bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Supply of Cysteamine during Late Gestation Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Enhances Angiogenesis in Porcine Placenta
Authors: Huang Shuangbo , Wu Zifang , Hao Xiangyu , Huang Zihao , Zhang Longmiao , Hu Chengjun , Wei Jianfu , Deng Jinping , Tan chengquan
Published: February 2021

Background: Oxidative stress in placenta is associated with the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in sow, but there are few satisfactory treatment strategies for these conditions. This study investigated the potential of cysteamine (CS) as an antioxidant protectant for regulating the reproductive performance, redox status, and placental angiogenesis of sows.Methods: The placental oxidative stress status and vascular density of piglets with different birth weights: <1.0 kg (low birth weight, LBW) and 1.4-1.6 kg (normal birth weight, NBW) were evaluated, followed by allotting 84 sows to four treatments (n=21) and feeding them with a basal diet supplemented with 0, 100, 300, or 500 mg/kg of CS (CON, CS100, CS300, and CS500 diet) from day 85 of gestation to day 21 of lactation, respectively. Placentae, serum and colostrum, and blood samples of sows or piglets were collected, and the characteristics of sows and piglets were recorded. Furthermore, the in vivo results were validated using porcine vascular endothelial cells (PVECs).Results: The placentae for the LBW piglets had higher oxidative damage and lower vascular density than those for the NBW piglets (P < 0.05). Further experiments with sows showed that compared with the CON group, the CS100 group was lower in the stillbirth and invalid rates, and higher in the piglet birth weight and placental efficiency (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the CS100 group also displayed higher glutathione and lower malondialdehyde in both the serum and colostrum of sows (P < 0.05). Interestingly, compared to the CON group, the LBW placentae of the CS100 group showed a decrease in oxidative damage, while an increase in vascular density (P < 0.05), as well as the mRNA level of vascular endothelial growth factor A and the immunostaining intensity of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the in vitro experiment indicated that CS pre-treatment could significantly reverse the NADPH oxidase 2-ROS-mediated inactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat3) signaling pathway induced by H2O2 inhibition of the proliferation, tube formation, and migration of PVECs (P < 0.05).Conclusions: The results indicated that oxidative stress and impaired angiogenesis might contribute to the occurrence of low-birth-weight piglets during pregnancy, but CS supplementation at 100 mg/kg during late gestation and lactation of sows could alleviate oxidative stress and enhance angiogenesis in placenta, thereby improving pregnancy outcome. The in vitro data showed that the underlying mechanism for the positive effects of CS may be related to the activation of Stat3.
Probiotic Biofilm: A Novel Approach to Produce a New Generation of Probiotics and Probiotic Foods
Authors: Rezaei Zeinab , Salari Amir , Khanzadi Saeid
Published: February 2021

Background

Probiotic biofilm is considered a new version of an advanced natural protection method recently placed on researchers’ agenda as the fourth generation of probiotics. In several studies, probiotic biofilms have been produced exclusively in the bacterial culture medium, but in this study, the biofilm of Lactobacillus plantarum PTCC 1745 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus PTCC 1637 were formed in food (milk) and evaluated for the first time.
Methods

The biofilm was produced in milk then was transferred to yogurt in whole and crushed forms to be tested in real conditions as probiotic bacteria carriers. Survival was assessed for 21 days as well as gastrointestinal conditions.
Results

Results demonstrate that the number of bacteria in biofilm did not change significantly during 21 days of refrigerated storage. In contrast, planktonic bacteria was decreased by about 2.8 log simultaneously. Another significant result is that the biofilm could appropriately protect the bacteria in the stomach and intestine simulated conditions. So, no significant reduction was observed in the number of bacteria during 120 min, but planktonic cells were destroyed after 30 min.
Conclusions

In conclusion results indicated that L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus could form a very desirable and strong biofilm in vitro and milk that can have a good protective effect on yogurt’s probiotic survival process and storage. Therefore, the probiotic biofilm technique can introduce a new generation of probiotics to the food and pharmaceutical industries
Multi-drug Resistant (MDR), Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) and New Delhi Metallo Beta-lactamase (NDM) Producing Escherichia Coli in Rescued Sloth Bears (Melursus Ursinus), India
Authors: Vinodhkumar O.R. , Karikalan M. , Ilayaraja S. , Sha Arun A , Singh B.R. , Sinha D.K. , Mohan S. Chandra , Pawde A.M. , Sharma AK
Published: February 2021

The study reports the MDR, ESBL, and NDM producing Escherichia coli (CRE) isolated from the rescued sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), India. The faecal samples of adult rescued sloth bear (n=21) were collected from a rescue center located in India during 2015-2016 and processed for isolation and antibacterial susceptibility pattern of E. coli. 45E. coli isolates were recovered, and on phenotypic screening, 23 were MDR, 17 were ESBL producers, and five were carbapenem-resistant (CR). The MDR isolates carried beta-lactamase, chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, fluroquinone, and sulphadimidine resistance genes. All the phenotypic ESBL producing isolates had blaCTX-M genes. On genotypic screening, three CRE (60.0 %, 3/5) were positive for blaNDM carbapenemase gene. Efflux pump-mediated carbapenem resistance was noticed in two CRE isolates (40.0 %, 2/5).The CRE also isolates co-harbored AMR genes like blaTEM-1, blaAmpC, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, tetA, tetB and sulI. Virulence screening of the resistant isolates revealed the presence of Stx1, Stx2, eae, hlyA genes.Plasmid incompatibility (Inc) typesof three NDM positive isolates revealed that two isolates blaNDM-5 gene on Incl1 an one isolate on IncF plasmid. Apart from NDM genes, the plasmids also carried tetracycline, beta-lactamase and quinolone resistance genes. The plasmid multilocus sequence typing (pMLST) of the E. coli Incl1 plasmid showed the Sequence Type (ST) 297.This appears to be the first report of multi-drug resistant, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing and blaNDM-5geneson Incl1 and IncF plasmids in rescued sloth bear.
Evolution of Vortex At The Runner Area of Pump-Turbine Under The Runaway Condition
Authors: Li Qifei , Zhou Feng , Zhao Chaoben , Huang Qi , Li Zhenggui
Published: February 2021

To study the evolution principle of the coherent structure in the low flow rate runaway condition, the pump-turbine of the certain pumped storage power plant is employed. The transient dynamic stress of the runner has been numerically simulated and examined in this study, in order that can probe the mechanism of channel vortices acting on the blade and the evolution of their coherent structure in the runner. Based on the Realizable k-ε turbulent model, the unsteady flow of the whole pump-turbine channels is calculated. Results show that the flow in the runner channels presents with the turbulence state, and with many different scales vortices. These vortices structures are mainly distributed in the inlet region of the blade, the area of the blade trailing edge and the middle section of the runner channels. These vortex structures affect the distribution of the blade pressure load. Moreover, vortices structure at the inlet of the runner depends on the change of the attack angle. In the flow region formed at the outlet of the blade near the suction surface and the runner cone, the blade has a limited effect to the fluid, thus the vortex structure depends on the Coriolis force and the centrifugal force joint action.
A Bidirectional Hybrid WDM-OFDM Network for Multiservice Communication Employing Self-Injection Locked Qdash Laser Source Based on Elimination of Rayleigh Backscattering Noise Technique
Authors: Mandal Paulomi , Mallick Khaleda , Santra Saikat , Kuiri Bibhatsu , Dutta Bubai , Patra Ardhendu Sekhar
Published: February 2021

A scheme for transportation of information with minimum Rayleigh backscattering (RB) noise to the multi-users by employing Qdash laser diode as a source is designed and evaluated. In this paper, employing DPSK, MMW, 16-QAM OFDM, and 32-QAM OFDM techniques, the data rates of 4X10 Gbps are transmitted simultaneously over 50 km single mode fiber (SMF), plus 15 m wireless link, 50 m FSO link, 10 m wireless respectively. Four selective self-injection locked modes of Qdash laser are utilized as optical carriers for downstream (DS) and upstream (US) transmission. To ensure the matter of mitigation of RB noise, which mainly arises due to the transmission of light-wave of same wavelengths in bidirectional transportation, the carrier signals of different wavelength are used for modulation and remodulation in OLT and ONU. Besides being a strong support to increase the tolerance level against RB noise, this architecture is capable to transmit less noisy information wirelessly in RF sensitive areas too. The constancy of the proposed architecture is evaluated by very low power penalty, clear constellation, prominent eye opening, low bit-error-rate and low error vector magnitude. Therefore, the proposed architecture could be promising alternative not only due to the scheme for mitigation of RB noise but also be a potent in the field of applications of the communication world to provide less noisy information to the multi-users (wired/wireless/FSO).
Exposure to Anthropogenic Activities and Age Class Mediate Movement-Explicit Habitat Selection of A Mesocarnivore in A Human-Dominated Landscape
Authors: Serieys Laurel , Bishop Jacqueline M , Rogan Matthew S , Smith Justine A , Suraci Jusin P , O'Riain M Justin , Wilmers Chris C
Published: February 2021

Background: Wildlife populations are increasingly challenged by human activities that disrupt landscape connectivity and animal movement, and thus population dynamics and persistence. Yet modified habitats may provide resource subsidies for generalist species resulting in increased selection of disturbed areas. Understanding how species adjust their space use and activity in human-modified landscapes is increasingly critical to conserving wildlife populations globally. Methods: To test three competing hypotheses explaining spatiotemporal responses to human activity, we GPS-collared 26 individual adults and subadults from three contiguous subpopulations in wildland and urban-dominated regions. We investigated coarse (3 hour)- and fine (20 minute)- scale movement-explicit habitat selection using step selection functions and tested for increased nocturnality of caracals (Caracal caracal) in a human-dominated landscape in South Africa. Results: Caracals in a wildland-dominated landscape were on average > 8.0 km from the urban-natural boundary and strongly selected for proximity to the coastline. Caracals in the urban-dominated landscape were on average <500 m from the urban-natural boundary, yet strongly avoided areas within the urban matrix itself while selecting for close proximity to the urban-natural boundary. Caracals avoided vegetative cover in the wildland-dominated region but selected for vegetative cover in the urban-dominated region, likely to conceal themselves from detection by humans. Selection responses for vineyards, freshwater, the coast, and burned areas was dependent on age class, diel period, and whether individuals were in close proximity to urban areas. Caracals inhabiting the urban-dominated region did not shift their temporal activity patterns to avoid contact with humans, but they selected for closer proximity to urban areas at night, suggesting they seek spatial refugia during the day. Conclusions: Behavioral plasticity whereby individuals seek out spatial, but not temporal refugia, appears to promote the coexistence of this generalist carnivore in a human-dominated landscape. Both age class and degree of exposure to anthropogenic activities influence habitat selection, while some individuals have learned to successfully exploit the riskiest areas at night. These data are essential to our understanding of what is viable wildlife habitat in this rapidly urbanizing landscape and provide opportunities to guide land acquisition and conservation guidelines by local management agencies.
SLAMF7 Regulates Inflammatory Response In Macrophage During Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Wu Yongjian , Lao Juanfeng , Li Miao , Wu Minhao , Ming Siqi , Liu Lei , Gong Sitang , Zhou Haibo , Huang Xi
Published: February 2021

Uncontrolled microbe-triggered inflammation results in multiple organ injury and shock in sepsis. However, the regulatory mechanisms that restrict cytokine storm are still elusive. Using gene screening, we identified an immunoglobulin-like receptor called Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecular Family-7 (SLAMF7), as a key regulator of inflammation during sepsis. We found that the expression of SLAMF7 on monocytes and macrophages was significantly elevated in sepsis subjects and septic mice. SLAMF7 attenuated TLR dependent MAPKs and NF-κB signaling activation by co-operating with Src homology 2-containing inositol‑5'‑phosphatase1 (SHIP1). Furthermore, SLAMF7 interacted with SHIP1 and TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) to inhibite K63 ubiquitination of TRAF6. In addition, we found that intracellular domain tyrosine phosphorylation sites of SLAMF7 and phosphatase domain of SHIP1 were indispensable for the interaction of SLAMF7/SHIP1/TRAF6 and the modulation of cytokines production. Finally, recombinant murine SLAMF7 peptide agonist or genetic knockout of SLAMF7 in mice demonstrated that SLAMF7 confered protection against lethal sepsis and endotoxemia by suppressing inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our findings reveal a critical negative regulatory role of SLAMF7 on cytokine storm in macrophages during polymicrobial sepsis, and therefore provide new sights into a novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for sepsis.
Exercise Training Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Amyloid Beta-injected Rat Model: Possible Mechanisms of Angiostatin/VEGF Signaling
Authors: Zarezadehmehrizi ALIASGHAR , Hong Junyoung , Lee Jong-hae , Rajabi Hamid , Gharakhanlou Reza , Naghdi Naser , Azimi Mohammad , Park Yoonjung
Published: February 2021

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates angio/neurogenesis and also tightly links to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although exercise has a beneficial effect on neurovascular function and cognitive function, the direct effect of exercise on VEGF-related signaling and cognitive deficit in AD are incompletely understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of exercise on angiostatin/VEGF cascade and cognitive function in AD model rats. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (CON), injection of DMSO (Sham-CON), CON-exercise (sham-EX), intrahippocampal injection of Aβ (AD), and AD-exercise (AD-EX). Rats in EX groups underwent treadmill exercise for 4 weeks, then the cognitive function was measured by the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test. mRNA levels of HIF-1, VEGF, VEGFR2, and angiostatin were determined by RT-PCR. We found that cognitive function was impaired in AD rats, but exercise training improved it. Moreover, exercise training increased the reduced mRNA expression level of VEGF signaling, including HIF1α, VEGF, and VEGFR2 in the hippocampus from AD rats. Also, the mRNA expression level of angiostatin was elevated in the hippocampus from AD rats, and exercise training abrogated its expression. Our findings suggest that exercise training improves cognitive function in AD, possibly through enhancing VEGF signaling and reducing angiostatin.
Machine Learning Model and Strategy for Fast and Accurate Detection of Leaks in Water Supply Network
Authors: Fan Xudong , Zhang Xijin , Yu Xiong (Bill)
Published: February 2021

The water supply network (WSN) is subjected to leaks that compromise its service to the communities, which, however, is challenging to identify with conventional approaches before the consequences surface. This study developed Machine Learning (ML) models to detect leaks in the WDN. Water pressure data under leaking versus non-leaking conditions were generated with holistic WSN simulation code EPANET considering factors such as the fluctuating user demands, data noise, and the extent of leaks, etc. The results indicate that Artificial Neural Network (ANN), a supervised ML model, can accurately classify leaking versus non-leaking conditions; it, however, requires balanced dataset under both leaking and non-leaking conditions, which is difficult for a real WSN that mostly operate under normal service condition. Autoencoder neural network (AE), an unsupervised ML model, is further developed to detect leak with unbalanced data. The results show AE ML model achieved high accuracy when leaks occur in pipes inside the sensor monitoring area, while the accuracy is compromised otherwise. This observation will provide guidelines to deploy monitoring sensors to cover the desired monitoring area. A novel strategy is proposed based on multiple independent detection attempts to further increase the reliability of leak detection by the AE and is found to significantly reduce the probability of false alarm. The trained AE model and leak detection strategy is further tested on a testbed WSN and achieved promising results. The ML model and leak detection strategy can be readily deployed for in-service WSNs using data obtained with internet-of-things (IoTs) technologies such as smart meters.
Appraisal of Pollution and Source Apportionment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Different Soils Collected around the Industrial Area
Authors: Verma Falwinder , Dhaliwal Salwinder Singh , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Rakesh , Singh Jaswinder , Parkash Chander , Singh Sharanpreet
Published: February 2021

It is imperative to understand the pollution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in different soils in order to determine the sustainable management approaches for soils. Potentially toxic elements (Fe, Mn, As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cn, Co and Cd), and pH and organic carbon were determined in agricultural, non-agricultural and industrial soils of Indian, Punjab. The findings of PTEs indicated that industrial soils recorded highest concentration of PTEs followed by non-agricultural and agricultural soils. The percentage change recorded from agricultural to non-agricultural soils for PTEs were 3.19% for Fe, 25.3% for Mn, 63.8% for Cu, 13.5% for Cn, 49.8% for Pb, 79.6% for Ni, 35.8% for Co and 32% for Cd. From non-agricultural to industrial soils the percentage change observed for PTEs were 89% for Zn, 2.03% for Fe, 21.9% for Mn, 68.2% Cu, 9.2% for Cn, 35.8% for Pb, 18.4% for Co, 30.4% for Cd and 43.4% for As. The results of contamination factor, enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, pollution and modified pollution indices indicated that Cd and As showed severe contamination in all studied soil types. Ecological risk assessment results revealed that Cd exhibited very risk in different soil types. The outcomes of this study will aid in forming approaches to decline the perils allied with PTEs in soils, and produce guidelines to save the environs from long term accrual of PTEs.
Metabolomic Profiling of Brain Protective Effect of Edaravine on Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Mice
Authors: Ma Hui-fen , Su Lin-jie , Zhang Da-wei , Gong Shuai-shuai , Liu Yi-ning , Zhang Yuan-yuan , Li Fang , Kou Junping
Published: February 2021

Edaravine (EDA) injection has seen extensively applied in clinic for treating stroke. Nevertheless, the metabolite signatures and underlying mechanisms associated with EDA remains unclear, which deserves further elucidation for improving the accuracy of EDA usage. Ischemia stroke was simulated by intraluminal occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 1 h followed by reperfusion for 24 h in mice. Brain infarct size, neurogical deficits and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level were improved by EDA. Significantly differential metabolites were screened with untargeted metabolomics by cross-comparisons with pre- and post-treatment of EDA under cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The possibly involved pathways, such as valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, were enriched with differential metabolites and relatively regulatory enzymes, respectively. The network of differential metabolites was constructed for integral exhibition of metabolic characteristics. Targeted analysis of taurine, an important metabolic marker, was performed for further validating. The decreased level of taurine was confirmed in MCAO/R mice and increased by EDA. The inhibition of EDA on cerebral endothelial cell apoptosis was confirmed by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) stain. Cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD), the rate-limiting enzyme of taurine generation, significantly increased along with inhibiting endothelial cells apoptosis after treatment of EDA. Thus, CSAD, as the possible new therapeutic target of EDA was selected and validated by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Together, this study provided the metabolite signatures and identified CSAD as an unrecognized therapeutic intervention for EDA in treatment of ischaemic stroke via inhibiting brain endothelial cells apoptosis.
A Spatial Analysis of Negative Health Outcomes for Newborns Among Undocumented Immigrant Populations in the United States
Authors: Boyer Brittnee , Shaw Jenna , Tovar Ida , Read Rebekah , Sloan Chantel
Published: February 2021

Background Undocumented immigrants constitute a highly vulnerable population that may experience increased risk of negative health outcomes for newborn children. The spatial relationship between the proportion of undocumented immigrants residing in an area and negative birth outcomes has not been studied on a national scale, although real and perceived access to healthcare are unlikely to be geographically consistent. Methods We compiled estimates of the percent of undocumented immigrants, negative newborn health outcomes, and socioeconomic data for 173 counties in the United States, drawn and calculated from publicly-available databases. We used a negative binomial regression model to determine the relationship between undocumented immigrants and three negative birth outcomes: NICU admission, low birth weight, and infant mortality. Incidence rate ratios are reported as the primary analytical metric. Results A higher proportion of undocumented immigrants in a county was not a significant predictor of higher rates of negative health outcomes for newborns. However, counties with a higher Hispanic/Latino population, higher African American population, and higher percentages of persons with bachelor’s degrees were all associated with poorer outcomes. NICU admission rates were higher in counties with a high Hispanic/Latino population (IRR: 1.31) and counties with a high African American population (IRR: 1.29). Low birth weight had a similar trend (High Hispanic/Latino population IRR: 1.39; High African American population IRR: 1.32), along with infant mortality (High Hispanic/Latino population IRR: 1.37; High African American population IRR: 1.30). Those with high proportions of Republican voters were less likely to have negative birth outcomes; the incidence rate ratio for negative birth outcomes among a high level of Republican voters was 0.74 for admission into the NICU and 0.72 for low birth weight. Conclusion We did not find a statistical association between counties with high rates of undocumented immigrants and negative health outcomes for newborns. This could be the result of the healthy immigrant effect, incomplete data on undocumented immigrants, or there may be an association not statistically detectable at such a large spatial scale.
Integrative Bioinformatics and Experimental Investigation Introduces OBI1-AS1 as a Key LncRNA in the Progression of Low-grade Glioma to Glioblastoma
Authors: Mamivand Ali , Bayat Shiva , Maghrouni Abolfazl , Shabani Sasan , Khoshnevisan Alireza , Raouf Mohammad-Taghi , Saffar Hiva , Tabrizi Mina
Published: February 2021

Background:Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are widely known for their multiple functions in the context of cancer from tumor initiation to tumor progression and metastasis. Gliomas are the most prevalent primary forms of brain tumor, classed from grades I to IV according to their malignant histological features with grade IV also known as Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) displaying the highest level of malignancy. This fact intensifies the importance of searching for Differentially Expressed LncRNAs (DELncRNAs) between GBM and Low-Grade Glioma in the hope of finding new targets for diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Methods: In the current study, we performed bioinformatics analysis to obtain a list of DELncRNAs and further chose the unprecedentedly studied OBI1-AS1 for further investigations. We also carried out Real-Time PCR to validate our bioinformatics findings.Results:Both analyses were in concordance and pinpointed downregulated expression of OBI1-AS1 in GBM compared to LGG samples. Additional supplementary bioinformatics studies exhibited OBI1-AS1 role in synaptic signal transduction and neural differentiation in addition to its role in pluripotency and maintenance of stemness. Conclusion:All the aforementioned findings introduce OBI1-AS1 as a new attractive lncRNA to be further studied for a better clarification of its roles in glioma progression and a deeper understanding of malignant transformation of LGG to GBM.
Intraperitoneal Injection of Lithium Chloride Induces Lateralized Activation of the Insular Cortex in Adult Mice
Authors: Qian Kai , Liu Jiaqi , Cao Yiqing , Yang Jing , Qiu Shuang
Published: February 2021

Insular cortex is a critical brain region that participates in the interoceptive sensations. Here, we combined the iDISCO+ method and Fos immunostaining to confirm that the middle part of the right-side, but not the left-side, insular cortex in adult male mice is activated by intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride. Lateralized activation of the insular cortex is also observed in adult female mice, but not in young or aged male mice. Furthermore, asymmetrical activation of the insular cortex was completely blocked when both sides of the vagal nerve are transected, whereas intravenous injection of lithium chloride has no effect on the insular activation. Combined together, these results indicate that the insular cortex unilaterally responds to aversive visceral stimuli in an age-dependent way and this process depends on the vagal afferent pathways.
Risk Factors for Radiation Pneumonitis in Lung Cancer Patients with Subclinical Interstitial Lung Disease after Thoracic Radiation Therapy
Authors: Li Fangjuan , Liu Hui , Wu Hongyu , Liang Shixiong , Xu Yaping
Published: February 2021

Background: Previous studies have found that patients with subclinical interstitial lung disease (ILD) are more susceptible to developing radiation pneumonitis (RP) after thoracic radiation therapy. The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for RP after thoracic intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in lung cancer patients with subclinical ILD.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed lung cancer patients with subclinical ILD who were treated with thoracic IMRT with a prescribed dose of ≥50 Gy in our institutions between January 2016 and December 2017.Results: A total of 87 consecutive lung cancer patients with subclinical ILD were selected for the study. The cumulative incidence of grades ≥2 and ≥3 RP at one year was 51.0% and 20.9%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the mean lung dose (MLD) ≥12Gy was a significant risk factor for grade ≥2 RP (p = 0.049). Chemotherapy with gemcitabine in the past，V5≥50%，and subclinical ILD involving ≥25% of lung volume were significantly associated with grade ≥3 RP (p = 0.046, p = 0.040, and p = 0.024, respectively).Conclusion: MLD is a significant risk factor for grade ≥2 RP. Lung cancer patients who have received chemotherapy with gemcitabine in the past, V5, and those with subclinical ILD involving ≥25% of lung volume have an increased risk of grade ≥3 RP in lung cancer patients with subclinical ILD.
Evidence that methylphenidate Treatment Evokes Anxiety-Like Behavior Through Glucose Hypometabolism and Disruption of the Orbitofrontal Cortex Metabolic Networks
Authors: Schmitz Felipe , Silveira Josiane Silva , Venturin Gianina T , Greggio Samuel , Peixoto Guilherme , Zimmer Eduardo , Costa Jaderson , Wyse Angela
Published: February 2021

Methylphenidate (MPH) has been widely misused by children and adolescents who do not meet all diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder without a consensus about the consequences. Here, we evaluate the effect of MPH treatment on glucose metabolism and metabolic network in the rat brain, as well as on performance in behavioral tests. Wistar male rats received intraperitoneal injections of MPH (2.0 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of 0.9% saline solution (controls), once a day, from the 15th to the 44th day of age. Fluorodeoxyglucose-18 was used to investigate the cerebral metabolism, and a cross-correlation matrix was used to examine the brain metabolic network in MPH-treated rats using micro-positron emission tomography imaging. Performance in the light-dark transition box, eating-related depression, and sucrose preference tests were also evaluated. While MPH provoked glucose hypermetabolism in the auditory, parietal, retrosplenial, somatosensory, and visual cortices; hypometabolism was identified in the left orbitofrontal cortex. MPH-treated rats show a brain metabolic network more efficient and connected, but careful analyzes reveal that the MPH interrupts the connection of the orbitofrontal cortex with other brain areas. Anxiety-like behavior was also observed in MPH-treated rats. This study shows that glucose metabolism evaluated by microPET in the brain can be affected by MPH in different ways according to the region of the brain studied. It may be related, at least in part, to a rewiring in brain the metabolic network and behavioral changes observed, representing an important step in exploring the mechanisms and consequences of MPH treatment.
Comparison of the Efficiency of Mammography, Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Female Patients with Multifocal and Multicentral Breast Cancer
Authors: Steinhof-Radwańska Katarzyna , Lorek Andrzej , Holecki Michał , Barczyk-Gutkowska Anna , Grażyńska Anna , Szczudło-Chraścina Joanna , Kajor Maciej , Lorek Joanna , Bożek Oskar , Gisterek Iwona
Published: February 2021

Background. The multifocality and multicentrality of breast cancer are the decisive factors influencing surgeon’s choice between breast conserving therapy (BCT) and mastectomy.Methods. The analysis included 71 breast cancer subjects out of 727 patients initially operated on due to breast cancer from January 2013 to April 2019. MG, CESM and MRI were compared with one another in terms of the presence of multifocal/multicentral breast cancers (MFMCC), and assessed for compliance with the postoperative histopathological examination (HP), by calculating the sensitivity and specificity for each of the methods. The aim was to examine which histopathological types of breast cancer were characterised by a more frequent occurrence of MFMCC in relation to the general number of cancers identified in HP. It was also analysed if MRI and CESM changed the planned scope of surgery. Results. The sensitivity of MG in detecting MFMCC was 42.1% (26.31 – 59.18), its specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 93.9% (79.77 – 99.26), 88.8% and 58.5%, respectively. For CESM, the sensitivity was 84.2% (68.75 – 93.98), its specificity, PVV and NPV were 90.9% (75.67 – 98.08), 91.4%, and 83.3%, respectively. For MRI, all above mentioned parameters were higher, as follow: level of sensitivity 94.7% (82.25 – 99.36), specificity – 93.9% (79.77 – 99.26), PPV – 94.7%, and NPV – 93.9%. In 38 out of 71 patients (53.5%), histopathological examination (HP) confirmed the multifocal and multicentral nature of the breast cancer. Conclusion1. In patients with multifocal/multicentral breast cancer both CESM and MRI are highly sensitive in detection of additional cancer foci. 2. Both CESM and MRI change the extent of surgical intervention in every fourth patient. Trial registration: retrospectively registered
3D-Hepatocellular Carcinoma (3D-HCC) Models of Diffused and Aggregated Spheroids using a 96-Pillar/Well Plate
Authors: Lee Sangyun , Teng Yvonne , Son Miseol , Ku Bosung , Whang Hyun Ju , Tergaonkar Vinay , Chow Pierce Kah-Hoe , Lee Dong Woo , Nam Do-Hyun
Published: February 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the third most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The genetic and physiological complexity of HCC is a major barrier to the study of tumorigenesis and identification of therapeutic targets. The three-dimensional (3D) culture of cancer cells within an extracellular matrix (ECM) provides an in vitro tumor model that best recapitulates in vivo tumor pathophysiology.Methods: In the current study, we cultured cells and made spheroids by aggregating cells or diffusing cells in Matrigel attached on the tip of the 96-pillar plate. According to the initial cell position in Matrigel, two 3D-HCC cancer in-vitro models (diffused spheroid model and aggregated spheroid model) were established. These two models were applied to drug sensitivity assays to identify drug sensitivity changes. The protein expression and cytokine activation related to the drug resistance and maintenance of the physiological properties of HCC cells were analyzed in both models. This 3D culture method not only maintained the phenotype of the tumor but allowed easy high-throughput screening (HTS) due to its 96-array plate configuration.Results: The Aggregated Spheroid Model (ASM) showed higher expression of cancer markers associated with proliferation, tight junctions formation and epithelial cell identity in HCC cells, as well as cytokine factors associated with immune cell recruitment/activation, ECM regulation, cancer interaction, and angiogenesis regulation.Conclusions: Overall, the proposed ASM better recapitulates the tumor microenvironment, demonstrating the involvement of the ECM/tight junctions in the cell-to-cell signaling processes. This provides more instructive data for in vitro screening of tumor cells.
New Insight Into the Evaluation of Abnormal Left Ventricular Wall Motion
Authors: Nakamura Yoichi
Published: February 2021

BackgroundEvaluation of mechanical dyssynchrony using echocardiography has failed to improve refractory heart failure in patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy. Previous predictors may not accurately reflect cardiac dyssynchrony. It was hypothesized that the spatially and temporary continuous information of the whole endocardium is required when the mechanical dyssynchrony is assessed using echocardiography. This study aimed to examine differences in the locus of the centroid of the left ventricle between abnormal and normal wall motion. MethodsTwenty-seven patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]: 43±7%) and 45 old myocardial infarction patients with aneurysm (LVEF: 38±11%) were compared with 188 individuals with normal wall motions (LVEF: 61±5%). In an off-line system, the border of the endocardium was defined for each coordinate via the two-dimensional speckle tracking method. The centroid of the three-dimensional left ventricle was defined as the central point between both centroids calculated from four- and two-chamber images using an original application. ResultsThe locus of the centroid of the left ventricle in the normal wall motion group showed a horizontally inverted β shape, whereas this shape was absent in the other groups. When corrected by left ventricular end-systolic volume, the total and each directional length of the locus of the centroid of the left ventricle in the abnormal wall motion groups were clearly reduced compared with those recorded in the normal wall motion group. The acceleration of the centroid was also reduced in the abnormal wall motion groups. Multiple regression analysis with a stepwise method revealed a corrected antero-posterior shift of the centroid of left ventricle by left ventricular end-systolic volume and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, which strongly correlated with the LVEF (adjusted R2: 0.6818, p≤2.2e-16).ConclusionUse of the locus of the centroid of the left ventricle provides novel insight into the evaluation of abnormal left ventricular contractions. Trial registrationretrospectively registered
Evaluation of Short-Term Efficacy and Long-Term Oncologi-Cal Outcomes of Different Paclitaxels Plus Platinum Regi-Mens in the Treatment of Serous Ovarian Cancer—A Real World Study
Authors: liu yuanyuan , Zhao Ren-feng , Liu Chao , Zhou Jie , Yang Liu , Li Li
Published: February 2021

Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy and long-term oncological outcomes of different paclitaxelplus platinum regimens in patients with serous ovarian cancer.Method :This is an observational study.A total of 2835 patients with serous ovarian cancer were collected from January 2009 to June 2015 in Guangxi Province,China.Under the condition of real world research,Objective Remission Rate(ORR) and Adverse Reaction Rate(ARR) of 13 p-aclitaxel plus platinum regimens were compared retrospectively.According to the results of ORRand ARR,three schemes with better short-term curative effect were selected,and the PFS and OS of the three regimens were compared.Result: (1)ARR:Cisplatin-based regimen had the highest incidence of liver and kidney damage,gastrointe-stinal reaction and alopecia;Carboplatin-based regimen had the highest incidence of myelosuppr-ession;Paclitaxel-based regimen had the highest incidence of allergic reaction;Docetaxel+Oxalipl-atin group and Paclitaxel+Cisplatin group had the highest incidence of neurotoxicity,other chem-otherapy regimens was similar.(2)ORR:The ORR of Liposomal-Paclitaxel+Carboplatin group wa-s 88.3%,Docetaxel+Carboplatin group、Paclitaxel+Carboplatin/Cisplatin group and Docetaxel+Lo-baplatin group were similar,higher than 80%;Paclitaxel+Nedaplatin group was the lowest,only 69.7%.According to the results of ORR and ARR,Liposome-Paclitaxel+Carboplatin(Li-Pa/Ca),Docetaxel+Carboplatin(Do/Ca),Paclitaxel+Carboplatin(Pa/Ca) can obtain satisfactory short-term chemotherapy efficacy with low adverse reactions.we included these three egimens into the long-term pr-ognosis study.(3)PFS+OS:The median PFS and OS of Li-Pa/Ca were better than those of Do/Ca,while the 5-year PFS rate and OS rate were on the contrary(PFS:35m vs 28m,18.8% vs 22.0%;OS:55m vs 44m,25.04% vs 31.83%),but the results were not statistically significant.PFS and OS of Pa/Ca were significantly lower than those of Li-Pa/Ca and Do/Ca(PFS:25m,13.67%;OS: 40m,22.82%,P<0.05). Conclusion: Li-Pa/Ca,Do/Ca and Pa/Ca regimens can achieve satisfactory short-term efficacy with low adver-se reactions.In particular,Li-Pa/Ca and Do/Ca have more obvious advantages than Pa/Ca in improving the long-term prognosis of patients.This study provides an important basis and referenc-e for patients with serous ovarian cancer in underdeveloped areas to choose traditional chemot-herapy.Doctors should fully follow the principle of "high efficiency and low toxicity",and give individualized treatment according to the individual differences of patients.
Does bacterial weathering play a significant role in rock weathering?
Authors: Binal Adil , Sel Aylin
Published: February 2021

Bacterial weathering plays a significant role in rock weathering, yet only a limited number of studies was conducted on this topic. The recent rapid developments in geomicrobiology are expected to increase the pace of research in this area. The extent and duration of the biological weathering processes on mineral and rock samples and minerals preferred by bacteria are still not fully understood due to the wide variety of both bacterial species and rock types. Biological weathering of rock types found in Turkey has also not been studied before. Here, we investigated the effects of two species of bacteria actively contributing to rock weathering on three rock types commonly used as building stone materials in Turkey. Granite, andesite, and limestone samples could interact with Bacillus species (B. subtilis and B. pumilus) in closed system reactors. Samples obtained from these reactors were analysed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) monitoring to identify morphological features and chemical composition changes. Chemical elements consumed most by bacteria were identified. Changes in the colour index were determined via RGB measurements. The effects of experimental conditions on bacterial growth were monitored via daily optical density measurements. The effects of bacteria on the physical properties of rock samples were also evaluated. B. subtilis and B. pumilus were found to be more aggressive on limestone/andesite and granite, respectively.
Educational Needs Assessment Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: NeJhaddadgar Nazila , Ziapour Arash , Mehedi Nafiul , Toghroli Razie , Yari Asiyeh , Mardi Afrouz
Published: February 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global disease. Educational needs assessment (knowledge, attitudes, and practices) plays a significant role in managing the COVID-19 situations. The objective of the present study was to assess the educational needs among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study was performed among 384 adults through stratified-cluster sampling in Ardabil city in November 2020. The data gathering tool was a self-reported questionnaire designed by the researchers consisting of 23 questions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, correlation coefficient, and regression analysis were performed to analyze the quantitative data.Results: Form the 384 respondents of 5 regions of Ardabil in Iran, the accurate response rate for this study revealed that 73.17% of participants (n=281) had sufficient knowledge, 61.19% (n=235) had positive attitudes, and 69.53% (n=267) had adequate Practicing behavior. However, knowledge was associated with gender (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001), and place of residence (p<0.001). Attitude was associated with age (p<0.001), marital status (p<0.001) and level of education (p<0.001) and place of residence (t=4.242, p<0.001). The practice was associated with age (p<0.001), gender (p<0.001) marital status (p<0.001). The results of linear regression analysis showed that knowledge and attitude affect behavior (p<0.001).Conclusions: The Chinese public exhibited a good level of knowledge of COVID-19, a positive attitude, and high adherence to good practices. COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices were affected by age, marital status, education level, occupation, and place of residence to varying degrees. In addition, practices were affected by knowledge and attitudes.
Content-Based Image Retrieval with Combined Features: Color and Gradient
Authors: Kılıçaslan Mahmut , Demirci Recep
Published: February 2021

Feature extraction is fundamental stage of effective content based image retrieval (CBIR). However, it remains challenging issue to extract low-level features for retrieval systems. This paper puts forward an effective solution proposal for the aforementioned problem. Initially, images and their gradients are clustered with multi-level thresholding. A codebook is generated with threshold values. The size of the codebook generated depends on the number of thresholds. Consequently, every pixel in color image is included in a cluster by means of the codebook. Color reduction is performed by assigning the average values of pixels in the same cluster. A cluster-based one-dimensional histogram (CBH) is created with the numbers of pixels in every cluster represented with a single color. Then the cluster-based feature vectors with histogram are extracted from original image and gradient image. Accordingly, relevant features are combined. The developed feature vector is called as combined feature vector (CFV). The most important advantages of CFV are that it performs an effective color reduction technique and feature presentation by processing texture information with gradient operator. Therefore, the main contribution of the combined feature vector suggested is its high accuracy and stability for image retrieval. The proposed method has been tested with Corel-1K, Corel-5K Corel-10K and GHIM-10K datasets. In addition, performances of different image histogram similarity techniques such as cosine, histogram intersection and Euclidean distance have been verified with the developed algorithm. Experimental results have been analyzed in two categories. Initially, CBIR results produced with combined feature vectors which are generated by Otsu, Kapur and center of gravity of histogram (CGH) procedures have been evaluated. Then, the CBIR strategy based on CGH method has been compared with CBIR systems with local binary pattern (LBP) and gradient-structures histogram (GSH). It was observed that CBIR approach based on CGH technique has significantly outperformed.
Lipid Production from Crude Glycerol by Newly Isolated Oleaginous Yeasts: Strain Selection, Molecular Identification and fatty acid analysis
Authors: Berikten Derya , Hosgun Emir Zafer , Otuzbiroğlu Ayşe Gökdal , Bozan Berrin , Kıvanç Merih
Published: February 2021

Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel and glycerol as a main byproduct of the manufacturing process. Lipids could be produced from crude glycerol by using yeasts. The ability of 107 yeast strains to utilize glycerol was screened and 92 of these were selected. 60 strains were determined as a potential for lipid production by Sudan Black B staining. After secondary screening 25 of them showed specific growth rates (OD 600), high biomass production and lipid content. These strains were identified as Pichia cactophila, P. fermentans, P. anomala, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, R. dairenensis, Clavispora lusitaniae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Candida glabrata, C. inconspicua, C. albicans, Yarrowia lipolytica with molecular identifications based on ITS and D1/D2 26S rDNA sequences. The results showed that P. cactophila accumulated lipid up to 64.94%, the highest lipid content. C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 and C18:2 essential fatty acids for biodiesel production were detected by GC-MS in the lipids accumulated by all strains. P. cactophila and C. lusitaniae were reported for the first time as lipid-producing yeasts. The results suggest that selected 25 isolates have the ability to grow on crude glycerol and especially P. cactophila produce lipid that has potential use as a feedstock for second generation biodiesel production.