bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The therapeutic potential and deleterious effect of glucocorticoids on AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer in mice
Authors: Pu Jun , Zhou Xinrui , Liu Jiaxin , Hou Peng , Ji Meiju
Published: March 2021

Background

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the effect of GCs on the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is largely undefined.
Methods

We first established azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced colorectal cancer and DSS-induced colitis in mice. Dexamethasone (DEX) was then administered at different periods of time to determine its effect on tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Moreover, body weight, stool property and fecal blood of mice were recorded. At the end of the study, the number and load of tumors were evaluated, and the expression of proteins associated with cell proliferation were measured. To evaluate the inflammation in colon, we detected the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα, and mucosal infiltration of inflammatory cells. Meanwhile, we also assessed the activity of MAPK/JNK pathway.
Results

AOM injection followed by three cycles of drinking water containing 1.5% DSS successfully induced multiple tumor formation in mouse colon and rectum. Both early and late DEX intervention suppressed tumor growth in mouse colorectum and significantly downregulated the expression of PCNA and cyclin D1. Meanwhile, DEX treatment significantly inhibited the TNFα production, mucosal infiltration of inflammatory cells and the activity of JNK pathway, which was more prominent in mice with early DEX intervention. However, DEX treatment deteriorated the general state of mouse manifested by greater loss of body weight and rectal bleeding.
Conclusions

Our data conclude that both early and late DEX intervention significantly ameliorate colonic inflammation and inhibit the development of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer, at least partly due to the inhibition of MAPK/JNK pathway. However, the deleterious effect on the general condition of mouse may limit the duration of GCs treatment.
Preoperative incidence and risk factors of deep vein thrombosis in patients with an isolated patella fracture
Authors: Yang Weijie , Wei Qun , Wang Haicheng , Li Chao , Ding Kai , Li Ming , Zhu Yanbin , Chen Wei
Published: March 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, location, and related factors of preoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with isolated patellar fractures.
Methods

Patients with an isolated patellar fracture, admitted between January 2013 and December 2019 at our institution, were retrospectively analyzed. Upon admission, patients underwent routine Doppler ultrasound scanning (DUS) of the bilateral lower extremities to detect DVT; those with DVT were assigned to the case group and those without DVT to the control group. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory test results upon admission were extracted. Differences between the two groups were evaluated using univariate analyses, and independent risk factors associated with DVT were identified by logistic regression analysis.
Results

During the study window, 827 patients were included, of whom 5.8% (48/827) were found to have preoperative DVT. Among those with DVT, 85.4% (41/48), 8.3 % (4/48), and 6.3% (3/48) occurred in the injured, non-injured, and bilateral lower extremities, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age (each increase of 1 year) (odds ratio, OR = 1.02), residential area (OR = 5.00), delay of injury to DUS (in each day, OR = 1.33), and elevated plasma D-dimer level (> 0.5 µg/mL, OR = 2.47) were independent risk factors associated with DVT.
Conclusions

Despite the low prevalence of DVT after an isolated patellar fracture, this study underscores the importance of identifying those with a high risk of DVT, especially those with multiple identifiable factors, as well as the early targeted use of thromboembolic agents, to reduce DVT occurrence.
CILP Inhibits Brain Metastasis by Meditating Mast Cells via the MAPK Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaolin , Zhou Xingguo , Feng Alei , Xu Gongwen , Wang Qiang , Li Qiang , Xu Linzong , Zhang Zhanyu , Liu Yingchao , Yang Zhe , Li Xiaomei
Published: March 2021

Background: Approximately 15–30% of patients with breast cancer (BRCA) eventually develop brain metastases (BMs) with high morbidity and mortality. Herein, we aimed to identify genes specific to breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) from an immune infiltration perspective.Methods: GSE100534 and GSE125989 were obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), then performed normalization using Rstudio and perl 5. We constructed a Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BMs sample compared with primary BRCA tissue. Then we performed GO and KEGG pathway analysis. The LinkedOmics and UALCAN analysis showed the expression of gene in BRCA. The Kaplan-Meier plotter database was used to evaluate the prognosis. The composition of significant tumor-infiltrating immune cells was assessed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed the correlation between CILP gene and immune cells in TCGA cohort and Timer database. Using GSEA analysis, we conducted to identify the potential pathways in BCBM.Results: The cartilage intermediate layer protein (CILP) was a late event in BRCA (stage III to IV) with poor prognosis (P< 0.05). LinkedOmics showed that the mRNA expression of CILP was down-regulated in advanced cancer (P< 0.05). Besides, UALCAN analysis showed that CILP expression was downregulated in HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer which were more prone to BMs (P< 0.05). CILP was the hub gene which was significantly associated with BCBM identified by WGCNA (R2=−0.6, P=3e-06). We found that the resting infiltration of mast cells in the BCBM group was significantly lower than that in the primary BRCA group (P= 0.01). In addition, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that the expression of CILP positively correlated with that of mast cells (P< 0.05). Finally, the FCERI-mediated MAPK activation (NES=2.1847, P=0, FDR=0.0031), which could regulate mast cell activity, were enriched in BCBM.Conclusions: CILP can influence the progression of BRCA favored for BMs through meditating mast cells via the MAPK signaling pathway.
Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Polymyxin B in the Treatment of Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative Bacterial Infections: a Real-world Multicenter Study
Authors: Zhang Xiaojuan , Qi Shaoyan , Duan Xiaoguang , Han Bing , Zhang Shuguang , Liu Shaohua , Wang Haixu , Zhang Haibo , Sun Tongwen
Published: March 2021

Background: High morbidity and mortality due to carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CR-GNB) has led to the resurgence of polymyxin B (PMB) use in the last decade. The aim of our multicenter, real-world study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PMB in the treatment of CR-GNB infections.Methods: The real-world study included patients treated with intravenous PMB for at least 7 days during the period of October 2018 through June 2019. Associations between these variables and 28-day mortality or all-cause hospital mortality were explored through univariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The study included 100 patients. Many patients presented with combined chronic conditions, septic shock, mechanical ventilation, and the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The mean duration of PMB therapy was 11 days (range 7–38 days). Temperature (38°C vs 37.1°C), white blood cells (14.13×109/L vs 9.28×109/L), C-reactive protein (103.55 ug/l vs 47.60 ug/l), procalcitonin (3.89 ng/ml vs 1.70 ng/ml) and APACHE Ⅱ levels (17.75 ± 7.69 vs 15.98 ± 7.95) were significantly decreased after PMB treatment. The bacteria eradication rate was 77.65%. The overall mortality at discharge was 15%, and 28-day mortality was 40%. Major adverse reactions occurred in 16 patients. Nephrotoxicity was observed in 7 patients (7%).Conclusions: Our results provide positive clinical and safety outcomes for PMB in the treatment of CR-GNB. Timely and appropriate use of PMB may be particularly useful in treating patients with sepsis in CR-GNB infections.
Making it normal for ‘new’ enrolments: Effect of institutional and pandemic influence on selecting an Engineering Institution under Covid-19 pandemic situation
Authors: Mahajan Prashant , Patil Vaishali
Published: March 2021

Covid-19 pandemic has enforced Indian engineering institutions (EIs) to bring their previously half-shut shades completely down. Fetching new admissions into EI campus during pandemic it has become ‘now or never’ situation for EIs. During crises situation institutions have struggled to come back on the normal track. The pandemic that has changed students’ behavior and family’s preferences drastically due to mental stress and emotional life attached with it. Consequently, it becomes prerequisite, and emergency need to examine the choice characteristics influencing selection of EI during Covid-19 pandemic situation. The purpose of this study is to critically examine institutional influence and pandemic influence due to Covid-19 that affects students’ choice about an engineering institution (EI) and consequently to explore relationships between institutional and pandemic influence. The findings of this quantitative research, conducted through a self-reported survey have revealed that institutional as well as pandemic influence have governed the EI choice under Covid-19 pandemic. Secondly, pandemic influence is positively affected by institutional influence. The study demonstrated that EIs will have to reposition themselves to normalize pandemic influence by tuning institutional characteristics that regulates situational influence and new enrollments. It can be yardstick for policy makers to attract new enrollments under pandemic situation.
Is routine gastroscopy/colonoscopy reasonable in patients with suspected ovarian cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Guochen , Yan Junping , Long Shanshan , Liu Zhimin , Gu Haifeng , Tu Hua , Li Jundong
Published: March 2021

Objective To evaluate the value of routine preoperative gastroscopy/colonoscopy in patients with suspected ovarian cancer for differential diagnosis and judgment of bowel resection.Methods All women diagnosed with suspected ovarian cancer who underwent gastroscopy/colonoscopy before surgery in our center were retrospectively identified. Gastroscopy/colonoscopy results and clinical pathology, imaging, and surgical findings were analyzed.Results 389 patients were included. Among them, 40 were ovarian metastasis. Compared with imaging, gastrointestinal endoscopy showed no statistical advantage in the specificity and sensitivity (99.4% vs. 99.7%, P = 1.0; 55.0% vs. 45.2%, P = 0.057; respectively). All patients with gastric/colonic cancer metastasize except for one had indicative imaging or tumor marker abnormalities. Three patients with colonic cancer metastases underwent optimal surgery and alive with no recurrence, the other 19 patients experienced palliative chemotherapy. There is no significant difference in the sensitivity of colonoscopy and imaging in predicting intestinal incision (61.5% vs. 43.8%, P = 0.804), whereas, the latter had higher specificity (87.8% vs. 74.3%, P = 0.001).Conclusions For patients with suspected ovarian cancer, the incidence of gastrointestinal metastases is low, routine gastroscopy/colonoscopy before treatment is less efficient. Gastroscopy/colonoscopy has limited power to predict the need for gastrointestinal resection before ovarian cancer surgery.
An Integrated Statistical-Graphical Approach for the Appraisal of the Natural Background Levels of Major Ions and Some Potentially Toxic Elements in the Groundwater of Urmia Aquifer, Iran
Authors: Amiri Vahab , Nakhaei Mohammad , Lak Razyeh , Li Peiyue
Published: March 2021

In this study, we attempted to calculate the Natural Background Level (NBL) for 19 selected chemical compounds in the Urmia aquifer, northwestern Iran. In this study, combined methods including pre-selection and statistical methods for determining NBL have been used. In the pre-selection method, the concentration of nitrate (NO3 ≥ 19.97 ppm) and chloride (Cl ≥ 200 ppm) were used as the main criteria to identify and eliminate samples affected by human activities. The selected concentration of nitrate is determined using the comparison of the results of various statistical and graphical evaluations including Quantile-Quantile plot (Q-Q plot), Box & Whisker plot (BW), Box & Whisker plot Iterative (BWI), Grubbs test, Mean and standard deviation (mean ± 2σ) (MSD), and median absolute deviation (MAD). After identifying the final data set, the NBL of the selected chemical compounds was calculated by two techniques including the Iterative 2σ technique (2σ) and calculated distribution function (CDF). Due to higher concentration relative to the reference values (REF), this study has focused on the calculation of NBL of SO4, F, As, Fe and Mn. Results showed that the upper limit of NBL calculated for these variables is about 125 ppm, 1 ppm, 8.5 ppb, 570 ppb, 80 ppb, respectively. Given that no study has been conducted to determine the NBL of chemical compounds in groundwater in Iran, the results of this study can be a roadmap for decision-makers and researchers to better manage this aquifer and other water resources in this country with limited freshwater resources.
A Novel Method for Evaluating Diversity of Stand Structure Based on Relationship of Adjacent Trees
Authors: ZHAO ZHONGHUA , Zhang Gongqiao , Liu Wenzhen , Hui Gangying , Zhang Ganggang , Yang Aiming
Published: March 2021

Background

Improving the diversity and complexity of stand structure is the basis for maintaining and increasing forest ecosystem biodiversity. Measures of stand structural diversity is important for predicting stand growth and evaluating forest management activities. Based on the relationship of adjacent trees, we present a new method for the quantitative analysis of stand structure diversity that allows comparison of stand structural heterogeneity between different stands and forest types and to quantify the impact of forest management on structural diversity.
Method:

The diversity of structural unit types was defined and then we derive a new index of forest structural diversity () according to the additivity principle of Shannon-Weiner index. The effectiveness and sensitivity to management were verified by sixteen field survey samples in different locations and six different simulated management datasets based on Pinus koraiensis broad-leaved forest survey sample.
Results

(1) The mountain rainforest in Hainan had the highest \({{S}^{\text{'}}}_{D}\) value at 5.287, followed by broad-leaved Korean pine forest in Jiaohe (2), Jiaohe (1) and oak broadleaved mixed natural forest in Xiaolongshan (2), with values of 5.144, 5.014 and 5.006, respectively. The \({{S}^{\text{'}}}_{D}\) values of plantations and natural pure forest were lower. (2) Different thinning methods and intensities reduced \({{S}^{\text{'}}}_{D}\) compared with no treatment and magnitude of the with the differences were greater as thinning intensity increased. The \({{S}^{\text{'}}}_{D}\) value of thinning from above decreased more than thinning from below at the same thinning intensity.
Conclusion
The\({{S}^{\text{'}}}_{D}\) well describes differences in stand structural diversity of different forest types and allows comparison of stand structural heterogeneity. It is also sensitive to forest management activities and to quantify the impact of forest management on structural diversity. The application of this new index \({{S}^{\text{'}}}_{D}\) could greatly facilitate forest management and monitoring.
Characterisation of carboxylate nanocrystal cellulose /silver nanoparticles from eucalyptus pulp and its antitumour activity
Authors: Jutakridsada Pasakorn , Theerakulpisut Somnuk , Sillanpää Mika , Kamwilaisak Khanita
Published: March 2021

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) has a high prospect in the biomedical field due to its favourable biocompatibility, stability, and modifiable properties, which render it potentially useful as a template for silver deposition nanoparticles (Ag NPs). In this research work, the aim was to prepare AgNPs on carboxylate nanocrystal cellulose (cCNC) in a minimised process and decrease the number of chemical reagents and with a stable anchor and controllable release Ag + by hydrothermal reaction. The controlled release of Ag+ was also determined. The anticancer activity of Ag-cCNC on HCT116 (Human colon cancer cells) and SK-MEL-2 (Human Skin Melanoma cells) were investigated. Silver nanoparticles were uniformly deposited onto cCNC with a 28.0% yield and a particle size of ∼15 nm. The release rate of silver ions was monitored for 32 days by ICOES analysis. It was found that Ag-cCNC induced silver ions to release slowly, which displayed a controllable release of silver ions with a rate of 0.1-0.2% per 2 days and a longterm release of 245 days. Also, Ag-cCNC showed anticancer activity against both HCT 116 (Human colon cancer cell) and SK-MEL-2 (Human Skin Melanoma cell) at 35±4.04% and 20±7.68% cell viability, respectively. Ag-cCNC showed promising higher 15% anticancer HCT 116 efficacy than cisplatin, but it was lower 18% in anticancer SK-MEL-2. This study provides a novel, sustainable, simple and straightforward way with environmentally friendly to produce and use natural composite material from Eucalyptus as an antitumour drug.
Growth of Multidimensional Zinc Oxide Nanorods Array for Enhanced UV Photoresponsivity
Authors: Yengantiwar Ashish , Banpurkar Arun G
Published: March 2021

Ultraviolet (UV) photosensitive device was fabricated using ZnO nanorod array on substrate with copper electrodes. Facile open aqueous solution deposition technique was used to grow the ZnO nanorods forming an electrical bridge between copper electrodes. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns was used to confirm the polycrystalline wurtzite ZnO phase and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques was employed to characterize the growth morphology of ZnO nanorods. A current-voltage (I-V) characterization in the dark exhibits the back-to-back diode characteristics. In the presence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, enhanced photo-response was reported wherein photocurrent increases by two orders of magnitude at 2 V bias. This enhancement is mainly due to lateral interfacial contacts between neighboring grain-boundary of the nanorods arrays.
A Novelty of Long Non-coding RNA LOXL1-AS1: Suppresses Tumor Progression and Metastasis and an Independent Favorable Prognostic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hendi Maher , Pan Yu , Kwabena Gyabaah Owusu-Ansah , Zhang Bin , Wang Yifan , Lv Jiemin , Cai Xiujun
Published: March 2021

Background: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the second primary causes of cancer death globally, And the sixth mostly common malignant liver tumor with poor clinical results. The long term survival of HCC patients was effected and influenced by the low rate of early diagnosis and high risk of recurrence and metastasis in post operative .Although the survival of HCC patients had improved due to improved diagnosis, In Addition Increasing amount of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been revealed to be implicated in the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC. The potential role of Loxl1-As1 in the progression and metastasis of HCC is still not clear and needs exploring and more researching.Methods: By using a lncRNA microarray, we identified a novelty of lncRNA Loxl1-As1 .The expression of lncRNA high downregulated in metastatic HCC (Loxl1-As1) in cell lines and tissues was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH).and CCK-8, colony formation and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the role of Loxl1-As1 in HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis in vitro and migration were investigated in HCC cell lines bot in vitro, Western blot was used to detect the downstream of Loxl1-As1.Results: Clinically investigation,Loxl1-As1 correlated with good and favorable prognosis of HCC patients. and Loxl1-As1 was down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. The ISH assay revealed that Loxl1-As1 expression was significantly decreased in 177 paraffin-embedded samples from patients with HCC compared with Non-tumor tissues (adjacent tissues )and Loxl1-as1 expression directly correlated with patient prognosis. In vitro studies indicated that Loxl1-as1 promoted HCC cells’ proliferation and clonogenicity, the expression of Loxl1-as1 suppressed the growth, migration, and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro .Conclusions: Collectively, Our findings reveal a novelty Loxl1-As1for HCC progression and these study demonstrated that Loxl1-As1, overexpressed in HCC and associated with good prognosis , and it’s an important role in the progression and metastasis of HCC. Finally we suggest that lncRNA Loxl1-As1 might be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC,
Analgesic Efficacy of Single-Shot Adductor Canal Block Before Versus After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Heller Snir , Shemesh Shai , Rukinglaz Oleg , Cohen Nir , Velkes Steven , Fein Shai
Published: March 2021

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with severe postoperative pain. Multimodal analgesia, including peripheral nerve block, is recommended for post-operative pain relief. Administration of some pain medications prior to surgery has shown to be more effective than after the operation. This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial designed to compare the analgesic efficacy of the adductor canal block (ACB) performed immediately before or immediately after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that ACB before the surgery will reduce postoperative pain and improve knee function.Methods: A total of 50 patients were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups, with 26 patients receiving a preoperative ACB and 24 receiving a postoperative ACB. Results: Treatment groups were similar in terms of gender (p=0.83), age (p=0.61) weight (p=0.39) and ASA score. Average visual analogue scale (VAS) on arrival to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) were 4.9±3.2 in the preoperative ACB versus 3.4±2.8 for the postoperative ACB (p=0.075). VAS scores at different time points as well as the mean, minimal and maximal reported VAS scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The cumulative quantities of Fentanyl administered by the anesthesia team was comparable between the groups. Similarly, the dosage of Morphine, Tramadol, Acetaminophen and Dipyrone showed only small variations. The Quality of Recovery Score, Knee Society Scores and knee range of motion did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate no significant differences in patient total narcotics consumption, pain scores and functional scores, between preoperative and postoperative ACB in patients undergoing TKA. Trial Registration: The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov and was assigned the registration number NCT02908711Level of Evidence: level I randomized controlled trial
Determinants of Women Participation in Income Generating Activities: Evidence From Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Abera , Woltamo Tesfaye , Abuto Aklilu
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to examine the major determinants and challenges of women's participation in income-generating activities focusing on rural women of Ethiopia's practical evidence. To carry out this study both primary and secondary data was collected and analyzed. Randomly selected 161 households were the source of primary data for this study. Secondary data was collected from the review of related works of literature. A binary logistic regression econometric model was implemented to identify major determinants of women's participation in income-generating activities. Women in the study area are not allowed by their husbands to participate in high-income earning activities. They are considered as a housewife and the only husband is expected to participate in high income-generating activities due to the local customs. As a result, some women participate in small business activities like livestock product sales, vegetable and fruit sell, poultry, petty trade, hairdressing, and wage labor. In the study area, women's participation in the income-generating activity is determined by age, husband’s education, women's education, family size, land size, market distance, livestock holding, and access to credit. This paper contributes to the literature on women's participation challenges in income-generating activities, giving emphasis on rural women's perspectives. It provides the basis for further studies aimed at challenges hindering women's participation in high-income earning activities, particularly in developing countries.
Improvement of the Oxidation Behavior of Yb-Gd-Si Ternary Alloys at Low Temperatures via Ti Addition
Authors: Arai Yutaro , Morigayama Hiroki , Aoki Takuya , Inoue Ryo
Published: March 2021

To improve the oxidation behavior of Yb-Gd-Si, 0.5 and 1 at% of Ti-containing Yb-Gd-Si (denoted as YGTS-0.5 and YGTS-1, respectively) were fabricated by arc melting. The oxidation behaviors of both YGTS specimens were evaluated by oxidation tests performed in a temperature range of 600–1200 °C for 1, 2, 4, and 8 h in air. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted at the abovementioned temperature range in air and steam. Oxidation tests at 1200 °C revealed no significant changes in the oxidation rate. Moreover, the oxidation tests revealed that Yb-Gd-Si and YGTS-0.5 became powdery after oxidation, whereas YGTS-1 maintained its form. Detailed microstructural observations indicated that the formation of TiO2 and other oxides in the Yb-Ti-O phase and oxide-containing Yb, Gd, Ti, and Si suppressed the formation of Yb2O3, which caused drastic oxidation at intermediate temperatures (600–900 °C). These results indicated that the addition of 1 at% of Ti to Yb-Gd-Si was effective in improving its oxidation behavior.
Ultrahigh Piezoelectricity After Field Cooling AC Poling in Ferroelectric Crystals Manufactured by Continuous-feeding Bridgman
Authors: Luo Cong , Karaki Tomoaki , Wang Zhuangkai , Sun Yiqin , Yamashita Yohachi , Xu Jiayue
Published: March 2021

We investigated the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of [001]-oriented 0.24Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-0.46Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.30PbTiO3 (PIMN-0.30PT) single crystals (SCs) manufactured by continuous-feeding Bridgman (CF BM) within morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region after field cooling alternating current poling (FC ACP). By optimized the FC ACP conditions of 4 kVrms/cm from 100 to 70 oC, the PIMN-0.30PT SC process attained ultrahigh dielectric permittivity (εT 33/ε0) of 8330 and piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of 2750 pC/N, and bar mode electromechanical coupling factor k33 of 0.96 with higher phase change temperature (Tpc) of 103 oC, respectively. These values are the highest ever reported as PIMN-xPT system SCs with Tpc > 100 oC. The enhancement of these properties of the PIMN-0.30PT SC is attributed to the induced low symmetry multi-phase supported by phase analysis. This work indicates that FC ACP is a smart and promising method to enhance piezoelectric properties of relaxor-PT ferroelectric SCs including PIMNT, which provide a route to a wide range of piezoelectric device applications.
Decrease in the Cortex/striatum Metabolic Ratio on 18F-FDG PET: a Biomarker of Dysimmune Encephalitis
Authors: Leiris Nicolas De , Ruel Berengere , Vervandier Jean , Boucraut José , Grimaldi Stephan , Horowitz Tatiana , Pelletier Jean , Fluchere Frederique , Kaphan Elsa , Guedj Eric
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The aim was to determine the diagnostic value of the cortex/striatum metabolic ratio in 18F-FDG PET in a large cohort of patients suffering from dysimmune encephalitis (DE) and to search for clinical correlations with the course of the disease.Methods: We retrospectively collected complete clinical and paraclinical data of DE patients, including brain 18F-FDG PET/CT. Whole-brain statistical analysis was performed using SPM8 software after activity parametrization to the striatum and in comparison to healthy subjects. Conventional discriminant analysis between the DE group and controls was performed using cluster metabolic ratios. A correlation analysis between cluster metabolic ratios and clinical/paraclinical data was assessed.Results: Seventy-three patients with DE were included. In comparison to 44 controls, voxel-based statistical analysis identified one large cluster (p-voxel < 0.001 uncorrected; p-cluster<0.05, FWE corrected) of widespread decreased cortical metabolism relative to the striatum in DE patients. The mean parametrized cluster metabolic value was significantly lower for DE patients (1.06 ± 0.13) than for the control group (1.46 ± 0.08; p < 0.001). This cluster metabolic ratio correctly classified 97.4% of the individuals between patients with DE and healthy controls. Correlation analyses showed that a low cluster metabolic ratio was associated with higher risk of death (p = 0.04), the absence of autoantibodies (p = 0.05), and an increased delay between onset of symptoms and diagnostic (p = 0.01).Conclusion: The decrease in the cortex/striatal metabolic ratio has a good diagnostic performance for the differentiation of DE patients from controls and seems to provide prognostic information on the clinical course.
Research on online detection System of lathe tool wear based on Machine Vision
Authors: Ding Yufeng , Wan Pucheng , Zhang Bo
Published: March 2021

Machine tools are important factor to determine the surface quality of the workpiece, and the online detection of tool wear is of great significance to the production and processing. In this paper, turning tools are taken as the research object, the tool wear evaluation index is defined, and the online detection system of lathe tool wear based on machine vision is designed. The workpiece processing, tool wear image acquisition, transmission, storage, and processing are completed in this system. Aiming at the problem of tool wear state detection, an adaptive hybrid filtering method is proposed in order to remove noise in the image acquisition process, nonlinear transformation and unsharp masking methods are used to enhance tool wear image quality. The GrabCut improved algorithm is used to segment the tool wear image. The Canny edge detection operator with adaptive double thresholds is used to detect the edge of the tool wear area. Finally, the upper and lower boundaries of the tool wear area are detected by using the Hough transform method, and the wear value of the tool flank is calculated, which is compared with the blunt standard VB=06mm to determine whether the tool needs to be replaced. The accuracy of the detection method is verified by experimental measurement of the surface roughness of the workpiece after machining.
Graphene Oxide Accelerate Diabetic Wound Repair by Inhibiting Apoptosis of Ad-MSCs via Linc00324/miR-7977/STK4 Pathway
Authors: Ji Zhe , Chen Feifei , Yang Shuai , Shen Caiqi , Wei Hanxiao , Li Qiang , Jin Peisheng
Published: March 2021

BackgroundGraphene oxide (GO) has been proven in many studies to promote the proliferation and differentiation of a variety of stem cells, but its effect on the apoptosis of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) is still unclear. Apoptosis is one of the most important factors in the treatment of diabetic wounds by stem cells. Therefore, we explored its therapeutic effect on diabetic wounds by studying the effect of GO on the apoptosis of Ad-MSCs.MethodsqRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in Ad-MSCs. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down and luciferase assays were used to detect the interaction of the specific lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA. The effects of Linc00324 on Ad-MSCs cells apoptosis were explored by flow cytometer, TUNEL assay and Western blot. Diabetic wound was established to explore the function of Linc00324 on Ad-MSCs repairing ability in vivo.ResultsGO inhibited the apoptosis of Ad-MSCs caused by high glucose, and Linc00324 was one of the factors contributing to its effect. In terms of mechanism, RIP and RNA-Pull-down confirmed Linc00324 could directly interact with miR-7977, and then acted as a miRNA sponge to regulate the expression of miR-7977 target gene STK4 (MST1) and downstream signaling pathways. In addition, GO reduced the apoptosis of Ad-MSCs in wounds and promoted wound healing. Conclusions﻿Overall, this study highlights that GO maybe a superior auxiliary material for Ad-MSCs to repair diabetic wounds via Linc00324/miR-7977/STK4 pathway.
The psychological burden in survivors of stroke and caregivers dyads in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kitoko Germain Manzekele Bin , Vivalya Bives Mutume. , Vagheni Martial Mumbere , Nzuzi Thierry Matonda Ma , Lusambulu Sam Mampunza , Lelo Gilbert Mananga , Mpembi Magloire Nkosi , Miezi Samuel Mampunza Ma
Published: March 2021

Background: Stroke exposes the patients and the caregivers to the development of burden in terms of health, economic and social costs. Few studies have focused on the relationship between the psychological burden and the level of disability in stroke survivors and caregiver dyads. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed at determining the psychological burden of stroke in patients and caregivers in Kinshasa. 85 stroke survivors and caregivers dyads were screened using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Zarit Burden Inventory, and the Rankin’s modified Scale to determine respectively the depression, the anxiety in stroke survivors as well as the caregivers’ psychological burden. Results: Up to fifty percent of survivors of stroke had a severe disability, associated with a high risk of the occurrence of the psychological burden. Nearly eighty-five percent of caregivers showed a moderate psychological burden. The stroke survivors developed more depression than anxiety. Caregivers developed more likely anxiety and depression than stroke survivors. Conclusions: There is a positive relationship between the psychological burden in caregivers and the level of disability in stroke survivors far from the acute phase of the stroke. Healthcare providers working with the survivors of stroke should assess for anxiety and depression in caregivers.
Autophagy Inhibitors Treatment Alleviates Degree of Infection and Cerebral Inflammatory Responses in Mouse Model of Japanese Encephalitis
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Han Wei , xie changqing , Gao mingxing , Wang Xugang , Hu Xueying , Zhang Wanpo , Cao Shengbo , Liu Xiaoli , cheng Guofu , Gu Chang-Qin
Published: March 2021

Background: Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a zoonotic natural epidemic disease caused by Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) infection. Currently, there is no specific medicine for Japanese encephalitis. At present, autophagy regulating drugs have played an important role in the treatment of tumors, heart diseases and other diseases. We hope that by studying the effects of autophagy-regulating drugs on JEV infection and host response in mice, will provide effective clinical trials for autophagy-regulating drugs in the treatment of Japanese encephalitis and other viral infectious diseases. Methods: After establishing appropriate animal model. We observed the neurological symptoms of the mice and counted their survival rate. We compared the degree of viral infection in the brain of mice infected with JE virus. We compared the extent of neuroinflammatory responses in the brain of mice and explored the signaling processes involved in neuroinflammation.Results: We found autophagy inhibitors wortmannin (Wort) and chloroquine (CQ) alleviate degree of viral infection in the brain of JEV-infected mice. Autophagy inhibitors reduced the neuroinflammation in Mouse Model of Japanese encephalitis. We speculated that autophagy inhibitors may attenuate the activation of the PI3K/AKT/NF-kB pathway, thereby reducing the brain inflammation in mice, thereby protecting mice from JEV-induced death. This result is not significant enough, the specific mechanism still needs further study.Conclusions: Our study suggests that autophagy inhibitors wortmannin and chloroquine could reduce the degree of viral infection and inflammatory response in the brain of JEV infected mice, providing a clinical basis for the treatment of Japanese encephalitis.
N6-methyladenosine-related lncRNAs as a biomarker for predicting the prognosis and immune microenvironment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Yuqin , Wang Xiaogang , Fan Zhenjia , Zhang Shanhui , Huang Jinchang , Jiang Xin
Published: March 2021

Background: Patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have a poor prognosis and lack effective prognostic biomarkers. This study uses bioinformatics analysis to identify N6-methyladenosine-related lncRNAs (m6A-related lncRNAs) as new prognostic biomarkers for ccRCC.Methods: Gene expression data and related clinical information of ccRCC patients were extracted from the Cancer Genome Atlas Database. m6A-related lncRNAs were obtained by co-expression analysis. Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed on these lncRNAs to find the prognostic-related m6A-related lncRNAs, and consensus clustering analysis was performed. The prognostic signature was screened by LASSO regression and a prognostic model was constructed. The predictive performance of the prognostic model was evaluated and validated by survival analysis and ROC curve analysis, etc. In addition, we also systematically analyzed the expression of immune checkpoints and immune cell infiltration in ccRCC patients.Results: First, 27 m6A-related lncRNAs associated with prognosis were identified, which were significantly differentially expressed between tumor and normal tissues. Consensus clustering analysis indicated that cluster 2 was associated with poor prognosis, low stromal score, high expression of PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, and immunosuppressive cell infiltration. The signaling pathways related to tumor progression, drug resistance, and angiogenesis and biological processes related to protein methylation and phosphatidic acid metabolism are significantly enriched in cluster 2. Subsequently, LASSO regression analysis was used to construct a prognostic risk model based on 7 m6A-related lncRNAs signature, which can be used as an independent prognostic indicator. After a series of analyses, it was shown that this model had good sensitivity and specificity, can predict the prognosis of patients with different clinical stratifications and was associated with the progression of ccRCC. The expression levels of immune checkpoints were significantly increased in high-risk patients, and there was a certain correlation between the risk score and immune cell infiltration. Conclusions: In summary, we constructed and validated a risk model that can independently predict the prognosis of ccRCC patients and reflect the immune microenvironment based on m6A-related lncRNAs; the model is conducive to the screening of biomarkers of ccRCC prognosis and may have the potential to reflect the response of ccRCCs to immunotherapy.
Repeated Recurrences of Mucinous Prostate Carcinoma With Signet Ring Cells in the Urinary Bladder After Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: a Case Report and Literatures Review
Authors: Bai Shengjiang , Xu Hang , Lei Haoran , Xiong Xingyu , Zheng Weitao , Wei Qiang , Yang Lu
Published: March 2021

Background: Mucinous prostate carcinoma (PCa) and signet-ring-cell PCa are two rare variants of prostate cancer, but the transformation of mucinous PCa into mucinous PCa with signet ring cells was extremely uncommon, little data of therapy was available. Case presentation: We reported such a case that a man was pathologically considered as mucinous PCa after receiving transurethral resection of the prostate, then he underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP), the pathological diagnosis was mucinous PCa (pT2cN0M0), without any adjuvant therapies, the man had received regular follow-up with serum total prostate-specific antigen level <0.003 ng/ml. Nevertheless, he received transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) at 13 months, 22 months and 31 months after RARP, respectively, the first TUR-BT specimens was mucinous PCa, where the two other present mucinous PCa with signet ring cells. Conclusions: We reviewed the literatures and discussed the differential diagnosis, immunohistochemistry, prognosis of this rare carcinoma, emphasized the rarity of the histological change and demanded fundamental research clarifying the confusion of this change, which may be helpful to search for therapeutic targets and improve prognosis.
Quercetin and a plant substance, identified using a multi-copy number of DNA topoisomerase I in recombinant Pichia pastoris, inhibited MDA-MB-231 proliferation via different manners.
Authors: Gang Zhao , Pei Chao Sin , Fadzil Nur Adila , Kwok Lim Shern , Lan Chew Ai , Khoo Boon Yin
Published: March 2021

The study aimed to employ an in vivo strategy to construct a multi-copy number of human DNA topoisomerase I (hTopI) gene using pPIC3.5K vector in GS115 strain of Pichia. The yeast transformant (GS115-pPIC3.5K-hTopI) was then used to investigate the preliminary growth effect of a pure compound (quercetin) and a standardised subfraction of ethanolic red onion peel extract (F1). The underlying mechanisms of quercetin and F1 were then tested on MDA-MB-231 for the cell cycle profile and apoptosis by flow cytometry, and the mRNA expression of CYP genes by real-time PCR. His + yeast transformants (clones) with multi-copy inserts resistant to various concentrations of Geneticin were successfully selected in the study. The clones’ cell density was likely to be unaffected; only the total protein expression and enzyme activity were increased following the increased copy number of hTop1 in the host. The clone that showed the target enzyme's highest activity is said to respond specifically to growth inhibitors, whereby both quercetin and F1 were proven to be potential growth inhibitors as assessed by the MTT assay. In the process, quercetin reduced cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest (S phase only), whereas F1 reduced cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest only (S and G2 phases). Quercetin and F1 induced CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 (carcinogenicity) gene mRNA expression, but only F1 induced CYP2S1 (cytotoxicity) gene mRNA expression in the treated cells, suggesting that both quercetin and F1 inhibited the cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 via different manners. The newly developed GS115-pPIC3.5K-hTopI can be used to select various potential substances for breast cancer treatment in the future.
Assessing Partial Triadic Analysis with MaximumEntropy Bootstrap: an application to BES Italianeducation indicators
Authors: Marco Caputi , Fenga Livio
Published: March 2021

In this paper we analyse a set of Italian equitable and sustainable well-being indicators, related to the education and training domain, considered at a regional level over different years. To this end, the Partial Triadic Analysis - a multiway approach which allows to properly deal with time-dependent data structures - will be used in conjunction with a bootstrap method to carry out the assessment of the outcomes obtained. The adopted resampling scheme - called Maximum Entropy Bootstrap - proved to be an appropriate analytical tool, given its ability to preserve the longitudinal data structure without incurring in the usual restrictive assumptions of more traditional bootstrap methods. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time a bootstrap method for longitudinal data has been employed in PTA.
Knowledge, Practices and Factors Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding among Lactating Mothers with Babies aged 6 months to 1 year attending Magomeni Reproductive and Child Health Clinic, Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam: Descriptive Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Bernard Anacletus , Musa Frank M , Peter Dedius E.
Published: March 2021

Background: Exclusive Breastfeeding defined as the infant has to receive only breast milk from his/her mother with the exception of other kinds of food for six months. Exclusive Breastfeeding helps to prevent diseases to infants and it reduces risk of ovarian cancer to mother.Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 124 lactating mothers with infants aged 6 months to one year attending Magomeni RCH Clinic in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam. Simple random sampling procedure was used to obtain 124 lactating mothers. Data was collected from mothers who agreed to participate and signed the consent form by the use of close ended Swahili version questionnaire on assessing knowledge, practices and factors affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding among Lactating Mothers with Babies aged 6 months to 1 year attending Magomeni Reproductive and Child Health Clinic in Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam.Result: About 74 (59.7%) respondents had high knowledge on EBF and 92 (74.2%) respondents initiated breastfeeding within one hour after delivery while 77 (62.1%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Findings show that 64(51.6%) respondents denied that exclusive breastfeeding causes loss of shape of their breasts while 48 (38.7%) respondents accepted that exclusive breastfeeding causes loss of shape of their breasts. Only 12 (9.7%) respondents didn’t know if EBF causes loss of breasts shape or not. Moreover, 19 (15.3%) respondents had physical difficulties/problems like cracking of nipples, inadequate milk, while 105(84.7%) didn’t get any physical difficult. Therefore there is significant association between mothers belief of losing shapes of their breasts and EBF (p=0.05). Physical difficulties/problems to lactating mothers study is significantly associated with EBF (p = 0.000).Conclusion: The overall knowledge among the lactating mothers with babies aged six months to one year was high and had good exclusive breast feeding practice. Although majority of the respondents are knowledgeable about EBF, the results show a gap between knowledge and actual practice within six months which is a recommended duration for Exclusive Breast feeding.
The Effect of Resistance Training with Royal Jelly on Serotonin and Dopamine Receptors Genes Expression in the Hippocampus of a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Shenas Neda Pardeh , Salehi Omidreza , Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: March 2021

Background

Studies have shown that exercises and the use of natural foods have favorable effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) with royal jelly (RJ) on serotonin and dopamine receptors expression in hippocampal tissue of rats with AD.
Methods

In this experimental study, 56 rats with AD were randomly divided into (1) control, (2) RT, (3) RT + 100 mg/kg RJ, 4) RT + 200 mg/kg RJ, 5) 100 mg/kg RJ, 6) 200 mg/kg RJ2 and 7) sham. Also in order to review the effects of AD induction on serotonin and dopamine, 8 healthy rats selected as healthy control group. During 8 weeks the groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 received daily RJ with specific doses peritoneally and groups 2, 3 and 4 performed RT three sessions per week with 30–100 percentage of body weight. Independent sample t- test, One way ANOVA and two-way ANOVA was used to investigate the effect of RT, RJ and interaction of RT and RJ also Bonferroni’s post- hoc test was used to evaluate the difference between the doses of RJ using SPSS software (P ≤ 0.05).
Results

RT had a significant effect on the increase of dopamine (p = 0.001) and serotonin receptors (p = 0.001); RJ had a significant effect on the increase of dopamine receptor(p = 0.01) and serotonin (p = 0.001) also RT simultaneously with RJ consumption had a significant interactive effect on the increase of serotonin receptor (p = 0.001).
Conclusion

It appears that RT and RJ can enhance serotonergic and dopaminergic function in hippocampal tissue of rats with AD, however, the effects of RJ seems to be dose dependent.