bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fc Gamma RIIb Expression Levels in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Jin Jinglan , Liu Yuwei , Xu Xiaotong , Wang Zhongfeng , Niu Junqi
Published: September 2021

Background: Fc gamma receptor IIb (FcγRIIb), is an important inhibitory receptor which plays a vital role in regulating various immunoresponse processes and pathogenesis of many infectious disease. The purpose of our research is to show the FcγRIIb expression in serum and liver biopsy specimen of hepatitis B virus (HBV) suffers and explore its association with chronic HBV infection.Methods: ELISA assay was adopted to identify the serum FcγRIIb levels in 119 HBV suffers and 24 healthy controls. The immunohistochemical method was then employed to identify FcγRIIb expression in the biopsy specimens of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The integrated optical density (IOD) value was measured to represent FcγRIIb expression levels.Results: The serum FcγRIIb levels were decreased in CHB patients compared to controls (P < 0.001). FcγRIIb levels in CHB patient group were remarkably lower than in HBV carrier group (P< 0.001). In addition, the serum FcγRIIb levels were negatively associated with AST and ALT (r=-0.3936，P=0.0063; r=-0.3459，P =0.0097 respectively). The IOD values of FcγRIIb expression in moderate CHB and severity CHB group were significantly lower (P=0.006, P<0.001, respectively). The FcγRIIb level tended to be lower with the pathological changes of hepatitis. Further, the correlation analysis revealed FcγRIIb had negative correlations with AST and ALT (r=-0.688，P=0.0016; r=-0.686，P=0.0017 respectively) but positively associated with platelet counts (r=0.6464，P=0.0038).Conclusions: FcγRIIb levels are significantly related to chronic HBV infection and progression of CHB. The change of FcγRIIb may affect the progression of liver inflammation and fibrosis in CHB patients
Virtual Screening of Antitumor Inhibitors Targeting BRD4 Based on Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Wu Keliang , Zhang Chenghua , He Bing , Li Huanxin , Tang Shan , Han Tao , Li Bingke
Published: September 2021

BRD4 is a hot antitumor target. In this study, three kinds of machine learning methods were used to establish classification models of BRD4 inhibitors, achieving satisfactory prediction performance. Through comparison, random forest model worked best, the parameters of which were also optimized. Then, the best random forest model was applied to perform virtual screening against ZINC database and a total of 89 potential compounds with BRD4 inhibitory activity were eventually identified. Further, seven molecules were chosen from the hits, and a docking calculation was carried out for each molecule, showing a strong interaction between ligand and BRD4. Subsequently, these molecules were evaluated by molecular dynamics simulations, all having certain binding stability. The results have proved the effectiveness of the developed models based on machine learning methods and the molecules filtered by virtual screening not only have a significant guiding in practice for the molecular design and synthesis, but also can provide great possibility for the discoveries and final approvals of anti-cancer drugs targeting BRD4.
The Mediating Effect of Money Growth And General Public Consumption In The Fiscal Deficit-Inflation-Growth Nexus of The West African Monetary Zone: A Multilevel Structural Model Approach
Authors: AYESU EDMUND , Olaomi John
Published: September 2021

The effect of fiscal deficit on inflation and growth, has been a highly contested issue in economics. Studies on the issue generally have sought to ascertain whether deficit in the fiscal balance has positive or negative effect on inflation and/or growth, neglecting the question of mediating variables in the process. In this study, we consider the consequences of selected mediating variables, money growth and general public consumption, in the context of the relationship among fiscal deficit, inflation and growth in the case of the West African Monetary Zone. The study is based on Multilevel Structural Model (1, 1, 1) within the framework of dynamic structural equation model. We found that when the relationship between inflation and fiscal deficit is mediated by growth of money, it does not show any statistical credibility, thus, member-countries are not prone to finance deficits by expanding growth of money. On the other hand, general public consumption is a statistically credible mediator between fiscal deficit and growth, but its effect is negative on growth. This implies that increased general public consumption occasioned by increased fiscal deficit is counter-productive to growth outcomes in the sub-region.
Anlotinib vs. Nanoparticle Albumin-Boundpaclitaxel in the Treatment of Third-Line and Above Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Li , Bai Qiaohong , Wang Yuchao , Liu Wei , Xu Chunhua , Chi Chuanzhen
Published: September 2021

Background: Comparison of the efficacy and adverse reactions of anlotinib and nanoparticle albumin-boundpaclitaxel (Nab-P) in the treatment of third-line and above extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the effectiveness and safety of anlotinib and Nab-P in clinical practice. We enrolled 71 patients with ES-SCLC who received anlotinib monotherapy or Nab-P monotherapy as third-line or later-line therapy. Divided into Anlotinib group (n=35) and Nab-P group (n=36). We analyzed progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AE) in the two groups. Results: Among all patients, the Nab-P group showed better overall response rate (ORR) compared with the Anlotinib group [19.4% vs. 8.6%, P = 0.193]. There was no significant difference in PFS and OS between the two groups. The most common AEs in the Anlotinib group were liver damage, fatigue, hypertension, and hand-foot syndrome. The most common AEs in the Nab-P group were liver damage, neutropenia, fatigue, and muscle aches. There were no treatment-related deaths.Conclusions: In our real-world data analysis, patients treated with Nab-P had a better overall response rate (ORR), but no benefit of PFS or OS. Both treatment options are effective, so the choice should be based on their potential side effects.
Mutational Analysis of a Novel Mutation (p.H232R) in the SRD5A2 Causing 46,XY Disorder of Sex Development
Authors: Li Liwei , Zhang Junhong , Li Qing , Qiao Li , Li Pengcheng , Cui Yi , Li Shujun , Hao Shirui , Wu Tongqian , Liu Lili , Yin Jianmin , Hu Pingsheng , Dou Xiaowei , Li Shuping , Yang Hui
Published: September 2021

Background: Over 100 mutations in SRD5A2 gene have been identified in subjects with 46,XY DSD. Exploring SRD5A2 mutation and elucidating its molecular mechanism will find the domains function of 5α-reductase 2 enzyme and identify the cause of 46,XY DSD. Previously, we reported a novel compound heterozygous p.H232R/p.Q6X mutation of SRD5A2 gene in a case with 46,XY DSD. Whether the compound heterozygous p.Q6X/p.H232R mutation in SRD5A2 gene causes 46,XY DSD occurrence is needed to be further explored. Results: In order to clarify the cause of 46,XY DSD in the case’s family, SRD5A2 sequencing were performed. The heterozygous p.H232R mutation were identified in the case’s father, so we concluded that the heterozygous p.H232R mutation originated from paternal family and didn’t cause 46,XY DSD occurrence. The heterozygous p.Q6X mutation were identified in the case’s mother, maternal uncle and maternal grandfather, indicating that the heterozygous p.Q6X mutation descended from maternal family and didn’t cause 46,XY DSD occurrence. In order to clarify p.H232R mutation in SRD5A2 on DHT production, p.H232R mutant SRD5A2 plasmids were transfected with HEK293 cells and LC-MS detected that DHT production decreased compared with wild-type SRD5A2 infected ones.Conclusions: Our findings confirmed that the compound heterozygous p.Q6X/p.H232R mutation in SRD5A2 gene is the cause of 46,XY DSD. p.H232R mutation reduced DHT production while attenuated 5α-reductase 2 enzymatic catalytic efficiency.
Embolization in Trauma Patients: What Trauma Radiologists Should Know
Authors: Aoki Makoto , Matsumoto Shokei , Toyoda Yukitoshi , Senoo Satomi , Inoue Yukio , Yamada Masaki , Fukada Takuya , Funabiki Tomohiro
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Limited information exists on embolization for trauma patients regarding arteries embolized, embolic materials used, and embolization duration. We clarified the clinical application of embolization in trauma patients and factors associated with a prolonged procedure time.
Methods

Medical records of 162 trauma patients who underwent embolization between January 2007 and December 2020 at a regional trauma care center were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into six embolized body regions: cerebrovascular, chest, abdomen, pelvis, peripheral, and other. Patient demographics, trauma mechanism, physiology, trauma severity, embolization procedures, and 30-day mortality were examined. The primary outcome was identifying an embolized body region and arteries, and secondary outcome was procedure time.
Results

Embolization was mainly performed in pelvic fractures (n = 96, 59%) and abdominal organ injuries (n = 57, 35%) and extended to the chest (n = 17, 10%), cerebrovascular (n = 8, 4.9%), peripheral (n = 5, 3.1%), and other (n = 7, 4.3%) regions. Approximately 13% (n = 21) of patients underwent embolization in ≥2 regions. Embolization was more strictly performed in minor artery injuries, e.g. external iliac (n = 15, 16%) and lumbar artery (n = 22, 23%) branches in pelvic fractures, and inferior phrenic artery (n = 2, 3.5%) branches in liver injuries. Non-selective embolization for a pelvic fracture tended to show a shorter procedure time despite no statistically significant difference (p = 0.056). For a longer procedure time, the number of embolized arteries (R = 0.357) and embolized body regions (R = 0.428) correlated.
Conclusions

Embolizations for trauma patients extended to various trauma regions. In time-sensitive embolization, emergency interventional radiologists showed superior knowledge of expected embolizing arteries and factors associated with procedure time.
Greywater Treatment of Emerging Pollutant Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate By Adsorption With Leather Shave Waste Activated Carbon
Authors: Faccenda Henrique Baldi , Melara Flávia , Damini Gabriel , Godinho Marcelo , Manera Christian , Piccin Jeferson Steffanello
Published: September 2021

This study aims to evaluate the use of leather shave waste activated carbon (ACLW) as an alternative for the treatment of wastewaters containing Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonate (LAS). Batch adsorption tests were carried out (pH effect, isotherms, kinetics). The activated carbon was tested for its life cycle by desorption with solvents and it was also evaluated as a real wastewater treatment for bath greywater. Under the optimum pH of 2.5, the equilibrium isotherms correlated better with the Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson models, indicating a possible multilayer formation, and classifying the isotherm as having a high affinity. Adsorption was shown to be endothermic (∆H0 = +73.89 kJ mol-1), entropy driven (∆S0 = +0.46 kJ mol-1 K-1) and occurs spontaneously. The kinetic studies showed a best correlation with the pseudo-second order model, with activation energy of 27.5 kJ mol-1. The use of ethanol solution was effective for the regeneration of the adsorbent. The adsorption was applied in real wastewater, removing contaminants from bath greywater, especially anionic surfactants with up to 95% removal efficiency.
Optimal Testing Strategies to Monitor COVID-19 Traced Contacts.
Authors: Foncea Patricio , Mondschein Susana , Olivares Marcelo
Published: September 2021

The quarantine of identified close contacts has been vital to reducing transmission rates and averting secondary infection risk before symptom onset and by asymptomatic cases. The effectiveness of this contact tracing strategy to mitigate transmission is sensitive to the adherence to quarantines, which may be lower for longer quarantine periods or in vaccinated populations (where perceptions of risk are reduced). This study develops a simulation model to evaluate contact tracing strategies based on the sequential testing of identified contacts after exposure as an alternative to quarantines, in which contacts are isolated only after confirmation by a positive test. The analysis considers different number and types of tests (PCR and lateral flow antigen tests (LFA)) to identify the cost-effective testing policies that minimize the expected infecting days post-exposure considering different levels of testing capacity. This analysis suggests that even a limited number of tests can be effective at reducing secondary infection risk: two LFA tests (with optimal timing) avert infectiousness at a level that is comparable to 14-day quarantine with 90% adherence; adding a third test (PCR or LFA) reaches the efficiency of a 95% quarantine adherence. These results are robust to the exposure dates of the contact, which suggests that simple testing rules can be effective for improving contact tracing in settings where strict quarantine adherence is difficult to implement.
Identification of Key Genes and Signaling Pathways Involved in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Potential Biomarkers of Its Consequent Heart Failure Based On Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Xiong Yuyan , Yang Yuejin
Published: September 2021

Backgrounds

: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the predominant cause of cardiac death and ischemic heart failure (IHF) worldwide in coronary artery disease (CAD). Although it results from coronary acute occlusion, we in the study explored some key genes involved in the development of AMI and consequent IHF using bioinformatics analysis.
Methods

Utilizing expression data of 52 patients with AMI and 53 controls from GSE66360 and GSE97320 datasets, we screened shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the independent datasets. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were employed. GSE58967 of 111 AMI patients and 46 controls was used to validate the shared DEGs and further analyzed to identify the DEGs in AMI patients with and without heart failure (HF) with the dynamic changes also being evaluated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were used to validate the diagnostic efficiency.
Results

In the comparison of AMI patients with controls, we identified 105 shared DEGs. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed the shared DEGs mainly enriched in immune-related inflammation process and pathways. Filtered with PPI network, 5 genes of CXCL8, CXCL1, MMP9, FPR1 and TLR2 were considered as hub genes, which were further validated in GSE59867. Compared with the genes in AMI patients without HF, those of TNFAIP6, ADM, TRIB1, AQP9 and IL1R2 associated with ventricular remodeling were found to be significantly high expressed in patients with HF on admission with the AUC of ROC curves was 0.792–0.847 (all p < 0.05), which can be used as the potential biomarkers for early prediction of HF after AMI.
Conclusions

These findings based on integrated bioinformatic analysis provide new insights into the important roles of genes to play in the patients with AMI and consequent HF.
Development, Validity, and Reliability of a Japanese Version of End-of-Life in Dementia Scales
Authors: Toya Sayaka , Uchida Yoko , Yamazaki Tsuneo , Saito Tomoyuki , Chiba Yuhei , Kawashima Tomoyuki , Takai Yukari , Yamaguchi Haruyasu
Published: September 2021

Background: End-of-life care quality should ideally be evaluated by patients themselves. However, patients suffer clinical symptoms and conspicuous cognitive and physical decline in end-stage dementia. Therefore, family members and nurses are often good proxies for evaluating patients’ satisfaction with end-of-life care and symptoms in end-stage dementia. The End-of-Life in Dementia scales, originally written in English, were specifically designed to examine the quality of end-of-life care for persons with dementia. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the End-of-Life in Dementia scales and evaluate its validity and reliability in Japan.Methods: The Japanese version of the End-of-Life in Dementia scales (EOLD-J) was created by translating the following original scale measurements: Satisfaction with Care (SWC-EOLD-J), Symptom Management (SM-EOLD-J), and Comfort Assessment in Dying with dementia (CAD-EOLD-J). Participants were 113 family members of deceased residents who received end-of-life care and died at 33 participating nursing homes, and 113 nurses who provided care to the residents. Participants were asked to recall residents’ last months and select related items on an evaluation form. The reliability of the scales was evaluated using a Cronbach’s alpha. The construct validity of the relationships between the SWC-EOLD-J scores and the Japanese Decision Regret Scale (DRS-J), the SM-EOLD-J and the short version of Quality of Life Questionnaire for Dementia (short QOL-D), and the CAD-EOLD-J and the short QOL-D were evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.Results: Responses from 83 deceased residents’ family members, and 62 nurses were analyzed. The Cronbach’s alphas of the SWC-EOLD-J was 0.77, the SM-EOLD-J was 0.60, and the CAD-EOLD-J was 0.88. The SWC-EOLD-J score was significantly correlated with DRS-J (γ＝0.504, p < 0.001). The SM-EOLD-J score was significantly correlated with subscale of the short QOL-D: negative dimension ( γ＝0.587, p < 0.001), the CAD-EOLD-J score was significantly correlated with subscale of the short QOL-D: negative dimension (γ＝0.509, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study developed the EOLD-J and confirmed the reliability and validity of this scale.
Near Infrared Photothermoelectric Effect in Transparent AZO/ITO/Ag/ITO Thin Films
Authors: Bianchi Catarina , Marques Ana , Silva Rui , Calmeiro Tomas , Ferreira Isabel
Published: September 2021

A new concept of oxide-metal-oxide structures that combine photothermoelectric effect with high reflectance (~80%) at wavelengths in the infrared (> 1100 nm) and high transmittance in the visible range is reported here. This was observed in optimized ITO/Ag/ITO structure, 20 nm of Siver (Ag) and 40 nm of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), deposited on Aluminum doped Zinc Oxide (AZO) thin film. These layers show high energy saving efficiency by keeping the temperature constant inside a glazed compartment under solar radiation, but additionally they also show a photothermoelectric effect. Under uniform heating of the sample a thermoelectric effect is observed (S = 40 μV/K), but when irradiated, a potential proportional to the intensity of the radiation is also observed. Therefore, in addition to thermal control in windows, these low emission coatings can be applied as transparent photothermoelectric devices.
Estimating genetic correlation jointly using individual-level and summary-level GWAS data
Authors: Zhao Hongyu , Zhang Yiliang , Cheng Youshu , Ye Yixuan , Jiang Wei , Lu Qiongshi
Published: September 2021

With the increasing accessibility of individual-level data from genome wide association studies, it is now common for researchers to have individual-level data of some traits in one specific population. For some traits, we can only access public released summary-level data due to privacy and safety concerns. The current methods to estimate genetic correlation can only be applied when the input data type of the two traits of interest is either both individual-level or both summary-level. When researchers have access to individual-level data for one trait and summary-level data for the other, they have to transform the individual-level data to summary-level data first and then apply summary data-based methods to estimate the genetic correlation. This procedure is computationally and statistically inefficient and introduces information loss. We introduce GENJI (Genetic correlation EstimatioN Jointly using Individual-level and summary data), a method that can estimate within-population or transethnic genetic correlation based on individual-level data for one trait and summary-level data for another trait. Through extensive simulations and analyses of real data on within-population and transethnic genetic correlation estimation, we show that GENJI produces more reliable and efficient estimation than summary data-based methods. Besides, when individual-level data are available for both traits, GENJI can achieve comparable performance than individual-level data-based methods. Downstream applications of genetic correlation can benefit from more accurate estimates. In particular, we show that more accurate genetic correlation estimation facilitates the predictability of cross-population polygenic risk scores.
Partitioning Inorganic Carbon Fluxes from Paired O2 - CO2 Gas Measurements in a Neotropical Headwater Stream, Costa Rica
Authors: Marzolf Nicholas S. , Small Gaston E. , Oviedo-Vargas Diana , Ganong Carissa N. , Duff John H. , Ramírez Alonso , Pringle Catherine M. , Genereux David P. , Ardón Marcelo
Published: September 2021

The role of rivers and streams in the global carbon (C) cycle remains unconstrained, especially in headwater streams where CO2 evasion (FCO2) to the atmosphere is high. Stream C cycling is understudied in the tropics compared to temperate streams, and tropical streams may have among the highest FCO2 due to higher temperatures, continuous organic matter inputs, and high respiration rates both in-stream and in surrounding soils. In this paper, we present paired in-stream O2 and CO2 sensor data from a headwater stream in a lowland rainforest in Costa Rica to explore temporal variability in ecosystem processes. Further, we estimate groundwater CO2 inputs (GWCO2) from riparian well CO2 measurements and assess all fluxes to examine the relative contributions of sinks and sources of dissolved inorganic C (DIC) to a headwater stream. Paired O2 - CO2 data reveal stream CO2 supersaturation driven by groundwater CO2 inputs and large in-stream production of CO2. Areal fluxes in our study reach show FCO2 is supported by both GWCO2 inputs and in-stream metabolism and the seasonality in GWCO2 reflects the hydrology of the site. Using a mass balance approach, we show FCO2 is the dominant loss of DIC from the stream, greater than dissolved exports, and is sustained by both internal production of DIC and terrestrial inputs of DIC. Our results underscore the importance of tropical headwater streams as large contributors of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere among inland waters and show of this C derives from both in-stream and terrestrial sources.
Inline Index Helped in Cleaning up Data Contamination Generated During Library Preparation and the Subsequent Steps
Authors: Wang Ying , Yuan Hao , Huang Junman , Li Chenhong
Published: September 2021

High-throughput sequencing involves library preparation and amplification steps, which may induce contamination across samples or between samples and the environment. We tested the effect of applying an inline-index strategy, in which DNA indices of 6 bp were added to both ends of the inserts at the ligation step of library prep for resolving the data contamination problem. Our results showed that the contamination ranged from 0.29–1.25% in one experiment and from 0.83–27.01% in the other. We also found that contamination could be environmental or from reagents besides cross-contamination between samples. Inline-index method is a useful experimental design to clean up the data and address the contamination problem which has been plaguing high-throughput sequencing data in many applications.
Intravenous Cyclophosphamide Induces Remission in Children with Difficult to Treat Steroid Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome from Minimal Change Disease
Authors: Haddad Maha , Kale Arun , Butani Lavjay
Published: September 2021

Background: Steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), while uncommon in children, is associated with significant morbidity. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) remain the first line recommended therapy for children with non-genetic forms of SRNS, but some children fail to respond to them. Intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide (CTX) has been shown to be effective in Asian-Indian children with difficult to treat SRNS (SRNS-DTT). Our study evaluated the outcome of IV CTX treatment in North American children with SRNS-DTT.Methods: Retrospective review of the medical records of children with SRNS-DTT treated with IV CTX from January 2000 to July 2019 at our center. Data abstracted included demographics, histopathology on renal biopsy, prior and concomitant use of other immunosuppressive agents and serial clinical/laboratory data. Primary outcome measure was attainment of complete remission (CR). Results: Eight children with SRNS-DTT received monthly doses (median 6; range 4-6) of IV CTX. Four (50%) went into CR, 1 achieved partial remission and 3 did not respond. Three of the 4 responders had minimal change disease (MCD). Excluding the 1 child who responded after the 4th infusion, the median time to CR was 6.5 (range 0.5-8) months after completion of IV CTX infusions. Three remain in CR at a median of 8.5 years (range: 3.7-10.5 years) after completion of CTX; one child relapsed and became steroid-dependent. No infections or life-threatening complications related to IV CTX were observed.Conclusions: IV CXT can induce long term remission in North-American children with MCD who have SRNS-DTT.
Infection prevalence, intensity, and tissue damage caused by the parasitic flatworm, Bdelloura candida, in the American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus)
Authors: Brianik Christopher J , Bopp Justin , Piechocki Camilla , Liang Nancy , O’Reilly Sabrina , Cerrato Robert M. , Allam Bassem
Published: September 2021

Parasite infection dynamics can have profound implications on a host’s fitness; yet, there is a dearth of information on parasites in the American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) (Linnaeus 1758), a species that has experienced population declines in recent decades. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the prevalence, intensity, and gill surface area coverage of the ectoparasitic flatworm (cocoon and adult stages), Bdelloura candida in adult (n = 29), sub-adult (n = 7) and juvenile (n = 32) horseshoe crabs collected from Moriches Bay, NY (40.7810° N, 72.7171° W) in 2019 and 2020. Subsamples of horseshoe crab gill tissue (10%) were collected from live specimen, then B. candida cocoons were enumerated across the gill subsamples using microscopy while the extent of tissue damage was quantified with histology. B. candida was present in all adult and sub-adult crabs (100%), whereas juveniles exhibited 6.2% prevalence. Cocoon intensities per sample ranged from 28 to 805 cocoons, with 4.0–94.0% of gill lamellae harboring cocoons. In infected individuals, the total cocoon surface area coverage on gill tissues ranged from 0.06–14.51%, with higher cocoon intensities observed in the ventral-most gill quartiles relative to the dorsal-most gill regions. Sex was strongly supported as a primary driver behind B. candida infection intensities with adult females harboring higher intensities. Among infected gill lamellae, cocoon intensity was lower in mitochondrial-rich regions relative to mitochondrial-poor regions. These results provide novel insight into B. candida infection dynamics across horseshoe crab demographics, but further research is necessary to quantify the physiological impacts of the infection on L. polyphemus.
Oxidized ATM Protein Kinase Promotes the Proliferation of Breast CAF Through Upregulating the SCD1 Gene Expression by Activating Core Proliferation-Related Pathways
Authors: Xing Li , Ren Mingjun , Bi Wanying , Wu Wanjun , Jiang Gui , Li Limin , Lu Yu , Yu Hongli , Liu Manran , Tu Xin , Tang Shifu
Published: September 2021

PurposeStearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a key rate-limiting enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids, which mediates lipid metabolism and participates in the proliferation of cancer cells. As a redox sensor, ATM protein kinase is also involved in DNA repair and cell proliferation regulation. Previous studies have shown that oxidized ATM protein kinase can facilitates the proliferation of breast CAF via by regulating the cell glucose and protein metabolism. However, lipid metabolism is essential for cell proliferation. Whether the oxidized ATM protein kinase can regulate the expression of the SCD gene to promote the lipid metabolism is unknown.MethodsWe use immunohistochemical techniques to observe the level of SCD1 and oxidized ATM protein kinase, MTT Assay and flow cytometric analysis observes the proliferation of breast CAFs, and Western Blot techniques analyze the expression of SCD gene expression.ResultsThe expression levels of SCD1 protein expression in breast cancer were closely related to oxidized ATM expression (P < 0.05). And SCD promotes the proliferation of breast CAF cells. The oxidized ATM protein kinase can promote the proliferation of breast CAFs by upregulation of SCD protein expression levels.ConclusionOur results indicate that oxidized ATM protein kinase may play a central role in promoting the proliferation of breast CAF by coordinating glucose, protein and lipid metabolism. oxidized ATM can facilitate the breast CAFs Lipid metabolism by upregulating the SCD1 gene expression.
O-GlcNAc Regulated Proliferation and Deterioration of the Nasal Inverted Papilloma
Authors: Dong Ming , Zhang Na , Yu Xinxin , Guo Juan , Han Xiao , Xu Yuefei , Kong Ying , Kong Hui
Published: September 2021

Background: The nasal inverted papilloma occurs mostly in the epithelium of the nasal mucosa. Histopathological manifestations of the nasal inverted papilloma are benign but it has the characteristics of aggressive growth, strong local destruction, frequent recurrence, and malignant change. Nasal inverted papilloma is a tumor with malignant biological behavior. O-GLcNAc is a posttranslational modification that is ubiquitous in cells. This seemingly simple carbohydrate modification played a key role in cell physiology and disease progression. Methods: In this study, immunohistochemical staining and western blot were used to determine the expression of O-GlcNAc in the nasal inverted papilloma; RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of ogt. The expression levels of ogt and oga genes were detected by RT-qPCR in the SCC6 and CNE-E1 cells. An ogt and oga small-interference RNA fragment was transfected into cells to both reduce and increase the O-GlcNAc. The effect of O-GlcNAc on the proliferative ability of cells was detected by CCK8. The migration and invasion of cells was detected by wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay. Results: The expression of O-GlcNAc and ogt mRNA levels in nasal inverted papilloma were higher than that in the control group. O-GlcNAc enhanced SCC6- and CNE-E1- cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive ability. This study found that changes in the glycosylation level of O-GLcNAc affected the proliferation, invasion, and migration of the NIP.
Intra- and Extra- Pelvic Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach of Retroperitoneal Sarcoma: Case Series Report
Authors: Song Heekyoung , Ahn Jung Hwan , Jung Yuyeon , Woo Jae Yeon , Chung Yang-Guk , Lee Keun Ho
Published: September 2021

Objective: We aim to describe our experience of multidisciplinary surgical resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS), including intra- and extrapelvic approaches.Method: Multidisciplinary surgery is an anatomical approach combining intra- and extraperitoneal access within the same surgery to achieve complete RPS removal. This retrospective review of the records of patients who underwent multidisciplinary surgery for RPS analyzed surgical and survival outcomes.Result: Eight patients underwent 10 intra- and extrapelvic surgical resection and their median mass size was 12.75 cm (range, 6–45.5 cm). Using an intrapelvic approach, laparoscopy-assisted surgery was performed in 4 cases and laparotomy surgery in 6 cases. Using an extrapelvic approach, ilioinguinal and posterior approaches were used in 4 cases each, prone position and midline skin incision were shared in 1 case. All patients’ RPS masses were removed completely and 4 patients achieved R0 resection through intra- and extrapelvic surgery. Additionally, pelvic lymph node dissections or prophylactic fixation or revision of structures were conducted. The median estimated blood loss was 2000 mL (range, 300–20 000 mL) and the median hospitalization was 12.6 days (range, 9–69 days). Reoperation was needed in 2 patients (one for wound necrosis, the other for bowel perforation and wound necrosis). The median overall survival rate and median progression-free survival were 64.6 months and 13.7 months, respectively.Conclusion: RPS are therapeutically challenging based on their locations and high risk of recurrence. Considering that, intra- and extrapelvic surgical approach could improve the macroscopic security of the surgical margin.
Rare variant analyses across multiethnic cohorts identify novel genes for refractive error
Authors: Musolf Anthony , Haarman Annechien , Luben Robert , Ong Jue-Sheng , Patasova Karina , Trapero Rolando Hernandez , Marsh Joseph , Jain Ishika , Jain Riya , Wang Paul Zhiping , Lewis Deyana , Tedja Milly , Iglesias Adriana , Li Hengtong , Cowan Cameron , Klaver) CREAM Consortium (Representative Caroline , Biino Ginevra , Klein Alison , Duggal Priya , Mackey David , Hayward Caroline , Haller Toomas , Metspalu Andres , Wedenoja Juho , Pärssinen Olavi , Cheng Ching-Yu , Saw Seang Mei , Stambolian Dwight , Hysi Pirro , Khawaja Anthony , Vitart Veronique , Hammond Christopher , Duijn Cornelia van , Verhoeven Virginie , Klaver Caroline , Bailey-Wilson Joan
Published: September 2021

Refractive error is a complex eye condition caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Common genetic risk factors have been identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), but a great part of the refractive error heritability is still missing. Some of this heritability may be explained by rare variants (minor allele frequency [MAF] ≤ 0.01.). We performed multiple gene-based association tests for rare variants on exome array data from the Consortium for Refractive Error and Myopia (CREAM). The dataset consisted of over 27,000 total subjects from five cohorts of Indo-European and East Asian ethnicity. We identified 129 unique genes associated with refractive error, many of which were replicated in multiple cohorts. Our best novel candidates included the retina expressed PDCD6IP, the circadian rhythm gene PER3, and P4HTM, which affects eye morphology. Future work will include functional studies and validation.
Tension Pneumothorax After Emergency Intubation: a Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zhang Zhong-hua , Yu Zhi-yang , Liu Yang , Liu Cong
Published: September 2021

Introduction:Tension pneumothorax during the emergency airway is a rare but deleterious event, which may cause severe cardiorespiratory collapse, leading to brain damage or even death.Case presentation: A 34-year-old male patient was admitted with sudden chest pain. He was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction and his chest X‑ray did not show pneumothorax. The patient after intubation presents emergent complications and was gave treatment.Discussion and Conclusions: Tension pneumothorax in tracheal intubation of emergency is a more rare but deleterious event, especially when predisposing factors cannot be known in view of acute profound hypoxemia. We collect several rare cases of tension pneumothorax of different etiology and drawing lessons from the past.
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Inventory of Statements about Self-injury (ISAS)
Authors: Ebrahimi Ali , Athar Mojtaba Elhami , Jazi Elham Azamian , Karimi Sirwan , Ataie Shima , Taheri Ehsan , Abbassian Mahboubeh , Rezaei Omid , Storch Eric A
Published: September 2021

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious public health problem with increasing prevalence among adolescents and young adults. The present study examines the factor structure, internal consistency, and validity of the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS), a self-report measure designed to comprehensively assess non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Methods: A total of 655 Iranian school-attending adolescents completed study measures online. A total of 246 (37.70%) (M age = 15.38, SD ± .50; 53% female) respondents reported a history of NSSI at least once during their lifetime. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the proposed two-factor model of ISAS (i.e., Interpersonal and Intrapersonal dimensions). ISAS dimensions had good internal consistency and yielded direct associations with converging correlates (e.g., depression, anxiety, irritability, and anger). Conclusions: Findings indicated that the Persian version of the ISAS has sound psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable self-report measure of NSSI.
Unloading Behavior of Elastic-power-law Strain Hardening Materials Indented by Elastic Indenter
Authors: Chen Chuanqing , Wang Qiao , Wang Hui , Ding Huaiping , Hu Wei , Xie Wenhao , Weng Panpan , Jiang Liang , Yin Xiaochun
Published: September 2021

Both strain hardening and indenter elastic deformation usually cannot be neglected in engineering contacts. By the finite element (FE) method, this paper investigates the unloading behavior of elastic-power-law strain-hardening half-space frictionlessly indented by elastic sphere for systematic materials. The effects of strain hardening and indenter elasticity on the unloading curve, cavity profile during unloading and residual indentation are analyzed. The unloading curve is observed to follow a power-law relationship, whose exponent is sensitive to strain hardening but independent upon indenter elastic deformation. Based on the power-law relationship of the unloading curve and the expression of the residual indentation fitted from the FE data, an explicit theoretical unloading law is developed. Its suitability is validated numerically and experimentally by strain hardening materials contacted by elastic indenter or rigid flat.
Adaptive output feedback controller design for high-order stochastic nonlinear systems with uncertain output function and unknown growth rates
Authors: Liu Ce , Zhai Junyong
Published: September 2021

This paper concentrates on the adaptive output feedback controller design for a class of high-order stochastic nonlinear systems(SNSs) with uncertain output function. Firstly, a homogeneous output feedback controller for the nominal system is designed through the technique of adding a power integrator. Secondly, a well-designed dynamic gain is introduced into the controller to ensure the original SNSs globally asymptotically stable(GAS) in probability. Besides, the proposed control strategy can be also extended to upper-triangular SNSs. Finally, two numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Early aggressive nutrition at 22–23 weeks gestational age improves weight gain and does not worsen neurological prognosis
Authors: Tsukayama Mayumi , Yoshida Tomohide , Goya Hideki , Nakanishi kouichi
Published: September 2021

The effect of early aggressive nutrition (EAN) on extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of EAN on ELBW infants, especially premature neonates of 22–23 weeks gestational age (GA22–23-week). Twenty-eight preterm infants of less than 26 weeks were divided into two groups (GA22–23-week group, 10 infants; GA24–25-week group, 18 infants) and compared. Each preterm infant received more than 3.0 g/kg/day of amino acids in the first day after birth and 1.0 g/kg/day of lipid emulsion from the next day. The GA22–23-week group had significantly smaller head circumference (20.4 ± 1.0 cm vs. 22.2 ± 1.4 cm, P = 0.002) and body weight at birth (539 ± 68 g vs. 697 ± 155 g, P = 0.003), but there were no differences in early postnatal weight loss (10.4% ± 6.3% vs. 8.1% ± 6.3%, P = 0.37), and body weight at 37 weeks postmenstrual age (1906 ± 321 g vs. 2081 ± 379 g, P = 0.17). Blood urea nitrogen levels were higher in the GA22–23-week group (59.7 ± 16.6 mg/dl vs. 45.0 ± 10.8 mg/dl, P = 0.004), but there were no differences in direct-bilirubin, bile acids, and ammonia levels. After discharge, there was no significant difference in developmental quotient at 2 years of age (71.3 ± 15.1 vs. 78.1 ± 22.6, P = 0.20) between the two groups. Conclusion: We suggest that EAN reduces the rate of early postnatal weight loss in ELBW infants and contributes to weight gain until full term age.
Grazing intensity rather than host plant’s palatability shape the community of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a steppe grassland
Authors: Faghihinia Maede , Zou Yi , Bai Yongfei , Dudáš Martin , Marrs Rob , Staddon Philip L
Published: September 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are the predominant type of mycorrhizal fungi in roots and rhizosphere soil of grass species worldwide. Grasslands are currently experiencing increasing grazing pressure, but it is not yet clear how grazing intensity and host plant grazing preference by large herbivores interact with soil- and root-associated AMF communities. Here, we tested whether the diversity and community composition of AMF in the roots and rhizosphere soil of two dominant perennial grasses grazed differently by livestock change in response to grazing intensity. We conducted a study in a long-term field experiment in which seven levels of field-manipulated grazing intensities were maintained for 13 years in a typical steppe grassland in northern China. We extracted DNA from the roots and rhizosphere soil of two dominant grasses, Leymus chinense (Trin.) Tzvel. and Stipa grandis P. Smirn, with contrasting grazing preference by sheep. AMF DNA from root and soil samples were then subjected to molecular analysis. Our results showed that AMF α-diversity (richness) at the virtual taxa (VT) level varied as a function of grazing intensity. Different VTs showed completely different responses along the gradient, one increasing, one decreasing and others showing no response. Glomeraceae was the most abundant AMF family along the grazing gradient, which fits well with the theory of disturbance tolerance of this group. In addition, sheep grazing preference for host plants did not explain a considerable variation in AMF α-diversity. However, the two grass species exhibited different community composition in their roots and rhizosphere soils. Roots exhibited a lower α-diversity and higher β-diversity within the AMF community than soils. Overall, our results suggest that long-term grazing intensity might have changed the abundance of functionally-diverse AMF taxa in favor of those with disturbance-tolerant traits. We suggest our results would be useful in informing the choice of mycorrhizal fungi indicator variables when assessing the impacts of grassland management choices on grassland ecosystem functioning.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of 2A16 Aluminum and Pure Copper Magnetic Assisted Dissimilar Laser Wire Feed Welding Brazing
Authors: Wang Zhengtian , Jiang Shuyuan , Chen Yiping , Xiong Zhenyu , Hu Dean , Cheng Donghai
Published: September 2021

Magnetic field assisted welding could suppress defects and improve weld bead properties obviously. In this paper, a full factorial experiment with coaxial magnetic field assisted welding was conducted to study the mechanism of the magnetic field on the dissimilar laser wire feed welding brazing profile of aluminum and copper. Furthermore, a three dimensional numerical simulation model was developed to reveal the influence of the magnetic field on the weld bead. It was found that with the magnetic flux density increase from 10 mT to 50 mT, the properties of the weld bead were improved significantly, and the wetting angle decreased from 53°to 26°, the main fluid flow direction of the weld bead changed in to horizontal direction. Meanwhile, EDS and XRD results showed that the main intermetallic compounds (IMC) of Al2Cu and CuZn composition changed to Al4.2Cu3.2Zn0.7 in welding beads. Computed and measured distortions illustrated good agreement in the fusion zone.
Evaluation of Reversal and Transposition Generational Damages Caused by Manganese (II) in Zebrafish
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriela Zimmermann Prado , Santos Thainá Garbino dos , Finkler Mariana , Burghausen Jorge Henrique , Borba Diulliane De Jesus , Kayser Juliana Machado , Milanesi Bruna Bueno , Schneider Anelise , Linden Rafael , Xavier Léder Leal , Ziulkoski Ana Luiza , de Oliveira Diogo Losch , Gehlen Günther
Published: September 2021

Although manganese (Mn) is a common water pollutant, little is known about the potential for the trans-generational transfer of biological effects in fish exposed to low concentrations in aquatic organisms, or the persistence of these effects. The aim was to identify when biological effects were firstly observed in the brain, liver and intestinal tissues of zebrafish exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Mn and whether these effects were subject to reversal when exposures ceased. We also aimed to assess whether biological effects observed in zebrafish exposed to Mn for 21-days were also observed in the early life stages of the F1 generation. Behavioral changes were observed in the animals exposed for 14 days to MnCl 2 (4.0 mg L -1 ). There was also an oscillation in the mitochondrial activity and TUNEL positive cells in the telencephalon of exposed fish from all treatments. These results indicated that brain neurogenesis in zebrafish occurred with greater magnitude and speed than the neuronal Mn damage. Histopathological changes were observed in the intestine and liver of zebrafish exposed to Mn for 72 h and 21 days. Behavioral alterations and intestinal histopathological alterations were reversed after the recovery period, although hepatocyte vacuolization persisted. Behavioral alterations were also observed in the early developmental stages of F1 generation larvae of zebrafish parents exposed to Mn, but this profile was normalized throughout the development. In addition to the direct toxic effects of low concentrations of Mn, some changes, such as hepatocyte vacuolization persisted in zebrafish even after the toxicant removal.
Detachment Stress Mediated Bioenergetic Switch of Malignant Melanoma Cells Into Anti-Warburg Phenotype
Authors: Uen WuChing , Tseng TingTing , Wu Ching-Po , Lee ShaoChen
Published: September 2021

One of the biological features of cancer cells was their aerobic glycolysis by extensive glucose fermentation to harvest energy, so called Warburg effect. Melanoma is one of the most aggressive human cancers with poor prognosis and high mortality for its high metastatic ability. During the metastatic process, the metastatic tumor cells should survive under detachment stress. However, whether the detachment stress could affect the tumor phenotype was worthy to investigate. We had established human melanoma A375 cells under detachment stress, which mimicked circulating melanoma. It was shown the detachment stress altered melanoma cell activities, malignancy, and drug sensitivity. In this study, we found that adherent melanoma cells were more sensitive to glucose depletion. However, detachment stress reduced lactate secretion owing to the reduced MCT4 and GLUT1 expressions, the altered glycolytic and respiratory capacities, and the increased superoxide production. Detachment stress also increase the sensitivity of melanoma cells toward blockade of electron transport chains. Investigation of the change in glucose metabolism of melanoma cells under detachment stress would be critical to provide novel molecular mechanism to develop potential therapeutics