bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Subcortical Gray Matter Microstructure and Volume in the Developing Brain
Authors: Watts Richard , Filippi Christopher , Grant Justin
Published: October 2022

Using baseline (ages 9-10) and two-year follow-up (ages 11-12) data from monozygotic and dizygotic twins enrolled in the longitudinal Adolescent Brain and Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study, we investigated the genetic and environmental contributions to microstructure and volume of nine subcortical gray matter regions. Microstructure was assessed using diffusion MRI data analyzed using restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) models. The highest heritability estimates for microstructure were found using the RSI model in the pallidum (0.862±0.037), putamen (0.845±0.041), and thalamus (0.849±0.040). For volumes the corresponding regions were the brainstem (0.880±0.026), caudate (0.881±0.027) and putamen (0.870±0.030). No significant evidence of contributions of the common environment or changes in the contributions with development were observed. Individual differences in both gray matter microstructure and volumes can be largely explained by additive genetic effects in this sample.
Exploration of ferroptosis-related genes and molecular mechanisms in psoriasis and atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Chunjun , Meng Xiangxiang , Wang Lina , Dai Xia
Published: October 2022

Objective The purpose of this work is to look into the molecular mechanisms underlying the main ferroptosis-related genes in psoriasis (PsD) and atherosclerosis (AS). Methods Download the dataset between PsD patients and normal group (GSE30999) from the GEO database, while obtaining the dataset between AS patients and normal group (GSE100927). Using R software and the limma package in Bioconductor, differentially expressed genes (DE-FRG) were obtained. On the intersecting DE-FRG, enrichment analyses using GO and KEGG were conducted. The functional interactions between DE-FRG were then examined using a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network that was built using the STRING database. In order to analyze the relationship between infiltrating immune cells and Hub genes, the immune cell infiltration in PsD and AS tissues was assessed using CIBERSORT. The DGIdb database was utilized to choose potential Hub gene medication candidates. Finally, a network of lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA associated to Hub gene was developed. Results 133 DE-FRGs in total, including 67 up-regulated genes and 66 down-regulated genes, were examined. As a total of the screening, 215 DEGs—including 171 up-regulated genes and 44 down-regulated genes—were obtained. DE-FRG was found to be strongly enriched for the FOXO signaling pathway, ferroptosis, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, mTOR signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway, according to functional enrichment analysis. It was considerably enriched for chemokines, signaling receptor activators, granulocyte chemotactic response, lipopolysaccharide metabolism, and mesovirus defense. Eight genes, including PTEN, STAT3, MAPK3, SIRT1, IL6, HRAS, EGFR, and PPARG, were subsequently included to the Cytoscape Hubba plug-in and the ROC diagnostic curve as Hub genes. Additionally, 222 medicines that target 8 marker genes in total were obtained. On the other hand, the ceRNA network, which was based on Hub genes, revealed intricate regulatory relationships. Additionally, CIBERSORT analysis demonstrated that PTEN, STAT3, MAPK3, SIRT1, IL6, HRAS, EGFR, and PPARG alterations in the immunological milieu of AS and PsD patients may be connected. Conclusion The results could lead to new understandings of the pathogenesis of PsD and AS as well as the discovery of new ferroptosis genes that could be used as potential therapeutic targets in clinical settings or as widely representative reference markers.
High Precision and Real-Time Acquisition System for Interface Stress Measurement in Bridge Bearing
Authors: Cao Xinning , Li Guangming , Li Zhe , Sun Wujie , Yan Fabao , Jiang Ruijuan
Published: October 2022

Since the damage of the bridge structure may cause great disasters, it is necessary to monitor its health status, especially the bridge bearing, the important connecting component of the bridge's upper and lower structures. Nowadays, manual inspection is the main method to get the information of the bridge bearings’ work status. However, occasional damage of bridge bearing may not be detected in time, and sometime the installation position of the bearing makes the manual inspection on bridge bearing difficult and even impossible. Therefore, in order to know the work status of the bridge bearings timely, an intelligent remote monitoring system for the bridge bearing is developed. A 32-channel real-time acquisition system is designed by using an AD7768-1 analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA for interface stress continuously acquired in the bridge bearing. To assure the good linearity and noise performance of the monitoring system, the data acquisition card is meticulously designed to reduce noise from both hardware and software and realize high-precision acquisition. Through the establishment of the monitoring server, the compressive stress data can be displayed synchronously and the overpressure situation can be alarmed in real-time. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the calibrated sensor is within 1.6%, and the detection error of the acquisition board is less than 200µV. The acquisition system is deemed to have considerable advantages in accuracy and applicability.
Evaluation of the relationship between subcutaneous and visceral abdominal fat diameters and predictors of cardiovascular disease in Iranian adults using ultrasound
Authors: Rad Masoud Pezeshki , Abbasi Bita , Eslami Saeid , Ganjali Raheleh , Honari Sara , Fathabadi Amirhossein , Hasanzade Fateme , Reihani Amirali , Moradi Zahra , Ghalebizadeh Samaneh , Ardabili Hossein Mohaddes , Sani Fatemeh Teimouri
Published: October 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one the leading causes of death in the world. Obesity is known as one of the essential risk factors for CVDs. According to the available literature, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) are strongly associated with CVDs. This study aims to evaluate the relation between SAT and VAT with other predictors of CVDs, using ultrasound. The present study was conducted in 2018 using the data extracted from a cohort study that was carried out among the staff and faculty members of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS). The study group consisted of 797 males and 950 females. The data on anthropometric and biochemical measurements were extracted from the cohort. An ultrasound test was performed to measure the visceral and subcutaneous fat tissue, and IBM SPSS 26 was used to analyze the data. Our findings show that there is a major correlation between VAT and age, weight, waist circumference, and triglycerides. Also, there was a significant association between abdomen circumference, waist circumference, and triglycerides with SAT. The current study highlights the importance of monitoring changes in adipose tissue diameter due to its close connection with CVD risk factors
Atmospheric-ocean coupling drives prevailing and synchronic dispersal patterns of marine species with long pelagic durations
Authors: Ramirez-Romero Eduardo , Amores Angel , Díaz David , Muñoz Anabel , Catalán Ignacio , Molinero Juan Carlos , Ospina-Alvarez Andres
Published: October 2022

Dispersal shapes population connectivity and plays a critical role in marine metacommunities. Prominent species for coastal socioecological systems, such as jellyfish and spiny lobsters, feature long pelagic dispersal phases (LPDPs), which have long been overlooked. Here, we use a cross-scale approach combining field surveys of these species with a high-resolution hydrodynamic model to decipher the underlying mechanisms of LPDP patterns in northwestern Mediterranean shores. We identified basin-scale prevailing dispersal routes and synchronic year-to-year patterns tightly linked to prominent circulation features typical of marginal seas and semienclosed basins, with an outstanding role of a retentive source area replenishing shores and potentially acting as a pelagic nursery area. We show how the atmospheric forcing of the ocean, a marked hydrological driver of the Mediterranean Sea, modulates dispersal routes and sources of LPDP at interannual scales. These findings represent a crucial advance in our understanding of the functioning of metapopulations of species with LPDP in marginal seas and may contribute to the effective management of coastal ecosystem services in the face of climate change.
Pre-scrotal castration procedure in boars
Authors: Câmara Antonio Carlos Lopes , Campebell Rita Cássia , Nogueira Kaique , Junqueira João Vagner Silva , Andrade Tiago Silva , Neto Antonio Raphael Teixeira
Published: October 2022

Background:To report the feasibility of pre-scrotal castration technique in boars and document the great post-surgical evolution, thirty clinically healthy and sexually intact boars were used in a short case series.Results: No wound exsudate or infection was recorded. Mild scrotal edema was reported in 12 (40%) boars, that resolved within 3 days after stall confinement finished. On the long-term follow-up (4-12 months’ post-surgery), all owners stated to be satisfied with the procedure, with minor post-surgical aftercare required.Conclusion: Castration of boars using the pre-scrotal approach is a simple and safe procedure, reducing postoperative complications, and, thereby, providing better welfare, making the postoperative management of the boars, easier for handlers or owners.Methods: Thirty boars were considered fit for pre-scrotal castration technique if the testis and scrotum were macroscopically normal and no perceptible adherences within the scrotum noticed. Dissociative anesthesia protocol and local anesthesia by intratesticular and pre-scrotal infiltrative lidocaine injection was performed. An 8-10 cm skin incision was made cranially to the hemiscrotum, and subcutaneous tissue was bluntly dissected reaching thetunica dartos, fascia, and vaginal tunica. A transfixion ligature was placed on the fibrous-muscle portion of the spermatic cord. Mesorchium was bluntly dissected to separate the spermatic cord from the surrounding fascia, and a double transfixation ligature was placed around the spermatic cord, that was sharply transected. The procedure was repeated on the contralateral testis using the same skin incision.
Transcriptional Coordination between Mitochondrial and Nuclear Genomes for Oxidative Phosphorylation Is Disrupted in Alzheimer’s Brain
Authors: Shang Yuan , Yin Fei , Brinton Roberta Diaz
Published: October 2022

Decline in mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are well documented which led us to investigate coordination between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) genomes specific to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Using AMP-AD mtDNA and nDNA datasets, regression analyses of OXPHOS transcriptomic, proteomic profiles and AD clinical biomarkers were conducted. Outcomes revealed that mtDNA and nDNA encoded OXPHOS subunits were negatively correlated at mRNA level while positively correlated at protein level in both cognitively normal and AD brains. However, association between mitochondrial and nuclear OXPHOS transcripts was significantly lower in AD brain. Mitochondrial transcripts were positively correlated with Notch signaling while negatively correlated with synapse formation, bioenergetics, translation, and ubiquitin-related pathways in both control and AD brain. mtDNA- transcript levels were negatively correlated with neuronal cell fractions but positively correlated with oligodendrocyte precursor cell fraction. AD biomarkers, β−amyloid, total tau, and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) burden, were positively correlated with mtDNA transcript levels. Collectively, our findings reveal altered mitochondria-nuclear genome interactions under AD stress, uncoupled mitochondrial / nuclear genome communication in AD, key role of precursor oligodendrocytes in OXPHOS and AD and suggest coordination between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes regulating OXPHOS as a potential therapeutic target in AD.
Research on the Effectiveness and Safety of Bronchial Thermoplasty in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Fu Peng , Wang Tao , Long Fa , Liu Shengming , Hu Siyu , Wang Qiongping , Huang Zhihui , Long Liang , Huang Wenting , Hu Fengbo , Gan Jingfan , Dong Hongbo , Yan Guomei
Published: October 2022

Objective
To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of bronchial thermoplasty (BT) in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.
Methods
Clinical data of 57 COPD patients were randomized into control (n = 29, conventional inhalation drug) or observation group (n = 28, convention inhalation drug plus BT). Primary outcomes were differences in clinical symptom changes, pulmonary function-related indicators, 6-min walk test (6MWT), COPD assessment test (CAT) score, Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and acute exacerbation incidence from baseline to average of 3 and 12 months. Safety was assessed by adverse events.
Results
FVC, FEV1 and FEV1% predicted value in both groups improved to varying degrees post-treatment compared with those pre-treatment (P < 0.05), except for FEV1/FVC. Observation group showed greater increase amplitudes of FEV1 (Ftime × between groups = 21.713, P < 0.001) and FEV1% predicted value (Ftime × between groups = 31.216, P < 0.001) than control groups, with no significant difference in FVC variation trend (Ftime × between groups = 1.705, P = 0.193). mMRC, 6MWT and CAT scores of both groups post-treatment improved to varying degrees (Ps < 0.05), but the improving amplitudes of mMRC (Ftime × between groups=3.947, P = 0.025), 6MWT (Ftime × between groups༝16.988, P < 0.001) and CAT score (Ftime × between groups༝16.741, P < 0.001) in observation group were greater than control groups. According to COPD acute exacerbation risk assessment, the proportion of high-risk COPD patients with acute exacerbation in control and observation groups at 1 year post-treatment (100% vs 65%, 100% vs 28.6%), inpatient proportion (100% vs 62.1%; 100% vs 28.6%), COPD acute exacerbation number [3.0 (2.50, 5.0) vs 1.0 (1.0, 2.50); 3.0(3.0, 4.0) vs 0 (0, 1.0)] and hospitalization number [2.0 (2.0, 3.0) vs 1.0 (0, 2.0); 2.0 (2.0, 3.0) vs 0 (0, 1.0)] were significantly lower than those pre-treatment (P < 0.05). Besides, data of observation group were significantly lower than control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Combined BT treatment better improves lung function and life quality of COPD patients than conventional medical treatment, and reduce the COPD exacerbation risk without serious adverse events.
Autonomous visual detection of drilling-induced defects in CFRPs based on digital image processing
Authors: Zhang Xuyan , Huang Wenjian , Wu Chaoqun , Cao Shiyu
Published: October 2022

Carbon Fiber Reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are critical kind of materials in many industries due to their superior mechanical and physical properties. However, the pivotal mechanical process of CFRPs is considered to be drilling, which easily leads to CFRPs defects including burr and delamination. Although substantial CFRPs defect inspection methods have been suggested, the user-friendly measurement of CFRPs defects and fast measurement speed are still challenging. To this end, a digital-image-processing-based method for identifying and measuring the drilling-induced defects in CFRPs specimens is proposed. By comparing with the manually measured results, it shows that the proposed method can accurately (the maximal relative errors are separately 5.76% and 3.42% for burr factor and delamination factor) and quickly (4 s per micrograph) recognize and measure CFRPs defects. Moreover, the method has no requirement for adjusting any parameters manually and shows strong robustness to the interference from the bright noise. Based on above, the method is anticipated to provide a meaningful reference for recognizing and measuring CFRPs defects in large quantities.
Exploration of the threshold SUV for diagnosis of malignancy using 18F-FBPA PET/CT
Authors: Isohashi Kayako , Kanai Yasukazu , Aihara Teruhito , Hu Naonori , Fukushima Kentaro , Baba Ichiro , Hirokawa Fumitoshi , Kakino Ryo , Komori Tsuyoshi , Nihei Keiji , Hatazawa Jun , Ono Koji
Published: October 2022

Background

The goal of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic ability of 18F-FBPA PET/CT for malignant tumors. Findings from 18F-FBPA and 18F-FDG PET/CT were compared with pathological diagnoses in patients with malignant tumors or benign lesions.

Methods

A total of 82 patients (45 males, 37 females; median age, 63 years; age range, 20–89 years) with various types of malignant tumors or benign lesions such as inflammation and granulomas were examined by 18F-FDG and 18F-FBPA PET/CT. Tumor uptake of FDG or FBPA was quantified using the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). The final diagnosis was confirmed by cytopathology or histopathological findings of the specimen after biopsy or surgery. A ROC curve was constructed from the SUVmax values of each PET image, and the area under the curve (AUC) and cutoff values were calculated.

Results

The SUVmax for 18F-FDG PET/CT did not differ significantly for malignant tumors and benign lesions (10.9 ± 6.3 vs. 9.1 ± 2.7 P = 0.62), whereas SUVmax for 18F-FBPA PET/CT was significantly higher for malignant tumors (5.1 ± 3.0 vs. 2.9 ± 0.6, P < 0.001). The best SUVmax cutoffs for distinguishing malignant tumors from benign lesions were 11.16 for 18F-FDG PET/CT (sensitivity 0.909, specificity 0.390) and 3.24 for 18F-FBPA PET/CT (sensitivity 0.818, specificity 0.753). ROC analysis showed significantly different AUC values for 18F-FDG and 18F-FBPA PET/CT (0.547 vs. 0.834, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

18F-FBPA PET/CT showed superior diagnostic ability over 18F-FDG PET/CT in differential diagnosis of malignant tumors and benign lesions. The results of this study suggest that 18F-FBPA PET/CT diagnosis may reduce the need for invasive biopsy and surgery to determine the benign or malignant nature of a lesion.
E3 ligase MAEA-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of PHD3 promotes glioblastoma progression
Authors: Yang Lifang , Zhou Peijun , Tang Siyuan , Peng Xingzhi , zhang Kun , Tan Zhikai , Li Dan , Shen Liangfang , Peng Jinwu
Published: October 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant glioma with high recurrence rate and a poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism of malignant progression of GBM is still unclear. In present study, through proteomic analysis of clinical primary and recurrent glioma samples, we identified that aberrant E3 ligase MAEA expressed in recurrent samples. The results of bioinformatics analysis showed that the high expression of MAEA was related to the recurrence and poor prognosis of glioma and GBM. Functional studies showed that MAEA could promote the proliferation, invasion, stemness and the temozolomide (TMZ) resistance. Mechanistically, the data indicated that MAEA targeted prolyl hydroxylase domain 3 (PHD3) K159 to promote its K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation, thus enhancing the stability of HIF-1α, thereby promoting the stemness and TMZ resistance of GBM cells through up-regulating CD133. The in vivo experiments further confirmed that knocking down MAEA could inhibit the growth of GBM xenograft tumors. In summary, MAEA enhances the expression of HIF-1α/CD133 through degradation of PHD3 and promotes the malignant progression of GBM.
Role of washing process in the improvement of surface properties of porous geopolymers
Authors: Bouna Lahcen , Ettahiri Youssef , Elimbi Antoine , Benlhachemi Abdeljalil , Cyr Martin
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the importance of washing process in the quantitative improvement of both porosity and specific surface area of geopolymer. To this end, geopolymer was synthesized using natural kaolinite clay via alkaline activation. Depending on both unwashed and washed geopolymers, the following characterization techniques were achieved: X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), specific surface area, pore distribution, pore volume and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). After the washing process, both specific surface area (SBET) and pore volume (Vp) of geopolymers have increased considerably: SBET = 0.59 m2/g and Vp = 0.001 cm3/g (unwashed) versus SBET = 78.80 m2/g and Vp = 0.104 cm3/g (washed) respectively. Hence, the washing process allows increasing of the surface reactivity of geopolymers through the elimination among others of excess of unreacted alkaline solution which is responsible of the efflorescence.
Oxymatrine ameliorates white matter injury by modulating gut microbiota after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Li Jing , Liang Jianhao , Zeng Meiqin , Sun Kaijian , Luo Yunhao , Zheng Huaping , Li Feng , Yuan Wen , Zhou Hongwei , Liu Junshan , Sun Haitao
Published: October 2022

Background
White matter injury (WMI) significantly affects neurobehavioral recovery in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. Gut dysbiosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Oxymatrine (OMT) has therapeutic effects on inflammation-mediated diseases. Whether OMT exerts therapeutic effects on WMI after ICH and the role of gut microbiota in this process is largely unknown.
Methods
ICH model was established by collagenase IV injection. OMT was daily administrated via oral gavage after ICH. Neurological deficits, WMI, the severity of corticospinal tract (CST) injury, intestinal barrier function and systemic inflammation were investigate after ICH. Microbial 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to reveal the dynamic microbial profiles. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed to elucidate the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of ICH.
Results
OMT promoted a better long-term neurological function recovery and ameliorated axonal demyelination, microgliosis and glial scar formation in the peri-hematoma region and distal CST in the chronic phase after ICH. The significant and persistent alterations of gut microbial composition induced by ICH, which lasted more than two weeks, were obviously regulated by OMT via increasing the species richness and diversity. Additionally, treatment with OMT alleviated intestinal barrier dysfunction, accompanied by a significant down-regulation of the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Correlation analysis revealed that gut microbiota alteration was correlated with inflammation, intestinal barrier permeability, and neurological deficits after ICH. Moreover, the therapeutic effects of OMT on ICH-induced WMI and intestinal barrier disruption were transferrable by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
Conclusion
Our study showed that OMT ameliorates ICH-induced WMI, neurological deficits and intestinal barrier disruption, and OMT-modulated gut microbiota plays an important role in the underlying mechanism.
LncRNA H19 facilitates polarization of M1 phenotype macrophages via miR-145-5p/PAI-1 axis in mediating systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhao Chenglei , Zhang Yong , Guo Junkai , Wang Juan , Wang Chunyou , Song Zhiqiang , You Yi
Published: October 2022

LncRNAs take extensive effects in immune cells to mediate various autoimmune diseases. However, its potential role in development of SLE remains uncertain. We screened out candidate lncRNA in exosomes from SLE patients and the healthy, and was further validated in mouse model by histological examinations in vivo. Additional morphological verification was exploited to validate its biological functions by construction of plasmids in vitro. H19 in serum exosomes of patients was escalated, and could also promote the proliferation and migration of macrophages. Additionally, H19 mainly recruited miR-145-5p and promotes the expression of downstream targeted protein PAI-1. It further promoted the release of SLE-associated proinflammatory factors via Jak2-STAT3 axis, and in turn facilitated the polarization of M1 macrophages. Our study uncovered a potential mechanism of lncRNA H19 in mediating macrophage polarization and leading to the release of proinflammatory factors, providing a new intervention target for treating SLE.
Microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Bi2O3 /Ag2O heterostructures with highly enhanced photocatalysis and their biological interest
Authors: Ramakrishnegowda Deepu Habbanakuppe , Ramesh Abhilash Mavinakere , Purushotham Dhananjay , Kodandaram Anju , Srini Sudhanva Muddhenahalli , Rangappa Shobith , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal Subbegowda , Shivanna Srikantaswamy
Published: October 2022

A methodological analysis is made in the rational synthesis of the Bi2O3/Ag2O nanostructure with significant application, possessing substantial electron-hole recombination acting as solar catalysts through powerful and modest hydrothermal technique. The composite Bi2O3/Ag2O is intermediary for single step Methyl Red (MR) dye photocatalytic degradation. Under the impact of solar irradiation heavy metals like, Lead (Pb) are also removed by the synthesized material surface influence of sunlight. Anti-cancer activity upon Colon cancer cells (HCT116) is achieved with excellent cell viability and IC50 value. The research work or the present study found an excellent and efficient design of photocatalyst as an eco-friendly and biomedical approach.
Investing in the roots of your political ancestors
Authors: Kammas Pantelis , Poulima Maria , Sarantides Vassilis
Published: October 2022

Using regional data for Greece, we document the disproportionate allocation of public investment funds in favor of prefectures with many core supporters of the incumbent party. Our main evidence comes from an Instrumental Variables (IV) analysis that exploits the discontinuity in the political landscape of Greece after a brief military junta (1967-1974) to link the parties established after 1974 with their ancestors from the same ‘political family’ during the pre-dictatorial era. In particular, we show that political ancestors’ electoral strength affects the allocation of public investment, the political support between political ancestor and descendant parties is strongly associated and that both push the allocation of public investment in prefectures with many core supporters. We also provide evidence that the appointment of deputy ministers from the loyal prefectures of the incumbent party plays an important role in this relationship.
JEL classification: H1; H4; D7
Role of autophagy and apoptosis in aluminum exposure-induced liver injury in rats
Authors: Wei Xi , Li Dong , Luo Yueling , Wu Biaoliang
Published: October 2022

Aluminum exposure can lead to different degrees of damage to various organ systems of the body. It has been previously revealed that that aluminum exposure can damage the liver, causing liver dysfunction. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. This research aims to uncover the damaging effect of aluminum exposure on rat liver and to demonstrate the role of autophagy and apoptosis in this effect. Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group (C group), low-dose aluminum exposure group (L group), middle-dose aluminum exposure group (M group), and high-dose aluminum exposure group (H group) (n = 8). The rats respectively received intraperitoneal injection of 0, 5, 10 and 20 mg/(kg·d) AlCl3 solution for 4 w (5 times/w). After the experiment, changes in the ultrastructure and autolysosome in rat liver were observed; the liver function, apoptosis rate, as well as levels of apoptosis-associated proteins and autophagy-associated proteins were detected. The results indicated that aluminum exposure damaged rat liver function and structure and resulted in an increase of autolysosomes. TUNEL staining revealed an elevated number of apoptotic hepatocytes after aluminum exposure. Moreover, we found from Western blotting that the levels of autophagy-associated proteins Beclin1 and LC3-II increased; apoptotic protein Caspase-3 level elevated and Bcl-2/Bax ratio reduced. Our research suggested that aluminum exposure can lead to high autophagy and apoptosis levels of rat hepatocytes, accompanied by hepatocyte injury and impaired liver function. This study shows that autophagy and apoptosis pathways participate in aluminum toxication-induced hepatocyte injury.
Effects of crosslinking agent ratio and gelation temperature on the performance of microcrystalline cellulose hydrogels
Authors: Lin Wei-Shu , Lee Wen-Jau
Published: October 2022

Hydrogel is a network polymer with low crosslinking density that has the ability to swell and retain large amounts of water. Nowadays, hydrogels are widely used in various fields, such as drug delivery, hygiene products, agricultural water retention materials, cell culture, and biomaterials. Cellulose is the most abundant renewable resource on earth and has attracted much attention in hydrogel production due to its high hydrophilicity, good biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose was added to a mixture of urea/NaOH/H2O to form a cellulose solution by stirring and repeated freezing and thawing. Then, the cellulose solution was reacted with epichlorohydrin at different epichlorohydrin/cellulose (E/C) ratios and different temperatures to prepare cellulose hydrogels. The results show that the repeated freezing-thawing process is an effective method for increasing the solubility of cellulose. After dissolution and drying, the crystal structure of cellulose changes from cellulose-I to cellulose-II. The cellulose solution can be reacted with epichlorohydrin. The larger the E/C ratio, the easier the reaction and the greater the mechanical strength of the cellulose hydrogel, but the lower the water absorption of the dried hydrogel. Heating can promote the reaction, but reduce the structural uniformity and mechanical strength of the hydrogel.
Mechanism of cystogenesis by Cd79a-driven, conditional mTOR activation in developing mouse nephrons
Authors: Truc Linh Tran Nguyen , Matsuda Satoshi , Takenouchi Akiko , Huong Quynh Tran Thuy , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Kanda Hiroaki , Yoshizawa Katsuhiko , Tsukaguchi Hiroyasu
Published: October 2022

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common genetic disorder arising from developmental and postnatal processes. Defects in primary cilia and their signaling (eg, mTOR) underlie the pathogenesis. However, how mTOR regulates tubular integrity remains unclear. The paucity of faithful models has limited our understanding of pathogenesis and, therefore, the refinement of therapeutic targets. To understand the role of mTOR in early cystogenesis, we studied an in-house mouse model, Cd79a-Cre;Tsc1ff (Cd79a-Tsc1 KO hereafter), recapitulating human autosomal-dominant PKD histology. Cre-mediated Tsc1 depletion driven by the promoter for Cd79a, a known B-cell receptor, activated mTORC1 exclusively along the distal nephron from embryonic day 16 onward. Cysts appeared in the distal nephron at 1 weeks of age and mice developed definite PKD by 4 weeks. Cd79a-Tsc1 KO tubule cells proliferated at a rate comparable to controls after birth but continued to divide even after postnatal day 14 when tubulogenesis is normally completed. Apoptosis occurred only after 9 weeks. During postnatal days 7-11, pre-cystic Cd79a-Tsc1 KO tubule cells showed cilia elongation, aberrant cell intercalation, and mitotic division, suggesting that defective cell planar polarity (PCP) may underlie cystogenesis. mTORC1 was activated in a portion of cyst-lining cells and occasionally even when Tsc1 was not depleted, implying a non-autonomous mechanism. Our results indicate that mTORC1 overactivation in developing distal tubules impairs their postnatal narrowing by disrupting morphogenesis, which orients an actively proliferating cell toward the elongating axis. The interplay between mTOR and cilium signaling, which coordinate cell proliferation with PCP, may be essential for cystogenesis.
Lysinibacillus capsici 38328 Isolated from Agricultural Soils as a Promising Probiotic Candidate for Intestinal Health
Authors: Chen Huinan , Sun Xiaoyi , He Huilin , Ren Hongkun , Duan Haoyuan , Zhang Chuankun , Chang Qingru , Zhang Runxiang , Ge Junwei
Published: October 2022

There is an increasing interest in the use of spore-forming Bacillus spp. as probiotic ingredients on the market. However, probiotics Bacillus species are insufficient, and more safe Bacillus species were required. In the study, traditional fermented foods and soil samples were collected from all over the country in China, and 506 Bacillus were selected from 109 samples. Using the optimized procedure, we screened 9 strains, which successfully passed the acid, alkali, bile salt and trypsin resistance test. Drug sensitivity test results showed that three Bacillus out of the 9 isolates exhibited antibiotic sensitivity to more than 29 antibiotics. The 3 strains sensitive to antibiotics were identified by 16S ribosomal RNA, recA and gyrB gene analysis, two isolates (38327 and 38328) belong to the specie Lysinibacillus capsici and one isolate (37326) belong to Bacillus halotolerans. Moreover, the 3 strains were confirmed safe through animal experiments. Finally, L. capsici 38327 and 38328 showed the protection in Salmonella infection mouse model, which manifested in slowing down weight loss, reducing bacterial load, improving antioxidant capacity. Altogether, our data demonstrate selected L. capsici strains can be used novel probiotics for intestinal health.
Acute Thyrotoxic Myopathy Combined with Elusive Subacute Thyroiditis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fu Shi-En , Liang Xing-Huan , Tang Zhi-Ping , Kuang Ya-Qi , Qiu Cheng-Cheng , Yang Hai-Yan , Huang Zhen-Xing , Qin Ying-Fen , Ma Yan , Luo Zuo-Jie
Published: October 2022

Background Acute thyrotoxic myopathy (ATM) is a rare and potentially lethal complication of thyrotoxicosis. The typical clinical symptoms of ATM are characterized by bulbar paralysis. Reports of the successful treatment of ATM are sporadic due to its low incidence. Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is one of the etiology of hyperthyroidism. The intrathyroidal injection of glucocorticoids is a novel administration route to treat subacute thyroiditis and reduce the resulting adverse reactions. However, no English literature has reported Chinese with ATM and SAT overlap. Here, we report a Chinese rare with ATM and SAT that recovered from a different and novel route of glucocorticoid administration. Case presentation A 23-year-old woman visited our hospital with a two-year history of progressive weakness of her bulbar muscles, hoarseness, cough when swallowing, dysphagia, and a one-month history of recurrent painful swelling of the thyroid gland. She was diagnosed with ATM, chronic thyrotoxic myopathy (CTM), Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) due to Graves' disease (GD), and (SAT). After she was treated with a combination of low-dose glucocorticoids, antithyroid drugs (ATDs), propranolol, and ultrasound-guided percutaneous intrathyroidal injection of glucocorticoids, the bulbar paralysis, proximal myopathy, and neck pain simultaneously improved without recurrence during follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of a patient with ATM, CTM, GD, and GO treated by administering a combination of low-dose glucocorticoids and antithyroid agents. Conclusions Clinicians should consider ATM and intervene with aggressive glucocorticoid therapy was the key to reversing the progression of ATM when a patient has bulbar paralysis and thyrotoxic symptoms. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous intrathyroidal injection of glucocorticoids is a feasible and operable method of curing SAT. Our case report references the clinical diagnosis and treatment of such cases.
What are they gonna think about me? An Innovative Text Analysis on Social Anxiety and Taijin Kyofusho Through MADIT Methodology
Authors: Turchi Gian Piero , Bassi Davide , Agnoletti Carlotta , Riva Marta Silvia Dalla , Iudici Antonio , Orrù Luisa
Published: October 2022

Meaning and translation are never-ending issues that constantly challenge researchers who work in cross-cultural settings, especially when the focus is on how people use language to express and interact in relation to their distress experiences. Many efforts have been undertaken in order to try to understand and manage the content variance that can emerge from context and linguistic differences. The present study aims at offering its contribution on this topic by presenting MADIT methodology, an innovative textual analysis that focuses on the processual use of language. Using the theoretical references of Dialogical science, language is analysed as an interactive process, leading the researchers to observe the modalities through which language is used (the how) instead of the different contents brought by speakers (the what). After discussing the theoretical differences between content and processual analysis, we present MADIT methodology through a comparative explorative study on the discursive production about Taijin Kyofusho and social anxiety in Japanese and Italian contexts. The results of this exploratory research pointed out how, going beyond the content differences and focusing on the processual interactive scenario generated through language, it’s possible to observe cross-cultural similarities in the use of language to shape distress experiences.
Prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction based on M2 macrophage related genes in colon cancer
Authors: Xu Xiaochen , Zhang Xinwen , Chen Siqi , Tang Weizhong
Published: October 2022

Background: M2 macrophage were revealed to play a crucial role in immune evasion and immunotherapies. This study aims to explore the potential significance of M2 macrophage related genes in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) through a comprehensive analysis of transcriptome data.
Methods: We collected RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data of COAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Ominibus databases. We calculated the immune infiltration scores of every sample with CIBERSORT algorithm. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we picked out M2 macrophage related genes. With these genes we further screened out prognosis related genes which were utilized to construct a signature to assess the prognosis of patients. To extend the potential application of the signature, we calculated the correlations with immune infiltration. Also, we compared the efficacies of immune checkpoint inhibitors between high-risk and low-risk groups stratified by the riskscore of the signature.
Results: M2 macrophage related genes were screened out from WGCNA and were utilized to develop a signature including 7 genes. The signature was an excellent prognostic predictor in two independent cohorts. The high-risk group showed lower immune infiltration and poorer responses to immunotherapies than those of the low-risk group.
Conclusion: In this study, the division into different risk groups based on M2 macrophage related genes could stratify patients accurately. Also, the riskscore was negatively correlated with immune infiltration. Moreover, the signature could provide some references for precise immunotherapy.
Pathogenic and clinical implications of serum protein biomarkers in idiopathic transverse myelitis
Authors: Kim Keon-Woo , Lee Eun-Jae , Kim Sang-Yeob , Jung Hee-Jae , Kim Hyo-Jae , Kim Seungmi , Kim Hyunji , Seo Dayoung , So Jung-Min , Kim Jiyon , Kim Hyunjin , Kim Kwang-Kuk , Lim Young-Min
Published: October 2022

Background
Idiopathic transverse myelitis (ITM) is related to central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating diseases (CIDDs). However, its pathogenesis is still largely unknown and clinically applicable monitoring biomarker is lacking. We investigated serum levels of neurofilament light chain (sNfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) in patients with ITM to unravel the pathogenetic disease characteristics and clinical implications of these markers.
Methods
We prospectively recruited patients with ITM and CIDDs—MS and NMOSD—with acute (≤ 2 months) transverse myelitis attacks and healthy controls (HCs) between July 2018 and April 2020. We measured sNfL and sGFAP levels using ultrasensitive single-molecular arrays, examined their associations with clinical parameters, and compared them according to lesion volume between disease groups during attacks.
Results
A total of 119 participants were analyzed (70 with ITM [12 with attacks; 58 in remission], 11 with anti-aquaporin-4-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4 + NMOSD), eight with multiple sclerosis (MS), and 30 HCs). Compared to HCs (median, sNfL: 10.92 pg/mL, sGFAP: 104.94 pg/mL), ITM patients showed higher sNfL and sGFAP during acute attack (sNfL: 20.57 pg/mL, p < 0.001, sGFAP: 130.76 pg/mL, p = 0.024), while those in remission (sNfL: 14.64 pg/mL, p = 0.944, sGFAP: 99.71 pg/mL, p > 0.999) did not. Multivariable analyses showed that both serum biomarkers were associated with acute attacks in ITM patients. ITM patients showed lower sGFAP/volume (median, 273.35 pg/mL/cm3) than AQP4 + NMOSD patients (1317.56 pg/mL/cm3, p = 0.011) during acute attack.
Conclusions
Both sNfL and sGFAP reliably reflect disease activity in ITM. Our analyses show no ongoing inflammation during remission and less damage to astrocytes in ITM than in AQP4 + NMOSD, suggesting that a substantial proportion of ITM may not share the pathogenesis of MS or NMOSD.
Prediction method of cutting stability of roadheader based on Newton-Lagrange mixed discrete method
Authors: ZHU Yun , XIE Miao , WANG He
Published: October 2022

In order to study the influence of the multiple interaction of coal and rock and the velocity effect of the cutting head on the flutter stability of the cutting head, considering the physical characteristics of coal and rock, the structural parameters of the cutting head and the motion parameters of the cutting head, the functional expression of the cutting depth of the cutting head and the participating cutting teeth is fitted, the cutting state mechanical characteristic equation of the dynamic cutting of the cutting teeth is established, and based on the mapping relationship between the cutting teeth and the cutting head, A cutting dynamic model including multiple interactions between cutting head and coal and rock and speed effect is constructed; An improved discrete method based on Newton Lagrange mixed interpolation is proposed, and the influence law of the coupling effect of regeneration effect and velocity effect on the stability of cutting flutter under cutting state is clarified; The improved full discrete method is compared with the full discrete method and the semi discrete method, and the superiority of the improved full discrete method based on the mixed interpolation method is proved; Based on the improved total discrete method, the influence of different cutting system dynamic parameters on the stability is studied. A cutting head coal rock system cutting test-bed is built to simulate the flutter of the cutting system. The results show that the improved fully discrete method can well predict the actual cutting state.
Design, synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation in tumor cell lines of organotin(IV) complexes with heteroditopic hydroxo-carboxylato polyaromatic ligands¶
Authors: Baul Tushar S. Basu , Hlychho Bietlaichhai , Addepalli Maheswara Rao , Kundu Sajal , Vos Dick , Linden Anthony
Published: October 2022

Three polynuclear organotin(IV) derivatives of composition [n-Bu3Sn(HL)]n1, [Ph3Sn(HL)]n2and [n-Bu2Sn(HL)2]23were synthesized by reacting 2-((E)-(4-hydroxy-3-((E)-((4-(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl)imino)methyl)phenyl)diazenyl)benzoic acid (H′HL) with (n-Bu3Sn)2O, Ph3SnOH andn-Bu2SnO, respectively. The structures1–3were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR (1H,13C, and119Sn),119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy, and additionally, the molecular and crystal structures of1–3and its pro-ligand (H′HL) were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The tributyltin(IV) complex1is a one-dimensional coordination polymer, in which the azo ligand bridges adjacent Sn(IV) centres solelyviathe two carboxylate O-atoms. The hydroxy H atom forms an intramolecular O–H···N hydrogen bond with the imine N-atom, as observed in the crystal structure ofH′ΗL. The triphenyltin(IV) complex2is also a one-dimensional coordination polymer, but in this case the azo ligand bridges adjacent Sn(IV) centresviaits carboxylate group and the deprotonated phenol O-atom. Unlike in1, the phenol H-atom has migrated to the imine N-atom, to give a zwitterionic form of the azo ligand. The tin centers in1and2are pentacoordinated and reveal a distortedtrans-R3SnO2trigonal-bipyramidal environment. The dibutyltin(IV) complex3crystallizes as discrete centrosymmetric dinuclear entities where the unique Sn(IV) center is heptacoordinated in a distorted pentagonal bipyramid coordination geometry.In vitrocytotoxicity studies of compound1was performed and compared with2across a panel of human tumor cell lines,viz., A498, EVSA-T, H226, IGROV, M19 MEL, MCF-7 and WIDR and the results were compared with the data of six clinically used anticancer drugs. Compounds1and2are potent cytotoxic agents and warrant further investigation as potential anticancer agents.
Cellulose/Expandable Graphite Composite Aerogels with Good Flame- Retardant and Filtration Performance
Authors: Gang hanlin , Xu Dengzui , Ma Sitian , Zhou Yongheng , Chen Qingqing , Xiao Jinfeng , Zhou Yingshan , Gu Shaojin , Xu Weilin , Zhuang Yan , Yang Hongjun
Published: October 2022

Cellulose has been widely used in filtration owing to its abundance, low density, and high specific surface area. However, the use of cellulose-based scaffolds for filtration under high temperatures or with sparks is difficult to realize because cellulose is highly flammable. To develop an advanced cellulose-based filtration material with excellent flame-retardant and filtration performance, in this study, an ice template is employed to prepare a cellulose/expandable graphite (EG) aerogel with a direction porous structure for filtration. The effect of the EG concentration in the aerogel on the aerogel’s physical properties, as well as its flame-retardance and filtration performance is investigated. Experimental data indicates that a compound aerogel with a 30 wt% EG concentration is extinguished immediately after leaving the fire source and has a self-extinguishing time as short as 0.155 s. The formation of a direction porous structure in cellulose/EG aerogels provides a pathway for air movement during the filtration process. The use of EG could improve the filtration performance of cellulose aerogels by increasing the specific surface area. When the EG concentration in the aerogel is 30 wt%, the blocking efficiency of particle sizes less than 0.3 and 0.5 µm reaches 98 % and 99 %, respectively, and the blocking efficiency of particle sizes less than 1.0 µm is 96 %. As-prepared cellulose/EG aerogels have good mechanical properties and thermal stability, which implies that they can be used for filtration under high temperatures and sparks. Moreover, the filtration performance of cellulose/EG aerogels prepared using ice templates with direction porous structure and excellent flame-retardance can potentially be used for filtration-based applications under high temperature and electrical spark conditions. The use of EG and direction porous structures in cellulose aerogels provides a novel idea for the functionalization of cellulose scaffolds.