bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircEpc1 Promotes Ricin Toxin-Induced Inflammation Via Activation of NF-κB And MAPK Signaling Pathways By Sponging miR-5114
Authors: Dong Mingxin , Zhang Xiaohao , Yu Haotian , Wang Yan , Chang Ying , Sun Chengbiao , Zhang Jianxu , Zhao Na , Yu Kaikai , Sun Guangchao , Zhao Guiru , Xu Na , Liu Wensen
Published: August 2021

Background: Increasing studies have concentrated on investigating circular RNAs (circRNAs) as pivotal regulators in the progression of numerous diseases and biological processes and abundant evidence shows that circRNAs are participated in the regulation of innate immune responses. Several studies showed that Ricin Toxin (RT) could induce inflammatory injury. There was no research on the particular functions and underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in RT-induced inflammation. Results: In this study, RNA sequencing performed on RT-treated and normal RAW264.7 macrophage cells was used to investigated the differentially expressed circRNAs. Based on the dataset, the expression of circEpc1 (mmu_circ_0000842) was identified higher in RT-treated cells. Moreover, gain-and-loss function assays showed that circEpc1 function as a promoter in RT-induced inflammation in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, circEpc1 acted as a miR-5114 sponge to relieve the suppressive effect of miR-5114 on its target NOD2 and thereby activating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusions: Our results illuminated a link between RT-induced inflammation and the circEpc1 regulatory loop and provided novel insight into the functions of circRNA in innate immune, which may emerge as a potential target in immunotherapy to control the RT-induced inflammatory injury.
Comparison of Different Leaf Preservation Methods To Obtain High Quality DNA From Enset (Ensete Ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman), A Native And Orphan Food Security Crop In Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Alye Tefera , Johnsen Sylvia Sagen , Kovi Mallikarjuna Rao , Hvoslef-Eide Trine , Tesfaye Bizuayehu , Rognli Odd Arne
Published: August 2021

Background: Enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) is a staple food for more than 20 million Ethiopians and only cultivated in the native indigenous farming systems of Ethiopia. In contrast to other cultivated species in the Musaceae family, enset has been relatively little studied at the molecular level. Application of advanced molecular genetic techniques requires rapid extraction of DNA of high quality and quantity. Fresh, lyophilized tissues, as well as tissues stored in liquid nitrogen are mainly preferred to avoid DNA degradation, thus most of the DNA extraction protocols recommend these types of tissues as starting material. However, such sample processing techniques are difficult to utilize in many developing countries and at collection sites of many endemic plant species, underutilized or orphan crop species like enset. These situations necessitate the development of alternative protocols for leaf preservation and optimized methods for isolating high-quality DNA from dried or preserved leaf samples. Results: In this study, three different leaf preservation and two DNA extraction methods were compared. Fresh young leaf tissue was preserved using the minor modified saturated NaCl-CTAB solution, silica gel or 96% ethanol at ambient temperature for more than 35 days. Subsequently, DNA was extracted using either the DNeasy Plant Mini Kit or the CTAB method. As compared to silica gel and 96% ethanol, the minor modified saturated NaCl-CTAB solution preserved the quality, quantity, and integrity of enset genomic DNA. This method consistently produced genomic DNA of high-quality and quantity at affordable cost. The DNeasy Plant Mini Kit method was found to be more efficient than the standard CTAB method, being faster and producing genomic DNA of higher quality. Conclusions: Using saturated NaCl-CTAB solution is an accessible, efficient, scalable, and inexpensive way to preserve enset leaves during collection and transportation. The preservation protocol was validated for leaf tissues of all cultivated and wild enset, and Entada landraces. Genomic DNA of high quality and quantity was obtained from preserved enset leaves, which can be used for further downstream applications including PCR and sequencing.
Biosemiotics and The Identification of Species-Specific Morphological Characters in The Spider Dysdera Erythrina (Araneae: Dysderidae)
Authors: Schult Joachim , Preik Onno A. , Kirschner Stefan , Friedrich Frank
Published: August 2021

A biosemiotic approach of interpreting morphological data is apt to reveal morphological traits whose key role in intraspecific communication processes, such as specific mate recognition, has been overlooked so far. Certain genital structures of the haplogyne spider Dysdera erythrina (Walckenaer, 1802) serve as an example. In Dysdera erythrina the semi-circular sclerite at the tip of the male’s bulb fits exactly into the anterior diverticulum of the female’s endogyne. From the viewpoint of biosemiotics, which studies the production and interpretation of signs and codes in living systems, these structures are considered the morphological zones of an intraspecific communication process which forms one of the necessary prerequisites for sperm transfer and achievement of fertilisation. Thus, a biosemiotics-based species delimitation approach with its peculiar form of evaluation of morphological structures yields new insights for the multidisciplinary undertaking of modern integrative taxonomy.
High Pretreatment Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Values are Associated with Diminished Short-term Success After Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis Procedure
Authors: SOMAY EFSUN , YILMAZ BUSRA
Published: August 2021

Background

To retrospectively assess the significance of the pretreatment systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in predicting the success of temporomandibular joint arthrocentesis (TMJA) at 1-week, 1- month, and 6-month time points.
Methods

A sum of 136 patients with disc displacement without reduction (DDwo-red) who underwent TMJA was included. For each patient, pre-TMJA SII was calculated as; SII = Platelets × neutrophils/lymphocytes. The success criteria of TMJA included MMO > 35 mm and VAS ≤ 3. The optimal pre-TMJA SII cutoff that predicts TMJA success was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The primary endpoint was the link between the pre-treatment SII and TMJA success.
Results

The median pre-TMJA jaw locking duration, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and visual analog score (VAS) were 7 days, 24 mm, and 8, respectively. The overall TMJA success rates were determined as 80.1%, 91.9%, and 69.1% at 1-week, 1-month, and 6-months, respectively. The results of ROC curve analysis exhibited the optimal SII cutoff at 526 (AUC:67.4%; sensitivity:66.7%; specificity:64.2%) that grouped the patients into two subgroups: Group 1: SII ≤ 526(N = 81) and SII > 526(N = 55), respectively. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a strong inverse relationship between the pretreatment SII values and the success of TMJA 1-week (rs: -0.83; P = 0.008) and 1-month, (rs:-0.89; p = 0.03). Comparative analyses displayed that TMJA success rates at 1-week (87.7% versus 69.1%; P = 0.008) and 1-month (96.2% versus 80%; p = 0.03) were significantly higher in the SII ≤ 526 than SII > 526 group, respectively, while the 6-month results favored the SII ≤ 526 group with a trend approaching significance (p = 0.084).
Conclusion

The current study's findings suggested the SII as a unique independent prognostic biomarker that accurately predicts treatment outcomes for up to 6 months.
Trial registration:

The results of this research were retrospectively registered.
Adolescents’ proxy reports on obesity-related parenting practices: Factorial validity and reliability across four behavioral domains
Authors: Fuligni Gabriel L , Gonzalez Christopher J , Figueroa Roger
Published: August 2021

Background

Energy-balance behaviors are precursors to obesity shaped by the practices or strategies that many parents implement. Although key stakeholders to their families, adolescents are rarely considered to report on these obesity-related parenting practices. The aim of this study is to assess the factorial and predictive validity of adolescents’ proxy-report of parents’ obesity-related parenting across four behavioral domains.
Methods

This study used data from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study. This study tests whether adolescents’ proxy reports about their parents’ obesity-related parenting are significantly associated with parents’ responses on their own obesity-related parenting, as well as whether these reports are significantly associated to parent-adolescent energy-balance behaviors. Factorial validity was assessed using linear regression and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), whereas predictive validity was assessed using Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling (APIM).
Results

Regression results indicated that adolescents’ proxy report is significantly associated with parents’ report of their own parenting in all four domains (β = .59 − .71; p < 0.05). CFA results indicated a final factor structure that loaded significantly onto hypothesized obesity-related parenting domains (β > .30) in both adolescents and parents. APIM results indicated that both parent- (β = .32; p < 0.05) and adolescent-(β = .21; p < 0.05) reported obesity parenting for fruit and vegetable consumption were associated with their own fruit and vegetable intake. In addition, adolescent-reported physical activity parenting was significantly associated with adolescent physical activity (β = 0.23; p < 0.05). Regarding partner effects, only parent-reported parenting for fruit and vegetable consumption were significantly associated with adolescent intake of fruit and vegetables (β = 0.15, p < 0.05) and adolescent-reported physical activity parenting was significantly associated with parental physical activity (β = 0.16, p < 0.05). Neither adolescent nor parent reported parenting were significantly associated with screen time or junk food intake outcomes. Each final obesity-related parenting scale had good internal consistency (a = .74-.85).
Conclusions

We found that adolescent- and parent-reported obesity-related parenting were significantly associated, while adolescent-reported parenting were more influential of fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity than parent-reported parenting. These findings suggest that adolescent proxy reports may be a valid source of information on obesity-related parenting.
Multiple Regression Analysis of the Number of users of Nurseries for Children with Mild Illness and Trends in Common Infectious Diseases before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hiroshima, Japan
Authors: Ehara Akira
Published: August 2021

Background: Most Japanese daycare centers do not accept ill children, even if they only have minor symptoms. Nurseries for children with mild illness have been developed (mostly in urban areas), but use of these nurseries dropped sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are two possible reasons for this decrease: efforts to prevent COVID-19 infection reduced common infectious diseases in children and eliminated the need for these nurseries, or parents refrained from using these nurseries because they feared a COVID-19 outbreak. This study aimed to clarify the reason for the decreased use of these nurseries. Methods: Data on trends in common infectious diseases reported by sentinel medical facilities to public health centers in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan from January 2018 to March 2021 were provided by the Hiroshima CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). The number of monthly users of nurseries for children with mild illness in the 23 municipalities in Hiroshima Prefecture over the same period was obtained by a questionnaire survey. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the association between the numbers of nursery users and common infectious diseases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: The regression coefficient between the number of users of these nurseries and number of common infectious diseases did not change between before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, except for an increase in intercept during the pandemic.Conclusions: The decreased number of children with mild illnesses using nurseries during the COVID-19 pandemic was related to the decrease in common infectious diseases, and not to parents refraining from using nurseries because they feared a COVID-19 outbreak. Many parents may still have wished to use nurseries for children with mild illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tongxinluo Boosts the Effect of Atorvastatin in Treatment of Atherosclerosis With COPD by Maintaining the Pulmonary Microvascular Barrier
Authors: Kuang Xiangnan , Wang Yafen , Chang Liping , Yin Yujie , Li Zhen , Liu Yi , Li Wenyan , Hou Yunlong , Wang Hongtao , Liang Junqing , Jia Zhenhua
Published: August 2021

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the main cause of death in patients with COPD. Systemic inflammation is a significant mechanism of COPD with AS. The dysfunction of pulmonary microvascular barrier is involved in the formation of chronic inflammation in COPD, and its functional disruption will induce systemic inflammation. Atorvastatin (Ato) is a common medicine for the treatment of AS; however, the effect is not ideal for COPD combined with AS. Tongxinluo (TXL) improves the function of vascular endothelial cells. This study aims to prove that the impairment of pulmonary microvascular barrier function participated in the process of COPD aggravating AS and investigated whether TXL enhances the therapeutic effect of Ato on COPD with AS by protecting the pulmonary microvascular endothelial barrier function. Methods: In vivo, the COPD with AS model of ApoE-/- mice was established by cigarette smoke combined with a high-fat diet. The animals were administered TXL (1.5 g/kg/day), Ato (10 mg/kg/day), and TXL+Ato once a day for 20 weeks. Then, lung function, lung microvascular permeability, lung inflammation, systemic inflammation, serum lipid level, atheromatous plaque formation, and the biomarker of endothelial damage were measured. In vitro, human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) were pretreated with TXL for 6 h and incubated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) for 24 h to establish a model of CSE-induced pulmonary microvascular barrier dysfunction. The permeability of the endothelial monolayer, inflammatory cytokines, endothelial damage biomarkers, tight junction proteins were determined. Results: Cigarette smoking significantly exacerbated, which induced by high fat diet, the pulmonary function decline, pulmonary microvascular endothelial barrier dysfunction, pulmonary and systemic inflammation, and atherosclerotic plaque. These changes were reversed by TXL-Ato combination; the combination therapeutic effect was better than that of Ato alone. In addition, TXL protected the function of HPMEC barrier and inhibited the inflammation in CSE-induced HPMECs.Conclusions: COPD aggravates AS, the mechanism may be the destruction of pulmonary microvascular barrier function and thus lung inflammation triggers systemic inflammation. In treating COPD with AS, TXL enhances the anti-AS effect of Ato protecting the pulmonary microvascular barrier.
Induction of Mitosis Delay And Apoptosis By RTA 404 In Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Tsai Tai-Hsin , Lieu Ann-Shung , Huang Tzuu-Yuan , Kwan Aij-Lie , Lin Chih-Lung , Hsu Yi-Chiang
Published: August 2021

Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the vicious malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite advances multi-disciplinary treatment, GBM constinues to have a poor overall survival.CDDO-trifluoroethyl-amide, a trifluoroethylamidederivative of CDDO, is an Nrf2/ARE pathway activator. RTA 404 is used to inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation and apoptosis in glioma cells. However, it not clear what effect it may have on tumorigenesis in GBM.MethodsThis in vitro study evaluated the effects of RTA 404 on GBM cells. To do this, we treated GBM8401 cell lines with RTA 404 and assessed apoptosis, cell cycle. DNA content and induction of apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry and protein expression by Western blot analysis.ResultsRTA 404 significantly inhibited the proliferation induced cell apoptosis on GBM 8401 cell line. Typical plasma membrane undergoes structural changes that cause translocation of phosphatidylserine from the inside to outside. Due to cell external pressure cause mitochondrial membrane potential change lead to cell apoptosis. Caspase-3 active respond to apoptosis phenomenon, continuous progression of apoptosis.In addition, treatment with RTA 404 led to an accumulation of G2/M-phase cells. An analysis of Cyclin B1, CDK1 and Cyclin B1/CDK1 complex association suggested that cell cycle progression seems also to be regulated by RTA 404. Therefore, RTA 404 may not only induced cell cycle G2/M arrest, it may also exert apoptosis in established GBM cells. ConclusionRTA 404 can inhibit proliferation, cell cycle progression and induce apoptosis in GBM cells in vitro, possibly though its inhibition of Cyclin B1, CDK1 expression, and Cyclin B1/CDK1 association.
Axial Myopia, A Protective Factor for Diabetic Retinopathy-Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Kulshrestha Ashish , Singh Nirbhai , Moharana Bruttendu , Gupta Parul Chawla , Ram Jagat , Singh Ramandeep
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE

Long axial length is one of the ocular protective factors in development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this study we examined the effect of axial length (AL) on aqueous humor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with diabetes mellitus with or without DR.
METHODS

Forty-eight eyes of 48 participants were divided into three groups of 16 each. Group A consisted of non-diabetic patients, Group B had diabetic patients without DR, and Group C had diabetic patients with treatment-naive non-proliferative DR (NPDR). The groups were further subdivided based on axial lengths i.e., AL ≤ 23.30 mm (A1, B1, C1) and AL > 23.30 mm (A2, B2, C2). Undiluted aqueous humor was obtained during cataract surgery to measure the VEGF levels.
RESULTS

We observed significant decrease in VEGF concentration in patients with AL ≥ 23.30 mm as compared with AL ≤ 23.30 mm in non-diabetic as well as diabetic patients. As the eye elongates, there is less secretion of VEGF in non-diabetics as well in diabetics with or without DR.
CONCLUSION

Our findings strengthened the concept that an increase in AL leads to less VEGF in diabetic eyes, thus leading to less severe DR changes.
An Adaptive Hybrid Routing Scheme For Energy Management In Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kocherla Raviteja , M Chandra sekhar , Vatambeti Ramesh
Published: August 2021

In Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) the life time of nodes and energy management are important issues, because the nodes in WSN required more energy when it is used in different applications. On the other hand, unstable energy consumption among intermediate nodes tends to huge data loss. To address this problem the present research introduced a novel Hybrid Gossip Grey Wolf Ant lion (HGGW-AL) protocol to afford an efficient and better transmission channel. Here, the fitness of grey wolf and ant lion helps to categorize the energy drained node and also, to predict the malicious activities. Furthermore, the novel Rest Awake (RA) is initialized to process the clustering strategy to maintain the residual energy in WSN. Moreover, it enhances the energy level of sensor nodes by increasing its lifetime. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed strategy is compared with the existing works and achieved better performance by reducing the energy consumption of each sensor node.
Preseptal and Orbital Cellulitis: Thirteen Years of Experience and a Novel Scoring System (SNIPPED Score) for Differentiation
Authors: Yalçınkaya Rumeysa , Tanır Gönül , Özdem Suna , Polat Meltem , Şen Zeynep Savaş , Cinni Rüveyda Gümüşer , Sezen Aslıhan Yüce , Öz Fatma Nur
Published: August 2021

We aimed to evaluate clinical and laboratory characteristics of children with preseptal cellulitis (PC) or orbital cellulitis (OC) and to determine whether easily-accessible parameters could be used to predict OC. The data of children diagnosed with PC or OC between January 2008 and December 2020 were evaluated. Patients aged between 1 month and 18 years who were treated with intravenous antibiotics were included. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify possible parameters in differentiating between PC and OC. A beta coefficient-based method was used to derive the scoring system. A total of 375 patients [202 (53.9%) boys], of whom 35 (9.3%) had OC, were evaluated. Median age was 44 (min-max: 1-192) months. Compared to those with PC, patients with OC were older (p = 0.001), had fever and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms more frequently, and demonstrated prolonged symptom and hospitalization times (p˂0.001 for all). Significant differences between groups were observed for numerous parameters; however, logistic regression analysis revealed only five parameters independently associated with OC. The SNIPPED score variables and weights were as follows: sinusitis (2 points), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio > 6.78 (3 points), platelet count > 420.5 x103/mm3 (2 points), proptosis (4 points) and duration of symptoms ≥ 4 days (4 points). A cut-off of ≥ 7 points for OC diagnosis was found to have 91.4% sensitivity, 96.2% specificity, 71.1% PPV, 99.1% NPV and 95.7% accuracy. Conclusion: In addition to showing previously known properties of OC versus PC, our study demonstrated that easily-accessible parameters could be used for the identification of OC.
Analysis of COVID-19 Test Positivity Rate in West Sumatra, Indonesia: A Cross-sectional Study of One-year Observation
Authors: Putra Syandrez Prima , Lailani Mutia , Mahata Liganda Endo , Rezvi SM , Putra Andani Eka
Published: August 2021

Background: The test positivity rate (TPR) of COVID-19 is an epidemiological indicator used to estimate SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a population at a certain time. However, large data analysis on the TPR in Indonesia is still limited. In this study, we determined COVID-19 TPR dynamics of Indonesian West Sumatra Province in the first year of cases were recorded.Method: We conducted an observational study with a cross-sectional approach from one-year secondary data of COVID-19 test using qualitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR) in West Sumatra collected from April 2020 until March 2021. The TPR(s) in the province, its regions (cities/ regencies), and districts were determined annually, quarterly, and monthly to analyze their trends.Results: From a total of 410,424 individuals taking COVID-19 q-RT-PCR examination during one-year observation, the provincial TPR was 8.11%. The highest TPR quarterly and monthly was detected in the third quarter (October 2020 – December 2020, 12.18%) and October 2020 (15.62%) respectively. The TPR of cities was likely two times higher than regencies. There were significant differences in annual TPR between regions, districts, and any period of times detected in this study.Conclusion: We have shown the COVID-19 q-RT-PCR TPR dynamics to describe SARS-CoV-2 transmission control among different areas in West Sumatra. This study should be beneficial to ensure an effective COVID-19 preventive strategy in the future.
Subthreshold Current Modeling of Stacked Dielectric Triple Material Cylindrical Gate All Around (SD-TM-CGAA) Junctioless MOSFET For Low Power Applications
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Vashisht Munish , Gupta Neeraj , Gupta Rashmi
Published: August 2021

Stacked Dielectric Triple Material Cylindrical Gate All Around (SD-TM-CGAA) Junctioless MOSFET has been explored for low power applications. This paper presents an analytical model of subthreshold current of Stacked Dielectric Triple Material Cylindrical Gate All Around (SD-TM-CGAA) Junctioless MOSFET. The analytical results were compared with TMSG MOSFET and good agreement was obtained. The sub-threshold current of the device is very low and consider for the implementation of CMOS inverter. A PMOS transistor is designed and the drive current of the PMOS transistor is tuned with the NMOS device to obtain the ideal matching in the drive current. A CMOS inverter has been designed. The transient and DC behavior of the device have been examined. The power dissipation of the CMOS inverter has been computed and compared with CMOS DMG-SOI JLT inverter. The power dissipation is 5 times less in proposed device as compared to CMOS DMG-SOI JLT inverter. This exhibits an excellent improvement in power dissipation which is useful for making low power future generation devices.
NDRG1 Targets TAF15 to Promote Endothelial Dysfunction and Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Li Chengwei , Dong Liang , Zhu Ning , Zhang Xiujuan , Yiminniyaze Ruzetuoheti , Wumaier Gulinuer , Wei Xiaomin , Li Jing , Lv Junzhu , Xia Jingwen , Li Shuanghui , Zeng Yuzhen , Wang Jing , Zhou Daibing , Li Shengqing
Published: August 2021

Background: The mechanism underlying vascular remodeling of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is not fully elucidated. We hypothesized that hypoxia promotes expression of N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAECs), which in turn leads to endothelial dysfunction and contributing to HPH. Methods: Lung samples were obtained from qualified patients and HPH rat models. Quantitative polymerase chain reactions, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of NDRG1. EdU incorporation assays, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, transwell migration assays, and matrigel assays were conducted to detect the role of NDRG1 in HPACE function in vitro. HPH models were established in SD rats and were treated with plasmids expressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to silence NDRG1. The candidate binding partner(s) of NDRG1 was screened and validated via co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining. Results: NDRG1 is up-regulated by hypoxia in a time-dependent manner in HPAECs. Expression of NDRG1 was increased in lung tissues of HPH patient and rat model. In vitro, silencing NDRG1 attenuated proliferation, migration and tube formation of HPAECs under hypoxia, while NDRG1 over-expression promoted these behaviors of HPAECs in normoxia. NDRG1 knock-down alleviated vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy in rat models of HPH. NDRG1 can directly interact with TATA-box binding protein associated factor 15 (TAF15) and promote its nuclear localization. Bioinformatics study found that Notch1 signaling was downstream of TAF15 in endothelial cells. TAF15 can promote HPAECs dysfunction via binding to Notch1 promoter region and subsequently increasing Notch1 expression. Conclusions: Taken together, hypoxia-induced up-regulation of NDRG1 contributes to endothelial dysfunction and HPH development through TAF15 upregulation of Notch1, suggesting the applicability of targeting NDRG1 in clinical treatment of HPH.
Analysis of Oral Microbiome on Temporary Anchorage Devices Under Different Oral Hygiene Conditions
Authors: Zhao Ningrui , Zhang Qian , Guo Yanning , Cui Shengjie , Tian Yajing , Zhou Yanheng , Wang Xuedong
Published: August 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitor Use On Survival of Patients With Colorectal Cancer. A Study of a Racially Diverse Population
Authors: Obeidat Adham E , Monti Gabriel , Choi Horyun , Acoba Jared
Published: August 2021

PurposeProton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is increasing in the general population. Chronic PPI use can lead to hypergastrinemia, which has been purported to increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Several studies have failed to report any association between PPI use and the risk of CRC. However, little is known about the effect of PPI use on CRC survival. In this retrospective analysis, we studied the effect of PPI use on CRC survival in a racially diverse population.MethodsData were abstracted for 1050 consecutive patients diagnosed with CRC from January 2007 to December 2020. Kaplan-Meier curve was created to study the effect of PPI exposure compared to no exposure on overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate predictors of survival.ResultsComplete data were available for 750 patients with CRC, 52.5% were males, 22.7% Whites, 60.1% Asians, and 17.2% Pacific-Islanders. 25.6% of patients had a history of PPI use. Moreover, 79.2% had hypertension, 68.8% had hyperlipidemia, 38.0% had diabetes mellitus and 30.2% had kidney disease.There was no difference in median OS among PPI users compared to non-users, p value= 0.4. Age, grade, and stage were predictors of inferior OS. No significant association was noticed with gender, race, comorbidities, or treatment with chemotherapy.ConclusionIn this retrospective analysis of a racially diverse population of CRC patients, we found that PPI use was not associated with worse OS. Until high quality prospective data are available, physicians should not stop PPIs that are clinically indicated.
Mediating Role of The Default Mode Network On Parental Acceptance/Warmth and Psychopathology in Youth
Authors: Davis Kaley , Hirsch Emily , Gee Dylan , Andover Margaret , Roy Amy Krain
Published: August 2021

Humans are reliant on their caregivers for an extended period of time, offering numerous opportunities for environmental factors, such as parental attitudes and behaviors, to impact brain development. The default mode network is a neural system encompassing the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and temporo-parietal junction, which is implicated in aspects of cognition and psychopathology. Delayed default mode network maturation in children and adolescents has been associated with greater general dimensional psychopathology, and positive parenting behaviors have been suggested to serve as protective mechanisms against atypical default mode network development. The current study aimed to extend the existing research by examining whether within- default mode network resting-state functional connectivity would mediate the relation between parental acceptance/warmth and youth psychopathology. Data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study, which included a community sample of 9,058 children ages 9-10.9 years, were analyzed to test this prediction. Results from the analysis demonstrated a significant mediation, where greater parental acceptance/warmth predicted greater within- default mode network resting-state functional connectivity, which in turn predicted lower psychopathology. Our study provides preliminary support for the notion that positive parenting traits may reduce the risk for psychopathology in youth through their influence on the default mode network. Due to the cross-sectional nature of this study, we can only draw correlational inference; therefore, these relationships should be tested longitudinally in future investigations.
Effect of Progesterone Therapy In Traumatic Subarachinoid Haemorrhage On Clinical Outcome, Resistive Vascular Indices of Middle Cerebral Artery Transcranial Doppler And Thromboelastometry. A Promising Layout.
Authors: Raouf Mina M. , Ismaeel Tamer Alzaeem , Hanna George Abdel Shaheed
Published: August 2021

Rationale . Recent evidence questions for a safe approach to resuscitate population with traumatic sub-arachinoid hemorrhage (tSAH). Progesterone neuro-protective actions are a matter of debate among literatures. This was the epitome of the current research. Primary outcome was to investigate progesterone actions on cerebral blood flow velocimetry using trans-cranial doppler and on visco-elastic properties of the coagulation and fibrinolytic system by rotational thrombo-elastometry (ROTEM) scanning. Secondary outcome were tracking mortality rate and length of ICU stay. Methods. The current research was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled mono-centeric study. Three hundred thirty two (332) adult patients of both sexes aged 25–60 years, recruited with solo tSAH (no other intra- axial lesions) admitted to Minia university hospital, neuro-critical care floor one. Exclusion criteria included poly-trauma patients (accompanying bone fractures or surgical abdomen), Glasgow coma scale less than 8, red blood cell transfusion during the first 6 hours after admission, hematochrit value > 50%, history of deep venous thrombosis. Two groups were designed, Control group and Progesterone (PR) group. PR group received 100 mg (2ml) intramuscular seven days once daily from hospital admission, while Control group received intramuscular isotonic saline (2ml) daily for seven days as a placebo. Trans-cranial doppler was performed on admission, two days and seven days post-admission. ROTEM exploited on admission and seven days after admission.ResultsProgesterone ameliorated hyperfibrinolysis ( prolong LYS 30 min.) of ROTEM scanning but no other impact on other parameters. Progesterone statistically dampened resistive vascular indices namely pulsatality index (P value =0.001, 0.003) and resistive index (P value=0.001,0.003) but no effect on mean flow velocity of bilateral middle cerebral artery scanning, Progesterone also shortened ICU stay. Conclusions.Progesterone can offer neuronal protection in patients with tSAH by impeding over-fibrinolytic activation .Registration number. (NCT04426487) on clinical trial.gov.Date of registration. Eight of June 2020. Institutional review board. (625/4-2020).
Metformin Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Liver Triglyceride Accumulation by LKB1/AMPK/ACC Pathway
Authors: Xie Fotian , Wang Dongmei , So Kwok Fai , Xiao Jia , Lv Yi
Published: August 2021

Background: Hepatic lipid accumulation is one of the main pathological features of alcoholic liver disease. Metformin is an AMPK activator that has been shown to have lipid lowering effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether metformin had a beneficial effect on lipid accumulation in the pathogenesis of ALD.Methods: AML12 cells and male C57BL/6 mice were used to establish ALD models in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The effects of metformin on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and ALD progression in mice were detected. The role of LKB1/AMPK/ACC axis in metformin against ethanol-induced lipid accumulation was evaluated by siRNA and AAV-shRNA interference.Results: Metformin reduced the ethanol-induced lipid accumulation in AML12 cells through activating AMPK/ACC and SREBP1c and inhibiting PPARα. In addition, compared with control mice, metformin treatment inhibited ethanol-induced liver adipose accumulation and the increase of ALT and AST in serum. Interference with LKB1 attenuated the effect of metformin on ethanol-induced lipid accumulation both in vitro and in vivo.Conclusion: Metformin protects against lipid formation in ALD by activating LKB1/AMPK/ACC axis. Thus, metformin has therapeutic potential for the prevention of ALD.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Activated by Rapid Response Team Who Transferred to the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Lee Song-I , Koh Jeong suk , Kim Yoon-joo , Kang Da Hyun , Lee Jeong Eun
Published: August 2021

Background:The utilization of a Rapid response team (RRT) has influenced patient’s clinical outcomes in the general ward. However, characteristics of RRT-screened patients admitted in the ward or transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate these factors.Methods:We conducted a retrospective study using patient’s data in a tertiary medical center in Korea between January 2016 and December 2017. Results: Total 1,096 patients were included; 389 patients were transferred to the ICU, and 707 patients stayed in the ward. The ICU group was more likely to be admitted for medical reasons, hepatobiliary disease, and high heart rate. More interventions were performed, hospital stays were longer, and 28-day and in-hospital mortality were higher in the ICU group. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the risk factors affecting ICU admission were Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and National Early Warning Score (NEWS), platelet and lactate level. Transfer to the ICU was not associated with in-hospital mortality.Conclusions: Among RRT-activated patients, those with higher SOFA, NEWS scores, and lactate levels were more likely to transfer to the ICU. Therefore, these patients should be closely monitored and considered for ICU transfer.
Estimating the Prevalence of Asymptomatic Malaria Parasite Carriage in Southern Ghana: Utility of Molecular and Serological Diagnostic Tools
Authors: Abagna Hamza Bukari , Rodgier Eric , Lo Aminata Colle , Abukari Zakaria , Allen Sophie , Gyan Ben , Aidoo Michael , Amoah Linda E
Published: August 2021

Background. Asymptomatic malaria infections can serve as potential reservoirs for malaria transmission. These infections range from microscopic to submicroscopic densities, making an accurate estimation of asymptomatic parasite carriage highly dependent on the sensitivity of the tool used for the diagnosis. This study sought to evaluate the sensitivities of a variety of molecular and serological diagnostic tool at determining the prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum parasite infections in two communities of varying malaria parasite prevalence.Methods. Whole blood from 194 afebrile participants aged between 6- and 70-years old living in a high (Obom) and a low (Asutsuare) malaria transmission setting of Ghana was used in this study. Thick and thin blood smears, an HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and filter paper dried blood spots (DBS) were prepared from each blood sample. Genomic DNA was extracted from the remaining blood and used in Plasmodium specific photo-induced electron transfer polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR) and Nested PCR, whilst the HRP2 antigen content of the DBS was estimated using a bead immunoassay. Comparison of prevalence as determined by each method was performed.Results. Parasite prevalence in the high transmission site of Obom was estimated at 71.4%, 61.9%, 60%, 37.8% and 19.1% by Nested PCR, the HRP2 bead assay, PET-PCR, HRP2-RDT and microscopy respectively. Parasite prevalence in the low transmission site of Asutsuare was estimated at 50.1%, 11.2%, 5.6%, 0% and 2.2% by Nested PCR, the HRP2 bead assay, PET-PCR, RDT and microscopy respectively.Conclusions: Nested PCR exhibited the highest sensitivity by identifying the highest prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum in both the high and low parasite prevalence setting. However, parasite prevalence estimated by the HRP2 bead assay and PET-PCR had the highest level of inter-rater agreement relative to all the other tools tested and have the advantage of requiring fewer processing steps and producing quantitative results relative Nested PCR. These advantages make PET-PCR and the HRP2 bead assay very useful tools for estimating malaria parasite prevalence in community surveys in these settings.
Comprehensive Analysis of circRNA-associated Competing Endogenous RNA Networks and Immune Infiltration in Gastric Cancer
Authors: xu beibei , Zheng Endian , Huang Yi , Zheng Liang , Lan Qiaoli , Zhou Xiaolu , Geng Xiaoge , Wang Yanan , Wang Xiuyan , Pan Wensheng
Published: August 2021

BackgroundCircular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to be an important regulator in gastric cancer (GC). However, functions and regulatory mechanisms of circRNA-related competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in GC have not been established.MethodsCircRNA data and clinical data were downloaded from the GEO and TCGA databases. The ceRNA and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks were constructed through bioinformatics analysis. Function enrichment analysis was performed. Additionally, correlations between expression levels of the top 10 hub genes and immune cell infiltration levels, histopathological grade and clinical stage were determined to establish their clinical values. The differentially expressed circRNA (DEcircRNA) was validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).ResultsScreening of the GEO and TCGA databases revealed a total of 1627 DEcircRNAs, 6516 DEmRNAs, and 1451 DEmiRNAs. The ceRNA interaction network contained 2 circRNAs, 3 miRNAs and 55 mRNAs. Meanwhile, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed a total of 323 biological processes (BP) terms, 53 cellular components (CC) terms, 51 molecular functions (MF) terms, while the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed 4 signaling pathways. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis revealed that EPHA4, NCAM1 and NRXN1 were positively correlated with the axon guidan and adhesion molecules pathways. Most of top 10 hub genes were positively correlated with B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, Neutrophils and Dendritic Cell infiltration. Correlation analysis between hub genes and clinical phenotypes revealed that elevated expressions of EPHA4 and KCNA1 indicated poor tissue differentiation and were associated with clinically advanced stages of GC. The qRT-PCR results revealed that the expression of has_circ_0002504 was significantly down-regulated in 3 GC cell lines which was consistent with the results of our bioinformatics analysis.ConclusionsHas_circ_0001998 and has_circ_0002504 are potential diagnostic biomarkers for GC, and the high expressions of both EPHA4 and KCNA1 may predict poor prognosis.
Elevated CSF Neuron-specific Enolase Levels in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Als): A Useful Biomarker for Distinguishing ALS From Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Tsukahara Akihiro , Hosokawa Takafumi , Nishioka Daisuke , Kotani Takuya , Ishida Shimon , Takeuchi Tohru , Kimura Fumiharu , Arawaka Shigeki
Published: August 2021

The current study aimed to evaluate whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels are elevated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and are effective in distinguishing ALS from cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). We retrospectively evaluated 45 patients with ALS, 23 with CSM, and 28 controls who underwent analysis of CSF NSE levels. The control group comprised patients aged above 45 years who underwent lumbar puncture because of suspected neurological disorders that were ruled out after extensive investigations. CSF NSE levels were evaluated using the electro-chemiluminescent immunoassay. The ALS group had significantly higher CSF NSE levels than the CSM and control groups (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). The CSM and control groups did not significantly differ in terms of CSF NSE levels. A receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic value of CSF NSE levels in distinguishing ALS from CSM. The area under the curve for CSF NSE levels was 0.86. The optimal cutoff value was 17.7 ng/mL, with a specificity of 87% and a sensitivity of 80%. Hence, CSF NSE levels are elevated in ALS and are effective in distinguishing ALS from CSM.
Vapor−Liquid Equilibrium For The Mixture of m-Xylene, Ethylbenzene and 1, 2, 4-Trichlorobenzene at 101.3 kPa
Authors: Li Min , Yu Yingmin , Liu Lanmu , Li Jun , Song Yuhe
Published: August 2021

The vapor-liquid phase equilibrium (VLE) data for binary systems of m-xylene + ethylbenzene, m-xylene + 1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene, ethylbenzene + 1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene and ternary system of m-xylene + ethylbenzene + 1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene were determined with a modified Rose still at 101.3 kPa, and all the binary data passed the Wisniak’s test, which accorded with the thermodynamic consistency. Three activity coefficient models namely, Wilson, NRTL and UNIQUAC were used to correlate VLE data and get binary interaction parameters, then the ternary VLE data of m-xylene + ethylbenzene + 1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene were estimated based on these model parameters using Aspen Plus software. The estimation values of the three models agree well with the experimental data. Moreover, the effect of 1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene was analyzed, and it found to be an effective candidate extractant for the extractive distillation of ethylbenzene from mixed xylenes.
Interplay of Sphingosine1 phosphate, Adiponectin and Sex Hormones with Gender disparity among patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: matta ragaa abdelshaheed , shatat mohamed , Sedik Mahmoud Mahrous , Elela Mostafa Ahmed EL Sayed Abu
Published: August 2021

Backgroundcirculating sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) showed oncogenic roles in various cancers. It showed conflict data in Hepatitis B virus- hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Adiponectin and sex hormones were contributing factors for gender disparity in HCC. Up to date, no clinical study among HCC patients addresses interplay of S1P, adiponectin and sex hormones that was described in experimental studies. The current study aimed to evaluate circulating SIP, adiponectin and sex hormones among sex stratified HCC subgroups and to assess gender disparity of theses parameters regarding HCC development and diagnosis, their interplay and association with clinic -morphological and staging of HCC.MethodWe measures serum S1P, adiponectin, testosterone (T), estradiol (E) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), calculated free and bioavailable T and E/T ratio among HCV – HCC group in comparing with comparable HCV- cirrhotic and healthy groups with their sex stratified male and female subgroupsResultsAmong all, male and female HCC patients, S1P was significant higher than corresponding cirrhotic and healthy subjects with cut off value ≥ 113ng/l as screening test (sensitivity 95%, specificity 56%) for HCC diagnosis. Compared to sex respective cirrhotic subgroups, male-HCC had significant higher SHBG and lower adiponectin and estradiol while opposite profile was observed among female-HCC. Female-HCC had significant higher SIP and adiponectin than male-HCC. Although S1P was positively correlated with adiponectin, testosterone and negatively with E/T ratio among male and female HCC, adiponectin was correlated negatively with testosterone and SHBG and positively with estradiol and E/T ratio among entire HCC group but reverse associations were observed in female (not- male) subgroup. Associations of large tumor size and higher T-class TNM staging with higher adiponectin and testosterone and lower E/T ratio and link of multiplicity with higher estradiol in females while association of higher testosterone among higher T-class TNM staging male were observed. Portal vein thrombosis was related to lower SHBG and higher testosterone in male and female respectively.ConclusionWe suggested S1P as screening test for diagnosis of HCC among HCV-cirrhotic and healthy subjects. There was gender disparity as regard association and interaction of S1P, adiponectin and sex hormone with respect of HCC development and its clinic-morphological features and staging.