bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lin28 Enhances Glucose Metabolism in Human Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells during Hypoxia via the PI3K-Akt Pathway
Authors: Zhou Xi , Li Junbo , Wang Jin , Yang Huifang , Wang Jingzeng , Xie Xiaoyun , Chen Zhishui , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used to treat and prevent liver ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI), which commonly occurs after liver surgery. Lin28 is an RNA-binding protein crucial for early embryonic development, stem cell differentiation/reprogramming, tumorigenesis, and metabolism. However, whether Lin28 can enhance metabolism in human placental MSCs (PMSCs) during hypoxia to improve the protective effect against LIRI remains unclear. First, a Lin28 overexpression construct was introduced into PMSCs; glucose metabolism, the expression of glucose metabolism - and PI3K-AKT pathway-related proteins, and the levels of microRNA Let-7 family members were examined using a glucose metabolism kit, western blots, and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Next, treatment with an AKT inhibitor was performed to understand the association of Lin28 with the PI3K-Akt pathway. Subsequently, AML12 cells were co-cultured with PMSCs to construct an in vitro model of PMSC protecting liver cells from hypoxia injury. Finally, C57BL/6J mice were used to establish a partial warm hepatic ischemia–reperfusion model in vivo. Lin28 increased the glycolysis capacity of PMSCs, allowing these cells to produce more energy under hypoxic conditions. Lin28 also activated PI3K-Akt signaling under hypoxic conditions, and AKT inhibition attenuated the effects of Lin28. In addition, Lin28 overexpression was found to protect cells against LIRI-induced liver damage, inflammation, and apoptosis and attenuate hypoxia-induced hepatocyte injury. Inconclusion, Lin28 enhances glucose metabolism under hypoxic conditions in PMSCs, thereby providing protective effects against LIRI via the activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Our study first reported the application of gene-modified mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy in LIRI.
Evaluation of Rhomboid Intercostal Block in Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery: Comparing three Concentrations of Ropivacaine
Authors: Liu Fen , Deng Wei , Zhou Qing-he , Jiang Chen-Wei
Published: September 2021

Background: Ultrasound-guided rhombic intercostal block (RIB) is a novel regional block that provides analgesia for patients who have received video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The anesthetic characteristics of ultrasound-guided RIB with different concentrations of ropivacaine are not known. This research primarily hypothesizes that ultrasound-guided RIB, given in combination with the same volume of different concentrations of ropivacaine, would improve the whole quality of recovery-40 (QoR-40) among patients with VATS.Approaches: This double-blinded, single-center, prospective, and controlled trial randomized 100 patients undergoing VATS to receive RIB. One hundred patients who have received elective VATS and satisfied inclusion standards were fallen into four groups randomly: control group with no RIB and R0.2%, R0.3%, and R0.4%; they underwent common anesthesia plus the RIB with ropivacaine at 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% in a volume of 30mL.Outcomes: Groups R0.2%, R0.3%, and R0.4% displayed great diversities in the overall QoR-40 scores and QoR-40 dimensions (in addition to psychological support) by comparing with the control group (Group C) (p<0.001 for all contrasts). Group R0.3% and R0.4% displayed great diversities in the overall QoR-40 scores and QoR-40 dimensions (in addition to psychological support) by comparing with the R0.2% group (p<0.001 for all contrasts). The overall QoR-40 scores and QoR-40 dimensions (physical comfort [p=0.585]) did not vary greatly between the Group R0.3% and R0.4% (p>0.05 for all contrasts). Group R0.2%, R0.3% and R0.4% showed significant differences in numerical rating scales (NRS) score region under the curve (AUC) at rest and on movement in 48 hours when compared with the Group C (p<0.001 for all contrasts). Group R0.3% and R0.4% displayed great diversities in NRS score AUC at rest and on movement in 48 hours when compared with the R0.2% group (p<0.001 for all contrasts). The NRS mark AUC at rest and on movement in 48 hours did not vary greatly between the Group R0.3% and R0.4% (p>0.05 for all contrasts).Conclusion: It was found that a dose of 0.3% ropivacaine is the best concentration for RIB for patients undergoing VATS. Through growing ropivacaine concentration, the analgesia of the RIB was not improved greatly.Trial registration number: ChiCTR2100046254
m6A related exosome gene siganture in colon cancer identifies distinct microenvironment characterization and immunotherapeutical responses
Authors: Zheng Junjie , Chen Daiwei , Zhang Cuiyu , Ji Yuge , Liu Yanting , Fan Xiaohua , Li Jingxin
Published: September 2021

Background

Gradually, more researches pay attention to the potential relationship between N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA and immunity in tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, they developed unique scoring modes through detecting level of m6A in various tumors to learn immune phenotypes. Nevertheless, direct detection always is harmful even fatal to patients. Recent studies demonstrated that exosomes in body fluid would deliver RNA with m6A modification from tumors.
Methods

Through analyzing datasets from 1066 colon cancer samples, m6A-related exosome genes modification patterns which based on 59 m6A-related exosome genes was classified. Then we used MREGS to calculate modification patterns of each tumor with PCA algorithm.
Results

In accordance with 59 m6A-related exosome gene, we indicated that there were distinguishing characteristics of TME cell infiltration in three different m6A-related exosome gene modification patterns. Three immune cell infiltration profiles (immune-inflamed, immune-desert and immune-excluded) were pronouncedly relevant with the identified patterns in aspects of immune activation, EMT- and TGFβ-related pathways and activity of stroma in TME. We also discovered that tumor molecular subtypes, genetic aberrant expression and patients’ outcomes could be evaluated by identified modification patterns. Furthermore, patients in lower MREGS group, featured as prolonged lifespan and advantageous immune activation, was associated with high tumor mutation burden (TMB) and good prognosis with anti-PDL1 immune therapy.
Conclusion

Detecting the level of m6A methylation of exosomes in patients’ serum, MREGS could be utilized for assessing m6A-related exosome gene modification patterns of each patient and their own matching characteristics of TME cell infiltration, and next ascertain immunological classifications of tumors and assist clinicians to tailor optimal treatment for patients.
ANXA1 Induces Oxaliplatin Resistance of Gastric Cancer through Autophagy by Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR
Authors: Ren Jun , Hu Qing Zhi , Niu Ming Geng , Xia Jie , Wang Xing , Hong Qi Run , Gu Wei Jia , Ke Chongwei
Published: September 2021

Background: Resistance to oxaliplatin (OXA) is a major cause of recurrence in gastric cancer (GC) patients. ANXA1 has been found to participate in the regulation of diverse cellular functions in a variety of cell types including anti-inflammatory processes. We aimed to investigate the role of ANXA1 in autophagy and chemoresistance of GC cells. Methods: To identify the genes that regulate oxaliplatin resistance, we used RNA-seq to profile gene expression within oxaliplatin resistant GC and parental cells. Immunohistochemical and RT-qPCR was performed to detect ANXA1 expression in tissues of 2 cohorts of GC patients who received OXA-based chemotherapy. The chemoresistant effects of ANXA1 were assessed by cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy assays. The effects of ANXA1 on autophagy were assessed by mRFP-GFP-LC3 and western blot. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and western blot was performed to detect the activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling under the regulation of ANXA1.Results: Based on RNA-seq profiling, ANXA1 was selected as a candidate that was upregulated in oxaliplatin resistant GC cells. Furthermore, we discovered that ANXA1 is upregulated in chemo-resistant GC tissues. Knockdown of ANXA1, via inhibiting autophagy, enhanced the sensitivity of OXA-resistant GC cells to OXA in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, we identified that PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was activated in the ANXA1 stably knockdown AGS/OXA cells, which leads to the down-regulation of autophagy.Conclusions: ANXA1 functions as a chemoresistant gene in GC cells by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and might be a prognostic predictor for GC patients who receive OXA-based chemotherapy.
Responses of Leaf Hydraulic Traits of Schoenoplectus Tabernaemontani To Increasing Temperature and CO2 Concentrations
Authors: Zhao Yao , SUN Mei , Guo Huijun , Feng Chunhui , Liu Zhenya , Xu Junping
Published: September 2021

Background
Against the background of a changing climate, the responses of functional traits of plateau wetland plants to increasing temperatures and CO2 concentrations need to be understood. Hydraulic traits are the key for plants to maintain their ecological functions and affect their growth and survival. However, few studies have comprehensively considered the response strategies of wetland plants' hydraulic traits to environmental changes in the context of water and matter transport, loss, and retention. According to the latest IPCC prediction results, we performed experiments under increased temperature (2℃) and CO2 levels (850 µmol/mol) in an artificial Sealed-top Chamber (STC) to investigate the responses of the hydraulic characteristics of Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, the dominant species in plateau wetlands in China.
Results
Compared with the CK group, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal length, cuticle thickness, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle width, and vascular bundle area of S. tabernaemontani in the ET group were significantly reduced, whereas stomatal density and vein density increased significantly. Compared with the CK group, the hydraulic traits of S. tabernaemontani in the EC group were reduced considerably in stomatal length and cuticle thickness but increased dramatically in stomatal density, and there were no significant differences between other parameter values and the control group. Net photosynthetic rate was significantly positively correlated with stomatal length, cuticle thickness, and vascular bundle length, and stomatal conductance was significantly positively correlated with cuticle thickness. The transpiration rate was significantly positively correlated with cuticle thickness, epidermal cell area, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle width, and vascular bundle area. Regarding the hydraulic traits, there was a significant negative correlation between stomatal density and stomatal length, or cuticle thickness, and a significant positive correlation between the latter two. The epidermal cell area was significantly positively correlated with epidermal thickness, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle width, and vascular bundle area
Conclusions
Increased temperature and CO2 levels are not conducive to the photosynthetic activity of S. tabernaemontani. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal density and size, vein density, epidermal structure size, and vascular bundle size play an essential role in the adaptation of this species to changes in temperature and CO2 concentration. In the process of adaptation, hydraulic traits are not isolated from each other, and there is a functional association among traits. This study provide a scientific basis for the management and protection of plateau wetlands.
A Retrospective Comparative Study of Local Anesthesia Only and Local Anesthesia with Sedation for Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
Authors: Yang Liu , Pan Yu-Lin , Liu Chun-Zhi , Guo De-Xin , Zhao Xin
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare surgical experience and clinical outcomes of lumbar disk herniation (LDH) patients treated with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) using local anesthesia only and local anesthesia with sedation. Ninety-two consecutive LDH patients were divided into four groups: control group (Con Group), dexmedetomidine group (Dex Group), oxycodone group (Oxy Group), and dexmedetomidine + oxycodone group (Dex + Oxy Group). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), Ramsay score and VAS score were compared before anesthesia (T1), working cannula establishment (T2), nucleus pulposus removal (T3), and immediately postoperative (T4). Surgical duration, hospitalization and MacNab criteria were evaluated. In control group, MAP and HR at T2 and T3 were higher than T1 (P < 0.05). In Dex, Oxy, and Dex + Oxy groups, MAP and HR at T2, T3, T4 were lower than T1, but Ramsay scores at T2, T3, T4 were higher than T1 (P < 0.05). VAS scores in all groups were improved postoperative (p>0.05). The clinical outcomes have no significant differences among the four groups (P > 0.05). We concluded that the combination of dexmedetomidine and oxycodone under local anesthesia is an effective method to improve surgical experience and reduce anxiety in suitable LDH patients.
Molecular and Biochemical Characterization of Two 4-Coumarate: Coa Ligase Genes in Tea Plant (Camellia Sinensis)
Authors: Li Mingzhuo , Guo Lili , Wang Yeru , Li Yanzhi , Jiang Xiaolan , Liu Yajun , Xie Deyu , Gao Liping , Xia Tao
Published: September 2021

Tea is rich in flavonoids benefiting human health. Lignin is essential for tea plant growth. Both flavonoids and lignin defend plants from stresses. The biosynthesis of lignin and flavonoids shares a key intermediate, p-coumaroyl-CoA, which is formed from p-coumaric acid catalyzed by p-coumaric acid: CoA ligase (4CL). Herein, we reported two 4CL paralogs from tea plant, Cs4CL1 and Cs4CL2, which were a member of class I and II, respectively. Cs4CL1 was mainly expressed in roots and stems, while Cs4CL2 was mainly expressed in leaves. The promoter of Cs4CL1 had AC, light and stress-inducible (LSI), and meristem-specific elements, while that of Cs4CL2 had AC and LSI elements only. Moreover, the promoter of Cs4CL1 had two more stress-inducible elements than Cs4CL2 had and the two promoters had six different light-inducible elements. These features suggested their differences in their responses to environmental conditions. Three stress treatments indicated that the expression of Cs4CL1 was sensitive to mechanical wounding, while the expression of Cs4CL2 was UV-B-inducible. Enzymatic assay showed that both recombinant Cs4CL1 and Cs4CL2 transformed p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid to their corresponding CoA ethers. Kinetic analysis indicated that the recombinant Cs4CL1 preferred to catalyze caffeic acid, while the recombinant Cs4CL2 favored to catalyze p-coumaric acid. The overexpression of both Cs4CL1 and Cs4CL2 increased the levels of chlorogenic acid and total lignin in transgenic tobacco seedlings. In addition, the overexpression of Cs4CL2 increased the levels of three flavonoid compounds. These findings indicate the differences of Cs4CL1 and Cs4CL2 in the phenylpropanoid metabolism.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Potential Gastric Cancer Prognostic Biomarker ITGBL1 Associated With Immune Infiltration and Epithelial–mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Wang Zhe , Fu Liu , Zhang Junjie , Ge Yanli , Guo Cheng , Wang Rui , Deng Min , Wang Qizhi , Wang Zhirong
Published: September 2021

Background: Integrin, beta-like 1 (ITGBL1) is involved in a variety of human malignancies. However, the information on the involvement of ITGBL1 in gastric carcinoma (GC) is limited. Hence, this study aimed to further explore the functions and mechanisms of ITGBL1 in GC. Methods: First, multiple bioinformatics databases, including Oncomine, Timer, UALCAN, and Kaplan–Meier Plotter, were used to predict the expression level and prognostic value of ITGBL1, as well as its association with immune infiltration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GC. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis were used to to detect the expression of ITGBL1 in both GC tissues and cells. Then, targeted silencing of ITGBL1 in GC cells was further to examine the biological functions of ITGBL1.Results: These databases revealed that ITGBL1 was overexpressed and affected the overall survival in GC. Besides, the expression of ITGBL1 positively correlated with immune-infiltrating cells and EMT-related markers. Subsequently, molecular biology experiments verified these predictions. In GC tissues and cells, ITGBL1 was notably overexpressed. Loss-of-function studies showed that the knockdown of ITGBL1 significantly suppressed migration and invasion but promoted apoptosis in MGC803 GC cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of ITGBL1 resulted in remarkably increased protein expression levels of cadherin 1 (CDH1), while the expression of Vimentin, Snail, and TGF-β1 was downregulated, indicating the initiation and progression of GC caused by ITGBL1 partly via inducing EMT. Conclusion: To sum up, the findings indicated that ITGBL1 acted as a valuable oncogenic factor in GC.
Identification of Key Genes, miRNAs and miRNAs-mRNA Regulatory Pathways for Chemotherapy Resistance in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wang Wenwen
Published: September 2021

Background: Chemotherapy resistance, especially platinum resistance, is the main cause of poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. It is of great urgency to find molecular markers and mechanism related to platinum resistance in ovarian cancer.Methods: One mRNA dataset (GSE28739) and one miRNA dataset (GSE25202) were acquired from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The GEO2R tool was used to screen out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) between platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer patients. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis for DEGs were performed using the DAVID to present the most visibly enriched pathways. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) of these DEGs was constructed based on the information of the STRING database. Hub genes related to platinum resistance were visualized by Cytoscape software. Then, we chose seven interested hub genes to further validate using qRT-PCR in A2780 ovarian cancer cell lines. And, at last, the TF-miRNA-target genes regulatory network was predicted and constructed using miRNet software.Results: A total of 63 upregulated DEGs, 124 downregulated DEGs, 4 upregulated miRNAs and 6 downregulated miRNAs were identified. From the PPI network, the top 10 hub genes were identified, which were associated with platinum resistance. Our further qRT-PCR showed that seven hub genes (BUB1, KIF2C, NUP43, NDC80, NUF2, CCNB2 and CENPN) were differentially expressed in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, the upstream transcription factors (TF) for upregulated DE-miRNAs were SMAD4, NFKB1, SMAD3, TP53 and HNF4A. Three overlapping downstream target genes (KIF2C, STAT3 and BUB1) were identified by miRNet, which was regulated by hsa-miR-494.Conclusions: The TF-miRNA–mRNA regulatory pairs, that is TF (SMAD4, NFKB1 and SMAD3)-miR-494-target genes (KIF2C, STAT3 and BUB1), were established. In conclusion, the present study is of great significance to find the key genes of platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. Further study is needed to identify the mechanism of these genes in ovarian cancer.
The Immune-Related PRF1 May Interact with Component 3 to Facilitate a Favorable Prognosis of Skin Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Qi Bingran , Lv Mengzhu , Zheng Chang , Li Kezhu , Jin Shifeng , Dong Yuqing , Shao Yining , Guo Shu
Published: September 2021

Background Previous studies have revealed the immune cytolytic activity (CYT) mediated by Perforin 1 (PRF1) is associated with a favorable prognosis of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and displays significant differences between primary and metastatic SKCM. However, the role of PRF1 in SKCM is poorly understood. Methods By comparing the PRF1 co-expression network between metastatic and primary SKCM, we identified the potential hub genes interacting with PRF1 and then verified their correlation in lung metastatic melanoma cell lines. Survival analysis was performed for the four groups of SKCM defined by the median expression values of PRF1 and C3. Meanwhile, the possible relationship of PRF1 with immunotherapy response is investigated in the melanoma expression profile of an adoptive T cell therapy dataset.Results Almost all primary co-expression genes (n= 502, 96.91%) and more than half of metastasis-specific co-expression genes (n= 830) were identified in metastatic SKCMs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that extensive CYT-related biological processes were disturbed in the metastatic SKCM, including immune response activation and inflammation response. The hub gene C3 showed a positive correlation with PRF1 in multiple datasets. Prognosis analysis indicated that the group with high expression of both PRF1 and C3 showed the best prognosis. Moreover, high expression of PRF1 and C3 is associated with positive immunotherapy response. Besides, we identified five human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes as the central nodes of the PPI network.Conclusions Remarkable alterations in the CYT-related biological processes were observed between primary and metastatic SKCMs. Preliminary results demonstrate that PRF1 may act synergistically with C3 to facilitate the favorable prognosis of SKCM.
A Pan-Cancer Analysis of Transcription Factor Forkhead Box O-3: FOXO3
Authors: cai Guiyang , Li Jiacheng , Yang Qing , Sun Wei
Published: September 2021

Background: Although available cell - or animal- based evidence supports the relationship between transcription factor FOXO3 and cancers, so far, there has been no pan-cancer analysis of FOXO3. Methods: We thus first carry on a pan-cancer analysis of FOXO3 across multiple tumors via several online websites based on the datasets of TCGA, including statistical correlations of FOXO3 expression with clinical prognosis, protein phosphorylation, cancer-associated fibroblasts infiltration, tumor mutational burden, and relevant cellular pathway. Results: FOXO3 was usually as an anti-tumor gene in KIRC, BLCA, CESC, UVM, LUAD and BRCA cancers, while a higher level of FOXO3 may have a certain cancer-promoting effect. As FOXO3 usually played a cancer-promoting role in ERα- BRCA but in ERα+ BRCA played an anti-tumor role, which may be due to transcription factor ERα translocating FOXO3 to the cytoplasm to weaken the transcription activity of FOXO3. FOXO3 activates autophagy related genes through transcription to maintain the occurrence of basal autophagy when basal autophagy is inhibited. However, FOXO3 can also induce apoptosis through transcription of pro-apoptotic genes if autophagy inhibition persists. The expression of phosphorylated FOXO3 protein at different sites may also affect its transcriptional activity by changing its shuttle between nucleus and cytoplasm. Therefore, When we analyze the functions of FOXO3 in a specific type of cancer, we should combine with the expression of FOXO3, the alteration status of FOXO3, the overall phosphorylation status of FOXO3, the basic autophagy status, the expression levels of ERα, SIRT1, CBP, FKBP5, RERE and SMAD4, and cancer-associated fibroblasts subtype, even consider the KRAS mutation, P53 mutation or non-genetic factors which can influence the functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the specific type of cancer. Conclusions: Our first pan-cancer study has provided a relatively comprehensive understanding of the role of FOXO3 in different tumors, and will give some help and enlightenment to later researchers who study the role of FOXO3 in various cancers.
Distribution and Transmission Patterns of Respiratory Tract Bacterial Species Among Individuals in Close Contact
Authors: Zhao Na , Lian Xingxing , Du Juan , Ren Hongyu , Zhao Tianshuo , Lu Qingbin , Li Yinan , Cui Fuqiang , Qin Tian
Published: September 2021

Background: Outbreaks of respiratory diseases tend to occur in individuals who live in communities, such as students, factory workers, troops, and prisons, because they are in close contact with each other. However, little is known about the transmission mode of nasopharyngeal microbiota in healthy people living in clusters. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the distribution of transmission patterns of respiratory tract flora in individuals who have close contact over time to provide a basis for the prevention and control of respiratory diseases. Result: Thirty-six freshmen in Peking University Medical School volunteered for this study. Throat swab samples were collected on the first day of enrollment and on the 15th, 30th, and 60th day of living together. Streptococcaceae , Bacillaceae , and Neisseriaceae were the most abundant bacterial groups in the cohort. The bacterial community was found to change with time, and the similarity in bacterial community between dormitory members also changed with time. When the dormitory members had lived together for 15 days, the bacterial community had the highest similarity, but it declined thereafter. However, on the 60th day, it was still higher than the similarity on the first day (before they started living together). The transmission patterns of respiratory tract bacteria were spreading with colonization, spreading without colonization, and non-spreading. The bacteria that spread and colonized easily mainly belonged to core genuses (It was defined as that detected in more than 90% of the samples). Bacteria that could spread easily but did not colonize mainly belonged to soft-core genuses (It was defined as that detected in 10%–90% of the samples). The non-spreading bacteria mainly belonged to rare genuses (It was defined as that found in less than 10% of the samples). Conclusions: These findings indicate that it is important to monitor the incidence and spread of bacteria belonging to the core genuses in order to prevent the spread of bacterial respiratory pathogens.
Frontal Functional Connectivity Impairment in Early Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Plaza-Rosales Ivan , Montefusco-Siegmund Rodrigo , Madariaga Samuel , Brunetti Enzo , Behrens María Isabel , Paula-Lima Andrea , Maldonado Pedro E.
Published: September 2021

Background Many neurophysiological markers such as neuronal oscillations, cortical neuronal synchronization and long-range neuronal coupling have been suggested to permit the identification of early cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is still unclear whether alterations in long-range Functional Connectivity (FC) constitute part of early mechanisms in the initial stages of AD.MethodsEighteen participants (69-88 years old), classified as early AD and matching healthy controls, were evaluated while performing a virtual spatial navigation task. We combined electroencephalography (EEG) and eye movement recordings during the performance of a virtual version of the Morris Water Maze (VMWM), where participants had to find a submerged, invisible platform. The groups were compared in their navigation performance with different metrics of brain activity.ResultsWe found that the subjects of both groups showed characteristic visual exploration patterns, with a central and over the horizontal midline exploration in controls and more peripheral and sparse fixations, in early AD subjects. In addition, regions in visual exploration between the groups were significantly different. The control group presented a marked occipital activity in the beta band (15-20 Hz) in comparison to the early AD group at early processing time. These differences in the beta band were much more robust in prefrontal regions with significant differences in the frontal cortex, which has been associated with spatial navigation tasks in addition to planning and decision making.ConclusionsThese results suggest that long-range Functional connectivity networks generated from early visual activity contribute to the mechanisms involved in the loss of spatial encoding at the early stages of AD.
Identification of foods to monitor the sodium content of processed foods for developing a sodium reduction program in the Philippines
Authors: Amarra Maria Sofia , Capanzana Mario , Gironella Glen , Reyes Francisco de los
Published: September 2021

Background

In response to the global target for reduction in salt intake, several countries have implemented population sodium reduction strategies. These strategies include identification of major sources of sodium in the diet and reformulation of a set number of products available on the market. This study aimed to identify processed foods that can be targeted for reformulation and whose sodium content can be monitored over time in order to reduce sodium intake in the Philippines. The objectives were to: 1) Estimate per capita sodium intake from minimally processed and processed food groups by income quintile and urban/rural location; 2) Identify foods that contribute to the variance in per capita sodium intake that can be used as indicators for monitoring the sodium content of Philippine processed foods. One-day household food weighing data covering 4880 households from the 2008 National Nutrition Survey was used. Per capita sodium consumption from processed and minimally processed food categories and percentiles of sodium intake from these categories by income quintile and urban/rural location were obtained. The percentage contribution of different food categories to mean per capita sodium intake was calculated. Specific foods that contributed to the variance in sodium intake among Filipinos were identified.
Results

Foods which significantly accounted for 99.4% of the variance in sodium intake were 13 types of processed foods and 2 types of minimally processed foods. The category Processed Soup, Sauces, and Flavor Enhancers contributed the greatest proportion to per capita sodium intake. Specific processed foods that contributed to the variance in per capita sodium intake were instant noodles, traditional fermented condiments and sauces, dried and processed meat, fish, and poultry products, salted eggs, white bread and pan de sal (a traditional Filipino bread), wheat and egg noodles, crispy cereal chips and extruded snacks, butter and margarine, cheese, and chocolate-based beverages.
Conclusion

Identifying processed foods that significantly contribute to sodium intake, followed by reformulating and monitoring the sodium content of these foods over time should be considered as one strategy to reduce sodium intake in the Philippines.
Recycling of clastics in coastal areas: Quantitative analysis based on reworked radiocarbon samples
Authors: Tanabe Susumu , Nakanishi Toshimichi , Nakashima Rei
Published: September 2021

Studies of the evolution of coastal lowlands since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) typically ignore radiocarbon data from sediment samples that have undergone reworking. However, these samples contain information on their sediment sources and their timing of redeposition. We analyzed 738 radiocarbon dates obtained from shell and plant material in samples of post-LGM coastal sediment from north of Tokyo Bay. Of these samples, 245 (33%) had reworked ages. Furthermore, the percentage of reworked samples and their average age offsets increased with the depth of the water environment (terrestrial, 15% and 360 ± 250 years, respectively; intertidal, 26% and 470 ± 620 years; subtidal, 39% and 550 ± 630 years). Taking these radiocarbon samples as a proxy for clastic material, our results imply that channel erosion accounted for relatively little clastic removal in the terrestrial and intertidal environments in short duration, whereas ~40% of clastics were removed by storm winnowing and transported in stepwise fashion to deeper water in long duration and ~60% were transported by floods directly from river mouths in the subtidal environments. These findings imply that radiocarbon ages from reworked samples can be used to quantify clastic recycling processes and their history in coastal areas.
Incidence and risk factors for hypoglycemia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng XiaoJing , Yan Hong-Hong , Gan Bin , Qiu Xiao-Ting , Qiu Jie , Zhang Jing , Chen Xiao-Ming , Huang Cui-Juan , Chen xiumei
Published: September 2021

AimTo evaluate the incidence and risk factors for hypoglycemia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsWe collected and analyzed the clinical data of patients with HCC in our cancer center between April 2020 and June 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors associated with hypoglycemia.ResultsThe incidence rate of hypoglycemia in patients with HCC was 28.9% (67/232). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between hypoglycemia and Child-Pugh grade C (odds ratio [OR]=7.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.28–23.31, p=0.001), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (OR=1.000035, 95% CI 1.000007–1.000063, p=0.015), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.29–0.73, p=0.001).ConclusionChild-Pugh stage and HbA1c and AFP levels were associated with hypoglycemia in patients with HCC. Our study suggests that these three factors should be comprehensively considered when estimating the risk of hypoglycemia in these patients, and the diagnosis, treatment, and nursing plan should be adjusted in time to reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia.
Plastic additives for fire safety with weight reduction, thermal stability in processing and waste management Morpholino-poly(piperazinyl-morpholinyl-triazins)*
Authors: Kaul Bansi L
Published: September 2021

This paper is not just about the benefits of the smart plastics, but also about the potential remedies of the environmental concerns of their use. It is also a discussion about a potential pathway to an efficient use of fossil (combustion) fuels and the reduction of the emissions caused due to their use, in general. Morpholino-poly (piperazinyl-morpholinyl-triazin) imparts sustainable fire-safety and subdued incineration behaviour to plastics combined with weight reduction, and facilitates their melt processing. Additionally, it enables their ultimate environmentally friendly disposal as waste, after the ultimate use, coupled with simultaneous generation of usable energy. The knowledge & experience thus gained from energy extraction of waste plastics provide guidelines for future research to increase the efficiency of energy extraction and the reduction of emissions from combustion fuels in general. The technology is also intended to safeguard against open burning of plastics that leads to air-pollution flashover and forest fires. The various aspects of the experimental data generated are presented and plausible mechanisms of the technology are discussed.
Semiconducting phase of hafnium dioxide under high pressure: a theoretical studied by quasi-particle GW calculations
Authors: Bovornratanaraks Thipok , Ahuja Rajeev , Tsuppayakorn-aek Prutthipong
Published: September 2021

The phase stability of the hafnium dioxide compounds HfO2, a novelmaterial with a wide range of application due to its versatility and biocompatibility,is predicted to be achievable by using evolutionary technique, based on first-principlescalculations. Herein, the candidate structure of HfO2 is revealed to adopt a tetragonalstructure under high-pressure phase with P4/nmm space group. This evidentlyconfirms the stability of the HfO2 structures, since the decomposition into thecomponent elements under pressure does not occur until the pressure is at least200GPa. Moreover, phonon calculations can confirm that the P4/nmm structure isdynamically stable. The P4/nmm structure is mainly attributed to the semiconductingproperty within using the Perdew{Burke{Ernzerhof, the modified Becke-Johnsonexchange potential in combination with the generalized gradient approximations, andthe quasi-particle GW approximation, respectively. Our calculation manifests that theP4/nmm structure likely to be metal above 200GPa, arising particularly from GWapproximation. The remarkable results of this work provide more understanding ofthe high-pressure structure for designing metal-oxide-based semiconducting materials.
“Long COVID” follow-up pathway: results of longitudinal cohort study to investigate 6- and 12-month outcomes after hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Rigoni Marta , Torri Emanuele , Nollo Giandomenico , Donne Livia Delle , Rizzardo Sebastiano , Lenzi Lorenza , Falzone Andrea , Cozzio Susanna
Published: September 2021

Long-term sequelae of symptomatic infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 are largely undiscovered.
We performed a prospective cohort study on consecutively hospitalized Sars-CoV-2 patients (March-May 2020) for evaluating COVID-19 outcomes at 6 and 12 months. After hospital discharge, patients were addressed to two follow-up pathways based on respiratory support needed during hospitalization. Outcomes were assessed by telephone consultation or ambulatory visit.
Among 471 patients, 81.6% received no respiratory support during hospitalization; 8.2% received non-invasive ventilation; 0.2% required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). 64 patients died during hospitalization, therefore 407 were enrolled for follow-up. At 6 months, among 355patients, the 27.0% had any symptoms, 19.4% dyspnea, 5.4% neurological symptoms. Fifty-two out of 104 had major damages in interstitial Computed Tomography images. IMV patients had higher probability to suffer of neurological symptoms (OR=4.12, p=0.01). At 12 months, among 344, the 24.4% suffered on any symptoms, 14.0% dyspnea, 10.0% neurological symptoms. Severe interstitial lesions were present in 37 out of 47 investigated patients. IMV patients in respect to no respiratory support, had higher probability of experiencing symptoms (OR=3.51, p<0.01), dyspnea (OR=3.08, p<0.01 ), neurological symptoms (OR= 11.50, p<0.01).
COVID-19 patients showed prolonged sequelae up to 12 months, highlighting the need of follow-up pathways for post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Anti-glioblastoma Effects of Structural Variants of Benzoylphenoxyacetamide (BPA): II. Synthesis Strategies for Phenolic Variants of BPAs With Potential for Blood Brain Barrier Penetration.
Authors: Stalinska Joanna , Vittori Cecilia , IV Charles H. Ingraham , Carson Sean C. , Bonstaff Karlie , Lassak Adam , Faia Celeste , Colley Susan B. , Peruzzi Francesca , Reiss Krzysztof , Jursic Branko S.
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Glioblastomas are the most aggressive brain tumors for which therapeutic options are limited. Current therapies against glioblastoma include surgical resection, followed by radiotherapy plus concomitant and maintenance with temozolomide (TMZ), however, these standard therapies are often ineffective, and average survival time for glioblastoma patients is between 12 and 18 months. We have previously reported a strong anti-glioblastoma activity of several metabolic compounds, which were synthetized based the chemical structure of a common lipid-lowering drug, fenofibrate, and share a general molecular skeleton of benzoylphenoxyacetamide (BPA). Extensive computational analyses of phenol and naphthol moieties added to the BPA skeleton were performed in this study with the objective of selecting new BPA variants for subsequent compound preparation and anti-glioblastoma testing. Initially, 81 structural variations were considered and their physical properties such as solubility (logS), blood-brain partitioning (logBB), and probability of entering the CNS calculated by the Central Nervous System – Multiparameter Optimization (MPO-CNS) algorithm were evaluated. From this initial list, 18 compounds were further evaluated for anti-glioblastoma activity in vitro. Nine compounds demonstrated desirable glioblastoma cell toxicity in cell culture, and two of them, HR51, and HR59 demonstrated significantly improved capability of crossing the model blood-brain-barrier (BBB) composed of endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes.
Early Bearing Fault Diagnosis based on the Improved Singular Value Decomposition Method
Authors: Cui Lingli , Sun Mengxin , Huang Jinfeng
Published: September 2021

The traditional singular value decomposition (SVD) method is unable to diagnose the weak fault feature of bearings effectively, which means, it is difficult to retain the effective singular components (SCs). Therefore, a new singular value decomposition method, SVD based on the FIC (fault information content), is proposed, which takes the amplitude characteristics of fault feature frequency as the selection index FIC of singular components. Firstly, the Hankel matrix of the original signal is constructed and SVD is applied in the matrix. Secondly, the proposed index FIC is used to evaluate the information of the decomposed SCs. Finally, the SCs with fault information are selected and added to obtain the denoised signal. The results of bearing fault simulation signals and experimental signals show that compared with the traditional differential singular value decomposition (DS-SVD), the proposed method can select the singular components with larger amount of fault information, and is able to diagnose the fault under the heavy noise interference. The new method can be used for signal denoising and weak fault feature extraction.
Performance of Five-Axis Machine Tool and Intelligent Machining Process
Authors: Chan Tzu-Chi , Lin Hsin-Hsien
Published: September 2021

In this study, the processing performance of a five-axis machine tool was analyzed to identify processing weaknesses as the basis for subsequent structural improvements. Data were then integrated through the Abductory Induction Mechanism (AIM) polynomial neural network to predict intelligent processing quality, and an in-depth investigation was conducted by importing processing parameters to predict the surface quality of the finished product.The finite element analysis method was used to analyze the static and dynamic characteristics of the whole machine and to test the structural modal frequency and vibration shape. For modal testing, the experiment used various equipment, including impact hammers, accelerometers, and signal extractors. Subsequent planning of modal frequency band processing experiments was conducted to verify the influence of natural frequencies on the processing level. Finally, according to the machine processing characteristics, a processing experiment was planned. The measurement record was used as the training data of the AIM polynomial neural network to establish the processing quality prediction model.After analysis and an actual machine test comparison, the three-axis static rigidity values of the machine were X: 1.63 Kg/µm, Y: 1.93 Kg/µm, and Z: 3.95 Kg/µm. The modal vibration shape maximum error of the machine was within 6.2%. The processing quality prediction model established by the AIM polynomial neural network could input processing parameters to achieve the surface roughness prediction value, and the actual relative error of the Ra value was within 0.1 µm.Based on the results of cutting experiments, the influence of the dynamic characteristics of the machine on the processing quality was obtained, especially in the modal vibration environment, which had an adverse effect on the surface roughness. Hence, the surface roughness of the workpiece processed by the machine could be predicted.
Subdistribution-Based Imputation for Deep Survival Analysis with Competing Events
Authors: Zadeh Shekoufeh Gorgi , Behning Charlotte , Schmid Matthias
Published: September 2021

With the popularity of deep neural networks (DNNs) in recent years, many researchers have proposed DNNs for the analysis of survival data (time-to-event data). These networks learn the distribution of survival times directly from the predictor variables without making strong assumptions on the underlying stochastic process. In survival analysis, it is common to observe several types of events, also called competing events. The occurrences of these competing events are usually not independent of one another and have to be incorporated in the modeling process in addition to censoring. In classical survival analysis, a popular method to incorporate competing events is the subdistribution hazard model, which is usually fitted using weighted Cox regression. In the DNN framework, only few architectures have been proposed to model the distribution of time to a specific event in a competing events situation. These architectures are characterized by a separate subnetwork/pathway per event, leading to large networks with huge amounts of parameters that may become difficult to train. In this work, we propose a novel imputation strategy for data preprocessing that incorporates the subdistribution weights derived from the classical model. With this, it is no longer necessary to add multiple subnetworks to the DNN to handle competing events. Our experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets show that DNNs with multiple subnetworks per event can simply be replaced by a DNN designed for a single-event analysis without loss in accuracy.
Ternary hybrid formation and Photocatalytic activity of NiO/CuO/TiO2 microstructure over textile azo dye under solar light irradiation
Authors: S Sivakumar , Muthamilarasu A. , Divya G. , Sivakumar M. , Sakthi D.
Published: September 2021

The photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of ReactiveOrange30 on NiO/CuO/TiO2 ternary composites has been studied using solar light irradiation. This NiO/CuO/TiO2 ternary composites were prepared by different mass ratios of NiO and CuO/TiO2(3wt% to 15wt.%) on the ethonalic dispersion and annealed at 300˚ C. SEM, UV- Vis DRS, PL, XRD and FTIR analysis has used to characterize the all photocatalysts. NiO/CuO/TiO2 ternary composites demonstrate enhanced photocatalytic activity than NiO/TiO2, CuO/TiO2and pure TiO2 due to separation of photogenerated electrons and holes charges. The NiO/CuO/TiO2ternary composites shows good photostability and the photocatalyst retain the 94% of its initial activity in the seventh cycle, respectively.
Topological Charge of Soft X-ray Vortex Beam Determined by Inline Holography
Authors: Ishii Yuta , Nakao Hironori , Mizumaki Masaichiro , Wakabayashi Yusuke , Arima Taka-hisa , Yamasaki Yuichi
Published: September 2021

A Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) vortex beam having a spiral wavefront can be characterized by its topological charge (TC). The TC gives the number of times that the beam phase passes through the interval [0, 2π] following a closed loop surrounding the propagation axis. Here, the TC of soft X-ray vortex beams is determined using the in-line holography technique, where interference between vortex waves produced from a fork grating and divergent waves from a Fresnel zone plate is observed as a holographic image. The analyses revealed the phase distributions and the TC for the LG vortex waves, which reflects topological number of the fork gratings, as well as for the Hermite–Gaussian (HG) mode waves generated from the other gratings. We also conducted a simulation of the present technique for pair annihilation of topological defects in a magnetic texture. These results may pave the way for development of probes capable of characterizing the topological numbers of magnetic defects.