bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unintended Socio-Economic and Health Consequences of COVID-19 among Slum Dwellers in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Nuwematsiko Rebecca , Nabiryo Maxencia , Bomboka John Bosco , Nalinya Sarah , Musoke David , Okello Daniel , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: September 2021

BackgroundTo reduce the spread of COVID-19, several countries in Africa instituted countrywide lockdowns and other public health measures. Whereas lockdowns contributed to the control of the pandemic, there were concerns about the unintended consequences of these measures especially in the most vulnerable populations. We assessed unintended socio-economic and health consequences due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the mitigation measures in slums in Kampala to inform the on-going and future pandemic response strategies.MethodsThis was a mixed methods cross-sectional study conducted in Bwaise I and Bwaise III slums of Kawempe division, Kampala Uganda from October to December 2020. We used systematic sampling to randomly select 425 household heads for the face-to-face quantitative interviews. We also conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) with slum dwellers and used photovoice among eight Community Health Workers (CHWs) to document unintended socio-economic and health consequences. Quantitative data were imported into STATA version 14.0 for analysis, while qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo version 12. Modified Poisson regression analysis was conducted to establish factors associated with impact on access to food.ResultsMost respondents reported limited access to food (71.1%; 302/425); disruption in education (77.1%; 270/350); drop in daily income and wages (86.1%; 329/382) and loss of employment (63.1; 125/198). Twenty five percent of the respondents (25.4%; 86/338) reported domestic violence as one of the challenges. Seven themes emerged from the qualitative findings on the impact of COVID-19 including: limited access to food; negative impact on children’s rights (child labour and early pregnancies) and education; poor housing and lack of accommodation; negative social behaviours; negative impact on family and child care; reduced income and employment; and negative impact on health and access to health care services. Conclusion The slum dwellers of Bwaise I and Bwaise III experienced several negative socio-economic consequences of COVID-19 and its prevention measures that severely affected their wellbeing. Children experienced severe consequences such as child labour and early pregnancies among the girls. Response activities should be contextualised to different settings and protocols to protect the vulnerable groups in the community such as children and women should be developed and mainstreamed in response activities.
Rosaniline Hydrochloride Encapsulated MCM-48: Fluorescent and Electrochemical Sensor for Dopamine
Authors: Kalita Sarojmoni , Das Diganta Kumar
Published: September 2021

The dye Rosaniline hydrochloride (RANH) has been successfully incorporated in MCM-48 (designated as RANH@MCM-48) and characterised by various spectroscopic methods including FT-IR, SEM, EDX and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm. RANH@MCM-48 in aqueous medium acts as fluorescence “on” sensor for neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) in presence of its main biological interfering agents ascorbic acid or vitamin c (AA) along with Glucose, Cholesterol and Uric acid. The limits of detection (LOD) were found to be 65 nM and 51 nM respectively in absence and in presence of AA. The binding of DA to RANH@MCM-48 is found to be reversible with respect to EDTA2-. The fluorescence intensity vs. pH plot shows a narrow fluorescence window of 7.2 to 8.8. RANH@MCM-48 has been successfully applied for DA detection in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACF) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) with LOD values 27 nM and 22.5 nM respectively. Platinum disc electrode has been modified with RANH@MCM-48 which showed distinct oxidation peaks with a separation of 0.188 V in cyclic voltammetry (CV). The LOD for DA in presence of AA determined from oxidation current is 77.5 nM. The voltammetric detection of DA is found to be free from common interfering species Na+, K+, Ca2+, Fe2+, Uric acid, Cholesterol and Glucose.
Amenability of Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to gene silencing through exogenous administration and host-delivered dsRNA in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)
Authors: Chatterjee Madhurima , Yadav Jyoti , Rathinam Maniraj , Karthik Kesiraju , Chowdhary Gopal , Sreevat Rohini , Rao Uma
Published: September 2021

Insect pests are one of the major biotic stresses limiting yield in commercially important food crops. The lepidopteran polyphagous spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata causes significant economic losses in legumes including pigeonpea. RNAi-based gene silencing has emerged as one of the potential biotechnological tools for crop improvement. We report in this paper, RNAi in M. vitrata through exogenous administration of dsRNA encoding three functionally important genes, Alpha-amylase (α-amylase), Chymotrypsin-like serine protease (CTLP) and Tropomyosin (TPM) into the larval haemolymph and their host-delivered RNAi in pigeonpea. Significant decline in the expression of selected genes supported by over-expression of DICER and generation of siRNA indicated the occurrence of RNAi in the dsRNA-injected larvae. Additionally, the onset of RNAi in the herbivore was demonstrated in pigeonpea, one of the prominent hosts, by host-delivered RNAi. Transgenics in pigeonpea (cv. Pusa992), a highly recalcitrant crop, were developed through a shoot apical meristem-targeted in planta transformation strategy and evaluated. Plant level bioassays in transgenic events characterized and selected at molecular level showed mortality of M. vitrata larvae as well as reduced feeding when compared to wild type. Furthermore, molecular evidences for down regulation of target genes in the insects that fed on transgenics authenticated RNAi. Considering the variability of gene silencing in lepidopteran pests, this study provided corroborative proof for the possibility of gene silencing in M. vitrata through both the strategies.
Cross-cultural Validation of Stool Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Methods in the North West of Iran
Authors: Dolatkhah Roya , Somi Mohammad Hossein , Dastgiri Saeed , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Abdolahi Hossein Mashhadi , Shanehbandi Daryoush , Asadi Milad , Nezamdoust Marzieh , Dolatkhah Neda , Farassati Faris
Published: September 2021

PurposeGlobally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Incidence and mortality from CRC both can be reduced and prevented using screening and early detection programs. The current study aimed to assess the feasibility of the colorectal cancer screening program in Northwest of Iran.MethodsThe study designed as a cross-cultural analytic study, to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of stool-based tests compared with colonoscopy, during 2016-2020. All individuals first were assessed with our CRC risk assessment tool, then eligible volunteers entered the study. Colonoscopy was performed on all participants, also stool- based tests including traditional guaiac, high-sensitivity guaiac-based, fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and multitarget stool DNA (Mt-sDNA) panel tests were performed. ResultsMt-sDNA test panel had a sensitivity of 77.8% (95% CI: 40-97.2) for detecting colorectal cancer with a specificity of 91.2% (95% CI: 85.4-95.2). The FIT test alone had a lower sensitivity (66.7%; 95% CI: 29.9-92.5) and almost the same specificity of 93.9% (95% CI: 88.7-97.2) for cancer detection. Mt-sDNA test had better diagnostic accuracy than the FIT (AUC=0.85 vs 0.80), and is a more useful screening test. Positive and negative predictive values for cancer detection for both Mt-sDNA and FIT tests were almost the same results, however Mt-sDNA test had better NPV results than the FIT test alone.ConclusionOur results showed that both Mt-sDNA panel and the FIT test had acceptable cut-off points for cancer detection, however, Mt-sDNA test had better diagnostic accuracy.
D-serine supplement ameliorates MPP+-induced neurotoxicity via attenuating DAPK1-associated pathway in Parkinson's disease models
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Sun Xueying , Liu Jun , Peng Yuanwen , Qin Yuanhua , Xu Yuefei , Zhang Houli , Ding Wenyong , Li Sheng , Ma Li
Published: September 2021

Background: D-serine is reported to modulate neurotransmission via regulating the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1) in a narrow range, and dysfunction or dysregulation of NMDAR1 contributes to the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. This study aims to further elucidate the action mechanism of D-serine/NMDAR1 in PD. Methods and Results: At animal level, we found D-Serine and NMDAR1 were cooperatively distributed in mouse brains. Compared to the control mice, a dramatic increase in D-serine content and NMDAR1 expression was revealed in striatum, whereas a significant reduction was found in cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and brainstem in PD mice. Thus, the tissue-specific D-serine/NMDAR1 was suspected to be associated with PD. Based on the decreased levels of NMDAR1 and D-serine in the MPP+-treated glioma cells, a D-serine supplement was introduced. We found that D-serine supplement enhanced NMDAR1 expression, and triggered neuronal cells to be rescued supporting by parkinsonian parameters including morphological observation, a decreased ROS level, an increased dopamine content, and a declined acetylcholine level. Additionally, a decreased calcium, reduced DAPK1 expression, and raised Bcl2 level were found in neuronal cells supplied with D-serine. Conclusions: We speculated that D-Serine attenuated neuronal cell death via inhibiting DAPK1-related pathway. Additionally, D-serine was confirmed to display an ability to ameliorate the MPTP injury using the MPTP-administrated mice injected with D-serine. Unlike the previous description, D-serine displays a protective effect on neuronal cells. Overall, our finding highlights D-serine as a strong enhancer for NMDAR1 expression and a candidate for PD therapy. This opens up an innovative perspective for neurobiological therapy using D-serine augmentation.
High prevalence of intrathecal IgA synthesis in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Muñoz Ursula , Sebal Cristina , Escudero Esther , Sánchez Maria Isabel García , Urcelay Elena , Jayo Asier , Arroyo Rafael , García-Martínez Maria A , Álvarez-Lafuente Roberto , Sádaba María C
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The detection of intrathecal IgA synthesis (IAS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is cumbersome, for this reason, we developed a highly sensitive assay to assess it in MS. Methods: 151 MS patients and 22 controls with different neurological diseases were recruited. IgA concentration was analyzed by ELISA. Oligoclonal IgA bands to detect IAS were determined by a new ultrasensitive assay based on isoelectrofocusing (IEF). Results: Most individuals showed an IgA concentration within normal range in serum samples (95.95%) but 38.41% of individuals had a low IgA concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with no significant differences observed between MS and control groups, neither in CSF nor in serum. The new IEF was more sensitive than those previously described (0.01 mg/dl of IgA), and clearly identified patients with and without IAS, that was not related with IgA concentration. MS patients showed higher percentage of IAS (43.00%) than the control group (18.20) (p = 0.035), because the incidence was especially higher in MS patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS, 66.00%). Conclusions: Intrathecal IgA synthesis is observed more frequently in MS patients than in other neurological diseases, and with higher incidence than assumed in the past.
A Multi-environment Framework to Evaluate the Adaptation of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) to Heat Stress
Authors: Telfer Paul , Edwards James , Taylor Julian , Able Jason , Kuchel Haydn
Published: September 2021

Adaptation of wheat to heat stress is an important component of adaptation in variable climates such as the cereal producing areas of Australia. However, in variable climates stress conditions may not be present in every season or is present at different levels, at different times during the season. Such conditions complicate plant breeder’s ability to select for adaptation to abiotic stress. This study presents a framework for the assessment of the genetic basis of adaptation to heat stress conditions with improved relevance to breeder’s selection objectives. The framework was applied here with the evaluation of 1225 doubled haploid lines from five populations across six environments (three environments selected for contrasting temperature stress conditions during anthesis and grain fill periods, over two consecutive seasons), using regionally best practice planting times to evaluate the role of heat stress conditions in genotype adaptation. Temperature co-variates were determined for each genotype, in each environment, for the anthesis and grain fill periods. Genome wide QTL analysis identified performance QTL for stable effects across all environments, and QTL that illustrated responsiveness to heat stress conditions across the sampled environments. A total of 199 QTL were identified, including 60 performance QTL, and 139 responsiveness QTL. Of the identified QTL, 99 occurred iseparate to the 21 anthesis date QTL identified. Assessing adaptation to heat stress conditions as the combination of performance and responsiveness offers breeders opportunities to select for grain yield stability across a range of environments, as well as genotypes with higher relative yield in stress conditions.
Self-powered Bifunctional Sensor Based on Tribotronic Planar Graphene Transistors
Authors: Meng Yanfang , Gao Guoyun , Zhu Jiaxue
Published: September 2021

With the development of material science, micro-nano-fabrication, microelectronics, the higher level requirements are posed on the electronic skins (E-skin). The lower energy consumption and multiple functions are the imperative requirements to spurred scientists and mechanists to make joint effort to meet. To achieve lower energy consumption, a promising energy-harvesting style of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) is incorporated into the field effect transistors (FETs) to play the important role for sensor. For bifunctional sensor, to harness the difficult for reflecting the magnitude of frequency, we resorted to synaptic transistors to achieve more intelligentization. Furthermore, with regards to the configuration of FET, we continued previous work: using the electrolyte gate dielectrics of FET - ion gel as the electrification layer to achieve high efficient, compact and extensively adoption for mechanosensation. The working principle of the GFET was based on the coupling effects of the FET and the TENG. This novel self-powered sensor would offer a new platform for lower power consumption sensor for human-machine interface and intelligent robot.
Thin Floor Milling Using Moving Support
Authors: Fei Jixiong , Lin Bin , Huang Tian , Xiao Juliang
Published: September 2021

During milling the thin floor of a pocket which locates on a monolithic structure, it is very difficult to achieve high accuracy and good surface quality due to its low rigidity. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to overcome the difficulties that encountered during milling of the thin floor. The method is realized by using small axial depth of cut but placing a moving support at the back surface of the thin floor during machining, in which the support will move with the cutter at the same velocity. An experimental platform is built to demonstrate the validation of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the accuracy and surface quality during milling the thin floor of a pocket of the monolithic structure.
Study on the Mechanism of Mirna-21 Affecting the Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Cardiomyocyte-Like Cells By Targeting Ajuba / Isl1 Axis
Authors: Yang Wengang , Xue Song , Zheng Hui , Dan Jianggui , Zhao Lei , Wang Chenxi
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To study the mechanism of miRNA-21 targeting ajuba/ Isl1 axis to affect BMSC differentiation to cardiac myoid cells. Methods: BMSC was cultured and miRNA-21 was constructed to infect BMSC. The miRNA-21 was directly regulated by luciferase reporter gene system. The expression of cTnI, ajuba and Isl1 was detected by RT-qPCR and WB. The expression of cTnI, ajuba and Isl1 was detected by RT-qPCR and WB, and miR-21 was detected by RT-qPCR; The differentiation ability of BMSC in all groups was detected by RT-qPCR and WB; To evaluate the effect of ajuba and Isl1 on the differentiation ability of BMSC. Results: BMSC was cultured successfully, BMSC was successfully constructed by mir-21-OE, mir-21-KD, ajuba-OE and ajuba KD slow virus; RT-qPCR and WB were used to detect the high expression of cTnI in mir-21-OE and ajuba KD groups, and the expression of miR-21 was increased, the expression of ajuba was inhibited and Isl1 expression was enhanced. Conclusion: The expression of ajuba was inhibited by up regulation of miRNA-21 target, and the expression of Isl1 enhanced to promote BMSC differentiation, that is, miRNA-21 regulated the axis of ajuba/ Isl1 to influence the differentiation of BMSC to cardiomyocyte-like cells.
STING Modulates CD4 T Cell Necroptosis via Activation of PARP-1/PAR Following Acute Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Luan Yingyi , Cao Xiao-peng , Zhang Lei , Peng Yi-qiu , Li Ying-ying , Yin Cheng-hong
Published: September 2021

BackgroundRegulated cell death profoundly affects on the progress of inflammatory and immune responses in various acute inflammatory diseases, as seen in sepsis and trauma. However, the mechanisms underlying CD4 T cells death have not yet been fully addressed. ResultsWe demonstrated that interferon genes (STING) promoted excessive Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) activity stimulated by endotoxin, which in turn induced apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF)-independent but PARP-1 dependent programmed cell death. Elevated PARP-1 activity triggered a cascade of molecular events, including PAR polymer release from the nucleus and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and ATP depletion. Interestingly, translocation of AIF, a biochemical signature for PARP-1-dependent parthanatos, was not observed in the present study, suggesting a non-canonical mechanism of CD4 T cells parthanatos. In this study, we also identify a STING-mediated mechanism of necroptosis in CD4 T cells in septic animals. Furthermore, we revealed wider effects of STING on the immune functions of CD4 T cells when PARP-1 gene inhibited. ConclusionsThese findings reveal that STING signaling and targeting PARP-1/PAR pathway in CD4 T cells may present a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute systemic inflammatory diseases.
Fine Mapping and Distribution Analysis of Hybrid Necrosis Genes Ne1 and Ne2 in Wheat in China
Authors: Zhang Min , Lv Shikai , Wang Yanzhen , Wang Siwen , Chen Chunhuan , Wang Changyou , Wang Yajuan , Zhang Hong , Ji Wanquan
Published: September 2021

Hybrid necrosis of wheat is caused by two dominant complementary genes Ne1 and Ne2 present in normal phenotype parents and is regarded as a barrier to gene flow between crop species. However, the necrosis alleles still occur at high frequency in modern wheat varieties. In this study, we constructed two high-density genetic maps of Ne1 and Ne2 in winter wheat. In these cultivars, Ne1 was found to be located in a span interval of 0.50 centimorgan (cM) on chromosome 5BL delimited by markers Nwu_5B_4137 and Nwu_5B_5114, while Ne2 co-segregated with markers Lseq102 and TC67744 on 2BS. Statistical analysis confirmed that the dosage effect of Ne alleles also existed in moderate and severe hybrid necrosis systems, and the symptoms of necrosis can also be affected by the genetic background. Furthermore, we clarified the discrete distribution and proportion of the Ne1 and Ne2 in China’s major wheat regions, and concluded that introduced modern cultivars directly affect the frequencies of necrosis genes in modern Chinese cultivars (lines), especially that of Ne2. Taking investigations in spring wheat together, we proposed that hybrid necrosis alleles could positively affect breeding owing to their linked excellent genes. Additionally, based on the pedigree, we speculated that the Ne1 and Ne2 in winter wheat may directly originate from wild emmer and introduced cultivars or hexaploid triticale, respectively.
Atmospheric Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Through Deep Ocean Carbon Sequestration “DOCS”
Authors: MacDougall Frederick
Published: September 2021

The United Nations, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Assessment Report 6 (UN IPCC AR6) dated August 7th 2021 describes the urgency of reducing atmospheric greenhouse gasses, carbon dioxide (CO2) in particular, and methane (CH4) in order to limit global warming to a survivable level. AR6 identifies the tight connection between the world’s Gross Domestic Product and anthropogenic fossil fuel consumption that has resulted in the buildup of CO2. It also describes how and why it is going to become more difficult to achieve the desired goals as we get closer to those goals with the present available technologies. The options for fighting global warming are limited, difficult to implement, and with few good options, the decisions that are being made under these circumstances, are of concern. Rather than focusing on the difficult task of eliminating 100% of anthropogenic atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions, the focus herein is on eliminating ≈7% of the atmospheric greenhouse gasses emitted by microbes, and decomposition including wildfires, every year to achieve net zero emissions for our planet.
A Novel Method using Long Axis Cardiac MRI Measurements can Improve in vivo Myocardial Infarct Quantification
Authors: Ref Jacob , Daugherty Sherry , Chinyere Ikeotunye Royal , Zeng Janan , Lancaster Jordan J , Lancaster Laryenth , Fox Kenneth , Borgstrom Mark , Grijalva Adrian , Koevary Jen , Goldman Steven , Avery Ryan
Published: September 2021

PurposeCurrently, the American Heart Association (AHA) 17-segment model is the preferred clinical method to define and quantify left ventricle (LV) myocardial infarction (MI) size. This method is subjective and can be inaccurate given that segmental approximation assumes a specific percent of infarcted tissue when compared to reference standard post-mortem histopathology. To improve the accuracy and reproducibility of infarct volume quantification we propose a novel measurement technique based on cardiac MRI images from a porcine model of myocardial infarction. Data were collected from serial MRI exams of Yucatan mini swine over 6 months and endpoint organ harvesting for histopathologic analysis. MethodsTwo observers evaluated four infarct sizing methods: myocardial contouring of post-mortem heart slices, contouring using cardiac MRI, AHA 17-segment model analysis and novel long-axis MRI infarct sizing. ResultsLV infarct sizes ranges were 1.6% - 25.8% (n=10) using reference standard histopathologic infarct sizing. Intraclass correlations (ICC) were calculated between two observers and averaged due to high similarity, ICC > .900. A t-test of .0006 and Bland-Altman plots show statistically significant differences in 17-segment model infarct size compared to histopathologic analysis while no significant difference was found when compared to our new novel method with 0.8198. Linear correlation showed an R 2 of 0.9111 between MRI contoured infarct size and our novel MRI infarct sizing model to predict infarct size as a percentage while the R 2 of the 17-Seg model is 0.8197. ConclusionsThe 17-sgement model provides an inferior quantitative assessment of LV infarct size compared to the proposed long-axis infarct sizing suggesting it maybe a robust and easily implementable quantitative assessment of LV infarct size in advanced imaging.
Remote Real-Time Supervision of Prehospital Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Hermann Martina , Hafner Christina , Scharner Vincenz , Hribersek Mojca , Maleczek Mathias , Schmid Andreas , Schaden Eva , Willschke Harald , Hamp Thomas
Published: September 2021

Background: Although prehospital point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is gaining in importance, its rapid interpretation remains challenging in prehospital emergency situations. The technical development of remote real-time supervision potentially offers the possibility to support emergency medicine providers during prehospital emergency ultrasound. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of live data transmission and supervision of prehospital POCUS in an urban environment.Methods: Emergency doctors with moderate ultrasound experience performed prehospital POCUS in emergency cases (n=24) such as trauma, acute dyspnea or cardiac shock using the portable ultrasound device LumifyTM. The ultrasound examination was remotely transmitted to an emergency ultrasound expert in the clinic for real-time supervision via a secure video and audio connection. Technical feasibility as well as quality of communication and live stream were analysed.Results: Prehospital POCUS with remote real-time supervision was successfully performed in 17 patients (71%). In 3 cases, the expert was not available on time and in 1 case remote data transmission was not possible due to connection problems. In 3 cases tele-supervision was restricted to video only due to power saving mode of the tablet.Conclusion: Remote real-time supervision of prehospital POCUS is feasible most of the time with excellent image and communication quality. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials Number NCT04612816
Antisense lncRNA NNT-AS1 Promoted Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Regulating Its Sense Gene NNT Expression
Authors: Pan Xianglong , Wang Qi , Yu Yue , Wu Weibing , Chen Liang , Wang Wei , Li Zhihua
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAntisense lncRNAs were endogenous productions from the antisense strand of coding genes and transcribed in the opposite direction of sense gene. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the roles and functions of antisense lncRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsDifferentially expressed antisense lncRNAs were initially screened using transcriptome data from 119 paired ESCC samples in GSE53624, and were further validated in 6 paired ESCC samples from our institution. Log-rank test was adopted to identify ESCC prognosis associated lncRNAs. Finally, functional assays were performed to reveal the functions of our identified antisense lncRNAs. ResultsIn total, 174 antisense lncRNAs were differentially expressed in both GSE53624 and JSPH samples. Five of them were significantly associated with ESCC prognosis (NNT-AS1, NKILA, CCDC18-AS1, SLCO4A1-AS1 and AC110619.1). The upregulation of NNT-AS1 was validated in ESCC cell lines. Knockdown of NNT-AS1 inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and promoted ESCC cells apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M stage. NNT-AS1 expression was significantly correlated with its sense gene NNT and NNT-AS1 knockdown could suppress NNT expression. Inhibition of NNT suppressed ESCC cell proliferation and migration. Mechanically, NNT-AS1 served as a competing endogenous RNA to sponge the miR-382-5p, which could repress NNT expression. Pathway enrichment analysis and western blot assay indicated that NNT-AS1 and NNT could regulate the cell cycle pathway. ConclusionAntisense lncRNA NNT-AS1 promoted ECSS progression by targeting NNT through sponging miR-382-5p. This study provided us a deeper insight into the roles of antisense lncRNAs in ESCC and identified potential therapeutic targets.
Thromboembolic and Hemorrhagic Risks After Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Uaprasert Noppacharn , Panrong Krissana , Rojnuckarin Ponlapat , Chiasakul Thita
Published: September 2021

Background: Thromboembolic and bleeding events after vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are major public concerns leading to vaccine hesitancy. Due to low incidence, an individual randomized controlled trial (RCT) is underpowered to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 vaccines increase the risks of thromboembolism and hemorrhage. Methods: We performed a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, medRxiv databases, and reference lists of relevant articles to identify RCTs that reported thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events and thromboembolism/hemorrhage-related death after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled thromboembolic risk related to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines compared to placebo. The secondary outcomes included estimating the risks of arterial thromboembolism (ATE), venous thromboembolisms (VTE), hemorrhage, and thromboembolism/hemorrhage-related death. Results: Eight RCTs of 4 vaccine platforms comprised of 195,196 participants were retrieved. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were not associated with an increased risk of overall thromboembolism (risk ratio [RR], 1.14; 95%CI [confidence interval], 0.61-2.14; I2 = 35%), ATE (RR, 0.97; 95%CI, 0.46-2.06; I2 = 21%), VTE (RR, 1.47; 95%CI, 0.72-2.99; I2 = 0%), hemorrhage (RR, 0.97; 95%CI, 0.35-2.68; I2 = 0), and thromboembolism/hemorrhage-related death (RR, 0.53; 95%CI, 0.16-1.79; I2 = 0). Compared to the baseline estimated risk of these outcomes in participants administered placebos, the risk differences with vaccines were very small and not statistically significant. These findings were consistent in the subgroup analysis across 4 vaccine platforms. Conclusion: Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are not associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, hemorrhage, and thromboembolism/hemorrhage-related death.
Synergistic Cytotoxicity From Combination of Lupeol and Ionizing Radiation in Head and Neck Cancer Cells.
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sayantan , Ghosh Paramita , Saha Depanwita , Mitra Debarpan , Banerjee Samir , Chakraborty Manas , Ray Dilip , Maji Tapas , Murmu Nabendu
Published: September 2021

Ionizing radiation (IR) is one of the most conventional treatment regimens for treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). It is often employed as a primary treatment or as an adjuvant to surgery. Despondently IR has its own drawbacks including radiation resistance, poor prognosis and frequent recurrence. The main objective of this work was to check the synergistic effect of Lupeol along with IR in order to observe if adjuvant treatment of novel phytochemicals like Lupeol with IR shows better efficacy. Head and Neck cancer cell line HEp-2 and UPCI: SCC 131 was treated with both Lupeol (50 µM) and IR (2 Gy) for short interval and the cytotoxicity of the drug combination was evaluated. Data showed synergistic effect of Lupeol with IR in both cell lines. The combination of lupeol and IR had highest cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis was also found to be higher in the combination treatment. Additionally the combination also inhibited cell migration and sphere formation capability indicating direct effect of the combinatorial treatment on the Epithelial to Messenchymal transition (EMT) forming population of HNSCC cells. Findings also showed downregulation of key oncoproteins (AKT, NF-kB, COX-2) in the combination treatment proving synergistic effect of Lupeol with ionizing radiation in killing Head and Neck cancer cells by downregulating several oncogenic pathways.
An Automated Framework for Detection, Localization, and Classification of Colonic Polyp using Deep Learning
Authors: Sasmal Pradipta , Paul Avinash , Bhuyan M. K. , Iwahori Yuji , Ogasawara Naotaka , Kasugai Kunio
Published: September 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) in its advanced stage is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, early detection of polyps which are the precursor to such cancer can lead to better prognosis and clinical management. This report proposes an automated diagnostic technique to detect, localize, and classify polyps in colonoscopy video frames. Manual detection and localization of polyps on hugely acquired colonic frames have many limitations. Our deep learning-based framework proposes an attention-based YOLOv4 detector for polyp detection and localization. Finally, leveraging a fusion of deep and handcrafted features of the polyps, the detected polyps are classified as benign or malignant. The individual and the cross-database performances on two databases suggest the robustness of our method in polyp localization. The comparison of our approach based on significant clinical parameters with current state-of-the-art methods confirms that our method can be used for automated polyp localization in both real-time and offline colonoscopic video frames. Our method can give an average precisionof 0.8971 and 0.9171 and an average IoU of 0.8325 and 0.8179 for the Kvsir-SEG and SUN databases, respectively. Similarly, our proposed classification framework on the detected polyps yields a classification accuracy of 96.66% on a public dataset.
Lysyl oxidase family genes polymorphisms and risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A case control study
Authors: Dong Rui , Luo Chun , Li Bingyang , Hu Chongyu , Liu Junyu , Hu Liming , Liao Xin , Zhou Jilin , Xu Lu , Liu Songlin , Li Yifeng , Yuan Dun , Jiang Weixi , Yan Junxia
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating disease caused by intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) family genes (LOX-like [LOXL] 1–4) have roles in collagen cross-linking in the extracellular matrix and may be associated with IA rupture. We aimed to explore the association between LOX polymorphisms and the risk of aSAH.
Methods

This case-control study included two cohorts: 133 and 115 single ruptured and unruptured IA patients, and 65 and 71 multiple ruptured and unruptured IAs patients, respectively. Genotyping of 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LOX was performed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the SNPs of LOX and risk of aSAH.
Results

LOX rs180044 and LOXL4 rs3793692 were positively associated with the risk of single IA rupture in the recessive model (OR = 5.66, 2.06; 95% CI = 1.22–26.24, 1.11–3.82, respectively) and LOX rs10519694 demonstrated a protective effect on single IA rupture (dominant model: OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.21–0.83; recessive model: OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04–0.65; additive model: OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.28–0.78). LOXL1 rs2165241, LOXL2 rs1063582, and LOXL3 rs17010021 demonstrated risk effects on multiple IAs rupture. LOXL3 rs17010022 showed a protective effect on multiple IAs rupture (dominant model: OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.21–0.82; additive model: OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.30–0.85).
Discussion

LOX and LOXL4 may be susceptible to single IA rupture, whereas LOXL1-3 may have a role in susceptibility to multiple IAs rupture in the Chinese population, suggesting LOX family genes may associated with aSAH.
Genome-wide Analysis of NPF, NRT2, CLC and SLAC1/SLAH Nitrate Transporters in Hexaploid Wheat (Triticum Aestivum)
Authors: Kumar Aman , Sandhu Nitika , Kumar Pankaj , Pruthi Gomsie , Singh Jasneet , Kaur Satinder , Chhuneja Parveen
Published: September 2021

Nitrogen transport is one of the most important processes in plants mediated by specialized transmembrane proteins. Plants have two main systems for nitrogen uptake from soil and its transport within the system - a low-affinity transport system and a high-affinity transport system. Nitrate transporters are of special interest in cereal crops because large amount of money is spent on N fertilizers every year to enhance the crop productivity. Till date four gene families of nitrate transporter proteins; NPF (nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family), NRT2 (nitrate transporter 2 family), the CLC (chloride channel family), and the SLAC/SLAH (slow anion channel-associated homologues) have been reported in plants. In our study, in silico mining of nitrate transporter genes along with their detailed structure, phylogenetic and expression analysis was carried out. A total of 412 nitrate transporter genes were identified in hexaploid wheat genome using HMMER based homology searches in IWGSC Refseq v2.0. Out of those twenty genes were root specific, 11 leaf/shoot specific and 17 genes were grain/spike specific. The identification of nitrate transporter genes in the close proximity to the previously identified 67 marker-traits associations associated with the nitrogen use efficiency related traits in nested synthetic hexaploid wheat introgression library indicated the robustness of the reported transporter genes. The detailed crosstalk between the genome and proteome and the validation of identified putative candidate genes through expression and gene editing studies may lay down the foundation to improve nitrogen use efficiency of cereal crops.
Anti-tumor effect of CTLA-4 antibody is independent of checkpoint blockade
Authors: Gao Han , Cai Haiyan , Zhang Fei , Liu Mingdong , Wang Xiaoxiao , Wang Pilin , Dou Fei , Li Fubin , Xu Ting , Zhou Aiwu
Published: September 2021

Antibodies targeting CTLA-4 are emerging as an important class of cancer therapeutics. It is assumed that these antibodies cause tumor rejection by blocking negative signaling from the CTLA-4-B7 interactions to enhance the priming of naïve T cells in lymphoid organs. However, recent findings have shown that the effectiveness of CTLA-4 antibody critically depends on the Fc domain and the host Fc receptors. It remains unclear if the blocking function of CTLA-4 antibody is required for its anti-tumor activity. To address this, here we have selected a non-blocking anti-CTLA-4 antibody (D138) and assessed its binding property and antitumor activity in comparison with the therapeutic CTLA-4 antibody ipilimumab. Crystal structures of CTLA-4 complexed with these antibodies show that D138 binds to a distinctly different site to that of ipilimumab on the CTLA-4 surface. D138 binding did not block the association of cells expressing CTLA-4 and B7 whereas ipilimumab did. Subsequent antitumor assay revealed that D138 was similarly effective as ipilimumab in inhibiting tumor growth in mice. This antitumor activity required Fc function for efficacy and was correlated with selective reduction of intratumor regulatory T (Treg) cells, resulting in a significant increase in the ratio of CD8+ over Treg cells. Overall these data clearly demonstrate that blocking CTLA-4-B7 interaction is not required for CTLA-4 antibody mediated antitumor activity, opening prospects of developing non-blocking CTLA-4 antibodies or simple binders towards other Treg surface markers for Treg-targeted immunotherapy.
The Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Upper Limb Garment-integrated Blood Flow Restriction Training in Healthy Adults
Authors: Dhokia Bhavit , Mabin Elspeth Olivia , Bradley Warren Jeremy , Neal Bradley Stephen
Published: September 2021

Background Blood flow restriction training (BFR) has been demonstrated to increase muscle hypertrophy and strength, but has logistical and cost barriers. Garment-integrated BFR has the potential to reduce these barriers, by lowering equipment demands and cost at point of access. The primary aim of the study was to explore the safety and feasibility of garment-integrated BFR in the upper limb of healthy adults, with a secondary aim of exploring efficacy. MethodsParticipants who were active, otherwise healthy and had no previous experience with BFR, were sought. Eligible participants completed a five-week garment-integrated BFR programme that involved completing two sessions per week. Safety was determined by recording adverse events and by monitoring arterial occlusion pressure using a pulse oximeter. Feasibility was determined by measuring recruitment, adherence to the garment-integrated BFR programme and data collection. Efficacy was determined by measuring push-ups to volitional failure, arm girth, and number of prescribed repetitions completed. Adverse events were counted and reported as a percentage of the cohort. Adherence was calculated as a percentage of successfully completed sessions of the prescribed total. Mean change, 95% confidence intervals and associated effect sizes were calculated for efficacy outcomes. Results 28 participants were included and 27 successfully completed the study. Minimal adverse events were reported; one incident of localised bruising (0.36%) and three incidences of excessive pain during and post-exercise from two separate participants (1.07%). 3.7% of pulse oximeter readings were not recorded (82/2240). 278/280 sessions were successfully completed (adherence=99.3%). Mean push-ups to volitional failure increased by 40% (mean change=8.0, 95% CI 5.7, 10.3, d=1.40). Mean arm girth and mean number of prescribed repetitions completed were unchanged.Conclusions Garment integrated BFR is a safe and feasible option in the upper limb of healthy adults, with a secondary increase in push-ups to volitional failure also observed. Further studies are required to determine the efficacy of garment integrated BFR compared to other training methods, and the use of garment integrated BFR in other populations.
Risk factors for acute kidney injury after Stanford type A aortic dissection repair: a systemetic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhong Guodong , Lv Xiaochai , Yi Dong , Hou Yanting , Dai Xiaofu , Chen LiangWan
Published: September 2021

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common complications after Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair surgery, but its risk factors are inconsistent in different studies. So this meta-analysis was conducted to systematically analyze the risk factors for AKI after TAAD repair surgery, so as to early identify the therapeutic targets for preventing AKI and to improve the outcomes. Methods Studies on risk factors for AKI after TAAD repair surgery were searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and Web of science from inception of databases to June 2021. The meta-analysis was performed by Stata 16.0 software. The combined incidence and risk factors of AKI and its impact on mortality after TAAD repair surgery were calculated. Results A total of 11 studies and 4156 patients were included. The combined incidence of postoperative AKI was 56.0%. The advanced age [odds ratio (OR)=1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.19, 1.47), P<0.001], cardiopulmonary bypass time > 180 minutes [OR=4.88, 95% CI (2.05, 11.59), P<0.001], red blood cell (RBC) volume transfused perioperatively [OR=1.13, 95% CI (1.03, 1.24), P<0.01], high body mass index [OR=1.22, 95% CI (1.18, 1.27), P<0.001] and preoperative renal malperfusion [OR= 5.32, 95% CI (2.92, 9.71), P<0.001] were risk factors for AKI after TAAD repair surgery. The in-hospital mortality [rate ratio (RR)=2.50, 95% CI (1.82, 3.44), P<0.001] and 30-day mortality [RR=2.81, 95% CI (1.95, 4.06), P<0.001] were higher in patients with postoperative AKI than that without AKI. Conclusions The incidence of AKI after TAAD repair surgery was high, and it increased the in-hospital and 30-day mortality. Reducing cardiopulmonary bypass time and RBC transfusions perioperatively, especially in elderly or patients with high body mass index, or patients with renal malperfusion preoperatively were important to prevent AKI after TAAD repair surgery.Systematic review registration number: INPLASY 202060100.
Development of a Prognostic Pyroptosis-Related Gene Signature for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patient
Authors: Zhu Weiwen , Zhang Jiayi , Wang Mengyao , Zhai Rundong , Xu Yanbin , Wang Jie , Wang Mengqi , Zhang Hang , Liu Laikui
Published: September 2021

Objective: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major threat to public health. Pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory programmed cell death that is still incompletely understood. The role of pyroptotic cell death in HNSCC remains to be fully defined. As such, the present study was developed to explore the potential prognostic utility of a pyroptosis-related gene (PRG) signature in HNSCC.Methods: PRG expression patterns and the associated mutational landscape in HNSCC were analyzed, after which a 6-gene prognostic model was constructed through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox regression analyses using the TCGA dataset, followed by validation with two GEO datasets (GSE41643 and GSE65858). Potential predictors of patient outcomes associated with this 6-gene model were identified through topological degree analyses of a protein-protein interaction network. Lastly, the prognostic value of NLRP3 as a predictor of HNSCC patient prognosis was established through immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses of samples from 176 HNSCC patients.Results: Differentially expressed PRGs were able to readily differentiate between HNSCC tumors and normal tissues. Risk scores derived from the 6-gene PRG model were independent predictors of HNSCC patient prognosis, and genes that were differentially expressed between low- and high-risk groups were associated with tumor immunity. IHC analyses further supported the value of NLRP3 as a predictor of HNSCC patient outcomes. Conclusions: Overall, these results highlight a novel prognostic gene signature that offers value in the context of HNSCC patient evaluation, although additional research will be essential to elucidate the mechanisms linking these PRGs to HNSCC outcomes.
Nordic Vaccination Strategies Face/off via Age Range Comparative Analysis on Key Indicators of COVID-19 Severity and Healthcare Stress Level
Authors: Islind Anna Sigríður , Óskarsdóttir María , Cot Corentin , Cacciapaglia Giacomo Cacciapaglia , Sannino Francesco
Published: September 2021

In this paper we analyze the impact of vaccinations on spread of the COVID-19 virus for different age groups. More specifically we examine the deployment of vaccines in the Nordic countries in a comparative analysis where we analyze factors such as healthcare stress level and severity of disease through new infections, hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy and deaths. Moreover, we analyze the impact of the various vaccine types, vaccination rate on the spread of the virus in each age group for Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden from the start of the vaccination period in December 2020 until the end of August 2021. We perform a three-fold analysis: i) frequency analysis of infections and vaccine rates by age groups, ii) rolling correlations between vaccination strategies, severity of COVID-19 and healthcare stress level and; iii) we also employ the epidemic Renormalization Group (eRG) framework. The latter is used to mathematically model wave structures, as well as the impact of vaccinations on wave dynamics. We further compare the Nordic countries with England. Our main results are the quantification of the impact of the vaccination campaigns on age groups epidemiological data, across countries with high vaccine uptake. The data clearly shows that vaccines markedly reduce the number of new cases and the risk of serious illness.