bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where Do Environmental Benefits from Repurposing Office Buildings into Apartments Come from?
Authors: Gursel Aysegul , Shehabi Arman , Horvath Arpad
Published: April 2022

Quantitative studies of environmental benefits of repurposing, or adaptively reusing, buildings are very rare. It is generally believed that the structure can be saved in repurposing, but much of the façade and interior materials are often replaced. A life-cycle assessment of the materials needed to repurpose a mid-size 5-storey office building (of which there are about 155,000 in the United States alone, some in excess of market needs) into apartments reveals that 51% of energy, 57% of greenhouse gas emissions, and 75% of generated waste can be avoided when compared to constructing a new apartment building. The key materials driving the embodied energy and emissions are concrete, steel, and façade and interior materials. Replacements of materials and service assemblies in the maintenance phase more than double the embodied energy of initial construction and increase embodied greenhouse gas emissions by 60–77%, while adding just 6–7% to the mass of the buildings.
Potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and their association with Helicobacter pylori were analyzed based on the data of H. pylori-positive miRNA and Alzheimer's disease mRNA chips in the database
Authors: Wu Mei jun , Chen bin , Gao yue
Published: April 2022

Background: Although H. pylori infection has previously been reported to be linked with Alzheimer’s disease(AD), the pathogenesis between the two is unclear. Dysregulation of miRNA in AD in Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection have been implicated in the development and progression of AD. The purpose of this study is to analyze and screen the relevant and promising molecular markers between H. pylori infection and AD. Method：In the present study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AD samples (gray matter) of GSE37263 dataset and in H pylori-positive of GSE19769 collected by NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed utilizing the bioinformatics approach (R software and related packages), The MiRNA target gene was predicted by miRDB. Then intersected them and common genes were obtained,The interaction between genes was analyzed by STRING.WebGestalt was used for GO and KEGG analysis. Moreover, the MCODE of Cytoscape software was employed to uncover the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and the matching hub gene. Result:The gene set of H. pylori infection was crossed with that of AD acquired from GEO to obtain 48 common genes. Among them, 13 genes were interacted with each other and were key genes in AD regulatory network. After the establishment of PPI network, 9 pivot genes related to AD were retrieved, among which the most critical genes were GAD2, GABRG2, SLC32A1 and GABRA1，which are regulated by mirNA-650, mirNA-206, mirNA-142-3p and mirNA326. To reveal functional enrichment assessment of 13 cross genes, which were abundant in biological regulation and cell communication, and participates in nervous system regulation and neurotransmitter transmission. KEGG cascade analysis revealed three main pathways，KEGG cascade analysis revealed five pathways associated with the Key genes: GABA A receptor activation, GABA synthesis, release, Nicotine addictio, GABAergic synapse, and Neurotransmitter release cycle. Conclusion: The establishment of these candidate key genes and their enriched signal transduction cascades provide promising molecular markers for H. pylori infection associated AD, which may contribute to the diagnosis and future treatment of patients with AD.
Divergent response of shrub growth to climate warming along a latitude gradient
Authors: Yang Jingwen , Zhang Qiuliang , Song Wenqi , Zhang Xu , Wang Xiaochun
Published: April 2022

Understanding the response of shrub growth to climate changes is crucial to accurately predict the dynamic changes of the boreal forest ecosystem. A shrub-ring network base on 12 sites was established to explore the response of Pinus pumila growth to climate change along a latitudinal gradient from 44.10° to 52.58° N in northeastern China. The results showed significant differences in the growth trend of P. pumila at different latitudes in recent decades. Shrub growth was faster from 1950 to 1980 in the south and central. From 1981 to 2014, P. pumila growth increased in the north while slowed in the south and the central regions. The temperature of the previous winter and current spring were the main limiting factors for the growth of P. pumila in the north and south. In the central and southern, shrub growth was negatively correlated with precipitation in the previous and current summer. With the increase of latitude, summer temperature inhibits P. pumila growth, while summer precipitation positively impacts from 1981 to 2014. At the individual level, it can be better verified that the growth of P. pumila is promoted by both water and temperature. The prediction of the model shows that the radial growth trend of the northern shrub is decreasing under warming. Unexpectedly, P. pumila growth in the south will benefit from warming under the RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5 scenarios. Therefore, shrubs might not expand northward in the future under the background of climate warming.
A feasibility randomised trial comparing therapeutic thoracentesis to chest tube insertion for the management of pleural infection: results from the ACTion trial
Authors: Arnold David , Tucker Emma , Morley Anna , Milne Alice , Stadon Louise , Patole Sonia , Nava George , Walker Steven , Maskell Nick
Published: April 2022

BackgroundPleural infection is a complex condition with a considerable healthcare burden. The average hospital stay for pleural infection is 14 days. Current standard of care defaults to chest tube insertion and intravenous antibiotics. There have been no randomised trials on the use of therapeutic thoracentesis (TT) for pleural fluid drainage in pleural infection. Aims and ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility of a full-scale trial of chest tube vs TT for pleural infection in a single UK centre. The primary outcome was defined as the acceptability of randomisation to patients.MethodsAdult patients admitted with a pleural effusion felt to be related to infection and meeting criteria for drainage (based on international guidelines) were eligible for randomisation. Participants were randomised (1:1) to chest tube insertion or TT with daily review assessing need for further drainages or other therapies. Neither participant nor clinician were blinded to treatment allocation. Patients were followed up at 90 days post-randomisation.ResultsFrom September 2019 to June 2021, 51 patients were diagnosed with pleural infection (complex parapneumonic effusion/empyema). Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria for trial and 10 patients were randomised (91%). The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on recruitment. Data completeness was high in both groups with no protocol deviations.Patients randomised to TT had a significantly shorter overall mean hospital stay (5.4 days, SD 5.1) compared to the chest tube control group (13 days, SD 6.0), p=0.04. Total number of pleural procedures required per patient were similar, 1.2 in chest tube group and 1.4 in TT group. No patient required a surgical referral. Adverse events were similar between the groups with no readmissions related to pleural infection.ConclusionsThe ACTion trial met its pre-specified feasibility criteria for patient acceptability but other issues around feasibility of a full-scale trial remain. From the results available the hypothesis that TT can reduce length of stay in pleural infection should be explored further.Trial registrationISRCTN: 84674413 (registered 29/04/2019)
Factors Associated with Women’s Timing of first Antenatal Care visit during their last pregnancy: Evidence from 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey.
Authors: Towongo Moses Festo , Ngome Enock , Navaneetham Kannan , Gobopamang Letamo
Published: April 2022

Background: Utilization of antenatal care services (ANC) during pregnancy has been recognized as a major public health intervention to abate maternal morbidity and mortality. Uganda has experienced high levels of maternal morbidity and mortality over the past two decades. This could be partly attributed to the lower proportion of women who initiated their first antenatal care visit during the first trimester of their gestation period. This study aimed at investigating the factors associated with timing of first ANC visit by women in Uganda.Method: This study used secondary data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS). The study population comprises of women aged 15-49 who reported to have given their last birth during the five years preceding the 2016 UDHS survey. The outcome variable for this study was the timing of first ANC visit. Univariate, bivariate, and multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the utilization of timing of first ANC visit. Results: Findings show that only 30.3% of women utilized ANC during the first trimester. Women with secondary or higher education, women who were affiliated to Islamic religion, who reside in rural areas, and large family size were less likely to utilize ANC during the first trimester. Meanwhile women who formerly married were more likely to utilize ANC during the first trimester. Women who resided in communities with high socioeconomic status, and high media saturation were more likely to utilize ANC during the first trimester. Women who reside in communities with good access to health facility were more likely to utilize ANC during the first trimester as compared to women residing in communities inaccessible to health facility.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that contextual factors are important predictors of utilization of ANC during the first trimester apart from individual, factors. It is thus important for maternal health programme interventions to consider both individual and contextual factors when encouraging women to utilize ANC services during the first trimester.
An Interlaboratory Method Comparison Study of GB 4789.40-2016 and ISO 22964:2017 Detection of Cronobacter spp. in Powdered Infant Formula
Authors: Chen Wanyi , Chen Jing , Yang Jinghua , Xu Jie , Liu Meiyun , Hu Yu , Jiang Yong , Zhang Xinxin
Published: April 2022

It is documented that Cronobacter spp.(formely named as Enterobacter sakazakii) can live in the powdered infant formula (PIF) for a long period, and special concerns have been raised about the safety of powdered infant formula (PIF) contaminated by Cronobacter spp with the globalization of the food supply. A method comparison study between the Chinese standard method GB 4789.40–2016 (reference method) and the European standard method EN ISO 22964:2017 (alternative method) for detecting Cronobacter spp. in PIF was performed according to ISO 16140-2 2016. A total of 576 blind-coded test portions of the product spiked with the test strain at 3 different contamination levels were analyzed by 12 participating laboratories. The results showed that the sensitivity of GB 4789.40–2016 was 80% and 81.16% at the low and high contamination levels, respectively, while those of ISO 22964:2017 were 90% and 97.10%, respectively. The Relative Levels of Detection (RLODs) were below the acceptance limit (AL) regardless of the contamination level. The results were also analyzed using the probability of detection (POD) model proposed in the AOAC guidelines, and showed no statistically significant difference between the alternative and reference methods. The ISO 22964:2017 method was considered equivalent to the GB 4789.40–2016 method for the detection of C. sakazakii in PIF.
Profiling the m 6 A regulated RNA expression patterns and alternative splicing features in esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Pu Youguang , Kong Lingsuo , Gao Fei , Zhao Fangfang , Xia Ran , Cai Cifeng , Tan Yiao , Huang Dabing , Li Zhenyu , Ge Fangfang , Wei Ran , Zang Chunbao
Published: April 2022

The mRNA post-modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, have been found to play a role in a variety of cancers. The impact of m6A modification in esophageal cancer (EC), which is one of the most frequently occurred malignancies worldwide, is still unclear. Here we evaluated the m6A modification patterns in 161 EC samples based on 22 kinds of m6A regulatory factors. We constructed the m6Ascore, in which the principal component analysis (PCA) was used to quantify the m6A modification pattern of a single tumor. Two distinct m6A modification patterns were determined, namely risky pattern and favorable pattern. Patients of favorable pattern positively correlated with the prognosis, whereas patients of risky pattern had a negative correlation. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes that closely relate to the prognosis of EC patients were screened and clustered, yielding a principal component analysis coefficient to indicate the m6Ascore. Resultantly, the prognosis of EC patients is highly correlated with the combined effects of m6Ascore, stage and TMB. In addition, the correlation analysis revealed that the key transcription factor YY1 determines the m6Ascore via regulating the gene expression. The mutil-Cox analysis constructed the risk prediction model of alternative splicing, which negatively correlated with the m6Ascore. Moreover, the m6A demethylase ALKBH5 was found to have a most significant negative correlation with the risk score, and might regulate the alternative splicing of ABI1-ES. Altogether, we established a set of scoring system to quantify the m6A modification pattern with RNA alternative splicing events in individual EC patients.
The effect of litter addition on soil microbial and enzyme indices after forest harvesting operations in Hyrcanian deciduous forests, twenty years trajectory
Authors: Sohrabi Hadi , Jourgholami Meghdad , Labelle Eric R.
Published: April 2022

Improvement of soil characteristics in natural conditions after ground-based forest harvesting operations is necessary to maintain soil quality. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the effect of different tree litters on soil microbial properties and enzyme activity of skid trails over a 20-year period after skidding operations. A total of 216 soil samples were taken from three litter treatments (B; beech, B-H; beech-hornbeam, B-H-O; mixed beech) exposed to three traffic intensity classes (low, medium, and high) that were each assigned to three time periods (6, 10 and 20 years after harvesting). All combinations were replicated three times. The highest value of soil microbial characteristics and enzyme activity belonged to B-H-O treatment followed by > B-H > B and 20-years since harvest followed by > 10 years > 6 years. Recovery of microbial properties and enzyme activities under the influence of high-quality litter (mixed beech) was positively associated with other soil properties including pH, total N, available nutrients. Values of soil microbial properties including soil microbial respiration (15%), microbial biomass carbon (8.7 %), microbial biomass nitrogen (15.4%), NH4+ (13.6%), NO3- (9.8 %) and enzyme activities such as urease (10.2%), acid phosphatase (4.4%), arylsulfatase (8.8%), invertase (6.9%) in the B-H-O treatment measured 20 years after harvesting were less than the values of the undisturbed area. According to these results, it seems that the mixed beech litter treatment has been able to improve soil properties more than the other tested treatments.
Instagram and Achilles Tendon Surgery: Evaluation of Patients' Perceptions of Surgery
Authors: Kultur Yigit , Bal Emre
Published: April 2022

Background
We aimed to research and analyze the content related to Achilles tendon surgery shared by patients on Instagram, to know more about the patients’ conditions in the perioperative period, which may be important for them but the physicians are unaware of.
Methods
Covering 78 months between February 15, 2015 and August 17, 2021, the posts published with the hashtag “#achillessurgery” and #achillesrepair” on Instagram were searched in the application’s database. Posts were evaluated using a binary scoring system: Media format, tone, return to work, return to sports, rehabilitation or physical therapy, images of ankle etc. (scar, dressing, stitches, cast, or walking boot), pain, and activities of daily living. The vast majority of posts were related to Achilles tendinopathy and these posts were excluded from the study. All patients who did not undergo Achilles surgery were excluded from the study. Physician accounts, accounts with advertising content related to rehabilitation or physical therapy, accounts related to health and veterinary posts were also excluded.
Results
Of the 500 posts reviewed, 74% were published by patients and 87% had a positive tone. The mean Instagram like ratio of the posts was 12%. About one third (30%) of the patients posted about the images of ankle etc. and return to sports in their social media posts. The most shared content were posts that had informative content about the disease (41%).
Conclusions
Our research on the use of social media regarding Achilles tendon surgery provides an alternative perspective on how patients feel about their surgical experience. Understanding the contents of the patients’ social media posts may provide an opportunity to better evaluate the surgical experience of patients, which may allow surgeons to manage their patients better.
Numerical simulation of the effect of internal hole defect size on the mechanical properties of limestone
Authors: Liu Handong , Liu Shuai , Zhao Yawen , Wang Jialiang , Zheng Chao , Xia Zhiguo , Zheng Guang
Published: April 2022

To better understand the effect of the size of hole defects on the mechanical properties of a rock mass, the two-dimensional particle flow discrete element code (PFC2D) is used to establish rock mass models with single circular hole defects of different diameters. Taking the defect size (area) as the only variable, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests are carried out on each model. The stress-strain, contact force chain, crack evolution, meso-damage and failure, and mechanical properties of each model are compared and analyzed. The results show that with the size enlargement of the circular hole defects, the UCS and elastic modulus of each model decrease gradually, and the defect size is negatively correlated with the mechanical strength of the rock samples. The size of the hole defects affects the entire process of contact force chain and crack evolution. The larger the aperture dimension of the circular hole defects in each model, the greater the concentration degree of the contact force chain, the earlier the crack initiation, and the higher the degree of crack penetration in post-peak stage. The number of cracks has a decreasing trend as the hole size increases, and the model is more prone to failure. Under the condition of the same defect area, the strength and failure characteristics of rock models with different numbers and arrangements of hole defects are compared and discussed.
The NLRP3 inflammasome signaling axis plays a primary role in acrylamide-induced pyroptosis and neurotoxic injury in SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Zhao Mengyao , Zhang Boya , Deng Linlin , Zhao Liming
Published: April 2022

Acrylamide (ACR), a soft electrophile, is a typical environmental and food contaminant that presents potential health hazards and, consequently, is attracting increasing attention in the quest for its control. ACR neurotoxicity has been widely reported in experimental animals and attributed to neuroinflammation, however the mechanisms involved therein require clarification. In this study, we used a neuron cell model to investigate the mechanisms of ACR-induced neuroinflammation and pyroptosis. The results showed that ACR treatment induced lytic cell death morphologically under both the canonical pyroptotic pathway (NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC)-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (caspase-1) -gasdermin D (GSDMD) -interleukin-1β (IL-1β)/interleukin-18 (IL-18)) and an alternative pyroptotic pathway (Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase-3) -gasdermin E (GSDME) -IL-1β/IL-18) in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) production, cytokines release and lytic cell death induced by ACR were diminished by caspase-1 and -3 inhibitors. Furthermore, the knockdown of caspase-1 by small interfering RNA attenuated ACR-induced lytic cell death, suggesting that canonical pyroptosis (the NLRP3-caspase 1-GSDMD-IL-1β signaling axis) played a primary role in the ACR-induced pyroptosis. Of the two pyroptotic-related pathways, the NLRP3 inflammasome cascade was activated first within the 6 h period of ACR exposure, while the activation of the alternative pyroptotic pathway was delayed. Collectively, these results indicate that ACR mainly induce NLRP3-related neuroinflammation and pyroptosis in SH-SY5Y cells, which is, thus, suggestive of an alternative mechanism for ACR-induced neurotoxicity.
miR-29c promotes alcohol dehydrogenase gene cluster expression by activating the enhancer within ADH6
Authors: Chen Ningning , Luo Jiao , Hou Yufei , Ji Yanan , Xie Mengyue , Song Ge , Yu Dianke
Published: April 2022

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) play vital roles in alcohol metabolism and alcohol toxicity, yet little is known about miRNA-mediated regulation of ADH gene cluster. Here, we showed that miR-29c might activate ADH gene cluster transcription by targeting an enhancer element within ADH6 gene. miR-29c is differentially expressed in alcoholic liver disease. Following biochemical and molecular evidences demonstrated that miR-29c could increase ADH6 mRNA and protein levels without affecting the stability of ADH6 transcript. Further evidence showed that exogenous miR-29c could move into the nucleus and then unconventionally bound an enhancer element within ADH6 gene. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation data indicated that miR-29c could activate the enhancer and increase the enrichment of RNA Polymerase II at the promoter region of ADH1A, ADH1B, ADH1C, ADH4, and ADH6. Finally, exogenous miR-29c transfection promoted the expressions of ADH1A, ADH1B, ADH1C, and ADH4 pre-mRNA and mRNA transcripts in the ADH gene cluster. In conclusion, our data suggest that miR-29c might represent as a novel epigenetic regulator involved in ADH gene cluster activation.
Evaluate the clinical learning environment of "Nursing the Childbearing Family" Course from the students' perspectives
Authors: Fouly Howieda , Davidson Patricia
Published: April 2022

Simulation as an active pedagogical strategy helps students transfer their knowledge into technical skills and create rules through critical thinking. However, it needs a periodic evaluation from students' perspectives to be up to date with technology. Aim: To evaluate the clinical learning environment of the "Nursing the Childbearing Family" Course from the students' perspectives. Methods: Observational/ prospective design conducted at simulation labs of childbearing family course, school of nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Maryland, USA. 62 masters/postgraduate students out of 73 (more than 80%) enrolled in the childbearing course (Spring/2017). The study included all students who agreed to participate in the study. Results: The majority of the study's standards indicators regarding students' clinical site, clinical instructor achieved successfully. The comparison between students' perspectives before and after receiving clinical training reflected a statistical significance difference at p<0.05. A significant relationship between the students’ perspective regarding the clinical site and clinical instructors P<0.001. Conclusion: The majority of students’ perspectives toward the four standards are positively high except some perspectives refers to the need for more details in some topics such as obstetric emergencies "breech position, amniotic fluid embolism" which confirmed that the audit for the clinical environment gives the students more confidence to go behind the course procedures and ask for more complicated conditions.
Comparative study of the Neurotoxic Effects of Pregabalin versus Tramadol in Rats
Authors: Elsukary Ahmed E. , El-Kattan Mohammad A. , Helaly Ahmed M. N. Z. , Bakary Amal A. El , Moustafa Maha E.
Published: April 2022

Background: In Egypt, both pregabalin and tramadol misuse increased in the last decade. Although many studies have confirmed the neurotoxic effects of tramadol, those of pregabalin are understudied. Aim of the study: evaluation of the neurotoxic effects of pregabalin compared with tramadol.Material and method: Thirty male albino rats were included in this experimental study, and they were randomly allocated into three equal groups; Group I (normal saline), Group II (Tramadol addicted), and Group III (pregabalin addicted). All rats received the commenced drugs for 1 month. Open-field tests were performed on the day of scarification, and after that, cortical samples were taken for immunohistochemical analysis and quantification of dopamine receptors' gene expression.Results: The addicted groups showed a significant decrease in weight gain at the end of the study. Open-field testing showed the upper hand of controls regarding all of the tested parameters. Tramadol has a more negative impact on the locomotor parameters compared with pregabalin. Both drugs induced relatively low dopamine-1 receptors (D1Rs) expression to dopamine-2 receptors (D2Rs), mimicking the schizophrenia model.Conclusion: Both tramadol and pregabalin were associated with neurotoxic effects in male albino rats. These effects were less noticed with pregabalin. It is suggested that long-term abuse may end in psychosis.
Effect of a music intervention on anxiety in adult critically ill patients: a multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kakar Ellaha , Ottens Thomas , Stads Susanne , Wesselius Sanne , Gommers Diederik A.M.P.J. , Jeekel Johannes , Jagt Mathieu van der
Published: April 2022

Background: Previous studies show positive effect of music on reducing anxiety, pain, and medication requirement. Anxiety has become a more pertinent issue in the intensive care unit (ICU) since wakefulness is preferred according to recent guidelines. Nevertheless, evidence on the effect of music in ICU patients is scarce. Therefore, we studied the effect of music intervention on anxiety in ICU patients.Methods: A multicentre randomized clinical trial was conducted between August 2020 and December 2021 in ICU’s at an academic medical center and two regional hospitals. Adult critically ill patients were eligible when hemodynamically stable and communicable (Richmond agitation-sedation scale (RASS) of at least -2). Patients in the intervention arm were offered music twice daily during three days for at least 30 minutes per session. Patients in the control group received standard care. The primary outcome was anxiety level assessed with the visual analogue scale for anxiety [VAS-A; range 0-10] twice daily (morning and evening). Secondary outcomes included; 6-item state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI-6), sleep quality, delirium, heart rate, mean arterial pressure pain, RASS, medication, ICU length of stay, patients’ memory and experience of ICU stay. Results: 94 patients were included in the primary analysis. Music did not significantly reduce anxiety (VAS-A in the intervention group; 2.5(IQR 1.0-4.5), 1.8(0.0-3.6), and 2.5(0.0-3.6) on day 1,2, and 3 versus 3.0(0.6-4.0), 1.5(0.0-4.0), and 2.0(0.0-4.0) in the control group; p>0.92). Overall median daily VAS-A scores ranged from 1.5 to 3.0. Fewer patients required opioids (21 vs. 29, p=0.03) and sleep quality was lower in the music group on study day one (5.0(4.0-6.0) vs. 4.5(3.0-5.0), p=0.03). Other outcomes were similar between groups. Conclusions: Anxiety levels in this ICU population were low, and music did not decrease anxiety. This study indicates that efficacy of music is context and intervention-dependent, given previous evidence showing decreased anxiety. Trial Registration number: Netherlands Trial Register: NL8595, Registered, 1 April 2020ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04796389, Registered retrospectively, 3 April 2021
Impact of early in-hospital nutritional status on clinical outcomes in Coronavirus disease 2019 patients: A single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhang Fei , Wang Meng-Xin , Chen Yu-Rong , Feng Han-Rui , Dou Zu-Lin , Tang Zhi-Ming
Published: April 2022

Background
This study investigated the effects of nutritional status at the time of admission on clinical outcomes in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on 54 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Clinical data of admitted patients, albumin and pre-serum albumin levels, gastrointestinal intolerance, and general information were collected and analyzed. The primary clinical outcomes were length of hospital stay and hospitalization costs.
Results
The results showed that albumin and pre-serum albumin levels of patients at admission were negatively associated with the length of hospital stay and hospitalization costs (P < 0.001). Patients with poor appetite had longer hospital stays (P < 0.001) and higher hospital costs (P = 0.022).
Conclusion
These results indicated that the nutritional status at admission can directly influence the clinical outcomes of COVID-19.
The LMP1/Lgals1-NF-κB-IRF1-PDL1 axis promotes immune escape in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yixing , Xie Fang , Li Zhiqin , Lin Dayu , Zhuo Jianfang , Chen Jianhao , Luo Qicong , Lin Qin
Published: April 2022

Background: Recurrence and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely related to immune escape. It is known that LMP1 promotes the immune escape of NPCs by controlling the expression of PD-L1. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully characterized.Methods: We demonstrated LMP1 activates downstream pathways in vitro, and confirmed LMP1/Lgals1 interaction and inhibition of PD-L1 expression by Lgals1 inhibitor OTX008 in vitro by Western blot and flow cytometry. Then we analyzed the clinical correlation among LMP1, Lgals1, IRF-1 and PD-L1. Finally, we confirmed that OTX008 enhances the immunogenicity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by T-cell killing assay, ELISA and flow cytometry.Results: We demonstrated that LMP1 interacts with Lgals1 to regulate IRF1 via NF-κB signaling pathway, promoting the expression of PD-L1 in NPCs. LMP1 and Lgals1 are both found to be tightly linked to recurrence and metastasis of NPC based on clinical data. Targeting Lgals1 by using OTX008, a specific Lgals1 inhibitor, is able to restore the immunogenic environment in NPCs. Our findings reveal a regulatory axis for PD-L1 expression in NPC cells, and targeting one component in this axis, Lgals1, is effective in boosting the immunogenicity of NPCs, providing a therapeutic avenue for treating NPC.Conclusion：In summary, we showed here that LMP1 can interact with Lgals1, and this complex can influence PD-L1 expression by regulating IRF-1 through NF-κB signal pathway in NPC cells, and inhibition of Lgals1 improves immunogenicity of NPC cells.
Effect of K poisoning on denitration performance of catalyst
Authors: Li Cai , Zhu Yunlong , Yang Jinghua
Published: April 2022

The V2O5–WO3/TiO2 catalyst samples loaded with different forms of K salt(KCl, KNO3 and K2SO4)were prepared by an impregnation method. The results of catalytic activity evaluation tests illustrated that different forms of K salt poisoned the catalyst and decreased its denitrification efficiency. However, the degree of poisoning was different. The stronger the acid formed by acid ions, the stronger the counter acting effect on the poisoning of the catalyst. This is related to the acidity change of the Bronsted and the Lewis acid sites on the surface of the catalyst caused by different forms of K poisoning. The results also found that SO2 enhances the catalyst activity of different forms of K poisoning in flue gas, by reducing the degree of poisoning. The mechanism was that the acid SO2 enhanced the acidity of the Lewis acid sites on the catalyst surface. The results of SO2 conversion rate evaluation test indicated that different forms of K poisoning improve the conversion rate of SO2 to SO3. The strengthening effect of K2SO4 poisoning of the catalyst was the most significant, KNO3 was next, and KCl the least. This was related to the change of electronegativity and stability of the V–O–M oxygen bridge caused by different forms of K poisoning.
pH-responsive Chitosan/alginate as a Suitable Nanocarrier for Efficient Oral Delivery of Catechin in Aluminum Chloride-induced Brain Injury
Authors: Mohammadbaghban Elnaz , Taravati Ali , Khaleghzadeh-Ahangar Hossein , Najafzadeh Hossein , Tohidi Fatemeh
Published: April 2022

Although, numerous clinical studies have shown the efficacy of catechin as a main bioactive compound in green tea, which has demonstrated a capacity in prevention and treatment of a wide range of diseases, it has poor potential for bioavailability and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of chitosan alginate nanocarriers encapsulated catechin in an aluminum chloride-induced dementia paradigm. The catechin-loaded chitosan-alginate nanocarriers were synthesized by ionotropic gelation (IG) technique. Physio-chemical characterization has been done by Zetasizer Nano system, Scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The synthesized nanoparticles showed optimal dimensions in the range of 45–50 nm. The memory impairment model was induced by injecting aluminum chloride (100 mg/kg) for 21 days. Treatment with aluminum chloride increased the AChE activity by inducing memory impairment (p < 0.001). Moreover, free and nanoencapsulated catechin exhibited improvement in memory function in comparison to other groups. This leads to preservation of TAC levels, AChE and CAT enzyme activity similar to those in control animals group. The use of chitosan to encapsulate catechin offers an innovative therapeutic formulation to improve memory function and gain new insights for nanomedicine drug against Alzheimer's disease.
Malnutrition leads to the progression of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Okabe Hiroki , Muraoka Yoshitaka , Naka Yutaro , Setoyama Koshi , Inoue Konosuke , Miura Toshiya , Shimizu Akiyoshi , Anai Reo , Miyamoto Tetsu , Tsuda Yuki , Araki Masaru , Sonoda Shinjo , Kataoka Masaharu
Published: April 2022

Malnutrition is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients on hemodialysis (HD). However, no in vivo studies using optical coherence tomography to evaluate the effect of nutritional status on coronary atherosclerosis in patients on HD exist. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a detailed analysis to address this gap. This study included 64 HD patients who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions. The patients were divided into two groups based on nutritional evaluation using the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI). Culprit and non-culprit lesions were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months. In the culprit lesions at baseline, the thickness and length of the calcified plaque were significantly larger (p < 0.01). In the non-culprit lesions, the 6-month change in the angle of the calcified plaque was significantly greater in the malnutrition group (p = 0.02). The significant factors that affected the change in the angle of calcification were "malnutrition at GNRI" [odds ratio, 8.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.79 to 37.33; p < 0.01] and "serum phosphorus level" (odds ratio, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.42 to 9.81; p < 0.01). Appropriate management of nutritional status is crucial for suppressing the progression of coronary artery disease in HD patients.
Sesame oil ameliorates valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity in mice: Integrated in vivo- in silico study
Authors: Mohamed Doaa Shaaban , Shaban Nema Sayed , Labib Mai Mohamed , Shehata Olfat
Published: April 2022

Sesame oil has been exhibited to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant influences. The goal of this experiment was to look into sesame oil's hepato-protective properties and underlying processes in valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity. Molecular docking was carried out to clarify the functional and structural underlying mechanism of sesame oil ameliorative effect. Mice were given 8 ml/kg/day of sesame oil (orally) and 100 mg/kg/day of valproic acid (i.p.) for 21 days. The results revealed that valproic acid caused a considerable increase in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while decreasing the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme. There was also a significant rise in serum levels of interleukines 1β & 6 (IL-1β & IL-6) and a significant decrease in hepatic (PXR) gene expression level. Sesame oil co-administration with valproic acid significantly normalized the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status and upregulated the gene expression level of PXR. In silico docking analysis results confirmed these results. This study concluded that supplementation of sesame oil attenuated valproic acid induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence, it was recommended as a dietary supplement for protection against valproic acid induced hepatotoxicity.
Evaluation and countermeasures of the contracted services of Chinese family doctors from the perspective of demanders -- a case study of a city
Authors: Yu Qianqian , Liu Songyi , Meng Wenqi , Peng Haibo , Jiang Xiaoli , Li Zixin , Yin Wenqiang , Chen Zhongming , Ma Dongping , Sun Kui
Published: April 2022

Background: From the perspective of the demander, the purpose of the study is to find out the weak link of the family doctor contracted service in a city, that is, to optimize the effect of the family doctor contracted service in China.Methods: In this study, a city in Shandong Province, China was selected as the sample city. In January 2020, 1098 contracted residents (including 40.5% men and 59.5% women) from 18 primary medical institutions (including township health centers and community health centers) were selected for on-site investigation. The PCAT-AS scale revised in Chinese was used as the research tool to understand the treatment experience of contracted residents in primary medical institutions.Results: Among the four core dimensions of PCAT-AS, the score of Continuous was the highest (3.44 ± 0.58); The score of Coordinated was the lowest (3.08 ± 0.66); Among the three derived dimensions, the score of Family-centeredness was the highest (3.33 ± 0.65); The score of Culturally-competent was the lowest (2.93 ± 0.77). The PCAT scores of contracted residents with different demographic characteristics such as contracted institution, age, education level, marital status and occupation were statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusions: The family doctor contracted service in the city has achieved certain results. At the same time, there are still some problems, such as difficult access to outpatient services during nonworking hours and incomplete service items. It is suggested that primary medical institutions further improve their service capacity in the dimensions of Coordinated and Comprehensiveness, in order to provide better services for contracted residents.
MiR-29c Inhibits TNF-α-induced ROS production and apoptosis in Mouse Hippocampal HT22 Cell Line
Authors: Li Bo , Lu Ying , Xu Tao , Lei Xiaolu , Jin Huan , Gao Xiaohong , Xie Ye , Liu Xiaohong , Zeng Junwei
Published: April 2022

Recent reports have suggested that abnormal miR-29c expression in hippocampus have been implicated in the pathophysiology of some nervous system disease. However, many aspects underlying mechanism of miR-29c in regulating cellular functions in hippocampal neurons are not clear. In this study, HT22 cells were infected with lentivirus containing miR-29c or miR-29c sponge. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kit were applied to evaluate cell viability and toxicity before and after TNF-α application. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration were evaluated using dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was determined using Tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) staining. Cellular apoptosis was observed via TUNEL staining assay and Hoechst 33258 staining and measured by the expression of cleaved caspase-3, -8 and − 9. The expression of miR-29c and TNFR1, Bcl-2, Bax, TRADD and FADD was analyzed by PCR or WB. As a result, we found that miR-29c overexpression significantly attenuated decreases in cell viability, release of LDH and apoptosis in TNF-α-treated HT22 cells. Furthermore, the high expression of miR-29c can significantly prevented TNF-α-induced oxidative injuries via the decrease of intracellular ROS levels and the increase of MMP. TNF-α-induced increase in Bax and cleaved-caspase-9 and the decrease of Bcl-2 was attenuated after transfection of HT22 cells with miR-29c. Moreover, over-expression of miR-29c significantly inhibits the increased expression of TNFR1, TRADD, FADD, cleaved caspase-8 and − 3. However, in HT22 cells transfected with miR-29c sponge, TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, as well as elevated expression of TNFR1, TRADD and FADD were exacerbated. Our findings indicated that miR-29c overexpression attenuates TNF-α-induced HT22 cells injury through inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. In addition, TNF-α-induced TNFR1 activation, FADD association and caspase 8 recruitment may be impaired by miR-29c. Therefore, miR-29c might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of TNF-α-induced neurotoxicity.
Effect of different lipid-lowering therapies on fibrous cap thickness in CAD patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Bing-Yu , Nan Nan , Zuo Hui-Juan , Song Xian-Tao
Published: April 2022

Background and aims: Previous meta-analysis just assessed the effect of statin monotherapy rather than combination therapy on fibrous cap thickness (FCT). The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of different lipid-lowering therapies on FCT of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT).Methods: Data sources were selected from PubMed and Embase, including clinical trials assessing the relationship between lipid-lowering therapies and FCT on OCT, from inception to March 1st, 2022. The main subgroup analysis is based on different lipid-lowering therapies. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was evaluated by random effects model. Results: Seventeen OCT studies were included. A total of 1027 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The overall random effect mean FCT change from baseline to follow-up was 53.81μm (95% CI: 44.07-63.55, I²=85%, p<0.00001). The random effect FCT mean change of between low & moderate statin therapy and high intensity statin therapy was 57.03μm vs. 91.50μm, in statin combination therapy and statin monotherapy was 46.89μm vs. 27.18μm. The p value of meta regression of diabetic mellitus (DM) was 0.004, and adjust R2 was 28.18%, which meant DM could explained 28.18% of heterogeneity in this meta-analysis. No evidence proved publication bias of the published studies. Conclusions: Lipid-lowering therapy can effectively increase FCT. High intensity statin therapy and statin combination lipid-lowering therapy can further improve FCT, stabilize plaques, and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events.Trial registration: This meta-analysis has registered in PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42020181252.
Protective effect of based on chitosan coating with grape peel extract on cattle rumen induced by freeze-thaw cycles
Authors: Cao Yinjuan , Song Zhaoyang , Han Ling , Yu Qunli
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of chitosan (CH) containing grape peel extract (GPE) coating on cattle rumen induced by freeze-thaw cycles. It can be concluded that pH, water holding capacity, L*, a*, and cutting force of the sample without CH were significantly decreased, Total aerobic count (TCA), total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), b* and oxidation reactions were increased with the increasing in F-T cycles (p < 0.05). The pH, thawing loss, pressing loss, cooking loss, b*, cutting force, TCA and TVB-N of CH-GPE coating samples were decreased by 5.2%, 10.9%, 13.0%, 11.4%, 8.2%, and 18.9%, and L*, a* and sensory evaluation were increased by 151.2%, 3.9% and 17.0% than the sample without CH coating after five F-T cycles. In addition, CH coating could effectively restrain the destruction of the microstructure of cattle rumen during F-T cycles. More importantly, the inhibitory effect of CH-GPE coating on oxidation was verified from the decrease in carbonyl contents (16.5%), sulfhydryl contents (8.7%), TBARS (17.5%) and POV value (27.8%) of cattle rumen compared with CH coating after five F-T cycles. Therefore, these results illustrated the potential benefits of CH-GPE coating in meat products.
Multi-Model Learning to Detect Twitter Hate Speech
Authors: Patil Dharmaraj R. , Pattewar Tareek M.
Published: April 2022

Users on the social networking platform have the freedom to express themselves freely. Towards the same time, this has created a forum for disagreement and hate directed at someone, society, racism, sexual orientation, and so on. Identifying hate online is a challenging task. Researchers from all around the world have contributed major methods for detecting hate speech, but owing to the issue's complexity, there are still many unresolved issues. In this research, we offer a multi-model learning strategy for detecting hate speech on Twitter. We utilised the Kaggle TwitterHate dataset, which had 31962 tweets categorised as binary hate or non-hate, to evaluate our technique. The suggested method is tested using commonly used machine learning classifiers with multi-model technique. Using TF-IDF features, we acquired detection results of 96.29%, precision of 96%, recall of 96%, and f1-score of 96%.
Prone split-leg versus Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position during endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery for urolithiasis: a Bayesian network analysis
Authors: Zheng Zexian , Xu Jiandong , Li Zhifeng , Mao Leiyafang , Zhong Wen
Published: April 2022

To perform a Bayesian network meta-analysis evaluating the safety and efficacy of endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia (GMSV) position versus prone split-leg (PSL) position. A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases was executed to identify relevant studies. The clinical trials comparing ECIRS in GMSV position, ECIRS in PSL position and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in prone position for the management of renal calculi were included. The concerned outcomes were stone free rate (SFR), operation duration and complications. All endpoint variables were recorded as risk ratios (ORs) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The present study was registered in International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), number CRD42021292678. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 4 cohort studies or retrospective case-control studies (non-RCTs) were included in the Bayesian network meta-analysis. Of the 6 studies, 4 studies compared GMSV-ECIRS versus prone PCNL, 1 study compared GMSV-ECIRS versus PSL-ECIRS, and 1 study compared PSL-ECIRS versus prone PCNL. Bayesian network meta-analysis showed that GMSV-ECIRS had the similar SFR (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.33 to 2.27), complication rate (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.24 to 3.03) and operation time (WMD 23.62, 95% CI -70.15 to 112.51) when compared to PSL-ECIRS. However, in the rank-probability test, PSL-ECIRS had the highest SFR and the shortest operation duration, but GMSV-ECIRS had the lowest complication rate. Both GMSV-ECIRS and PSL-ECIRS were well established modalities for the management of kidney stones. PSL-ECIRS might have higher SFR, shorter operation time, while a little bit more complication than GMSV-ECIRS. Multiple-center RCTs with large sample size were required to certify the finding.