bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IRF-2 Inhibits Cancer Proliferation by Promoting AMER1 Transcription in Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Yanjie , Luo Shuneng , Wu Hao , Zhang Ningping , Dong Ling , Liu Taotao , Liang Li , Shen Xizhong
Published: October 2021

Interferon regulatory factor 2 (IRF-2) plays the roles of an anti-oncogene in gastric cancer (GC). However, the mechanism remains unknow. The expression of IRF-2 in GC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues was found by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the predictive values of IRF-2 for the prognosis of GC patients were explored. Cell function experiments and xenograft tumor growth in nude mice were performed to test the proliferation ability of the tumor in vitro and in vivo. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP-Seq) was used to verify the direct target of IRF-2. We found that the IRF-2 expression was down regulated in GC tissues and was negatively correlated with prognosis of GC patients. IRF-2 could negatively affect GC cells proliferation in vitro and in vivo. ChIP-Seq assay showed IRF-2 could directly activate AMER1 transcription and regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which was validated by IHC both in tissue microarray and xenografted tumor tissues, western blot analysis, and cell function experiment. In conclusion, high expression of IRF-2 can inhibit tumor growth and affect the prognosis of patients through inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by directly regulating AMER1 transcription in GC.
Direct Observation of Anisotropy-Driven Formation of Amyloid Spherulites in Real-time by Super-resolution Microscopy
Authors: Zhang Min , Pinholt Henrik , Zhou Xin , Bohr Soeren , Banetta Luca , Zaccone Alessio , Fodera Vito , Hatzakis Nikos
Published: October 2021

The misfolding of proteins and their aggregation in the form of fibrils or amyloid-like spherulites are involved in a spectrum of degenerative diseases. Our current understanding of protein aggregation mechanisms has primarily relied on the use of conventional spectrometric methods to determine the average growth rates and microscopic morphology of the final structures, consequently masking the morphological and growth heterogeneity of the aggregates. We developed a REal-time kinetics via binding and Photobleaching LOcalisation Microscopy (REPLOM) super-resolution method to directly observe and quantify the existence and abundance of diverse aggregate morphologies and their heterogeneous growth kinetics. Specifically, our results revealed that the growth of insulin amyloid spherulites is not exclusively isotropic but, surprisingly, may also occur anisotropically. Combining our technique with machine learning, we associated growth rates to specific morphological transitions and provided energy barriers and the energy landscape for each aggregation morphology. Our unifying framework for the detection and analysis of spherulite growth can be extended to other protein systems to reveal their aggregation processes and the broad spectrum of diverse morphologies at the single-molecule level.
Synthesis of Triethylenetetramine Phosphonate Ammonium Flame Retardant And Its Application To Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Lu Yonghua , He Qinyu , Chen Yajun , Zhang Guangxian
Published: October 2021

A novel flame retardant, triethylenetetramine phosphonate ammonium (TECHPA), containing phosphonate and ammonium phosphate groups, was synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of cotton fabric treated with 40 g/L TECHPA reached 36.8%, which remained at 31.1% after 50 laundering cycles. The infrared spectra and durability test results suggested that the flame retardant was grafted onto the cotton fibers through P–O–C covalent bonds. TG and cone calorimetry results indicated that the cotton fabrics treated with TECHPA flame retardant showed excellent flame retardancy. The SEM and XRD results suggested that the cotton fibers retained their original structures. For treated cotton fabrics, their stiffness increased slightly, their tensile strength decreased a little, and their crease recovery was greatly improved. No formaldehyde was detected in the cotton fabric after treatment. Overall, simultaneously introducing phosphonate and ammonium phosphate groups provided an effective method to increase the durability of treated cotton fabrics.
Conservation Genetics and Gut Microbial Communities’ Variability of the Critically Endangered European Mink Mustela Lutreola: Implications for Captive Breeding Programs
Authors: Leeuwen Pauline ML van , Schulte-Hostedde Albrecht I. , Fournier-Chambrillon Christine , Aranda Carmen M. , Berthomieu Laurie , Fournier Pascal , Michaux Johan R.
Published: October 2021

Host’s fitness can be affected by its genotype and gut microbiota, defined as the microbes living in the host’s intestinal tract. This study explored how the genetic diversity of the host influences its bacterial communities in the context of captive breeding programs, for the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola). As stated by the ecosystem on a leash model, loss of host genetic diversity may lead to changes in immunomodulation and will therefore induce modifications of the gut microbiota. We investigated variation in the gut bacteria through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, related to the genetic diversity of European mink held in captivity in two breeding centers representing separate breeding stocks originating from the western and eastern populations. The genetic diversity of the host was assessed through diversity analysis of the adaptive MHC class I and II genes as well as neutral microsatellite markers. Results indicate lower diversity in neutral and MHC class I genes for the western population, and the opposite for MHC class II. A lower MHC class II gene variability led to an increase in microbial phylogenetic diversity and in abundance depending on the presence of specific MHC-II motifs. Those results seem to be linked to management practices that differs between the two programs, especially the number of generations in captivity. Long term Ex situ conservation practices can thus modulate gut microbial communities, that might potentially have consequences on the survival of reintroduced animals. We suggest strategies to foster genetic diversity in captive breeding program to mitigate the effects of genetic drift on those small, isolated populations.
Estimation of Yield Loss of Jatropha Curcas Due to Aphthona Whitfieldi in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sawadogo Alizèta , Zida Issaka , Kenis Marc , Nacro Souleymane
Published: October 2021

In Burkina Faso, the leaf beetle Aphthona whitfieldi is the main insect pest of the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas. The beetle affects plant growth and seed yield, but the impact on yield has never been properly quantified. This study was conducted on-station and on-farm in the district of Léo, southern Burkina Faso, in 2015. It aimed at evaluating the yield losses that A. whitfieldi inflicts to J. curcas. The first experiment used 25 caged trees in their first year of fruit production, on which various amounts of beetles were released. When 200 beetles were released, the defoliation level reached 55% and caused 61% of yield loss. Releases of 400 or more beetles caused a defoliation level of at least 74% and seed losses of 98%. On-farm observations were made on attack levels and seed yields in three different types of plantations, i.e. pure plantations, plantations intercropped with food crops and hedges. These observations showed that defoliation levels over 50% were common in the three types of plantations, resulting in very low yields. This study shows the importance of beetle damage in the cultivation of J. curcas. This is likely one of the reasons for the very low yields, which, among other causes, led to the abandonment of J. curcas plantations in the region.
Considerations for Performance Metrics of Metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing Analyses
Authors: Kralj Jason , Servetas Stephanie L. , Forry Samuel P. , Jackson Scott A.
Published: October 2021

Background: Evaluating the performance of metagenomics analyses has proven a challenge, due in part to limited ground-truth standards, broad application space, and numerous evaluation methods and metrics. Application of traditional clinical performance metrics (i.e. sensitivity, specificity, etc.) using taxonomic classifiers do not fit the “one-bug-one-test” paradigm. Ultimately, users need methods that evaluate fitness-for-purpose and identify their analyses’ strengths and weaknesses. Within a defined cohort, reporting performance metrics by taxon, rather than by sample, will clarify this evaluation.Results: For a complete assessment, estimated limits of detection, positive and negative control samples, and true positive and negative true results are necessary criteria for all investigated taxa. Use of summary metrics should be restricted to comparing results of similar, or ideally the same, cohorts and data, and should employ harmonic means and continuous products for each performance metric rather than arithmetic mean. Conclusions: Organism-centric analysis and reporting will enable clear performance assessment and meaningful comparisons between methods in evaluating fitness for purpose of metagenomic analyses with their intended applications.
Relationship between primary tumor resection for metastatic small intestine neuroendocrine tumors with survival: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Yan Haihao , Liu Zheng
Published: October 2021

Background
At present, it has been controversial whether primary tumor resection (PTR) can bring survival advantage to patients with metastatic small intestine neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs). To answer this question, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the effect of PTR on the survival of patients with metastatic SI-NETs.
Methods
Information on SI-NENs patients from 2004 to 2015 was extracted from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) databases. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival were compared. Propensity score-matched (PSM) was used 1:1 in the filtered queue. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate the correlation between surgery and treatment results.
Results
After PSM, there were 62 patients in the PTR group and 62 patients in the Non-PTR group. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) between the two treatments. Multivariate analysis showed that there was no significant difference in OS and CSS between the two groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Our study shows that OS and CSS are comparable between patients in the PTR group and those in the Non-PTR group,which suggests that PTR should be used only when necessary. Early preventive surgery should not be advocated.
Energy inequality under the toughest-ever clean air policy in China
Authors: Wang Qiang , Fan Jie , Kwan Mei-Po , Lin Jian , Shen Guofeng , Zhou Kan , Li Na
Published: October 2021

Since 2013, with the implementation of the toughest-ever clean air policy in China, the residential energy transition has been remarkable. However, how this policy affects household energy costs and its associated inequality remains unclear. In this paper, we assessed trends in the clean energy uptake in household stoves and fuels based on data from a large nationwide household survey and evaluated the energy cost inequality. We find that, during 2013-2017, about two-fifth (39.3%) of households using traditional solid fuel switch to clean energy, however, 60.9% of them are extremely poor or poor households. As this rapid transition campaign, although the national inequality in energy cost has been redressed significantly, the growing disparity in household income has caused a deep concern for the inequality in energy burden. The results suggest that, the average household spends about 5% (the median) of its income on energy, which is higher than the 3.5% the US households. Moreover, more than 45% of participants spent more than 6% of income on energy in 2017, while this number is about 25% in US. In addition, our findings suggest that there is a stark disparity of energy burden between urban and rural households. During 2013-2017, the energy burden on rural households is not reduced but increased due to the dramatic rise of cost on clean energy, while urban households tend to pay a lower and decreasing proportion of their income on energy. In this regard, the impacts of rapid energy transition differ widely in terms of urban-rural settings. Meanwhile, difference in this impact of energy transition on the household energy burden among climate zones is also recognized. Planning efforts on narrowing inequality among different income groups that more closely examine energy burden may accelerate household energy transitions that benefit the climate and human health.
Comparative Analysis of Some Schell-Model Beams Propagating Through Turbulent Atmosphere
Authors: Chib Salma , Dalil-Essakali Latifa , Belafhal Abdelmajid
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we investigate a comparative analysis of some Generalized Laguerre-Gaussian Schell-model beams through a paraxial ABCD optical system in a turbulent atmosphere. Based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel diffraction integral, analytical expressions for the spectral density in the receiver plane of the studied beams are derived in detail. By studying the effects of the source coherence parameters and the atmospheric turbulence strength, the numerical results indicate that the profile of these Schell-model beams takes different shapes during their propagation.
Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Immune-Checkpoint Blockade-Treated Metastatic Melanoma Patients: a Pilot Study
Authors: Hribernik Nezka , Huff Daniel T , Studen Andrej , Zevnik Katarina , Klanecek Zan , Emamekhoo Hamid , Skalic Katja , Jeraj Robert , Rebersek Martina
Published: October 2021

Purpose To develop quantitative molecular imaging biomarkers of immune-related adverse event (irAE) development in malignant melanoma (MM) patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) imaged with 18F-FDG PET/CT.Methods 18F-FDG PET/CT images of 58 MM patients treated with anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4 ICI were retrospectively analyzed for indication of irAE. Three target organs, most commonly affected by irAE, were considered: bowel, lung, and thyroid. Patient charts were reviewed to identify which patients experienced irAE, irAE grade, and time to irAE diagnosis. Target organs were segmented using a convolutional neural network (CNN), and novel quantitative imaging biomarkers – SUV percentiles (SUVX%) of 18F-FDG uptake within the target organs – were correlated with the clinical irAE status. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to quantify irAE detection performance. Patients who did not experience irAE were used to establish normal ranges for target organ 18F-FDG uptake.Results A total of 31% (18/58) patients experienced irAE in the three target organs: bowel (n=6), lung (n=5), and thyroid (n=9). Optimal percentiles for identifying irAE were: bowel (SUV95%, AUROC=0.79), lung (SUV95%, AUROC=0.98), and thyroid (SUV75%, AUROC=0.88). Optimal cut-offs for irAE detection were: bowel (SUV95%>2.7 g/mL), lung (SUV95%>1.7 g/mL), and thyroid (SUV75%>2.1 g/mL). Normal ranges (95% confidence interval) for the SUV percentiles in patients without irAE were: bowel [1.74, 2.86 g/mL], lung [0.73, 1.46 g/mL], and thyroid [0.86, 1.99 g/mL].Conclusions Increased 18F-FDG uptake within irAE-affected organs provides predictive information about the development of irAE in MM patients receiving ICI and represents a potential quantitative imaging biomarker for irAE. Some irAE can be detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT well before clinical symptoms appear.
Comments on “Stabilization of a Fractional-order Chaotic Brushless DC Motor via a Single Input” [Nonlinear Dyn. (2015). DOI 10.1007/s11071-015-2172-4]
Authors: Zhong Xiaoyun
Published: October 2021

This note shows an incorrect application of the generalized Gronwall inequality for real-valued piecewise continuous functions reported in paper (Zhou et al., 2015). Due to this misleading application, the proof of Theorem 1 and Theorem 2 in Zhou et al., (2015) are incorrect. However, the mentioned Theorem 1 is a conclusion from a combination of some results in later literatures (Zhou et al., 2016 and Wang et al., 2016), and consequently there is no need to prove it. In the same way, although the proof of Theorem 2 in Zhou et al. (2015) is not valid, Theorem 2 is indeed true, and a recommendation as to how to prove it based on Lyapunov candidate function is made to the authors.
Functional Analysis of Transgenic Cry1Iem Maize
Authors: Han liyuan , Fan Shu-Yu , Wei Xiao-Tong , Wang Pi-Wu , Qu Jing , Guan shuyan , Ma Yi-yong
Published: October 2021

The genetic transformation of maize callus was induced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The Cry1Iem was transferred into callus of inbred line H99 maize, and the transgenic plants were detected by herbicide screening and PCR. A further Southern blotting experiment, real- time quantitative PCR and indoor/outdoor insect resistance identification test were carried out on T2 transgenic plants. The results of Southern blotting of transgenic plants showed that Cry1Iem had been successfully integrated into the maize genome. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that Cry1Iem was successfully expressed in transgenic plants. The insect resistance test showed that the resistance of the transgenic plants was significantly improved.
Establishment of a 3D co–Culture Model to Investigate the Role of Primary Fibroblasts in DCIS of the Breast.
Authors: Sourouni Marina , Opitz Carl , Radke Isabel , Kiesel Ludwig , Tio Joke , Götte Martin , von Wahlde Marie-Kristin
Published: October 2021

PurposeDuctal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a preform of breast cancer. 13-50% of these lesions will progress to invasive breast cancer (IBC), but the individual progression risk cannot be estimated. Therefore, all patients receive the same therapy, resulting in potential overtreatment of a large proportion of patients. The role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and especially of fibroblasts appears to be critical in DCIS development and a better understanding of its role may aid individualized treatment.MethodsPrimary fibroblasts isolated from benign or malignant punch biopsies of the breast and MCF10DCIS.com cells were seeded in a 3D cell culture system. The fibroblasts were cultured in a type I collagen layer beneath a Matrigel layer with MCF10DCIS.com cells. Dye-quenched (DQ) fluorescent collagen was used in both layers to demonstrate proteolysis. Confocal microscopy was performed on day 2, 7 and 14 to reveal morphological changes, which could indicate the transition to an invasive phenotype.ResultsMCF10DCIS.com cells form smooth, round spheroids in co-culture with healthy fibroblasts, but show an irregular shape with spikes in co-culture with tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs). These morphological changes could represent the progression to an invasive phenotype. In addition, TAFs show a higher proteolytic activity compared to healthy fibroblasts. The distance between DCIS cells and fibroblasts decreases over time.ConclusionTAFs seem to play an important role in the progression of DCIS to IBC. The better characterization of the TME could lead to the identification of DCIS lesions with high or low risk of progression. This could enable personalized oncological therapy, prevention of overtreatment and individualized hormone replacement therapy after DCIS.
Loss of CDCA5 Promotes Cell Apoptosis by Activating the DNA Damage Response in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Xing , Huang Yan , Lv Zheng , Wang Hanfeng , Feng Huayi , Wang Tao , Du Songliang , Wu Shengpan , Shen Donglai , Wang Chenfeng , Tian Shuo , Li Hongzhao , Wang Baojun , Ma Xin , Zhang Xu
Published: October 2021

Background: Cell division cycle-associated 5 (CDCA5) protein, which is involved in cohesion, contributes to cell cycle regulation and chromosome segregation by maintaining genomic stability. Accumulating evidence indicates that CDCA5 is upregulated in many types of cancers with poor prognoses. However, it remains largely unknown about the biological function of CDCA5 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods:UALCAN databases were used to display CDCA5 expression profile and its prognosis in ccRCC patients. Further，we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tissue microarray (TMA) containing 137 paired ccRCC and adjacent normal tissue samples, and evaluated correlation between CDCA5 expression and clinicalpathological parameters. Survival analysis by univariate and multivariate Cox regression were applied to identify the independent risk factors. By short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) knockdown, knockdown, a series of functional assays were conducted to determine the role of CDCA5 in ccRCC malignancy in vitro. DNA damage was analyzed by immunofuorescent staining and western blot. Orthotopic ccRCC model illuminated the function of CDCA5 in tumorgenicity in vivo.Results:TCGA data mining revealed that CDCA5 was more highly expressed in ccRCCs than adjacent normal tissues. Importantly, such high expression was correlated with a higher risk of distal metastasis and poorer clinical outcomes, which we further validated via immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays. Functional studies showed that CDCA5 depletion significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of ccRCC cells and suppressed the growth of xenografts in nude mice. Mechanistically, CDCA5 knockdown induced serious DNA damage with persistent accumulation of gamma-H2AX foci, resulting in G2/M cell cycle arrest and finally chromosomal instability and apoptosis. CDCA5 knockdown significantly decreased the phosphorylation of AKT, STAT3, and NF-κB, suggesting that CDCA5 plays a role in regulating the inflammatory response.Conclusion: ccRCC cells require CDCA5 for malignant progression, and that CDCA5 inhibition may enhance the outcomes of patients with high-risk ccRCC.
Highly pixelated, untethered tactile interfaces for an on-skin telehaptic system
Authors: Jin Hanbit , Kim Yunjeong , Youm Wooseup , Min Yulim , Lim Chaehyun , Hong Chan-Hwa , Kwon Seyoung , Park Gyeongseok , Park Steve , Kim Hye Jin
Published: October 2021

For highly immersive telehaptic applications, skin-integrated, untethered, and highly pixelated transducer devices that can record and generate tactile stimuli are required. Here, we propose a skin-conformable tactile sensor and actuator array with high spatial resolution of 1.8 mm for realising untethered tactile communication on human skin. The tactile sensors are designed to exhibit ultra-flexibility and bimodal sensitivity to static and dynamic pressure. The actuators are miniaturised to sub-millimetre scale to provide sophisticated, high spatiotemporal resolution tactile feedback over a centimetre square area of the fingertip with the capacity to generate vibrotactile feedback under an external load of up to 529 kPa. Short time Fourier transform analysis showed that our telehaptic system can transmit various types of tactile stimuli, such as the shape of objects and letters, textures of fabrics, and vibration patterns with high fidelity.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics Predict Pituitary Function in Non-Functional Pituitary Macro-Adenoma Undergoing Trans-Sphenoidal Surgery
Authors: hassani Behrooz , Hashemi-Madani Nahid , Kachuee Manizhe Ataee , Khamseh Mohammad E
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Maintaining the pituitary function after surgery is highly important. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics and pituitary function after surgery of non-functional pituitary macroadenoma Methods: This retrospective study was performed between from 2016 and to 2018 Preoperative and postoperative MRI imaging data were retrieved from electronic registration system. The relationship between MRI characteristics and pituitary function was investigated using regression models.Results: Complete data were available for 44 patients. Before surgery, invisible normal tissue was observed in 23 patients (53.5%). Suprasellar extension and cavernous sinus invasion were seen in 36 patients (each one 49.1%). There was a significant reverse relationship between preoperative tumor size and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) ( Odds Ratio (OR): -0.99 (-0.18, -0.003), p=0.04). in addition we found a significant positive correlation between prolactin level after surgery and tumor size before surgery, (OR: 5.29 (1.65, 8.92), p= 0006) . Moreover, postoperative panhypopituitarism was observed in 25% of patients with complete reconstruction of pituitary tissue. While the rate was 50% in patients with no or partial reconstruction of pituitary tissue. Conclusion: Preoperative MRI characteristics predict TSH and prolactin level after operation. Furthermore, the adenoma size and volume prior to surgery are the main determinants of normal reconstruction of pituitary gland (NRPG).
Informal Payments for Modern Family Planning Methods at Public Facilities in Tanzania: Room for Improvement
Authors: Busse Clara Elizabeth , Onyango Dickens Otieno , Tumlinson Katherine
Published: October 2021

Background: Financial access to family planning (FP) is essential to the health and well-being of women in Tanzania. Tanzanian policy dictates that FP methods and services obtained at public facilities are provided for free. However, public-sector FP is no longer free when providers solicit informal payments. In this analysis, we investigate the prevalence and amount of informal payments for FP in Tanzania. Methods: We used data from the 2015-2016 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey to investigate whether informal payments for FP had been effectively eliminated by this policy. Results: We found that, at public sector facilities, the majority (84.6%) of women received their current FP method for free (95% confidence interval (CI): 81.9, 87.3), but this proportion varied meaningfully by facility and method type. Injectable contraception was the most commonly used method by women in the lowest wealth quintiles and was most frequently sought by these women from a government dispensary. One in four women (25.8%) seeking injectable contraception from government dispensaries reported paying a fee (95% CI: 19.5, 32.1). Among injectable users who reported payment for their current method, the mean cost at public sector facilities was 1,420 Tanzanian Shillings (TSh) and the mean cost at private sector facilities was TSh 1,930 (approximately 0.61 United States Dollars (USD) and 0.83 USD, respectively). Among implant users who reported payment for their current method, the mean cost at public sector facilities was TSh 4,127 and the mean cost at private sector facilities was TSh 6,194 (approximately 1.78 USD and 2.67 USD, respectively). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the majority of women visiting public facilities in Tanzania did not pay informal payments for FP methods or services; however, informal payments at public facilities did occur, varying by facility and method type. Adherence to existing policies mandating free FP methods and services at public facilities, especially government dispensaries, is critical for ensuring contraceptive access among the most economically vulnerable women.
Naloxone Protection, Social Support, Network Characteristics, and Overdose Experiences Among a Cohort of People Who Use Illicit Opioids in New York City
Authors: Bennett Alex S. , Scheidell Joy , Bowles Jeanette M. , Khan Maria , Roth Alexis , Hoff Lee , Marini Christina , Elliott Luther
Published: October 2021

Background
Despite increased availability of take-home naloxone, many people who use opioids do so in unprotected contexts, with no other person who might administer naloxone present, increasing the likelihood that an overdose will result in death. Thus, there is a social nature to being “protected” from overdose mortality, which highlights the importance of identifying background factors that promote access to protective social networks among people who use opioids.
Methods
We used respondent-driven sampling to recruit adults residing in New York City who reported recent (past 3-day) nonmedical opioid use (n=575). Participants completed a baseline assessment that included past 30-day measures of substance use, overdose experiences, and number of “protected” opioid use events, defined as involving naloxone and the presence of another person who could administer it, as well as measures of network characteristics and social support. We used modified Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
66% of participants had ever been trained to administer naloxone, 18% had used it in the past three months, and 32% had experienced a recent overdose (past 30 days). During recent opioid use events, 64% reported never having naloxone and a person to administer present. This was more common among those: aged ≥50 years (PR: 1.18 (CI: 1.03, 1.34); who identified as non-Hispanic Black (PR: 1.27 (CI: 1.05, 1.53); experienced higher levels of stigma consciousness (PR: 1.13 (CI: 1.00, 1.28); and with small social networks (<5 persons) (APR: 1.14 (CI: 0.98, 1.31). Having a recent overdose experience was associated with severe opioid use disorder (PR: 2.45 (CI: 1.49, 4.04), suicidality (PR: 1.72 (CI: 1.19, 2.49), depression (PR: 1.54 (CI: 1.20, 1.98) and positive urinalysis result for benzodiazepines (PR: 1.56 (CI: 1.23, 1.96), but not with network size.
Conclusions
Results show considerable gaps in naloxone protection among people who use opioids, with more vulnerable and historically disadvantaged subpopulations less likely to be protected. Larger social networks of people who use opioids may be an important resource to curtail overdose mortality, but more effort is needed to harness the protective aspects of social networks.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio Prior to Each Chemotherapy Line Predicts Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Unresectable Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tanioka Hiroaki , Yano Shuya , Okawaki Makoto , Katata Yosuke , Yoshimitsu Tomomi , Tokuda Kikue , Nyuya Akihiro , Nagasaka Takeshi
Published: October 2021

Background: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a well-known prognostic marker for gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, for GC patients treated with palliative chemotherapy, the prognostic value of NLR remains obscure. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical impact of NLR in GC patients treated with multiple lines of chemotherapy.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 83 unresectable GC patients who received a series of chemotherapy treatments. NLR in the blood was calculated before the initiation of each line of chemotherapy (before 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-line, respectively).Results: Of the 83 patients enrolled, 56 (67%) received 2nd-line chemotherapy and 34 (41%) received 3rd-line treatment. NLR at 1st-line treatment ranged from 0.72 to 48.9 (the median NLR was 3.00). Thus, we used this median NLR value (3.00) as the cut-off for NLR throughout this study. All patients were divided into a NLR-high (> 3.00) or NLR-low group (< 3.00) by NLR values determined at before each line of chemotherapy. The median overall survival (OS) of the NLR-low group was better than that of the NLR-high group throughout 1st- to 3rd-line treatment (1st-line: 18.1 vs. 8.0 months, p = 0.06; 2nd-line: 10.7 vs. 4.5 months, p = 0.0001; 3rd-line: 8.7 vs. 4.7 months, p = 0.003), respectively. Of the 34 patients who received 3rd-line chemotherapy, 24 were treated with nivolumab. Of the 24 patients treated with nivolumab, patients in the NLR-low group showed better OS compared with those in the NLR-high group (8.3 months in NLR-low and 6.6 months in NLR-high, p = 0.06).Conclusions: Estimates of NLR prior to each chemotherapy line may be readily performed in a clinical setting and are useful for predicting outcome in unresectable GC patients, including in patients treated with nivolumab.
Complex Functional Brain Network Properties in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Gupta Arpana , Bhatt Ravi , Rivera-Cancel Alannah , Makkar Rishi , Kragel Philip A. , Rodriguez Thomas , Graner John L. , Alaverdyan Anita , Hamadani Kareem , Vora Priten , Naliboff Bruce , Labus Jennifer S. , LaBar Kevin S. , Mayer Emeran A. , Zucker Nancy
Published: October 2021

Background
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disorder characterized by an incapacitating fear of weight gain and by a disturbance in the way the body is experienced, facets that motivate dangerous weight loss behaviors. Multimodal neuroimaging studies highlight atypical neural activity in brain networks involved in interoceptive awareness and reward processing.
Methods
The current study used resting-state neuroimaging to model the architecture of large-scale functional brain networks and characterize network properties of individual brain regions to clinical measures. Resting-state neuroimaging was conducted in 62 adolescents, 22 (21 female) with a history of AN and 40 (39 female) healthy controls (HCs). Sensorimotor and basal ganglia regions, as part of a 165-region whole-brain network, were investigated. Subject-specific functional brain networks were computed to index centrality. A contrast analysis within the general linear model covarying for age was performed. Correlations between network properties and behavioral measures were conducted (significance q < .05).
Results
Compared to HCs, AN had lower connectivity from sensorimotor regions, and greater connectivity from the left caudate nucleus to the right postcentral gyrus. AN demonstrated lower sensorimotor centrality, but higher basal ganglia centrality. Sensorimotor connectivity dyads and centrality exhibited negative correlations with body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness, two essential features of AN.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that AN is associated with greater communication from the basal ganglia, and lower information propagation in sensorimotor cortices. This is consistent with the clinical presentation of AN, where individuals exhibit patterns of rigid habitual behavior that is not responsive to bodily needs, and seem “disconnected” from their bodies.
Lipoxin A4 Ameliorates Lung Development in Neonatal Rats with Hyperoxia-induced Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia by Reducing Mitochondrial Fission
Authors: Yu Binyuan , Liang Zhongjie , Zhu Jinjin , Pan Binting , Wang Xinye , Huo Ran , Chen chao , chen shangqin
Published: October 2021

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic pulmonary disease in premature infants. Hyper oxygen exposure and mechanical ventilation are common causes. The pulmonary pathological changes of BPD were mainly micro alveolar simplification and pulmonary vascular development disorder. Lipoxin A4(LXA4) is an important endogenous lipid and anti-inflammatory mediator that promotes the regression of inflammation and is referred to as the brake signal of inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intervention of LXA4 on pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress in neonates with hyperoxia lung injury and to explore the mechanism of Drp1 and NLRP3 inflammasome. A BPD model was established 7 days after neonatal rats were exposed to 85% oxygen. Rats were divided in four groups: control, hyperoxia, hyperoxia + LXA4 and hyperoxia+LXA4+Mdivi-1. Lung injury was evaluated via histological examination; lung development was assessed using morphometric analyses. Pulmonary micro vessels were tested by vWF-positive staining and Evans Blue. Expression of Drp1, NF-κB, and NLRP3 was analyzed via western blot or immunohistochemistry. Dihydroethidium (DHE) levels was examined to determine oxidative stress in vitro. We found that LXA4 significantly reduced lung injury of rats, simplified alveoli, and promoted weight gain. In addition, we found that LXA4 can reduce the protein expression of pDrp1, pNF-κB and NLRP3. Therefore, we concluded that LXA4 intervention can reduce the inflammatory response in the lungs and reduce the degree of lung injury, and through the role of NLRP3 inflammatory chrome in the hypertoxic rat BPD model.
Factors Associated With Anaemia in Pregnancy: a Retrospective Cross-sectional Study in Northern Ghana
Authors: Abaane Donatus Nbonibe , Adokiya Martin Nyaaba , Abiiro Gilbert Abotisem
Published: October 2021

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy (AIP) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. AIP occurs when a pregnant woman’s haemoglobin level falls below 11.0 g/dl, and 10.5g/dl specifically in the second trimester of pregnancy if adjustment for haemodilution is considered. This study assessed the prevalence of AIP at antenatal care (ANC) registration, 28 weeks and 36 weeks of pregnancy gestation and the correlates of AIP in the Bolgatanga Municipality of northern Ghana. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional design was implemented among a random sample of 372 pregnant women within 36-40 weeks of pregnancy gestation, who were receiving ANC in the Bolgatanga Municipality. Data were collected via clinical records review and a questionnaire-based survey between October and November, 2020. Using the Statistical Package for Social Science, descriptive analysis of haemoglobin levels and the prevalence of anaemia was done and binary logistic regression was used to identify the correlates of AIP. Results: At ANC registration, the prevalence of AIP was 35.8% (95%CI:30.9, 40.9) which decreased to 25.3% (95%CI:20.9, 30.0) after Haemodilution. At 28 weeks of gestation, the AIP prevalence was 53.1% (95%CI:45.8, 60.3) which fell to 37.5 (95%CI:30.6, 44.8) with haemodilution. At 36 weeks of pregnancy, AIP prevalence was 44.8% (95%CI:39.2, 50.4) without the need for haemodilution. At 5% significance level, the odds of AIP at registration increased if the woman registered for ANC after the first trimester of pregnancy and at a regional hospital but decreased if she registered at a private hospital. At 28 weeks of gestation, age group 26 – 35 years, Christianity, high wealth and tertiary education were associated with lower odds of AIP. At 36 weeks of gestation, booking after first trimester of pregnancy was associated with higher odds whilst high wealth, higher age groups (26–35 and 36–49 years) and secondary education of spouse were associated with reduced odds of AIP. Conclusion: AIP consistently increased from registration to 36 weeks of gestation. Given the observed correlates of AIP, we recommend that interventions aimed at encouraging early ANC registration, improved household wealth, and improved maternal education are required to reduce AIP.
Food Allergies in Iranian Patients With Migraine and Tension Headaches
Authors: Arani Marzieh Heidarzadeh , Talebian Ahmad , Akbari Hossein , Sharif Reihane , Ghannadian Alireza , Motedayyen Hossein
Published: October 2021

Background: Headache is one of the most common complaints of the nervous system around the world. Previous studies have proposed associations of food allergies with headaches. Therefore, this study evaluated the frequencies of food allergies in patients with migraine and tension headaches and their correlations with these disorders.Methods: The study subjects comprised 40 patients with migraine and tension headaches. Headache disorders were diagnosed by a specialist and skin prick test (SPT) was performed to diagnosis food allergies in patients according to a standard technique.Results: our data revealed no significant differences in age and gender between patients with migraine headache and tension headaches. Other results showed the frequencies of food allergies to egg, wheat, fish, banana, orange, and soybean in patients with migraine headache were similar to patients with migraine headache. However, patients with migraine headache significantly differed from those with tension headache in allergies to tree nut (P=0.047), peanut (P=0.028), and cow milk (P=0.044).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that some food allergies might be related to migraine headache which diagnosis of them can help to better control and treatment of disease.
Novel Ti3C2Tx MXene Nanozyme with Manageable Catalytic Activity and Application to Electrochemical Biosensor
Authors: Yu Rongjun , Xue Jian , Wang Yang , Qiu Jingfu , Huang Xinyi , Chen Anyi , xue jianjiang
Published: October 2021

In this work, Ti3C2Tx MXene was identified as efficient nanozyme with area-dependent electrocatalytic activity in oxidation of phenolic compounds, which originated from the strong adsorption effect between the phenolic hydroxyl group and the oxygen atom on the surface of Ti3C2Tx MXene flake. On the basis of the novel electrocatalytic activity, Ti3C2Tx MXene was combined with alkaline phosphatase to construct a novel cascading catalytic amplification strategy using 1-naphthyl phosphate (1-NPP) as substrate, thereby realizing efficient electrochemical signal amplification. Taking advantage of the novel cascading catalytic amplification strategy, an electrochemical biosensor was fabricated for BCR/ABL fusion gene detection, which achieved excellent sensitivity with linear range from 0.2 fM to 20 nM and limit of detection down to 0.05 fM. This biosensor provided a promising tool for ultrasensitive fusion gene detection in early diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia. Moreover, the manageable catalytic activity of MXene broke a path for developing nanozymes, which possessed enormous application potential in not only electrochemical analysis but also the extensive fields including organic synthesis, pollutant disposal and so on.
“The right to have a say”: UK adolescent strikers and non-strikers’ perspectives on the youth climate strikes
Authors: Lee Katharine , O'Neill Saffron , Blackwood Leda , Barnett Julie
Published: October 2021

The youth climate movement has gathered pace and notoriety since its inception at COP21. Here we show that although adolescents share the view that climate change is an injustice and that urgent action is required, they express varied views about strikes and strikers. These differences appear aligned with their own choices to participate, or not, in the strikes.
The Co-Regulation of the Gut Microbiome and Host Genes Might Play Important Roles in Metformin Intolerance
Authors: Zhang Huixiang , Lai Jiao , Zhang Lihuan , Zhang Wei , Liu Xun , Gong Qilin , Zhao Rui , Li Dongqing , Huang Hehua , Zhao Ya , Yan Shan , Yu Ming , Liu Xiaodan , Shi Lanlan , Wang Limei , Chen Weiwen , Cao Xue
Published: October 2021

Background

Metformin is commonly considered the first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and also had potential treating utility in other areas; however, ~20% of patients experience intolerance with unclear underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we performed the full-length 16S rRNA (V1-V9) for the fecal samples and bioinformatics analysis to study the mechanisms of the metformin intolerance combining the gut flora and host.
Results

The results showed that Barnesiella (p=0.046) and Parabacteroides goldsteinii (p=0.016), which transforming primary into secondary bile acid (SBA), were higher in the TS than T group, and were eliminated in the TSa group, which might lead to the accumulation of primary bile acids (PBA) such as cholic acid (CA), the change of GLI1 gene, and following diarrhea in the TSa group. Lactobacillus brevis (p=0.024) and Lactobacillus plantarum (p=0.026) were up-regulated in TSa than TS group. The two flora might cause the changes of genes including FOXA2, HTR7, GADPH, and intolerance relief, which might be a worthwhile future direction for preventing metformin intolerance.
Conclusions

These results hinted that the differential flora and co-regulation of them with the host might be intolerance-related. Our results partly provided theoretical support for intolerance prevention.
Supramolecular Semi-Convertible Hydrogel Enabled Self-healing Responsive Lubrication under Dynamic Shearing
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Shi Kaiyao , Wang Jian , Song Wenlong , Wang Shutao
Published: October 2021

The cartilage-inspired hydrogel has attracted great interests due to its tunable mechanic and low friction, however, it is incapable of self-healing under a complex dynamic shearing environment. In this contribution, a self-healing semi-convertible hydrogel is developed, which can recover the unique dynamic active lubricating function under shearing. Based on the cooperating strategy of noncovalent and covalent bonding, the prepared SHSCH composes of three interpenetrated networks including i) shear-responsive N-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-L-tryptophan supramolecular network, ii) self-healing polyhydroxyethyl acrylamide network and iii) rigid polyvinyl alcohol covalent network. Dynamic shear-responsive lubricating function is achieved due to the appearance of disassembled FT supramolecular sol layer on the surface triggered by shear force. This shear-responsive lubricating function and the mechanical property of prepared hydrogel can be self-healed under shearing environment through the noncovalent hydrogen bonding assembly of polyhydroxyethyl acrylamide associated by the π-π assembly of FT. The as-developed semi-convertible hydrogel exhibits unprecedent self-healing performance comparing with other materials reported. We demonstrated a proof-of-concept on the self-healing lubrication of simplified artificial abrasion cartilage under dynamic shearing condition. This study will offer a new strategy on designing the self-healing soft devices under dynamic stimuli far beyond the lubricating materials.
The Thermal Stability of Amur Cork Tree-Dyed Paper
Authors: Wu Tianyun , Wei Quan , Wei Yanfei , Luo Yanbing
Published: October 2021

Amur cork trees are one of the most important traditional natural dyes used, especially for functional production in ancient Chinese papers, due to religious reasons, their aesthetic aspects and antibacterial properties. The properties of Amur cork tree-dyed papers under dry-heat accelerating aging conditions were investigated via optical observation, pH, scanning electron microscopy, thermal difference, tensile strength and folding endurance examinations. The results showed that the concentration of Amur cork trees greatly affected the properties of paper. The changes in surface color, pH, morphology and mechanical properties after the artificial dry-heat aging tests revealed that the paper thermal stability was affected by the Amur cork tree content. A suitable concentration of Amur cork tree colorant is good for maintaining paper’s thermal stability due to chemical bonding. Agglomerated colorant dyes might decompose weak acidic materials, which accelerates paper degradation.