bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal dynamics of the mats formed by conjugating algae of the genus Zygnema (Zygnematophyceae) in Austrian Alps
Authors: Trumhová Kateřina , Klimešová Vanda , Pichrtová Martina
Published: May 2022

Filamentous green algae of the genus Zygnema are an essential part of hydro-terrestrial ecosystems and stream waters. Despite several studies on their resistance to natural stresses, little is known about the composition of their assemblages and the changes they undergo over time. Two sites at altitudes above 2200 m a.s.l. in the Austrian Alps were selected for a two-year observation period and sampled five times. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the 152 isolated strains was performed based on the rbcL and trnG sequences. Seven genotypes were found at these sites, but their abundance varied throughout the seasons. The site with a more stable water regime also had a more stable representation of genotypes, in contrast to the site with fluctuating water availability. The mats formed resistant pre-akinetes at the end of the season with reduced photosynthetic activity. Contrary to expectations, the mats were not exposed to extremely cold temperatures in winter due to snow cover. Some genotypes have been previously observed at this site, indicating that the population composition is stable. This work highlights the importance of resistant pre-akinetes in surviving winter conditions, the ability of algae to re-establish mats, and the need to address the hidden diversity of the genus Zygnema.
Construction of a multi-bioresponsive drug delivery system for a hyaluronic acid- geraniol polymeric prodrug and evaluation of its antitumor effect
Authors: Xia Yifan , Tian Xue , Cui Jie , Zhang Xin , Yang Qian , Zhao Tingkui , Lin Yuxia , Cen Juan , Duan Shaofeng
Published: May 2022

Geraniol (GER), widely found in nature, exerts effective anti-tumoral activity against various malignant tumors. However, its low water solubility and poor bioavailability have greatly hindered its translation to the clinic. To overcome these drawbacks, a simple redox-sensitive GER hyaluronic acid (HA) polymer prodrug was synthesized by conjugating GER to HA using a disulfide bond. The synthesized prodrug (HSSG) as a molecular structural motif could self-assembly into simple yet multifunctional nanoparticles (HSSG NPs) in aqueous solution. The HSSG NPs displayed an average diameter of ∼110 nm with a uniformly spherical shape and maintained stability in different physiological media. Moreover, these NPs showed accelerated drug release rates when they were exposed to buffers that mimicked the multi-hallmarks in the tumor microenvironment (pH/glutathione/hyaluronidase). Furthermore, the results of fluorescent microscope and flow cytometry verified that the nanosystems were selectively uptaken by human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HepG2 and Huh7 via CD44 receptor-mediated internalization through the targeting. In addition, in the H22 tumor-bearing mice as the model, HSSG NPs could accumulate within tumor sites for a longer period. Notably, in vitro and in vivo antitumor results demonstrated that HSSG NPs significantly promoted the death of cancer cells and enhanced the inhibition of tumor growth while reducing the toxicity as compared to GER and HCCG NPs. Therefore, the HSSG NPs as the simple and efficient platform have great potential in tumor-targeting drug delivery and therapy.
Study of microstructure and mechanical behaviour of Ti2AlC reinforced hypereutectic Al-16Si matrix composites fabricated by induction melting
Authors: Trinath K , Aepuru Radhamanohar , Biswas Ajay
Published: May 2022

The newly developed ternary-layered compound Ti2AlC reinforced Al-Si hyper-eutectic matrix composites successfully fabricated through a rapid heating rate of induction technique. The microstructure and, tensile performance, Micro Vickers hardness were systematically investigated. The Al-Ti2AlC system composites with varying Ti2AlC weight percentages undergone to investigate microstructure and mechanical strength. According to SEM data, the presence of the in-situ TiAl3 phase can significantly impact the interface bonding condition. After reinforcement with MAX phase particles, the ductility of the Al-Si hyper-eutectic alloy was increased by roughly 33%. According to morphological evaluation, casted samples exhibited intermetallic compounds, interfaces, and microcracks.
In vivo characterization and analysis of glioblastoma at different stages using multiscale photoacoustic molecular imaging
Authors: Zhang Jinde , Sun Xiang , Li Honghui , Ma Haosong , Duan Fei , Wu Zhiyou , Zhu Bowen , Chen Ronghe , Nie Liming
Published: May 2022

Simultaneous spatio-temporal description of tumor microvasculature, blood-brain barrier, and immune activity is pivotal to understanding the evolution mechanisms of highly aggressive glioblastoma, one of the most common primary brain tumors in adults. However, the existing intravital imaging modalities are still difficult to achieve it in one step. Here, we present a dual-scale multi-wavelength photoacoustic imaging approach cooperative with/without unique optical dyes to overcome this dilemma. Label-free photoacoustic imaging depicted the multiple heterogeneous features of neovascularization in tumor progression. In combination with classic Evans blue assay, the microelectromechanical system based photoacoustic microscopy enabled dynamic quantification of BBB dysfunction. Concurrently, using self-fabricated targeted protein probe (αCD11b-HSA@A1094) for tumor-associated myeloid cells, unparalleled imaging contrast of cells infiltration associated with tumor progression was visualized by differential photoacoustic imaging in the second near-infrared window at dual scale. Our photoacoustic imaging approach has great potential for tumor-microenvironment visualization to systematically reveal the tumor infiltration, heterogeneity, and metastasis in intracranial tumors.
Disposable Electrocatalytic Sensor for Whole Blood NADH Monitoring
Authors: Lee JuKyung , Suh Han NA , Ahn Saeyoung , Park Hyebin , Kim Hyung Jin , Kim SangHee
Published: May 2022

In the study, the preparation and electrochemical characterization of screen-printed electrodes (SPE) modified with 4’-mercapto-N-phenylquinone diamine (NPQD) and their behavior as electrocatalysts toward the oxidation of NADH with high stability are described. In particular, NPQD on the SPE substrate was deposited via electro-polymerization. Thus, the modified electrode exhibited a limit of detection (LOD) corresponding to 3.5 µM LOD with a sensitivity corresponding to 0.0076 ± 0.0006 µM/µA in the mouse serum. In all cases, NADH oxidation occurred at potentials approximately corresponding to 0.7 V vs Ag/AgCl electrode, and this indicates a decrease in the overpotential. We used the observations as a point of departure and developed an NADH biosensor based on the electrocatalytic oxidation of NADH. The applicability of the NADH sensor was demonstrated for the first time in 1) selectivity/sensitivity test via complex electrolyte as cell culture medium and 2) inflammatory and fibrotic responses by polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate via NADH sensing in mouse serum.
Alpha-emitter radium-223 mediates STING-dependent pyroptosis to trigger robust tumor immunogenicity
Authors: Yang Mengdie , Cheng Chao , Zhang Jiajia , Zuo Changjing , Zhu Mengqin , Zhang Xiaoyi , Yin Yuzhen , Zhang Yu , Qin Shanshan , Zhang Han , Fan Xin , Yu Fei
Published: May 2022

Purpose Radium-223 (223Ra) is the first-in-class alpha-emitter to mediate tumor eradication, which radiation emitted from alpha-emitter are routinely regarded can reduce tumor burden by directly cleaving double-strand DNA and killing tumor cells. However, the immunogenic characteristics and various cell death modalities triggered by alpha-emitter are remain unclear.MethodsWe evaluated biological effects of 223Ra in cancer cell lines and mice models by biological endpoints. Concurrently, we explored immunogenicity and cell death modalities triggered by 223Ra and excavated its mechanisms of pyroptosis induction. Besides, synergistic effect with checkpoint blockade was also assessed.Results223Ra has efficient therapeutic antitumor effects, which examined by cell viability study, foci analysis for DNA damage, and tumor regression. We further demonstrated that irradiated cells released pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), including surface-exposed calreticulin (CALR), released high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), and secreted heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), which actively shape tumor immunogenicity. Pyroptosis, an immunogenic cell death (ICD) accompanied by activation of inflammasome, was also found to play significant roles in the modulation of cancer progression under the therapeutic 223Ra. Mechanically, this effect relies on 223Ra-induced DNA damage, which activates the STING-mediated DNA sensing pathway, leading to NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis. When combined with anti-CD47 therapy, 223Ra can trigger robust antitumor effect. ConclusionThese findings highlight the tumor eradication effect of 223Ra, which exhibit both direct antitumor effects and indirect immune-stimulating capabilities. Importantly, STING/NLRP3 axis has a crucial role in pyroptosis under the therapeutic 223Ra, which may shed light on promising targets for therapeutic interventions.
WITHDRAWN: NS3TP1 promotes liver fibrosis by activating HSCs through TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways
Authors: Shi Liu , Zhou Li , Han Ming , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yang , Yuan Xiaoxue , Lu Hongping , Wang Yun , Yang Xueliang , Liu Chen , Wang Jun , Liang Pu , Liu Shunai , Liu Xiaojing , Cheng Jun , Lin Shumei
Published: May 2022

The situation of liver fibrosis is still serious, but there is no effective treatment at present. Therefore, additional study on the mechanism of liver fibrosis is an urgent requirement. The present study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of NS3TP1 in liver fibrosis and the regulatory role of NS3TP1-SEP and calcitriol on NS3TP1. All experiments were performed in LX-2 cell lines and CCl4-induced C57BL/6 wild-type mice liver. NS3TP1 promoted differentiation, activation, and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and upregulated liver fibrosis through TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Both Smad3 and p65 bind to NS3TP1, and p65 upregulated the promoter of NS3TP1, while NS3TP1 upregulated the promoter of TGFβRI. ASDURF regulated the expression of NS3TP1. After overexpression of ASDURF, NS3TP1 and liver fibrosis-related genes were upregulated, whereas after interference, NS3TP1 and liver fibrosis-related genes were downregulated, besides, ASDURF and NS3TP1 had a binding effect and upregulated the promoter of NS3TP1. Calcitriol significantly inhibited CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice and regulated the differentiation, activation, and proliferation of HSCs. Furthermore, calcitriol regulated the activities of TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways via downregulation of NS3TP1. These findings provided evidence for the role of NS3TP1 as a new promising therapeutic target in liver fibrosis.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Regulated KCNA5 Mediates Cell Proliferation in Human Fetal Membranes
Authors: Cunningham Sarah J , Barrera Alejandro , Sankaranarayanan Laavanya , Allen Terrence K , Reddy Timothy E
Published: May 2022

Background
Preterm birth is a major public health issue, affecting approximately 10% of pregnancies in the United States. A major identifiable cause of preterm birth is preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). PPROM is a pregnancy complication in which the amnion and chorion weaken and rupture prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy and before contractions have begun. PPROM is responsible for 30–40% of preterm birth cases. Recently, PPROM has been closely linked to maternal stress, leading us to hypothesize that glucocorticoid signaling may contribute to PPROM.
Methods
We measured the gene expression effects of glucocorticoids in primary amnion cells using RNA-seq. KCNA5 emerged as a potential GR regulated gene. To measure the effects of KCNA5 on cell proliferation in primary amnion epithelial cells, we used siRNA to reduce KCNA5 expression and Cas9-based epigenome editing to increase KCNA5 expression in HEK293T cells; followed by cellular assays to measure effects of proliferation and apoptosis.
Results
KCNA5 knockdown significantly increased cell proliferation without appearing to impact apoptosis. CRISPR-mediated over expression of endogenous KCNA5 significantly decreased cell proliferation.
Conclusions
Glucocorticoid-mediated activation of KCNA5 contributes to decreased cell proliferation in cultured primary amnion epithelial cells. Decreases in amnion epithelial proliferation could impair the ability of these cells to repair microfractures in the membrane and lead to overall membrane weakening consistent with PPROM.
Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Infections: Trends among Patients Screened for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Rwandan Health Facilities 2014-2020
Authors: Makuza Jean Damascene , Soe Phyumar , Jeong Dahn , Nisingizwe Marie Paul , Dushimiyimana Donatha , Umutesi Justine , Nshimiyimana Ladislas , Maliza Clarisse , Serumondo Janvier , Remera Eric , Rwibasira Gallican Nshogoza , Tuyishime Albert , Riedel David J.
Published: May 2022

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are of great global health concern. Currently, there are limited epidemiological data characterizing STIs in the general population in Rwanda. We assessed the epidemiology of STIs in different Rwandan regions from 2014-2020 among patients syndromically screened for STIs in all health facilities in Rwanda.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the trend of STIs epidemiology among screened patients at all health facilities in Rwanda using data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) reporting. Adult patients (15 years and over) screened for STIs between July 2014 and June 2020 were included in the analysis. Outcomes of interest were the number of individuals screened for STIs and individuals diagnosed with at least one STI with a syndromic approach only or plus a test together.Results: Overall, the number of individuals screened for STIs over the study period was 5.3 million (M) in 2014-2015, 6.6 M in 2015-2016, 6.3 M in 2016-2017, 6.7M in 2017-2018, 6.2 M in 2018-2019, and 4.9 M in 2019-2020. There was a modest increase in the number of individuals diagnosed and treated for STIs from 139,357 in 2014-15 to 202,294 (45% increase) in 2019-2020. At the national level, the prevalence of STIs in Rwanda varied between 2.37% to 4.16% during the study period. Among the provinces, Kigali city had the highest prevalence for the whole 6 years ranging from 3.46% (95%CI: 3.41, 3.51) in 2014-2015 to 8.23% (95%CI: 8.15, 8.31). Conclusion: From 2014 to 2020, the number of patients screened for STIs in Rwanda did not vary much. However, the prevalence of STIs among screened patients increased considerably over time, which could be associated with public awareness and improved data recording. The highest prevalence of all STIs was observed in urban areas and near borders, and private clinics reported more cases, suggesting the need to improve awareness in these settings and increase confidentiality and trust in public health clinics.
A survival model for prognostic prediction based on ferropto-sis-associated genes and the association with immune infiltra-tion in Lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lu Yanyi , Cao Yunliang , Wang Yunan , Wu Mengjia , He Bo , Xu Junzhu , Su Zixuan , Hu Wei
Published: May 2022

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is the primary pathological type of lung cancer with a less favourable prognosis. This study attempts to construct a ferroptosis-associated signature associated with OS, which can predict the prognosis of LUSC and explore its relationship with immune in-filtration. A 5 ferroptosis-associated genes model was constructed by the LASSO-penalized regres-sion analysis to predict the prognosis of patients with LUSC in the TCGA database and validated in GEO and TCGA databases. Patients were stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups by median value of the risk scores, and the former prognosis was significantly worse (P<0.001). Additionally, we found a certain association between the two risk groups and immune infiltration through CIBERSORT. Meanwhile, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and tumor tissue were used to perform functional analysis, which shows significant association with leukocyte transendothelial migration pathways in the TCGA cohort. Besides, immune cell infiltration analysis confirmed that M2 macrophages were significantly highly expressed in the high-risk group. Overall, the model successfully established by ferroptosis-associated genes suggests that ferroptosis may be related to immune infiltration in LUSC.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 promotes synaptogenesis signaling, a major dysregulated pathway in malformation of cortical development, in a rat model
Authors: Lee Minyoung , Kim Eun-Jin , Kim Min-Jee , Yum Mi-Sun , Yeom Jeonghun , Kim Kyunggon
Published: May 2022

Malformation of cortical development (MCD) is one of the main causes of intractable epilepsy in childhood. We explored a treatment based on molecular changes using an infant rat model of methylazoxymethanol (MAM)-induced MCD established by injecting MAM at gestational day 15. The offspring were sacrificed on postnatal day (P) 15 for proteomic analysis, which revealed significant downregulation in the synaptogenesis signaling pathway in the cortex of MCD rats. Recombinant human insulin-growth factor-1 (rhIGF-1) was injected from P12 to P14 twice daily and the effect of IGF1 on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced spasms (15 mg/kg of NMDA, i.p.) was tested; the onset of P15 single spasm was significantly delayed (p = 0.002) and the number of spasms decreased (p < 0.001) in rhIGF1-pretreated rats (n = 17) as compared to those in VEH-treated rats (n = 18). Electroencephalographic monitoring during spasms showed significantly reduced spectral entropy and event-related spectral dynamics of fast oscillation in rhIGF-1 treated rats. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the retrosplenial cortex showed decreased glutathione (GSH) (p = 0.039) and significant developmental changes in GSH, phosphocreatine (PCr), and total creatine (tCr) (p = 0.023, 0.042, 0.015, respectively) after rhIGF1 pretreatment. rhIGF1 pretreatment significantly upregulated expression of cortical synaptic proteins such as PSD95, AMPAR1, AMPAR4, NMDAR1, and NMDAR2A (p < 0.05). Thus, early rhIGF-1 treatment could promote synaptic protein expression, which was significantly downregulated by prenatal MAM exposure, and effectively suppress NMDA-induced spasms. Early IGF1 treatment should be further investigated as a therapeutic strategy in infants with MCD-related epilepsy.
Artificial intelligence-based Morphogo system: identification of the morphology of bone marrow nucleated cells with high accuracy
Authors: Zhang Qiufang , Zhong Keke , Zhang Xiaofeng , Hua Changhui , Kong Tingting , Li Jingyuan , Peng Yuan , Wu Jingyan , yan Chen
Published: May 2022

Introduction:
Morphological examination of bone marrow (BM) nucleated cells is the gold standard for the diagnosis of hematological diseases. Expert skill is required for the accurate identification of BM nucleated cells. The expert review is time-consuming and lacks objectivity. The aim is to develop a more objective and automated analysis system for faster diagnosis of hematological diseases.
Method
The BM smears of patients with hematological diseases were collected from Dian Diagnostics from September 2021 to December 2021.The smears were divided into five groups with different degrees of cell morphological changes. The BM nucleated cells images were obtained by Morphogo system. The performance of Morphogo system in identification of BM nucleated cells was compared with pathologists.
Result
A total of 68610 BM nucleated cells images were obtained. Morphogo system displayed a high identification performance of BM nucleated cells (sensitivity 0.9362, specificity 0.9977, PPV 0.8354, NPV 0.9974, and accuracy 0.9954). We compared the percentage of BM nucleated cells of Morphogo system against pathologists and showed the almost perfect agreement, with an average Kappa of 0.8695 and r of 0.9019 for 25 cell classes. The practical utility of Morphogo system was examined in hematological diseases. Pathologists used Morphogo system to diagnose disease with averaged sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy ranging from 0.9098 to 0.9868 The diagnosis results were in agreement with that made by pathologists using a microscope, with an average Kappa of 0.9096.
Conclusion
Morphogo system had the potential to assist pathologists in diagnosis of hematological diseases by improving the efficiency of identification of BM nucleated cells.
Structural Alterations of Cocoa Shell After Solid State Fermentation With Penicillium Roqueforti
Authors: Lessa Ozana Almeida , Silva Fabiane Neves , Tavares Iasnaia Maria de Carvalho , Sampaio Igor Carvalho Fontes , Pimentel Adriana Bispo , Leite Selma Gomes Ferreira , Gutarra Melissa Limoeiro Estrada , Tienne Lucas Galhardo Pimenta , Silva Flávia dos Santos Gomes , Salay Luiz Carlos , Oliveira Julieta Rangel , Franco Marcelo
Published: May 2022

Lignocellulosic residues, such as cocoa bean shell (FI), are generated in large quantities during agro-industrial activities. Proper management of residual biomass through solid state fermentation (SSF) can be effective in obtaining value-added products. The hypothesis of the present work is that the bioprocess promoted by P. roqueforti can lead to structural changes in the cocoa bean shell fibers that confer characteristics of industrial interest. To unveil such changes, the techniques of FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA/TG were used. After SSF, an increase of 36.6% in the crystallinity index was observed, reflecting the reduction of amorphous components such as lignin in the FI residue. Furthermore, an increase in porosity was observed through the reduction of the 2θ angle, which gives the FF a potential candidate for applications of porous products. The FTIR results confirm the reduction in hemicellulose content after SSF. The thermal and thermogravimetric tests showed an increase in the hydrophilicity and thermal stability of FF (15% decomposition) in relation to the in natura by-product FI (40% decomposition). These data provided important information regarding changes in the crystallinity of the residue, existing functional groups and changes in degradation temperatures. The techniques employed contributed to the understanding of the changes in the lignocellulosic matrix after the fungus growth, as well as the mechanism that helps to propose the total use of the residual solid after fermentation processes.
Adaptive Fast Finite-time Control for Nonlinear Systems Subject to Output Hysteresis by Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Xueyi , Wang Fang
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the fast finite-time adaptive fuzzy control issue for the nonlinear systems with external disturbance and output hysteresis. The output hysteresis and the nonlinearities are completely unknown. The hysteresis inverse and asymmetric barrier Lyapunov function are employed to handle the difficulty caused by output hysteresis, the unknown nonlinearities are tackled by utilizing the fuzzy logic systems. Furthermore, the adaptive fuzzy fast finite-time controller is designed based on backstepping technique, such that the signals of closed-loop systems are bounded, and the tracking error remain in the defined set around zero after a finite period of time under the output constraint. This control strategy skillfully unify the control of output hysteresis and fast finite-time stability theorem for the first time. Finally, a numerical simulation confirms the effectiveness of presented control method.
Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory cardiogenic shock induced by adrenal lesions: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zhou Liping , Mo Xiaoye , Huang Guoqing , Wu Ping , She Changshou , Hu Shanshan , Liu Ben , Zhao Zhen , Yang Ning
Published: May 2022

BackgroundMost adrenal disorders have an insidious onset and are not severe. Only a minority of adrenal lesions can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular crisis. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is an extracorporeal life support technology that can partially replace human cardiopulmonary function. To date, many case reports have indicated that this technology can temporarily help patients survive critical condition and to achieve a good prognosis. Case presentation: A 27-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with sudden dyspnoea and haemoptysis. Pulmonary oedema, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest occurred immediately after admission, prompting VA-ECMO treatment. After the patient’s haemodynamics were stabilized, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) was detected via laboratory tests and imaging examination. After the withdrawal of VA-ECMO support, surgical resection of the lesions was performed, and a good prognosis was achieved.ConclusionVA-ECMO can be used as an emergency treatment for refractory cardiogenic shock caused by adrenal lesions. However, a large number of prospective studies are still needed to confirm its safety and efficacy and to clarify the timing of initiation and assessment of patient prognosis.
A nomogram for predicting cancer-specific in elderly patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhanghuang Chenghao , Wang Jinkui , Yao Zhigang , Ji Fengming , Li Li , Xie Yucheng , Yang Zhen , Tang Haoyu , Zhang Kun , Wu Chengchuang , Yan Bing , Zhang Zhaoxia
Published: May 2022

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignant tumour in the elderly with an increasing trend in recent years. We aimed to construct a nomogram of cancer-specific survival (CSS) in elderly patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (nmRCC). Methods: Clinicopathological information was downloaded from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program in elderly patients with nmRCC from 2010 to 2015. All patients were randomly assigned to a training cohort (70%) or a validation cohort (30%). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for patient outcomes in the training cohort. A nomogram was constructed based on these independent risk factors to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS in elderly patients with nmRCC. We used a range of methods to validate the accuracy and reliability of the model, including calibration curve, consistency index (C-index), the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to test the clinical utility of the model. Results: A total of 12,116 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to the training cohort (N=8514) and validation cohort (N=3602). In the training cohort, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, marriage, tumour histological type, histological tumour grade, TN stage, tumour size, surgery are independent risk factors for prognosis. A nomogram was constructed based on independent risk factors to predict CSS at 1-, 3-, and 5- years in elderly patients with nmRCC. The C-index of the training cohort and the validation cohort were 0.826 and 0.831, respectively. The AUC results of the training and validation cohort were similar to the C-index. The calibration curve indicated that the observed value is highly consistent with the predicted value, meaning the model has good accuracy. DCA results suggest that the clinical significance of the nomogram is better than that of traditional TNM staging.Conclusions: We built a nomogram prediction model to predict the 1-, 3- and 5-year CSS of elderly nmRCC patients. This model has good accuracy and discrimination and can help doctors and patients make clinical decisions and active monitoring.
Microencapsulates of Stenocereus pruinosus fermented juice concentrate and their bioactive compounds using maltodextrin, gum arabic, and mesquite gum as carrier agents
Authors: Jiménez-González Oscar , Guerrero-Beltrán José Ángel
Published: May 2022

Pitaya juice contains high amounts of pigments, especially betalains. In order to obtain the pitaya pigments to be encapsulated, a simplex-lattice-design was used. Pitaya fermented juices were mixed with mesquite gum (MG), gum arabic (GA), maltodextrin (MDX) or their combinations (5% w/v) and encapsulated by spray drying (160°C). Microcapsules were analyzed in color, bioactive compounds and some physicochemical characteristics. All formulations allowed the obtention of powders (yield 64–84%). All powders had moisture content below 6%, water activity around 0.208, and a pale-red color (Hue and Chroma around to 16° and 32, respectively). Powders with MG and GA had the highest red index values. The MG-GA combination retained the higher amount of betalains (3.28 ± 0.09 mg/g powder, particularly betaxanthins). The phenolic compounds content of powders ranged between 8.01 and 10.77 mg Gallic acid equivalents/g powder and a maximum antioxidant activity of 15.05 mg trolox equivalents/g powder, particularly the ternary blend (MG-GA-MDX).
Dose Delays, Dose Reductions, and Relative Total Dose Intensity in Patients with Advanced Cancer Who Exercised During Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Treatment
Authors: Wonders Karen , Schmitz Kathryn , Harness Jay
Published: May 2022

SIGNIFICANCE & BACKGROUND: When it comes to chemotherapy, maintaining the dose and schedule of treatment are of vital importance, as clinical evidence suggests that this is associated with optimal treatment outcomes. Yet, dose delays and reductions are common methods of mitigating the chemotherapy-induced side effects of treatment. Despite the fact that maintaining RDI is important to achieve improved outcome, a substantial proportion of patients are given less than 85% of the suggest dose. Exercise has been successfully shown to attenuate chemotherapy-related symptoms that frequently cluster together. PURPOSE: In light of importance of maintaining dose intensity, we conducted a retrospective analysis in patients with advanced disease treated with adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens and who completed exercise training during treatment. INTERVENTIONS: After obtaining IRB approval, data were collected retrospectively in a chart review of 184 patients, aged 18 years or older and treated for Stage IIIA-IV cancer. Data collection included baseline patient demographics and clinical characteristics, including age at diagnosis, cancer stage at initial diagnosis, chemotherapy regimen, and planned dose and schedule. Specific variables that were collected include: cardiovascular changes, treatment-related side effects, treatment compliance, and medications. All patients completed at least 12 weeks of prescribed, individualized exercise. Each program included cardiovascular, resistance training, and flexibility components, and were completed under the supervision of a certified exercise oncology trainer once a week. EVALUATION: RDI was measured for each myelosuppressive agent in a regimen over the entire chemotherapy course and then averaged across the myelosuppressive agents in a regimen. An RDI of less than 85% was designated as the clinically meaningful threshold for reduction in RDI based on previously published studies. DISCUSSION: A considerable proportion of patients across regimens had dose delays (18.3%-74.3%) and dose reductions (18.1%-84.6%). Further between 12% and 83.9% of patients missed at least one dose of a myelosuppressive agent that was part of their standard regimen. Overall, 50.8% of patients received less than 85% of the RDI. INNOVATION: Patients with advanced cancer who adhered to their exercise regimen, chemotherapy dose delays and dose reductions were relatively common among tumor types and treatment regimens. However, these delays and reductions occurred significantly less frequently than previously published data
Identification of Guiboutia species by NIR-HSI spectroscopy
Authors: Xue Xiaoming , Chen Zhenan , Wu Haoqi , Gao Handong
Published: May 2022

Near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) spectroscopy can be a rapid, precise, low-cost and non-destructive way for wood identification. In this study, samples of five Guiboutia species were analyzed by means of NIR-HIS. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and support vector machine (SVM) were used after different data treatment in order to improve the performance of models. Transverse, radial, and tangential section were analyzed separately to select the best sample section for wood identification. The results obtained demonstrated that NIR-HSI combined with successive projections algorithm (SPA) and SVM can achieve high prediction accuracy and low computing cost. Pre-processing methods of SNV and Normalize can increase the prediction accuracy slightly, however, high modelling accuracy can still be achieved by raw pre-processing. Both models for the classification of G. conjugate, G. ehie and G. demeusei perform nearly 100% accuracy. Prediction for G. coleosperma and G. tessmannii were more difficult when using PLS-DA model. It is evidently clear from the findings that the transverse section of wood is more suitable for wood identification. NIR-HSI spectroscopy technology has great potential for Guiboutia species analysis.
Metagenomic investigation of soil microbial community and population diversity of the “Dhala Impact Crater” - The largest crater in India and Southeast Asia
Authors: Patel Margi , Islam Shaikhul , Baid Sachin , Patel Ashish
Published: May 2022

Dhala Impact Crater is located near Bhonti village in Pichhore block of Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is the largest crater in India and between the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia. Until now, no comprehensive study was ever conducted to elucidate the microbial community composition and structure of the Dhala Impact Crater. In the current study, the microbial community structure associated with Dhala Impact Crater was investigated using illumina high-throughput metagenomic sequencing. Four samples were collected out of which two samples (DM1 and DM2) were collected from the top area of the crater and another two samples (DM3 and DM4) were collected from the bottom area of the crater. Taxonomic analysis has identified 42 microbial phyla as most abundant, while a combined analysis of taxonomic composition and phylogenetic relationships revealed an intriguing abundance of the Proteobacteria (about 80–90%) and Firmicutes (about 29%). At the order level of taxonomic classification, Pseudomandales (about 35–55%) and Clostridiales (about 30%) were found to be predominant. Our first report on unveiling the microbial diversity of the Dhala Impact Crater has identified consistent yet vastly diverse microbial communities.
Potential distribution and connectivity in two plethodontid salamanders: conservation areas and landscape corridors for two endemic species
Authors: Bolom-Huet René , Pacheco Xareni P. , Muñoz-Alonso Antonio , Sunny Armando
Published: May 2022

Habitat loss is one of the most important threats to biodiversity; it alters the habitat connectivity of species, and is among the main causes of the global amphibian extinction crisis. Identifying the potential areas of distribution and connectivity of species is of the utmost importance so that informed decisions can be made for the conservation of vulnerable amphibian populations. In this study, we performed species distribution models and used circuit theory to model omnidirectional connectivity for two plethodontid salamanders of conservation concern distributed in the forests of Chiapas, Mexico, and Guatemala (Bolitoglossa franklini and Bolitoglossa lincolni). Potential distribution maps show an affinity for well-preserved montane forests for both species. Likewise, we found that the niches of the species are not similar. The connectivity models show that the main areas of connectivity are in the Meseta Central de Chiapas, Sierra Madre de Chiapas, and the Cordillera Volcánica Guatemalense, in this last range, important areas of connectivity were located, as well as least-cost paths and barriers to the movement of both species. We identified that important areas of connectivity are not within the protected natural areas and may be threatened by the increasing influence of anthropogenic activities. The results of our study show the importance of preserving the regional forests to ensure the persistence of species with arboreal habits and high sensitivity to habitat transformation, as well as to recognize and prioritize potential areas for management and protection in both southern Mexico and Guatemala.
Poly-hydroxylated bile acids and their prognostic roles in Alagille syndrome
Authors: Wang Meng-xuan , Han Jun , Liu Teng , Wang Ren-Xue , Li Li-Ting , Li Zhong-Die , Yang Jun-Cong , Liu Lang-Li , Lu Yi , Xie Xin-Bao , Gong Jing-Yu , Li Shi-Yu , Zhang Lei , Ling Victor , Wang Jian-She
Published: May 2022

The liver manifestations of Alagille syndrome (ALGS) are highly variable, and factors affecting its prognosis are poorly understood. We asked whether or not the composition of bile acids in ALGS patients with good clinical outcomes differs from those with poor outcomes, and whether bile acids could be used as prognostic biomarkers. Blood for bile acid profiling were collected from genetically confirmed JAG1-associated ALGS patients before one year of age. Good prognosis was defined as survival with native liver and total bilirubin (TB) < 85.5 µmol/L, while poor prognosis as either liver transplanted, died of liver failure, or TB ≥ 85.5 µmol/L at last follow-up. We found that the concentrations of two poly-hydroxylated bile acids, tauro-2β,3α,7α,12α-tetrahydroxylated bile acid (THBA), and glyco-hyocholic acid (GHCA), were significantly increased in patients with good prognosis compared to those with poor prognosis (AUC = 0.836 and 0.782, respectively) in the discovery cohort. The same trend was also observed in the molar ratios of GHCA to GCDCA and THCA to TCDCA (both AUC = 0.836). A validation cohort confirmed these findings. Notably, tauro‐2β,3α,7α,12α-THBA achieved the highest prediction accuracy of 88.00% (92.31% sensitivity and 83.33% specificity); GHCA at > 607.69 nmol/L was associated with native liver survival (hazard ratio: 6.456, 95% CI: 1.173–35.545, P = 0.032). We identified two poly-hydroxylated bile acids as the liver prognostic biomarkers of ALGS patients. Enhanced hydroxylation of bile acids may result in better clinical outcomes.
How to Accurately Detect and Assess the Street Trees Risk in Mega Cities: A Tree Risk Assessment Method and Its Application
Authors: He Kun , Wei Longlong , Li Nan , Wang Junjie , Ye Sihao , Wang Benyao
Published: May 2022

Traditional visual tree assessment based on rapid diagnosis is suitable for the rapid, large-scale assessment of urban tree risks, but it cannot accurately determine internal decay in trunks and underground root systems, may leading to highly subjective evaluation results. A risk matrix-based street tree risk assessment system was established by combining a visual tree assessment method, nondestructive detection techniques, information acquisition, and data analysis using a geographic information system (GIS). The method was used to conduct risk detection and assessment on 1,001 street trees with a diameter at breast height greater than 40 cm on 14 streets in a Historic Features Protection Area of Shanghai. The result showed that: 1) The branch and the trunk risk possibility of the vast majority of street trees were at level 2 or below, while the root risk possibility of more than one third of the trees was at level 3 or above. 2) The risk level of 23% of the trees in the protected area was moderate or above, while that of most of the other trees was at a negligible or acceptable level. The risk consequence severity level was high for trees on Tianping Road but low for trees on Donghu Road and Taojiang Road. 3) The street tree risk level shows a strong correlation with the presence of tree cavities, diseases and insect pests, the depth and range of root distribution, leaning, and internal decay in trunks, and the risk points are concentrated in the trunk and root system. Conducting a risk assessment of street trees based on precision diagnosis techniques can improve the scientific rigor of the assessment. The results of this work can provide a basis for the accurate assessment of street trees risk in some large cities, which provides a new assessment system for the trees risk assessment in important urban areas, and the approach is conducive to the refined management of urban greening trees.
Acute effects of coffee consumption on the microcirculation of macula and optic nerve head
Authors: Shoeibi Nasser , Rajaei Parisa , Ghobadi Mohadese , Hosseini SeyedehMaryam , Abrishami Mojtaba , Ansari-Astaneh Mohammad-Reza , Omidtabrizi Arash , Kadkhoda Maryam , Shariati Mehrdad Motamed
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute changes in retinal vasculature following coffee consumption.Methods: This is an interventional case series. The subjects were 22 healthy young adults. They were asked to rest in a silent room for 15 minutes; then, their heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and arterial oxygen saturation pressure (spO2) were measured with a single patient monitoring system. OCT and OCT-A imaging of disc and macula were performed for both eyes of the subjects. These measurements were repeated 45 minutes after drinking a cup of 450 milliliters of coffee containing a standard dose of 130 milligrams of caffeine. Macular and optic nerve head neuro vasculature changes were assessed.Results: The results of our study didn’t show a significant change in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and neural structural and vascular parameters of the optic nerve head. Although assessments of macular vasculature showed a significant decrement in superficial (p=0.01) and deep vessels density (p=0.05) at parafovea, vessel densities at the fovea and deep capillary plexus at perifovea showed no significant change. Conclusion: Consuming one cup of coffee (150 mg caffeine) statistically changes central foveal thickness and parafoveal blood flow, but likely does not have a clinical impact in healthy young adults.
Distinct clinical outcome of microcystic meningioma as a WHO grade 1 meningioma subtype
Authors: Ren Leihao , Hua Lingyang , Bao Zhongyuan , Deng Jiaojiao , Wang Daijun , Chen Jiawei , Chen Hong , Juratli Tareq A. , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Gong Ye
Published: May 2022

Objective
To evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics, radiology, and long-term outcomes of microcystic meningiomas (MM) and compare it with other subtypes of meningiomas managed at a single neurosurgical center.
Methods
A total of 87 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection and were diagnosed as MM between 2005 to 2016 were enrolled for analysis. Clinicopathological, radiology, and prognostic information was collected and analyzed. Progression free survival (PFS) was compared with 659 patients with other subtypes of WHO grade 1 meningiomas and 167 patients with atypical meningiomas treated during the same period.
Results
56 females and 31 males with MM were analyzed. Peri-tumor brain edema was frequent on T2 WI (85%).12 patients (13.8%) experienced tumor progression during the mean follow-up of 101.66 ± 40.92 months. The median PFS was unavailable, and the 5-, 10-, and 15-year progression-free rates were 96.9%, 84.0%, and 73.9%, respectively. Univariate COX analysis demonstrated skull base location, subtotal resection, and higher Ki-67 index as significant negative prognostic factors for PFS (P < 0.05); multivariate analysis identified tumor location and Ki-67 index as independent factors (P < 0.01). Of note, the PFS of MM was worse than other WHO grade 1 subtypes (P < 0.001), but better than atypical meningiomas (P < 0.001), and the PFS differences were retained even when the analysis was limited to the patients receiving GTR (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The PFS of MM was worse than other WHO grade 1 subtypes and better than atypical meningiomas. Skull base location and higher Ki-67 index were independent negative prognostic factors in MM.
Temozolomide Increases HSPs in Extracellular Vesicles Released from Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: KIYGA Ezgi , Adıgüzel Zelal , Torun Hülya , Uçar Evren Önay
Published: May 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant and the fastest-progressing type of primary brain tumours. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of GBM. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recently confirmed to have a substantial role in the GBM, and their contents released from GBM cells have been considered a target for treatment. Here, we assessed the impact of TMZ on heat shock proteins (HSPs) derived from extracellular vesicles (EVs) originated from GBM cell lines (U87-MG and LN229) and the significance of EVs in response to chemotherapy in GBM. We first characterised EVs and detected that U87-MG cells release many EVs compared to LN229 cells. Interestingly, TMZ was found to be led to increases in HSF-1, Hsp90, Hsp70, Hsp60 and Hsp27 expression in GBM cells and their EV contents, which these increases are related to therapeutic resistance. What is more, in studies showing which signalling pathways might be associated with these increases, it was observed that TMZ triggered the expression of RAD51 and MDM2 genes in cells and EV contents. More strikingly, we discover a correlation between EV and parental cells in regard of mRNA and protein level in both cell lines as a result of TMZ treatment. Therefore, this data suggest of EVs in the treatment of GBM may have potential biomarkers that can be used to investigate the treatment response.
Validation of techniques for manufacturing macro-porous bio-ceramic scaffolds for biomedical purposes
Authors: Gasoto Sidney Carlos , Peres Gustavo Xavier , Oliveira Tiê Menezes , Stimamiglio Marco Augusto , Berti Lucas Freitas , Schneider Bertoldo
Published: May 2022

The use of bio-materials in medicine has intensified as new treatments are emerging. Among bio-materials, bio-ceramics have attracted attention due to their applications in regeneration, generation and formation of bone tissues. Calcium phosphates, more specifically hydroxyapatite, make up a large part of the composition of human bones and teeth. The bio-material is used mainly for the production of porous scaffolds to act as a bone graft. This work reviews techniques currently used for manufacturing scaffolds, and studies parameters of a technique called direct foaming to try to adapt the process for the production of hydroxyapatite scaffolds. Suspensions were produced with the aid of mechanical stirrer and ultrasonic stirrer to compare the dispersion produced. Results show the need to improve freeze casting techniques for biomedical applications. It was observed that 3D printing to produce scaffolds is adequate but can be optimized. The direct foaming method generated promising scaffolds, and it is possible to adapt the process to make parts of hydroxyapatite.