bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEPINV：A WeChat Applet for Online Intervention of Depression Based on Accept Cognition Theory
Authors: Xu Ronghua , Zhang Qingpeng , Zou Honglu , Tan Sidie , Zhu Lifan
Published: February 2022

Background: Studies have shown that the phenomenon of fetal malformations can cause serious psychological problems and even depressive symptoms of pregnant women during their perinatal period. Psychological studies have shown that involving these women into appropriate interventions and treatments can effectively alleviate their depressed symptoms. With the prevalence of mobile technologies and online social networks, practitioners and researchers have been dedicating to move the offline intervention strategies to online platforms for the treatment of depression caused by fetal malformations.System Design: We design an online DEPression INterVention system (DEPINV), suitable for the online intervention of depressed woman suffering from fetal malformations. There are three main features in the design of DEPINV. First, it intends for the effective coordination and interaction among three types of user roles in order to reach a tripartite synergistic therapy effect. Second, it focuses on the assessment and monitoring of users’ psychological state, and the Accept Cognition Theory (ACT) is introduced into the design of the system for the intervention. Third, various communication channels are provided to assist users’ coordination and ACT-based intervention. System Implementation: To make the access easy and flexible, we adopt the WeChat applet as the development and deploying technical framework. Therefore, DEPINV is a WeChat applet that can be accessed by simply scanning the Quick Response (QR) code. It cooperates three types of users, the healthcare providers, depressed women and their family members. That is, DEPINV helps healthcare providers to maintain and manage the psychological states of depressed women with the involvement of their family members. There are six successive stages in the core function of the ACT-based intervention and each target for the accomplishment of one specific psychological state. Through the comprehensive management of treatment procedure, DEPINV applet helps healthcare providers record and monitor the dynamic change of patients' affections. To cope with the negative emotions of depressed women, various channels of information support, social support and emotional support are also provided for instant communication between healthcare providers and family members.Conclusion: The DEPINV applet provides effective online interventional strategies and treatments for depressed women with the help of both healthcare providers and their family members. When more interventional features and functions are included, it is necessary to extend the applet into a mental health app.
High sensitivity liquid analyte filled photonic crystal fiber refractive index sensor covered by symmetrical metalnano-films based on surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Fan Zhenkai , Qin Jianye , An Guochen , Fan Yuqiu , Zhang Yinping , Zhang Xiuqing , Liu Haishan , Chu Shichao
Published: February 2022

A high sensitivity of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with a tunableliquid core refractive index sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) induced bythe symmetric metal films is proposed in this paper. The SPR excitation materials are chose as gold and silver. The transmission characteristics and sensing performance of the SPR-PCF sensor with different geometrical parameters were analyzed by using finite element method (FEM) and Maxwell equation. The final results show that when thediameter of the central hole is 1.6µm and the thickness of the gold film is 40nm, the SPR occurs at the wavelength of 1400nm, and the confinement loss can reach 17398dB/m. The average sensitivity of the SPR-PCFsensor can reach 7200nm/RIU, and the linear fitting constant is R2=0.99959, which is expected to have important applications in the direction of liquid refractive index detection.
The association between intake of whole grain, refined grain, fast food and carbonated drinks with depression and quality of life in Iranian adolescent girls
Authors: Sangouni Abbas Ali , darabi zahra , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Mazidi Mohsen , Lane Katie E , Khayyatzadeh Sayyed Saeid
Published: February 2022

Background: We evaluated the association between fast food, whole grain, refined grain and carbonated drink consumption with depression and QoL in Iranian adolescent girls.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 733 adolescent girls were included from Mashhad and Sabzevar cities in northeastern Iran. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and SF-12v2 questionnaire were used to assess depression and QoL, respectively. A valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire was used to obtained dietary intakes of the study participants. To explore the association between intake of food groups and depression and QoL, we used linear and logistic regression in crude and adjusted models.Results: There was a signiﬁcant decreasing trend in the odds of poor QOL and depression across increasing quartile intake of whole grain; but, there was no linear relationship between whole grain intake with depression and QoL score. In addition, subjects in the highest quartile of carbonated drink consumption had higher odds of poor QoL compared to the first quartile (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.00–2.32, P = 0.04). We found a positive association between intake of fast food and depression score (β= 0.09). Intake of fast food was inversely associated with QoL score (β= -0.081). However, there was no significant relationship between intake of refined grains and carbonated drinks with depression, and between whole grain and refined grain intake with QoL.Conclusions:We demonstrated an inverse association between fast food intake with depression and QOL. To better conclude, further studies evaluating the association of various food groups with depression and QoL.
Glutamine and norepinephrine in follicular fluid synergistically affect the antioxidant capacity of human granulosa cells and the outcome of IVF-ET
Authors: Wang Lulu , Zhou Chengliang , Sun Junyan , Zhang Qiuwan , Lai Dongmei
Published: February 2022

Background: An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that changes in metabolic levels in follicular fluid are directly related to oocyte maturation, fertilization, the quality of embryo and pregnancy rates. However, whether the intra-follicular neurotransmitters affect the function of granulosa cells and the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is not clear.Methods: Human follicular fluid and cumulus granulosa cells (GCs) were harvested from large follicles obtained from 27 patients undergoing IVF. Neurotransmitters and steroid hormones in follicular fluid were measured through liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) respectively. Based on the content of Glutamine (Gln) in follicular fluid, the samples were divided into two groups: high Gln level group and low Gln level group. The expression of proliferation-, steroidogenesis- and antioxidant-related genes in GCs was detected by qRT-PCR. In vitro experiments, KGN cells were cultured with or without Gln and NE followed by western blotting to detect PCNA and IDH1 expression. EdU staining and ELISA were conducted to evaluate GCs proliferation and measure the contents of 17 b-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Prog) in the conditioned medium. Primary and secondary outcomes were the number of mature and retrieved oocytes, and the ratio of high quality embryos, respectively.Results: Gln and norepinephrine (NE) were abundant neurotransmitters in follicular fluid. The contents of Gln and NE in follicular fluid exhibited a significantly positive correlation. The contents of Gln and NE in follicular fluid affected the function of granulosa cells, including their proliferative potential, E2 production and antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the concentrations of Gln and NE in follicular fluid showed significantly positive correlation with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) expression in GCs. Importantly, the increased Gln and NE in follicular fluid partially affected the quality of embryonic development by regulating IDH1 expression in GCs. In vitro studies further demonstrated that Gln and NE played synergistically function in improving GCs proliferation and increasing the E2 production by upregulating IDH1 expression.Conclusions: These data demonstrate that neurotransmitter metabolic levels in follicular fluid affect the function of cumulus GCs. As important neurotransmitter metabolites, Gln and NE play significant roles in promoting GCs proliferation and increasing E2 production in granulosa cells. In addition, intrafollicular Gln and NE could upregulate the expression of the antioxidative gene IDH1 in cumulus GCs, which could be a good predictor for selecting optimal quality oocytes and evaluating the quality of embryonic development.
The difference of gut microbiome in different biliary diseases in infant before operation and the changes after operation
Authors: sun xinhe , Cai Yaoyao , Dai Wenwen , Jiang Weiwei , Tang Weibing
Published: February 2022

Background
Evidence supports an association between cholestatic liver disease and changes in microbiome composition. Nevertheless, the identification of this special type of biliary atresia from non-biliary atresia cholestasis is still a major clinical difficulty. The purpose of this study is to compare the differences in the composition of gut microbiome between infants with biliary atresia and infant with non-biliary atrestic cholestasis, to find new ways to identify and diagnose these two diseases early, to understand the influence of the presence or absence of bile on the composition of the gut microbiome in infants with cholestasis.
Methods
Using 16S rDNA gene sequencing technology to analyze the intestinal flora of the participants.
Results
In terms of diversity, there is an obvious structural separation in the intestinal microbiota of the BA group and the CD group, and this structural separation also exists in the comparison between the two groups before surgery. Species analysis demonstrated that the two groups showed an increase in Proteobacteria and Firmicutes before surgery, and the relative abundance of pathogens such as Shigella, Streptococcus, Klebsiella, etc. increased, probiotics such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus decreased, but the relative abundance of each genus was different between groups. It was found that Enterococcus, Ralstonia, Nitriliruptoraceae, etc. were differentially enriched in the BA group, the CD group are mainly enriched in Veillonella, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Lactobacillus. Functional analysis of the groups showed that the BA group mainly focused on the processes of energy release processes, and the CD group mainly focused on the biosynthesis of amino-acids to consume energy.
Conclusions
The composition of intestinal flora is different between biliary atresia and non-biliary atretic cholestasis. Enterococcus, Ralstonia, etc. may become biomarkers for the identification and diagnosis of both.
Paeoniflorin Ameliorates Colonic Fibrosis In Rats With Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome By Inhibiting The Leptin/Leprb Pathway
Authors: Cao Di , Wu Yaning , Zhang Kunli , Zheng Yijun , Tian Yaqing , Xu Qixiang , Liu Ping , Zhou Huihui , Liu Xiaoping , Zheng Yongqiu , Wang Fengyun
Published: February 2022

Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder associated with immune dysregulation and depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. The active ingredient of Paeoniae Radix called paeoniflorin (PF) was previously found to prevent the symptoms of PI-IBS. However, there is limited information on the effects of PF on the intestinal function and depression- and anxiety-like symptoms in PI-IBS animal models. Here, we aimed to determine the effects of PF treatment on the symptoms of PI-IBS in a rat model. After the experimental period, the PI‑IBS rats presented decreased body weight and increased fecal water content, which coincided with the elevated leptin levels and heightened depression- and anxiety-like behaviors (e.g., low sucrose intake, less frequency in the center areas during open field test). However, the PF treatment ameliorated these observed symptoms. Furthermore, PF not only inhibited leptin/LepRb expression, but also reduced the PI3K/AKT phosphorylation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in PI-IBS rats. Notably, co-treatment with leptin (10 mg/kg) reduced the effects of PF (20 mg/kg) on colonic fibrosis, leptin/LepRb expression, and PI3K/AKT activation. Therefore, our findings suggest that leptin is targeted by PF via the leptin/LepRb pathway, consequently ameliorating the symptoms of PI-IBS. Our study also contribute novel insights for elucidating the pharmacological action of PF on gastrointestinal disorders and may be used for the clinical treatment of PI-IBS in the future.
Biological Removal of Groundwater’s Nitrate under Sterile and Non-sterile Soil Conditions (Lab Experiment and Simulation)
Authors: Samani Farideh Ansari , Tabatabaei Sayyed-Hassan , Abbasi Fariborz , Nazem Zohreh , Rabiee Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Nitrate is potentially harmful in an aquatic environment however it can be converted into more dangerous forms by microbial activities. In this research, we tested the efficiency of nitrate removal by using a denitrification bed (DB) containing in sterile soil (SS) and non-sterile soil (NSS) media. A Marriott column and a Plexiglas column filled with a clay loam soil were used as the water resource and DB, respectively. Potassium nitrate used to make different nitrate concentrations including 24, 50 and 100 (mg l-1). The nitrate was injected up to ten pore volumes (PV), when the soil was sterile, only active surfaces within the soil matrix acted as an adsorbent. The number of bacteria and the bacteria growth was investigated at the end of each experiment. The solute transfer parameters were estimated by using soil hydraulic parameters at HYDRUS model. As result, the growth of bacteria and the concentration of pollutants in the output of the column decreased in SS media. In the NSS with a concentration of 100 mg nitrate, the number of bacteria increased to the highest, 80000 bacterial number. The presence of rival anions in the solution has a negative impact on reducing the adsorption rate and removal of nitrate. In NSS with nitrate concentration of 24 (mg l-1), the removal nitrate efficiency nearly 99.5 (%). There was a significant difference between nitrate concentration of the SS and NSS conditions (p<0.05). The value of the diffusion coefficient is 4.99 (cm). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that saturated hydraulic conductivity had the greatest effect on the variations of nitrate concentration. Besides, the correlation coefficient between simulated values and observed values by the HYDRUS-1D model varied between 0.90 and 0.99.
The Ultra-high Hg0 Adsorption Capacity Modified by Selenium
Authors: Liu Ye , Ma Chenglong , Zhou Jiacheng , Zhu Lin , Cao Limei , Yang Ji
Published: February 2022

Activated carbon was one of the main adsorptions utilized in elemental mercury (Hg0) removal from coal combustion flue gas. However, the high cost and low physical adsorption efficiency of activated carbon injection (ACI) limited its application. In this study, an ultra-high efficiency catalyst sorbent-Sex/Activated carbon (Sex/AC) was synthesized and applied to remove Hg0 in the simulated flue gas, which exhibited 120 times outstanding adsorption performance versus the conventional activated carbon. The Sex/AC reached 17.98 mg/g Hg0 adsorption capacity at 160 °C in a pure nitrogen atmosphere. Moreover, it maintained an excellent mercury adsorption tolerance at the NO and SO2 conditions in a bench-scale fixed-bed reactor. Characterized by the multiple methods, including BET, XRD, XPS, and the DFT calculation, we demonstrated that the ultrahigh mercury removal performance was driven from the activated Se species in Sex/AC. Chemical adsorption was the main reason for Hg0 removal: Selenium on the surface of AC would capture Hg0 in the flue gas to form an extremely stable substance-HgSe, avoiding subsequent Hg0 released. Additionally, the oxygen-containing functional groups in AC and the higher BET areas promote the conversion of Hg0 to HgO. This work provided a novel and highly efficient carbon-based sorbent -Sex/AC to capture the mercury in coal combustion flue gas.
Oleuropein Inhibits Invasion of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Through TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Ting , Liu Xuan
Published: February 2022

We first examined the effects of oleuropein (OL) on TGF-β1-mediated signal pathway in Tu686 tumor cells. Through morphological and Western blotting assays, we found that OL reversed the TGF-β1-induced EMT, and changed the morphology of cells and the expression levels of epithelial and interstitial markers. Wound-healing and transwell invasion assay indicated that OL reversed the TGF-β1-promoted cell migration and invasion dramatically. The effects of OL were further verified in xenograft tumor model. Due to the low toxicity and less side effects, OL may be of potential value in the inhibition of metastasis of SCCHN and improve survival.
Screening of Laccase-Mediator Systems by White-Rot Fungi Laccases for Biocatalytic Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Capozzi Maria Annunziata M. , Marino Ivana , Pignataro Eugenia , Danzi Donatella , Cellini Francesco , Cardellicchio Cosimo , Biundo Antonino , Pisano Isabella
Published: February 2022

Production of added value compounds from waste materials is of utmost importance for the development of a sustainable society especially regarding their use as catalysts in industrially relevant synthetic reactions. Herein, we show the production of laccases from four white-rot fungi, which were grown on agricultural residues, specifically Trametes versicolor 11269, Pleurotus ostreatus 1020, Panus tigrinus 707 and Lentinula edodes SC-495. The produced laccases were tested on biphasic laccase-mediator system (LMS) for the biocatalytic oxidation of the model substrate benzyl alcohol into benzaldehyde. The biphasic LMS was carried out in the presence both of tetrahydrofuran as co-solvent and of the mediator 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) due to its high redox potential and its ability to perform the oxidation. Tolerance studies showed that the dialyzed solutions were able to tolerate 1% of co-solvent, while a concentration of 10% v/v negatively affected their activity. Performances in the biocatalytic oxidation of laccase solutions from different purification steps were compared. Similar conversion was observed for laccase in dialysis and gel filtration product versus commercial T. versicolor laccase. The latter oxidized almost 99% of substrate while the other laccase solutions were able to reach a conversion from 91% for the laccase solution from P. tigrinus 707 after dialysis, to 50% for the laccase solution from P. ostreatus 1020 after gel filtration. This work highlights the potential of unpurified laccase solutions to be used as catalysts in synthetic reactions.
Fall of Parp3 restrains Lgr5+ stem cells proliferation and mucosal renovation in intestinal aging
Authors: Peng Xiuying , Liu Huiling , Wang Jiancheng , Jiang Jie , Chen Hainan , Tao Jin , Wu Bin
Published: February 2022

Background
The aging small intestine has a great impact on body health. One of the obvious characteristics is the degeneration of epithelium turnover. The acknowledged Lgr5+ intestinal stem cell is the key factor.
Methods
We used Lgr5-EGFP transgenic mice in three different ages (young group:3-6 months, middle group:12-14 months and old group:22-24 months) to mark the Lgr5+ISCs. We collected the jejunum for histology, immunofluorescence, western-blotting and PCR, we isolated the crypts for organoid culture and sorted out the Lgr5hi cells for bulk RNA sequence.
Results
In tissue, the crypts depth, proliferating cells and Lgr5+ISCs number increased in middle group (12-14 months) and then decreased in old group (22-24 months). The number of proliferating Lgr5+ISCs gradually decreased from young to old. In organoids, the buddings number and projected area, Lgr5+ISCs ratio also decreased from young to old. Both gene expression of Parp3 and protein level of Parp3 increased in middle and old group. Parp3 inhibitors slowed down organoids’ growth of the middle age.
Conclusion
Parp3 might participate in regulating the proliferation capacity of Lgr5+ISCs during aging.
Optimization of a Wheat-small Red Bean Double-cropping System in South Korea
Authors: YANG JING , Kim Young-Bok , Hong Ki-Heung , Yoon Seong-Tak
Published: February 2022

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and small red bean [Vigna angularis (Willd. Ohwi & Ohashi)] are the main ingredients of walnut-shaped “Hodugwaja”. An wheat-small red bean double-cropping system was evaluated in a rice field in the Cheonan region (Korea) to determine its effect on land use. The effects of different quality of wheat and small red bean were also investigated using selected wheat (‘Keumgang’, ‘Sooan’, and ‘Goso’) and small red bean (‘Hongeon’, ‘Chungju’, and ‘Arari’) varieties. The effect of different fertilizer treatments [N1 (50%, 6.6 kg/10a), N2 (100%, 8.8 kg/10a), and N3 (200%, 13.2 kg/10a)] were investigated for wheat, while the effect of sowing date and density were investigated for the small red beans. Our findings revealed that the best variety, sowing date, and nitrogen level combination for wheat-small red bean double-cropping system is ‘Goso’ sown on October 26, N3 nitrogen application, and ‘Chungju’ sown on July 10 with high ridge cultivation, at a density of 60 × 15 cm. This system was the most ideal yielding 521.6 kg/10a (1000 m2) and 275 kg/10a of ‘Goso’ and ‘Chungju’, respectively. This pioneering research provides a reliable cultivation plan and theoretical basis for implementing the double-cropping system of wheat-small red beans in central Korea.
Application of POSSUM and P-POSSUM Scores in the Risk Assessment of Elderly Hip Fracture Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Wanjiang , Zhang Xiaobo , Wu Xin , Meng Ye , Huang Lihua , Wang Jianlong
Published: February 2022

Background: Since Mohamed et al analyzed 2326 orthopedic cases in 2002 and believed that the POSSUM formula can be directly used to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in orthopedic patients, applications of POSSUM and P-POSSUM scores in the hip fracture surgery have been mostly reported in the field of orthopedics, but there are still some inconsistencies in the related reports. Methods: The electronic library was searched for all literature that met the purpose from its inception to 2021. Relative risk (RR) was selected to evaluate whether the model could be used to assess the risk of surgery in patients with elderly hip fractures. Finally, sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were performed.Results: Thirteen studies were finally included, including 9 retrospective and 4 prospective studies.The morbidity analysis includes 11 studies, and the result was RR=1.07 (95%CI: 0.93-1.24), The mortality analysis includes 11 studies on POSSUM and 5 studies on P-POSSUM. The results of mortality by POSSUM and by P-POSSUM were RR=1.93 (95%CI: 1.21-3.08) and RR=1.15 (95%CI: 0.89-1.50), respectively. POSSUM had more accuracy to predict mortality for sample<200 subgroup(RR=2.45; 95%CI: 0.71-8.42) than sample>200 subgroup (RR=1.59; 95%CI: 1.06-2.40), and in the subgroup of hip fractures that did not distinguish between specific fracture types(RR=1.69, 95%CI: 0.87-3.32) than intertrochanteric neck fracture subgroup(RR=5.04,95%CI: 1.07-23.75) and femoral femoral fracture subgroup(RR=1.43 ,95% CI: 1.10-1.84).Conclusion: POSSUM can be used to predict morbidity in elderly hip fractures. The P-POSSUM was more accurate in predicting mortality in elderly hip fracture patients compared to the POSSUM, whose predictive value for mortality was influenced by the sample size and type of fracture studied. In addition, we believe that appropriate improvements to the POSSUM system are needed to address the characteristics of orthopaedic surgery.
Plasma C4 level was associated with mortality, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Xing Zheyu , Wang Yaqin , Gong Kunjing
Published: February 2022

Background: Patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) exhibit a high risk of death, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCDs). Previous studies indicated complement activation associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in HD patients. This study aimed to explore whether the critical complement factors associated with the adverse outcomes in HD patients.Methods: A total of 108 HD patients were included and followed up for 52 months. The baseline clinical characteristics and plasma C3c, C1q, CFH, CFB, C4, MAC, C5a, C3a and MBL were measured. The three endpoints were death, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (CCEs) and the composition of them. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression identified factors associated with the three endpoints respectively. X-tile analyses determined the optimal cut-off values for high risks. Restricted cubic spline plots illustrated the dose-response relationships. Correlations between the complement factors and risk factors for CCDs were analyzed.Results: Baseline plasma C4 was finally selected by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses for three endpoints, including all-cause mortality, CCEs and the composition of them. When baseline plasma C4 exceeded 0.47 (P=0.001) or 0.44 (P=0.018) g/L respectively, the risks for death or achieving the composite endpoint enhanced significantly. The relationships of C4 and HR for the three endpoints showed a positive linear trend. Plasma C4 had prominent correlations with blood TG (r=0.62, P<0.001) and HDL (r=-0.38, P<0.001).Conclusions: A higher baseline plasma C4 level was significantly associated with the future incidence of decease, CCEs and either of them. Plasma C4 level correlated with blood TG and HDL.
Germplasm rescue of post-mortem critically endangered Yangtze Sturgeon by cell cryopreservation
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Wang Binzhong , Hu Yacheng , Huang Hongtao , Zhao Xun , Du Hejun
Published: February 2022

With the growing sophistication of cloning technology, rescuing cell resources is of great significance for the protection of endangered animals. The Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus), one of the three Acipenseriformes species in the Yangtze River, is critically endangered. Natural reproduction of the Yangtze sturgeon has not been detected since 2000. Less than 20 wild individuals are kept in husbandry and all are too old to breed. Therefore, it is urgently to rescue the genetic resources of every wild Yangtze sturgeon. Here, we isolated and preserved viable cells from the post-mortem critically endangered Yangtze Sturgeon for the first time. Attempt of rescuing and preserving cell resources were carried out from 8 tissues, brain, kidney, heart, fin, liver, skin, spleen and muscle of over-35-years-old female wild Yangtze sturgeon between 11 and 14 hours after death at 19.8℃ in outdoor concrete pond, and only muscle tissue cells could be successfully sub-cultured and preserved. Furthermore, the cultured cells were assessed by population doubling time, immunofluorescence analysis, microorganism detection, karyotyping and origin identification, and no abnormality was observed in the morphology, structure, growth and ploidy. These results suggest that viable cells could also be successfully isolated and cryopreserved from the wild Yangtze sturgeon in a short time after death, and muscle tissues had more potential to separate living cells than other tissues. This report is not only of great significance to the germplasm rescue of critically endangered Yangtze sturgeon, but also provides some scientific reference for the germplasm preservation of other endangered fish.
Is the Incidence of Sandwich Vertebral Fracture Higher Than That of Ordinary Adjacent Vertebral Fracture After PKP?
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhao Yangxue
Published: February 2022

Objective: To compare the incidence of fracture between sandwich vertebra and ordinary adjacent vertebra after Percutaneous Kyphoplasty (PKP).Method: We analyzed 225 consecutive patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures (OVCFs) who underwent PKP between January 2016 and December 2020 at our medical institution. The sandwich vertebrae was located between two cement-augmented vertebra and was followed for at least 12 months. The clinical data of patients with sandwich vertebra and ordinary adjacent vertebra were recorded, and the incidence of postoperative fracture between sandwich vertebra and ordinary adjacent vertebra was compared.Results: The mean continuous follow-up time was 31.30±18.04 months in patients with sandwich vertebra and 25.85±7.96 months in patients with ordinary adjacent vertebra. It should be noted that the incidence of sandwich vertebral fractures was 10.00% , which was not statistically higher than 3.26% for ordinary adjacent vertebral fractures. However, a significant difference was observed in the cement volume of single vertebral body, procedure time and bleeding.Conclusion: Although the volume of cement in a single vertebral body is less and the procedure time and bleeding are more, the incidence of sandwich vertebral fracture is not higher than that of ordinary adjacent vertebral body.
Evaluations of an Airway Opening Device with Automatic Position Adjustment in CPR Manikin: A Randomized Non-Blind Study
Authors: Yang Xiangmei , Chen Hongmei , Li Dongmei , Sun Minyue , Luo Yan
Published: February 2022

Background: Airway problem is one of the important causes of mortality in pre-hospital deaths and airway opening is the first key step of airway management, so we developed a new device to open the airway. The main aim of the study was to compare the effects of our airway opening device and the head-tilt/ chin-lift manoeuvre in airway opening of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manikin. Methods: We conducted a randomized manikin study in Chongqing, China. College students aged 18 years or older and majoring in medicine were enrolled. The participants performed airway opening using the device at 3 different levels of “the angle of position” (PA) or the head-tilt/chin-lift manoeuvre on a manikin in random order. After opening the airway, participants performed ventilation 2 times. Each participant repeated the procedures 5 times with a 2-minute rest period. The primary outcome was the number of ventilation success. The secondary outcome was the device preference reported by the participant.Results: Eighty-two medical students were enrolled and completed the study. The number of ventilation success was significantly increased in the condition of 95° of PA (8, interquartile range [IQR], 8.75-10) and 100° of PA (8, IQR, 8-10) than in the condition of 90° of PA (8, IQR, 6-9, P <0.001) and the head-tilt/chin-lift manoeuvre (7, IQR, 5-9, P <0.001). There were no significant differences in the number of ventilation success between the condition of 95° of PA and 100° of PA, and between the condition of 90° of PA and the head-tilt/chin-lift manoeuvre (P >0.05). Of 82 participants, 47.6% reported a preference for using the device in emergencies, while 87.8% preferred it in non-emergencies.Conclusions: The device may be considered as a training and evaluation device during the CPR in place of manual manipulation and opening the airway in the manikin.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Small Bowel Volvulus at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Rwanda
Authors: Niyonkuru Jean Marie , Saclarides Constantine , Mutabazi Emmanuel , Urimubabo Jean Christian , Rickard Jennifer
Published: February 2022

BackgroundSmall bowel volvulus is a rare surgical condition that presents with features of intestinal obstruction. The aim of the study was to define the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of small bowel volvulus at a tertiary referral hospital in Rwanda. MethodsWe conducted an observational study of patients with small bowel volvulus from January 2013 – July 2020. Data were searched from the operative database, logbooks, and the electronic medical record. ResultsA total of 75 patients were enrolled. Patients were predominantly male (n=63, 85%) and in the lowest income category (n=51, 85%). Median duration of symptoms was 3 days (interquartile range: 2, 5). Tachypnea and tachycardia were observed in 68 (91%) and 46 (61%) patients, respectively. Most patients (n=46, 67%) presented with features of peritonitis. The most commonly involved segment of bowel was ileum in 36 (49%) patients and 49 (67%) patients had gangrenous bowel. Small bowel resection was performed in 46 (64%) patients and stoma was performed in 27 (36%) patients. Overall, 39 (52%) patients had a complication. Surgical site infections were observed in 12 (16%) patients. In-hospital mortality was 21%. Median length of hospital stay was 7 days (interquartile range: 4, 10)ConclusionSmall bowel volvulus is an important consideration in patients with intestinal obstruction. The underlying etiologies are not clear but there is a significant association in being a male and having a low socio-economic status. It is important to recognize and identify small bowel volvulus to facilitate timely management and improve patient outcomes.
Construction of an Algorithm Based on Oncosis-Related LncRNAs Comprising the Molecular Subtypes and a Risk Assessment Model in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Guodong , Chen Hang , Zhou Chongchang , Hu Zeyang , Sang Menglu , Ni Saiqi , Wu Jiacheng , Pan Qiaoling , Liu Kaitai , Li Ni , Zhu Linwen
Published: February 2022

As an important non-apoptotic cell death method, oncosis has been reported to be closely associated with tumors in recent years. However, few researches have reported the relationship between oncosis and lung cancer. In this study, we established a oncosis-based algorithm comprised of the cluster grouping and a risk assessment model to predict the survival outcomes and related tumor immunity of patients with LUAD. We selected 11 oncosis-related lncRNAs associated with the prognosis to establish the oncosis-based algorithm and divided the LUAD patients into different clusters and different risk groups. Compared with patients in clsuter1, patients in cluster2 had a survival advantage and had a relatively more active tumor immunity. Subsequently, we constructed a risk assessment model to distinguish between patients into different risk groups, in which low-risk patients tend to have a better prognosis. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the risk assessment model was closely related to immune activities. In addition, low-risk patients tended to have higher content of immune cells and stromal cells in tumor microenvironment, higher expression of PD-1, CTLA-4, HAVCR2, and were more sensitive to ICIs, including PD-1/CTLA-4 inhibitors. The risk score had a significantly positive correlation with TMB. The survival curve of the novel oncosis-based algorithm suggested that low-risk patients in cluster2 have the most obvious survival advantage. The novel oncosis-based algorithm based on the 11 oncosis-related lncRNAs was established to investigate the prognosis and the related tumor immunity of patients with LUAD, which could provide theoretical support for customized individual treatment for LUAD patients.
Multi-task Deep Learning for Glaucoma Detection From Color Fundus Images
Authors: Pascal Lucas , Perdomo Oscar J. , Bost Xavier , Huet Benoit , Otálora Sebastian , Zuluaga Maria A.
Published: February 2022

Glaucoma is an eye condition that, if not diagnosed in time, leads to loss of vision and blindness. While diagnosing campaigns are regularly launched, these require human experts to estimate in a limited time subtle changes in the shape of the optic disc from retinal fundus images. Automatic glaucoma detection methods are desirable to help with the screening of patients, reducing the diagnosis time by analyzing the increasing amount of images. Deep learning methods have been satisfactory to classify and segment diseases in retinal fundus images. To guarantee a good generalization, these methods require vast amounts of annotations, which can be highly problematic given that existing annotated glaucoma datasets contain at most few hundreds of samples. Furthermore, deep learning techniques are computationally greedy, which can be a problem in scenarios with limited resources. The objective of this work is to make optimal use of the few annotated data at disposal and obtain better generalization performance of glaucoma diagnosis deep learning models. We achieve this by designing and training a novel multi-task deep learning model that leverages the similarities of related eye-fundus tasks and measurements used in glaucoma diagnosis. The proposed multi-task deep learning model with independent optimizers (MTL-IO) simultaneously learns different segmentation and classification tasks, thus benefiting from their similarity. The framework uses a U-Net encoder-decoder convolutional network as backbone architecture. Our MTL-IO approach was trained in a retinal fundus glaucoma challenge dataset, including 1200 retinal fundus images (400 for training, 400 for validation, 400 for testing) from different cameras and medical centers. MTL-IO obtained a 92.61 ± 0.38 AUC performance compared to a 87.37 ± 1.51 obtained by the same backbone network trained to detect glaucoma, also outperforming two other state-of-the-art multi-task learning models. Our approach pairs with trained experts and uses ∼ 3.5 times fewer parameters than training each task separately. The data and the code for reproducing our results are publicly available.
Patterns of Volatile Organic Compounds in Excrements of Preterm Neonates Detected by Ion Mobility Spectrometry Coupled to Multi-Capillary Columns
Authors: Bous Michelle , Tutdibi Erol , Nourkami-Tutdibi Nasenien , Kaiser Elisabeth , Stutz Regine , Meyer Sascha , Baumbach Jörg Ingo , Zemlin Michael , Goedicke-Fritz Sybelle
Published: February 2022

Background
As neonates are susceptible for many diseases, establishing non-invasive diagnostic methods is desirable. We hypothesized that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could be successfully measured in diaper samples.
Methods
We performed a feasibility study to investigate whether ambient air-independent headspace measurements of the VOC profiles of diapers from premature infants can be conducted using ion mobility spectrometer coupled with multi-capillary columns (B & S Analytik GmbH, Dortmund, Germany).
Results
We analyzed 39 diapers filled with stool (n = 10) or urine (n = 20) respectively, using empty diapers as a control (n = 9). A total of 158 different VOCs were identified, and we classified the content of the diapers (urine or stool) according to their VOC profiles with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Discussion
We have developed a novel method to study headspace VOC profiles of biosamples using ion mobility spectrometry coupled with multi-capillary columns. Using this method, we have characterized the VOC profiles of stool and urine of preterm neonates. Future studies are warranted to characterize specific VOC profiles in infections and other diseases of the preterm neonate, thus establishing quick and non-invasive diagnostics in the routine care of the highly vulnerable preterm and term neonates.
A lesion-derived brain network for emotion regulation
Authors: Jiang Jing , Ferguson Michael , Grafman Jordan , Cohen Alexander , Fox Michael
Published: February 2022

Emotion regulation has been linked to specific brain networks based on functional neuroimaging. We found that damage to these networks was associated with emotion regulation impairment in patients following focal brain injury (n = 167). Next, we used this lesion dataset to derive a de novo brain network for emotion regulation, which was defined by functional connectivity to the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC). Finally, we used an independent lesion database (n = 629) to test whether damage to this lesion-derived network would increase the risk of neuropsychiatric conditions associated with emotion regulation impairment. We found that lesions causing mania, criminality, and depression intersected this network more than lesions causing other disorders. We conclude that emotion regulation maps to a connected brain network centered on the left vlPFC. Damage to this network impairs emotion regulation and may increase the risk of specific neuropsychiatric disorders.
Desensitizing Toothpastes for Dentin Sealing and Tertiary Dentin Formation in Vitro and in Vivo: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Lee Juhyun , Hwang Geumbit , Gug Hye Ri , Lee Ji-Hyun , Park Su-Jin , Park Joo-Cheol
Published: February 2022

Background
Dentin hypersensitivity is a painful response to external stimuli applied to exposed dentinal tubules. Various toothpastes with active desensitizing ingredients for the relief of dentin hypersensitivity are commercially available. However, data from several studies suggest that the effects of desensitizing toothpastes are unstable and brief. This study aimed to investigate the desensitizing effect of toothpastes containing CPNE7-derived oligopeptide (CPNE7-DP) and other active desensitizing ingredients.
Methods
Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we evaluated the patency of dentinal tubules on the surface of human dentin disks after brushing experiments with the various toothpastes. Dentin was histologically evaluated in a hypersensitivity model of canine teeth, after the exposed dentin area was brushed for 6 weeks. The toothpaste used in group 1 (control) did not contain any desensitizing ingredients; that used in group 2 contained CPNE7-DP; Colgate Sensitive was used in group 3; and Sensodyne Rapid Relief was used in group 4. Finally, we conducted microleakage analysis to investigate the dentin sealing effect.
Results
In the SEM images, all four groups of teeth exhibited partial occlusion of the dentinal tubules on the tooth surface. In the in vivo hypersensitivity model, group 2 exhibited a newly formed tertiary dentin, whereas no new hard tissue formation was observed in groups 1, 3, and 4. Microleakage analysis revealed that the volume of dentinal fluid flow was definitely smaller in group 2 than in the other groups.
Conclusions
Although teeth brushed with CPNE7-DP-containing toothpaste showed partial occlusion of dentinal tubules in vitro, it induced new tertiary dentin formation with a tubular structure in the dogs’ teeth, resulting in low microleakage. These results indicate that CPNE7-DP is a promising active ingredient for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.
Swift Formation Of Optimal Single Spheroids Towards In-Vitro 3-Dimensional Tumour Models
Authors: Habra Kinana , Pearson Joshua R.D. , McArdle Stéphanie E. B.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Monolayer cell cultures, while useful for basic in vitro studies, are not physiologically relevant. Spheroids, on the other hand provide a more complex 3-dimensional (3D) structure which more closely resemble in vivo tumour growth thereby allowing results obtained with spheroids relating to proliferation, cell death, differentiation, metabolism, and various anti-tumour therapies to be more predictive of in vivo outcomes. Methods: The protocol herein presents a rapid and high throughput method for the generation of single spheroids whose applicability was demonstrated on various cancer cell lines including (U87 MG; SEBTA-027; SF188) brain cancer cells, (DU-145, TRAMP-C1) prostate cancer cells, and (BT-549, Py230) breast cancer in green coded 96-round bottom well plates. Results: Homogeneous compact spheroid morphology was evidenced as early as 24 hours after following the protocol. By using confocal microscopy and IncuCyte live imaging, the proliferating cells were traced in the rim and the dead cells were found inside the core region of the spheroid. H&E staining of spheroid slices and Western blotting were utilised to investigate the tightness of the cell packaging by adhesion proteins. Carnosine was used as an example of treatment for U87 single spheroids. Conclusions: This 5 step-protocol allows the rapid generation of spheroids, which will help towards reducing the number of tests performed on animals and encourage 3D modelling experiments from early-stage research.
The Current Status of the Construction of Geriatric Departments at Secondary and Tertiary General Hospitals in Guangxi, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Huang Biaojin , Li Xiaodong , Zhao Huihan , Ling Ying , Gan Xiao , Lyu Ziwen , Wei Yan , Tan Jingwen , Huang Huiqiao , Ying Yanping
Published: February 2022

Background
To actively respond to the aging society challenges, the number of geriatric departments (GDs) at China's secondary and tertiary general hospitals (STGHs) is increasing rapidly. This study aims to introduce the current status of the construction of GDs at STGHs in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, assessing what needs to be done in the future.
Methods
250 STGHs in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China was investigated. Using a self-designed questionnaire to collect information through the basic information of hospitals, department settings, medical staff structure, and patient admission rate aspects. Finally, a total of 196 hospitals were analyzed and reported descriptive.
Results
About 98 GDs have been established, which were composed of four models: independent organizational system, combined department, separate outpatient service, and special cases. In these geriatrics, there were 2172 beds in tertiary general hospitals (TGHs) respectively in total, whereas 548 beds in secondary general hospitals (SGHs) totally. The structure of some GDs was incomplete, and the equipment for elderly was inadequate. The number of patient admission in TGHs in the last 3 years was more than 20 times higher than those in SGHs. The two-way referral channel was low efficiency.
Conclusions
After the rapid growth of China’s GDs, now, there are some deficiencies in the quality of the construction, hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, the talent system, services providing aspects. Standardized management, overall structure, talent system construction, rehabilitation and nursing service are further direction of China’s GDs in the future.