bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of ethyl lauroyl arginine hydrochloride (ELAH) in nasal spray formula on SARS-Cov-2
Authors: Thacore Harshad R. , Gaffar Abdul , Yun Seiyoung , Chenine Agnes L. , Ferrari Maria . G.
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2 and coronaviruses, enveloped RNA viruses, are major causes of acute human respiratory diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the broad-spectrum antiviral effects of ethyl lauroyl arginine hydrochloride (ELAH) in in vitro and in vivo assays. Cell-based assays found that the pseudovirus VSV-SARS-CoV-2 was inhibited with an EC50 of 15 micrograms/ml, with complete inhibition achieved at 110 micrograms/ml. The effects were comparable to those observed with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody neutralization assays against VSV-SARS-CoV-2. Intranasal administration of the Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2 treated in vitro with ELAH inhibited the disease symptoms caused by the virus in a Syrian hamster model compared to that caused by the same dose of virus treated in vitro with medium alone. Subgenomic RNA and total RNA viral load were concomitantly reduced in the treated animals compared with the control group. In cell-based studies, pretreatment of susceptible cells with 1–10 micrograms/ml ELAH inhibited the attachment of the virus to the cells, as measured by cytopathic and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) effects, suggesting that the primary mode of ELAH action was due to preventing the attachment of the virus to the cells. Collectively, the data suggest that ELAH could be a promising agent for the prevention of SARS infection through nasopharyngeal surfaces.
Experiences of Health Providers and patients in COVID‑19: A SWOT analysis
Authors: kheirkhah Aliasghar , Movahed Ehsan , gheyabi Fereshte , Farsani Fatemeh kave , Rigabadi Fatemeh
Published: September 2021

Background: Health providers and patients face many problems in preventing and controlling COVID-19 in the family and the health system.Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore experiences of health providers and patients in COVID‑19.Methods: directional qualitative content analysis was applied and 15 participants, including 10 patients with COVID-19 and 5 health providers. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed by Lundman and Graneheim qualitative content analysis methods. The MAXQDA10 software was used to manage qualitative data analysis.Results: During the data analysis, "strengths", "weaknesses", "opportunities", and "threats" were defined in terms of categories. The " Benefits and Barriers " was determined as the main theme.Conclusion: Community members and policymakers should support and reinforce the positive experiences of patients and health providers and the health system and families need to be more prepared for the crisis.
Managing Fuels, Tree, and Stand Growth Using Prescribed Fire and Alternatives in Young Mixed Conifer Stands
Authors: Russell Kane Winslow , York Robert A.
Published: September 2021

Background

In the wake of increasingly frequent and severe wildfires in California, artificial regeneration and density management facilitate prompt reforestation and the rapid growth of large, fire-resistant trees. Young plantations are particularly prone to high-severity wildfire effects, suggesting the implementation of fuel reduction treatments in the early stages of stand development. The extent to which density management (i.e., thinning) and fuels management (i.e., prescribed fire) can work together is uncertain given their potentially conflicting effects on tree and stand level growth. We investigated how four different treatments – mastication, mastication plus herbicide, two prescribed burns, and mastication plus two burns – affected individual and stand-level growth versus fuel loads in mixed-conifer plantations during young stand development in the north-central Sierra Nevada, California, USA.
Results

The mastication plus herbicide treatment maximized individual tree growth, especially for white fir and incense-cedar, but fuel loads doubled after five years without the use of fire. The mastication only treatment resulted in a 151% increase in fuel loads over the same period, and individual tree growth was comparable to the burn only and mastication plus burn treatments. The burn only treatment greatly decreased fuel loads but also resulted in low relative stand growth. The mastication plus burn treatment prevented fuel accumulation and generally did not slow down individual tree growth. In addition, stand growth occurred at a rate similar to that of the mastication plus herbicide treatment.
Conclusions

Mastication followed by repeated prescribed burning could be a viable management strategy to reduce wildfire hazard without sacrificing growth in young mixed-conifer stands that are entering a vulnerable stage of fire risk. Mastication in combination with herbicide may grow trees to a large, fire-resistant size more quickly, but does not address fuel buildup. The use of fire alone can effectively reduce fuels while not substantially impacting individual tree growth, but stand growth may decline relative to mastication and herbicide.
Telephone-Based Reminder To Improve Safety After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Chidester Jeffrey , Bennett Daniel , Mathew Chris , Denkins Tiffany , Vigen Rebecca , Addo Tayo , Das Sandeep
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) is a class I guideline indication after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Our population is high-risk for low medication adherence. With a multidisciplinary team we developed a telephone-based intervention to improve DAPT adherence post-PCI. Methods: Patients undergoing PCI at our center were contacted by nursing staff via telephone at 1 week, 30 days, and 60 days post-procedure. Calls included a reminder of the importance of DAPT and elicited any patient concerns. Concerns were relayed to the team who could take appropriate action. For patients filling their medications at any pharmacies within our closed system the proportion of days covered (PDC) was calculated. These were compared to data for patients undergoing PCI in the seven months prior to program initiation. Information on interventions performed as a result of calls was also collected. Results: During the study period, 452 patients underwent PCI. Of these, 70% were contacted and 244 filled their prescription at our system pharmacies. Twelve-month median PDC was 74%, with 45% of patients having PDC >80%. There was no significant difference when compared to the group prior to the intervention, median PDC 79% and 50% of patients having PDC >80%. In 26 patients calls led to interventions, removing barriers that would have otherwise prevented continued adherence. Conclusion: A telephone-based reminder system led to directed interventions in nearly 1 in 10 patients contacted. It was not able to significantly improve PDC when compared to a contemporary sample. This highlights the difficulty in using PDC to detect barriers to adherence.
Effects of Kinesiology Taping On Sleep Quality In Participants With Cronical Low Back Pain
Authors: Yükselmiş Özkan
Published: September 2021

Our main aim in this study is to compare the effectiveness of conventional physical therapy in the context of sleep quality of participants with chronic low back pain and the effectiveness of kinesiology taping applied to the waist area in a very short time.40 participants (30 females, 10 males) whose age ranges ranged from 25 to 50 years were randomly divided into two groups (banding group and control group). In both groups, a home exercise program was given by applying therapeutic ultrasound for 5 minutes, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) for 30 minutes and infrared for 30 minutes. In kinesiology taping groups, taping was applied to the waist region with the star technique, once for 48 hours. VAS (Visual Analog Scale) for pain, hip flexor flexibility test and hand-finger floor distance test for flexibility, Berg balance scale for balance, Beck anxiety scale for anxiety, Oswestry disability index for disability level, Tampa kinesiophobia scale for kinesiophobia, sleep quality Pittsburg sleep quality index and Nottingham life profiles were used for quality of life. Evaluations were made twice, before and after the treatment. The significance level was accepted as p <0.05.
Effects of Adaptive Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy With Left-Bundle-Branch Area Pacing and Coronary Sinus Pacing
Authors: Feng Xiang-Fei , Chen Ren-Hua , Zhang Rui , Yu Yi-Chi , Liu Bo , Lu Qiu-Fen , Li Yi-Gang
Published: September 2021

Adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy (aCRT) is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has shown encouraging results as an alternative option for CRT. In this study, we observed the clinical and echocardiographic outcome of LBB-optimized aCRT in combination with synchronized LV pacing (LOT-aCRT) in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction and LBBB. Heart failure patients with preserved AV conduction and LBBB morphology, who underwent aCRT from February 1, 2019, to September 30, 2020 were included. The eligible patients with or without LBBAP were divided into LOT-aCRT group or BV-CRT group. In LOT-aCRT group, the CS lead was connected to the pace-sensing portion of the RV port, and the LBBAP lead was connected to the LV port. Seventeen patients were enrolled in this study (8 cases in LOT-aCRT group, 9 cases in BV-CRT group). Patients were matched for ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) at baseline (5 cases vs. 4 cases). QRS duration (QRSd) via BVP was narrowed from 158.0 ± 13.0 ms at baseline to 132.0 ± 4.5 ms in LOT-aCRT group (P=0.019), and further narrowed to 123.0 ± 5.7 ms (P < 0.01) via LBBAP. However, LOT-aCRT resulted in further reduction of the QRSd (121.0 ± 3.8 ms), but no statistical significance (P > 0.05). In BV-CRT group, BVP resulted in significant reduction of the QRSd from 176.7 ±19.7 ms at baseline to 143.3 ±8.2 ms (P=0.011). However, compared with LOT-aCRT, BVP has no any advantage in reducing QRSd (P > 0.05). During follow-up, patients in LOT-aCRT group showed significant improvement in LVEF and NT-proBNP levels (P < 0.01), while patients in BV-CRT group showed non-significant changes in these parameters (P >0.05). The study demonstrates that LOT-aCRT is clinically feasible in patients with systolic HF and LBBB. LOT-aCRT was associated with significant narrowing of the QRSd and improvement in LV function, especially in patients with ICM.
Purification, Characterization of an Entomopathogenic Fungal Lectin from Purpureocillium Lilacinum, and its Involvement in Pathogenesis Leading to Mycotic Keratitis
Authors: Jagadeesh Narasimhappagari , Kulkarni Supreeth , Chachadi Vishwanath B , Roy Sanhita , Inamdar Shashikala
Published: September 2021

A lectin PCL, from Purpureocillium lilacinum a saprophytic, filamentous fungus was purified from the crude extract of the mycelia using 70% ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by affinity chromatography on mucin-Sepharose 4 B column. PCL is a monomer with an apparent molecular mass of 18.5 kDa as revealed by SDS-PAGE under both reducing and non reducing conditions. PCL is a blood group non specific lectin and has highest affinity towards Chitin, Mucin, asialo mucin, Fetuin with a MIC of 0.15µg/mL and also recognizes L-fucose, galactose, lactose, N-acetly galactosamine, Hyaluronic acid. PCL is stable up to 60 ºC and within the pH range 4–8. To understand its role in pathogenesis, effect of PCL was evaluated on Human Corneal Epithelial Cells (HCECs). PCL showed strong glycan mediated binding to HCECsand PCL showed proinflammatory response at lower concentrations by stimulating secretion of IL-6, 8. In contrast PCL at higher concentrations revealed opposite effect of HCECs growth inhibition. All these results collectively support the involvement of PCL in mediating host pathogen interactions possibly leading to pathogenesis. In addition, considering the entomopathogenic effect of Purpureocillium lilacinum, PCL may be attributed for this beneficiary effect, which needs to be explored.
Intestinal Dysbacteriosis-Propelled T Helper 17 Cells Activation Mediate the Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder Induced by Anesthesia/Surgery in Aged Rats
Authors: Sun Jie , Wen Y.Z. , Feng S.W. , Dai H.Y. , Mao M. , Zhou Z.H. , Li B. , Wang C.R. , Cai X.C. , Li S.M. , Yang J.J. , Ren Q.
Published: September 2021

Background: Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) occur frequently in elderly patients after surgery, but the mechanism of PND is not very clear at present. It is reported that anesthesia/surgery could cause intestinal flora imbalance and induce neurocognitive impairment. However, the effect of intestinal flora on PND is poorly understood. We previously found that peripheral interleukin-17A (IL17A) destroyed the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to central inflammation and neurocognitive impairment. The small intestine is the main place where Th17 cells are produced. Therefore, we hypothesized that Th17 cells and IL-17 may be an important bridge for intestinal microbes to cause neuroinflammation. Methods: Exploratory laparotomy was performed to establish PND model under sevoflurane anesthesia. 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was used to detect the changes of intestinal flora. To explore the relationship between intestinal flora and PND, compound antibiotics were used to eliminate intestinal flora before anesthesia/surgery, and behavior tests, such as open field, Y maze, and fear conditioning tests were applied to detect the changes of memory ability and which was compared with the rats that did not receive compound antibiotics. The number of Th17 cells and Foxp3 cells was detected by flow cytometry in the Peyer's patches (PP), mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), blood and brain. Hippocampus IL17, IL17RA, IL6 and IL10 were detected by Western blot. Hippocampus IL17, IL17R and IBA1 (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule1) were detected by immunofluorescence. Results: Anesthesia/surgery caused intestinal flora imbalance and induced neurocognitive impairment, increased the number of Th17 cells in the PP, MLN, blood and brain, up-regulated the lever of IL17, IL17R and inflammatory factor production in the hippocampus. The administration of compound antibiotics before anesthesia/surgery evidently inhibited this effect, including decreased the number of Th17 cells, down-regulated the lever of IL17, IL17R and inflammatory factor production, and improved the memory function. In addition, we found that IL17R was co-labeled with IBA1 in a large amount in the hippocampus through immunofluorescence double-staining. Conclusion: Our study suggested that intestinal dysbacteriosis-propelled T helper 17 cells activation might play an important role in the pathogenesis of PND.
WITHDRAWN: Microsatellite Marker Based DNA Fingerprinting of Cotton (Gossypium Spp.) Hybrids and Their Parents
Authors: HB Santosh , Bargat Ashwini , Venoor Santhy , K.P. Raghavendra , R. Kranthi K. , V.N. Waghmare
Published: September 2021

Cotton production in India by vast majority comes from cotton hybrids whose genetic purity is of great significance in seed production chain and trade. Therefore, there is need to develop a rapid, reliable and reproducible technique to assess the genetic purity of cotton hybrids as traditional, morphological traits-based ‘Grow-Out Test’ is resource intensive, time consuming, tedious and not an infallible procedure. In this regard, a study was planned to understand the genetic diversity among the hybrids and their parents, and also to identify SSR markers for confirmation of genetic purity or hybridity. One intra-arboreum hybrid, CICR2 (DS 5 GMS × LD 327 Sel.), four intra-hirsutum hybrids viz., CSHH198 (CSH 19 × CSH 8), CSHH238 (SH 2379 9Y × PIL 8 Sel.), CSHH243 (CSH 2013 × CSH 43), CSHH1862 (GMS 16A × CB 33) and one hirsutum × barbadense hybrid, Phule 388 (RHC-006 × RHCb-001) along with their respective parental lines were selected for molecular characterization. Of the total 215 SSR markers surveyed, 60 markers conveyed polymorphism. The information conveyed by the polymorphic SSR markers was utilized to assess the molecular divergence among the study material. Maximum genetic dissimilarity of 0.66 was noted between Phule 388 and LD 327 (Sel.), and between RHC-006 and DS 5 (GMS). Minimum genetic dissimilarity of 0.07 was observed between CSHH1862 with CB 33, followed by 0.11 between CICR2 with DS 5 (GMS). SSR markers were highly efficient in capturing both intra-species and inter-species level diversity. The clustering and factorial analysis was in congruence with the species of Gossypium. The diploid species genotypes were clustered separately and distinctly from the rest of the genotypes. All the hirsutum hybrids and their respective parents were found closely clustered. The inter-specific hybrid, Phule 388 along with its parents was found grouped closely. The genetic purity of the hybrids was confirmed using identified SSR markers [GH486, BNL1421, BNL3594, JESPR151 for G. hirsutum hybrid CSHH198; GH486, BNL2449, JESPR151, TMB0436 for G. hirsutum hybrid CSHH238; BNL2449, JESPR151, JESPR152 for G. hirsutum hybrid CSHH243; and, GH527, BNL3812, TMB1484, TMB1645, NAU1190, BNL3816 for inter-specific G. hirsutum × G. barbadense hybrid Phule 388]. The SSR markers were efficient in analysis of hybrid seed purity. The information generated in the present study about genetic diversity and genetic purity testing will greatly facilitate quality seed production of these cotton hybrids and thus, better cotton production.
“COVID Affected Us All:” The Birth and Postnatal Health Experiences of Resettled Syrian Refugee Women During COVID-19 in Canada
Authors: Cameron Emma Stirling , Ramos Howard , Aston Megan , Kuri Marwa , Jackson Lois
Published: September 2021

Background: Prior to COVID-19, postnatal resettled refugee women in Canada reported barriers to healthcare and low levels of social support, contributing to maternal health morbidities. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be further exacerbating health inequities for marginalized populations—yet the experiences of resettled refugee women are not fully known. Aim: To understand Syrian refugee women’s experiences accessing postnatal healthcare services and supports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with eight resettled Syrian refugee women living in Nova Scotia (Canada) who were postnatal between March and August 2020. Data analysis was informed by constructivist grounded theory. Findings: Three themes emerged: “the impacts of COVID-19 on postnatal healthcare;” “loss of informal support;” and “grief and anxiety.” Women experienced difficult healthcare interactions, including socially and physically isolated deliveries, challenges accessing in-person interpreters, and cancelled or unavailable in-home services (e.g., public health nurse and doula visits). Increased childcare responsibilities and limited informal supports due to pandemic restrictions left women feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Stay-at-home orders resulted in some women reporting feelings of isolation and loss, as they were unable to share in person postnatal moments with friends and family, ultimately impacting their mental wellness. Conclusions: COVID-19 and associated public health restrictions had significant impacts on postnatal Syrian refugee women. Data presented in this study demonstrated the ways in which the pandemic environment and related restrictions amplified pre-existing barriers to care and postnatal health inequalities for resettled refugee women—particularly a lack of postnatal informal supports and systemic barriers to care.
Macrophage-Biomimetic Porous Se@SiO2 Nanocomposites For “Dual Model” Immunotherapy Against Inflammatory Osteolysis
Authors: Ding Cheng , Yang Chuang , Cheng Tao , Wang Xingyan , Wang Qiaojie , He Renke , Sang Shang , Zhu Kechao , Xu Dongdong , Wang Jiaxing , Liu Xijian , Zhang Xianlong
Published: September 2021

Background：Inflammatory osteolysis is a major complication of total joint replacement surgery that can cause prosthesis failure and necessitate revision surgery. Macrophages are key effector immune cells in inflammatory responses, but excessive M1-polarization of dysfunctional macrophages leads to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and severe loss of bone tissue. Here, we report the development of macrophage-biomimetic porous SiO2-coated ultrasmall Se particles (Porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres) for the management of inflammatory osteolysis. Results: Macrophage-membrane-coated porous Se@SiO2 nanospheres(M-Se@SiO2) can attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory osteolysis by a dual-immunomodulatory effect. As macrophage membrane decoys, these nanoparticles reduce toxin levels and neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the release of Se can induce the polarization of macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype. These effects are mediated via the inhibition of p65, p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) signaling. Additionally, the immune environment created by M-Se@SiO2 reduces the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation caused by pro-inflammation cytokines, confirmed through in vitro and in vivo experiments.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that M-Se@SiO2 has an immunomodulatory role in LPS-induced inflammation and bone remodeling, which demonstrates that M-Se@SiO2 is a promising engineered nano-platform for the treatment of osteolysis arising after arthroplasty.
Using Caenorhabditis Elegans As An Environmental Indicator for Impaired Urbanized Watersheds
Authors: Gerald Carresse , Deshazo Boris , Patterson Hayden , Spence Porché
Published: September 2021

Background Third Fork Creek is a historically impaired urban stream that flows through the city of Durham, North Carolina. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) are non-parasitic, soil and aquatic dwelling nematodes that have been used frequently as a biological and ecotoxicity model. We hypothesize that exposure to Third Fork Creek surface water will inhibit the reproduction and chemotaxis of C. elegans. Using our ring assay model, nematodes were enticed to cross the impaired water samples to reach a bacterial food source which allowed observation of chemotaxis. The total number of nematodes found in the bacterial food source and the middle of the plate with the impaired water source was recorded for three days. Results Our findings suggest a reduction in chemotaxis and reproduction on day three in nematodes exposed to Third Fork Creek water samples when compared to the control (pvalue<0.05). These exploratory data provide meaningful insight to the quality of Third Fork Creek located near a Historically Black University. Conclusions Further studies are necessary to elucidate the concentrations of the water contaminants and implications for human health. The relevance of this study lies within the model C. elegans, that has been used in a plethora of human diseases and exposure research but can be utilized as an environmental indicator of water quality impairment.
Optimization of Controllable Deformation Zone And Die Wear of Aluminum Crown Forgings For Shock Absorber Assembly
Authors: Su Hui-Zhen , Ho Ming-Hsiu , Shih Jyun-Kai , Huang Cheng-Fu , Ku Hao-Yun , Chan Chien-Wei , Fuh Yiin-Kuen
Published: September 2021

In this research, numerical analysis, response surface method (RSM) and experiments are used to investigate and verify the hot forging process for manufacturing aluminum crown forgings for shock absorber assembly. First, establish the computer aided design (CAD) model of the die and the billet, and simulate it from the finite element method (FEM). Second, a new preforming die was designed with a preformed dressing of controllable deformation zone (CDZ) by the CAD software. Third, numerical simulation was combined with RSM to optimize the processing parameters with the aim of minimizing the die wear while the integrity of forgings should be prioritized preserved. According to RSM, the billet size and preformed dressing of CDZ are important factors affecting the distance between die and workpiece (C). The optimal design factor of the preforming die: billet diameter (D), billet length (L) and flash design (F) are 40 mm, 205 mm and CDZ 1, respectively. Through the results of FEM, this study describes the distribution of microscopic grain flow lines are highly related to forming, stress, strain, and temperature as well as die design such as CDZ in preformed dressing. In order to accurately verify that the parameters analyzed by the RSM, both numerical analysis and physical experiments are carried out and optimal scheme exhibit reasonable consistency.
High-performance Hydrochromic Cotton Fabric Fabricated With CoCl2/waterborne Polyurethane for Air Humidity Detection
Authors: Zhang Jinju , Ge Fangqing , Tan Jialing , Yin Yunjie , Wang Chaoxia
Published: September 2021

Hydrochromic materials has been a novel topic in the research of stimuli-responsive sensors and anticounterfeiting encryption. A high-performance hydrochromic cotton fabric is fabricated with CoCl2/waterborne polyurethane via hot-press method. Moisture sensing metal salt cobalt chloride is introduced into waterborne polyurethane via physical doping to induce hydrochromic phenomenon. The hydrochromic cotton fabric possess superior fastness due to the hydrogen bonds formed by hydroxyl group on cotton fabric and carbonyl group, urethane bond, ether bond in waterborne polyurethane. Meanwhile, the hydroxyl group on cotton fabric and waterborne polyurethane endow hydrochromic cotton fabric with excellent hydrophilicity and high humidity sensitivity. Air humidity could be easily detected by hydrochromic cotton fabric. The absorption of humidity in rainy days led to pink color, resulting in a blue shift at 512 nm. In contrast, hydrochromic cotton fabric turn to blue color below RH 59% in sunny days, leading to a red shift for up to 674 nm. Moreover, the hydrochromic cotton fabric exhibited eminent stability and cyclicity in response to either dry state or wet condition. Based on these excellent properties, hydrochromic cotton fabric fabricated with CoCl2/waterborne polyurethane are promising as smart sensors with potential application in sensitive RH detector, anti-counterfeiting technology and decorative coatings.
COL5A3 is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Li Yongjie , Zeng Min , Wang Ting , Jiang Feng
Published: September 2021

Background

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of digestive system with high fatality rate, and its prognosis is very poor. Type Ⅴ collagen α3 (COL5A3) is highly expressed in a variety of tumor tissues, but its prognostic value and immune infiltration in pancreatic cancer are still unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the prognostic role of COL5A3 in pancreatic cancer and its correlation with immune infiltration.
Methods

The transcriptional expression profiles of COL5A3 in pancreatic cancer and normal tissues were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). In the GEO (Gene expression omnibus) dataset (GSE16515), we compared the expression of COL5A3 in normal and tumor tissues. The expression of COL5A3 protein was evaluated by the human protein atlas (THPA). The effect of COL5A3 on survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to distinguish pancreatic cancer from paracancerous normal tissues. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by the STRING. Use the "ClusterProfiler" package for functional enrichment analysis. Tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) and tumor-immune system interaction database (TISIDB) were used to determine the relationship between COL5A3mRNA expression and immune infiltration.
Results

Compared with normal tissues, COL5A3 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues. The high expression of COL5A3 is related to the poor clinicopathological features and poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients with high expression of COL5A3 was worse than that of patients with low expression of COL5A3. ROC curve shows that COL5A3 has high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Correlation analysis showed that the expression of COL5A3mRNA was related to immune cell infiltration.
Conclusion

This study reveals for the first time that COL5A3 may be a new prognostic biomarker related to immune infiltration and provide a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Association between Quantitative Classification of Renal Surface Nodularity and Early Renal Injury in Patients with Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Zhou Jun , Ding Jiule , Chen Jie , Pan Liang , Zha Tingting , Wu Qiong , Liu Qi , Xiang Dehui , Xing Wei
Published: September 2021

Objective To explore the association between quantitative classification of renal surface nodularity (qRSN) based on computed tomography (CT) imaging and early renal injury (ERI) in patients with aerial hypertension.Methods A total of 143 patients with a history of hypertension were retrospectively enrolled; clinical information (age, sex, hypertension grade, hypertension course, poorly controlled hypertension), laboratory tests and qRSN were collected or assessed. The subjects were divided into an ERI (n=60) or a control (CP, n=83) group according to ERI diagnosis based on the following criteria: cystatin C > 1.02 mg/L, creatinine ≤ 127 μmol/L, and urea nitrogen ≤ 8.3 mmol/L. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to examine the association between ERI and qRSN. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was produced to compare multiple logistic regression models with or without qRSN for differing the ERI group from the control group.Results In univariate analysis, hypertension grade, poorly controlled hypertension, hypertension course, triglycerides (TG) and qRSN were related to ERI in patients with arterial hypertension (all P<0.1), with strong interrater agreement of qRSN. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.705 in the model without qRSN and 0.789 in the model with qRSN, which was significantly different (Z=2.317, P=0.021).Conclusion CT imaging-based qRSN was associated with ERI in patients with arterial hypertension and may be an imaging biomarker of early renal injury.
The “Vitaminic-strategy” Against the Oral Bacteria S. Mutans and F. Nucleatum, Agents of Caries and Halitosis
Authors: Pietrangelo Laura , Magnifico Irene , Petronio Giulio Petronio , Cutuli Marco Alfio , Venditti Noemi , Nicolosi Daria , Perna Angelica , Guerra Germano , Marco Roberto
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe oral cavity is one of the most complex human body environments. Indeed, the continuous variation of this habitat conditions reflects the high dynamism of the resident microbial community. Two key actors in the oral diseases are the bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum, both implicated in the formation of oral biofilms and consequently in the generation of common pathologies such as caries and various gingival and soft tissue inflammation diseases. In addition, F. nucleatum is also implicated in the halitosis phenomenon, thanks to its demonstrated ability to produce as second metabolite the hydrogen sulphide (H2S), one of the volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) that, with methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) and the dimethyl sulphide (CH3SCH3)24, is produced by periodontopathic anaerobic bacteria and causes the awkward bad breath in halitosis patients.MethodsIn this study, the oral preparation Vea® Oris constituted only by vitamin E and capric/caprylic acid was evaluated as a potential treatment of caries and periodontal diseases; the effect of the product at different concentrations on the growth and the ability of both strains to form biofilm was investigated. Regarding to F. nucleatum also the influence of Vea® Oris on the production of H2S was evaluated. ResultsOur in vitro results suggested that the Vea® Oris treatment could considerably reduce the growth and biofilm formation of both S. mutans and F. nucleatum. For F. nucleatum an appreciable reduction of the H2S production can be also obtained. ConclusionsOverall, this study highlighted the potential of Vea® Oris as a more “natural” adjuvant to prevent the biofilm and plaque formation and to reduce the smelly odour of halitosis.
Autophagic Schwann Cells Promote Perineural Invasion Mediated by the NGF/ATG7 Paracrine Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhang Wunai , He Rui , Yang Wenbin , Zhang Yan , Yuan Qinggong , Wang Jixin , Liu Yang , Chen Shuo , Zhang Simei , Zhang Weifan , Zhu Zeen , Zhang Jing , Wang Zheng , Li Junhui
Published: September 2021

BackgroundPerineural invasion (PNI) and autophagy are two common features in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer (PanCa) and have a negative effect on prognosis. Potential mediator cells and the molecular mechanism underlying their relationships need to be fully elucidated. MethodsTo investigate the autophagy of Schwann cells (SCs) in PNI, we reproduced the microenvironment of PNI by collecting clinical PNI tissue, performing sciatic nerve injection of nude mice with cancer cells and establishing a Dorsal root ganglion（DRG） coculture system with cancer cell lines. Autophagy was detected by IHC, IF, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blotting assays. Apoptosis was detected by IF, TEM and western blotting. NGF targeting molecular RO 08-2750（RO） and the autophagy inhibitor Chloroquine（CQ）were utilized to evaluate the effect on autophagy and apoptosis in SCs and PanCa cells in PNI samples.ResultsSC autophagy is activated in PNI by paracrine NGF from PanCa cells. Autophagy-activated Schwann cells promote PNI through a) enhanced migration and axon guidance toward PanCa cells and b) increased chemoattraction to PanCa cells. The NGF-targeting reagent RO and autophagy inhibitor CQ inhibited Schwann cell autophagic flux and induced Schwann cell apoptosis. Moreover, RO and CQ could induce PanCa cell apoptosis and showed good therapeutic effects in the PNI model.ConclusionsPanCa cells can induce autophagy in SCs through paracrine pathways such as the NGF/ATG7 pathway. Autophagic SCs exert a "nerve-repair like effect", induce a high level of autophagy of cancer cells, provide a "beacon" for the invasion of cancer cells to nerve fibers, and induce directional growth of cancer cells. Targeting NGF and autophagy for PNI treatment can block nerve infiltration and is expected to provide new directions and an experimental basis for the research and treatment of nerve infiltration in pancreatic cancer.
Investigating the Multi-Target Pharmacological Mechanism of Rhodiola Wallichiana Var. Cholaensis Acting on Angina Pectoris by Combined Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Zhuang Xudong , Li Zhixiong , Wang Xinrui
Published: September 2021

Background: Angina pectoris is a kind of cardiovascular disease, which is caused by epicardial stenosis, microvascular dysfunction, dynamic stenosis area contraction or more comprehensive factors, eventually leading to Coronary artery disease. Rhodiola wallichiana var. cholaensis, which is one of the most well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine, is widely used to treat angina pectoris. However, the possible underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.Methods: In this study, systematic and comprehensive network pharmacology and molecular docking were utilized for the first time to reveal the potential pharmacological mechanisms of RW on AP. Firstly, the relative compounds were obtained by mining literature and potential targets of these compounds by target predicting were collected. Then, We built the AP target database using the DigSee and GeneCards Database. Based on the data, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed and screen the hub targets by topology. Furthermore, evaluation of the binding potential of key targets and compounds through molecular docking.Results: The results indicate that 218 known RW therapeutic targets were selected. By systematic analysis, identified 9 hub targets (VEGFA, GAPDH, TP53, AKT1, CASP3, STAT3, TNF, MAPK1 and JUN) mainly involved in the complex treating effects associated with the protection of vascular endothelium, as well as the regulation of glucose metabolism, cellular processes, inflammatory responses, and cellular signal transduction.Conclusion: The results of this study preliminarily explain the potential targets and signaling pathways of RW in AP therapy and lay a good foundation for further experimental studies and clinical trials.
MFG-E8, A Novel Target of Promoting Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Bai Jinwu , Zhang Weijun , Hang Kai , Zhao Guangfeng , Zhong Huiming , Zhou Chenwei , Xu Jianxiang , Zhang Wei , Chen Erman , Wu Jiaqi , Liu Ling , Xue Deting
Published: September 2021

BackgroundFracture nonunion and bone defects are challenging for orthopedic surgeons. Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8), a glycoprotein possibly secreted by macrophages in a fracture hematoma, participates in bone development. However, the role of MFG-E8 in the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is unclear. MethodsWe investigated the osteogenic effect of MFG-E8 in vitro and in vivo. The CCK-8 assay was used to assess the effect of recombinant human MFG-E8 (rhMFG-E8) on the viability of human BMSCs (hBMSCs). Osteogenesis was investigated using real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red staining were used to evaluate ALP activity and mineralization, respectively. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to evaluate the secretory MFG-E8 concentration. Knockdown and overexpression of MFG-E8 in hBMSCs were established via siRNA and lentivirus vector transfection, respectively. Exogenous rhMFG-E8 was used to verify the in vivo therapeutic effect in a tibia bone-defect model based on radiographic analysis and histological evaluation. ResultsEndogenous and secretory MFG-E8 levels increased significantly during the early osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Knockdown of MFG-E8 inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Overexpression of MFG-E8 and recombinant MFG-E8 protein increased the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins and enhanced calcium deposition. The active β-catenin to total β-catenin ratio and the p-GSK3β protein level were increased by MFG-E8. The MFG-E8-induced enhanced osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs was partially attenuated by a GSK3β/β-catenin signaling inhibitor. Recombinant MFG-E8 accelerated bone healing in a rat tibial-defect model.ConclusionsIn conclusion, MFG-E8 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by regulating the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway and so, is a potential therapeutic target.
Improving CoQ10 Productivity by Strengthening Glucose Transmembrane of Rhodobacter Sphaeroides
Authors: Yang Yuying , Li Lu , Sun Haoyu , Li Zhen , Zhengliang Qi , Liu Xinli
Published: September 2021

Background: Many Rhodobacter sphaeroides have been widely applied in commercial CoQ10 production, but they have poor glucose use. Strategies for enhancing glucose use have been widely exploited in R. sphaeroides. Nevertheless, little research has focused on the role of glucose transmembrane in the improvement of production.Results: There are two potential glucose transmembrane pathways in R. sphaeroides ATCC 17023: the fructose specific-phosphotransferase system (PTSFru, fruAB) and non-PTS that relied on glucokinase (glk). fruAB mutation revealed two effects on bacterial growth: inhibition at the early cultivation phase (12-24 h) and promotion since 36 h. Glucose metabolism showed a corresponding change in characteristic vs. the growth. For △fruA△fruB, maximum biomass (Biomax) was increased by 44.39 % and the CoQ10 content was 27.08 % more than that of the WT. glk mutation caused a significant decrease in growth and glucose metabolism. Overexpressing a galactose:H+ symporter (galP) in the △fruA△fruB relieved the inhibition and enhanced the growth further. Finally, a mutant with rapid growth and high CoQ10 yield was constructed (△fruA△fruB/tac::galPOP) using several glucose metabolism modifications and was verified by fermentation in a 10-L fermenter.Conclusions: The PTSFru mutation revealed two effects on bacterial growth: inhibition at the early cultivation phase and promotion later. Additionally, biomass yield to glucose (Ybio/glc) and CoQ10 synthesis can be promoted using fruAB mutation, and glk plays a key role in glucose metabolism. Strengthening glucose transmembrane via non-PTS improves the productivity of CoQ10 fermentation.
Separation of Flavonoids and the Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Potential of Flavonoid-enriched Extracts from the Thlaspi arvense Linn by Inhibiting the Activation of TLR-4/NF-κ B
Authors: Wang Xiang , Zeng Panke , Li Xuejiao , Cheng Liyuan , Rashidb Haroon , Liu Hong , Liu Xu , Wang Lisheng
Published: September 2021

Background: Thlaspi arvense Linn, belonging to the dicotyledonous cruciferous family, is distributed Europe and Asia. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the anti-inflammatory effects of Thlaspi arvense Linn on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, and explored the related mechanism.Methods: The extract was identified and quantified using the HPLC, NMR. The anti-inflammatory activities of crude extracts C11, C12, C13 were screened by xylene-induced ear swelling and carrageenan-induced foot swelling in mice. The inflammatory mediators, pro-inflammatory cytokines and TLR-4-mediated signals in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were determined using NO activity assay, MTS, ELISA and Western blot.Results:The extract of Thlaspi arvense Linn was found to enrich flavonoid（mainly Orientin,Isoorientin,Vitexin;,Isovitexin,Luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,Apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,Luteolin,Apigeni）.5,7-dihydroxy-flavone-4′-(6′′-β-O-glucopyranoside)-β-O-D-glucopyranoside was novel, whereas isosapogenin and 8-methoxyvitexin were isolated for the first time from Thlaspi arvense Linn. The extract (flavonoid-enriched) inhibited xylene-induced ear swelling and carrageenan-induced foot swelling in mice. And suppressed LPS-induced overrelease of iNOS,TNF-α,COX-2 and IL-6 in RAW264.7 macrophages. The extract inhibited the inflammatory response through the signaling pathway mediated by TLR-4/NF- kappa B pathway and its downstream signals, IκB-α, NF-κB-P65 and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated macrophages.Conclusions: The present results demonstrate that the extract of Thlaspi arvense Linn inhibit inflammatory responses via the TLR-4/NF-KB-mediated signaling pathway.
Impact of Myocardial Scars on Left Ventricular Deformation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After Myocardial Infarction by Contrast-Enhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Gao Yue , Xu Hua-yan , Guo Ying-kun , Wen Xiao-ling , Shi Rui , Li Yuan , Yang Zhi-Gang
Published: September 2021

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (MI). The interaction of diabetic cardiomyopathy and MI scars on myocardial deformation in T2DM patients is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluated myocardial deformation using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in T2DM patients with previous MI and investigated the influence of MI on left ventricular (LV) deformationMethods Two hundred and two T2DM patients, including 46 with MI (T2DM(MI+)) and 156 without MI (T2DM(MI−)), and 59 normal controls who underwent CMR scans were included. Myocardial scars were assessed by late gadolinium enhancement. LV function and deformation, including LV global function index, LV global peak strain (PS), peak systolic strain rate (PSSR), and peak diastolic strain rate (PSDR), were compared among these groups. Correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship between myocardial scars and LV deformation.Results There was a decrease in LV function and LV global PS, PSSR, and PDSR in the T2DM(MI+) group compared with those of the other groups. Furthermore, reduced LV deformation (p < 0.017) was observed in the T2DM(MI+) group with anterior wall infarction. The increased total LV infarct extent and infarct mass of LV were related to decreased LV global PS (radial, circumferential, and longitudinal directions; p < 0.01) and LV global PSSR (radial and circumferential directions, p < 0.02). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that NYHA functional class and total LV infarct extent were independently associated with LV global radial PS (β = −0.400 and β = −0.446, respectively, all p < 0.01; model R2 = 0.37) and circumferential PS (β = −0.339 and β = −0.530, respectively, all p < 0.01; model R2 = 0.41), while LV anterior wall infarction was independently associated with LV global longitudinal PS (β = −0.398, p = 0.006).Conclusions The myocardial scarring size in T2DM patients after MI is negatively correlated with LV global PS and PSSR, especially in the circumferential direction. Additionally, different MI regions have different effects on the reduction of LV deformation, and relevant clinical evaluations should be strengthened.
Effect of MYH10 Variant on Acute Leukemia with Low Platelet Count Prognosis
Authors: Xiao Qirong , Lin Bicun , Lin Kaiting , Lin Xiaobin , chen ping
Published: September 2021

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood disorder characterized by abnormal white blood cell count, anemia, or abnormal platelet count. It is associated with molecular genetic changes. While platelet counts vary at first diagnosis，platelets recover after chemotherapy. Objectives:This study aimed to; (1) Investigate whether the platelet count and genotype at first diagnosis are related to chemotherapy and their significance on chemotherapy prognosis; (2) Determine whether newly diagnosed patients with low platelet count have a poor prognosis and if it can be used as a separate prognostic predictor; (3) Determine whether the mutation genotype affects platelet count and its prognosis at first diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 301 AML patients was conducted. Univariate, multivariate unconditional Logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were also conducted. Bioinformatics technology was used to extract the GSE12662 data set from the GEO database to analyze differentially expressed genes in AML patients. Besides, biological functions, pathways, proteins, and prognosis were assessed. Conclusion: Increased platelet count in AML patients after chemotherapy was an independent risk factor affecting complete remission. The platelet count also had some guiding significance for evaluating the sensitivity of patients to chemotherapy. MYH10 causes thrombocytopenia in acute myeloid leukemia via RUNX1 gene alteration and influence of prognostic factors. MYH10 variant detection improves the identification of AML molecular characteristics and its prognostic impact on AML, helping in the response analysis to chemotherapeutic agents and further treatment decisions.