after consent and assent were gotten. Self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was analysed using STATA version 16.0. The level of significance for test of association was set at p-value < 0.05Results: The prevalence of GBV was 63.28%, emotional/verbal abuse were the most prevalent type while sexual abuse was the least type (85.5% vs 8.2%). The highest perpetrator of the emotional/verbal abuse were their fellow students (64.8%). The relationship between GBV and impact of abuse was statistically significant for academic performance, alcohol and tobacco intake (p-values: 0.040, 0.010, 0.029 respectively)Conclusion: The prevalence of GBV is high among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the emotional/verbal type being the most prevalent type. GBV has an impact on their academic performance and social lives. We therefore recommend that stakeholders should have target programs to address the diverse effects of GBV on students especially with the pandemic.
Single-cell RNA Sequencing Technology Revealed the Pivotal Role of Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Ang II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Weng Yingzheng , Lou Jiangjie , Bao Yizong , Cai Changhong , Zhu Kefu , Du Changqing , Chen Xiaofeng , Tang Lijiang
Published: November 2021

Aim: The mechanism of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to map the cellular heterogeneity, molecular alteration, and functional transformation of angiotensin (Ang) II-induced AAA in mice based on single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNA seq) technology.Method: Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on suprarenal abdominal aorta from male APOE-/- C57BL/6 mice of Ang II-induced AAA and shame models. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the pathophysiological characteristics of AAA, and sc-RNA seq was used to determine the heterogeneity and phenotypic transformation of all cell types. A single-cell trajectory was performed to predict the differentiation of fibroblasts. Finally ligand–receptor analysis was used to evaluate intercellular communication between fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells.Results: More than 27,000 cells were isolated and 25 clusters representing 8 types of cells were identified, including fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, granulocytes, and natural killer cells. During AAA progression, the function and phenotype of different type cells altered separately. The pro-inflammatory function of inflammatory cells was enhanced. The proliferation phenotype degreased while pro-inflammatory, regeneration and damage-related phenotypes increased in endothelial cells. Smooth muscle cells also transformed from contractile to secretory phenotype. The alterations of fibroblasts were the most conspicuous according sub-group clustering analysis. Single-cell trajectory revealed the critical reprogramming genes of fibroblasts mainly enriched in regulation of immune system. Finally, the ligand–receptor analysis confirmed that increases in secondary collagen synthesis led by fibroblasts were one of the most prominent characteristics of Ang II-induced AAA.Conclusion: Our study revealed the cellular heterogeneity of Ang II-induced AAA. Fibroblasts may play a central role in Ang II-induced AAA progression according multiple biological functions including immune regulation and extracellular matrix metabolic balance. Our study may provide us with a different perspective on the etiology and pathogenesis of AAA.
Hypoxia Regulated Inhibin Promotes Tumor Growth and Vascular Permeability By ACVRL1 and CD105 Dependent VE-Cadherin Internalization
Authors: Horst Ben , Pradhan Shrikant , Chaudhary Roohi , Listik Eduardo , Choi Alex , Southard Michael , Liu Yingmiao , Whitaker Regina , Hempel Nadine , Berchuck Andrew , Nixon Andrew , Lee Nam , Henis Yoav , Mythreye Karthikeyan
Published: November 2021

Hypoxia, a driver of tumor growth and metastasis, regulates angiogenic pathways that are targets for vessel normalization and ovarian cancer management. However, toxicities and resistance to anti-angiogenics limits their use making identification of new targets vital. Inhibin, a heteromeric TGFb ligand, is a contextual regulator of tumor progression acting as an early tumor suppressor, yet also an established biomarker for ovarian cancers. Here, we demonstrate a previously unknown role for inhibins and find that hypoxia increases inhibin levels in ovarian cancer cell lines, xenograft tumors, and patients. Inhibin is regulated specifically through HIF-1, shifting the balance from activins to inhibins. Hypoxia regulated inhibin promotes tumor growth, endothelial cell invasion and permeability. Targeting inhibin in vivo through knockdown and anti-inhibin strategies robustly reduces permeability in vivo and alters the balance of pro and anti-angiogenic mechanisms resulting in vascular normalization. Mechanistically, inhibin regulates permeability by increasing VE-cadherin internalization via ACVRL1 and CD105, a receptor complex that we find stabilized directly by inhibin. Our findings are the first to demonstrate direct roles for inhibins in vascular normalization via TGF-b receptors providing new insights into the therapeutic significance of inhibins as a strategy to normalize the tumor vasculature in ovarian cancer.
A Comprehensive Exploration of Pharmacological Properties, Bioactivities And Inhibitory Potentiality of Luteolin From Tridax Procumbens As Anticancer Drug By In-Silico Approach
Authors: Lakhera Shradha , Rana Meenakshi , Devlal Kamal , Celik Ismail , Yadav Rohitash
Published: November 2021

Tridax procumbens is a flowering plant of the Asteraceae family with a wide range of medicinal uses like anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, etc. This study aimed to investigate the anti-cancerous activity of human lung cancer for targeting Luteolin, a phytochemical of Tridax procumbens. The computational study has been done for studying the structural properties of Luteolin. The drug-likeness of the molecule has been predicted by virtual screening of ADMET properties. The molecular docking technique of the in-silico method is performed to check the complex formation between protein and ligand. The reactivity and stability of the molecule are investigated with the help of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In the present work, we have tried to establish a strong candidature of any of the phytochemical of Feverfew as an inhibitor against human lung cancer.
Effects of Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate At Environmentally Relevant Concentrations On Oxidative Stress and Lipid Metabolism in Livers of Male Xenopus Tropicalis
Authors: Pan Xinying , Zheng Li , Ding Yong , Dai Zhuo , Qi Xufeng , Zhang Xiaochun , Xu Yanbin , Xie Guangyan , Qiao Qingxia
Published: November 2021

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), used as a popular plasticizer to enhance the flexibility of plastics, is a major pollutant in aquatic environments. DEHP poses severe risks to aquatic organisms since it is an endocrine-disrupting compound. To comprehensively evaluate the toxicity of DEHP on the growth and livers of male X. tropicalis, sexually mature male X. tropicalis were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of DEHP, 0.2, 0.6, 1.8, 5.4 mg/L, for 49 days. The results showed that DEHP had a severe toxic effect on the livers of male X. tropicalis. Histopathological analysis of livers in all the DEHP-exposed groups showed changes in terms of vacuolization, loose cell cords, and an increasing amount of melanin. Large lipid droplets were markedly formed, and there were changes in the mitochondrial morphology upon DEHP exposure. In addition, oxidative stress was induced through the suppression of biochemical indicators and the downregulation in the mRNA expression of genes (nrf2, cat, sod, gst, and gpx) related to oxidative stress. A reduction in expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes (pparα) was seen post-DEHP exposure. Thus, our study suggests that the hepatotoxicity induced by DEHP could be attributed to oxidative stress and disordered fatty acid metabolism. In conclusion, long-term exposure to DEHP at environmentally relevant concentrations poses ecological risks to aquatic organisms, which serves as a reminder that the application of DEHP and other plasticizers should be limited.
Circulating miRNAs and Cytokines Uncover Novel Physiopathological Mechanisms of COVID-19
Authors: Martínez-Fleta Pedro , Vera-Tomé Paula , Jiménez-Fernández María , Requena Silvia , Roy-Vallejo Emilia , Sanz-García Ancor , Lozano-Prieto Marta , López-Sanz Celia , Vara Alicia , Lancho-Sánchez Ángel , Martín-Gayo Enrique , Muñoz-Calleja Cecilia , Alfranca Arantzazu , González-Álvaro Isidoro , Galván-Román José María , Aspa Javier , Fuente Hortensia de la , Sanchez-Madrid Francisco
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia is a life-threatening infectious disease, especially for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Despite enormous efforts to understand its underlying etiopathogenic mechanisms, most of them remain elusive. In this study, we compared differential plasma miRNAs and cytokines profiles between COVID-19 and other community-acquired pneumonias (CAP). A first screening and subsequent validation assays in an independent cohort of patients revealed a signature of 15 dysregulated miRNAs between COVID-19 and CAP patients. Additionally, multivariate analysis displayed a combination of 4 miRNAs (miR-106b-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-25-3p and miR-30a-5p) that significantly discriminated between both pathologies. Search for targets of these miRNAs, combined with plasma protein measurements, identified a differential cytokine signature between COVID-19 and CAP that included EGFR, CXCL12 and IL-10. Significant differences were also detected in plasma levels of CXCL12, IL-17, TIMP-2 and IL-21R between mild and severe COVID-19 patients. These findings provide new insights into the etiopathological mechanisms underlying COVID-19.
Adaptive Control of the Metalworking Process With Using Sound Generated During Cutting
Authors: Nahornyi Volodymyr , Panda Anton , Valíček Jan , Harnicarova Marta , Kušnerová Milena , Pandová Iveta , Legutko Stanislaw , Palková Zuzana , Lukáč Ondrej
Published: November 2021

The presented paper proposes a method of adaptive control of the metal cutting process based on the analysis and interpretation of recorded sound for the identification of the cutting process. The presented research results clearly demonstrated the efficiency of using the sound generated during cutting by CNC lathe 16 K20T1 for the adaptive metalworking control. The sound makes it possible to control the accuracy of the workpiece part geometry and the surface quality in the online mode. The online mode also makes it possible to make an informed decision about a timely interruption of the cutting process or the continuation of the process in the altered modes for its successful completion. As the research results presented in the paper show, there is a close correlation between the sound generated by cutting and the roughness of the surface being machined or the degree of wear of the cutting tool. The correlation between the sound and roughness of the machined surface is 0.94, whereas between the sound and wear of the cutting tool is 0.93. The paper aims to use the generated sound as operational information needed for adaptive control of the metal processing process and timely monitoring and diagnostics of the condition of processed materials using the precision index, newly introduced as the machining quality index.
Research On Fuel Compensation Control of High-pressure Common-Rail Diesel Engine Based On Crankshaft Segment Signals
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Wang Guiyong , Yao Guozhong , Shen Lizhong , He Shuchao
Published: November 2021

This paper studies the high-pressure common-rail diesel engine fuel supply compensation based on crankshaft fragment signals in order to improve the uneven phenomenon of diesel engine fuel supply and realize high efficiency and low pollution combustion. The experiments were conducted on a diesel engine with the model of YN30CR. Based on the characteristics of crankshaft fragment signals, the proportional integral (PI) control algorithm was used to quantify the engine working nonuniformity and extract the missing degree of fuel injection. The quantization method of each cylinder working uniformity and algorithm of fuel compensation control (FOC) based on crankshaft fragment signal were established, and the control strategy of working uniformity at different operating conditions was put forward. According to the principle of FOC control, a FOC control software module for ECU was designed. The FOC software module was simulated on ASCET platform. The results show that: Compared with the traditional quantization method, the oil compensation information extracted from crankshaft fragment signal has stronger anti-interference and more accurate parameters. FOC algorithm can accurately reflect the engine's working nonuniformity, and the control of the nonuniformity is reasonable. The compensation fuel amount calculated by FOC is high consistency with the fuel supply state of each cylinder set by experiment, which meets the requirement of accurate fuel injection control of common-rail diesel engine.
Tumor Volume Reduction Rate to Induction Chemotherapy Is a Prognostic Factor for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Chi-hsien , Lin Ting-Chun , Lien Ming-Yu , Cheng Fu-Ming , Li Kai-Chiun , Lin Chih-Yuan , Wang Ti-Hao
Published: November 2021

BackgroundAim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic of tumor volume reduction rate (TVRR) status post induction chemotherapy (IC) in LA-HNSCC.MethodsPatients with newly diagnosed LA-HNSCC from year 2007 to 2016 at a single center were included in this retrospective study. All patients had received IC as TPF (taxotere, platinum, fluorouracil) followed by daily definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for 70 Gy in 35 fractions concurrent with or without cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Tumor volume reduction rate of the primary tumor (TVRR-T) and lymph node (TVRR-N) was measured and calculated by contrast-enhanced CT images at diagnosis, and one month after final IC cycle, and analyzed though a univariate and multivariate Cox regression model.ResultsNinety patients of the primary cancer sites at hypopharynx (31/90, 34.4%), oropharynx (29/90, 32.2%), oral cavity (19/90, 21.1%) and larynx (11/90, 12.2%) were included in this study, with a median follow-up time interval of 3.9 years. In univariate Cox regression analysis, the TVRR-T as the only variable showed a significant difference for disease-free survival (DFS) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63 to 0.96; P = 0.02), aside from cancer site, RECIST, age and IC dose. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, The TVRR-T was also an independently significant prognostic factor for DFS (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.97; P = 0.02). At a cutoff value using TVRR-T of 50% in Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the DFS was significant higher with TVRR-T ≥ 50% group (log-rank test, p = 0.024), and also a trend of improved OS. (log-rank test, p = 0.069).ConclusionsTVRR-T was related to improved DFS and trend of improved OS. Other factors including patient’s age at diagnosis, the primary cancer site, and RECIST, were not significantly related to DFS.
Study of the Combustion , Pyrolysis Characteristics and Synergistic Effect of Co-hydrocharsation Products of Oil Shale and Rice HuskStudy of the Combustion , Pyrolysis Characteristics and Synergistic Effect of Co-hydrocharsation Products of Oil Shale and Rice Husk
Authors: LIU Yaoxin , Wang Enyu , KAN Ze
Published: November 2021

Under the pressure of environmental problems and fossil energy shortage, countries all over the world are looking for fuel to replace fossil energy. Oil shale and rice husk are potential fuels, but they both have some problems, such as high ash content and low calorific value .In the present study,oil shale and rice husk were used as feedstock for the high quality fuel through hydrothermal approach,it provides a new way for the resource utilization of oil shale and rice.Thermogravimetric method was used to analyze the functional groups change and thermal transformation characteristics of mixed hydrochars prepared for oil shale(OS) and rice husk(RH) at different hydrothermal temperatures(150,200 and 250℃), including combustion and pyrolysis processes, and analyze the synergistic effects. Results showed that the co-hydrocharsization pretreatment had a significant effect on the thermal transformation behavior of oil shale and rice husk.On the one hand, the mixture of hydrocar has higher volatile content than its calculated value.On the other hand,a synergistic effect(promoting combustion and pyrolysis behavior) was found in both combustion and pyrolysis processes, and this effect was the most obvious when the hydrothermal temperature was around 200℃,and the characteristic peak of functional groups vibration was strong.Since the synergistic effect of pyrolysis process is lower than that of combustion process, co-hydrocharsation products are considered to be more suitable for combustion.These findings have positive significance of energy generation and utilization of organic waste by the combination of co-hydrocharsization modification and subsequent thermochemical process.
TonB-dependent receptor epitopes expressed in M. bovis BCG induced significant protection in the hamster model of leptospirosis
Authors: Bettin Everton Burlamarque , Dorneles Jessica , Hecktheuer Amanda Silva , Madruga Andriele Bonemann , Neto Amilton Clair Pinto Seixas , McBride Alan John Alexander , Oliveira Thais Larré , Grassmann André Alex , Dellagostin Odir Antônio
Published: November 2021

Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. A universal vaccine against leptospirosis is likely to require highly conserved epitopes from pathogenic leptospires, that are exposed on the bacterial surface, and that generate a protective and sterilizing immune response. Our group recently identified several genes predicted to encode TonB-dependent receptors (TBDR) in Leptospira interrogans using a reverse vaccinology approach. Three leptospiral TBDRs were previously described and partially characterized as ferric-citrate, hemin, and cobalamin transporters. In the current study, we designed a fusion protein composed of predicted surface-exposed epitopes from three conserved leptospiral TBDRs. Based on their three-dimensional structural models and the prediction of immunogenic regions, nine putative surface-exposed fragments were selected to compose a recombinant chimeric protein. A Mycobacterium bovis BCG strain expressing this chimeric antigen encoded in the pUP500/PpAN mycobacterial expression vector was used to immunize Syrian hamsters. All animals (20/20) vaccinated with recombinant BCG survived infection with a endpoint dose of L. interrogans (P < 0.001). No animal survived in the negative control group. Immunization with our recombinant BCG elicited a humoral immune response against leptospiral TBDRs, as demonstrated by ELISA and immunoblot. No leptospiral DNA was detected by lipL32 qPCR in the kidneys of vaccinated hamsters. Similarly, no growth was observed in macerated kidney cultures from the same animals, suggesting the induction of a sterilizing immune response. Design of new vaccine antigens based on the structure of outer membrane proteins is a promising approach to overcome the impact of leptospirosis by vaccination.
Adequate Soliton Solutions to the Space-Time Fractional Telegraph Equation and Modified Third-Order KdV Equation through A Reliable Technique
Authors: Sadia Ummay , Arefin Mohammad Asif , Inc Mustafa , Uddin M. Hafiz
Published: November 2021

The space-time fractional telegraph equation and the space-time fractional modified third-order Kdv equations are significant molding equations in theoretic physics, mathematical physics, plasma physics also other fields of nonlinear sciences. The space time-fractional telegraph equation, which appears in the investigation of an electrical communication line and includes voltage in addition to current which is dependent on distance and time, is also applied to communication lines of wholly frequencies, together with direct current, as well as high-frequency conductors, audio frequency (such as telephone lines), and low frequency (for example cable television) used in the extension of pressure waves into the lessons of pulsatory blood movement among arteries also the one-dimensional haphazard movement of bugs towards an obstacle. The presence of chain rule and the derivative of composite functions allows the nonlinear fractional differential equations (NLFDEs) to translate into the ordinary differential equation employing wave alteration. To explore such categories of resolutions, the extended tanh-method is accomplished via Conformable fractional derivatives. A power sequence in tanh was originally used as an ansatz to provide analytical solutions of the traveling wave type of certain nonlinear evolution equations. To convert this problem to a standard differential equation, a partial complex transformation that has been summarized succinctly is utilized correctly thus, with all of the free parameters, numerous exact logical arrangements are required. The results are found as hyperbolic and rational functions involving parameters, when specific values are supplied to the parameters solitary wave solutions are formed from traveling wave solutions. The outcomes achieved in this study are king type, single soliton, double soliton, multiple solitons, bell shape, and other sorts of forms and we demonstrated that these solutions were validated through the Maple software. The proposed approach for solving nonlinear fractional partial differential equations has been developed to be operative, unpretentious, quick, and reliable to usage.