bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Prevalence, Trends, and Determinants of Coexisting Forms of Malnutrition
Authors: Khaliq Asif , Wraith Darren , Nambiar-Mann Smita , Miller Yvette
Published: June 2021

Objective: Coexisting Forms of Malnutrition (CFM) refers to the presence of more than one type of nutritional disorder in an individual. Worldwide, CFM affects more than half of all malnourished children, and compared to standalone forms of malnutrition, CFM is associated with a higher risk of illness and death. This review examined published literature for assessing the prevalence, trends, and determinants of CFM. Methods: A review of community-based observational studies was conducted. Seven databases, (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were used in May-2021 to retrieve literature. Google, Google Scholar and TROVE were used to search for grey literature. Key stakeholders were also contacted for unpublished documents. Studies which measured either the prevalence, trends, and/or determinants of CFM presenting in individuals were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools for prevalence and longitudinal studies. Results: The search retrieved 14,180 articles, of which 22 were included in this review. The prevalence of CFM varied by geographical area and specific types. Coexistence of stunting with overweight/obesity ranged from 0.8% in United States to over 10% in Ukraine and Syria, while the prevalence of coexisting wasting with stunting ranged from 0.1% in most of the South American countries to 9.2% in Niger. A decrease in the prevalence of CFM was observed in all countries, except Indonesia. Studies in China and Indonesia showed a positive association between rurality of residence and coexisting stunting with overweight/obesity. Evidence for other risk and protective factors for CFM is too minimal or conflicting to be conclusive. Conclusion: Evidence regarding the prevalence, determinants, and trends for CFM is scarce. Apart from coexistence of stunting with overweight/obesity, the determinants of other types of CFM are unclear. CFM in any form results in an increased risk of health adversities which can be different from comparable standalone forms, thus, there is an urgent need to explore the determinants and distribution of different types of CFM.
Intraosseous Ganglion Cyst Mimicking Chondrosarcoma On MRI: A Case Report
Authors: Seo Eunhye , Yoon Yu Sung , Kim Hee Kyung
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe intraosseous ganglia is a benign cyst, rarely locate in the olecranon process. As intraosseous ganglia can mimic malignant bone tumor, computed tomography (CT) is improtant for diagnosis even when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggests malignant bone tumor such as chondrosarcoma.Case presentationIn this paper, we report a 42-year-old woman with intraosseous ganglia in the olecranon process of the ulna. She complained pain in right elbow for 3 weeks. MRI revealed an intraosseous mass which initially diagnosed as chondrosarcoma. However, followed computed tomography (CT) demonstrated scattered intralesional gas and no underlying mineralization, and we can exclude chondrosarcoma from diagnosis. ConclusionsThe intraosseous ganglia can mimic bone tumor in MRI, therefore CT is essential for accurate characterization of bone tumor. Even if MR imaging strongly suggests chondrosarcoma of the bone, CT should be performed as additional study.
Total or Partial Tonsillar Resection (Tonsillectomy or Tonsillotomy) To Change Quality of Life for Adults with Recurrent or Chronic Tonsillitis: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Laajala Aleksi , Tokola Paulus , Autio Timo , Koskenkorva Timo , Tastula Mikko , Ohtonen Pasi , Läärä Esa , Alho Olli-Pekka
Published: June 2021

Background

Tonsillar surgery has been used for decades to treat recurrent and chronic tonsillitis in adults. Recurrent and chronic tonsillitis result in disturbing symptoms, treatment costs, sick leave and impaired quality of life (QoL). Theoretically, removing all or part of the altered pathological palatal lymphoid tissue alleviates the symptoms and enhances the QoL. Whether this is true with total or partial tonsillar resection (tonsillectomy (TE) and tonsillotomy (TT), respectively) has not been reported in a randomised trial yet.
Methods

We conduct a multicentre, partly blinded, randomised, 6-month, parallel-group clinical study including 285 adult participants referred to surgical treatment for chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. The participants will either have TE, TT or watchful waiting (WW). The primary outcome will be the difference between the mean disease-specific Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory − 14 (QoL questionnaire) scores at six months. Comparison is made firstly between the combined TE + TT and WW groups (superiority analysis), and secondly between the TE and TT groups (non-inferiority analysis).
Discussion

This study will add significant new information to the effects and harms of TE and TT procedures in the treatment of adults with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04657549
A crack propagation-based life prediction model for lithium-ion batteries with Ni-rich layered cathodes
Authors: Park Sun Ho , Park Joonam , Roh Youngjun , Byun Seoungwoo , Lee Hyobin , Jung Seungwon , Kim Nayeon , Lee Yong Min
Published: June 2021

The formation and growth of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) are key parameters governing battery life prediction models of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). However, as conventional battery life prediction models do not reflect other degradation parameters such as crack formation and propagation in high-nickel cathode materials, their accuracy is greatly reduced as the nickel content increases in layered oxide cathodes. Herein, we propose an advanced prediction model that includes both crack propagation and SEI growth. The reliability of this model was verified using experimental data of over 50 commercial 18650 LiB cells, which were tested under depths of discharge and current rates, from 500 to 5,000 cycles. The proposed model can predict capacity retention values with less than 5% error, even in real operations at energy storage systems and electric vehicles. This model can provide a standard solution for predicting the cycle life of LiBs with high-nickel layered cathodes.
Male Characteristics and Contraception In Four Districts Of The Central Region, Ghana
Authors: Longla Terence Acheliu , Ogum-Alangea Deda , Addo-Lartey Adolphina , Manu Adom A. , Adanu Richard M.K.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: A lack of male involvement in contraception can negatively affect its practice. This study focuses on the male characteristics that influence the practice of both traditional and modern methods of contraception. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of quantitative data obtained from the baseline assessment of the Ghana Community-Based Action Teams Study that aimed to prevent violence against women in the Central Region of Ghana in 2016. The analysis included 1742 partnered males aged 18-60 years. Chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between male characteristics and the practice of contraception (significance level=0.05). Results: The prevalence of contraception was 24.4% (95% CI=20.8-28.5). Significant male characteristics that predicted the practice of contraception in adjusted models were: post-primary education (AOR=1.44, 95% CI=0.92-2.25), male controlling behaviour (AOR=0.7, 95% CI=0.49-0.99); perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence (AOR=1.83, 95% CI=1.49-2.26); number of main sexual partners (AOR=1.78, 95% CI=1.15-2.75); and whether the first child was wanted (AOR=0.71, 95% CI=0.54-0.94).Conclusion: Adequate measures need to be taken to actively involve men in family planning programs to promote the practice of contraception. Family planning sensitization and education programs should target males who are less likely to practice contraception.
Extraction And Characterization Of Cycloartenol Isolated From Stems And Leaves of Coix Lacryma-Jobi L. And Its Potential Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Yu Qiaorong , Ye Guangbin , Li Rong , Li Tong , Huang Suoyi
Published: June 2021

[Background] Coix lacryma-jobi L. is a nourishing food and a traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for the treatment of neuralgia, inflammatory diseases, and rheumatism. Little is known about the anti-tumor of Coix lacryma-jobi L.. In this study, the cytotoxic effects of Coix lacryma-jobi L. on HeLa, HepG2, and SGC-7901 were evaluated.[Methods] The cytotoxic active compounds were isolated and extraction from the stems and leaves of Coix lacryma-jobi L. The structural identification of the compound was determined using ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The cytotoxic activity in vitro effect of the compound was determined using CCK-8, Flow cytometry, and DNA Topo I inhibition experiments.[Results] A compound F2 was isolated and purified from the petroleum ether extract of Coix lacryma-jobi L. stems and leaves. It was identified as the cycloartenol. The minimum IC50 values of HeLa, HepG2 and SGC-7901 cells for this compound were 500, 537.7, and 336.8 μg/mL, respectively. The compound had pro-apoptotic effects on three types of tumor cells, and had a significant inhibitory effect on DNA topoisomerase I.[Conclusion] This study demonstrates that cycloartenol has good cytotoxic activity in vitro, suggesting that cycloartenol could be a potential candidate as a natural antitumor drug.
Exploring high reliable substructures in auto-reconstructions of a neuron
Authors: He Yishan , Huang Jiajin , Wu Gaowei , Yang Jian
Published: June 2021

The digital reconstruction of a neuron is the most direct and effective way to investigate its morphology. Many automatic neuron tracing methods have been proposed, but without manual check it is difficult to know whether a reconstruction or which substructure in a reconstruction is accurate. For a neuron’s reconstructions generated by multiple automatic tracing methods with different principles or models, their common substructures are highly reliable and named individual motifs. In this work, we propose a Vaa3D based method called Lamotif to explore individual motifs in automatic reconstructions of a neuron. Lamotif utilizes the local alignment algorithm in BlastNeuron to extract local alignment pairs between a specified objective reconstruction and multiple reference reconstructions, and combines these pairs to generate individual motifs on the objective reconstruction. The proposed Lamotif is evaluated on reconstructions of 163 multiple species neurons, which are generated by four state-of-the-art tracing methods. Experimental results show that individual motifs are almost on corresponding gold standard reconstructions and have much higher precision rate than objective reconstructions themselves. Furthermore, an objective reconstruction is mostly quite accurate if its individual motifs have high recall rate. Individual motifs contain common geometry substructures in multiple reconstructions, and can be used to select some accurate substructures from a reconstruction or some accurate reconstructions from automatic reconstruction dataset of different neurons.
Identification of an Autophagy-Related lncRNA Prognostic Signature and Related Tumor Immunity Research in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Hang , Sang Menglu , Ni Saiqi , Lin Yao , Wu Chengfang , Mu Yinyu , Liu Kaitai , Wu Shibo , Li Ni , Xu Guodong
Published: June 2021

Background: Autophagy is closely associated with the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In the present study, we established a signature based on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to autophagy (ARlncRNAs) to investigate the TIME and survival of LUAD patients.Methods: We selected ARlncRNAs associated with prognosis to construct a model, and divided each sample into different groups based on risk score. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to investigate the survival outcomes of LUAD patients in different group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis explored the enriched pathways and functions. Several bioinformatics analyses were conducted to explore the TIME of LUAD patients in different group.Results: The ARlncRNAs signature could be recognized as an independent prognostic factor for LUAD patients, and patients in the low-risk group had a greater survival advantage. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that several immune functions and pathways were enriched in different groups. A high-risk score correlated significantly negatively with high abundance of immune cells and stromal cells around the tumor and high tumor mutational burden (TMB). Low-risk patients had a higher PD-1, CTLA-4 and HAVCR2 expression, and had a better efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICIs), including PD-1/CTLA-4 inhibitor.Conclusions: A reliable signature based on ARlncRNAs was constructed to explore the TIME and prognosis of LUAD patients, which could provide valuable information for individualized LUAD treatment.
Extracellular Vesicles from Maternal Uterine Cells Exposed to Risk Factors cause Fetal Inflammatory Response
Authors: Shepherd Megan C , Radnaa Enkhtuya , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus , Kechichian Talar , Urrabaz-Garza Rheanna , Kammala Ananth Kumar , Sheller-Miller Samantha , Menon Ramkumar
Published: June 2021

BackgroundFetal cell-derived exosomes (extracellular vesicles, 40–160 nm) are communication channels that can signal parturition by inducing inflammatory changes in maternal decidua and myometrium. Little is known about maternal cell-derived exosomes and their functional roles on the fetal side. This study isolated and characterized exosomes from decidual and myometrial cells grown under normal and inflammatory/oxidative stress conditions and determined their impact on fetal membrane cells. MethodsDecidual and myometrial cells were grown under standard culture conditions (control) or exposed for 48 hours to cigarette smoke extract or tumor necrosis factor-α, as proxies for oxidative stress and inflammation, respectively. Exosomes were isolated from media (differential ultra-centrifugation followed by size exclusion chromatography), quantified (nano particle tracking analysis), and characterized in terms of their size and morphology (cryo-electron microscopy), markers (dot blot), and cargo contents (proteomics followed by bioinformatics analysis). Maternal exosomes (109/mL) were used to treat amnion epithelial cells and chorion trophoblast cells for 24 hrs. The exosome uptake by fetal cells (confocal microscopy) and the cytokine response (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) was determined.ResultsExosomes from both decidual and myometrial cells were round and expressed tetraspanins and endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) protein markers. The size and quantity was not different between control and treated cell exosomes. Proteomic analysis identified several common proteins in exosomes, as well as unique proteins based on cell type and treatment. Compared to control exosomes, pro-inflammatory cytokine release was higher in both amnion epithelial cell and chorion trophoblast cell media when the cells had been exposed to exosomes from decidual or myometrial cells treated with either cigarette smoke extract or tumor necrosis factor-α. In chorion trophoblast cells, anti-inflammatory IL-10 was increased by exosomes from both decidual and myometrial cells.ConclusionVarious pathophysiological conditions cause maternal exosomes to carry inflammatory mediators that can result in cell type dependent fetal inflammatory response.
Quantitative Trait Loci and Candidate Genes associated with Freezing Tolerance of Winter Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack)
Authors: Wąsek Iwona , Dyda Mateusz , Golebiowska Gabriela Julia , Tyrka Mirosław , Rapacz Marcin , Szechyńska-Hebda Magdalena , Wędzony Maria
Published: June 2021

Freezing tolerance of triticale is a major trait contributing to its winter hardiness. The identification of genomic regions – quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and molecular markers associated with freezing tolerance in winter hexaploid triticale was the aim of this study. For that purpose a new genetic linkage map was developed for the population of 92 doubled haploid lines derived from ‘Hewo’ × ‘Magnat’ F1 hybrid. Those lines, together with parents were subjected to freezing tolerance test three times during two winter seasons. Plants were grown and cold-hardened under natural fall/winter conditions and then subjected to freezing in controlled conditions. Freezing tolerance was assessed as the plants recovery (REC), the electrolyte leakage (EL) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (JIP) after freezing. Three consistent QTLs for several fluorescence parameters, electrolyte leakage and the percentage of the survived plants were identified with composite interval mapping (CIM) and single marker analysis (SMA). The first locus Qfr.hm-7A.1 explained 9 % of variation of both electrolyte leakage and plants recovery after freezing. Two QTLs explaining up to 12 % of variation in plants recovery and shared by selected chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were found on 4R and 5R chromosomes. Finally, main locus Qchl.hm-5A.1 was detected for chlorophyll fluorescence parameters that explained up to 19.6 % of phenotypic variation. The common QTLs located on chromosomes 7A.1, 4R and 5R, clearly indicated physiological and genetic relationship of the plant survival after freezing with the ability to maintain optimal photochemical activity of the photosystem II and preservation of the cell membranes integrity. The genes located in silico in the identified QTLs include those encoding transmembrane helix proteins like potassium channel and phosphoric ester hydrolase involved in response to osmotic stress as well as proteins involved in the regulation of the gene expression, chloroplast RNA processing and pyrimidine salvage pathway. Additionally, our results confirm that the JIP test is a valuable tool to evaluate freezing tolerance of triticale under unstable winter environments.
Contoured Vertical Distribution and Spatio-temporal Variation of an Intertidal Macroalgal Assemblage in King George Island, Antarctica
Authors: Ko Young Wook , Lee Dong Seok , Kim Sanghee , Kim Jeong Ha , Choi Han-Gu
Published: June 2021

Short-term variability, spatial variability, and the vertical distribution of an intertidal macroalgal assemblage were examined on the coast of Barton Peninsula, Maxwell Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. Sampling was performed during the three austral summer seasons from November 2016 to January 2019. The sampling interval for short-term variability was 1–2 months. Sampling for spatial variability was performed at two sites 400 m apart. Eighteen algal species were identified, with 75% relative coverage of the predominant red Iridaea cordata and endemic brown Phaeurus antarcticus. Summer abundance can be described as a shift from I. cordata to P. antarcticus, and the change in color is intuitively presented using a contour plot for the first time. Short-term variation in the macroalgal assemblage showed 78.35% similarity between one month and 64.61% similarity between two months. The spatial variation analysis indicated 77.13% similarity between the assemblage at the two sites. If global warming continues, the algal population of this region is expected to expand. P. antarcticus, which is primarily found in the subtidal zone, is predicted to relocate southward or higher in the near future. Long-term monitoring of this research region, which is dominated by the two species, is warranted to determine the impact of global warming on the macroalgal assemblage.
Co-expression Network and Prognosis Analyses of Pyroptosis-related Genes in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Zixiao , Liu Xudong , Zhang Yu , Zhou Yongjie , Lian Shuaibin , Wang Lei
Published: June 2021

Lung cancer is very difficult to diagnose in the its early stages because of its initial asymptomatic characteristics. In recent years, pyrolysis has been shown identified as a novel type of programmed cell death with inflammation mediated by the gasdermin family. In this study, 33 differentially-expressed pyroptosis-related genes were commonly identified in both lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients. Tumor-related gasdermin family genes that were significantly differentially expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues were identified by our co-expression network analysis. Among them, the mRNA level of GSDMB gene had significant impacts on tumor staging and survival rates of NSCLC patients. Therefore, this gene is a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC. In addition, the high expression levels of GSDMC/D were significantly correlated with the low overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (FP) and post-progression survival (PPS) of NSCLC patients. Therefore, this gene is a potential oncogene for NSCLC. Furthermore, four small molecules (erastin, cefotiam, metanephrine, and vorinostat) that could most significantly reverse the NSCLC gene expression were identified. They interacted with GSDMB proteins mainly through H-bonds and hydrophobic interactions. This study provides new therapeutic targets and prognostic makers for NSCLC patients.
Synthesis of Nanocomposites Based on Mesoporous Aluminosilicate and Polyethyleneimine (PEI) for siRNA Delivery: Potential Usefulness of the Synergistic Effect of Al3+ ion and PEI on the siRNA Delivery Efficiency for Diseases Treatment
Authors: Badihi Rafaatossadat , Mahmoudi Ali , Sazegar Mohammad Reza , Nazari khodadad
Published: June 2021

Several nanocomposites based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN), aluminium ions and Polyethyleneimine (PEI) were synthesized by the combination of the sol-gel and post-synthesis methods. These nanocomposites were mainly composed of MSN with the leading of Al and PEI species alone or combination. The Al-MSN, MSN-PEI, and Al-MSN/PEI samples were characterized by using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, zeta potential, and nitrogen physisorption techniques. The potential of their RNA delivery was investigated by loading and releasing of the siRNA in the phosphate buffer. The obtained results showed that the loading capacity of each sample is directly related to its zeta potential. The Al-MSN/PEI sample showed the highest siRNA adsorption capacity due to the possessing the highest zeta potential resulted the presence of the high electric charge of Al3+ and cationic nature of PEI. Under the optimized conditions, the Al-MSN/PEI sample showed the amount of 47.19 µg adsorption of siRNA for 1.0 mg of Al-MSN/PEI. The results of releasing siRNA exhibited the yields of 12, 20.4, 29.6, and 36.0 % for MSN, MSN-PEI, Al-MSN, and Al-MSN/PEI, respectively at room temperature for 120 min.
Isolation of High Quality RNA for High Throughput Applications From Secondary Metabolite Rich Crocus Sativus L
Authors: Wani Zubair Ahmad , Wani Umer Majeed , Koul Aabid M , Amin Asif , Shah Basit Amin , Farooq Faizah , Qadri Raies A
Published: June 2021

Isolating high quality RNA is a basic requirement while performing high throughput sequencing, microarray and various other molecular investigations. However, it has been quite challenging to isolate RNA with absolute purity from plants like Crocus sativus that are rich in secondary metabolites, polysaccharides and other interfering compounds which often irreversibly co-precipitate with the RNA. While many methods have been proposed for RNA extraction that include CTAB, TriZol, SDS based methods, they invariably yield less and poor quality RNA. In the present study we made certain changes in the available protocols including modifications in the extraction buffer and procedure viz-a-viz solutions used for precipitation of RNA. Our method led to the isolation of clear and non-dispersive total RNA with an RNA Integrity Number (RIN) greater than 7.5. The quality of the RNA was further assessed by qPCR based amplification of mature miRNAs such as Cs-MIR166c and Cs- MIR396a. In conclusion, the study describes an efficient method of RNA extraction that is highly ideal for high throughput sequencing of small RNAs.
Response of C, N and P Ecological Stoichiometry in Plants and Soils During a Soybean Growth Season to O3 Stress and Straw Return in Northeast China
Authors: Mao Bing , Wang Yan , Zhao Tian-hong , Wu Hong-yan , Zhang Ming
Published: June 2021

AimsC, N and P ecological stoichiometry plays important roles on biogeochemical cycles in ecosystems, yet the relationship between plant and soil stoichiometry and stoichiometric effects on the growth of soybean root in response to the O3 stress and straw return remain poorly understood. MethodsHere, a pot experiment was conducted in open top chambers to monitor the response of C, N and P ecological stoichiometry of leaves, shoots, roots and soils during a growing season (branching, flowering and podding stages) of soybean (Glycine max; a highly sensitive species to O3) to background O3 concentration (45 ± 10 ppb), O3 stress (80 ±10 ppb) and straw treatment (no straw return and straw return). ResultsThe O3 stress significantly decreased root biomass. The straw return significantly increased root biomass under the O3 stress at branching and flowering stages. Generally, the O3 stress and straw return showed significant effects on the C, N, P concentrations of leaves and soils, and stoichiometric ratios of leaves, shoots and microbial biomass. C, N, P concentrations and stoichiometric ratios of leaves, shoots, roots and soils responses to the O3 stress and straw return at branching stage were inconsistent with changes observed at the flowering and podding stages. The P conversion efficiency showed significant relationship with root P concentration under the combined effects of O3 stress and straw return. ConclusionsC, N, and P concentrations of soybean might be more important than stoichiometric ratios as a driver of defense against the O3 stress in the case of straw return.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Consisting of Cisplatin and Nab-paclitaxel Improves the Complete Remission Rate of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients
Authors: Yu Xiao-Li , Wu Miao-Fang , Ding Lin , Yang Jin , Bai Shou-Min
Published: June 2021

Background: This study was aimed to determine the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin (NACT-nPC) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.Materials and Methods: The consecutive, newly diagnosed, non-metastatic and locally advanced cervical cancer patients were retrospectively recruited between October 2016 and June 2020 in our hospital. All patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone or following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were divided into two groups: one receiving NACT-nPC, and the control group receiving no or other regimes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We compared the complete remission rate of primary tumor at the end of external radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy between the two groups. Results: A total of 198 patients were enrolled in this study, including 60 in NACT-nPC group and 138 in control group. At the end of external radiotherapy, 27 patients in NACT-nPC group and 32 patients in control group achieved complete remission (P = 0.002). At the end of chemoradiotherapy, 56 patients in NACT-nPC group and 114 patients in control group achieved complete remission (P = 0.033). The acute side effects above grade 3 in NACT-nPC group was 41.7% (25/60) and manageable, lower than control group which was 77/138 (55.8%).Conclusions: NACT-nPC can improve the complete response rate of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and the toxicity is tolerable. Furthermore, we suspect the NACT-nPC can improve the survival of the patients. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm this result.
Bioaccumulation, Oxidative Stress, Immune Responses in Channa Argus Exposure to Waterborne Hexavalent Chromium
Authors: du Jia-hua , Yu Zhe , Zhao Jun-liang , Bai Zhi-hui , Guo Ze-hao , Li De-hui , Wang Gui-qin , Li Mu-yang , Zhao Lei
Published: June 2021

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) is a very common and harmful heavy metal pollutant in the world. However, the responses of Cr (VI) to aquatic environmental toxicants have not been well described. In this study, we evaluated the waterborne Cr (VI) [ 0 mg/L (C1), 0.5 mg/L (C2), 1 mg/L (C3), 2 mg/L (C4)] exposed chronically to Channa argus. After 14 and 28 days, we measured biochemical parameters, Cr (VI) accumulation, antioxidant activity and immune response in the serum, liver and gill, respectively. Our results shown that Cr (VI) accumulation will occur in certain tissues as the time of exposure in water prolongs, and the biochemical parameters in the serum will increase. Antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) gradually decreased with the increasing time of Cr (VI) concentration, while the malondialdehyde concentration increases. In addition, in the immune response, cortisol, aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), immunoglobulin M increase, but lysozyme decrease. These results indicated that exposure to waterborne Cr (VI) can exert adverse effects in C. argus by inducing Cr (VI) accumulation, immune responses and oxidative stress.
Latest Findings on the Behaviour Factor q for the Seismic Design of URM Buildings
Authors: Morandi Paolo , Butenweg Christoph , Breis Khaled , Beyer Katrin , Magenes Guido
Published: June 2021

Recent earthquakes as the 2012 Emilia earthquake sequence showed that recently built unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings behaved much better than expected and sustained, despite the maximum PGA values ranged between 0.20 - 0.30g, either minor damage or structural damage that is deemed repairable. Especially low-rise residential and commercial masonry buildings with a code-conforming seismic design and detailing behaved in general very well without substantial damages. The low damage grades of modern masonry buildings that was observed during this earthquake series highlighted again that codified design procedures based on linear analysis can be rather conservative. Although advances in simulation tools make nonlinear calculation methods more readily accessible to designers, linear analyses will still be the standard design method for years to come. The present paper aims to improve the linear seismic design method by providing a proper definition of the q-factor of URM buildings. These q-factors are derived for low-rise URM buildings with rigid diaphragms which represent recent construction practise in low to moderate seismic areas of Italy and Germany. The behaviour factor components for deformation and energy dissipation capacity and for overstrength due to the redistribution of forces are derived by means of pushover analyses. Furthermore, considerations on the behaviour factor component due to other sources of overstrength in masonry buildings are presented. As a result of the investigations, rationally based values of the behaviour factor q to be used in linear analyses in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 are proposed.
Does Gastrointestinal Bleeding Affect the Prognosis of Patients With Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Meta-analysis.
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Qi , Xu Hao
Published: June 2021

Background: The effect of gastrointestinal bleeding on the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors has been widely studied in recent years, but it is still controversial. Therefore, we performed the first comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of gastrointestinal bleeding on the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.Methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to recruit studies on the effect of gastrointestinal bleeding on the prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Eight studies containing 2915 patients were involved in this meta-analysis until May 31, 2021. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to estimate the effect using random-effects model. Results: The pooled results revealed that gastrointestinal bleeding was not associated with relapse-free survival (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 0.66-2.68, P < 0.001; random-effects model I2=87.7, P < 0.001) and overall survival (HR = 1.29, 95% CI 0.43-3.87, P < 0.001; random-effects model I2=88.9, P < 0.001) in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Conclusions: Our present a meta-analysis indicates that gastrointestinal bleeding has no effect on relapse-free survival and overall survival of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors, although gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the major clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
A Case of Streptococcus Suis Meningitis With Visual Impairment and Hearing Loss Diagnosed by Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing
Authors: Zhao Haina , Chen Lanlan , Zhu Lin , Qiao Tingting , Liu Peipei , Ma Cancan , Xu Yao , Jiang Li
Published: June 2021

Background: Streptococcus suis is responsible for several kinds of zoonosis worldwide. It can cause meningitis, sepsis, osteoarthritis, endocarditis, endophthalmitis, and other diseases. Human infection typically occurs in occupational settings associated with pig husbandry or pork processing. At present, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is prominent testing method for achieving an early and rapid diagnosis of some infectious diseases. Case presentation: A 48-year-old Chinese man who denied exposure to pigs or pork was to admitted the hospital because he had experienced a fever for three days, visual impairment, and hearing loss for one day. After a series of examinations and laboratory tests, Streptococcus suis was detected in the aqueous humor culture as well as the vitreous humor and cerebrospinal fluid with mNGS. But bacteria were not detected in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture. The patient's condition improved, and he was discharged after 2 weeks of active treatment. However, at present, poor vision in the right eye, poor hearing in the right ear and recurrent vertigo remain.Conclusions: In a patient presenting with meningitis, vision loss, and/or hearing loss, Streptococcus suis infection should be strongly suspected regardless of the patient's occupation. mNGS has excellent diagnostic value to determine which was the etiological agent for infectious diseases.
Timely Intubation With Early Prediction of Respiratory Exacerbation in Acute Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Yonemitsu Takafumi , Kinoshita Azuna , Nagata Keiji , Morishita Mika , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Kato Seiya
Published: June 2021

Background: Early routine intubation in motor-complete cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) above the C5 level is a conventional protocol to prevent unexpected respiratory exacerbation (RE). However, in context of the recent advances in multidisciplinary respiratory management, the absolute indication for intubation in CSCI patients based on initial neurologic assessment is controversial because of the drawbacks of intubation. This study aimed to redetermine the most important predictor of RE following CSCI after admission without routine intubation among patients admitted with motor-complete injury and/or injury above the C5 level to ensure timely intubation. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients with acute traumatic CSCI admitted to our hospital without an initial routine intubation protocol from January 2013 to December 2017. CSCI patients who developed RE (defined as unexpected emergent intubation for respiratory resuscitation) were compared with those who did not. Baseline characteristics and severity of trauma data were collected. Univariate analyses were performed to compare treatment data and clinical outcomes between the two groups. Further, multivariate logistic regressions were performed with clinically important independent variables: motor-complete injury, neurologic level above C5, atelectasis, and copious airway secretion (CAS). Results: Among the analyzed 58 patients with CSCI, 35 (60.3%) required post-injury intubation and 1 (1.7%) died during hospitalization. Thirteen (22.4%) had RE in 3.5 days (mean) post-injury; 3 (37.5%) of eight motor-complete CSCI patients above C5 developed RE. Eleven of the 27 (40.7%) patients with motor-complete injury and five of the 22 (22.7%) patients with neurologic injury above C5 required emergency intubation at RE. Three of the eight CSCI patients with both risk factors (motor-complete injury above C5) resulted in emergent RE intubation (37.5%). CAS was an independent predictor for RE (odds ratio 7.19, 95% confidence interval 1.48–42.72, P=0.0144) in multivariate analyses. Conclusion: Timely intubation post-CSCI based on close attention to CAS during the acute 3-day phase may prevent RE and reduce unnecessary invasive airway control even without immediate routine intubation in motor-complete injury above C5.
Vitamin D In Pediatric Patients With Obesity And Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Radulović Živa , Zupan Zarja Polak , Tomazini Aljoša , Varda Nataša Marčun
Published: June 2021

Aim

The purpose of this study was finding potential discrepancies in vitamin D levels between different groups: overweight children with hypertension, normal-weight children with hypertension, overweight children and normal-weight children without hypertension –control group. We also wanted to determine whether there are correlations between vitamin D levels and other clinical laboratory parameters, to evaluate the need for substitution.
Methods

We measured vitamin D, homocysteine, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, uric acid, glucose, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphate and magnesium serum levels in all groups. We also took anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, BMI) and observed patients’ blood pressure. The results were analyzed with SPSS statistic tool with the use of independent t-test, Pearson correlation test and multi-variate analysis of variance (MANOVA).
Results

The study included 175 children between 5 and 18 years of age. 57 were healthy (group A – control group), 41 normal-weight with hypertension (group B), 44 overweight with hypertension (group C) and 33 overweight (group D). The results showed statistically significant distinction in values of vitamin D between all groups -– A and B (p = 0.003), A and C (p = 0.000), A and D (p = 0.000), B and D (p = 0.043), B and C (0.030), except for groups C and D (p = 0.830). There were statistically significant correlations between vitamin D and BMI (r=-0.196, p = 0.010), systolic pressure (r=-0.190, p = 0.002), diastolic pressure (r=-0.149, p = 0.050), homocysteine (r=-0.208, p = 0.007), triglycerides (r=-0.196, p = 0.011) and apolipoprotein A1 (r = 0.222, p = 0.007) among all groups.
Conclusion

The pilot study shows significant differences in serum vitamin D levels between all groups of children, apart from groups C and D. these results, combined with statistically significant correlations between vitamin D and systolic and diastolic blood pressure suggest the need for monitoring and potential substitution of vitamin D in in pediatric patients with hypertension and/or overweight children.
Endothelial CCR6 Expression Due to FLI1 Deficiency Contributes to Vasculopathy Associated with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Ikawa Tetsuya , Miyagawa Takuya , Fukui Yuki , Toyama Satoshi , Omatsu Jun , Awaji Kentaro , Norimatsu Yuta , Watanabe Yusuke , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Sato Shinichi , Asano Yoshihide
Published: June 2021

Background: We have recently demonstrated that serum CCL20 levels positively correlate with mean pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Considering a proangiogenic effect of CCL20 on endothelial cells via CCR6, the CCL20/CCR6 axis may contribute to the development of SSc vasculopathy. Therefore, we explored this hypothesis using clinical samples, cultured cells and murine SSc models.Methods: The expression levels of CCL20 and CCR6 in the skin, mRNA levels of target genes and the binding of transcription factor FLI1 to the target gene promoter were evaluated by immunostaining, quantitative reverse transcription PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation, respectively. Vascular permeability was evaluated by Evans blue dye injection in bleomycin-treated mice. Angiogenic activity of endothelial cells was assessed by in vitro angiogenesis assay.Results: CCL20 expression was significantly elevated in dermal fibroblasts of patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc, while CCR6 was significantly up-regulated in dermal small vessels of SSc patients irrespective of disease subtypes and disease duration. In human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, FLI1 siRNA induced the expression of CCR6, but not CCL20, and FLI1 bound to the CCR6 promoter. Importantly, vascular permeability, a representative SSc-like vascular feature of bleomycin-treated mice, was attenuated by Ccr6 siRNA treatment, and CCR6 siRNA suppressed the angiogenic activity of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells assayed by in vitro tube formation.Conclusions: The increased expression of endothelial CCR6 due to FLI1 deficiency may contribute to the development of SSc vasculopathy.
Decidualization of Endometriosis in a Cohort of IVF-Mediated Pregnancies
Authors: FILIPPI Francesca , BENAGLIA Laura , ALAGNA Federica , VECCHIA Irene LA , BIANCARDI Rossella , RESCHINI Marco , SOMIGLIANA Edgardo , VERCELLINI Paolo
Published: June 2021

Decidualization is the process of endometrial change in pregnancy, a phenomenon that can involve also ovarian endometriomas. However, the frequency of this event remains unknown. In addition, there is no evidence on the decidualization of deep invasive endometriosis (DIE). To shed more light on this issue, we prospectively recruited women with ovarian endometriomas or DIE who underwent IVF. They were subsequently excluded if they did not become pregnant or if they had a miscarriage. The evaluation was repeated in 5 time points during pregnancy and post-partum. The primary outcome was the rate of decidualized endometriomas at 11-13 weeks’ gestation. Data from 45 endometriomas and 15 nodules were available for data analyses. At the 11-13 weeks’ ultrasound, endometriomas’ decidualization was observed in seven cases, corresponding to 16% (95%CI: 8-29%). Subsequent assessments in pregnancy failed to identify any additional case. DIE also underwent significant changes during pregnancy. An increase in mean diameter (at least 50%), an increase in color score or both were documented in seven, eight and five cases, respectively. In conclusion, decidualization of ovarian endometriomas in IVF pregnancies is common. DIE may also undergo decidualization, but further evidence is needed for a robust and shared definition of this process.
WISP1 and miR-29c-3p are novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Wang Zhuo , Zhou Hongyi , Zhu Ming , Zhu Leilei , Xu Zhuoqun , Shao Jianfeng
Published: June 2021

Background: Aberrant expression of WISP1 is associated with carcinogenesis; however, the expression and prognostic values of WISP1 in bladder cancer (BC) remain elusive. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the WISP1 expression in BC and explore the possible mechanisms and clinical value of WISP1 in BC. Methods: The in silico analysis based on oncomine and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases were to reveal WISP1 expression and prognosis in BC. Besides, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot assays were used to detect WISP1 expression both in BC tissues and BC cell lines. TargetScan database was used to predict miRNAs that putatively regulate the expression of WISP1. COX regression and the Kaplan-Meier method were applied to evaluate the prognostic value of WISP1 and miRNAs in BC.Results: WISP1 was up-regulated in BC and associated with poor survival in patients with BC through in silico analysis. Besides, WISP1 expression was identified to be up-regulated both in BC tissues and cell lines. We identified 13 miRNAs that putatively regulate the expression of WISP1. Of these miRNAs, only miR-29c-3p was found to be significantly negatively correlated with WISP1 in BC tissues. The correlation of in situ expressions of WISP1 and miR-29c-3p by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and clinical characteristics revealed that WISP1 was significantly associated with tumor size and hsa-miR-23b-3p expression, and miR-29c-3p was associated with tumor size, M stage, and WISP1 expression. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that TNM stage and WISP1 expression were predictors of unfavorable prognosis, while hsa-miR-29c-3p was a predictor of favorable prognosis in patients with BC. Conclusions: Collectively, the findings indicated that WISP1 and miR-29c-3p might serve as novel prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for BC.
Ovarian non-gestational choriocarcinoma: a case report and review of current literature
Authors: Han Ling , Zheng Ai , Chen Yali
Published: June 2021

Background: Non-gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignant tumor without established treatment. Because of the rarity of Non-gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma, limited information is available in the literature.Thus, we presented our case and reviewed other cases concerningtheir clinical characteristics, diagnosis, therapeutic effects, and prognoses using the PubMed database.Case presentation: We present a rare case of a patient with Non-gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma with a dysgerminoma. Moreover, we performed a subsequent literature review.An 11-year-old Chinese girl presented with pain persisting for 20 days and a lump in her lower abdomen. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and postoperative pathological sampling revealed a mixed germ-cell tumor comprising choriocarcinoma and dysgerminoma. Following six cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin, the patient remained recurrence-free after16 months from surgery.Conclusions: The analysis of our and previously reported cases indicated that fertility-sparing surgery combined with postoperative chemotherapy might be beneficial for Non-gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma treatment in adolescent and young female individuals. Longer follow-up periods and further management data are necessary.
Quantum chemical study of reaction mechanism between plutonium and Nitrogen
Authors: Zhao Zhao-Yang , Wang Guo-Liang , Chen Xu-Dan , Qi Chun-Bao , Sun Xin-Li
Published: June 2021

The study of the reaction between plutonium and nitrogen is helpful to further understand the interaction between plutonium and air gas molecules. For the nitridation reaction of plutonium, there is no report on the microscopic reaction mechanism of this system at present. Therefore, the microcospic mechanism of gas phase reaction of Pu with N 2 is studied in this paper based on the density functional theory (DFT) using different functions. In this paper, the geometry of stationary points on the potential energy surface is optimized. In addition, the transition states are verified by the frequency analysis method and the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) method. Finally, we obtain the reaction potential energy curve and the micro reaction pathways. The analysis of reaction mechanism shows that the reaction of Pu with N 2 has two pathways. The pathway-1 (Pu+N 2 →R1→TS1→PuN 2 ) has a T-shaped transition state and the pathway-2 (Pu+N 2 →R 2 →TS 2 →PuN+N) has a L-shaped transition state. Moreover, both transition states have only one virtual frequency. The energy analysis shows that pathway-1 is the main reaction pathway. The nature of the Pu-N bonding evolution along the pathways is studied by atoms in molecules (AIM) and electron localization function (ELF) topological approaches. In order to analyse the role of 5f orbital of plutonium atom in the reaction, the variation of density of state along the pathways is performed. The results show that the 5f orbital makes major contributions to the formation of Pu-N bonds. Meanwhile, the influence of different temperatures on the reaction rate is revealed by calculating the rate constants of the two reaction pathways.