bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles in a Circulating Fluidized Bed with Plasma Jets
Authors: Ma Shiwei , Huang Yunyun , Hong Ruoyu , Lu Xuesong , Li Jianhua
Published: December 2020

In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were modified in a circulating fluidized bed through argon and hydrogen (Ar-H) alternative-current (AC) arc plasma, which shows the characteristics of non-equilibrium and equilibrium plasma at the same time. In addition, a circulating fluidized bed with two plasma jets was used for cyclic processing. The catalytic degradation performance on Rhodamine B (Rh B) by Ar-H plasma modified ZnO and pure ZnO was tested in aqueous media to identify the significant role of hydrogen atoms in Rh B degradation mechanism. Meanwhile, the effects of plasma treatment time on the morphology, size and photocatalytic performance of ZnO were also investigated. The results demonstrated that ZnO after 20 minutes-treatment by Ar-H plasma showed Rh B photocatalytic degradation rate is ten times greater than that of pure ZnO, and the reaction follows a first-kinetics for the Rh B degradation process. Furthermore, the photocatalyst cycle experiment curve exhibited that the modified ZnO still displays optimum photocatalytic activity after five cycles of experiment. The improvement of photocatalytic activity and luminescence performance attributes to the significant increase of the surface area, and the introduction of hydrogen atoms on the surface also could enhance the time of carrier existence where the hydrogen atoms act as shallow donors.
Severe Chin-on-Chest Cervical Spine Deformity in the Setting of Stiff-Person Syndrome
Authors: Stephan Stephen R. , Ju Derek G. , Ross Lindsey B. , Naruse Robert T. , Kim Terrence T. , Johnson J. Patrick
Published: December 2020

Case:

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) presents with progressive muscle rigidity, postural instability, and periodic debilitating spasms. Reports of axial hyperextension exist, but kyphotic deformities have not been described. We surgically treated a patient with debilitating SPS and severe cervicothoracic hyperkyphosis with posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation. At 1-year follow-up, the patient displayed better upright gait and forward gaze, 18° cervical lordosis, and improved patient-reported outcome scores.

Conclusion:

SPS can lead to extreme spinal deformity and disease, including hyperkyphosis of the cervicothoracic spine, and can successfully be managed with a multidisciplinary team and a posterior-only correction with spinal instrumentation and fusion.
Deep spontaneous penetration of a water droplet into hot granular materials
Authors: Lin Fangye , Wang Wei , Dorbolo Stephane , Zou Jun
Published: December 2020

The contact between droplets and granular materials is of practical importance for many processes, such as spraying cooling (to cool down the soil) and the wet dusting (to collect the grains). While the phenomenon is commonly known in nature and industry, our knowledge of the interaction between the water drop and hot grains is still very limited. Here, we experimentally investigated the drop behaviours released on a heated granular bed. Surprisingly, we found that the drops start digging the granular material as deep as 15 times the diameter of the droplet. Hot particles are absorbed into the drop and vaporise the liquid. The vapour production is so intense that the vapour is able to blow away the particles underneath the drop. The drop can then move downwards under the action of the gravity. In order to inspect this digging behaviour, two kinds of setups were designed: a 3D granular packing inside a cylinder and a quasi-2D packing inside a Hele-Shaw cell. The first allows the observation of the droplet with the heated material, while the second provides the direct observation from the side view to uncover the drop behaviour in the deep bed. One proposes a mechanism based on the Leidenfrost effect considering a rough surface that models the surface of the granular material. This model allows to explain why the droplet can dig on a range of temperatures between the boiling temperature of the cooling liquid and the Leidenfrost temperature relative to the granular material. In this range of temperatures, the cooling of the granular material is then rather efficient since the droplets vaporise deeply in the heart of the material.
Sulforaphane ameliorates lipid profile in rodents: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Dan , Du Kaili , Fan Yuxin
Published: December 2020

Sulforaphane (SFN) which is enriched in cabbage and broccoli, a naturally-occurring isothiocyanate, has been provided as food supplements to improve weight management and reduce lipid levels. However, its effects on serum lipid profile are contradictory. In this review, a meta-analysis and systematic review of SFN on lipids reduction and weight control is assessed with mice and rats fed with high-fat diet. The effects of SFN supplementation were evaluated by weighted mean difference (WMD) and the corresponding standard error of body weight, liver weight and concentrations of lipids. A random-effects model was chosen to estimate the overall summary effect. Our analytic results of the meta-analysis revealed that SFN can reduce body weight (WMD: -2.76 g, 95% CI: -4.19, -1.34) and liver weight (WMD: -0.93 g, 95% CI: -1.63, -0.23) significantly from ten trials. Its effects on serum total cholesterol (WMD: -15.62 mg/dL, 95% CI: -24.07, -7.18), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -8.35 mg/dL, 95% CI: -15.47, -1.24) and triglyceride (WMD: -40.85 mg/dL, 95% CI: -67.46, -14.24) were significant except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 1.05 mg/dL, 95% CI: -3.44, 5.54). The subgroup analytic results from findings unveiled that classifying studies according to species, disease model, duration, SFN dosage as well as administration route could not explain the heterogeneity among studies and change the results. In summary, these findings provide new insights concerning preclinical strategies for treating diseases including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as well as cardiovascular disease with SFN supplements.
Severity of COVID-19 Infection in ACEI/ARB Users in Two Saudi Public Specialty Hospitals: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Alrashed Ahmed A. , Khan Tahir , Alhusseini Noara , Asdaq Syed Mohammed , Enani Mushira , Alosaimi Bandar , Alkhani Nada , Mohzari Yahya , Alghalbi Maram , Alfahad Wafa , Alanazi Mona , Albujaidya Asma , Ben-Akresh Amal , Almutairi Malak , Abraham Ivo , Alamer Ahmad
Published: December 2020

Background: The uncertainty about COVID-19 outcomes in angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) users continues with contradictory findings. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ACEI/ARB use in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was done in two Saudi public specialty hospitals designated as COVID-19 referral facilities. We included 354 patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 between April and June 2020, of which 146 were ACEI/ARB users and 208 were non-ACEI/ARB users. Controlling for confounders, we conducted a multivariate logistic regression and a sensitivity analyses using propensity score matching (PSM) and Inverse propensity score weighting (IPSW) for high risk patient subsets. Results: Compared to non-ACEI/ARB users, ACEI/ARB users had an eight-fold higher risk of developing critical or severe COVID-19 (OR=8.25, 95%CI=3.32-20.53); a nearly 7-fold higher risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR=6.76, 95%CI=2.88-15.89) and a nearly 5-fold higher risk of requiring noninvasive ventilation (OR=4.77,95%CI=2.15-10.55). Patients with diabetes, hypertension, and/or renal disease had a five-fold higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease (OR=5.40,95%CI=2.0-14.54]. These results were confirmed in the PSM and IPSW analyses. Conclusion: In general, but especially among patients with hypertension, diabetes, and/or renal disease, ACEI/ARB use is associated with a significantly higher risk of severe or critical COVID-19 disease, and ICU care.
Correlation between the Spatial Distribution and Colony size Was Common for Monogenetic Bacteria in Laboratory Conditions.
Authors: Xue Heng , Kurokawa Masaomi , YING Bei-Wen
Published: December 2020

Background: Geographically separated population growth of microbes is a common phenomenon in microbial ecology. Colonies are representative of the morphological characteristics of this structured population growth. Pattern formation by single colonies has been intensively studied, whereas the spatial distribution of colonies is poorly investigated. Results: The present study describes a first trial to address the questions of whether and how the spatial distribution of colonies determines the final colony size using the model microorganism Escherichia coli, colonies of which can be grown under well-controlled laboratory conditions. A computational tool for image processing was developed to evaluate colony density, colony size and size variation, and the Voronoi diagram was applied for spatial analysis of colonies with identical space resources. A positive correlation between the final colony size and the Voronoi area was commonly identified, independent of genomic and nutritional differences, which disturbed the colony size and size variation. Conclusions: This novel finding of a universal correlation between the spatial distribution and colony size not only indicated the fair distribution of spatial resources for monogenetic colonies growing with identical space resources but also indicated that the initial localization of the microbial colonies decided by chance determined the fate of the subsequent population growth. This study provides a valuable example for quantitative analysis of the complex microbial ecosystems by means of experimental ecology.
The Effect of Atrial Fibrillation on Perioperative Outcomes in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Han Pu , Yang Yifeng , He Yanjie , Wu Hongwei , Wang Dong , Liu Kun , Guan Chengjian , Zhang Xiaodong , Guo Wei , Zhang Zhongtao
Published: December 2020

Background: To assess the role of atrial fibrillation (AF) on perioperative outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD).Methods: We investigated patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing OPD during 2012-2014 within National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The study population was divided into two groups based on the presence of AF. In-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), cost of hospitalization, and in-hospital complications were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression models and linear regression were used to adjust for potential confounders.Results: Of the 12,785 patients aged ≥18 years undergoing OPD during years 2012-2014, 11,469 (90%) had no AF and 1,316 (10%) had AF. Patients with AF were found to have significantly higher cost (coefficient 0.35, 95% CI 0.06-0.64, P = 0.02), but similar mortality (OR 3.57, 95% CI 0.86-14.87, P = 0.08) and LOS (coefficient 0.16, 95% CI 0-0.33, P = 0.052) compared to those without AF. The risk of gastrointestinal anastomotic leakage (OR 22.11, 95% CI 3.25-150.22, p = 0.002), cardiac complications (OR 17.88, 95% CI 5.32-60.11, p <0.001), respiratory complications (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.23-4.60, p = 0.01), pulmonary embolism (OR 18.53, 95% CI 2.67-128.62, p = 0.003), and perioperative shock (OR 5.16, 95% CI 1.03-25.72, p = 0.045) were found to be significantly higher in AF group than non-AF group. In elderly patients (> 65 y), AF was found to be associated with a significantly higher cost (coefficient 0.38, 95% CI 0.05-0.71, P = 0.023), longer LOS (coefficient 0.21, 95% CI 0.03-0.39, P = 0.023), higher incidence of cardiac complications (OR 17.38, 95% CI 3.42-88.43, p = 0.001), respiratory complications (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.31-6.53, p = 0.009) and postoperative shock (OR 27.06, 95% CI 2.35-311.15, p = 0.008), yet similar mortality (OR 3.35, 95% CI 0.58-19.37, P = 0.177).Conclusions: AF was found to be associated with higher cost in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing OPD, as well as increased occurrence of cardiac complications, respiratory complications, pulmonary embolism and perioperative shock. Surgeons should pay special attention to these patients and formulate an appropriate perioperative evaluation plan.
Immersion-plated Palladium Nanoparticles onto Meso-porous Silicon Layer as Novel SERS Substrate for Sensitive Detection of Imidacloprid Pesticide
Authors: Al-Syadi A. , Faisal M. , Harraz Farid , Jalalah Mohammed , Alsaiari Mabkhoot
Published: December 2020

Herein, we report a rapid and highly effective methodology for the fabrication of active and stable surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate by an electrochemical anodization and immersion plating routes. Porous silicon (PSi) layers were fabricated by the electrochemical anodization of a silicon wafer in ethanoic fluoride solution, followed by uniformly deposition of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) via a simple immersion plating technique. The structural features and morphology of fabricated frameworks of PSi-Pd NPs have been investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra. The PSi substrate demonstrates a meso-porous morphology with good distribution, good pore density and average pore sizes around 20 nm. The SERS performance of Si–Pd NPs and PSi–Pd NPs substrates has been examined taking imidacloprid (an insecticide) as a target analyte. The SERS signal of imidacloprid using PSi–Pd NPs substrate exhibited immense enhancement compared to the Si-Pd NPs substrate. The active substrate revealed excellent detectable performance with a concentration as low as 10-9 M imidacloprid and an enhancement factor (EF) of 1.2×105. This large EF is fundamentally ascribed to the combined effect of electromagnetic improvement and charge transfer mechanism. Additionally, no aging effect was observed for the present substrates kept in air for two weeks. Striking enhancement in Raman spectral signals obtained with the current PSi–Pd NPs substrates provides a simple and smooth platform towards the sensitive detection of various target analytes.
Determination of Neonatal Case-Specific Fatality Rates in a tertiary health institution in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Audu Lamidi , Otuneye Adekunle , Mairami Amsa , Mukhtar-Yola Mariya , Mshelia Lauretta
Published: December 2020

Background The current neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria (37/1000) is among the highest in the world and the major causes have consistently been reported as sepsis, perinatal asphyxia and prematurity. However, case-specific fatality which defines the risk of dying from these and other neonatal morbidities is rarely emphasized. Determination of case-specific fatality rates (CSFR) may inform a change in our current approach to neonatal care interventions which may eventually bring about the much-needed reduction in our neonatal mortality rate. Our aim was to determine the case-specific fatality rates for the common causes of mortality among hospitalized neonates at the National Hospital Abuja (NHA).Methods: Relevant demographic and clinical data on all neonates admitted into the NICU at the NHA over a period of 13 months (January 2017 to February 2018) were extracted from the Neonatal Registry database and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods with the SPSS version 20 software. The case-specific fatality rates were computed for the predominant morbidities in addition to determination of the neonatal mortality rates and associated risk factors.Results and conclusion: A total of 730 neonates were admitted, out of which 391 (53.6%) were females, 396 (54.5%) were inborn and 396 (54.2%) were term. The three most prevalent morbidities were prematurity 272(37.2%), neonatal Jaundice 208(28.4%) and perinatal asphyxia 91(12.5%) while the most common causes of mortality were prematurity 47/113(41.6%), congenital malformations 27/113(23.9%) and perinatal asphyxia 26/113(23%). Congenital malformations had the highest case-specific fatality 27/83(32.5%) followed by Perinatal Asphyxia 26/91(28.6%) and prematurity 47/272(20.7%). The mortality pattern differed between inborn and out born babies. Implications of these case-specific fatality rates for targeted interventions are discussed.
Integrated Gene Expression Profiling Analysis Reveals Potential Molecular Mechanisms and Candidate Biomarkers for Early Risk Stratification and Prediction of STEMI and Post-STEMI Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Xu Jing , Yang Yuejing
Published: December 2020

Objective To explore the molecular mechanism and search for the candidate biomarkers with predictive and prognostic potentiality that detectable in the whole blood of STEMI patients and post-STEMI HF patients.Methods In this study, we downloaded GSE60993, GSE61144, GSE66360, and GSE59867 datasets from the NCBI-GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the datasets were investigated using R. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment were performed via ClueGO, CluePedia, and DAVID database. Protein interaction network was constructed via STRING. Enriched hub genes were analyzed by Cytoscape software. LASSO logistic regression algorithm and ROC analysis were performed to build machine learning models for predicting STEMI. Hub genes for further validated in post-STEMI HF patients from GSE59867.Results We identified 90 up-regulated DEGs and 9 down-regulated DEGs convergence in the three datasets (|log2FC| ≥ 0.8 and adjusted p value < 0.05). They were mainly enriched in Gene Ontology terms relating to cytokine secretion, pattern recognition receptors signaling pathway, and immune cells activation. A cluster of 8 genes including ITGAM, CLEC4D, SLC2A3, BST1, MCEMP1, PLAUR, GPR97, and MMP25 was found to be significant. A machine learning model built by SLC2A3, CLEC4D, GPR97, PLAUR, and BST1 exerted great value for STEMI prediction. Besides, ITGAM and BST1 might be candidate prognostic biomarkers for post-STEMI HF.Conclusions We re-analyzed the integrated transcriptomic signature of STEMI patients showing predictive potentiality and revealed new insights and specific prospective biomarkers for STEMI risk stratification and HF development.
Effects of elevated CO2 on resistant and susceptible rice cultivar and its primary host, brown plant hopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal)
Authors: Senthil-Nathan Sengottayan
Published: December 2020

Elevated CO2 has positive response on plant growth and negative response on insect pests. As a contemplation, the feeding pattern of the brown plant hopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål on susceptible and resistant rice cultivars and their growth rates exposed to elevated CO2 conditions were analyzed. The elevated CO2 treatment showed significant differences in percentage of emergence and rice biomass that were consistent across the rice cultivars, when compared to the ambient conditions. Similarly, increase in carbon and nitrogen ratio of leaves and alterations in defensive peroxidase enzyme levels were observed, but was non-linear among the cultivars tested. Lower survivorship and nutritional indices of N. lugens were observed in conditions of elevated CO2 levels over ambient conditions. Results were nonlinear in manner. We conclude that the plant carbon accumulation increased due to elevated CO2, causing physiological changes that decreased nitrogen content. Similarly, elevated CO2 increased insect feeding, but did not alter other variables such as their biology or reproduction.
Does the informal education training increase awareness of anaphylaxis among students of medicine? Before-after survey study.
Authors: Leszkowicz Julia , Pieńkowska Agata , Nazar Wojciech , Bogdan Eliza , Kwaka Natalia , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka , Plata-Nazar Katarzyna
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAllergies are among the most common chronic diseases in Europe. The most serious complication of allergies is anaphylactic shock. Most of cases occur outside the hospital, thus knowledge of symptoms and first aid is crucial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge about anaphylaxis and ability to use adrenaline auto-injectors among medical students and to determine an improvement after a training based on non-formal education.MethodsThe research was conducted among 365 medicine students from the Medical University of Gdańsk. The respondents completed a multiple-choice knowledge test, before theoretical and practical training on adrenaline auto-injector use was given, then they re-took the test. Descriptive statistics were used to reveal characteristics of students of different grades. T-test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThere was an increase in knowledge test scores (on average, 28.6%, p=0.0168) after training. The average test score increase questions for the whole study group was 2.29, varying between 4.96 and 7.25, out of 8. Almost all (99.4%) of the respondents after training believed that they would be able to use adrenaline auto-injector in an emergency.ConclusionsTested students didn’t have sufficient knowledge to provide first aid in cases of anaphylaxis before schooling. The training based on non-formal education was effective. Using the subject-performed task method helps remembering stages of action in stressful situations. This type of training would increase self-efficacy among various social groups.
Resource allocation across the dementia continuum: A mixed methods study examining decision making on optimal dementia care among health and social care professionals.
Authors: Keogh Fiona , Pierse Tom , Challis David , O'Shea Eamon
Published: December 2020

Background: The understanding of appropriate or optimal care is particularly important for dementia, characterised by multiple, long-term, changing needs and the increasing expectations of people using services, within a wider context of resource constrained health and social care services. This study sought to determine the optimal level, mix and cost of services for different dementia case types across the dementia continuum and to gain a greater understanding of the resource allocation decision making process among health and social care professionals (HSCPs).Methods: A balance of care (BoC) framework was applied to the study questions and developed in three important ways; firstly by considering optimality across the course of dementia and not just at the margin with residential care; secondly, through the introduction of a fixed budget to reveal constrained optimisation strategies; and thirdly through the use of a mixed methods design whereby qualitative data was collected at workshops using nominal group technique and analysed to obtain a more detailed understanding of the decision-making process. Twenty four HSCPs from a variety of disciplines participated in the resource allocation decision-making exercise.Results: HSCPs differentiated between case type severity; providing about 2.6 times more resources to case types with higher level needs than those with lower level needs. When a resource constraint was introduced there was no evidence of any disproportionate rationing of services on the basis of need, i.e. more severe case types were not favoured over less severe case types. However, the fiscal constraint led to a much greater focus on meeting physical and clinical dependency needs through conventional social care provision. There was less emphasis on day care and psychosocial provision when resources were scarcer following the introduction of a fixed budget constraint.Conclusions: HSCPs completed complex resource allocation exercises for people with dementia, including expected differentiation across case type severity. When rationing was introduced, HSCPs did not discriminate in favour of case types with high levels of need. They did, however, support conventional home care provision over psychosocial care, although participants were still keen to provide some residual cover for the latter, especially for case types that might benefit.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in splice sites and prediction for the doublesex (dsx) gene alternative splicing in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae.
Authors: Djihinto Oswald , Saizonou Helga , Djogbenou Luc
Published: December 2020

Background: Malaria burden continues to be significant in tropical regions, and conventional vector control methods are faced with challenges such as insecticide resistance. To overcome these challenges, additional vector control interventions are vital and include modern genetic approaches as well as classical methods like the sterile insect technique (SIT). In the major human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, a candidate gene favourable for sterility induction is the doublesex (dsx) gene, encoding somatic sexually dimorphic traits in mosquitoes. However, the mechanism that regulates the expression of this gene in anopheline mosquitoes is poorly understood. This study aims to screen the An. gambiae dsx gene for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could be critical to its alternative splicing.Result: Variant annotation data from Ag1000G project phase 2 was analysed, in order to identify splice-relevant SNPs within acceptor and donor splice sites of the An. gambiae dsx gene (Agdsx). SNPs were found in both donor and acceptor site of the Agdsx. No splice-relevant SNPs were identified in female-specific intron 4 acceptor site and the corresponding region in males. Two SNPs (rs48712947, rs48712962) were found in female-specific donor site of exon 5. They were not specific to either males or females. as the rs48712947 was found in female mosquitoes from Cameroon, and in both males and females from Burkina Faso. In the other splice sites, the intron 3 acceptor site carried the greatest abundance of SNPs.Conclusion: There were no gender association between the identified SNPs and the random distribution of these SNPs in mosquito populations. The SNPs in Agdsx splice sites are not critical for the alternative splicing. Other molecular mechanisms should be considered and investigated.
COL6A2/3 can serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yiu Wingkeung , Li Can-Xuan , Chen Jie
Published: December 2020

Background: Growing evidence has shown that the type VI collagen alpha chain (COL6A) family involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of diverse malignancies; however, its biological roles and potential mechanisms in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain unknown. The study was designed to explore the potential mechanisms and functions of COL6As in ccRCC.Methods: ONCOMINE and GEPIA databases were used to compare the transcriptional expression data of COL6As in ccRCC samples and normal renal samples. UALCAN database was utilized to determine the association between clinicopathological features and COL6As expression. Kaplan–Meier method was employed to determine the prognostic value of COL6As mRNA expression in ccRCC. CBioPortal database was used to investigate the genetic alterations of COL6As in ccRCC. Co-expression analyses, functional enrichment analyses, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were utilized to explore the potential action mechanisms of COL6As in ccRCC. Finally, we estimated the relationship between COL6As expression with immune cell infiltrates.Results: Upregulated transcriptional COL6A2/COL6A3 expression was observed in ccRCC specimens by comparison with noncancerous renal specimens. Patients with increased COL6A2/COL6A3 mRNA expression have a poor clinical outcome and unfavorable prognosis. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and GSEA analyses showed that COL6A2/COL6A3 might promote the tumorigenesis and progression of ccRCC by involving in several cancer-related pathways, such as axon guidance, focal adhesion, ECM receptor interaction. Besides, we found that COL6A2/COL6A3 expression was significantly associated with immune infiltration levels in ccRCC.Conclusions: COL6A2 and COL6A3 could act as candidate prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ccRCC. However, further experimental work was required to validate the conclusions.
The Application of Pulsed Radiofrequency to Dorsal Root Ganglion Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain by Reducing CCL2 Expression in the Early Stage After Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats
Authors: wan Cheng-Fu , zhang Bo-Han , Dong Dao-Song , Song Tao
Published: December 2020

Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) can be treated effectively using pulsed radiofrequency (PRF). NP development and maintenance involves the essential neurotransmitter chemokine c-c motif ligand 2 (CCL2). The present study aimed to determine whether PRF regulated CCL2 expression in sciatic nerve injury (SNI) model rats.Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into a sham group, an SNI group, and a PRF group. In the PRF group, L5 dorsal root ganglia received PRF treatment. After paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) was examined, the expression levels of CCL2 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in spinal dorsal horn were determined.Results: The PWMT in PRF group increased significantly compared with that of the SNI group (P < 0.05). The CCL2 and NF-κB expression levels in the PRF group were significant lower than those in the SNI group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: NP was effectively alleviated by PRF-mediated reductions in CCL2 expression via inhibition of NF-κB activation in the spinal cord of SNI model rats.
Rapid and reliable distinguish of Morinda officinalis How by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay
Authors: Wang Shuhan , Sui Aihua , Han Yafei , Zhou Quan , Xu Hang , Yao Ruyong
Published: December 2020

The medicinal plant Morinda officinalis How (MO), especially the root, has been frequently used in traditional medicines around the world as an herbal drug for treating variable human disorders and diseases. Various adulterations of MO were found for economic or production limitations. However, authentication of MO from its adulterants by LAMP has not yet been established. The present study introduces a commercially available nucleic acid amplification method, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the distinguish of MO from its adulterants. In this method, we combined DNA barcodes technology to design 2 pairs independent LAMP primers, which based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence of MO’s nuclear ribosomal DNA. Our results showed that the LAMP could amplify the samples as expected and successfully identify target MO, and the limit for DNA template preciseness was verified as 1 × 10− 1 pg/µl. All the visual or real-time turbidity detection was performed within 60 min at approximately 63 °C. The result showed that the LAMP assay and primers we designed have high accuracy and efficiency for the differentiation of MO and its adulterants. Our results illustrated that the proposed low-cost, fast and reliable LAMP assay without the need for expensive equipment or specialized techniques could be a good way for MO rapid authentication.
Is Body Fat Mass Associated with Worse Gross Motor Skills in Preschoolers?
Authors: Nobre Juliana , Morais Rosane , Fernandes Amanda , Viegas Ângela , Figueiredo Pedro , Costa Henrique , Camargos Ana Cristina , Mendonça Vanessa , Lacerda Ana Cristina
Published: December 2020

Objectives: To compare the motor competence of overweight/obese preschoolers with eutrophic peers with a similar level of physical activity, sex, age, socioeconomic status, maternal education, quality of the home environment and quality of the school environment, and to verify the association of body fat mass with gross motor skills in preschoolers.Design: Quantitative, exploratory, cross-sectional study design.Methods: Forty-nine children, aged 3 to 5 years old, from public schools in a Brazilian city were classified into eutrophic and overweight/obese groups.Results: Overweight/obese preschoolers had worse Locomotor subtest standard scores than their eutrophic peers (p = 0.01), but similar skills, Object Control subtest scores and Gross Motor Quotient (p > 0.05). Excess body fat mass explained 13% of the low Locomotor subtest standard scores in preschoolers (R2 = 0.13; p = 0.007).Conclusion: Excess body fat mass is associated with worse locomotor performance when the model is adjusted for contextual factors such as level of physical activity, sex, age, socioeconomic status, maternal education, quality of the home environment and quality of the school environment. Thus, excess body fat mass partly explains lower locomotor skills in preschoolers. These findings may assist with the development of public guidelines aimed at child health in order to outline strategies that enable the stimulation of locomotor skills in preschoolers with excess body fat mass.
FBXO3 Downregulation Attenuates Noise-induced Hearing Loss by Suppressing ATG10 Degradation and Activating Autophagy
Authors: Ye Fan , Lin Bi , Fang Lian
Published: December 2020

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a kind of hearing impairment, which is next to the age-related hearing loss. More and more evidences have verified that overproduction of reactive oxygen species is a common pathologic phenomenon of different inner ear injury including NIHL, and autophagy contributes to attenuate NIHL by reducing oxidative stress. However, the underlying mechanism by which noise exposure causes autophagy activation remains unclear. In this study, we found that NIHL was accompanied by autophagy in the rat cochlea. Furthermore, twelve common genes were found at the GEO datasets GSE85290 and GSE8342, and E3 ubiquitination ligase FBXO3 was confirmed significantly reduced in NIHL rat cochlea. Next, we demonstrated that FBXO3 can directly binding with autophagy-related protein 10 (ATG10), which is necessary for the initiation of autophagy, and mediate its degradation. In vivo animal model treatment with rapamycin, an autophagy activator, significantly reduced the NIHL. Based on these data, we confirmed that FBXO3 played an important role in autophagy caused by NIHL, may be a potential target of NIHL treatment.
The Giant Resectable Carcinoma of Gall Bladder
Authors: Bains Lovenish , Maranna Haraesh , Lal Pawan , Kori Ronal , Kaur Daljit , Mallaya Varuna , Singh Veerpal
Published: December 2020

Background: Gall bladder cancer (GBC) is the fifth most common malignancy in the gastrointestinal system and the most common malignancy of the biliary system. GBC is a very aggressive malignancy having a 5 year survival rate of 19%. Giant Gall Bladder (GGB) is an uncommon condition that can result from cholelithiasis or chronic cholecystitis and rarely with malignancy.Case report: A 65 year old lady presented with vague abdominal pain for 12 years and right abdominal lump of size 20x8 cms was found on examination. CT scan showed a circumferentially irregularly thickened wall (2.5cm) of gall bladder indicative of malignancy. Per-operatively a GB of size 24 x 9 cms was noted and patient underwent radical cholecystectomy. It was surprise to find such a giant malignant GB with preserved planes. Histopathology, it was well differentiated adenocarcinoma of gall bladder of Stage II (T2a N0 M0). Discussion: It is known that mucocoele of GB can attain large size, however chronic cholecystitis will lead to a shrunken gall bladder rather than an enlarged one. A malignant GB of such size and resectable is rare without any lymph node involvement or liver infiltration. Few cases of giant benign gall bladder have been reported in literature, however this appears to be the largest resectable gall bladder carcinoma reported till date as per indexed literature.Conclusion: Giant GB is an uncommon finding. They are mostly benign, however malignant cases can occur. Radiological findings may suggest features of malignancy and define extent of disease. Prognosis depends on stage of disease and resectability, irrespective of size.
Mast Cells-derived Exosomes Promote the Development of Experimental Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Huang Kunhua , Zhang Xin , Huang Li , Lin Hang , Yu Ziyi , Li Xiaobo , Liu Xiao Bo , Wu Qiang , Wang Yongfei , Wang Jie , Jin Xiaobao , Han Xiaoying , Gao Hongzhi , Lin Rongtuan , Cen Shan , Liu Zhenlong , Huang Bo
Published: December 2020

Background: Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe neurological manifestation caused by Plasmodium infection, with high morbidity and mortality rate, and long-term cognitive impairments in survivors. Exosomes are cell-derived nano-vesicles secreted by virtually all types of cells and serve as mediators of intercellular communication. Studies have demonstrated that mast cells (MCs) play a critical role in mediating malaria severity, however, the potential functions and pathological mechanisms of MCs-derived exosome (MCs-Exo) impacting on CM pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Methods: Herein, we utilized an experimental CM (ECM) murine model (C57BL/6 mice infected with P. berghei ANKA), and then intravenously (i.v.) injected MCs-Exo into ECM mice to investigate the effect of MCs-Exo on ECM pathogenies. We also used an in vitro model by investigating the pathogenesis development of brain microvascular endothelial cells line (bEnd.3 cells) upon MCs-Exo treatment after P. berghei ANKA blood-stage soluble antigen (PbAg) stimulation. Results: MCs-Exo were successfully isolated from culture supernatants of mouse MCs line (P815 cells) stimulated with PbAg, characterized by spherical vesicles with the diameter of 30–150 nm, expressing of typical exosomal markers, including CD9, CD81, and CD63. In vivo and ex vivo tracking showed that DiR-labeled MCs-Exo were taken up by liver and brain tissues after 6 h of i.v. injection. Compared with naive mice, ECM mice exhibited higher numbers of MCs and higher levels of MCs degranulation in various tissues (e.g., brain, cervical lymph node, and skin). The present of MCs-Exo dramatically shortened survival time, elevated incident of ECM, exacerbated liver and brain histopathological damage, promoted Th1 cytokine response, and aggravated brain vascular endothelial activation and blood brain barrier breakdown in ECM mice. Interestingly, compared with bEnd.3 cells stimulated with PbAg, the treatment of MCs-Exo led to decrease of cells viability, increase the mRNA levels of Ang-2, CCL2, CXCL1, and CXCL9, and decrease the mRNA levels of Ang-1, ZO-1, and Claudin-5. Conclusions: Thus, our data suggest that MCs-Exo could promote pathogenesis of ECM in mice.
Lung Disease Network Reveals the Impact of Comorbidity on SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Opportunities of Drug Repurposing
Authors: DAS ASIM BIKAS
Published: December 2020

Higher mortality of COVID-19 patients with comorbidity is the formidable challenge faced by the health care system. In response to the present crisis, understanding the molecular basis of comorbidity is essential to accelerate the development of drugs. To address this, the genetic association between COVID-19 and various lung disorders was measured and notable molecular resemblance was observed. 141 lung diseases were linked to a neighborhood network of SARS-CoV-2 targets, and 59 lung diseases topologically overlapped with COVID-19 module. This demonstrates the clustering of lung diseases with COVID-19 in the same network vicinity, indicating the potential threat for lung patients upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pathobiological similarities between lung diseases and COVID-19, and clinical evidences suggest that shared molecular features probably the reason for comorbidity. Additionally, topological overlap with various lung disorders provides an opportunity to repurpose the drugs used for lung disease to hit the closely associated COVID-19 module. Further analysis showed that the functional protein-protein interaction modules in the lungs, substantially hijacked by SARS-CoV-2, were connected to several lung disorders. The network-based proximity measure identified the FDA approved targets in hijacked protein modules which can be hit by existing drugs to rescue these modules from viral possessions, and can lead to the improvement of clinical conditions.
Roles and Responsibilities of Expert Clients in Adolescent HIV Service Delivery in Eswatini: A Conventional Content Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Charisse , Weissinger Guy , Teitelman Anne , Dlamini Ndumiso Sabelo , Dlamini Nontsikelelo Patience , Dlamini Thuthukile Cebsile , Nkambule Angel , Nkambule Siphesihle , Brawner Bridgette M. , Calnan Marianne
Published: December 2020

BackgroundLike in other countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa, Eswatini employs a cadre of HIV-positive lay health workers known as expert clients (ECs) for the purpose of mitigating human resource gaps in HIV care. However, there are no insights in the literature describing the scope of their contribution to adolescent-specific HIV service delivery. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the specific roles and responsibilities of ECs with regard to service delivery among adolescents living with HIV in Eswatini, and to provide recommendations for enhancing adolescent service provision among ECs and similar lay health workers throughout low- and middle-income countries. MethodsAn exploratory qualitative descriptive methodology using conventional content analysis was employed to meet our study aims. We recruited 20 expert clients and 12 key informants (i.e., program managers, program coordinators, and nurses) to participate in semi-structured interviews, and we arranged four focus group discussions among adolescents living with HIV with 7 to 10 participants per focus group. ResultsAdherence counseling in clinical and community settings was considered paramount to the roles and responsibilities of ECs with regard to adolescent-specific HIV service delivery. The following recommendations were made to enhance EC service delivery practices among adolescents: a) training in adolescent developmental, sexual, and reproductive needs, b) training to enhance clinical knowledge and skills, c) additional work equipment and compensation, and d) more parent and guardian engagement in their work. ConclusionsWhile expert clients meet the needs of HIV-positive adolescents in several capacities, ECs require additional resources, skills, and training to improve their work, especially within the realm of sexual and reproductive health. Future research is needed to evaluate the impact of EC service delivery on adolescent health outcomes.
Landscape Connectivity Analysis and Optimization of Qianjiangyuan National Park, Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Peng Yangjing , Meng Minghao , Huang Zhihao , Wang Ruifeng , Cui Guofa
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe main purpose of building national parks in China is to protect nationally representative natural ecosystems and maintain the integrity of their structures, processes, and functions. Landscape connectivity, as an important indicator to measure ecological processes, is of great significance to the migration and dispersal of species within a region. Based on the habitat characteristics of the target species, the study of landscape connectivity in Qianjiangyuan National Park, which aims to protect forest ecosystems, can provide a scientific basis for the optimization of its functional areas and the construction of biological corridors.ResultsThe disturbed landscape of the study area is dominated by tea plantations and drylands, with central roads being an important factor affecting the overall landscape connectivity. In terms of the distribution of key habitat patches, the mountains have a high value. In terms of area, their size is not directly proportional to their importance for maintaining landscape connectivity in the region, but large area patches are generally of higher importance. In terms of distance, key habitats that are closer to each other have a stronger correlation and a greater possibility for species migration. Combined with the functional zoning of Qianjiangyuan National Park, the setting of strictly protected areas and recreational areas is reasonable, and traditional use areas and ecological conservation areas could be appropriately adjusted according to the distribution of key habitats. The important corridor in the middle of the ecological conservation area is crucial for the overall connectivity of the national park, and the connectivity between strict protected area will depend on successful protection of the ecological conservation area.ConclusionBased on the analysis of landscape connectivity in Qianjiangyuan National Park, we discussed the main factors that currently affect the landscape connectivity of this area, as well as the rationality of the current setting of its functional zoning, and put forward some targeted suggestions for improving its connectivity.
The Deep Space Atomic Clock: the first demonstration of a trapped ion atomic clock in space
Authors: Burt Eric , Prestage John , Tjoelker Robert , Enzer Daphna , Kuang Da , Murphy David , Robison David , Siubert Jill , Wang Rabi , Ely Todd
Published: December 2020

Atomic clocks, which lock the frequency of an oscillator to the extremely stable quantized energy levels of atoms, are essential for navigation applications such as deep space exploration1 and the Global Positioning System (GPS)2 and as scientific tools for addressing questions in fundamental physics3,4,5,6. Atomic clocks that can be launched into space are an enabling technology for GPS, but to date have not been applied to deep space navigation and have seen only limited application to scientific questions due to performance constraints imposed by the rigors of space launch and operation7. The invention of methods to electromagnetically trap and cool ions has revolutionized atomic clock performance8,9,10,11,12,13. Terrestrial trapped ion clocks have achieved orders of magnitude improvements in performance over their predecessors and have become a key component in national metrology laboratories13. However, transporting this new technology into space has remained elusive. Here we show the results from the first-ever trapped ion atomic clock to operate in space. Launched in 2019, NASA’s Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) has operated for more than 12 months, demonstrating a short-term fractional frequency stability of between 1 and 2 x 10-13 at 1 second of averaging time (measured on the ground), a long-term stability of 3 x 10-15 at 23 days, and an estimated drift of 3.0(0.7) x 10-16 per day. Each of these exceeds current space clock performance by as much as an order of magnitude14,15,16. We found the DSAC clock to be particularly amenable to the space environment, having low sensitivities to variations in radiation, temperature, and magnetic fields, and we were able to characterize these in detail. This level of space clock performance will enable new types of space navigation. In particular, the DSAC mission has demonstrated a process called one-way navigation whereby signal delay times are measured in-situ making near-real-time deep space probe navigation possible17.