bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Reporting of Adverse Drug Reaction Among Health Professionals In Kpone-Katamanso District, Ghana
Authors: Asiamah Morrison , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Nortey Pricillia , Donkor Nina , Danso-Appiah Anthony
Published: September 2021

Background: Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADR) is an effective means of ensuring postmarketing surveillance of drugs, and health professionals play a cardinal role through voluntary reporting of ADR. However, the pharmacovigilance system in Ghana is plagued with under-reporting issues, which is of public health concern. Method: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study involving 268 health professionals at Kpone-Katamanso District was carried out. Data on spontaneous reporting of ADR, demographics of participants, knowledge, and attitudes of professionals towards reporting and factors that may influence ADR reporting were collected. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of the independent variables with spontaneous reporting of ADR.Result: Overall, 77.6% (208) of the 268 respondents had witnessed ADR; however, only 17.3% of the respondents have ever reported an ADR to the FDA. Health professionals who had adequate knowledge on spontaneous reporting of ADR were 51.9%, while 30.3% had very good knowledge of spontaneous reporting of ADR. After statistical adjustment, Age (AOR=2.26, 95%CI= 1.25–4.10), Fear of Legal Consequences (AOR=0.15, 95%CI=0.41–0.51), Time Constraint (AOR=0.3, 95%CI=0.10–0.91), Pharmacovigilance training (AOR= 18.78, 95%CI= 5.46–64.59) and Unavailability of Reporting form (AOR=0.28, 95%CI=0.09– 0.88) were found to be significantly associated spontaneous reporting of ADR. Conclusion: The proportion of health professionals in the Kpone-Katamanso District who spontaneously report observed ADR is low. Our findings underscore the need for the FDA to intensify awareness through media sensitization and engage all relevant stakeholders on the need for the entire population to report ADR.
The Functions of Clusterin Expression in Renal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Macrophage Activation
Authors: weng xiaodong , Li Jing , Guan Qiunong , Zhao Haimei , Wang Zihuan , Gleave Martin , Nguan Christopher , DU Caigan
Published: September 2021

The expression of clusterin (CLU) in mice increases resistance to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and promotes renal tissue repair. However, the mechanisms underlying of the renal protection of CLU remain largely unknown. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), found in different compartments of the kidney, may contribute to kidney cell turnover and injury repair. This study investigated the in vitro functions of CLU in kidney mesenchymal stromal cells (KMSCs). KMSCs were isolated by digestion of kidney tissues with collagenase type 1 and growth in plastic culture plates. Cell surface markers, apoptosis and phagocytosis were determined by flow cytometry, and CLU protein by Western blot. Here, we showed that KMSCs isolated from both wild type (WT) and CLU knockout (KO) mice positively expressed CD133, Sca-1, CD44, and CD117, and negatively of CD34, CD45, CD163, CD41, CD276, CD138 and CD79a. There was no difference in trilineage differentiation to chondrocytes, adipocytes and osteocytes between WT and KO KMSCs. CLU protein was expressed in and secreted by WT KMSCs, and it was up-regulated in response to hypoxia. However, lack of CLU expression did not negatively affect hypoxia-induced apoptosis in cultured KMSCs. The WT KMSCs proliferated faster than KO KMSCs in cultures. Furthermore, the incubation of macrophages with CLU-containing culture medium from WT KMSCs increased the CD206 expression in the macrophages and their phagocytic capacity. In conclusion, our data for the first time demonstrate the functions of CLU in the promotion of KMSCs proliferation, and may be required for KMSCs-regulated macrophage M2 polarization and phagocytic activity.
A Computational Pipeline for Functional Gene Discovery
Authors: Colon Aolani , Hirday Rishabh , Patel Ami , Poddar Amrita , Tuberty-Vaughan Emma , Fu Tianyue , Ai Xin , Li Wei Vivian , Cai Li
Published: September 2021

Many computational pipelines exist for the detection of differentially expressed genes. However, computational pipelines for functional gene detection are rarely exist. We developed a new computational pipeline for functional gene identification from transcriptome profiling data. Key features of the pipeline include clustering optimization by gap statistics, gene ontology analysis for each cluster, and literature analysis for functional gene discovery. By leveraging this pipeline on RNA-seq datasets of mouse retinal development studies, we identified 14 candidate genes involved in the formation of the photoreceptor outer segment. The expression of top three candidate genes (Pde8b, Laptm4b, and Nr1h4) in the outer segment of the developing mouse retina were experimentally validated by immunohistochemical analysis. This computational pipeline can accurately predict novel functional gene for a specific biological process, e.g., the outer segment development of the photoreceptor cells in the mouse retina. This pipeline is also applicable to functional gene discovery for any other biological processes and in any other organs and tissues.
Comparison of PSMA PET/CT with fluoride PET/CT for detection of bone metastatic disease in prostate cancer
Authors: Regula Naresh Kumar , Kostaras Vasileios , Johansson Silvia , Trampal Carlos , Lindström Elin , Lubberink Mark , Iyer Victor , Velikyan Irina , Sörensen Jens
Published: September 2021

18F-NaF positron emission tomography/computed tomography (fluoride PET/CT) is considered the most sensitive technique to detect bone metastasis in prostate cancer (PCa). 68Ga-PSMA-11 (PSMA) PET/CT is increasingly used for staging of PCa. This study primarily aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of fluoride PET/CT and PSMA PET/CT in identifying bone metastasis followed by a comparison of PSMA PET/CT with contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT) in identifying soft tissue lesions as a secondary objective. Methods: Twenty-eight PCa patients with high suspicion of disseminated disease following curative treatment were prospectively evaluated. PET/CT examinations using fluoride and PSMA were performed. All suspicious bone lesions were counted, and the tracer uptake was measured as standardized uptake values (SUV) for both tracers. In patients with multiple findings, ten bone lesions with highest SUVmax were selected from which identical lesions from both scans were considered for direct comparison of SUVmax. PSA at scan was correlated with findings of both scans. Results: Both scans were negative for bone lesions in 7 patients (25%). Of 699 lesions consistent with skeletal metastasis in 21 patients on fluoride PET/CT, PSMA PET/CT identified 579 lesions (83%). In 69 identical bone lesions fluoride PET/CT showed significantly higher uptake (mean SUVmax:73.1 ± 36.8) compared to PSMA PET/CT (34.5 ± 31.4; p < 0.001). PSA at scan was correlated with SUVmax of PSMA PET/CT (r = 0.58; p = 0.01). No correlation was observed between PSA and fluoride PET/CT measurements. Compared to CE-CT, PSMA PET/CT showed better diagnostic performance in locating local (96% vs 61%, p = 0.004) and lymph node (94% vs 46%, p < 0.001) metastasis. Conclusion: PSMA PET/CT was able to detect majority of bone lesions that were positive on fluoride PET/CT and was better correlated with PSA at time of scan. Further, this study indicates better diagnostic performance of PSMA PET/CT to locate soft tissue lesions compared to CE-CT.
Corneal Astigmatism Changes After Ptosis Correction in Two Age Groups of Patients with Congenital Ptosis
Authors: Lekskul Apatsa , Tangphikunatam Tunyarat , Tangtammaruk Phantaraporn
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To evaluate postoperative corneal astigmatism changes after ptosis correction in groups of young and older patients with congenital ptosis.Patients and Methods: A prospective cohort study of 28 patients (56 eyes) with congenital ptosis enrolled at Ramathibodi Hospital was performed from April 2018 to June 2019. Within this group of patients there were 6 cases of bilateral congenital ptosis and 22 unilateral cases of congenital ptosis forming a total of 34 individual ptotic eyes for the study. The patients were categorized into two groups: early-age group (aged ≤5 years,) comprising of 14 eyes and older-age group (aged >5 years) comprising of 20 eyes. The preoperative visual acuity, amblyopic status, ptosis severity, and refractive error of both groups were evaluated prior to ptosis correction. All patients underwent ptosis correction with either levator resection or frontalis sling. Following the correction, the refractive error was measured after a follow-up period of at least 6 months. The astigmatism results were classified into three subgroups: with-the-rule, against-the-rule and oblique astigmatism.Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 8.91 ± 7.05 years. From the study group, amblyopia was found in 13 out of 28 patients (46.4%). The most common type of astigmatism was with-the-rule astigmatism, making up 24 out of 34 ptotic eyes (70.6%). A postoperative astigmatism change of >0.50 diopters was found in 4 out of14 eyes (28.6%) in the early-age group and in 6 out of 20 eyes (30.0%) in the older-age group (Rate ratio, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.34–6.07). Conclusion: Astigmatism was reduced following ptosis correction, with no statistically significant difference in the amount of reduction between the two age groups. As there is no significant difference, surgical correction can be deferred in patients of all age groups with anisometropic amblyogenic ptosis until appropriate surgical planning is possible.
Spatial And Seasonal Variation For Water Quality Indices of Gomal Zam Dam And Its Tributaries In The South Waziristan District, Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Said , Ullah Insha
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the quality of water in the Gomal Zam Dam and its tributaries, south Waziristan District, Pakistan. For this purpose, water samples were collected from the Gomal Zam Dam and its tributaries in the winter and summer seasons (n=24 in each season). Water samples were analyzed for the anions using a multi-parameter analyzer (CONSORT 6030, Belgium) and cations by the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, AAnalyst 700, PerkinElmer). Water characteristics were compared and found within drinking water guidelines set by the world health organization (WHO), except turbidity. Water characteristics were evaluated for the water quality index (WQI) and sodium hazards such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and sodium percentage (Na%). Based on WQI and sodium hazards, the water of Gomal Zam Dam and its tributaries were observed as good and in permissible levels for drinking and irrigation water, respectively. The winter season has slightly poor water quality compared to the summer season due to higher contamination. Gibbs’s and Piper's models showed that the water quality of Gomal Zam Dam and its tributaries was mainly characterized by the weathering of bedrocks. The studied water is classified as Na-Cl type and Mg-HCO3 types in the summer and winter seasons, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed that geogenic sources of rock weathering are the dominant factor for controlling the water quality of the area.
Clinical Factors Associated With the Culture of Primary Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cell From Peritoneal Dialysate Effluent
Authors: Shi Ping , Yin Peiran , Liu Lingling , Zhang Haixia , Zhu Ye , Gao Luyan , Lu Ying , Zeng Ying , Feng Sheng , Song Kai , Shen Huaying
Published: September 2021

Background: The culture of primary human peritoneal mesothelial cell (HPMC) provides us an in vitro tool to investigate peritoneal fibrosis and ultrafiltration failure. The aim of the present study was to establish the method of culturing HPMC and to explore clinical factors associated with the success rate of culture.Methods: HPMCs were aseptically harvested by centrifuge from peritoneal dialysate effluent (PDE) of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheterization for less than 2 weeks and were cultured in vitro. Cells were identified by simple morphological observation and immunofluorescent staining. Clinical data of PD patients was collected. Comparison between groups and binary logistic regression analysis were employed to explore the clinical factors associated with the success rate of culture.Results: The study included 36 patients (26 male (72.2%); mean age 53.9±15.6 years). HPMC from PDE successfully grew and survived in 22 patients. A typical cobblestone-like appearance was observed by inverted phase contrast microscope. Immunofluorescence staining showed positive expression of cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) and Vimentin. Comparison between groups demonstrated significant differences in diabetes (P=0.041), days from catheterization (P=0.002) and the use of erythrocyte lysate (P=0.019) between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the success rate was correlated with days from catheterization (OR=0.318, 95%CI=0.107-0.946, P=0.039) and the level of C-reactive protein (CRP, OR=0.893, 95%CI=0.805-0.991, P=0.032). Conclusions: The method of culturing primary HPMC from PDE has been successfully established. The success rate of culture is correlated with CRP level and days from catheterization.
Altruism in a Time of Crisis: Dissociable Social Valuation and Perception during COVID-19 in the United States
Authors: Luo Yi , Shuster Anastasia , Chung Dongil , O'Brien Madeline , Heflin Matthew , Perl Ofer , Kulkarni Kaustubh , Na Soojung , Fiore Vincenzo , Montague Read , Gu Xiaosi
Published: September 2021

Human prosocial behaviors are constantly shaped by the push-and-pull between societal need for cooperation and one’s natural tendency to self-prioritize. Nevertheless, it remains elusive how our valuation and perceptual systems might contribute to altruistic acts under the influence of a real-world crisis. Here, using computational modeling and a game-theoretic approach, we investigated how the coronavirus pandemic perturbed altruistic choices in the United States, April-May, 2020. Overall, people made more altruistic choices as the pandemic worsened, an effect primarily driven by increased preference for social welfare. Paradoxically, participants also processed self-relevant information (i.e., “self-prioritization”) more efficiently at the perceptual level, as the pandemic became worse. These effects were not observed one year later (May-June, 2021) when the variability of the pandemic diminished. Furthermore, individuals’ prosocial choices and preferences did not correlate with their self-prioritization efficiency. Collectively, these results revealed a more nuanced view of human altruism — that as a dynamic and context-dependent construct, altruism can co-exist with increased attention to the self.
ADP-ribose Transferase PARP16 Mediated-unfolded Protein Response Contributes to Neuronal Cell Damage in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Wang Jinghuan , Su zhenghua , Zhong wen , Su haibi , Xu Jie , Cheng Qianwen , Liu xinhua
Published: September 2021

Ischemic stroke is known to cause the accumulation of misfolded proteins and loss of calcium homeostasis leading to impairment of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function and activating the unfolded protein response (UPR). PARP16 is the only an active ADP-ribosyl transferase known tail-anchored ER transmembrane protein with a cytosolic catalytic domain. Here, we find PARP16 is highly expressed in ischemic cerebral hemisphere and Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated immortalized hippocampal neuroblasts HT22 cells. Using adeno-associated virus-mediated knockdown PARP16 mice, we find knockdown PARP16 decreases infarct demarcations and has a better neurological outcome after ischemic stroke. Our data indicate PARP16 overexpression promotes ER stress-mediated cell damage in primary cortical neurons, in turn, knockdown PARP16 decreases ER stress and neuronal death caused by OGD. Furthermore, PARP16 functions mechanistically as ADP-ribosyltransferase to modulate the level of ribosylation of the corresponding PERK and IRE1α arm of the UPR, and that such modification is required for activation of PERK and IRE1α. Indeed, pharmacological stimulation of the UPR using Brefeldin A counteracts knockdown of PARP16-mediated neuronal protection in OGD. On other hand, when an ER inhibitor Tauroursodeoxycholic acid present, permit more obvious protection and inactivation of PERK and IRF1α caused by knockdown of PARP16. In conclusion, PARP16 plays a crucial role in post-ischemic UPR and the knockdown of PARP16 alleviates brain injury after ischemic stroke. The rationale of this study is to explore the potentials of the PARP16-PERK/IRE1α axis as a target for neuronal survival in ischemic stroke.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Changes Triggered by Macrosiphum Rosivorum in Rose (Rosa longicuspis)
Authors: Gao Penghua , Zhang Hao , Yan Huijun , Zhou Ningning , Yan Bo , Fan Yuanlan , Tang Kaixue , Qiu Xianqin
Published: September 2021

Background: Rose is an important economic horticultural crop. However, its field growth and quality are negatively affected by aphids. However, the defence mechanisms used by rose plants against aphids are unclear. A previous study showed that Macrosiphum rosivorum is the most common and harmful aphid species to Rosa plants and that Rosa longicuspis is highly resistant species to aphids. Therefore, to understand the defence mechanism of rose under aphid stress, we combined RNA sequencing and metabolomics techniques to investigate the changes in gene expression and metabolomic processes in R. longicuspis infected with M. rosivorum. Result: In our study, after inoculation with M. rosivorum, M. rosivorum quickly colonized. A total of 34202 genes and 758 metabolites were detected in all samples, with 2845, 2627 and 466 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in CK-vs.-A3 d, CK-vs.-A5 d, and A3 d-vs.-A5 d, respectively. Among these metabolites, 65, 70 and 26 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were found in CK-vs.-A3 d, CK-vs.-A5 d, and A3 d-vs.-A5 d, respectively. The combined omics approach revealed that M. rosivorum is perceived by effector-triggered immunity. Under M. rosivorum stress, R. longicuspis responded by signal transduction pathway activation, transcription factor expression, ROS production and hormone-mediated defence responses. Interestingly, the ‘brassinosteroid biosynthesis’ pathway was significantly enriched in A3 d-vs.-A5 d. Further analysis showed that M. rosivorum induced the transformation of starch and sucrose, the biosynthesis of terpenoids, tannins and phenolic acids and metabolism of cyanoamino acid. Importantly, the ‘tropane, piperidine and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis’, ‘glutathione metabolic’ and ‘glucosinolate biosynthesis’ pathways were significantly enriched, which resulted in increased levels of metabolites that were involved in the plant defence response. Conclusion: Our study provides candidate genes and metabolites for Rosa defence against aphids. What’s more, this study provides a theoretical basis for further exploring the molecular regulation mechanism of rose aphid resistance and aphid resistance breeding in the future.
Noninvasive Assessment of Foot Perfusion in a Rabbit Model of Atherosclerosis Using Dynamic Volume Perfusion CT with an Upslope Method
Authors: Min Hooney , Hur Saebeom , Lee Jae Hwan , Yoon Chang Jin , Choi Won Seok , Lee Seunghyun
Published: September 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of foot dynamic volume CT with the upslope method and to demonstrate macrovascular reactivity and microvascular perfusion during cuff-induced reactive hyperemia state in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis.Materials and Methods: 30 New Zealand male rabbits were divided into 2 groups: dietary hypercholesterolemia induced atherosclerosis (n=10) and normal diet control (n=20). To measure for macrovascular reactivity, perfusion parameters of the left posterior tibial artery was measured at baseline and at reactive hyperemia state. For the evaluation of microvascular perfusion, color-coded perfusion map of the plantar dermis was generated for perfusion CT scan by an in-house dedicated analysis software based on upslope method. Dermal perfusion values were measured and analyzed before and after cuff-induced reactive hyperemia.Results: Foot dynamic volume CT with the upslope method demonstrated significant impairment of both macrovascular reactivity and microvascular perfusion in atherosclerotic rabbits during cuff-induced reactive hyperemia (CRH) state. Arterial time-to-peak of cholesterol-fed rabbits failed to show acceleration while healthy rabbits showed significant decrease in time. Microvascular perfusion calculated by perfusion value (P<0.01) and perfusion ratio (P=.014) showed decreased microvascular perfusion in cholesterol fed rabbits compared to healthy rabbits during CRH state. Post-CT pathologic examination revealed decreased endothelial cell density in cholesterol-fed rabbits (P<0.001).Conclusions: Foot perfusion CT using upslope method provides perfusion parameters for large arteries and a perfusion map of the foot during cuff-induced reactive hyperemia in rabbit models of atherosclerosis. It may be a useful tool for the quantitative and functional evaluation of atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease.
Treatment Failure After Rotational Atherectomy and Balloon Angioplasty in Recurrent Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Popliteal Artery: a Case Report
Authors: Yoon Jin Woo , Choi Woosun , Kim Suh Min , Hur Joonho
Published: September 2021

Background: Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare non-atherosclerotic condition in which fluid accumulates in the sub-adventitial layer, compressing the lumen of the arteries and veins. Historically, surgical treatment of CAD is preferred over endovascular or minimally invasive techniques owing to the considerably lower recurrence rates after surgery. Case presentation: We here report the first case in which rotational atherectomy was performed using Jetstream XC (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) for recurrent CAD. Post-procedure angiography showed that satisfactory increase in the luminal diameter. However, the patient’s symptoms recurred 1 day after procedure, and repeat Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed recurrent of the disease.Conclusions: Our experience showed that endovascular treatment is not satisfactory for CAD recurrence even with atherectomy.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms and subsyndromes in patients with different stages of dementia in primary care follow-up (NeDEM project): a cross-sectional study.
Authors: García-Martín Victoria , de Hoyos-Alonso M Canto , Ariza-Cardiel Gloria , Delgado-Puebla Rosalía , García-Domingo Paula , Hernández-Melo Erika , Torres Javier López de Haro-de , Cura-González Isabel del
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe objective was to describe the prevalence and intensity of Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) isolated and grouped into subsyndromes in patients with dementia in primary care (PC), to analyse their distribution based on stages of dementia and the relationship between them and the intensity of symptoms.MethodsDesign: Cross-sectional study. Setting and population: Patients with dementia, not institutionalized, in PC follow-up. Variables: Sociodemographic and clinical. Assessment instruments: The frequency and intensity of NPSs were measured with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and the stages of dementia with the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS). Statistical analysis: The number of NPSs per patient, mean NPI value, and prevalence and intensity of NPSs isolated and grouped into subsyndromes were calculated, as were their 95% CIs. The analyses were performed on an overall basis and by GDS. To analyse the association between NPI and GDS, multivariate analysis was performed with a generalized linear model.Results98.4% (95% CI 94.5;99.8) of the patients presented some type of NPS, with an average of five symptoms per patient. The most frequent symptoms were apathy [69.8% (95% CI 61.1;77.5)], agitation [55.8% (95% CI 46.8;64.5)] and irritability [48.8% (95% CI 39.9;57.8)]. The NPSs with greater intensity were apathy [NPI 3.2 (95% CI 2.5;3.8)] and agitation [NPI 3.2 (95% CI 2.5;4.0)]. For subsyndromes, hyperactivity predominated [86.0% (95% CI 78.8;91.5)], followed by apathy [77.5% (95% CI 69.3;84.4]). By phase of dementia, the most common isolated symptom was apathy (60.7%-75.0%). Affective symptoms and irritability predominated in the initial stages, and psychotic symptoms predominated in advanced stages. The mean NPI score was 24.9 (95% CI 21.5;28.4) and increased from 15.6 (95% CI 8.2;23.1) for GDS 3 to 28.9 (95% CI 12.6;45.1) for GDS 7. Patients with in the most advanced stages of dementia presented an NPI score of 7.6 (95% CI 6.8;8.3) points higher than mild dementia, adjusted for the other variables.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of NPSs in patients with dementia treated in PC. Symptoms change and increase in intensity as the disease progresses. Scales such as the NPI allow these symptoms to be identified, which could facilitate more stage-appropriate management.
Preparation of Artificial Aggregate Using Waste Concrete Powder And CO2 Fixed By Microorganisms
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Qian Chunxiang , Xie Dengmin
Published: September 2021

High carbon emissions, shortage of natural aggregates and environmental pollution of waste concrete powder (WCP) have become three imperative crises faced by the traditional concrete industry. The waste concrete crushed to prepare aggregates always has poor mechanical properties and low utilization of waste powder. In this paper, WCP was used to prepare artificial aggregates by cold-bonding disk granulation. And a novel approach for strengthening mechanical properties and improving CO2 sequestration of artificial aggregates was proposed based on using microorganisms. The microorganism enhanced the mechanical properties, porosity and microstructure of artificial aggregates. The apparent density, crushing strength and water absorption of artificial aggregates were increased to 2620 kg/m3, 9.1 MPa and 4.8 %, respectively. It showed a denser microstructure because more mineralization products with well crystallization reduced the porosity from 20.98 % to 13.88 %. The CO2 fixation of artificial aggregates increased from 7.39 wt. % to 16.00 wt. % due to the existence of microorganism. The compressive strength of concrete indicated that artificial aggregate could substitute the nature aggregates partially without affecting its strength, and the better rate should be controlled within 50 wt. %. This method has obvious effect on waste resource utilization and CO2 emission reduction, displayed good potential for future applications.
Association of Perceived Stress And Coping Strategies With The Renal Function In Middle-Aged And Older Japanese Men And Women
Authors: Koga Kayoko , Hara Megumi , Shimanoe Chisato , Nishida Yuichiro , Furukawa Takuma , Iwasaka Chiharu , Tanaka Keitaro , Otonari Jun , Ikezaki Hiroaki , Kubo Yoko , Kato Yasufumi , Tamura Takashi , Hishida Asahi , Matsuo Keitaro , Ito Hidemi , Nakamura Yohko , Kusakabe Miho , Nishimoto Daisaku , Shibuya Keiichi , Suzuki Sadao , Watanabe Miki , Ozaki Etsuko , Matsui Daisuke , Kuriki Kiyonori , Takashima Naoyuki , Kadota Aya , Arisawa Kokichi , Katsuura-Kamano Sakurako , Takeuchi Kenji , Wakai Kenji
Published: September 2021

Elucidating risk factors for chronic kidney disease is important for preventing end-stage kidney disease and reducing mortality. However, little is known about the roles of psychosocial stress and stress coping behaviors in deterioration of the renal function, as measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older Japanese men (n=31,703) and women (n=38,939) investigated whether perceived stress and coping strategies (emotional expression, emotional support seeking, positive reappraisal, problem solving, and disengagement) were related to the eGFR, with mutual interactions. In multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, area, lifestyle factors, and psychosocial variables, we found a significant inverse association between perceived stress and the eGFR in men (Ptrend=0.02), but not women. This male-specific inverse association was slightly attenuated after adjustment for the history of hypertension and diabetes and was more evident in lower levels of emotional expression (Pinteraction=0.003). Unexpectedly, problem solving in men (Ptrend<0.001) and positive reappraisal in women (Ptrend=0.002) also showed an inverse association with the eGFR. Perceived stress may affect eGFR, partly through the development of hypertension and diabetes. Based on the unexpected findings regarding coping strategies, further studies are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms, including the hormonal and immunological aspects.
Identification of Hub Gene in Cervical Cancer by Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis
Authors: Chen huan , Chen huan , Huang Meiyuan , Zhang Qunzhi , Xu Qiong , Wang Jinjin , Tao Yin
Published: September 2021

Background:Cervical cancer(CC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in gynecology. Both its incidence and mortality are high. Despite advances in screening, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, CC is still one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in women. However, in the pathogenesis of CC, the exact molecular mechanism is still unclear. It may be a multi-gene, multi-factor, multi-step, and multi-stage complex process. Hence, the pathogenesis and molecular mechanism of CC are the keys to effective treatment of it. In this study, we tried to identify candidate biomarkers for cervical cancer through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Methods: The gene expression profile of CESC was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by the Limma package, and the gene co-expression module was constructed by WGCNA. Use the online website STRING to construct the protein interaction network of genes in significant modules, and then use Cytoscape analysis to find the 10 most important node degree genes. Results: Among these 10 genes, SOX9 expression was associated with the prognosis of cervical cancer patients. Immunohistochemical results from the online website human protein atlas showed that SOX9 protein expression was significantly higher in cervical cancer tissues than in normal cervical tissues. After collecting cancerous and paracancerous tissue specimens from 16 patients with cervical cancer, Q-PCR showed that the mRNA expression levels of SOX9 in cervical cancer tissues were significantly greater than those in normal adjacent tissues. Conclusions: The elevated expression of SOX9 is significantly related to the disease-free survival and overall survival of cervical cancer. Therefore, the SOX9 gene could be used as an indicator of cervical cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Severity and Location of Lumbar Spine Stenosis Affects the Outcome of Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Sheppard William , McKay Kevin M , Upfill-Brown Alexander , Blumstein Gideon , Park Howard , Shah Akash , Sassoon Adam , Park Don Y
Published: September 2021

BackgroundRecent studies have noted that patients with pre-existing lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) have lower functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Given that LSS manifests heterogeneously in location and severity, its influence on knee replacement merits a radiographically targeted analysis. We hypothesize that patients with more severe LSS will have diminished knee mobility following TKA. MethodsThis retrospective study assessed all TKAs performed at our institution for primary osteoarthritis from 2017-2020. Preoperative lumbar magnetic resonance image (MRI) with no prior lumbar spine surgery were necessary for inclusion. Stenosis severity was demonstrated by (1) anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the dural sac and (2) morphological grade. TKA outcomes in 103 cases (94 patients) were assessed by measuring preoperative and postoperative arc of motion (AOM), postoperative flexion contracture, and need for manipulation under anesthesia. ResultsPatients with mild stenosis did significantly better in terms of postoperative knee AOM. As AP diameter decreased at levels L1-2, L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5, there was a significant reduction in preoperative-AOM (p<0.001 for each), with a 16 degree decrease when using patients’ most stenotic level (p<0.001). The same was noted with respect to increased morphological grade (p<0.001), with a 5 degree decrease for patients’ most stenotic level (p<0.001). Conclusion﻿Severe LSS, which is readily demonstrated by a reduction in the AP diameter of the dural sac or increased morphological grade on MRI, correlated with a significant reduction in preoperative-AOM that was not improved after TKA. Persistent postoperative reductions in AOM may contribute to reduced patient satisfaction and recovery. Level of Evidence: Level 4
Predictive Value of Nomogram Based on Kyoto Classification of Gastritis to Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lin Jiejun , Su Huang , Guan Yaqi , Zhou Qingjie , Pan Jie , Zhou Leying
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim. It is of importance to predict the risk of gastric cancer (GC) for endoscopists because early detection of GC determines the determines the selection of best treatment strategy and the prognosis of patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of a predictive nomogram based on Kyoto classification of gastritis for GC. Methods. It was a retrospective study that included 2639 patients who received esophagogastroduodenoscopy and serum pepsinogen (PG) assay from January 2020 to November 2020 at the Endoscopy Center of the Department of Gastroenterology, Wenzhou Central Hospital. Routine biopsy was conducted to determine the benign and malignant lesions pathologically. All cases were randomly divided into the training set (70%) and the validation set (30%) by using bootstrap method. A nomogram was formulated according to multivariate analysis of training set. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram were assessed by concordance index (C-index), area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) as well as calibration curve and were validated by validation set.Results. Multivariate analysis indicated that age, sex, PG I/II ratio and Kyoto classification scores were independent predictive variables for GC. The C-index of the nomogram of the training set was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74 to 0.84) and the AUC of ROC is 0.79. The calibration curve of the nomogram demonstrated an optimal agreement between predicted probability and observed probability of the risk of GC. In the validation set, the C-index was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.79 to 0.94) with a calibration curve of better concurrence.Conclusion. The nomogram formulated was proven to be of high predictive value for GC.
A Retrospective Study of Micturition Interruption Exercise to Accelerate the Recovery of Urinary Incontinence after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Duan Yue , He Kangjie , Yang Xiangnan , Zhu Zheng , Dai Di , Zhang Jiacheng , Chen Jiaxing
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To explore the effectiveness of micturition interruption exercise in improving the incidence of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: With a retrospective case-control study, 96 patients admitted in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from August 2016 to August 2020 and underwent radical prostatectomy were collected as the subjects. Those patients who used micturition interruption exercise (n=48)were set as the observation group, and the control group was collected according to the ratio of 1:1, the patients used Kegel exercise (n=48). To compare the rehabilitation of urinary incontinence in patients and the effect of training compliance on rehabilitation.Results: The recovery time of urinary incontinence in the observation group was significantly shorter than that of the control group. In the observation group, 83.3% of patients with training compliance reached an average or above, while the control group only accounted for 58.3%. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group after surgery. Spearman analysis suggests that there is a negative correlation between the postoperative urinary incontinence recovery time and compliance with the micturition interruption exercise.Conclusions: Micturition interruption exercise could improve the patient's exercise compliance and shorten the recovery time of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.
Optimization, validation and initial clinical implications of a Luminex-based immunoassay for the quantification of Fragile X Protein from Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Boggs Anna E , Schmitt Lauren M , McLane Richard D , Adayev Tatyana , LaFauci Giuseppe , Dominick Kelli C. , Gross Christina , Horn Paul S , Erickson Craig A
Published: September 2021

BackgroundFragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability affecting 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 6-8,000 females. FXS is caused by a trinucleotide expansion in the 5’UTR of the Fragile X Mental Retardation (FMR1) gene which in full mutation carriers (>200 repeats) leads to hypermethylation and transcriptional silencing of the gene and lack of expression of Fragile X Protein (FXP, formerly known as Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein, FMRP). Phenotypic presentation of FXS is highly variable, and molecular markers explaining or predicting this variability are lacking. Recent studies suggest that trace amounts of FXP can be detected even in fully methylated individuals and may have clinical relevance; however, the lack of available reproducible, sensitive assays to detect FXP in peripheral tissue makes evaluation of peripheral FXP as a source of clinical variability challenging. MethodsWe optimized a Luminex-based assay to detect FXP in dried blot spots for increased reproducibility and sensitivity by improving reagent concentrations and buffer conditions. The optimized assay was used to quantify FXP in 187 individuals (101 males, 86 females; 0-78.4 years) including 35 typically developing controls (24 males, 11 females), 103 individuals carrying full mutations (70 males, 33 females), and 49 individuals with premutations (7 males, 42 females). A subset of these individuals showed repeat number or methylation mosaicism. We investigated the clinical relevance of peripheral FXP levels by examining its relationship with general intellectual functioning in a subset of individuals with available IQ scores. ResultsWe show that the optimized assay is highly reproducible and detects a wide range of FXP levels. Mosaic individuals had, on average, higher FXP levels than fully methylated individuals, and trace amounts of FXP were consistently detectable in a subset of individuals with full mutation FXS. IQ scores were positively correlated with peripheral FXP levels in male and female individuals with full mutation FXS. ConclusionsWe demonstrate that our optimized Luminex-based assay to detect FXP is reproducible, highly sensitive, and related to the core intellectual disability phenotype. Further, our data suggest that trace amounts of FXP detectable in dried blood spots of individuals with FXS could be clinically relevant and may be used to stratify individuals with FXS for optimized treatment. Future studies are needed with larger sample sizes, evaluating FXP across development and expanded analysis of the relevance of FXP levels for behavioral and electrophysiological phenotypes in FXS.
The influence of geomagnetic storms on the quality of magnetotelluric impedance
Authors: Chen Hao , Mizunaga Hideki , Tanaka Toshiaki
Published: September 2021

Magnetotelluric field data contain natural electromagnetic signals and artificial noise sources (instrumental, anthropogenic, etc.). Not all available time-series data contain usable information of the electrical conductivity distribution at depth with a low signal-to-noise ratio. The variation of the natural electromagnetic signal increases dramatically in a strong geomagnetic storm, and the signal-to-noise ratio increases. A more reliable impedance may be obtained using the storm data in a noisy environment. Three field data observed at mid-latitude were used to investigate the effect of geomagnetic storms on MT impedance quality. We mainly combined the coherence between the electric and magnetic fields and the result of MT impedance to evaluate the MT impedance quality; we also used the polarization direction, linear coherence and amplitude ratio between the local and remote magnetic field to evaluate the data quality in the noisy environments. The case studies showed that the utilization of the data observed during the geomagnetic storm could overcome the local noise and bring a reliable impedance.
Paraquat-induced intracellular Zn2+ dysregulation causes dopaminergic degeneration in the substantia nigra, but not in the striatum
Authors: Tamura Haruna , Nishio Ryusuke , Saeki Nana , Katahira Misa , Morioka Hiroki , Tamano Haruna , Takeda Atsushi
Published: September 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a selective death of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, while the difference in the vulnerability to the death between the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the striatum is poorly understood. Here we tested the difference focused on paraquat (PQ)-induced intracellular Zn2+ toxicity via extracellular glutamate accumulation. When PQ was locally injected into the SNpc and the striatum, dopaminergic degeneration was observed in the SNpc, but not in the striatum. Intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced by PQ was increased in both the SNpc and the striatum. In contrast, extracellular glutamate accumulation was observed only in the SNpc and rescued in the presence of N-(p-amylcinnamoyl)anthranilic acid (ACA), a blocker of the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) cation channels. PQ increased intracellular Zn2+ level in the SNpc, but not in the striatum. The increase was rescued by 1-naphthyl acetyl spermine (NASPM), a selective blocker of Ca2+- and Zn2+-permeable GluR2-lacking AMPA receptors. PQ-induced dopaminergic degeneration in the SNpc was rescued by ACA, NASPM, and GBR, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor. The present study indicates intracellular H2O2 produced by PQ, which is taken up through dopamine transporters, is retrogradely transported to presynaptic glutamatergic terminals, activates TRPM2 channels, accumulates glutamate in the extracellular compartment, and induces intracellular Zn2+ dysregulation via Ca2+- and Zn2+-permeable GluR2-lacking AMPA receptor activation, resulting in dopaminergic degeneration in the SNpc. However, H2O2 signaling is not the case in the striatum. Paraquat-induced Zn2+ dysregulation plays a key role for neurodegeneration in the SNpc, but not in the striatum.
Eugenol and Lippia Alba Essential Oils as Effective Anesthetics for the Amazonian Freshwater Stingray Potamotrygon Wallacei (Chondrichthyes, Potamotrygonidae)
Authors: de Lima Cristiano Lopes , Morales-Gamba Ruben Dario , Neto Thiago Santana Malcher , Barcellos José Fernando Marques , Heinzmann Berta Maria , Schmidt Denise , Baldisserotto Bernardo , MARCON JAYDIONE LUIZ
Published: September 2021

This study assessed the potential of eugenol and the essential oil of Lippia alba (EOLA) in providing suitable anesthetic induction and recovery times, and their consequent effects on the blood and respiratory physiology, as well as the gill architecture of an Amazonian freshwater stingray, Potamotrygon wallacei, at the onset of the anesthetic event and after 48 h of recovery. Juveniles of P. wallacei (n = 12) were exposed to increasing concentrations of eugenol (75, 100, 125 and 150 µL L− 1) and EOLA (150, 175, 200 and 225 µL L− 1) in an immersion bath. Anesthetic induction was found to be faster with the use of eugenol compared to EOLA. On the other hand, the stingrays anesthetized with eugenol displayed a longer recovery time than those exposed to EOLA. The highest concentrations of eugenol caused moderate to severe histological changes in the gills. No significant changes were found for hematocrit and plasma metabolites in the stingrays anesthetized with all concentrations of both eugenol and EOLA just after the onset of anesthetic action, when compared to those recovered after 48 hours. Investigations regarding the potential use of these natural anesthetics are unprecedented for freshwater stingray species and 200 µL L− 1 EOLA is recommended as the most suitable anesthetic for use in juveniles of P. wallacei.
Development of New Catalytic Pigments: Dual Functional SiO2/TiO2-x Amorphous Photonic Crystals for Non-Iridescent Structural Color and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Feng Li , Wang Fen , Xu Ze , Luo Hongjie , Zhao Ting , Zhu Jianfeng , Qin Yi
Published: September 2021

Biomimetic synthesis of amorphous photonic crystals (APCs) is a significant approach to obtain non-iridescent structural colors. However, the structural colors of artificially prepared APCs are dim or even white due to the influence of incoherent scattering. In this paper, we present an innovative method was proposed to combine APCs with black TiO2-x to construct non-iridescent structural color pigments with high visibility and photocatalytic activity. Due to absorption of incoherent scattered light by black TiO2-x, the color saturation of structural colors has been significantly increased. In addition, the utilization rate of photogenic carriers was effectively enhanced by slow light effect generated from pseudo-band gap of SiO2 APCs with TiO2-x absorbed full spectrum. The tone and color saturation of catalytic pigments are controlled by the diameter of SiO2 nanospheres and the ration of TiO2-x nanoparticles, which provides a controllable application study in color related fields such as artwork, environmental coatings and textiles.
Preparation and Properties of Naringin Epoxy/UiO-66 Composites
Authors: Du Yonggang , Shi Gonghui , Wang Hui , Zhao Ge , Li Wei , Liu Chuanfang , Zhao Zilong
Published: September 2021

The novel bio-based epoxy resin based on naringenin was synthesized. The naringenin epoxy/UiO-66 composites were prepared by casting process with UiO-66 as modifier and maleic anhydride as curing agent. The influences of UiO-66 content on mechanical properties, thermal stability and flame retardancy of naringenin epoxy/UiO-66 composites were investigated. The results showed that the impact strength, glass transition temperature and limiting oxygen index of pure naringenin epoxy resin were 2.0 kJ/m2, 96 ℃ and 1.2% higher than that of di-glycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), respectively. UiO-66 can significantly improve the impact strength of naringenin epoxy resin while assisting improve its flame retardancy. When UiO-66 content was 4 wt%, the impact strength and limiting oxygen index of the naringenin epoxy/UiO-66 composite were 7.6 kJ/m2 and 24.5%, which were 85.4% and 3.5% higher than that of pure naringin epoxy resin, respectively.