bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the maxillary sinus: A case report
Authors: Kojima Masataka , Ito Shin , Tou Miri , Sonoda Kenji , Yoshikawa Akihisa , Ikeda Katsuhisa , Higo Ryuzaburo
Published: February 2021

Background: A basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAC) is a low-grade malignancy of the salivary glands. A BCAC of the minor salivary gland is a rare disease, which is extremely rare in the maxillary sinus without invading from the palate and buccal mucosa. The histopathological characteristics of a BCAC are similar to those of a basal cell adenoma (BCA). However, BCAC can be differentiated from BCA based on its tendency to invade surrounding tissues. Surgical resection is the first-line treatment for BCACs. We report a case of a BCAC arising from the maxillary sinus minor salivary glands in an 82-year-old man.Case presentation: In 2016, the patient presented with recurrent epistaxis, and he was referred to our department because a tumor was found in his left nasal cavity. Gross resection using the Denker operation was performed. Histopathological examination revealed no surrounding tissue invasion; therefore, BCA was diagnosed. In 2017, the recurrent lesion was resected using endoscopy as much as possible, and the histopathologic findings again revealed a BCA.In 2019, he developed diplopia, frequent epistaxis, and buccal swelling. The recurrence of maxillary sinus tumor was shown again with invasion of surrounding tissues, and we presumed a clinical diagnosis of a left maxillary carcinoma (suspected BCAC). When we performed partial maxillary resection by the Weber–Ferguson incision, we found that the tumor had partially invaded the bone of the orbital floor; thus, the floor of the orbit and orbital fat were partially resected. Finally, the tumor was diagnosed as a BCAC. Conclusion: We report a BCAC arising from the maxillary sinus. This is an extremely rare sinus tumor, and differentiation of BCAC and BCA is important from a clinical or histopathological examination. A partial maxillectomy with a Weber–Ferguson incision was required for complete resection. When a malignancy is suspected in the recurrent maxillary sinus tumor, it is important to have a wider surgical field than that of the previous surgery to ensure complete resection.
Preliminary study on the construction of animal model for non-puerperal mastitis
Authors: Lina Ma , Hongfeng Chen
Published: February 2021

Objection: This qualitative study explored the key factors affecting the occurrence of non-puerperal mast (NPM） and the construction of an animal model which is closer to the characteristics of the disease.Background: The etiological factors and pathogenesis of NPM are unknown, and the incidence, misdiagnosis rate and recurrence rate are high. Previously reported modeling methods vary, reproducibility is poor, and disease characteristics cannot be well characterized, so new animal models are urgently needed for research.Methods: In this study, using female Wistar rats to construct a non-puerperal mastitis animal model by intraperitoneal injection of metoclopramide to simulate hyperprolactinemia + autologous milk injected into the mammary gland to simulate ductal secretions. Results: Pathological results showed that 2 weeks after injection in group C (intraperitoneal injection of metoclopramide for 2 weeks + breast injection of maternal milk mixture twice) and group D (intraperitoneal injection of metoclopramide for 2 weeks + breast injection of maternal milk mixture three times), lipid stasis, periductal inflammation, and massive plasma cell and lymphocyte infiltration were observed,similar to the lesions in patients with human plasma cell mastitis. Conclusions: We believe that we can can establish a non-puerperal mastitis model by altering prolactin levels and ductal secretion stasis in rats.
Influence of implant cover screw loosening on early peri-implant marginal bone loss: a retrospective evaluation of risk factors
Authors: Wuwei Yin , Yong Yang , Zhenzhen Wu , Pei Chen , Zinan Yang , Zekun Gan , Tengfei Zhou , Mianyan Zeng , Hongxing Chu , Mingdeng Rong
Published: February 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of cover screw loosening (CSL) and its influence on peri-implant marginal bone during early bone healing process.Methods: A total of 91 implants in 90 patients (75 normal patients and 15 patients with CSL) were included in this study. Panoramic radiographs were taken for the measurement of peri-implant marginal bone loss (MBL). A piece of soft tissue above the cover screw during the second-stage surgery was taken for pathological examination. The differences between the two groups were evaluated and the possible risk factors associated with CSL were analyzed.Results: Increased frequency of CSL showed significant association with maxillary region (p=0.038). The mean MBL at implants with CSL was 0.82 ± 0.56 mm, and it was 0.22 ± 0.20 mm at normal implants (p<0.001). The inflammatory granulation tissue around the loose cover screws showed infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells.Conclusions: CSL during healing process is associated with early peri-implant MBL. The location of the maxilla is considered as a significant risk factor for CSL.
Unsteady Hybrid-Nanofluid Flow Comprising Ferrousoxide and CNTs Through Porous Horizontal Channel With Dilating/Squeezing Walls
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Arshad Hamna , Ramzan Muhammad
Published: February 2021

The key objective of the present research is to examine the hybrid magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) nanofluid (Carbon-nanotubes and ferrous oxide-water) CNT−Fe− 3O−4/H−2O flow into a horizontal parallel channel with thermal radiation through squeezing and dilating porous walls. The parting motion is triggered by the porous walls of the channel. The fluid flow is time-dependent and laminar. The channel is asymmetric and the upper and lower walls are distinct in temperature and porosity. With the combination of nanoparticles of Fe3O4 and single and multi-wall carbon nanotubes, the hybrid nanofluid principle is exploited. By using the similarity transformation, the set of partial differential equations (PDEs) of this mathematical model, governed by momentum and energy equations, is reduced to corresponding ordinary differential equations (ODEs). A very simple numerical approach called the Runge-Kutta system of order four along with the shooting technique is used to achieve the solutions for regulating ODEs. MATLAB computing software is used to create temperature and velocity profile graphs for various emerging parameters. At the end of the manuscript, the main conclusions are summarized.
Autophagy inhibition reduces irradiation-induced subcortical white matter injury not by reducing inflammation, but by increasing mitochondrial fusion and inhibiting mitochondrial fission
Authors: Wang Yafeng , Xu Yiran , Zhou Kai , Wang Yong , Li Tao , Xie Cuicui , Zhang Shan , Zhang Xiaoli , Song Juan , Zhu Changlian
Published: February 2021

Background
Radiotherapy is an effective tool in the treatment of malignant brain tumors, but irradiation-induced late-onset toxicity remains a major problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate if genetic inhibition of autophagy has impact on subcortical white matter development in the juvenile mouse brain after irradiation.
Methods
Ten-day-old selective Atg7 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates were subjected to a single 6 Gy dose of whole-brain irradiation and evaluated at 5 days after irradiation.
Results
Neural Atg7 deficiency partially prevented myelin disruption compared to the WT mice after irradiation, as indicated by myelin basic protein staining. Irradiation induced oligodendrocyte progenitor cell loss in the subcortical white matter, and Atg7 deficiency partly prevented this. There was no significant change between the KO and WT mice in the number of microglia and astrocytes in the subcortical white matter after irradiation. Transcriptome analysis showed there were numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both Atg7 KO and WT group after irradiation, but GSEA analysis showed that the GO mitochondrial gene expression pathway was significantly enriched in the remaining DEGs between the KO and WT group after irradiation. Compared with WT mice, expression of the mitochondrial fusion protein OPA1 and phosphorylation of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 were dramatically decreased in KO mice under physiological conditions. The protein levels of phosphorylated DRP1 and OPA1 showed no differences in WT mice between the non-irradiated group and the irradiated group but had remarkably increased level in the KO mice after irradiation.
Conclusions
These results indicate that inhibition of autophagy reduces irradiation-induced subcortical white matter injury not by reducing inflammation, but by increasing mitochondrial fusion and inhibiting mitochondrial fission.
Development of Eye Phantoms for Mimicking the Structural Deformation of the Human Cornea Accompanied With Intraocular Pressure Alteration
Authors: Cho Han Saem , Jeoung Sae Chae
Published: February 2021

We developed a fully continuous eye phantom to better understand structural deformation of the cornea under varying intraocular pressure (IOP). The IOP-induced deformation and tension of the eye phantom were investigated using optical coherence tomography and non-contact tonometer readings, respectively. A fixed-cornea eye phantom, which featured a soft cornea, was also used for comparison. We evaluated the corneal structural changes between the two different types of eye phantoms by estimating the central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal radius of curvature (CRC). For the eye phantom with an initial CCT of 0.55 mm, which is close to the average human CCT, CRC of the fully continuous eye phantoms showed a positive correlation to true IOP, while the CRC of a fixed-cornea eye phantom had a negative correlation. Non-contact tonometry readings for fixed-cornea eye phantoms were higher than those of full-eye phantoms due to the structural and mechanical characteristics. Considering the results from in vitro studies on enucleated human eyeballs, a fully continuous eye phantom is a more suitable choice for mimicking human IOP than a fixed-cornea eye phantom. Use of a more reliable eye phantom for accurate estimation of IOP using tonometry may eventually improve the accuracy of glaucoma screening.
Development of an adaptive template for fast detection of lithographic patterns of light-emitting diode chips
Authors: Weng Wei-Han , Tsai Chen-Yang , Hung Cheng-Yu , Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey
Published: February 2021

With the expansion in light-emitting diode (LED) lighting market and technology, control of product quality has become the focus of LED development. To achieve high online production capacity, automated quality detection with object image has been employed for comparison using mostly the standard templates. However, the resulting poor fitting causes misjudgment of the detection system. This study proposes an adaptive template method to improve the system fitting, reduce the system misjudgment, and enhance the detection efficiency. The severely damaged LED chips were screened out based on their grayscale entropy indices and related coefficient indices, which enhanced the reliability of the adaptive template system and accelerated the overall system detection process. To overcome the displacement and scale changes of the lithographic patterns, the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) and Harris–Laplace methods were used for comparison. The scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) and Harris–Laplace methods were used to search and compare the feature points of the chip patterns, with the aim to overcome the displacement and scale changes of the lithographic patterns and establish the adaptive template in real conditions. The fast correlation coefficient comparison method was compared with the adaptive template comparison method proposed in this study. The results showed that the detection accuracy of the new method was 98.36%, which is 15.79% more accurate than the fast correlation coefficient comparison method. In terms of time performance, the method proposed in this study took 0.08s less to complete the partition defect template. Moreover, the average detection time per chip was reduced by another 1.4s, which improved the efficiency by 30.43%. The adaptive template proposed in this study exclusively establish itself based on different lithographic patterns, thus improving the detection efficiency and accuracy of the LED industry, and raising its market competitiveness in the industry.
Influence of Nano-Fluid Lubrication On Single Porous-Layered Journal Bearing: A Hypothetical Approach
Authors: BHATTACHARJEE BIPLAB , CHAKRABORTI PRASUN , CHOUDHURY KISHAN
Published: February 2021

In this article a mathematical model of single layered nano-fluid lubricated PJB (porous journal bearing) has been formulated. The nano-lubricant's impact on the efficiency of said journal bearing has been studied using modified Darcy's law and boundary conditions. The different nanoparticles often used as an additive in industrial lubricating oils improve their viscosity significantly. The brief description of dimensionless performance characteristics of the investigated bearing was obtained by the use of the nano-lubricant's modified Krieger-Dougherty viscosity model. The observations revealed that the output characteristics are substantially improved by using nano-lubricant. The present study was validated by comparing the findings of recently published data with micropolar fluid and was found to be completely compatible since data with nano-lubricant are still unavailable.
Hierarchical tubular MoP/MoS2 composite with enhanced electrochemical hydrogen evolution activity
Authors: Wang Peiyuan , Wang Xiaoqian , Diao Renyi , Guo Yujie , Wang Yuxiang , Zhou Chao , Xie Ke-Feng , Sun Shumin , Zhang Yong-Hui
Published: February 2021

Electrocatalytic production of hydrogen from water is a promising and sustainable strategy. Herein, hierarchical tubular MoP/MoS2 composites with the wall composed of loosely stacked nanosheets were fabricated through partially phosphating the tubular MoS2. As an electrocatayst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the hierarchical tubular MoP/MoS2 composite displayed a superior HER activity with a low overpotential (101 mV) to obtain a current density of 10 mA/cm2, small Tafel slope (56 mV/dec). Moreover, the MoP/MoS2 composite demonstrate superior long-term durability in acid electrolytes. The excellent catalytic activity of MoP/MoS2 composite may be ascribed to its hierarchical structure: hierarchical porous structure can offer mass diffusion pathways, and the nanosheets with MoP/MoS2 heterojunctions can provide rich active sites for HER. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that more favorable H* adsorption kinetics on the surface of the MoP/MoS2 composite during the HER process than pristine MoP and MoS2. This work can offer a strategy to design high performance electrocatalysts for HER applications.
LncRNA LINC00520 Aggravates Cell Proliferation and Migration in Lung Adenocarcinoma via a Positive Feedback Loop
Authors: Huang Wen , Wang Xinxing , Wu Fubing , Xu Fanggui
Published: February 2021

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histological subtype of primary lung cancer. Thus, to figure out the biomarker of diagnosis for LUAD is of great significance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are previously revealed to exert vital effects in numerous cancers. LncRNA long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 520 (LINC00520) served as an oncogene in certain cancers. Therefore, our report was specially designed to probe role of LINC00520 in LUAD. Results: LINC00520 expression was detected by RT-qPCR. Next, function of LINC00520 in LUAD was verified by in vitro loss-of-function experiments. As for LINC00520 regulatory mechanism in LUAD, we conducted pull down, ChIP, RIP, and luciferase reporter assays. We found that LINC00520 was upregulated in LUAD. Additionally, LINC00520 upregulation suggested the poorer prognosis for patients with LUAD. Furthermore, LINC00520 downregulation suppressed LUAD cell proliferation and migration and induced cell apoptosis. Simultaneously, forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) is identified as the transcription factor (TF) to transcriptionally activate LINC00520. Moreover, LINC00520 positively upregulated FOXP3 via sponging miR-3611 in LUAD. Subsequently, rescue experiments delineated that miR-3611 downregulation or FOXP3 overexpression could reverse the effect of silenced LINC00520 on proliferative and migratory capabilities in LUAD. Conclusion: This study ﬁrst put forward and proved that lncRNA LINC00520 facilitated cell proliferative and migratory abilities in LUAD through interacting with miR-3611 and targeting FOXP3, which may provide a potential novel insight for treatment of LUAD.
AWJM of Mg-based composites with different nanoparticle contents
Authors: Mardi Bimla , Dixit Amit Rai , Pramanik Alokesh , Hloch Sergej , Havizdos Pavol , Mallick Ashis , Nag Akash
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the influence of jet traverse speed and water jet pressure of abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) on the magnesium-based metal matrix nanocomposites (Mg-MMNC) reinforced with 50 nm (average particle size) 0.66 and 1.11 wt.% Al2O3.The extent of grooving caused by abrasive particle and irregularities in AWJ machined surface with respect to traverse speed and cutting depth was investigated. The nanoindentation results hows softening of the material defended by higher reinforcement content nanocomposite due to presence of sufficient amount of nanoparticles protecting the surface from being damaged. The values of selected amplitude parameters viz. average roughness (Ra), maximum height of peak (Rp), maximum depth of valleys (Rv) presenting the comparatively smooth surface finish in 1.11 wt.% reinforced composite at high (500 mm/min) speed. Moreover, the high water pressure AWJM produces the better surface quality due to sufficient material removal and proper cleaning of debris from the machining zone as compare to the low water pressure, low transverse speed and low abrasive mass flow rate.
Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation Complications in Obese and Diabetic Patients: Insights from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2005-2013.
Authors: D’Souza Shawn , Elshazly Mohamed B. , Dargham Soha R . , Donnellan Eoin , Asaad Nidal , Hayat Sajjad , Kanj Mohamed , Baranowski Brian , Wazni Oussama , Saliba Walid , Khalil Charbel Abi
Published: February 2021

Obesity and diabetes are risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence and recurrence after catheter ablation. However, their impact on post-ablation complications in real-world practice is unknown. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2005–2013), we examine annual trends in AF ablations and outcomes in US patients with obesity and diabetes and perform multivariate analyses to assess whether they are independently associated with adverse outcomes. Our primary outcome included the composite of in-hospital complications or death. Annual trends for primary outcome, length-of-stay (LOS) and total inflation-adjusted hospital charges were examined. An estimated 106,462 AF-ablations were performed in the US from 2005–2013. There was a gradual annual increase in ablations performed in obese and diabetic patients and complication rates. The primary outcome rate was 11.7% in obese vs. 8.2% in non-obese and 10.7% in diabetic vs. 8.2% in non-diabetic patients (p < 0.001). Obesity was independently associated with increased complications (adjusted-OR, 95% CI:1.39, 1.20–1.62), longer LOS (1.36, 1.23–1.49), and higher charges (1.16, 1.12–1.19). Diabetes was only associated with longer LOS (1.27, 1.16–1.38). Hence obesity, but not diabetes, is an independent risk factor for immediate post AF ablation complications and higher costs. Future studies should investigate whether weight loss prior to ablation reduces complications and costs.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Potential Function of Long Non-coding RNAs in 20-hydroxyecdysone Regulated Autophagy in Bombyx Mori
Authors: Qiao Huili , Wang Jingya , Wang Yuanzhuo , Yang Juanjuan , Wei Bofan , Li Miaomiao , Wang Bo , Li Xiaozhe , Cao Yang , Tian Ling , Li Dandan , Yao Lunguang , Kan Yunchao
Published: February 2021

Background: 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays important roles in insect molting and metamorphosis. 20E-induced autophagy has been detected during the larval–pupal transition in different insects. In Bombyx mori, autophagy is induced by 20E in the larval fat body. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function in various biological processes in many organisms, including insects. Many lncRNAs have been reported to be potential for autophagy occurrence in mammals, but it has not been investigated in insects. Results: RNA libraries from the fat body of B. mori dissected at 2 and 6 h post-injection with 20E were sequenced, and comprehensive analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs was performed. A total of 1035 lncRNAs were identified, including 905 lincRNAs and 130 antisense lncRNAs. Compared with mRNAs, lncRNAs had longer transcript length and fewer exons. 132 lncRNAs were found differentially expressed at 2 h post injection, compared with 64 lncRNAs at 6 h post injection. Thirty differentially expressed lncRNAs were common at 2 and 6 h post-injection, and were hypothesized to be associated with the 20E response. Target gene analysis predicted 6493 lncRNA-mRNA cis pairs and 42797 lncRNA-mRNA trans pairs. The expression profiles of LNC_000560 were highly consistent with its potential target genes, Atg4B, and RNAi of LNC_000560 significantly decreased the expression of Atg4B. These results indicated that LNC_000560 was potentially involved in the 20E-induced autophagy of the fat body by regulating Atg4B. Conclusions: This study provides the genome-wide identification and functional characterization of lncRNAs associated with 20E-induced autophagy in the fat body of B. mori. LNC_000560 and its potential target gene were identified to be related to 20-regulated autophagy in B. mori. These results will be helpful for further studying the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in autophagy and other biological processes in this insect model.
Mitochondrial protease Lonp1 localizes to the nucleus in response to heat shock
Authors: Gibellini Lara , Borella Rebecca , Gaetano Anna De , Zanini Giada , Tartaro Domenico Lo , Carnevale Gianluca , Beretti Francesca , Losi Lorena , Biasi Sara De , Nasi Milena , Forcato Mattia , Cossarizza Andrea , Pinti Marcello
Published: February 2021

The coordinated communication between the mitochondria and nucleus is essential for cellular activities. Nonetheless, the pathways involved in this crosstalk are scarcely understood. The protease Lonp1 was previously believed to be exclusively located in the mitochondria, with an important role in mitochondrial morphology, mtDNA maintenance, and cellular metabolism, in both normal and neoplastic cells. However, we recently detected Lonp1 in the nuclear, where as much as 22% of all cellular Lonp1 can be found. Nuclear localization is detectable under all conditions, but the amount is dependent on a response to heat shock (HS). Lonp1 in the nucleus interacts with heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) and modulates the HS response. Furthermore, we found three splicing variants of Lonp1 mRNA that coexist in cells and generate three Lonp1 isoforms (ISO1, ISO2 and ISO3) with differential subcellular distributions. All three isoforms move into the nucleus under HS, and ISO2 is most frequently upregulated in neoplastic cells compared to ISO1 and ISO3. These findings reveal a novel extramitochondrial function for Lonp1 in response to stress.
Does renewable energy consumption contribute to the development of low-carbon economy? Evidence from China
Authors: Li Tuochen , Shi Ziyi , Han Dongri
Published: February 2021

Stimulating renewable energy consumption has become a major strategic choice for China to both fulfill the international commitment to reduce carbon emissions and realize the high-quality growth of the domestic economy. On account of the provincial data during the period of 2000 to 2017, we creatively incorporate the ecological footprint into the measurement of low-carbon economy development level through super-efficient SBM model, so as to infer the coordinated development level of 3E system more precisely. Based on factor substitution effect, energy path dependence effect and scale effect, the complex nonlinear relationship between the two core research objects is further probed by constructing the threshold regressive model. On the foundation of heoretical research, the consumption of renewable energy, the intensity of energy use and the level of regional economic development are respectively selected as the moderating variables of the model. Further, we divide different intervals of threshold values to distinguish the differences in the effects caused by regional heterogeneity. The following conclusions are drawed ultimately: There is an apparent threshold effect between the renewables consumption and the advancement of low-carbon economy. Only when the renewable itself reaches a higher level of consumption, can it show a significant advantage in green economic development. In addition, to make full use of the renewable resources to boost low-carbon and green economy, it is necessary to reduce the economy's dependence on energy, that is, to decrease the intensity of energy use, while maintaining the process of improving coordination of regional economy.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Mothers/caregivers on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Assosa Woreda, Assosa Zone, Benshangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Assefa Dawit Getachew , Woldesenbet Tigist Tekle
Published: February 2021

Background: For optimal nutritional status, health, and growth of the children the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of mothers/caregivers on infant and young child feeding are key factors. Hence, in this study, the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the mothers/caregivers on infant and young child feeding were assessed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 486 mothers/caregivers from Assosa Districts in Assosa Zone of Benshangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. To isolate independent predictors for good knowledge, good practice, and favorable attitude of the mothers/caregivers related to child feeding, multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Out of 486 study participants, only 19 % of the participants knew the importance of colostrum’s, 83.1% of respondents know the exact time of complementary feeding initiation. Furthermore, the Majority, (84%) of respondents believed that breast milk was the first feed that should be consumed by the child within 1hour of birth.In bivariate analysis, the data showed that there was no association between mothers’ knowledge and the variables analyzed; these variables include a place of the respondent, sex, marital status, religion, occupation, family size, etc. In the binary logistic regression analysis age of mothers, educational status of the mother, place of delivery, father educational status, father involvement & support, information about IYCF, discuss with your husband about IYCF and ANC follow up were statistically associated with mothers knowledge on IYCF recommendation.Conclusions: Overall mothers had good knowledge and a fair attitude about IYCF practices. Age of mothers, Place of delivery, information about IYCF, and ANC follow-up were statistically associated with mother's knowledge of IYCF. To support IYCF practices, behavior change communications intervention strategies should be introduced in mothers to bridge the gap between knowledge and practices.
PD-L1 Improves Motor Function and Alleviates Neuropathic Pain in Male Mice After Spinal Cord Injury by Inhibiting MAPK Pathway
Authors: Shi Jiangang , Kong FanQi , Sun Kaiqiang , Zhu Jian , Li FuDong , Lin Feng , Sun XiaoFei , Luo Xi , Ren ChangZhen , Lu LanTao , Zhao ShuJie , Sun JingChuan
Published: February 2021

Background

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes severe motor dysfunction and persistent central neuropathic pain (Nep) that remains uncured yet. Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is typically produced by cancer cells and contributes to the immune-suppressive in tumor microenvironment, and the role of PD-L1 in regulating inflammatory response and Nep after SCI remains unclear. A growing amount of research has begun to investigate the effect of PD-L1 on macrophages and microglia. Considering the pivotal role of macrophages/microglia in the inflammatory response after SCI, we tested the hypothesis that PD-L1 improved the recovery of locomotor and sensory functions after SCI through macrophages and microglia.
Methods

The mice SCI model was employed to determine the changes in expression patterns of PD-L1. Meanwhile, we constructed PD-L1 knockout mice to observe differences in functional recovery and phenotypes of macrophages/microglia post-SCI.
Results

In present study, PD-L1 was significantly upregulated after SCI and highly expressed on macrophages/microglia. PD-L1 knockout (KO) mice showed poor locomotor recovery and serious pathological pain compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, deletion of PD-L1 significantly increased the polarization of M1-like macrophages/microglia. Mechanistic analysis revealed that PD-L1 may improve functional outcomes following SCI by inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2.
Conclusions

Our observations implicate the involvement of PD-L1 in recovery of SCI and provide a new treatment strategy for prevention and treatment of this traumatic condition.
A Computational Study of Silicon and Germanium-Based Molecules in Terms of Solar Cells Performance
Authors: Tanış Emine
Published: February 2021

Photovoltaic energy sources are increasingly in demand due to concerns over the cost of petroleum fuels and carbon emissions. Silicon based photovoltaic production is relatively high. Silicon and germanium-based semiconductors with 1,1,2,3,4,5-Hexaphenyl-1H-silole (HPS) and 1,1,2,3,4,5-Hexaphenyl-1H-germole (HPG) 's to determine the appropriateness in terms of photovoltaic applications, electronic structure and charge transport properties density functional theory (DFT) and by Marcus theory have been investigated. Absorption spectra, reorganization energies (λe and λh), frontier orbitals, the ionization potentials (IPs) and the electron affinities (EAs), the effective transfer integrals (Ve and Vh), and the charge transfer rates (We and Wh) were determined. HPG can be said to have better photovoltaic properties with high electron transfer rate, narrow band gap and low excitation energy. In addition, we can say that HPS is a suitable candidate for hole injection layer with its high hole transfer properties. Accordingly, these molecules are potential candidates for the manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells and optoelectronic devices.
Suicide Ideation and Psychosocial Distress Among Refugee Adolescents in Bidibidi Settlement in West Nile, Uganda
Authors: Bukuluki Paul , Kisaakye Peter , Wandiembe Symon Peter , Besigwa Samuel
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThis study investigated the factors associated with suicidal ideation and psychological distress among 281 Sudanese refugees (aged 10-19 years) in Uganda. Adolescents refugees have been reported among the groups vulnerable to mental health and psychosocial challenges including suicidal ideations and attempts. MethodsThe analysis is based on cross-sectional secondary data collected as part of the implementation of a project on sexual and reproductive health in refugee settlements. Data were collected in July 2020. We estimated the prevalence of psychological, distress and suicidal ideation, and the associated profiles. Odds ratios and their 95% Confidence Intervals based on a logistic regression model were used to assess the effect of different potential factors on the risk profiles for suicidal ideation and psychological distress. ResultsThe prevalence of psychological distress (on KS-6 scale) was estimated to be 12.3% (95%CI: 8.7, 16.7%). This was dominated by lack of hope in the future - at 11.6% (95%CI: 8.1, 15.9%). Suicide ideation within the past four weeks was reported by 5.3% (95%CI: 3.0, 8.6%) of the respondents while suicide attempt in the last six months was reported by 0.7% (95%CI: 0.1, 2.5%). Both psychological distress and suicide ideations are more common among girls than boys, 11.6% vs. 2.6% and 18.6% vs. 9.2%, respectively. Suicidal ideation and distress are also less likely among adolescents with friends or family members with whom they can confide in. At univariate level, girls and very young adolescents, (OR=0.16; 95%CI: 0.05, 0.50) and (OR=0.39; 95%CI: 0.14, 1.05), respectively. At multivariate analysis, the risk for suicide ideation was low among male adolescents (aOR= 0.16; 95%CI: 0.05, 0.52) and adolescents with a friend or family members they can confide in (aOR=0.14; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.50). Similarly, the risk for psychological distress is low among male adolescents (aOR= 0.51; 95%CI: 0.23, 1.02), older adolescents as compared to those aged 10-12 years (aOR= 0.12; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.40), and adolescents with a friend or family members they can confide in (aOR=0.33; 95%CI: 0.11, 0.96).ConclusionBoth suicidal ideation and psychological distress are very high among the female adolescents. Familial and individual interventions, particularly those focused on encouraging emotional expression and familial cohesion will be potentially useful for female adolescents who have a high risk of suicide.
GhGASA10-1 promotes the cell and fiber elongation through the phytohormones IAA-induced
Authors: Chen Baojun , Sun Yaru , Tian Zailong , Fu Guoyong , Pei Xinxin , Pan Zhaoe , MF Nazir , Song Song , Li Hongge , Wang Xiaoyang , Qin Ning , Miao Yuchen , He Shoupu , Du Xiongming
Published: February 2021

Background: Cotton is an important cash crop. The fiber length has always been a hot spot, but multi-factor control of fiber quality makes it complex to understand its genetic basis. Previous reports suggested that OsGASR9 promotes germination, width, and thickness by GAs in rice, while the overexpression of AtGASA10 lead to a reduction in silique length, which is likely to reduce cell wall expansion. Therefore, this study aimed to explore function of GhGASA10 in cotton fibers development.Results: To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying fiber elongation regulation concerning GhGASA10-1, we revealed an evolutionary basis, gene structure, and expression. Our results emphasized the conservative nature of GASA family with its origin in lower fern plants S. moellendorffii. GhGASA10-1 was localized in the cell membrane, which may synthesize and transport secreted protein to the cell wall. Besides, GhGASA10-1 promoted seedling germination and root extension in transgenic Arabidopsis, indicating that GhGASA10-1 promotes cell elongation. Interestingly, GhGASA10-1 was upregulated by IAA at fiber elongation stages. Conclusion: We propose that GhGASA10-1 promotes fiber elongation by regulating the synthesis of cellulose induced by IAA, to lay the foundation for future research on the regulation network of GASA10-1 in cotton fiber development.
The Stripe of Electron Diffraction in Magnetic Field—A Counterexample. In Electric Field, the Result Will Be the Same
Authors: Tu Runsheng
Published: February 2021

As long as no one has done diffraction experiment in the spark chamber (DESC) , it makes sense to do this experiment. This experiment has two possible results: (1) Diffraction fringes cannot be obtained; (2) Path information and diffraction patterns can be obtained at the same time. If the result is (1), it provides direct and unambiguous experimental evidence for the existing Copenhagen quantum mechanics interpretation system, which can avoid some unnecessary disputes; If the result is (2), it will cause a scientific revolution in the field of quantum mechanics interpretation (After all, most people now think that "as long as the particle path is observed in the double slit experiment, the interference fringes will disappear"). "The result of the electron diffraction experiment in a magnetic field—diffraction fringes can still be obtained" was discovered. This finding provides an experimental evidence for DESC to be meaningful and predicts that the experimental result of DESC is the result (2).
Developing a Research Database of Primary Aldosteronism: Rationale and Baseline Characteristics
Authors: Wang Wen , Li Yuanmei , Li Qianrui , Zhang Tingting , Wang Wei , Mo Dan , Tian Haoming , Chen Tao , Ren Yan
Published: February 2021

BackgroundManagement of primary aldosteronism (PA) has become a research hotspot in the field of endocrinology. To obtain reliable research evidence, it is necessary to establish a high-quality PA research database. MethodsThe establishment of PA research database involved two steps. Firstly, patients with confirmation of PA diagnosis between 1 Jan 2009 to 31 Aug 2019 at West China Hospital were identified and data were extracted. Secondly, patients with confirmatory testing for PA will be enrolled into a prospective cohort. Data will be prospectively collected based on the case report forms since 1 Sep 2019. We evaluated the quality of research database through assessment of quality of key variables.ResultsTotally, 862 patients diagnosed as PA were identified, of which 507 patients who had positive confirmatory testing for PA were included into the retrospective database. Among 862 patients diagnosed as PA, the mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 156.1 mmHg, mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 97.2 mmHg. Among included patients, the mean serum potassium level was 2.85 mmol/L, and the mean plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) was 28.1 ng/dL. The characteristics patients with positive confirmatory testing for PA were similar. Validation of data extracting and linking showed the accuracy were 100%. Evaluation of missing data showed that the completeness of BMI (95.9%), SBP (99.4%) and DBP (99.4%) were high. ConclusionThrough integrating retrospective and prospective cohort of PA, a research database of PA with high quality and comprehensive data can be established. We anticipate that the research database will provide a high level of feasibility for management of PA in China.
The Effects of 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl Borate (2-APB) and Dantrolene on Rat Bones Treated With NaAsO2
Authors: Feng Jia , Qin Wenjuan , Lv Hailong , Wang Zhen , Zhai Zijing , Huang Lei , Dong Shanshan , Lu Guilin , Jiang Yufeng
Published: February 2021

Objective To observe the effects of arsenic and the protective effects of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and dantrolene on the trabeculae of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods Thirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and an arsenic poisoning group. After 12 weeks of arsenic exposure, six rats in the arsenic poisoning group were randomly selected for sacrifice. The remaining rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6 per group): natural recovery after arsenic exposure, dantrolene intervention after arsenic exposure, 2-APB intervention after arsenic exposure, and 2-APB + dantrolene intervention after arsenic exposure. After 21 days of treatment by oral gavage every other day, the bilateral femurs and tibias of the rats were scanned using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were isolated and cultured, and Ca2+ concentration and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of BMSCs was assessed. Results Compared with the control group, bone mineralization density (BMD), bone volume (BV)-to-total volume (TV) ratio (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and degree of anisotropy (DA) decreased, while trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), trabecular pattern factor (TBpf), and structural model index (SMI) increased in the arsenic poisoning group (P<0.05); additionally, Ca2+ concentration increased and ALP activity decreased significantly in the arsenic poisoning group (P<0.05). Compared with the natural recovery group, after arsenic exposure, the indices of micro-CT recovered to some extent, the Ca2+ concentration of BMSCs decreased significantly, and the ALP activity of BMSCs increased significantly after intervention with 2-APB and dantrolene (P<0.05). Conclusion Arsenic can lead to significant changes in the structure of trabeculae and osteoporosis in rats, and these changes can be improved by intervention with 2-APB and dantrolene.
Late Stroke After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Bjursten Henrik , Norrving Bo , Ragnarsson Sigurdur
Published: February 2021

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a rapidly growing field. Short-term safety and efficacy of these procedures have been studied extensively. However, little is known about the safety of these devices over time. Stroke is one feared long-term complication, and an increased stroke rate could affect guidelines for treating both the aortic stenosis and choosing antithrombotic therapy after TAVR. The primary objective was to study the incidence of stroke up to 8 years after TAVR implantation, comparing it with the risk of stroke in the general population. Secondary objectives were to study risk factors for late stroke and to study outcomes after stroke. A nationwide, all-comers study of patients who underwent TAVR in Sweden 2008–2018 was performed. The study was based on data from three national registries: a TAVR registry, a stroke registry, and a diagnosis registry. The main outcome was stroke incidence 30-days or more after TAVR implantation and was compared to a standardized incidence. The annual risk for stroke varied between 2.0% and 3.1% as compared to 1.5% and 1.9% in an age- and sex-matched cohort. Risk factors for developing stroke were reduced renal function, diabetes, history of stroke, age, and male sex. The 1-year mortality after stroke was 44%. This study demonstrated an increased rate of stroke after TAVR, but the findings suggest that this can in part be attributed to the group’s higher frequency of pre-disposing risk factors.
Resolvin D5 Modulates Th17/Treg Cell Differentiation and Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis.
Authors: Yamada Hirotaka , Saegusa Jun , Sendo Sho , Ueda Yo , Okano Takaichi , Shinohara Masakazu , Morinobu Akio
Published: February 2021

Resolvins, are specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) derived from n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. They contribute actively to the resolution of inflammation, but little is known concerning their role in chronic inflammation, such as in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we performed lipid mediator (LM) profiling in tissues from the paws of SKG arthritic mice using lipid chromatography (LC) /mass spectrometry (MS) /MS-based LM metabololipidomics. We found elevated levels of SPMs including resolvin D5 (RvD5) in these tissues. Moreover, RvD5 levels were significantly correlated with arthritis disease activity. From experiments to assess the role of RvD5 in the pathology of RA, we concluded that RvD5 suppressed Th17 cell differentiation and facilitated regulatory T cell differentiation, as well as inhibiting CD4+ T cell proliferation. Furthermore, RvD5 attenuated osteoclast (OC) differentiation and interfered with osteoclastogenesis. Targeting the resolution of inflammation could be promising as a novel treatment for RA.
S.O.S. Caregivers: a multi-method participatory study to co-design, piloting, and transferring a novel psycho-social service for engaging family caregivers in remote rural settings.
Authors: Graffigna Guendalina , Gheduzzi Eleonora , Morelli Niccolò , Barello Serena , Corbo Massimo , Ginex Valeria , Ferrari Roberta , Lascioli Andrea , Feriti Carolina , Masella Cristina
Published: February 2021

Background

Family caregivers are key actors in the ageing society. They play a pivotal role in enabling the possibility of elders to age in place, so to live at home for as long as possible. They also are mediators between practitioners and patients and usually provide also essential daily services for the elders. However, till now, few services have been deployed to help caregivers in their care tasks as in improving their mental health which can experience sever burden due to caregiving duties.
The purpose of the study is to
implement a community-based participatory research project to
co-design an innovative organizational model of social services for
family caregivers of elderly citizens living in the remote rural
area in Italy.
Methods

The project included a quantitative
analysis of caregivers needs, a scoping review on existing services
for caregivers, co-design workshops with local stakeholders and
caregivers to create a new service the piloting and a first
implementation of the service and the assessment of project
transferability to other contexts.
Results

Family caregivers play a key role in the Western care system, but at expenses of experiencing negative psycho-social consequences. The actual support is largely insufficient to the meet the needs of service users. Caregivers expressed need to be better trained, informed and supported especially between peers. The service has been successful to co-produce a psycho-social intervention that has ameliorated already existing services, creating new support service for caregivers and increasing trust among users and providers.
Conclusions

A dedicated training or support service for caregivers can ameliorate caregiving conditions.
The service SOS Caregivers has resulted
a successful co-productive service for a psyho-social intervention
on family caregivers.

For the future, we suggest that they should be an active partner in the process of creating new psycho-social services and not just as recipients in order to enhance a better age in place process.
Integration of Airway Inflammation and Remodeling Mechanisms Specific to Eosinophilic Asthma Through Differential Co-Expression of Genes in Bronchial Brush Biopsy Samples
Authors: Kozlik Pawel , Buregwa-Czuma Sylwia , Zawlik Izabela , Myszka Aleksander , Zuk Joanna , Siwiec Andzelika , Zarychta Jacek , Okon Krzysztof , Zareba Lech , Soja Jerzy , Kepski Michal , Bazan Jan G. , Bazan-Socha Stanislawa
Published: February 2021

Background

Heterogeneity of asthma complicates search for targeted treatment against airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling. We conducted a systems biology approach study to establish differential co-expression of genes (DCG) in eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic asthma patients and infer their role in the disease.
Materials and Methods

N = 40 Caucasian adult moderate to severe non-smoking asthma patients (half with eosinophilic asthma) undergone bronchial brush biopsy sampling for mRNA expression using hybridization to cDNA microarray. Mechanistic interpretation of DCG was inferred from existing literature.
Results

Differentially co-expressed genes bear significance in airway viral infection (ATP1B1, EPS15), arachidonic acid metabolism (CLC, FADS6), cell migration (EPS8L1, STOML3, RhoBTB2), surface receptors endocytosis (STRN4, EPS15, ATP1B1) or decreased expression (CCT7), oxidative stress (DIO3, RhoBTB2), decreased adhesion (ATP1B1, RAPH1, STOML3), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (ASB3, RADX, CCT7, MRPL14, PPP2R3B, RPS13, SLC19A1), myofibroblast differentiation (CCT7), smooth muscle proliferation (ASB3, ATP1B1), airway hyperreactivity (RECK, STOML3, ATP1B1, OR52I1), extracellular matrix remodeling (FBN3, RECK), angiogenesis (GPI, RhoBTB2) and neuronal pathogenesis of asthma (OR52I1, STRN4, TTC3P1, GPI, CABP5) and were linked to asthma in genome- (MRPL14, ASB3, RPS13) and epigenome-wide (CLC, EPS15, GPI, SSCRB4, STRN4) association studies. Signaling pathways involved (especially TGF-β/Smad2/3) are inferred from the co-expression pattern.
Conclusion

Activity of genes and pathways of known or tentative role in asthma pathogenesis was established in regard to a condition cognizable in clinical practice.