bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Most Lethal Non-synonymous SNPs in Tollip gene- An In-Silico Analysis
Authors: Ghani Usman , Ullah Rahmat , Anjum Tayyaba , Ali Yasir , Sabar Muhammad Farooq , Khan Shehryar , Zulfiqar Iqra
Published: August 2021

The Toll-interacting protein (TOLLIP), first detected by hybrid screening using Interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein in 2000, is ubiquitous and its TLR signaling cascade gets negatively regulated by TOLLIP in particular by impeding the TLR4 and TLR2 pathways. Toll-interacting protein facilitates TLR and TGF-β type 1 receptor intracellular localization and lysosomal degradation and exerts its anti-apoptosis and pro-autophagy effects through interaction with a target of Myb1 membrane trafficking protein 1 (TOM1) in autoimmunity. It also protects intestinal epithelial cells from apoptosis induced by (TNF-α) (IFN-γ) signaling and acts as a cargo adaptor linking (ATG8) autophagy gene 8 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3. Ubiquitin-modified cell debris along with coated autophagosomes removes harmful protein aggregates and maintains cellular homeostasis. It is therefore structurally and functionally important to detect TOLLIP polymorphisms to indicate the possible malfunctions and therapeutics. We have identified the gap of available data on nsSNPs in the TOLLIP gene in previous studies. Hence, We have used a wide range of bioinformatic techniques in this study to identify the most destructive nsSNPs in the TOLLIP gene. The in-silico tools such as PROVEAN, SIFT, SNP&GO, PhD SNP, and PolyPhen2 have been used followed by I Mutant, MutPred, and ConSurf. The 3-D mapping was carried out with I-TASSER and Phyre2. Though, STRING and GeneMANIA proposed the gene to gene interaction of TOLLIP. Our study identified G19D (rs866744102), G32R (rs1308704061), D71N (rs777772934), and E72G (rs1202660177) as the four most lethal non-synonymous SNPs in TOLLIP genes, which may play an essential part in defects of TOLLIP Protein and probably cause a different type of diseases. This is the first study of its kind, and it could pave the way in the field of medical drugs in the future. The influence of these nsSNPs in the normal functioning of TOLLIP can also be evaluated in animal models to identify the underlying biochemical pathway involved in diseases.
Peak ependymal cell stretch overlaps with the onset location of periventricular white matter lesions
Authors: Visser Valery , Rusinek Henry , Weickenmeier Johannes
Published: August 2021

Deep and periventricular white matter hyperintensities (dWMH/pvWMH) are bright appearing white matter tissue lesions in T2-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance images and are frequent observations in the aging human brain. While early stages of these white matter lesions are only weakly associated with cognitive impairment, their progressive growth is a strong indicator for long-term functional decline. DWMHs are typically associated with vascular degeneration in diffuse white matter locations; for pvWMHs, however, no unifying theory exists to explain their consistent onset around the horns of the lateral ventricles. We use patient imaging data to create anatomically accurate finite element models of the lateral ventricles, white and gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as to reconstruct their WMH volumes. We simulated the mechanical loading of the ependymal cells forming the primary brain-fluid interface, the ventricular wall, and its surrounding tissues at peak ventricular pressure during the hemodynamic cycle. We observe that both the maximum principal tissue strain and the largest ependymal cell stretch consistently localize in the anterior and posterior horns. Our simulations show that ependymal cells experience a loading state that causes the ventricular wall to be stretched thin. Moreover, we show that maximum wall loading coincides with the pvWMH locations observed in our patient scans. These results warrant further analysis of white matter pathology in the periventricular zone that includes a mechanics-driven deterioration model for the ventricular wall.
Research on the Construction of the Capacity of General Practice Trainers of Community Training bases in China
Authors: Rao Xin , Su Qiaoli , Li Shuangqing , Wang Xingyue
Published: August 2021

Background: To explore the construction of the trainers' ability system of the community practice base of general practice under the background of hospital / community integrated teaching of general practice. Methods: literature analysis, Delphi discussion and questionnaire survey were used in the study, and exploratory factor analysis was used to extract competency. Results: there are 4 first level indicators and 20 second level indicators in the system, among which the first level indicators are: personal characteristics and professionalism, teaching and research ability, basic level clinical practice ability, and base organization management ability. Conclusion: the index system enriches the theory of teachers' ability in community practice base of general practice medicine, and provides empirical research basis for the selection, ability training and performance evaluation of teachers in community practice base of general practice medicine.
Moderating Effect of Vigorous Physical Activity on Health Care Costs among Adolescents: ABCD Growth Study
Authors: Chagas Lucas Gabriel Moraes , Fernandes Rômulo Araújo , Araujo Monique Yndawe Castanho , Torres Wésley , Urban Jacqueline Bexiga , Maillane-Vanegas Santiago , Turi-Lynch Bruna Camilo , Codogno Jamile Sanches , Anokye Nana Kwame
Published: August 2021

Background: The relationship between physical activity and health care costs among adolescents is not yet clear in the literature.Objective: To analyze the relationship between physical activity and annual health care costs among adolescents.Methods: The present sample was composed of 85 adolescents of both sexes with ages ranging from 11 to 18 years (mean age 15.6±2.1). Health care costs were self-reported every month for 12 months, and information on health care values was verified at local pharmacies, private health care plans, and the National Health Service. The time spent in different physical activity intensities was objectively measured by accelerometers. Confounding variables were: sex, age, somatic maturation, body fatness, blood pressure, and components of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Multivariate models were generated using generalized linear models with gamma distribution and a log-link function.Results: The overall annual health care cost was US$ 733.60/ R$ 2,342.38 (medication: US$ 400.46 / R$ 1,278.66; primary and secondary care: US$ 333.14 / R$ 1,063.70). The time spent in vigorous physical activity (minutes/day) was negatively related to health care costs (r= -0.342 [95% CI: -0.537, - 0.139]; β= -0.06 cents (95% CI: -0.089, -0.031).Conclusion: Vigorous physical activity seems to be associated with lower health care costs among adolescents.
Extraoral Photobiomodulation for Prevention of Oral and Oropharyngeal Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Interim Analysis of A Randomized, Double-Blind, Clinical Trial
Authors: Kauark-Fontes Elisa , Migliorati Cesar Augusto , Epstein Joel B , Treister Nathaniel Simon , Alves Carolina Guimarães Bonfim , Faria Karina Morais , Palmier Natalia Rangel , Rodrigues-Oliveira Leticia , Paglioni Mariana de Pauli , Gueiros Luiz Alcino Monteiro , Vasconcelos Karina Gondim Moutinho da Conceição , Leme Adriana Franco Paes , de Castro Gilberto , Lopes Marcio Ajudarte , Prado-Ribeiro Ana Carolina , Brandão Thais Bianca , Silva-Santos Alan
Published: August 2021

PurposeTo assess the safety and efficacy of prophylactic extraoral photobiomodulation (PBM) for the prevention of oral and oropharyngeal mucositis (OM) on clinical outcomes and survival in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOPSCC).MethodsOOPSCC patients who received radiotherapy (RT) were prospectively randomized to two groups: prophylactic extraoral PBM and placebo. OM grade (NCI), pain (VAS), analgesia, and anti-inflammatory prescriptions were assessed weekly. Quality of life questionnaires (QoL) were performed at the first and last day of RT. Following RT, participants were evaluated quarterly for oncological outcomes follow-up.Results55 patients met the inclusion criteria. The first occurrence of OM was observed at week 1, for the placebo group (p = 0.014). Later OM onset and severity was observed for the PBM group, with first occurrence at week 2 (p = 0.009). No difference in severe OM incidence was observed (p > 0.05). Lower mean pain score was noted at week 7 for the PBM group (2.1) compared to placebo group (4.5) (p = 0.009). Less analgesics (week 3; p = 0.009/week 7; p = 0.02) and anti-inflammatory prescription (week 5; p = 0.0346) were observed for the PBM group. Better QoL scores were observed for the PBM group at last day of RT (p = 0.0034). No difference in overall survival among groups, was observed in one year of follow-up (p = 0.889).ConclusionProphylactic extraoral PBM can delay OM onset, reduce pain, as well as reduced analgesic and anti-inflammatory prescription requirements. Extraoral PBM was associated with better QoL. There was no evidence of PBM impact on oncological outcomes. TRN:RBR-4w4swx (date of registration: 01/20/2020)
Neuropeptide Neuromedin B does not alter body weight and glucose homeostasis nor does it act as an insulin-releasing peptide
Authors: Cikes Domagoj , Atanes Patricio , Huang Guo-Cai , Persaud Shanta J. , Penninger Josef M.
Published: August 2021

Neuromedin B (NMB) is a member of the neuromedin family of neuropeptides with a high level of region-specific expression in the brain. Several GWAS studies on non-obese and obese patients suggested that polymorphisms in NMB predispose to obesity by affecting appetite control and feeding preference. Furthermore, several studies proposed that NMB can act as an insulin releasing peptide. Since the functional study has never been done, the in vivo role of NMB as modulator of weight gain or glucose metabolism remains unclear. Here, we generated Nmb conditional mice and nervous system deficient NmB mice. We then performed olfactory and food preference analysis, as well as metabolic analysis under standard and high fat diet. Additionally, in direct islet studies we evaluated the role of NMB on basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in mouse and humans.
Investigation on Flow Field Characteristics in an Open-Pit Coal Mine
Authors: Tang Wanjun , Li Fengming , Xiang Gaoxiang , Liu Mengwei
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the atmospheric flow field characteristics in a deep open-pit mine are investigated numerically and theoretically. A theoretical model on the recirculation length based on the energy equation is used, a total variation diminishing (TVD) difference scheme with second order accuracy is used to solve the NS equations with a standard two-equation k-ε turbulence model. The effects of elevated inner dump on the flow field characteristics of the open-pit mine are analyzed detailly with the same inflow parameters. The results show that a recirculation zone exists in the open-pit mine due to the reflux from the high-pressure zone to the low-pressure zone. As the height of the inner dump increases, the flow becomes more complicated, the low-pressure zone and the recirculation zone becomes bigger. The elevated inner dump makes it difficult for the internal fluid to flow to the outside, which results in the increase of the dust concentration. At last, the influences of key parameters on flow filed are conducted by normalizing the depth of the lowest direct current flow on the windward slope. The sensitivity analysis is done by study each influencing factor. This paper offers an effective way to study the flow field characteristics in an open-pit coal mine, which is essential to the dust pollution control of open-pit mine.
Visual Appearance of the Uterine Cervix Differs on the Basis of HPV Type Status in High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion: The Results of a Reliable Method
Authors: Zhou Qi , Gong Yingxin , Qiu Xiangmei , Sui Long , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Yan , Lin Lin , Diao Wenjing , Li Yanyun
Published: August 2021

Background
This study aimed to evaluate the differences in cervical appearance among different human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs).
Methods
A total of 239 histopathological HSIL patients were included and divided into eight groups on the basis of HPV genotype in this prospective study. We present a reliable imaging method that provides reproducible, sensitive and unbiased assessments of cervical appearance characteristics. Colorimetric and morphometric data of colposcopic patterns after the application of acetic acid and iodine were acquired using ImageJ software and the surrounding normal regions were used as controls.
Results
The differences in red, green, blue and mean greyscale values in acetowhite epithelium obtained from ImageJ were not significant between the HPV16 and HPV18 groups (P < 0.05). The differences in red, green, and mean greyscale values in iodine staining were significant between the HPV18 and the other groups (P < 0.05). The frequency of the occurrence of the coarse mosaic patterns was significantly different among groups (P < 0.05), reducing in sequence were the HPV16, HPV-negative, HPV18, HPV31/33 and HPV52/58 groups. For the lesion area of HSILs, the HPV-negative group was the largest. The sensitivity of colposcopic impression varied among HPV genotypes (P < 0.01), being lowest in the HPV52 group.
Conclusions
Although being nonspecific, iodine negativity should be concerned in HPV18-positive lesions which is closely related to glandular epithelium. Vascular patterns in HPV52/58-positive HSIL are quite occult and tend to be missed by colposcopists. HPV-negative lesions are prone to be large and present typical vascular patterns despite being rare.
Metabolomic Profiling of Burkholderia Cenocepacia in Synthetic Cystic Fibrosis Sputum Media Reveals Nutrient Environment-Specific Production of Virulence Factors
Authors: Jaiyesimi Olakunle A. , McAvoy Andrew C. , Fogg David N. , Garg Neha
Published: August 2021

Infections by Burkholderia cenocepacia lead to life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals, including those living with cystic fibrosis (CF). While genetic variation in various B. cenocepacia strains has been reported, it remains unclear how the chemical environment of CF lung influences the production of small molecule virulence factors by these strains. Here we compare metabolomes of three clinical B. cenocepacia strains in synthetic CF sputum media (SCFM2) and in a routine laboratory media (LB), in the presence and absence of the antibiotic trimethoprim. Using a mass spectrometry based untargeted metabolomics approach, we identify several compound classes which are differentially produced in SCFM2 compared to LB media, including siderophores, antimicrobials, quorum sensing signals, and various lipids. Furthermore, we describe that specific metabolites are induced by the antibiotic trimethoprim only in SCFM2 when compared to LB. Herein, C13-acyl-homoserine lactone, a quorum sensing signal previously not known to be produced by B. cenocepacia as well as pyochelin-type siderophores were exclusively detected during growth in SCFM2 in the presence of trimethoprim. The comparative metabolomics approach described in this study provides insight into environment-dependent production of secondary metabolites by B. cenocepacia strains and suggests future work which could identify personalized strain-specific regulatory mechanisms involved in production of secondary metabolites.
PD-1/PD-L1 Expressions on Treg Cells in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Authors: Cui Lin , Gu Xiaotong , Liu Haixia , Zheng Hong
Published: August 2021

Background: Autoimmune thyroid disease(AITD) is a frequent autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and thyroid autoantibody production caused by autoimmune dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that Treg cells can participate in the pathogenesis of AITD by inhibiting peripheral reactive T cells and thereby inhibiting the autoimmune responses. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1) pathway is a negative costimulatory pathway discovered in recent years, enhancing or blocking this pathway is associated with the immune process of AITD. PD-1/PD-L1 was simultaneously expressed on Treg cells. In this paper, the role of regulatory T cells and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway in AITD was discussed.Methods: We detected the percentage of CD4+CD25+CD127lowT cells, the ratio of PD-1+Treg cells and PD-L1+Treg cells in peripheral blood of twenty patients newly diagnosed with graves disease (GD) and twenty-one patients newly diagnosed with Hashimotos’thyroiditis (HT) patients by flow cytometry, and samples from twenty healthy individuals served as control.Results: The results demonstrated that the proportion of CD4+CD25+CD127lowT cells in peripheral blood of HT patients was lower than that of healthy controls(HCs), the ratio of PD-1+Treg cells of HT patients was higher than that of the HCs and GD patients, the ratio of PD-1+Treg cells of GD patients was higher than that of the HCs, the ratio of PD-L1+Treg cells in Treg cells of HT patients was higher than that of the HCs and GD patients and the ratio of PD-L1+Treg cells of GD patients was higher than that of the HCs. All the above were statistically significant.Conclusions: The treg cells play an obvious role in hashimoto's thyroiditis, but not obvious in Graves' disease.
A Simple Scoring Scale for Predicting the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy over 50 Years Old in China
Authors: Ge Qiwei , Li Min , Gu Yunjuan , Liu Bihong , Sun Dajun , Liang Congkai , Zhu Rongrong , Zhuang Xun
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To construct and evaluate a simple scoring scale for predicting the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR).Methods: Based on the chronic disease management database of Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China, 1896 diagnosed patients over the age of 50 with diabetes were randomly selected and subjected to the self-designed epidemiological questionnaire survey and ocular clinical examination. Single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression analysis was used to screen the relevant influencing factors of DR and then according to the reference value principle, the weights were assigned, and a simple scoring scale was constructed. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was developed and the accuracy and validity of the simple scale were evaluated.Results: The DR detection rate was 34.8 %. Multivariate analysis showed that family history of diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 1.322, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.012-1.727), diabetes treatment method (OR: 2.074, 95 % CI: 1.696-2.537), diabetes duration (OR: 1.113, 95 % CI: 1.089-1.138), and hemoglobin (Hb)A1c (OR: 1.276, 95 % CI: 1.099-1.482) were independent DR risk factors. After excluding confounding factors and based on the β coefficient of the multivariate logistic analysis, the scale had a maximum score of 12 points. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.753, the cut-off value was 4, the sensitivity was 66.5 %, and the coincidence rate was 70.9 %. To improve sensitivity, the cut-off value was lowered to 3; the sensitivity was 79.7 %, and the coincidence rate was 65.0 %.Conclusion: The simple scale had good sensitivity and the ability to identify DR patients.
Benefits of Fixing 3 Proximal Vertebral Bodies vs. 2 in the Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis with Growing Rods
Authors: Cao Jun , Zhu Weiwei , Zhang Xuejun , Bai Yunsong , Guo Dong , Yao Ziming , Gao Rongxuan
Published: August 2021

Background

The outcomes of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) treated with growing rods in which 6 proximal anchor points on 3 vertebrae were used vs. 4 proximal anchor points on 2 vertebra were compared.
Methods

The records of patients with EOS treated surgically from January 2016 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. In the Proximal 4 group, 2 vertebral bodies were anchored proximally with 4 anchor points; in the Proximal 6 group, 3 vertebral bodies were anchored proximally with 6 anchor points.
Results

Forty-two patients (mean age 5.11 ± 1.93 years) were included; 22 Proximal 4 group, 20 Proximal 6 group. Mean follow-up was 40.86 ± 13.49 months. The decrease in main curve Cobb angle postoperatively was significantly greater in the Proximal 6 group (33.22° vs. 19.08°) (P < 0.05). Cobb thoracic kyphosis (TK) was significantly decreased postoperatively in the Proximal 6 group (mean 20.70°); no significant decrease occurred in the Proximal 4 group. The main curve Cobb angle decrease at last follow-up was significantly greater in the Proximal 6 group (37.84° vs. 24.23°) (P < 0.05). Cobb TK was significantly decreased at last follow-up in the Proximal 6 group (mean 25.17°, P < 0.05); no significant decrease occurred in the Proximal 4 group. Instrument complications were lower in the Proximal 6 group (15.00% vs. 45.45%) (P < 0.05). No proximal junctional kyphosis was noted.
Conclusion

Fixing 3 proximal vertebral bodies with 6 anchors improves outcomes of EOS treated with growing rods, and has a lower rate of instrument-related complications.
The Conclusion of the Double-Slit Interference Test Violates the Fundamental Rules of Quantum
Authors: Ruhuai Xia
Published: August 2021

The theory of light waves contains a number of errors that violate a fundamental principle of physics: photons can be subdivided indefinitely. Photons can multiply indefinitely. If the phase is shifted π, the electromagnetic, light, or matter waves become negative electromagnetic, negative light, or antimatter waves, respectively, which cancel themselves out. The wavelet sources of light waves are of unknown origin. Photons can be regenerated and reused. The conditions for light waves to interfere do not take into account the effect of polarization direction. The effect of the reflected wave is not represented in the interference fringe. The weak transmittance of the double-slit device will not stand up to close scientific scrutiny. Masks similar to double slit devices do not allow the lithography machine to function properly if the light waves interfere. The pattern of the fringe deduced by the mathematical model is different from that of the double slit interference test. Light waves without bandwidth cannot be accommodated by the theory of electromagnetic waves. The physics of light waves contradicts the principle of the Fourier transform. The spectrum of electromagnetic waves modulated by the transmitted information must produce a modulation effect, but this effect does not occur in optical fiber communication. Because the size is much smaller than the wavelength, the photon is sampled equivalent to the light wave, but the corresponding physical properties are not represented by the photon. The wave-particle duality is incompatible with the Doppler principle. In summary, the conclusion that light waves interfere with each other to produce fringes in the results of the double-slit interference test is reached under the condition that most of the physical properties of waves are stripped away, and this conclusion is divorced from objectivity. The theory of light waves is not correct. In any case, light is not a wave. Light waves are misunderstood.
Thymol improves salinity tolerance of tobacco by increasing the Na + efflux and enhancing the content of NO and GSH
Authors: xu liang , Song Jia-Qian , wang yuelin , Liu Xiao-Han , Li Xue-Li , Zhang Bo , Li Ai-Jie , Ye Xie-Feng , Wang Jing , Wang Peng
Published: August 2021

Plants have evolved a lot of strategies to improve salt tolerance to cope with salt stress. Recent studies have suggested that thymol (a nature medicine) enhances the plant tolerance against abiotic stresses, but the mechanisms are rarely known. Here, we found that thymol played an important role in maintaining root growth under salt stress. Thymol rescued root growth from salt stress via ameliorating ROS (reactive oxygen species) accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. In addition, thymol enhanced the level of NO (nitric oxide) and GSH (glutathione) to repress ROS accumulation, further protecting the stability of cell membrane. Thymol-induced Na+ efflux in roots and leaves under salt stress may depend on the upregulation of SOS1, HKT1 and NHX1. Consequently, all of these evidences suggested that thymol improved tobacco salt tolerance via enhancing NO and GSH content as well as inducing Na+ efflux.
Urban hydrological model (UHM) developed for urban flash flood simulation and analysis of sensitivity of flood intensity to urbanization
Authors: Hu Haibo , Zhang Xiya , Meng Chunlei , Cheng Conglan , Wang Ying
Published: August 2021

A two-dimensional raster gridded urban hydrological model has been developed to simulate the hydrologic response to urban land surfaces with consideration of the hydraulic characteristics of urban areas, and to produce mappings of urban inundation associated with rainstorms. The model is forced using radar-observed QPEs, in conjunction with parameter sets of land use and land cover (LULC) derived from satellite multispectral images and high spatial resolution GIS datasets relating to urban hydrology and land surface hydrodynamic properties. Urban drainage flow capacity is derived from a GIS road-network dataset using a generalization method. Submodels deduce runoffs of both the impervious and the pervious. Methodologically, the D8 method (eight slope directions) is used to derive the channel paths for gravity-driven nondispersive streamflow, which its hydrodynamics can be described by the hydraulic model based on simplified 1D − 2D St. Venant equation. A case study was undertaken to reproduce the urban flash flooding that occurred in Beijing following thunderstorms on 21 July 2012. The model results were verified qualitatively using media reports of the flooding. Through manipulation of model parameters, the test on the sensitivity of flash flood intensity to urban LULC variability and drainage network settings revealed the following: 1) flood intensity is enhanced slightly if the current urban LULC is substituted with a pure impervious, 2) increasing the pervious surface area (PSA) attenuates flood intensity considerably, and 3) flash flood intensity will increase by 30–60% in the absence of an underground drainage system.
Correlation of The Characteristics of Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaques with Stroke Types and Risk of Stroke Recurrence
Authors: Ren Kaixuan , Jiang Huayun , Zhu Zhengqi , Wang Tianle , Zhu Li , Zhu Xiangyang
Published: August 2021

Purpose
To explore the relationship of the characteristics of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic plaques (ICAP) with stroke types and risk of stroke recurrence.
Methods
Patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis were prospectively enrolled. The vessel stenosis degree, plaque shape, plaque thickness, plaque burden, and plaque enhancement degree of all patients were assessed using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and statistically analyzed.
Results
In total, 206 patients (mean age (64 ± 12) years; 141 males) were included in this study, 154 had acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 52 had transient ischemic attack (TIA), 124 had anterior circulation ischemic symptom (ACIS), and 82 had posterior circulation ischemic symptom (PCIS). AIS patients showed higher diastolic blood pressure (t=-2.605, p = 0.011), total cholesterol (t=-2.470, p = 0.014), apolipoprotein b (z=-2.411, p = 0.016), apolipoprotein a/b (t=-2.865, p = 0.006), LDL (t=-2.424, p = 0.016), arteriosclerosis index (z=-2.256, p = 0.024), stenosis degree (t=-3.317, p < 0.001) but smaller luminal area at the plaque than TIA patients (t = 2.539, p = 0.013). In addition, 24 (13.6%) patients had stroke recurrence within 6 months. The proportion of patients with T1WI hyperintensity was higher in patients with recurrent stroke than in patients without recurrent stroke (RR = 2.592 (1.091, 6.58), χ²=4.892, p = 0.034). Patients with PCIS had greater plaque thickness (t=-4.205, p < 0.001) and remaining luminal area (z=-4.127, p < 0.001), significantly enhanced ICAP (χ²=9.681, p = 0.003), more positive remodeling (χ²=5.661, p = 0.015) and higher incidence of T1WI hyperintensity (χ²=16.472, p < 0.001) than patients with ACIS. The prevalence of diabetes (χ²=9.038, p = 0.004) in patients with PCIS is higher than that in patients with ACIS.
Conclusions
The degree of stenosis and the remaining luminal area of symptomatic ICAP are related to the type of stroke, and patients with T1WI hyperintense plaque had a higher risk of stroke recurrence within six months. Posterior circulation culprit plaque tends to have higher vulnerability, which may be related to metabolic factors secondary to diabetes.
Synthesis of Epitope-Targeting Antibody Based on Native Protein–Protein Interactions for Ftsz Filamentation Suppressor
Authors: Nakazawa Hikaru , Katsuki Taiji , Matsui Takashi , Tsugita Atsushi , Yokoyama Takeshi , Ito Tomoyuki , Kawada Sakiya , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Umetsu Mitsuo
Published: August 2021

Phage display and biopanning is a powerful tool for generating binding molecules for a specific target. However, the selection process based on binding affinity provides no assurance for the antibody’s affinity to the target epitope. In this study, we propose a molecular-evolution approach guided by native protein–protein interactions to generate epitope-targeting antibodies. The binding-site sequence in a native protein was grafted into a complementarity-determining region (CDR) in the antibody, and a nonrelated CDR loop (in the grafted antibody) was randomized by phage display techniques. In this construction of antibodies by integrating graft and evolution technology (CAnIGET method), suitable grafting of the functional sequence weakly functionalized the antibody, and the molecular-evolution approach enhanced the binding function to inhibit the native protein–protein interactions. Antibody fragments with an affinity for filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) were constructed and completely inhibited the polymerization of FtsZ. Consequently, the expression of these fragments drastically decreased the cell division rate. We demonstrate the potential of the CAnIGET method with the use of native protein–protein interactions for steady epitope-specific evolutionary engineering.
Visual Risk Factors for Falls in Older Adults: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Mehta Jignasa , Czanner Gabriela , Harding Simon , Newsham David , Robinson Jude
Published: August 2021

Background
Falls are the second leading cause of accidental deaths worldwide mainly in older people. Older people have poor vision and published evidence suggests that it is a risk factor for falls. Less than half of falls clinics assess vision as part of the multi-factorial assessment of older adults at risk of falls despite vision being an essential input for postural stability. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between all clinically assessed visual functions and falls amongst older adults in a prospective observational individually age-matched case control study.
Methods
Visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), depth perception, binocular vision and binocular visual field were measured using routinely used clinical methods in falls participants (N = 83) and non-falls participants (N = 83). Data were also collected on socio-demographic factors, general health, number of medications, health quality, fear of falling and physical activity. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine key visual and non-visual risk factors for falls whilst adjusting for confounding covariates.
Results
Older adults have an increased risk of experiencing a fall if they have reduced visual function (odds ratio (OR): 3.49, 1.64–7.45, p = 0.001), specifically impaired stereoacuity worse than 85” of arc (OR: 3.4, 1.20–9.69, p = 0.02) and reduced (by 0.15 log unit) high spatial frequency CS (18 cpd) (OR:1.40, 1.12–1.80, p = 0.003). Older adults with a hearing impairment are also at higher risk of falls (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.36–7.40, p = 0.007). The risk decreases with living in a less deprived area (OR: 0.74, 0.64–0.86, < 0.001), or socialising more out of the home (OR: 0.75, 0.60–0.93, p = 0.01).
Conclusions
The combination of social, behavioural and biological determinants are significant predictors of a fall. The non-visual risk factors include older adults, living in deprived neighbourhoods, socialising less outside of the home and those who have a hearing impairment. Impaired functional visual measures; depth perception and contrast are significant visual risk factors for falls above visual acuity.
Factors Influencing Patient Disclosure of Cancer Diagnosis to the Family Dentist and Medical-dental Collaboration in Cancer Care
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Takase Kozo , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis study was conducted to identify factors that are associated with whether cancer patients inform their family dentists about their cancer diagnosis.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study in 500 cancer patients (gastric, colorectal, lung, breast, and prostate cancer) from September 10 to 13, 2019. The factors influencing whether cancer patients report their cancer diagnosis to their family dentist were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsNearly half of the respondents (42.2%) informed their family dentist that they had cancer. The reporting behavior of cancer patients was distinctively associated with their physician’s advice (odds ratio [OR] 59.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.7–456.3); 8.6% of all respondents received physician’s advice to inform their dentist about their cancer diagnosis. A good relationship with the family dentist was the most involved factor (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.43–2.48) for reporting behavior in the group without physician's advice, whereas positive opinion of medical–dental collaboration in cancer care had little impact on the reporting behavior.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate the need for establishing an environment for cancer patients to receive appropriate oral care wherein physician’s advice and a good relationship with the family dentist are motivators for reporting a cancer diagnosis to the dentists. It is necessary to fully inform cancer patients about the benefits of medical–dental collaboration in cancer care.
Quantitative Evaluation of Encrustations in Double-J Ureteral Stents With Micro-computed Tomography and Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Zheng Shaokai , Amado Pedro , Kiss Bernhard , Stangl Fabian , Haeberlin Andreas , Sidler Daniel , Obrist Dominik , Burkhard Fiona , Clavica Francesco
Published: August 2021

Accurate evaluations of stent encrustation patterns, such as volume distribution, from different patient groups are valuable for clinical management and the development of better stents. This study compared stent encrustation patterns from stone and kidney transplant patients. Twenty-three double-J ureteral stents were collected at a single center from patients with stone disease or underwent kidney transplantation. Encrustations on stent samples were quantified by means of micro‑computed tomography and semantic segmentation using Convolutional Neural Network models. Luminal encrustation volume per stent unit was derived to represent encrustation level, which did not differ between patient groups in the first six weeks. However, stone patients showed higher encrustation levels over prolonged indwelling times (p = 0.036). Along the stent shaft body, the stone group showed higher encrustation levels near the ureteropelvic junction compared to the ureterovesical junction (p = 0.013), whereas the transplant group showed no such difference. Possible explanations were discussed regarding vesicoureteral refluxes. In both patient groups, stent pigtails were more susceptible to encrustations, and no difference between renal and bladder pigtail was identified. Our results suggest that excessively long stents with superfluous pigtails should be avoided.
Live imaging and conditional disruption of native vertebrate planar cell polarity
Authors: Jussila Maria , Boswell Curtis , Ciruna Brian
Published: August 2021

Tissue-wide coordination of polarized cytoskeletal organization and cell behaviour, critical for organ morphogenesis and tumour progression, is controlled by asymmetric membrane localization of non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling components. Understanding the dynamic regulation of PCP thus requires visualization of these core proteins. In vertebrates, immunohistochemical studies have provided snapshots of PCP within tissues while exogenous, fluorescently-tagged reporters have been introduced for live imaging of cell polarity. However, the functionality and spatiotemporal relevance of static and exogenous PCP readouts remain uncertain. Here we fluorescently tag an endogenous core PCP component, Vangl2, in zebrafish. We report on the authentic regulation of vertebrate PCP, through live imaging of this native sfGFP-Vangl2 protein during embryogenesis. We couple sfGFP-Vangl2 with conditional zGrad GFP-nanobody degradation methodologies for tissue-specific interrogation of PCP function. Together, our studies provide crucial insights into the establishment and maintenance of vertebrate PCP and create a powerful experimental paradigm for future investigations.
Role of Bio-based Synthesized Nano Zinc Oxide in Ameliorating the Deleterious Effects Caused by Lead in Vigna radiata L.
Authors: YADAV RAVI KUMAR , Singh Narsingh Bahadur , SINGH AJEY , YADAV VIJAYA , NIHARIKA KM , KHARE SHUBHRA , AZIM ZEBA
Published: August 2021

The present work describes the bio-based synthesis (green) and characterization of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using leaf extract of Tridax, the synthesized nanoparticles were used to study their beneficial effect in the growth and metabolism of Vigna radiata. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), and Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis spectra). Growth of V. radiata seedlings was measured in terms of shoot length (SL) and root length (RL) were treated 20 and 40 mg/L concentrations of green synthesized ZnO NPs, and constant concentration (50 mg/L) of PbCl2. These studies have shown the effect of ZnO NPs in the stimulation of growth as well as physiological and biochemical parameters. Vigna seedlings showed positive effects depending upon the increasing concentrations of ZnO NPs. This study suggests that ZnO NPs can be effectively used to ameliorate the toxicity of Pb in Vigna plants.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Cancer Patients Visiting the Emergency Department
Authors: Qdaisat Aiham , Yeung Sai-Ching , Hernandez Cristhiam M Rojas , Samudrala Pavani , Kamal Mona , Li Ziyi , Wechsler Adriana H.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Intracranial hemorrhage is a devastating complication of cancer and its treatment.Objective: To evaluate the characteristic, risk factors and clinical outcomes in cancer patients with intracranial hemorrhage presenting to the emergency department. Methods: We collected a decade of retrospective data on all patients with the diagnosis of ICH who visited The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center emergency department. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between clinical variables and various outcomes.Results: 704 confirmed acute ICH cases were identified. Of these, 576 (81.8%) were spontaneous. In-hospital, 7-day, and 30-day mortality rates were 15.1%, 11.4%, and 25.6%, respectively. Hypertension was most predictive of prolonged hospital stay ( [OR]=4.77, 95% [CI]=1.30-22.70, P=0.045) and intensive care unit admission (OR=1.52, 95% CI=1.09-2.12, P=0.013). Low platelet count was associated with both in-hospital mortality (OR=0.96, 95% CI=0.94-0.99, P=0.008) and 30-day mortality (OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.96-1.00, P=0.016). Radiologic findings especially herniation and hydrocephalus, were strong predictors of short-term mortality. Patients with intratumor bleeding had substantially lower short-term mortality rates, but this did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions: Intracranial hemorrhage remains an uncommon complication in cancer patients. The risk factors most helpful in predicting outcomes were hypertension, low platelet count, and hydrocephalus or herniation on imaging.
The Impact of Obesity and Adiposity on Mortality Risk in Older Adults: A Ten-year Survival Analysis
Authors: Moura Letícia Almeida Nogueira , Pagotto Valéria , Pereira Cristina Camargo , Filho Rômulo Roosevelt da Silva , de Oliveira César , Silveira Erika Aparecida
Published: August 2021

There are not much information about the impact of obesity on all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality in older adults. We have investigated the impact of obesity and adiposity on all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality, in older adults after a 10-year follow-up. Prospective cohort study has been carried out with individuals ≥ 60 years. Sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, clinical history, laboratory tests and anthropometric data were collected. Adiposity was defined as tertiles of the percentage of body fat assessed by multifrequency bioimpedance. For obesity, three classifications were considered using the body mass index (BMI) as follows: ≥ 25.0 kg/m² in men and ≥ 26.6 kg/m² in women, ≥ 27.0 kg/m² and ≥ 30.0 kg/m². The BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m² was associated a reduction in the all-cause mortality risk in non-ajusted Cox regression (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43 - 0.97) and in the Kaplan-Meier curves (p = 0.032). However, in multivariate Cox regression none of the diagnostic criteria for obesity and adiposity were significantly associated with all-cause, cardiovascular or cancer mortality. This 10-year survival analysis has showed that obesity and adiposity were not associated with an increased risk of all-cause, cardiovascular or cancer mortality in the older adults.
Bacillus Subtilis Spores as Delivery System for Nasal Plasmodium Falciparum Circumsporozoite Surface Protein Immunization in a Murine Model
Authors: de Almeida Maria Edilene M. , Alves Késsia Caroline Souza , de Vasconcelos Maria Gabriella Santos , Pinto Thiago Serrão , Glória Juliane Corrêa , Chaves Yury Oliveira , Neves Walter Luiz Lima , Tarragô Andrea Monteiro , Neto Júlio Nino de Souza , Filho Spartaco Astolfi , Pontes Gemilson Soares , Balieiro Antônio Alcirley da Silva , Isticato Rachele Isticato , Ricca Ezio , Mariúba Luis André M.
Published: August 2021

Malaria remains a widespread public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, and there is still no vaccine available for full protection. In recent years, it has been observed that spores of Bacillus subtillis can act as a vaccine carrier and adjuvant, promoting an elevated humoral response after co-administration with antigens either coupled or integrated to their surface. In our study, B. subtillis spores from the KO7 strain were used to couple the recombinant CSP protein of P. falciparum (rPfCSP), and the nasal humoral-induced immune response in Balb/C mice was evaluated. Our results demonstrate that the spores coupled to rPfCSP increase the immunogenicity of the antigen, which induces high levels of serum IgG, and with balanced Th1/Th2 immune response, being detected antibodies in serum samples for 250 days. Therefore, the use of B. subtilis spores appears to be promising for use as an adjuvant in a vaccine formulation.
Development and External Validation of a Nomogram for Neurosyphilis Diagnosis Among Non-HIV Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ge Wenjing , Zhang Yang , Peng Chao , Li Dongdong , Gao Lijie , Bao Jiajia , Li Changling , Chen Ning , Zhou Dong , He Li
Published: August 2021

Background: The diagnosis of neurosyphilis (NS) is challenging due to the requirement of a lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests. Methods: This cross-sectional study constructed diagnostic models for diagnosing NS with data gathered from the Western China Hospital of Sichuan University between September 2015 and April 2021 and Shangjin hospital between September 2019 and April 2021, which formed the development and validation cohorts, respectively. A logistic analysis was performed to predict reactive neurosyphilis diagnosis and was presented as a nomogram. Clinical usefulness of the diagnostic models was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and Harrell C index was used for discrimination and calibration plots for accuracy, adopting bootstrap resampling 500 times. Results: Overall, 149 and 67 patients were included in development and validation cohorts, respectively. Of those, 131 were diagnosed as having reactive NS with positive results in CSF treponemal and non-treponemal tests. In the development cohort, male sex, psychiatric symptoms, and serum toluidine red unheated serum test were selected as diagnostic indicators. The model reached 80% specificity, 79% sensitivity, and 0·85 area under the curves (AUC) (95% CI, 0·76-0·91). In the validation cohorts, the Harrell C index for the diagnostic possibility of reactive NS was 0·71. Conclusion: A convenient model using gender, presence of psychiatric symptoms and serum TRUST titre was developed and validated to indicate diagnostic results in patients suspected of NS. Checking model value of factors on nomogram is a feasible way to assist clinicians and primary health servers in updating patients’ medical chart and making quantitatively informed decision on NS diagnosis. Trial registration: This research was retrospectively registered in Ethics committee on biomedical research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University.
Low Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews on Acupuncture: A Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: Ho Leonard TF , Ke Fiona YT , Wong Charlene HL , Wu Irene XY , Cheung Andy KL , Mao Chen , Chung Vincent CH
Published: August 2021

Background: While well-conducted systematic reviews (SRs) can provide best evidence on the potential effectiveness of acupuncture, limitations on methodological rigour of SRs may impact trustworthiness of their conclusions. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the methodological quality of a representative sample of SRs on acupuncture effectiveness.Methods: CDSR, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched for SRs on acupuncture. AMSTAR2 was applied for assessing methodological quality. Associations between bibliographical characteristics and methodological quality ratings were examined. Results: A total of 106 SRs were appraised. Only one (0.9%) SR was of high overall methodological quality, zero (0%) was of moderate-quality, six (5.7%) and 99 (93.4%) were of low-quality and critically low-quality respectively. Among appraised SRs, only ten (9.4%) provided an a priori protocol, four (3.8%) conducted a comprehensive literature search, five (4.7%) provided a list of excluded study, and six (5.7%) performed meta-analysis appropriately. Cochrane reviews, update reviews, reviews with corresponding authors from the America, and reviews that searched non-English databases had relatively higher overall quality. Conclusions: Methodological quality of SRs on acupuncture is unsatisfactory. Future reviewers should improve critical areas of publishing protocols, performing comprehensive search, providing a list of excluded studies with justifications for exclusion, and conducting meta-analysis appropriately.