bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Mechanisms of Orostachys Cartilaginous Cell Cultures: Effect on Cell Permeability and Respiratory Metabolism of Bacillis Subtilis
Authors: Liu Y. X. , Jiang X. L. , Xu Y. N. , Piao X. C. , Lian Mei-Lan
Published: February 2021

Orostachys cartilaginous of Crassulaceae family is a plant native to the Changbai Mountain area, China. Although O. cartilaginous has various medicinal values, its product development and production are restricted by the insufficient resource available. O. cartilaginous cell cultures possess an efficient antibacterial effect against Bacillis subtilis, but the underlying mechanism is not clear yet. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of extract from bioreactor cultured O. cartilaginous cells (OE) on B. subtilis cell permeability and respiratory metabolism to provide a reference for the further utilization of O. cartilaginous cell cultures. Results showed alkaline phosphatase activity, electrical conductivity, nucleic acid and protein contents in B. subtilis suspensions were significantly increased (p < 0.01) by OE treatment, indicating the occurrence of cell damage or increase in cell permeability. OE inhibited B. subtilis respiration, and the combination groups of OE+iodoacetic acid (IA) and OE+sodium phosphate (SP) showed low superposition rates (approximately 35%), revealing that OE likely affected IA- and SP-represented metabolic pathways. The activities of B. subtilis enzymes, specifically, hexokinase and pyruvate kinase in the Embden-Meyerhof (EMP) pathway and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the pentose phosphate (HMP) pathway, decreased after OE treatment. This result proved that OE inhibited B. subtilis respiration by regulating the EMP and HMP pathways.
How well do international clinical guidelines on mental health and substance misuse address their coexistence? a systematic review of scope, quality and inclusivity
Authors: Alsuhaibani Ray , Smith Douglas Cary , Lowrie Richard , Aljhani Sumayah , Paudyal Vibhu
Published: February 2021

Objective: It is estimated that up to 75% of patients with severe mental illness (SMI) also have substance use disorder (SUD). The aim of this systematic review is to explore the scope, quality and inclusivity of international clinical guidelines on mental health and/or substance misuse in relation to diagnosis and treatment of such co-existing disorders and considerations for wider social and contextual factors in treatment recommendations.Method: A protocol (PROSPERO CRD42020187094) driven systematic review was conducted. A systematic search was undertaken using six databases including MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsychInfo from 2010 till June 2020; and webpages of guideline bodies and professional societies. Guideline quality was assessed based on ‘Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II’ (AGREE II) tool. Data was extracted using a pre-piloted structured data extraction form and synthesized narratively. Reporting was based on PRISMA guideline.Result: A total of 12,644 records were identified. Of these, 21 guidelines were included in this review. Three of the included guidelines were related to coexisting disorders, 11 related to SMI, and 7 guidelines were related to SUD. Seven (out of 18) single disorder guidelines did not adequately recommend the importance of diagnosis or treatment of concurrent disorders despite their high co-prevalence. The majority of the guidelines (n = 15) lacked recommendations for medicines optimisation in accordance with concurrent disorders (SMI or SUD) such as in the context of drug interactions. Social cause and consequence of dual diagnoses such as homelessness and safeguarding and associated referral pathways were sparsely mentioned.Conclusion: Despite very high co-prevalence, clinical guidelines for SUD or SMI tend to have limited considerations for coexisting disorders in diagnosis, treatment and management. There is a need to improve the scope, quality and inclusivity of guidelines to offer person-centred and integrated care.
Investigation of Optical, Structural and Electrical Properties of Heterostructure Fe2O3 Deposited by RF Magnetron Sputtering on ZnO Layer by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Sarıtaş Sevda , Çakıcı Tuba , Muğlu Günay Merhan , Yıldırım Muhammet
Published: February 2021

In this study, we, firstly, fabricated Fe 2 O 3 thin film recently promising to be used in spintronic technology by magnetron sputtering technique on ZnO thin film prepared by spray pyrolysis at 450 o C. The crystal structure, surface morphology and structure, chemical composition, optical and electronic properties, and electric properties of the Fe 2 O 3 /ZnO sample were performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) and Raman spectrometer, and Hall measurements, respectively. XRD measurements showed that Fe 2 O 3 and ZnO thin films have monoclinic and hexagonal crystal structures, respectively, and also both of them are polycrystalline. SEM images proved that there is a very good with the stoichiometric formation of ZnO nanocrystals of spherical shape and demonstrate aggregation of the particles and AFM images displays the distribution of flake-like of Fe 2 O 3 structure over the surface of ZnO. UV-VIS and Raman measurements revealed that the ZnO and Fe 2 O 3 /ZnO heterostructure band's band gap energy are 3.277 and 3.24 eV, respectively. Finally, the calculated values of electric conductivity, σ, electron density, n, and mobility of the electron, μ, using the data obtained from Hall measurements are 4.39x10 2 Ω -1 .m -1 , 6.88x10 21 m -3 and 3.99x10 -1 V -1 .m 2 . s, respectively.
Comparing formative and summative simulation-based assessment in undergraduate nursing students: nursing competency acquisition and clinical simulation satisfaction
Authors: Arrogante Oscar , González-Romero Gracia María , López-Torre Eva María , Carrión-García Laura , Polo Alberto
Published: February 2021

BackgroundFormative and summative evaluation are widely employed in simulated-based assessment. The aims of our study were to evaluate the acquisition of nursing competencies through clinical simulation in undergraduate nursing students and to compare their satisfaction with this methodology using these two evaluation strategies.Methods218 undergraduate nursing students participated in a cross-sectional study, using a mixed-method. MAES© (self-learning methodology in simulated environments) sessions were developed to assess students by formative evaluation. Objective Structured Clinical Examination sessions were conducted to assess students by summative evaluation. Simulated scenarios recreated clinical cases of critical patients. Students´ performance in all simulated scenarios were assessed using checklists. A validated questionnaire was used to evaluate satisfaction with clinical simulation. Quantitative data were analysed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 24.0 software, whereas qualitative data were analysed using the ATLAS-ti version 8.0 software.ResultsMost nursing students showed adequate clinical competence. Satisfaction with clinical simulation was higher when students were assessed using formative evaluation. The main students’ complaints with summative evaluation were related to reduced time for performing simulated scenarios and increased anxiety during their clinical performance.ConclusionThe best solution to reduce students’ complaints with summative evaluation is to orient them to the simulated environment. It should be recommended to combine both evaluation strategies in simulated-based assessment, providing students feedback in summative evaluation, as well as evaluating their achievement of learning outcomes in formative evaluation.
Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Maize Production in Mali
Authors: SOUMAORO Tiémoko
Published: February 2021

This study examined the total, direct and indirect effects of climatic variables (temperature and rainfall) on crop yields maize in a given region and in neighbouring regions, through a spatial panel analysis of five administrative regions of Mali over a 30-year period (1988 - 2017). Our results show that temperature and rainfall have direct, indirect and total effects on maize yields. In other words, the effect on regions closely linked to the region where the change in temperature or rainfall occurred will be greater than the effect on more remote regions. In addition, the coefficient of variation of precipitation and the interaction between temperature and precipitation as well as the area sown all have negative impacts on maize yields. However, maize yields are negatively correlated with drought. This means that maize production in the local area is declining as a result of increased extreme weather events. Based on these findings, policy makers need to take into account that conditions in the surrounding areas can influence maize yields and that spillover effects differ between crop types. Investments in agricultural research and development should be encouraged to counteract the effects of climate change.
Defect-induced ferromagnetism in a S=1/2 quasi-one-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain compound
Authors: Wang Zhe , Hu Lin , Lin Langsheng , Han Yuyan , Hao Ning , Xu Jingtao , Chen Qianwang , Qu Zhe
Published: February 2021

We present evidences that defects in the spin S=1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain (HAFC) compound can lead to ferromagnetism by studying the magnetic and thermal properties of the newly discovered quasi-one-dimensional (1D) metal-organic framework [CH 3 NH 3 ][Cu(HCOO) 3 ] (MACuF). Our findings suggest that the long-range ferromagnetic order at 3.7 K can be attributed to Cu 2+ ions from the 2D networks constructed by the endpoints of the broken chains. It is worth mentioning that the ferromagnetic saturation field is less than 5 Oe. In such a case, the intrinsic magnetism can emerge in this quasi-1D Heisenberg chain system at the background of the anti-ferromagnetism. This unusual ferromagnetism found in HAFC not only enriches magnetic features in the low-dimensional systems, but helps to understand some of the exotic magnetic phenomena in other real quasi-1D magnetic materials.
Two-Dimensional Modeling of the Influence of Underground Mining Direction on Slope Stability in Coordinated Open-Pit and Underground Mining
Authors: Liu Bowen , Wang Zhenwei , Ding Xinpin , Wang Zhitao , Li Bin
Published: February 2021

Under a background of coordinated open-pit and underground mining engineering practice in the Pingshuo mining area, a combination of numerical simulations and similar-model experiments was used to study the influence of the underground mining direction on slope deformation in two dimensions. The results show that the disturbance caused by inverse-slope mining is more obvious than that caused by along-slope mining. Underground mining presents an asymmetric influence on the open-pit slope; the slope rock mass on the open-off cut side is disturbed more than that on the coal-wall side. Compared with the slope in front of the advancing direction of the underground mining face, the degree of rock-mass damage and stress concentration of the slope of the open-off cut side are more serious. As such, in coordinated open-pit and underground mining practice, an along-slope mining direction is recommended to reduce adverse effects on slope stability and improve the recovery rate of coal resources.
Human transcription factor protein interaction networks
Authors: Göös Helka , Kinnunen Matias , Yadav Leena , Tan Zenglai , Salokas Kari , Zhang Qin , Wei Gong-hong , Varjosalo Markku
Published: February 2021

In participation of transcriptional regulation, transcription factors (TFs) interact with several other proteins. Here, we identified 7233 and 2176 protein-protein interactions for 110 different human TFs through proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) and affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS), respectively. The BioID analysis resulted more high-confident interactions, highlighting the transient and dynamic nature of many of the TF interactions.

Using clustering and correlation analyses, we identified subgroups of TFs associated with specific biological functions, such as RNA-splicing, actin signalling or chromatin remodeling. We also observed 203 TF-TF interactions, of which 175 were interactions with Nuclear Factor 1 (NFI) -family members, indicating uncharacterized cross-talk between NFI signalling and numerous other TF signalling. Moreover, TF interactions with basal transcription machinery were mainly observed through TFIID and SAGA complexes.

This study, not only, provides a rich resource of human TF interactions, but also act as starting point directing future studies aimed at understanding TF mediated transcription.
Early and Long-Term Prognosis in Patients With and Without Type 2 Diabetes After Carotid Intervention: A Swedish Nationwide Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Zabala Alexander , Gottsäter Anders , Lind Marcus , Svensson Ann-Marie , Eliasson Björn , Bertilsson Rebecka , Ekelund Jan , Nyström Thomas , Jonsson Magnus
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate early and long-term outcomes after treatment of carotid artery stenosis in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to patients without T2D.Design/MethodThis observational nationwide population-based cohort study investigated all T2D patients treated for carotid stenosis registered in the National Swedish Vascular Surgery and the National Diabetes Registries. Data was collected prospectively for all patients after carotid intervention, during 2009-2015. We estimated crude early (within 30-days) hazard ratios (HRs) risk of stroke and death, and long-term HRs risk, adjusted for confounders with 95% confidence intervals (Cis), for stroke and death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by using inverse probability of treatment weighting matching.ResultsA total of 1341 patients with T2D and 4162 patients without T2D were included; 89% treated for symptomatic carotid stenosis, 96% with carotid endarterectomy. There was an increased early risk, HRs (95% CI), for stroke in T2D patients 1.65 (1.17-2.32), whereas risk for early death 1.00 (0.49-2.04) was similar in both groups. During a median follow-up of 4.3 (T2D) and 4.6 (without T2D), with a maximum of 8.0 years; after propensity score matching there was an increased HRs (95% CI) of stroke 1.27 (1.05-1.54) and death 1.27 (1.10-1.47) in T2D patients compared to patients without T2D. Corresponding numbers for MACE were 1.21 (1.08-1.35). ConclusionsPatients with T2D run an increased risk for stroke, death, and MACE after carotid intervention. They also have an increased perioperative risk for stroke, but not for death.
Defining Virus-Carrier Networks That Shape the Composition of the Mosquito Core Virome of an Ecosystem
Authors: Konstantinidis Kostantinos , Dovrolis Nikolas , Kouvela Adamantia , Kassela Katerina , Freitas Maria Goreti Rosa , Nearchou Andreas , Williams Michael de Courcy , Veletza Stavroula , Karakasiliotis Ioannis
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMosquitoes are the most important vectors of emerging infectious diseases. During the past decade, our understanding of the diversity of viruses they carry has greatly expanded. Most of these viruses are considered mosquito-specific, while there is increasing evidence that these viruses may affect mosquito vector potential. Metagenomics approaches have focused on specific mosquito species for the identification of what is called core virome. However, in most ecosystems, multiple species may participate in virus emergence and circulation, while there is lack of understanding on the viruses-carrier/host network for both vector-borne and mosquito-specific viruses. Results Here, we studied the core mosquito virome in a diverse ecosystem comprised of 24 different mosquito species. Analysis of these 24 diverse viromes resulted in the discovery of 35 viruses with known genetic traits and 9 novel viruses. Comparison of the viromes of the 24 individual species revealed novel relationships between mosquito species and virus families, as most of the mosquito species had never been analysed in the past. Groups of related viruses and mosquito species from multiple genera formed a complex network in the ecosystem. Analyses of whole traps of mosquitoes of variable composition not only showed a stable core virome for each species but also a relationship between mosquito population and virome composition.ConclusionsOur study highlighted the importance of a holistic approach regarding mosquito viromes in rich and diverse ecosystems. Our data further supported the idea of a stable core virome, characteristic of each mosquito species. The remarkable stability of the core virome seemed to determine the composition of the total mosquito core virome of a habitat in the ecosystem.
Ferulic Acid Inhibits Topoisomerase I of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Authors: Lu Nihong , Li Haiyuan , Bai Jingsong , Yang Yongrui , Ou Yangbing , Chen Yangjun , Du Yingrong
Published: February 2021

IntroductionVarious drugs are first line anti-TB drugs for more than thirty years. Since ferulic acid have shown promising inhibition growth of M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis cell.ObjectiveIn this study, we have explored the inhibitory effect of ferulic acid against Mycobacterium tuberculosis topoisomerase I. We further investigated the mechanism of ferulic acid by various experiments.MethodsDNA relaxation assays was done for supercoiled pUC18 DNA, oligonucleotide cleavage assay was performed for 5ʹ-end-labeled 32-mer harboring the STS (Strong Topoisomerase Site) annealed to a complimentary sequence. Growth inhibition (MIC) values were calculated by performing resazurin reduction microplate assay (REMA).ResultsIn this study, we describe the growth inhibition of M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis through Mycobacterium tuberculosis topoisomerase I (MttopoI) by ferulic acid. We have further investigated the mechanism of ferulic acid by analysing the two step of topoisomerase 1 (topoI) reaction cycle. Ferulic acid was able to stimulate cleavage which further leads to cleavage-relegation equilibrium. Moreover, it was shown that ferulic acid inhibited topoI overexpressing cells at low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Ferulic acid affects the activity of DNA relexation in the mutations in DxDxE motif of metal binding mutants which contributes to the reaction of enzyme with the drug.ConclusionIn conclusion, our results indicate that ferulic acid leads to combat microbial infection and act as toxins to MstopoI and MttopoI. Moreover, targeting metal coordination to topoisomerases might be a general strategy to develop new lead molecules.
WITHDRAWN: Establishing and Assessing a Nomogram Based on the Clinical Features of Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Xu Qing-Qing , Li Qing-Jie , Chen Liu , Su Xin-Yi , Song Jing-Xia , Du Juan , Chen Lei , Lu Li-Xia
Published: February 2021

Objectives: The rarity of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck (MMHN) and the lack of prospective clinical trials has resulted in the limited knowledge of its clinical features and prognosis. We aimed to understand the clinical characteristics and developed a nomogram to better predict the prognosis of patients with MMHN.Methods: Based on a total of 300 patients with nonmetastatic MMHN, multivariable Cox regression was performed to analyze independent prognostic factors. The overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) of MMHN patients could be monitored using the nomogram. To facilitate clinical application, an online dynamic nomogram was established.Results: Multivariate analysis identified primary tumor site, T stage and N stage as independent risk factors for survival. This factor-based nomogram had prognostic value for OS, DFS, DMFS, and LRRFS. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated the high diagnostic accuracy of the nomogram (AUC > 0.7). Kaplan–Meier survival curves indicated that the risk score of the nomogram effectively stratified MMHN patients with poor survival into a high-risk group (all P<0.001). Conclusions: The nomogram is conducive to stratifying MMHN patients into clinically meaningful taxonomies and subsequently providing individualized treatment.
Mapping Thematic Trends and Analysing Hotspots Concerning the Use of Stem Cells for Cartilage Regeneration: a Bibliometric Analysis From 2010 to 2020
Authors: Xia Demeng , Wu Jianghong , Wu Kaiwen , Wang Sheng , Zhang Zhentao , Zhou Panyu , Xu Shuogui
Published: February 2021

Background: Defects of articular cartilage are a common condition that usually progresses to osteoarthritis with pain and dysfunction of the joint. Current treatment strategies have had limited success in these patients. Stem cells are emerging as a promising option for cartilage regeneration. We aim to summarize the developmental history of stem cells for cartilage regeneration and to analyse the trends and hotspots.Methods: We screened all relevant literature on stem cells for cartilage regeneration from Web of Science during 2010-2020 and analysed the research trends in this field by VOSviewer and CiteSpace. We also summarized previous clinical trials.Results: We screened 1,011 publications. China contributed the largest number of publications (317, 31.36%) and citations (81,376, 48.61%). The United States has the highest H-index (39). Shanghai Jiao Tong University had the largest number of publications (34) among all full-time institutions. The Journal of Biomaterials and Stem Cell Research & Therapy published the largest number of studies on stem cells for cartilage regeneration (35). SEKIYA I and YANG F published the majority of articles in this field (14), while TOH WS was cited most frequently (740). Regarding clinical research on stem cells for cartilage regeneration, the keyword “double-blind” emerged in recent years, with an average year of 2018.75. In tissue engineering, the keyword “3D printing” appeared latest, with an average year of 2019.625. In biological studies, the key word “extracellular vesicles” appeared latest, with an average year of 2018.9091. The current research trend indicates that basic research is gradually transforming into tissue engineering. Clinical trials have confirmed the safety and feasibility of stem cells for cartilage regeneration.Conclusions: Multiple scientific methods were employed to reveal productivity, collaborations, and research hotspots related to the use of stem cells for cartilage regeneration. 3D printing, extracellular vesicles, and double-blind clinical trials are research hotspots and are likely to be promising in the near future. Further studies are needed for to improve our understanding of this field, and clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed for clinical transformation.
D-shaped Photonic Crystal Fiber Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor with Metal Nanodimers Array
Authors: Jiao Shengxi , Li Xinzhi , Yang Hanrui , Fang Hairui , Xu Shibo
Published: February 2021

A D-shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor with metal nanodimers array is presented and demonstrated for analyte detection with refractive index (RI) ranging from 1.28 to 1.37. In contrast to previous D-shaped PCF sensors, the coupling system is composed of Au-Ag nanodimers array, Silver (Ag) nanowires are arranged under the Gold (Au) array on the D-shaped surface, which cause the electric field within a confined volume is strongly enhanced, and the sensitivity of the surface plasmon resonance to dielectric environment of this volume to be promoted by near-field coupling. The finite element method (FEM) is adopted to numerical investigate the coupling characteristics and sensing performance of the PCF sensor in the near-infrared region. An average wavelength sensitivity (WS) of 14021 nm/RIU is attained,and a maximum WS of 16380 nm/RIU is acquired with a supernal RI resolution of 6.11×10 -6 RIU, which has an excellent application prospect in the fields of biological, biochemical and environmental detection.
The Predictive Value of the Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio in Patients with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Shengnan , Chen Yuqing , Wang Qian , Yuan Fangfang , Ai Hao , Chen Lin , Mi Ruihua , Wei Xudong , Song Yongping , Yin Qingsong
Published: February 2021

BackgroundTo assess the value of the peripheral blood lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in predicting the early treatment response and prognosis in patients with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).MethodsThe optimal cut-off value for the LMR was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) method. The LMR was monitored dynamically, and the relationship between the LMR and therapeutic response, and survival was analyzed.Results The cumulative complete remission (CCR) rate was 57.1% in patients with low baseline LMR, remarkably lower than that for patients with high baseline LMR (80.0%) (P = 0.019). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 51.3% and 32.6%, respectively, in the low baseline LMR group, which were significantly poorer at 90.4% and 70.5% in the high baseline LMR group, respectively (P values were 0.006 and 0.013, respectively). Furthermore, the median OS and PFS of patients with a decreased LMR after treatment were shorter than those with an elevated LMR after treatment (all P values < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that low baseline LMR is an independent indicator for poor prognosis in ALCL patients (P values were 0.006 and 0.020, respectively). Interestingly, the combination of low baseline LMR and ALK positive could strongly predict the good prognosis in patients with ALCL. ConclusionsThe low baseline LMR and a decreased LMR after treatment are prognostic indicator for poor PFS and OS. The combination of LMR and ALK expression can widely risk-stratify patients for treatment and survival in patients with ALCL.
Impact of Diabetes in Patients Waiting for Invasive Cardiac Procedures During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Moreno Raul , Diez Jose Luis , Diarte Jose Antonio , Salinas Pablo , Hernández Jose María de la Torre , Cordon Joan A , Trillo Ramiro , Alonso-Briales Juan , Amat-Santos Ignacio , Romaguera Rafael , Diaz-Fernandez Jose Francisco , Vaquerizo Beatriz , Ojeda Soledad , Cruz-Gonzalez Ignacio , Morena-Salas Daniel , de Prado Armando Perez , Sarnago Fernando , Portero Pilar , Gutierrez-Barrios Alejandro , Alfonso Fernando , Bosch Eduard , Pinar Eduardo , Ruiz-Arroyo Jose Ramon , Ruiz-Quevedo Valeriano , Jiménez-Mazuecos Jesús , Lozano Fernando , Rumoroso Jose Ramón , Novo Enrique , Irazusta Francisco J , Blanco Bruno Garcia del , Moreu José , Ballesteros-Pradas Sara M , Frutos Araceli , Villa Manuel , Alegria-Barrero Eduardo , Lazaro Rosa , Paredes Emilio
Published: February 2021

Background: During COVID-19 pandemic, elective invasive cardiac procedures (ICP) have been frequently cancelled or postponed. Consequences may be more evident in patients with diabetes. Objectives: The objective was to identify the peculiarities of patients with DM among those in whom ICP were cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to identify subgroups in which the influence of DM has higher impact on the clinical outcome.Methods: We included 2,158 patients in whom an elective ICP was cancelled or postponed during COVID-19 pandemic in 37 hospitals in Spain. Among them, 700 (32.4%) were diabetics. Patients with and without diabetes were compared.Results: Patients with diabetes were older and had a higher prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors, previous cardiovascular history and co-morbidities. Diabetics had a higher mortality (3.0% vs. 1.0%; p=0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (1.9% vs. 0.4%; p=0.001). Differences were especially important in patients with valvular heart disease (mortality 6.9% vs 1.7% [p<0.001] and cardiovascular mortality 4.9% vs 0.9% [p=0.002] in patients with and without diabetes, respectively). In the multivariable analysis, diabetes remained as an independent risk factor both for overall and cardiovascular mortality. No significant interaction was found with other clinical variables.Conclusion: Among patients in whom an elective invasive cardiac procedure is cancelled or postponed during COVID-19 pandemic, mortality and cardiovascular mortality is higher in patients with diabetes, irrespectively on other clinical conditions. These procedures should not be cancelled in patients with diabetes.
Fibrinolytic Markers Could Be Useful Predictors of Severity in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Shoji Makoto , Matsui Taiju , Tanaka Hideaki , Tsujita Hiroaki , Kodama Yusuke , Koba Shinji , Kobayashi Youichi , Shinke Toshiro
Published: February 2021

Background: The severity of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is classified based on mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) levels. However, other markers have not been elucidated. Fibrinolytic markers, such as total plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (tPAI-1) and thrombomodulin (TM), are known to reflect arterial endothelial function. However, the relationship between serum tPAI-1, TM and pulmonary circulation has not been completely determined. Methods: This study included 100 consecutive patients (38 men), with a mean age of 68.9±12.0 years, with cardiac diseases who underwent right heart catheterization. Serum coagulation and fibrinolytic marker levels were measured.Results: The average mPAP value was 25.1±13.1 mmHg for all patients. The mPAP levels revealed a significant positive correlation with serum tPAI-1 (ρ=0.24, p=0.042) and uric acid (ρ=0.29, p=0.0031) levels. In the group with mPAP levels less than 25 mmHg (n=58, ave. 17.3±4.3 mmHg), mPAP levels showed a significant positive correlation with serum tPA-1 (ρ=0.34, p=0.034) and TM (ρ=0.34, p=0.043) values. The mean tPAI-1 (29.8±23.3 ng/ml, p=0.047) and uric acid (5.7±1.8 mg/dl, p=0.026) levels were significantly less in those with lower mPAP levels. A multivariate analysis revealed that tPAI-1 alone was a significant independent characteristic marker of PAH (odds ratio 1.02, 95%CI 1.000-1.036, p=0.034).Conclusions: These results indicate that serum tPAI-1 and TM may be useful predictors of severity, similar to mPAP in patients with PAH. They could be beneficial in predicting PAH among patients in the early stage of the disease.
Long-term population trends of the lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros and the greater mouse-eared bat Myotis myotis in Poland
Authors: Węgiel Andrzej , Grzywiński Witold , Kosicki Jakub Z. , Tryjanowski Piotr , Nowak Jakub , Węgiel Jolanta
Published: February 2021

Bats are particularly susceptible to environmental changes because of their low reproductive rate, longevity, and high metabolic rates, which lead to relatively high food requirements. Thus, bat populations take a relatively long time to recover from increased mortality rates, and monitoring schemes should cover long time periods. In this work we analyzed the population trajectories of two bat species, Rhinolophus hipposideros and Myotis myotis, the most numerous in five caves in southern Poland, which are known as important bat hibernacula on a continental scale. Data were collected by regular counts in 1985–2001, depending on the particular cave; in addition, previous data on the number of hibernating bats in these caves, available since 1951, were taken from existing publications. We analyzed time-series data using average locality indices and TRIM methods, and both produced similar results. Generally, the populations of the two studied bat species showed recent increasing trends, especially visible as an effect of recovery after years of decline. The situation recorded in southern Poland is very similar to that described in other places in Europe, where recoveries of bat populations have also been observed in the last decades. Although it is difficult to present results from formal analyses, because of the lack of good data, at least some factors—less exposure to contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals), improving food availability due to climate change, and a lower predation rate (including human pressure), both in the breeding season and during wintering—positively affected both species.
pmTR database: population matched (PM) germline allelic variants of T-cell receptor (TR) loci
Authors: Dekker Julian , Dongen Jacques J.M. , Reinders Marcel J.T. , Khatri Indu
Published: February 2021

T-cell receptor (TR) germline allele sequences are arranged, organized and made available to the research community by the IMGT database. This state-of-the-art database, however, does not provide information regarding population specificity and allelic frequencies of the four human TR loci (TRA, TRB, TRG and TRD). The specificity of allelic variants to different human populations can, however, be a rich source of information when studying the genetic basis of population-specific immune responses in disease and in vaccination. To make TR germline alleles available for such population-specific studies, we meticulously identified true germline alleles enriched with complete TR allele sequences and their frequencies across 26 different human populations, profiled by “1,000 Genomes data”. We identified 205 TRAV, 249 TRBV, 16 TRGV and 5 TRDV germline alleles supported by at least four haplotypes (= minimum of two unrelated individuals). The diversity of germline allelic variants in the TR loci is highest in Africans, while the majority of the Non-African alleles are specific to the Asian populations, suggesting a diverse profile of TR germline alleles in different human populations. Interestingly, the alleles known in the IMGT database are frequent and common across all five super-populations. We believe that this new set of genuine germline TR sequences represents a valuable new resource which we have made available through the new population-matched TR (pmTR) database, accessible via https://pmtrig.lumc.nl/.
A functional SNP in miR-625-5p binding site of AKT2 3'UTR is associated with noise-induced hearing loss susceptibility in the Chinese population
Authors: Miao Long , Wang Boshen , Zhang Juan , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to explore the association of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the AKT2 gene and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) susceptibility and explore the potential mechanism underlying NIHL. Three SNPs (rs2304186, rs41275750 and rs76524493) were genotyped in a Chinese population which consists of 690 NIHL patients and 650 normal hearing controls. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to predict the potential miRNA-binding site of SNPs. Cell transfection and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of SNPs involved in NIHL. The results revealed rs2304186 GT genotype (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.09–1.83) and TT genotype (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.08–2.10) imparted increased risk of NIHL, and the increased risk could also be found in a dominant model (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.12–1.84). The stratification analysis showed that rs2304186 GT/TT conferred a higher risk for NIHL, especially in subgroups of male, age (35–45 and > 45 years), noise exposure time (> 16 years), and noise exposure level (≤ 85 and ≥ 92 dB), compared with GG genotype. In addition, the haplotype TCCTACT (rs2304186-rs41275750-rs76524493) was associated with NIHL risk (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.02–1.40). Rs2304186 G allele combined with hsa-miR-625-5p mimics could significantly decrease the luciferase activity compared with T allele, indicating rs2304186 altered the binding affinity of hsa-miR-625-5p to SNP rs2304186 mutation region, thus directly targeting AKT2. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for the first time that SNP rs2304186 of AKT2 3′UTR affects NIHL susceptibility by affecting the binding affinity of has-miR-625-5p in an allele-specific manner and it may act as a potential biomarker of NIHL susceptibility.
Multi-institutional Survey of Thymic Carcinoma Patients in Hokushin Region
Authors: Uramoto Hidetaka , Takiguchi Tomoya , Koizumi Tomonobu , Tanimoto Azusa , Hayashi Ryuji , Nakazawa Yozo , Ito Ken-ichi , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Hirono Yasuo , Nishino Yoshikazu , Yano Seiji
Published: February 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to validate the clinical and epidemiological factors, diagnosis and initial treatment among thymic carcinoma patients.Methods: We surveyed retrospective data from 152,921 cancer patients in 22 principal hospitals.Results: A total of 88 thymic carcinoma cases were newly diagnosed. These patients consisted of 49 men and 38 women, with a median age of 66 years old. Eight patients were discovered in cancer screening, 9 in a voluntary setting, 14 at health checkups, 25 at follow-up of other diseases, and 32 cases by introduction from another hospital. Only 14 cases had been diagnosed with localized disease, but 5 cases were accompanied by regional lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, 12 cases showed infiltration into adjacent organs, and 24 cases had distant metastasis. Eighty-three cases were diagnosed by a pathological diagnosis. A surgical approach, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were performed for 29, 35 patients, and 31 patients, respectively, while 17 patients received best supportive care.Conclusion: The diagnosis of thymic carcinoma is still difficult, and this disease has a tragically rapid progression if when discovered during follow-up of other diseases. An innovative modality for the early detection of thymic carcinoma is needed in modern medical society.
Sensing of cytoplasmic chromatin by cGAS activates innate immune response in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Zhou Zhuo , Zhang Xinyi , Lei Xiaobo , Xiao Xia , Jiao Tao , Ma Ruiyi , Dong Xiaojing , Jiang Qi , Wang Wenjing , Shi Yujin , Zheng Tian , Tan Yuting , Xiang Zichun , Ren Lili , Deng Tao , Jiang Zhengfan , Dou Zhixun , Wei Wensheng , Wang Jianwei
Published: February 2021

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a positive-sense RNA virus. How the host immune system senses and responds to SARS-CoV-2 infection remain to be determined. Here, we report that SARS-CoV-2 infection activates the innate immune response through the cytosolic DNA sensing cGAS-STING pathway. SARS-CoV-2 infection induces the cellular level of 2'3'-cGAMP associated with STING activation. cGAS recognizes chromatin DNA shuttled from the nucleus as a result of cell-to-cell fusion upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. We further demonstrate that the expression of spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 from host cells is sufficient to trigger cytoplasmic chromatin upon cell fusion. Furthermore, cytoplasmic chromatin-cGAS-STING pathway, but not MAVS mediated viral RNA sensing pathway, contributes to interferon and pro-inflammatory gene expression upon cell fusion. Finally, we show that cGAS is required for host antiviral responses against SARS-CoV-2, and a STING-activating compound potently inhibits viral replication. Together, our study reported a previously unappreciated mechanism by which the host innate immune system responds to SARS-CoV-2 infection, mediated by cytoplasmic chromatin from the infected cells. Targeting the cytoplasmic chromatin-cGAS-STING pathway may offer novel therapeutic opportunities in treating COVID-19. In addition, these findings extend our knowledge in host defense against viral infection by showing that host cells’ self-nucleic acids can be employed as a “danger signal” to alarm the immune system.
Residual Efficacy of Fludora® Fusion Against Anopheles Arabiensis in Simple Huts in Ethiopia
Authors: Animut Abebe , Horstmann Sebastian
Published: February 2021

Emergence and spread of malaria vectors resistant to the available insecticides required a new and efficacious insecticide. Residual efficacy of Fludora® Fusion was evaluated against insecticide susceptible Anopheles arabiensis in ten circular huts similar to the residential huts. Fludora® Fusion WP-SB 562.5, FICAM WP80 and Clothianidin WG70 were sprayed, by experienced technician, on interior wall surfaces: paint, dung, smooth mud, and rough mud. WHO cone bioassays were carried out a month after spraying and thereafter on monthly intervals for 12 months. Knockdown was recorded at 60 minutes and mortality at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours holding time post-exposure. Fludora Fusion induced 100% An. arabiensis mortality during the first four months post-treated on all surface types at 24 hours holding time post-exposure. Its activity remained over 80% from the fifth to the twelfth month post-treated on the surfaces with the exception of two assessment points, at seventh month and eleventh month, on paint and smooth mud surfaces. FICAM induced 100% mortality rate during the first 4 months and 92% mortality during the fifth month post-treatment on painted surfaces. Its activity was over 96% mortality 1-month post-treatment on smooth mud and rough mud surfaces and 92% mortality 2-month post-treatment on dung surfaces. Clothianidin caused 89% and 86% mortality 1-month post-treatment on smooth mud and rough mud surfaces. Fludora Fusion can be used as alternative indoor residual insecticide spraying against An. arabiensis in Ethiopia. However, the insecticide shall also be tested in residential houses prior to employing at a larger scale.
Investigation of Gama Ray Shielding Properties of the (Al:Si) and (Al+Na):Si doped International Simple Glasses (ISG) using Phy-X/PSD and SRIM Software’s
Authors: KAMIŞLIOĞLU Miraç
Published: February 2021

In this investigation, the gamma photon shielding properties for the (Al:Si) and (Al + Na):Si dopped ISG glasses were investigated by using Photon Shielding and Dosimetry (Phy-X / PSD) software for the selected energy range. The obtained results showed that the highest MAC value belong to ISG-A00N glass. It was seen that the MAC values which were examined at all energies changed in harmony with WinXCom. Substituting an atomic fraction of (Al:Si) with (Al + Na):Si resulted in a reduction of the total atomic cross-section of the glass, which lowered the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC). In this study, computations were made for glasses with SiO2, Al2O3, B2O3, Na2O, CaO and ZrO2 content given with ISG-C, ISG-A00, ISG-A12, ISG-A22, ISG-A00N, ISG-A11N, ISG-A18N and ISG-A23N codes. MAC, LAC, HVL, TVL, Zeff, Neff, Ceff Zeq, EBF, EABF and FNRCS calculations were applied to assess the radiation protection parameters by using Phy-X/PSD software. In addition, MSP and PR values were calculated by using the SRIM code. In fact, each obtained parameter provides us very important information on radiation protection, and these methods are frequently used in the literature. ISG-A00N glasses were observed to have the highest attenuation coefficient. Thus, the MAC value gradually decreased as the Al, Na and Si contents increased. Likewise, the HVL, TVL and MFP values changed coherent with this. Moreover, Zeff and Neff values were seen in the ISG-A00N sample to take the maximum values to each other inversely. The most effective glass sample was seen as ISG-A00N glass at the mean free path penetration power of MSP and PR values. When all the results were evaluated, ISG-A00N glass which has the highest Si and Ca contents and density was found to be the glass with the best radiation shielding feature. It is also noteworthy that this glass does not contain any Al component. As the results of the investigation, it was found out that a very small doped of the Si increases the radiation shielding feature on the glass. It was seen that the ISG-A23N had the lowest ∑R value. The obtained results revealed that the ISG-A00N > ISG-A00 > ISG-C > ISG-A12 > ISG-A11N > ISG-A22 > ISG-A18N > ISG-A23N samples, in ascending order that attenuators for low energy radiations.
Association of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) with the immune system and prognosis in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Kurouzmi Sasagu , Kaira Kyoichi , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Kurosumi Masafumi , Yokobori Takehiko , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Sekine Chikako , Honda Chikako , Katayama Ayaka , Furuya Mio , Shiino Sho , Makiguchi Takaya , Mongan Nigel , Rakha Emad , Oyama Tetsunari , Fujii Takaaki , Shirabe Ken , Horiguchi Jun
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE: L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), also referred to as SLC7A5, is believed to regulate tumor metabolism and be associated with tumor proliferation. In invasive breast cancer, we clinicopathologically investigated the utility of LAT1 expression. METHODS: LAT1 expression was evaluated via immunohistochemistry analyses in 250 breast cancer patients undergoing long-term follow-up. We assessed the relationship between LAT1 expression and the patients’ outcomes and clinicopathological factors. Breast cancer-specific survival stratified by LAT1 expression was assessed.RESULTS: High LAT1 expression was significantly correlated with estrogen receptor (ER) negativity, progesterone receptor negativity, high histological grade, increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and programmed death ligand 1 positivity. Among the ER-positive and human epidermal growth factor 2-negative type cases, high LAT1 was an independent indicator of poor outcomes (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.97; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16–7.62; p = 0.023). Moreover, high LAT1 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor in luminal B-like breast cancer with aggressive features (HR = 3.39; 95% CI, 1.35–8.52; p = 0.0094).CONCLUSIONS: High LAT1 expression identified a subgroup of invasive breast cancer characterized by aggressive behavior and high tumor immunoreaction. Our findings suggest that LAT1 might be a candidate therapeutic target for breast cancer patients, particularly those with luminal B-like type breast cancer.
Botulinum toxin type A relieve neuropathic pain by suppressing the expression of CXCL13/CXCR5 and GAT-1 in chronic constriction injury rats
Authors: Bu Huilian , Bu Huilian , Jiao Pengfei , Jiao Pengfei , Fan Xiaochong , Fan Xiaochong , Gao Yan , Gao Yan , Zhang Lirong , Zhang Lirong , Guo Haiming , Ma Minyu , Ma Minyu
Published: February 2021

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) was widely used to treat neuropathic pain in clinic. The underlying analgesic mechanism of BTX-A involves in axonal transport. The chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 13 (CXCL13) and GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) played important roles in chronic pain. We established a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. The pain behaviors of rats were measured by testing paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) and paw withdrawal latencies (PWLs). The level of proteins was measured by western blots. In our results, the CCI rats showed decrease of PWTs and PWLs, which were relieved by BTX-A. BTX-A reversed the over-expression of CXCL13 and GAT-1 in spinal cord, DRG, sciatic nerve and plantar in CCI rats and characterized in dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of BTX-A on proteins we examined didn’t show significant trend among time points. The analgesic effect of BTX-A disappeared after the axon transport of sciatic nerve blocked by the colchicine. But the PWTs of the colchicine treated CCI rats were higher than non- colchicine-treated CCI rats. Colchicine decreased the levels of CXCL13 and GAT-1 in CCI rats. What’s more, the proteins we examined peaked at the sciatic nerve in the non-colchicine group, but the phenomenon disappeared in the colchicine group. In conclusion, the BTX-A and colchicine relieve neuropathic pain and suppress the increase of CXCL13 and GAT-1. Colchicine prevents the analgesic effect of BTX-A by blocking axon transport. The axon transport may play roles in the peripheral mechanisms of neuropathic pain.