bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The activation of EP300 by F11R leads to EMT and acts as a prognostic factor in triple-negative breast cancers
Authors: Li Chien-Hsiu , Fang Chih-Yeu , Chan Ming-Hsien , Chen Chi-Long , Lu Pei-Jung , Ger Luo-Ping , Chang Yu-Chan , Hsiao Michael
Published: March 2022

A role for the JAM family in cancer progression has been demonstrated. Nevertheless, there has been no systematic study of the JAM family in specific cancers through clinical specimens, and the mechanism of the molecule is unclear, particularly in subtypes of breast cancer (BRCA). Based on an extensive analysis of the relative expression of the JAM family in cancer by pan-cancer, we found that the increase of F11R (JAM-A) is the opposite of that of JAM-2, or JAM-3, which is unique to BRCA. BRCA prognoses are related to F11R expression, including survival and recurrence-free survival. It is also noteworthy that F11 has different expression characteristics in subtypes, especially in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis as an analytical validation, this study provides consistent results with in-silico. As a result of artificial manipulations of F11R combined with microarray-based analyses, we identified that F11R plays an important role in several aspects of cell motility signaling. An upstream regulators and correlation analysis found that EP300 transcription factors may be involved in TNBC metastasis by modulating RHOA, GSK3B, and TGFBR1 expression through F11R-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Accordingly, the findings of this study provide a comprehensive interpretation of the relationship between the clinical value of F11R in BRCA subtype progression and the mechanisms that induce metastasis. These results provide a possible target for the treatment of BRCA.
Eco-Toxic Risk Assessment of Nearshore Sediments in Bay of Bengal - Environmental Radioactivity and Ecological Risk as a Proxy
Authors: K Manikanda Bharath , Natesan Usha , Seethapathy Chandrasekaran , Seshachalam Srinivasalu
Published: March 2022

The present study focuses on the environmental radioactivity and multi-risk assessment of nearshore sediments as a source of marine pollution along the Bay of Bengal. The study examines the distribution of primordial radionuclides concentration using a Na(I)Tl detector-based gamma-ray spectrometer and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) through atomic adsorption analysis. Further, the data obtained and characterization radiological risks, ecological threats, and assessing the spatial distribution of toxic elements in nearshore sediments as a proxy for marine contamination. The active concentration of primordial radionuclides such as 238U, 232Th and 40K were found in ranged from ≤ 3 to 68 (11.4), ≤ 9.5 to 142.7 (41.2) and 85.2 to 603.4 (362) Bq kg-1. Results show that the concentration of the average radionuclides is less than suggested by UNSCEAR ranges. The concentration of potentially toxic elements (Fe, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn) was higher in deeper water depth. This study exposes that the primary control of such elements is mud distribution. A decreasing order has been seen as follows by the ecological risk index of individual elements: Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Zn. The significant Pb, Cu and Zn concentration was polluted at most stations, possibly contributing the regional and terrestrial sources such as industrial activity, urban drainage, manufacturing, and farming. This research suggests that anthropogenic behaviours in nearby land are the source of the deposition of metals and radionuclides in coastal and marine sediments.
High efficiency and precision approach to milling stability prediction based on predictor-corrector linear multi-step method
Authors: Qin Guohua , Lou Weida , Wang Huamin , Wu Zhuxi
Published: March 2022

Regenerative chatter is the most important factor affecting the stability of the milling process. It is core for suppressing chatter and improving production efficiency to accurately and efficiently identify the stable region of milling chatter. For this reason, according to the theory of ​​predictor-corrector, a series of new judgment methods are suggested to obtain the milling stability region by respectively applying the fourth-order Adams-Bashforth-Moulton formula, the fourth-order Simpson formula, and the fourth-order Hamming formula. These presented methods are named as the linear multi-step predictor-corrector method (PCM). Firstly, when the regenerative chatter milling process is described as a second-order time-delay differential equation (DDE) with periodic coefficients which are a function of the tooth passing period, the part of forced vibration in this period is uniformly discretized as a time node set. Secondly, after the fourth-order Adams-Bashforth formula is used to predict the displacement at every time node, the fourth-order Adams-Moulton formula can be employed to correct this predicted value in addition to the fourth-order Simpson formula and the fourth-order Hamming formula. Thus, a higher precision discrete prediction-correction expansion is constructed for the inhomogeneous terms of DDE so that the state transition express can be further obtained for the milling process or milling system. And then, the Floquet theory is depended on to present the judgment criterion of milling stability that the relationship between the spectral radius of the state transition matrix and one. Finally, under the same milling process parameters, comparisons of both the stability lobe curve and the local discrete error curve show that the PCM has a faster convergence rate than first-order semi-discretization method (1st-SDM), and second-order full-discretization method (2nd-FDM). This shows that the PCM can obtain better computational accuracy under the same discrete number whereas the PCM is significantly higher computational efficiency over 1st-SDM and 2nd-FDM.
Mechanisms of thymic repair and immune reconstruction of in vitro-induced precursor T cells as a modified haplo-identical HSCT regimen
Authors: Lei Yang-yang , Wang Yi , Chen Xin-rui , Guo Mei , Yu Chang-Lin , Qiao Jian-Hui , Cai Bo , Jiang Shan , Ai Hui-Sheng , hu kaixun
Published: March 2022

Purpose Diseases relapse and severe infection caused by delayed immune reconstitution are still challenges in the haplo-identical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Non-myeloablative transplant regimens also only alleviated these complications and did not solve the above problems. Among them, the thymus damage caused by preconditioning including irradiation and chemotherapy and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the primary issue. Accelerating the recovery of thymus-derived T cells after transplantation is a key to solving above problem. Methods Therefore, we established a cell culture system using Notch ligand Delta4 and IL-7 that could induce and amplify hematopoietic stem cells differentiation and proliferation into precursor T (preT) cells in vitro. Non-myeloablative HSCT protocol was modified by using induced preT and G-CSF mobilized donor splenic mononuclear cells (MNC) co-infusion. Thymic GVHD, thymic repair, thymus-derived T cell development were compared in thymus-irradiated mice treated with MNC+preT and only MNC by polychromatic immunofluorescence tracking and T cell receptor Vβ detection. Results The data showed that pre T cells highly expressed CC9 and RANKL markers restored thymic architecture, weakened GVHD effects, enhanced immuno-tolerance and accelerated immune reconstitution by activating the RANK/RANKL pathway.Conclusion The modified non-myeloablative regimen containing preT cells will be more conducive to the widespread use of haplo-HSCT in clinical work.
Asymmetries in the ENSO Phase Space
Authors: Dommenget Dietmar , Al-Ansari Maryam
Published: March 2022

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) dynamics are best described by the recharge oscillator model, in which the eastern tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures (T) and subsurface heat content (thermocline depth; h) have an out-of-phase relationship. This defines a 2dimensional phase space diagram between T and h. In an idealized, stochastically forced damped oscillator, the phase space diagram should be a perfectly symmetrical circle with a clockwise propagation over time. However, the observed phase space shows strong asymmetries. In this study we illustrate how the ENSO phase space can be used to discuss the phase-dependency of ENSO dynamics. A normalized spherical coordinate system allows the definition of phase-depending ENSO growth rates and phase transition speeds. Based on these we discuss the implications of the observed asymmetries with regards to the dynamics and predictability of ENSO; with a particular focus on the variations in the growth rate and coupling of ENSO along the oscillation cycle. Using linear and non-linear recharge oscillator models we will show how dynamics and noise are driving ENSO at different phases of the ENSO cycles. The results illustrate that the ENSO cycle with positive phase transitions is present in all phases but has strong variations in its strength. Much of these variations result from presenting the ENSO phase space with estimates of h based on the iso-thermal depth, which is not ideal as it is not out-of-phase with T . We further illustrated that a non-linear growth rate of T can explain most of the observed non-linear phase space characteristics.
The COMT Rs737865 Mediates Chemo-Brain In Breast Cancer Patients With Various Index Of Ki-67
Authors: Li Wen , Yu Sheng , Yao Senbang , Tang Lingxue , Cheng Huaidong
Published: March 2022

Background: Anterior findings denoted that catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) have been considered as genetic risk for chemo-brain. However, the mediation of COMT polymorphism for chemo-brain in breast cancer patients with various index of ki-67 was still unknown.Objective: The current research intended to assess the genetic risk by COMT genotype for chemo-brain in breast cancer patients with various index of ki-67.Methods: Breast cancer patients (65 with ki-67<14%, 75 with ki-67>14%) fulfilled cognitive tests pre and post adjuvant chemotherapy, three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of COMT (rs165599, rs4680, rs737865) were genotyped by furnishing peripheral blood.Results: The lower cognitive of breast cancer patients were displayed in compared with those before chemotherapy. Further, the event-based prospective memory (EBPM) scores of ki-67>14% group patients were worse than those of ki-67<14% group patients after chemotherapy (z=-7.51, p<0.01), but the time-based prospective memory (TBPM) scores of two groups were no significant difference. The COMT rs737865 A/G genotype was associated with memory protective susceptibility (co-dominant model: adjusted, OR=0.135, CI95%=0.026-0.706, p =0.018), A/G genotype carriers exhibited more well on EBPM test relative to A/A genotype. Conclusion: The index of ki-67 was likely to be associated with EBPM decline in breast cancer patients. Moreover, the COMT rs737865 polymorphism was potential genetic risk of chemo-brain in breast cancer patients with various index of ki-67.
A mast cell specific receptor - Mrgprb2 knockout aggravates colitis by exacerbating immune system , mucosal barrier and gut microbiota disorders
Authors: Shao Ming , Luo Hesheng , Liu Jingwen , Yuan Fangting , Deng Yinzhi
Published: March 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune-related disease which changes in intestinal microbiota and damage to the intestinal barrier contribute to its pathogenesis. Human mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) and its mice homolog Mrgprb2 are selectively expressed on mast cells (MCs) to recruit immune cells and modulate host defense against microbial infection. To investigate the role of Mrgprb2 in UC, we compared the differences between Mrgprb2 knockout (b2 KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in the severity of clinical symptoms, inflammatory cells infiltration, degree of intestinal barrier damage, and composition of intestinal flora. The results showed that the weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon shortening, colonic pathological damage were significantly increased in b2 KO mice while MCs activation, cytokines and chemokines secretion, and inflammatory cell infiltration were decreased. In addition, the abundance and diversity of intestinal microbiota were reduced in b2 KO mice. B2 KO mice also exhibited the reduction of probiotics such as norank_F_Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillus and increase of harmful bacteria like Escherichia-Shigella. Intestinal mucosal barrier damage of b2 KO mice was more severe than WT mice due to the attenuated expression of mucin2(MUC2), occludin, junctional adhesion molecules (JAM)-A. These results demonstrated that Mrgprb2 may have protective effect on DSS-induced colitis by regulating intestinal flora disorder, participating in barrier repair, and recruiting inflammatory cells to eliminate pathogens.
The performance of ensemble-based free energy protocols in computing binding affinities to ROS1 kinase
Authors: Wan Shunzhou , Bhati Agastya P. , Wright David W. , Wade Alexander D. , Tresadern Gary , Vlijmen Herman , Coveney Peter V.
Published: March 2022

Optimization of binding affinities for compounds to their target protein is a primary objective in drug discovery. Herein we report on a collaborative study that evaluates a set of compounds binding to ROS1 kinase. We use ESMACS (enhanced sampling of molecular dynamics with approximation of continuum solvent) and TIES (thermodynamic integration with enhanced sampling) protocols to rank the binding free energies. The predicted binding free energies from ESMACS simulations show good correlations with experimental data for subsets of the compounds. Consistent binding free energy differences are generated for TIES and ESMACS. Although an unexplained overestimation exists, we obtain excellent statistical rankings across the set of compounds from the TIES protocol, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.90 between calculated and experimental activities.
Direct Effect of Caffeine on Diaphragmatic Muscles in Preterm Babies Through Ultrasonographic Examination
Authors: Kayki Gozdem , Celik Hasan Tolga , Ayaz Ercan , Tandircioglu Umit Ayse , Oguz Berna , Yigit Sule , Yurdakok Murat
Published: March 2022

Background: Caffeine is frequently used for the treatment of apnea in preterm babies. Its mechanism of action includes not only antagonism of adenosine receptors on central nervous system but also an increase in electrical activity of the diaphragm. Caffeine’s direct effect on diaphragm was investigated via electromyography, but ultrasound has not been used to show visible changes in muscles after the treatment before. Objective: We aimed to assess the effect of caffeine on diaphragmatic function through ultrasonographic examination.Methods: Fifty-six participants receiving nasal continuous positive airway pressure who were assigned caffeine with less than or equal to 32 weeks’ gestational age born were enrolled. Diaphragmatic thickness, amplitude of excursion and velocity of movement were measured by two observers before and within 5 minutes after caffeine loading dose and compared to each other. Interobserver variability was also investigated. The protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04483492. Results: Right diaphragmatic thickness and diaphragmatic velocity of movement did not differ after the treatment. However, amplitude of excursion of the diaphragm was found significantly higher after caffeine loading dose (8.7 mm, 10mm, respectively, p<0.05). Interobserver variability was not detected.Conclusion: Diaphragm excursion increased after caffeine treatment in preterm babies, and this finding was supported the direct effect of the caffeine on diaphragm. The amplitude of excursion has also been suggested as a sensitive US parameter for determination of diaphragmatic function in preterm babies.
New Approach to the Applicability of DRIS in Bananas Based on the Accuracy of Nutritional Diagnoses for Nitrogen and Potassium
Authors: Villaseñor-Ortiz Diego , Prado Renato de Mello , Silva Gilmara Pereira da , Lata-Tenesaca Luis Felipe
Published: March 2022

DRIS (Diagnosis Recommendation Integrated System) is a tool used in the interpretation of leaf analyses that values the balance of nutrients, an important fact for a better assessment of the nutritional status of banana plants. Its usefulness depends on the ability to identify the nutrients that limit productivity in order to correct possible nutritional imbalances, but there is a lack of research in all crops, including bananas, to assess the accuracy of these diagnoses, which have a worrying global implication. To this end, this study evaluates DRIS norms for banana cultivation in Ecuador and the use of accuracy measurements for nutritional diagnosis, verifying the capacity of DRIS to detect true nutritional status based on plant response. The database created here contains 233 results referring to productivity and leaf contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cl, Fe, Mn, Cu, B, and Zn for banana trees in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Then, a field experiment evaluated doses of nitrogen and potassium and the accuracy of DRIS norms for N and K. The results show that the DRIS of banana produced in Ecuador depends on the nutrient being variable according to the crop nutritional status. The DRIS norms for diagnosis of N and K result in an acceptable accuracy to identify only deficiencies and toxicities, respectively, indicating the need for adjustments in these standards for later use in the field. Thus, there is a need for more research aiming to adopt calibrated DRIS diagnostic norms to assess the nutritional status of bananas in Ecuador.
Structural investigations, band gap narrowing and magnetic characteristics of multiferroic [Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3]0.4 - [(Ca0.2Sr0.8)TiO3]0.6
Authors: PADHEE RAJIB , Pati Dinesh Kumar , Bhattacharjee S. , Mahapatra Mitrabinda , Parida Bichitra Nanda , Das Piyush Ranjan
Published: March 2022

We report a detailed and systematic investigation of the multifunctional properties of calcium strontium titanate [(Ca0.2Sr0.8)TiO3] substituted lead iron niobate [Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3] ceramic oxide manufactured by the effective high temperature solid state reaction method. Rietveld studies reveal the single phase formation of compound with a pseudocubic structure. The Williamson-Hall (W-H) analysis predicts the presence of tensile strain. Different molecular vibrations were detected using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The local structures and optical modes were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy technique. The microstructural analysis had been done by field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis was performed to check the purity. The detailed chemical structure and oxidation states were analyzed by incorporating the efficient X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique. In addition to the valence identifications, the presence of oxygen vacancies was evident from the XPS analysis. The optical band gap and Urbach energy were analyzed by UV-Visible spectroscopy analysis. Effect of structural distortions, oxygen vacancies and electro-negativity on band gap were discussed. The photocatalytic response was studied by using Mulliken’s model. The electrical properties were analyzed in the frameworks of dielectric constant, tan δ, complex impedance spectroscopy and conductivity studies. The Jonscher’s law analysis revealed the presence of correlated barrier hopping (CBH) conduction mechanism. The binding energy (Wm), minimum hopping length (Rmin) and density of states near Fermi level (N(EF)) were analyzed. The ferroelectricity was studied by room temperature P-E loop. The magnetic study was performed by means of the room temperature M-H loop. The detailed magnetic structure of Fe nuclei was analyzed by incorporating the room temperature 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Inoculation effect of Pseudomonas sp. TF716 on N 2 O emissions during rhizoremediation of diesel-contaminated soil
Authors: Kim Ji-Yoon , Cho Kyung-Suk S.
Published: March 2022

The demand for rhizoremediation technology that can minimize greenhouse gas emissions while effectively removing pollutants in order to mitigate climate change has increased. The inoculation effect of N2O-reducing Pseudomonas sp. TF716 on N2O emissions and on remediation performance during the rhizoremediation of diesel-contaminated soil planted with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) or maize (Zea mays) was investigated. Pseudomonas sp. TF716 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of tall fescue. The maximum N2O reduction rate of TF716 was 18.9 mmol N2O·g dry cells− 1·h− 1, which is superior to the rates for previously reported Pseudomonas spp. When Pseudomonas sp. TF716 was added to diesel-contaminated soil planted with tall fescue, the soil N2O-reduction potential was 2.88 times higher than that of soil with no inoculation during the initial period (0 − 19 d), and 1.08 − 1.13 times higher thereafter. However, there was no enhancement in the N2O-reduction potential for the soil planted with maize following inoculation with strain TF716. In addition, TF716 inoculation did not significantly affect diesel degradation during rhizoremediation, suggesting that the activity of those microorganisms involved in diesel degradation was unaffected by TF716 treatment. Analysis of the dynamics of the bacterial genera associated with N2O reduction showed that Pseudomonas had the highest relative abundance during the rhizoremediation of diesel-contaminated soil planted with tall fescue and treated with strain TF716. Overall, these results suggest that N2O emissions during the rhizoremediation of diesel-contaminated soil using tall fescue can be reduced with the addition of Pseudomonas sp. TF716.
Litter Removal Increases Plant Carbon Inputs to Soil in Pinus Massoniana Plantation
Authors: Zhang Chengfu , Cai Yinmei , Zhang Tao , He Tengbing , Li Jie , Li Xinying , Zhao Qingxia
Published: March 2022

Aims Plants are the main source of soil organic carbon (C) in forest ecosystems; they input photosynthetically assimilated C into the soil through litter, root litter, and root exudates. Variations in plant net primary production caused by global environmental changes are likely to drive shifts in leaf litterfall inputs to soils. However, the effects of these changes on plant aboveground and underground C input remain largely unknown. Methods We conducted a two-year litter manipulation (litter removal, addition, and control) experiment in a Pinus massoniana plantation and studied its impacts on plant C input via litter, fine root, and root exudates. Results The results showed that litter removal significantly increased litterfall in summer and autumn and reduced root C exudation rates in spring, but had no influence on the C input of fine root. Whereas litter addition did not significantly affect the C input of litter, fine root, or root exudates. The annual C input of litter, fine root, and root exudates in control plots were 348.28 g C m-2,42.39 g C m-2, and 17.44 g C m-2, accounting for 85.34%, 10.39%, and 4.27% of the total C input, respectively. Litter removal increased plant annual total C input by 24.55% owing to reducing root exudate C input by 30.50% and increasing litter C input by 31.12%. Conclusions Increasing the aboveground C input and decreasing underground C input under litter removal is a strategy to maximize forest growth in short term. The increased plant C input under litter removal mitigated the influences of litter alteration caused by global change. This was of great significance for understanding plant growth strategy and forecasting plant growth dynamic under global change.
Prediction of Adult Post-hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus: A Risk Score Based on Clinical Data
Authors: Wang Zhiwen , Xi Bin , Yu Bingxiao , Zhou Junhui , Wang Min , Wang Changfeng , Liu Ruen
Published: March 2022

Background: Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is a common complication of cerebral, ventricular, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, and craniocerebral injury. There is lacking research on risk factors and prediction models associated with PHH. This present study aimed to analyze the risk factors of PHH and establish a risk-scoring system through a large-scale study. Methods: A retrospective study of 382 patients with intracranial hemorrhage assessed age, history and diagnosis, Glasgow coma score (GCS), and fever duration. After univariate and logistic regression analysis, risk scoring system was established according to independent risk factors. Area under curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the scoring system and validate the accuracy of the dataResults: Of the 382 patients, 133 (34.8%) had PHH, 43 (11.3%) received surgical treatment. We determined the age, GCS, days (total fever time when body temperature ≥ 38.5◦C), and cerebrospinal fluid total protein (CSF-TP) x time (from the onset of the disease to the obtainment of CSF-TP after lumbar puncture) as the important risk factors for PHH. Factor classification showed that age > 60 years old [odds ratio (OR): 0.347, II = 5 points], GCS < 5 (OR: 0.09, IV = 10 points), GCS 6-8 (OR = 0.232, III = 6 points), fever days > 9 (OR: 0.202, III = 7 points), fever days 5-9 (OR: 0.341, II = 5 points), CSF-TP x time > 14,4000 group (OR: 0.267, IV = 6 points), and CSF-TP x time 9,601-14,400 group (OR: 0.502, III = 3 points) were independent risk factors. The result of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) prediction showed that AUC = 0.790 (0.744-0.836). Low-risk (IV-VII), moderate (VIII-X), and high-risk group (XI-XIII) incidence of PHH, respectively: 11.76%, 50.55%, and 70.00% (p < 0.001). The coincidence rates in the validation cohort were 26.00%, 74.07%, and 100.0% (p < 0.001), respectively. AUC value was 0.860 (0.780 - 0.941).Conclusion: The predictive model was conducive in determining the occurrence of PHH and facilitating early intervention.
The Association Of Blood Urea Nitrogen To Creatinine Ratio And The Prognosis Of Critically Ill Patients With Cerebral Infarction: A Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Ting , Li Ai-Ping , Gong Qi , Zhou Lin , Zhao Yi-Xuan , Zhou Zhi-Wen , Zhou Wen-Sheng
Published: March 2022

Background: To evaluate the association between blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to creatinine (Cr) (BUN/Cr) ratio with the in-hospital mortality of critically ill patients with cerebral infarction in intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: In this cohort study, the data of 3059 participants with cerebral infarction were collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-III and the MIMIC-IV database. After propensity score matching (PSM) on age and gender, 2085 people were involved in and divided into the alive group (n=1390) and the dead group (n=695). All subjects in the ICU were followed up until death or discharge. Multivariate logistic analyses were applied for identifying the confounders and the association between BUN/Cr and mortality of cerebral infraction.Results: The median follow-up time was 10.5 days. Among 2778 participants, 695 were dead at the end of follow-up. Univariate analysis revealed that BUN/Cr [risk ratio (RR)=1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.02] might be associated with the in-hospital mortality of cerebral infraction patients. After adjusting respiratory failure, malignant cancer, anticoagulation, liver disease, white blood cell (WBC), red cell distribution width (RDW) percent, glucose, bicarbonate and temperature, BUN/Cr was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality of cerebral infraction patients (RR=1.01, 95%CI: 1.01-1.02).Conclusion: This study evaluated the association between BUN/Cr and the in-hospital mortality of cerebral infarction patients in ICU and found BUN/Cr was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality of patients with cerebral infarction in ICU especially in males, and those with respiratory failure, malignant cancer and without liver disease, as well as those receiving anticoagulation. The findings of our study reminded the clinicians to pay attention on the level of BUN/Cr in cerebral infarction patients in ICU.
Glyoxal Fixation Allows Constant Staining of Brain Vessels, Pericytes, and Blood-Brain Barrier Proteins
Authors: Pandit Peeyush Kumar Thankamani , Thomas Sithara , Sadanandan Jayanarayanan , Blackburn Spiros L , McBride Devin W , Dienel Ari , Ha Sung , Zeineddine Hussein A
Published: March 2022

Brain vascular staining has great importance in understanding cerebrovascular pathologies. Paraformaldehyde 4% is considered the gold standard fixation technique for immunohistochemistry and it revolutionized the examination of proteins in fixed tissues. However, this fixation technique produces inconsistent immunohistochemical staining results due to antigen masking. Here we test a new fixation protocol using 3% glyoxal and demonstrate that this method provides overall better staining of the brain vasculature, pericytes, and tight junction proteins than 4% paraformaldehyde. Using this new fixation technique will provide more detailed information about vascular protein expressions, their distributions, and colocalizations with other proteins at the molecular level in the brain vasculature.
Plasma-Treated F modified TiO2 Impact to Enhance the Photocatalytic Performance of TiO2
Authors: Zhang Lianhong , Yu Bo , Wu Hongbo , Wen Jie , Ali Arshid Mahmood , Zhang Hui , Zhang Guoping , Yu Mingwei
Published: March 2022

For the first time achieved F modification of titanium dioxide through a plasma method. The F modification of titanium dioxide was achieved by Ar/HF dielectric barrier discharge, including the introduction of Ti-F bonds, interstitial F doping, and substitution of F doping. The characterization results show that the band gap of Ar/HF/DBD-TiO 2 is reduced to 2.78 eV, the fluorescence intensity is greatly reduced, and the electron-hole recombination rate is reduced. The degradation rate of methylene blue by F modified titanium dioxide under visible light reaches 92%.
Preparation, optimization, and testing of biostimulant formulations as stress management tools and foliar applications on brinjal and onion for growth and yield
Authors: Ruidas Subhajit , Karmakar Snehashis , Purkait Aloke , Gangopadhyay Arka , Saha Rounak , Mukherjee Kanad , Mondal Prithusayak , Hazra Dipak Kumar
Published: March 2022

Not only would the application of biostimulant formulations boost vegetable yields under typical and different biotic stress circumstances, but it will also be user and ecologically friendly. Due to their hydrophobic character and huge molecular volumes, the production of extremely stable emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations is the bottleneck of plant growth regulator uses. Gibberellic acid (0.25 percent EC) and Brassinolide (0.15 percent EC) were synthesized using a variety of solvents (Aromatic hydrocarbon, Toluene, Dimethyl sulfoxide) and surfactants (Calcium alkylbenzene sulfonate, Nonylphenol ethoxylate-13). Emulsification, detergency, and quick wetting performance were all outstanding in laboratory adjusted phytohormone formulations (E). Highly stable oil in water emulsions with exceptional compatibility and outstanding emulsion stability have been created using secondary alcohol ethoxylates and sulfonate anionic (5:5), which are affected by the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value and type of nonionic and anionic surfactants. The hormone content fluctuation was also estimated to be appropriate using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (5.0 percent). In brinjal (muktakeshi) and onion (sukhsagar), applications at 450, 900, 180, and 360 mL ha-1 considerably enhanced growth and yields over control plants. Gibberellic acid boosted brinjal yields by 37.5 percent, while Brassinolide raised onion yields by 33.9 percent. Plant growth regulator formulations that have been thoroughly developed and evaluated might be a big step toward environmentally friendly agricultural production.
Implementation of the Malaria Test, Treat and Track Policy in Health Facilities in Gulu District, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kwiringira Andrew , Musoke David , Ssempiira Julius , Ssengooba Freddie
Published: March 2022

Background
An essential means to control malaria is diagnosing suspected patients with a confirmatory test, treatment of malaria confirmed cases, and proper case registration (track). In 2011, the Ministry of Health launched a country-wide malaria Test, Treat and Track policy. We assessed implementation of the malaria Test, Treat and Track policy in Gulu district, Uganda.
Methods
This was a cross sectional study conducted in 8 health facilities in Gulu district. We abstracted data from out-patient and laboratory register from January 2019 to December, 2019. We used a chi-square test to assess differences between levels of categorical variables. We considered a p-value of less 0.05 as cut off for statistical significance. We used Bland-Altman correlation analysis to quantify the numerical consistency between the aggregated malaria cases in out-patient registers, laboratory registers, and District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) records for Gulu district. We used logistic regression to assess factors associated with the proportion of cases suspected, tested, confirmed and treated.
Results
The proportion of suspected malaria cases that were tested for malaria was 99.8%, and the proportion of confirmed malaria cases that were treated with antimalarials was 99.9%. There was a poor correlation 0.558(95%CI = 0.319–0.797), when the number of malaria cases recorded in out-patient department (OPD) registers were compared with the number of malaria cases reported in DHIS2 and substantial correlation 0.99(95%CI = 0.997-1.000), when malaria cases recorded in laboratory register were compared to malaria cases reported in DHIS2. There was a significant statistical difference in the proportion of confirmed malaria cases treated with antimalarials across different levels of health facilities − 0.015(95%CI=-0.027-0.003) (p < 0.016) and when health facilities were disaggregated by their location, 0.020(95%CI = 0.020 − 0.013) (p < 0.004).
Conclusion
Substantial compliance was observed in testing and treatment of malaria cases. However, malaria data reported in DHIS2 was not consistent with data recorded in HMIS registers at health facilities. There is a need to conduct capacity-building on malaria data management and integrated supportive supervision, as well as develop standard operating procedures for routine data management activities.
Bio-efficacy of permethrin/tetramethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin treatments in habitats of hard ticks (Acari, Ixodidae) populations with confirmed Borrelia spp. infection
Authors: Jurišić Aleksandar , Ćupina Aleksandara Ignjatović , Potkonjak Aleksandar , Savić Sara , Ivanović Ivana , Kavran Mihaela , Žikić Dragan , Meseldžija Maja , Dudić Milica
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to evaluate the bio-efficacy of two different acaricides against mobile stages of hard ticks Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus and Haemaphysalis punctata in their natural habitats. The study was conducted during 2020 and 2021 at localities populated by I. ricinus as the predominant species, at which the presence of Borrelia afzeli, B. garini and B.lusitaniae was confirmed. During the first investigation year, a combination of two pyrethroids, permethrin and tetramethrin, with an insecticide synergist piperonyl butoxide (trade name: Perme Plus®) was tested. At the first evaluation, 24h after the treatment with Perme Plus®, the efficacy expressed as reduction rate of the population density was within the interval of satisfying performance (70% − 90%) at all localities, while the highest efficacy (97.80%) was recorded on the 14th post-treatment day. In the second investigation year, the formulation based on lambdacyhalothrin (trade name: Icon® 10CS) was used. At the first post-treatment evaluation day satisfying effects were also demonstrated. The highest recorded efficacy rate of lambda cyhalothrin (94.68%) was recorded on the 14th post-treatment day. Both tested acaricides manifested satisfying initial acaricidal effects against mobile stages of ticks and provided long-term effects. Comparison of the regression trend lines of population reduction revealed that satisfying effects of treatment with Perme Plus® lasted until the 17th post-treatment day, while the in the case of Icon® 10CS the residual effects were significantly prolonged (30 days).
Evaluation of the efficacy of injectable platelet rich fibrin (I-PRF) in the management of clicking in internal temporomandibular joint disorders
Authors: Manafikhi Mustafa , Ataya Jawdat , Heshmeh Omar
Published: March 2022

Background: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body. The TMJ disorders are one of the most troublesome disorders for patients, as they can cause pain, affect oral functions and disturb dentists on the level of diagnosis and treatment. The most common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder are articulated sounds (such as clicking or TMJ crepitation), joint pain in comfort and function situations (jaw movements), pain or strain in masseter and jaw muscles and or restricted mandibular movements. One of the most modern biocompatible substances used to treat joints disorders, including the TMJ, is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and injectable platelet rich fibrin (I-PRF). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin (I-PRF) in treating a clicking in internal temporomandibular joint disorders. Methods: Twenty patients suffering from a unilateral click due to TMJ disorders were individually injected with 1 mL of (I-PRF) twice one week apart into the superior joint space of the TMJ with the internal disorder. Data were recorded and evaluated by the Helkimo index. This evaluation was conducted three times; one week after the first injection, one week after the second injection, and six months after the first injection.Results: The clicking was disappeared entirely in 14 out of 20 patients after one week of getting the first injection, and in all patients after one week of getting the second injection, and returned to two of them after a six-month since the first injection. Conclusion: Preliminary results showed the efficacy of the Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin (I-PRF) in managing articular clicking in patients with internal disorders of the temporomandibular joint. Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin has significant clinical efficacy in treating the articular clicking resulting from internal temporomandibular joint disorders.Trial Registration: Retrospectively registered, ACTRN12622000397718
Prognostic significance of TG/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios in patients with non- small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Duan Guochen , Kong Lingxin , Zhao Qingtao , Han Zhaohui , Xue Wenfei , Hu Zhonghui , Niu Zhancong
Published: March 2022

Background：In recent years, studies have validated that serum lipids and lipoproteins are related to the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. However, the correlation between the ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL-C) or the non- high-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein ratio (non-HDL-C/HDL-C) and survival of patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in stage Ⅰ-ⅢA of non-small cell lung cancer is unclear. This study uses a retrospective approach to evaluate the relationship between TG/HDL-C or non-HDL-C/HDL-C and prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.Methods：We retrospectively analyzed 284 patients in stage I-IIIa non-small cell lung cancer who underwent thoracoscopic surgery in Hebei General Hospital. The Time-dependent Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff value and the area under the ROC curve. Survival analysis was implemented through Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses.Result：Median OS is 46 months. The cutoff value of TG/HDL-C ratios is 1.379. The cutoff value of non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios is 2.530. The low TG/HDL-C group has a longer mean survival time (56.61 vs. 46.81 months, P < 0.05). The low non-HDL-C/HDL-C group has a longer mean survival time (59.00 vs. 52.35 months, P < 0.05).Conclusion：TG/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios have a certain correlation with the survival and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving VATS. Preoperative serum TG/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C may be effective independent prognostic factors for predicting NSCLC patients.
Periodontitis aggravates diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders through intestinal translocation of P. gingivalis and inactivation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling
Authors: Niu Chenguang , Lv Wanqi , Zhu Xiaohan , Dong Zhengjie , Yuan Keyong , Jin Qiaoqiao , Zhang Pengfei , Li Peilun , Mao Mengying , Dong Ting , Chen Zhanyi , Luo Junyuan , Hou Lili , Zhang Chenyang , Hao Keyi , Chen Si , Huang Zhengwei
Published: March 2022

Background: Metabolic disorders are prevalent health concerns worldwide, and periodontitis, an oral inflammatory disease, has been emphasized as a risk factor. Increasing evidence has indicated the role of gut microbiota and its derived metabolites during the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. Given that the oral and gut mucosae are physically connected, it is possible that the periodontopathic bacterium may invade and alter the gut microbiota to aggravate metabolic disorders. In this study, a periodontitis mouse model was established to evaluate metabolic disorders induced by high fat diet (HFD). Metabolic labeling and in vivo imaging were introduced to determine the intestinal translocation of periodontopathic bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Moreover, metagenome sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics analysis were applied to investigate the mechanism underlying periodontitis and metabolic disorders. Results: Our study demonstrated that periodontitis aggravated metabolic disorders induced by HFD in C57BL6/N mice. P. gingivalis, a main periodontopathic bacterium, was enriched in the feces of mice with periodontitis. Moreover, the orally administered P. gingivalis could translocate to the gastrointestinal tract alive, and elicit metabolic disorders, while administration of the pasteurized P. gingivalis had no effect. Metagenome sequencing indicated that administration altered the composition, abundance, and function of gut microbiota, in which “tryptophan metabolism pathway” demonstrated a significant difference. Nontargeted metabolomics analysis revealed indole and its derivatives were decreased with P. gingivalis administration, leading to inactivation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling. Moreover, supplementation with Ficz, an AhR agonist, alleviated periodontitis-associated metabolic disorders, in which the restoration of gut barrier function might play an important role. Conclusions: Our study illustrated that periodontitis aggravated diet-induced metabolic disorders through intestinal translocation of pathogenic bacterium P. gingivalis, which elicited gut microbiota dysfunction and decreased indole and its derivatives, leading to inactivation of AhR signaling. Supplementation of AhR agonist improved metabolic disorders by restoring AhR activity and the gut barrier function, providing a novel mechanism and treatment strategy linking periodontal disease and metabolic disorders.
Significant T Lymphocyte Response in Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis: a Case Report
Authors: Ren Jingru , Yu Meng , Zheng Yiming , Guo Jing , Yao Yan , Hao Hongjun , Gao Feng , Liu Ran
Published: March 2022

Background: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is an acute onset, rapid progress immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. In 50-80% of the patients, cerebrospinal fluid analysis was abnormal. Some studies suggest that molecular simulation mechanism or direct infection of the central nervous system can cause autoimmune tolerance damage, resulting in perivascular inflammatory response and paraventricular demyelination in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Both the two cause the activation of T lymphocytes, leading to the imaging lesions and clinical manifestations.Case presentation: Herein we report an old man who presented acute disseminated encephalomyelitis without prodromal infection or vaccination injection history. We focused on the changes of lymphocyte subsets in cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood during the course of the disease to explore the potential immunological mechanisms of the disease. Conclusion: We found that cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in patients during the acute phase of the disease, with a predominance of T lymphocytes. While methylprednisolone therapy plays a powerful role in suppressing T cell activation and autoimmune diseases, but the detailed molecular mechanisms still need further investigation.
Depletion of Toxoplasma adenine nucleotide translocator leads to defects in mitochondrial morphology
Authors: Liu Qun , Wu Yihan , Ying Zhu , Liu Jing , Sun Zhepeng , Li Shuang
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) is a protein that catalyzes the exchange of ADP/ATP across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Beyond this, ANT is closely associated with cell death pathways and mitochondrial dysfunction. It is a potential therapeutic target for many diseases. The function of the ANT in T. gondii is poorly understood.MethodsThe CRISPR/CAS9 system was used to identify and study the function of the ANT protein in T. gondii. The location of TgANT was determined by proteinase K (PK) protection and mitochondrial permeabilization assays. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsOur results showed that T. gondii encoded an ANT protein, which was designated TgANT. TgANT localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). The proliferation of the Δant strain was significantly reduced. More important, depletion of TgANT resulted in significant morphological and ultrastructure changes in the mitochondria and abnormal cytoskeletal daughter budding. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of Δant strain to mice was significantly reduced.ConclusionsAltogether, we identified and characterized the ANT protein of T. gondii. Depletion of TgANT inhibited parasites growth and resulted in mitochondrial morphological defects and abnormal cytoskeletal daughter budding, suggesting TgANT is important for parasite growth.
Feasibility Study of Constructing a Screening Tool for Adolescent Diabetes Detection Applying Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Hu Hansel , Lai Tin , Farid Farnaz
Published: March 2022

Prediabetes and diabetes are becoming alarmingly prevalent among adolescents over the past decade. However, an effective screening tool that can assess diabetes risks smoothly is still in its infancy. In order to contribute to such significant gaps, this research proposes a machine learning-based predictive model to detect adolescent diabetes. The model applies supervised machine learning along with a novel feature selection method on the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey datasets after an exhaustive search selecting reliable and accurate data. The best model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) score of 71%. This research proves that a screening tool based on supervised machine learning models can assist the automated detection of youth diabetes. It also identifies some critical predictors to such detection with a combination of Lasso Regression, Random Forest Importance and Gradient Boosted Tree Importance feature selection methods. The most contributing features to Youth diabetes detection are physical characteristics (waist, leg length, gender etc.), dietary information (water, protein, sodium etc.) and demographics (race). These predictors can be further utilised in other areas of medical research, such as electronic medical history.