bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR-199a-3p/5p participated in TGF-β and EGF induced EMT by targeting DUSP5/MAP3K11 in pterygium
Authors: He Siying , Huang Yifang , Dong Shiqi , Qiao Chen , Yang Guohua , Zhang Shuai , Wang Chen , Xu Yuting , Zheng Fang , Yan Ming
Published: July 2020

Background

Recently, it has been reported that miRNA is involved in pterygium, however the exact underlying mechanism in pterygium is unrevealed and require further investigation.

Methods

The differential expression of miRNA in pterygium was profiled using microarray and validated with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). Human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCEs) were cultured and treated with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transfected with miR-199a-3p/5p mimic and inhibitor. Markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCEs were detected using western blot and immunohistochemistry. Cell migration ability was determined using wound healing and transwell assay, while apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The target genes of miR-199a were confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

TGF-β and EGF could induced EMT in HCEs and increase miR-199a-3p/5p but suppress target genes, DUSP5 and MAP3K11. With the occurrence of EMT, cell migration ability was enhanced, and apoptosis was impeded. Promoting miR-199a-3p/5p expression could induce EMT in HCEs without TGF-β and EGF, while suppressing miR-199a-3p/5p could inhibit EMT in TGF-β and EGF induced HCEs. In a word, TGF-β and EGF induced EMT could be regulated with miR-199a-3p/5p-DUSP5/MAP3K11 axes. The validated results in tissues showed that, compared with control conjunctival tissues, miR-199a-3p/5p were more overexpressed in pterygium, while DUSP5/MAP3K11 were lower expressed. In addition, bioinformatics analysis indicated the miR-199a-3p/5p-DUSP5/MAP3K11 was belong to MAPK signalling pathway.

Conclusions

TGF-β and EGF induce EMT of HCEs through miR-199a-3p/5p-DUSP5/MAP3K11 axes, which explains the pathogenesis of EMT in pterygium and may provide new targets for pterygium prevention and therapy.
Genomic landscape of the immune microenvironments of brain metastases in breast cancer
Authors: Lu Wei-cheng , Xie Hui , Yuan Ce , Li Jin-jiang , Li Zhao-yang , Wu Anhua
Published: July 2020

Background: This study was intended to investigate the genomic landscape of the immune microenvironments of brain metastases in breast cancer. Methods: Three gene expression profile datasets (GSE76714, GSE125989 and GSE43837) of breast cancer with brain metastases were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After differential expression analysis, the tumor immune microenvironment and immune cell infiltration were analyzed. Then immune-related genes were identified, followed by function analysis, transcription factor (TF)-miRNA-mRNA co-regulatory network analysis, and survival analysis of metastatic recurrence. Results: The present results showed that the tumor immune microenvironment in brain metastases was immunosuppressed compared with primary caner. Compared with primary cancer samples, the infiltration ratio of plasma cells in brain metastases samples was significantly higher, while the infiltration ratio of macrophages M2 cells in brain metastases samples was significantly lower. Total 42 immune-related genes were identified, such as THY1 and NEU2. CD1B, THY1 and DOCK2 were found to be implicated in the metastatic recurrence of breast cancer. Conclusions: Targeting macrophages or plasma cells may be new strategies for immunotherapy of breast cancer with brain metastases. THY1 and NEU2 may be potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer with brain metastases, and THY1, CD1B and DOCK2 may serve as potential prognostic markers for improvement of brain metastases survival.
Dynamic Changes of Chest CT Follow-up In Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) Pneumonia: Relationship To Clinical Typing
Authors: Liu Nian , He Guanghong , Yang Xiongxiong , Chen Jianxin , Wu Jie , Ma Min , Lu Wenying , Li Qiang , Cheng Tao , Huang Xiaohua
Published: July 2020

Background: To investigate the CT changes of different clinical types of COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: This retrospective study included 50 patients with COVID-19 from 16 January 2020 to 25 February 2020. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, CT characteristics and the pneumonia involvement of the patients between the moderate group and the severe and critical group, and the dynamic changes of severity with the CT follow-up time. Results: There were differences in the CT severity score of the right lung in the initial CT, and total CT severity score in the initial and follow-up CT between the moderate group and the severe and critical group (all p <0.05). There was a quadratic relationship between total CT severity score and CT follow-up time in the severe and critical group (r2=0.137, p=0.008), the total CT severity score peaked at the second follow-up CT. There was no correlation between total CT severity score and CT follow-up time in the moderate group (p >0.05). There were no differences in the occurrence rate of CT characteristics in the initial CT between the two groups (all p >0.05). There were differences in the occurrence rate of ground-glass opacity and crazy-paving pattern in the second follow-up CT, and pleural thickening or adhesion in the third follow-up CT between the two groups (all p <0.05). Conclusions: The CT changes of COVID-19 pneumonia with different severity were different, and the extent of pneumonia involvement by CT can help to assess the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia rather than the initial CT characteristics.
Evaluation of the online-based self-help programme “Selfapy” in patients with unipolar depression: study protocol for a randomized, blinded parallel group dismantling study
Authors: Rico Krämer , Köhler Stephan
Published: July 2020

Background: This study aims to evaluate the online-based self-help programme “Selfapy” on a sample of depressive subjects and, furthermore, the impact of an unaccompanied version vs. a therapeutic accompanied version. Subjects are randomly assigned to the unaccompanied course (without weekly calls from a psychologist), an accompanied course (with weekly calls from a psychologist), or the control group. Various secondary parameters related to online self-help programmes, such as life satisfaction, therapeutic relationship, social activation, self-esteem, attitude towards Internet interventions and drop-out rates, are also recorded.Methods: A sample size of 400 subjects will be included. Subjects must have at least a mild to moderate depressive episode (BDI-II and Hamilton Depression Scale) and then will be randomly assigned into one of three groups: (a) immediate access to the unaccompanied depression course of “Selfapy”, (b) immediate access to the accompanied depression course of “Selfapy”, or (c) access to “Selfapy” after a 24-week delay (waiting list). The intervention period will last for a period of 12 weeks. Diagnostic assessments will take place at four different points in time: T1 (at baseline before the treatment), T2 (6 weeks after the start of the intervention), T3 (12 weeks after the start of the intervention; end of program) and T4 (3 months after completion of the treatment follow-up).Conclusion: The effectiveness of the online self-help program "Selfapy" for depression, is to be investigated in a randomized, controlled, blinded study. Additionally, this study will utilize a “dismantled” approach to enable the comparison of the accompanied andTrial registration: Current Controlled Trial DRKS00017191Date of registration: 14.06.2019
Mitochondrion-mediated iron accumulation promotes carcinogenesis and Warburg effect through reactive oxygen species in osteosarcoma
Authors: Ni Shuo , Kuang Yanbin , Yuan Yin , Yu Baoqing
Published: July 2020

Background: Iron metabolism disorder is closely associated with several malignant tumors, however the mechanisms underlying iron and the carcinogenesis in osteosarcoma are not yet well understood. Methods: Cell proliferation ability of osteosarcoma cell lines was measured by CCK-8, EdU incorporation and colony formation assays. Cell cycle analysis was detected by flow cytometry. The carcinogenesis of osteosarcoma was measured by soft-agar formation, trans-well and Wound healing-scratch assay. Warburg effect was detected by Seahorse respirometry assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured by Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probes. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of mitoferrin 1 (SLC25A37) and mitoferrin 2 (SLC25A28). Iron level in vitro and vivo was detected by iron assay kit. RNAi stable cell lines was generated using shRNA. Results: Iron promoted proliferation, carcinogenesis and Warburg effect of osteosarcoma cells. Iron-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) played an important role in these processes. Iron accumulated more in mitochondrion than in cytoplasm, suggesting mitochondrion-mediated iron accumulation was involved in the development of osteosarcoma. Moreover, iron upregulated the expression of mitoferrin 1 (SLC25A37) and mitoferrin 2 (SLC25A28). Knock-down of mitoferrin 1 (SLC25A37) and mitoferrin 2 (SLC25A28) decreased the production of ROS. In addition, iron increased the expression of Warburg key enzymes HK2 and Glut1, and affected AMPK / mTORC1 signaling axis. Conclusions: Mitochondrion-mediated iron accumulation promotes carcinogenesis and Warburg effect of osteosarcoma cells. Meanwhile, iron deprivation might be a novel effective strategy in the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Hand hygiene improvement or antibiotic restriction to control the household transmission of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli: a mathematical modelling study
Authors: Kardas-Sloma Lidia , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Perozziello Anne , Zahar Jean-Ralph , Lescure François-Xavier , Cousien Anthony , Lucet Jean-Christophe
Published: July 2020

Background The best strategy to control ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) spread in the community is lacking. Methods We developed an individual-based transmission model to evaluate the impact of hand hygiene (HH) improvement and reduction in antibiotic use on the within-household transmission of ESBL-EC. We used data from the literature and incorporated key elements of ESBL-EC transmission such as the frequency and nature of contacts among household members, antibiotic use in the community and hand hygiene behaviour. We introduced in a household a single ESBL-EC colonised person and simulated the transmission dynamics of ESBL-EC over a one-year time horizon. Results The probability of ESBL-EC transmission depended on the household composition and the profile of the initial carrier. In the two-person household, the probability of ESBL-EC transmission was 5.3% (95% CI 5.0-5.6) or 6.6% (6.3-6.9) when the index person was a woman or a man, respectively. In a four-person household, the probability of transmission varied from 61.4% (60.9-62.0) to 68.8% (68.3- 69.3) and was the highest when the index patient was the baby. Improving HH by 50% reduced the probability of transmission by 33-62%. Antibiotic restriction by 50% reduced the transmission by 2-6%.Conclusions The transmission of ESBL-EC is frequent in households and especially those with a baby. Antibiotic reduction had little impact on ESBL-EC. Improvement of hygiene in the community could help prevent transmission of ESBL-EC.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes of placenta previa with and without coverage of a uterine scar: A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Rao Jiaming , Fan Dazhi , Zhou Zixing , Chen Gengdong , Li Pengsheng , Ma Huiting , Lin Dongxin , Wu Shuzhen , Zhang Huishan , Liu Yan , Guo Xiaoling , Liu Zhengping
Published: July 2020

Background

To compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes of placenta previa (PP) with and without coverage of a uterine scar in Foshan, China.
Methods

A retrospective cohort study comparing all singleton pregnancies with PP was conducted at a tertiary, university-affiliated medical center from 1 January 2012 to 31 April 2017 in Foshan, China. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were extracted from electronic medical records. Maternal and neonatal outcomes of PP with and without coverage of a uterine scar were compared by statistical method.
Results

There were 58,062 deliveries during the study period, of which 738 (1.27%) were complicated PP in singleton pregnancies and were further classified into two groups: the PP with coverage of a uterine scar group (PPCS, n = 166) and the PP without coverage of a uterine scar group (Non-PPCS, n = 572). Overall, premature birth (< 37 weeks,68.1% vs 54.8%; P = 0.010), cesarean section(100% vs 97.6%; P = 0.042), Intraoperative blood loss > 1000 ml (78.3% vs 16.0%; P < 0.001) or > 3000 ml (29.5% vs 3.0%; P < 0.001), postpartum hemorrhage(48.8% vs 15.7%; P < 0.001), transfusion (35.2% vs 16.1%; P < 0.001), hemorrhage shock(8.4% vs 1.9%; P < 0.001), hysterectomy (3.0% vs 0.5%; P = 0.006) and fetal distress (36.1% vs 12.0%; P < 0.001) had a significant difference between PPCS group and Non-PPCS group. After grouping by whether complicated with AIP, we found that PPCS was significant associated with more intraoperative blood loss༞1000 ml, intraoperative blood loss༞3000 ml, bleeding within 2–24 hours after delivery, fetal distress and higher hospitalization expenses than the Non-PPCS group. After grouping by whether complicated with AIP and different placenta positions(Anterior, Posterior and Ante-posterior or laterally positioned), we found that PPCS was significant associated with more intraoperative blood loss༞1000 ml and higher hospitalization expenses than the Non-PPCS in AIP women and more intraoperative blood loss༞1000 ml, postpartum hemorrhage and higher hospitalization expenses in Non-AIP women.
Conclusion

The PPCS group had poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes than the Non-PPCS group after grouping by whether pregnancies complicated with AIP or with different placental positions.
Efficiency Of Atorvastatin On In-Hospital Mortality Of Patients With Acute Aortic Dissection (Aad): Study Protocol For A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Yequn , Xiong Nianling , Wang Xin , Wu Shiwan , Hong Liangli , Huang Xiru , Chen Chang , Li Weiping , Wang Bin , Ye Shu , Tan Xuerui
Published: July 2020

Background: Dyslipidemia and local inflammation at sites of lipid deposition on blood vessel walls have been demonstrated to be risk factors for patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Statins have anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects, which suggest that statins may play an important role in prevention and treatment of AAD. Some retrospective studies show that statins can protect patients with aortic dissection. However, the effect of statins on survival of AAD patients have been scarcely investigated, especially in randomized trials. In this study, we will perform a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effect of statins on in-hospital mortality of AAD patients. Methods: A total of 384 subjects diagnosed with AAD in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College will be recruited. Participants will be randomly divided into atorvastatin-treated or placebo groups. The primary outcome will be the in-hospital mortality. Discussion: This study is designed to verify the safety and efficacy of atorvastatin in patients with AAD. The aim is to provide a new way to improve survival as a complement to conventional drug therapy.Trial registration: Registered by Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (Registration number:ChiCTR1900023515,http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=38275&htm=4).Registered 1 June 2019.
Restless abdomen: a spectrum or a phenotype variant of restless legs syndrome?
Authors: Wang Xi-Xi , Zhu Xiao-Ying , Wang Zan , Dong Jian-Wei , Ondo William G. , Wu Yun-Cheng
Published: July 2020

Background: With the growing awareness of restless legs syndrome (RLS), sensory disorders similar to RLS but initially confined to the arms, abdomen, and perineum have been reported. One of them is restless abdomen, which refers to a restless sensation in abdomen. Our study is designed to evaluate the clinical phenotype of restless abdomen and investigate its relationship with RLS.Methods: We enrolled 10 patients with restless abdomen according to RLS diagnostic criteria, excluding the requiring of leg involvement. Laboratory examinations were performed to exclude mimics and notable comorbidities.Results: All 10 patients had RLS like symptoms in the abdomen and otherwise satisfied all other RLS diagnostic criteria, and responded to dopaminergic therapy.Conclusions: Neurologists and gastroenterologists should be aware that RLS-related restlessness can occur in extra-leg anatomy in the absence of episodes of worsening or augmentation of restlessness.
Altered dopaminergic pathways and therapeutic effects of intranasal dopamine in two distinct mouse models of autism
Authors: Chao Owen Y , Pathak Salil S , Zhang Hao , Dunaway Nathan , Li Jay-Shake , Mattern Claudia , Nikolaus Susanne , Huston Joseph P , Yang Yi-Mei
Published: July 2020

The dopamine (DA) system has a profound impact on reward-motivated behavior and is critically involved in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although DA defects are found in autistic patients, it is not well defined how the DA pathways are altered in ASD and whether DA can be utilized as a potential therapeutic agent for ASD. To this end, we employed a phenotypic and a genetic ASD model, i.e., Black and Tan BRachyury T + Itpr3 tf /J (BTBR) mice and Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 knockout ( Fmr1 -KO) mice, respectively. Immunostaining of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) to mark dopaminergic neurons revealed an overall reduction in the TH expression in the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area and dorsal striatum of BTBR mice, as compared to C57BL/6J wild-type ones. In contrast, Fmr1 -KO animals did not show such an alteration but displayed abnormal morphology of TH-positive axons in the striatum with higher “complexity” and lower “texture”. Both strains exhibited decreased expression of striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) and increased spatial coupling between vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1, a label for glutamatergic terminals) and TH signals, while GABAergic neurons quantified by glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) remained intact. Intranasal administration of DA rescued the deficits in non-selective attention, object-based attention and social approaching of BTBR mice, likely by enhancing the level of TH in the striatum. Application of intranasal DA to Fmr1- KO animals alleviated their impairment of social novelty, in association with reduced striatal TH protein. These results suggest that although the DA system is modified differently in the two ASD models, intranasal treatment with DA effectively rectifies their behavioral phenotypes, which may present a promising therapy for diverse types of ASD.
Comparative Study On Indoor Air Quality Variation While Burning Differnet Firewood Species In Gatlang, Rasuwa, Nepal
Authors: Dahal Anu , Parajuli Indira
Published: July 2020

Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) from smoky cooking fires causes deaths over 22,800 per year being the fourth leading cause of death in Nepal. The study aims to compare the pollution level particularly Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in different firewood species. Two households one with ICS and TCS is selected purposively to monitor the concentration of pollutants in Ward no. 3 of Gatlang, Rasuwa, Nepal. IAP Meter based on Laser Sensor principle is used to monitor real time concentration of PM2.5 and CO concentration. 24 hours mean concentration of PM2.5 and 8hours mean average concentration of CO are found to be above the WHO and National Indoor Air Quality Guidelines i.e. For ICS using household the concentration is found to be 155.26µg/m3 and 9ppm respectively and household using TCS is found to be 385.12µg/m3 and 12.2ppm). Both concentrations are found less in Abies Spectabilis than other species. Positive correlation is found in both households along with moisture content, amount of firewood used, etc. This result suggests the use of Abies Spectabilis as it emits less emission as compared to other species as it has less moisture content that reduces the concentration of air pollution.
Restoring a butterfly hot spot by large ungulates refaunation: The case of the Milovice military training range, Czech Republic
Authors: Konvicka Martin , Ričl David , Vodičková Veronika , Beneš Jiří , Jirků Miloslav
Published: July 2020

Background: Refaunation by large ungulates represents a cost-efficient approach to managing natural biotopes. We studied butterflies inhabiting grasslands of the former Milovice military training range in the Czech Republic, grazed since 2015 by a combination of Exmoor pony (“wild” horse), Tauros cattle (“aurochs”) and European wisent. Methods: We compared presence-absence patterns from two surveys preceding the refaunation, one immediately after military use termination (early 1990s), the other prior to the refaunation (2009), with the current (2016–19) results of monitoring 8 grazed and 8 ungrazed plots. We analysed the life history, climatic and conservation-related traits of recorded butterflies to gain insights into the ungulates’ impacts. Results: Following the termination of military use, several poorly mobile species displaying broad oceanity niches were lost. Newly gained species are more mobile and prefer warmer continental conditions. Currently, numbers of butterfly species do not differ between refaunated and neglected plots, but the former hosted higher abundances. Butterflies developing on coarse grasses and shrubs inclined towards neglected plots, whereas refaunated plots supported species developing on small forbs. Conclusion: The changes in species composition following the cessation of military use are attributable to successional change, coupled with climate-driven expansion of thermophilous and mobile species. By blocking succession, large ungulates support butterflies depending on competitively poor plants. Preserving butterflies of late-successional stages is ensured by the diverse setting of the reserves and by the relatively low ungulate densities.
Medical students’ self-reported gender discrimination and sexual harassment over time
Authors: Kisiel Marta Alina , Kühner Sofia , Stolare Karin , Lampa Erik , Wohlin Martin , Johnston Nina , Rask-Andersen Anna
Published: July 2020

BackgroundGender discrimination (GD) and sexual harassment (SH) occur at all academic institutions worldwide. Medical students seem particularly affected, which may negatively affect their education and health. There are indications that policies and reforms on reducing GD/SH are insufficient. Swedish medical students’ experiences of GD/SH are monitored by course-evaluations and bi-annual student union evaluations; however, the response rate is usually low. The aim of this study was to compare the exposure to and context of self-reported GD/SH over an 11-year period amongst medical students at a Swedish university.MethodsIn 2002, a questionnaire (n=622) was mailed to medical students’ home addresses. It was repeated in 2013 and then distributed during mandatory lectures (n=856). The questions used a behavioristic approach and asked about specific GH/SH experiences. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The changes in prevalence over time were calculated by sampling weights in order to obtain comparable estimates, representative of both cohorts.ResultsThe response frequency was 55% (62% women) in 2002 and 81% (59% women) in 2013. The prevalence of GD tended to decrease for male and clinical students in comparison to female and pre-clinical peers. However, the prevalence of SH increased for female compared to male students. The ratio of SH for female pre-clinical students doubled in many instances; most often, the mistreatment occurred in the clinic. Medical doctors were indicated as perpetrators up to five times more often by all students in 2013.ConclusionOur results show a disproportional change in exposure to GD/SH between female and male medical students, resulting in a widening of the gender gap regarding prevalence of GD and SH between 2002 and 2013. In particular, personal experiences of SH increased for both sexes. It is proof that institutional efforts to fight mistreatment might be ineffective.
Exploring perspectives on antimicrobial stewardship: a qualitative study of health managers in Kenya
Authors: Mbugua Samuel MUNGAI , Njoroge George , Kijogi Caroline , Kamita Moses , Kimani Rachel , Mwaura Peter , Waiganjo-Aidi Bibianne Wanja , Gitaka Jesse
Published: July 2020

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health concern with the establishment of antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals being obligatory now more than ever. The perspectives and insights of health managers on antimicrobial stewardship, the complementary health services and building blocks are imperative towards implementation of robust antimicrobial stewardship programs.Methods: A cross-sectional, qualitative, multicenter study was conducted in three hospitals in Kenya. Key-informant, face-to-face interviews with hospital health managers were carried out on their perspectives on antimicrobial stewardship. Qualitative data was captured using audio tapes and field notes, transcribed and managed using QSR Nvivo 12 software. An iterative process was used to develop the thematic framework and updated in two rounds of iteration analysis. Analysis charts for each emergent theme were developed and categorized across all participants.Results: Perspectives on antimicrobial stewardship are described in five thematic categories; Importance of antimicrobial stewardship and the role of medicines and therapeutics committee, availability of an antimicrobial formulary and usage surveillance systems, Laboratory competency and recommendations for infection prevention and management, Educational resources and communications channels available, Building blocks and low-lying fruits for ASCs. The role of stewardship collaboration in diagnosis and antimicrobial prescription was alluded to with managers indicating a growing rise in occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. There was no contextualized, hospital specific antimicrobial formulary based on the local antibiograms in any of the hospitals. Lack of adequate laboratory competency was a major deficit with most hospitals lacking culture and sensitivity testing services. Staff training and communication channels were available in varying capacity across the three hospitals. Building blocks identified include medicines and therapeutics committee, education and training platforms (CMEs and CPDs) and hospital leadership commitment towards antimicrobial stewardship.Conclusions: The findings underpin the importance of understanding and incorporating the perspectives of health managers on the existing contextual mechanisms that can be leveraged on to establish robust AMS programs in the fight against AMR.
Near-field cavity optomechanical coupling in a compound semiconductor nanowire
Authors: Asano Motoki , Zhang Guoqiang , Tawara Takehiko , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Okamoto Hajime
Published: July 2020

A III-V compound semiconductor nanowire is an attractive material for a novel hybrid quantum interface that interconnects photons, electrons, and phonons through a wavelength-tunable quantum structure embedded in its free-standing structure. In such a nanomechanical element, however, a challenge is how to detect and manipulate a small number of phonons via its tiny mechanical motion. A solution would be to couple an optical cavity to a nanowire by introducing the "cavity optomechanics" framework, but the typical size difference between them becomes a barrier to achieving this. Here, we demonstrate near-field coupling of a silica microsphere cavity and an epitaxially grown InP/InAs free-standing nanowire. The evanescent optomechanical coupling enables not only fine probing of the mechanical motion by balanced homodyne interferometry but also tuning of the resonance frequency, linewidth, Duffing nonlinearity, and vibration axis in the nanowire. Combining this cavity optomechanics with epitaxial nanowire engineering opens the way to novel quantum metrology and information processing.
Environmental factors associated with drowning prevention knowledge of parents in Bangladesh: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hossain Mosharaf , Mani Kulanthayan KC
Published: July 2020

Background Drowning is the third leading cause of death for children aged 0–4 years in many Asian countries, and is a serious but neglected health problem in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, drowning rates are 10 to 20 times more than those in other developed countries. The aim of the effectiveness of a mobile SMS intervention to improve the environmental knowledge of parents of children aged under five concerning the prevention of drowning.Methods Design: a cluster randomized community trial with 788 parents of children aged under five in a rural community of Bangladesh. Intervention: Mobile SMS intervention for parents of children under five years concerning the prevention of drowning. Outcome: association in environmental knowledge of parents concerning the prevention of drowning between the baseline and immediate follow-up after the intervention, and after three months.Results There was a significant improvement in environmental knowledge in the intervention group compared to the control group at different at baseline, immediately after intervention and 3-months after intervention. The associated factors for drowning included the time (11:00am-2:00 pm), lack of swimming ability, parents who were not aware about childhood drowning, unwanted ditches that were not filled in, lack of medical facilities, and lack of information through mass media for the prevention of childhood drowning.Conclusion Special programmes and training could be increase knowledge about childhood drowning prevention in Bangladesh and should be broadcast on the radio and television networks.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN13774693, 08/03/2015.
Tanc2-dependent direct and regulated mTOR inhibition balances mTORC1/2 signaling in developing mouse and human neurons
Authors: Kim Sun-Gyun , Lee Suho , Kim Yangsik , Park Ji Eun , Woo Doyeon , Kim Dayeon , Li Yan , Shin Wangyong , Kang Hyunjeong , Yook Chaehyun , Lee Minji , Kim Kyungdeok , Roh Junyeop Daniel , Jung Hwajin , Um Seung Min , Han Jinju , Heo Won Do , Kim Eunjoon
Published: July 2020

mTOR signaling, involving mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes, critically regulates neural development and is implicated in various brain disorders. mTORC1/2 components that stimulate mTOR kinase activity strongly affect neurodevelopment, but mTOR-inhibitory mTORC1/2 components do not, questioning the role of balanced mTOR regulation in neurodevelopment. We found a direct, regulated inhibition of mTOR by Tanc2, an adaptor/scaffolding protein with strong neurodevelopmental and psychiatric implications. While Tanc2-null mice show embryonic lethality, Tanc2-haploinsufficient mice survive but display mTORC1/2 hyperactivity accompanying synaptic and behavioral deficits reversed by mTOR-inhibiting rapamycin. Tanc2 directly interacts with and inhibits mTOR, which is suppressed by mTOR-activating serum or ketamine, a fast-acting antidepressant. Tanc2 and Deptor, known to inhibit mTORC1/2 but minimally affect neurodevelopment, distinctly inhibit mTOR in early- and late-stage neurons. Patient-derived Tanc2 mutations disable Tanc2 function, and human Tanc2 inhibits mTORC1/2. Therefore, Tanc2 represents a novel mTORC1/2 inhibitor with strong neurodevelopmental impacts, implicating mTOR inhibition in treating TANC2-related brain disorders and Tanc2 modulation in treating mTOR-related disorders.
Silicon and Oxygen Synergistic Effects for Discovery of New High-Performance Nonfullerene Acceptors
Authors: Qin Ying , Chen Hui , Yao Jia , Zhou Yue , Zhu Yulin , Qiu Beibei , Ju Cheng-Wei , Zhang Zhi-Guo , He Feng , Li Yongfang , Zhao Dongbing
Published: July 2020

In organic electronics, aromatic fused-ring is the basic unit that provides π-electrons to construct solution-processable, lightweight, flexible semiconductors and governs the device performance in a wide range of new technologies. The main challenge on developing new π-skeletons for tuning the material properties is the limitation of available chemical approach. Herein, we addressed the problems on chemical synthesis and for the first time successfully synthesized two pentacyclic siloxy-bridged π-conjugated isomers (SiO5T-5 & SiO5T-10), for investigating the synergistic effects of Si and O atoms on the geometric and electronic influence of the π-units in organic electronics. Notably, the synthesis routes for both of SiO5T-5 and SiO5T-10 possess several advantages over the previous approaches for delivering conventional aromatic fused-ring such as environmentally benign tin-free synthesis, and less synthetic steps. To explore its potential application as photovoltaic materials, two isomeric A-D-A acceptors based on these two SiO5Ts isomers were developed, showing a decent device efficiency of 10%, which is higher than those of carbon and carbon-oxygen analogue-based PSCs. Our study indicates that the siloxy-bridged π-conjugated system is a potential donor core for photovoltaic materials. The silicon and oxygen synergistic effects presented herein would bring new vigor and vitality for further improving the performance of organic solar cells.
WITHDRAWN: Seawater Desalination Using Microbial Desalination Cell Based on Bio-Catalytic Devices Modification.
Authors: Ramdan Ummy Mardiana , Innocent Christophe , Cretin Marc , Buchari Buchari
Published: July 2020

Microbial desalination cell (MDC) built on bio-catalytic devices modification has been studied for sea water desalination using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as biocatalyst. Here we focussed the modification of anode and this study has been confirmed that bio-catalytic devices maintenance could contribute to the long-term MDC perform during desalination process. The goal of this study is to provide and develop a sea water desalination system without requiring an energy support by applying modification of anode as electron acceptor, and the different potential charges that occur between anode and cathode can plays as driving force for electro dialysis of sea water desalination. Several types of bio-catalytic devices modification have been conducted, i.e. by immobilization of mediator, immobilization of biocatalyst or a combination of both. The optimization of each device has been characterized by cyclic voltammetry, Chronoamperometry, and applied in Microbial fuel cell prior observed in MDC. The concentrations of ion salt migration have been determined by Ion Exchange Chromatography. The profiles of surface device have been detected by Scanning electron microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results shows that the modification of anode could be a promising method for bioelectricity generation delivered from MDC which as simultaneously produce an electricity and sea water desalination and provide a green chemistry technology.
A nomogram based on combining systemic and hepatic inflammation markers for predicting microscopic bile duct tumor thrombus in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Jun-Yi , Sun Ju-Xian , Wu Jia-Yi , Huang Xiao-Xiao , Bai Yan-Nan , Zeng Yong-Yi , Zhang Zhi-bo , Cheng Shu-Qun , Yan Mao-Lin
Published: July 2020

Background
Bile duct invasion is a relatively rare event and is not well characterized in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are still very difficult to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) before surgery. Increasing evidences had revealed that inflammation had a critical role in tumorigenesis. The study aimed to develop the nomograms based on systemic and hepatic inflammation markers to predict microscopic bile duct tumor thrombus (micro-BDTT) before surgery in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods
A total of 418 cases with HCC who underwent hepatectomy as initial therapy between January 2012 and June 2020 were included in the study. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to detect the optimal cut-off value of inflammation markers. Logistic regression was used to identify the independent risk factors of micro-BDTT. The Nomograms was constructed using the significant predictors including α-fetoprotein (AFP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin (DB), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The prediction accuracies of the nomograms were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results
AFP, ALP, DB, PNI and γ-GT/ALT were the independent risk factors for predicting micro-BDTT (P = 0.043, P = 0.028, P = 0.012, P = 0.045 and P = 0.007, respectively), which were assembled into the nomograms. The area under the ROC curve of the nomograms combining PNI and γ-GT/ALT for predicting micro-BDTT were 0.809 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.747–0.871). The sensitivity and specificity value when used in predicting micro-BDTT before surgery were 0.778 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.656–0.899) and 0.724 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.678–0.769), respectively.
Conclusion
The nomogram based on combining systemic and hepatic inflammation markers is suitable for predicting micro-BDTT before surgery in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, leading to a rational therapeutic choice for HCC.
A Controlled Study on the Diagnostic Accuracy of Panoramic and Peri-Apical Radiography for Detecting Furcation Involvement
Authors: Berghuis Gijsbrecht Jan , Cosyn Jan , De Bruyn Hugo , Hommez Geert , Dierens Melissa , Christiaens Véronique
Published: July 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to determine diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of panoramic and peri-apical radiography for detecting furcation involvement (1) and to evaluate the possible impact of clinical experience on these diagnostic parameters (2).Methods: Periodontitis patients in need of an implant were retrospectively selected. Inclusion criteria were the presence of a CBCT, panoramic and peri-apical radiograph of the site of interest within a one-year time frame. All furcation sites were classified on the basis of CBCT using Hamp’s index (1975). These data were considered gold standard. Ten experienced examiners and 10 trainees were asked to assess furcation involvement for the same defects on the basis of corresponding panoramic and peri-apical radiographs. Absolute agreement, Cohen’s weighted kappa, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. In addition, ROC-curves were constructed.Results: The study sample included 60 furcation sites in 29 multi-rooted teeth from 17 patients (10 females; mean age 62). On average 20/60 furcations were correctly classified on the basis of panoramic radiography, corresponding to weighted kappa of 0.209 indicative of slight agreement. Respective data for peri-apical radiography were 19/60 and 0.221. When recategorizing FI Grades into ‘no to limited FI’ (FI Grade 0 and I) and ‘advanced FI’ (FI Grade II and III), panoramic and peri-apical radiography showed low sensitivity (0.550 and 0.441, respectively), yet high specificity (0.791 and 0.790, respectively) for identifying advanced FI. Both showed diagnostic value given the area under the ROC-curve amounting to 0.79 and 0.69 for panoramic and peri-apical radiography, respectively. There was no significant difference between experienced periodontists and trainees.Conclusion: Panoramic and peri-apical radiography are relevant in the diagnosis of FI given high specificity. These are best combined with furcation probing showing high sensitivity. Clinical experience does not seem to improve the accuracy of a radiological diagnosis of furcation sites.Trial Registration: Patients were retrospectively registered.
The Effectiveness and Impact of Preoperative Dental Hygiene Care on the Incidence of Postoperative Pneumonia after Esophagectomy: An Interventional Prospective Study
Authors: Mori Kazuhiko , Jimbo Keiichi , Aikou Susumu , Okazaki Mitsuhiro , Sato Tomoaki , Moriya Kyoji , Kawase-Koga Yoko , Mori Yoshiyuki , Kanno Yuki , Yamagata Yukinori , Yagi Koichi , Nishida Masato , Yamashita Hiroharu , Nomura Sachiyo , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: July 2020

Background: Postoperative pneumonia is a major cause of postoperative mortality after esophagectomy. Preoperative oral hygiene care is reportedly effective to prevent pulmonary complications after esophagectomy. Methods: Since April 2012, we have included preoperative oral hygiene in the standard perioperative care regimen for esophagectomy and have accumulated data on 188 consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy to evaluate oral hygiene care’s effectiveness. To determine basic (i.e. non-clinical) and clinical effects of preoperative oral care, we prospectively observed the incidence rate of postoperative pneumonia and accumulated perioperative culture study and oral bacteria count data on these 188 patients. One hundred five patients studied in our previous retrospective study from 2009 to 2012 were enrolled as a historical control.Results: In the current study’s patients, no significant reduction of postoperative pneumonia was observed compared to the historical control (30 out of 188 vs. 21 out of 105, P=0.423). Perioperative culture studies showed significantly decreased positivity in preoperative oral samples (11% in dental plaque and 13% in tongue coating) but no such decrease was observed in studies of postoperative gastric juice and endotracheal sputum. With the exception of postoperative endotracheal sputum, perioperative cultures had few of the pathogenic microbes identified in pneumonia patients. In the analyses of oral bacterial count, oral microbial flora were significantly decreased after oral care in both dental plaque (median ratio to before care: 1:0.13, P<0.0001) and tongue coating (median ratio: 1:0.015, P<0.0001); however, only in the dental plaque did the decrease last until the day of the operation (median ratio: 1:0.10, P=0.0008). Logistic regression analysis showed only the bacterial amount in dental plaque on the operation day (P=0.026) to be marginally correlated to the incidence of pneumonia. Conclusions: Although perioperative oral hygiene care had a significant impact on oral bacterial load, its contribution to the prevention of postoperative pneumonia was limited.Trial registration: This study was registered and approved by the institutional review board of The University of Tokyo Hospital: Approval number: 3383, Date: 26th November, 2011
A Reconstructed Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Compressible Flows on Moving Curved Grids
Authors: Wang Chuanjin , Luo Hong
Published: July 2020

A high-order accurate reconstructed discontinuous Galerkin (rDG) method is developed for compressible inviscid and viscous flows in arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation on moving and deforming unstructured curved meshes. Taylor basis functions in the rDG method are defined on the time-dependent domain, where the integration and computations are performed. The Geometric Conservation Law (GCL) is satisfied by modifying the grid velocity terms on the right-hand side of the discretized equations at Gauss quadrature points. A radial basis function (RBF) interpolation method is used for propagating the mesh motion of the boundary nodes to the interior of the mesh. A third order Explicit first stage, Single Diagonal coefficient, diagonally Implicit Runge-Kutta scheme (ESDIRK3) is employed for the temporal integration. A number of benchmark test cases are conducted to assess the accuracy and robustness of the rDG-ALE method for moving and deforming boundary problems. The numerical experiments indicate that the developed rDG method can attain the designed spatial and temporal orders of accuracy, and the RBF method is effective and robust to avoid excessive distortion and elements near moving boundaries.
Thermo-Responsive Polymer Encapsulated Gold Nanorods for Single Continuous Wave Laser-Induced Photodynamic/ Photothermal Tumour Therapy
Authors: Gong Beilei , Shen Yuanbing , Li Huiyan , Li Xiaojun , Huan Xia , Zhou Jihong , Chen Yuqing , Wu Jian , Li Wei
Published: July 2020

Gold nanoparticles have been proven suggested to be a versatile platform for a broad range of biomedical applications owing to their strong and tunable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect and good biocompatibility. In this study, a new nanoplatform composed of thermo-responsivepolymer encapsulated gold nanorods incorporating ICG was designed to couple the photothermal properties of gold nanorods (AuNRs) and the photodynamic properties of ICG for enhanced photodynamic/photothermal combination therapy (PDT/PTT). For the nanoplatform, in addition to significantly increasing theICG payload with the additional benefit of enhancing ICG photostability, the polymer shell also has thermo-responsive characteristics, which can control the release of drugs at tumour sites afterlaser irradiation. On the basis of these improvements, the nanoplatform strongly increased drug aggregation at the tumour site and improvedthe photothermal/photodynamic therapeutic efficacy by inhibiting the growth of tumours in mice aftermild laser irradiation. These results suggest that thisnanoplatform is a great potential system for tumour imaging and antitumour therapy.
Transcription strategies related to photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism of wheat in response to nitrogen deficiency
Authors: Liu Xin , Yin Chengmiao , Xiang Li , Jiang Weitao , Xu Shaozhuo , Mao Zhiquan
Published: July 2020

Background It is a great challenge to reduce nitrogen application without yield reduction in agricultural production. Screening response gene related to important pathways will be helpful to understand the physiology, metabolism, and morphology response of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under nitrogen deficiency condition.Results We conducted a hydroponic experiment with two nitrogen levels, which were complete nutrient solution (N1) and nutrient solution without nitrogen (N0). The results showed that the wheat phenotype were greatly changed under nitrogen deficiency, e.g., the decreased crop height, leaf area, root volume, photosynthetic rate, crop weight, and the increased root length, root surface area and root/shoot ratio. After a comprehensive analysis of the phenotype, transcriptome, GO pathways and KEGG pathways of wheat under nitrogen deficiency, we found that, the up-regulated Exp (24 genes) and Nrt (9 genes) families members were the positive response related to the increase of nitrogen absorption; the down-regulated Pet (3 genes), Psb (8 genes), Nar (3 genes) and Nir (1 genes) were related to the limitation of photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism.Conclusions This study provides 48 reference genes for improving photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism of wheat under nitrogen deficiency, which can provide molecular markers for gene editing breeding.
Rupture of Contralateral Mainstem Bronchus During Uniportal Video-assisted Thoracoscopy Surgery Lobectomy and 3 Successful Cases of Repair
Authors: Luo Zhilin , Wang Tianhu , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2020

Objectives Our goal was to discuss the treatment for rupture of contralateral mainstem bronchus during uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (Uniportal VATS) lobectomy. Methods We analyzed clinical data of 3 cases of rupture of contralateral mainstem bronchus during Uniportal VATS. Results Surgical repair was performed immediately under a single-port thoracoscopy during operation, as a result, 3 cases of bronchial rupture all were repaired successfully, and we continued to complete lobectomy and systemic lymph node dissection. Patients were recovered smoothly after operation. Reexamination was performed after 1 week, and no fistula was found in trachea and bronchi through a fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The chest tube was removed after an average of 7.6 days, and the mean days to discharge was 9 days. Well lung recruitment was observed on chest radiography when the 3 patients returned to the hospital 1 month after the operation for the second reexamination. Conclusions Instant surgical repair is recommended to the treatment of bronchial rupture in thoracic surgery. It is safe and feasible to repair bronchial tear with Uniportal VATS.