bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Maternal Age and Severe Maternal Morbidity in South Korea: a Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Juyeong , Nam Jin Young , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: February 2022

Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between maternal age and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in a Korean population.Methods: Data for cases of delivery between 2003 and 2018 were extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Delivery Cohort. The main outcome was SMM, which was determined using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s algorithm. A generalized estimating equation model with a log link was performed for the relationship between SMM and maternal age-adjusted covariates.Results: SMM occurred in 40,959/2,113,615 (1.9%) of delivery cases. Teenagers and women 35 years and older had an increased risk of SMM in both nulliparous and multiparous cases (ages 15-19: adjusted risk ratio (RR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.46; ages 35-39: RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.21-1.28; ages 40-44: RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.50-1.64; and ages 45 or older: RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.75–2.44). Conclusion: Women aged 40 years and older had the highest rates of SMM. In singleton births as well as nulliparous and multiparous cases, teenagers and women ages 35 years and older had a particularly high risk of SMM. Identifying and managing risk factors for SMM in these vulnerable age groups may improve maternal health outcomes.
Disrupted rich club organization of white matter networks in de novo Parkinson's disease with REM sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Chen Amei , Li Yuting , Wang Zhaoxiu , Ruan Xiuhang , Cheng Xiaofang , Wang Ting , Liang Dan , Chen Dandan , Wei Xinhua
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) but the pathophysiological mechanism is still unclear in PD with RBD. The purpose was to explore the alterations of white matter network topology in de novo PD, with or without RBD.Methods: In total, this study contained 153 de novo individuals with PD and 59 healthy controls recruited from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database. In such patients, 56 were probable RBD (PD-pRBD) and 97 were non-probable RBD (PD-npRBD) according to the RBD screening questionnaire (RBDSQ). All the recruited members had diffusion tensor imaging and complete neuropsychological assessments. The structural network of brain and organization of rich club were constructed based on deterministic fiber tracking at the individual level.Results: Compared with PD-npRBD patients, the PD-pRBD patients showed diminished global efficiency and elevated shortest path length. It was found that both the PD-pRBD and PD-npRBD had common hubs including putamen, middle occipital gyrus, precuneus, besides, PD-pRBD mainly recruited additional hubs in the frontotemporal paralimbic regions. Furthermore, the PD-pRBD showed decreased rich-club connections in comparison to PD-npRBD. Additionally, the nodal shortest path length in the right superior frontal gyrus, orbital part (ORBsup.R) was positively correlated to RBDSQ scores in PD-pRBD patients(r=0.25, p=0.01).Conclusions: The results indicated the PD-pRBD patients showed disrupted topological organization of white matter in the whole-brain and rich-club connections which mainly located in frontotemporal paralimbic regions, thus partially helps to illustrate the pathological processes of RBD in PD patients.
A Symmetry-Based Length Model For Describing The Hypersonic Boundary Layer Transition On A Slender Cone At Moderate Incidence
Authors: Bi Weitao , Wei Zhou , Zheng Kexin , She Zhensu
Published: February 2022

The hypersonic boundary layer (HBL) transition on a slender cone at moderate incidence has been studied via a symmetry-based length model: the SED-SL model. The SED-SL specifies an analytic stress length function (which defines the eddy viscosity) parameterizing a two-dimensional multi-regime structure characterizing the laminar-turbulence transition. Previous studies show accurate predictions by the SED-SL for airfoil flows at different subsonic Mach numbers, Reynolds numbers and angles of attack, especially for the drag coefficient achieving a small error of a few counts. Here, we report a successful extension for computing transitional flows on a 7° half-angle straight cone at Mach numbers 6 and 7 and angles of attack from 0° to 6°. It is shown that, by properly setting the multi-regime HBL structure with only three physical parameters (i.e. a transition center location, a turbulent HBL near-wall eddy length, and a transition width coefficient quantifying overshoot strength), the SED-SL is able to predict correctly the heat flux distribution on the whole cone surface, with great accuracy compared with wind tunnel data. The good predictions cover a range of flow parameters and persist in different instability mechanisms (which vary from the windward to the leeward sides of the cone). We conclude that a unified transition model is found for describing the transitional HBLs, with the potential to lead a new generation of turbulence model that is simultaneously of computation simplicity, sound physics and greater accuracy.
QTL mapping and identification of genes associated with the resistance to Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) in cultivated common bean using a high-density genetic linkage map
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Tang Yongsheng , Wang Lanfen , Chang Yujie , Wu Jing , Wang Shumin
Published: February 2022

Background: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important agricultural product with large nutritional value, and the insect pest Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) seriously affects its product quality and commodity quality during storage. Few researches on genes of bruchid resistance have investigated in common bean cultivars.Results: In this study, a bruchid-resistant cultivar black kidney bean and a highly susceptible accession Longyundou3 from different gene banks were crossed to construct a segregated population. The genetic analysis indicated a quantitative inheritance of the bruchid resistance trait controlled by recessive polygenes. A high-density genetic map of a total map distance of 1,283.68 cM with an average interval of 0.61 cM between each marker was constructed using an F6 population of 157 recombinant inbred lines containing 2234769 SNP markers. Using the high-density genetic map, a new quantitative trait locus (QTL) for both the percentage of seeds damaged by Acanthoscelides obtectus and the number of perforations was identified on chromosome 6. This locus was further delimited to an interval of 122.3 kb between SSR marker I6-4 and I6-16 using an F2 population. This region comprised five genes. Phvul.006G003700, which encodes a bifunctional inhibitor, may be a potential candidate gene for bruchid resistance. Sequencing analysis of candidate gene identified an 5bp insertion-deletion site in promoter of gene Phvul.006G003700 between two parents. Expression analysis of candidate genes revealed that the expression level of Phvul.006G003700 in bruchid-resistant parent was markedly higher than that in bruchid-susceptible parent both in seeds and leaves. Conclusions: A high-density genetic map was constructed utilizing whole-genome resequencing and one new QTL for bruchid resistance was identified on chromosome 6 in common bean cultivar. Phvul.006G003700 (encoding a bifunctional inhibitor) may be a potential candidate gene. These results may form the basis for further research to reveal the bruchid resistance molecular mechanism of common bean.
Heated Tobacco Products (IQOS®) versus Conventional Cigarette Smoking: a comparison of 210Po and 210Pb content in the mainstream smoke
Authors: Froidevaux Pascal , Berthet Aurélie , Butty Audrey , Rossier Jérémie , Sadowski Isabelle Jacot
Published: February 2022

210Po is a radioactive component of conventional cigarette tobacco smoke and is a recognized carcinogen. Despite the expanding market of heated tobacco products, no data are available on the activity of 210Po in the smoke of IQOS Heets® cigarette. We determined the 210Po activity in the mainstream smoke of thirteen cigarette brands available on the Swiss market using a smoking machine and compared the results to the 210Po activity measured in the mainstream smoke of the IQOS® system. In addition, we measured the 210Po and 210Pb loss on heating after uniform heating from 50 to 600°C for several cigarette brands and the Heets® cigarettes. 13.6 ± 4.1% of 210Po activity was found in the mainstream smoke in conventional cigarette smoking (7% for 210Pb). This dropped to 1.8 ± 0.3% in the mainstream smoke of IQOS Heets®. Conversely, when the tobacco was heated uniformly at 330°C, a loss of 210Po of more than 80% was observed for all type of cigarettes. Apparently, IQOS® significantly reduced the 210Po and 210Pb activities in the mainstream smoke. However, our results show that only 15% of the Heets® tobacco reaches 330°C with IQOS®. While IQOS® reduces the 210Po and 210Pb activities in the mainstream smoke compared to conventional cigarettes, it only heats a marginal fraction of the tobacco present in the Heets® cigarette. Because smoking is an addiction (mostly due to nicotine), IQOS® could possibly deliver an unsatisfactory dose of nicotine to a Heets® cigarette smoker, as most of the tobacco is left unaltered.
Efficacy of native entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for ecofriendly management banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle Nodostoma subcostatum (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Borgohain Nibedita , Goswami Madhumita
Published: February 2022

Banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle Nodostoma subcostatum (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the major economic constrain for banana growers in Assam as this pest reduces the quality and market price of banana by producing scars on the peel of the banana. The application of chemical pesticides to banana fruit is not recommended due to their residual toxicity resulting in growing interest in biological control strategy for control of the pest. In, present study an effort was made to evaluate the efficacy of four different concentrations of native isolate of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora against banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle under laboratory condition in Assam. Each concentration was replicated ten times with five insect per replicate. For each concentration 3rd stage infective juveniles of H. bacteriophora were sprayed on insect pest for 20s at 1 atm pressure and pure water used as control. The observations for mortality of the insects were recorded at 24h, 48h and 72h of inoculation and reisolation of nematodes from the dead insects were done by using White trap method till 15th days. The highest mortality rate of banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle was recorded as 100% followed by 86% and 74% after 72 h of exposure. LD50 values for H. bacteriophora, was found as follow 296.7 IJs/ml (95% CL 174.0-506.0), 126.5 IJs/ml (95% CL 94.8-168.9) and 55.6 IJs/ml (95% CL 36.0-86.0) at 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure, respectively. Present finding determined the promising effect of native H. bacteriophora against the banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle and also providing an opportunity to incorporate them in Integrated Pest Management System (IPM) and thereby reducing the risk of pesticide residue on banana fruits.
Ethnic Differences on Long Term Outcomes of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy after Predominantly Bevacizumab Monotherapy.
Authors: Yap Aaron , Wang Nancy , Squirrell David
Published: February 2022

Background: A 3-year single-centre, retrospective, comparative, non-randomized cohort study to describe the long-term outcomes of treatment-naïve, Caucasian and non-Caucasian eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) after treatment with predominantly Bevacizumab monotherapy or in combination with rescue photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods: Demographics, visual outcomes, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and treatment data were collected up to 3 years after the first visit. Stratified analysis according to ethnicity and baseline vision was performed to identify factors predictive of long-term visual improvement and maintenance. Results: A total of 89 eyes with PCV were identified, of which 14 received rescue verteporfin PDT. There was an equal distribution between Caucasian and non-Caucasian individuals. Non-Caucasians present at a younger age (75.4 vs 68.9 years, p=0.002), have a higher proportion of foveal involvement (52.1% vs 82.9%, p=0.003) and lower baseline visual acuity (62.9 vs. 52.7 letters, p=0.02). Mean visual acuity (VA) gain was + 8.8 letters and +5.0 letters at one and three years of follow up, respectively. Non-Caucasian individuals had a lower mean final VA compared to Caucasian individuals (54.7 vs. 70.5, respectively; P <0.001). The mean total number of injections given over three years was 14. Conclusions: Most patients treated with predominantly Bevacizumab anti-VEGF monotherapy achieved sustained visual acuity gains out to 3 years . Due to ethnic-specific differences in PCV phenotypes, non-Caucasians presented with lower baseline VA and had poorer long-term visual outcomes and may have benefited from early PDT or switch to alternative anti-VEGF agents.
Sulfonated and Ordered Mesoporous Polymers for Reversible Adsorption of Ammonia: Elucidation of Sequential Pore-Space Diffusion
Authors: Kan Xun , Liu Zhiqiang , Li Fangyao , Huang Kuan , Chen Wei , Yi Xianfeng , Jiang Lilong , Zheng Anmin , Liu Fujian , Xiao Feng-Shou
Published: February 2022

NH3 adsorption and separation are pivotal for its safety and efficient utilization, but most solid adsorbents show either low capacity or unsatisfied separation performance. Herein, we report sulfonated and ordered mesoporous polymers (SOMPs) synthesized from solvent-free manual-grinding of resorcinol and 1,4-phthalaldehyde with copolymer template, curing at 140~220°C, simultaneous sulfonation and template removal by treating with H2SO4. The prepared SOMPs possess ordered mesopores with abundant microporosity, large surface areas (~697 m2/g), and extremely-high –SO3H densities (~4.48 mmol/g). Their NH3 capacities are as high as 15.09 mmol/g (25°C, 1.0 bar), exhibiting NH3 breakthrough time and saturated capacity up to 138 min/g and 6.16 mmol/g, respectively (5.0v%NH3/23.75v%N2/71.25v%H2). Versatile characterizations together with molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate the superior NH3 adsorption performance originates from strong affinity of –SO3H group with NH3 in sequential pore-space of SOMPs, which not only enhances the molecular recognition ability, but also effectively promotes NH3 fast diffusion inside SOMPs.
To explore the influencing factors of amelogenesis imperfecta: the effect of melatonin on ALC cell line
Authors: Ji Fang , Pan Jing , Ren Qianhui , Yang Zhao , Guo Ying , Kwon Kubin , Shen Checheng , Wang Yueying
Published: February 2022

Objective: Amelogenesis imperfecta is a common oral disease. In this study, ALC cells were cultured in vitro to study the factors affecting the growth and development of enamel to explore the influencing factors of amelogenesis imperfecta.Methods: The effects of melatonin on the proliferation and differentiation of ALC cells were detected by CCK8, qRT-PCR, and alizarin red staining, etc. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR were used to identify the differentially expressed genes in ALC cells after melatonin treatment. Then, we focused on observing the important factors of the signaling pathway.Results: Melatonin inhibited the proliferation of ALC cells in a dose-dependent manner and promoted the production of actin fibers. High concentration of melatonin significantly promoted the expression of enamel development related proteins and the formation of mineralized nodules. RNA-seq data showed that melatonin may induce transcriptional changes of Wnt signaling pathway in ALC cells.Conclusion: This study suggests that melatonin plays a regulatory role in the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of the enamel, which may be one of the causes of enamel hypoplasia. Moreover, the main factors of the Wnt signaling pathway may play an important role in the process of melatonin in the growth and development of ALC lines.
Statistical and simulation study on the separation in Junction Frequencies between ordinary (O) and extraordinary(X) wave in oblique ionograms
Authors: Sun FengJuan , Wan XianRong , Zhang HongBo , Zhou Bao , Ban PanPan , Cao HongYan
Published: February 2022

The most important aim in interpreting an oblique ionogram is to obtain the accurate Junction Frequencies (JFs) of the ordinary (O) and extraordinary(X) mode. This requires the correct identification of O- and X-mode traces, so it is very helpful and worthy to grasp the relative position between the two modes. In this paper, a statistical and simulation study of the separation in JFs between O- and X-wave is carried out based on observed oblique ionograms over three mid-latitude paths within China and a 3-D ray tracing program. The dependences on local time, season, geomagnetic activity, solar activity, direction and length of propagation, O-wave JF and group path are investigated. The main conclusions are as follows : (a) the separation on east-west path is susceptible on ionospheric variability, while the separation on north-south path does not show a significant correlation with local time and season;(b) a general diurnal tendency and a summer anomaly on east-west propagation are first proposed and discussed, the latter may be related to the effect of the lower layers; (c)the separation varies approximately as the cosine function of the propagation direction owning two maximums at north-south direction and two minimums at east-west direction in mid-latitude region of China; (d) the variation patterns of the separation with the propagation length are obviously not the same in different directions. For the east-west propagation path, the separation decreases to a minimum near ground range of 2000km and then increases very slowly with increasing ground range, while it monotonically increases for north-south propagation path.
The 21-Gene Recurrence Score in Clinically High Risk Lobular and Ductal Breast Cancer: A National Cancer Database Study
Authors: Abel Mary Kathryn , Shui Amy S , Chien A. Jo , Rugo Hope S. , Melisko Michelle , Baehner Frederick , Mukhtar Rita A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To evaluate whether patients with ILC are more likely to have discordant clinical and genomic risk than those with IDC when using the 21-gene recurrence score (RS), and to assess overall survival outcomes of patients with 1-3 positive nodes and RS ≤ 25 with and without chemotherapy, stratified by histology.Methods: We performed a cohort study using the National Cancer Database and included patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative, stage I-III invasive breast cancer who underwent 21-gene RS testing. Our primary outcome was rate of discordant clinical and genomic risk status by histologic subtype. Propensity score matching was used to compare 60-month overall survival in individuals with 1-3 positive nodes and RS £ 25 who did and did not receive chemotherapy.Results: 186,867 patients were included in our analysis, including 37,685 (20.2%) patients with ILC. There was a significantly higher rate of discordant clinical and genomic risk in patients with ILC compared to IDC. Among patients with 1-3 positive nodes and RS ≤ 25, there was no significant difference in survival between those who did and did not receive chemotherapy in the IDC or ILC cohorts. Unadjusted exploratory analyses of patients under age 50 with 1-3 positive nodes and RS ≤ 25 showed improved overall survival in IDC patients who received chemotherapy, but not among those with ILC.Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of lobular-specific tools for stratifying clinical and genomic risk, as well as the need for histologic subtype-specific analyses in randomized trials.
Modelling The Effects of Social Distancing, Antiviral Therapy, And Booster Shots On Mitigating Omicron Spread
Authors: Lee Jongmin , Mendoza Renier , Mendoza Victoria May P. , Ko Youngsuk , Lee Jacob , Seo Yubin , Jung Eunok
Published: February 2022

We propose a COVID-19 mathematical model that considers Omicron and previous variants, booster shots, waning, breakthrough infections, and antiviral therapy. We quantify the effects of social distancing (SD) in the Republic of Korea by estimating the reduction in transmission µ induced by government policies from February 26, 2021 to January 16, 2022. The time-dependent µ has a value between 0 and 1, with 1 being the strictest SD. Simulations show that by February 28, 2022, 92% of infections are caused by Omicron. Strict SD (µ = 0.81) is necessary to reduce the number of cases. However, if the focus is shifted towards reducing the severe instead of daily cases, relaxed SD (µ = 0.66) is possible if the administered booster shots have at least 90% effectiveness. Furthermore, if the available antiviral pill is at least 89% effective against severe infections with Omicron, then a more relaxed SD (µ = 0.54) can be implemented.
Headache Following COVID-19 Vaccination Among Healthcare Employees With a History of COVID-19 Infection: a Cross-sectional Study in Iran With a Meta-analytic Review of the Literature
Authors: Nasergivehchi Somayeh , Togha Mansoureh , Jafari Elham , Sheikhvatan Mehrdad , Shahamati Donya
Published: February 2022

Background: There is strong evidence of headaches following COVID-19 vaccination using any type of vaccine. However, very few studies have examined the headache characteristics and their determinants, especially among healthcare employees who have previously experienced COVID-19 infection. We evaluated and compared the incidence of headache following injection of common types of COVID-19 vaccines to determine factors related to its incidence following vaccination among Iranian healthcare employees who had contracted and recovered from the virus.Methods: A group of 334 employees who had contracted COVID-19 of different intensities were vaccinated with different types of COVID-19 vaccine at least one month following recovery from the virus. They were assessed for baseline information, type of vaccine received, and relevant headache characteristics. Results: Overall, 39.2% of participants reported post-vaccination headache. Of those who reported a previous history of headache, migraine was reported by 51.1%, tension-type by 27.4%, and other types by 21.5%. The mean time between vaccination and the onset of headache was 26.78 ± 6.93 h, indicating that headache onset was less than 24 h after vaccination in most participants (83.2%). The headache reached an estimated peak at 8.62 ± 2.41 h. Most participants reported a pressure-type headache. The prevalence of post-vaccination headache differed significantly according to the type of vaccine. The highest rates were reported for AstraZeneca, followed by Sputnik V. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the vaccine brand, being female in gender, and the initial COVID-19 severity were the main determinants for predicting post-vaccination headache. Conclusion: It should be expected that about one-third of healthcare employees will experience headache following COVID-19 vaccination. This is more likely to occur in females and those who have recovered from severe cases of COVID-19.
Dual Specificity Phosphatase 7 Drives the Formation of Cardiac Mesoderm in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Sladeček Stanislava , Radaszkiewicz Katarzyna Anna , Bőhmová Martina , Gybeľ Tomáš , Radaszkiewicz Tomasz Witold , Pacherník Jiří
Published: February 2022

Background: Dual specificity phosphatase 7 (DUSP7) is a protein belonging to a broad group of phosphatases that can dephosphorylate phosphoserine/phosphothreonine as well as phosphotyrosine residues within the same substrate. DUSP7 has been linked to the negative regulation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), and in particular to the regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). MAPKs play an important role in embryonic development, where their duration, magnitude, and spatiotemporal activity must be strictly controlled by other proteins, among others by DUSPs.Methods: In this study, we focused on the effect of DUSP7 depletion on the in vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Undifferentiated stem cells as well as cells at various days of in vitro differentiation protocol were used for analysis using mainly qPCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical analysis was assessed by t-test and by one- or two-way ANOVA, and by Bonferroni’s Multiple Comparison post hoc test. Values of P < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant (∗ p < 0.05).Results: We showed that even though DUSP7 knock-out ES cells do retain some of their basic characteristics, when it comes to differentiation, they preferentially differentiate towards neural cells, while the formation of early cardiac mesoderm is repressed.Conclusions: Our data indicate that DUSP7 is necessary for the correct formation of neuroectoderm and cardiac mesoderm during the in vitro differentiation of ES cells.
Electrically Tunable Plasmonic Absorber Based On Cu-ITO Subwavelength Grating On SOI At Telecom Wavelength
Authors: Pandey Suresh Kumar , Rajput Swati , Kaushik Vishal , Babu Prem , Mishra Rahul Dev , Kumar Mukesh
Published: February 2022

An electrically controlled optical absorption is numerically proposed in a plasmonic waveguide on silicon-oninsulator (SOI) consisting of copper-Indium tin oxide (ITO) based subwavelength grating at 1.55 µm wavelength. The Cu-ITO subwavelength grating in form of a discontinuous Cu layer filled with ITO together with electrically tunable permittivity of ITO provides us with a tunable absorption and efficient guidance of plasmonic mode. An n-type ITO is used which exhibits a significant change in the carrier concentration with the applied voltage resulting in a change in optical absorption at a telecom wavelength of 1.55 µm. We numerically observe maximum tuning in absorption at a grating period of 600 nm and a duty cycle of 50%. The proposed device shows a smaller effective mode area of Am= 0.01421 /µm2 and a plasmonic confinement factor of 34.67%. The device is reported to have an extinction ratio of 10.28 dB for a 100 µm long device at a low voltage of 6V.
Optimized Method of Lines for non-linear waveguide problems
Authors: Spiller Waldemar
Published: February 2022

The Method of Lines is a semi-analytical versatile tool for the solution of partial differential equations. For the analysis of spatial complex linear waveguide structures, this method is combined with impedance/admittance and field transformation, as well as with finite differences. This paper extends this approach to the treatment of structures with non-linear dielectric materials. The non-linear generalized transmission line equations are derived. An iterative algorithm based on the impedance/admittance transformation with the field transformation obtains efficient and self-consistent solutions. The specific limiting factors for the algorithm and how to overcome them were investigated. A bidirectional, spatially, and temporally periodic energy exchange between the harmonics were found. For demonstration, a stripe waveguide with the non-linear core is considered. The Kerr non-linearity was investigated, though the general case is treatable. The approach can be used for any spatial structure, including, for instance, photonic crystal waveguides and metamaterials.
Enrichment of CD44+/CD24+ cells predicts chemoresistance in luminal breast cancer
Authors: Tang Peng , Wu Jin , Ma Qinghua , Liu Wei , Wang Minghao , Yan Yuzhao , Hu Ying , Zhong Ling , Chen Qingqiu
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Chemoresistant cells are pre-existing and adaptively selected by chemotherapy. The biomarkers of chemoresistant cells in luminal breast cancer remain unknown. The expression of CD44 and CD24 are associated with breast cancer progression. This study aimed to explore the proportion change of differently expressed CD44/CD24 tumor cells during the induction of chemoresistance.Methods: Tumor specimens of patients with luminal breast cancer resistant and sensitive to chemotherapy drugs regimens were collected. The proportion of CD44+/−CD24+/− tumor cells in the two groups of samples was compared by immunofluorescence staining. MCF-7 and T47D variants resistant to chemotherapy drugs were induced by pulse selection of the parental cells with the IC90 value of the two drugs for 7 weeks. Changes in the proportion of CD44+/−CD24+/− cells during the induction of chemoresistance were observed and compared using flow cytometry.Results: The proportion of CD44+CD24+ cells in the tumor tissues of chemoresistant patients was significantly higher than chemosensitive patients. At the endpoint of chemoresistance induction, the proportions of CD44+CD24+ cells reached 86.27%, 84.41%, 83.03%, and 85.12% in MCF-7/EPI, MCF-7/DOC, T47D/EPI, and T47D/DOC, respectively. The proportion of CD44+CD24− cells increased briefly and then decreased to nearly the pre-induction level (3.01%). The proportion of CD44−CD24− and CD44−CD24+ cells in the four chemoresistant variants was less than 5% at the endpoint of chemoresistance induction. Conclusions: The enrichment of CD44+CD24+ cells predicts chemoresistance in luminal breast cancer. CD44+CD24+ is a biomarker for chemoresistant luminal breast cancer cells.
MRI based navigated cryosurgery of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors: A proof of concept study
Authors: Efrima Ben , Segal Ortal , Benady Amit , Pickholz Eliana , Drukman Ido , Dadia Solomon , Rath Ehud , Albagli Assaf
Published: February 2022

Background: Computer-guided MRI navigation for soft tissue tumors remains a challenge due to lack of a fixed landmark for registration. Extra-abdominal Desmoid Tumors (EDTs) are soft tissue tumors for which image-guided percutaneous cryosurgery (CRA) has emerged as a valid treatment modality. Successful CRA relies on precise intraoperative image guidance. This study, present a novel approach of using skin fiducial markers to overcome this challenge and navigate insertion of MRI-based CRA needles as a treatment for symptomatic or progressive EDTs. Methods: In this retrospective study, conducted between 2018-2020, eleven patients at a single center with symptomatic or progressive EDTs were treated with CRA using intraoperative MRI navigation. 15 cryoablation procedures were performed, each adhering to a personalized pre-operative plan. We compared the total tumor size, necrotic and viable portions pre- and post-operation, and the SF-36 questionnaire evaluating subjective health.Results: All CRAs demonstrated 100% adherence to the pre-determined plan. Overall, tumor size decreased significantly (p-value=0.02). Four patients required additional CRAs. Only one patient’s tumor did not reduce in size. There was a significant reduction in viable tissue, (p-value=0.03), but not in necrotic tissue (p-value=0.66). According to the SIR adverse event classification guidelines, one participant experienced muscle necrosis, a mild complication. Both the physical and mental scores improved significantly (p-value (physical)=0.002; p-value (mental)<0.000).Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of performing percutaneous cryosurgery using skin fiducial marker registration and MRI-computed navigation to safely treat EDTs. This navigation approach may be implemented in other soft tissue procedures requiring precision navigated surgery. Trial Registration: Retrospectively registered.
Elevation of α-1,3 fucosylation promotes binding ability of TNFR1 to TNF-α and contributes to osteoarthritic cartilage destruction and apoptosis
Authors: Yu Hanjie , Li Mingxiu , Wen Xiaodong , Yang Jie , Liang Xiaojun , Li Xia , Bao Xiaojuan , Shu Jian , Ren Xiameng , Chen Wentian , Li Zheng , Li Yi
Published: February 2022

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by ECM degradation in chondrocytes and inflammation of the synovial membrane. Fucosylation is a main type of glycosylation, and is involved in a variety of pathological processes, including inflammation and cancer. However, whether fucosylation impacts the OA process is unknown. Methods: Total proteins were extracted from cartilage samples obtained from patients with OA (n = 11), OA rabbit models at different time points (n = 12). The OA-associated abnormal glycopatterns were evaluated by lectin microarray and lectin blot. Expression of fucosyltransferases involved in the synthesis of α-1,3 fucosylation were assessed by semi-qPCR. The α-1,3 fucosylation mediated by FUT10 was interrupted by transfection of siRNA; and the effect of α-1,3 fucosylation on OA-associated events was assessed. The TNFR1 antibody microarray was fabricated to investigate the effect of α-1,3 fucosylation on the binding ability of TNFR1 to TNF-α.Results: Elevated α-1,3 fucosylation is observed in cartilage from OA patients, rabbit models and chondrocytes induced by TNF-α (fold change> 2, p< 0.01). The overexpression of FUT10 contributes to this alteration. Downregulation of FUT10 impaired the binding ability of TNFR1 to TNF-α, impeded activation of the NF-κB and P38/JNK-MAPK pathways and eventually retarded ECM degradation, senescence and apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by TNF-α. Conclusion: The elevation of α-1,3 fucosylation is not only a characteristic of OA but also impacts the OA process. Our work provides a new positive feedback loop of “inflammation conditions/TNF-α/FUT10/α-1,3 fucosylation of TNFR1/NF-κB and P38/JNK-MAPK pathways/proinflammatory processes” that contributes to ECM degradation and apoptosis of chondrocytes.
The Comparative Effects of Schwann Cells and Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the AIM2 Inflammasome Activity in Animal Model of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Kharazinejad Ebrahim , Hassanzadeh Gholamreza , Mortezaee Keywan , Yousefi Behpour , Majidpoor Jamal , Golchini Ehsan , Nooshabad Vajihe Taghdiri , Mousavi Mahboubeh
Published: February 2022

Inflammasome activation and the corresponding release of pro-inflammatory cytokines are responsible for sensory/motor deficits following spinal cord injury (SCI). Schwann cells (SCs) and Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) represent immunomodulatory activities. Here, we aimed at comparing the efficacy of the two cell sources on absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome complex in SCI rats. Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) test, Nissl and Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining were performed to assess locomotor function, neuronal survival and myelination, respectively. Gene and protein expressions of inflammasome components including AIM2, ASC, caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of the whole evaluated factors were declined in both gene and protein levels after SC or WJ-MSC treatment, which were more conspicuous for the SCs group (P < 0.05). Similarly, SCs increased the rates of neuronal survival and myelination. Furthermore, cell administration caused improvement in motor recovery in both treatment groups (P < 0.05). Although the outcomes were not significant, these effects were more notable in the SC-treated animals. From the findings it could be concluded that SC therapy is more efficient for targeting AIM2 inflammasome activation and related inflammatory circuit in SCI experiments than that for WJ-MSCs.
Evaluation of Demographic, Clinical, and Etiological Data of Patients Admitted to Cardiology Clinics And Diagnosed with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) on Electrocardiography And/Or Echocardiography: LVH-TR
Authors: Kis Mehmet , Dogan Yasemin , Yildirim Abdullah , Guzel Tuncay , Bekar Lutfu , Akhan Onur , Dogdus Mustafa , Harbalıoglu Hazar , Karabulut Dilay , Soydan Elton , Oztas Selvi , Oz Ahmet , Gok Gulay , Kolak Zeynep , Aksit Ercan , Sarica Suleyman Anil , Bayrak Murat , Ekici Berkay , Birdal Oguzhan , Uguz Berat , Gitmez Mesut , Caglar Nihan , Berk Gul Ilayda , Oguz Mustafa , Calik Ali Nazmi , Kilic Salih , Zoghi Mehdi , Ergene Asim Oktay
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common condition in the population and potentially modifiable cardiovascular (CV) risk factor often overlooked in clinical practice. Early diagnosis and treatment-related regression of LVH reduces adverse CV events and improves survival. For this reason, we planned to LVH-TR trial to determine the etiological causes of LVH, the symptoms that patients present with, and the effects of demographic characteristics of patients on LVH.Methods: Our study is a multicenter, national, observational study and included 886 patients who applied to the cardiology clinics in 23 centers between February 2020 and August 2021. In the initial evaluation, the Fabry and amyloidosis algorithm was followed in patients whose traditional etiologic cause(s) could not be identified (LVH of unknown origin). Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.92 years, and 60.3% of them were male. More than 90% of the patients were NYHA class I & II patients. The most common etiological causes of LVH in our study were hypertension with a rate of 69.7%, heart valve disease with 10.2%, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with 9.2%. Athlete's heart was detected in 8 patients, LV non-compaction was detected in 4 patients.The rate of LVH of unknown cause was 18.8%. Fabry disease was suspected in 143 patients, and Amilodose disease was suspected in 16 patients. There were 43 (4.85%) patients with low α-Galactosidase A enzyme levels in patients who requested enzyme testing. GLA gene mutation analysis was positive in 1.58% of all patients, and these patients were diagnosed with Fabry, and 15 (1.69%) patients were diagnosed with amyloidosis by endomyocardial biopsy method.Conclusion: In the etiology of left ventricular hypertrophy, the rate of LVH of unknown cause was high. Fabry Disease and Amyloidosis should be considered primarily in this patient group. Early diagnosis of the disease by following the schemes leading to Fabry and Amyloidosis was essential in starting treatment before the progression of the disease.
Prognostic Implications of PPL Expression in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hua Tian , Zhao Bei-bei , Fan Shao-bei , Zhao Cai-fen , Kong Yun-hong , Tian Rui-qing , Zhang Bao-ying
Published: February 2022

Periplakin (PPL) is a main member in plakin family, which plays important role in cellular adhesion complexes supporting and cytoskeletal integrity supplying. PPL was reported to be a potential biomarker candidate for several types of cancers. However, the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of PPL in ovarian cancer (OV) remain unclear. In the present study, we used GEPIA2, Human Protein Atlas, Oncomine, LinkedOmics, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, String, CytoHubba plug-in and TIMER to determine the associations among PPL expression, prognosis, and immune cell infiltration in OV. RT-qPCR and IHC analysis were conducted to validated the role of PPL in an independent OV cohort. Compared with the ovaries tissues from multiple datasets, levels of PPL mRNA and protein expression were obviously higher in OV tumors(P＜0.05), and a poor survival in OV was found to be strongly correlated with high PPL expression (P<0.05). Moreover, the results were further validated by RT-qPCR and IHC analysis in an independent OV cohort. A gene-clinical nomogram was constructed, including PPL expression and clinical characterization in TCGA. Functional network analysis suggested that PPL regulates important pathways like Wnt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway. Ten hub genes (LAMC2, PXN, LAMA3, LAMB3, LAMA5, ITGA3, TLN1, ACTN4, ACTN1, and ITGB4) were found to be positively associated with PPL. PPL expression was negatively correlated with infiltrating levels of CD4+ T cell macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. In conclusion, PPL may be an unfavorable prognostic biomarker candidate in OV, which was also correlated with immune infiltrating and might function in immunotherapy response.
Fe, Zn & Protein content in grain, per se performance, heterosis, combining ability of grain yield in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) under normal & late sowing condition.
Authors: Chaudhari Gita R. , Patel D. A. , Parmar D. J. Parmar , Patel K. C.
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to understand the inheritance of grain iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and protein concentrations in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under normal & late sown condition. The half diallel cross were made, using ten parents. The crosses and parents were evaluated in replicated trials for two conditions and to assess the possibility of exploiting heterosis to improve these micronutrients. The perusal of results revealed that hybrid GW 451 × GW 173 was consistent for both better parent (BH) and standard heterotic effects (SH) in all the environments. In both the sowing condition, General Combining Ability (GCA) effects of parents and Specific Combining Ability (SCA) effects of hybrids were observed to be contrasting for the micronutrient & protein content. However, s2A/s2D greater than unity confirmed the preponderance of additive gene action for only protein content and GW 173 was identified as good general combiners for these characters under both environments.
Impacts of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Vegetation Structure of El-Maktala Coastal land, Egypt
Authors: Shawky Ramadan , Kherishy Ahmed
Published: February 2022

The anthropogenic disturbance on vegetation in El-Maktala coastal land, an unprotected area in the north western coast of the Egypt. That has recently been subjected to blatant encroachments of vegetation, were studied. The most important of these threats is the construction of the road and grazing, 27 species are reported in this study; the most represented plant families are Poaceae (18.5%) and Asteraceae (14.8%). Perennial, chamaephyte and Mediterranean species were recorded in the highest percentage. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that silt, clay, sand contents, PH, EC and CaCO3 content are the factors that have the highest effect on vegetation distribution in the studied stands. The diversity indices in the studied area was moderate. According to Sorenson’s coefficient, these communities have quite a bit of overlap or similarity. The Vegetation Quality Index indicated that coastal land is highly sensitive to desertification, as decrease in plant cover. Recently, the violation and destruction of wildlife have increased, therefore, preserving it along with general biodiversity has become an urgent necessity.
Association of Myostatin Gene Polymorphisms with Strength and Muscle Mass in Athletes: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the MSTN rs1805086 Mutation
Authors: Olegovich Aksenov Maxim , Kruszewski Marek
Published: February 2022

Introduction.
Variant (rs1805086, c.458A>G, p.Lys(K)153Arg(R), (K153R) of the myostatin gene (MSTN) has been associated with a skeletal muscle phenotype (hypertrophic response in muscles due to strength training). However, there are not enough reliable data to demonstrate whether the K and R allelic variants of MSTN rs1805086 are valid genetic factors that can affect the strength phenotype of athletes’ skeletal muscles.
Purpose.
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of MSTN rs1805086 polymorphism with the strength phenotype of athletes.
Materials and methods.
This study analyzed 71 research articles on myostatin and performed a meta-analysis of MSTN K153R rs1805086 polymorphism in strength-oriented athletes and control (non-athletes) group.
Results.
It was found that athletes in the strength-oriented athletes group had a higher frequency of the R minor allele than that in the control group (OR = 2.02, P = 0.05).
Conclusion.
Thus, the obtained results convincingly demonstrate that there is an association between the studied polymorphism and strength phenotype of athletes; therefore, further studies on this association are scientifically warranted.
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Subtypes Differ in their Genetic Correlations with Biological Rhythms
Authors: Sirignano Lea , Streit Fabian , Frank Josef , Zillich Lea , Witt Stephanie , Rietschel Marcella , Foo Jerome
Published: February 2022

Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder Type I (BIP-I) and Type II (BIP-II), are mood disorders characterized by the occurrence of depressed, manic, and hypomanic episodes in which specific changes of physical activity, circadian rhythm, and sleep are observed. While it is known that genetic factors contribute to variation in both mood disorders and these biological rhythms, it is an open question to what extent there is an overlap between their underlying genetics.Here, we used data from genome-wide association studies to examine the genetic relationship between mood disorders and biological rhythms. Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression was applied to test the genetic correlation of depression, BIP-I, and BIP-II with physical activity (overall physical activity, moderate activity, sedentary behaviour), circadian rhythm (relative amplitude), and sleep features (sleep duration, daytime sleepiness). Furthermore, we compared depression, BIP-I, and BIP-II in their correlations with biological rhythms to discover commonalities and differences. Depression was negatively correlated with overall physical activity and positively with sedentary behaviour, while BIP-I showed associations in the opposite direction. Depression and BIP-II had negative correlations with relative amplitude. All mood disorders were positively correlated with daytime sleepiness. Overall, we observed both genetic commonalities and differences across mood disorders in their relationships with biological rhythms: depression and BIP-I differed the most, while BIP-II was in an intermediate position.The present results suggest that the clinically observed associations between mood disorders and biological rhythms have shared genetic underpinnings. Future research considering possible joint mechanisms may offer potential avenues for improving disease detection and treatment.
Postoperative pancreatic fistulas after pancreaticoduodenectomy using the pair-watch suturing and duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis techniques
Authors: Passawart Nattapon , Rungsrithananon Warit , Jaseanchiun Warakorn
Published: February 2022

Background/Aims: Morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) have been associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Pancreatic anastomosis is challenging for most surgeons, and there is no universal or standardized technique. This study compared the incidence of POPF between the pair-watch suturing technique (PWST) and duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) anastomosis technique.Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis included 71 patients who underwent a PD between January 2009 and October 2018. The incidence and risk factors of complications after PWST and duct-to-mucosa PJ anastomoses were compared.Results: There was no significant difference in the incidence of POPF between the PWST (n=7; 30.4%) and duct-to-mucosa PJ (n=9; 18.7%) groups. The tumor site (p=0.001) and pancreas density on computed tomography without contrast (p=0.002) were significantly different between the groups. Age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR]: 11.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–107.36; p=0.038) and pancreatic body mass/duct size (B/W) ratio (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.04–1.91; p=0.029) were identified as significant risk factors for POPF. International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula grade B POPF, wound infections, and pneumonia occurred more frequently in patients who underwent a duct-to-mucosa PJ anastomosis. However, the postoperative complications were not significantly different between the groups.Conclusions: The incidence of clinically relevant POPF was similar between patients who underwent the PWST and those who underwent a duct-to-mucosa PJ anastomosis. However, a preoperative risk factor assessment for the evaluation of the tumor site, patient age, and B/W ratio could help determine which surgical technique should be used in individual patients.