bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable and Biocompatible Subcutaneous Implants Consisted of Ph-Sensitive Mebendazole-Loaded/Folic Acid-Targeted Chitosan Nanoparticles for Murine Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kefayat Amirhosein , Hosseini Maryam , Ghahremani Fatemeh , rafienia mohammad
Published: July 2021

Background: Mebendazole (MBZ) is a well-known anti-parasite drug with significant anti-cancer properties. However, MBZ exhibits low solubility, limited absorption efficacy, extensive first-pass effect, and low bioavailability. Therefore, multiple oral administration of high dose MBZ is required daily for achieving the therapeutic serum level which can cause severe side effects and patients’ non-compliance. Method: In the present study, MBZ-loaded/folic acid-targeted chitosan nanoparticles (CS-FA-MBZ) were synthesized, characterized, and used to form cylindrical subcutaneous implants for 4T1 triple-negative breast tumor (TNBC) treatment in BALB/c mice. The therapeutic efficacy of the CS-FA-MBZ implants was investigated after subcutaneous implantation in comparison with Control (no-treatment), MBZ (40 mg/kg, oral administration, twice a week for 2 weeks), and CS-FA implants, according to 4T1 tumors’ growth progression, metastasis, and tumor-bearing mice survival time. Also, their biocompatibility was evaluated by blood biochemical analyzes and histopathological investigation of vital organs. Results: The CS-FA-MBZ implants were completely degraded 15 days after implantation and caused about 73.3%, 46.5%, 37.3% decrease in the mean tumors’ volume in comparison with the Control (1050.5±120.7 mm3), MBZ (561.7±70.3 mm3), and CS-FA (658.3±88.1 mm3) groups, respectively. Average liver metastatic colonies’ number per microscope field at the CS-FA-MBZ (8.6±1.9) group was significantly (P<0.05) lower than the Control (24.5±4.1), MBZ (14.1±2.5), and CS-FA (15.7±3.1) groups. In addition, the CS-FA-MBZ treated mice exhibited about 51%, 24%, and 17% more survival time (days) after the cancer cells injection in comparison with the Control, MBZ, and CS-FA groups, respectively. Moreover, the CS-FA-MBZ implants were completely biocompatible based on histopathology and blood biochemical analyzes. Conclusion: Taking together, CS-FA-MBZ implants were completely biodegradable and biocompatible with high therapeutic efficacy in a murine TNBC model.
There are no A1 and A2 astrocytes in brain
Authors: Gao Shuang-qi
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The subsets of astrocytes in the brain have not been fully elucidated. Using bulk RNA sequencing, reactive astrocytes were divided into A1 versus A2. However, using single-cell RNAseq (ScRNAseq), astrocytes were divided into over two subsets. Our aim was to set up the correspondence between the fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS)-bulk RNAseq and ScRNAseq data.
Results

We found that most of reactive astrocytes (RAs) marker genes were expressed in endothelial cells but not in astrocytes, suggesting those marker genes are not suitable for astrocytic activation. The absence of A1 and A2 astrocytes in the brain.
Qualitative Inquiry of Adolescents’ Experience of Ethical Issues During Enrollment and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Temeke Regional Hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Joseph Renatha Sillo , Mahiti Gladys Reuben , Frumence Gasto , Ulrich Connie M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Adolescents living with HIV experience ethical challenges including lack of involvement in their care as well nondisclosure of HIV status which leads to poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Parents have the authority over their children but during adolescence there is increase sense of independence. Whose decision should be followed in case of disagreement. Aim of the study is to explore experience of ethical issues identified by adolescents age 10 to 19 years attending HIV care and treatment in Temeke regional referral hospital.
Methods

Exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed at Temeke regional referral hospital in Care and Treatment Centre in the Out-Patient Department with adolescents living with HIV 10 to19 years of age. A total of 22 adolescents participated in in-depth face-to-face interviews after obtaining parental consent and adolescent assent. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim in Swahili, and back translated to English. Data analysis included both inductive and deductive thematic analysis and rigor was maintained using standards of qualitative research.
Results

Qualitative themes identified included: lack of participation in decisions about HIV care and treatment; issues around disclosure of HIV status, such as delays in disclosure to the adolescent and disclosure to other persons and benefits and harms of such disclosures; and factors supporting and interfering with adherence to ART, such as parental support, organizational (clinic) support and problems, and self-stigmatization and shame.
Conclusion

Lack of adolescents’ involvement in their care decision making and delayed disclosure are identified ethical concerns leading to poor adolescents’ adherence to ART. Early disclosure to adolescents is beneficial the same as disclosure to others especially teachers helped adolescents at school to take their medication properly. Disclosure to others apart from adolescents lead to stigma and discrimination for some adolescents.
Urbanizing the floodplain: Global changes of imperviousness in flood-prone areas
Authors: Andreadis Konstantinos , Wing Oliver , Colven Emma , Gleason Colin , Bates Paul , Brown Casey
Published: July 2021

Cities have historically developed close to rivers and coasts, increasing human exposure to flooding. That exposure is exacerbated by changes in climate and population, and by urban encroachment on floodplains. Although the mechanisms of how urbanization affects flooding are relatively well understood, there have been limited efforts to assess the magnitude of floodplain encroachment globally and how it has changed in both space and time. Highly resolved global datasets of both flood risk and changes in urban area from 1985-2015 are now available, enabling the reconstruction of the history of floodplain encroachment at high spatial resolutions. Here we show that the urbanized area in floodplains that have an average probability of flooding of 1/100 years, has almost doubled since 1985. Further, the rate of urban expansion into these floodplains increased by a factor of 1.5 after the year 2000. We also find that urbanization rates were highest in the most hazardous areas of floodplains, with population growth in these urban floodplains suggesting an accompanying increase in population density. These results reveal the scope, trajectory and extent of global floodplain encroachment. With tangible implications for flood risk management, these data can be directly used with integrated models to assess adaptation pathways for urban flooding.
Investigation of osteoporosis and its influencing factors in a group of Chinese patients with Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sheng Xiao-Wen , Zhang Fan , Hu Yu-Qi , Huang Li-Ru , Yuan Xue-Yan , Cui Ai
Published: July 2021

Background

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) seriously influences patient’s quality of life (QOL) due to an abnormally repaired lung structure and damaged lung function, as well as its many complications. Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and may impair QOL and increase mortality in ILD patients. We conducted this study to investigate osteoporosis in Chinese ILD patients.
Methods

We performed a cross-sectional survey of 179 Chinese ILD patients. BMD levels were evaluated, and the clinical variables of the patients were recorded. The physical activity and QOL of patients were evaluated by a questionnaire when enrolled. Regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting BMD in ILD patients.
Results

In total, 68.2% of the included patients had an abnormal BMD, 24.6% had osteoporosis, and 43.6% had osteopenia. Decreased of BMD in ILD patients was associated with multiple factors, of which sex, height, weight, ILD subtypes and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) were most significantly. The QOL of ILD patients with osteoporosis is dramatically declining.
Conclusions

Osteoporosis and osteopenia have high prevalence rates in ILD patients and seriously affect patients’ QOL. The development of osteoporosis and low BMD in ILD patients are influenced by multiple factors. Early identification and interventions are expected to benefit the QOL of ILD patients.
Subjective Postural Vertical as a Prognosticator of Lateral Trunk Flexion in Patients With Parkinson's Disease.
Authors: Mikami Kyohei , Shiraishi Makoto , Kamo Tsutomu
Published: July 2021

We conducted a retrospective study to test our hypothesis that the subjective postural vertical (SPV) ratio, i.e., SPV in relation to the lateral flexion axis, is predictive of lateral trunk flexion (LTF) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study group comprised 25 patients with PD. The SPV angle, i.e., the subjective perception of a vertical position with reference to the vertical axis, and the SPV ratio, i.e., the SPV angle with reference to the axis of lateral flexion, were calculated. The SPV ratio (r = 0.698 p = 0.001) and LTF angle (r = −0.601 p = 0.001) were found to correlate with change in the LTF angle calculated at 1 year. The SPV ratio was significantly smaller in the LTF angle-improved group (n = 12) than in the non-improved group (n = 13) (0.99 ± 0.78 vs 1.66 ± 0.71, p = 0.011). The AUC under the ROC curve of the SPV ratio for discrimination of LTF improvement was 0.795 (95% confidence interval: 0.61–0.98). Our study showed that the SPV ratio is associated with change in the LTF and that the SPV ratio can conceivably be used to predict the likelihood of improvement in patients’ LTF.
High Expression of lncRNA HEIH is Helpful in the Diagnosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Predicts Poor Prognosis
Authors: He Chaowen , Huang Dongxuan , Yang Fan , Huang Dongsheng , Cao Yahui , Peng Jianfeng , Luo Xiaohua
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aims to investigate the expression and clinical value of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HEIH in peripheral blood of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: Healthy subjects (N=70), patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC, N=70) and patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD, N=80) were included. LncRNA HEIH expression in peripheral blood of included subjects was detected. According to the median expression of lncRNA HEIH, LUSC and LUAD patients were divided into lncRNA HEIH high/low expression group. The correlation between lncRNA HEIH and clinical indicators of patients was analyzed. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of lncRNA HEIH and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in LUSC and LUAD patients. MedCalc-Comparison of ROC curves was used to compare the area under ROC curve. The cumulative survival rates of lncRNA HEIH high/low expression group were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curve.Results: LncRNA HEIH in peripheral blood of LUSC and LUAD patients was higher than that in healthy controls, with no evident difference between LUSC and LUAD groups. LUSC and LUAD patients with high lncRNA HEIH expression had larger tumor size, higher CEA level and tumor stage, and higher risk of lymph node metastasis and distal metastasis. LncRNA HEIH had higher diagnostic efficiency than CEA in NSCLC patients. High expression of lncRNA HEIH predicted poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC.Conclusions: High expression of lncRNA HEIH is helpful in the diagnosis of NSCLC and predicts poor prognosis.
Cytidine Derivatives as SARS-CoV-2 Mpro Inhibitors: Antiviral Prediction, Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetic Score Investigations
Authors: Kawsar Sarkar Mohammad Abe , Hosen Mohammed Anowar , Fujii Yuki , Ozeki Yasuhiro
Published: July 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a beta coronavirus that was first found during the Wuhan COVID-19 epidemic in 2019 and is listed as a potential global health threat by World Health Organization due to its high mortality. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the optimum targets for antiviral drug design and development. Nucleoside derivatives have been investigated since many years, and some of the most clinically effective antiviral agents used currently include purine or pyrimidine nucleoside derivatives. In this study, the hydroxyl (–OH) groups of cytidine structures were modified with different aliphatic and aromatic groups to obtain 5´-O-acyl and 2´,3´-di-O-acyl derivatives, and then, these derivatives were employed for molecular modeling, molecular docking, antiviral prediction, and pharmacological studies. Density functional theory at the B3LYP/3-21G level was employed to analyze the thermochemical stability and molecular electrostatic potential of the modified derivatives to evaluate the effect of the aliphatic and aromatic groups on the drug properties. All the derivatives were more stable than their parent molecule, cytidine. The experimental and computed IR analyses showed the characteristic peaks for various aliphatic and aromatic groups. The antiviral parameters of the modified derivatives revealed promising drug properties compared with those of standard antiviral drugs. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina to determine binding affinities and interactions between the cytidine derivatives and SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The modified derivatives strongly interacted with prime Cys145 and His41 residues. Finally, the pharmacokinetic characterization of the optimized inhibitors showed the derivatives to be safe due to their improved kinetic properties. Our comprehensive computational and statistical analyses showed that the selected cytidine derivatives can be used as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2.
Exploring the Diversity of the Human Blood Virome
Authors: Cebriá-Mendoza María , Bracho María A. , Arbona Cristina , Larrea Luís , Díaz Wladimiro , Sanjuán Rafael , Cuevas José M.
Published: July 2021

Metagenomics is greatly improving our ability to discover new viruses, as well as their possible associations with disease. However, metagenomics has also changed our understanding of viruses in general. The vast expansion of currently known viral diversity has revealed a large fraction of non-pathogenic viruses, and offers a new perspective in which viruses function as important components of many ecosystems. In this vein, studies of the human blood virome are often motivated by the search for new viral diseases, especially those associated with blood transfusions. However, these studies have revealed the common presence of apparently non-pathogenic viruses in blood, in particular human anelloviruses and, to a lower extent, human pegiviruses (HPgV). To shed light on the diversity of the human blood virome, we subjected pooled plasma samples from 587 healthy donors in Spain to a viral enrichment protocol followed by massive parallel sequencing. This showed that anelloviruses were clearly the major component of the blood virome and showed remarkable diversity. In total, we assembled 332 complete or near-complete anellovirus genomes, 50 of which could be considered new species. HPgV was much less frequent, but we nevertheless recovered 17 different isolates that we subsequently used for characterizing the diversity of this virus. In-depth investigation of the human blood virome should help to elucidate the ecology of these viruses, and to unveil potentially associated diseases.
[68Ga] Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 And [18F] FDG PET / CT For Diagnosis of Metastatic Lesions In Patients With Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Elboğa Umut , Sayiner Zeynel Abidin , Şahin Ertan , Öztürk Saadettin , Çayırlı Yusuf Burak , Doğan İlkay , Kilbaş Benan , Çelen Yusuf Zeki , Akarsu Ersin
Published: July 2021

Context: PET CT imaging methods based on fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FAPIs) have recently demonstrated promising clinical results. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the use of 68Ga-FAPI PET / CT and 18FDG PET / CT imaging techniques to detect the metastatic foci in recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma.Design and Patients: This is a prospective study. Patients who were diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma, achieved biochemical recovery after the first operation and having recurrence for papillary thyroid carcinoma on the follow up were included in the study. [68Ga] Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 and [18F] FDG PET / CT were performed for comparative purpose and detection of recurrence localization.Results: [18F] FDG PET / CT detected the metastatic foci in 21 of 29 patients (72.4%), [68Ga] Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 was able to detect the metastatic foci in 25 of 29 patients (86.2%). When the two imaging techniques were used together, the metastatic foci in 27 of the 29 patients could be detected (93.1%.). Also between the [18F] FDG PET / CT SUVmax values and [68Ga] Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 SUVmax values, a statistical significance was found in favor of 68Ga-FAPI PET (p = 0,002).Conclusion: In conclusion, 68Ga-FAPI PET imaging technique can be used as an alternative method to detect the metastatic focus or foci in patients with recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma. It can also increase the chance of metastatic focus or foci detection when used in conjunction with the 18 FDG PET.
Real-World Data on Home End-Of-Life Care for Elderly Cancer Patients: A Yokohama Original Medical Database-Based Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Suzuki Yukio , Dohmae Soshi , Ohyama Kohei , Chiba Taiga , Nakagami Sachiko , Miyagi Etsuko , Shuri Jun
Published: July 2021

Background
Cancer incidence is expected to increase with population aging, making the availability of places for treating terminal cancer patients a pressing issue. Thus, home medical care is expected to play a crucial role. However, real-world big data on the actual state of home end-of-life care in Japan are limited. We aimed to clarify the real-world state of home end-of-life care for elderly cancer patients using data from an administrative database.
Methods
We analyzed the Yokohama Original Medical Database, which included 2,486,834 people and 29,411,895 medical invoices in 2014 and 2015. Data of target patients were extracted based on three criteria: age ≥ 65 years, malignant neoplasm diagnosis, and having a billing code of home end-of-life care. Medical fee points, including data related to home medical care, emergent admission, and survival time at home, were also analyzed.
Results
Overall, 1,323 people (554 and 769 aged < 80 and ≥ 80 years, respectively; males, 59.2%) had planned to receive home end-of-life care. The < 80-year group had more frequent emergent home visits than the ≥ 80-year group (p < 0.001), but the number of monthly home visits was similar between the two groups (p = 0.267). The average overall survival time at home was 3.9 ± 4.4 months, with the < 80-year group having a shorter survival time than the ≥ 80-year group (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Terminal cancer patients aged ≥ 80 years were less dependent on home medical care and had better prognosis at home than terminal cancer patients aged < 80 years did. Our results can provide the basis for providing home medical care through a community-based integrated care system and for evidence-based policymaking.
The Association Between Alkaline Phosphatase and Neurological Outcome in Patients with Post-cardiac Arrest: a Secondary Analysis of Data from Belgium
Authors: he jiacheng
Published: July 2021

Background: Prognostication of the unfavourable neurological outcome(UNO) after Cardiac arrest(CA) is multimodal while blood biomarkers are an attractive option.Serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP) is shown to be associated with ischemic stroke and considered as an independent prognostic factor for long-term functional outcome after acute cerebral infarction.We aimed to study the association between ALP and UNO in 3 months in patients after CA.Methods:Review of consecutive patients admitted to the ICU at Erasme Hospital, Brussels (Belgium) following CA between January 2007 and December 2015. The outcome was the UNO in 3 months. We used multivariable logistic regression models to calculate the adjusted odd ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval(CI). Interaction and stratified analyses were conducted according to Shock,Dobutamine.used,Hypertension,Cardiac.Etiology and Shockable.Rhythm.Results: We included 374 CA patients. The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the risk of UNO in 3 months after CA was significantly associated with ALP.When ALP was Equal is divided in 3 groups, the risk of ALP>91 level and adverse outcomes was 1.7407 times of ALP<64 level (P for trend=0.19709).In the non-hypertension group, the risk of adverse outcomes increased with increased ALP by 1.018 (1.0041.01,1.032).Conclusions: ALP is an independent risk factor for the UNO in 3 months after CA, especially in non-hypertension. Elevated ALP was significantly associated with increased UNO in 3 months after CA. However, the prediction significance of ALP for long-term neurological outcome in patients after CA is needed further studied.
WITHDRAWN: CCR2 Contributes to the Homing of MSCs and Liver Regeneration
Authors: Xing Xuekun , Zhang Jiayang , Li Hongnan , Liu Runsheng , Wang Na
Published: July 2021

Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as a new therapeutic strategy for liver diseases.However, the inability of stem cells to efficiently return to the target tissue is a major obstacle to repair.The chemokine family and its receptors play an important role in the homing of mesenchymal stem cells.This study was conducted to verify that the overexpression of chemokine receptor CCR2 can contribute to the homing of MSCs, improve the therapeutic effect, and clarify the mechanism of action.Methods: A mouse model of partial hepatectomy was established. Transcriptome sequencing was used to detect the expression of CCl2 in liver tissue.CCR2 was transfected with lentivirus into BMSCs, and the expression of CCR2 in BMSCs was detected by qRT-PCR. The effect of BMSCs overexpressing CCR2 on liver regeneration in mice with partial hepatectomy was detected by liver index, HE staining and serum ALT and AST content. The migration ability of BMSCs modified by CCR2 was observed by Transwell test and PKH26 staining. The influence of CCl2-CCR2 on the homing signaling pathway of BMSCs was detected by Western blot and scratch experiments.Results: The expression of CCl2 was up-regulated during the whole process of liver regeneration.BMSCs can express CCR2 receptor, but lentivirus transfected BMSCs can express more CCR2.The BMSCs modified by CCR2 showed stronger migration ability. At 72 hours after partial hepatectomy, the liver index of BMSCS-CCR2 group was higher than that of BMSCs group, the liver tissue structure tended to be normal, and ALT and AST content decreased significantly. Expression of Rho/ROCK signaling pathway protein was increased in the liver of BMSCS-CCR2 group, while cell migration was decreased after treatment with the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632.Conclusion: In summary, this study suggests that CCR2 expression on BMSCs enhances their targeted migration to the liver of partial hepatectomy mice and promotes liver regeneration. The Rho/ROCK signaling pathway plays an important role in the homing of BMSCs.
Spin Transport Properties in 1D DNA and Electrically Doped Iron Quantum Dot Organo-metallic Junction: A First Principle Paradigm
Authors: Roy Debarati Dey , Roy Pradipta , De Debashis
Published: July 2021

The DNA sensor has emerged as strong candidates for next generation ultra low power application due to its self assemble technique. Non-Equilibrium Green’s Function (NEGF) along with Density Functional Theory (DFT) based First Principle approach is used in investigation of spin transport properties along with quantum scattering transmission characteristics of DNA sensor via Iron (Fe) quantum dots (QD) electrodes at room temperature. Electrically doped Fe QD plays an important role in spin transport mechanism. This electrical doping concentration and weak coupling strength between DNA and Fe QD organo-metallic junction effect into the tunneling contact resistance (TCR) along with quantum-ballistic transmission and junction conductivity of parallel and anti-parallel configuration of this analytical model representation. It has been observed that higher current has been achieved for parallel configuration when compare with anti-parallel configuration at same bias voltage. This voltage-current characteristic is significantly modulated due to the electrical doping effect. This spin transport property shows that this system can well perform for anti parallel configuration. High tunnel organo-metallic resistance approximately 99.9% is observed even at 0V bias voltage. TOMCR remains large at upper bias voltage .
FGF21 Promotes Proliferation and Estradiol Synthesis in Porcine Granulosa Cells
Authors: Hu Yamei , Zhou Xiaoge , Shi Shengjie , Li Yankun , Huang Liang , Gao Lei , Pang Weijun , Yang Gongshe , Chu Guiyan
Published: July 2021

Background: The proliferation and estradiol synthesis in granulosa cells (GCs) directly promotes follicular development. Previous studies had found that FGF21 regulated the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis in response to the control of fertility. However, the functions and mechanisms of FGF21 in GCs are unclear.Results: Here, we found that the mRNA and protein levels of FGF21 in the ovarian tissue of high-yielding sows (Sus scrofa) was higher than that in low-yielding sows. Moreover, FGF21 was predominantly expressed in porcine GCs. Additionally, ELISA assay showed estradiol was significantly increased when overexpression of FGF21 in porcine GCs. Meanwhile, overexpressed FGF21 up-regulated both the mRNA and protein levels of key estradiol synthesis-related genes in porcine GCs, including StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1. Corresponsingly, knockdown FGF21 inhibited estradiol levels and its synthesis-related genes expression. Besides, overexpression of FGF21 promoted the proliferation of porcine GCs, displayed as increasing the percentage of S-phase cells in cell cycle and EdU positive cells, including cell viability, and upregulated cell cycle genes, including cell cycle protein B (Cyclin B) and protein E (Cyclin E). Corresponsingly, knockdown FGF21 in porcine GCs suppressed the cell cycle and cell viability, as well as EdU positive cell number.Conclusions: These findings highlight that FGF21 is associated with the development of GCs and may be a novel underlying regulator of porcine follicular development.
Serovar and Virulence Genes of Glaesserella(Haemophilus) Parasuis Isolates from the Nasal Cavity of Live Piglets
Authors: Peng Ling , Liang Diyan , Xiao Lin , Li Linghui , Su Wenzhen
Published: July 2021

Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis (G. parasuis) is a commensal bacterium in the swine upper respiratory tract that can cause Glässer’s disease, particularly in piglets. In this study, we detected the serovars and 19 known virulence genes (VGs) of H. parasuis isolates from the nasal cavities of live piglets from the south of China.Serovar 10 (17.9%) was the most prevalent, followed by serovars 15 (14.5%), 6 (12.0%), 8 (11.1%), 4 (8.5%), 7 (7.7%), 9 (7.7%), 1 (7%), 5/12 (4.3%), and 2 (0.9%). This differs from previous studies on common G. parasuis serovars. The detection rate of 19 VGs ranged from 1.7% to 95.2%, with vacJ and clpP (95.7%) as the most prevalent. The G. parasuis isolates belonging to the same sequence type and serovar harbored different VGs, and all isolates exhibited considerable genetic heterogeneity. Significant correlations were found between VGs and serovars, different pathogenic serovar groups, and members of clade 2 (based on MLST). To our knowledge, this is the first research to examine the characteristics of G. parasuis nasal cavity isolates from live piglets in the south of China. The results complement epidemiological data of G. parasuis and will help the scientific community understand the extreme genetic diversity and pathogenesis of G. parasuis, which will aid in the development of G. parasuis vaccines.
Investigation of ship electric propulsion system performance from environmental and energy efficiency perspective
Authors: Elkafas Ahmed G. , Shouman Mohamed R.
Published: July 2021

The maritime industry faces many challenges regarding the adverse environmental impact, whether at the level of legislation set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) or the economic crises that arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. IMO has found that the highest percentage of ship emission is mainly coming from the ship propulsion systems. Therefore, the current research proposes an electric propulsion system to drive the ship instead of the conventional one to reduce ship emissions and enhance energy efficiency. As a case study, a passenger ship is investigated. The results showed that the proposed electric propulsion system has lower emission rates than the conventional one by 10%, 21%, and 88% for CO2, NOx, and SOx emission, respectively. From an energy efficiency point of view, the diesel-electric propulsion system enhances the energy efficiency and complies with the required IMO values as actual energy efficiency is about 66%, 70%, 83%, and 95% of the required IMO values at baseline, phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3, respectively.
The Association of Two Rare Diseases is Not Rare: Primary Immunodeficiencies and Autoimmune Liver Diseases
Authors: Ayar Şefika Nur , Soyak Elif , Şimşek Cem , Çağdaş Deniz , Balaban Yasemin
Published: July 2021

Purpose: PIDs associates with autoimmune diseases include autoimmune liver diseases (AILD); however, the frequency of PIDs among patients with AILD is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the strength of the association between AILD and PIDs. Methods: We conducted this single-center, cross-sectional, and descriptive study in a tertiary hospital. We evaluated eighty-two patients with AILD (39 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 32 with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), seven with variant syndromes (VS), and four with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) for the presence of PIDs. We obtained a detailed history of infections, comorbidities, family history, and laboratory data from the files. All patients were evaluated in the immunology department for further examination, and PID diagnoses were made according to ESID (The European Society for Immunodeficiencies) criteria. Results: Out of 82 patients with AILD, PIDs were diagnosed in 18% (15 patients); there were four patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), four with partial IgA deficiency (PIgAD), four with selective IgM deficiency (SIgMD), and three with combined immunodeficiency (CID). PIDs were present in 29% of patients with VS, 25 % of patients with PSC, 23% of patients with AIH, and 9% of patients with PBC. Conclusion: Although PIDs are rare diseases in the general population, they have a strong association with AILD and were detected in one-fifth of the patients. Further research with larger patient groups is needed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic impacts of PIDs on AILD.
Evaluation of Synoptic Eddy Activities and their Feedback onto the Midlatitude Jet in Five Atmospheric Reanalyses with Coarse Versus Fine Model Resolutions
Authors: Sang Xiaozhuo , Yang Xiu-Qun , Tao Lingfeng , Fang Jiabei , Sun Xuguang
Published: July 2021

Interaction between synoptic eddy and mean flow plays a crucial role in maintaining midlatitude westerly jet. In this study, climatologies of synoptic eddy activities and their feedback onto midlatitude jet for 1980–2016 are evaluated and compared through analyzing daily data from five atmospheric reanalyses with different resolutions including one coarse-resolution reanalysis (NCEP2) and four fine-resolution reanalyses (ERA-Interim, JRA-55, MERRA-2, and CFSR). Horizontal resolutions of the atmospheric models generating those reanalyses are approximately equivalent to 210, 79, 60, 50, and 38 km, respectively. Results show that the eddy activities and their feedback onto mean flow in those fine-resolution reanalyses are consistently and significantly stronger than those in the coarse-resolution reanalysis (NCEP2). The maximal relative increases that are found to occur primarily in the midlatitudes of the Southern Hemisphere are estimated to be up to 55% for the baroclinicity, 53% for the eddy energetics, 59% for the eddy forcing, and even 85% for the eddy feedback onto mean flow. Those increases are reasonably conjectured to be related to increased model resolutions, since the synoptic eddy genesis is proportional to the lower-level atmospheric meridional temperature gradient which is sensitive to the meridional resolution of atmospheric models. Although the coarse-resolution reanalysis resolves synoptic eddies insufficiently and thus underestimates their feedback onto the mean flow, the magnitudes of eddy-driven jets are almost the same among five reanalyses, implying a mismatch between the eddy feedback and the eddy-driven jet in the coarse-resolution reanalysis. Therefore, the results of this study imply the importance of using fine-resolution reanalyses in accurately understanding the midlatitude synoptic eddy-mean flow interaction.
A New in-situ Exsolution Supporting Framework for Metal Nanoparticle Growth
Authors: Wang Mengchu , Zhang Bike , Ding Jiaqi , Zhang Fanxing , Tu Rui , Bernards Matthew , He Yi , Xie Pengfei , Shi Yao
Published: July 2021

Catalysts made of in-situ exsolved metal nanoparticles often demonstrate promising activity and high stability in many applications. However, the design of these catalysts is greatly constrained by the classic exsolution mechanism, which occurs almost exclusively through substitutional metal-doping in perovskites. Here we show that metal nanoparticles can also be in-situ exsolved from interstitially doped metal cations in a NiOOH supporting framework with the guidance of theoretical calculation. The exsolution can be conducted swiftly at room temperature. A novel copper nanocatalyst prepared with this approach have a quasi-uniform size of 4 nm delivering an exceptional CO faradaic efficiency of 95.6% with a notable durability for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. This design principle is further proven to be generally applicable to other metals and foregrounded for guiding the development of advanced catalytic materials.
Molecular Targeting of Nrf2 and NFkB Signaling by 3-acetyl-11-keto- β-boswellic Acid and Piperine in Fluid Percussion Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kundu Satyabrata , Singh Shamsher
Published: July 2021

Background & purpose: Traumatic brain injury in rats through lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) causes elevation in intracranial pressure which leads to impairments in motor and cognitive behavior. 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is a well-known anti-inflammatory agent but it has very low bioavailability. The current study was established to investigate the neuroprotective effect of AKBA in combination with bioenhancer piperine in LFPI induced TBI experimental rats.Experimental approach: Fluid percussion injury was created by delivering 50 mmHg of pressure for 3 minutes to the exposed brain. AKBA 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg orally and AKBA ((25 mg/kg, p.o.) in combination with piperine (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered from day 1 to day 14. On 1st, 7th and 14th day, the behavioral parameters were checked. On 15th day, animals were euthanized. Then the cortex was isolated for the estimation of biochemical levels (MDA, nitrite, reduced GSH, catalase), neuroinflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-HT, GABA, glutamate). From some animals, hippocampus and cortex were isolated for histopathological analysis and expressions of Nrf2 and NFkB was measured by immunohistological study. Key results: Treatment with AKBA significantly attenuated LFPI induced abnormalities, biochemical and neurotransmitter changes in experimental rats. Further finding AKBA in combination with piperine significantly prevented histopathological changes, increased Nrf2 positive cells and reduced NFkB expression in the cortical region. Conclusion & implication: The present study concluded that AKBA along with piperine achieved anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuromodulatory effects as well as prevented neuronal injury via targeting Nrf2 and NFkB.
A New Biomechanical Classification System for Split Fractures of the Humeral Greater Tuberosity: Guidelines for Surgical Treatment
Authors: Liu Gang , Guo Xiaoguang , Zhao Qian , Qin Bo , Lu Junjie , Bao Dingsu , Fu Shijie
Published: July 2021

Background: Split fractures of the humeral greater tuberosity (HGT) are common injuries. Although there are numerous surgical treatments for these fractures, no classification system combining clinical and biomechanical characteristics has been presented to guide the choice of fixation method.Methods: We created a standardised fracture of the HGT in 24 formalin-fixed cadavers. Six were left as single-fragment fractures (Group A), six were further prepared to create single-fragment with medium size full-thickness rotator cuff tear (FT-RCTs) fractures (Group B), six were cut to create multi-fragment fractures (Group C), and six were cut to create multi-fragment with FT-RCT fractures (Group D). Each specimen was fixed with a shortened proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate. The fixed fractures were subjected to load and load-to-failure tests and the differences between groups analysed.Results: The mean load-to-failure values were significantly different between groups (Group A, 446.83 ± 38.98 N; Group B, 384.17 ± 36.15 N; Group C, 317.17 ± 23.32 N and Group D, 266.83 ± 37.65 N, P < 0.05). The load-to-failure values for fractures with a greater tuberosity displacement of 10 mm were significantly different between each group (Group A, 194.00 ± 29.23 N; Group B, 157.00 ± 29.97 N; Group C, 109.00 ± 17.64 N and Group D, 79.67.83 ± 15.50 N; P < 0.05). These findings indicates that fractures with a displacement of 10 mm have different characteristics and should be considered separately from other HGT fractures when deciding surgical treatment.Conclusions: Biomechanical classification of split fractures of the HGT is a reliable method of categorising these fractures in order to decide surgical treatment. Our findings and proposed system will be a useful to guide the choice of surgical technique for the treatment of fractures of the HGT.
Seasonal and Sexual Variation in mRNA Expression of Selected Adipokine Genes Affecting Fat Deposition and Metabolism of the Emu (Dromaius Novaehollandiae)
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Bennett Darin , Wright Kristina , Cheng Kimberly M.
Published: July 2021

Emus are farmed for fat production. Oil rendered from their back and abdominal fat pads has good anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has ingredients that promote cell growth. Our objective is to examine the mRNA expression of 7 emu adipokine genes (eFABP4, eSCD1, eAdipoQ, eAdipoR1, eAdipoR2, Lept and eLepR) to identify gene markers that may help improve emu fat production. Back and abdominal fat tissues from 11 adult emus were biopsied at four time points (April, June, August and November). Total RNA was isolated and cDNA was synthesized. Gene specific primers were designed for partial cloning fragments to amplify the open reading frame of the 7 genes. Lept was not expressed in emu fat tissue. Nucleotides and amino acids sequences of the 6 expressed gene were compared with homologs from other species and phylogenetic relationships established. Seasonal mRNA expression of each gene was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and differential expression analysed by the 2−ΔΔCT method. The temporal mRNA expression pattern of the genes and the fat gain (kg) between time points association with gene expression level were determined. More whole-genome scanning studies are needed to develop novel molecular markers that can be applied to improve fat production in emus.
Novel DNA-protection Protein (Dps) Originated From Deinococcus Geothermalis
Authors: Bae Min K. , Shin Eunjeong , Lee Sung-Jae
Published: July 2021

We characterized two interrelated proteins from the Deinococcus geothermalis strain with regard to the role of DNA-binding and protection, such as a novel Dps, Dgeo_0257, and a Dps orthologous protein, Dgeo_0281. Despite the lack of conserved amino acid sequence for ferroxidase activity, Dgeo_0257 exhibited high DNA-binding affinity and formed a dodecameric conformation. In contrast, Dgeo_0281 protein showed less effective DNA-binding and was mainly observed monomeric or dimeric forms. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that both purified proteins are non-specifically bound to DNA to protect against DNA degradation and the properties of Dps responding to specific metal ions. In the presence of ferrous and ferric ions, Dgeo_0257 or Dgeo_0281 protein does not readily bind to DNA. However, in Zn and Mn ions are present, both proteins had more stable DNA-binding. From the Dps gene disrupted mutant test, each showed a higher sensitivity to oxidative stress than the wild-type strain. In addition, the expression level of each gene was correlated with the presence of each other. In this study, we characterized and confirmed the functional roles of Dgeo_0257 for sensing metal ions and binding to DNAs along with the Dps orthologous Dgeo_0281. Based on various observational evidence, we propose that Dgeo_0257 is a novel Dps protein with no ferroxidase activity.
Preoperative Placement of Rigid Markers for the Treatment of Tibial Fractures Using 3D Printed External Repositioning Model Combined With External Fixator
Authors: Li Guoliang , Zhao Jianyong , Zhang Yadi , Wang Xuyang , Liu Qilin
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of preoperative placement of a rigid marker 3D printed external repositioning model combined with an external fixation frame in patients with tibial fractures.Methods: Fifty-five patients with tibial fractures treated from June 2019 to August 2020 were used as study subjects. Patients were divided into a control group and an observation group according to the order of their admission to the hospital. Patients in the control group were treated with conventional surgery, and patients in the observation group were treated with preoperative placement of rigid markers 3D printed external repositioning models combined with external fixators. The treatment results of the two groups were compared.Results: Patients in the observation group had significantly shorter operative time, hospital stay and fracture healing time than patients in the control group, and intraoperative bleeding was significantly less than that in the control group (P<0.05). The pain level decreased in both groups as the time lengthened after surgery. At the same time point, the degree of pain in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 6.66% in the observation group and 36% in the control group, and the incidence of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The excellent rate of fracture healing was 60% in the observation group and 86.67% in the control group, and the difference in the excellent rate of fracture healing between the two groups was significant (P<0.05). Patients in both groups gradually recovered their knee and ankle functions after surgery with the extension of time. At the same time point, the HSS and Maryland scores of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion：By using preoperative placement of rigid markers 3D printed external repositioning model combined with external fixator treatment. No further incision or fluoroscopic closed reduction is required. This reduces the patient's pain and improves the patient's fracture healing results.
Experimental Analysis and Control Technology of Deformation and Failure Mechanism of Inclined Coal Seam Roadway using Non-contact DIC Technique: A Case Study
Authors: xiong xianyu , Dai Jun , Ouyang Yibo , Shen Pan
Published: July 2021

In order to study the deformation and failure mechanism of surrounding rock of roadway in inclined coal seam, the physical similarity model of right-angle trapezoidal roadway in inclined coal seam, in which the non-contact digital image correlation (DIC) technology and the stress sensor is employed to provide full-field displacement and stress measurements. The deformation control technology of the roadway surrounding rock was proposed and applied to engineering practice. The research results show that the stress and deformation failure of surrounding rock in low sidewall of roadway are greater than those in high sidewall, showing asymmetric characteristics, and the maximum stress concentration coefficients of roadway sidewall, roof and floor are 4.1, 3.4 and 2.8, respectively. A concept of roadway "cyclic failure" mechanism is proposed that is, the cyclic interaction of the two sidewalls, the sharp angles and roof aggravated the failure of roadway, resulting in the overall instability of roadway. The roadway sidewall is serious rib spalling, the roof is asymmetric "Beret" type caving arch failure, and the floor is slightly bulging. On this basis, the principle of roadway deformation control is revealed and asymmetric support design is adopted, and the deformation of roadway is controlled, which support scheme is effective.
Exosomes secreted by FNDC5-BMMSCs protect myocardial infarction by anti-inflammation and macrophage polarization via NF-κB signaling pathway and Nrf2/HO-1 Axis
Authors: Ning Hogjuan , Chen Haixu , Deng Jingyu , Xiao Chun , Shan Lina , Yang Chao , Zhang Zheng
Published: July 2021

Background

Exosomes are considered a substitute for stem cell-based therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). FNDC5, a transmembrane protein located in the cytoplasm, plays a crucial role in inflammation diseases and MI repair. Furthermore, our previous study found that FNDC5 pre-conditioning bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) could secreted more exosomes, but little was known on MI repair.
Methods

Exosomes isolated from BMMSCs with or without FNDC5-OV were injected into infarcted hearts. Then, cardiomyocytes apoptosis, and inflammation responses were detected. Furthermore, exosomes were administrated to RAW264.7 macrophage with LPS treatment to investigate its effect on inflammation and macrophage polarization.
Results

Compared with MSCs-Exo, FNDC5-MSCs-Exo had superior therapeutic effects on anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis, as well as polarizing M2 macrophage in vivo. Meanwhile, the in vitro results also showed that FNDC5-MSCs–Exo decreased pro-inflammatory secretion and increased anti-inflammatory secretion under LPS stimulation, which partly depressed NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulated Nrf2/HO-1 Axis.
Conclusions

FNDC5-BMMSCs-derived exosomes play anti-inflammation effects and promote M2 macrophage polarization via NF-κB signaling pathway and Nrf2/HO-1 Axis, which may develop a promising cell-free therapy for MI.