bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-metastatic Effect of GV1001 on Prostate Cancer Cells; Roles of GnRHR-mediated Gαs-cAMP Pathway and AR-YAP1 Axis
Authors: Kim Ji Won , Park Miso , Kim Suntae , Lim Sung Chul , Kim Hyung Shik , Kang Keon Wook
Published: June 2021

Background: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) transmits its signal via two major Gα-proteins, primarily Gαq and Gαi. However, the precise mechanism underlying the functions of Gαs signal in prostate cancer cells is still unclear. We have previously identified that GV1001, a fragment of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase, functions as a biased GnRHR ligand to selectively stimulate the Gas/cAMP pathway. Here, we tried to reveal the potential mechanisms of which GV1001- stimulated Gαs-cAMP signaling pathway reduces the migration and metastasis of prostate cancer (PCa) cells.Methods: The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes was measured by western-blotting and spheroid formation on ultra-low attachment plate was detected after GV1001 treatment. In vivo Spleen-liver metastasis mouse model was used to explore the inhibitory effect of GV1001 on metastatic ability of PCa and the transwell migration assay was performed to identify whether GV1001 had a suppressive effect on cell migration in vitro. In order to demonstrate the interaction between androgen receptor (AR) and YAP1, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), immunofluorescence (IF) staining, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were performed in LNCaP cells with and without GV1001 treatment.Results: GV1001 inhibited expression of EMT-related genes and spheroid formation. GV1001 also suppressed in vivo spleen-liver metastasis of LNCaP cells as well as cell migration in vitro. GV1001 enhanced the phosphorylation of AR and transcription activity of androgen response element reporter gene through cAMP/protein kinase A pathway. Moreover, GV1001 increased Ser-127 phosphorylation of YAP1 and its ubiquitination, and subsequently decreased the levels of AR-YAP1 binding in the promoter region of the CTGF gene. In contrast, both protein and mRNA levels of NKX3.1 known for tumor suppressor gene and AR-coregulator were upregulated by GV1001 in LNCaP cells. YAP1 knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 significantly suppressed the migration ability of LNCaP cells, and GV1001 did not affect the cell migration of YAP1-deficient LNCaP cells. On the contrary, cell migration was more potentiated in LNCaP cells overexpressing YAP5SA, a constitutively active form of YAP1, which was not changed by GV1001 treatment. Conclusions: Overall, this study reveals an essential role of AR-YAP1 in the regulation of PCa cell migration, and provide evidence that GV1001 could be a novel GnRHR ligand to inhibit metastasis of PCa via the Gas/cAMP pathway.
A Retrospective Study of the Prevalence of Virulence Factors of Escherichia Coli Causing Postweaning Diarrhoea in Spain.
Authors: Esteruelas Lorena Pérez , Mateos Miguel Claver , Uribe Pedro José Sánchez
Published: June 2021

Background: Postweaning diarrhoea is one of the most prevalent disease which occurs after weaning. The aim of the study reports the prevalence of virulence factors of Escherichia coli from clinical cases of postweaning diarrhoea on Spanish pig farms based on PCR directly from pooling of faeces samples. A total of 328 pig farms with acute cases of postweaning diarrhoea were sampled, between January 2018 and December 2020. These farms were all located in Spain. Animals were selected based on clinical signs (diarrhoea, dehydration, and increased mortality). A total of 984 four- to eight-week-old pigs within the first 24 hours of the acute phase of the disease were sampled and three rectal swabs were collected from three different pigs on each farm.Results: A total of 328 farms with PWD cases were analyzed between 2018 and 2020. The classification was based on the presence or absence of the different Escherichia coli’s virulence factors. Only 1.2% (4 out of 328) of farms were negative for all the Escherichia coli’s virulence genes. Adhesin involved in diffuse adherence was the most prevalent adhesion factor (68.6%) followed by F18 (67.7%) and F4 (53.4%). Conclusions: the present study shows the high prevalence Escherichia coli in postweaning diarrhoea cases. There is a high degree of variability in the Escherichia coli’s virulence factors within country as well as differences between countries. Further Investigation is needed to fight against postweaning diarrhoea since the use of zinc oxide will be withdrawn from veterinary medicinal products on 26 June 2022 [26,27]and the responsible use of antibiotics is being regulated very closely to be used only when is necessary.
Theoretical Study of Hydrogen Bond Formation in Four Rare Sugars: Gulose, Allose, Altrose, and Talose
Authors: Kotena Zahrabatoul Mosapour , Razi Mozhan , Ahmadi Sara
Published: June 2021

Rare sugars are monosaccharides with tremendous potential for applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, nutraceutical, and flavors industries. The four rare sugars, including; gulose, allose, altrose and talose are stereoisomers that are different in the hydroxyl group orientation (axial or equatorial) on the C2-4 atoms. The DFT, AIM, and, NBO calculations were used to probe the probability of formation of internal H-bonds in four rare sugars. The AIM analysis identified that altrose and talose can form three predominantly intramolecular H-bonds, whereas gulose and allose revealed one and two H-bonds, respectively and these normal intramolecular H-bonds are mostly closed-shell interactions. The theoretical calculated O-H stretching FT-IR vibrational frequencies confirmed that the intramolecular H-bonds shifted toward low frequencies in comparison to the free hydroxyl group, which caused the red-shift. Also, the lowest IR frequency in each sugar was related to the structure with the highest stabilization energy and the most strongest intramolecular H-bonds.
Tribological Properties of SiO2@Cu And SiO2@MoS2 Core-Shell Microspheres As Lubricant Additives
Authors: Ma Xiaoliang , Gan Chaoliang , Li Xiaopeng , Li Yuting , Feng Peng , Fan Xiaoqiang , Ye Xiangyuan , Zhu Minhao
Published: June 2021

Herein, core-shell structural SiO2@Cu and SiO2@MoS2 microspheres were prepared using SiO2 as hard core, Cu and MoS2 as shell. As lubricant additives were introduced into base oil (PAO 40), their friction-reduction and wear-resistance were investigated in detail. Comparing with onefold additive (SiO2, Cu and MoS2), such core-shell structure additives can improve the tribological behaviors at the Hertz contact stress range of 1.26 ~ 2.72 GPa (SiO2@Cu reduces the friction and wear up to 32.47% and 67.86% at 2.72 GPa, respectively). Besides, the tribological properties of SiO2@Cu microspheres are superior to that of SiO2@MoS2 (the wear volume was reduced by 48.45% at 2.72 GPa). The excellent tribological behaviors of SiO2@Cu microspheres can be ascribed to its structural advantage, the synergistic effect of hard SiO2 core and Cu shell. The rolling effect of SiO2, easy-shearing and self-repairing of Cu shell offer a synergistic lubrication function and form a dense protection film, thereby contributing to the optimal lubrication performance.
Population Structure of Nation-Wide Rice in Thailand
Authors: Vejchasarn Phanchita , Shearman Jeremy R. , Chaiprom Usawadee , Phansenee Yotwarit , Tulyananda Tatpong , Jairin Jirapong , Amornbunchornvej Chainarong
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThailand is a country with large diversity in rice varieties due to its rich and diverse ecology. In this paper, 300 rice varieties from all across Thailand were sequenced to identify SNP variants allowing for the population structure to be explored.ResultsThe result of inferred population structure from admixture and clustering analysis illustrated strong evidence of substructure in each geographical region. The results of phylogenetic tree, PCA analysis, and machine learning on SNPs selected by QTL analysis also supported the inferred population structure.ConclusionThe population structure, which was inferred in this study, contains ve subpopulations such that each subpopulation has a unique ecological system, genetic pattern, as well as agronomic traits. This study can serve as a reference point of the nation-wide population structure for supporting breeders and researchers who are interested in Thai rice.
Curcumin-based-fluorescent probes targeting ALDH1A3 as a promising tool for glioblastoma precision surgery and early diagnosis
Authors: Gelardi Edoardo , Caprioglio Diego , Colombo Giorgia , Mazzoletti Daniele , Mattoteia Daiana , Salamone Stefano , Ferraris Davide , Aronica Eleonora , Nato Giulia , Buffo Annalisa , Rizzi Menico , Magrassi Lorenzo , Minassi Alberto , Garavaglia Silvia
Published: June 2021

High Grade Glioma (HGG) is the most aggressive primary brain tumour for which both effective treatments and efficient tools for an early-stage diagnosis are lacking. Herein, we present two curcumin-based fluorescent probes that are able to bind to aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3), an enzyme overexpressed in glioma stem cells (GSCs) and associated with stemness and invasiveness of HGG. Both compounds are selective versus ALDH1A3, without showing any appreciable interaction with other ALDH1A isoenzymes. Indeed, their fluorescent signal is detectable only in our positive controls in vitro and absent in cells that lack ALDH1A3. Remarkably, in vivo, they selectively accumulate in glioblastoma cells, allowing the identification of the growing tumour mass. The significant specificity of our compounds is the necessary premise for their further development into glioblastoma cells detecting probes to be possibly used during neurosurgical operations.
S100A6 Promotes the Development and Apoptosis of Thyroid Cancer Through the PI3K/AKT/Mtor Pathway
Authors: chen buran , Shen Cuihua , Zheng Danni , Si Yuhao , Hu Chunlei , li Huihui , Tang Kaifu , zhang wei
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThyroid cancer(TC) is the most common endocrine malignant tumor.High levels of S100A6 have been associated with progression in some type of human cancers, but its role in the molecular pathogenesis of these cancers is largely unknown. This study investigated the expression and functional roles of S100A6 in human thyroid cancer. MethodsTCGA database and qRT-PCR were used to examine the expression of S100A6 in thyroid cancer. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, invasion assay and western blot assay were used to identify the biological function of S100A6 in thyroid cancer cells. Flow cytometry is used to assess apoptosis.ResultsCompared with normal thyroid tissues, S100A6 is overexpressed in thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines. Silencing S100A6 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of TC cells, and induce their apoptosis. ConclusionsS100A6 promotes the progression of thyroid cancer through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and can be used as a target in the future treatment of thyroid cancer.
The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Serum Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites
Authors: Yeung Kai Tai Derek , Penney Nicholas , Whiley Luke , Ashrafian Hutan , Lewis Matthew R , Purkayastha Sanjay , Darzi Ara , Holmes Elaine
Published: June 2021

Objectives This study aims to explore the immediate effects of bariatric surgery on serum tryptophan – kynurenine pathway metabolites in individuals with type 2 diabetes and BMI > 30. With the goal of providing insight into the link between tryptophan pathway metabolites, type 2 diabetes, and chronic obesity-induced inflammation.Methods This longitudinal study included 20 participants. Half were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 11 and 9 underwent RYGB and SG respectively. Blood samples were obtained at pre-operative and three months post-operative timepoints. Tryptophan and downstream metabolites of the kynurenine pathway were quantified with an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionisation method.Results At 3 months post-operation, RYGB led to significant reductions in tryptophan, kynurenic acid and xanthurenic acid levels when compared to baseline. Significant reductions of the same metabolites after surgery were also observed in individuals with T2D irrespective of surgical procedure. These metabolites were significantly correlated with serum HbA1c levels.Conclusions Bariatric surgery, in particular RYGB reduces serum levels of tryptophan and its downstream kynurenine metabolites. These metabolites are associated with T2D and thought to be potentially mechanistic in systemic processes leading to insulin resistance. Its reduction after surgery is associated with an improvement in glycaemic control (HbA1c).
Increased Iron-Carbon Interactions Under Long-Term Acid Deposition Enhance Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration in A Tropical Forest in Southern China
Authors: Chen Jingwen , Hu Yuanliu , Hall Steven J. , Hui Dafeng , Li Jianling , Chen Guoyin , Sun Lianwei , Zhang Deqiang , Deng Qi
Published: June 2021

Atmospheric acid deposition remains a widespread problem that may influence the protection of carbon (C) in soil by altering organo-mineral interactions. However, the impacts of additional acidity on organo-mineral interactions and soil C sequestration in naturally acidic tropical soils with a high content of reactive iron (Fe) phases have not been well studied. Here we sampled a nearly 10-yr field experiment with a gradient of acidity treatments (0, 9.6, 32, 96 mol H+ ha− 1 yr− 1 as nitric acid + sulfuric acid) to examine how acidification alters organo-mineral interactions and soil organic carbon (SOC) pools in a tropical forest in southern China. As expected, soil acidification significantly enhanced the leaching of base cations (e.g., Ca2+), and it also altered the solubility and composition of Fe and Al phases. The acidity treatments converted more crystalline Fe (oxyhydr)oxides to short-range-ordered phases, resulting in a large increase in Fe-bound C vs. a relatively small decrease in Ca-bound C. Overall, the acidity treatments increased the mineral-associated C stock to 32.5–36.4 Mg C ha− 1 vs. 28.8 Mg C ha− 1 in the control, accounting for 71–83% of the observed increase in total SOC stock. These findings highlight the importance of pH-sensitive geochemical changes and the key roles of Fe in regulating the response of SOC to further inputs of acid deposition even in highly weathered and naturally acidic soils. The magnitude of SOC changes observed here indicates the importance of including pH-sensitive geochemistry in Earth system models to predict ecosystem C budgets under future acid deposition scenarios.
The Dawn Of Next Generation DNA Sequencing In Myelodysplastic Syndromes- Experience From Pakistan.
Authors: Anwar Nida , Memon Faheem Ahmed , Shahid Saba , Shakeel Muhammad , Irfan Muhammad , Arshad Aisha , Naz Arshi , Ujjan Ikram Din , Shamsi Tahir
Published: June 2021

Background: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal disorders of hematopoietic stem cells exhibiting ineffective hematopoiesis and tendency for transformation into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The available karyotyping and fluorescent in situ hybridization provide limited information on molecular abnormalities for diagnosis/prognosis of MDS. Next generation DNA sequencing (NGS), providing deep insights into molecular mechanisms being involved in pathophysiology, was employed to study MDS in Pakistani cohort.Patients and Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at National institute of blood diseases and bone marrow transplant from 2016 to 2019. Total of 22 cases of MDS were included. Complete blood counts, bone marrow assessment and cytogenetic analysis was done. Patients were classified according to WHO classification 2016 and IPSS score was also calculated. Baseline blood samples were subjected to analysis by NGS using a panel of 54 genes associated with myeloid malignancies.Results: The median age of patients was 46 ± 15.5 years. The most common presenting complaint was weakness 10(45.45%). The mean IPSS score was 1. Cytogenetics analysis revealed abnormal karyotype in 08(36.36%) patients. On NGS, 54 non-silent rare frequency somatic mutational events in 29 genes were observed (average of 3.82 (SD ± 2.08) mutations per patient), including mutations previously not observed in MDS or AML. Notably, two genes of cohesin complex, RAD21 and STAG2, and two tumor suppressor genes, CDKN2A and TP53, contained highest number of recurrent non-silent somatic mutations in the MDS. Strikingly, a missense somatic mutation p.M272Rof Rad21 was observed in 13 cases. Overall, non-silent somatic mutations in these four genes were observed in 21 of the 22 cases. The filtration with PharmGKB database highlighted a non-synonymous genetic variant rs1042522[G > C] located in the TP53. Genotype GG and GC of this variant are associated with decreased response to cisplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy. These two genotypes were found in 13 cases.Conclusion: Sequencing studies suggest that numerous genetic variants are involved in the initiation of MDS and in the development of AML. In countries like Pakistan where financial reservation of patients makes the use of such analysis even more difficult when the availability of advanced techniques is already a prevailing issue, our study could be an initiating effort in adding important information to the local data. Further studies and large sample size are needed in future to enlighten molecular profiling and ultimately would be helpful to compare and contrast the molecular characteristics of Asian versus global population.
Hydrogen spillover and its relation to catalysis: observations on structurally defined single-atom sites
Authors: Hülsey Max , Fung Victor , Yan Ning
Published: June 2021

Hydrogen spillover, involving the transfer of H atoms from metal sites onto the catalyst support, is ubiquitous in chemical processes such as catalytic hydrogenation and hydrogen storage and is therefore of tremendous fundamental and technological interest. However, atomic level information concerning the kinetics of this process, the structural evolution of the catalysts during hydrogen spillover, as well as the nature of participation of the spilled over H in catalysis, remain vastly lacking. Here, we provide insights to those questions with the development of a solubilised polyoxometalate-supported single-atom catalyst which allows for the use of characterisation techniques generally inaccessible to study heterogeneous catalysis. Hydrogenation kinetics together with poisoning studies further reveal that hydrogen spillover can be either detrimental or beneficial for catalysis – the direction and magnitude of which depends predominantly on the nature of the reducible bond in the substrate. Similar trends were observed on one of the most prototypical hydrogen spillover catalysts, Pt/WO3, supporting the generalisability of the observations.
Torula Yeast in the Diet of Atlantic Salmon Salmo Salar and the Impact on Growth Performance and Gut Microbiome.
Authors: Leeper Alexandra , Ekmay Ricardo , Knobloch Stephen , Skírnisdóttir Sigurlaug , Varunjikar Madhushri , Dubois Marianne , Smárason Birgir Örn , Árnason Jón , Koppe Wolfgang , Benhaïm David
Published: June 2021

BackgroundLarge scale Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture is expanding, and with it, the need to find suitable replacements of conventional protein sources used in formulated feeds. Torula yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii) has been identified as a promising alternative protein for aquaculture feeds, and can be sustainable cultivated from lignocellulosic biomasses, contributing to circular economic growth. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of torula yeast on the growth performance and the gut microbiome of freshwater Atlantic salmon to facilitate the commercial uptake of this alternative protein. Two types of diets were assessed in this study. Firstly, a marine protein base diet where fish meal (FM) was replaced with increasing inclusion levels of torula yeast, (0%, 10%, 20%) to provide a simplified replacement. Secondly, a marine protein and plant protein combination where mixed plant meals (MIX) were replaced with increasing inclusion levels of torula yeast, (0%, 10%, 20%) to provide a commercial relevant dietary replacement.ResultsThis study demonstrated that 20% torula yeast can replace fish meal without alteration to the growth performance while leading to potential benefits for the gut microbiome by increasing the presence of bacteria positively associated with the host. However, when torula yeast replaced a mix of plant meal in a combined protein source diet results suggest 10% inclusion of yeast produced the best growth performance results compared with both the control and 20% inclusion. At the highest inclusion level for the mixed diets potentially negative changes were observed in the gut microbial community, such as a decrease in lactic acid bacteria and an increased level of bacteria associated with slower growth in other salmonid species.ConclusionsThis study supports the application of torula yeast in the diet of Atlantic salmon as a partial replacement for conventional protein sources. However, the other components of the diet will need to be considered to determine the optimal inclusion level for this alternative protein. Future research should further optimise the inclusion of torula yeast in salmonid diets and investigate its influence on the functional role of the fish gut microbiome to facilitate improved formulated feed formulations and ensure a sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.
The effect of low-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (LPDBD) plasma in boosting germination, growth, and nutritional properties in wheat
Authors: Hasan Mahedi , Sohan Md. Sohanur Rahman , Sajib Salek Ahmed , Hossain Md. Forhad , Miah Masum , Maruf Md. Mahmudul Hasan , Khalid-Bin-Fer Khandaker Md. , Kabir Ahmad Humayun , Talukder Mamunur Rashid , Rashid Md. Mamunur , Moinuddin Md. , Elseehy Mona M. , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. , Reza Md. Abu
Published: June 2021

Plasma agriculture is an emerging technology, although the application of non-thermal plasma in wheat productivity is still in its early stage. This study deciphers the effect and mechanistic basis of non-thermal air-generated LPDBD (low-pressure dielectric barrier discharge) plasma in boosting germination, growth and nutritional properties in wheat. Seeds treated with LPDBD plasma exhibited cracked periphery and 6 min treatment showed a 22.11% increase in the germination rate compared to non-treated controls. At the cellular level, the concentration of H2O2 in leaves significantly increased (3.56 µM g-1FW) due to LPDBD plasma treatment, may act as a stimulating agent to trigger the physiological functions in wheat plants. In addition, plants sprouted from air-treated seeds exhibited a marked elevation in CAT and SOD activity accompanied by the increased expression of TaCAT and TaSOD genes in roots of wheat. Interestingly, the grain yield of wheat increased by 27.06% in response to plasma treatment compared to control. Further, grains harvested from plasma-treated plants showed a substantial elevation in iron and fat content as well as decreased moisture content that may contribute to the increased shelf life. The study will open up a new avenue for practical application of plasma in agriculture.
Manufacturing Method for Customizable Collagen Membrane Scaffolds for Use in Tissue-Engineering Applications
Authors: Montalvo-Parra María Dolores , Ortega-Lara Wendy , Calzada-Rodríguez Cesar E. , Torres-Guerrero Guiomar Farid , Hernpandez-Sedas Betsabé , Zavala Judith , Cárdenas-Rodríguez Italia Tatnaí , Valdez-García Jorge E.
Published: June 2021

PurposeCollagen scaffolds are used as tissue engineering tool. The manufacturing methods often lack of reproducibility which limits their application to regenerative medicine. We aimed to set a simple and reproducible method for the production of collagen scaffolds for tissue engineering.MethodsA matryoshka system was built comprising a sealed desiccator containing a saturated K2CO3 solution for a 40% relative humidity (RH) regulation, this was placed inside a 40° C shaking incubator. Collagen gels were cast with a 1:1 ratio of Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s medium and 0.5 mg/mL acid collagen solution. Three gel volumes were selected: 2.2 mL (1x), 4.4 mL (2x), and 6.6 mL (3x). Collagen gels were inserted into the system and desiccation was performed over 37 days (6–12 mL was desiccated per cycle). Characterization of the surface, ultrastructure, transparency, composition, and biocompatibility of the gels was performed using optical, 3D confocal, and scanning electron microscopy; spectrophotometry; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy; and X-Ray diffraction. ResultsOn day 7, collagen membranes exhibited superficial fibrils of 1.3 µm (SD, ± 0.23 µm), whereas on day 37, a highly organized laminar structure was observed within a smooth homogeneous surface. Lamina density and organization and membrane width (3.65 µm [1x], 4.8 µm [2x], and 7.2 µm [3x]) increased with gel volume. Transmittance ranged from 77% to 99% and increased with wavelength at UV–vi. Gels at 1x and 2x exhibited a 99% transmittance peak at the green wavelength. The population of cells cultured on membranes was increased by threefold within 48 h; moreover, the size of cell populations cultured on 1x membranes increased by 12% compared with the control. ConclusionsThe scaffolds produced by the matrioshka system were biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and optically transparent. These membranes can be tailored for multiple uses by modifying their thickness with the volume of the gel and its desiccation time.
Impact of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Duration on Survival of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Albinali Hissah , Alumran Arwa , Alrayes Saja
Published: June 2021

Background: Patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside medical facilities are at greater risk of death and might have negative outcomes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration affects survival of such patients, which suggests that duration of CPR may be vital to patient outcomes.Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the impact of cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration on survival of patients who have suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.Methods: Data were collected from emergency cases handled by a secondary hospital in industrial Jubail, Saudi Arabia, between 2015 and 2020. There were 257 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases, 236 of which resulted in death.Results: Bivariate analysis showed no significant association between duration of CPR, gender, and cause of death whereas there is statistically significant between duration of CPR and age (p = 0.014). Hence, the results revealed that death was more likely in elderly patients. The mean and standard deviation for the duration of emergency CPR procedures specifically in surviving patients were 26.5 ± 7.20 min, whereas in patients who died after the procedure, the mean and standard deviation for the duration of CPR were 29.6 ± 9.15 min. The mean age and standard deviation in surviving patients were found to be 38 ± 18.59 years, and 49.4 ± 23.39 years for those who died.Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Duration out-of-hospital cardiac arrest does not significantly influence the patient survival in the current study hospital. Other variables may have a more significant effect.
The Association Between Abstinence Period and Semen Parameters: Results in Normal Samples and Different Sperm Pathology
Authors: Xie Min , Hämmerli Silvan , Blickenstorfer Kerstin , Leeners Brigitte
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence. Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013). Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.
Awareness of Obstetric Fistula and Associated Factors Among Women in Reproductive Age Group Attending Public Hospitals, Ilubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, South West Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Rundasa Dessalegn Nigatu , Wolde Tarekegn Fekede , Ayana Kenbon Bayisa , Worke Abeya Fufa
Published: June 2021

Background: Obstetric fistula occurs in all developing countries but it is confined to the “fistula belt” across the northern half of Sub-Saharan Africa from Mauritania to Eritrea and in the developing countries of the Middle East and Asia. Ending obstetric fistula is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development by 2030. So creating awareness on obstetrics fistula among women in reproductive age group have crucial role in reducing morbidity, mortality and social stigma.Objective: To assess awareness on obstetric fistula and its associated factors among reproductive age women attending governmental hospitals in Ilubabor zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2021.Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted. The sample size was estimated by using a single population proportion formula. The collected data was coded and entered to Epi data version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 24 for descriptive and inferential analysis. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% confidence level was estimated to assess the strength of the association and a p value <0.05 was considered to declare the statistical significance in the multivariable analysis in this study.Result: In this study a total of 400 clients were participated in the study. The mean ages of participants were 30.26 (SD±8.525) years old. Education of women’s who cannot read and write are 85% less likely to have good awareness than women who are above secondary level of education (AOR=0.162:95% CI (0.081-0.364)). While Women’s who have primary education level are 83% less likely to have good awareness than women who are above secondary level of education (AOR=0.170:95% CI (0.085-0.446)).In addition, my study shows women’s who haven’t heard about obstetric complication are 54% less likely to have awareness on obstetric fistula than those who heard about obstetric complication (AOR=0.458:95% CI (0.368-0.643). Conclusion: This study identifies that, educational level of women, history of pregnancy, distance to the nearby health institution and awareness on obstetrics complications were the factors associated with awareness of reproductive age women on obstetrics fistula. Hence, increasing awareness on obstetric fistula plays a key role to avert this problem.
Assessing the Relative Toxicity of Different Road Salts and Effect of Temperature on Salinity Toxicity: LCx Values vs. No Effect Concentration (NEC) Values
Authors: Moulding Benjamin John Gray
Published: June 2021

Freshwater biota are at risk globally from increasing salinity, including increases from deicing salts in cold regions. A variety of metrics of toxicity are used when estimating the toxicity of substances and comparing the toxicity between substances. However, the implications of using different metrics is not widely appreciated. Using the mayfly Colobruscoides giganteus (Ephemeroptera: Colobruscoidea) we compare the toxicity of seven different salts where toxicity was estimated using two metrics 1) the no effect concentrations (NEC) and 2) the lethal concentrations for 10, 25 and 50% of the test populations (LCx). The LCx values were estimated using two different models, the classic log-logistic model and the newer toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) model. We also compare the toxicity of two salts (NaCl and CaCl2) for C. giganteus at water temperatures of 4°C, 7°C and 15°C using the same metrics of toxicity. Our motivation for using a mayfly to assess salinity toxicity was because mayflies are generally salt sensitive, are ecologically important and are common in Australian (sub-)alpine streams. Considering 144-hour LCx values, we found toxicity differed between various salts, i.e., the lowest 144-hour LC50 (8 mS/cm) for a salt used by a ski resort was half that of the highest 144-hour LC50 from artificial marine salts and CaCl2 applied to roads (16mS/cm). 144-hour LC50 results at 7°C showed that analytical grade NaCl was significantly more toxic (7.3mS/cm) compared to analytical grade CaCl2 (12.5mS/cm). Yet for NEC values, there were comparably fewer differences in toxicity between salts and none between the same salts at different temperatures. We conclude that LCx values are better suited to compare difference in toxicity between substances or between the same substance at different test temperatures, while NEC values are better suited to estimating concentrations of substances that have no effect to the test species and endpoint measured under laboratory conditions.
Bifurcation Analysis of the Fractional Duffing System Based on the Improved Short Memory Principle Method
Authors: Ma Ruiqun , Zhang Bo , Yun Haiwei , Han Jinglong
Published: June 2021

In this study, the improved short memory principle method is introduced to the analysis of the dynamic characteristics of the fractional Duffing system, and the basis for the improvement of the short memory principle method is provided. The influence of frequency change on the dynamic performance of the fractional Duffing system is studied using nonlinear dynamic analysis methods, such as phase portrait, Poincare map and bifurcation diagram. Moreover, the dynamic behaviour of the fractional Duffing system when the fractional order and excitation amplitude change is investigated. The analysis shows that when the excitation frequency changes from 0.43 to 1.22, the bifurcation diagram contains four periodic and three chaotic motion regions. Periodic motion windows are found in the three chaotic motion regions. Results confirm that the frequency and amplitude of the external excitation and the fractional order of damping have a greater impact on system dynamics. Thus, attention should be paid to the design and analysis of system dynamics.
Effects of Distinct n-6 to n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Rations on Insulin Resistant and AD-like Phenotypes in High-Fat Diets-Fed APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Ma Xiaojun , Guo Yujie , Li Pengfei , Xu Jingjing , Dong Shengqi , Gao Yanyan , Lutterodt Nicholas Van Halm , Yuan Linhong
Published: June 2021

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are two prevalent diseases with comparable pathophysiological features and genetic predisposition. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential in maintaining normal brain function. However, little is known about the impact of dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio on AD-like pathology, especially in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed AD model mice. Methods: In the present study, the APP/PS1 mice were treated with 60% HFD for 3.5 months to induced insulin resistance. After that, 45% HFD with different n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios (n-6/n-3=1:1, 5:1 or 16:1) was applied for additional 3.5 months treatment. Following the dietary intervention, the behavior of mice was observed using the Water maze. Following behavioral testing, the animals were euthanized, and serum and tissue samples were collected for biochemical, histological and pathological analyses and evaluation. Cortical fatty acid profile was measured by gas chromatography. Western Blot and immunohistochemistry methods were used to detect protein expression of molecules related to AD pathology and insulin signaling pathway(s) in the brain sample tissues. Immunofluorescence assay was used to uncover the expression and migration of NF-κB in the cortex. qPCR method was applied to determine the gene expression of cortical pro-inflammatory cytokines.Results: HFD caused insulin resistance, increased serum IL-6 and TNF-α level, elevated cortical soluble Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42 content, and increased brain n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio in APP/PS1 mice. Increased APP and BACE1 protein expression and p-IR/IR ratio, but decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression was observed in the cortex from 60% HFD-fed APP/PS1 mice. N-3 PUFAs rich diet (n-6/n-3=1:1) relieved insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia induced by 60% HFD. Cortical soluble Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 contents, the expression of cortical APP, GLUT3, insulin metabolism related molecules, and NF-κB pathway downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines showed a dietary n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio-dependent way, indicating that dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio plays a critical role in modifying the responses of serum inflammatory cytokine, AD pathology, cortical n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio, insulin signaling and neuroinflammation to HFD treatment.Conclusion: Dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio play an important role in modifying AD pathophysiology, insulin signaling pathway, and neuro-inflammation response to high fat diet treatment in brain.
Construction of a Weight-based Seed Sorting System for the Third-generation Hybrid Rice
Authors: Wu Jianxin , Qiu Shijun , Wang Menglong , Xu Chunjue , Deng Xing Wang , Tang Xiaoyan
Published: June 2021

Background: The third-generation hybrid rice technology can be constructed by transforming a recessive nuclear male sterile (NMS) mutant with a transgenic cassette containing three functional modules: the wild type male fertility gene to restore the fertility of the mutant, the pollen killer gene that specifically kills the pollen grains carrying the transgene, and the red fluorescence protein (RFP) gene to mark the transgenic seed (maintainer). The transgenic plant produces 1:1 NMS seeds and maintainer seeds that can be distinguished by the RFP signal. However, the RFP signals in the partially filled or pathogen-infected maintainer seeds are often too weak to be detected by RFP-based seed sorting machine, resulting in intermingling of the maintainer seeds with NMS seeds.Results: Here we constructed a weight-based seed sorting system for the third-generation hybrid rice technology by silencing the genes encoding ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP) essential for endosperm starch biosynthesis via endosperm-specific expression of artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs). In this system, the NMS seeds have normal endosperm and are heavy, but the maintainer seeds have shrunken endosperms and are light-weighted. The maintainer seeds can be easily and accurately sorted out from the NMS seeds by weight-sorting machines, so pure and fully filled NMS seeds are available.Conclusions: The weight-based seed sorting system shows obvious advantages over the RFP-based seed sorting system in accuracy, efficiency, and cost for propagation of pure male sterile seeds. These characteristics will significantly increase the value and transgenic safety of the third-generation hybrid rice technology.
Neoadjuvant Docetaxel plus Carboplatin Versus Epirubicin plus Cyclophosphamide Followed by Docetaxel in Triple-negative, Early-stage Breast Cancer (NeoCART): Results from a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled, Open-label Phase II Trial
Authors: Zhang Liulu , Wu Zhiyong , Li Jie , Lin Ying , Liu Zhenzhen , Cao Yin , Zhang Gangling , Gao Hong-Fei , Yang Mei , Yang Ci-Qiu , Zhu Teng , Cheng Min-Yi , Ji Fei , Li Jieqing , Wang Kun
Published: June 2021

Background: Previous studies have shown that the addition of carboplatin to neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens improved the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate in patients suffering from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, no studies have assessed the effects of the combination of docetaxel and carboplatin without anthracycline with taxane- and anthracycline-based regimens.Methods: The NeoCART study was designed as a multicenter, randomized controlled, open-label, phase 2 trial to assess the efficacy and safety of docetaxel combined with carboplatin with taxane- and anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in untreated stage II-III TNBC. All eligible patients were randomly assigned, at a 1:1 ratio, to the experimental DCb group (docetaxel plus carboplatin for six cycles) or the EC-D group (epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel). In both groups, pCR (ypT0/is ypN0) was evaluated as the primary outcome.Results: Between September 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019, 93 patients from 6 participating centers were randomly assigned, and 88 patients were evaluated for the primary end-point (44 patients in the DCb group and 44 patients in the EC-D group). In the primary end point analysis, 27 patients in the DCb group achieved a pCR (61.4%, 95% CI 47.0-75.8), and 17 patients in the EC-D group achieved a pCR (38·6%, 95% CI 24.3-53.0); with a difference of 22.8% (odds ratio 2.52, 95% CI 2.4-43.1; p non-inferiority=0.004), non-inferiority was met, and the DCb regimen was confirmed as superior to the EC-D regimen (p=0.044, superiority margin of 5%). At the end of the 37-month median follow-up period, overall survival and event-free rates were equivalent in both groups. The grade 3/4 adverse events in the DCb group included anemia (4.5%), thrombocytopenia (2.3%), neutropenia (2.3%) and an increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ratio (2.3%).Conclusions: Compared with the taxane- and anthracycline-based regimen, the pCR rate of DCb was higher in TNBC patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03154749. Registered 12 May 2017 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/
Clinimetric Analysis of Outcome Measures for Airway Clearance in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stanford Gemma E , Jones Mandy , Charman Susan C , Bilton Diana , Usmani Omar S , Davies Jane C , Simmonds Nicholas J
Published: June 2021

Background Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are integral to cystic fibrosis (CF) management. However, there is no consensus as to which outcome measures (OMs) are best for assessing ACT efficacy. Objectives: To summarise OMs that have been assessed for their clinimetric properties (including validity, feasibility, reliability & reproducibility) within the context of ACT research. MethodsEligibility Criteria - Any parallel or cross-over randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating outcome measures for ACT in the CF population. Information sources: Five medical databases; clinicaltrials.gov; abstracts from international CF conferences. Risk of Bias - The authors planned to independently assess study quality and risk of bias using the COSMIN risk of bias checklist with external validity assessment based upon study details (participants and study intervention).Synthesis of Results – Two review authors (GS and MJ) independently screened search results against inclusion criteria, further data extraction was planned but not required.ResultsIncluded studies - No completed RCTs from the 187 studies identified met inclusion criteria for the primary or post-hoc secondary objective. Two ongoing trials were identified.DiscussionLimitations of evidence: The search strategy may have missed some lesser-known terms for ACT or manuscripts reporting clinimetric properties solely within text. Studies validating outcome measures for use in other aspects of CF, which may be relevant to ACT, are not included.Interpretation - High-quality RCTs are urgently needed to investigate & validate the clinimetric properties of OMs used to assess ACT efficacy. With the changing demographics of CF combined with the introduction of CFTR modulator therapies, an accurate assessment of the current benefit of ACT or the effect of ACT withdrawal is a high priority for clinical practice and future research and OMs which have been validated for this purpose are essential.OtherFunding: NIHR/HEE Clinical Doctoral Fellowship grant for GS (reference CDRF-2014-05-055).Systematic review registration number - PROSPERO no.CRD42020206033
Incident Gout: Risk of Death and Cause-specific Mortality in Western Sweden – a Nested Case Control Study
Authors: Dehlin Mats , Sandström Tatiana Zverkova , Jacobsson Lennart TH
Published: June 2021

BackgroundExcess mortality in gout has mainly been attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the light of decreased CVD-mortality in general we wanted to evaluate the risk of overall mortality in gout and cause-specific contributions to mortality beyond CVD as well as temporal trends of it.MethodsAll incident cases of gout between 2006-2015 in western Sweden were identified in the healthcare database VEGA. Up to 5 population controls per case matched on age, sex and county were identified. Relevant comorbidities were identified for 5 years preceding index date in VEGA. Follow-up until the first of death, migration or study end 31 of December 2017. Cause of death was identified and cause-specific mortality grouped as: cardiovascular disease (CVD), renal disease (RD), dementia (DEM), infections, diabetes, diseases of the digestive system (DDS), lung diseases, cancer (CA) and other. Effect of gout on risk of death was calculated using COX regression on whole population and stratified by sex, adjusted for demographics and comorbidities. Death incidence rate were compared between the two time periods, 2006-2010 and 2011-2015.ResultsWe identified 22055 cases of incident gout and 98 946 controls, mean age (SD) 67.3-66.3 (15.3-15.4) years and 67.6-66.5% males. All comorbidities were more common at baseline among gout cases except for dementia which was more common in controls. Overall risk for death in incident gout was increased with 3%. Gout cases had a significantly increased risk for death by CVD, RD and DDS and a significantly decreased risk for death by DEM and CA. Similar results were found when stratifying for sex. There were no significant differences in incident death rate ratios in total, and subdivided into CVD and non CVD cause of death, between cases and controls in the two time periods examined.ConclusionsA 3% increase in all-cause death in patients with gout highlights the importance in addressing not only CVD risk factors in the management of gout patients. Furthermore, gout was associated with reduced mortality from dementia and these findings calls for further study, not least because of possible effects of urate lowering therapy on risk of dementia.