bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White Matter is Increased in the Brains of Adults With Neurofibromatosis 1
Authors: Wang Su , Friedman Jan M. , Suppa Per , Buchert Ralph , Mautner Victor-Felix
Published: September 2021

Background: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by increased Schwann cell proliferation in peripheral nerves. Several small studies of brain morphology in children with NF1 have found increased total brain volume, total white matter volume and/or corpus callosum area. Several studies (mostly in children with NF1) also attempted to correlate changes in brain morphology and volume with cognitive or behavioural abnormalities, though findings were inconsistent. We aimed to characterize alterations in brain volumes by three-dimensional (3D) MRI in adults with NF1 in major intracranial sub-regions. We also aimed to assess the effect of age on these volumes and correlated brain white matter and grey matter volumes with neuropsychometric findings in adults with NF1.Methods: We obtained brain volume measurements using 3D magnetic resonance imaging for 351 adults with NF1 and, as a comparison group, 43 adults with neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) or Schwannomatosis. We assessed a subset of 19 adults with NF1 for clinical severity of NF1 features and neurological problems and conducted psychometric testing for attention deficiencies and intelligence quotient. We compared brain volumes between NF1 patients and controls and correlated volumetric measurements to clinical and psychometric features in the NF1 patients. Results:Total brain volume and total and regional white matter volumes were all significantly increased in adults with NF1. Grey matter volume decreased faster with age in adults with NF1 than in controls. Greater total brain volume and white matter volume were correlated with lower attention deficits and higher intelligence quotients in adults with NF1.Conclusion:Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that dysregulation of brain myelin production is a cardinal manifestation of NF1 and that these white matter changes may be functionally important in affected adults.
New Unknown Sars-Cov-2 Virus Variants and Hidden Pandemics Within Them in Developing Countries
Authors: Ghasemi Shohreh , Dashti Mahmood
Published: September 2021

It is not known whether one or a combination of different mutations will alter the viral clinical and epidemiological manifestations, transmissibility, virulence, or efficacy of the vaccine. Transmission of the new variant by asymptomatic carriers is also unknown. Vaccines or antiviral agents have not yet induced the pressure of the mutation; however, other mutations are anticipated after global vaccination and after the introduction of proven therapies. Thus, a willingness to rapidly emerge new options is prudent. Less virulent but highly heritable variants can also be expected, which may contribute to herd immunity. There is a need to develop clinical and rapid laboratory tests to monitor vaccinated individuals for secondary infection potentially caused by the new variant. Importantly, restrictive countermeasures, spatial distancing, personal hygiene, travel bans, and facial disguises remain relevant in the fight against the virus.
Three-Dimensional CT Mapping of Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures
Authors: Zhou Haichao , He Wenbao , Li Zhendong , Xu Shaochen , Xiao Fajiao , Huang Hui , Zhang Yingqi , Yang Yunfeng
Published: September 2021

Background: Intra-articular calcaneal fracture is a challenge for surgeons, which must be understood to provide optimal treatment. The aim of this study was to define the distribution of the primary fracture line and the secondary fracture line of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Methods: All X-rays and CT scans of intra-articular calcaneal fractures were collected from January 2014 to July 2020. According to the classification of Essex-Lopresti, these fractures were divided into tongue-fracture group and compression-fracture group. Construct 3D models of intra-articular calcaneal fractures in all patients, and record the location of all fracture lines, which were marked and integrated on the 3D model of intact calcaneus after virtual reduction. Heat mapping were created based on the occurrence frequency of fracture lines. Results: A total of 171 patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures were included in this study, 4 of whom were bilateral. There were 87 cases in the tongue-fracture group, 37 cases (42.5%) involved 4 anterior articular surface, 16 cases (18.4%) involved middle articular surface, and 52 cases (59.8%) involved calcanecuboid articular surface. There were 88 cases in the compression-fracture group, including 43 cases (48.9%) involving anterior articular surface, 21 cases (23.9%) involving middle articular surface, and 63 cases (71.6%) involving calcanecuboid articular surface. Conclusion: The distribution of the primary fracture line and the secondary fracture line of intra-articular calcaneal fractures has a certain rule and correlation. Whether in tongue-fracture group or compression-fracture group, the fracture line is most often involves the calcanecuboid articular surface, followed by anterior articular surface, at least involves middlearticular surface. This study provides a theoretical basis for further exploration of calcaneal injury mechanism, construction of biomechanical model, and choice of surgical approach.
Metformin Protects Against Traumatic Brain Injury by Switching M1/M2 Phenotypes and Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Gao Weiwei , Jin Weipeng , Xu Xin , Yin Dongpei , Zhou Shuai , Li Fei , Zhou Ziwei , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2021

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) always lead to inflammatory responses unregulated characterized by excessive leukocytes infiltration, microglia activation and neuronal apoptosis. Metformin, recognized as an activator of AMPK, had been reported to exert protective effects in TBI models. However, whether metformin treatment switches post-TBI-induced microglia/macrophage polarization and its mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated.Methods: Firstly, we established a C57BL/6J mouse TBI model receiving an intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg metformin daily from 2h post-injury until sacrifice to assess the leukocytes infiltration, microglial polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling activation. Then, BV2 cells were pretreated with metformin for 2 hours followed by stimulated with LPS to determine the effects of metformin on microglial polarization and its mechanism. Results: We demonstrated that post-TBI metformin administration switched microglial M1 to M2 polarization and inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling activation, thus reducing neurological deficits, brain edema, cells death and leukocytes infiltration at day 3 after TBI. Then, these findings were further confirmed in BV2 cell experiments, in which these protective effects mediated by metformin was lessened by the administration of Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor.Conclusion: Metformin may be a potential therapeutic method to improve neurological recovery following TBI, partly by regulating microglia M1/M2 polarization and inhibiting NLPR3 inflammasome activation dependent on the activation of AMPK.
Climate Data for Field Trials: Onsite Micro Stations Versus ClimateNA
Authors: Ye Zhengyang , O’Neill Gregory , Wang Tongli
Published: September 2021

Background
Studies in diverse environmental fields require accurate climate data for point locations that are often distant from reliable public weather stations. ‘Onsite’ micro weather stations can be established directly at research locations, but purchase, establishment, and maintenance costs and data gaps can limit their feasibility. Alternatively, climate data for point locations can be predicted from ClimateNA, a publicly available software package, but the prediction accuracy in remote and mountainous locations is uncertain.
Results
We compared ClimateNA predictions with observations from onsite weather stations located at 11 interior spruce provenance trials in British Columbia, Canada. We found that ClimateNA predictions were highly accurate for temperature variables (average prediction error 0.77°C; most R2 values > 0.99) but moderate for precipitation variables (average prediction error 27mm; 0.21 < R2 values < 0.58) when compared with onsite weather data (with random errors identified). Growth response functions developed with the two data sources showed similar patterns for temperature variables.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that 1) temperature variables can be accurately predicted at remote and mountainous locations using ClimateNA; 2) precipitation variables are more accurately predicted with ClimateNA than with onsite weather stations, which were considerably affected by random factors; and 3) response functions provide an effective, independent tool to assess alternative sources of climate data. Our results recommend the use of ClimateNA over onsite weather stations, except where highly accurate precipitation data are required, in which case, high-quality onsite weather stations must be established and carefully maintained.
WZ35 Induces Metabolic Reprogramming of Hepatoma Cells Through ROS-Mediated Inhibition of YAP-GLUT1 Axis
Authors: Wang Lihua , Zhu Zheng , Liang Qi , Tao Yecheng , Chen Junbo , Jin Gaowei , Zhong Yaoyao , Dai Jichen , Dai Ruixia , Wang Zhixiang , Zhou Lingjie , Ke Shouyu , Lin Xiaokun , Lan Linhua , Chen Tongke
Published: September 2021

Background: The significant changes in a series of biochemical activities during the process of tumorigenesis and development, including those in glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism can contribute to the ability of the cancer cells to proliferate indefinitely. WZ35 is a new small molecule YAP inhibitor, which can mediate YAP activity to inhibit the growth of gastric cancer, breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this article, we explored how WZ35 can modulate YAP activity to influence the metabolism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to inhibit their proliferation activity. Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and preclinical mouse model was utilized to detect the differential expression and vital role of YAP in HCC cells. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to explore the antitumor activity of WZ35 and how it can target YAP activity to inhibit the tumor progression. UCSC combined JASPAR public databases were used to predicted possible binding sites of TEAD on GLUT1 promoter. Additionally, seahorse energy metabolism experiments and metabolomics analysis were utilized to explore the possible metabolic changes induced by WZ35. The clinical use of YAP and GLUT1 was verified by bioformatics and tissue microarrays of immunocytochemistry. Results: WZ35 can significantly attenuate the proliferation and growth of HCC. In terms of mechanism(s), it was demonstrated that the suppressive effects of WZ35 on YAP were achieved by promoting ROS production and the drug can exert its significant YAP inhibitory capacity to decrease the level of GLUT1, a glucose transporter located on the surface of cytomembrane, thereby resulting in a significant decrease in the ability of cells to take up glucose and thus perturb the metabolism. Moreover, through bioinformatics mining, it was proposed that YAP/GLUT1 has the potential to serve as promising target for HCC therapy. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that potential inhibitory effects of WZ35 were achieved by affecting the ROS-YAP-GLUT1 signal axis to induce the metabolic reprogramming of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. YAP/GLUT1 could serve as an important molecular target for both the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Report on the Real Structure of Benzene Molecules and the Thickness of Graphene
Authors: Wang Ning , Wang Dulun
Published: September 2021

The problem of the benzene molecular structure has not been solved for a long time. This research proposes a new concept of covalent bonds based on the existing theory: each electron shared by the nucleus corresponds to a half-valent bond, and a half-valent bond can be formed between interval carbon atoms of the benzene ring. A new theory was established. Quantum mechanical calculations results can quantitatively explain experimental results, such as the hydrogenation heat and ultraviolet spectroscopy of benzene. It has solved more than one hundred years of difficult problems. The design of the new structural forms of benzene molecules shows half-valent bonds with dotted lines, which have a wide range of adaptability, and shows the structural forms and reaction formulas of more than dozens of benzene homologs and derivatives. Under the guidance of the new theory, the stacked three-dimensional structure of benzene was explored. The thickness of the three-layer benzene tube is calculated to be almost equal to the thickness of the graphene. Therefore, it is speculated that graphene may be a three layer structure.
Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components Are Associated With Hypoxemia After Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: an Observational Study
Authors: Zhang Like , Zhang Lei , Zhao Zengren , Liu Yun , Wang Juzeng , Niu Mengye , Zhao Xiansheng
Published: September 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to explore whether or to what extent metabolic syndrome (METs) and its components were associated with hypoxemia in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) patients after surgery.Methods: This study involved 271 inpatients who underwent surgery. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Subgroup analysis, mixed model regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed, and a scoring system was evaluated.Results: The 271 inpatients were assigned to the hypoxemia group (n = 48) or no hypoxemia group (n = 223) regardless of METs status. Compared to the no hypoxemia group, the hypoxemia group had a higher incidence of METs. Hypoxemia was present in 0%, 3.7%, 19.8%, 51.5%, 90.0% and 100% in the groups of individuals who met the diagnostic criteria of MetS 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 times, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, BMI quartile was still a risk factor for hypoxemia after adjustment for other risk factors. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, METs was an independent risk factor for hypoxemia in several models. After assigning a score for each METs component present, the AUCs were 0.852 (95% CI: 0.789–0.914) in all patients, 0.728 (95% CI: 0.573–0.882) in patients with METs and 0.744 (95% CI: 0.636–0.853) in patients without METs according to receiver operating characteristic analysis.Conclusions: METs, especially body mass index, confers a greater risk of hypoxemia in ATAAD after surgery.
New data on the distribution and abundance of Dendrolimus sibiricus (Tshetverikov, 1908) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) in the Komi Republic.
Authors: Lukin Alexander
Published: September 2021

The Siberian silkworm (Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetv.) is a defoliator pest that poses a significant threat to coniferous forest stands. Over the past decades, several large outbreaks of this species have occurred in Siberia (Russia), which has led to changes in forest ecosystems and an increase of expenses involved in reforestation. Adults capture new territories in the process of migration, therefore, a set of measures is needed to register the number and prevent further dispersal of the moth. One of methods of trapping is glue traps with synthetic pheromone. 16 district forestries located in the middle taiga subzone, with a total area of 151 850 hectares, were surveyed as a part of the phytosanitary monitoring of the Siberian silkworm in the Komi Republic (Russia). Analysis of 773 pheromone traps showed 414 males of the target species that were identified by their genitals. The highest indicators of catchability were found in three district forestries. Taking into account the results obtained, it was proposed to continue the monitoring using the pheromone traps, to survey more northern forest districts and to carry out subsequent searches for preimaginal stages of the silkworm in the forest districts of Priluzsky district. The study will be useful for predicting the further spread of the silkworm and for developing optimal containment and control of the pest.
ISG20L2 as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker Facilitates the Progression of Pancreatic Cancer via Glycolysis
Authors: Wei Jianming , Gao Xibo , Ren Bingbing , Sun Daqing , Liu Tong
Published: September 2021

Background: Longstanding type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an increased risk of pancreatic cancer (PC) in western populations, and PC is also a cause of T2DM. However, the association of glucose metabolism between T2DM and PC remains unclear. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by bioinformatic analysis from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE20966 and GSE16515, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), the Kaplan-Meier (KM) Plotter and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database were applied. Pancreatic cancer cell lines and primary PDAC samples were used. Cell culture, immunohistochemistry (IHC), siRNA transfection, Western blot, RT-PCR, and migration assay, animal xenograft model studies and statistical analysis were performed in this study. Results: We identified 64 DEGs in GSE20966 of T2DM, and 296 DEGs were identified in GSE16515 of pancreatic cancer, respectively. T2DM-DEGs were mainly enriched in synaptic vesicle cycle, protein export. KEGG pathways in pancreatic cancer included spliceosome, RNA transport. Here, ISG20L2 was identified as only a co-expressed gene between T2DM and PDAC. We found that the expression of ISG20L2 was associated with tumor immune cell infiltration. ISG20L2 was significantly upregulated in PDAC and associated with prognosis of PDAC patients. Moreover, ISG20L2 expression was regulated by GLUT1, HK2, LDHA, PKM1 and PKM2 related with glycolysis in PDAC. ISG20L2 promoted PDAC cell proliferation and migration both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: This study showed that ISG20L2 promoted the progression and ISG20L2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy in PDAC.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Subaxial Lateral Mass Prothesis: A Finite Element Analysis Study
Authors: Jian Qiang , Liu Zhenlei , Duan Wanru , Jian Fengzeng , Bo Xuefeng , Chen Zan
Published: September 2021

Background: Pathologies of a lateral masses due to trauma, tumors, and surgery, could lead to bone destruction and biomechanical changes of the cervical spine. Their treatment includes lesion resection and internal fixation. However, the resulting bone defect of a lateral mass is often neglected, resulting in difficulty in bone fusion. Therefore, we designed a subaxial lateral mass prosthesis to achieve lateral mass joint fusion by implanting the prosthesis along with granular bone.Objective: To evaluate the role of a new subaxial lateral mass prosthesis in load sharing using finite element analysis.Methods: Cervical computed tomography was performed on a healthy volunteer. Five finite element models (intact, lateral mass resection, screw-rod fixation, prosthesis implantation, and prosthesis fusion groups) were compared in terms of the range of motion (ROM), prosthesis von Mises stress, and screw-rod von Mises stress during flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. Results: After lateral mass resection, the ROM of the model increased significantly. The ROM was significantly reduced after fixation with screws and rods. Screw-rod fixation combined with prosthesis implantation further reduced the ROM, especially during left and right bending. After bone fusion in the prosthesis, the ROM can also be reduced slightly. The von Mises stress of the bilateral screws and rods was significantly decreased after prosthesis implantation. The von Mises stress of the prosthesis was further decreased during the right bending after bone fusion was achieved.Conclusion: Subaxial lateral mass prosthesis can help to restore the stability of the cervical spine after lateral mass resection and can reduce the stress on the bilateral screws and rods. Reconstruction of a lateral mass is more consistent with the mechanical transmission of the three-column spine and contributes to interbody fusion of the lateral mass joint.
Nomogram Based On Clinical Characteristics and Serological Inflammation Markers To Predict Overall Survival of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patient After Surgery
Authors: Lin Yi-Wei , Kang Wei-Piao , Huang Bin-Liang , Qiu Zi-Han , Wei Lai-Feng , Zhang Biao , Ding Tian-Yan , Luo Yun , Liu Can-Tong , Chu Ling-Yu , Guo Hai-Peng , Xu Yi-Wei , Peng Yu-Hui
Published: September 2021

Background

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a prevalent malignant disease that is characterized by high rates of metastasis and postoperative recurrence. The aim of this study was to establish a nomogram to predict the outcome of TSCC patients after surgery.
Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 169 TSCC patients who underwent treatments in the Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College from 2008 to 2019. The Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the independent prognostic factors associated with patient’s overall survival (OS). A nomogram based on these prognostic factors was established and internally validated using a bootstrap resampling method.
Results

Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed the independent prognostic factors for OS were TNM stage, age, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and immunoglobulin G, all of which were identified to create the nomogram. The Akaike Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion of the nomogram were lower than those of TNM stage (292.222 vs. 305.480; 298.444 vs. 307.036, respectively), indicating a better goodness-of-fit of the nomogram for predicting OS. The bootstrap-corrected of concordance index (C-index) of nomogram was 0.784 (95% CI: 0.708–0.860), which was higher than that of TNM stage (0.685, 95% CI: 0.603–0.767, P = 0.017). The results of time-dependent C-index for OS also showed that the nomogram had a better discriminative ability than that of TNM stage. The calibration curves of the nomogram showed good consistency between the probabilities and observed values. The decision curve analysis also revealed the potential clinical usefulness of the nomogram. Based on the cutoff value obtained from the nomogram, the proposed high-risk group had poorer OS than low-risk group (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions

The nomogram based on clinical characteristics and serological inflammation markers might be useful for outcome prediction of TSCC patient.
Box–Behnken Design for Optimizing the Synthesis Condition and Adsorption Capability of Covalently Crosslinked Chitosan/coal Fly Ash Composite
Authors: Mohammed Ibrahim Awad , Malek Nurul Najwa Abd , Jawad Ali H. , Mastuli Mohd Sufri , Al-Othman Zeid A.
Published: September 2021

The growing concern regarding the environmental protection has encouraged researchers to focus their efforts on developing better and more effective possibilities of removing pollutants. In this research, a biocomposite adsorbent of covalently crosslinked chitosan-epichlorohydrin/coal fly ash (CHT-ECH/CFA) was synthesized and applied for reactive red 120 dye (RR120) removal. The CHT-ECH/CFA was characterized by BET, pH potentiometric, pHpzc, XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDX. Box–Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to assess the effects of the adsorption key parameters such as CFA loading into CTH-ECH matrix, adsorbent dose, solution pH, working temperature and contact time. The optimized CFA loading, adsorbent dose, temperature, time, and pH were observed to be 50 %, 0.07 g, 45 °C, 60 min, and pH 4 respectively. From BBD, the highest removal of RR120 removal at optimum conditions was found to be 90.2%. The results showed that adsorption performance can be modelled perfectly by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models with maximum adsorption capacity of 237.7 mg/g at 45 °C. Moreover, the adsorption kinetics were well fitted to the pseudo-second order model. Based on the findings from the experiments conducted, the hybrid biocomposite adsorbent offers adequate potential for the treatment of anionic dye-polluted water.
MiR-612 Suppresses the Proliferation and Migration of Breast Cancer Cells and Induces their Apoptosis Through the AKT/ERK Signaling Cascade
Authors: Taefehshokr Sina , Safaei Sahar , Mahmoudpour Amin , Mikaeili Ehsan , Amini Mohammad , Hajazimian Saba , Hajiasgharzadeh Khalil , Isazadeh Alireza , Astamal Reza Vaezi , Taefehshokr Nima , Maroufi Nazila Fathi , Khaki Arash , Mohajeri Daryoush , Baradaran Behzad
Published: September 2021

MicroRNAs (miRs) as non-coding RNAs have been generating widespread interest in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Among the previously studied miRs, miR-612 has been addressed to have a tumor suppressor function in all types of the studied cancers except esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Despite this interest, the exact function of miR-612 in breast cancer (BC) remains elusive. Within the framework of these criteria, we tried to study the role of miR-612 in BC development. The human BC cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 were transfected with miR-612. The effects of miR-612 replacement on viability, migration, invasion, cell cycle, apoptosis, and colony formation were studied in vitro. Furthermore, the protein expression of AKT and ERK were evaluated by Western blotting analysis. The results indicated that miR-612 decreased cell viability, migration, invasion, and colony formation of BC cells. Moreover, apoptosis was augmented, and thus cell cycle arrest was induced. Also, miR-612 decreased the expression and phosphorylation of proteins of the AKT/ERK signaling pathway. We suggest that miR-612-related stimulatory effects on apoptosis and its inhibitory impacts on proliferation and migration of BC cells mediates partly by suppressing the AKT/ERK signaling pathway.
Analysis of Therapeutic Targets and Prognostic Biomarkers Among semaphorins in the glioblastoma Microenvironment
Authors: Jiang Fan , Yang Yanbo , Wang Zilan , Liu Guangjie , Du Xiaohong , Wang Zhong
Published: September 2021

Background
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most invasive and common form among brain cancers in adults. GBM is characterized for its poor survival and markedly high tumors heterogeneity with shortage of effective therapies. Semaphorins, a family of membrane-associated and secreted proteins, were originally defined as neuronal growth pyramidal proteins involved in directing repulsive axons. Semaphorins are repeatedly involved in the evolution of neural circuits, involving not only the generation and guidance of neurons, but also the recognition of target regions and cells and synapse formation. However, the differential expression and clinical prognostic value of semaphorins in GBM were not yet available clarity.
Methods
In this study, various databases including ONCOMINE (1159 samples), GEPIA (TCGA and GTEx dataset), UALCAN (samples from TCGA dataset), cBioPortal (604 samples from GDAC firehose of TCGA dataset), GeneMANIA(data from publicly available daatbases, e.g. GEO, BioGRID) and TIMER(samples from TCGA) were exploited.
Results
We found that in GBM tissues the transcriptional levels of SEMA3A/3B/3E/3F/5A/6A were markedly elevated, while those of SEMA3G/4A/4D/4F/5B were markedly reduced. GBM patients with lower levels of SEMA3F/4F transcription had a significantly better outcome. The function of semaphorins was mainly related to the regulation of cell growth and development. Besides, we found that the expression of semaphorin was significantly correlated with the infiltration of immune cells.
Conclusions
Semaphroins are differentially expressed in glioblastoma compared with normal brain tissue. They could provide diverse prognostic values, participate in various molecular pathways. In addition, the semaphorin protein family plays an important role in immune cell infiltration. Our study may supply potential target genes for the treatment of glioblastoma while providing new insights into the selection of prognostic biomarkers. Besides, our results may offer new insights into immunotherapy targeting and analysis of protein co-expression in SEMA for glioblastoma.
Prognostic Nutrition Index as Predictor for Nivolumab Monotherapy in Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients with Peritoneal Metastases.
Authors: LEE JUNGMIN , Choi Soo Ho , Baek Jin Ho , Baek Dong Won , Kim Jong Gwang , Kang Byung Woog
Published: September 2021

Although nivolumab shows survival benefits for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC), predictive biomarkers for nivolumab treatment in AGC remain unclear, especially in the case of peritoneal metastases. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical significance of the prognostic nutrition index (PNI), reflecting the host nutritional status and immunity, in AGC patients undergoing nivolumab monotherapy. This study retrospectively analyzed 53 AGC patients who received nivolumab between October 2017 and February 2021. Among them, 35 patients with peritoneal metastases were reviewed to investigate the relationship between the PNI and oncological outcomes. The PNI was calculated as 10 × serum albumin level (g/dl) + 0.005× total lymphocyte count (per mm3) at the first administration of nivolumab. With a median follow-up duration of 2.0 (0.3 − 13.5) months, the median overall survival (OS) was 2.0 months. The overall response and disease-control rates were 0.0% and 20.0%, respectively. Among the 35 patients, 13 patients were identified as a high-PNI group. In the univariate analysis, the high-PNI group showed a significantly longer PFS and OS than the low-PNI group. In the multivariate analysis, the high-PNI was independently associated with a longer PFS (p = 0.021) and OS (p = 0.022). The PNI can be useful for predicting PFS and OS in AGC patients with peritoneal metastases. However, further studies are required to validate these results in AGC and new strategies are needed to improve the outcome for AGC patients with peritoneal metastases.
Comparison of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Characteristics between Symptomatic Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke using Multi-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Lu Mingming , Zhang Lichen , Yuan Fei , Peng Peng , Zhang Hongtao , Liu Shitong , He Yao , Cai Jianming , Zhao Xihai
Published: September 2021

Purpose:This study aimed to compare the characteristics of carotid plaques between patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stroke using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.Methods：Symptomatic patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque who had a recent ischemic stroke or TIA were recruited and underwent carotid MR imaging. The characteristics of plaque morphology and compositions including intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), lipid-rich necrotic-core (LRNC) and calcification were compared between TIA and stroke patients. Logistic regression was performed to relate the plaque characteristics to the types of ischemic events.Results:A total of 270 patients with TIA or ischemic stroke were recruited. Stroke patients had significantly higher prevalence of diabetes (42.2% vs. 28.2%, p=0.021), greater mean wall area (35.1 ± 10.1 mm2 vs. 32.0 ± 7.7mm2, p = 0.004), mean wall thickness (1.3 ± 0.2 mm vs. 1.2 ± 0.2 mm, p=0.001), maximum normalized wall index (NWI)(63.9% ± 6.0% vs. 62.2% ± 5.9%, p=0.023)and %volume of LRNC(9.7%± 8.2% vs. 7.4% ±7.9%, p=0.025)in carotid arteries compared to those with TIA. After adjusted for clinical factors, above characteristics of carotid arteries were significantly associated with the type of ischemic events. After further adjusting for maximum NWI, the association of %volume of LRNC and stroke subtype remained statistically significant (OR, 1.41; CI, 1.01-1.96; p=0.041).Conclusions:Ischemic stroke patients had larger plaque burden and greater proportion of LRNC in symptomatic carotid plaques compared to patients with TIA. This study suggests that ischemic stroke patients had more vulnerable plaques compared to those with TIA.
Electronic topological transitions and mechanical properties of hafnium dioxide allotrope at high pressure: Evolutionary first-principles techniques
Authors: Bovornratanaraks Thipok , Ahuja Rajeev , Tsuppayakorn-aek Prutthipong
Published: September 2021

Allotrope of HfO2 is explored by using first-principles evolutionary algorithm technique, based on density functional theory. The tetragonal structure with a space group of P4/nmm is found to be thermodynamically stable within the harmonic level. Arising particularly from the relative enthalpy, hafnium dioxide allotrope is taken into account in appraising the dynamic stability. Following this, the phonon calculations display that hafnium dioxide allotrope is dynamically stable under compressed conditions. Along with, the density of states suggests that hafnium dioxide allotrope is demonstrated that it is a semiconductor. Besides, the more significant change in the shape of density of states is observed when the pressure increased, by adopting an effect of this electronic topological transition, resulting in the energy gap is falling down monotonically. By inspecting their elastic constants and Vicker's hardness, the P4/nmm structure displayed the Vicker's hardness of 26.1GPa at a pressure of 200GPa. These findings suggest HfO2 is more likely to be attained experimentally and theoretically in the metal oxides family.
Serinc2 deficiency causes susceptibility to sepsis-associated acute lung injury
Authors: Mao Shuai , Lv Jian , Chen Meng , Guo Ningning , Fang Yu , Tong Jingjing , He Xianghu , Wu Gang , Wang Zhihua
Published: September 2021

Background

Severe sepsis and its subsequent complications cause high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Lung is one of the most vulnerable organs sensitive to sepsis-associated inflammatory storm, and usually develops into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)/acute lung injury (ALI). The pathogenesis of sepsis-associated ALI is accompanied by coordinated transmembrane signal transduction and subsequent programmed cell death; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear.
Results

Here we find that the expression of serine incorporator 2 (Serinc2), a protein involved in phosphatidylserine synthesis and membrane incorporation, is upregulated in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced ALI. Furthermore, serinc2-knockout (KO) mouse line is generated by CRISPR-cas9 approach. Compared with wildtype mice, the Serinc2-KO mice exhibit exacerbated ALI-related pathologies after CLP. The expressions of pro-inflammatory factors, including IL1β, IL6, TNFα, and MCP1, are significantly enhanced by Serinc2 deficiency, concurrent with over-activation of STAT3, p38 and ERK pathways. Conversely, Serinc2 overexpression in RAW264.7 cells significantly suppresses the inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Serinc2 KO aggravates CLP-induced apoptosis as evidenced by increases in TUNEL-positive staining, Bax expression, and Caspase-3 cleavage and decreases in BCL-2 expression and Akt phosphorylation, whereas these changes are suppressed by Serinc2 overexpression in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, administration of AKTin, an inhibitor of Akt, abolishes the protective effects of Serinc2 overexpression against inflammation and apoptosis.
Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate a protective role of Serinc2 in the lung through activating the Akt pathway, and provide novel insight into the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced ALI.
Targeted Intervention of eIF4A1 Promotes EMT and Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer Cells through c-MYC/miR-9 Signaling
Authors: Zhao Yuchong , Wang Yun , Chen Wei , Bai Shuya , Peng Wang , Zheng Mengli , Yilei Yang , Cheng Bin , Luan Zhou
Published: September 2021

Background: Due to the lack of effective interference options, early metastasis remains a major cause of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) recurrence and mortality. However, the molecular mechanism of early metastasis is largely unknown. We characterize the function of eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) in Pancreatic cancer cell epithelial mesenchymal-transition (EMT) and metastasis, to investigate whether it is effective to inhibit EMT and metastasis by joint interference of eIFs and downstream c-MYC. Methods: We used the data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genome Tissue Expression (GTEx) to analyze the expression level of eIF4A1 in PDAC tissues, and further validated in a microarray containing 53 PDAC samples. Expression regulation and pharmacological inhibition of eIF4A1/c-MYC was performed to determine their role in migration, invasion, and metastasis in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.Results: Elevated expression of eIF4A1 was positively correlated with lymph node infiltration, tumor size, and indicated a poor prognosis. eIF4A1 decreased E-cadherin expression through c-MYC/miR-9 axis. Ablation of eIF4A1 and c-MYC decreased the EMT and metastasis capabilities of pancreatic cancer cells. Upregulation of eIF4A1 could attenuate the inhibition of EMT and metastasis induced by c-MYC downregulation. Single-use of eIF4A1 inhibitor Rocaglamide (RocA) or c-MYC inhibitor Mycro3 and joint intervention all significantly the EMT level of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. However, the efficiency and safety of RocA single-use were not inferior to joint use in vivo. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that overexpression of eIF4A1 downregulated E-cadherin through c-MYC/miR-9 axis, which promoted EMT and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. Despite the potential loop between eIF4A1 and c-MYC existing, RocA single strategy was a promising therapy for the inhibition of eIF4A1 induced PDAC metastasis.
Antibiofilm Activity of Synthetic Peptides Against Candida Albicans and C. Krusei: Action Mechanisms and Clinical Application to Overcome the Resistance Towards Antifungal Drugs Running Title: Antibiofilm Activity of Synthetic Peptides
Authors: Bezerra Leandro P. , Silva Ayrles F.B. , Amaral Jackson L. , Neto Nilton A.S. , Silva Rafael G. G. , Belém Mônica O. , Andrade Claudia R. , Oliveira Jose T. A. , Freitas Cleverson D.T. , Souza Pedro F. N.
Published: September 2021

Yeasts belonging to the Candida genus are important human pathogens. Candida biofilm is the most common resistance mechanism, which could increase in 1000 times the resistance to antifungal drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of synthetic peptides, as well as action mechanisms and synergistic effect with Nystatin (NYS) and Itraconazole (ITR) by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fluorescence Microscopy (FM). ITR (1000 µg. mL− 1) inhibited 10% of biofilm formation of C. krusei and NYS (1000 µg. mL− 1) 40% of C. albicans. Regarding synergistic effect, peptides enhance 7-fold the action of ITR to inhibit the biofilm formation of C. krusei and C. albicans, as well as the degradation of formed biofilm of C. krusei. The action mechanism of peptides or in combination with antifungal drugs involved cell wall damage, membrane pore formation, loss of cytoplasmic content, and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Docking analysis revealed ionic and hydrophobic interactions between peptides and both drugs, which may explain the synergistic effect. Altogether, our results suggest the high potential of synthetic peptides be employed as adjuvants enhancing the activity of antifungal drugs to overcome the resistance provided by fungal biofilm and decrease the toxicity of drugs.
Local-Scale Damming Impact on the Planktonic Bacterial and Eukaryotic Communities in the Upper Yangtze River
Authors: Li Hang , Li Zhe , Tang Qiong , Li Ran , Lu Lunhui
Published: September 2021

Dam construction and reservoir formation alters hydro-morphology of rivers, thereby restructuring microbial communities and biogenic element cycles in river ecosystems. The ecological responses and mechanisms of planktonic communities showed notable changes upstream and downstream of dams. Yet, less is reported about how the ecological mechanisms structuring planktonic communities at the closest area upstream and downstream of dams. In this study, we hypothesized that planktonic communities remained the connectivity or similarities but show distinctive ecological responses to changing environment at the closes area upstream and downstream of dams. Three large dams in the upper Yangtze River were chosen in the study. Field data revealed that the alpha diversity indexes slightly increased downstream of the dams. In addition, more eukaryotic ASVs solely occurred downstream of the dams, indicating that a large proportion of eukaryotes was formed downstream of the dams. Co-occurrence network analysis demonstrated that the keystone species of planktonic bacteria and eukaryotes decreased downstream of the dams, and the modularity increased. The robustness of the co-occurrence relationships among the eukaryotic communities was more strongly influenced by these dams than that among the planktonic bacteria. The variance partitioning analysis results indicated that dam-related variables and local environmental variables mainly shape the assembly of the planktonic microbial communities closest to the dams. In conclusion, dams exert a greater impact on planktonic eukaryotes than on bacteria in near-dam areas, and planktonic bacteria can better adapt to changing environments. Our study provides a better understanding of the ecological effects of river damming.
Usefulness of Vascular Clips in Surgery for Gynecologic Cancer
Authors: Nakanishi Kazuho , Yamada Takashi , Suzuki Shunji
Published: September 2021

In gynecological surgery for cervical cancer and endometrial cancer with lymphadenectomy, many lymph vessels are ligated to prevent postoperative lymph leakage and lymphocele, and many blood vessels leading to the pelvic floor are ligated. Therefore, the labors required for ligation are very large. However, no studies have examined ligation methods in gynecologic cancer surgery. Therefore, we retrospectively examined gynecologic cancer patients who had been treated at our hospital by dividing them into a group using absorbent threads and a group using titanium clips. In addition, the surgical procedure was classified into three groups: a group with only pelvic lymphadenectomy, a group with pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, and a group with radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. As a result, analysis of all cases clearly showed less complications and less time for surgery in the clip group. Furthermore, the analysis of RH + PLN group showed that surgery time was clearly shorter and less complications tended to occur in the clip group. In conclusion, by using this easily usable device, surgery for gynecologic malignancies will be more comfortable and safer.
Dynamic experience of architectural forms affects arousal and valence perception in virtual environments
Authors: Presti Paolo , Ruzzon Davide , Avanzini Pietro , Caruana Fausto , Rizzolatti Giacomo , Vecchiato Giovanni
Published: September 2021

The built environment represents the stage surrounding our everyday life activities. To investigate the impact that architectural features have on individuals’ affective states, we measured their judgments of perceived valence (pleasant and unpleasant) and arousal after the dynamic experience of a progressive change of the environment within virtual decontextualized spaces. To this aim, we developed a parametric model which allowed to create 54 virtual architectural spaces characterized by a progressive change of side walls distance, ceiling and windows height as well as colour of the environment. Decreasing side walls distance, ceiling height variation as well as increasing windows height significantly affected the emotional state of the participants within virtual environments. Indeed, such architectural spaces generated high arousing and unpleasant states according to subjective judgement. Overall, we observed that valence and arousal scores are affected by all the dynamic form factors which modulated the spaciousness of the surrounding. Showing that virtual reality enables the possibility to measure the emotional impact of pure and decontextualized architectural features, we contribute to foster a human-centered approach to design where mental state of people is fundamental for the creation of novel spaces promoting wellbeing.
Automatic skin disease diagnosis using deep learning from clinical image and patient information
Authors: Muhaba Kedir Ali , Dese Kokeb , Aga Tadele Mola , Zewdu Feleke Tilahun , Simegn Gizeaddis Lamesgin
Published: September 2021

Background
Skin diseases are the fourth most common cause of human illness which results enormous non-fatal burden in daily life activities. They are caused by chemical, physical and biological factors. Visual assessment in combination with clinical information is the common diagnosis procedure for the diseases. However, these procedures are manual, time consuming, and require experience and excellent visual perception.
Methods
In this study, an automated system is proposed for diagnosis of five common skin diseases by using data from clinical images and patient information using deep learning pretrained mobilenet-v2 model. Clinical images were acquired using different smartphone cameras and patient’s information were collected during patient registration. Different data preprocessing and augmentation techniques were applied to boost the performance of the model prior to training.
Results
A multiclass classification accuracy of 97.5%, sensitivity of 97.7% and precision of 97.7% has been achieved using the proposed technique for the common five skin disease. The results demonstrate that, the developed system provides excellent diagnosis performance for the five skin diseases.
Conclusion
The system has been designed as a smartphone application and it has a potential to be used as a decision support system in low resource settings, where both the expert dermatologist and the means is limited.
The Relationship Between Body Composition, Glucose Metabolism, and Subtypes of Depressive Symptoms – Findings From the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Eriksson Mia D. , Eriksson Johan G. , Korhonen Päivi , Salonen Minna K. , Mikkola Tuija M. , Kajantie Eero , Wasenius Niko , Bonsdorff Mikaela , Kautiainen Hannu , Laine Merja K.
Published: September 2021

Background There is an existing link between two of the most common diseases, obesity and depression. These are both of great public health concern, but little is known about the relationships between the subtypes of these conditions. We hypothesized that non-melancholic depressive symptoms have a stronger relationship with both body composition (lean mass and fat mass) and dysfunctional glucose metabolism than melancholic depression. Methods For this cross-sectional study 1 510 participants from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study had their body composition evaluated as lean mass and fat mass (Lean Mass Index + Fat Mass Index = Body Mass Index). Participants were evaluated for depressive symptoms utilizing the Beck Depression Inventory, and had laboratory assessments including an oral glucose tolerance test. Results Higher than average Fat Mass Index (kg/m2) was associated with a higher percentage of participants scoring in the depressive range of the Beck Depression Inventory (p=0.048). Higher Fat Mass Index was associated with a higher likelihood of having depressive symptoms (OR per 1-SD Fat Mass Index=1.37, 95% CI: 1.13-1.65), whereas higher Lean Mass Index (kg/m2) was associated with a lower likelihood of having depressive symptoms (OR per 1-SD Lean Mass Index=0.76, 95% CI: 0.64-0.91). Participants with an above average Fat Mass Index more frequently had non-melancholic depressive symptoms (p=0.008) regardless of Lean Mass Index levels (p=0.38). There was no difference between the body composition groups in the likelihood of having melancholic depressive symptoms (Fat Mass Index p=0.83, Lean Mass Index p=0.93). The non-melancholic group had higher Fat Mass Index than either of the other groups (p<0.001), and a higher 2-hour glucose concentration than the non-depressed group (p=0.005). Conclusion As hypothesized, non-melancholic depressive symptoms are most closely related to high fat mass index and dysfunctional glucose metabolism.