bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active control of dielectric nanoparticle optical resonance through electrical charging
Authors: gao xuebang , Xie Li , Zhou Jùn
Published: March 2022

A novel method to active control of resonance position of dielectric nanoparticles by increasing the excess charge carried by the nanoparticles is proposed in this paper. We show that as the excess charge carried by the particle increases, the oscillation frequency of excess charge will gradually increase, when it is equal to the incident frequency, resonance occurs due to resonant excitation of the excess charge. What is more, the formula of charges carried by an individual particle required to excite the resonance at any wavelength position is proposed. Therefore, the resonance position can be directly controlled by means of particle charging, and the enhancement of resonance intensity is more obvious. This work has opened new avenues for the active control of plasmon resonances, which shows great promise for realizing tunable optical properties of nanoparticles.
Uncovering potential new biomarkers and immune infiltration characteristics in primary Sojgren's syndrome by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhang Naidan , Ji Chaixia , Bao Xiao , Peng Xinyin , Tang Maoju , Yuan Chengliang
Published: March 2022

Background: Primary Sojgren's syndrome (pSS) is known as autoimmune disease of endocrine system. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for pSS using integrated bioinformatics analysis and explore the relationship between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and immune infiltration. Methods: Three pSS datasets (GSE7451, GSE23117 and GSE40611) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were integrated. All the datasets were processed by affy in R (version 4.0.3).Results: A total of 16 immune cells and 13 immune functions infiltration scores were obtained. The top immune cell and immune function were "activated" dendritic cells (aDCs) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. Correlation analysis showed the top correlation among 16 immune cells were B cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), check-point and T cell co-stimulation, respectively. In comparisons of immune score, aDCs (0.657 vs 0.594, P < 0.001), B cells (0.492 vs 0.434, P = 0.004), macrophages (0.631 vs 0.601, P = 0.010), inflammation-promoting (0.545 vs 0.478, P < 0.001), Type I interferon (IFN) Reponse (0.728 vs 0.625, P < 0.001) and so on were higher in pSS than control group. In correlation analysis, the up-regulation of IFIT1 gene was strongly correlated with Type I IFN Reponse with a correlation coefficient of 0.87. The ROC curve of 5 genes showed that the area under curve (AUC) was 0.891. In the verification model, the AUC was 0.881. In addition, DO analysis supported the association between DEGs and pSS. Conclusions: In summary, pSS has a variety of DEGs in immune infiltration, which is worthy of the attention from clinicians.
No Association Between MTHFR Gene C677T/A1298C Polymorphisms, Serum Folate, Vitamin B12, Homocysteine Levels, and Prostate Cancer in an Algerian Population.
Authors: Mouhoub-Terrab Rima , Chibane Abdel Aziz , KHELIL Malika
Published: March 2022

Background Methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase (MTHFR) enzyme plays a crucial role in the metabolism of folate and homocysteine, which are necessary for DNA methylation and nucleotide synthesis. Genetic polymorphisms that decrease MTHFR activity are implicated in several diseases as well as diverse malignancies including prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate an eventual association between MTHFR polymorphisms and prostate cancer within an Algerian population, taking into consideration serum levels of folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine. Methods and results A total of 106 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and 125 healthy controls were examined for MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms using PCR/RFLP and Real-Time PCR TaqMan® respectively. Serum levels of folate, total homocysteine, and vitamin B12 were measured using an automatic biochemistry analyzer.Our study showed no significant difference in genotype frequency of A1298C and C677T in patients compared to the control groups. As for serum levels of folate, total homocysteine, and vitamin B12, there were not associated with prostate cancer (P˃0. 05). However, age and family history increased susceptibility to the disease (OR=1.178, P=0.00 and OR = 10.03,P = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion Our results suggest that MTHFR C677T and A1298C as folate, total homocysteine, and vitamine B12 do not contribute to the risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, age and family history are risk factors in an Algerian population.Therefore, further studies with a larger sample size are needed for the confirmation of our finding.
Controlling Tether Deployment and Retrieval by Lyapunov Approach Involving Quasiperiodic and Chaotic Motions
Authors: Salazar Francisco J. T. , Prado Antonio B. A.
Published: March 2022

In the station keeping phase, the in-plane pitch motion of a two body tethered satellite system, that is revolving around the Earth in a Keplerian circular orbit, is similar to the motion of a simple pendulum, i.e. the local vertical position is a center with small oscillations about it, and the local horizontal is a saddle point. However, if the three-dimensional coupled pitch and roll motions are considered, the dynamics of the system exhibit quasi-periodic and chaotic behavior. In order to study the control of the quasiperiodic and chaotic motions of a two-body tethered satellite system, which moves along a Keplerian circular orbit, this paper proposes to suppress the quasi-periodic and chaotic dynamics during deployment and retrieval, by applying a non-linear tension force along the connecting tether. A Lyapunov approach is used to design the non-linear tension for controlling tether deployment and retrieval. The goal of the control is to steer the sub-satellite from quasi-periodic and chaotic states to the local upward vertical position. The numerical simulations show that the non-linear tension control law performs well, reduces the quasi-periodic and chaotic oscillations, and the three-dimensional trajectories can be guided close to the local vertical direction.
Development of a Front Limb Support to Facilitate Weight Reduction in Horses with Ambulatory Difficulties
Authors: Steinke Samantha , Roberts Brent , Boire James , Montgomery Julia
Published: March 2022

In horses, severe limb injuries and other problems affecting ambulation are challenging to manage. Offloading the injured limb can result in secondary complications such as supporting limb laminitis (SLL), severely affecting quality of life and sometimes necessitating euthanasia. SLL results from increased load and decreased blood flow to the foot. There is a need to develop a dynamic device to reduce the load on the limbs while maintaining mobility and blood flow for the rehabilitation of horses with ambulatory difficulties. In this study, the unique biomechanics of the horse were considered in the design of a dynamic front limb weight support system. The development further had to consider complications associated with its use, such as pressure ulcers and other tissue trauma. Therefore, the design included silicone air pockets to be inflated and deflated in a programmable cycle. A series of three prototypes resulted in a front limb support (breastplate) intended for use with a computer-controlled rehabilitation lift. Iterative design modifications of the breastplate allowed to safely provide up to 50% front limb weight reduction while maintaining horse comfort. This is a significant step towards adjustable, dynamic ambulatory support with the ability to customize rehabilitation programs for horses with ambulatory difficulties.
Patients with indolent lymphomas are at high risk of infections - Experience from a German outpatient clinic
Authors: Lutz Christoph , Feiten Stefan , Chakupurakal Geothy , Heymanns Jochen , Thomalla Jörg , Roye Christoph van , Weide Rudolf
Published: March 2022

Background: Patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL) have an increased risk of infection which is caused by pathomechanisms of the diseases itself but also as a result of anti-tumor therapy. Especially the effects of anti-CD20 antibodies are well understood as these lead to decreased antibody production.Most analyses regarding this issue were performed in studies with multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. As these studies not always represent the general population we collected real life data from 227 patients with indolent lymphomas undergoing therapy or who were regularly monitored in a watch and wait approach over the time of one year. As control we collected data from an age and sex matched control group of 145 persons.Results: Patients with B-NHLs had an increased rate of infection that was detectable in all subgroups. Consistent with this finding B-NHL patients received more antibiotic treatment and were more often hospitalized than patients from the control group. Lymphoma patients without immunodeficiency had a significantly lower infection rate than patients with immunodeficiency but it was still significantly higher compared to the control group. Patients with symptomatic immunodeficiency were mostly treated with regular immunoglobulin infusions and infection rates were comparable to those of patients with asymptomatic immunodeficiency. Conclusions: Our data suggest an approach with regular immune monitoring of all indolent lymphoma patients in order to identify patients with increased risk of infections. It also raises the question if patients with immunodeficiency should be treated more often with regular immunoglobulin infusion, but so far more studies are necessary to answer this question.
Minocycline protects against brain injury in a rodent model of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: de Carrillo Daria Gendosz , Student Sebastian , Bula Daniel , Mielańczyk Łukasz , Jędrzejowska-Szypułka Halina
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose: The multifaceted nature of Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) pathogenesis is poorly understood. Despite the high morbidity and disability rate associated with SAH, to date, no pharmacological agent has been found to be efficacious for the prevention of brain injury when used for acute SAH intervention.Methods: We studied SAH brain injury using in vivo pre-chiasmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage rodent model. We analyzed the qualitative and quantitative ultrastructural morphology of capillaries and surrounding neuropil in the rodent brains with SAH and/or minocycline administration. We also performed vast analysis of mRNA, protein and in situ expression of tight junctions proteins, claudin-5 and occludin and matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2, MMP-9 and their upstream activator EMMPRIN. Lastly, we tested minocycline effect on functional outcomes in tested rats. Results: Here, we report that 1 mg/kg minocycline displayed neuroprotective effects on neurovascular morphology. Using ultrastructural analyses, we found that minocycline protected brain capillaries and surrounding cells from significant SAH-induced changes. Further analysis revealed that the blood-brain barrier in SAH brains is compromised by abnormal vacuole and vesicle production, rather than by tight junction disruptions, which were found to be generally intact. Additionally, our findings suggested that the reported ultrastructural abnormalities as well as minocycline neuroprotective effect during SAH were not directly mediated by the inhibition of MMP-2, MMP-9, or EMMPRIN. However, SAH brain tissue treated with minocycline was protected from development of other kind of morphological features associated with oxidative stress and the presence of immune cells in the perivascular space. Conclusions: These data expand knowledge on the SAH effect on brain tissue as well as functional outcome in the SAH rodent model and minocycline neuroprotective effect when administered in low-doses. Additionally, we showed the multifactorial neuroprotective mechanism of minocycline, as is the pathology associated with SAH.
Modular Co-Culture Engineering of Yarrowia Lipolytica for Amorphadiene Biosynthesis
Authors: Marsafari Monireh , Azi Fidelis , Xu Peng
Published: March 2022

Amorphadiene is an intermediate product of the first dedicated step to artemisinin production. It has attracted wide research interest as an antimalaria drug precursor in recent years. The efficient conversion of renewable carbon sources and redirection of metabolic flux toward a metabolite of interest has become a fascinating strategy for plant secondary metabolite overproduction. A modular pathway that divides the hosts' labor, a co-culture system has shown great biosynthetic potential and can be leveraged to achieve cost-effective bioproduction of natural products. Using a co-culture system of Y. lipolytica Po1f and Po1g strains, subcellular localization of ADS gene into the endoplasmic reticulum, co-utilization of mixed carbon source, and enlargement of the endoplasmic reticulum size were investigated to improve amorphadiene producton in this work. Using Po1g/PPtM and Po1f/AaADSERx3/iGFMPDU strains and co-utilization of 5 µM sodium acetate with 20 g/L glucose in YPD media, amorphadiene titer increased to 65.094 mg/L. The enlargement of the Endoplasmic reticulum membrane caused by the deletion of the PAH1 gene provided more subcellular space for the action of the ADS-tagged gene. It further increased the amorphadiene production to 71.74 mg/L. The results demonstrated that manipulating metabolic flux in the co-culture of Y. lipolytica can be efficient over a single culture for the bioproduction of many value-added metabolites in a whole or large biosynthetic pathway.
An Ingenious Strategy to Stereoscopically Enhance the Phosphorescence Properties of Guest–Host Materials: Addition of Metal Ions to Form Coordination with the Guest
Authors: Guo Yan , Cheng Kaijun , Hu Zechen , Lei Yunxiang , Liu Xiaoqing , Liu Miao-Chang , Cai Zhengxu , Wu Huayue , Huang Xiaobo , Dong Yuping
Published: March 2022

The host–guest doped strategy has been widely recognized to be effective for preparing room-temperature phosphorescence materials. However, the advantage of the host in a doped system as a container that can hold the other components is ignored. In this study, benzophenone was selected as the host, and seven phenylquinoline isomers were designed as guests to construct a phosphorescence-doped system. Notably, seven metal salts of elements in the same period or in the same main group (e.g., Al3+, Cu+/2+, Zn2+, Ga3+, Ag+, Cd2+, and In3+, respectively) are selected as the third component to coordinate with the nitrogen atom of the guests, thereby stereoscopically improving the phosphorescence performance of the doped system. Metal ions can significantly enhance the phosphorescence intensity, cause red-shift of the emission wavelength, and prolong the phosphorescence lifetime of doped materials. Ag+ and Cd2+ can considerably increase the emission intensity up to 38 times, and the highest phosphorescence quantum efficiency reaches 70%. Al3+, Ga3+, and In3+ can prolong the emission wavelength, and the phosphorescence wavelength can be red-shifted up to 60 nm. Cu2+, Ga3+, and In3+ can extend the phosphorescence lifetime by a maximum of 3.6 times.
An Ideal Neonatal Congenital Heart Disease Screening Plan by Pulse Oximeter and Auscultation in a Large Single Center
Authors: Huang Yuqiang , Zhong Shiqing , Zhang Xianmei , Kong Linghui , Wu Wenli , Yue Shixia , Tian Ning , Zhu Guanghua , Hu Aiqin , Xu Juan , Zhu Haijan , Sun Airong , Qin Fangling , Wang Ziwen , Wu Shiqiang
Published: March 2022

Purpose
To investigate the feasibility and reliability of pulse oximeter (POX) as a fast-screening device for congenital heart disease (CHD) through comparing performances of cardiac auscultation and POX in a large retrospective single center study.
Methods
Every newborn received auscultation and POX tests separately. When an abnormal murmur or SpO2 level is detected, an echocardiogram will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of CHD in the newborn.
Results
From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019, there were 44,147 livebirths at the studied hospital where 498 newborns were diagnosed with CHD: 27 newborns by POX screening and 471 by cardiac auscultation. The diagnosis was further confirmed in 458 neonates through echocardiogram. This result puts forth an overall diagnosis rate of 91.97%. Cardiac auscultation detected the majority of CHD cases 438 (95.6%) while POX only screened 20 (4.4%) cases. Interestingly, no CHD case was detected by both auscultation examination and POX screening. Auscultation detected most of the common types of CHD, but POX excelled in identifying rare and critical cases. POX screening alone had a very low accuracy of 3.41% in positive predict value (PPV). On the other hand, auscultation can function well in terms of PPV and negative predict value (NPV) (92.99% and 99.95%, respectively), but the addition of POX could improve the overall screening performance and reach NPV to 100%. We also validate the finding with the data six months after the study period.
Conclusion
Auscultation screening operates well in detecting common CHDs whereas POX screening excels in distinguishing rare, yet critical, cases of CHDs. Therefore, an ideal CHD screening plan should combine cardiac auscultation and POX screening.
Mid-band PPN InGaN solar cell for indoor visible light communication in 5G/6G applications
Authors: Manzoor Habib Ullah , Shiong Ng Sha , Aslam Arooj , Manzoor Tareq
Published: March 2022

Recently, solar cells have been simultaneously used as energy harvester and receiver in free-space optical (FSO) communication networks. In this study, a mid-band p-In0.01Ga0.99N/p-In0.5Ga0.5N/n-In0.5Ga0.5N (PPN) solar cell that achieved a conversion efficiency of 26.36% (under 1.5 AM condition) was used as a receiver for an indoor FSO communication network. Considering that this solar cell had a length and width of 1 mm, the FSO system was simulated using Optisystm software. Meanwhile, the solar cell was simulated using SCAPS-1D software. The power received from the solar cell was compared with those of four commercially available avalanche photodiode (APD) receivers. Incident wavelength was varied in the visible region from 400 nm to 700 nm for transmission lengths of 5, 10, 15, and 20 m. The current–voltage and power–voltage curves were presented at different incident wavelengths and transmission distances. The InGaN solar cell provides more electrical power than all the commercial APDs. In conclusion, an increase in received power can improve the quality of an FSO network and support longer transmission length.
A 5’ UTR Mutation Contributes To Down-Regulation Of Bbs7 In The Berlin Fat Mouse
Authors: Mohebian Kourosh , Hesse Deike , Arends Danny , Brockmann Gudrun A.
Published: March 2022

The Bardet Biedl syndrome 7 (Bbs7) gene was identified as the most likely candidate gene causing juvenile obesity in the Berlin Fat Mouse Inbred (BFMI) line. Bbs7 is significantly lower expressed in brain, adipose tissue, and liver of BFMI mice compared to lean C57BL/6NCrl (B6N) mice. DNA sequence comparison between BFMI and B6N revealed 16 sequence variants in the Bbs7 promoter region. Here, we tested if these mutations contribute to the observed differential expression of Bbs7.In a cell-based dual luciferase assay we compared the effects of the BFMI and the B6N haplotypes of different regions of the Bbs7 promotor on the reporter gene expression. A single SNP was identified causing a significant reduction in the reporter gene expression. This SNP (rs29947545) is located in the 5’ UTR of Bbs7 at Chr3:36.613.350. The SNP is not unique to BFMI mice, but occurs also in several other mouse lines, where the BFMI allele is not associated with lower Bbs7 transcript amounts. As such, a second factor alongside the SNP rs29947545 or interacting with the SNP location is likely required to cause the reduction of Bbs7 expression which leads to the obese phenotype in BFMI mice.
Global phosphoproteomic profiling of skeletal muscle in ovarian-hormone deficient mice
Authors: Peyton Mina P. , Yang Tzu-Yi , Higgins LeeAnn , Markowski Todd W. , Vue Cha , Parker Laurie L. , Lowe Dawn A.
Published: March 2022

Background
Phosphorylation is important in skeletal muscle development, growth, regeneration, and contractile function. Alterations in the skeletal muscle phosphoproteome due to aging have been reported in males; however, studies in females are lacking. We have demonstrated that estrogen deficiency decreases muscle force which correlates with decreased myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation. Thus, we questioned whether the decline of estrogen in females that occurs with aging might alter the skeletal muscle phosphoproteome.
Methods
C57BL/6J female mice randomly assigned to a sham-operated (Sham) or ovariectomy (Ovx) group to investigate the effects of estrogen deficiency on skeletal muscle protein phosphorylation in a resting, non-contracting condition. After 16 weeks of estrogen deficiency, the tibialis anterior muscle was dissected and prepped for label-free nano-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry phosphoproteomic analysis.
Results
We identified 4,780 phosphopeptides in tibialis anterior muscles of ovariectomized (Ovx) and Sham-operated (Sham) control mice. Further analysis revealed 647 differentially regulated phosphopeptides (Benjamini – Hochberg adjusted p-value < 0.05 and 1.5-fold change ratio) that corresponded to 130 proteins with 22 proteins differentially phosphorylated (3 unique to Ovx, two unique to Sham, six upregulated, and 11 downregulated). Differentially phosphorylated proteins associated with the sarcomere, cytoplasm, and metabolic and calcium signaling pathways were identified.
Conclusion
Our work provides the first global phosphoproteomic analysis in females and how estrogen deficiency impacts the skeletal muscle phosphoproteome. Future work into specific phosphorylation events on sarcomeric proteins and phosphoproteins pertaining to calcium signaling may offer insight on the molecular mechanism(s) of skeletal muscle strength loss in females.
Traditional Knowledge of Wild Plant Species Used by Local People Inhabiting the Southern Part of Wadi Araba Desert in South-West Jordan
Authors: Albalawneh Abeer , Nawash Oraib , Al-Assaf Amani , Hjazin Amjad , Tadros Maher , Kabariti Rabab , Nowar Lana Abu , Albashbsheh Ghadeer , Diab Mai , Aljaafreh Safaa , Hammour Wafa’a Abu , Alwidyan Jafar , Hadad Nizar
Published: March 2022

BackgroundEthnobotanical research studies in Jordan mostly targeted the medicinal uses of plants ignoring the other important uses. Comprehensive documentation of traditional knowledge of using native plants in the delicate desert ecosystem is very crucial for prioritizing biodiversity conservation and socio-economic improvement programs. This study therefore documents and analyzes the traditional knowledge of native plants used for grazing, firewood, food, and medicine by local inhabitants of the southern part of Wadi Araba desert in southwest Jordan. MethodsThe information was obtained using a structured survey targeting 296 informants inhabiting the southern part of Wadi Araba. The documented data was quantitively analyzed by calculating the frequency of citation for the uses categories and species used. ResultsThe results showed that the most important species used as a source of feed for the grazing animals and for firewood is Haloxylon persicum, which also indicates that the species is under overexploitation stress. About 91% of the informants mentioned that they collect plants for medicinal uses compared to 7% who collect them for food, and 6.4% of the informants mentioned that they get the plants from their families and they rarely cultivate them. The informants attributed the reduction in vegetation cover to the lack of water and overgrazing. Whereas, firewood scarcity and long distance to the grazing and wood cutting sites are the most obstacles that face firewood collection. ConclusionOur study concluded that the local people of the study area are still interested in the utilization of the native plants in their surroundings as their ancestors did. Yet, there is some pressure on certain plant species and certain geographic areas that conservation and development programs should take into consideration. This information obtained in this study is interesting for economic improvement and biodiversity conservation programs in adopting small businesses that cultivate the most collected plants to reduce pressure on the ecosystem and to generate income for local families.
A 3-year retrospective study of 866 children and adolescent outpatients followed in the Nice Pediatric Psychotrauma Center created after the 2016 mass terror attack
Authors: Gindt Morgane , Fernandez Arnaud , Ménard Mariline , Nachon Ophélie , Richez Aurélien , Auby Philippe , Battista Michèle , Askenazy Florence
Published: March 2022

Background
The mass terrorist attack in Nice, France in July 2016 caused deaths and injuries in a local population, including children and adolescents. Within six months, the Nice Pediatric Psychotrauma Center was opened to provide mental health care to the pediatric population (0–18 years) who experienced traumatic events.
Objectives
To report clinical findings and provide considerations focusing on 1) Traumatic events; 2) Psychiatric diagnoses; 3) Needed care of pediatric population; 4) Recommendations based on the experience of Nice Pediatric Psychotrauma Center (NPPC).
Methods
In this retrospective study, we conducted quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis of new and follow-up consultations, main and comorbid diagnoses, and the type of trauma (terrorist attack versus other potentially traumatic events). Ethics approval was obtained from the local Ethics committee.
Results
866 children and adolescents were followed in the NPPC. A high number of children and adolescents impacted by the terrorist attack required follow-up consultations (average 30 consultations per week). The first care-seeking requests after exposure to the mass terrorist attack continued to occur three years later, although at a lower rate than in the first and second years. New consultations for other traumatic events were observed over time. We found a high rate of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD; 71%) in this population with a high rate of comorbidities (67%), mainly sleep disorders (34.7%) and mood and anxiety disorders (16.2%).
Discussion
This study supports previous findings on the significant impact of mass trauma in pediatric population showing even a higher level of PTSD and a high rate of comorbidities. This may be explained by the brutality of the traumatic event, particularly, for this age group. The findings of this study have implications for early interventions and long-term care for children and adolescents to prevent the development of chronic PTSD into adulthood.
Construction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission inventories in major cities in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Zhang Pei , zhou Ying , Chen Ying , Yu Miaotong , xia zhonghuan
Published: March 2022

The sources of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Nanjing were studied. The overall amount for these 16 PAHs in 2019 in Nanjing was 293.54t, with 13.70t identified as carcinogenic PAHs. Most of the PAHs were generated from the combustion of Petrol, Diesel, and coke-production coal, accounting for 82.71% of the total emission amount. Among the emissions of these 16 PAHs, two- and there- ring PAHs made up the majority (81.09%). In the different areas (11 in total) of Nanjing, the PAH emissions ranged from 45.056t in Jiangning County to 10.258t in Yuhuatai County. The estimated 16 PAH emissions in Nanjing from 2005 to 2019 based on historical energy consumption data showed that the amount of PAH emission has been gradually increasing.
Decompression only versus fusion in octogenarians with spinal epidural abscesses: early complications, clinical and radiological outcome with two years follow-up
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Gülec Gelo , Bajwa Awais Akbar , Issa Mohammed , Oskouian Rod , Chapman Jens , Kiening Karl , Unterberg Andreas , Ishak Basem
Published: March 2022

Despite increased life expectancy due to healthcare quality improvements globally, pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) treatment with a spinal epidural abscess (SEA) remains challenging in patients older than 80 years. We aimed to assess octogenarians for PVO prevalence with SEA and compare after-surgery clinical outcomes of decompression and decompression and instrumentation. A retrospective review of electronic medical records at a single institution was conducted between September 2005 and December 2020. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, complications, hospital course, and 90-day mortality were collected. Comorbidities were assessed using the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Over 16 years, 35 patients aged ≥80 years with PVO and SEA were identified. Eighteen patients underwent surgical decompression (“decompression group”), and 17 underwent surgical decompression with instrumentation (“instrumentation group”). Both groups had a CCI > 6 (mean ± SD, 8.9 ± 2.1 vs. 9.6 ± 2.7, respectively; p = 0.065). Instrumentation group patients had a significantly longer hospital stay but no ICU stay. In-hospital and 90-days mortality rates were similar in both groups. The mean follow-up was 26.6 ± 12.4 months. No further surgeries were performed. Infection levels and neurological status were improved in both groups at discharge. At the second-stage analysis, significant improvements in the blood infection parameters and the neurological status were detected in the decompression group. Octogenarians with PVO and SEA have a high adverse events risk after surgical procedures. Surgical decompression might contribute to earlier clinical recovery in older patients. Thus, the surgical approach should be discussed with patients and their relatives and be carefully weighed.
Effect of treadmill walking on prefrontal cortex activation and dual-task performance in older adults
Authors: Baek Chang Yoon , Kim Hyeong Dong , Yoo Dong Yup
Published: March 2022

Background
Older adults have higher prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation and lower dual-task performance than younger adults because of age-related physical and cognitive functional impairments.
Objective
To investigate the effect of treadmill walking on PFC activation and dual-task performance in older adults.
Methods
A total of 20 older adults (mean age, 64.35 ± 2.74 years) and 20 younger adults (mean age, 30.00 ± 3.15 years) performed single- and dual-task walking in overground and treadmill conditions. A wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy device and gait analyzer were used to analyze PFC activation and dual-task cost (DTC).
Results
In both groups, treadmill walking demonstrated reduced PFC activation while dual-task walking and reduced DTC compared to overground walking. Furthermore, despite a higher DTC in gait variability, correct response, total response, response index and a higher error score in older adults than in younger adults during overground walking, there was no difference in treadmill walking. The difference in PFC activation between single and dual tasks was also observed only in overground walking. There was no difference in PFC activation between the two age groups.
Conclusions
Older adults can maintain the similar level of dual-task performance as younger adults in treadmill walking, with PFC activation reduced. However, although older adults recruit PFC level similar to that in younger adults in overground walking, older adults show lower dual-task performance than younger adults due to inefficient use of PFC with aging. This indicates that treadmill and overground walking do not share similar activation patterns during dual-task walking.
Membrane-anchored and tumor-targeted Il-12(attIL12) PBMC therapy for osteosarcoma
Authors: Yang Qing , Hu Jiemiao , Jia Zhiliang , Wang Qi , Wang Jing , Dao LongHoang , Zhang Wendong , Xia Xueqing , Gorlick Richard , Li Shulin
Published: March 2022

Background
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has shown great promise for hematologic malignancies but requires a long duration of T-cell expansion, is associated with severe toxicity, and has limited efficacy for treating solid tumor.
Methods
To address these challenges, we generated a cell membrane-anchored and tumor-targeted interleukin-12 (attIL12) to arm peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) instead of T cells to omit the expansion phase for required CAR-T cells.
Results
This attIL12-PBMC therapy showed significant antitumor efficacy in both heterogeneous osteosarcoma patient-derived xenograft (PDx) tumors and metastatic osteosarcoma tumors with no observable toxic effects. Mechanistically, attIL12-PBMC treatment resulted in tumor-restricted antitumor cytokine release and accumulation of attIL12-PBMCs. It also induces terminal differentiation of osteosarcoma cells into bone like cells to impede tumor growth.
Conclusion
In summary, attIL12-PBMC therapy is safe and effective against osteosarcoma. Our goal is to move this treatment into a clinical trial. Owing to the convenience of the attIL12-PBMC production process, we believe it will be feasible.
Psychometric Properties of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Scales in Acute Intermittent Porphyria Patients
Authors: Naik Hetanshi , Montgomery Guy H. , Overbey Jessica R. , Winkel Gary , Anderson Karl E. , Balwani Manisha , Wang Bruce , McGuire Brendan , Bonkovsky Herbert L. , Keel Sioban , Levy Cynthia , Erwin Angelika , Phillips John D. , Desnick Robert J.
Published: March 2022

Background: Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP) is a rare inborn error of heme biosynthesis characterized clinically by life-threatening acute neurovisceral attacks. Few studies have assessed quality of life (QoL) tools in the AIP population, and none are validated for use in AIP. In this study, the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 57 (PROMIS-57) scales were assessed in AIP patients to determine the factor structure of PROMIS items and to compare this to previously proposed factor structures in the general population.Methods: Baseline data from the Porphyrias Consortium’s Longitudinal Study of the Porphyrias was obtained for 259 AIP patients. This included detailed disease and medical history information as well as PROMIS-57 data. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA, respectively) were conducted on baseline PROMIS-57 data. CFA was used to test the hypothesized three-factor structure from the PROMIS literature. Results: Internal consistency was high for all the PROMIS scales assessed. The EFA revealed a five-factor model, each consisting of a separate domain: pain interference, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and fatigue. Model fit was good overall. A CFA of the hypothesized three-factor model did not converge suggesting an inappropriate structural model. Conclusion: The EFA showed a five-factor model that fit the data well, however a CFA of the three-factor model observed in the general population did not fit the data well. These findings, together with previous studies assessing correlations with clinical features, indicate that the PROMIS scales may be valid and reliable measures for AIP patients. However, further analyses are needed to confirm this. Further studies should assess correlations with other tools, whether the PROMIS scales are responsive to treatment, if they capture QoL longitudinally, and a CFA in a second sample.
An Anoikis-related Gene Signature for Forecasting Prognosis, Tumor Microenvironment, and Treatment Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Junliang , Liu Zhihao , Wang Huaitao , Zhou Lei , Tan Xiaodong
Published: March 2022

Background: As hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is molecularly heterogeneous, this study aimed to generate an anoikis-related gene signature for prognosis prediction and precision medication. Methods: In the TCGA-LIHC cohort, anoikis-related genes with prognostic values were determined by univariate Cox regression, followed by prognostic model construction based on the LASSO-Cox method. Independent prognostic factors were integrated to develop a nomogram. The diagnostic performances of the established model and the nomogram were assessed in training (TCGA-LIHC) and validation (GSE14520 and ICGC-LIRP-JP) cohorts using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), Kaplan-Meier (KM) plot, calibration plot, principal components analysis (PCA), concordance index, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Seven published methods such as CIBERSORT were used to analyze the tumor microenvironment. The drug sensitivity was analyzed using Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm, IMvigor210 cohort, CellMiner database, and "oncoPredict" package. Results: Eight genes were included in the signature, including PTRH2, ITGAV, BSG, DAP3, SKP2, LGALS3, SFN, and PLK1, which could successfully divide patients into two subgroups with survival differences. The nomogram comprised of the TNM stage and our gene signature could further improve predictive accuracy. The patients in the low-risk group could benefit less more from immunotherapy, and this gene signature was also conducive to tailoring chemotherapy and molecular-targeted therapy. Conclusions: The anoikis-related gene signature provides reliable evidence for prognosis prediction, treatment optimization, and new therapeutic targets for HCC patients.
Increased Endogenous PKG I Activity Attenuates EGF-Induced Proliferation and Migration of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Via the MAPK/ERK Pathway
Authors: Lan Ting , Li Ying , Wang Yue , Wang Zhongcheng , Mu Chunyan , Tao Aibin , Gong Jianli , Zhou Yuan , Xu Hao , Li Shibao , Gu Bing , Ma Ping , Luo Lan
Published: March 2022

Background
The type I cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG I) is recognized as a tumor suppressor, but its role in EGFR regulated epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) progression remains unclear.
Methods
We evaluated the in vivo and in vitro effects of activated PKG I in EGF-induced EOC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
Results
The expressions of EGFR and PKG I were elevated, but the activated PKG I was decreased in EOC tissues of patients and cells lines. The addition of 8-Br-cGMP, a specific PKG I activator, attenuated the EGF-induced EOC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Similarly, activated PKG I also attenuated EOC progression in vivo using an EOC xenograft nude mouse model. The activated PKG I interacted with EGFR, causing increased threonine (693) phosphorylation and decreased tyrosine (1068) phosphorylation of EGFR, which resulted in disrupted EGFR-SOS1-Grb2 combination. Subsequently, the cytoplasmic phosphorylation of downstream proteins (c-Raf, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2) were declined, impeding the phosphorylated ERK1/2's nucleus translocation, and this reduction of phosphorylated tyrosine (1068) EGFR and ERK1/2 were also abolished by Rp-8-Br-cGMPS.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that the activation of PKG I attenuates EGF-induced EOC progression, and the 8-Br-cGMP-PKG I-EGFR/MEK/ERK axis might be a potential target for EOC therapy.
Recurrent aortic-arch pseudoaneurysm eroding into the left main bronchus following descending thoracic aortic stent repair
Authors: Duan Lijun , Pan Ruonan , Lu Xiaoqian , Cao Dianbo
Published: March 2022

Background: Behcet's disease (BD) is a form of systematic vasculitis that affects vessels of various sizes anywhere in the body. Aortic pseudoaneurysm is the most hazardous lesion in Behcet's disease (BD) and is associated with high mortality rates once rupture. Case presentation: In this report, we present a patient with known history of Behcet's disease (BD), whose recurrent aortic-arch pseudoaneurysm eroding into the left main bronchus was identified after a 4-year duration of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for thoracic descending aortic pseudoaneurysm ruptured into the left lung. Repeated endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) combined with the chimney stent effectively controlled massive haemoptysis under life-threatening conditions, and the patient was good condition at the 5-year follow-up. Conclusions: Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) can be used as an effective and problem-solving treatment approach for thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) eroding into the lung, even recurrent pseudoaneurysm after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in BD patients. Among the imaging techniques assessing the technical success, outcome and complications, CT angiography (CTA) offers a fast, accessible and sensitive imaging modality.
Waveguide-integrated PdSe2 photodetector with high responsivity and speed in the near-infrared range across the O+E+S+C bands
Authors: Wu Jianghong , Ma Hui , Zhong Chuyu , Wei Maoliang , Sun Chunlei , Ye Yuting , Xu Yan , Tang Bo , Luo Ye , Sun Boshu , Jian Jialing , Dai Hao , Lin Hongtao , Li Lan
Published: March 2022

Hybrid integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials on a silicon photonic platform enables diverse exploration of novel active functions and significant improvement in device performance for next-generation silicon integrated photonic circuits. 2D transition metal dichalcogenide materials (TMDCs) have attracted extensive attention for photodetectors, but developing high-performance waveguide-integrated photodetectors based on conventionally investigated 2D TMDCs at the telecom C-band is still a big challenge because of their large optical bandgap and slow carrier mobility. Here, we propose PdSe2, a new type of 2D TMDC, to be integrated with silicon photonic components for on-chip photodetection with high responsivity and speed in the datacom and telecom optical bands ranging from the O-band to the C-band. The obtained waveguide-integrated photodetectors show a high responsivity of 1190.2 mA W−1 at 1550 nm and a low noise-equivalent power of 4.0 pW Hz-0.5 at 5V. The 3 dB bandwidth reaches up to 1.5 GHz, and the measured data rate is 2.5 Gbit s−1. The achieved PdSe2 photodetectors provide new insights to explore the integration of novel 2D TMDCs with silicon photonics and demonstrate the potential of integrated photodetectors for applications in diverse areas, including optical communications, on-chip spectroscopy, and sensing.
Clinical analysis of osteoporotic vertebral oblique compression fracture treated with bone cement combined with balloon
Authors: Deng Lei , Hu Xia-Yu , Hua Xi , Pan Ze-Jun , Zhou Quan , Li Bao-Xin , Lv Nan-Ning , Qian zhong-lai
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effect of bone cement combined with balloon expansion in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral oblique compression fracture. MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed the patients who were diagnosed with osteoporotic vertebral oblique compression fracture between January 2017 and July 2019. According to the method of surgery, 41 patients received bone cement treatment alone (group A) and 44 patients received bone cement combined with balloon expansion (group B). The visual analogue scale (VAS), oswestry disability index (ODI), scoliosis angle (SA), height of long side (HL), height of short side (HS) and lateral height difference (LHD) before operation and 3 days and 1 year after operation were compared between the two groups. The operation time, fluoroscopic time, hospital stay, cement volume and complications were also compared between the two groups. ResultsThe VAS and ODI differed significantly between the groups 1 year after operation(P＜ 0.05). Compared with the preoperative results, there were significant differences in SA, HL, HS and LHD 3 days and 1 year after surgery(P＜0.05). There were significant differences in SA, HS and LHD 3 days and 1 year after surgery between the two groups(P＜0.05). A total of 21 patients in group A and 6 patients in group B experienced scoliosis after operation, there were also significant differences between groups(P＜0.05). ConclusionsBone cement combined with balloon expansion and bone cement alone are all effective in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral oblique compression fracture, but bone cement combined with balloon expansion had better long-term clinical efficacy.
Diallel analysis using graphical & numerical approach for grain yield & its attributes in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Chaudhari Gita R. , Patel D. A. , Kalola A. D. , Kumar Sushil
Published: March 2022

Ten wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes are crossed in half diallel fashion. Components of gene effect revealed that most of the characters were governed by both additive and dominance gene effect across the environments with greater influence of dominance gene effect except for days to 50% heading, days to maturity and grain yield per main spike. The estimated ‘t2 ’ values were found significant for all the character except days to 50% heading, which indicates the failure of assumptions of diallel analysis. The over dominance behaviour was observed for days to 50% heading, days to maturity, no. of effective tillers per plant , length of main spike, no. of spikelets per main spike, no. of grains per main spike, grain yield per main spike and 1000 grain weight. The array points on the Wr-Vr graph expected to fall on the line of unity (450) and the value of regression “b” was unity for days to 50% heading and 1000 grain weight which revealed an absence of digenic interactions for these characters and rest of the characters had non-random distribution of genes at different loci among the parents and/ or presence of inter allelic interaction at different loci.
Alcam-a and Pdgfr-α are essential for the development of sclerotome derived stromal cells that support hematopoiesis in vivo.
Authors: Murayama Emi , Vivier Catherine , Schmidt Anne , Touret Anne-Lou , Herbomel Philippe
Published: March 2022

Mesenchymal stromal cells are essential components of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) niches, regulating HSPC proliferation and fate decisions. Their developmental origins are largely unknown. In zebrafish, we previously found that the stromal cells of the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), a niche functionally homologous to the fetal liver in mammals, arise from the ventral part of caudal somites. We have now discovered that this ventral domain is actually the sclerotome, and that two typical markers of mammalian mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, Alcam and Pdgfr-α, are distinctively expressed there and instrumental for the emergence and migration of stromal cell progenitors, which in turn conditions the proper assembly of the vascular component of the CHT niche. Furthermore, we find that the trunk somites are similarly dependent on Alcam and Pdgfr-α to produce mesenchymal stromal cells that foster the initial emergence of HSPCs from the dorsal aorta. Thus the sclerotome contributes essential stromal cells for each of the key steps of developmental hematopoiesis, and likely is the embryological origin of most if not all mesenchymal stem/stromal cells found in non-cephalic tissues.