bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Technology Innovation Reduce Haze Pollution? An Empirical Study Based on Urban Innovation Index in China
Authors: He Lingyun , Yuan Enyu , Yang Kexin , Tao Dongjie
Published: July 2021

Haze pollution is one of the most concerned environmental issue, it is of great significance to control haze pollution without affecting economic development. Using the panel data composed of PM2.5 concentration and other data from 278 cities in China between 2003 to 2016, this paper empirically investigates the impact of urban innovation on haze pollution and its transmission mechanism. Based on the fixed effect model, the research finds that the increase of urban innovation significantly reduced haze pollution. The result still holds after dealing with possible endogenous problems. Energy consumption and industrial agglomeration are two important transmission channels through which urban innovation affects haze pollution. Furthermore, time heterogeneity analysis shows that the negative effect of urban innovation on haze pollution increases with time. Spatial heterogeneity analysis shows that urban innovation has a greater mitigation effect on haze pollution in eastern cities than in central and western cities in China. This paper indicates that technological innovation as the main driving force for development, can provide strong support for China to achieve the aims of improving the ecological environment.
Relationship Between Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies In The Southwestern Atlantic Continental Shelf And Atmospheric Variability On Intraseasonal Timescales
Authors: Clara Moira Luz , Alvarez Mariano S. , Vera Carolina , Simionato Claudia G. , Jaureguizar Andrés J.
Published: July 2021

The intraseasonal (IS) variability of the sea surface temperature (SST) in the Southwestern Atlantic Northern Argentinean Continental Shelf (SWACS NACS, 45-33°S - 70-50°W), and its relationship with that in the atmosphere, was studied for the austral warm season. SST satellite data (11-km resolution NOAA CoastWatch Program) and data of different atmospheric variables (Reanalysis1 NCEP/NCAR and ERA-Interim) were used. Data were filtered using a 10-90day filter to isolate the IS variability. A Principal Component analysis was applied then to the filtered SST anomalies (SSTA) and the activity of the leading modes was described through the corresponding temporal series. The first three modes are significant. EOF1 (25.7% of variance) exhibits SSTA of opposite sign to the north/south of 42°S. EOF2 (9.0%) and EOF3 (5.1%) are related with centers of SSTA of opposite sign located off the Uruguayan coast and in the middle shelf. Composites of SSTA and of key atmospheric variables were made considering the days in which the main modes were active. They show that the SSTA described by the three modes are associated with distinctive regional sea level pressure anomalies that, in turn, seem to be related to atmospheric Rossby wave trains extending from the Australia area towards South America. The corresponding atmospheric wave sources vary depending on the mode. These results show, therefore, that the SSTA in the SWACS NACS exhibit significant IS variability that is, in part, locally and remotely influenced by atmospheric anomalies oscillating on similar timescales. These ocean-atmosphere teleconnections could help to improve ocean predictability at those timescales in the future.
"Needle Bypass" Technique: Percutaneous Anatomical Bypass with Needle Rendezvous for No-Option Peripheral Arterial Disease.
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Tsujimoto Masanaga , Kashima Yoshifumi , Takeuchi Tsuyoshi , Tadano Yutaka , Hachinohe Daisuke , Kaneko Umihiko , Kobayashi Ken , Kanno Daitaro , Sato Katsuhiko , Fujita Tsutomu
Published: July 2021

Background: The complex lesions failed by surgical bypass treatments have yet to be solved even with the latest endovascular devices. We describe a new method of fully percutaneous anatomical bypass, named the “Needle bypass” technique.Case presentation: A 68-year-old male patient was suffered from chronic limb-threatening ischemia due to the surgical removal of right distal common femoral artery to proximal superficial femoral artery and two surgical bypasses, axillary-femoral bypass and iliac-femoral bypass, repeated infection 10 years before. He was referred for peripheral intervention by vascular surgeons due to the surgical higher risk background. Conventional peripheral intervention for the removal of common femoral bifurcation failed. “Needle bypass” technique was successfully performed that the tips of the needles which are inserted bi-directionaly from outside the body are aligned in the body to perform the guidewire externalization through the needles, “Needle rendezvous”, and to deploy scaffolds the complex anatomical lesion including extravascular site. This technique provided the great success with this no-option patient.Conclusions:“Needle bypass” technique is a new effective percutaneous treatment option for no-option patient.
Comparing the Effects of Calcium and Magnesium Ions on Accumulation and Translocation of Cadmium in Rice
Authors: Xiangying Li , Teng Lang , Fu Tianling , He Tengbing , Wu Pan
Published: July 2021

Rice is one of China's most important food crops, and it is considered the primary source of human exposure to cadmium (Cd) pollution. A hydroponic experiment was performed to investigate the effect of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) on the absorption, distribution, and translocation of Cd in rice. Under the concentration gradient of Ca, Mg, and Cd, the concentrations of Cd in rice tissues were determined. The results revealed that the existence of Ca and Mg in the environment could benefit rice growth and limit the accumulation and translocation of Cd in plants. Cd concentrations in rice plants were as orders: roots > stems > leaves ≈ panicles ≈ husks > grains. While Cd content in rice grains decreased significantly under high Ca and Mg concentrations, this pattern was not observed under low and medium concentrations. Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions significantly influenced the translocation of Cd in the environment-rice system. Under the Ca (Mg)-deficient and Ca (Mg)-rich conditions, the husk and panicle played an essential role in hindering Cd transport to the rice grain, respectively. At the same concentration, the effect of Ca on the decrease of Cd bioconcentration was greater than that of Mg. An apparent antagonism was observed between Cd and Ca (Mg) in different parts of the rice plant. Altogether, the results of this study indicate that it was possible to plant and grow rice in Cd-polluted soil and that the accumulation and translocation of Cd in rice plants could be reduced by optimizing soil nutrient elements.
A One-Year Health Economics Study Before and After Switching from Oral Antipsychotics to Once-Monthly Paliperidone Palmitate in Patients with Schizophrenia, A Retrospective, Prospective, Mirror-Image Study
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Qian , Su Lei , Yang Limin , Zou Lianyong , Bai Ludong
Published: July 2021

Background: Schizophrenia is ranked among the top 25 leading causes of disability worldwide in 2013 which resulting in social and economic burden. By observing patients with schizophrenia one year before and after switching from oral antipsychotics (OAPs) to once-monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP1M), we can better understand the change of total costs in schizophrenic patients, including direct costs and indirect costs, after switching treatment patterns. Methods: A total of 100 schizophrenic (ICD-10) outpatient and inpatient patients from Shandong Mental Health Center were collected from December 2016 to June 2019. Treatment modalities, health care resource utilization and costs were compared before and after switching directly from oral antipsychotics to PP1M.Results: Of the 82 patients included in the main analyses, hospitalization costs decreased was partly offset by the increase of medical costs, which causing direct costs slightly increased (t=-1.81, P＞0.05). The reduction of productivity costs (t=2.06, P＜0.05) and caregiver care costs (t=1.99, P≤0.05) was seen at post-PP1M switch, therefore the indirect costs also obviously reduced (t=2.31, P＜0.05). Total costs slightly increased (t=-0.05, P＞0.05）compared to pre-PP1M period. For patients with ≥ 1 all-cause inpatient stay in the baseline period (n=32), compared with pre-PP1M, a fewer number of inpatient stays (t=1.73, P＜0.05) and hospitalizations (t=2.56, P≤0.01) were observed and a significant reduction in direct costs (t=2.20, P＜0.01) was observed post-transition to PP1M. Conclusions: Switching to PP1M from OAPs can improve adherence to therapy and not increase the costs of health care in the clinical. Patients with ≥1 recent all-cause inpatient stay had a significant reduction in direct costs after switching from oral antipsychotics to PP1M, suggesting that patients with ≥1 all-cause inpatient stay may benefit after switching to PP1M. Indirect costs decrease from OAPs to PP1M, suggesting that reduce the burden of the family labor after switch to PP1M.
Low-doses of Sucralose Alters Fecal Microbiota in High-fat Diet Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Zhang Minchun , Chen Jie , Yang Minglan , Qian Cheng , Liu Yu , Qi Yicheng , Feng Rilu , Yang Mei , Liu Wei , Ma Jing
Published: July 2021

Background: Artificial sweeteners (AS) are widely used as sugar substitutes to reduce calorie intake. However, high doses of AS induced glucose tolerance by modulating gut microbiota. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of lower doses of sucralose on fecal microbiota in obesity. Methods: Eight weeks after high-fat diet, the male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=24) and administrated by a daily gavage of 2ml normal saline (CON), 0.54mM sucralose (N054), 0.78mM sucralose (N078) and 324mM sucrose (S324) respectively. After four weeks, fecal samples were obtained and used in 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Results: The richness and diversity of fecal microbiota did not change by these sucralose and sucrose dosage. Both 0.54mM (0.43mg) and 0.78mM (0.62mg) tended to reduce the beneficial bacteria, Lactobacillaceae and Akkermansiaceae. The relative abundance of family Acidaminoccaceae and its genus Phascolarctobacteriam were increased with 0.54mM sucralose. In functional prediction, 0.54mM sucralose increased profiles of carbohydrate metabolism, whereas 0.78 mM sucralose enhanced that of amino acids metabolism. Conclusions: The lower doses of sucralose altered the compositions and the metabolic functions of fecal microbiota. The benefits of sucralose and its recommended dose for obese patients should be reassessed comprehensively.
IL-36β Promotes Anti-Tumor Effects in CD8+ T Cells by Downregulating Micro-RNA Let-7c-5p
Authors: Li Dongbao , Huang Yang , Bai Yanjin , Zhang Jianglei , Sun Mingbing , Hu Chenrui , Wang Jin , Zhang Zhe , Ouyang Jun , Zhou Jin , Xie Chen , Zhao Xin
Published: July 2021

Background: The anti-tumor effect of IL-36β mediated activation of CD8+ T cells has been reported, but the molecular mechanism is largely undefined.Methods: IL-36β amounts in pancreatic cancer were examined by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Cytology and animal experiments were performed to study the effects of IL-36β on the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Then we examined the changes of CD8+ T cells and NK cells in the tumor flow-cytometrically. MicroRNA expression profiles were determined by microarray analysis.Results: The results revealed decreased IL-36β amounts in pancreatic cancer tissues. In addition, IL-36β inhibited tumor growth and promoted CD8+ T and NK cell proliferation in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, IL-36β stimulated CD8+ T cells to synthesize high amounts of IFN-γ and IL-2. Microarray analysis showed that IL-36β administration to human and mouse CD8+ T cells consistently downregulated the miRNA let-7c-5p. Downregulation of let-7c-5p resulted in IFN-γ and IL-2 upregulation in CD8+ T Cells, whereas its upregulation had the opposite effects. Further experiments demonstrated that IL-36β downregulated IFN-γ in let-7c-5p+ CD8+ T cells. Conclusion: These findings suggest IL-36β promotes IFN-γ and IL-2 production in CD8+ T cells, and IL-36β promotes anti-tumor effects in CD8+ T cells by downregulating micro-RNA let-7c-5p.
ALKBH5-Mediated m6A Modification of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 Triggers the Development of LSCC via Upregulation of HOXA9
Authors: Li Yushan , Yan Bingrui , Wang Xin , Li Qiuying , Kan Xuan , Wang Jingting , Sun Yanan , Wang Peng , Tian Linli , Liu Ming
Published: July 2021

Background
RNA epigenetic modification is the chemical basis of RNA-regulated gene expression, of which N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most common post-transcriptional modifications in mRNA. More and more studies show that m6A modification is involved in the development of complex human diseases, especially in the development of cancer. However, it is unclear whether the m6A modification of lncRNA modification plays an important role in the development of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).
Methods
Microarray analysis was used to quantitatively detect the m6A apparent transcriptional modification level of lncRNA in LSCC tissue. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (MeRIP-qPCR) was used to examine the m6A modification of KCNQ1OT1 transcript. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of KCNQ1OT1, ALKBH5, HOXA9. Western blot was performed to measure the expression ALKBH5 and HOXA9 protein. The expression of KCNQ1OT1 in LSCC and non-tumor tissues was detected by In situ hybridization (ISH). The biological effects of KCNQ1OT1 in vivo and in vitro were tested, meanwhile, the effects of HOXA9 on LSCC cells were tested in vitro. The expression levels of ALKBH5 and HOXA9 in LSCC and non-tumor tissues, and the expression levels of Ki-67, MMP2 and MMP9 in xenograft tumors were detected by Immunohistochemistry(IHC). RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assay confirmed the interaction relationship between ALKBH5/YTHDF2 and KCNQ1OT1. Luciferase Reporter assay and rescue experiment verified that HOXA9 is the target of KCNQ1OT1.
Results
KCNQ1OT1 expression in LSCC tissues was low m6A-methylation and high expression than that in non-tumor tissues, KCNQ1OT1 knockdown inhibits the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of LSCC. Further studies showed that the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylase ALKBH5 mediators KCNQ1OT1 expression via an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. It was found that KCNQ1OT1 could directly bind to HOXA9 to further regulate the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of LSCC cells.
Conclusions
Our research indicates that ALKBH5 mediated m6A modification of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 triggers the development of LSCC via up-regulation of HOXA9.
A Novel Recombinant Chimeric Proteinous Bio-adhesive Consisting of Mussel Foot Protein 3, 5 and Curli Proteins GvpA and CsgA Expressed in Pichia Pastoris
Authors: Bolghari Nazanin , Habibollahi Hadi , Anvari Masoumeh , Shahsavarani Hosein
Published: July 2021

Despite various efforts to produce strong recombinant bio-adhesive proteins for medical purposes, efficient production of a safe and feasible bio-glue is not yet a commercial reality due to the weak properties or low expression level. Here, a feasible expression system has been developed to produce strong recombinant fusion protein using Mfp3 and Mfp5 along with two curli proteins, GvpA and CsgA expressed under the control of alcohol oxidase (AOX1) promoter for high-level production in P. pastoris using pPICZα vector. Purified chimeric proteins were first evaluated using western blotting and its remaining dopa were measured in the modified proteins by NBT assay. We further elucidated mechanistic properties of obtained adhesive protein assembly in various pH based on its different subunits using atomic force microscopy (AFM) when adsorbed onto the mica surface. We found that combinational structural features of subunits and post-translational changes during expression in yeast host have led to potent adherence due to higher dopa residues majorly in acidic condition and tetrad complex that is higher than that of earlier reports in prokaryotic systems. We believe that our obtained chimeric protein resulted through fusion of GvpA and CsgA proteins with dopa-containing Mfp proteins expressed in the methylotrophic yeast, P. pastoris, not only presents a candidate for future biomedical applications, but also provides novel biological clues using for high-performance bioinspired biomaterials designation.
Study on the Mechanisms and Experimental Verification of Cuscuta-Salvia (Tusizi-Danshen) in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) via Network Pharmacology
Authors: Zhang Ying-ying , Ma Jian-xiong , Zhu Yu-tian , Wang Yi-xuan , Chen Wang-qiang , Sun Xin , Zhang Wei , Wang Chen-ye , Ding Caifei
Published: July 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a sort of endocrine disease associated with Reproduction. The formula of Cuscuta-Salvia has been widely used in treatment of PCOS in clinic. However, its chemical and pharmacological are still not known in detail. First, the active components of Cuscuta-Salvia were identified by UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS and screened from TCMSP database, and the disease targets were obtained from the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. Subsequently, common targets between Cuscuta-Salvia and PCOS were obtained via a Venn diagram. Second, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established. Core genes were selected using Cytoscape software plugin. Third, the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed for common targets using “pathview” package in R. Finally, several core targets were verified via determination of qRT-PCR and HE staining. Combined UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS analysis with network pharmacology study, 14 active components were obtained. Eighty common targets were also obtained. Ten core genes were regulated by Cuscuta-Salvia in PCOS, including IL6, AKT1, VEGFA, TP53, TNF, MAPK1, JUN, EGF, CASP3, and EGFR. GO results showed that cellular response to drug, response to oxygen levels, response lipopolysaccharide, and response to molecule of bacterial origin in biological process (BP) category; membrane, transcription regulator complex, nuclear chromatin, postsynaptic membrane, and vesicle lumen in cellular component (CC) category; DNA-binding transcription factor binding, RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding transcription factor binding, DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific, DNA-binding transcription activator activity, and cytokine receptor binding in molecular function (MF) terms. KEGG enrichment pathway mainly involves in PI3K−Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, cellular senescence, TNF signaling pathway, and IL-17signaling pathway. Furthermore, based on an experimental study, Cuscuta-Salvia ameliorated the pathology of ovary, live and adipose tissue. Additional, Cuscuta-Salvia increased the mRNA expression of VEGFA. Cuscuta-Salvia decreased the mRNA expression of IL6, AKT1, TP53, MAPK1, JUN, EGF, AR, LHb, CYP17a1, and CYP19a1. Our results demonstrate that Cuscuta-Salvia may provide a novel pharmacology basis in an experimental model of PCOS via the regulation of the gene expression. This study lays a basis for subsequent research and clinical application.
Interleukin-10 Improves Stroke Outcome by Controlling the Detrimental Interleukin-17A Response
Authors: Piepke Marius , Clausen Bettina H. , Ludewig Peter , Vienhues Jonas H. , Bedke Tanja , Javidi Ehsan , Rissiek Björn , Jank Larissa , Brockmann Leonie , Sandrock Inga , Degenhardt Karoline , Prinz Immo , Flavell Richard A. , Kobayashi Yasushi , Renne Thomas , Gerloff Christian , Huber Samuel , Magnus Tim , Gelderblom Mathias
Published: July 2021

Background: Lymphocytes have dichotomous functions in ischemic stroke. Regulatory T cells are protective, while IL-17A from innate lymphocytes promotes the infarcts growth. With recent advances of T cell-subtype specific transgenic mouse models it now has become possible to study the complex interplay of T cell subpopulations in ischemic stroke.Methods: In a murine model of experimental stroke we analyzed the effects of IL-10 on the functional outcome for up to 14 days post-ischemia and defined the source of IL-10 in ischemic brains based on immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and bone marrow chimeric mice. We used neutralizing IL-17A antibodies, intrathecal IL-10 injections, and transgenic mouse models which harbor a deletion of the IL-10R on distinct T cell subpopulations to further explore the interplay between IL-10 and IL-17A pathways in the ischemic brain. Results: We demonstrate that IL-10 deficient mice exhibit significantly increased infarct sizes on days three and seven and enlarged brain atrophy and impaired neurological outcome on day fourteen following tMCAO. In ischemic brains IL-10 producing immune cells included regulatory T cells, macrophages, and microglia. Neutralization of IL-17A following stroke reversed the worse outcome in IL-10 deficient mice and intracerebral treatment with recombinant IL-10 revealed that IL-10 controlled IL-17A positive lymphocytes in ischemic brains. Importantly, IL-10 acted differentially on αβ and γδ T cells. IL-17A producing CD4+ αβ T cells were directly controlled via their IL-10-receptor (IL-10R), whereas IL-10 by itself had no direct effect on the IL-17A production in γδ T cells. The control of the IL-17A production in γδ T cells depended on an intact IL10R signaling in regulatory T cells (Tregs). Conclusions: Taken together, our data indicate a key function of IL-10 in restricting the detrimental IL-17A-signaling in stroke and further supports that IL-17A is a therapeutic opportunity for stroke treatment.
Worse Cardiovascular and Renal Outcome in Male SLE Patients: First Gender Study From the Swiss SLE Cohort Study
Authors: Mihailovic Jelena , Ribi Camillo , Chizzolini Carlo , Trendelenburg Marten , Von Kempis Johannes , Huynh-Do Uyen , Dahdal Suzan
Published: July 2021

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in males is rare and poorly understood. Thus, still little is known about gender differences in SLE. We set out to identify gender differences regarding clinical manifestations as well as renal and cardiovascular outcomes of SLE. Methods: We analyzed patient data from the Swiss SLE Cohort Study. Cumulative clinical manifestations according to the updated American College of Rheumatology criteria were recorded at inclusion. Cardiovascular events were recorded within Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC-SDI). Renal failure was defined as eGFR<15 ml/min/1.73m2, initiation of renal replacement therapy or doubling of serum creatinine which were all assessed yearly or documented as end stage renal disease in SLICC-SDI. Risk differences were calculated using logistic regression and cox regression models.Results: We analyzed 93 men and 529 women with a median follow up time of 2 years. Males were significantly older at diagnosis (44.4 versus 33.1 years, p<0.001) and had less often arthritis (57% versus 74%, p=0.001) and dermatological disorders (61% versus 76%, p<0.01). In multivariate analysis female gender remained a significantly associated with arthritis and dermatological disorders. After adjusting for age, disease duration, ethnicity, time to diagnosis, medication and eGFR and SELENA SLEDAI at inclusion men had a significantly higher hazard ratio of 2.5 for renal failure (95% confidence interval (95%-CI) 1.1-6.0, p<0.04). Total SLICC-SDI Score was comparable. Men had significantly more coronary artery disease (CAD) (17% versus 4%, p<0.001) and myocardial infarction (10% versus 2%, p<0.01). In multivariate analysis, male gender remained a significant risk factor for CAD (odds ratio (OR) 5.6, 95%-CI 2.3-13.7, p<0.001) and myocardial infarction (OR 8.3, 95%-CI 2.1-32.6, p=0.002).Conclusion: This first gender study in a western European population demonstrates significant gender differences in SLE. Male gender is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and renal failure in SLE. Potential etiological pathomechanisms such as hormonal or X-chromosomal factors remain to be further investigated.
How Marine Tourism Promote Financial Development in Sustainable Economy: New Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Li Liu , Wu Baijun , Patwary Ataul Karim
Published: July 2021

The ocean economy and marine tourism policies are global economic concerns being looked at from a deeply holistic viewpoint. For South Asian countries, the ocean economy and marine tourism have successive socio-economic importance. The quantification of the ocean economy and marine tourism also poses some major challenges and these challenges pose limitations for policymaking by the government and other relevant agencies. The study has used the newly developed Hidden Panel Cointegration test and Nonlinear Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NPARDL) model for a relationship between economic growth and tourism is assessed. This study offers consistent and reliable results of co-integration by incorporating the findings of four approaches to co-integration. The empirical results illustrate the asymmetric relationship between ocean and marine tourism and economic growth. The findings showed that 1% increase in long term tourism economic growth is adjusted by 2.95% annually. This research paper aims to provide a policy related to South Asia's economic activities and ocean and marine tourism economic significance. Protecting local marine protected areas (MPAs) will improve the economic benefits of the ocean and the marine economy. The policy suggests that there should be a law ensuring that marine tourism is of high quality and environment friendly. This paper provides a guideline for further research with a strong emphasis on ocean-and marine-related economic development and tourism.
Vidarabine, An Anti-Herpes Agent, Prevents Occlusal-Disharmony-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice
Authors: Hayakawa Yoshio , Ohnuki Yoshiki , Suita Kenji , Mototani Yasumasa , Ishikawa Misao , Ito Aiko , Morii Akinaka , Kiyomoto Kenichi , Tsunoda Michinori , Matsuo Ichiro , Kawahara Hiroshi , Okumura Satoshi , Nariyama Megumi
Published: July 2021

We recently reported a positive relationship between occlusal disharmony and cardiovascular disease via activation of β-adrenergic signaling in mice. Furthermore, inhibition of type 5 adenylyl cyclase (AC5), a major cardiac subtype in adults, protects the heart against oxidative stress. Here, we examined the role of AC5 in the development of occlusal-disharmony-induced cardiovascular disease in bite-opening (BO) mice, prepared by cementing a suitable appliance onto the mandibular incisor. We first examined the effects of BO treatment on cardiac function in mice treated or not treated for 2 weeks with vidarabine, which we previously identified as an inhibitor of cardiac AC. Cardiac function was significantly decreased in the BO group compared to the control group, but vidarabine ameliorated the dysfunction. Cardiac fibrosis, myocyte apoptosis and myocyte oxidative DNA damage were significantly increased in the BO group, but vidarabine blocked these changes. The BO-induced cardiac dysfunction was associated with increased phospholamban phosphorylation at threonine-17 and serine-16, as well as increased activation of the Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II/receptor-interacting protein 3 signaling pathway. These data suggest that AC5 inhibition with vidarabine might be a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of cardiovascular disease associated with occlusal disharmony.
Factors Affecting the Overweight and Obesity of Students Aged 11 to 17 in Low and Middle-Income Countries Based on GSHS Questionnaire Data
Authors: Shadmehr Rafat , Moradinazar Mehdi , Shakiba Ebrahem , Najafi Farid , Mostafaee Shayan , Rezaeian Shahab , Harsini Pooyan Afzali , Safari Roya , Ramazani Uosef , Moradi Zeinab
Published: July 2021

Background:Obesity and overweight in early life arebeingone of the challenges of public health in both developed and developing societies.Methods:This cross-sectional study was designed on the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) data from the WHO, in collaboration with UNAIDS, UNESCO, and UNICEF. The countries of low- and middle-income in the six WHO regions were included.BMIis classified into three classes: overweight, normal-weight, and underweight based on length/height, weight, and age.Results: Of the 187893 students aged 11 to 17 years, 43220 (23.0%) were overweight. The prevalence of obesitywas higher in boys (23.67% and 22.39% in boys and girls respectively).The probability of obesity decreases by the age of the students. There was a positive relationship between following personal hygieneprinciples and overweight so that the use of soap and washing hands after going to the toilet increased the odds of overweight by 17% and 11%, respectively.Each unit increased the prevalence of overweight in adulthood (1.07 - 1.04 OR = 1.06), and each unit increase in Gini Index (OR = 1.03,1.00-1.05) on average increased the odds of overweight in students aged 11 to 17 years, but for the prevalence of overweight in children less than 5 years old, GDP and SDGs did not have any significant effect onoverweight in children aged 11 to 17 years.Conclusion:The country-level Gini index and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults had a significant role in overweight and obesityin students. Due to the different situation of the countries, it is required to plan specific programs to tackle overweight in children.
Eosinopenia Predicting Long-Term Mortality In Hospitalized Acute Exacerbation of COPD Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia – A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mao Yanxiong , Qian Yuanyuan , Sun Xiaoyan , Li Na , Huang Huaqiong
Published: July 2021

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are both common respiratory diseases. Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) could be triggered by CAP. Peripheral blood eosinopenia are strongly associated with increased mortality. In hospitalized AECOPD patients with CAP, eosinopenia may be used to identified patients with high risk of death on admission.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized AECOPD patients with CAP. Patients who had received systemic corticosteroids preadmission were excluded. The patients were identified by individual case file review. According to blood eosinophil count, patients were grouped as eosinopenia(<50/μL) and non-eosinopenia (≥50/μL). Associations of eosinopenia with infection and 18-month survival were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.Results: Baseline demographic, comorbidity and CURB65 score were similar between two groups. The eosinopenia group had significantly higher pro-BNP, D-dimer, neutrophil percentage, and lower lymphocyte count and lymphocyte percentage. The eosinopenia group had significantly higher CRP (median 77.30 vs 16.55, p=0.008) and procalcitonin (median 0.32 vs 0.12, p=0.001). Survival at 18 months after hospital discharge was significantly lower in the eosinopenia group vs non-eosinopenia group (log rank, p=0.002)Conclusions: Eosinopenia (<50/μL) was a strong predictor of 18-month mortality, and associated with more severe infection in hospitalized AECOPD patients with CAP. Eosinophil count at admission can be used as a prognosis marker of mortality in those population.
Review on Factors Affecting Diagnostic Yield in Stereotactic Biopsy for Brain Lesions: A 5-Year Single-Center Series.
Authors: Lau Bik Liang , Vijian Kugan , Liew Donald Ngian San , Wong Albert Sii Hieng
Published: July 2021

Objective: To determine the factors that are associated with the diagnostic yield of stereotactic brain biopsy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 50 consecutive patients who underwent stereotactic brain biopsies in a single institute from 2014 to 2019. Variables including age, gender, lesion topography and characteristics, biopsy methods and surgeon’s experience were analyzed along with diagnostic rate. Results: This study included 31 male and 19 female patients with a mean age of 48.4 (range: 1-76). Of these, 25 underwent frameless brain-suite stereotactic biopsies, 15 were frameless portable Brain-lab® stereotactic biopsies and 10 were frame-based CRW® stereotactic biopsies. There was no statistical difference between the diagnostic yield of the three methods. The diagnostic yield in our series was 76%. Age, gender and biopsy methods had no impact on diagnostic yield. Periventricular and pineal lesion biopsies were significantly associated with negative diagnostic yield (p=0.01) whereas larger lesions were significantly associated with a positive yield (p=0.01) with the mean volume of lesions in the positive yield group (13.6cc) being higher than the negative yield group (7cc). The diagnostic yields seen between senior and junior neurosurgeons in the biopsy procedure were 95% and 63% respectively (p=0.02). Conclusion: Anatomical location of the lesion, volume of the lesion and experience of the surgeon have significant impacts on the diagnostic yield in stereotactic brain biopsy. There was no statistical difference between the diagnostic yield of the three methods, age, gender and depth of lesion.
Theoretical Investigation on the Complexation Characteristics and Spectral Properties of CdTe QDs With Four Capping Agents
Authors: Yang Qinghong , Wan Xujiang , Chen Yang , Luo Hui , Zheng Yan , Li Laicai
Published: July 2021

In this paper, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) are used to study the complexation characteristics CdTe quantum dots with four different capping agents, i.e. : 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), reduced glutathione (GSH), 1-thioglycerol (TG) and 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (MES). The properties of these complexes are analyzed by the complexation energy, bond lengths, electron densities, Mulliken charges and frontier molecular orbitals. In addition, the UV-Vis absorption spectra of pure CdTe QDs and those stable complexes are calculated. The results indicate that the four capping agents could form stable complexes with CdTe QDs. However, there are also some differences. For instance, the complexation between MES and QDs is the most stable and the electron amount transferred from MES to CdTe QDs is the most while the absorption intensity of UV-visible light after complexation is the largest. The stability of the complexes are followed by MPA and TG and the complexation between GSH and QDs is the most unstable, which is accompanied with the minimal electron transfer amount and the weakest absorption intensity of UV-visible light. The maximum absorption wavelengths of CdTe QDs are consistent with the experimental observed wavelength, which explains the experimental phenomena excellently.
Monitoring the indirect impact of Covid-19 on hospital care pathways in Italy: results from the Mimico-19 network
Authors: Spadea Teresa , Girolamo Chiara Di , Landriscina Tania , Leoni Olivia , Forni Silvia , Colais Paola , Fanizza Caterina , Allotta Alessandra , Onorati Roberta , Gnavi Roberto
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has a non-negligible indirect impact on hospital care pathways, which is important to estimate. To this aim, we set up the Mimico-19 network of seven Italian regions (62% of the Italian population) representing different socio-demographic areas of the country with also a different burden of the epidemic. We retrospectively analysed regional hospital discharges data, computing twelve indicators of volumes and performance in three clinical areas: cardiology, oncology and orthopaedics, including time-dependent pathways and elective surgery. Weekly indicators for the period January-July 2020 were compared with the average of the corresponding indicators in 2018 and 2019; comparisons were performed within 3 sub-periods: pre-lockdown, lockdown and post-lockdown.
The weekly trend of hospitalizations for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) showed a 40% reduction, but the proportion of STEMI patients with a primary PTCA did not significantly change from previous years. Volumes of malignant neoplasms surgeries differed substantially by site, with a limited reduction for lung cancer (<20%) and greater declines (30-40%) for breast and prostate cancers. Hospitalizations for femoral neck fracture in the elderly decreased by 20%, but the percentage of timely interventions remained constantly higher than the previous years. General trends did not show important differences across regions, regardless of the different Covid-19 burden.
Hospitalizations have generally decreased, but the capacity of a timely and effective response in time-dependent pathways of care was not jeopardized throughout the period. The drop in the care demand for cardiovascular diseases and cancers needs to be further investigated and monitored more thoroughly.
Clinical Guidelines for Managing Hearing Loss as a Complication of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment: An Evaluation of Implementation fidelity in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Muhammad Sani Ibrahim , Eboreime Ejemai Amaize , Ogbonna Vivian Ifeoma , Zubairu Iliyasu , Ibisomi Latifat
Published: July 2021

Background: Nigeria has a high burden of Tuberculosis (TB) including Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) and hearing lossObjective: To measure the implementation fidelity of management guidelines for hearing loss resulting from DR-TB treatment and to identify its determinants Method: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Kano. Implementation fidelity of the Programmatic Management guidelines for the treatment of Drug-resistant Tuberculosis was measured under the four domains of content, coverage, duration and frequency. The determinants examined are intervention complexity, facilitation strategies, quality of delivery and participant responsiveness as proposed by the Carroll et al framework. Other determinants used are age, sex, professional cadre and work experience of healthcare providers.Results: The Implementation fidelity score ranged from 40 - 64% with a mean of 47.6%. Quality of delivery, intervention complexity, participants’ responsiveness, and being a medical doctor exerted a positive effect on implementation fidelity while facilitation strategy, age and work experience exerted a negative effect on implementation fidelity. Conclusion: The implementation fidelity of management guidelines for hearing loss resulting from DR-TB treatment was low. Implementation fidelity should be assessed early and at intervals in the course of implementing the PMDT guideline and indeed, in the implementation of any intervention.
Gastric Pneumatosis With Portal Venous Gas Can Be Treated Non-operatively: a Retrospective Multi-institutional Study
Authors: Epin Antoine , Passot Guillaume , Christou Niki , Monneuse Olivier , Mabrut Jean-Yves , Ferrero Pierre-Alexandre , Caudron Sebastien , Pezet Denis , Magnin Benoit , Grange Rémi , Lambert Céline , Williet Nicolas , Flaris Alexandros N. , Roy Bertrand Le
Published: July 2021

Background: Gastric pneumatosis (GP) is a rare radiologic finding with an unpredictable prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify mortality risk factors from patients presenting with GP on computed tomography (CT), and to develop a model which would allow us to predict which patients would benefit most from operative management.Methods: Between 2010 and 2020, all CT-scan reports in 4 tertiary centers were searched for the following terms: “gastric pneumatosis”, “intramural gastric air” or “emphysematous gastritis”. The retrieved CT scans were reviewed by a senior surgeon and a senior radiologist. Relevant clinical and laboratory data for these patients were extracted from the institutions’ medical records. Results: Among 58 patients with GP portal venous gas and bowel ischemia were present on CT scan in 52 (90%) and 17 patients (29%), respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 31%. Univariate analysis identified the following variables as predictive of mortality at the time of the diagnosis of GP: abdominal guarding, hemodynamic instability, arterial lactate level >2mmol/l, and absence of gastric dilatation. Multivariable analysis identified the following variables as independent predictors of mortality: arterial lactate level (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07 - 1.79) and absence of gastric dilatation (OR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01 - 0.79). None of the patients presenting with a baseline lactate rate <2 mmol/l died within 30 days following diagnosis, and no more than 17 patients out of 58 had bowel ischemia (29%).Conclusions: GP could be managed non-operatively, even in the presence of portal venous gas. However patients with arterial lactate level>2mmol/l, or absence of gastric dilation should be surgically explored due to a non-negligible risk of mortality.
Understanding of Catalytic ROS Generation From Defect-Rich Graphene Quantum-Dots for Therapeutic Effects in Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Wang Xichu , Hu Chuangang , Gu Zi (Sophia) , Dai Liming
Published: July 2021

Owing to their low cost, high catalytic efficiency and biocompatibility, carbon-based metalfree catalysts (C-MFCs) have attracted intense interest for various applications, ranging from energy through environmental to biomedical technologies. While considerable efforts and progress have been made in mechanistic understanding of C-MFCs for non-biomedical applications, their catalytic mechanism for therapeutic effects has rarely been investigated. In this study, defect-rich graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were developed as C-MFCs for efficient ROS generation, specifically in the H2O2 -rich tumor microenvironment to cause multi-level damage of subcellular components (even in nuclei). While a desirable anti-cancer performance was achieved, the catalytic performance was found to strongly depend on the defect density. It is for the first time that the defect-induced catalytic generation of ROS by C-MFCs in the tumor microenvironment was demonstrated and the associated catalytic mechanism was elucidated. This work opens a new avenue for the development of safe and efficient catalytic nanomedicine.
Data-Driven Personalization of Body-Machine Interfaces to Control Diverse Robot Types
Authors: Macchini Matteo , Schiano Fabrizio , Floreano Dario
Published: July 2021

Body-Machine Interfaces (BoMIs) for robotic teleoperation can improve a user’s experience and performance. However, the implementation of such systems needs to be optimized on each robot independently, as a general approach has not been proposed to date. Here, we present a novel machine learning method to generate personalized BoMIs from an operator’s spontaneous body movements. The method captures individual motor synergies that can be used for the teleoperation of robots. The proposed algorithm applies to people with diverse behavioral patterns to control robots with diverse morphologies and degrees of freedom, such as a fixed-wing drone, a quadrotor, and a robotic manipulator.
Diagnostic Value Of Doppler Ultrasound In Early Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Huang Yanli , Wu Xiaohang , Tao Ye , Wu Jialing , Yan Yumei , Ma Mengyan , Yuan Xinyue , Li Fengfei , Hou Xui-kun
Published: July 2021

Objective: To explore of ultrasound combined with renal pathology score, and compare the application value of elastography, two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound, three-dimensional（3D） ultrasound and other ultrasound imaging methods in early chronic kidney diagnosis.Methods: Combined ultrasound and pathological scores. A retrospective analysis of 118 patients with chronic kidney disease examined in the department of nephrology of the author's hospital. 36 healthy who were normal in the same period were selected as the control group. Combined with the left kidney pathology score and multi-factor logistic regression analysis to evaluate independent predictors of early pathological injured in CKD, ROC curve analysis to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of each ultrasound index. Statistical evaluation: The difference was statistically significant (P <0.05).Results: In patients with severely injured CKD, renal length, three-dimensional kidney volume, Renal interlobar artery RI, and AT all appear to be effective predictors. Among patients with moderate injured, only AT and RI were effective predictors. Among patients with mildly impaired CKD, AT has the highest diagnostic efficacy, but SWV has the highest sensitivity (83.8%) for detecting mild renal injured. The results confirm that the Renal interlobar artery AT is the strongest independent predictor of CKD injured.Conclusion: The results confirm that the Renal interlobar artery AT is the strongest independent predictor of CKD injured.
Early Kinetics of Calprotectin in Plasma Following Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Authors: Sejersen Kristina , Havelka Aleksandra , Salas Pearl Sanchez , Larsson Anders
Published: July 2021

Background: Calprotectin is one of the most abundant proteins of neutrophil granulocytes. It is released upon activation of neutrophils and is considered as a sensitive and clinically useful marker for neutrophil mediated inflammation, including bacterial infections. However, the early kinetics of calprotectin activation in humans following inflammatory activation has hitherto been unknown. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the early phase of the kinetics of calprotectin in plasma following a standardized temporary mild inflammatory response, using uncomplicated inguinal hernia surgery as a model. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 17 patients (16 men, age 41-79, 1 woman, age 54), undergoing elective surgery for uncomplicated hernia with laparoscopic (n=5) or open surgery (n=12), and without signs of inflammatory disease (C-reactive protein (CRP) < 5 mg/L) at entry of study. Calprotectin and inflammatory markers CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), and procalcitonin were measured in plasma at start of surgery (0), and following 2, 4, 6, and 24-36 h after inguinal surgery. Results: Values of calprotectin increased significantly (p=0.02532) at 2 h following surgery (mean 0.99 mg/L) from the lowest basal levels (mean 0.58 mg/L), and continued to increase to reach highest level at 24-36 h (mean 1.58 mg/L) postsurgery. This contrasts to IL-6 and CRP, for which an elevation was found first later, with a transient elevation at 4 h postsurgery for IL-6 (p=0.03098), and a later elevation for CRP in the 24-36 h postsurgery samples (p= 0.00124). No significant increase was seen at any analysed time point postsurgery for TNF-a, or procalcitonin. Conclusion: Calprotectin levels in plasma were rapidly elevated (within 2 h following mild inflammatory response associated with inguinal hernia surgery and continued to increase at later time points (24-36 h). Increase of calprotectin was observed several hours prior to increase in IL-6 or CRP. However, during the first 24 h the levels induced by the mild inflammatory response caused by inguinal hernia surgery were not significantly exceeding the normal reference range, suggesting that calprotectin can be useful for early detection of postsurgical infections.