bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and mortality of patients transported by ambulance during the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Katayama Yusuke , Tanaka Kenta , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Takeuchi Taro , Nakao Shota , Nitta Masahiko , Iwami Taku , Fujimi Satoshi , Uejima Toshifumi , Miyamoto Yuuji , Baba Takehiko , Mizobata Yasumitsu , Kuwagata Yasuyuki , Shimazu Takeshi , Matsuoka Tetsuya
Published: February 2021

Background; Novel corona virus (COVID-19) outbreaks have spread worldwide. Although the COVID-19 pandemic affects the emergency medical service (EMS) system, which is one factor of primary care, little is known about its impact. This study aimed to reveal the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EMS system and outcome of patients transported by ambulance.Methods; This was a retrospective study with a study period from 1 January 2020 to 31 May 2020. We included patients transported by ambulance who were registered in a population-based registry of patients transported by ambulance. The endpoints of this study were the incident number of patients transported by ambulance each month and the number of deaths among these patients admitted to hospital each month. We calculated the incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a Poisson regression model with year 2019 as the reference.Results; From January to May 2019, 205,195 patients were transported, whereas from January to May 2020, 180,362 patients were transported, indicating a significant decrease in the number of emergency patients transported by ambulance (IRR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.87–0.88). The number of deaths among emergency patients admitted to hospital was 5237 in January-May 2019 and remained unchanged at 5172 in January-May 2020 (IRR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.95–1.03).Conclusion; The first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic had no adverse effect on the EMS system in Osaka Prefecture, Japan.
The Effect of Temperature on the Incidence Rate of COVID19
Authors: Massetti Emanuele , Dobbie Eric , Yang Wei , Paynabar Kamran
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we exploit random variation of daily temperature in the United States at both state and county level, from March 1st to October 31st 2020, to study if temperature has a significant effect on COVID19 incidence rate. We find that warmer than average days lead to a lower incidence rate, seven days later. A week in which temperature is consistently one standard deviation above the monthly average in all US states causes 17,754 fewer cases at national level, seven days later. Other weather variables do not have a significant and robust effect on the incidence rate. The effect of temperature is heterogeneous over space and time.
Carbon monoxide protects Neural Stem Cells against iron overload by modulating the crosstalk between Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Xie zhengxing , Hu Aiying , Wang qing , Miao Zengli
Published: February 2021

Background:It is well CO is an important gas transmitter. Although accumulating evidences have demonstrated pro-survival effects of CO against various insults, the precise mechanism explaining how neural stem cell is protected by CO also remains largely unknown. Methods: After NSCs were challenged by iron overload with or without CO pretreatment, apoptosis of NSCs was tested by Flow cytometry and the level of antioxidant protein was also detected. ROS of NSCs was demonstrated via the fluorescent probe. We applied siRNA to demonstrated role of the protective effect of CO. In invivo experiment, NSCs with or without CO pretreatment were implanted into intracranial hemorrhagic mouse and the survival of NSCs were detected. The significance of the difference among mean values was determined by the Student–Newman–Keuls test or two-way analysis of variance followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: CO effect on pro-survival was comparable to that obtained with pharmacological inhibitors of ROS. Its effect on pro-survival was accompanied by the inhibition of ROS and subsequent inhibition of NF-κB. Such effect is believed to be mediated through Nrf2, in that siRNA-mediated inhibition of Nrf2 revealed that Nrf2 is required for the pro-survival effect of CO. CO also activated NQO-1, a downstream target of Nrf2, which was inhibited by down-regulating Nrf2. CO-mediated precondition results in Nrf2 stimulation and NF-κB inhibition, suggesting that these two pathways act in an inverse manner to maintain redox homeostasis. The pro-survival effect of CO was also further endorsed by the evidences in mouse hemorrhagic stroke models. Conclusions: Results, by showing that CO attenuates iron overload induced apoptosis by suppressing the NF-κB signaling via Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidant effect, contribute to the understanding of essential cellular pathways. Our findings reveal CO preconditioning as a promising treatment strategy to improve efficacy of NSCs transplantation after HS.
Synthesis of 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole derivatives based on 3-acetyl-5-nitropyridines
Authors: Stalinskaya Alena , Weber Daria , Seilkhanov Tulegen , Kulakov Ivan
Published: February 2021

Claisen-Schmidt-type aldol-crotonic condensation of 3-acetyl-5-nitropyridine derivatives with various aromatic aldehydes was used for the preparation of pyridylchalcones. Cyclization of the latter with hydrazine hydrate in acetic acid afforded the corresponding N-acetyl derivatives of 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole.
Achieving Porous Carbon Fibers Pretreated With a Swarm of CO2 Micro-Nanobubbles
Authors: Lee Joon Hyuk , Lee Soon Hong , Suh Dong Hack
Published: February 2021

Using petroleum pitch is touted as a sustainable method to fabricate carbon fibers, yet requires further advances in inevitable pore decrease after post-treatment. In an effort to circumvent this upper limit, renewable resources are widely used in the production of commercial carbon fibers. Here we show that dissolved micro-nanobubbles of CO2 in pretreatment may aid in the pore-growth of carbon fibers during activation. The results confirm that micro-nanobubbles increase specific surface (39.21 %) and micropore (16.44 %) areas of a sample. The chemical state of the elements revealed that there were no marked impurities. The observed behaviors can be understood by the following; 1) Partial O atoms released from dissolved micro-nanobubbles may attach to surrounding CO during activation, thereafter results in a higher mass of CO2. 2) Partial O atoms may directly interact with C from unmatured crystallites and form additional CO. We further denote optimized conditions based on the derived mechanism. This study provides a new strategy for the development of highly surface carbonaceous materials, thus possibly stimulating more research on advanced performance adsorbents or electrode materials.
“It’s like getting a diagnosis of terminal cancer.” An Exploratory Study of the Emotional Landscape of Climate Change Concern in Norway.
Authors: Marczak Michalina , Winkowska Małgorzata , Chaton-Østlie Katia , Klöckner Christian
Published: February 2021

Increasingly more people consider climate change a global emergency and emotionally charged terms such as climate anxiety or climate depression have entered public discourse. At the same time, emotions lie at the core of many psychological processes and are thus a critical component of pro-environmental engagement, as well as human health and well-being. Systematic empirical evidence about the emotional experience of climate change and its effects for an individual’s functioning is lacking, however. In the present study, we address this gap in knowledge and conduct an exploratory qualitative study of the emotional experience behind concern for climate change and its impacts on mental and psychosocial functioning. Drawing from 33 in-depth interviews conducted in Norway with a diverse sample of people who self-identified as worried about climate change, we map and contextualise the complex palette of mostly strong negative emotions experienced in relation to the concern for climate change. These emotions affected the participants psychologically in a number of ways, including in terms of lowered mood, reproductive concerns, difficulties in social functioning, but also through feeling an urge and responsibility to engage in pro-environmental behaviour. Our findings empirically validate the view that people can be psychologically affected by the mere awareness of the scale and implications of climate change, and that the emotional labour behind feeling an individual responsibility for climate change can affect people’s psychological well-being.
Evaluation of serological lateral flow assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2
Authors: Trombetta Bianca A. , Kandigian Savannah E. , Kitchen Robert R. , Grauwet Korneel , Webb Pia Kivisäkk , Miller Glenn A. , Jennings Charles G. , Jain Sejal , Miller Samara , Kuo Yikai , Sweeney Thadryan , Gilboa Tal , Norman Maia , Simmons Daimon P. , Ramirez Christopher E. , Bedard Melissa , Fink Catherine , Ko Jina , Peralta Esmarline J. León , Watts Gerald , Gomez-Rivas Emma , Davis Vannessa , Barilla Rocky , Wang Jianing , Cunin Pierre , Bates Samuel , Morrison-Smith Chevaun , Nicholson Benjamin , Wong Edmond , El-Mufti Leena , Kann Michael , Bolling Anna , Fortin Brooke , Ventresca Hayden , Zhou Wen , Pardo Santiago , Kwock Megan , Hazra Aditi , Cheng Leo , Ahmad Q. Rushdy , Toombs James A. , Larson Rebecca , Pleskow Haley , Luo Nell Meosky , Samaha Christina , Pandya Unnati , Silva Pushpamali De , Zhou Sally , Ganhadeiro Zakary , Yohannes Sara , Gay Rakeisha , Slavik Jacqueline , Mukerji Shibani , Jarolim Petr , Walt David R. , Carlyle Becky Catherine , Ritterhouse Lauren L. , Suliman Sara
Published: February 2021

Background: COVID-19 has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lateral flow assays can detect anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies to monitor transmission. However, standardized evaluation of their accuracy and tools to aid in interpreting results are needed.Methods: We evaluated 20 IgG and IgM assays selected from available tests in April 2020. We evaluated the assays’ performance using 56 pre-pandemic negative and 56 SARS-CoV-2-positive plasma samples, collected 10-40 days after symptom onset, confirmed by a molecular test and analyzed by an ultra-sensitive immunoassay. Finally, we developed a user-friendly web app to extrapolate the positive predictive values based on their accuracy and local prevalence.Results: Combined IgG+IgM sensitivities ranged from 33.9% to 94.6%, while combined specificities ranged from 92.6% to 100%. The highest sensitivities were detected in Lumiquick for IgG (98.2%), BioHit for both IgM (96.4%), and combined IgG+IgM sensitivity (94.6%). Furthermore, 11 LFAs and 8 LFAs showed perfect specificity for IgG and IgM, respectively, with 15 LFAs showing perfect combined IgG+IgM specificity. Lumiquick had the lowest estimated limit-of-detection (LOD) (0.1 mg/mL), followed by a similar LOD of 1.5 mg/mL for CareHealth, Cellex, KHB, and Vivachek.Conclusion: We provide a public resource of the accuracy of select lateral flow assays with potential for home testing. The cost-effectiveness, scalable manufacturing process, and suitability for self-testing makes LFAs an attractive option for monitoring disease prevalence and assessing vaccine responsiveness. Our web tool provides an easy-to-use interface to demonstrate the impact of prevalence and test accuracy on the positive predictive values.
The Shell’s Trouble: A Case of child bloodstream infection caused by Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida
Authors: Dai Pingchuan , Ge Yanmei , Ji Wenli , Tong Huacheng
Published: February 2021

BackgroundA. salmonicida ( Aeromonas salmonicida ) is a Gram-negative bacteria which frequently reported as fish pathogen. A. salmonicida is generally considered to be non-pathogenic to humans. Case presentationA 22-month-old boy was admitted to hospital with a one-day fever history, A. salmonicida subsp. Salmonicida was isolated from his blood. He had an epidemiological history of being scratched by a shell. After 6 days’ antibacterial treatment, he recovered well and was discharged. ConclutionThis case is the first report of A. salmonicida infection by shellfish and the patient is also the youngest patient among reported infected person. The empirical use of first-generation cephalosporin seems to be effective in the treatment.
Genetic Variability and Population Structure of Ethiopian Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) Germplasm Assessed Through Phenotypic Traits and Simple Sequence Repeats Markers
Authors: Teklu Desawi Hdru , Shimelis Hussein , Tesfaye Abush , Mashilo Jacob , Zhang Xiurong , Zhang Yanxin , Dossa Komivi , Shayanowako Admire
Published: February 2021

Background Ethiopia is one of the centres of genetic diversity of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The sesame genetic resources present in the country should be explored for local, regional and international sesame improvement programs to design high performing and market preferred varieties. This study's objectives were to determine the extent of genetic variation among 100 diverse cultivated sesame germplasm collections of Ethiopia using phenotypic traits and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to select distinct and complementary specimens for breeding. One-hundred sesame entries were field evaluated at two locations in Ethiopia for agro-morphological traits and seed oil content using a 10 × 10 lattice design with two replications. Test specimens were profiled using 27 selected polymorphic SSR markers. Results The analysis of variance revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) entry by environment interaction for plant height, internode length, number of secondary branches, and seed yield. Genotypes such as Hirhir Kebabo Hairless-9, Setit-3, Orofalc ACC-2, Hirhir Humera Sel-6, ABX=2-01-2, and Setit-1 recorded higher grain yield of > 0.73 ton ha-1 with excellent performance in yield component such as oil and seed yield per hectare. Seed yield had positive and significant (p < 0.01) associations with oil yield (r = 0.99) useful for simultaneous selection for yield improvement in sesame. The SSR markers revealed gene diversity and polymorphic information content of 0.30 and 0.25, respectively, showing that the tested sesame accessions were genetically diverse. Cluster analysis resolved the accessions into two groups, while population structure analysis revealed four major heterotic groups, this enabling selection and subsequent crosses to develop breeding populations for cultivar development.Conclusions Based on phenotypic and genomic divergence, the following complementary specimens were selected: Hirhir Humera Sel-6, Setit-3, Hirhir Kebabo Hairless Sel-4, Hirhir Nigara 1st Sel-1, Humera-1 and Hirhir Kebabo Early Sel-1 (from cluster II-a), Hirhir kebabo hairless-9, NN-0029(2), NN0068-2 and Bawnji Fiyel Kolet, (from cluster II-b). The selected genetic resources are recommended for use in sesame production and breeding programs in Ethiopia.
Phosphomolybdic Acid-Catalyzed Oxidative Degradation of Waste Starch: A New Strategy For Handling The Pulping Wastewater
Authors: Qiao Yongzhen , Yang Weisheng , Wang Xiu , Jiao Liang , Yang Yiqin , Wang Shumei , Bian Huiyang , Dai Hongqi
Published: February 2021

When old corrugated cardboard (OCC) is returned to the paper mill for repulping and reuse, the starch, which is added to the paper surface as a reinforcement agent, is dissolved into the pulping process water. Most of the OCC pulping wastewater is recycled to save precious water resources; however, during the water recycling process, the accumulation of dissolved starch stimulates microbial reproduction, which causes poor water quality and putrid odor. This problem seriously affects the stability of the papermaking process and product quality. In this study, phosphomolybdic acid (H3PMo12O40, abbreviated as PMo12) was utilized to oxidatively degrade the waste starch present in papermaking wastewater to monosaccharides, realizing the resource utilization of waste starch. The results showed that the optimized yield of total reducing sugar (73.54 wt%) and glycolic acid (11.05 wt%)was achieved at 145 °C with 30 wt% PMo12, which is equivalent to 84.59 wt% starch recovered from wastewater. In addition, the regeneration of the reduced PMo12 was realized applying a potential of 1 V for 2 h. Overall, this study has theoretical significance and potential application value for resource utilization of waste starch in OCC pulping process and cleaner management of OCC waste paper.
Measuring Social Processes in Weight Management: The Weight-Related Interactions Scale (WRIS)
Authors: Rieger Elizabeth , Lee Yee Fong , Monaghan Conal , Zwickert Kristy , Murray Kristen
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study sought to develop a psychometrically-sound measure to assess effective and ineffective forms of input from others for managing one’s weight, namely, the Weight-Related Interactions Scale (WRIS).
Methods

Participants (n = 736) were adults in the overweight/obese weight range who completed the WRIS and measures of weight-specific social support, emotional eating, weight-related stigma, eating-specific self-efficacy, and social desirability.
Results

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the WRIS supported a three-factor solution of ‘Criticism’, ‘Minimization’, and ‘Collaboration’ as forms of weight-related input from others. Support was found for the reliability and the concurrent, convergent, and divergent validity of the WRIS.
Conclusions

The WRIS is a promising new instrument for comprehensively assessing the input of others in relation to managing one’s weight, eating, and physical activity.
Level of evidence:

Level III. Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.
Disruption of circadian clocks promote progression of Alzheimer's disease in diabetic mice
Authors: Huang Jiaojiao , Peng Xuemin , Fan Rongping , Dong Kun , Shi Xiaoli , Zhang Shujun , Yu Xuefeng , Yang Yan
Published: February 2021

The circadian clock is an endogenous system designed to anticipate and adapt to daily changes in the environment. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which is more popular in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the effect of circadian disorder on mental and physical health for T2DM patients are not yet fully understood, even though circadian disruption has been confirmed to promote the progression of AD in population. By housing db/db mice on a disrupted (6:18 light/dark cycle) circadian rhythm, we assessed the circadian gene expression, body weight, cognitive ability and AD-related pathophysiology. Our results indicated housing in these conditions had disrupted diurnal circadian rhythms in hippocampus and contributed to weight gain. In the brain, circadian-disrupted db/db mice showed a decreased cognitive ability and an increased hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, even though no difference was found in Aβ deposition. We also found that the hyperphosphorylated tau protein exhibited more disruptive daily oscillations in db/db mice hippocampus under 6:18 light/dark cycle. circadian alterations could promote the development of AD in T2DM.
Suicide in Prison and After Release: A 17-Year National Cohort Study
Authors: Bukten Anne , Stavseth Marianne Riksheim
Published: February 2021

BackgroundTo describe all suicides in the Norwegian prison population from 2000 to 2017, during and following imprisonment; to investigate the timing of suicides; and to investigate the associations between risk of suicide and types of crime.Methods.We used data from the Norwegian Prison Release study (nPRIS) including complete national register data from the Norwegian Prison Register and the Norwegian Cause of Death Register in the period 1.1.2000 to 31.12.2016, consisting of 96 856 individuals. All suicides were classified according to ICD-10 codes X60-X84. We calculated crude mortality rates (CMRs) per 100 000 person-years and used a Cox Proportional-Hazards regression model to investigate factors associated with suicide during imprisonment and after release reported as hazard ratios (HRs).ResultsSuicide accounted for about 10% of all deaths in the Norwegian prison population and was the leading cause of death in prison (53% of in deaths in prison). The CMR per 100 000 person years for in-prison suicides was 133.8 and was ten times higher (CMR = 1535.0) on day one of incarceration. Suicides after release (overall CMR = 82.8) also peaked on day one after release (CMR = 665.7). Suicide in prison and after release were both associated with being convicted of murder (HR: 27.41, CI: 3.42-219.63 and HR: 2.79, CI: 1.54–5.06, respectively).ConclusionThere is a high risk of suicide during the immediate first period of incarceration and after release. Convictions for severe violent crime, especially murder, are associated with increased suicide risk, both in prison and after release.
Enhancement of Dielectric Responses and Conduction Properties of Zn-doped TiO2 for Energy Storage and Photosensitivity Applications
Authors: Dhaou Mariem , Elaloui Elimame , Khirouni Kamel , Guermazi Hajer , GUERMAZI Samir
Published: February 2021

This work deals with the physical investigations on Zn-doped TiO2 synthesized via a solvent controlled non-aqueous sol–gel route. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that TiO2 particles crystallized in both tetragonal anatase and rutile structures. FTIR analysis confirmed the insertion of Zn in TiO2 network, and revealed the presence of surface defects in the prepared powders, as proved by their porous morphologies. UV-visible absorption was performed to provide an insight into the band-gap variation in the Zn-doped TiO2 nanopowders as a function of Zn doping. On the other hand, the electrical properties were studied using complex impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range from 40Hz to 1MHz at temperature range 480-600K. The impedance plots are well fitted to an (R1//C1)-(R2//CPE1) equivalent circuit. As well, the correlated barrier hopping model (CBH) was proposed to describe the conduction mechanism. Finally, Photocatalytic activities of the Zn doped TiO2 nanoparticles were evaluated via the degradation of the rhodamine B (RhB) dye under UV light irradiation. The results showed enhanced performance by Zn-doping, compared to the undoped TiO2 nanoparticles.
The Characteristics of the Immune Cell Profiles in Peripheral Blood in Cholangiocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Kida Akihiko , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Kido Hidenori , Toyama Tadashi , Terashima Takeshi , Arai Kuniaki , Yamashita Tatsuya , Fushimi Kazumi , Yamashita Taro , Sakai Yoshio , Honda Masao , Uchiyama Akio , Sakai Akito , Shimizu Koichi , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: February 2021

BackgroundImmune related cells are known to be closely related to the therapeutic effects and prognoses of cancer patients. In this study, we analyzed immune cell profiles (ICP) of cholangiocarcinoma patients (CCA). MethodsTo measure the frequency of immune cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 41 CCA and 10 healthy volunteers (HV) were analyzed by FACS. Results There were significant differences between CCA and HV in ICP, and these differences were a consequence of tumor-bearing status because many items in ICP before surgery were restored to levels in HV after surgery. Therefore, these changes were specifically attributable to cholangiocarcinoma, and we examined if they can function as biomarkers for therapeutic effects and prognoses. A shorter overall survival was associated with a lower frequency of helper T cells (HT) (p=0.001), a higher frequency of effector regulatory T cells (eTregs) (p=0.008), and a lower frequency of CD80+ eTregs (p=0.024) in the best supportive care group, with a lower frequency of CD25+ naïve Tregs (nTregs) (p=0.005) in the chemotherapy group, and with a lower frequency of OX40+ HT (p=0.022), CD25+ CD8+ T cells (p=0.017), and OX40+ CD8+ T cells (p=0.032) in the surgery group. The recurrence factors were a higher frequency of CD4+ T cells (p=0.009), CCR6+ nTregs (p=0.014), and CXCR3+ nTregs (p=0.012), and a lower frequency of PD-1+ HT (p=0.006), OX40+ HT (p=0.004), CD8+ T cells (p=0.001), and CTLA-4+ CD8+ T cells (p=0.036). ConclusionsThe ICP in CCA are specifically attributable to cholangiocarcinoma, and may be biomarkers for therapeutic effects and prognoses.
“Toughening and stress-reducing effects in composites formulated with thiourethane-treated fillers: systematic evaluation of the influence of filler size, loading and surface treatment”
Authors: Fugolin Ana , Correr Ana Rosa Costa , Correr-Sobrinho Lourenco , Chaw R. Crystal , Lewis Steven , Ferracane Jack , Pfeifer Carmem S.
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Filler particle functionalization with thiourethane oligomers has been shown to increase fracture toughness and decrease polymerization stress in dental composites, though the mechanism is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to systematically characterize the effect of the type of filler surface functionalization on the physicochemical properties of experimental resin composites containing fillers of different size and volume fraction. Methods: Barium glass fillers (1, 3 and 10 µm) were functionalized with 2 wt% thiourethane-silane (TU-Sil) synthesized de novo and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. Fillers treated with 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MA-Sil) and with no surface treatment (No-Sil) served as controls. Fillers (50, 60 and 70 wt%) were incorporated into BisGMA-UDMA-TEGDMA (5:3:2) containing camphorquinone/ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (0.2/0.8 wt%) and 0.2 wt% di-tert-butyl hydroxytoluene. The functionalized particles were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and a representative group was tagged with methacrylated rhodamine B and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Polymerization kinetics were assessed by near-IR spectroscopy. Polymerization stress was tested in a cantilever system, and fracture toughness was assessed with single edge-notched beams. Fracture surfaces were characterized by SEM. Data were analyzed with ANOVA/Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results and Conclusions: The grafting of thiourethane oligomer onto the surface of the filler particles led to reductions in polymerization stress ranging between 41% and 54%, without affecting the viscosity of the composite. Fracture toughness increased on average by 35% for composites with the experimental fillers compared with the traditional methacrylate-silanized groups. SEM and confocal analyses demonstrate that the coverage of the filler surface was not homogeneous and varied with the size of the filler. The average silane layer for the 1 µm particle functionalized with the thiourethane was 206 nm, much thicker than reported for traditional silanes. In summary, this study systematically characterized the silane layer and established structure-property relationships for methacrylate and thiourethane silane-containing materials. The results demonstrate that significant stress reductions and fracture toughness increases are obtained by judiciously tailoring the organic-inorganic interface in dental composites.
Co-targeting WIP1 and PARP induces synthetic lethality in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Miaoqin , Wang Weikai , Hu Shiman , Tong Yifan , Li Yiling , Wei Qi , Yu Lei , Zhu Liyuan , Liu Leiming , Ju Zhenyu , Wang Xian , Jin Hongchuan , Feng Lifeng
Published: February 2021

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal cancers. Due to limited strategies for effective treatments, patients with advanced HCC have a very poor prognosis. This study aims to identify novel druggable candidate genes for patients with HCC.MethodsThe role of WIP1 (wild type p53 induced protein phosphatase1) in HCC was analyzed in HCC cells, nude mice assay, WIP1 knockout mice, and TCGA database. DNA damage was evaluated by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, Western blotting, comet assay, and Immunofluorescence.ResultsHigh expression of WIP1 is associated with poor prognosis of patients with HCC. Genetically and chemically suppression of WIP1 drastically reduced HCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo via inducing DNA damage. WIP1 knockout retarded DEN (Diethylnitrosamine) induced mice hepato-carcinogenesis. In addition, suppression of WIP1 together with PARP inhibition induced synthetic lethality in HCC cells by disrupting DNA damage repair.ConclusionWIP1 plays an oncogenic effect in HCC development, and targeting WIP1-dependent DNA damage repair might be a novel strategy for HCC management.
Mechanical Growth Factor Promotes FOXP3 Expression in Regulatory T Cells and Enhances its Function in Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Qin Hongyu , Yuan Shuangshuang , Zeng Hao , Li Hao , Yang Jinsong
Published: February 2021

BackgroundTo verify that mechanical growth factor (MGF) may be an effective target for treating ankylosing spondylitis. MethodsFOXP3 expression was measured in Treg cells from healthy male subjects treated with MGF. A rat model of ankylosing spondylitis was established, and the levels of ankylosing spondylitis-related factors (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-2, and IL-10) were measured. ResultsWe found that the proliferation and total number of Treg cells, as well as FOXP3 expression levels, increased significantly in the MGF-treated groups versus in the control. The levels of inflammation, bone destruction, and new bone formation were significantly decreased in animals treated with MGF compared to in the control group. TNF-α expression decreased significantly, while IL-2 and IL-10 levels increased significantly in the MGF group compared to in the control. Conclusions﻿MGF may delay disease progression in ankylosing rats by inducing FOXP3 expression, promote FOXP3+ Treg cell proliferation and differentiation and reducing the expression of TNF-α and increasing the expression of IL-10 and IL-2.
The mapping of cortical activation by near-infrared spectroscopy might be a biomarker related to the severity of fibromyalgia’s symptoms
Authors: Donadel Daniela Gabiatti , Zortea Maxciel , Torres Iraci Lucena da Silva , Fregni Felipe , Caumo Wolnei
Published: February 2021

We compared the activation pattern at the motor cortex (MC and prefrontal cortex (PFC) based on the delta value (Δ) of oxy-hemoglobin (HbO) by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We examined the relationship of the ΔHbO based on the peaks at 5°C and 25°C by right-hand immersion in water in 22 fibromyalgia and 19 controls. Fibromyalgia showed a shorter peak latency for HbO at the left MC. In contrast, at the left MC, their HbO increased 117.64% compared to 92.85% in the controls. A receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis showed the ΔHbO cutoffs equal to –0.175 at the left and –0.205 at the right PFC offer sensitivity and specificity of at least 80% in screening fibromyalgia compared to controls. In fibromyalgia, a ROC analysis showed that these cutoff points could discriminate those with higher disability due to pain and more severe central sensitization symptoms (CSS). The ROC with the best discriminatory profile was to the CSS score with the ΔHbO at the left PFC (AUC = 0.82, CI 95% = 0.61–100). These results indicate that cortical activation based on the ΔHbO at the PFC might be a sensitive marker to identify those fibromyalgia patients with more severe clinical symptoms.
Detecting epidemiological relevance among adenoid hypertrophy, rhinosinusitis, and allergic rhinitis through Internet search
Authors: Yang Yingchao , Li Xinyi , Ma Qiang , Fu Zhihui , Su Kaiming
Published: February 2021

Purpose : This study aimed to verify that adenoid hypertrophy (AH) and rhinosinusitis share similar epidemiologic patterns and that AH and allergic rhinitis (AR) are not related. Methods: Internet search engine query data from January 2011 to December 2019 were retrieved from the Baidu index. Monthly search volume was obtained in China for the following search terms in Chinese: “adenoid hypertrophy,” “rhinosinusitis,” and “allergic rhinitis”; the data obtained were then presented as percentages. Pearson’s and Spearman’ s correlation coefficients were used to detect the correlation among the search volumes of AH, rhinosinusitis, and AR. We also collected search data from the first 5 months of 2020, when segregation was implemented in China due to the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic. Then, we compared the search data to those obtained during the same period in 2019 to detect the effects of segregation on AH and AR to varying degrees. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the search variations of AH and rhinosinusitis during 2011–2019 (R=0.643, P<0.05). However, search variations of AH and AR were negatively related (R=-0.239, P<0.05). The average monthly search volume of AH and rhinosinusitis correlated well (R=0.836, P<0.01), but no correlation was found between AH and AR. The search volume of AH and rhinosinusitis during the first 5 months in 2020 decreased, whereas that of AR increased during January–February. Conclusions: AH and rhinosinusitis are epidemiologically related, whereas AH and AR are not correlated with each other.
Plant Developmental Stage Drives the Differentiation in Ecological Role of Plant Bacterial and Fungal Microbiomes
Authors: Xiong Chao , Singh Brajesh K. , He Ji-Zheng , Han Yan-Lai , Li Pei-Pei , Wan Li-Hua , Meng Guo-Zhong , Liu Si-Yi , Wang Jun-Tao , Wu Chuan-Fa , Ge An-Hui , Zhang Limei
Published: February 2021

BackgroundPlants live with diverse microbial communities which profoundly affect multiple facets of host performance such as nutrition acquisition, disease suppression and productivity, but if and how host development impacts the assembly, functions and microbial interactions of crop microbiomes are poorly understood. Here we examined both bacterial and fungal communities across soils (rhizosphere and bulk soil), plant epiphytic and endophytic niches (phylloplane, rhizoplane, leaf and root endosphere), and plastic leaf of fake plant (representing environment-originating microbes) at three developmental stages of maize at two contrasting sites, and further explored the potential function of phylloplane microbiomes based on metagenomics.ResultsOur results suggested that plant developmental stage had a much stronger influence on the microbial diversity, composition and interkingdom networks in plant compartment niches than in soils, with the strongest effect in the phylloplane. Air (represented by fake plants) was an important source of phylloplane microbiomes which were co-shaped by both plant development and seasonal environmental factors. Further, we demonstrated that bacterial and fungal communities in plant compartment niches exhibited contrasting response to host developmental stages, with higher alpha diversity and stronger deterministic assembly within bacterial microbiomes at the early stage but a similar pattern within mycobiomes at the late stage. Moreover, we found that bacterial taxa played a more important role in microbial interkingdom network and crop yield prediction at the early stage, while fungal taxa did so at the late stage. Metagenomic analyses further indicated that phylloplane microbiomes possessed higher functional diversity and functional genes involved in nutrient provision and disease resistance at the early stage than the late stage. Conclusions﻿Our results suggest that host developmental stage profoundly influences plant microbiome assembly and functions, and the bacterial and fungal microbiomes take a differentiated ecological role at different plant development stages. This study provides empirical evidence for host exerting strong effect on plant microbiomes by deterministic selection to meet the physiological requirement of plant developmental stages. These findings have implications for the development of future tools to manipulate microbiome for sustainable increase in primary productivity.
Global change factors influence different aspects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: Zheng Junqiang , Cui Mingming , Wang Cong , Wang Jian , Wang Shilin , Sun Zhongjie , Ren Feirong , Wan Shiqiang , Han Shijie
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe functional diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi ( AMF) affects the resistance and resilience of plant communities to environmental stresses. However, considerable uncertainty remains about how the complex interactions among elevated atmospheric CO 2 (eCO 2 ), nitrogen deposition (eN), increased precipitation (eP), and warming (eT) affect AMF communities. These global change factors (GCFs) always occur simultaneously, and their interactions likely affect AMF community structure and assembly processes. In this study, the interactive effects of these four GCFs on AMF communities were explored in an open-top chamber field experiment in a semiarid grassland. ResultsElevated CO 2 , eN, eT, and eP and their interactions did not affect AM fungal biomass. The relative abundance of Paraglomus increased with N addition across treatment combinations, whereas that of Glomus decreased with N addition, especially combined with eT and eCO 2 . Precipitation, T, and N affected AMF phylogenetic α-diversity, and the three-way interaction among CO 2 , T, and N affected taxonomic and phylogenetic α-diversity. Nitrogen addition significantly affected the β-diversity of AMF communities. Both variable selection and dispersal limitation played major roles in shaping AMF communities, whereas homogeneous selection and homogenizing dispersal had almost no influence on AMF community assembly. The contribution of variable selection decreased under eCO 2 , eN and eT, but not under eP. The contribution of dispersal limitation decreased under eCO 2 , eT, and eP but it increased under eN. The assembly of AMF communities under the sixteen GCF combinations was strongly influenced by dispersal limitation, variable selection and ecological drift. ConclusionsElevated CO 2 , warming, N addition, and increased precipitation influenced different aspects of AMF communities. The interactive effects of the four GCFs on AMF communities were limited. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that AMF communities in semiarid grasslands can resist changes in the global climate.
Risk factors to predict ocular metastasis in older adult patients with gastric cancer:LDL, ApoA1, and CA724
Authors: Shi Wenqing , Wu Shinan , Sun Tie , Shu Huiye , Yang Qichen , Li Qiuyu , Su Ting , Pan Yicong , Liang Rongbin , Shao Yi
Published: February 2021

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies in the population. Although the incidence of GC has reduced, patient prognosis remains poor. Ocular metastases (OM) from GC are rare, and the occurrence of OM is often indicative of severe disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors for OM of GC.Methods: A total of 1165 older adult patients with GC were enrolled in this study from June 2003 to May 2019 and divided into OM and non-ocular metastasis (NOM) groups. Chi-square and independent samples t tests were used to determine whether differences in demographic characteristics and serological indicators (SI) between the two groups were significant. In addition, binary logistic regression was used to analyze the value of various SI as risk factors for OM in patients with GC. The statistical threshold was set as P < 0.05. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic value of various SI in differentiating the occurrence of OM in patients with GC. Results: The incidence of OM in older adults with GC was 1.1%. Adenocarcinoma was the most common type of GC in both groups, and there was no significant difference in demographic characteristics, including sex and age between the groups. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), carbohydrate antigen-724 (CA724), and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were significantly higher in the OM group than the NOM group, while those of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) were significantly lower in the OM than the NOM group. Binary logistic analysis showed that LDL, ApoA1, and CA724 were independent risk factors for OM in patients with GC (P < 0.001,P = 0.033, and P = 0.008, respectively). ROC curve analysis generated area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.881, 0.576, and 0.906 for LDL, ApoA1, and CA724, respectively. In addition, combined analysis of LDL, ApoA1, and CA724 generated the highest AUC value of 0.924 (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Among SI, LDL, ApoA1, and CA724 have predictive value for the occurrence of OM in GC, with the three factors combined having the highest value.
Transcriptome Changes in Porcine Granulosa Cells in Response to Gossypol Cytotoxicity
Authors: Hong Min-Wook , Choi So-Young , Kim Hun , Lee Sung-Jin
Published: February 2021

Background: Gossypol (GP) is a polyphenolic compound in cottonseed. In porcine, GP affects female reproduction and the respiratory system. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes in porcine granulosa cells (GCs) treated with GP (6.25 and 12.5 μM) for 72 h, in vitro . Results: In GP-treated groups (6.25 and 12.5 μM), the expressions of a number of genes were found to be significantly changed. Gene ontology analysis indicated that the identified DEGs were primarily related to the mitotic cell cycle, chromosome, centromeric region and protein binding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of the GP6.25 group revealed that pathways related to the cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and p53 signaling were the most changed, while that of the GP12.5 group revealed that pathways related to the PI3K-Akt signaling, focal adhesion, HIF-1 signaling, cell cycle and ECM-receptor interaction were the most changed. Genes associated with female reproductive function ( CDK1 , CCNB1 , CPEB1 and MMP3 ), cellular component organization ( BIRC5 , CYP1A1 , TGFβ3 and COL1A2 ) and oxidation-reduction processes ( PRDX6 , MGST1 and SOD3 ) were confirmed to be differently expressed in GP-treated groups. Conclusion: Our findings provide insight regarding changes in GC gene expression in porcine exposed to GP.
A Study of the Predictors of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Mothers During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Beheshti Maryam Ahmad Zadeh , Alimoradi Zainab , Bahrami Nasim
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose: Breastfeeding has a vital role in ensuring the health of mother and infant, and ultimately the health of society. Breastfeeding self-efficacy is a strong predictor of the duration of breastfeeding, which in a variety of situations - including crises - may be affected by a number of factors. The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy in breastfeeding mothers during the Covid-19 pandemic.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 300 breastfeeding mothers whose children were breastfed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sampling was based on convenience sampling and online method using a checklist of personal and social characteristics and breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaires, spouse postpartum social support, perceived social support, anxiety and depression, and fear of Covid-19. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, one-way ANOVA and multi variable linear regression model via stepwise method. Significance level in this study was considered to be 0.05.Results: The mean breastfeeding self-efficacy score among participants was 58.19±10.48 (out of 70). Spouse postpartum social support (β = 0.732, p =0.04), intention to breastfeed (p = 0.001, β = 0.17), use of formula while breastfeeding (β = - 0.09, p<0.001), and depression (β = - 0.11, p<0.001), were predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy. But fear of Covid-19 was not significantly correlated with breastfeeding self-efficacy (p = 0.514).Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that spouse postpartum social support and having the intention of breastfeeding with a positive effect; and depression and simultaneous use of formula in feeding the infant with a negative effect; are predictors of women’s breastfeeding self-efficacy during the Covid-19 pandemic. It seems that breastfeeding can be improved by counseling to improve receiving the spouse support, increasing the breastfeeding intent, and reducing the depression.
ClusterMap: multi-scale clustering analysis of spatial gene expression
Authors: He Yichun , Tang Xin , Huang Jiahao , Zhou Haowen , Chen Kevin , Liu Albert , Ren Jingyi , Shi Hailing , Lin Zuwan , Li Qiang , Aditham Abhishek , Shu Jian , Liu Jia , Wang Xiao
Published: February 2021

Quantifying RNAs in their spatial context is crucial to understanding gene expression and regulation in complex tissues. In situ transcriptomic methods generate spatially resolved RNA profiles in intact tissues. However, there is a lack of a unified computational framework for integrative analysis of in situ transcriptomic data. Here, we present an unsupervised and annotation-free framework, termed ClusterMap, which incorporates physical proximity and gene identity of RNAs, formulates the task as a point pattern analysis problem, and thus defines biologically meaningful structures and groups. Specifically, ClusterMap precisely clusters RNAs into subcellular structures, cell bodies, and tissue regions in both two- and three-dimensional space, and consistently performs on diverse tissue types, including mouse brain, placenta, gut, and human cardiac organoids. We demonstrate ClusterMap to be broadly applicable to various in situ transcriptomic measurements to uncover gene expression patterns, cell-cell interactions, and tissue organization principles from high-dimensional transcriptomic images.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of SETD5-containing NCoR-HDAC3 complex determines enhancer activation for adipogenesis
Authors: Matsumura Yoshihiro , Ito Ryo , Yajima Ayumu , Yamaguchi Rei , Magoori Kenta , Tanaka Toshiya , Kawamura Takeshi , Hirakawa Hiroyuki , Fujihashi Hitomi , Abe Yohei , Nakaki Ryo , Uchida Aoi , Yamamoto Shogo , Ota Satoshi , Tsutsumi Shuichi , Inoue Shin-ichi , Kimura Hiroshi , Wada Yoichiro , Inagaki Takeshi , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Osborne Timothy , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Node Koichi , Sakai Juro
Published: February 2021

Enhancer activation is essential for cell-type specific gene expression during cellular differentiation, however, how enhancers transition from a hypoacetylated “primed” state to a hyperacetylated-active state is incompletely understood. Here, we show SET domain-containing 5 (SETD5) forms a complex with NCoR-HDAC3 co-repressor that prevents histone acetylation of enhancers for two master adipogenic regulatory genes Cebpa and Pparg early during adipogenesis. The loss of SETD5 from the complex is followed by enhancer hyperacetylation. SETD5 protein levels were transiently increased and rapidly degraded prior to enhancer activation providing a mechanism for the loss of SETD5 during the transition. We show that induction of the CDC20 co-activator of the ubiquitin ligase leads to APC/C mediated degradation of SETD5 during the transition and this operates as a molecular switch that facilitates adipogenesis.