bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ferroptosis-Related IncRNAs Are Prognostic Biomarker of Overall Survival in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Chen Dongjie , Gao Wenzhe , Zang Longjun , Zhang Xianlin , Li Zheng , Zhu Hongwei , Yu Xiao
Published: May 2021

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, the mortality and morbidity of which have been increasing over the past decade. Ferroptosis, a newly identified iron-dependent pattern of cell death, can be induced by iron chelators and small lipophilic antioxidants. Nonetheless, the prognostic significance of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in PC remains to be explicated. Methods: We obtained the lncRNA expression matrix and clinicopathological information of PC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets in the current study. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to delve into the ferroptosis-related lncRNAs, and univariate Cox analysis was implemented to examine the prognostic values in PC patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox (LASSO-Cox) analysis was performed to establish a ferroptosis-related lncRNA prognostic marker (Fe-LPM). Furthermore, we adopted a multivariate Cox regression to establish a nomogram. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network were also created.Results: The eight Fe-LPM (including SLC16A1-AS1, SETBP1-DT, ZNF93-AS1, SLC25A5-AS1, AC073896.2, LINC00242, PXN-AS1 and AC036176) was confirmed, and displayed a sturdy prognostic capability in the training and validation dataset. We established a nomogram based on risk score, age, pathological T stage and primary therapy outcome. GSEA revealed that several ferroptosis-related pathways are enriched in low-risk subgroups. A ceRNA network (including 4 lncRNAs, 27 miRNAs and 57 mRNAs) was also constructed to provide us some clues for finding the potential functions of these ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in PC.Conclusion: The eight Fe-LPM can be utilized for anticipating the overall survival (OS) of PC patients, which are meaningful to guiding clinical strategies of PC.
Bowls, Vases and Goblets – The Microcrockery of Polymer and Nanocomposite Morphology Revealed by Two-Photon Optical Tomography
Authors: Yang Shu-Gui , Wei Zhen-Zhen , Cseh Liliana , Kazemi Pantea , Zeng Xiangbing , Xie Hui-Jie , Saba Hina , Ungar Goran
Published: May 2021

On the >1µm scale the morphology of semicrystalline plastics like polyethylene or Nylon features spherulites, “shish-kebabs”, cylinddrites and other crystalline aggregates which strongly affect mechanical and other material properties. Current imaging techniques give only a 2D picture of these objects. Here we show how they can be visualized in 3D using fluorescent labels and confocal microscopy. As a result, for the first time we see spherulites in 3D, both in neat polymers and their nanocomposites, and observe how unevenly nanoparticles and other additives are distributed in the material. Images of i-polypropylene and biodegradable poly(lactic acid) reveal previously unsuspected morphologies such as “vases” and “goblets”, nonspherical “spherulites” and, unexpectedly, “shish-kebabs” grown from quiescent melt. Also surprisingly, in nanocomposite sheets spherulite nucleation is seen to be copied from one surface to another, mediated by crystallization-induced pressure drop and local melt-flow. These first results reveal unfamiliar modes of self-assembly in familiar plastics and open new perspectives on polymer microstructure.
The Clinical Prediction Factors for Non-Culprit Lesion Progression in Patients with Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: wang jian , Yan Cheng-ying
Published: May 2021

Background
To investigate the relationship between the clinical features and progression of non-culprit lesions in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).
Methods
A total of 480 patients (57.1 ± 9.2 y) with STEMI who underwent PPCI between January 2016 and December 2017 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent PPCI as a treatment for culprit lesions. Clinical and angiographic follow-up were performed for 12 months. All patients were divided into a non-culprit lesions (NCL) progression group (205 cases) and a control group (275 cases) based on angiographic follow-up outcomes at 12 months. The clinical and angiographic features were analyzed.
Results
Body mass index (BMI), serum creatinine (Scr), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated serum albumin, glycated hemoglobin and homocysteine levels in the NCL progression group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). A logistic regression analysis showed that FBG (odds ratio = 1.274, 95% confidence interval: 1.077–1.505, P = 0.005) and Scr (odds ratio = 1.020, 95% confidence interval: 1.002–1.038, P = 0.027) were independent predictors of NCL progression. A partial correlation analysis showed that FBG was positively correlated with NCL progression (r = 0.231, P = 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the boundary point of FBG to predict NCL progression was 5.715 mmol/L, and the sensitivity was 74.4% and the specificity was 46.4%.
Conclusions
FBG is a valuable predictor for NCL progression in patients with STEMI after PPCI.
Pyroptosis-related genes IRAK1, NOD2, POP1 and YWHAB impact the prognosis through immune functional pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Zhuo , Chen Zhuoyan , Miao Dan , Xu Qian , Zeng Liuwei , Zhao Luying , Xu Jun , Song Xian , Yu Fujun
Published: May 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous disease, which makes the prognostic prediction challenging. Pyroptosis can influence the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of tumors. However, the prognostic value of pyroptosis-related genes in HCC remains to be further elucidated.Methods: In this study, univariate Cox regression analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression were performed to construct a four-gene signature. Kaplan-Meier curve, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve and univariate/multivariate Cox analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic model. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis was performed to calculate the enrichment scores of diverse immune cell subpopulations and related functions. The correlation of the prognostic model with immune infiltrate types and drug chemosensitivity were analyzed by Analysis of variance and Pearson correlation respectively. Spearman correlation was carried out to analyze the associations between the risk score and immune checkpoint-related genes, cell cycle-related genes, and multidrug resistance-related genes. Gene set enrichment analysis was conducted to further explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were applied to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels between HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumorous tissues in an independent sample cohort.Results: A pyroptosis-related gene signature was constructed to classify patients into two risk groups. Compared with the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group showed significantly reduced overall survival (OS). The risk score was an independent predictor of OS. Tumor-related pathways were enriched in the high-risk group and patients with different risk scores showed different immune status. Immune checkpoint-related genes, cell cycle-related genes, and multidrug resistance-related genes were overexpressed in the high-risk group compared with the low-risk group. The expression level of each prognostic gene was negatively related to the anti-tumor drug sensitivity. Furthermore, the expression level of each prognostic gene in HCC tissues was higher than that in adjacent non-tumorous tissues in an independent sample cohort and similar results were found in most cancer types.Conclusions: A novel pyroptosis-related gene signature is a promising biomarker for estimating the OS and immune status of HCC, which is beneficial to the realization of individualized treatment.
Primary Linitis of the Colon Is a Rare Tumor
Authors: Ghannouchi Mossaab , Moussa Ameny , Khalifa Mohamed Ben , Chaouech Asma , Nacef Karim , Boudokhane Moez
Published: May 2021

Primary colic linitis is a rare tumor .colonic biopsies are frequently negative. The search for a primitive is imperative, because only its negativity affirms the primary character of the tumor. The endoscopic exploration shows the integrity of the mucosa, with a narrowing lumen or impassable stenosis. The diagnosis is based on particular pathological criteria: submucosal spread and a scirrhous carcinoma with diffuse thickening and hardening of the bowel wall consisted of independent signet ring cells. Immunohistochemistry could help in the differential diagnosis between primary colonic ADK (CK7-; CK20+) and colonic metastasis from gastric linitis (CK 7+, CK 20). In our case, tumor cells were positive for CDX2 (intensive and diffuse marking). Primary colic linitis is a rare but extremely aggressive, diagnosed at a late stage. Lymphatic metastases often found at the time of the diagnosis makes the prognosis very pejorative.
Quantifying Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation: First Studies of 18F-Fluorohydroxyphenethylguanidines in Cardiomyopathy Patients
Authors: Raffel David M. , Crawford Thomas C. , Jung Yong-Woon , Koeppe Robert A. , Gu Guie , Rothley Jill , Frey Kirk A.
Published: May 2021

Purpose. The PET radiotracers 4-18F-fluoro-m-hydroxyphenethylguanidine (18F-4F-MHPG) and 3-18F-fluoro-p-hydroxyphenethylguanidine (18F-3F-PHPG) were developed for quantifying regional cardiac sympathetic nerve density using tracer kinetic analysis methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate their performance in cardiomyopathy patients.Methods: Eight cardiomyopathy patients selected for surgical placement of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) were scanned with 18F-4F-MHPG and 18F-3F-PHPG on different days. In addition, an 13N-ammonia scan was performed to assess regional resting perfusion. The myocardial kinetics of 18F-4F-MHPG and 18F-3F-PHPG were analyzed using the Patlak graphical method to obtain Patlak slopes Kp (mL/min/g) as quantitative metrics of regional nerve density. Polar maps of the Patlak slopes were generated to map regional nerve density and to estimate the extent of cardiac denervation. For comparison purposes, regional tracer 'retention index' (RI) values (mL blood/min/mL tissue) were also calculated and used to estimate denervation extent metrics. Polar maps of resting perfusion estimates were used to estimate the pattern and extent of hypoperfusion.Results: Patlak analysis of 18F-4F-MHPG and 18F-3F-PHPG kinetics was successful in all subjects, demonstrating the robustness of this approach in cardiomyopathy patients. Substantial regional denervation was observed in all eight subjects, ranging from 25% to 74% of the left ventricle. Denervation zones were equal to or larger than the size of corresponding areas of hypoperfusion.Conclusion: 18F-4F-MHPG and 18F-3F-PHPG provide quantitative metrics of regional sympathetic nerve density and the extent of left ventricular denervation in patients with cardiomyopathy, supporting further clinical development of these agents.Trial registration: Registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov website (NCT02669563).URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02669563
Intravenous Methylprednisolone Pulse Therapy Versus Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) In The Prevention Of Coronary Artery Disease In Children With Kawasaki Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Aslani Nahid , Raeeskarami Sayed-Reza , Aghaei-Moghadam Ehsan , Tahghighi Fatemeh , Assari Raheleh , Sadeghi Peyman , Ziaee Vahid
Published: May 2021

BackgroundKawasaki disease (KD) is often complicated by coronary artery damage, including dilatation or aneurysms. IVIG is used with aspirin to prevent coronary artery abnormalities in KD. Since the primary treatment for other vasculitis is the use of corticosteroids, this study has been performed to evaluate the effect of intravenous pulse methylprednisolone therapy in preventing coronary artery lesions in KD.MethodA randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 40 KD patients aged 6 months to 5 years. Patients were randomized into two groups according to the main treatment plan in addition to aspirin: case group (intravenous methylprednisolone pulse for three consecutive days and then oral prednisolone for 5 days) and control group (intravenous immunoglobulin 2 gram/kg). Echocardiography was performed for all children at least 3 times, during the acute phase, two weeks, and two months later.ResultsData analysis at the end of the study was done on 40 patients (20 patients in each group). There were no significant differences in age and sex distribution, mean fever, and acute phase duration, as well as baseline echocardiography in 2 groups. The frequency of coronary artery lesion was 20% in the case group and 45% in the control group, after two weeks (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between 2 groups in types of coronary artery lesion after two weeks and the frequency and severity of coronary artery lesion after two months.ConclusionIntravenous methylprednisolone pulse as initial line therapy effectively control systemic and vascular inflammation and decrease coronary artery damage in KD.
Vectorial Association of Linearly Oriented Residua: Application to Swarm High-latitude Magnetic Field Measurements
Authors: Pick Leonie J. L. , Vogt Joachim , Blagau Adrian , Stachlys Nele
Published: May 2021

We introduce the methodological framework VALOR for the analysis of field-aligned current (FAC) sheets based on dual-spacecraft magnetic field observations. VALOR generalizes existing approaches in two respects. First, it takes advantage of the primary observables at both spacecraft, namely, the full magnetic field vectors, instead of derived scalar quantities like single- or dual-spacecraft FAC densities. Second, rather than being restricted to linear correlation measures, VALOR allows to define a custom-made statistical measure of association between the signals at both spacecraft, that is chosen to be particularly sensitive to small-scale fluctuations for this first demonstration. Additionally, VALOR offers to consider the linear orientation of the magnetic field residual vectors, i.e., the sheets’ polarization, in order to infer their orientation and to accentuate the association measure. This paper illustrates the method on the basis of an exemplary auroral oval crossing on March 1, 2019 by the lower pair of ESA’s multi-spacecraft mission Swarm. Explicit comparisons to competing methods are performed to give credence to the results of the case study while the general capability of VALOR is demonstrated on the basis of a statistical study comprising around 9700 auroral oval crossings from 2014-2020. One suitable area of application is the analysis of meso- to small-scale (tens of km to below one km) auroral arc systems in combination with optical data from modern all-sky imagers. Conceptually, VALOR is neither bound to the auroral zone nor to Swarm and can be applied by any multi-spacecraft geospace mission with suitable instrumentation and orbit configuration.
A GIS Methodology to Determine an Average Trophic State Index at Subbasin Level in Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Cervantes-Astorga Enrique , Gradilla-Hernández Misael-Sebastián , Aguilar-Juárez Oscar , Carrillo-Nieves Danay
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Neonatal cardiogenic shock revealing obstructive cardiac Hibernoma: case report
Authors: Gribaa Rym , Kacem Marwen , Ouannes Sami , Majdoub Wiem , Thabet Houssem , Ali Imen Ben , ElHeraiche Aymen , Slim Mehdi , Hmissa Sihem , Neffati Elyes , Cherif Taieb , Kortas Chokri , Jamli Marah , Jerbi Sofiane
Published: May 2021

BackgroundCardiac Hibernoma are very rare benign tumors and usually remain asymptomatic. Neonatal cardiogenic shock due to cardiac tumors is extremely very rare. Until this date a few cases of cardiac hibernoma have been reported in the literature.Transthoracic echocardiography help in the differential diagnosis, but the definitive diagnosis is histological. The management strategy is not clearly codified. The Aim is to report and discuss the clinical features of a cardiac Hibernoma and review the relevant literature.Case presentation We describe a case of a 2-day-old Caucasian full-term male neonate admitted in neonate intensive care with cardiogenic shock, having fluid resuscitation, inotropic drugs and ventilatory support has been started immediately with the subsequent reestablishment of normal blood pressure. Then he was transferred to the echocardiography laboratory. Transthoracic echocardiography showed two echogenic masses in the right atrium and right ventricle.The masses were extended to the pulmonary trunk . Pulmonary artery flow measurements showed the presence of pulmonary and tricuspid obstruction. Surgery was rapidly considered since the baby was hemodynamically unstable.Intraoperative evaluation showed a mass embedded in the interventricular septum that occupy the right ventricular cavity and the right atrium. The tumor involved also the chordae of the tricuspid. Partial resection was done. Tricuspid valve repair was performed by construction of new chordae from the autologous pericardium. The specimen was sent for histopathological analysis. The baby died immediately after surgery.Histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed clear multivacuolated cells filled with lipid droplets and granular intense eosinophilic cytoplasm which confirms the diagnosis of Hibernoma.ConclusionCardiac Hibernomas are rare benign tumors. The prognosis and treatment strategy is closely dependent on the location, initial clinical presentation and possible complications. The prognosis can be unfavorable if the tumor was obstructive and infiltrate the myocardium.
Application of Blended Teaching Model Based on SPOC and TBL in Dermatology and Venereology
Authors: Zeng Jinrong , Liu Liyao , Tong Xiaoliang , Gao Lihua , Zhou Lu , Guo Aiyuan , Tan Lina
Published: May 2021

Background In this study, we applied the small private online course (SPOC) and team-based learning (TBL) blended teaching model to dermatology and venereology to ensure a higher quality learning experience for clinical medical students. Methods A total of 52 fifth-grade clinical undergraduates from Xiangya School of Medicine of Central South University were randomly divided into an experimental (n = 26) and a control group (n = 26). In March 2018, we used the SPOC and TBL blended teaching model in the experimental group and explored the effects of innovative teaching in the dermatology and venereology course, compared with the control group receiving the conventional teaching method. We analyzed the two groups’ theoretical assessment scores and questionnaire results to evaluate the efficiency of the new pedagogy. Results Students in the experimental group had a better understanding than the control group of the dermatology and venereology content and higher scores on the case analysis questions in the final theoretical examination. The results revealed that the majority of the experimental group students agreed that the novel teaching model blended with SPOC&TBL helped them significantly stimulate motivation and develop their ability in self-directed learning, independent thinking, literature retrieval, presentation board, teamwork, communication, and systematic clinical thinking. The teaching satisfaction survey of the two groups showed that the students’ satisfaction in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions The SPOC&TBL teaching model is better than the traditional one in enriching students’ professional knowledge and cultivating their comprehensive ability. It can effectively promote educational quality, improve students’ learning effects, and enhance their satisfaction. This method has broad application prospects.
Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Postoperative Complications After Artificial Abortion ---A Retrospective Study
Authors: SHU JUNJUN , Lin Shixin , Wu Yu , Wang Xiaojiao , Zhu Hong , Gao Jun
Published: May 2021

Background: The complications after induced abortion are the important factors that endanger female reproductive health. The effective prevention way of postoperative complications after induced abortion and protection of female reproductive tract health is now a hot issue. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on postoperative complications after artificial abortion.Methods: A total of 148 patients were randomized into 2 groups in this study. 76 patients were assigned into a treatment group which also called group A, and underwent NMES therapy, while 72 women were assigned into a controlled team named group B. The duration of postoperative uterine contraction pain, the amount and duration of postoperative vaginal bleeding, the endometrial thickness on the 14th and 21st day after the operation, the time of postoperative menstruation recovery, and the incidence of intrauterine adhesion on the 1st and 3rd month after operation were compared and observed.Results: Compared with group B, in group A, The duration of postoperative uterine contraction pain was significantly shorter(P<0.001); The amount and duration of postoperative vaginal bleeding were less after treatment by the NMES (P=.016); There was no significant difference in endometrial thickness on the 14th day after the operation(P=.05), Whereas it was thicker in the observation group than in the control group on the 21st day(P=.01); The menstruation recovery time was shorter after treatment (P=.017); The incidence of intrauterine adhesions was significantly lower at the third months after operation (P=.03)while at the first month, there is no difference(p>0.99).Conclusion: Neuromuscular Electrical stimulation therapy is effective for improving patients with postoperative complications after artificial abortion.
Clinical Characteristics of 60 Adult Cancer Patients Experience Covid-19: A Descriptive-analytical Study
Authors: Aznab Mozaffar , Eskandari-Roozbahani Narges , Moazen Homa
Published: May 2021

Background: This study aimed to describe the clinical symptoms, the severity of the disease, and survival status of COVID-19 cancer patients, and comparing the results in the different cancer subtypes and stages among various ages/sexes and techniques of treatment.Method: In a descriptive-analytical study, the clinical status of 60 cancer patients with a history of Covid-19 over the past year from the covid-19 pandemic in Iran (Jan. 2020-Dec.2020) was assessed. Results: Most of the patients (68%) were in the solid tumor categories. The mean age of the men was 52 ± 13 years, and women were 47 ± 13 years (P<0.05). Most cases of COVID-19 positive in solid tumor were breast cancer (24.4%), colon cancer (22%), gastric cancer (9.8%), and in hematologic malignancy, lymphoma (31.6%), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) (31.6%), and acute leukemia (21.1%). There was a statistically significant difference between two categories of cancer in the clinical manifestations; the stage of cancer and survival status (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on our results risk factors for Covid-19 disease progression, severe pulmonary involvement, and fatal complications in patients with malignancy require further evaluation based on tumor type, stage, age, sex, and treatment options.
Exploring the Molecular Mechanism of Liuwei Dihuang Pills for Treating Diabetic Nephropathy by Combined Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Wang Gaoxiang , Zeng Lin , Huang Qian , Lu Zhaoqi , Sui Ruiqing , Liu Deliang , Zeng Hua , Liu Xuemei , Chu Shufang , Kou Xinhui , Li Huilin
Published: May 2021

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common and serious complication of diabetes, but without a satisfactory treatment strategy till now. Liuwei Dihuang Pills (LDP), an effective Chinese medicinal formula, has been used to treat DN for more than 1000 years. However, its underlying mechanism of action is still vague.
Methods

Active compounds and corresponding targets of LDP were predicted from the TCMSP database. DN disease targets were extracted from the OMIM, Genecards, TTD, DisGeNET, and DrugBank databases. Subsequently, the "herbal-compound-target" network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed and analyzed via the STRING web platform and Cytoscape software. GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were carried out on the Metascape web platform. Molecular docking was utilized AutoDock Vina and PyMOL software.
Result

41 active components and 186 corresponding targets of LDP were screened out. 131 common targets of LDP and DN were acquired. Quercetin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, diosgenin, and stigmasterol could be defined as five crucial compounds. JUN, MAPK8, AKT1, EGF, TP53, VEGFA, MMP9, MAPK1, and TNF might be nine key targets. Enrichment analysis showed that common targets were mainly associated with inflammation reaction, oxidative stress, immune regulation, and cell apoptosis. AGE-RAGE and IL-17 were suggested two significant signal pathways. Molecular docking revealed that the nine key targets could closely bind to their corresponding active compounds.
Conclusion

The present study fully reveals the multi-compounds and multi-targets characteristics of LDP in DN treatment. Furthermore, this study provides valuable evidence for further scientific research of pharmacological mechanisms and broader clinical application.
In-silico analysis of mutations in ANK1, SPTB, SPTA1, SLC4A1, and EPB4.2 genes responsible for Hereditary Spherocytosis
Authors: Vyas Bharti , Kumar Sunil , Singh Garima , Akhter Mymoona , Ahmad Farhan Jalees , Alam Mohammed Mumtaz , Shaquiquzzaman Mohammed
Published: May 2021

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a rare inherited disorder of red blood cells which are characterized by spherical, doughnut-shaped with increase deformability that lead to the gallstones and splenomegaly. The role of mutation in the genes responsible for the regulation of synthesis of proteins and stucture of RBC is well know studied. It was found that there are five genes whose mutation result in hereditary spherocytosis.Therefore, we aimed to study the consequences of ANK1, EPB4.2, SPTA1, SPTB, and SLC4A1 non-synonymous mutaion by using advanced inslico methods. Studied for nsSNPs using insilico techniques including OMIN, clinVar, SIFT, Polyphen, homology modelling. Misssence nsSNP were identified in all the gene selected and their effect on the protein structure, stability and functioning was studies. The result showed that 52 nsSNPs are responsible for the changes in the shape of RBCs. After identifying the nsSNPs the structure of proteins were modelled and their RMSD, relative solvent accessibility, and protein stability were studied. Protein stability analysis revealed significant change in free energy (ΔΔG) of the most identified nsSNPs variants. These finding may be helpful for genotype-phenotype research as well as development in pharmacogenetic studies. Finally, this study unveil a significance of inslico methods to figure out highly pathogenic genomic variants affected the structure and functional of HS causing protein
A Comparative Study Of Linear And Non-Linear Methods of Isotherm Parameters For Biosorption Of Sodium Diclofenac Onto Calcined Cow Leather (CCL)
Authors: Hiyane Hasnaa , Benkaddour Saida , Slimani R. , Cagnon Benoît , Karrouchi Khalid , Haddad Mohammadine EL , Achour Youness , Antri Said EL , Lazar Said
Published: May 2021

In the current work, the activated biosorbent prepared from Calcined Cow Leather (CCL) was used to study the biosorption potential on anti-inflammatory, namely Sodium Diclofenac and derived from phenylacetic acid from the group of arylcarboxylic acids. Thus, it has been selected because they are widely used and potential associated toxicological effects and also apparently detected in aqueous environments. The biosorption study was carried out to examine the biosorption mechanism by applying the five isotherms models represented by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Elovich, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich. The comparison of linear and nonlinear regression methods was applied by taking into consideration mathematical and statistical properties of these two methods and compare different statistical criteria to determine the best model fitted to experimental data by predicting the optimum isotherms parameters. The following six error functions were used, the coefficient of determination (R²), the sum of the squares of the errors (SSE), Hybrid fractional error function (HYBRID), Average relative error (ARE), Sum of the absolute errors (SAE) and Marquardt’s percent standard deviation (MPSD). Whereas, the comparison between different models shows that the nonlinear form of Langmuir model was the best fitted to describe the equilibrium data which was confirmed by the five error functions and the smallest ‘sum of the normalized errors (SNE)’ parameter. Therefore, the kinetics data was evaluated by various models. It was found that the biosorption process was conducted by the pseudo-second-order model which predicted best the experimental data.
Anti-Tyrosinase Properties Of Different Species of Turmeric And Isolation of Active Compounds From Curcuma Amada
Authors: Akter Jesmin , Islam Md. Zahorul , Hossain Md. Amzad , Takara Kensaku
Published: May 2021

Turmeric is traditionally used as a skin cosmetic in some religious and cultural occasions on the Indian subcontinent. In this study, we compared the tyrosinase inhibitory properties of four Curcuma spp., namely, C. xanthorrhiza, C. aromatica, C. amada, and C. zedoaria. Bioassay-guided isolation and purification of tyrosinase inhibitors using silica gel column and high-performance liquid chromatography. Structural identification of the compounds was conducted using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. C. amada showed the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity, with an IC50 of 53.4 μg/mL. Therefore, it was chosen for the isolation and purification of tyrosinase inhibitors. The purified compounds were zederone (1), furanodienone (2), 1,5-epoxy-3-hydroxy-1-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxyphenyl) heptanes (3), 3,5-dihydroxy-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) heptanes (4) and1,5-epoxy-3-hydroxy-1-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) heptanes (5). The IC50 values for the mushroom anti-tyrosinase activity of compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 108.2, 89.2, 92.3, 21.7 and 41.3 µM, respectively. These compounds also inhibited intracellular tyrosinase activity, thus reducing melanin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. Compound 4 showed significantly stronger anti-tyrosinase activity than that of arbutin (a positive control drug). No significant difference was observed in the tyrosinase inhibitory effect between compound 5 and arbutin. Our findings strongly suggest that C. amada is a promising source of natural tyrosinase inhibitors to prevent melanogenesis and could be used as a whitening cosmetic.
Inter- and intra-rater reliability of ultrasound-derived muscle quantification
Authors: Cleary Christopher , Nabavizadeh Omid , Young Kaycie , Herda Ashley
Published: May 2021

Ultrasound devices are now commonplace in sports medicine facilities due to their ease of use and validity to assess skeletal muscle characteristics. The aim of the current study was to assess the reliability of ultrasound skeletal muscle image analysis across multiple raters. Vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and first dorsal interosseus (FDI) images were analyzed in ImageJ by three raters to determine muscle thickness (MT), cross-sectional area (CSA), and echo-intensity (EI). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) between (inter-rater) and within (intra-rater) raters, the standard error of the measurement (SEM) and minimal difference needed to be considered real (MD) were calculated. Inter-rater reliability was high for the selected outcomes of the VL and RF (ICC: 0.987–0.999), while the FDI was lower (0.614–0.962). The MD was small in each muscle and outcome. Intra-rater reliability ranged from 0.961–0.999 for all three raters of differing experience with ImageJ. Providing specific directions to analyze ultrasound images results in reliable ultrasound measurements for the FDI, RF, and VL. The FDI may have had lower ICCs due to the uneven nature and borders. Future studies should continue to investigate the reliability of ultrasound measurements across more raters, various skeletal muscles, and independently per lab group.
Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Babesia In Host Animals In Fujian Province, Southeast China
Authors: Zeng Zhi-Wei , Zhou Shu-Heng , Xu Guo-Ying , Liu Wei-Jun , Han Teng-Wei , Liu Jing , Wang Jia-Xiong , Deng Yan-Qin , Xiao Fang-Zhen
Published: May 2021

Background: Babesiosis is a socioeconomically typical tick-borne infectious disease. Babesia infections in small mammals and ticks were reported in at least five provinces in China. However, the host range and geographical distribution of this parasite in Fujian province was unclear. The aim of this work was to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Babesia in Fujian province, Southeast China, between 2015 and 2020.Methods: Blood samples of rodents were collected from 26 various types of surveillance sites accross Fujian province. Genomic DNA was extracted for screening the Babesia infection via PCR amplification based on 18S rRNA. The prevalences of Babesia were compared by the Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA 5.0 by gene sequence alignment. DNA samples of 316 Capra Caprinae, 85 Bos Bovine, 56 Canis lupus familiaris, 27 Lepus sinensis and 18 Sus scrofa domesticus were also collected in this survey.Results: A total of 1123 rodents were trapped and tested. Babesia infection was confirmed in 3.83% (43/1123) of the rodents and in 1.20% (6/502) of other trapped mammals. Multivariate logistic 2 regression analysis revealed that irrigated cropland, reeds, shrub and hills were risk factors for Babesia infection. The infection rate of S.scrofa domesticus, C.lupus familiaris and C.Caprinae were determine to be 5.56%, 1.79% and 1.27%, and no infection were found in B.Bovine and L.sinensis. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of Babesia between rodents and other host animals.Conclusions: The results indicated that there exits a broad geographical distribution and genetic diversity of Babesia in Southeast China. This study suggested that the mammals, especially wild rodents were the main natural hosts of Babesia in Fujian. Our research provided new insights on the exposure risk of Babesia in humans and animals, laying a solid foundation for the development of babesiosis prevention and control measures.
Therapeutic Effects and Repair Mechanism of HGF Gene Transfected Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Injured Endometrium via Activating Phosphorylated c-Met
Authors: Xu Xuan , Wang Jianye , Dong Liu , Xing Qiong , Wang Ying , Zhang Ying V. , Cao Yunxia , Zhou Ping , Wei Zhaolian
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThere are many studies on the advantages of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that could secret various paracrine factors in repairing endometrial injury. It is necessary to improve the stability and effectiveness of MSCs. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), as one of the cytokines secreted by MSCs, plays a significant role in vascular repair and mesenchymal to epithelial transformation (MET). It can be deduced that HGF is closely related to the repair process of endometrium.Therefore, we aim to investigate the effect and mechanism of MSCs from umbilical cord transfected with HGF gene in the damaged mouse endometrium.MethodsHGF gene transfected MSCs were prepared by electroporation. After determining the cell characteristics and cell activity of HGF gene transfected MSCs, the ability of HGF gene transfected MSCs to express HGF was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Totally, 60 female mice were randomly divided into Control group, Saline group, MSCs group , and HGF gene-transfected MSCs (MSCshgf) group. Each group of mice received treatment after injury. HE staining were used to evaluate the changes in the thickness of endometrial epithelium and the number of endometrial glands. Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate the molecular repair effect. Real time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to compare the expression of angiogenesis related factors. Western blot was used to detect the activation of HGF/c-Met and AKT signaling pathways.ResultsHGF gene transfected MSCs retained the characteristics of original MSCs, and the concentration of HGF secreted by MSCs transfected with HGF gene was higher than that of normal MSCs. Compared with normal MSCs, HGF gene transfected MSCs have a more effect in promoting the repair of damaged endometrial epithelium, mainly in significantly increasing the thickness of damaged endometrial epithelium, increasing the number of glands and proliferating cells(p<0.01). Meanwhile, HGF gene transfected MSCs can improve the expression level of endometrial vascular growth related factors and promote the MET process (p<0.01). At the same time, Western blotting confirmed that these repair effects were related to HGF activation of its receptor c-Met and downstream AKT signaling pathway.Conclusions﻿Compared with normal MSCs, HGF gene transfected MSCs have a more significant effect in repairing the damaged endometrial epithelium. This effect is achieved by activating the receptor c-Met of HGF and downstream AKT pathway.
Assembly of Carbon Dots Into Frameworks With Enhanced Stability and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Zhuang Pengfei , Li Kuo , Li Daoyong , Qiao Haixia , E Yifeng , Wang Mingqun , Sun Jiachen , Mei Xifan , LI DAN
Published: May 2021

Carbon dots (CDs) have widely been used as antimicrobials due to their active surface, but they also suffer instability. Therefore the relative applications such as the antibacterial activity may not be reliable for long-term use. Herein, we synthesize CDs with blue fluorescence by a hydrothermal process. Thereafter, polyethylenimine (PEI) was applied for the assembly of CDs into CDs-based frameworks (CDFs). The CDFs exhibited quenched fluorescence but showed more stable properties based on the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and zeta potential investigations. Both CDs and CDFs show antibacterial activity toward Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), but CDFs exhibited better antibacterial performance. This reveals CDFs magnify both the stability and antibacterial activity, which would be more promising for practical applications.
Characterization of Nit Sheath Protein Functions and Transglutaminase-Mediated Crosslinking in the Human Head Louse, Pediculus Humanus Capitis
Authors: Kim Ju Hyeon , Lee Do Eun , Park SangYoun , Clark John M , Lee Si Hyeock
Published: May 2021

Background Head louse females secrete liquid glue during oviposition, which is solidified to form the nit sheath over the egg. Recently, two homologous proteins, named as louse nit sheath protein (LNSP) 1 and LNSP2, were identified as adhesive proteins but the precise mechanism of nit sheath solidification is unknown.MethodsWe determined the temporal transcriptome profiles of the head louse accessory glands plus oviduct, from which putative major structural proteins and those with functional importance were deduced. A series of RNA interference (RNAi) experiments and treatment of an inhibitor were conducted to elucidate the function and action mechanism of each component.ResultsBy transcriptome profiling of genes expressed in the louse accessory glands plus uterus, the LNSP1 and LNSP2 along with two hypothetical proteins were confirmed to be the major structural proteins. In addition, several proteins with functional importance, including transglutaminase (TG), defensin 1 and defensin 2, were identified. When LNSP1 was knocked down via RNA interference, most eggs became nonviable via desiccation, suggesting its role in desiccation resistance. Knockdown of LNSP2, however, resulted in oviposition failure, which suggests that LNSP2 may serve as the basic platform to form nit sheath and have an additional function of lubrication. Knockdown of TG also impaired egg hatching, demonstrating its role in the crosslinking of nit sheath protein. The role of TG in crosslinking was further confirmed by injecting or hair coating of GGsTop, a TG inhibitor.ConclusionBoth LNSP1 and LNSP2 are essential for maintaining egg viability besides their function as glue. The TG-mediated crosslinking plays critical roles in water preservation that are essential for ensuring normal embryogenesis. TG-mediated crosslinking mechanism can be employed as a therapeutic target to control human louse eggs, and any topically applied TG inhibitors can be exploited as potential ovicidal agents.
Wnt8b Regulates Myofibroblast Differentiation of Lung-Resident Mesenchymal Stem Cells via the Activation of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Pulmonary Fibrogenesis
Authors: Shi Chaowen , Chen Xiang , Yin Wenna , Hou Jiwei , Sun Zhaorui , Han Xiaodong
Published: May 2021

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and fatal lung disease that is characterized by enhanced changes in stem cell differentiation and fibroblast proliferation. Lung resident mesenchymal stem cells (LR-MSCs) are important regulators of pathophysiological processes including tissue repair and inflammation, and evidence suggests that this cell population also plays an essential role in fibrosis. Our previous study demonstrated that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is aberrantly activated in the lungs of bleomycin-treated mice and induces myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs. However, the underlying correlation between LR-MSCs and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling remains poorly understood. MethodsWe used mRNA microarray, immunohistochemistry assay, qRT-PCR, and western blotting to measure the expression of Wnt8b in myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs and BLM-induced mouse fibrotic lungs. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were performed to analyze myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs after overexpressing or silence Wnt8b. Moreover, we analyzed the effects of Wnt8b inhibition on BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by Sirius Red Staining and immunohistochemical staining.ResultsWe found that Wnt8b was highly expressed by LR-MSCs undergoing myofibroblast differentiation. In vitro, Wnt8b promoted LR-MSCs differentiate into myofibroblasts via activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, siRNA-mediated inhibition of Wnt8b prevented Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs in vitro and ameliorated pulmonary fibrotic lesions. Conclusions﻿Our study identified Wnt proteins and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, and highlighted Wnt8b as a potential therapeutic target in pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, these finding might provide a new perspective in the development of treatment strategies for IPF.
Characteristics of immune cell infiltration landscape in colorectal cancer to Aid in Immunotherapy
Authors: Kuang Fei , Luo De , Zhou Mengjia , Du Juan , Liu Yuee , Li Yuehua
Published: May 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex environment composed of a variety of stromal cells and immune cells that infiltrate the tumor space. Recent clinical work has clearly shown such intratumoral immune cell infiltration (ICI) to be closely related to colorectal cancer (CRC) patient survival, yet the specific landscape of infiltrating immune cells associated with this cancer type remains to be clarified. We utilized two computational algorithms to evaluate the ICI status of 712 CRC patients, stratifying these patients into two ICI status-based patterns and assigning ICI scores through the use of principal component analyses. We found that the overall survival (OS) of patients with higher ICI scores was significantly longer than that of patients with low ICI scores. When ICI scores were combined with the results of tumor mutational burden (TMB) analyses, we determined that CRC patients with both high ICI scores and low TMB exhibited the best survival outcomes. High expression of MARCO in those patients with low ICI scores was correlated with reduced natural killer (NK) and effector T cell infiltration and with increased regulatory T cell infiltration, suggesting that these factors may be linked to poor patient prognosis. These results suggest ICI scores to be a valuable biomarker for the prognostic evaluation of CRC patients. Future efforts to analyze the ICI patterns of larger patient sample cohorts will help to extend these analyses, offering new insights into the role of the TME in cancer progression while highlighting novel immunotherapeutic approaches to treating this cancer type.
Performance of Rapid Rk39 Tests for the Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Authors: Hagos Dawit Gebreegziabiher , Schallig Henk D.F.H. , Kebede Kebede , Abdulkadir Mahmud , Wolday Dawit
Published: May 2021

Background
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a severely neglected disease affecting millions of people with high mortality if left untreated. In Ethiopia, the primary laboratory diagnosis of VL is by using rK39-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). Different RDT brands are available with very variable performance and studies from Ethiopia showed a very wide range of sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the pooled sensitivity and specificity of rk39 RDT in Ethiopia.
Method:
PUBMED, EMBASE, and google scholar were searched using predefined search terms to systematically retrieve all relevant articles. Eligibility screening was independently performed by two members and disparities were solved by other reviewers in the team. Methodological quality was also checked using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2) checklists.
Results
A total of 664 articles were retrieved from the PUBMED, EMBASE and google scholar online database searches. After removal of duplicates and initial, and final selection steps, 12 articles were included in the study. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity of all rk39-based RDTs reported to diagnose VL in Ethiopia were 88.0 % ( 95%CI: 86.0–89.0%) and 84.0 % ( 95% CI: 82.0–86.0%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the two rk39-based commercial test kits were for DiaMed RDT: 86.9% (95% CI: 84.3–89.1%) and 82.2 % ( 95% CI: 79.3–85.0%), and for InBios RDT: 80.0% (95% CI: 77.0–82.8%) and 97.4% (95% CI: 95.0–98.8%), respectively.
Conclusion
The sensitivity and specificity of rk39-based RDTs for the diagnosis of VL in Ethiopia were found to be lower compared to other parts of the world. However, the sensitivity of rk39-based RDTs was higher than in other east African countries. On the other hand, the specificity was lower than the east Africa studies (91.1%). The sensitivity and specificity of the rk39-based RDTs were in northern Ethiopia notably lower than in the other parts of Ethiopia.