bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Free Maternity Services on Outcomes related to Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Buitendyk Marie , Kosgei Wycliffe , Thorne Julie , Millar Heather , Marsha Joy , Kibet Vincent , Bernard Christian Ochieng , Payne Beth , Bernard Caitlin , Christoffersen-Deb Astrid
Published: January 2021

Background
Preeclampsia is a major contributor to maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Ninety-nine percent of these deaths occur in resource limited settings. One of the greatest barriers to women seeking medical attention remains the cost of care. Kenya implemented a nation-wide policy change in 2013, offering free maternity services to all women to address this concern. Here, we explore the impact of this policy change on maternal and neonatal outcomes specific to the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional chart review of women discharged or deceased with a diagnosis of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome at a tertiary referral center in western Kenya one year before (June 1, 2012-May 31, 2013) and one year after (June 1, 2013-May 31, 2014) free maternity services were introduced at public facilities across the country. Demographic information, obstetric history, medical history, details of the current pregnancy, diagnosis on admission and at discharge, antepartum treatment, maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes were collected and compared.
Results
There were more in hospital deliveries after policy change was introduced. The proportion of women diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy was higher in the year before free maternity care although there was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of women diagnosed with gestational hypertension after policy change. Among those women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders, there was no difference in the proportion who developed obstetric or medical complications. Of concern, there was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of women dying as a result of their condition after policy change. There was a statistically significant increase in the use of magnesium sulfate for seizure prophylaxis. There was no overall difference in the use of anti-hypertensives between groups and no overall difference in the proportion of women who received dexamethasone for fetal lung maturity.
Conclusions
Free maternity services, however necessary, are insufficient to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes related to the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at a tertiary referral center in western Kenya. Multiple complementary strategies acting in unison are urgently needed.
Impact of High Dietary Cornstarch Level on Growth, Antioxidant Response, and Immune Status in GIFT Tilapia, Oreochromis Niloticus
Authors: Han Haojun , Wang Zhen , Wang Jiting , Wang Tingting , Li Yang , Guan Dongyan , Sun Huiwen
Published: January 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between different starch levels in tilapia diet and immune function. All test fish were fed with three cornstarch levels: low-cornstarch (0, LS), medium-cornstarch (18%, MS) and high-cornstarch (36%, HS) groups. Three hundred and sixty fish (initial mean body weight 31.73 ± 1.36g) with good health condition were randomly allocated into twelve water-circulated tanks, and thirty fish per tank. After 70 days of feeding, the FBW, WGR, and SGR in HS group were significantly lower than those in LS and MS groups (P<0.05). The feed intake of the HS diet was lower than that of the MS and LS diets (P>0.05), and the FCR in HS diet was significantly higher than that of the MS and LS diets (P<0.05). The HS diet significantly decreased the content of crude protein and increased the content of crude lipid in whole body composition (P<0.05). Moreover, the VSI and CF in HS diet were significantly higher than those of LS diet (P<0.05). The results of blood biochemical index exhibited that the HS diet significantly increased the content of blood glucose, and liver/muscle glycogen (P<0.05). The results of antioxidant experiments demonstrated that the content of SOD and T-AOC in MS group were significantly higher than those of HS group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the content of MDA in MS group was significantly lower than that of HS group (P<0.05). The results of immune index test showed that the LYZ activities in the serum, liver, and gill, and the phagocytic activity and index in MS diet were significantly higher than those of HS diet (P<0.05). The challenge assay results revealed that the mortality rate of HS diet was higher than those of MS and LS diets, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). In conclusion, the results suggested that the 36% cornstarch diet reduced not only the growth performance, but also body immunity. Under this experimental condition, GIFT tilapia could tolerate 18% cornstarch, but not 36% cornstarch.
Development of non-soil media capable of degrading organic nitrogen to nitrate, as in natural soil
Authors: Meeboon Jamjan , Nishida Ryoya , Iwai Takashi , Fujiwara Kazuki , Takano Masao , Shinohara Makoto
Published: January 2021

Artificial soil materials are unable to catalyse nitrification because added organic substances suppress nitrifying bacteria. We used a multiple parallel mineralization method, which enables the use of organic fertilizers in hydroponics, to support nitrification in non-soil materials. In this method, microorganisms immobilized on porous carriers produce inorganic nitrate from organic substances, as in natural soil. The carriers also released phosphate and potassium ions. Microorganisms produced nitrate from organic substances when immobilized on polyurethane resin, rockwool, vermiculite, oyster shell lime, and rice husk charcoal. The optimal amount of organic material added daily to 100 mL of carrier held 6 mg of organic N. Vegetable plants grew on inoculated materials but not on uninoculated materials. These results show that non-soil materials can be used to create artificial soils in which plants can be grown with the addition of organic fertilizer, as in natural soil.
Notch1 Haploinsufficiency in Mice Accelerates Adipogenesis
Authors: Yamaguchi Kazutoshi , Hayashi Motoharu , Uchida Yasuhiro , Cheng Xian , Nakayama Takayuki , Matsushita Tadashi , Murohara Toyoaki , Takeshita Kyosuke
Published: January 2021

Notch signaling has been recognized recently as a key regulator of metabolism. Here, we determined the role of Notch1 in adipogenesis in wild-type (WT) and Notch1 hetero-mutant (N1+/-) mice provided with 12-week normal or high-fat diet. Haploinsufficiency of Notch1 was associated with adipose tissue accumulation despite similar food intake. White adipose tissue (WAT) of N1+/- showed accumulation of adipogenic cells (CD34 + CD68 + cells), crown-like structures, and upregulation of cell proliferation markers (cyclin D1 and Ki67). Notch1 expression in WAT reached peak levels in 8-week-old WT mice in parallel with fat accumulation, especially under HF/HS-feeding, whereas such increment was blunted in N1+/- mice. Downstream of Notch1 haploinsufficiency, over-expression of adipogenic factors PPARγ and C/EBPα was noted following down-regulation of downstream transcriptional factors of Notch signaling (Hes-1, Pref-1, and Sox9). Both pharmacological Notch signal inhibition and Notch1 knockdown enhanced adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. N1+/- mice showed impaired glucose and insulin tolerance with downregulation of IRS-1 and GLUT4 in WAT after high-fat diet. Taken together, our results suggest that haploinsufficiency of Notch1 promotes fat accumulation and adipogenesis and provides a mechanistic link between Notch signaling and development of metabolic syndrome.
Characteristics of Postgraduate Physician Assistant Residency/fellowship Programs: A National Survey
Authors: Kidd Vasco , Vanderlinden Sarah , Hooker Roderick
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The development of postgraduate programs for physician assistants (PAs) began in 1973 and by 2020 there were approximately 100 programs spread across a broad range of medical and surgical disciplines. An assessment of these programs was undertaken. Method: A non-experimental, descriptive research study was designed to obtain information on the characteristics of PA postgraduate education programs in the US. The source of information was from surveyed members of the Association of Postgraduate Physician Assistant Programs. Questions were drawn from consensus discussions. Programs that were operational in 2020 were eligible to participate. Results: Seventy-two programs were invited to the survey and 34 replied. They are geographically distributed across the US in 13 states. The respondents represent a wide range of medicine: surgery, emergency medicine, critical care, orthopaedics, hospitalist, psychiatry, oncology, primary care, pediatrics, and cardiology. Most programs are associated with an academic medical center. The curriculum includes bedside teaching, lectures, mentorship, assigned reading, procedures, simulation, and conferences. The PA fellow serves as house officer alongside physician residents and fellows. An average program length is 12 months and awards a certificate. Stipends for PA fellows are $50,000-80,000 (2020 dollars) and benefits include paid time off, health and liability insurance. About half of the programs bill for the services rendered by the PA. Over 90% of graduates are employed within two months of fellowship completion. Conclusion: A trend is underway in American medicine to include PAs in postgraduate education. PA fellowships occur across a broad spectrum of medical and surgical areas, as well as diverse institutions and organizations overseeing the programs. Most are in academic medical centers or teaching hospitals. This study expands information on PA fellowships and their operation.
Towards a New Pseudo-quantitative Approach to Evaluate the Ionization Response of Nitrogen Compounds in Complex Matrices
Authors: Guillemant Julie , Lacoue-Nègre Marion , Berlioz-Barbier Alexandra , Albrieux Florian , de Oliveira Luis Pereira , Joly Jean-François , Duponchel Ludovic
Published: January 2021

Ultra high-resolution mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) coupled to electrospray ionization (ESI) provides unprecedented molecular characterization of complex matrices such as petroleum products. However, ESI faces major ionization competition phenomena that prevent the absolute quantification of the compounds of interest. On the other hand, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) coupled to specific detectors (HRMS or NCD) is able to quantify the main families identified in these complex matrices. In this paper, this innovative dual approach has been used to evaluate the ionization response of nitrogen compounds in gas oils as a case study. To this extent, a large gas oil dataset has been analyzed by GC × GC/HRMS, GC × GC-NCD and ESI(+/-)-FT-ICR MS. Then, the concentrations obtained from GC × GC-NCD have been compared to those obtained from FT-ICR MS hence proving that strong ionization competitions are taking place and also depending on the origin of the sample. Finally, multilinear regressions (MLR) have been used to quantitatively predict nitrogen families from FT-ICR MS measurements as well as start rationalizing the ionization competition phenomena taking place between them in different types of gas oils.
Fundamentally Different Roles of Neuronal TNF Receptors in CNS Pathology: TNFR1 and IKKβ Promote Microglial Responses and Tissue Injury in Demyelination, TNFR2 Protects in Excitotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Papazian Irini , Tsoukala Eleni , Karamita Maria , Boutou Athena , Iliopoulou Lida , Kambas Konstantinos , Fischer Roman , Kontermann Roland , Denis Maria , Kollias George , Lassmann Hans , Probert Lesley
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUNDDuring inflammatory demyelination TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) mediates detrimental proinflammatory effects of soluble TNF, whereas TNFR2 mediates beneficial effects of transmembrane TNF through oligodendrocytes, microglia, and possibly other cell types. This model supports use of selective inhibitors of soluble TNF/TNFR1 as antinflammatory drugs for CNS disease. A potential obstacle is the neuroprotective effect of soluble TNF pretreatment described in cultured neurons, but the in vivo relevance is unknown. METHODSTo address this question we generated mice with neuron-specific depletion of TNFR1, TNFR2 or IKKβ and applied experimental models of inflammatory demyelination and acute and preconditioning glutamate excitotoxicity. We also investigated the molecular and cellular requirements of soluble TNF (and therefore TNFR1) neuroprotection by generating astrocyte-neuron co-cultures with different combinations of wildtype and TNF and TNF receptor knockout cells and measuring NMDA excitotoxicity in vitro.RESULTSNeither neuronal TNFR1 nor TNFR2 protected mice during inflammatory demyelination. In fact, both neuronal TNFR1 and neuronal IKKβ promoted microglial responses and tissue injury, and TNFR1 was further required for oligodendrocyte loss and axonal damage in cuprizone demyelination. In contrast, neuronal TNFR2 increased preconditioning protection in a kainic acid excitotoxicity model in mice, and limited hippocampal neuron death. The neuroprotective effects of neuronal TNFR2 observed in vivo were further investigated in vitro. Here as expected, pretreatment of astrocyte-neuron co-cultures with soluble TNF protected them against NMDA excitotoxicity. However, protection was dependent on astrocyte, not neuronal TNFR1, on astrocyte transmembrane TNF-neuronal TNFR2 interactions, and was reproduced by a TNFR2 agonist. CONCLUSIONSThese results demonstrate that neuronal TNF receptors perform fundamentally different roles in CNS pathology in vivo, with neuronal TNFR1 and IKKβ promoting microglial inflammation and neurotoxicity in demyelination, and neuronal TNFR2 mediating neuroprotection in excitotoxicity. They also reveal that previously-described neuroprotective effects of soluble TNF (and therefore TNFR1) against glutamate excitotoxicity in vitro are indirect, and mediated by astrocyte transmembrane TNF-neuron TNFR2 interactions. These results consolidate the concept that selective inhibition of soluble TNF/TNFR1 with maintenance of TNFR2 function would have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties required for the safe treatment of CNS disease.
Variation in Population Structures of Tropical Freshwater Eels, Anguilla Marmorata, A. Bicolor Bicolor and A. Bengalensis Bengalensis, in the Indo-Pacific
Authors: Arai Takaomi , Taha Hussein
Published: January 2021

Freshwater eels, genus Anguilla, have a distinctive catadromous life history, which could be associated with certain oceanic current systems and offshore spawning sites. Thus, migration and dispersion patterns are believed to be important factors influencing the population structures of each species. Temperate eel species are well studied, while little research has been conducted on the tropical counterparts that comprise two-thirds of all eel species. The population structures of three tropical species, A. marmorata, A. bicolor bicolor and A. bengalensis bengalensis, which are distributed widely in the Indo-Pacific region, were explored by means of DNA sequence analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). This study found that A. bicolor bicolor had two genetically distinct populations, and these different populations co-occur geographically in the Indo-Pacific region, while A. marmorata and A. bengalensis bengalensis showed a panmictic-population structure in this region. The populations of A. bicolor bicolor were also found to have lower genetic variability than the populations of A. marmorata and A. bengalensis bengalensis. This study is the first to explore the population genetic structure of A. bengalensis bengalensis. The present results also suggest plausible dispersion and migration of these tropical species into their continental habitats.
Maternal Intake Restriction Programs the PKA-CREB Pathway to Regulate Energy Metabolism, CLOCK and mTOR Signals in the Skeletal Muscles of Goat Offspring
Authors: Zhou Xiaoling , Yan Qiongxian , Yang Hong , Ren Ao , He Zhixiong , Tan Zhiliang
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe biological mechanism about that maternal undernutrition increases the metabolic disorder risk of skeletal muscles in offspring is less known. We hypothesize that maternal intake restriction influences metabolic signals in the skeletal muscles of offspring via a glucagon-mediated pathway. Twenty-four pregnant goats were assigned to the control (100% of the nutrients requirement) and restricted (60% of the control from pregnant days of 45 to 100) groups. Blood and longissimus thoracis muscle were sampled from dams, fetuses and kids in each group.ResultsIntake restriction reduced the total blood protein of dams and fetuses. Maternal restriction decreased the CREB1, CREBBP, PKA, BMAL1, AKT1, mTOR, and RPTOR mRNA expressions in the fetuses, reduced the CREBBP, NR1H3, DBP and PKA mRNA levels in the kids, but increased the PGC1α and TSC2 mRNA levels in the fetuses, while the mRNA expression of CLOCK and TSC2 genes was increased in the restricted kids. The protein expression of total PKA and phosphorylated PKA of the restricted fetuses and kids were downregulated, while the protein expression of total mTOR and phosphorylated mTOR were reduced in the restricted fetuses and kids. ConclusionsMaternal intake restriction regulated fat oxidation, protein synthesis, and circadian clock expression in the muscles of the offspring via the glucagon-mediated PKA-CREB pathway, which reveals a molecular pathway that maternal undernutrition leads to metabolic adaptation of skeletal muscle in offspring.
Cervical Versus Vaginal, and Sublingual Misoprostol for Labor Induction at Term Parturient: a Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Dadashaliha Mahtab , Fallah Somayeh , Mirzadeh Monirsadat
Published: January 2021

Background: The study will attempt to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intracervical misoprostol in comparison with intravaginal and sublingual for the induction of labor at term. Methods: three hundred term pregnancies requiring induction of labor were treated with 50μg of misoprostol intracervical, sublingual and vaginal. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups of 100. The dose was repeated every 4 hours until adequate uterine contraction and Bishop score were achieved. The duration of induction to delivery, time to active phase, the rate of delivery, and the need for cesarean section were compared in three groups. Additionally, labor course and side effects were recorded and analyzed.Results: Labor was successfully induced in all cases, most (63%) of which required a single dose of misoprostol. Ninety-three (93.0%) cervical patients proceeded to spontaneous vaginal delivery, also this figure was the same in the vaginal and sublingual group 83 (83.0%), The other 41 cases received cesarean delivery with more indications failure to progress and meconium-stained liquor. The results showed that 278 (92.7%) deliveries were achieved in less than 10 hours. Time from start of medication to the active phase of labor and delivery were 3.01 ± 0.86 and 6.1 ± 1.3 hours in the Cervical group, 4.2 ± 0.66 and 8.4 ± 0.92 hours in the sublingual group, and 5.06 ± 1.1 and 9.2 ± 1.5 hours in the vaginal group respectively (p<0.001). Cesarean rate was lower in the cervical group than the two other groups (p=0.05). No significant differences were observed between the study groups in terms of Apgar score and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Moreover, no maternal and neonatal complication were seen.Conclusion: In addition to the sublingual and intravaginal routes of administration, intracervical misoprostol at a single dose of 50μg appears to be an effective method for induction of labor in women with an unfavorable cervix. Similar to all medical interventions, a discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to induction of labor with this medication in each individual woman should be undertaken prior to treatment. Trial registration: This clinical study was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (http://www.irct.ir) with the IRCT ID: IRCT20190415043278N1, Registration and approval date was 2019-05-13 and 2019-05-27 respectively.
Effects of miR-92a-3P, Oxidative Stress, and the MAPK/NF-κB Pathway on Catheter-Related Thrombosis Prevention After Resistance Exercise
Authors: Wen Cui , Ying Yanping , Zhao Huihan , Jiang Qingjuan , Gan Xiao , Wei Yan , Wei Jiani , Huang Xinxin
Published: January 2021

Background: MiR-92a-3p and oxidative stress are associated with catheter-related thrombosis (CRT). As a kind of physical intervention, resistance exercise can effectively promote blood circulation. In this study, we investigated the roles of miR-92a-3p, oxidative stress, and the P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κB (MAPK/NF-κB) pathway on CRT during resistance exercise. Methods: The rat CRT model was used for resistance exercise intervention. Moreover, pathological changes from the right jugular vein to the right auricle were observed under an electron microscope. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, and heme oxygenase (HO-1) level in rat serum were detected via ELISA. Furthermore, expression levels of miR-92A-3p and HO-1 in the vascular tissues of the rats were detected via real-time quantitative PCR. Additionally, expression levels of HO-1, NF-κB P65, p38MAPK, and IκBa in the venous tissues of the rats were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Results: Thrombosis incidence rate in CRT+RE group was lower than that in CRT group. In the thrombosis model, markers related to oxidative stress and miR-92a-3p increased. After administering the resistance exercise intervention, ROS production and MDA activity significantly decreased, the expression level of HO-1 increased, and the expression level of miR-92A-3p in the vascular tissues significantly decreased. The levels of p38MAPK and NF-κB p65 significantly decreased but that of IκBa significantly increased. Conclusion: Resistance exercise intervention downregulated miR-92a-3p expression, repaired oxidative stress injury, and prevented CRT formation.
Severe Ophthalmic Involvement in Hyperimmunoglobulin E Syndrome; a Potentially Blinding Disease
Authors: Mohebbi Masoumeh , ghahvehchian hossein , Aghamohammadi asghar , Hashemi Hassan
Published: January 2021

Objective: To describe clinical and flow cytometry findings of an unusual case of hyper immunoglobulin E syndrome with severe ophthalmic involvements. Method: A Case report.Report: A 13-year-old boy was reported with infectious dermatitis, dental sinus with positive Actinomyces israelii culture, severe blepharitis, follicular conjunctivitis, and dysmorphic, vascularized cornea with no light perception visual acuity in both eyes. In immunophenotyping with the flow cytometry, a decrease in T-cell markers (CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7) was prominent. CD34 and CD117, hematopoietic stem cell, and circulating progenitor cell markers were negative.Conclusion: This is the first known reported case of flow cytometry findings, especially the lack of CD34+ and CD114+ cells in hyper immunoglobulin E patient with severe anterior and posterior segment involvement. Proper antimicrobial interventions are important in infectious flare-ups.
Microstructure and Properties of Ultrasonic Assisted Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RExNi/Cu Solder Joint S Under Thermal Cycling
Authors: Cui Jianguo , Zhang Keke , Zhao Di , Pan Yibo
Published: January 2021

Through ultrasonic wave assisted Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RExNi/Cu(x=0, 0.05, 0.1) soldering test and -40~125℃ thermal shock test, the microstructure and mechanical properties of Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RExNi/Cu solder joints under thermal cycling were studied by the SEM, EDS andXRD. The results show that the Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RExNi/Cu solder joints with high quality and high reliability can be obtained by ultrasonic assistance. During the thermal cycling process, the shear strength of ultrasonic-assisted Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RExNi/Cu solder joints had a linear relationship with the thickness of interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC). The addition of an appropriate amount of Ni could inhibit the excessive growth of IMC, improve the shear strength of solder joints and improve the reliability of solder joints. Under the condition of 1000 cycles of thermal cycling, the thickness and roughness of IMC of the solder joints with 0.05 wt.% Ni were the smallest, and the shear strength of the solder joints was 19.8 MPa, which was 28.6% higher than that of the solder joints without Ni.The interfacial IMC layer of ultrasonic-assisted Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RExNi/Cu solder joints consisted of (Cu,Ni) 6Sn5 and Cu3Sn. In the thermal cycling, the thickness of interfacial IMC of ultrasonic-assisted Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RExNi/Cu solder joints was linearly related to the square root of equivalent time. The growth of interfacial IMC of ultrasonic-assisted Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RExNi/Cu solder joints had an incubation period, and the growth of IMC was slow within 300 cycles. And after 300 cycles, the IMC grew rapidly, the granular IMC began to merge, the thickness and roughness of IMC increased obviously, the defects such as microcracks and microvoids began to appear, and the shear strength of the solder joints decreased rapidly.The fracture mechanism of ultrasonic-assisted Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RExNi/Cu solder joints changed from the ductile-brittle mixed fracture in the solder/IMC transition zone to the brittle fracture in the interfacial IMC.
Self-Synergistic Effect of Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy: Driving Photothermal Therapy and Reducing Hyperthermia-induced Side Effects
Authors: Xie Xue , Gao Wei , Hao Junnian , Wu Jianrong , Cai Xiaojun , Zheng Yuanyi
Published: January 2021

BackgroundsPhotothermal therapy (PTT) inducing localized hyperthermia to kill cancer cells has attracted wide attention in cancer therapy. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during photothermal therapy (PTT) may cause irreversible damage to healthy tissues around the tumor. Simultaneously, hyperthermia can stimulate inflammatory response, thus promoting tumor recurrence and metastasis. How to reduce the undesired side effects remains to be an inevitable problem for the further development of photothermal therapy.ResultsThe spherical mesoporous PBs with uniform size was prepared by an effective hydrothermal method. The yielded PBs exhibits good dispersion and stability in saline with an average hydrodynamic size of about 110 nm. The prepared PBs has a high photothermal conversion efficiency and photothermal stability. Meanwhile, PBs shows the intrinsic ROS scavenging properties (•OH, •OOH, and H2O2) in vitro. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of PBs have also been evaluated in vivo. Moreover, the toxicity assessment and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-inducing ability show that PBs could not induce an inflammatory response. H&E-staining tissue of major organs show no significant damage, indicating that the good biocompatibility and safety of PBs in vivo. These intrinsic functions of PBs may achieve efficient PTT and simultaneously reduce the side effects induced by PTT.ConclusionThe designed single-component PBs with intrinsic properties simultaneously drive their photothermal-antioxidant effect and photothermal-anti-inflammatory effect to overcome the problem of inflammatory response and heat stress-induced ROS during PTT. The discovery of the inherent function of PBs not only promotes the further clinical translation of PBs, but also promotes the further development of PTT.
Comparison of Genomic Characterization in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma and Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Yang Kaiwei , Yu Wei , Liu Huanhuan , Ding Feng , Zhang Yanrui , Zhang Yun , Wang Wang , Lou Feng , Cao Shanbo , Wang Huina , He Zhisong
Published: January 2021

Background: Different genomic characterization in urothelial carcinoma (UC) by site of origin, may imply contrasting therapeutic opportunities and pathogenetic mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the differences between upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) result from intrinsic biological diversity.Methods: We prospectively sequenced 118 tumors and matched blood DNA from Chinese UC patients using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, including 45 UTUC and 73 UCB.Results: There were marked disparities in the mutational landscape for UC according to race and site of origin. Signature 22 for exposure to aristolochic acid (AA) and signature 10 for defects in polymerase POLE were only observed in the UTUC cohort. Conversely, signature 6 for defective DNA mismatch repair only existed in the UCB cohort. Compared to UCB, UTUC had higher clonal (p<0.001) and subclonal mutation numbers (p=0.015). TP53, PIK3CA, and FGFR3 mutations may be the driver genes for UTUC, whereas for UCB, the driver gene may be BRCA1. UTUC patients had lower PD-L1 than UCB patients. There was no significant difference in the number of DDR mutations, copy number variation (CNV) counts, tumor mutational burden (TMB) or clinical actionability between UTUC and UCB.Conclusions: UTUC and UCB exhibit significant differences in the prevalence of common genomic landscape and carcinogenesis. Consequently, molecular subtypes differ according to location, and these results may have important implications for the site-specific management of patients with urothelial carcinoma. Mutational signature may be used as a screening tool to assist clinical differential diagnosis between UTUC and UCB.
Clinicopathological and Molecular Characteristics of Early-Onset vs Late-onset Colorectal Cancer according to Tumor Location
Authors: Chen Yongle , Chen Zexian , Huang Juanni , Hu Jiancong , He Xiaowen , Lan Ping , He Xiaosheng
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is rapidly increasing worldwide in decade when screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) is more prevalent. The clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of EOCRC have not yet been clarified. This study aims to evaluate clinicopathological and molecular features including status of deficiencies of mismatch repair (dMMR), mutation of PIK3CA, BRAF and KRAS among EOCRC and late-onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC) patients according to different tumor locations.MethodsWe identified CRC patients from a prospectively maintained CRC database between January 2015 and December 2018 at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. The clinicopathological and molecular characteristics including dMMR, mutation of PIK3CA, BRAF and KRAS were compared between EOCRC and LOCRC. The relationships according to different tumor locations were assessed.ResultsTotally 4468 patients, including 947 EOCRC patients and 3521 LOCRC patients, were analyzed in this study. Compared with LOCRC patients, EOCRC patients were more likely to have status of dMMR (odds ratio [OR], 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.05-3.10; P<0.001), regardless of tumor location, so were loss of MSH2 and MSH6 (OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 2.86-6.48; P<0.001; OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 2.42-4.76; P<0.001, respectively). Loss of MLH1 and PMS2 were detected more frequently in EOCRC overall (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.55-2.87; P<0.001; OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.42-2.35; P<0.001, respectively), but only in left-side and right-side colon rather than in rectum. EOCRC patients were more likely to be detected with mutation of PIK3CA (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53; P=0.041), which only trended to exist in the left-side colon (OR, 1.51; CI, 0.98-2.33; P=0.06), but not in the right-side colon or rectum. No significant difference was found for BRAF or KRAS mutation, but mutation of KRAS was more frequently found in left-side colon (OR, 1.34; CI, 1.02-1.77; P=0.04) among EOCRC patients.Conclusions﻿Status of dMMR, mutation of PIK3CA, BRAF and KRAS were different between EOCRC and LOCRC patients according to different tumor locations, which implied that EOCRC might be a unique subgroup of CRC patients. Further investigations of molecular and genetic differences should be performed to help define new diagnosing and therapeutical strategies for EOCRC patients.
Leaf surface roughness measure based on shape from focus
Authors: Zhang Zeqing , Liu Fei , Zhou Zhenjiang , He Yong , Fang Hui
Published: January 2021

BackgroundSurface roughness has a significant effect on leaf wettability, consequently influencing the efficiency and effectiveness of pesticide spraying application. Therefore, surface roughness measure of plant leaves is conducive to relevant researches. In order to characterize the surface roughness, present methods have to draw support from large apparatus, but they are generally high-cost and not portable enough for field measurement. Methods those instruments even have potentially inherent drawback such as absence of relation between pixel intensity and corresponding height for scanning electron microscope (SEM). ResultsAn imaging system with variable object distance is set up to capture images of plant leaves and a shape from focus (SFF) based method is proposed. These space-variantly blurred images are processed with the proposed algorithm to yield surface roughness of plant leaves. The algorithm mainly improves the current SFF method in image alignment, focus distortion correction, and NaN values introducing to make it applicative for precise 3d-reconstruction and surface roughness measure in small scale. ConclusionCompared with method via optical three-dimensional interference microscope, the proposed method preserves the overall topography of leaf surface and meanwhile achieves superior cost performance. Experiments on standard gauge blocks revealed the RMSE of step was approximately 4.44μm. Furthermore, the focus measure operator SML was supposed to perform best according to Friedman/Nemenyi test.
The vitamin D status is negatively correlated to glucose metabolism in Chinese patients with gestational diabetes
Authors: Zhang Jie , Lai Dong , Wu Wei , Cai Kedan , Zhu Caidan , Lu Di
Published: January 2021

Background: Vitamin D deficiency plays a role in the development of patients with gestational diabetes (GDM). However, the effects and mechanism of vitamin D on fasting blood glucose are conflicting. This research aimed to explore the status of vitamin D in patients with GDM, its effect on fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, and to clarify the possible mechanism of vitamin D on glucose metabolism of patients with GDM. Methods: From January 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018, we included all the hospitalized patients with GDM. The main indices were fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D], glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS), fasting peptide (FPC), parathyroid hormone (iPTH), serum creatinine (SCr), blood neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, blood calcium (Ca), and blood phosphorus (P), neutrophil count (Ne), lymphocyte count (Lym), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Results The mean 25(OH) D concentration of 33 patients with GDM was 21.40±10.68 ng/mL, among them, the patients with vitamin D insufficiency was 30.30% (10 cases), the patients with vitamin D deficiency was 60.61%(20 cases), the patients with normal vitamin D level was 9.1%(3 cases). Adjusted by age, gestational age, and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 25(OH)D concentration were negatively correlated to and FBG ( β = -0.587, p =0.001), HbA1c ( β = -0.408, p =0.018 ), respectively. There was a negative correlation between 25(OH)D concentrations and NLR ( β = -0.389, p = 0.035), adjusted by eGFR, gestational age, and age. Conclusions: The status of vitamin D deficiency in patients with GDM is common. With the decrease of 25(OH) D concentration, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c increase. 25(OH) D concentration is negatively correlated to NLR. Vitamin D may affect fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in patients with gestational diabetes by regulating inflammation.
GCKR Common functional polymorphisms are associated with metabolic syndrome and its components: a 10-year retrospective cohort study in Iranian adults
Authors: Zahedi Asiyeh Sadat , Akbarzadeh Mahdi , Sedaghati-khayat Bahareh , Seyedhamzehzadeh Atefeh , Daneshpour Maryam S
Published: January 2021

Background
Previous studies reported that common functional variants (rs780093, rs780094, and rs1260326) in the glucokinase regulator gene (GCKR) were associated with metabolic syndrome despite the simultaneous association with the favorable and unfavorable metabolic syndrome components. We decided to evaluate these findings in a cohort study with a large sample size of Iranian adult subjects, to our knowledge for the first time. We investigated the association of the GCKR variants with incident MetS in mean follow-up times for nearly ten years.
Methods
Analysis of this retrospective cohort study was performed among 5666 participants of the Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetics Study (TCGS) at 19–88 years at baseline. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the metabolic syndrome (JIS criteria) association and its components with rs780093, rs780094, and rs1260326 in an additive genetic model. Cox regression was carried out to peruse variants' association with the incidence of metabolic syndrome in the TCGS cohort study.
Results
In the current study, we have consistently replicated the association of the GCKR SNPs with higher triglyceride and lower fasting blood sugar levels (p < 0.05) in Iranian adults. The CT genotype of the variants was associated with lower HDL-C levels. The proportional Cox adjusted model regression resulted that TT carriers of rs780094, rs780093, and rs1260326 were associated with 20%, 23%, and 21% excess risk metabolic syndrome incidence, respectively (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Elevated triglyceride levels had the strongest association with GCKR selected variants among the metabolic syndrome components. Despite the association of these variants with decreased fasting blood sugar levels, T alleles of the variants were associated with metabolic syndrome incidence; so whether individuals are T allele carriers of the common functional variants, they have a risk factor for the future incidence of metabolic syndrome.
Optimization of Scanning Scheme for Low-height Vegetation Survey Based on Terrestrial Laser Scanning - A Case Study on the Restored Sand Land, Southern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Tian Jiarong , Li Haidong , Ma Weibo , Liao Chengrui , Xu Yannan
Published: January 2021

Background: In recent decades, vegetation surveys based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) have developed rapidly, especially on the forest inventory, but few studies have been conducted to the low-height vegetation. Because of the high investigation cost and subjectivity, it is impending to provide a scientific scanning scheme based on the TLS for the low-height vegetation survey (e.g. shrub, grassland, and meadow) in eco-fragile region (e.g. Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau). Method: In this study, we extracted the vegetation parameter i.e., number, height (H), and crown width (CW) of the two sample plots to evaluate the integrity of the data collected by TLS, on the restored sand land in southern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. We assessed the difference between the scanning mode of single-scan (SS) and multiple-scan (MS), and evaluated the influence of terrain fluctuation (windward slope, leeward slope, and the peak of slope) on the determination of scanning spots.Results: The results showed that: (1) the accuracy of vegetation parameter extracted by the mode of SS was mainly affected by the occlusion and the distance from central scanning spot, the RMSE of vegetation parameters is the smallest (RMSEH = 0.186 m; RMSECW = 0.208 m) within 20 m from the central scanning spot. (2) For the MS mode, in addition to the central scanning spot, the scanning spot located at the peak of the slope is the most important, which was the connection of combining the data of windward slope and leeward slope.Conclusion: To sum up, the scientific layout of scanning spot is the key to collecting data by TLS efficiently, and topography is the main factor affecting the layout of scanning spot. Since occlusion effect cannot be avoided, it can only be compensated by setting up more scanning points. Secondly, the accuracy of different sensors will has influence on the distance between adjacent scanning spots.
Long-term Variability in Cardiometabolic and Inflammatory Parameters and Cognitive Decline: The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Zhou Rui , Liu Hua-Min , Li Fu-Rong , Yu Jing-Rong , Yuan Ze-Lin , Zheng Jia-Zhen , Wu Xian-Bo
Published: January 2021

Background The relationship between variability in cardiometabolic and inflammatory parameters and cognitive changes is unknown. We aimed to investigate the association of visit-to-visit variability (VVV) in body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), ferritin, as well as the composite effect of the VVV in these parameters on cognitive decline. Methods We performed a longitudinal study using data from adults aged 50 years and older in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Biomarkers were assessed at waves 2 (baseline, 2004/2005), 4 (2008/2009), 6 (2012/2013), 8 (2014-2016) and 9 (2018/2019). Cognitive function, including memory, executive function and orientation, were measured. VVV was expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV), standard deviation (SD), and variability independent of the mean (VIM) across visits conducted at a mean interval of 3.5 years. To explore the composite effect of parameter variability, we generated a variability score (range: 0-24), where 0 points were assigned for Q1, 1 point for Q2, 2 points for Q3, and 3 points for Q4 each for the variability of eight parameters measured as VIM. Participants were divided based on quartiles of variability score. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate longitudinal associations. Results A total of 2366 participants (56.1% women, mean age 63.0 ± 7.5 years) with at least three measurements of biomarkers were included, and the mean follow-up duration was 11.2 ± 2.0 years. Higher BMI, SBP, TC, HbA1c and ferritin variability was linearly associated with global and domain-specific cognitive decline irrespective of their mean values over time. Additionally, compared with the lowest quartile, participants in the highest quartile of variability score had a significantly worse global cognitive decline rate (-0.0238, 95% CI -0.0376, -0.0100), memory decline rate (-0.0224, 95% CI -0.0319, -0.0129) and orientation decline rate (-0.0129, 95% CI -0.0245, -0.0012).Conclusions Higher variability in cardiometabolic and inflammatory parameters was significantly associated with cognitive decline, and the composite effect of these parameters was evident. Stabilizing these parameters may serve as a target to preserve cognitive function.
Panax Notoginseng Saponins Exert Anti-osteosarcoma Effect by Inhibiting G0 / G1 Phase and Affecting p53-mediated Autophagy and Mitochondrial Apoptosis
Authors: Han Guangtao , Liu Ting
Published: January 2021

BackgroundOsteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy. Chemotherapy for osteosarcoma often induces severe complications to the patients. Thus, the identification of new effective antineoplastic agents with fewer side effects remain a necessity. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) were therapeutic active components of panax notoginseng and were reported taking the capability to inhibit the growth of several tumors in vitro and in vivo. However, its effect on osteosarcoma has not been studied. This study first investigated the effect of PNS on osteosarcoma cells.MethodsCCK-8 essay used to determine the appropriate working concentration of PNS on osteosarcoma,annixV-FITC/PI experiment used to measure the apoptosis of PNS on osteosarcoma, wound healing assay was used to detect the migration of PNS on osteosarcoma, cell invasiveness was measured by transwell essay,cell cycle was measured by PI,the expression of relative protein was shown by western blot.ResultsOur result indicated that PNS inhibited osteosarcoma cells’ proliferation, invasion and migration, promoted their apoptosis. Besides, PNS also increased mitochondrial membrane potential and the level of reactive oxygen species. Cell cycle of osteosarcoma was arrested in G0 / G1 phase after treatment with PNS. The expression of p53, and mitochondrial related apoptosis proteins were promoted; however, decreased autophagy in osteosarcoma cells with PNS treatment were observed.ConclusionTaking the above effect of PNS on osteosarcoma, PNS were of the potential therapeutic value for treatment of osteosarcoma.
Residual and Fumigant Effects of Bendiocarb WP80 in a Malarious Areas in Borderline of Iran and Pakistan  
Authors: Abai Mohammad Reza , Vatandoost Hassan , Dorzadeh Hossein , Shayeghi Mansoreh , Hanafi-bojd Ahmad Ali , Raeisi Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Background: Malaria and leishmaniasis are the public health problems in southern Iran. The main activity of vector control is indoor residual spraying using pyrethrpids. The aim of study was to evaluate the biological assays of bendiocarb WP at different surfaces of wall. Materials and Methods: The residual effect of bendicocarb WP80 at 400 mg/m2 was evauated on various local surfaces of rooms such as mud and plaster as well as thatch roofs and wooden. WHO standard cones using contact bioassays were carried out using laboratory reared sugar-fed, 48-72 h old females of Anopheles stephensi . Contact bioassays were carried out on sprayed surfaces for 150 days.Results: Contact bioassay on surfaces treated with bendicocarb WP80 diffferent surfaces was estimated about 2 months. Fumigant tests of bendicocarb WP80 at 400 mg/m2 revealed 50-93.83% mortality with one month persistency.Discussion: The rsults hsowed that carbamte insecticide could be used as rotation with pyrethroids for malaria vector control .