bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some aspects of preparing diabetic patients for self-care
Authors: Pluta Agnieszka , Marzec Alicja , Kobus Edyta
Published: December 2021

BackgroundDiabetes is a lifestyle disease which can cause many complications and organ-related disorders. The aim of the study was to analyze selected aspects of preparing patients with diabetes for self-care.MethodsThe study group consisted of 190 people diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including 101 women and 89 men. The mean age of the respondents was 42.2 ± 13.4 years. The study was conducted using an anonymous self-designed questionnaire containing 50 questions.ResultsAmong the respondents, 23.2% did not control their glucose levels at home. The respondents most often measured glucose once a day (33.6%) or three times a day (26.7%). 64.7% of the respondents declared that they kept a self-monitoring diary. The knowledge of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and the ability to properly manage it was declared by 64.8% of the respondents. 52.1% of the patients did not undertake any activity lasting more than 30 minutes at least 3 times a week. 75.2% described their condition as very good and good. Independent participation in therapy, i.e. taking hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, was declared by 63.7% of the respondents.ConclusionsDespite undergoing therapeutic education, the study population diagnosed with diabetes still show deficiencies in terms of awareness of proper health behaviors. Objective results showed that the patients had insufficient knowledge and skills in terms of self-care and self-observation, blood glucose and blood pressure measurements, physical activity, diet therapy and adherence to pharmacotherapy recommendations. Despite the good general preparation for self-care as declared by the respondents, these patients require further systematic, individual educational activities.Study implicationsThe results of the present study have implications for nursing practice, patient therapeutic education, and the functioning of the public health and healthcare systems. The number of diabetic patients is constantly increasing. Patients require coordinated care and individualized therapeutic education in order to be prepared for self-care and self-management, thus reducing the risk of complications. Delaying the occurrence of potential complications provides patients with a chance to live an active private and professional life, and protects the health care system from carrying the cost burden of expensive highly specialized services.
Adolescents Nutritional Association (Micronutrients) with Menarche: Role of Health Schemes and Services in India
Authors: NAIK SOMU , Gangarapu Aparna Jyothi , Bajaj Shriya
Published: December 2021

Menarcheal age in adolescent girls marks an important health concern in women's biology. The timing of menarche is an important determinant of Population size, Reproductive health and is an important factor of Health planning. The paper aimed to find the current mean age at menarche in India and its Nutritional association with micronutrients (given the role of government schemes and services). To fining out about the same the Menarcheal age group of (10-19 years) in India are examined. Binary logistic regression model is used to to estimate the association in the Menarcheal age among the Adolescent using the Comprehensive National Nutritional Survey. The mean age at menarche among adolescents stands at 9.07 years (95% C.I.: 8.990,9.166), including the non menstruating girls within the concerned age group,the mean age was 12.815 years (95% C.I.: 12.837,12.793). Girls with anemia are more likely to have their menarche 0.364 years higher than girls who are non amenic. The mean age at menarche is 0.72 years more likely to occur among those who have multivitamin tables/ syrup. The study concludes that over the time the age at menarche has declined rapidly with economic growth, urbanisation, Improvements in the Nutritional intake ( addition of Micronutrients also seen a contributing factor). The area of concern with regard to Micronutrients supplementation is that, it is done so to provide proper nutritional factors but on the other hand is also causing early Mnearche that most of the Health scientists warned and seen it as a cause for ovarian, breat cancers and other diseases amongst girls in future. Hence its imprtant to keep a proper check on the dietary intake among girls at early stages of life.
New Optical Soliton Solutions for Coupled Resonant Davey-Stewartson System with Conformable Operator
Authors: Al-Omari Shrideh , Alabedalhadi Mohammed , Al-Smadi Mohammed , Momani Shaher
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the novel soliton solutions of the coupled fractional system of the resonant Davey-Stewartson equations. The fractional derivatives are considered in terms of conformable sense. Accordingly, we utilize a complex traveling wave transformation to reduce the proposed system to an integer-order system of ordinary differential equations. The phase portrait and the equilibria of the obtained integer-order ordinary differential system will be studied. Using suitable mathematical assumptions, the new types of bright, singular, and dark soliton solutions are derived and established in view of the hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational functions of the governing system. To achieve this, illustrative examples of the fractional Davey-Stewartson system are provided to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of the procedure used in this study. The trajectory solutions of the traveling waves are shown explicitly and graphically. The effect of conformable derivatives on behavior of acquired solutions for different fractional orders is also discussed. By comparing the proposed method with the other existing methods, the results show that the execute of this method is concise, simple, and straightforward. The results are useful for obtaining and explaining some new soliton phenomena.
Hypermethylation-mediated Transcriptional Silencing of lncRNA-SCARF1 Promotes Progression and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liao Boyi , Huang Peiran , Zhang Xiangyu , Wang Xinyu , Zhou Kaiqian , Chen Feiyu , Zhou Cheng , Yu Lei , Hu Jie , Wang Zheng , Zhou Jian
Published: December 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths. Recent studies have demonstrated that deregulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), such as abnormal DNA methylation of promoter, is strongly associated with development and progression of diverse malignant tumors. This study investigated the mechanisms and changes in DNA methylation levels of promoter regions of HCC-specific lncRNAs, and alterations of downstream target genes.Methods: LncRNA expression profile data of 8 human HCC tissues and matched normal tissues were obtained. LncRNAs with aberrant methylation were identified through DNA methylation microarray. The biological functions of the lncRNAs were investigated through targeted knockdown of lncRNA-SCARF1 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the downstream targets of lncRNA-SCARF1 were identified through ChIRP-MS.Results: LncRNA-SCARF1 was significantly down-regulated in HCC samples. Hypermethylation in the promoter of lnc-SCARF1 induced its down-regulation in HCC. Over-expression of lnc-SCARF1 inhibited the tumor proliferation and migration ability of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, CUL9 was found to be a potential downstream target of lncRNA-SCARF1.Conclusion: LncRNA-SCARF1 regulates HCC progression by interacting with CUL9 and may serve as a prognostic biomarker or an effective therapeutic target in HCC.
Comprehensive Investigation of a Toxic Microcystis sp. (Cyanobacteria) Collected from Snow Lake (New Mexico, USA).
Authors: Shalygin Sergei , Holguin Omar
Published: December 2021

The toxin producing cyanobacterium Microcystis sp. was collected in the mid October 2020 from the shallow waters of Snow Lake (New Mexico, USA). This species caused a visible bloom consisting of the pale green irregular macro colonies. Mass spectral analysis of the biomass revealed the presence of 4 derivatives of microcystin in that bloom: MC-LR (in the water and biomass), MC-RR (in biomass), MC-LY (in biomass), and MC-YR (in biomass).Next-generation sequencing allowed the retrieval of two Microcystis sequences in the bloom; which are molecular benchmarks for toxic Microcystis that may be used in future monitoring studies. Light microscopy provided evidence for the taxonomic affiliation of the found morphotype as Microcystis flos-aquae (Wittrock) Kirchner. However, molecular sequencing and the present situation in cyanobacterial taxonomy prevented affiliation of our morphotype to Microcystis flos-aquae, justifying following name – Microcystis sp. Confocal microscopy was used to determine the distribution of the cell content utilizing 3D stereo imaging. Emission spectra analysis identified the pigment composition and pigment distribution within the cells. SEM revealed 3D arrangement of the cells in the colonies, texture of the surface of the cells (perhaps dehydrated collapsed polysaccharides), F-layer and pili-like structures. Additionally, SEM/EDS analysis confirmed the F-layer using elemental composition analysis, which showed sulfur in the F-layer – typical element for that structure. Through the use of AFM, we analyzed the texture of the cell's surface and confirmed pili-like structures.
Imaging Finding Analysis and Prognosis Comparison of Pancreatic Head Cancer Invading the Peripheral Nerve Plexus Among Different Groups
Authors: Ping Hongkun , Yu Nianhui , Tan Guang , Yang Lipeng , Yu Jiaqi , Li Hui
Published: December 2021

Background: To compare imaging features and analyze prognostic differences among different groups with pancreatic head cancer invading the peripheral nerve plexus. Methods: We reviewed preoperative multislice spiral CT (MSCT) images, complete surgical records, and postoperative pathological results of 93 patients with pancreatic head cancer and peripheral nerve invasion. Two radiologists who were unaware of surgical and pathological results evaluated the MSCT images to determine peripheral nerve invasion of pancreatic head cancer. A pathologist who was unaware of the imaging findings grouped the patients based on surgical records and pathological findings. Pancreatic head cancer invasion of the anterior neural pathway was assigned to group A and invasion of pancreatic plexus 1, pancreatic plexus 2, and root of the mesenteric pathway to group B. Both groups were evaluated for peripheral nerve invasion, tumor size, dilatation of the common bile duct/main pancreatic duct, duodenal invasion, and prognosis of pancreatic head cancer.Results: A mass- and strand-like pattern or coarse reticular pattern was frequently observed when two groups of pancreatic head cancer invaded the peripheral nerve plexus. Intergroup differences in tumor size and common bile duct/main pancreatic duct dilatation were insignificant. The duodenal invasion rate was higher in group A than in group B; however, the intergroup difference was insignificant. The prognosis was poorer for group A than for group B.Conclusions: Although the intergroup differences in radiographic findings were not significant, the prognosis was poorer for group A than for group B.
Identification and Validation of Glomerulotubular Crosstalk Genes Mediating IgA Nephropathy by Integrated Bioinformatics
Authors: Bai Yawen , Li Yajing , Xi Yali , Ma Chunjie
Published: December 2021

BackgroundIgA nephropathy (IgAN), which has been reported as the most prevalent glomerulonephritis globally, is the major contributor to end-stage renal illness. This bioinformatics study aimed to explore glomeruli-tubulointerstitial crosstalk genes and dysregulated pathways relating to the pathogenesis of IgAN. MethodsThe microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were searched. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of both glomeruli and tubulointerstitial were conducted individually. The co-expression gene modules of tubulointerstitial and glomeruli were compared via gene function enrichment analysis. Subsequently, the crosstalk co-expression network was constructed via the STRING database and key genes were mined from the crosstalk network. Results583 DEGs and eight modules were identified in glomeruli samples, while 272 DEGs and four modules were in tubulointerstitial samples. There were 119 overlapping DEGs of the two groups. Among the distinctive modules, four modules in glomeruli and one module in tubulointerstitial were positively associated with IgAN. While four modules in glomeruli and two modules in tubulointerstitial were negatively associated with IgAN. The top ten key genes screened by CytoHubba were ITGAM, ALB, TYROBP, ITGB2, CYBB, HCK, CSF1R, LAPTM5, FN1and CTSS. The above genes were all validated using another two datasets, and all of the key genes demonstrated possible diagnostic significance. Conclusions﻿he crosstalk genes confirmed in this study may provide novel insight into the pathogenesis of IgAN. Immune-related pathways are associated with both glomerular and tubulointerstitial injuries in IgAN. The glomerulotubular crosstalk might perform a role in the pathogenesis of IgAN.
Analysis of Potential Distribution of Spodoptera Frugiperda In Northwest
Authors: Li Chao , Liao Jianghua , Ya Yuke , Liu Juan , Li Jun , Yu Guangwei
Published: December 2021

Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a newly invaded pest that breaks out fast and severely, causes a serious threat to the national security of food production. In this study, the MaxEnt model was used to predict the potentially suitable distribution area of S. frugiperda in Northwest China. The potential distribution of S. frugiperda was predicted using meteorological factors from the correlation analysis. According to the result, a satisfactory AUC value in the MaxEnt model indicates that the prediction model has good accuracy, which is sufficient for predicting the fitness zone of S. frugiperda in Northwest China. The prediction results show that the potential distribution risk of S. frugiperda is high in western Gansu, eastern Qinghai, Shaanxi, most regions of Ningxia, and part regions of Tibetan, and it also exists in Hami, Yili, Bozhou, Urumqi, Hotan, and Aksu in Xinjiang, and more than 60% of Northwest China are suitable distribution areas for S. frugiperda. As China's major wheat and maize production area, Northwest China is a crucial prevention area for S. frugiperda. Clarifying the potential geographical distribution of S. frugiperda in Northwest China is essential for early warning as well as prevention and control.
Single Extracellular Vesicles (EV) Proteomic Profiling Altered and Identifies Co-Localization of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein with CD81/Integrin-Rich EV Subpopulation in Sputum Samples of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Sun Ruiting , Cai Yanling , Zhou Yumin , Bai Ge , Zhu Airu , Kong Panyue , Sun Jing , Li Yimin , Liu Yuefei , Liao Wenting , Liu Jiye , Cui Nan , Xiang Jinsheng , Li Bing , Zhao Jincun , Wu Di , Ran Pixin
Published: December 2021

Understanding the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to respond to the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Sputum samples from 20 COVID-19 patients and healthy controls were collected, respectively. During the isolation of infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus, EV-like vesicles were associated with virions under a transmission electron microscope. Next, the expression of IL6 and TGF-β increased in EVs derived from the sputum of patients, and these were highly correlated with the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein. Further, proximity barcoding assay (PBA) was used to investigate the immune-related proteins in the EVs, and the relationship between EVs and SARS-CoV-2 N protein in COVID-19 patients’ samples. Particularly, to investigate the differential contribution of the specific EV subsets, the protein expression of a single EV was detected and analyzed for the first time. Among the 40 EV subpopulations, 18 were found to have significant differences. The EV subpopulation regulated by CD81 were most likely to correlate with the changes in the pulmonary microenvironment after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study provides evidence on the association between EVs and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, give a deep insight into the possible pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the possibility of nanoparticles drug intervention in viral infection.
Cardiac-targeted PIASy Gene Silencing Mediates deSUMOylation of Caveolin-3 and Prevents Ischemia/reperfusion-induced Nav1.5 Down-regulation and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Hu Chenchen , Wei Xin , Liu Jinmin , Han Linlin , Xia Chengkun , Wu Jing , You Tao , Zhu Afang , Yao Shanglong , Yuan Shiying , Xu Haodong , Xia Zhengyuan , Wang Tingting , Mao Weike
Published: December 2021

Background: Abnormal myocardial expression and function of Nav1.5 causes lethal ventricular arrhythmias during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). PIASy mediated Caveolin-3 (Cav-3) SUMO modification affects Cav-3 binding to ligand Nav1.5. PIASy activity is increased after myocardial I/R, whether or not this may be attributable to plasma membrane Nav1.5 downregulation and ventricular arrhythmias remains unclear. Methods: Using recombinant adeno-associated virus subtype 9 (AAV9), rat cardiac PIASy was silenced by intraventricular injection of PIASy shRNA. Two weeks later, the hearts were subjected to I/R, and electrocardiography was performed to assess malignant arrhythmias. Tissues from peri-infarct areas of the left ventricle were collected for molecular biological measurement. Results: We found that PIASy was upregulated by I/R, with increased SUMO2/3 modification of Cav-3, reduced membrane Nav1.5 density, and increased ventricular arrhythmia frequency. These effects were significantly reversed by PIASy silencing. In addition, PIASy silencing enhanced Cav-3 binding to Nav1.5 and prevented I/R-induced Nav1.5 re-localization. Using in vitro models of HEK293T cells and isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), this reserch further confirmed that PIASy promoted Cav-3 modification by SUMO2/3 and Nav1.5/Cav-3 dissociation after H/R. Mutation of the SUMO Consensus Sites Lysine in Cav-3 (K38R or K144R) alters the membrane expression levels of Nav1.5 and Cav-3 before and after H/R in HEK293T cells. Conclusions: I/R-induced cardiac PIASy activation contributes to Cav-3 SUMOylation by SUMO2/3 and dysregulated Nav1.5- related ventricular arrhythmias. Cardiac-targeted PIASy gene silencing mediates deSUMOylation of Cav-3 and prevents I/R-induced Nav1.5 down-regulation and ventricular arrhythmias in rats, identifying PIASy as a potential therapeutic target for relevant life-threatening arrhythmias in patients with ischemic heart diseases.
The Changes of Blood Platelet Reactivity in the Presence of Crude Extracts Isolated from Leaves and Twigs of Elaeagnus Rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson Measuring in Whole Blood
Authors: Skalski Bartosz , Rywaniak Joanna , Żuchowski Jerzy , Stochmal Anna , Olas Beata
Published: December 2021

Uncontrolled blood platelet activation is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Various studies on phenolic compounds indicate that they have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system through different mechanisms, including the reduction of blood platelet activation. One of the plants that is particularly rich in phenolic compounds is sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson). The aim of the present study in vitro was to determine the anti-platelet properties of crude extracts isolated from leaves and twigs of E. rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson in whole blood using flow cytometric and total thrombus-formation analysis system (T-TAS). The aim of our study was also analyze of blood platelet proteoms in the presence of different sea buckthorn extracts. A significant new finding is a decrease surface expression of P-selectin on blood platelets stimulated by 10 µM ADP and 10 µg/mL collagen, and a decrease surface expression of GPIIb/IIIa active complex on non-activated platelets and platelets stimulated by 10 µM ADP and 10 µg/mL collagen in the presence of sea buckthorn leaf extract (especially at the concentration 50 µg/mL). The twig extract also displayed antiplatelet potential. However, this activity was higher in the leaf extract than in the twig extract in whole blood. In addition, our present findings clearly demonstrate that investigated plant extracts have anticoagulant properties (measured by T-TAS). Therefore, the two tested extracts may be promising candidates for the natural anti-platelet and anticoagulant supplements.
Molecular Characterization and Genotype Distribution of Thioester-containing Protein 1 Gene, A Key Regulator of Malaria Transmission in An. Gambiae Mosquitoes in Western Kenya
Authors: Onyango Shirley A. , Ochwedo Kevin O. , Machani Maxwell G. , Omondi Collince J. , Debrah Isaiah , Olumeh Julius O. , Ogolla Sidney S. , Lee Ming-Chieh , Zhou Guofa , Kokwaro Elizabeth , Afrane Yaw A. , Kazura James W. , Githeko Andrew K. , Zhong Daibin , Yan Guiyun
Published: December 2021

BackgroundEvolutionary pressures lead to the selection of efficient malaria vectors either resistant or susceptible to Plasmodiumparasites.These forcesmay elevate the introduction of new species genotypes that adapt to new breeding habitats which could have serious implications on malaria transmission.Thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1) of Anopheles gambiaeplays an important role in innate immune defenses against parasites. This study aims to characterize the distribution pattern of TEP1 polymorphisms determining vector competence and subsequently malaria transmission in western Kenya. MethodsAnopheles gambiaeadult and larvae were collected using pyrethrum spray catches (PSC) and plastic dippers respectivelyfrom Homa Bay, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Kisumu countiesbetween 2017 and 2020.Collected adults and larvae reared to the adult stage were morphologically identified and then identified to sibling species by PCR.TEP1 alleles were determined using restriction fragment length polymorphisms-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) and to validate the TEP1 genotyping results, a representative sample of alleles was sequenced.ResultsTwo TEP1 alleles (TEP1*S1 and TEP1*R2)and three corresponding genotypes (*S1/S1, *R2/S1, and *R2/R2)were identified. TEP1*S1 and TEP1*R2 with their corresponding genotypes, homozygous *S1/S1 and heterozygous *R2/S1 were widely distributed across all sites with allele frequencies of approximately 80% and 20%, respectively bothin An. gambiaeand An. arabiensis. There was no significant difference detected among the population and between the two mosquito species in TEP1 allele frequency and genotype frequency. The overall low levels in population structure (FST= 0.019) across all sites corresponded to an effective migration index (Nm= 12.571) and lowNei’s genetic distance values (<0.500) among the subpopulation.The comparative fixation index values revealed minimal genetic differentiation between speciesand high levels of gene flow among populations.ConclusionThere is a low genetic diversity and population structure in western Kenya. TEP1* R2 and TEP1*S1 were the most common alleles in both species which may have been maintained through generations in time, However, the TEP1*R2 allele was in low frequencies and may be used to estimatemalaria prevalence. Continued surveillance of the distribution of TEP1 is essential for monitoring the population dynamics of local vectors and their implications on malaria transmission and hence designing targeted vector interventions.
An implantable ventilator augments inspiration in an in vivo porcine model
Authors: Hu Lucy , Saeed Mossab , Singh Manisha , Roche Ellen
Published: December 2021

Severe diaphragm dysfunction can lead to respiratory failure, requiring permanent mechanical ventilation. Permanent tethering to a mechanical ventilator via a patient’s mouth or tracheostomy can interfere with quality of life and autonomy by hindering activities like speech and swallowing. We present a diaphragm assist system that intervenes internally at the diaphragm as opposed to the mouth. By implanting contractile, soft robotic actuators above the diaphragm to push downwards and augment diaphragm motion during inspiration, this diaphragm assist system functions as an implantable ventilator. We demonstrate the proof-of-concept feasibility of this system to augment physiological metrics of ventilation in an in vivo porcine model of varied respiratory insufficiency. Synchronized actuation of the assist system with native respiratory effort augmented the tidal volume by up to a 100 mL increase and was capable of improving minute ventilation into a normal range. The diaphragm assist system has the potential to provide a new therapeutic ventilation option that aims to restore respiratory performance without sacrificing quality of life.
Analysis of the Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment in Perceived Trust and Work Performance
Authors: LIU Xiaoli , REN Xiaopeng
Published: December 2021

As a potential motivation, psychological empowerment stimulates employees' work behaviors, and it determines the degree of effort and duration of employees' work. Only when employees are psychologically empowered, will they have an impact on their behavior when they believe that they are trusted. This paper chose to set the independent variable as the employee's perceived trust and the dependent variable as the company's work performance, and explored the mediating role of psychological empowerment in the two. The psychological empowerment of employees had a positive impact on work performance. Employees with high psychological empowerment tended to be proactive in their work, and had more input in the work, which in turn encouraged employees to have higher work performance. The four dimensions of psychological empowerment can positively affect employee task performance, and the ability and influence of psychological empowerment had a positive impact on relationship performance. Psychological empowerment as a whole perception played a part of the mediating role between the perception of superior dependency and task performance, and it played a part of the mediating role between perception of superior dependency and relationship performance. As a whole perception, psychological empowerment played a part of mediating role between perceived information disclosure and task performance, and part of mediating role between perceived information disclosure and relationship performance. In the study of perceived trust and work performance, this article focused on the mediating role of psychological empowerment, and further understood the internal mechanism of perceived trust.
Impact of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-System Inhibitor Drugs on Mortality in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Hypertension
Authors: Xu Wei , Yang Yan-Min , Zhu Jun , Wu Shuang , Wang Juan , Zhang Han , Shao Xing-Hui
Published: December 2021

Background
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system inhibitors markedly played an active role in the primary and secondary prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF), but the impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on the mortality of patients with AF remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between treatment with ACEIs or ARBs and the mortality in emergency department (ED) patients with AF and hypertension.
Methods
This multicenter study enrolled 2016 ED patients from September 2008 to April 2011; Total 1110 patients with AF and hypertension were analyzed. Patients were grouped according to whether they were treated with ACEI/ARB or not and completed a 1-year follow-up to evaluate outcomes including all-cause death, cardiovascular death, stroke, and major adverse events (MAEs).
Results
Among the 1110 patients with AF and hypertension, 574 (51.7%) received ACEI/ARB treatment. During the 1-year follow-up, 169 all-cause deaths (15.2%) and 100 cardiovascular deaths (9.0%) occurred, while 98 strokes (8.8%) and 255 MAEs (23.0%) occurred. According to the multivariate Cox regression analysis, ACEI/ARB therapy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of all-cause death (HR, 0.642; 95% CI, 0.466–0.884; P = 0.007). Moreover, ACEI/ARB therapy was independently associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular death (HR, 0.649; 95% CI, 0.424–0.993; P = 0.046) and MAEs (HR: 0.701, 95% CI 0.541–0.907, P = 0.007) after adjusting for other risk factors.
Conclusions
Our results revealed that ACEI/ARB therapy was independently associated with a reduced risk of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and MAEs in ED patients with AF and hypertension. These results provide evidence for a tertiary preventive treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation and hypertension.
A New Approach For Calculating Inherent Strain and Distortion in Additive Manufacturing of Metal Parts
Authors: Park Hong-Seok , Shin Hwa Seon , TRAN Ngoc-Hien
Published: December 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic parts is widely utilized for industrial applications. However, quality issues of the printed parts, including part distortion and cracks caused by high temperature and fast cooling, result in high residual stress. This is a challenge that limits the industry acceptance of AM. To overcome this challenge, a numerical modeling method for predicting part distortion at the design stage plays an important role, and enables design engineers to remove failures before printing, as well as determine the optimal printing process parameters to minimize part deformation. This research proposes an inherent strain-based part deformation prediction method. To determine the inherent strain (IS) value, a micro-scale model for analyzing the temperature distribution is constructed. The IS value is calculated from the temperature gradient. Then, the IS value is used for determining the part deformation. The proposed methodology has been developed and evaluated, using a 316L stainless steel cantilever beam, in both simulations and experimental results.
DriverRWH: Discovering Cancer Driver Genes By Random Walk On a Gene Mutation Hypergraph
Authors: Wang Chenye , Shi Junhan , Cai Jiansheng , Zhang Yusen , Zheng Xiaoqi , Zhang Naiqian
Published: December 2021

Background: Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have helped investigators generate massive amounts of cancer genomic data. A critical challenge in cancer genomics is identification of a few driver mutation genes from a much larger number of passenger mutation genes. However, majority of existing computational approaches underuse the co-occurrence information of the individuals, which deems to be important in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Driver gene list predicted from these tools are prone to be false positive, recent research is far from achieving the ultimate goal of discovering a complete catalog of driver genes. Results: To make full use of co-mutation information, we present a random walk algorithm referred to as DriverRWH on a weighted gene mutation hypergraph model, using somatic mutation data and molecular interaction network data to prioritize candidate driver genes. Applied to tumor samples of different cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), DriverRWH shows significantly better performance than state-of-art prioritization methods in terms of the area under the curve (AUC) scores and the cumulative number of known driver genes recovered in top-ranked candidate genes. DriverRWH recovers approximately 50% known driver genes in the top 30 ranked candidate genes for more than half of the cancer types. In addition, DriverRWH is also highly robust to perturbations in the mutation data and gene functional network data. Conclusion: DriverRWH is effective among various cancer types in prioritizes cancer driver genes and provides considerable improvement over other tools with a better balance of precision and sensitivity. It can be a useful tool for detecting potential driver genes and facilitate targeted cancer therapies.
Association of Triglyceride–Glucose Index and the Presence of Sarcopenia in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Hu Wenchao , Xing Dongming
Published: December 2021

Objective: Triglyceride–glucose index (TyG index) has been used in healthy individuals as a marker of insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) showed an increased risk of developing sarcopenia compared to control subjects. This study is performed to determine the association of TyG index with the presence of sarcopenia in T2DM patients. Method: This study included 1098 T2DM patients who were recruited from the inpatients in Qilu Hospital (Qingdao). Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum triglyceride (TG) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured and used to calculate TyG index.Result: 119 male subjects (20.2%) had sarcopenia, while 72 female subjects (14.1%) had sarcopenia in T2DM patients. TyG index was correlated with a decreased risk of sarcopenia in both male and female T2DM groups. TyG index was found to be positively correlated with SMI after multivariate adjustment in male subjects. When TyG index was ≤9.5, TyG index was positively correlated with SMI. However, when TyG index was >9.5, there was not a significant association between TyG index and SMI. Moreover, TyG index was not correlated with SMI after multivariate analysis in female subjects. However, TyG index was positively correlated with SMI when TyG index was ≤9. When TyG index was >9, TyG index was negatively correlated with SMI, however, the correlation was not statistically significant. Conclusion: TyG index is inversely correlated with the presence of sarcopenia in type 2 diabetes patients.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Novel P2X4 Receptor Antagonists, NC-2600 and NP-1815-PX, in a Murine Model of Colitis
Authors: D’Antongiovanni Vanessa , Pellegrini Carolina , Benvenuti Laura , Fornai Matteo , Salvo Clelia Di , Natale Gianfranco , Ryskalin Larisa , Bertani Lorenzo , Lucarini Elena , Mannelli Lorenzo Di Cesare , Ghelardini Carla , Nemeth Zoltan H. , Haskó György , antonioli luca
Published: December 2021

The pharmacological blockade of P2X4 receptors has shown potential benefits in the management of several immune/inflammatory diseases. However, data regarding the involvement of P2X4 receptors in the pathophysiological mechanisms of action in intestinal inflammation are not well defined. We aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of two novel and selective P2X4 receptor antagonists, NC-2600 and NP-1815-PX, and characterize the molecular mechanisms of their action in a murine model of 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis. These two drugs and dexamethasone (DEX) were administered orally for 6 days, immediately after the manifestation of DNBS. The body weight decrease, resulting from colitis, was attenuated by NC-2600 and NP-1815-PX, but not DEX. However, all three drugs attenuated the increase in spleen weight and ameliorated macroscopic and microscopic colonic tissue damage. Furthermore, all three compounds decreased tissue IL-1β levels and caspase-1 expression and activity. Colonic tissue increase of tumor necrosis factor was downregulated by DEX, while both NC-2600 and NP-1815-PX were ineffective The reduction of occludin associated with colitis was ameliorated by NC-2600 and NP-1815-PX, but not DEX. In THP-1 cells, lipopolysaccharide and ATP upregulated IL-1β release and NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-5 and caspase-8 activity, but not of caspase-4. These changes were prevented by NC-2600 and NP-1815-PX treatment. For the first time, the above findings show that the selective inhibition of P2X4 receptors represents a viable approach to manage bowel inflammation via the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways.
High Performance of UiO-66 Metal-Organic Framework Modified with Melamine for Uptaking of Lead and Cadmium from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Abdelmoaty alaaS , El-Wakeel Shaimaa , Fathy Nady , Hanna AdlyA
Published: December 2021

In this paper, UiO-66 metal-organic framework (MOF) was prepared by a hydrothermal method and modified consequently with melamine (MUiO-66), as so as enhance the adsorption properties of these materials in liquid-phase adsorption. With respect to this, the adsorption of lead and cadmium divalent ions was performed under varying conditions of pH, metal ion concentration, contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature. Morphology, texture properties, functional groups, crystallinity and thermal properties of both MOFs were examined. UiO-66 composed of sphere-like particles and covered by layers of melamine with enhancing in crystallinity and active sites as well as the total surface area increased from 1080 to 1160 m2/g. The modified UiO-66 with melamine (MUiO-66) showed a notable adsorption capacity of 177.5 and 146.6 mg/g for Pb and Cd (II) ions, respectively. Adsorption of both metals fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir models and controlled by a physisorption mechanism at pH of 5. Also, adsorption process is an endothermic in nature and desorption is achieved well for three cycles by MUiO-66. Therefore, UiO-66 and MUiO-66 obtained in this work have a great promise in adsorption of heavy metals such as Pb and Cd(II) ions from wastewater.
An Optimized and Well-Characterized Niosome-Based Nanocarrier for Letrozole: A Brand- New Hybrid Therapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Ahmadi Saeedeh , Akbarzadeh Iman , Chiani Mohsen , Seraj Mahmoud , Noorbazargan Hassan , Saffar Samaneh , Quazi Sameer , Far Bahareh Farasati
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to improve the anticancer activity of letrozole through a niosomal formulation. Optimized niosomal formulation of letrozole was achieved by response surface methodology (RSM). The niosomes were well-characterized by several methods. The anticancer activity and its mechanism were studied in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The release of the drug from the niosomes was according to the Kors Meyer-Peppa kinetic model. The niosomes were stable with high encapsulation efficiency. Significant higher anticancer activity and more induction of apoptosis were obtained for niosomal letrozole. Results indicated that niosomes could be a promising drug carrier for delivery of letrozole to breast cancer cells.
External Validation Study On The Value of Deep Learning Algorithm For The Prediction of Hematoma Expansion From Noncontrast CT Scans
Authors: Guo Dong Chuang , Gu Jun , He Jian , Chu Hai Rui , Dong Na , Zheng Yi Feng
Published: December 2021

Background: Hematoma expansion is an independent predictor of patient outcome and mortality. The early diagnosis of hematoma expansion is crucial for selecting clinical treatment options This study aims to explore the value of a deep learning algorithm for the prediction of hematoma expansion from noncontrast Computed tomography（NCCT） scan through external validation.Methods: 102 NCCT images of Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) patients diagnosed in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The initial Computed tomography (CT) scan images were evaluated by a commercial Artificial intelligence (AI) software using deep learning algorithm and radiologists respectively to predict hematoma expansion and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity of the two groups were calculated and compared, Pair-wise comparisons were conducted among gold standard hematoma expansion diagnosis time, AI software diagnosis time and doctors’ reading time.Results: Among 102 HICH patients, The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of predicting hematoma expansion in the AI group were higher than those in the doctor group（80.0% vs 66.7%,73.6% vs 58.3%,75.5% vs 60.8%）,with statistically significant difference (p<0.05).The AI diagnosis time (2.8 ± 0.3s) and the doctors’ diagnosis time (11.7 ± 0.3s) were both significantly shorter than the gold standard diagnosis time (14.5 ± 8.8h) (p <0.05), AI diagnosis time was significantly shorter than that of doctors (p<0.05).Conclusions: Deep learning algorithm could effectively predict hematoma expansion at an early stage from the initial CT scan images of HICH patients after onset with high sensitivity and specificity and greatly shortened diagnosis time, which provides a new, accurate, easy-to-use and fast method for the early prediction of hematoma expansion.
Mental and Psycho-social Health and Quality-of-Life Before and After Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Prospective Cohort Study With Comparison to Specific Population Norms
Authors: Angst Felix , Giger Raoul D. , Lehmann Susanne , Sandor Peter , Teuchmann Peter , Csordas Adam
Published: December 2021

Background. Data on mental health improvement after cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are contradicting. The aim was to examine the mental and psycho-social health of patients admitted to our rehabilitation center following hospital treatment for acute coronary syndrome, before and after multidisciplinary CR.Methods. Outcome was measured at admission and discharge by the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90R), the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (CSQ) and the 6-minute-walking distance test. The patients’ health status was compared with norms of sex-, age- and comorbidity-matched data from the German general population. Score differences from norms were measured by standardized mean differences (SMDs); health changes were quantified by standardized effect sizes (ESs). Their importance for comprehensive assessment was quantified by explorative factor analysis.Results. Of n=70 patients followed-up (male: 79%; mean age: 66.6 years), 79% had ≥3 comorbidities. At baseline, SF-36 Physical functioning (SMD=–0.75), Role physical (–0.90), Social functioning (SMD=–0.44), and Role emotional (SMD=–0.45) were significantly worse than the norm. After CR, almost all scores significantly improved by ES=0.23 (SCL-90R Interpersonal sensitivity) to 1.04 (SF-36 Physical functioning). The strongest factor (up to 41.1% explained variance) for health state and change was the mental health domain, followed by function&pain (up to 26.3%).Conclusions. Normative deficits in physical and psycho-social health were reported at baseline. After CR, at follow-up, all scores, except phobia, showed significant improvement. The comprehensive measurement of bio-psycho-social health should not be limited to depression and anxiety but include, especially, the somatization and social participation dimensions.
Effect of Remediation Reagents on Bacterial Composition and Ecological Function in Black-Odorous Water Sediments
Authors: Xia Dong , Zhao Hanbin , Kobayashi Sohei , Mi Qi , Hao Aimin , Iseri Yasushi
Published: December 2021

Black-odorous urban water bodies and sediments pose a serious environmental problem. Herein, we conducted microcosm batch experiments to investigate the effect of remediation reagents (magnesium hydroxide and calcium nitrate) on native bacterial communities and their ecological functions in the black-odorous sediment of urban water. The dominant phyla (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Planctomycetes) and classes (Alpha-, Beta-, and Gamma-proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Anaerolineae, and Planctomycetia) were determined under calcium nitrate and magnesium hydroxide treatments. Functional groups related to aerobic metabolism, including aerobic chemoheterotrophy, dark sulfide oxidation, and correlated dominant genera (Thiobacillus, Lysobacter, Gp16, and Gaiella) became more abundant under calcium nitrate treatment, whereas functional genes potentially involved in dissimilatory sulfate reduction became less abundant. The relative abundance of chloroplasts, fermentation, and correlated genera (Desulfomonile and unclassified Cyanobacteria) decreased under magnesium hydroxide treatment. These results indicated that calcium nitrate addition improved hypoxia-related reducing conditions in the sediment and promoted aerobic chemoheterotrophy.
The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy On Rumination and Intrusive Thoughts in Patients With Bipolar Disorder: Secondary Analyses From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lubbers Jelle , Geurts Dirk , Hanssen Imke , Huijbers Marloes , Spijker Jan , Speckens Anne , Cladder-Micus Mira
Published: December 2021

Background: Preliminary evidence suggests that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a promising treatment for bipolar disorder (BD). One of the proposed working mechanisms of MBCT in attenuating depressive symptoms is through the reduction of depressive rumination. In BD the effect of MBCT on rumination is less well studied. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MBCT on self-reported trait depressive rumination and an experimental state measure of negative intrusive thoughts. On an exploratory note, we investigated the effect of MBCT on positive rumination and positive intrusive thoughts.Methods: The study population consisted of a subsample of bipolar type I or II patients participating in a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing MBCT + treatment as usual (TAU) (N = 25) to TAU alone (N = 24). Trait depressive rumination (RRS brooding subscale) and negative intrusive thoughts (breathing focus task (BFT)) were assessed at baseline and post-treatment. During the BFT, participants were asked to report negative, positive and neutral intrusive thoughts while focusing on their breathing. Results: Compared to TAU alone, MBCT + TAU resulted in a significant pre- to post-treatment reduction of trait depressive rumination (R2 = 0.16, F(1, 28) = 5.30, p = .029; medium effect size (f2 = 0.19)) and negative intrusive thoughts on the BFT (R2 = .15, F(1, 28) = 4.88, p = .036; medium effect size (f2 = 0.17)). MBCT did not significantly change positive rumination or positive intrusive thoughts on the BFT.Conclusions: MBCT might be a helpful additional intervention to reduce depressive rumination in BD which might reduce risk of depressive relapse or recurrence. Future research is required to replicate our findings and to explore whether this reduction in rumination following MBCT indeed mediates a reduction in depressive symptoms and leads to relapse prevention in BD.
CAR T Cells Equipped With a Fully Human scFv Targeting Trop2 Can Be Used to Treat Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhu Hong Jia , Jia Yujie , Tan Jingwen , Fang Xiaoyan , Ye Jing , Tuhin Israth Jahan , Xu Nan , Kang Liqing , Li Minghao , Lou XiaoYan , Zhou Jing-e , Wang Yiting , Yan Zhiqiang , Yu Lei
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated clinical success in treating haematologic malignancies but has not been effective against solid tumours thus far. Trop2 is a tumour-related antigen broadly overexpressed on a variety of tumours and has been reported as a promising target for pancreatic cancers. Our study aimed to determine whether CAR T cells designed with a fully human Trop2-specific single-chain fragment variable (scFv) can be used in the treatment of Trop2-positive pancreatic tumours.Methods: We designed Trop2-targeted chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells with a novel human anti-Trop2 scFv (2F11) and then investigated the cytotoxicity, degranulation, and cytokine secretion profiles of the anti-Trop2 CAR T cells when they were exposed to Trop2+ cancer cells in vitro. We also studied the antitumour efficacy and toxicity of Trop2-specific CAR T cells in vivo using a BxPC-3 pancreatic xenograft model.Results: Trop2-targeted CAR T cells designed with 2F11 effectively killed Trop2-positive pancreatic cancer cells and produced high levels of cytotoxic cytokines in vitro. In addition, Trop2-targeted CAR T cells, which persistently circulate in vivo and efficiently infiltrate into tumour tissues, significantly blocked and even eliminated BxPC-3 pancreatic xenograft tumour growth without obvious deleterious effects observed after intravenous injection into NSG mice. Moreover, disease-free survival was efficiently prolonged.Conclusion: These results show that Trop2-targeted CAR T cells equipped with a fully human anti-Trop2 scFv could be a potential treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer and could be useful for clinical evaluation.