bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating levels of PCSK9, ANGPTL3 and Lp(a) in stage III breast cancers
Authors: Chong Emilie Wong , Joncas France-Hélène , Seidah Nabil G. , Calon Frédéric , Diorio Caroline , Gangloff Anne
Published: June 2022

Background/ Synopsis:Cholesterol plays an important role in sustaining tumor growth and metastasis in a large variety of cancers. New and powerful cholesterol-lowering drugs are being used in combination to treat cardiovascular diseases. Thus, it becomes intuitive to verify whether these drugs could be combined to induce a cholesterol shortage sufficient to impede tumor progression. Circulating levels of the targets of a new generation of lipid-lowering drugs have not been fully investigated in cancers. Given that drugs directed against PCSK9 (evolocumab, alirocumab, inclisiran), ANGPTL3 (evinacumab) and Lp(a) (pelacarsen) are available, it becomes important to assess circulating levels of these drug targets and their role in cancers. Objective/Purpose: To compare circulating levels of PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and Lp(a) in women with stage III breast cancer versus women with premalignant or benign breast lesions. Methods: Twenty-three plasma samples from women diagnosed with a stage III breast cancer (ductal, lobular or mixed) were matched for age with twenty-three plasma samples from women bearing premalignant (stage 0, n = 9) or benign (n = 14) breast lesions. The lipid profile (Apo B, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels) and Lp(a) were measured on a Roche Modular analytical platform, whereas LDL levels were calculated with the Friedewald formula. ANGPTL3 and PCSK9 plasma levels were quantitated by ELISA. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.4. Results: PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in women with stage III breast cancer compared to age-matched counterparts presenting a benign lesion (95.9 +/- 27.1 ng/mL vs. 78.5 +/- 19.3 ng/mL, p < 0.05, n = 14). Moreover, PCSK9 levels positively correlated with breast disease severity (benign, stage 0, stage III) (Rho = 0.34, p < 0.05, n = 46). In contrast, ANGPTL3 and Lp(a) plasma levels did not display any association with breast disease status and lipids did not correlate with disease severity. Conclusion: In this cohort of 46 women, PCSK9 levels increased along with the severity of breast disease. Given that PCSK9 plays an important role in maintaining cholesterolemia and has been shown to degrade MHC-I on tumor cells, impeding immune T-cells response to tumors, the association between PCSK9 levels and breast disease severity needs to be further investigated in larger studies.
Effect of probiotics on growth performance, immune function, serum indices and intestinal flora of broilers
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Zhang Ning , Lu Bingxia , He Ying , Liang Jiaxing , Zhou Yingning , Xu Xinting , Quan Chenyu , Duan Qunpeng , Li Bin , Jiang Dongfu , Qin Yibin , Lu Jingzhuan , Chen Zhongwei , Zhao Wu
Published: June 2022

To exploring the effects of probiotics on growth performance, immune function, blood biochemical indicators and cecal flora of broilers, 5 native experimental probiotics (Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Enterococcus faecalis) were isolated and purified. Broilers Fufeng and Sanhuang were divided: 5 single experimental probiotic groups, 1 mixed experimental probiotic group (Lactobacillus fermentum, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Enterococcus faecalis), commercial probiotics group and negative control group. Each group had 10 replicates of each type of broilers. The experimental probiotics were added to broiler’s diet during experimental period. The growth performance was measured on 21d, 42d and 77d while the immune function, blood biochemical indexes and cecal flora were measured on 77d. The growth performance results showed that experimental probiotics could effectively increase the FCR and BWG (P <0.05); Thymus indexes (P <0.05), spleen indexes and bursa indexes were increased; The levels of IgA, IgG and IL-2 were significantly increased (P <0.05); The contents of total protein (P <0.05) and albumin increased while the total cholesterol, triglycerides (P <0.05), urea nitrogen and blood glucose (P <0.05) were decreased; The population of LAB increased (P <0.05) while E.coli decreased (P <0.05) in caecal. These results indicated that different experimental probiotics had different degree of effects on experimental broilers, but their effects were similar. And the combination of several types of experimental probiotics had a more stable beneficial effects which indicated that the isolated experimental probiotics can be used as broiler feed additives to improve broiler s immunity and health in Guangxi.
Two targets that play a role in the immune microenvironment of breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Ya-Qing , Li Yue-Xuan , Wang Li-Ning , Zhang Qing , Wang Lu
Published: June 2022

Breast cancer (BRCA) is a malignancy that occurs in breast epithelium or ductal epithelium. The progression of BRCA is greatly influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Studies have shown that Pachymic acid (PA) had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and metastasis of BRCA cells and could also enhance immunity. We planned to use the methods of network pharmacology and bio-information analysis to clarify the role of this molecule in the TME of BRCA and its target. We predicted the potential targets of PA. In addition, by comparing the cancer profiles in the The Tumor Genome Atlas (TCGA) genome with normal profiles, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. At the intersection of predicted targets and DEGs were 16 important genes. Enrichment analysis and survival analysis were performed on these genes. Two hub genes were found in combination with the RNA-seq expression and protein expression in T cell subsets by Immunohistochemical analysis. Finally, we used the GSE42568 data to construct a risk prediction model and obtained independent prognostic indicators. And we identified two PA targets that played a role in the TME, thus providing new ideas for research on BRCA.
Effect of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) concentration on rheological behaviors of TEMPO-mediated oxidized cellulose nanofiber/PVA suspensions
Authors: Zhou Zhijun , Yao Yongbo , Zhang Junfeng , Shen Liangen , Xu Huawei , Liu Jie , Shentu Baoqing
Published: June 2022

2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TEMPO-CNF)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) suspension can be used to prepare composite. Therefore, understanding the viscoelastic property of TEMPO-CNF/PVA suspension is necessary. The analysis of the rheological dates from steady and dynamic rheology indicates that the suspension is pseudoplastic fluid with thixotropic behavior. When the concentration of PVA is in the dilute regime, the gel like behavior of the suspensions turns to liquid like state with the increasing frequency. Such behaviors are related to the entangled network among cellulose fibrils and the hydrogen bond interaction between TEMPO-CNFs and PVA. When the concentration of PVA is in semidilute and entangled regime, the suspensions show liquid character, because the viscosity of the suspensions are mainly determined by the entanglement of PVA molecules in homogeneous state. Furthermore, the TEMPO-CNF/PVA membranes were prepared by solution casting method. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscope data proved the interaction between TEMPO-CNFs and PVA. This research reveals the importance of PVA concentration on the fluid characters of TEMPO-CNF/PVA suspensions, providing the approach to adjust the viscosity of TEMPO-CNF suspensions.
Evaluation of the climate change impact on Legedadi and Dire reservoirs using R-R-V-criteria
Authors: Alebel Surafel , Tura Amare
Published: June 2022

This study mainly deals with evaluation of the climate change impact on Legedadi and Dire reservoirs which is found in north-east Awash River Basin, Ethiopia. Projection of the future climate variables is done by using Max Planck Institute for Meteorology – Earth System Model (MPI-ESM). In the present study, future rainfall MPI-ESM product corrected by using BFTV (Bias factor time variance).The 1996–2016 was taken as baseline period against which comparison was made. A hydrological model, HEC-HMS was utilized to simulate Runoff in the study area. The performance of the model was assessed through calibration and validation process and resulted NSE = 0.87 and PEV = 7.5% during calibration and NSE = 0.84 and PEV = 7.85% during validation. The projected future climate variables has two future time series 2040s and 2080s, for both future time series an increasing trend evaporation from the open water surface of reservoirs when the projected average maximum and Minimum temperatures increase from the baseline period and precipitation shows a fluctuation event. Evaluation to the base and the future period average annual inflow volume shows an increase of 2.44% and decrease 0.99% at Dire reservoir and an increase of 5.15% and decrease 1.15% at Legedadi reservoir during 2040s and 2080s periods respectively.In general analysis of the reservoirs with current and future climate change output indicates that the reliability and resilience of the reservoirs is sensitive to precipitation change than change in temperature on differing dimensionless vulnerability of the reservoirs doesn’t demonstration extraordinary difference for both the change in precipitation and temperature.
RNA-seq provides novel insights into response to acute salinity stress in oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense
Authors: Fan Yaoran , Feng Jianbin , Xie Nan , Ling Feiyue , Wang Zefei , Ma Keyi , Hua Xueming , Li Jiale
Published: June 2022

The oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense is an important aquaculture species in China, Vietnam, and Japan. This species could survive in the salinity ranging from 7 to 20 ppt and accelerate growth in the salinity of 7 ppt. To identified the genes and pathways in response to acute high salinity stress, M. nipponense were exposed to the acute high salinity of 25 ppt. Total RNA from hepatopancreas, gills, and muscle tissues was isolated, and then sequenced using high throughput sequencing method. Differentially expressed genes (DGEs) were identified, and total of 632, 836, and 1246 DEGs with a cutoff of significant two-fold change were differentially expressed in hepatopancreas, gills, and muscle tissues, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathway enrichment analysis were conducted. These DEGs were involved in the GO terms of cellular process, metabolic process, membrane, organelle, binding, and catalytic activity. The DEGs of hepatopancreas and gill tissues were mainly enriched in PPAR signaling pathway, longevity regulating pathway, protein digestion and absorption, and the DEGs of muscle tissue in arginine biosynthesis, adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, cardiac muscle contraction, and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. Real-time PCR conducted with fifteen selected DEGs indicated high reliability of digital analysis using RNA-Seq. This work provides a comprehensive insight into the molecular responses to high salinity stress in M. nipponense, which provide a novel contribution to understanding of the molecular mechanisms of adaptation to salinity stress in euryhaline crustaceans.
Identification of plasma metabolites associated with modifiable risk factors and biomarkers reflecting Alzheimer’s disease pathology
Authors: Dong Ruocheng , Denier-Fields Diandra N. , Hulle Carol A. Van , Kollmorgen Gwendlyn , Suridjan Ivonne , Wild Norbert , Lu Qiongshi , Anderson Rozalyn M. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Johnson Sterling C. , Engelman Corinne D.
Published: June 2022

Background:
Modifiable factors can influence the risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and serve as targets for intervention; however, the biological mechanisms linking these factors to AD are unknown. This study aims to identify plasma metabolites associated with modifiable factors for AD, including MIND diet, physical activity, smoking, and caffeine intake, and test their association with AD endophenotypes to identify their potential roles in pathophysiological mechanisms.
Methods:
The association between each of the 757 plasma metabolites and four modifiable factors was tested in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention cohort of initially cognitively unimpaired, asymptomatic middle-aged adults. After Bonferroni correction, the significant plasma metabolites were tested for association with each of the AD endophenotypes, including twelve cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, reflecting key AD pathophysiologies, and four cognitive composite scores. Finally, causal mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate possible mediation effects. Analyses were performed using linear mixed-effects regression.
Results:
A total of 27, 3, 23, and 24 metabolites were associated with MIND diet, physical activity, smoking, and caffeine intake, respectively. Potential mediation effects include beta-cryptoxanthin in the association between MIND diet and Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite score, hippurate between MIND diet and Immediate Learning, glutamate between physical activity and CSF neurofilament light, and beta-cryptoxanthin between smoking and Immediate Learning.
Conclusion:
Our study identified several plasma metabolites that are associated with modifiable factors. These metabolites can be employed as biomarkers for tracking these factors, and they provide a potential biological pathway of how modifiable factors influence the human body and AD risk.
Simulation and Experimental Study on the Incompatibility Issue between ADN and Isocyanate
Authors: sheibani nasser
Published: June 2022

Since solid composite propellants are composed of a high percentage of oxidizers, the search for green oxidizers such as ammonium dinitramide (ADN) as a substitute for non-eco-friendly ammonium perchlorate (AP) is an important issue. ADN/GAP propellants are good green candidates to replace conventional AP/HTPB propellants. The incompatibility issue of ADN with isocyanate curing agents is a well-known problem. In this research, from the perspective of molecular dynamics and solubility parameter concept, an attempt was made to select a suitable curing system for ADN/GAP composite propellants by examining the interaction energy between different isocyanate curing agents and ADN as well as GAP. The examined isocyanates include N100, IPDI, TDI, DDI, IPDI/N100, and DDI/N100. The interaction of the selected curing system with ADN was investigated using infrared spectroscopy at different time intervals and compared with the N100 as a conventional curing system. The results show significant improvement of the selected curing system.
Continuous and simultaneous conversion of Moroccan phosphogypsum waste to Na2SO4, and K2SO4 using the quaternary system Na+, K+ // Cl-, SO42- - H2O at 25°C
Authors: Laaboubi Khaoula , Bouargane Brahim , Moreno Silvia Pérez , Bakiz Bahcine , Raya Juan Pedro Bolívar , ATBIR Ali
Published: June 2022

In this present work, the transformation of the Moroccan phosphogypsum (PG) waste, considered as a potential source of sulfate, into potassium sulfate compound could help to reduce environmental impact and to create a new value chain for the phosphate industry. Generally, solidliquid equilibria are frequently applied in chemical industries. They are a valuable aid for visualizing the precipitation, separation, purification of a solid phase and pathways through which crystallization can proceed. The aim of this process is to produce potassium sulfate, a high-value fertilizer, from sulfate solutions obtained after dissolving Moroccan phosphogypsum in NaOH medium. The quaternary phase diagram Na + , K + // Cl - , SO 4 2- - H 2 O at 25°C was especially used to determine the operating conditions and the design of a crystallization process during the phosphogypsum conversion into potassium sulfate. The Jänecke representation of this system enables the determination of the optimal trajectory in the phase diagram for the double decomposition reaction. X-ray Fluorescent (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were conducted to identify the crystalline phases formed. The results of this study could be contributing to the development of a sustainable valorization of Moroccan phosphogypsum. Furthermore, the potassium sulfate represents a good alternative to potassium chloride for chloride-sensitive crops.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of clear-air turbulence (CAT) potential over East Asia during 1979-2020
Authors: Hu Boyan , Hui Pinhong , Ding Jinfeng , Sun Xuguang , Tang Jianping
Published: June 2022

Air turbulence, especially the clear-air turbulence (CAT), always affects flight safety. Based on six CAT diagnostics and ERA5 reanalysis data, the spatiotemporal characteristics of CAT potential in the middle and upper troposphere over East Asia during 1979–2020 and the possible mechanisms are analyzed in this study. The results show that CAT occurs the most frequently in winter and spring at 250–300 and 200–225 hPa, respectively. In general, CAT occurs relatively less in summer and autumn. Besides, the CAT potential decreases with altitude in each season, and the high-magnitude centers gradually move northward and eastward accompanied with a rising motion from winter to summer. During 1979–2020, the CAT potential shows clear increasing trends over most East Asia in winter, while decreasing trends in most regions in summer. In the “high CAT frequency region (HCFR, 75–135°E, 25–45°N) ”, the CAT potential has been significantly increasing in winter and decreasing in summer. Mechanism analysis indicates that the spatiotemporal distribution of East Asian subtropical westerly jet is well correlated with the CAT potential in the HCFR, with the spatial (temporal) correlation coefficients greater than 0.75 (0.54). In addition, the geopotential height pattern in various regions, the zonal circulation in Eurasia and Atlantic, the Polar Vortex, the Subtropical High, and SST all have significant impact on the CAT in the HCFR.
A novel hollow microsphere composite MnOx/PAA: effective catalyst for ozone decomposition at high humidity
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Jingwen , Dai Zhao , Luo Ning , Qu Jing , Sun Peiyun , Li Da , Liao Weilong , Wei Junfu , Zhang Huan
Published: June 2022

Air pollution caused by ozone poses a serious threat to human health and ecological environment. Manganese oxide (MnOx) is a popular material for ozone decomposition with excellent catalytic performance. However, under high humidity conditions, water vapor may occupy the oxygen vacancy of manganese oxide, resulting in reduction of the catalytic activity. In this paper, a new type of poly (acrylic acid-co-divinylbenzene) (PAA) hollow microspheres was successfully prepared by distillation precipitation polymerization and HF etching. Then the manganese oxide (MnOx) nanoparticles were loaded on the PAA layer by in-situ synthesis to prepare a MnOx/PAA hollow microsphere catalyst, which greatly improved the catalytic decomposition efficiency of MnOx on ozone under high humidity. The morphology, structure and properties of the catalysts were characterized by TEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, BET, TGA and contact Angle, respectively. Meanwhile, we also studied the performance of the catalyst for different feeding amount of crosslinking agent and functional monomer, for the cases with or without methanol as the reducing agent and for the effect of hollow structure. It was showed that PAA-60-MnOx-M catalyst with methanol reduction and 60% acrylic acid (AA) content exhibited the best catalytic decomposition performance for ozone. At 50% humidity, the decomposition efficiency of 20 ppm ozone could reach 94.5% within 360 min; while at 90% humidity, the ozone decomposition efficiency could still keep at 85%. Therefore, in the field of air pollution control, this hollow microsphere catalyst has great potential in solving the problem of ozone pollution.
A new species of Trichobius (Diptera: Streblidae) from Mexico and new record of Paratrichobius americanus
Authors: Tlapaya-Romero L. , García-Méndez A. , Ramírez-Martínez M. M.
Published: June 2022

A new species of Trichobius Gervais, 1844 (Diptera: Streblidae) is described from specimens in Jalisco, Mexico, from host bat Choeronycteris mexicana Tschudi. We consider the new species described is related to the “dugesii” group, since it shares certain characteristics those of T. angulatus and T. tiptoni, but it results easy to differentiate from all the known species due to the cheatotaxis of the thorax in which the prescutum setae, and the lateral setae are very long, while the discal setae are abruptly smaller and denser. It also presents the metasternal lobe, which is very broad and translucent.
Isolation, Screening and Characterisation of Bacillus paramycoides for producing Cellulases, Proteases and Amylases from Fabric Industry
Authors: Sarwan Jyoti , k jagadeesh chandra bose
Published: June 2022

There is availability of numerous of microorganisms with their broad applications in environment and removal of contaminants. World is full of microbes that can produce various enzymes at a time. Bacillus is one of the major species among them. Plant fibres contain complex cellulose and amylopectin and pectin in their structures. For breakdown of these complex molecules like cellulose, amylopectin in simpler molecules like hemicellulose and glucose the enzyme required called cellulases with hydrolytic reactions. Article is based upon isolation, screening, identification and crude enzyme production of isolates from fabric industry.
On the modern deep learning approaches for precipitation downscaling
Authors: Kumar Bipin , Atey Kaustubh , Singh Bhupendra Bahadur , Chattopadhyaya Rajib , Acharya Nachiketa , Singh Manmeet , Nanjundiah Ravi , Rao Suryachandra
Published: June 2022

Deep Learning (DL) based downscaling has become a popular tool in earth sciences recently. Increasingly, different DL approaches are being adopted to downscale coarser precipitation data and generate more accurate and reliable estimates at local (~ few km or even smaller) scales. Despite several studies adopting dynamical or statistical downscaling of precipitation, the accuracy is limited by the availability of ground truth. A key challenge to gauge the accuracy of such methods is to compare the downscaled data to point-scale observations which are often unavailable at such small scales. In this work, we carry out the DL-based downscaling to estimate the local precipitation data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which was created by approximating the value from station location to a grid point. To test the efficacy of different DL approaches, we apply four different methods of downscaling and evaluate their performance. The considered approaches are (i) Deep Statistical Downscaling (DeepSD), augmented Convolutional Long Short Term Memory (ConvLSTM), fully convolutional network (U-NET), and Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Network (SR-GAN). A custom VGG network, used in the SR-GAN, is developed in this work using precipitation data. The results indicate that SR-GAN is the best method for precipitation data downscaling. The downscaled data is validated with precipitation values at IMD station. This DL method offers a promising alternative to statistical downscaling.
Isolation, characterization and whole genome analysis of a novel Escherichia phage Tequintavirus GN06
Authors: Wang Leping , Dong Qinting , Tan Yizhou , Liao Yuying , Li Lei , Han Kaiou , Bai Huili , Cao Yajie , Zhou Yuqing , Ma Dongxin , Gong Yu , Wang Xiaoye , Peng Hao
Published: June 2022

Escherichia coli O114:K90(B) is a kind of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). It can cause severe diarrhea and even septicemia in Aquaculture. With the incidence of antibiotic resistance reaching crisis point, it is important to find alternative treatments for multidrug-resistant infections. Using phages for pathogen control is a promising treatment option to combat bacterial resistance. In this study, a lytic phage, named as GN06, was isolated from sewage. It can efficiently lytic E. coli O114:K90(B). Transmission electron microscopy showed that the phage belongs to the Siphoviridae. Phage GN06 has a linear, double-stranded DNA genome of 107,237 bp with a GC content of 39.2% and 155 coding sequences. Cages belonging to the genus Tequintavirus and could be classified as a T5-like virus. BLASTn analysis revealed that phage GN06 shares 94.07% identity (88% genome coverage) with an unpublished Escherichia phage vB_EcoS_HASG4. Moreover, the highest average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of phage GN06 with all the known phages was 0. 83, suggesting that GN06 was a relatively novel phage. Temperature and pH stability tests showed that phage GN06 was stable from 4℃ to 60℃and pH range from 5 to 9. These results suggested that phage GN06 with unique genomic features and high tolerances of pH and temperature had the potential of controlling bacteria pathogens. Therefore, GN06 has the potential to serve as a novel candidate for phage therapy.
Experimental and computational study of salt-containing aqueous two-phase system for extraction of analgesic drugs
Authors: Ghaffari Fariba , Khorsandi Mohammad , Shekaari Hemayat , Zafarani-Moattar Mohammed Taghi
Published: June 2022

In recent decades, aqueous two-phase systems have gained a lot of attention for extraction of different materials. In this work, an aqueous two phase system was made by poly (ethylene) glycol 600 and potassium hydroxide and phase diagram were determined for this system. The experimental binodal data were described using two empirical nonlinear three parameter expressions developed by Merchuk and Zafarani-Moattar. The consistency of the experimental tie-line data was determined by utilizing the Othmer-Tobias, Bancraft, and Setschenow correlations. Also, the extraction of two analgesic drugs, namely ibuprofen and acetaminophen were investigated by the mentioned ATPs. For this purpose, partition coefficients and extraction efficiencies of each drug were calculated. The trend of extraction efficiencies indicated that the responsibility of extraction of the mentioned drugs into the polymer-rich top phase is related to their hydrophobicity. The Diamond-Hsu equation and its modified version were used to correlate the drugs experimental partition coefficients. Furthermore, the interaction of mentioned drugs with polyethylene glycol was investigated employing quantum computing techniques based upon density functional theory (DFT). These results were in good agreement with the trend of extraction efficiencies of studied drugs.
mucosal-associated invariant T cells predict increased acute graft-versus-host-disease incidence in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Authors: Wang Zhao , Zhang Sudong , zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Li , Zhou Lukun , Shen Yuyan , Zhang Rongli , He Yi , Yang Donglin , Jiang Erlie , Feng Xiaoming , Zhou Jiaxi , Cheng Tao , Han Mingzhe , Feng Sizhou
Published: June 2022

Background:
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells, some studies have reported that the number of circulating MAIT cells reduced in patients with acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) development. However, the role of donor MAIT cells on aGVHD development and subsequent functional change still remain unclear.
Methods:
The study recruited 86 patients with hematological malignancies who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) from May 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. MAIT cells, their subset, and cytokine levels were measured by flow cytometry. Gray’s test was used to assess the impact of graft MAIT cell proportion and number on aGVHD incidence. The Cox proportional hazard model was used in the multivariate analysis. The comparison for continuous variables was assessed using Mann–Whitney analysis. RNA-sequencing was performed to investigate the possible molecular pathway changes.
Results:
Our study showed that the proportion of MAIT cells in grafts was not different from normal controls, but the CD4/8 subsets were altered. Taking the median of the proportion and number of MAIT cells in the graft as the threshold, the results showed that the incidence of grade B-D aGVHD in patients with MAIT cell proportion ≥ 3.03% was significantly higher than that in patients with MAIT cell proportion < 3.03%.The number of MAIT cells in the graft was not associated with aGVHD development, however, when the graft contained more CD4 positive, CD8 positive, and CD4/CD8 double-positive MAIT cells, the incidence of aGVHD was significantly increased. Besides, reduced frequencies and counts of circulating MAIT cells were observed in patients with aGVHD when compared to patients without aGVHD, accompanied by enhanced production of Tumor necrosis factor-α, Interferon-γ and upregulated programmed death-1, CXC Chemokine Receptor-6 (CXCR6) and CD38 expression. Gene set enrichment analysis of MAIT cell RNA-seq data showed interferon-α response pathway upregulated in aGVHD patients when compared with patients without aGVHD and healthy controls.
Conclusions:
Our study shows that MAIT cells in grafts and peripheral blood are both closely related to the aGVHD development post allo-HSCT. Interferon-α response pathway perhaps is a critical regulation mechanism for the MAIT cell involvement in aGVHD development.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ doesn’t modify altered electrophysiological properties of the CA1 pyramidal neurons in a rat model of hepatic cirrhosis
Authors: Tahamtan Mahshid , Aghaei Iraj , Shabani Mohammad , Nazari Abbas , Pooladvand Vahid , Razavinasab Moazamehosadat
Published: June 2022

Regarding the low quality of life due to the cognitive complications in patients with hepatic cirrhosis (HC), the goal of this study was to examine the possible neuroprotective effect of pioglitazone (PIO) on electrophysiological alterations in the hippocampus, a major area of cognition, in the experimental model of bile duct ligation (BDL). We used adult male Wistar rats in the present study to perform BDL or sham surgery. Pioglitazone was administered in BDL rats two weeks after the surgery for the next continuous four weeks. The effects of pioglitazone on BDL-induced electrophysiological alterations of the CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus were evaluated by Whole-cell patch clamp recordings. Our findings demonstrated that chronic administration of PIO could not reverse the electrophysiological changes in the CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus in BDL rats but could improve the hepatic dysfunction. Together, the results of this study suggest that PIO administration cannot counteract altered intrinsic properties of the hippocampal neurons which has been shown recently as an involved mechanism of the cognitive impairments in hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
Evaluation of potential neuroprotective effects of Vanillin against MPP+/MPTP-induced dysregulation of dopaminergic regulatory mechanisms in SH-SY5Y cells and a mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Rani Linchi , Ghosh Balaram , Ahmad Mir Hilal , Mondal Amal Chandra
Published: June 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most progressive neurodegenerative disease, secondarily to Alzheimer's disease. The pathogenesis of PD is still unknown and drugs available for PD treatment either have side effects or suboptimal efficacy. Flavonoids are potent antioxidants with little toxicity with extended use, suggesting they might hold promising therapeutic potential against PD. Vanillin (Van) is a phenolic compound that has exhibited neuroprotective properties in various neurological disorders, including PD. However, the neuroprotective role of Van in PD and its underlying mechanisms are scarce therefore need more exploration. Here, we evaluated the neuroprotective potential of Van and its associated mechanisms against MPP+/MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal loss in differentiated human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells and mice model of PD. In the present study, Van treatment significantly increased cell viability, reduced oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis in MPP+-intoxicated SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, Van significantly attenuated the effects of MPP+ on the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein expression and mRNA expressions of GSK-3β, PARP1, p53, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 genes in SH-SY5Y cells. Similar to our in vitro results, Van provided significant neuroprotection against MPTP-induced neurobehavioral deficits, oxidative stress, aberrant TH protein expressions and immunoreactivity in SNpc of mice brains. Treatment of Van also prevented MPTP-induced loss of dopaminergic TH-positive neurons in SNpc and TH-fibers projecting to the striatum of mice. Thus, Van exhibited promising neuroprotective properties in the current study against MPP+/MPTP-intoxicated SH-SY5Y cells and mice, indicating its novel therapeutic potential against PD.
A novel puncture approach via point “O” for percutaneous kyphoplasty in patients with L4 or L5 osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture
Authors: Huang Jiahu , Yang Jin , Chen Lanjing , Xu Yinzhi , Wang Song
Published: June 2022

[Objective] This study introduced a novel point “O” puncture approach for percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in patients with L4 or L5 osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF), and evaluated its clinical and radiographic outcomes.[Methods] Between September 2019 and December 2020, we compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 31 cases (36 vertebrae) of “O” entry point PKP intervention (O-PKP), and 31 cases (37 vertebrae) of transverse the process-pedicle approach PKP intervetion (T-PKP).[Results] All participants completed surgery without serious complications. Only 2 T-PKP patients experienced intervertebral disc space leakage. Compared to the T-PKP patients, the O-PKP patients exhibited less operation and fluoroscopy times (P<0.05), comparable blood loss (P>0.05), improved VAS and ODI scores at the final follow-up (P<0.05), more preferable increase in the vertebral compression ratio (P<0.05), comparable Cobb angle (P＞0.05), comparable anteroposterior bone cement distribution, enhanced bilateral bone cement distribution (P < 0.05), and larger sagittal and transverse angles (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Here, O-PKP was indicated for patients with L4 or L5 OVCF. This puncture approach exhibited significant advantages over the T-PKP not only in terms of pain relief, operation time, and fluoroscopy times, but also in the puncture angle, vertebral reconstruction and symmetric cement distribution.
ATS/JRS/ALAT Guidelines for Diagnosis of Humidifier Lung and Summer-Type Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Authors: Sakamoto Susumu , Masuoka Marie , Usui Yusuke , Shimizu Hiroshige , Sekiya Muneyuki , Miyoshi Shion , Nakamura Yasuhiko , Urabe Naohisa , Isshiki Takuma , Isobe Kazutoshi , Takai Yujiro , Kurosaki Atsuko , Homma Sakae , Kishi Kazuma
Published: June 2022

Background: The ATS/JRS/ALAT Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (GL for HP) were published in 2020. Humidifier lung and summer-type HP are forms of HP, but it is unclear whether they can be diagnosed using the GL for HP. This study examined the level of confidence with which humidifier lung and summer-type HP can be diagnosed with the GL for HP.Methods: Data from 23 patients with humidifier lung and 20 patients with summer-type HP (mean age, 67.3 and 57.4 years, respectively) diagnosed between October 2012 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) patterns, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) findings, exposures, and histopathological findings to determine the level of confidence with which a diagnosis of HP could be made using the GL for HP. Results: HRCT pattern was classified as typical HP in 5 (22%) and compatible with HP in 18 (78%) patients with humidifier lung and judged as typical HP in 17 (85%) and compatible with HP in 3 (15%) summer-type-HP patients. The confidence level for diagnosis of HP was definite in 2 (8.7%), moderate in 14 (60.9%), and low in 7 (30.4%) patients with humidifier lung. It was definite in 12 (60%), high in 3 (15%), and moderate in 5 (25%) patients with summer-type HP.Conclusions: The GL for HP showed utility in the diagnosis of humidifier lung in many patients with a moderate to low confidence. There was, however, a definite to high confidence for patients with summer-type HP.
Analysis of endometrial lavage microbiota reveals an increased relative abundance of the plastic-degrading bacteria Bacillus pseudofirmus and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila in women with endometrial cancer/endometrial hyperplasia
Authors: Chao Angel , Chao An-Shine , Lin Chiao-Yun , Weng Cindy Hsuan , Wu Ren-Chin , Yeh Yuan-Ming , Huang Shih-Sin , Lee Yun-Shien , Lai Chyong-Huey , Huang Huei-Jean , Tang Yun-Hsin , Lin Yu-Shan , Wang Chin-Jung , Wu Kai-Yun
Published: June 2022

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) incidence rates are rapidly growing in several countries, but the underlying pathogenesis has not been completely elucidated. We undertook this study to compare the microbiota composition of endometrial lavage specimens obtained from Taiwanese patients with endometrial hyperplasia (EH) and EC, respectively versus women with benign uterine conditions.Methods: Endometrial lavage bacterial microbiota of 32 Taiwanese women who had undergone office hysteroscopy was characterized by 16S rRNA V3−V4 gene sequence analysis. Patients with either a newly diagnosed or known history of EH/EC (n = 24) and control women with benign uterine lesions (n = 8) were compared in terms of richness, diversity, and composition of endometrial lavage microbiota. Validation was performed using real-time QPCR (EH/EC, n = 46; control, n = 13). Microbiota datasets from Human Microbiome Project and the Integrative Human Microbiome Project were retrieved and compared.Results: At the species level, Bacillus pseudofirmus and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila – two plastic-degrading bacteria – were overrepresented in endometrial lavage specimens sampled from patients with EH/EC. The functional profiles of endometrial lavage microbiota differed between patients with EH/EC and control women, being associated with fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. A decrease in Lactobacillus was observed in EH/EC when compared to microbiota of cervix and vagina of healthy individuals. Conclusions: The plastic-degrading bacteria Bacillus pseudofirmus and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila may be a microbial signature of endometrial carcinogenesis in Taiwan, suggesting that patients with EH/EC may have increased exposure to environmental pollutants.
Effect of Administration of Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements in Children Undergoing Posterior Fossa Tumor Excision: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Thakkar Keta , Moorthy Ranjith K , Yadav Bijesh , George Smitha Elizabeth , Singh Georgene
Published: June 2022

BackgroundSurgical resection of posterior fossa tumors (PFT) in the pediatric age group often results in significant intraoperative blood loss. The primary objective was to assess the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on blood loss and transfusion requirement in pediatrics undergoing excision of PFTs. Methods: In this retrospective study, all pediatric patients ≤18 years, who underwent PFT resection over a period of 7 years were included. The patient and surgical characteristics estimated blood loss (EBL), the need for blood and blood product transfusion, use of crystalloids, vasopressors, and any adverse events like seizures and thromboembolic events were recorded and compared between Group A who received TXA and Group B who did not.Results:The study included 50 patients, out of which 36 belonged to Group A and 14 to Group B. The median age was 8 years (IQR, 2-17) and the mean BMI was 16.46±4.11 kg/m2. The mean EBL was 224.29±110.36 ml in Group A (n=36) and 362±180.11 ml in Group B (n=14), (p-= 0.007). The intraoperative volume of crystalloid use was significantly higher in Group B (p= 0.04). The requirement of blood and blood product transfusion was similar between the groups, but the volume of blood transfusion per kg body weight was higher in Group B, 8.3 (IQR, 6.7-11.1) ml/kg versus 10.5 (IQR, 8.1-16.1) ml/kg in group A (p-value 0.3) The rates of complications noted in the form of seizures and thromboembolic events were comparable. Conclusion:The use of TXA in the pediatric population undergoing PFT resection aids in reducing blood loss during the surgery without increasing complications.
Effects of lead and cadmium combined heavy metals on liver function and lipid metabolism in mice
Authors: Chen Huaguo , Zhu Chengxiang , Zhou Xin
Published: June 2022

Although a large number of studies have been conducted on individual lead (Pb) or cadmium (Cd) exposures, the toxicity of combined Pb and Cd exposures is relatively limited. The present study aims to investigate toxicity of Pb-Cd combined heavy metals and its mechanism. A heavy metal exposure model was established by subcutaneous intragastric administration of Pb-Cd (50:1) for 35 days in mice. The body weight, diet, hair color, mental state, liver index, hematological index, biochemical indicators and pathological section were used to comprehensively evaluate the toxicity reaction. Then, classical oxidative stress indexes and lipidomics techniques had been used to explore the potential mechanism. The results showed that Pb-Cd could cause inappetite, poor spirit, significantly reduced activity, slow weight gain and dark hair color in mice. Pb-Cd could also cause liver enlargement, AST and ALT enzyme activities significantly increased, and pathological changes of liver. Prolonged exposure to c could also cause PCT, WBC, PLT and MON significantly increased, and RBC, HGB, HCT and LYM decreased. Pb-Cd can increase the oxidative stress by increasing the activity of SOD and LDH and the content of MDA. Pb-Cd also could cause lipid metabolism disorders by regulating linoleic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and glycerolipid metabolism.
The Assessment of Nigella Sativa oil as a Therapeutic Aid for Gingivitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rahman Ishrat , Mohammed Afrah , AlShiddi Manal A. , Algazlan Alanoud , Alwably Alanoud , Hebbal Mamata , Omar Maha Galal
Published: June 2022

Objectives
We investigated the clinical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Nigella Sativa oil compared with chlorhexidine in patients with gingivitis assessing clinical parameters and gingival IL-6 and IL-18 levels and supra-gingival plaque analysis to determine if Nigella Sativa oil is comparable in efficacy to chlorhexidine and if it could be used for treating gingivitis.
Materials and Methods
A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in patients having chronic generalized gingivitis. Patients were randomly assigned to Group 1: Nigella sativa oil (NS) (n = 18) or Group 2: chlorhexidine (CHX) (n = 19). GCF and plaque samples were collected on day 0 and day 15. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and gingival IL-6 and IL-18 levels were measured. Colony-forming units (CFU) were quantified from plaque cultures, and α-hemolytic streptococcus strains were identified.
Results
CHX and NS reduced PI and GI scores (p < 0.0001). NS was better at reducing gingival IL-6 (p = 0.0076) than CHX (p = 0.145). Neither NS (p = 0.284) or CHX (p = 0.418) reduced IL-18 levels. There was no difference in the post-intervention PI and GI scores and inflammatory cytokine levels between treatments. Both NS and CHX caused a significant reduction in the CFU (p < 0.0001) and a reduction of pathogenic bacteria; S. mitis, S. oralis, S. sanguinis, and S. parasanguinis in 50% of CHX patients (p = 0.1031) and 20% of NS patients (p = 0.7395).
Conclusions
NS demonstrated comparable efficacy to CHX at reducing clinical parameters.
Clinical Relevance:
NS may be an alternative therapeutic option in treating gingivitis.
WITHDRAWN: Temperature modeling and experimental analysis of high speed milling titanium alloy
Authors: Liu Jianping , Liu Changfu , Liu Kuo , Yan Boling
Published: June 2022

Titanium alloy is widely used in aerospace and other fields because of its high strength, low density, good corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. In high speed milling titanium alloy, due to the poor thermal conductivity of titanium alloy and the change of cutting mechanism caused by high speed machining, it is great significance to study the cutting temperature in high speed milling process. Based on the moving heat source method, the temperature field model of milling workpiece considering spiral edge was established, and the influence of milling speed on workpiece temperature was analyzed through the change of heat flux during milling. The thermocouple wireless temperature acquisition system was used to record the change of workpiece surface temperature in the milling process, and MATLAB was used for the simulation analysis of milling temperature. The results showed that the cutting speed mainly affected the heat flux of the heat source, thereby caused temperature rise of the workpiece. The peak temperature and response speed of measuring point are different in varying spindle speeds and measuring point positions.
Early Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Intensive Care Unit Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Sepsis with or without Renal Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Zhang Haoyue , Li Ziping , Zheng Weiqiang , Yang Tianqi , Zhang Linlin , Yu Yonghao
Published: June 2022

Background
It is unknown whether the early renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation strategy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis with or without renal failure provides clinical benefit.
Patients and methods:
A total of 745 patients with ARDS complicated by sepsis admitted to the ICU of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were included in the analysis. Early RRT was defined as initiating the RRT strategy within 24 hours of admission. The relationship between early RRT and clinical outcomes, including primary (30-day mortality) and secondary (90-day mortality, serum creatinine level, oxygenation index, duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, cumulative fluid output, and cumulative fluid balance), was primarily compared using propensity score matching (PSM).
Results
A total of 263 patients (35.3% of the total population) received an early RRT initiation strategy before PSM. After PSM, a cohort of 130 patients with early CRRT and 130 patients without early CRRT with matched baseline characteristics was constructed. Early RRT was not significantly associated with 30- [hazard ratio (HR): 1.37, 95%CI: 0.91–2.06, P = 0.127] or 90-day mortality (HR: 1.29, 95%CI: 0.89–1.88, P = 0.182). At each time point within 72 hours after admission, there was no significant difference in oxygenation index and duration of invasive mechanical ventilation between the early RRT group and the no early RRT group. Early RRT significantly increased total output at all time points within 72 h of admission but only reached a statistically significant negative fluid balance at 72 h (P = 0.016).
Conclusions
Early RRT initiation strategies had no statistically significant survival benefit in ICU patients with ARDS and sepsis, with or without renal failure, nor did they significantly improve oxygenation or shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation. The use and timing of RRT in these patients should be thoroughly investigated.