bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Activation of Cannabinoid Receptor-2 Reduces White Matter Injury via Perk Signaling in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: jiang li , Li Lin , Luo Qing , Shang Bin , Yang Xiaomin , Zhou Jiru , Pan Qiuling , Wu Na , Tang Wei , Sun Xiaochuan , Du Donglin
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) destroys white matter, and this destruction is aggravated by secondary neuroinflammatory reactions. Although white matter injury (WMI) is strongly correlated with poor neurological function, understanding of white matter integrity maintenance is limited, and no available therapies can effectively protect white matter. One candidate approach that may fulfill this goal is cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist treatment. Here, we confirmed that a selective CB2 agonist, JWH133, protected white matter after TBI.﻿Methods: TBI was induced by Controlled cortical impact (CCI). The motor evoked potentials (MEPs), open field test, and Morris water maze test were used to assess neurobehavioral outcomes. Brain tissue loss, WM damage, Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress), and microglia responses were evaluated after TBI. The functional integrity of WM was measured by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Primary microglia and oligodendrocyte cocultures were used for additional mechanistic studies.Results: JWH133 increased myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofilament heavy chain (NF200) levels and anatomic preservation of myelinated axons revealed by DTI and TEM. JWH133 also increased the numbers of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and mature oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, JWH133 drove microglial polarization toward the protective M2 phenotype and modulated the redistribution of microglia in the striatum. Further investigation of the underlying mechanism revealed that JWH133 downregulated phosphorylation of the ﻿protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) signaling pathway and its downstream signals eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α (eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and Growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein (GADD34); this downregulation was followed by p-Protein kinase B(p-Akt) upregulation. In primary cocultures of microglia and oligodendrocytes, JWH133 decreased phosphorylated PERK expression in microglia stimulated with tunicamycin and ﻿facilitated oligodendrocyte survival. ﻿These data reveal that JWH133 ultimately alleviates WMI and improves neurological behavior following TBI.Conclusions: This work illustrates the PERK-mediated interaction between microglia and oligodendrocytes. In addition, the results are consistent with recent findings that microglial polarization switching accelerates WMI, highlighting a previously unexplored role for CB2 agonists. Thus, CB2 agonists are potential therapeutic agents for TBI and other neurological conditions involving white matter destruction.
Anti-tumour Effect of Cyanidin-3-o-glucoside Combined With Cisplatin in the Mice Xenograft Models of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Li Xu , Mu Jingjing , Meng Xianjun
Published: March 2021

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common carcinoma in women. Cisplatin (DDP) is the first-line drug for the treatment of cervical cancer. Although efficacious, its application is constrained by the intolerance and serious adverse effects associated with cisplatin. Here, we aimed to investigate the in vivo anti-cervical cancer effects of cyanidin-3-o-glucoside (C3G), a type of anthocyanin, and DDP, when used alone or in combination; a BALB/c nude mouse xenograft tumour model was used. The tumour was inhibited in the three treatment groups when compared with untreated controls. The inhibition of tumour was 40.49%, 50.15%, and 58.49% when treated with C3G alone [40 mg/kg body weight (bw)], DDP alone (3 mg/kg bw), or a combination of C3G and DDP, respectively. Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated that treatment with C3G, DDP, or the combination induced apoptosis in xenograft tumours. Furthermore, after treatment, Bcl-2 level was decreased, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression was activated, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway was modulated. These results suggest that the combination of C3G and DDP may have significant synergistic anti-tumour efficacy in patients; therefore, this combination therapy has great potential for the treatment of cervical cancer.
MyotonPRO is a reliable and repeatable tool for measuring mechanical properties of the upper limp muscles in patients with chronic stroke
Authors: Taş Serkan , Aktaş Arda , Tüfek Muhammed Taha , Dağ Figen
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the MyotonPRO for measuring the mechanical properties of the upper limp muscles in patients with chronic stroke. The study was conducted with 20 stroke patients (14 males, 6 females) with age range of 36–84 years (65.1 ± 11.2 years). The oscillation frequency, stiffness, and logarithmic decrement of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, deltoid, and upper trapezius muscles were measured using a MyotonPRO (Muomeetria Ltd., Tallinn, Estonia). The measurements were conducted by two physiotherapists to determine the inter-rater reliability of the device. A physiotherapist repeated the measurements 3 days after the first measurements for determining the intra-rater reliability of the device. The ICCs of the all assessed muscles ranged between 0.72 and 0.97. The coefficient of variation of all muscles ranged within 3.2%-11.0%, from 3.4–9.7% for oscillation frequency, from 3.9–7.4% for stiffness, and from 3.2–11.0% for decrement. The standard error of measurement in the assessed muscles ranged from 0.5 to 1.2 Hz for frequency, from 9.2 to 21.2 N/m for stiffness, and from 0.1 to 0.4 for decrement. The results obtained show that MyotonPRO has a good to excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for measuring the tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and upper trapezius muscles in patients with chronic stroke. MyotonPRO can be used for the diagnostic and therapeutic intention in patients with chronic stroke.
Exploring Flexibility, Intermolecular Interactions and Admet Profiles of Anti-influenza Agent Isorhapontigenin: A Quantum Chemical and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Bangaru Sathya , Manivannan Prasath , Murugesan Sivakumar , Madhu Govindammal
Published: March 2021

Isorhapontigenin (IRPG) drug emerges as promising efficient inhibitor for H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes which belong to influenza A virus; reported with IC50 value of 35.62 and 63.50 μM respectively. The computed geometrical parameters and vibrational assignments (FT-IR and FT-Raman) are compared with experimental results, these results exhibits good correlation with each other. UV-Vis electronic property reveals that the absorption bands of π→π* transitions, this authorizes that the bands are very strong in the IRPG molecule. The kinetic stability and chemical reactivity of the IRPG molecule was probed through NBO and HOMO-LUMO analysis. Electrophilic and nucleophilic site selectivity of IRPG was explored through MEP map and Fukui function. In molecular docking analysis, the IRPG molecule exhibits the better inhibition constant and binding affinity for H1N1 and H3N2 influenza virus. As a result, the IRPG molecule exposes virtuous biological deeds in nature and it can be performed as a prospective drug candidate for H1N1 and H3N2 viral A influenza.
Silencing lncRNA HOTAIR improves the recovery of neurological function in ischemic stroke via the miR-148a-3p/KLF6 axis
Authors: Huang Yiwen , Wang Yuanyuan , Liu Xiaobin , Ouyang Yingjun
Published: March 2021

Ischemic stroke (IS), caused by a permanent or transient local reduction in blood supply to the brain, is one of the most widespread causes of public health problems in modern society. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) has been reported to be related to angiogenesis following IS. In this study, we explored the effect and potential molecular mechanism of lncRNA HOTAIR in IS. Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) model and oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) model were established. HOTAIR was increased in vivo and in vitro models post-ischemic. HOTAIR knockdown promoted neurological function recovery, manifesting in decreased modified neurological severity score, cerebral infarcted area, apoptosis and inflammation, and improved balance ability, spatial learning and memory ability. Silencing HOTAIR also improved the viability of OGD-induced N2a cells, and attenuated apoptosis and inflammation. HOTAIR can compete with KLF6 to bind to miR-148a-3p. miR-148a-3p knockdown or KLF6 overexpression partially reversed the effect of sh-HOTAIR on OGD-induced N2a cells. HOTAIR suppressed the activation of STAT3 pathway via the miR-148a-3p/KLF6 axis. To summarize, this study demonstrated that lncRNA HOTAIR absorbed miR-148a-3p and up-regulate KLF6 expression through ceRNA mechanism, and inhibited STAT3 pathway, promoted apoptosis and inflammation, and aggravated neurological injury post-IS.
A Novel Circular RNA circPLCE1 Facilitates the Malignant Progression of Colorectal Cancer by Repressing the SRSF2-dependent PLCE1 pre-RNA Splicing
Authors: Chen Zhi-Lei , Chen Hong-Yu , Yang Lei , Li Xiang-Nan , Wang Zhenjun
Published: March 2021

Background: Studies have demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in various types of cancer; however, the mechanisms of circRNAs located in the nucleus have rarely been explored. Here, we reported a novel circular RNA circPLCE1 facilitates the malignant progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) via repression of SRSF2-dependent PLCE1 pre-RNA splicing. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of circPLCE1 in CRC tissues and cells. CCK-8, transwell and flow cytometric assays were used to assess the role of circPLCE1 in CRC cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, respectively. Animal study was carried to test the role of circPLCE1 in vivo. Further, catRAPID and RPISeq were applied to predict the possible binding protein of circPLCE1. RNA fractionation and RIP assays were used to confirm the RNA-protein interaction. Results: In this study, we found that circPLCE1 was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. However, circPLCE1 knockdown suppresses CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and increased apoptosis. Nude mice experiments showed that ectopic expression of circPLCE1 dramatically increased tumor growth in vivo. Mechanically, circPLCE1 directly binding to SRSF2 protein, repressing SRSF2-dependent PLCE1 pre-RNA splicing, resulting in the progression of CRC. Individually mutating the binding sites of circPLCE1 derepressed the production of PLCE1 mRNA. Conclusions: Our studies revealed a novel molecular mechanism in the regulation of PLCE1 and implicated a new function of circular RNA, supporting the pursuit of circPLCE1 as a potential tool for future CRC treatment.
Functional and structural analysis of a catabolite control protein C that responds to citrate
Authors: Liu Wei , Chen Jinli , Jin Liming , Liu Zi-Yong , Lu Ming , Jiang Ge , Yang Qing , Quan Chunshan , Nam Ki Hyun , Xu Yongbin
Published: March 2021

Catabolite control protein C (CcpC) belongs to the LysR-type transcriptional regulator (LTTR) family that regulates the transcription of genes encoding the tricarboxylic acid branch enzymes of the TCA cycle by responding to a pathway-specific metabolite, citrate. The biological function of CcpC has been characterized several times, but the structural basis for the molecular function of CcpC remains elusive. Here, we report characterization of a full-length CcpC from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BaCcpC-FL) and a crystal structure of the C-terminal inducer-binding domain (IBD) complexed with citrate. BaCcpC required both dyad symmetric regions I and II to recognize the citB promoter, and the presence of citrate reduced citB promoter binding. The crystal structure of CcpC-IBD shows two subdomains, IBD-I and IBD-II, and a citrate molecule buried between them. Ile100, two arginines (Arg147 and Arg260), and three serines (Ser129, Ser189, and Ser191) have strong hydrogen-bond interactions with citrate molecules. A structural comparison of BaCcpC-IBD with its homologues shows that they share the same tail-to-tail dimer alignment, but the dimeric interface and the rotation between these molecules exhibit significant differences. In addition, citrate can convert large BaCcpC-FL oligomers to monomers in solution. Taken together, our results provide a framework for understanding the mechanism underlying the functional divergence of the CcpC protein.
Development and pharmacodynamic evaluation of recombinant human lysozyme eye drops
Authors: Shi Jin , Shi Chang , Li Xiao-Ying , Gao En , Si Yuan , Yang Xiao-Lin , Zhao Jin-Li
Published: March 2021

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disease. The commonest treatment is artificial tears. A novel artificial tears is urgently required to treat DED pathophysiologically, more than symptoms relief. In this study, a novel artificial tears with highly purified recombinant human lysozyme (rhLYZ), high homologous with natural tear, was obtained for DED treatment on a established rabbit DED model. 36 models were divided into 6 groups (n = 6), and treated with different concentration of novel artificial tears 180µl of drops daily, continuously for 4 weeks. To evaluate pathophysiologic therapeutic effect of the novel artificial tears, rabbit eyes were performed to the schirmer I test, tear ferning test, and corneal fluorescein staining test in 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks post-administration, respectively. The sacrificed models' corneas in 4 weeks were performed by pathological section staining. In the project, the quality of the artificial tears including rhLYZ was up to the quality standards of pharmacopoeia. RhLYZ eye drops, especially in the medium (0.15% of rhLYZ) and the high(0.30% of rhLYZ) concentration, enable to improve dry eye symptoms effectively, benefit to anti-inflammatory function and promote corneal repair. The novel artificial tears is a promising pathophysiological therapeutic agent in DED treatment.
Simultaneous Measurement of Temperature and Strain Based on Peak Power Changes and Wavelength Shift Using Only One Uniform Fiber Bragg Grating
Authors: malakzadeh abdollah , mansoursamaei mohsen , Pashaie Rasoul
Published: March 2021

Many efforts have been devoted to simultaneous measurements of strain and temperature by FBG sensors and several improving techniques have been resulted and implemented on the measurement. Most of them are based on two or more FBGs configurations or a single non-uniform FBG implementation. We propose simultaneous measurement of temperature and strain based on peak power changes and Bragg wavelength shifts using only one uniform fiber Bragg grating (FBG). We placed a ramp with the angle of θ, similar to a tilted cantilever beam, on an assumptive structure and stuck a uniform FBG on it. When a uniform strain applied to a structure, the cantilever beam converts it to a non-uniform strain distribution along with itself and consequently the uniform FBG. By creating this non-uniform strain distribution, the peak power of the reflection spectrum of the FBG will be sensitive to strain changes. In addition, the Bragg wavelength shift will be sensitive to both temperature and strain parameters. According to our simulation, temperature sensitivity of 14.15 pm/℃ is obtained for FBG sensor without any changes in the peak power. The strain sensitivity of 0.7837 pm/µε, and a nonlinear sensitivity according to a quadratic function for peak power variation are also observed.
High Canopy Cover of Invasive Acer Negundo L. Affects Ground Vegetation Diversity
Authors: Veselkin Denis , Dubrovin Denis , Pustovalova Liliya
Published: March 2021

We assessed the link between canopy cover degree and ground vegetation diversity under alien ash-leaved maple (Acer negundo) and other (native or alien) tree species. We investigated urban and suburban forests in the large city of Yekaterinburg, Russia. Forests were evaluated on two spatial scales. Through an inter-habitat comparison we recorded canopy cover and plant diversity among 13 sample plots of 20 × 20 m where A. negundo dominated and 13 plots where other tree species dominated. In an intra-habitat comparison, we recorded canopy cover and ground vegetation diversity among 800 sample plots measuring 1 m2 in the extended urbanised forest, which featured abundant alien (308 plots) and native trees (492 plots). We observed decreased diversity among vascular ground plant species by 40% (inter-habitat) and 20% (intra-habitat) in areas dominated by A. negundo compared to areas dominated by native tree and shrub species. An abundance of A. negundo was accompanied by increased canopy cover. We found a negative relationship between canopy cover and the number of understory herbaceous species. Thus, the interception of light and the restriction of its amount for other species is a main factor supporting the negative influence of A. negundo on native plant communities.
Outcome of SARS-COV-2-Related Thyrotoxicosis in Survivors of COVID-19: A Prospective Study
Authors: Pizzocaro Alessandro , Colombo Paolo , Vena Walter , Ariano Salvatore , Magnoni Paola , Reggiani Francesco , Favacchio Giuseppe , Mirani Marco , Lavezzi Elisabetta , Calatroni Marta , Voza Antonio , Mazziotti Gherardo , Lania Andrea
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the post- coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outcome of thyroid function in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-related thyrotoxicosis. MethodsThis was a single-center prospective study involving 29 patients (11 females, 18 males; median age 64 years, range: 43-85) with thyrotoxicosis diagnosed after hospitalization for COVID-19 and then followed-up for a median period of 90 days (range: 30-120) after hospital discharge. At the follow-up, patients were evaluated for serum thyrotropic (TSH), free-thyroxine (FT4), free-triiodiothyronine (FT3), TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and ultrasonographic thyroid structure.ResultsAfter recovery of COVID-19, serum TSH values significantly increased (P<0.001) and FT4 values significantly decreased (P=0.001), without significant change in serum FT3 (P=0.572). At the follow-up, 28 subjects (96.6%) became euthyroid whereas overt hypothyroidism developed in one case. At the ultrasound evaluation of thyroid gland, hypoecogenicity was found in 10 patients (34.5%) with a prevalence that was significantly higher in cases with serum TSH > 3.0 mU/l as compared to those with TSH values below 1.0 mU/L (P=0.039). All subjects resulted to be negative for TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb. Conclusion﻿In a short-term follow-up, thyroid function spontaneously normalized in most subjects with SARS-CoV-2-related thyrotoxicosis. However, thyroid hypoecogenicity was found in a remarkable number of them and future longer-term studies are needed to clarify whether this ultrasonographic alteration may predispose to develop late-onset thyroid dysfunction.
Basic Phenomenal Objects, or How a Multitude of Fundamental Particles Can Be Reduced to Just One Single Basic Entity
Authors: Schuttevaar P. P. , Schuttevaar V.
Published: March 2021

This paper introduces a novel unification model, basic phenomenal objects (BPO), which attempts to challenge the standard model. The claim is that BPO performs well on all five major scientific virtues (i.e. simplicity, universality, consistency, empirical accuracy, fertility). Namely, for a universal theory, BPO is very simple, as it only requires one type of basic entity – the basic phenomenal object – possessing only three attributes (basic velocity, basic mutuality, basic inertia), of which the behavior is guided by only two laws (interaction law, asymmetry law). Moreover, these foundations of BPO are also consistent with important theories, such as crucial parts of general relativity and QM, can derive important empirical results (e.g. the gyro-magnetic ratio of particles), provide novel explanations (e.g. the structure of anti-matter), and state novel predictions (e.g. an upper boundary to the energy of a stable neutrino).
The Role of Macroeconomic Stability in Current Account Balances
Authors: Cetrez Murat , Altayligil Yasin Baris
Published: March 2021

The role of macroeconomic stability in current account balances has not been studied with a calculated index in the literature until now. It is aimed to find out the role of macroeconomic stability in current account balances for the first time in the study. The analysis is completed for the period between 1980 and 2016 for 97 countries. The macroeconomic stability is represented by an index which is created with inflation rate, growth rate, unemployment rate and fiscal balance data of all the countries. It is found out that the macroeconomic stability is one of the important determinants of current account balances like institutional quality and financial development. It has a negative and statistically significant relationships with current account balances for four different country groups which are developing countries, all countries except industrial, all countries except industrial and African countries, and all countries. Results show that the macroeconomic stability is especially important for the developing countries rather than high income countries.
Effect of structural variability and flexibility of aliphatic diamines on self-assembly of host-guest coordination polymers constructed of copper cyanide networks: Structure study and catalytic activity
Authors: Etaiw Safaa Eldin H. , Abdou Safaa N. Abdou Nabih
Published: March 2021

A new 3D-host-guest supramolecular coordination polymer (SCP); ∞3[(Cu3(CN)3)2.(DAHP)], 1 [1,7-diaminoheptane=.(DAHP)] had been synthesized by self-assembly at ambient conditions. X-ray single crystal diffraction of SCP 1 indicated the formation of two-fold [Cu3(CN)3]2 units containing tetrahedral copper(I) atoms which are arranged in unique way to create 3D-network. The neutral [Cu3(CN)3]2 building blocks create unique complex structure containing the minicycle [Cu2(μ3-CN)2] motif with wide cavities enable to capsulate the long chain DAHP as guest molecule. The topology of 1 had been studied by elemental analysis, IR-spectra and thermogravimetric analyses. The topology of 1 had been compared with the prototype SCP containing different aliphatic diamines which indicated the effect of structural variability and flexibility of aliphatic diamines on the network structure of these SCP. The catalytic and photo-catalytic activity of 1 was studied for mineralization of methylene blue (MB) utilizing H2O2 as an oxidant.
Area-based Network of Health Workers to Mitigate the Shortage of Health Workforce: A Case Mix Index Approach for Thailand
Authors: Jithitikulchai Theepakorn
Published: March 2021

BackgroundPublic hospitals under the Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health have critical shortage in health workers. The area-based network consolidations of public hospitals should help to enhance capacity of the health system from allocation improvement in limited resources.MethodsThis study calculates the counterfactual simulations of area-based network allocations for health workforce in 10,500 public hospitals. The network consolidations at the sub-district, district, provincial, or health-region levels allow health workforce reallocation within local network areas. This study examines improvements in the allocative efficiency from the health workforce redistribution. The workload per worker is calculated from the output measured by numbers of outpatient and inpatient cases and the input measured by numbers of health workers. Both output and input are weighted with their economic values, controlled for heterogeneity by regression analysis. The weights assigned to each outpatient and inpatient case reflect the relative health system resources predicted for each discharge. Finally, this study compares the status quo and ex ante scenarios, as before and after network consolidations.ResultsNetwork consolidations of the primary-level hospitals within the same district could averagely reduce workload per worker by 14%. Another practical policy option is that consolidating similar hospital levels such as primary, first-level secondary, and mid-level secondary hospitals altogether within the same district could reduce the workload per worker by 17%.Conclusion﻿This study illustrates improvement in allocative efficiency of health workforce in public hospitals from the area-based network consolidations. The results provide an insightful example of efficiency gains from reallocating medical workforce within the same local areas.
Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in Sidama Zone Government Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia, A Case-control Study
Authors: Tilahun Temesgen , Hailemariam Hailu
Published: March 2021

Background: Many studies had been conducted on the epidemiology of low birth weight (LBW) in high-income countries, however in countries like Ethiopia such evidence is scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the risk factors for LBW in Sidama zone.Method: Hospital-based case-control study design with a total sample size of 480, 96 cases, and 384controls from March to June 2018. Newborns were selected from three hospitals in the zone using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were made by following standard procedure. Risk factors for LBW were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The output is presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Result: Multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that urban place of residence [AOR=2.55(95% CI=1.15-5.82], mothers who did not have iron supplement during pregnancy [AOR=12.5(95 CI=5.06-31.0)], premature birth [AOR=2.78 (95% CI= (1.27-6.06)] and history of pregnancy complication[AOR=7.60(2.03-28.45)] were found to be significant determinants of LBW. Conclusion: Since the prevalence of LBW was more prominent in rural areas than their urban counterparts, socio-economic empowerment of rural women and community-based nutrition promotions programs should be given special emphasis. Strengthening efforts on availing basic health services and promoting education on nutrition during pregnancy also have positive inputs. Iron supplementation and nutritional assessment of women during ANC follow-up and providing interventions accordingly should be strengthening in all health facilities.
A Prospective Multicenter Study of the Chinese Scoring System for Hepatitis B Liver Failure
Authors: Wu Zhe-bin , Wei-min Ke , Bing-liang Lin , Liang Peng , Zhi Chen , Xin-xin Zhang , De-ming Tan , Wan-hua Ren , Kai Wang , Xue-bin Yan , Gao Zhi-liang
Published: March 2021

Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of a Chinese scoring system for hepatitis B liver failure in a prospective and multicenter study. Methods: Clinical data for 1143 patients with hepatitis B liver failure who had been followed up for a minimum of 6 months were collected from seven liver disease centers across China. The disease severity and prognosis for the patients were predicted using the Chinese scoring system and compared to those predicted with the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, MELD-Na score, and Child-Turcotte Pugh (CTP) score. Results: The Chinese scoring system was more effective at predicting the outcomes of survival and mortality than the MELD score. In the peak disease stage, the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for the Chinese scoring system was 0.954, significantly higher than that (0.896) for the MELD scoring system (P < 0.001). The positive prediction at 30, 90, and 180 days with the Chinese scoring system was 0.764 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.714-0.808), 0.731 (95% CI: 0.694-0.769), and 0.724 (95% CI: 0.679-0.765), also significantly higher than that with the MELD, MELD-Na, and CTP scores (P < 0.001). In addition, the Chinese scoring system was superior to the MELD, MELD-Na, and CTP scores (P < 0.001) at predicting the prognosis of patients with hepatitis B liver failure at both 30 and 180 days. Conclusion: The Chinese scoring system demonstrated superior performance to the three established scoring systems in assessing the severity and outcomes of hepatitis B liver failure in this cohort.
Microstructure, Properties and Corrosion Resistance of As-Cast Al-12Si-1.0Mn-0.6Mg-xSc Alloys
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Wang Richu , Peng Chaoqun , Cai Zhiyong , Guo Fanghe , Zhang Zichen
Published: March 2021

Al-12Si-1.0Mn-0.6Mg-xSc (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) alloys for electronic packaging were prepared by ingot metallurgy, and the microstructure, mechanical properties, thermo-physical properties and corrosion resistance were compared. A fine and dispersed Al3Sc phase is observed and the acicular β-Fe phase transforms into a Chinese character or massive α-Fe phase in the alloys with Sc addition. When the Sc content increases from 0 to 0.3%, the secondary dendritic arm spacing and the size of the eutectic Si reduce from 17.9 μm and 5.3 μm to 12.8 μm and 3.1 μm, respectively. Simultaneously, the morphology of eutectic Si changes from a rough long rod to an ellipsoid. The thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity of the alloys reduce slightly with increasing the Sc content. The flexural strength of 291.9 MPa is obtained for the Al-12Si-1.0Mn-0.6Mg-0.3Sc, an increment of 20.4% as compared with the Sc-free alloy. Furthermore, the corrosion resistance of the alloys is improved by the minor Sc addition.
Effects of Warm Compress on Tear Film, Blink Pattern and Meibomian Gland Function in Dry Eyes After Corneal Refractive Surgery
Authors: Zhou Xueyi , Shen Yang , Shang Jianmin , Zhou Xingtao
Published: March 2021

Background

To assess the effects of warm compress (WC) on tear film lipid layer, blink pattern and Meibomian gland function in patients with dry eye following femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).
Methods

We enrolled 37 eyes of 37 participants, each with dry eye for more than 2 years following SMILE (25 eyes) or LASEK (12 eyes). WC was performed using a spontaneously heating eye mask. Safety parameters and effectiveness parameters (tear film break-up time, TBUT; tear film lipid layer thickness, TFLLT; blink pattern, and Meibomian secretory function scores, MGS) were assessed before and after WC.
Results

After WC, the following mean values all increased relative to baselines: central corneal thickness, spherical equivalent, minimum (Min-), maximum (Max-) and average (Ave-) TFLLT, TBUT, total MGS (TMGS), number of glands secreting any liquid (MGL), and complete blink rate (CBR) (p values ranging from < 0.0001 to 0.042). Partial blink frequency (PBF) and partial blink rate (PBR) decreased (p = 0.002 in both cases). The decrease of PBF was higher in SMILE subgroup than in LASEK (p = 0.030). TBUT variation was positively correlated with that of Ave-TFLLT and TMGS (p = 0.046, 0.028, respectively). Max-TFLLT variation was correlated with that of TMGS (p = 0.020).
Conclusions

WC may temporarily improve tear film quality and blink pattern, augment Meibomian gland function, and relieve dry eye symptoms after corneal refractive surgery, particularly that using the SMILE technique.
Structural, and Radiation Shielding Simulation of B2O3-SiO2-LiF- ZnO-TiO2 Glasses
Authors: Shaaban Kh. S.
Published: March 2021

Quaternary glasses with a 59B2O3-29SiO2-2LiF-(\(10-x\)) ZnO-\(x\)TiO2 composition using the melt-quench techniques were prepared. XRD examined the nature of prepared glasses. The FT-IR spectra was studied for the changes in the structure of these glasses. While the density is increased, the molar volume of the glass system is reduced. The velocities and elastic modulus of these glasses were experimentally and theoretically based on the Makishima-Mackenzie model evaluated. Besides, for the studied glasses, the radiation shielding efficiency was investigated by Phy-X/PSD and XCOM software. These glasses were found to have an abnormal attenuation, structural, and density relationship. The mass attenuation coefficient (µ/ρ), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), and effective atomic number (Zeff), of glasses, have been designed to simulate for gamma photon energies between 0.015 and 15 MeV. MAC values calculated using Phy-X/PSD and XCOM were compared and was observed in good agreement with the other.
Structural and Optical Analysis of Ag Nanoparticles assisted Vertically Aligned TiO2 Nanowires based photoanode for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Application
Authors: Shougaijam Biraj , Singh Salam Surjit
Published: March 2021

In this work, vertically aligned TiO 2 -Nanowires (TiO 2 -NWs) and Ag Nanoparticles assisted TiO 2 Nanowires (TAT-NWs) were deposited on glass and flexible PET substrates using the Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD) technique. The morphology and structural analysis of the samples manifest the successful deposition of vertically aligned TiO 2 -NWs and TAT-NWs. The HR-TEM image of TiO 2 -NWs shows the polycrystalline nature. Further, the XRD result confirms the polycrystalline nature of both the TiO 2 -NWs and TAT-NWs samples. Besides, the HR-TEM image confirms the presence of small crystal grains of Ag Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) at the mid of the annealed TAT-NWs. It is evident from the Selective Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) analysis of the TiO 2 -NWs and annealed TAT-NWs that the crystallinity of TiO 2 present in the annealed TAT-NWs improves after annealing. The absorption spectrum analysis of TAT-NWs deposited on glass substrate shows enhance absorption peak in the visible region with a maximum peak at ~463 nm wavelength compare to the TiO 2 -NWs, which may be attributed to the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) effect of Ag-NPs. Further, it is interesting to observe that the TAT-NWs deposited on PET substrate show further absorption enhancement in the UV and visible region. In addition, the Photoluminescence analysis reveals that the bandgap of the TiO 2 -NWs is ~3.12 eV, which supports the bandgap extracted from the Tauc plot. Therefore, the proposed method of fabricating TAT-NWs on glass and flexible ITO coated PET substrate using the GLAD technique may be applicable for developing novel photoanode for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and other optoelectronic applications.
Genetic Analysis for Mapping of Physiological Traits Related to Seed Vigour in Rice Through Association Mapping
Authors: Sanghamitra Priyadarshini , nayak Deepak Kumar , Barik saumya ranjan , Pandit Elssa , Bastia Ramakrushna , Mohanty Shakti Prakash , Mishra Jyotirmayee , Behera Abhisarika , Sahoo Auromeera , Patttanaik Suchismita , Moharana Arpita , samal Debabrata , Pradhan Sharat Kumar
Published: March 2021

Background:Good quality seed is an important factor for a good crop. Vigor is the key performing trait of quality seed. Genomic regions controlling the physiological traits related to seed vigour are not fully reported.Results: A panel was prepared by including genotypes from all the groups of the fifteen physiological traits representing a population of 250 germplasm lines. Wide variations were observed for the 15 physiological traits in the population. The population was classified into 6 genetic groups. Presence of linkage disequilibrium (LD) was detected in the panel population based on the fixation indices of the subpopulations. Moderate values of gene diversity, polymorphic information content (PIC) and other diversity parameters were estimated from the population by genotyping with 109 SSR markers. The population was classified into subpopulations and sub-clusters showed relation with the genotypes for their physiological traits. Ten physiological traits were detected to be significantly associated with SSR markers analyzed by both the General linear model (GLM) and Mixed linear model (MLM). A total of 19 novel QTLs controlling different physiological traits namely qGP 6.2 and qGP 8.2 for germination % (GP); qGR 9.1 for germination rate (GR); qGI 1.2, qGI 6.1, qGI 8.1, qGI 11.1 and qGI 12.1 for germination index (GI); qRPE1.1 and qRPE8.1 for rate of plumule elongation (RPE); qAGR 8.1 for AGR; qRSG1.2 and qRSG12.2 for rate of shoot growth (RSG); qRGR3.1 and qRGR11.1 for relative growth rate (RGR); qSVI 1.1 for seed vigour index I (SVI I); qSVII 1.1, qSVII3.1, and qSVII12.1 for seed vigour index II (SVI II), and qRRG8.1 for relative root growth rate were identified. The reported QTL for root length, qRL11.1 was validated in this mapping population. Additionally, QTLs, qRPE8.1 and qAGR8.1 of traits, RPE and AGR; qGI 6.1 and qGP6.2 of GI and GP; qGI 11.1 and qRL11.1 of GI and RL; qAGR8.1 and qRRG8.1 of AGR and RRG, and qRSG3.1 and qRGR3.1of traits RSG and RGR were detected for co-localization or co-inheritance. Conclusion: The traits identified and markers detected in the association analysis will be useful for improvement of seed vigour trait through marker-assisted selection in rice.
Significance of Uranium Series Disequilibrium and Their Radiological Impacts In Abu Garadi Altered Granites.
Authors: Hussein Mahmoud A. , khattab Mahmoud , El-Said Waleed A. , Abed Neveen S. , Tawfic A. F.
Published: March 2021

Radioactivity of U, Th series and 40K in the collected samples from Abu Garadi area were measured using Hyper Pure Germanium detector Gamma spectrometer (HPGe). 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and 238U contents were determined in the different samples that indicating high uranium high thorium type of these granites. The activity concentrations of 232Th, 238U, 234U/238U activity ratio of the studied altered granites ranged between 1.98 to 4.25 with 2.89 as an average, indicating that the samples passed from the incipience of the oxidation-reduction zone (234U/238U=1.98) to the reduction zone (234U/238U= 4.52). 238U/235U activity ratios showed broad range as a result of the alteration processes. 226Ra and 40K are very important in determination of different environmental hazard impacts. The activity concentrations average of 238U, 232Th, 226Ra and 40K were 6553.7 ± 3.1 Bq kg− 1, 3944 ± 0.9 Bq kg− 1 201.3 ± 1.1 Bq kg− 1 and 619.4 ± 0.02 Bq kg− 1. The absorbed gamma dose rate (D), external hazard index (Hex), annual effective dose rate equivalent, radium equivalent (Raeq), internal hazard index (Hin), gamma index (Iγ) as well as Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) were applied based on the measured radionuclide concentration of the 238U, 232Th, 226Ra and 40K.
Analysis of Genomes Changes in Pseudomonas Chlororaphis Subsp. Aurantiaca Strains Producing Phenazines
Authors: Liaudanskaya Anastasia I. , Maximova Natalia P. , Verameyenka Katsiaryna G.
Published: March 2021

Genomes of three strains – phenazine producers – Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca (B-162 (wild-type), mutant strain B-162/255 and its derivatives B-162/17) were sequenced and compared. All genome annotations revealed 6347 CDS, 5 rRNA clusters (5S, 16S, 23S) and 59 tRNA genes. Comparison analysis of wild-type strain and B-162/255 mutant strain genomes allowed revealing 32 mutations. 19 new mutations were detected upon comparison of genomes strains B-162/255 and B-162/17. Further bioinformatics analysis allowed predicting mutant proteins` functions and secondary structures of five gene products, mutations in which might potentially have influence on phenazine synthesis and secretion in Pseudomonas bacteria. These genes are phenylalanine hydroxylase transcriptional activator PhhR, type I secretion system ATPase, transcriptional regulator MvaT, GacA response regulator and histidine kinase. Amino acid substitutions were located in domain structures of corresponding proteins.
Age affects pigeon memory capacity, but not representation of serial order, during a locomotor sequential-learning task
Authors: Meier Christina , Sepehri Parisa , Kelly Debbie M.
Published: March 2021

Aging affects individuals of every species, with sometimes detrimental effects on memory and cognition. The simultaneous-chaining task, a sequential-learning task, requires subjects to select items in a predetermined sequence, putting demands on memory and cognitive processing capacity. It is thus a useful tool to investigate age-related differences in these domains. Pigeons of three age groups (young, adult and aged) completed a locomotor adaptation of the task, learning a list of four items. Training began presenting only the first item; additional items were added, one at a time, once previous items were reliably selected in their correct order. Although memory capacity declined noticeably with age, not all aged pigeons showed impairments compared to younger pigeons, suggesting that inter-individual variability emerged with age. During a subsequent free-recall memory test, when all trained items were presented alongside novel distractor items, most pigeons did not reproduce the trained sequence in the absence of reinforcement. During a further forced-choice test, when pigeons were given a choice between only two of the trained items, all three age groups showed evidence of an understanding of the ordinal relationship between items by choosing the earlier item, indicating that complex cognitive processing, unlike memory capacity, remained unaffected by age.
Curcumin Protects HepG2 Cells from the Cytotoxic Effect of Drugs with Anti-fibrotic Activity
Authors: Medina-Pizaño Mariana Y. , Medina-Rosales Marina N. , Sánchez-Alemán Esperanza , Martínez-Hernández Sandra L. , Aldaba-Muruato Liseth R. , Ventura-Juarez Javier , Muñoz-Ortega Martin Humberto
Published: March 2021

Background: The α and β adrenoblockers have been tested as an alternative treatment for chronic liver lesions such as fibrosis and cirrhosis in animal models, as well as their possible participation during the regeneration of the damage caused by liver cirrhosis in a hamster model. However, it was observed that doxazosin caused slight morphological changes in hepatocytes, while that curcumin showed protection to the hepatic parenchyma. Regardless, the pharmacokinetic effects of these 𝛼/𝛽 adrenoblockers on the hepatocytes' cell viability, possibly involved in the hepatic parenchyma's repopulation during cirrhosis reversal, are unknown. The present study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of curcumin on the possible side effects of doxazosin, tamsulosin, and carvedilol on the HepG2 cell line, drugs already tested with antifibrotic activity.Methods: HepG2 cells were exposed to 0.1, 0.5, 10, and 25 µM of doxazosin, carvedilol, and tamsulosin for 24, 48, and 72 h, for curcumin, cells were pretreated with 1 µM for 1 h before exposure to α and β adrenoblockers. The cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. The morphological changes were determined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and acridine orange (AO) staining. Results: We observed that the doxazosin decreases cell viability dependently time and dose; carvedilol and tamsulosin increase cell proliferation. However, curcumin induces regulation of these effects in HepG2 cell line, increasing or maintaining viability compared to control. The pretreatment with curcumin regulated AST levels (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) in cells exposed to α and β adrenoblockers. The SEM and H&E staining provided evidence that doxazosin, carvedilol, and tamsulosin induced morphological changes in HepG2 cell line, depending on time and dose, approximately 80% of the cells treated with drugs were balonized, and curcumin protected these effects, maintaining the morphology in 90% of the treated cells.Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that curcumin protected the HepG2 cells against cytotoxicity and morphological changes induced by the α and β adrenoblockers attenuating secondary effects for possible oxidative stress. In this way, it is concluded that these treatments with antifibrotic effect, in co-treatment with curcumin, will not affect the possible repopulation process of the liver parenchyma during the reversion of fibrosis.
A web-based survey finds low antiretroviral therapy adherence in approximately 35% of Japanese people living with HIV
Authors: Inoue Yoji , Oka Shinichi , Yokoyama Seiji , Hasegawa Koichi , Mahlich Joerg , Schaede Ulrike , Habuka Noriyuki , Murata Yoko
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Protective effects of aerobic exercise on survival, MOSD, and blood glucose response during sepsis
Authors: Wang Xishuai , Wang Zhiqing , Tang Donghui
Published: March 2021

Aim: In the present study, we attempted to investigate whether aerobic exercise could prevent sepsis and its complications and explored the related mechanisms. Methods: Forty ICR mice were divided into four groups: control (Con), LPS, exercise (Ex), and exercise + LPS (Ex + LPS). Low-intensity aerobic exercise was performed for 4 weeks. Forty-eight hours after the last exercise intervention, LPS and Ex+LPS mice received 5 mg/kg LPS intraperitoneally for induction of sepsis. This study examined the effects of a 4-week exercise pretreatment on LPS-induced changes in blood glucose (BG) levels; inflammatory cytokine levels in BALF; bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts; the degree of pulmonary edema; neutrophil density in liver, lung, and kidney tissues; and the gene expression levels of IL-1RN, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, Sirt-1, and Nrf-2 in lung tissue. Sixty mice were used to perform survival rate analysis. Results: A 4-week exercise pretreatment significantly reversed the histopathological severity of LPS-induced lung, heart, liver, kidney, and aortic injuries (P < 0.05) and ameliorated neutrophil inflammation in the lung, heart, liver, and kidney (P < 0.05). A 4-week exercise pretreatment improved survival rates (P < 0.01), deranged glucose homeostasis (P < 0.01), and pulmonary edema (P < 0.01) in mice with sepsis. A 4-week exercise pretreatment increased the levels of IL-6 (P < 0.05), IL-10 (P < 0.05), and IL-1RN (P < 0.05) and decreased the levels of IL-8 (P < 0.05) and TNF-α (P < 0.05) in BALF. A 4-week exercise pretreatment decreased the gene expression levels of IL-8 (P < 0.01) and TNF-α (P < 0.01) and increased the gene expression levels of IL-1RN (P < 0.01) and IL-10 (P < 0.01) in mice with sepsis. 4-week exercise pretreatment activated the gene expression levels of lung protective factors Sirt-1 (P < 0.01) and Nrf-2 (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Aerobic exercise improved survival rates, multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS), and deranged glucose homeostasis in mice with sepsis. Aerobic exercise alleviated lung injury partly because aerobic exercise exerted immune effects and activated Sirt-1/Nrf-2 signaling.