bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interrelationships Among Vitamin D Status and Body Composition in Mother-Infant Dyads
Authors: Razaghi Maryam , Gharibeh Nathalie , Vanstone Catherine A. , Sotunde Olusola F. , Wei Shu Qin , McNally Dayre , Rauch Frank , Jones Glenville , Weiler Hope A.
Published: October 2021

Background: Vitamin D status of pregnant women is associated with body composition of the offspring. The objective of this study was to assess whether the association between maternal vitamin D status and neonatal adiposity is modified by maternal adiposity preconception.Methods: Healthy mothers and their term appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA) infants (n=142; 59% male, Greater Montreal, March 2016-2019) were studied at birth and 1 month postpartum (2-6 weeks). Newborn (24-36 hour) serum was collected to measure total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] (immunoassay); maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was obtained from the medical record. Anthropometry, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and serum 25(OH)D were measured at 2-6 weeks postpartum in mothers and infants. Mothers were grouped into 4 categories based on their vitamin D status (sufficient 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/L vs. at risk of being insufficient <50 nmol/L) and pre-pregnancy BMI (<25 vs. ≥25 kg/m2): insufficient-recommended weight (I-RW, n=24); insufficient-overweight/obese (I-OW/O, n=21); sufficient-recommended weight (S-RW, n=69); and sufficient-overweight/obese (S-OW/O, n=28). Partial correlation and mixed model ANOVA were used while adjusting for covariates.Results: At birth, infant serum 25(OH)D mean concentrations were below the cut-point for sufficiency of 50 nmol/L for both maternal pre-pregnancy BMI categories; 47.8 [95%CI: 43.8, 51.9] nmol/L if BMI <25 kg/m2 and 38.1 [95%CI: 33.5, 42.7] nmol/L if BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Infant serum 25(OH)D concentrations at birth (r=0.77; p<0.0001) and 1 month (r=0.59, p<0.0001) were positively correlated with maternal postpartum serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Maternal serum 25(OH)D concentration was inversely associated with maternal percent whole body fat mass (r=-0.26, p=0.002). Infants of mothers in I-OW/O had higher fat mass versus those of mothers in S-OW/O (914.0 [95%CI: 766.4, 1061.6] vs. 780.7 [95%CI: 659.3, 902.0] g; effect size [Hedges' g: 0.42]; p=0.04) with magnitude of difference of 220.4 g or ~28% difference (adjusting for covariates). Conclusions: Maternal vitamin D status is positively correlated with neonatal vitamin D. In this study, maternal adiposity and serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L are dual exposures for neonatal adiposity. These findings reinforce the importance of vitamin D supplementation early in infancy irrespective of vitamin D stores acquired in utero and maternal weight status.
Lung Ultrasound in COVID-19 Patients: Characteristics and Factors Affecting its Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: Duan Yilian , Zhang Wen , Li Qian , Ji Li , Cao Chunyan , Cao Haiyan , You Manjie , Liu Jie , Sun Zhenxing , Zhang Ziming , Song Yue , Zhang Li , Xiang Feixiang , Xie Mingxing
Published: October 2021

Background: Although chest computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for diagnosing the majority of lung conditions, its use in screening patients for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pneumonia is not recommended. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an alternative modality. To investigate the characteristics and diagnostic accuracy (DA) of bedside ultrasound for lung lesions in patients with COVID-19 and to determine the factors influencing the DA of lung ultrasound (LUS).Methods: A total of 330 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital between February and March 2020 were retrospectively recruited. The imaging characteristics of LUS and computed tomography (CT) scans were analysed and summarized. DA was calculated using a chest CT scan as the reference standard. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the DA of LUS for interstitial syndrome. Results: The ultrasound findings of COVID-19 patients presented mainly as B lines (195/330, 59.1%), unsmooth or interrupted pleural lines (118/330, 35.8%), consolidation lesions (74/330, 22.4%), and pleural effusion (11/330, 3.33%). Compared with the chest CT scan, the DA of LUS for interstitial syndrome, consolidation, pleural effusion, and pleural thickening were 0.821, 0.927, 0.988, and 0.863, respectively. The diagnostic coincidence rate of LUS and chest CT in the mild, common, severe, and critical groups were 93%, 68.6%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. According to the results of the binary logistic regression, sex, disease duration, experience of the doctor, and involved lobes were independent predictors of the DA for interstitial syndrome.Conclusions: LUS had good diagnostic performance for diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia, and showed a relatively low DA for interstitial syndrome. Female sex, doctors with less experience, long disease duration, and lesions limited to the upper or lower lobes may decrease the DA.
Estimating the number of COVID-19 cases from population isolation level
Authors: Holanda Adriano
Published: October 2021

We use the logistic function to estimate the number of individuals infected by a virus in a period of time as a function of social isolation level in the previous period of the infection occurrences. Each period is composed by a fixed date range in days which the social isolation is supposed to take effect over the virus spread in the next date range. The sample is the COVID-19 cases and social isolation level data from São Paulo State, Brazil. The proposed method is divided into two stages: 1) The logistic function is fitted against COVID-19 empirical data to obtain the function parameters; 2) the function parameters, except for the overall growth rate, and the mean of social isolation level for all periods of time are used to calculate a constant. The logistic growth rate for each period of time is calculated using the constant and the isolation level for that period. The number of cases in a period is estimated using the logistic function and the growth rate from previous period of time to obtain the effect of social isolation during the elapsed time. The period of time that produces a better correlation between empirical and estimated data was 5 days. We conclude the method performs a data estimation with high correlation with the empirical data.
Labor Pain Mangement Practice and Associated Factors Among Obstetric Care Workers in Public Health Facilities of West Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Melesse Girma Tufa , Wayessa Zelalem Jabessa , Bonkiye Amana Jilo
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Childbirth is a painful experience for almost all women and most women require pain relief. Labor pain management strategies include non-pharmacological interventions and pharmacological interventions. Globally, approximately 140 million births occur every year and most of them are vaginal births among pregnant women with no risk factors identified for complications during onset of labor.More than a third of maternal deaths from pregnancy-related conditions are attributed to complications that arise during childbirth or the period immediately following childbirth, usually due to bleeding, obstructed laboror sepsis.The aim of this study was to assess labor pain management practice and associated factors among obstetric care givers in public health facilities of West Guji, Southern Ethiopia 2020.Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 280 study participants. The data was collected by using self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, binary and multiple logistic regressions were used. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CI was estimated to assess the strength of associations and statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Result: The magnitude of labor pain management practice among obstetric care workers at the study area was 43.3%. Factors that associated to labor pain management practice which were found to be statistically significant by multivariable analysis model were: Being diploma holder (AOR, 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.6), knowledge of obstetric analgesia (AOR, 9.4; 95% CI:1.8, 9.9) andthought of pharmacologic obstetric analgesia has effect on the labor (AOR, 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 6.2)Conclusion: Though the magnitude of labor pain management practice was better than other studies, stillit needs working to increase it. Being diploma holder, knowledge of obstetric analgesia and thought of pharmacologic obstetric analgesia has effect on the labor were the factors that responsible for labor pain management practice.
A Functional Interaction Between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and the Human α7 Nicotinic Receptor
Authors: Chrestia Juan Facundo , Oliveira Ana Sofia , Mulholland Adrian J. , Gallagher Timothy , Bermúdez Isabel , Bouzat Cecilia
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Infection relies on the binding of the viral spike protein (S) to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in host cells. The S protein has been suggested to interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and a potential contribution of nAChRs to COVID-19 pathophysiology has been proposed. α7 nAChR is an interesting candidate target since it is present in neuronal and non-neuronal cells, including immune cells, and has anti-inflammatory actions. We here identified a novel direct functional interaction between the α7 nAChR and the Y674-R685 S region. The S fragment exerts a dual effect, acting as a low-efficacy agonist and a non-competitive inhibitor. It activates the α7 nAChR, in line with our previous molecular dynamics simulations showing favorable binding of this accessible region of the S protein to the nAChR agonist binding pocket. However, activation requires the presence of positive allosteric modulators that enhance channel opening probability, indicating very low activation efficacy. The S fragment also induces an overlapped non-competitive inhibition, which may be the predominant effect on α7 responses. This study provides unequivocal evidence supporting a functional α7-S protein interaction, which opens doors for exploring the involvement of nAChRs in COVID-19 pathophysiology.
An Improving Densification in Spark Plasma Sintering Ultrafine-grained Y2O3 Transparent Ceramic by Particle Fracture and Rearrangement
Authors: Huang Zhangyi , Shi Yang , Zhang Yutong , Deng Mao , Wang Haomin , Guo Yi , Kong Qingquan , Qi Jianqi , Ma Benyuan , Wang Qingyuan
Published: October 2021

Herein, we report a new strategy on an improving densification in spark plasma sintering (SPS) ultrafine-grained Y2O3 transparent ceramic using anisotropic-shaped nanorod powders. At the low temperature stage (<600°C), fracture and rearrangement of nanorod powders will appear which can further improve the initial density of particle compact and reduce the initial particle size. When the temperature reaches beyond 600°C, the sintering efficiency of nanorod powder compact will exceed that of the green body packed by spherical powders. The ceramic sample sintered at 1300°C from nanorods is transparent with ultra-fine grain and shows good optical and mechanical properties, while the corresponding ceramic from near-spherical nanocrystalline powders is not dense enough and opaque.
Chromosome characterization and physical mapping of 18S rDNA in Lilium longiflorum originated interspecific hybrids using combined genomic and fluorescent in situ hybridization
Authors: Islam Md Mazharul , Lee Hyemin , Deepo Deen Mohammad , Yesmin Reshma , Ramzan Fahad , Kim Hong-Yul , Lim Ki-Byung
Published: October 2021

This study was aimed at differentiating parental genomes, examining intergenomic composition, and mapping mitotic metaphase chromosomes by localizing parental and 18S rDNA probes in seven interspecific hybrid progenies that originated from Lilium longiflorum. Since in situ hybridization has not been previously used in lily breeding, flow cytometry was used in conjunction with genomic and fluorescent in situ hybridization to determine the genomic contribution of each parent to the interspecific progenies. A significant variation was observed in the DNA content, chromosome length, and 18S loci in F1 as compared to the female and male parents. L. longiflorum showed nearly two times higher DNA content than the male parents and L. longiflorum × Asiatic progenies, but eight times higher than L. longiflorum × L. hansonii. Genomic in situ hybridization results revealed that both female and male parents contributed an equal number of chromosomes to their interspecific F1 offspring. Fluorescent in situ hybridization mapping revealed that 18S rDNA had 8, 6 and 7 loci in L. longiflorum parents, i.e., White heaven, Bright tower, and White tower, respectively, whereas each Asiatic cultivar and L. hansonii used as male showed 8 and 12 loci respectively. Interspecific progenies showed 8 and 7 loci in LA, and 10–11 in LM hybrids. These cytogenetic results implied equal genetic and chromosomal contribution from both parents to their intergenomic progenies. Therefore, this combined (Schwarzacher et al., 1992)cytogenetic method has the potential to be an affordable and time-saving approach in lily breeding that could determine the status of hybrids and their genomic origin while achieving physical mapping and detecting genes in different genomes.
10-4-4, A Cardiac Glycoside Block Growth in Cancer Cells via Nuclear Receptor Nur77 Mediated Na+/K+- ATPase Endocytosis
Authors: Hu Mengjie , Xu Yang , Bao Yuzhou , Tang Jinshan , Li Mingyu , Yao Xin-Sheng , Zhang Xiao-kun , Liu Jie
Published: October 2021

Background

Cancer is second only to heart disease as a cause of death. Develop new and more effective treatment strategies for cancer remain a major challenge for human medicine today. Nur77, an orphan member for the nuclear receptor superfamily, inhibits growth in cancer cells by translocation to cytoplasmic. Small molecules that trigger Nur77 nuclear export may be an ideal anti-cancer candidate.
Methods

Cell proliferation was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The protein expression level were detected by western blot analysis. Immunostaining and cell fractionation assays were used to assess subcelluar localization of Nur77. Cell apoptosis, cell cycle and calcium were detected by flow cytometry. Zebrafish liver cancer models were used to determine anti-cancer effect of 10-4-4 in vivo.
Results

In this study, we exhibit 10-4-4 a cardiac glycoside, extracted from Antiaris toxicaria lesch, has sensitivity to cancer cells. 10-4-4 induces apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. Consistently, 10-4-4 augments Nur77 expression and cytoplasmic localization, its restraint of cancer cells growth is Nur77 dependent. Meanwhile, as a cardiac glycoside, 10-4-4 inhibits Na+/K+- ATPase (NaK) activation. To further confirm the molecular mechanism of 10-4-4, we found the association between Nur77 and NaK. The suppression of NaK by 10-4-4 increases the level of intracellular Ca2+. Ca2+, as a second messenger, specific activates protein kinase C (PKC). PKC has been reported on the influence of Nur77 nuclear export. Identical conclusions are obtained in this studies that 10-4-4 induces PKC activation play an important role in Nur77 nuclear export. Notably, the cytoplasmic Nur77 induced by 10-4-4 interaction with NaK to induce NaK endocytosis, and then trigger G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Studies in Zebrafish shows that 10-4-4 potently inhibits the growth of liver cancer cells in vivo.
Conclusions

Our results exhibit that 10-4-4 possesses an anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo via NaK-Nur77 signaling pathway and maybe offers a novel strategy in development of chemotherapeutic anti-cancer drug.
Identification of PTPLAD1 as a Novel Tumor Suppressor and its Implication in Metastatic Colon Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Yangjia , Hu Yang , Zhang Weixia , Yan Xin , Liang Junze , Huang Xiaohui , Li Bin , He Qing-Yu
Published: October 2021

Background: Colon cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers, and cancer metastasis always leads to a failure of clinical treatment. Although there have been many studies on the process of colon cancer progression, the detailed mechanism of colon cancer metastasis still remains unclear, and more effective drugs targeting colon cancer metastasis are urgently needed. This study aims to explore novel effectors involved in colon cancer metastasis and screen out potential targeted drug for colon cancer therapy.Methods: Mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analyses are performed to present the proteomics variation between two colon cancer cell lines with different invasion abilities. Boyden chamber invasion assay (in vitro) and experimental metastasis assay in mice (in vivo) are performed to explore the role of protein tyrosine phosphatase-like A domain containing 1 (PTPLAD1) in colon cancer metastasis. Western blotting and qRT-PCR assays are performed to analyze the expression of proteins and mRNA of related signaling cascades. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and confocal assays are conducted to examine the proteins interacted with PTPLAD1. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay is fulfilled to evaluate the relationship of PTPLAD1 expression and histone H3K9 acetylation. Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) screening system are used to screen out the small molecular inhibitor that mimics the effect of PTPLAD1 on suppressing colon cancer metastasis.Results: Our results identify that PTPLAD1 is significantly downregulated in the highly invasive cell lines, and PTPLAD1 suppresses colon cancer metastasis by interacting with prohibitin (PHB) and prohibiting the activation of PHB/C-Raf1 (Raf)/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/Snail signaling pathway. Moreover, the expression of PTPLAD1 is modulated through the acetylation of histone H3K9. Besides, we identify a small molecule named avobenzone, once used to protect skin from ultraviolet damage, that can disrupt the interaction of PHB and Raf, significantly abrogate the activation of downstream signaling cascades and prohibit colon cancer metastasis.Conclusions: Collectively, our study not only identifies PTPLAD1 as a novel tumor suppressor and clarifies its role in suppressing colon cancer metastasis, but also provides a potential targeted drug for metastatic colon cancer therapy.
D-Limonene Inhibits the Occurrence and Progression of LUAD by Suppressing Lipid Metabolism Dysregulation Induced by PM2.5 Exposure
Authors: Zhu Tengteng , Li Yangyang , Feng Tienan , Yang Yuqing , Zhang Kai , Qian Ying , Gao Jing , Quan Xiaowei , Yu Herbert , Qian Biyun
Published: October 2021

Background: PM2.5 exposure is associated with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), but the mechanism is unclear. The lack of understanding impedes our effort on prevention. This study examined a possible mechanism of lung cancer caused by PM2.5 exposure, and aimed to find a potential intervention for people living in PM2.5 polluted regions.Methods: PM2.5 was collected near South-North elevated way in Shanghai city. Lung adenocarcinoma cells, pulmonary epithelial cell and mice were exposed to PM2.5 or D-limonene for 48h and two month separately. Cell morphology, abilities of invasion, migration and proliferation, pulmonary fibrosis level were assessed. Lipid metabolism changes were also studied in 11,564 lung cancer patients.Results: PM2.5 exposure induced accumulation of lipid droplets in LUAD cells which was accompanied by increased malignant cellular behaviors and disrupted lipid metabolism. PM2.5 exposure of LUAD led to cleaved N-SREBP1 translocation from the cytoplasm to nucleus, which upregulated the expression of FASN and ACACA. These changes increased lipid accumulation in LUAD. D-limonene, a natural monoterpene, was found to inhibit the changes in lipid metabolism through upregulating the expression of miR-195, a reported tumor suppressor that inhibited the expression of SREBP1, FASN and ACACA specifically induced by PM2.5 exposure. Same changes were also observed in normal lung epithelial cells and normal lung tissue from mice after PM2.5 exposure, and the changes were inhibited by D-limonene treatment. Furthermore, in a cohort of 11,564 lung cancer patients, significant lipid metabolism disorders were observed in high, compared to low, PM2.5 polluted areas, and a small human intervention trial showed that serum miR-195 was upregulated after oral intake of D-limonene.Conclusion: Our study reveals a potential intervention target for LUAD that is related to PM2.5 exposure-induced lipid metabolism disturbance and that D-limonene may inhibit the disruption through the upregulation of miR-195, which suggests a novel low-cost preventive intervention for people living in PM2.5 polluted regions.
Abnormal Inflammatory Status Promotes Lymphatic Metastasis of Gallbladder Cancer Cells Through the CACUL1/NRF2/ITGBL1/ITGA9/VEGF-C Pathway
Authors: Kong Ying , Wang Kai , Suo Ai-li
Published: October 2021

Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly fatal disease with poor prognosis, but the aetiology is poorly understood. Long standing gallstone and chronic inflammation had been observed to be risk factors for GBC. Gallstone and chronic infection may lead to increased turnover of primary bile acids to secondary bile acids and inflammatory cytokines, which were known tumor promoters and might be responsible for GBC. But the exact molecular mechanism was not fully understood. Results: Our results showed that gallstones and chronic infection could increase the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and promoted the expression of CACUL1 and ITGBL1. Our study furtherly identified the highly expressed patients of CACUL1 and ITGBL1 had a poor prognosis, and them therefore might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for GBC patients. CACUL1 promoted the expression of ITGBL1 through NRF2. Furthermore, ITGBL1 promoted the migration and invasion of GBC cells. In addition, ITGBL1 was found to induce lymphangiogenesis through the ITGA9/VEGF-C pathway and promote lymphatic metastasis. Conclusions: Our study provided new insight into GBC pathogenesis that chronic bacterial infection and gallstones leading to the production of carcinogenic precursors and inflammatory cytokines promote lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis of cancer cells through CACUL1/NRF2/ITGBL1/ ITGA9/VEGF-C pathway.
IgA- Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Correlates With a Better Prognosis in GADC Patients
Authors: Jia Lizhou , Wang Tengqi , Chen Hao , Ba Teer , Wang Bin , Wang Xiaolei , He Weiwei , Zhao Youcai , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2021

Background: The roles of tumor infiltrating B lymphocytes (TIBs) and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in solid tumor genesis and tumor therapy have been recognized by researchers, but the specific formation and effect of the TLSs have not been fully understood. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing, multiple immunofluorescence assays, and quantitative digital image analysis to study the formation and structure of TLSs in gastric adenocarcinoma (GADC). Furthermore, the study collected 165 cases of GADC with TLSs and analysis the relationships between TLS formation and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of GADC patients were analyzed. Results:The result identified the type of IgA-TLSs which contained higher level of IgA+-B cells in GADC, and the major structures of the IgA-TLSs were determined. We found that immune cells in IgA-TLSs had higher levels of cellular interactions and migration ability. The expression of signal sequence receptor subunit 4 (SSR4) was characterized and found to higher expressed in the IgA-TLSs. Furthermore, IgA-TLSs correlated with age, differentiation, distant metastasis, TNM stage, chemotherapy effect, expression of programmed death-ligand 1, J-chain, and SSR4, and better overall survival. Conclusions: Our research provided the information about CD79A/J-chain B cells in GADC and indicated that IgA-TLSs was associated with better prognosis for GADC patients.
Risk Prediction Models for Erosive Wear in Preschool-aged Children: A Prospective Study
Authors: Gatt Gabriella , Attard Nikolai
Published: October 2021

BackgroundDespite increasing prevalence, age specific risk predictive models for erosive tooth wear in preschool age children have not been developed. Identification of at risk groups and the timely introduction of behavioural change or treatment will stop the progression of erosive wear in the permanent dentition. The aim of this study was to identify age specific risk factors for erosive wear. Distinct risk prediction models for three year old and five year old children were developed.MethodsA prospective cohort study included clinical examinations and parent administered questionnaires for three and five-year-old children. Chi-square tests explored categorical demographic variables, Spearman Rank Order correlation tests examined changes in BEWE scores with changes in food frequencies while Wilcoxon signed rank tests evaluated the temporal effect of frequencies of consumption of dietary items. Mann-Whitney U tests compared changes in BEWE scores over time for the twenty-six bivariate categorical variables and Kruskall-Wallis tests compared changes in BEWE scores over time across the remaining 55 categorical variables representing demographic factors, oral hygiene habits and dietary habits. Change in BEWE scores for continuous variables was investigated using Spearman Rho correlation coefficient Test. Those variables showing significance with a difference in BEWE cumulative score over time were utilised to develop two risk prediction models. The models were evaluated by Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis.ResultsRisk factors for the three-year-old cohort included the erosive wear (χ2 (1, 92) = 12.829, p < 0.001), district (χ2 (5, 92) = 17.032, p = 0.004) and family size (χ2 (1, 92) = 4.547, p = 0.033). Risk factors for the five-year-old cohort also included erosive wear (χ2 (1, 144) = 4.768, p = 0.029) gender (χ2 (1, 144) = 19.399, p <0.001), consumption of iced tea (χ2 (1, 144) = 8.872, p = 0.003) and dry mouth (χ2 (1, 144) = 9.598, p = 0.002).Conclusions: Predictive risk factors for three-year-old children are based on demographic factors and are distinct from those for the five-year-old cohort, which are based on biological and behavioural factors. The presence of erosive wear is a risk factor for further wear in both age cohorts.
Physical Modeling of Semi-continuous Casting for Developing an Industrial Technology of Producing Ingots From New Deformable Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Bezrukikh Aleksandr Innokentyevich , Baranov Vladimir Nikolaevich , Konstantinov Igor Lazarevich , Yuryev Pavel Olegovich , Voroshilov Denis Sergeevich , Orelkina Tamara Aleksandrovna , Bondarenko Dmitriy Nikolaevich , Partyko Evgeniy Gennadyevich , Yanov Valentin Viktorovich , Stepanenko Nikita Andreevich , Baykovskiy Yuriy Viktorovich , Kongs Andrey Yuryevich , Mansurov Yulbarskhon Nabievich
Published: October 2021

A physical model of a semi-continuous casting unit (SCCU) has been manufactured and tested, designed to develop a technology for casting flat and cylindrical ingots from experimental aluminum alloys for subsequent metal forming. The SCCU includes two induction melting furnaces with a tilting mechanism, a rotary mixer, a metal path system, a vertical casting machine, a jib crane, water supply, power supply, monitoring and control systems. SCCU testing was carried out on six heats of alloy 1580 of the Al-Mg system with the addition of scandium. In the first three ingots the scandium content was 0.05% (wt.). In the second series of three heats ingots with 0.075% (wt.) scandium were cast. The ingots had a high surface quality, did not have casting defects, and there were no inclusions of primary intermetallic compounds Al3(Sc, Zr) in the structure of the ingots. The bottom and runner parts of the ingots were cut off, all faces were milled and subjected to homogenization annealing in a two-stage mode: the first heating at 350 °C, 3 h, the second heating for 1 h to 425 °C, 4 h. Then the billets were hot rolled from 40 to 5 mm, annealed at 380 °C, 1 h, rolled at room temperature to a thickness of 1 mm and annealed at 350 °C, 3 h. After that, tensile mechanical properties were tested. The results of modeling ingot casting were tested in industrial conditions when casting a large ingot with a cross section of 2100×500 mm. A template was cut from the ingot with the dimensions of a billet for rolling, as that obtained from an experimental ingot cast at the SCCU. The billet was subjected to hot and cold rolling according to the conditions used for rolling the experimental ingot. At the same time the modes of heat treatment of sheet semi-finished products were also repeated. The mechanical properties of sheets of alloy 1580 rolled from experimental and industrial ingots practically did not differ. This proves the reliability of casting modes for ingots obtained at the SCCU and tested for casting industrial ingots.
Calpeptin Induces Apoptosis in A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Tabata Chiharu , Tabata Rie
Published: October 2021

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and most are non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Since the overall survival remains very poor for NSCLC patients with advanced-stage disease, the development of novel treatments is needed. Previous studies reported a relationship between calpain and tumorigenesis. In this study, we examined the apoptotic effects of calpeptin (Cal), a calpain inhibitor, on A549 NSCLC cells. We assessed whether Cal induced apoptosis in A549 cells. Cal induced apoptosis in A549 cells and also activated p38MAPK. These results suggest a possible clinical use of Cal for the treatment of NSCLC.
The Influence of Congenital Cataract Surgery on the Ocular Surface in a Six-Month Follow-Up Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Lin Xiaolei , Li Hongzhe , Zhou Xiyue , Liu Xin , Fan Fan , Yang Tianke , Luo Yi
Published: October 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify changes in tear film function and meibomian gland function in children after congenital cataract surgery.Methods: This study enrolled 21 eyes of 16 congenital cataract patients (mean age: 8.05±1.43 years) who underwent cataract surgery and 16 eyes of 16 normal volunteers (mean age: 8.31±2.18 years). Clinical assessments were conducted preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Symptom questionnaires, non-invasive tear ﬁlm break-up time, tear meniscus height, corneal fluorescein staining, lid margin abnormality, meibomian gland expressibility, and meibography were assessed.Results: The ocular symptom score was significantly higher in congenital cataract patients compared to normal controls during the 5 visits (P=0.009). And the average non-invasive tear ﬁlm break-up time was significantly lower in congenital cataract patients compared to normal controls (P=0.017). The first non-invasive tear ﬁlm break-up time and average non-invasive tear ﬁlm break-up time was lowest at 1 month postoperatively compared to baseline levels (P = 0.008 and P = 0.012, respectively). The lid margin score of the upper eyelid was significantly higher in congenital cataract patients compared to normal controls at 1 week postoperatively (P=0.027). The meibum expressibility score decreased significantly during the 5 visits (P=0.024). No significant difference was observed in meibomian gland tortuosity, meibomian gland width, meibomian gland area and meibomian gland length between the congenital group and normal controls preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively (P>0.05).Conclusion:Tear film stability and meibomian gland function are worsened transiently after congenital cataract surgery without accompanying meibomian gland morphological changes.
Using Letrozole Cotreatment With Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treated For IVF
Authors: Liu Yali , Lin Jiaying , Chen Li , Mao Xiaoyan , Wang Li , Chen Qiuju , Yu Sha , Kuang Yanping
Published: October 2021

Background: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often experience poor oocyte quality and a high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) when treated with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in vitro fertilization (IVF). Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) shows good potential to compete with conventional protocols in women with PCOS. However, it always accompanied by increased pituitary suppression and gonadotropin consumption. Letrozole (LE) has the ability to increase luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and appears to have the potential to alleviate pituitary inhibition during COS in women with PCOS. A retrospective cohort trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of PPOS with or without letrozole in infertile women with PCOS.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 448 women with PCOS who underwent COS with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (n=224) or hMG and MPA cotreatment with LE (n=224) from January 2018 to March 2021. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were balanced with propensity score matching using the nearest neighbour random matching algorithm at a ratio of 1:1. The primary outcome measure was the implantation rate. The secondary outcomes were the endocrinological profiles, gonadotropin dose and duration, number of oocytes retrieved and viable embryos, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and ectopic pregnancy rates.Result(s): The implantation rate was significantly higher in the study group than that in the control group (42.22% vs. 34.69%, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group，the study group had a higher LH concentration on the trigger day (3.85±3.6 mIU/ml vs. 2.44±1.71 mIU/ml, P < 0.01), but there was no case of premature LH surge or OHSS in both groups. The consumption of gonadotropin, the number of oocytes retrieved and viable embryos were similar between the two groups. Additionally, no difference was found in the clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate or ectopic pregnancy rate.Conclusion(s): This study shows that LE administration in the PPOS protocol was feasible to improve the implantation rate and alleviate profound pituitary suppression from progestin administration without interfering with its premature LH surge blockade effect but with a non-significant reduction in gonadotropin consumption in women with PCOS undergoing IVF treatment.
Switchable Structure Promoted Leaching Free Atomically Dispersed Pt Catalyst for Low Carbon Biomass Polyol Oxidation
Authors: Yan Hao , Zhao Mingyue , Zhou Xin , Zhao Siming , Li Shangfeng , Zha Minghao , Meng Fanyu , Feng Xiang , Chen Xiaobo , Liu Yibin , Chen De , Yan Ning , Yang Chaohe
Published: October 2021

Achieving efficient catalytic conversion over heterogeneous catalyst with excellent resistance against leaching is still a grand challenge for sustainable chemical synthesis in aqueous solution. Herein, we devised a leaching free atomically dispersed Pt1/hydroxyapatite (HAP) catalyst with unique switchable structure via a simple and green in-situ anchoring strategy. Gratifyingly, this robust Pt1/HAP catalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic selectivity and catalyst stability for the selective oxidation of C2-C4 bio-polyols (e.g., ethylene glycol, propanediol, glycerol and butanediol) to corresponding primary hydroxy acids. X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in-situ Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, density functional theory calculation and kinetics study elucidated that the switchable Pt-(O-P) linkages with strong electronic-withdrawing function of PO43− (Pt1-OPO43− active site) not only realize the activation of C-H bond, but also destabilize the transition state from adsorbed hydroxy acids toward the C-C cleavage, resulting in the sharply increased selectivity of hydroxy acids. Moreover, the strong PO43−-coordination effect, originating from the enhanced interaction between positively charged Pt1 and negatively charged OPO43−, provides electrostatic stabilization for the atomically dispersed Pt, ensuring the highly efficient catalysis of Pt1/HAP for over 160 hours without metal leaching. This finding opens up new opportunities for efficient upgrading of bio-polyols over atomically dispersed catalysts.
The Effect of Donor Transportation on the Function of Donor’s Organs
Authors: Liu Jianrong , Wang Zhuchun , An Yuling , Wei Xuxia , Yi Xiaomeng , Xu Qian , Chen Weijian , Tang Yue’e , Yi Huimin , Xiong Tianwei
Published: October 2021

Background: The impact of donor transportation on the outcome of deceased organ donation remains largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of donor transportation on the function of the donor’s organs. Methods: From 2016 to 2018, 139 donors of successful deceased organ donation from the local (primary) hospitals transferred to our hospital were included for analysis. Blood samples were drawn immediately after the donor admitted to our hospital (pre-transport data) and before donation (post-transport data) to assess the donor’s organ functions by determining the levels of blood biochemical indexes. Results: The donor with a transport distance >200 km had higher post-transportation AST and a bigger change of TB level as compared with those with a transport distance < 200 km. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between transport distance and post-transport AST. The donors with cardiac arrest history had significantly higher pre-transport AST, pre-transport ALT, post-transport ALT, post-transport BUN, and the change level of BUN after transport as compared with those without cardiac arrest history. The donors with a history of cranial decompression surgery had significantly lower pre-transport AST, pre-transport ALT, and post-transport Cr as compared with those without a history of cranial decompression surgery. Conclusion: These results suggested that long-distance donor transportation may result in organ function deterioration, especially for donors with a cardiac arrest history. Donors with a history of intracranial decompression surgery can alleviate this problem.
PD-1 Inhibitor Plus Chemotherapy Versus Chemotherapy for First-Line Treatment in Advanced Esophageal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Lu Yao , Xu Mengli , Guan Lulu , Yang Yalan , Chen Yu , Yang Yuanyuan , Wang Feng
Published: October 2021

Background: Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has recently changed the first-line treatment of several cancers. We perform a systematic meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy for first-line treatment in advanced esophageal cancer.Methods: Data were collected from eligible studies searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, American society of clinical oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Pooled hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), pooled odds ratio (OR) for objective response rate (ORR) and treatment-related adverse effects (TrAEs) were estimated to assess the efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy. We performed several subgroup analyses to explore the variables on immunotherapy efﬁcacy for esophageal cancer. The ﬁve-point Jadad scoring system and the bias risk assessment were used to evaluate the quality of studies, and sensitivity analyses were carried out to evaluate the robustness of the combined outcomes. Results: Seven records involving 3754 participants were selected in our study. Compared to chemotherapy group, the OS (HR=0.72; 95% CI: 0.66-0.78, P<0.01), PFS (HR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.57-0.68, P<0.01) and ORR (OR=2.07; 95% CI: 1.76-2.43, P<0.01) were significantly longer in PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy group. The overall survival benefit was observed in patients regardless of histology or PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS). OS and PFS were generally consistent across subgroups by clinical features. In safety analyses, PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy had significantly higher incidence of TrAEs (OR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.21-2.84, P<0.01), but there was no statistical difference in grade 3 or higher TrAEs (OR=1.24; 95% CI: 1.00-1.55, P=0.05).Conclusion: Compared with chemotherapy, PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy has an improvement of anti-tumor activity and controllable TrAEs for first-line treatment of advanced esophageal cancer.
Research on the Application of Virtual Reality Technology in the Scenery Park Landscape Design
Authors: tian Xiao
Published: October 2021

Virtual reality technology is of great significance in the scenery park landscape design. In order to further improve the related theories and links of this technology, this study is based on a clear concept of reading related information and the author uses the modeling software and through the example analysis to verify that the virtual reality technology has certain feasibility in the scenery park landscape design of our country. By using the method of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, the author determines the main advantages of virtual reality technology in the scenery park landscape design. The purpose of this study is to provide data and theoretical reference for the improvement of the related theories and techniques of the scenery park landscape design in China.
Academic Half-Day Education Experience in Post-graduate Medical Training: A Scoping Review of Characteristics and Learner Outcomes
Authors: Choe Myong Sun , Huffman Lynne C. , Feldman Heidi M. , Hubner Lauren M.
Published: October 2021

Background

The academic half-day (AHD) has grown in popularity for medical education because it intends to provide learners with uninterrupted, immersive learning time that may promote participant attendance, engagement, and knowledge. Little is known about the extent of use, forms, or effectiveness of AHD in post-graduate medical education. This scoping review summarizes existing literature and describes the learning outcomes, according to the Kirkpatrick model of learning evaluation, of AHD experiences on post-graduate medical trainees.
Methods

Authors used Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, searching electronic scientific literature databases from the years of 1977-2019 with relevant key terms and identifying 735 papers. Two independent raters completed title/abstract screening and then extracted pertinent data from papers meeting specified criteria.
Results

Authors identified 38 relevant papers published in English, originating from programs in US (n=19) and Canada (n=19), spanning 4 disciplines: Medicine (n=17, 45%), Pediatrics (n=10, 26%), Critical Care/Surgery (n=9, 24%), Radiology (n=2, 5%). A majority (n=33, 87%) described specific educational experiences; most focused on residents only (n=27). The educational experiences included various teaching strategies; few were didactics only (n=4) and most were multi-modal including simulation, case-based learning, problem-based learning, and/or self-directed online study. AHD size ranged from 5-364 participants (median 39). AHD length was 1.5-6 hours (median 3). Required resources were inconsistently described. When evaluations of the specific educational experience were reported (n=35 studies), the majority of studies used weak research designs (e.g., one group, pre/post-test, n=19); few studies used strong research designs (e.g., randomized controlled trial, n=2). Positive effects of AHD ranged across Kirkpatrick levels 1-3 learner outcomes.
Conclusions

The composition and content of AHD in post-graduate medical education vary. Few studies of AHD use stringent research designs, and none include learner outcome measures at the highest Kirkpatrick level (i.e., level 4 results/patient outcomes). A consensus definition and further high-quality research on AHD in post-graduate medical education is needed.
VEIWER: a Digital tool for visualising data in mental health records
Authors: Codling David
Published: October 2021

Background Electronic Audit and Feedback (eA&F) interventions aim to improve patient care by presenting clinicians with summarised information of clinical performance over time. We created an eA&F intervention to assist clinicians in the management of psychosis in the community. Methods The eA&F intervention was created collaborative between informaticians, computer scientists and clinicians and summarises population-level data on service useage, medications, psychological interventions and physical health on an interactive platform. We evaluated its usability usingt he systems usability scale (SUS), outcome data on physical health monitoring (Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure) using difference-in-difference analysis and interviewed clinicians, interpreting the data using thematic analysis. Results The system showed good usability (72 on SUS), although did not lead to improved recording of physical health or improved patient outcomes during the course of the study. Thematic analysis of interview data showed high numbers of statements around systemic barriers, and significant unrealised potential gains. Conclusions Our study represents a first attempt to create an eA&F intervention for use in mental healthcare. Patient outcomes were not improved in the limited scope of the study, however clinicians identified a number of unrealised gains. They also highlighted the need for protected time for reviewing data, training for clinicians and ensuring that there are empowered individuals within the team responsible for reviewing and responding to the data.