bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating fungi-related nitrous oxide emissions by application of industrial waste in an acidic soil
Authors: Yin Junhui , Cui Wenjing , Xu Yumeng , Ma Yan , Chen Huaihai , Guo Jingheng , Liu Rui , Chen Qing
Published: April 2022

Alkaline industrial wastes to arable soils have the potential to ameliorate soil acidification and improve crop yield. However, the impact of such amendments with N fertilizers on soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and the mechanisms involved remain elusive. Two incubation experiments were conducted to explore the effects of an alkaline amendment (Phosphorus tailing (PT), a waste product of phosphorus mineral flotation process) on N2O emissions and microbial mechanisms from an acidic soil. Four treatments in the first experiment were set as: i) control (CK), ii) urea (U), iii) PT amendment (S) and iv) PT amendment plus urea (S+U). The second experiment was conducted to access the relative contributions of fungi and bacteria to N2O emissions. Results from the first experiment showed that PT amendment significantly increased soil pH from 4.8 to above 6.0, and reduced N2O emissions by an average of 65.7%. Higher N2 emissions and faster O2 consumption were observed after applying the amendment than untreated soils at the end of incubation. PT amendment significantly increased extracellular enzyme activities of leucine aminopeptidase and N-Acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, while significantly decreased activities of β-1, 4-glucosidase and β-cellobiosidase. In comparison to soil with urea, urea with PT amendment raised soil bacteria-related N2O from 9.18% to 18.8% while decreasing fungi-related N2O from 50.5% to 43.2%. These findings suggest that the N2O emissions from acidic soils can be considerably mitigated by application of alkaline industrial wastes. The contribution of fungi should be considered when designing and applying N2O mitigation strategies in acidic soils.
FN1 Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated With Immune Infiltrates in Thyroid Carcinoma and Breast Invasive Carcinoma
Authors: wu yaqin , Zhang Chaojie , Zou Lianhong , Chen Yiru , Xiao Xiangyuqin , Jiang Yu , Feng Yang
Published: April 2022

Background: Fibronectin 1 (FN1), an important extracellular matrix glycoprotein encoded by FN1 gene. Thyroid carcinoma (TC) and breast carcinoma (BC) have always been a threat to women's physical and mental health. However, the relationship between FN1 expression, tumor immunity, and prognosis in TC, BC remains unclear. Methods: FN1 expression and its influence on tumor prognosis were analyzed by the ONCOMINE, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and Kaplan-Meier plotter. The relationship between FN1 expression and tumor immunity was analyzed by TIMER and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Results: FN1 expression was significantly higher in several human cancers, including TC, BC than in corresponding normal tissues. FN1 expression in TC, BC tissues correlated with prognosis. High FN1 expression associated with poorer relapse-free survival (RFS) in TC patients and poorer post progression survival (PPS), RFS, distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in BC patients, particularly at higher T stage and N stage. FN1 showed strong correlation with B cells, CD8+T cells, CD4+T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that FN1 is a potential prognostic biomarker that determines cancer progression and correlated with tumor immune cells infiltration in TC and BC.
Modified Technique for Corneal Laceration Repair Using Amniotic Membrane.
Authors: Elkadim Mohamed , Elgohary Asmaa M , Alhelaly Mai Brakat , Sharaf Amr F.
Published: April 2022

Background: To describe technique and evaluate outcomes of using amniotic membrane onlay strip for repair of corneal lacerations.Methods: Retrospective case series included eight eyes with traumatic corneal lacerations. A strip of amniotic membrane was applied to the corneal surface to cover the wound. Wound was then sutured with nylon 10/0 sutures involving the membrane. Sutures were well-spaced and suturing was avoided in the visual axis. Average keratometric reading (average K), keratometric astigmatism (KA), manifest refractive astigmatism (RA) in diopters (D) and spectacle or soft contact lens best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed 2 months after suture removal. Results: Transient postoperative hypotony was encountered in five cases (62.5%). Average K was 44.61 ± 2.81 D (mean± SD). KA was 2.20±0.71 D (mean± SD). RA was 1.78 ± 0.73 D (mean± SD) and ranged from 1 to 3 D. Log MAR BCVA was 0.39±0.18 (mean± SD) ranged from 0.22 to 0.70.Conclusions: The application of amniotic membrane onlay strip during repair of corneal lacerations was associated with good visual outcome possibly due to reduction of wound and suture related corneal astigmatism.
Spectral Clustering-based System for Spike-Sorting
Authors: Ranjbar Leila , Parsaei Hossein , Movahedi Mohammad Mehdi , Javidi Sam Sharifzadeh
Published: April 2022

Acquisition and analyzing the nerve action potentials is a fundamental part of studying the nervous system. A major step in such analysis is spike sorting. Here, we proposed a spike sorting method using the spectral clustering (SC) technique. Various features including raw samples, first and second derivatives (FD, SD), and principal component analysis (PCA), were used to represent spikes. PCA was also used to estimate the number of clusters. A new criterion separability index (SI) was proposed to quantitively measure the difficulty of extracting spike trains from a given signal. The results support our hypothesis about the good performance of spectral clustering on neural data, especially when using raw data samples as features that reduce the computational cost and assist with fast spike sorting. The results, also showed that the proposed index could disclose spike sorting difficulty, so it could be a useful complement to the spike sorting procedure as a classifier to decide which signal may need extra human correction. Such grouping might help with reducing both cost and processing time in analyzing large datasets.
25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with islet function homeostasis in type 2 diabetes patients with abdominal obesity
Authors: Li Qing , Zhang Wen , Han Bing , Wang Yuying , Wan Heng , Wang Ningjian , Lu Yingli
Published: April 2022

Aim: Islet α-cells input is essential for insulin secretion from β-cells. The role 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) on islet α-cells function is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between 25(OH)D and islet function homeostasis in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Methods: Total 4670 T2D patients were enrolled from seven communities in Shanghai, China. Anthropometric indices, biochemical parameters, serum 25(OH)D, and islet function including C-peptide (C-p) and glucagon were measured.Results: With increase in 25(OH)D level, FPG, HbA1c, glucagon and C-p were significantly decreased in trend in T2D patients. The population were divided into abdominal obesity and non-abdominal obesity group. 25(OH)D level was associated with HbA1c, glucagon and HOMA-β in non-abdominal obesity group after adjustment. As for abdominal obesity group, there was the significant association between 25(OH)D and HbA1c, glucagon, HOMA-IR, baseline insulin and C-p. The OLS regression and quantile regression further showed that 25(OH)D was associated with glucagon and fasting C-p levels in T2D patients with abdominal obesity. In non-abdominal obesity group, the OLS regression showed that the regression coefficients were not significant in 50th percentile for HOMA-β. The moderate analyses revealed significantly interaction effect of 25(OH)D and glucagon on C-p (P=0.0124), as well as the effect of 25(OH)D and duration of diabetes on glucagon/C-p in abdominal obesity group. According to the range of the duration of diabetes, the conditional indirect effect of 25(OH)D on glucagon/C-p was significantly at 1 SD below the mean (P=0.0002) and the mean of the duration of diabetes (P=0.0007).Conclusion: 25(OH)D was negatively associated with glucagon and C-p in T2D patients with abdominal obesity. Duration of diabetes influence the effect of 25(OH)D on the ratio of glucagon/C-p, on behalf of islet function homeostasis, in T2D patients with abdominal obesity.
Nickel concentration in gills is correlated with shell height in European freshwater duck mussels (Anodonta anatina)
Authors: BERKEL CAGLAR , CACAN Ercan
Published: April 2022

The potential correlations between the concentrations of a number of elements in gills (mg/kg) and shell height (mm) were investigated in European freshwater duck mussels, Anodonta anatina. Our results showed that nickel (Ni) concentration in gills is moderately correlated with shell height in these animals, with correlation coefficient (r) of 0.698. Other elements (As, Cr, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cd, Ca, Mn, Na, K, Co, Hg and Cu) show low (0.3<r<0.5) or almost no correlation (r<0.3) with shell height, with the exception that Arsenic (As) in gills is moderately correlated with shell height (r = 0.532) in duck mussels.
Risk factors for developing acute respiratory distress syndrome in sepsis patients: a retrospective study from a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Shi Yuequan , Wang Liang , Yu Sihan , Ma Xiaochun , Li Xu
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To investigate the risk factors for ARDS as well as for the severity of ARDS in patients with sepsis. Methods: We retrospectively collected the characteristics of septic patients from the intensive care unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from January 2017 to September 2018. Logistic regression was used in determining the risk factors. Results: 529 patients with sepsis were enrolled and 179 developed ARDS. The most common infection sites were acute abdomen (n=304) and pneumonia (n=117). Multivariate analysis showed that patients with pancreatitis and peripancreatic infection (odds ratio [OR], 3.601; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.429 to 9.073, P =0.007), pneumonia (OR, 3.486; 95% CI, 1.890 to 6.430, P<0.001 ), septic shock (OR, 2.163; 95% CI, 1.429 to 3.275, P <0.001), a higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (OR, 1.241; 95% CI, 1.155 to 1.333, P <0.001) and non-pulmonary SOFA score (OR, 2.849; 95% CI, 2.113 to 3.841, P <0.001) were independent risk factors for ARDS. Moreover, pneumonia is associated with increased severity of ARDS (OR, 2.512; 95% CI, 1.039 to 6.067, P =0.041). Conclusions: We determined five risk factors for ARDS development in sepsis patients. Moreover, pneumonia is significantly associated with an increased severity of ARDS.
Possibilities of local people to coexist with large carnivores in the eastern Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania
Authors: Mbise Franco Peniel
Published: April 2022

Not applicable
Proteomic profiling reveals KRT6C as the hereterodimer partner for KRT9 in epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma
Authors: Li Peiyao , Qi Jialin , Zhong Yuhui , Ding Aoli , Ding Ting , Xie Pingping , Xiao Heng
Published: April 2022

Background: Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK), a highly penetrant autosomal dominant genodermatosis, is characterized by diffuse yellow keratoses on the palms and soles, with distinct erythematous border. The keratin 9 gene (KRT9) is restrictedly expressed in the suprabasal layer of palmoplantar epidermis, whose mutations are responsible for EPPK. To date, phenotypic therapy is the primary treatment for EPPK, so that the disease cannot be cured radically. Therefore, unveiling the pathogenic mechanism serves as an essential path to exploring the more fundamental treatment. Because KRT9 pairs with another type II keratin-binding partner to function as cytoskeleton protein in epidermis for EPPK, identifying the interaction partner is an essential first step in revealing their biological function.Results: In this study, we obtained KRT9-interacting proteins in the human sole skin by using co-immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectroscopy. Among the KRT9-interacting proteins, we proved that keratin 6C (KRT6C) is the hereterodimer partner for KRT9 by reverse co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence assay and quantitative co-localization analysis. The in silico model for KRT6C/KRT9 built by SWISS-MODEL and PyMOL shows a typical coiled-coil structure in their 2B domains. The proteomics analysis by Metascape shows that KRT6C/KRT9 keratin pair is in a densely connected protein-protein network, where proteins participate jointly in regulating cytoskeleton organization and keratinization processes.Conclusions: This study shows that co-immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectroscopy provides a sensitive and reliable approach, which helps discover the previously unidentified hereterodimer partner KRT6C for KRT9 in a native endogenous environment. The acknowledgement of KRT6C/KRT9 pairwise relationship may help re-classify the genetic cutaneous disorders EPPK and PC-K6c at a molecular-based level, and lay foundation for deciphering the keratin network potentially contributing to function abnormalities in EPPK and even PC-K6c.
How does the need for IVF affect pregnancy complications among multiple gestations? The study of a large American population database including almost 100,000 multiple gestations.
Authors: MANDOURAH SAMAR , Badeghiesh Ahmad , Baghlaf Haitham , Dahan Michael H.
Published: April 2022

IntroductionThis study’s aim is to compare pregnancy outcomes in multifetal gestations that were conceived spontaneously compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Few population-based studies have addressed this topic.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study using the Health Care Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database. Our study cohort included 90,552 multifetal gestations conceived spontaneously and 3,219 IVF conceptions, from 2008-2014, inclusively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes, whilst adjusting for confounding variables. Subject was conducted using ICD-9 codes for multifetal gestation: 651.X and 76.1 and ICD-9 code for IVF: 23.85. Each pregnancy was included once.Results IVF multifetal gestations had increased risk of pregnancy induced hypertension (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.20- 1.43), gestational hypertension (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04 - 1.41), preeclampsia (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.19 - 1.45), gestational diabetes (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13- 1.41) and placenta previa (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.32 - 2.19). IVF delivery outcomes were more likely complicated by cesarean section (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10 - 1.33), preterm premature rupture of membranes (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.16 - 1.52), chorioamnionitis (aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.37 - 2.14), postpartum hemorrhage (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.26 - 1.63) and transfusions (aOR 1.48, 95%CI 1.26 - 1.74). IVF neonatal outcomes were more likely complicated by small for gestational age (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.12 - 1.41) and congenital anomalies (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.29 - 2.57). IVF was not found to increase risks of eclampsia, preterm delivery, operative vaginal delivery, hysterectomy or intrauterine fetal demise. ConclusionWomen with IVF multifetal pregnancies were more likely to have complications with risks increased 20% to 70%. The role of infertility versus the need for IVF and the type of IVF protocol used should be further evaluated.
Anomaly Prediction of CT Equipment Based on IoMT Data
Authors: Wang Changxi , Zhou Haopeng , Wu Tong , Liu Qilin , Liu Haowen , Li Kang , Zhuo Yixuan , Li Zhenlin , Huang Jin
Published: April 2022

Large-scale medical equipment, extensively implemented in medical services, is of vital importance for diagnosis but vulnerable to various failures. Most of hospitals conduct regular maintenance for their medical equipment and have been suffering from medical-equipment-related incidents for years. Currently, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has emerged as a crucial technology to monitor the real-time status of medical equipment. In this paper, we develop a IoMT system of Computed Tomography (CT) equipment in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University and meanwhile, select machine-learning algorithms to effectively store, preprocess and analyze the data. Specifically, a data-driven framework is proposed to predict the anomalies of CT equipment successfully. In this framework, the first step is data preprocessing, where we average the original non-uniform data and use linear interpolation to handle missing data. The second step is feature construction, where sliding time window is applied to fully reflect historical information. The third step is features selection, where the seven features that perform best are selected. Finally, we use two methods to split the training and test set, and apply random oversampling to deal with those imbalanced data before putting them into models. The results show that the prediction precision and recall of our method are 70% and 81%, respectively. The proposed method could distinguish the state of CT equipment and be used as a reference for practical maintenance by early prediction, where unexpected anomalies of medical equipment could be reduced. It also brings new insights about how to handle non-uniform and unbalanced time series data in the practical cases.
A Capacitively Coupled Digital Isolator with CMTI of 162 kV/μs and Data Rate of 230 Mbps
Authors: Zeng Jingbo , Yang Yuhao , Jiang Chenfei , Peng Yifeng , Xi Jianxiong , He Lenian
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a small-size on-chip capacitively coupled digital isolator with superior Common Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI) and high operational speed performances. It employs a gate-cross-coupled common gate pre-amplifier with an active zero load and a high-pass filter before the pre-amplifier. By applying the proposed technique, the high-frequency gain retains to high value, while the low-frequency gain is greatly attenuated. The high-pass filter, which is designed based on the technology structure of the on-chip isolation capacitance, is applied to further cancel the influence of Common Mode Transient (CMT) and aid in the transmission of high-frequency signal. Furthermore, differential On-Off Keying (OOK) modulation is adopted to eliminate CMT noise. For the purpose of increasing the operation speed performances, the work utilizes the Voltage-Current high-speed comparator with fast feed-forward path as Schmitt trigger and level shift, and employs the envelop-comparator, integrator and filter as demodulator. Thus, it significantly reduces the propagation delay and speeds up the data rate. As a result, both high CMTI and operational speed performances are achieved simultaneously. Fabricated in a 0.18 µm isolated CMOS technology, the area of the isolation element, i.e., the capacitor is 2×104 µm2. The measurement results of a test chip are an over 162 kV/µs CMTI, a 230 Mbps data rate, a 6 ns propagation delay, a 1.5 mA dynamic current and 14 kV isolation breakdown voltage. The characteristics are superior to those of conventional digital isolators.
On the Nonexistence of Some Griesmer Codes with Dimension Four
Authors: Ma Wen , Luo Jinquan
Published: April 2022

In coding theory, it is important to construct codes meeting certain types of bounds. The codes meeting the Griesmer bound are called Griesmer codes. In this paper, we prove the nonexistence of some Griesmer codes of dimension four over finite fields of cardinality eight and nine. Moreover, we improve 24 cases on code lengths for given minimal distance and dimension 4. Two cases on precise lower bound of code lengths have also been determined.
Combination of Exosomal MiRNA Markers with BI-RADS for Accurate Diagnosis of Breast Tumor
Authors: Zhou Yonggang , Zhou Xueying , Li Zhelong , Jin Jinglan , Xing Changyang , Sun Wenqi , Duan Yunyou , Yuan Lijun
Published: April 2022

Background
Early and accurate identification of breast masses is of vital importance in clinic. Ultrasound imaging is an efficient strategy for breast mass screening, while the accuracy needs further improvement. Plasma exosomes have recently been suggested as promising candidate as disease markers. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential of plasma exosomal miRNAs in differentiation of breast masses.
Methods
Plasma exosomes were collected from patients with benign or malignant breast masses using a novel, facile, low-cost, and effective method of sequential salting-out and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based approaches. Plasma exosomal miRNAs were extracted and profiled by RNA sequencing. Differential exosomal miRNAs were then tested by qPCR for screening of potential biomarkers. The diagnostic efficiencies of exosomal miRNAs alone or in combination with breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) in differentiation of breast masses were evaluated on a validation cohort via analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results
Prior salting-out strategy yielded exosomes with higher purity, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of exosome-based diagnosis. miRNA sequencing showed different exosomal miRNA expressions between patients with malignant or benign breast masses, among which, hsa-miR-423-5p, hsa-miR-103a-3p and hsa-let-7i-5p were chosen and tested for diagnostic ability. ROC curve showed that these three miRNAs could serve as promising biomarkers, with hsa-miR-423-5p showing the highest diagnostic efficiency. Combination of exosomal miRNAs with BI-RADS further improved the diagnostic efficacy.
Conclusions
Plasma exosomal miRNAs could serve as excellent biomarkers for breast mass diagnosis and could significantly improve diagnostic accuracy when combined with BI-RADS.
Prognostic role and clinical association of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio with immune infiltrates in gastric cancer
Authors: He Qifei , Zhuang Qianzheng , Fan Biao , He Liu , Li Lin , You Wei , Xing Xiaofang
Published: April 2022

Background: Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a vital index for systemic inflammation and prognostic indicator for gastric cancer (GC). More details between NLR and prognosis were still obscure. The objective of this study was to analyze the role of NLR in different prognostic models and subgroups, and explore the mediating effects of immune infiltrates between NLR and survival.Methods: A total of 924 patients underwent D2 radical gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. According to the level of NLR, patients were divided into two groups, the high and low NLR groups. Clinical parameters, indexes related to immune infiltrates, and survival were compared between the two groups. Prognostic models, interaction analysis and mediating effects analysis were performed to investigate the clinical association of NLR, immune infiltrates, and survival.Results: The infiltration of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells was significantly different in the two NLR groups. The level of NLR was an independent prognostic predictor of GC. The NLR-adjusted pTNM staging models had better predictive value for patient prognosis when compared with the traditional pTNM staging system. In addition, an interaction effect exists between NLR and MMR status on the prognosis of GC (P-interaction <0.01). High level of NLR correlated with a better prognosis in patients with dMMR, while associated with a worse prognosis in patients with pMMR. Lastly, the mediating effect analysis revealed that the infiltration level of CD3+ T cells was the mediating factor between NLR and survival (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The level of NLR is an independent prognostic predictor of GC. Adding an index representing the level of NLR can improve the prognostic prediction value of TNM staging system in GC patients. The effect of NLR on prognosis is partly mediated by CD3+ T cells infiltration.
WITHDRAWN: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Islam-Based Interventions (IBIs) and Pharmacotherapy (PTh) for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder-Mild (MDD-m): A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Abbas Qasir , Shahbaz Nudrat , Rauf Umara , Anwar Nida , Baig Khawar Bilal , Ramzan Zoobia , Shahzadi Mafia
Published: April 2022

Background: Major depressive disorders (MDD) is common worldwide, and it causes significant functional impairment. Evidence-based therapies significantly address MDD symptoms severity; therefore, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy (PTh), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and Islam-based interventions (IBIs) to treat symptoms severity of patients MDD-m. Methods: This RCT was conducted by the Department of Applied Psychology, Government College University Faisalabad, from December 20, 2020, to October 31, 2021, at different hospitals in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Patients with MDD-m were allocated to three different evidence-based treatment approaches (i.e. PTh, CBT, & IBIs). Patients Health Questionnaire; Positive & Negative Affect Scale, Digit Span Scale, Standard Progressive Matrices, Self-Esteem Scale and Decision-Making Questionnaire were administered. SPSS version 27 was used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 210 were approached, 159 were assessed for eligibility, and 118 met the inclusion criteria, including males 66(55.94%) and females 52(44.06%) with the age range of 22 to 46 years. Findings reported all the treatment interventions produced significant treatment outcomes to reduce the depressive symptoms and improve memory, reasoning ability, decision-making skills, self-esteem, and wellbeing. PTh was an effective supportive intervention, while CBT and IBIs played an effective role as reeducative constructive therapies. Conclusion: All three interventions seem to be effective for major depressive disorder with mild severity, and CBT and IBIs emerged as more efficient and constructive therapies for MDD-m.
Aerobic Glycolysis Induced by mTOR/HIF-1α Promotes Early Brain Injury after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via Activating M1 Microglia
Authors: Sun Xin-Gang , Chu Xue-Hong , Liu Shao-Yu , Godje Ivan Steve Godje , Hu Hui-Yu , Zhang Yi-Bo , Zhu Li-Juan , Wang Hai , Sui Chen , Huang Juan , Shen Ying-Jie
Published: April 2022

M1 microglial activation is crucial for the pathogenesis of early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and there is growing evidence that glucose metabolism is frequently involved in microglial activation. However, the molecular mechanism of glycolysis and its role in M1 microglial activation in context of EBI are not yet fully understood. In this study, firstly, the relationship between aerobic glycolysis and M1 microglial activation as well as SAH-induced EBI was researched in vivo. Then, intervention on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was performed to investigate the effects on glycolysis-dependent M1 microglial activation and EBI, and its relationship with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in vivo. Next, Hif-1α was inhibited to analyze its role in aerobic glycolysis, M1 microglial activation and EBI in vivo. Lastly, both in vivo and in vitro, mTOR inhibition and Hif-1α enhancement were administered simultaneously, and the combined effects were further confirmed again. The results showed that aerobic glycolysis and M1 microglial polarization were increased after SAH, and glycolytic inhibition could attenuate M1 microglial activation and EBI. Inhibition of mTOR reduced glycolysis-dependent M1 microglial polarization and EBI severity by down-regulating HIF-1α expression, while enhancement had the opposite effects. Blockading HIF-1α had the similar effects as suppressing mTOR, while HIF-1α agonist worked against mTOR antagonist when administered simultaneously. In conclusion, the present study showed new evidence that aerobic glycolysis induced by mTOR/HIF-1α might promote EBI after SAH by activating M1 microglia. This finding provided new insights for the treatment of EBI.
Rapid Prototyping of Parafilm ® -based analytical microfluidic devices using laser ablation and thermal fusion bonding
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Wang Tianle , Wang Yuye , Ho Yi-Ping , Ho Ho-Pui
Published: April 2022

Parafilm ® is a thermoplastic film extensively used in laboratories for sealing or protecting flasks or cuvettes. In this paper, we report a simple, low-cost, biocompatible and detachable microfluidic chip incorporating easily accessible polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), PVC and glass slides as the substrate materials, along with Parafilm ® as the bonding material. Multi-layer microfluidic chips can be fabricated by laser ablation followed by thermal fusion of constituent layers. A CO2 laser ablation method was employed to cut substrates as well as the Parafilm ® to obtain desired patterns. A thermal fusion bonding method was developed to bond the substrates in a single step. The patterned Parafilm ® was sandwiched in the PMMA, PVC or glass layers, and heating of the assembly with the addition of a static pressure, various functional microfluidic elements including microvalves, micropumps, and bioreactors were demonstrated. With Parafilm ® serving as a flexible membrane integrated to a fluidic channel, it was possible to implement a microvalve. A peristaltic micropump consisting of a sequence of interconnected gas-actuated microvalves was also fabricated. In addition, the biocompatibility of the PLT (Parafilm ® based laser ablation and thermal fusion bonding fabrication method) fabricated bioreactor was validated by culturing GFP-expressing E. coli, results showed bacterium were able maintain growth in a 7-day post-cultivation. In summary, the reported fabrication scheme, offers an inexpensive and versatile alternative for rapid prototyping of common microfluidic devices.
A Study of Blended E-Learning Platforms for Continuing Education During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Ghana
Authors: Quainoo Michael Asante , Pasawano Tiamyod
Published: April 2022

This study had the following objectives; 1) to outline the challenges University of Cape Coast students faced with using e-learning platforms during the pandemic; 2) to test whether there is a relationship between ICT training input and the ability to use e-learning platforms effectively for learning 3) to compare students’ scores before and after taking a lesson through a blended e-learning format and 4) assess students’ satisfaction with using the blended e-learning format. Using means, the Chi-Squared Test of Association and the Paired Sample T-Test, the study revealed that students at the University of Cape faced challenges with the cost associated with using e-learning platforms, lack of stable internet connectivity, lack of physical connection with others, and the inability to navigate the platforms effectively. The study also revealed that there is a significant association between having ICT training and the ability to use e-learning platforms effectively. Results from the experiment also revealed that the blended e-learning instruction was highly effective and that the students recorded a high posttest score of 24.73 compared to the pre-test score of 17.7. Finally, the students’ satisfaction questionnaire also revealed that the students were generally very satisfied with the use of the blended e-learning approach.
Simultaneous resection of synchronous colorectal liver metastasis – feasibility and development of a prediction model
Authors: Kazi Mufaddal , Patkar Shraddha , Patel Prerak , Kunte Aditya , Desouza Ashwin , Saklani Avanish , Goel Mahesh
Published: April 2022

Background: Timing of resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) has been debated for decades. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of simultaneous resection of CRLM in terms of major complications and develop a prediction model for safe resections. Methods: Retrospective single-center study of synchronous, resectable CRLM, operated between 2013 and 2021. Upper limit of 95% confidence interval (CI) of major complications (≥grade IIIA) was set at 40% as the safety threshold. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of morbidity. Prediction model was internally validated by bootstraped estimates, Harrel’s c-index, and correlation of predicted and observed estimates. Results: Ninety-two patients were operated of which 41.3% were rectal cancers. Major hepatectomy (≥ 4 segments) was performed in 25 patients (27.2%). Major complications occurred in 20 patients (21.7%; 95% CI: 13.8% – 31.5%). Predictors of complications were the presence of comorbidities and major hepatectomy (AUC – 0.692). Unacceptable level of morbidity (≥40%) was encountered in patients with comorbidities that underwent major hepatectomy. Conclusions: Simultaneous bowel and CRLM resection appear to be safe while caution should be exercised in combining major liver resections with bowel resection in patients with comorbid conditions.
Activation of NF-κB signaling by dense granule protein GRA15 of a newly discovered type 1 Toxoplasma gondii strain
Authors: Guo Guanghao , Cui Jianmin , Song Lindong , Tang Lvqing , Fan Sijie , Shen Bang , Fang Rui , Hu Min , Zhao Junlong , Zhou Yanqin
Published: April 2022

Background: It has been reported that the NF-κB pathway, an important component of host defense system against pathogens infections, can be modulated by GRA15 of type 2 Toxoplasma gondii strains. A newly reported Toxoplasma strain (T.gHB1) belonging to type 1 showed polymorphic phenotypes comparable to the classic type 1 parasite, such as virulence determinant mechanisms. Therefore, it is worth investigating whether the novel type 1 Toxoplasma strain (T.gHB1) has an effect on host NF-κB signaling pathway.Methods: The effects of T.gHB1 on host NF-κB pathway was investigated in HEK293T cells. The GRA15 gene product was analysed by bioinformatics method and its effect on NF-κB was examined by detection of the levels of phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 by Western blotting (WB) and indirect fluorescence assay (IFA). Functional domain of GRA15 was mapped by using the luciferase reporter assay and its effects on p65 nuclear translocation and IκBα phosphorylation were examined by IFA and WB, respectively. Results: We demonstrated that the NF-κB pathway signaling can be activated by the newly identified type 1 T.gHB1 strain of Toxoplasma, while other known type 1 RH parasites exerted an inhibitory effect. T.gHB1 GRA15 possesses only one transmembrane region with an extended C terminal region, which is distinct from other known GRA15 from type 2 parasites. T.gHB1 GRA15 could clearly induce IκBα phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation. Dual luciferase assays in HEK293T cells revealed a requirement for 194-518 aa of T.gHB1 GRA15 to effectively activate NF-κB. Conclusions: The overall results indicated that the newly discovered type 1 isolate T.gHB1 and its GRA15 gene product can activate NF-κB through a classical pathway in mammalian cells. These results provide new sights for our understanding of the interaction between Toxoplasma parasites and its host.
Mapping the planet’s critical natural assets
Authors: Chaplin-Kramer Rebecca , Neugarten Rachel , Sharp Richard , Collins Pamela , Polasky Stephen , Hole David , Schuster Richard , Strimas-Mackey Matthew , Mulligan Mark , Brandon Carter , Diaz Sandra , Fluet-Chouinard Etienne , Gorenflo LJ , Johnson Justin , Kennedy Christina , Keys Patrick , Longley-Wood Kate , McIntyre Peter , Noon Monica , Pascual Unai , Liermann Catherine Reidy , Roehrdanz Patrick , Schmidt-Traub Guido , Shaw M. , Spalding Mark , Turner Will , Soesbergen Arnout van , Watson Reg
Published: April 2022

Sustaining the organisms, ecosystems, and processes that underpin human well-being is necessary to achieve sustainable development. Here we identify critical natural assets, natural and semi-natural ecosystems that provide 90% of the total current magnitude of 14 types of nature’s contributions to people (NCP). Critical natural assets for maintaining local-scale NCP (12 of the 14 NCP mapped) comprise 30% of total global land area and 24% of national territorial waters, while 44% of land area is required for maintaining all NCP (including those that accrue at the global scale, carbon storage and moisture recycling). At least 87% of the world’s population lives in the areas benefiting from critical natural assets for local-scale NCP, while only 16% lives on the lands containing these assets. Critical natural assets also overlap substantially with areas important for biodiversity (covering area requirements for 73% of birds and 66% of mammals) and cultural diversity (representing 96% of global Indigenous and non-migrant languages). Many of the NCP mapped here are left out of international agreements focused on conserving species or mitigating climate change, yet this analysis shows that explicitly prioritizing critical natural assets for NCP could simultaneously advance development, climate, and conservation goals. Crafting policy and investment strategies that protect critical natural assets is essential for sustaining human well-being and securing Earth’s life support systems.
Environmental Lead Exposure is Associated with Higher Predicted 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Chinese Middle-aged and Older Adults
Authors: Fan Cuihua , Mo Lifen , Song Jia , Huang Haibin , Wan Yu , Xiong Lili , Chen Linquan , Luo Shenghui , Wu Yongning , Yang Xingfen
Published: April 2022

Background
Environmental lead exposure has been connected with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nonetheless, little is known about its impact on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Methods
To investigate the relationship between environmental lead exposure and the 10-year ASCVD risk in Chinese middle-aged and older adults, we conducted a cross-sectional study in rural areas of southern China in 2019–2020. We used the face-to-face questionnaire survey and physical examination to collect data and measured blood lead by ICP-MS. The 10-year ASCVD risk score was calculated through the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equation model, and classified into low-risk (< 5.0%), intermediate-risk (5.0-9.9%), and high-risk (≥ 10%) categories. Generalized linear model (GLM) and logistic regression model were applied to estimate associations between quartiles (Q) of blood lead and the 10-year ASCVD risk categories in overall and subgroup populations.
Results
We found that the blood lead of all subjects was 1.79 µg/L with an interquartile range (IQR) of 1.14–44.91 µg/L, and the predicted 10-year ASCVD risk score was 3.20% (IQR: 1.70–5.90%). The predicted 10-year ASCVD risk score increased with the quartiles of blood lead (P < 0.001). The higher lead exposure levels, the more subjects in the intermediate- and high-risk of ASCVD. After full adjustment for potential confounders, subjects in Q3 of blood lead had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.64 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.05–6.61 (P = 0.038) for the grade of 10-year ASCVD risk, compared with subjects in Q1. Subgroup analyses showed that the OR was higher in subjects those were males, below 60 years old, current smokers, and with hypertension.
Conclusions
Our study pointed out a nonlinear relationship between environmental lead exposure and 10-year ASCVD risk categories, highlighting the importance of controlling environmental lead exposure to prevent ASCVD, especially in susceptible populations.
Neutralizing anti-diphtheria toxin scFv produced by phage display
Authors: Khalili Ehsan , Lakzaei Mostafa , Shirvan Ali Nazari , Amminian Mahdi
Published: April 2022

Background
Diphtheria Administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) produced from hyperimmunized animals is the most common treatment for Diphtheria. Recombinant human antibody fragments such as single-chain variable fragments (scFv) produced by phage display library may introduce an interesting approach to overcome the limitations of the traditional antibody therapy. This study describes the prosperous construction and isolation of scFv from the immune library, which specifically neutralizes diphtheria toxin.
Materials and Methods
The library was constructed with the maximum combination of heavy and light chains. As an antigen, Diphtheria toxoid (DTd) was used in four-round phage bio-panning to select phage clones that display DTd bound Huscfv from the library. Toxin neutralization test was performed on Vero cells. The reactivity of the soluble scFv with diphtheria toxin were done and affinity calculation based on Beatty method was calculated.
Results
The size of the constructed scFv library was calculated to be 1.3 106 members. Following four rounds of selection, 40 antibody clones were isolated which showed positive reactivity with DTd in an ELISA assay. Five clones were able to neutralize DTd in Vero cell assay. These neutralizing clones were used for soluble expression and purification of scFv fragments. Some of these soluble scFv fragments show neutralizing activity ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 µg against 2-fold cytotoxic dose of diphtheria toxin. The affinity constant of the selected scFv antibody was determined almost 107 M− 1.
Conclusion
The HuscFv produced in this study can be a potential candidate to substitute the animal antibody for treating diphtheria and detecting toxins.
Characterization of transport kinetics on retinol in human immortalized keratinocyte cells
Authors: Shim Soon-Mi , Kim Jeong-Eun , Kim Woo-Hyun , Kim Sehyun , Na Yongjoo , Hong Yong-deok , Park Won-seok
Published: April 2022

The current study aimed to characterize the transport kinetics of retinol in fully differentiated human immortalized keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) cultured in trans-well with high-calcium media by measuring the cell integrity of skin barriers, time and concentration dependent transport of retinol, and its metabolites. 25 to 200 µg/mL retinol treatment did not show any significant cytotoxicity in HaCaT. The expression of epidermal differentiation related genes including Keratin 1 (KRT1), Keratin 10 (KRT10), and Involucrin (IVL) significantly increased in HaCaT cells cultured with high-calcium media (2.8 mM) compared to low calcium (0.03 mM). There was no significant decrease in TEER value after incubating retinol (10 to 100 µg/mL) compared to control (p > 0.05), indicating that retinol tends to maintain strength and integrity of the epidermal barrier. The maximum epidermal migration of retinol from apical to basal media occurred from incubation of 75 µg/mL retinol, indicating that it was not concentration dependent. The area under the curve (AUC) of mAU*min for the unknown peak found in basal media for 600 min increased in a concentration dependent pattern, showing 10.23 ± 0.16 and 72.73 ± 30.86 at 10 and 100 µg/mL of retinol treated in apical, respectively. The metabolite having a precursor ion (m/z 325.83 [M + H + Na]+) in the spectrum was identified as a retinoic acid (m/z 301.3 [M + H]+) with sodium adduct. Results from the current study suggest that optimal concentration of retinol and treatment time in human keratinocytes could enhance the conversion of retinol to retinoic acid, promoting dermatological use of retinol.
Highly sensitive human Y-specific fluorescent PCR-assay to detect extremely low and degraded male DNA in sexual assault
Authors: Poriswanish Nitikorn , Umprecha Kritin , Numnoi Parwana
Published: April 2022

To determine presence of male cells in trace evidence is one of the critical parts in conviction of a crime especially in a sexual assault. A confirmatory test of semen is relied upon identification of sperm. Several approaches such as cytology, proteins, Y-DNA, RNAs and epigenetics have been developed. Among those, the most stable biological components are cells and DNA. In sparseness or absence of cell, DNA is a popular method-of-choice at present. The purposes for Y-DNA analysis are either for personal identification or detection of male cells, however, low copy number of DNA may likely produce a partial profile that is unable to identify a perpetrator. Thus, the concept of this study is to develop a simple PCR assay to detect male DNA with highly sensitivity and specificity and is applicable to a sample with degraded DNA condition. The assay can detect Y-DNA in as low as ten haploid or five diploid cells and in female DNA mixture of at least 1:100. It also effective in a sperm-negative casework.
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal stem cells Promote Uterine Scar Repair Through Regulating Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Deng Kaixian
Published: April 2022

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (Mesenchymal Stem Cells, MSCs) treatment can reduce inflammation during uterine scar repair. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

A rat model of uterine injury was surgically established, and 5×10 5 hUC-MSCs were transplanted to each side of the uterus immediately after surgery. On days 14 and 30 following transplantation, uterine injury recovery were assessed by Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome staining, and subtypes of macrophages were visualized by immunohistochemical staining performed for M1 (iNOS) and M2 (IL10、CD163 and CD206) macrophage marker. In addition, to further investigate the influence of hUC-MSCs on macrophage polarization, hUC-MSCs culture supernatant (hUC-MSC-CS) was co-cultured with M0 macrophages and polarized M1 and M2 macrophages; qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of anti-inflammatory (IL10 and Arg-1) and pro-inflammatory (iNOS and TNF-α) factors, and western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of CD163.

Results

MSCs transplantation promotes uterine injury healing and tissue regeneration, and inhibits tissue fibrosis. After MSCs transplantation, the infiltration of CD163 + and CD206 + cells in the local scar tissue increased, and the infiltration of iNOS + cells decreased, which were closely associated with increased expression levels of the anti-inflammatory factor IL10. In addition, in vitro coculture experiments demonstrated that hUC-MSC-CS upregulated the mRNA expression of IL-10 in M0, M1 and M2 macrophages, and downregulated TNF-α, iNOS expression in M0 and M1 macrophages. Western blotting results showed hUC-MSC-CS upregulated the protein expression of CD163 in M0, M1 and M2 macrophages.

Conclusions

MSCs contribute to the healing of uterine injuries by skewing the macrophage polarization towards M2 phenotype and increasing anti-inflammatory factors through paracrine action.
SHy-Cam: a Single-shot Hyperspectral Phasor Camera for fast, multi-color fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Wang Pu , Kitano Masahiro , Keomanee-Dizon Kevin , Truong Thai V. , Fraser Scott E. , Cutrale Francesco
Published: April 2022

Hyperspectral fluorescence imaging improves multiplexed observations of biological samples by utilizing multiple color channels across the spectral range to compensate for spectral overlap between labels. Typically, spectral resolution comes at a cost of decreased detection efficiency, which both hampers imaging speed and increases photo-toxicity to the samples. Here, we present a high-speed, high-efficiency snapshot spectral acquisition method, based on optical compression of the fluorescence spectra via Fourier transform, that overcomes the challenges of discrete spectral sampling: Singleshot Hyperspectral Phasor Camera (SHy-Cam). SHy-Cam captures fluorescence spatial and spectral information in a single exposure with a standard scientific CMOS camera, with photon efficiency of over 80%, easily and acquisition rates exceeding 30 datasets per second, making it a powerful tool for multi-color in-vivo imaging. Its simple design, using readily available optical components, and its easy integration, provide a low-cost solution for multi-color fluorescence imaging with increased efficiency and speed.