bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the mechanism of action of Glycyrrhiza glabraee for diabetic encephalopathy based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments
Authors: Fu Chuanjun , Tao Jiasheng , Yang Liang , Tan Xinxin , Zeng Xueling , LI Xian hui , Li Zhongzheng
Published: April 2023

To investigate the mechanism of action of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the treatment of diabetic encephalopathy using network pharmacology techniques and in vitro experiments. The TCMSP database was used to obtain the relevant chemical components and action targets of licorice, and then the disease target genes related to diabetic encephalopathy were obtained by GeneCards, OMIM and PharmGkb, and the corresponding targets of drug components and disease targets were taken as intersection targets; Cytoscape software was used to construct the component-target network map; the STRING database was used to draw The core targets were screened out by network topology analysis; GO function and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis were performed by R 4.0.3 software; target-pathway network map was constructed by Cytoscape software; finally, the core components and key targets were validated by molecular docking technology and in vitro experiments. The analysis yielded 125 potential active ingredients, including key compounds such as isoglycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizin and quercetin; by topological analysis, 36 core genes were obtained, including GSK3β, AKT1, FOS, PPARG and other genes, which is mainly involved in IL-17 signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, insulin resistance, neurodegenerative pathway-multiple diseases and In vitro experiments showed that ILG in licorice may act on GSK3β to regulate P13K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway and thus treat diabetic encephalopathy. This study fully embodies the concept of holistic and systematic view of Chinese medicine in disease treatment, and provides a theoretical basis and research method for the treatment of diabetic encephalopathy.
Reciprocal regulation of forkhead box C1 and L1 cell adhesion molecule contributes to triple-negative breast cancer progression
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xu Yue , Lin Jiediao , Pan Hongchao , Cui Yukun
Published: April 2023

Purpose Forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) may act as a therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) but without a comprehensive understanding of its regulations, especially at the upstream. L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that may involve in brain metastasis. Indicated by a positive correlation between FOXC1 and L1CAM transcripts, this study aims to further examine their relation in the process of TNBC.Methods FOXC1 and L1CAM transcripts were downloaded from two public datasets, and their proteins were examined in four TNBC cell lines. FOXC1 and L1CAM were separately knocked down in BT549 cells; L1CAM was overexpressed in BT549-shFOXC1, MDA-MB-231, and HCC1937 cells. CCK-8, transwell and wound healing assays were conducted in these cells, so was immunohistochemical staining in tumors.Results L1CAM and FOXC1 transcripts were positively correlated in public datasets. BT549-shFOXC1 cells showed a decreased L1CAM expression both at the transcriptional and protein levels. Intriguingly, BT549-siL1CAM cells displayed decreased FOXC1 proteins, but exerted little effect on FOXC1 transcripts. Conversely, overexpression of L1CAM resulted in upregulation of FOXC1 protein without substantial change in FOXC1 mRNA, that consistently observed in BT549-shFOXC1, MDA-MB-231-L1CAM and HCC1937-L1CAM cells. Additionally, decreased or increased capacities of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were seen along with down- or up-regulation of FOXC1 or L1CAM. Finally, a positive correlation between L1CAM and FOXC1 proteins was observed in human TNBC tumors.Conclusion FOXC1 and L1CAM display coregulation at the protein level but not mRNA level to positively affect cell proliferation, migration and invasion in TNBC.
The Role of Vitamin D On Interferon- Levels in Indonesian Children with Down Syndrome And Its Contributing Factors: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hisbiyah Yuni , Endaryanto Anang , Setyoboedi Bagus , Rochmah Nur , Faizi Muhammad , Maharani Asri
Published: April 2023

Background Vitamin D (VD) plays a role in reducing the risk of diseases related to the immune system, including autoimmune diseases, by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ. Children with Down syndrome (DS) are known to have interferonopathy due to trisomy 21 and have lower VD levels. This study aimed to evaluate the VD profile in Indonesian children with DS and its correlation with IFN-γ.Methods This study was conducted from March 2020 to June 2021 at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya. Data on sociodemographic status, milk, fish, and meat consumption, and sun exposure were obtained using a self-report questionnaire. VD and IFN-γ levels were measured using an ELISA kit. The chi-square test, t-test, Mann–Whitney test, and linear and logistic regression analysis were performed, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.Results Of the 122 participants, 80 children had DS and 42 did not. The median VD levels in the DS and non-DS groups were 31.98 ng/mL and 56.19 ng/mL, respectively. The IFN-γ level was higher in the DS group, but this difference was not statistically significant (122.978 ± 123.420 vs. 100.715 ± 97.137 ng/mL, p = 0.548). Children with DS had lower daily milk consumption (300 cc/day vs. 380 cc/day; p = 0.027), sun exposure (17.5 vs. 150 hours/week; p = 0.000), and weekly meat and fish consumption (1 vs. 4 slices/week; p = 0.000). Daily milk consumption was a significant contributing factor for VD adequacy in the DS group (p = 0.000 [OR = 1.008]). VD levels had a significant role in decreasing IFN-γ levels in the DS group (p = 0.039; R2 = 5.8%).Conclusions VD levels in children with DS are lower than in children without DS. Adequate milk consumption can reduce the risk of autoimmunity through the role of VD in reducing IFN-γ levels in children with DS.
Organic cushioned material maintaining natural wood structure
Authors: Sakagami Hiroki , Tsuda Tetsuya
Published: April 2023

Bio-based plastic materials ecofriendly produced at low energy cost are receiving increasing attention as alternatives to traditional fossil-based plastic materials. Herein, we successfully prepared an elastic softened wood sample via a simple treatment comprising impregnation with an ionic liquid and subsequent heating. Wood appearance characteristics such as growth rings and brown color were retained throughout the treatment. The modified wood material exhibited lower compressive stress than the control specimens by approximately 5% and complete shape recovery after compression. Fourier transform infrared analysis indicated the partial removal of lignin and hemicellulose in this treatment with the ionic liquid, and the absence of morphological alterations, such as the dissolution of wood cell walls, was confirmed by a scanning electron microscopy. The elastic properties were derived from the preferential deformation of the thin cell walls in the earlywood region. Moreover, the dissolution of wood components produced slight softening without hindering shape recovery. The prepared organic material is expected to replace fossil-based plastic cushioning materials.
Exploring the Relationship between Social Isolation, Oral Health, and Cognitive Function in Elderly Residents of Guangxi: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Huang Dongmei , Li Caili , Pan Qini , Zhang Guining , Pan Yanfei , Tao Pinyue , Huang Huiqiao
Published: April 2023

Background Social isolation is a state of active or passive detachment from society that accelerates the decline of physical and mental functions of the elderly and leads to various adverse consequences. However, the relationship between social isolation and oral health as well as cognitive function has not yet been established.Methods This was a cross-sectional survey conducted on an older population, where we collected data from 530 older adults using the General Information Questionnaire, LSNS-6, OHAT, and MoCA-B. The purpose of the survey was to investigate the current status of social isolation and its influencing factors, as well as to explore the relationship between oral health, cognitive function, and social isolation among the elderly.Results In Guangxi, the incidence of social isolation among the elderly was 10.38%, with the high risk of social isolation accounting for 53.77%. Marital status, place of residence (urban or rural), cognitive function, and oral health status were identified as factors influencing social isolation among the elderly. The study found a negative correlation between the oral health score and social isolation score (r = -0.373, P < 0.001), with unhealthy oral status showing the strongest correlation with social isolation (r = -0.448, P < 0.001). Additionally, cognitive function scores were positively correlated with social isolation scores (r = 0.377, P < 0.001), with dementia showing the strongest association with social isolation (r = 0.324, P < 0.001). Furthermore, oral health demonstrated a high screening capacity for social isolation (AUC 95% CI = 0.823 (0.757, 0.890)), with an optimal cut-off value of 9.5, sensitivity of 67.3%, specificity of 90.1%, and Yoden index of 0.574.Conclusion The social isolation status of the elderly is influenced by various factors, including marital status, residence (urban or rural), cognitive function, and oral health status. Moreover, the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) can be utilized as an effective objective tool for screening social isolation among the elderly.
Novel Antitubercular Agent-Loaded Liposomal Vesicles: Optimization, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity Studies
Authors: Obiedallah Manar M. , Mironov Maxim A. , Belyaev Danila V. , Ene Antoaneta , Vakhrusheva Diana V. , Krasnoborova Svetlana Yu. , Bershitsky Sergey Y. , Shchepkin Daniil V. , Minin Artem S. , Ishmetova Rashida I. , Ignatenko Nina K. , Tolshchina Svetlana G. , Fedorova Olga V. , Rusinov Gennady L.
Published: April 2023

The treatment of tuberculosis is still a challenging process due to the wide spread of pathogen strains resistant to antibacterial drugs, as well as the undesirable effects of anti-tuberculosis therapy. Hence, the development of safe and effective new anti-antitubercular agents in addition to suitable nanocarrier systems has become of utmost importance and necessity. Our research aims to develop liposomal vesicles that contain newly synthesized compounds with antimycobacterial action. The compound being studied is a derivative of imidazo-tetrazine named 3- (3,5-dimethylpyrazole-1-yl) -6-(isopropylthio) imidazo [1,2-b] [1, 2, 4, 5] tetrazine (compound 1). Several factors that affect the liposomal characteristics were studied. The maximum encapsulation efficiency was 53.62 ± 0.09. The selected liposomal formulation T8* possessed mean particle size about 205.3 ± 3.94 nm with PDI 0.282, and zeta potential was + 36.37 ± 0.49 mv. The results of the in vitro release study indicated that the solubility of compound 1 was increased by its incorporation in liposomes. The free compound and liposomal preparation showed antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv (ATCC 27294) at MIC value 0.94–1.88 µg/ml. We are predicting that the liposomes may be a good candidate for delivering of new antitubercular drugs.
Insight into the underlying molecular mechanism of dilated cardiomyopathy through integrative analysis of data mining, iTRAQ-PRM proteomics and bioinformatics
Authors: Xiong Hongli , zheng zhe , Zhao Congcong , Zhao Minzhu , Wang Qi , Zhang Peng , Li Yongguo , Zhu Ying , Zhu Shisheng , Li Jianbo
Published: April 2023

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common cardiomyopathy worldwide, which is characterized by ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction. DCM is one of the most common diseases contributing to sudden death and heart failure. However, our understanding of its molecular mechanisms is limited because of its etiology and underlying mechanisms. Poor access to human myocardium is a significant limitation in the study of DCM. Firstly, DCM disease target genes were downloaded from public databases, and 935 genes were identified as key target genes. Next, a total of 787 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 353 up-regulated and 434 down-regulated proteins, were identified in our animal experiment. The functional annotation of these DEPs revealed complicated molecular mechanisms including oxidation-reduction process, tricarboxylic acid cycle, protein folding, and triggered a series of molecular pathways involving TCA cycle, Oxidative phosphorylation, Cardiac muscle contraction. Finally, the DEPs were analyzed for association with the target genes screened in the public dataset. The overlapping proteins were validated by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). We obtained 154 key proteins and further determined the importance of these three pathways. Together, this study provided deep insights into the detailed molecular mechanisms of DCM and facilitated the identification of potential proteins associated with it.
Ultrasound 2d Fetal Developing Brain Image Classification and Disease Prediction
Authors: Sridha K , Gokul N , Giridharan L , Akashdeep V
Published: April 2023

Ultrasound imaging processing technology has been employed for more than 50 years. Although it has developed quickly, it has some advantages and particular challenges. It is crucial to establish the fetal survival rate, gestational age, and other factors early on, from the standpoint of ultrasound picture analysis. In a bid to better understand the fetus's continuing growth, fetal anatomy ultrasound image analysis techniques have recently been studied and have emerged as an essential tool for prenatal anomaly diagnosis. The moment has come to thoroughly analyse prior efforts in this area and forecast future directions. Thus, this article discusses cutting-edge methods along with fundamental concepts, theories, and advantages and disadvantages of ultrasound picture technology for the entire fetal along with different anatomies. It begins by summarizing the ongoing issues and introducing the widely used image processing techniques, such as classification, segmentation, etc. We provided the necessary data performance on table 1 that is Fig. 4.
Interaction of Bromine with Cu(100) surface: adsorption and thermodynamics stability study
Authors: Marashdeh Ali , Saraireh Sherin A. , Elrashidi Ali , Alghamdi Suzan K. , Afaneh Akef T. , Helal Wissam , Altarawneh Mohammednoor
Published: April 2023

Ab initio atomistic thermodynamics adapted using density functional theory and to study the effect of Bromine (Br) chemisorption on the Cu(001) surface is with coverage (0.11, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) ML. H site with coverage of 0.25ML is the most preferred site followed by B site with the order of stability of (H > B > T). The majority of Br atoms stable at B site. Significant structural changes are observed for the first layer’s Cu atoms. For instance, for the bridge (B) site with coverage \(\ge 0.5\)ML, one of the Cu atoms moves from first to second layer, For the hollow H(0.75 and 1) ML and H(0.75 and 1) ML configurations; two Br’s layers thin film are produced on the top of the slab. The substitutional adsorption modes are stable for coverages from 0.25ML up to 2ML. Under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions, the free energies of different Br/Cu(110) structures as a function of Bromine chemical potential are calculated, these calculated energies showed that the bridge site is the most stable for coverages of 1/9ML, whereas the bridge and hollow configurations are the most stable at 1/4ML coverage. Thermodynamics insights provided herein shall be instrumental to underpin bromine interaction with Cu surfaces in applications related to environmental chemistry as in the thermal recycling of e-waste.
Development of Amino Acid Metabolism-Related Prognostic Model and Immune Infiltration Analysis in Patients with Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Wenjun , Fu Min , Li Qianxia , Chen Xin , Li Xiaoyu , Luo Na , Tang Wenhua , Yang Feng , Chen Ziqi , Zhang Yiling , Zhang Yuanyuan , Peng Xiaohong , Hu Guangyuan
Published: April 2023

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is a major contributor to cancer mortality worldwide. Alterations in amino acid metabolism have been reported in various tumors. However, the prognostic value of amino acid metabolism-related genes in STAD deserves to be further elucidated. In this study, we constructed a prognostic risk model consisting of 3 amino acid metabolism-related genes (SERPINE1, NRP1, MATN3) in STAD. Based on the median risk score, STAD patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. The patients with high-risk scores had a worse prognosis. A nomogram consisting of risk score and various clinical characteristics accurately predicted the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival time of STAD patients. Notably, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated immune-related pathways enriched in the high-risk group. High-risk scores were significantly related to C6 (TGF-β dominant type), while low-risk scores were significantly related to C4 (lymphocyte-depleted type). The higher risk score was associated with higher immune infiltration, immune-related function, lower tumor purity and worse response to immunotherapy. In addition, the model genes were correlated with antitumor drug sensitivity. Finally, functional assays confirmed that interference of model gene MATN3 inhibited the proliferation and migration of STAD cells. In conclusion, the amino acid metabolism-related prognostic model might be used as a biomarker to predict the prognosis and guide immunotherapy for STAD patients.
Long-read sequencing revealed alterations of microbial relationship between tongue coating and gastric mucosa in patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia
Authors: Wu Jianping , Wu Zhenfeng , Li Meifeng , Hua Zhaolai , Lu Bin , Shen Rui , Xiang Jiao , Cheng Chun , Zhang Junfeng
Published: April 2023

Abnormalities of microbiota in tongue coating (TC) are associated with gastric cancer, however, the correlation between microbiota colonizing in TC and in gastric mucosa (GM) and their roles in the development of gastric cancer remain poorly understood. In this study, using long-read sequencing, we profiled the microbiota in both TC and GM from 44 patients with the precancerous gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) and 28 matched controls who were rapid urease test (RUT)-negative and had with non-symptomatic chronic superficial gastritis. While no significant difference in diversity of microbiota in either TC or GM was observed between GIM patients and the controls, the distribution of bacteria (operational taxonomic units, OTUs) shared by TC and GM was significantly different between GIM patients and the controls as well as between RUT-positive and RUT-negative GIM patients. LEfSe (Linear discriminant analysis effect size) identified TC Prevotella melaninogenica and three GM Helicobacter species (i.e., H. pylori, H. pylori XZ274, and H. pylori 83) that were enriched in GIM patients, suggesting a potential role of Hp infection in the development of GIM. In RUT-negative GIM patients, gastric Veillonella, Pseudonocardia, and Mesorhizobium were enriched. The commensal network between TC and GM was more complex in patients with GIM than that in controls, and more closely correlated in RUT-positive than in RUT-negative GIM patients. Consistent with the known contribution of H. pylori to lower values of PG-I/PG-II, the serum ratio of PG-I to PG-II was found negatively correlated with the three gastric Helicobacter species (H. pylori, H. pylori XZ274, and H. pylori 83) in RUT-negative GIM patients and negatively correlated with two TC species (Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. nucleatum and Campylobacter showae) in RUT-positive GIM patients. In summary, the oral and gastric commensal linkage as well as H. pylori infection were promoted in GIM.
Environmentally Friendly Catalyst- and Solvent-Free Synthesis of 2-Anilino Nicotinic Acids Derivatives as a Potential Lead COX Inhibitors
Authors: Yarhorhosseini Mahsa , Javanshir Shahrzad , Sadr Ahmad Shahir , Noori Milad , Dastyafteh Navid , Esmkhani Maryam , Iraji Aida , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: April 2023

In this study, an environmentally friendly, solvent- and catalyst-free synthesis of 2-anilino nicotinic acids derivatives is reported. This operationally simple and green procedure was applied to a selection of primary aromatic amines giving rise to 23 derivatives of 2-anilino nicotinic acids in a very short reaction time (15–120 min) with good to excellent yield. Next, similarity searches were executed on these derivatives to find the possible biological target. These products were screened for inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 by molecular docking and dynamic studies. In silico studies revealed that among these derivatives, the structure 10 bearing meta-chlorine substitutions could act as COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors. These results can be used in designing important lead compounds for further development as potential anti-inflammatory drugs.
Learning differential equations from mixed nonlinear dynamics models
Authors: Shen Yue , Zhang Qi , Chen Yu
Published: April 2023

For decades, researchers have attempted to use computational algorithms for finding analytical laws from the recorded data. However, previous studies mainly focused on proposing more efficient regression algorithms for learning equations from the given data. An equally important problem, namely how can we algorithmically ensure that the set of candidate variables in the search space are complete and spared from the unnecessary terms has not been given much attention. In this study, we propose a framework to realize the identification of inappropriate potential variables in the equation learning. Specifically, by introducing the causal inference method into the procedure of equation learning, we can effectively recognize terms that confound in the variable space. The pipeline of our method is given, while examples of ecological and physical systems are used to show that we can improve the accuracy of the learnt equations by eliminating the identified confusing terms in the library of potential variables.
Relative abundance of major insect pests and natural enemies in high yielding rice varieties of Assam
Authors: Baruah Mayuri , Dutta Bijon Chandra
Published: April 2023

The relative abundance of major insect pests and natural enemies were studied at three different growth stages in seven high yielding varieties, Ranjit, Ranjit Sub-1, Bahadur, Bahadur Sub-1, Gitesh, Swarna Sub-1 and Shraboni in kharif and rabi season at Titabar, Assam during 2020–2022. White stem borer (47.49%) was the most predominantly abundant species followed by yellow stem borer (41.97%) among seven major insect pest species e.g., leaf folder, gall midge, caseworm, whorl maggot and gundhi bug in kharif season. But, yellow stem borer (48.69%) was abundantly observed followed by white stem borer (40.63%) among all major insect pests during rabi season. Both the species of stem borer gradually increased and reached peak due to availability of enough food at reproductive stage and decreased in the ripening stage in both the season comparatively higher in rabi season Leaf folder was the most abundant leaf feeder and its population abundance was higher in Shraboni (9.89%) followed by Bahadur (9.67%), Bahadur Sub-1 (9.61%) and Swarna Sub-1 (8.47%) at vegetative stage which reached peak at reproductive stage during kharif season. The population of caseworm and whorl maggot was higher in vegetative stage and subsequently declined till the reproductive stage in kharif season. No caseworm population was observed during rabi season due to scanty rainfall. The gundhi bug population was higher in rabi season as compared to khairf season. Spider was the most prominent predator followed by coccinellid beetle in all the seven varieties during kharif and rabi season.
Correlation of LOXL2 expression in non-small cell lung cancer with immunotherapy and clinical prognosis
Authors: Chen Haoyan , Liu Lele , Zhu Bei , Zhang Lili , Zhang Yuxing , Ma Miao , Wu Jianqing
Published: April 2023

Background Lung cancer is the worst and deadliest disease globally, with about 80% of cases being non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC mainly consists of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Although chemotherapy is currently the mainstay of treatment for NSCLC, chemotherapy resistance is still an urgent problem for patients. Studies in recent years have proposed immunotherapy as a new direction for treating NSCLC.Methods Based on the available datasets from TCGA, the association between the LOXL2 gene and NSCLC was explored by using multiple online tools (e.g., GEIPA, Oncomine, Dreimt) and bioinformatics analysis software (R or GSEA). The immune microenvironment of the tumor was explored by calculating ImmuneScore, StromalScore, and TumorPurity of LUAD and LUSC and analyzing the infiltration of 22 immune cells in lung cancer tissues. LOXL2-related loads were obtained from the Xena database for LUSC and LUAD patients, and relevant prognostic genes were identified by analyzing survival curves. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of prognostic, predictive genes were performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The expression of LOXL2 in NSCLC was detected by RT-qPCR.Results LOXL2 may involve in the progression of the course of LUAD and LUSC and is closely related to the T-lymphocyte subpopulation, T-reg cells. SEMA7A and VEGFC were identified as the genes that interact with LOXL2 and could be used as prognostic signature genes in NSCLC patients.Conclusion LOXL2 may become a prognostic marker and a new target for immunotherapy.
Neural network analysis of pharyngeal sounds can detect obstructive upper respiratory disease in brachycephalic dogs
Authors: McDonald Andrew , Agarwal Anurag , Williams Ben , Liu Nai-Chieh , Ladlow Jane
Published: April 2023

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a highly prevalent respiratory disease affecting popular short-faced dog breeds such as Pugs and French bulldogs. BOAS causes significant morbidity, leading to poor exercise tolerance, sleep disorders and a shortened lifespan. Despite its severity, the disease is commonly missed by owners or disregarded by veterinary practitioners. A key clinical sign of BOAS is stertor, a low-frequency snoring sound. In recent years, a functional grading scheme has been introduced to semi-objectively grade BOAS based on the presence of stertor and other abnormal signs. However, correctly grading stertor requires significant experience and adding an objective component would aid accuracy and repeatability. This study proposes a recurrent neural network model to automatically detect and grade stertor in laryngeal electronic stethoscope recordings. The model is developed using a novel dataset of 665 labelled recordings, taken from 341 dogs with diverse BOAS symptoms. Evaluated via nested cross validation, the neural network predicts the presence of clinically significant BOAS with an area under the receiving operating characteristic of 0.85, an operating sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 87%. The algorithm could enable widespread screening for BOAS to be conducted by both owners and veterinarians, improving treatment and breeding decisions.
Survival and prognostic factors in patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer according to estrogen receptor status: A retrospective study
Authors: Sun Jianna , Kong Lingjun , Mu Kun , Jiang Xiuzhen , Luo Ruizhen , Wu Yafei , Ren Chongxi
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The clinical outcomes of de novo metastatic breast cancer (dnMBC) differ between estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative patients, but the respective prognostic factors in these two subpopulations have not been established. This study aimed to investigate the survival and prognostic factors in patients with dnMBC according to ER status.
Methods: Patients with dnMBC between February 2010 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment types and survival data were collected. Patients were divided into ER-negative and ER-positive groups, and the propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the bias. Overall survival (OS) was compared between groups. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors in each group.
Results: A total of 518 patients were included in the study. After PSM, there were 157 ER-negative and 165 ER-positive patients. With a median follow-up of 8.5 years, the median OS was 36 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 32-41) in the ER-positive group and 24 months (95% CI, 19-27) in the ER-negative group (P=0.001). Ki-67 index, endocrine therapy and radiotherapy for primary tumor were independent prognostic factors of OS in the ER-positive group, while initial chemotherapy cycles and chemotherapy after disease progression were independent prognostic factors of OS in the ER-negative group. Clinical T stage and initial metastatic sites were independent prognostic factors of OS regardless of ER status.
Conclusion: For dnMBC, ER-negative patients are clinically different from ER-positive patients, with shorter OS. The identified prognostic factors could guide treatment selection in these two subpopulations.
Long QT syndrome diagnosis may be affected by positive tilt table test; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Hassani Amir Hossein , Kamrava Daniyal , Fatemian Hossein , Mousavi Seyed Mojtaba , Keshavarz Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Background Tilt Table Test (TTT) is usually used for assessment of syncope with undefined etiology. Positive test occurs in those with parasympathetic overstimulation. This overactivation of parasympathetic system may affect QTc measurement; not only through rate modulation, but also from through potassium ionic channels as muscarinic activated inward rectifying K + current.Methods and Materials: in this cross-sectional study, 478 patients with syncopal attacks of unknown origin underwent evaluation with TTT as well as 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram monitoring. Schwartz score (for diagnosis of Long QT syndrome) was calculated for all of them. Those with secondary causes of long QT excluded from survey. Then the association of positive TTT and Schwartz score was assessed.Results 478 patients entered the study 208 (43.4%) of whom were male and 270 (56.4%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 42.43 ± 17.979 years old. TTT was positive in 289 (60.46%) patients and was negative in 189 (39.54%) patients. the mean Schwartz score was significantly higher in patients with positive TTT (2.77 ± 0.08 vs. 1.99 ± 0.12) (P < 0.001).Conclusion Diagnosis of long QT syndrome as a cause of syncope should not be made hesitantly by the use of Schwartz score as this scoring system might need to be modified based on the results of tilt table test.
Identification of differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways in Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zou Zhiyan , Lu Zhou , Hu Yan , Liang Yuanyuan , Li Xiaoan
Published: April 2023

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the histological types of esophageal cancers, with more than 80% of esophageal cancers being ESCC. Meanwhile, in Asia, ESCC has higher morbidity and mortality compared with western countries. Due to lack of effective molecular targets and treatments options, the prognosis and 5-year survival rate of ESCC are extremely poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify key pathogenic genes involved in ESCC and reveal potential molecular mechanisms.
Methods: To explore potential therapeutic targets for ESCC, we analyzed three microarray datasets (GSE20347, GSE161533, and GSE38129) derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). We used the GEO2R tool to screen out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumourtissues and normal tissues. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were performed via the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID, https://david.ncifcrf.gov/). The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and Cytoscape software were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of these DEGs. Furthermore, we used the online GEPIA database to carry out survival analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of hub genes expression in ESCC patients.
Results: A total of 32 upregulated DEGs and 42 downregulated DEGs were identified in ESCC. Among them, we picked out ten hub genes with a high degree of connectivity. Overexpression of these some hub genes was associated with unfavorable prognosis of ESCC. Particularly, the overexpression of COL10A1 and SERPINE1 was observed using the qRT-PCR and indicated poor outcome of ESCC. Simultaneously, low expression of some hub genes was associated with shorter overall survival, such as ACPP and LDHA genes.
Conclusion The results in this study might provide some directive significance for further exploring the potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis prediction of ESCC patients. Meanwhile, further study is needed to explore the value of hub genes in the treatment of ESCC.
Process optimization to high gymnemic acid content from Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne. leaves
Authors: Nunta Rojarej , Khemacheewakul Julaluk , Sommanee Sumeth , Mahakuntha Chatchadaporn , Chompoo Mayuree , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Jantanasakulwong Kittisak , Kumar Anbarasu , Leksawasdi Noppol
Published: April 2023

Gymnema inodorumor Phak Chiang Da (PCD) vegetable is an indigenous medicinal plant used in Northern Thailand for diabetic treatment since ancient times. However, the low concentration of an active molecule, gymnemic acid (GA) in the leaves limit its applications among the large population. Therefore, the present study aimed to maximize the extraction of GA from PCD leaves using the solvent extraction method. The effect of concentration of ethanol and extraction temperature were investigated for the determination of optimum extraction conditions. A process was developed for the production of GA-enriched PCD extract powder and characterized. Results showed that a concentration of 50% (v/v) ethanol at 70°C for 2 h was appropriate to extract a higher GA concentration of 8,307 mg/kg from dried PCD leaves. During the drying process, maltodextrin with a concentration of 0.5% (w/v) was appropriate to produce PCD extract powder with maximum GA concentration. The color analysis (L*, a* and b*) revealed that the overall appearance of the PCD extract powder was a dark greenish tint mixed with yellow. The antioxidant activity assay showed that PCD extract powder at 0.1 g was able to neutralize 75.8% of DPPH free radicals. The results suggested that PCD extract powder rich in GA could be used as a possible source of nutraceuticals or as a functional food ingredient.
Synthesis, molecular docking and evaluation of 1,5-diarylpyrazole/oxime hybrids targeting EGFR and JNK-2 as antiproliferative agents
Authors: Abdelrahman Kamal S. , Hassan Heba A. , Abdel-Aziz Salah A. , Marzouk Adel A. , shams Raef , Oswa Keima , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed , Konno Hiroyuki
Published: April 2023

A series of new 1,5-diarylpyrazole oxime hybrid derivatives (scaffold A and B) were designed, synthesized, and their structures were examined for purity with different spectroscopic techniques. All the synthesized compounds (7a-j), (8a-j), (9a-c) and (10a-c) were biologically evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against a panel of five cancer cell lines known to express EGFR and JNK-2, namely human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line DLD-1, human cervical cancer cell line Hela, human leukemia cell line K562, human pancreatic cell line SUIT-2 and human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. The oxime containing compounds (8a-j) and (10a-c) were more active as antiproliferative agents than their non-oxime congeners (7a-j) and (9a-c). Compounds 8d, 8g, 8i, and 10c inhibited EGFR with IC50 values ranging from 8 to 21 µM when compared to sorafenib. Compound 8i inhibited JNK-2 as effectively as sorafenib, with an IC50 of 1.00 µM. Furthermore, compound 8g showed cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in the Hela cell line cell cycle analysis, whereas compound 8i showed combined S phase and G2 phase arrest. Docking studies revealed that oxime derivatives fit well at the EGFR binding site, with binding free energies ranging from -12.98 to 32.30 kcl/mol for compounds 8d, 8g, 8i, and 10c, while compounds 8d and 8i had binding free energies ranging from -9.16 to -12.00 kcl/mol at the JNK-2 binding site.
Identification of conserved gene expression changes across common glomerular diseases by spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Kim Dong Ki , Cho Jeong Min , Kang Minji , Park Sehoon , Shin Ha Yeon , Koh Jung Hun , Cho Semin , Kim Yaerim , Lee Soojin , Kim Yong Chul , Han Seung Seok , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Lee Hajeong , Kim Hyun Je
Published: April 2023

Background: Glomerular diseases encompass a group of kidney diseases that may share common gene expression pathways. We aimed to analyze glomerular-specific gene expression profiles across various glomerular diseases.
Methods: We performed spatial transcriptomic profiling using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kidney biopsy specimens of controls and patients with five types of glomerular diseases using the GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler. We identified common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across glomerular diseases and performed Gene Ontology (GO) annotation by using the ToppGene suite.
Results: A total of 35 DEGs were consistently downregulated in glomeruli across the disease compared to the control, while none of the DEGs were consistently upregulated. Twelve of 35 downregulated DEGs, including the two hub genes FOS and JUN, were annotated with molecular function GO terms related to DNA-binding transcription factor activity. Other notable DEGs consistently downregulated and annotated in the pathway analysis included NR4A3, KLF9, EGR1, and ATF3. The annotated biological process GO terms included response to lipid-related (17/35 DEGs), response to steroid hormone (12/35 DEGs), or cell cycle regulation (10/35 DEGs).
Conclusions: Identifying common DEGs by spatial transcriptomic analysis provides insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of glomerular diseases and may lead to novel assessment or therapeutic strategies.
Identification to Fake Messages with Two PKCs
Authors: Dissanayake W.D.M.G.M.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, two public key cryptosystems are presented and analyzed. The first cryptosystem is an improvement of RSA public key cryptosystem. The second cryptosystem is a novel public key cryptosystem. The encryption/decryption moduli of the introduced new public key scheme is quite different from widely used encryption/decryption moduli by other public key cryptosystems. The introduced new public key cryptosystem based on the exponentiation congruence and use an interesting, computer-friendly modulus:2n. These primitives can be used in protocols for authentication, key exchanges and digital signatures. The introduced two public key cryptosystems are more suitable for highly confidential digital transactions. Both of the cryptosystems are strongly IND secure. The most important thing is, that the both of the public key cryptosystems can identify whether a message is fake or not. The introduced new public key cryptosystem is very collaborative with hash functions such as Whirlpool and SHA-512, because of the modulus 2n.
Delineation of genes for a major QTL governing heat stress tolerance in chickpea
Authors: Mohanty Jitendra , Thakro Virevol , PARIDA SWARUP K , Nair Harsh , Dixit Girish P , Jha Uday Chand
Published: April 2023

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a cool season grain legume experiencing a severe yield loss during heat stress due to the intensifying climate changes and its associated gradual increase of mean temperature. Hence, understanding the genetic architecture regulating heat stress tolerance has emerged as an important trait to be addressed for enhancing yield and productivity of chickpea under heat stress. The present study is intended to identify the major genomic region governing heat stress tolerance in chickpea. For this, an integrated genomics-assisted breeding strategy involving NGS-based high-resolution QTL-seq assay, QTL region-specific association analysis and molecular haplotyping was deployed in a population and a diversity panel belonging to 206 mapping individuals and 217 germplasm accessions of chickpea, respectively. This combinatorial strategy delineated a major 156.8 kb QTL genomic region (CaqHT6.1) which is subsequently being narrowed-down to a functional candidate gene CaHSFA5 and its natural alleles associated strongly with heat stress tolerance in chickpea. Superior natural alleles and haplotypes delineated from the CaHSFA5 gene have functional significance in regulating heat stress tolerance in chickpea. Various experimentation including histochemical staining, in silico interaction studies along with differential expression profiling of CaHSFA5 and ROS scavenging genes suggest a cross talk between CaHSFA5 with ROS homeostasis pertaining to heat stress tolerance in chickpea. The salient outcomes obtained here can have potential to accelerate multiple translational genomic analysis including marker-assisted breeding and gene editing in order to develop high-yielding heat stress tolerant chickpea varieties.
Removal of Methylene Blue Dye Using Crushed Walnut Shell Adsorbent –Determining Comminution Energy and Optimal Operational Conditions
Authors: Afrozi Mohammad Parsa Qorbani , Lak Mehdi Ghanbarzadeh , Nezhad Mojtaba Nasiri
Published: April 2023

Serious environmental issues might be associated with Methylene Blue(MB) contaminated wastewaters as this synthetic dye is environmentally persistent, toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic. Crushed-raw Walnut shell(WS) biosorption process provides an effective treatment method. Although with an increase in the specific surface area of the fine adsorbent particles higher efficiency in dye removal could be expected, the comminution energy will simultaneously increase. Consequently, we used a developed Bond-grindability-test, which measures the amount of energy required for comminution, to estimate energy consumption. In addition to adsorbent particle size(course/moderate/fine), two affective parameters of adsorbent to dye ratio and adsorbent dosage, were considered. According to the central composite design-circumscribed, 33 experiments were planned in three groups associated with each size ranges. The results of FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that MB molecules interact with WS functional groups as shifts in the spectrum of treated vs raw WS particles were observed. The Bond-work-index estimated as 564 kWh/t, revealing the standard WS comminution energy. The formation of extended cracks on the fine particles’ surface, due to significant required crushing energy, provided a porous medium for multilayer coatings, validated the compatibility of the Freundlich model for this category. The maximum adsorption efficiency for course particles was over 96% corresponding to 4.61 g/L of WS and 108.58 mg/L of MB. Accordingly, the energy consumption for each mg of adsorbed dye was 7.65 Joules. The removal efficiency of moderate to fine particles depended only on the adsorbent to dye ratio (i.e., 30.5 ~ 34.8 and 31.6 ~ 37.4 g/g, respectively, to achieve maximum MB removal efficiency).
Gaussian-newton Localization Through Multilateration Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Reddy Mandli Rami , Chandra M. L. Ravi
Published: April 2023

With the continuous prevalence of wireless sensor network (WSN) applications in the recent days, localization of sensor nodes became an important aspect in research in terms of its accuracy, communication overhead and computational complexity. Localization plays an important role in location sensitive applications like object tracking, nuclear attacks, biological attacks, fire detection, traffic monitoring systems, intruder detections, and finding survivors in post-disasters, etc. The objective of localization is to identify the coordinates of target nodes using information provided by anchor nodes. Precision improvement of the sensor node positions is a key issue for an effective data transmission between sensor nodes and save the node’s energy as well as enhance the network lifetime. In this article, a cost-effective localization algorithm with minimal number of anchor nodes is proposed that uses nature inspired optimization techniques to enhance the localization accuracy compared to the state-of-the-art localization algorithms. The performance metrics considered for simulations and comparison with the existing algorithms include average localization accuracy, communication range, and the number of anchor nodes. The simulation results prove that the proposed gaussian-newton localization through multilateration algorithm (GNLMA) enhances the mean localization accuracy to 92.8% and the range measurement error is limited to 1.22meters. Depending on the communication range of sensor nodes, the average localization accuracy is achieved up to 94.4% using the proposed GNLMA.
Catch-up growth of children with graft survival after kidney transplantation: A cohort study
Authors: Zhang Miao , Lu Jieyi , Zhong Fazhan , Chen Huanru , Lin Jinai , Gao Xia , Li Yingjie , Qiu Jiang , Wang Changxi , Liu Longshan , Liao Xin
Published: April 2023

Objective: To describe and explore the clinical characteristics and associated factors of growth in children after kidney transplantation (KT).
Method: Retrospective study was performed on the clinical data of 111 children who underwent allogeneic KT and met the inclusion criteria (provided by Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center and the Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital). Catch-up growth was defined as present if the increment of height standard deviation score (∆Ht-SDS) was ≥0.5 per year. Described the clinical characteristics and compared possible associated factors between children with catch-up growth and no catch-up growth groups.
Result: The median age at KT was 9(6,12) years, and 54.1% (60/111) are females. Mean height-SDS before KT was -2.14±1.29, 55.9% (62/111) showed growth retardation. Catch-up growth within the first years post-KT was present in 47.7% (53/111) recipients, the mean ∆Ht-SDS was 0.53±0.71. The Ht-SDS before KT was positively associated with last follow-up Ht-SDS (R=0.78, P<0.001). The baseline Ht-SDS, transplantation age, serum creatinine, and GC dose were significantly lower in the chase group (all P≤0.05), multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lower baseline Ht-SDS and serum creatinine were the protect factors for catch-up growth on the 1st year of post-transplantation (OR=0.62, 0.97, respectively, P<0.05). The last follow-up Ht-SDS affected by baseline Ht-SDS and ∆Ht-SDS. HtSDS was no statistical difference among different age groups (patient age at KT: <6years,6-9 years,9-12years,>12years), but ∆Ht-SDS showed significant difference between groups (0.74±0.80, 0.82±0.73, 0.28±0.67, 0.32±0.47, respectively, P<0.05). Younger Children showed significant catch-up rate after KT(<9years:68%,>9years:31%), however the ∆Ht-SDS was decrease in the second year (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Growth assessment and management should be performed in any pediatric KT recipients. Even in younger children with more catch-up potential, ∆Ht-SDS decreased significantly at second year, growth continues to be suboptimal after KT. Given that baseline ∆Ht-SDS is a significantly associated factor, it is important for children with severe growth retardation need early identification and plan interventions in terms of growth improvement. We expected the children recipients achieved the ideal target height of post-transplantation.