bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tenascin-c Knockdown Suppresses Vasculogenic Mimicry of Gastric Cancer by Inhibiting ERK- Triggered EMT
Authors: Kang Xing , xu en , wang Xingzhou , Qian Lulu , Yang Zhi , Yu Heng , Wang Chao , Ren Chuanfu , Lu Xiaofeng , Xia Xuefeng , Guan Wenxian , Qiao Tong
Published: February 2021

BackgroundGastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is considered to be the leading cause for the failure of anti-angiogenesis therapy in advanced gastric cancer patients. Tenascin-c (TNC) plays a pivotal role in VM. Thus, we explored the role of TNC in VM formation in gastric cancer.MethodsGastric cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues were collected from gastric cancer patients after surgery. We used western blot and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of TNC in tissues and used siRNA and lentivirus to knockdown the TNC expression in gastric cancer cell lines. Then three-dimensional culturing, CCK-8, Edu assay, flow cytometry, trasnwell and pseudopodia formation assay were used to evaluate the function of TNC in gastric cancer cells and bioinformatic prediction was used to explore the mechanism underlying TNC modulating the VM in gastric cancer. Xenograft and peritoneal dissemination model were used to further explore the role of TNC in vivo.ResultsIn this study, we demonstrated that TNC was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and correlated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer. Furthermore, knockdown of TNC significantly inhibited VM formation and proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, with a reduction in cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, TNC knockdown suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK and subsequently inhibited the process of EMT, both of which play an important role in VM formation. What’s more, rescue experiments showed that activation of p-ERK could reverse the suppressive role of TNC knockdown in gastric cancer cells.ConclusionsTNC plays an important role in VM formation in gastric cancer. Combining inhibition of TNC and ERK may be a potential therapeutic approach to inhibit gastric cancer growth and metastasis and decrease anti-angiogenic therapeutic resistance.
Fertility Treatments and the Risk of Preterm Birth Among Women with Subfertility: A Linked-Data Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sanders Jessica N , Simonsen Sara E , Porucznik Christina A , Hammoud Ahmad O , Smith Ken , Stanford Joseph
Published: February 2021

Background: In vitro fertilization (IVF) births contribute to a considerable proportion of preterm birth (PTB) each year. However, there is no formal surveillance of adverse perinatal outcomes for less invasive fertility treatments. The study objective was to determine the effect of fertility treatment (in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, usually with ovulation drugs (IUI), or ovulation drugs alone) on preterm birth, compared to no treatment in subfertile women.Methods: The Fertility Experiences Study (FES) is a retrospective cohort study conducted at the University of Utah between April 2010 and September 2012. Women with a history of primary subfertility self-reported treatment data via survey and interviews. Participant data were linked to birth certificates and fetal death records to asses for perinatal outcomes, particularly preterm birth.Results: A total 487 birth certificates and 3 fetal death records were linked as first births for study participants who completed questionnaires. Among linked births, 19% had a PTB. After adjustment for maternal age, paternal age, maternal education, annual income, religious affiliation, female or male fertility diagnosis, and duration of subfertility, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for PTB were 2.17 (CI: 0.99, 4.75) for births conceived using ovulation drugs, 3.17 (CI: 1.4, 7.19) for neonates conceived using IUI and 4.24 (CI: 2.05, 8.77) for neonates conceived by IVF, compared to women with subfertility who used no treatment during the month of conception. A reported diagnosis of female factor infertility increased the adjusted odds of having a PTB 2.99 (CI: 1.5, 5.97). Duration of pregnancy attempt was not independently associated with PTB. In restricting analyses to singleton gestation, odds ratios remained elevated but were not significant for any type of treatment.Conclusion: IVF, IUI, and ovulation drugs were all associated with a higher incidence of preterm birth and low birth weight, predominantly related to multiple gestation births.
Redox-Active Electrolyte based MnWO4//AC Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Donolikar Pratiksha , Patil Seema , Sadale Shivaji , Ryu Jungho , Patil Deepak
Published: February 2021

Finding supercapacitive materials with high energy and power densities has attracted significant interest in recent years. Herein, we are reporting layered MnWO4 nanostructure for supercapacitor applications. MnWO4//AC asymmetric cell was fabricated by using hydrothermally synthesized MnWO4 nanostructure as a cathode and activated carbon as an anode. Prior to device fabrication, the structural and electrochemical properties of MnWO4 were thoroughly studied. MnWO4//AC asymmetric cell with KOH electrolyte showed specific capacitance and energy density of 90 F/g (at 1 mA/cm2) and 51 Wh/kg, respectively. Upon addition of redox-active KI into KOH, both the specific capacitance and energy density were significantly enhanced (144 F/g and 90 Wh/Kg, respectively). The enhanced electrochemical properties of MnWO4//AC asymmetric cell can be attributed to the high-speed solution-phase Faradic reactions contributed by KI redox species in the KOH electrolyte.
Transfer Method of Geometric Tolerance Items Based on Assembly Joints
Authors: MA Ning , YANG Bo , LI Jinping , LIU Yanchao , WANG Dianxi , GAO Changqing
Published: February 2021

In order to reduce the uncertainty in the selection of geometric tolerance items, a qualitative method for top-down transfer of geometric tolerance items based on assembly joints is proposed. According to the structural characteristics, the assembly joints are divided into meta-assembly joints and composite assembly joints, and the priority rules for assembly joints are proposed. The transfer path of part-level geometric tolerance items is established according to the functional requirements and structural constraints among parts. On this basis, by adding information about the composition and constraint types of assembly joints between parts and the positioning constraint relationship of the general structure surface in the part, the transfer path of part-level geometric tolerance items is extended to the surface-level transfer path. The structural transformation rules for functional requirements based on structural constraints, the tolerance item generation specifications and datum transfer specifications are established. And based on the above specifications, the mapping relationship between functional requirements, structural constraints and geometric tolerance items is defined. The synchronous transmission of geometric tolerance items along with the product design process are realized which provides an effective analysis tool for the top-down design of geometric tolerance items. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified by taking the transmission parts and connection parts in the crankshaft-piston mechanism as an example.
Short Daytime Napping Reduces the Risk of Cognitive Decline in Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals: a 5-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kitamura Kaori , Watanabe Yumi , Nakamura Kazutoshi , Takano Chikako , Hayashi Naomi , Sato Hisami , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: February 2021

Background: Beneficial effects of napping on cognition have been suggested in cross-sectional studies. This study aimed to clarify longitudinal associations between cognitive decline and sleep characteristics, particularly daytime napping, over a 5-year period in older adults. Methods: Study participants were 389 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years living in Ojiya City, Niigata, Japan. Baseline and follow-up examinations were conducted in 2011-2013 and 2016-2018, respectively. Trained nurses visited and interviewed participants to collect the following information: demographic characteristics, disease history, lifestyle habits including sleep and daytime napping, and cognitive function at baseline; and cognitive function at follow-up. The assessment of cognitive function was performed using the revised Hasegawa’s dementia scale (HDS-R), with cognitive decline defined as a 5-year change in HDS-R of ≤–3. Odds ratios (ORs) for cognitive decline were calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: Mean age of participants was 74.6 years (SD 6.4), and the cumulative incidence of cognitive decline was 106/389 (27.3%). The multivariable-adjusted OR for 1-29 min daytime napping was significantly lower compared to that for no napping (OR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.23-0.96). Bedtime was inversely associated with cognitive decline (multivariable-adjusted P for trend=0.0480).Conclusion: Short daytime napping (<30 min) reduces the risk of 5-year cognitive decline in community-dwelling older people. A future study will be necessary to confirm the effect of short napping on the reduction of risk for clinically diagnosed dementia.
Soil causes gut microbiota to flourish and total serum IgE levels to decrease in mice
Authors: Zhou Dongrui , Li Na , Yang Fan , Zhang Honglin , Bai Zhimao , Dong Yangyang , Li Mengjie , Zhu Wenyong , Fei Zhongjie , Xiao Pengfeng , Sun Xiao , Lu Zuhong
Published: February 2021

Background
Traditional farm environments provide protection from allergic diseases. In this study, farm environmental factors were classified into three categories: environmental microbes, soil, and organic matter. To explore the impact of soil and environmental microorganisms on gut microbiota and immune function, mice were fed sterilized soil, soil microbes (in lieu of environmental microbes), or non-sterilized soil.
Results
Metagenomic sequencing results showed that the intake of sterile soil while inhaling a small amount of soil microbes in the air, increased gut microbial diversity and the abundance of type III secretion system (T3SS) genes and decreased total serum IgE levels induced by 2-4-dinitrofluorobenzene. The intake of soil microbes increased the abundance of genes involved in the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids and amino acid biosynthesis. By contrast, the intake of soil increased gut microbial diversity, the abundance of T3SS genes and related infectious elements, and genes associated with the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids and amino acid biosynthesis and decreased serum IgE levels. The immune function was positively and significantly correlated with the bacterial secretion system genes, especially with that of T3SS.
Conclusions
An important mechanism through which farm environments exert a protective effect against allergic diseases could be by serving as a “prebiotic” promoting the reproduction and growth of some intestinal microorganisms that harbor bacterial secretion system genes, especially those of T3SS, whose abundance was positively and significantly correlated with innate immune function of mice.
Osseous tools and personal ornaments from the Epigravettian sequence at Badanj
Authors: Borić Dušan , Cristiani Emanuela , Pravidur Andrijana , Marić Ana , Whallon Robert
Published: February 2021

The Late Upper Palaeolithic (Epigravettian) sequence at Badanj has yielded an important dataset about the occupation of the hinterland of the Eastern Adriatic catchment zone in the late Pleniglacial. The site also harbors one of the rare occurrences of Upper Palaeolithic parietal “art” in southeastern Europe in the form of a large rock engraving. Another notable aspect of the site is the presence of engravings on portable objects made from bone. The first excavations at Badanj, conducted in 1976–1979 in the zone around the engraved rock, yielded a surprisingly large number of personal ornaments (over 1000 specimens) from a variety of primarily marine gastropods, scaphopods, and bivalves, and red deer canines. Here we review what is currently known about the site and report our preliminary findings from the study of the collection of personal ornaments as well as osseous tools, some of which were marked by regular incisions forming decorative motifs. We also report two new direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates on antler barbed points.
Mibefradil inhibits the proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer by targeting AURKA to regulate apoptosis signal pathway
Authors: Han Xu , Qu Xiujuan , Liu Beixing , Wang Yizhe , Cheng Yang , Lu Wenqing , He Xin , Tang Shiying , Liu Yunpeng , Che Xiaofang , Teng Yuee
Published: February 2021

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a tumor characterized by high recurrence and mortality, but without effective targeted therapy. It is urgent to explore new treatment strategy to improve the efficacy of TNBC therapy. Methods: Transcriptomic profiling datasets of TNBC were used for screening TNBC specific gene sets. Drug prediction was performed in Connectivity map (CMap) database. Molecular docking method was used for analyzing drug targets. In vitro and in vivo models of TNBC were constructed to examine the drug efficacy. Results: We screened out Mibefradil, a T-type Ca2+ channel blocker, might be a potential therapeutic drug for TNBC by transcriptomics and bioinformatics analysis, and verified that Mibefradil could inhibit the proliferation of TNBC cells by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, by network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, AURKA was predicted as the most possible drug target of Mibefradil. Finally, it was proved that Mibefradil treatment could induce apoptosis by decreasing protein expression and phosphorylation level of AURKA in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Mibefradil played anti-cancer role in TNBC cells by targeting to AURKA to induce cell cycle and apoptosis. Our results repurposed Mibefradil as a potential targeted drug of TNBC and provided a fundamental research for a novel strategy TNBC treatment.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of holes on the springback in cold roll forming of UHSS
Authors: Liu Zhi-min , Zhang Pan , liu xiaoli , zhang ming , ma qiang , huang suxia , wang yanhui , zhao rongguo
Published: February 2021

Ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) pre-notched sections are getting growing popularity in the automotive industry with the development of automotive lightweight. However, the springback of UHSS products is large, and the existence of holes also has an effect on the springback. Accurate prediction of springback of UHSS pre-notched products in cold roll forming ( CRF ) is a key issue to be solved. In this paper, the effect of holes on the springback of UHSS in CRF is discussed by simulation and experiment. The finite element model of pre-notched car threshold was constructed, and its accuracy was validated by continuous CRF experiment. The mathematical model of variable elastic modulus determined by tensile tests of martensite (MS) 1300 was applied in finite element model. The accuracy of springback was improved by 15% in the hole region by using variable elastic modulus . Several forming schemes were designed to research the effect of different features on the springback in the hole region. The results show that the existence of holes reduces the springback and the effect is different at different positions of the car threshold. The springback in the hole region decreases with the increase of the number of stands, the strip thickness and the hole diameter, and with the decrease of the distance between stands and the distance between holes. This study provides a help for reducing the influence of holes on the springback and improving the forming precision of pre-notched sections in the actual production of CRF.
Fixed-Time Bounded H Infinity Tracking Control of a Single-Joint Manipulator System with Input Saturation
Authors: chen ming
Published: February 2021

Based on Lyapunov finite-time stability theory and backstepping strategy, we put forward a novel fixed-time bounded H infinity tracking control scheme for a single-joint manipulator system with input saturation. The main control objective is to maintain that the system output variable tracks the desired signal at fixed time. The advantages of this paper are the settling time of the tracking error converging to the origin is independent of the initial conditions, and its convergence speed is more faster. Meanwhile, bounded H infinity control is adopted to suppress the influence of the external disturbances on the controlled system. At the same time, the problem of input saturation control is considered, which effectively reduce the input energy consumption. Theoretical analysis shows that the tracking error of the closed-loop system converges to a small neighborhood of the origin within fixed time. In the end, a simulation example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
The influence of the structure of pyromellitic acid on the luminescence intensity of graphene oxide/rare earth complexes hybrid materials
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiong , zhang wenjun , Dong Hui , Liu Qianqian
Published: February 2021

The development of graphene oxide/rare earth complexes luminescent materials is limited due to the strong quenching ability of graphene oxide. However, the hybrid materials with pyromellitic acid (PMA) as ligand not only have better performance, but also have stronger luminescence intensity. Herein we tested the effect of the carboxylic acid structure of PMA on the luminescence intensity of graphene oxide/rare earth complexes hybrid materials. Phthalic acid (PA), Isophthalic acid (i-PA) and Terephthalic acid (p-PA) are selected as test ligand, representing the o-position, meta-position and para-position effects of PMA. By comparing the luminescence intensity, we found that o-position effect is helpful for the ligand to sensitize rare earth ions, and meta-position and para-position effects are helpful for the graphene oxide sheets (GOSs) to improve the luminescence intensity of hybrid materials and inhibit the quenching effect of the GOSs. Furthermore, we speculate on the relationship between the distance of π-π stacking of GOSs and rare earth complexes and luminescence intensity of hybrid materials. This work provides an important reference for the design of graphene oxide/rare-earth aromatic carboxylic acid hybrid luminescent materials.
Riverine barriers to gene flow in a salamander with both aquatic and terrestrial reproduction
Authors: Vázquez Clara Figueiredo , Lourenço André , Velo-Anton Guillermo
Published: February 2021

The riverine barrier hypothesis (RBH) posits that rivers comprise geographical barriers to gene flow for terrestrial organisms, thus promoting genetic differentiation between populations. Here, we explored the RBH on larviparous and pueriparous populations of the live-bearing fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). While larviparous fire salamanders exhibit a semi-aquatic life cycle (females deposit pre-metamorphic larvae on water), pueriparous salamanders present a fully terrestrial life cycle (females deliver terrestrial juveniles) and, therefore, a greater independence from water for survival and reproduction. We performed a fine-scale sampling of opposite transects in 11 rivers (six and five for larviparous and pueriparous populations, respectively) to test the hypothesis that rivers are more effective barriers for pueriparous salamanders due to their fully terrestrial life cycle. We carried out individual- and population-based genetic analyses using 14 microsatellites and a mitochondrial marker to examine the extent to which rivers hinder short- and long-term gene flow. We found that rivers are semi-permeable obstacles for both larviparous and pueriparous populations, although they appear to be more effective barriers for the latter when rivers with similar attributes are compared. We also found that river width and possibly the presence of crossing structures may influence the genetic barrier effects of rivers in fire salamanders. This is one of the very few studies in amphibians showing how different reproductive strategies influence the barrier effects imposed by rivers.
A comparative study on a complex URM building. Part II: issues on modelling and seismic analysis through continuum and discrete-macroelement models
Authors: Castellazzi Giovanni , Pantò Bartolomeo , Occhipinti Giuseppe , Talledo Diego Alejandro , Berto Luisa , Camata Guido
Published: February 2021

The paper presents the comparison of the results obtained on a masonry building by nonlinear static analysis using different software operating in the field of continuum and discrete-macroelement modeling. The structure is inspired by an actual building, the "P. Capuzi" school in Visso (Macerata, Italy), seriously damaged following the seismic events that affected Central Italy from August 2016 to January 2017. The activity described is part of a wider research program carried out by various units involved in the ReLUIS 2017/2108 - Masonry Structures project and having as its object the analysis of benchmark structures for the evaluation of the reliability of software packages. The comparison of analysis was carried out in relation to: global parameters (concerning the dynamic properties, capacity curves and equivalent bilinear curves), synthetic parameters of structural safety (such as, for example, the maximum acceleration compatible with the life safety limit state) and the response in terms of simulated damage. The results allow for some insights on the use of continuum and discrete-macroelement modeling, with respect to the dispersion of the results and on the potential repercussions in the professional field. This response was also analyzed considering different approaches for the application of loads. URM building.
Substituent effects and Mechanism Studies in CO2 Transformation to Benzoxazinone Derivatives as Worthwhile N-containing Heterocycles: insight from DFT simulation
Authors: Izadyar Mohammad , Sabet-Sarvestani Hossein , Eshghi Hossein
Published: February 2021

Investigation of CO2 transformation into value-added organic molecules is an interesting purpose in scientific communities. Here, the substitute effect exploration in CO2 incorporation reaction toward benzoxazinones formation, as a bioactive heterocyclic compound, is the main studied issue. A profound understanding of the substituent effect is helpful toward the investigation of the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of the reaction. The substituted arynes, an imine compound, and atmospheric CO2 have been reported as the starting reactants. The substituted functional groups show substantial consequences on the studied mechanisms. The obtained results show that mechanism A, in which the imine compound is added as a nucleophile to arynes, is the most probable mechanism. The Energetic Span Model (ESM) was used in the kinetic studies, which indicates the turnover-frequency determining intermediate (TDI) and turnover-frequency determining transition state (TDTS) in the reaction progress. Also, Electron localization function (ELF) analyses reveal that the electron density of a developing monosynaptic basin on the carbon atom (V(C)) at the transition state shows a good linear correlation with the calculated energy values of TDTS. Electron-withdrawing and electron-releasing characters of the substituents have the main effects on the electron density of the developing basin at the transition states which change the TDTS energies.
Band Gap Tailoring, Size Modulation and Photoluminescence Properties of Mn/Cu doped ZnS Nanostructures
Authors: Binu P.J. , Muthukumaran S.
Published: February 2021

ZnS, Mn added ZnS (Zn0.97Mn0.03S) and Mn, Cu dual doped ZnS (Zn0.95Mn0.03Cu0.02S) QDs have been prepared using co-precipitation technique. The influence of Mn and Cu addition on the morphology, structure and photoluminescence properties of Mn/Cu incorporated ZnS have been examined. Cubic structure of the synthesized samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. The incorporation of Cu in Zn-Mn-S lattice not only decreased the particle/grain size and also generates more defect based luminescent activation centres. The reduced energy gap by Mn addition was explained by sp-d exchange interaction and the elevated energy gap in Cu, Mn dual doped ZnS was expalined by Burstein–Moss effect. The tuning phenomenon of size as well as the energy gap in ZnS by Mn/Cu addition promote these materials for nano-electronic applications. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of Mn/Cr-Zn-S bondings. The substitution of Mn /Cu provides an effective control over tuning of different emission colours which signifies their applications like light emitting diodes.
Auto-combustion Fabrication and Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Degradation of Reactive Red 195 and Methyl Orange Dyes
Authors: Abdelrazik Ayman Awad Ali , Ahmed Ibrahim S. , Amin Alaa S. , Gneidy Mai M.
Published: February 2021

A new preparation method has been successfully utilized for the fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the auto-combustion method and fuels (tartaric acid: TA and citric acid: CA) with molar ratio (Zn:TA:CA=1:1:0, 1:0:0.55 and 1:0.5:0.275). The as-fabricated ZTA, ZCA and ZCTA samples annealed at 500 oC for two hours. The calcined zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated by various tools such as XRD, DRS, FT-IR, and HR-TEM. The average crystallite size of the fabricated zinc oxide was determined to be 24-39 nm. The direct band gap, lattice parameters, unit cell volume (V), the dislocation density (D) and the Zn-O bond length (L) of the synthesized ZTA, ZCA and ZCTA samples were determined. The synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles are used as nanocatalyst for photodegradation of reactive red 195 and methyl orange dyes under UV light irradiation. The degradation of reactive red 195 dye was 91-94 % after 70 min over the synthesized zinc oxide and the values of degradation increased to be 99-99.8 % in 50 min with H2O2 under UV light irradiation. Also, the degradation of methyl orange dye was 57.55-70.57 % after 300 min over the synthesized zinc oxide (ZTA, ZCA and ZCTA samples) and the values of degradation increased to be 81-95 % in 70 min with H2O2 under UV light irradiation. Finally, the appeared rate constant (Kapp) is determined and the mechanism of the photocatalysis process is suggested for the degradation of the dyes over the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles.
Annihilation of clamor and unfortunate vibrations in liquidizer processor utilizing BLDC motor and piezoelectric material
Authors: MANIVASAGAM R.
Published: February 2021

Commotion is associate irritating style of contamination. It makes our ear shut to another sound apart from that of the liquidizer processor engine that is used transcendentally in our family units. BLDC Motor are often utilized for liquidizer processor with most extreme productivity and commotion decrease contrasted with this Universal Motor. The BLDC engine aboard a electricity electrical device material diminishes vital commotion and the electricity delivered by electricity material is likewise accustomed charge electric battery that decreases the force utilization from the first supply.
Green Fabrication of Thermal-stable oxidized Cellulose Nanocrystals by Evolutive Fenton Reaction and In-Situ Nanoreinforced Thermoplastic Starch
Authors: Gao Bingbing , Yang Jiahui , Zhang Shuidong , Li Xiangyu
Published: February 2021

High performances fiber and improved interfacial interaction can enhance the properties of polymer composites. Herein, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was oxidized by H2O2/CuSO4, a new Fenton process, to achieve oxidized MCC (OCNCs) with 16 ± 1% carboxyl content. Noteworthy, the thermal stability of OCNC was superior to CNC prepared by acid hydrolysis. Interestingly, the primary alcohol groups of MCC were selective oxidized and OCNCs achieved 11.0 nm, 231.6 nm and 72% of average diameter, length and degree of crystallinity, respectively. Then glycerol, starch and OCNCs were reactive extruded to fabricate TPS/OCNC bionanocomposites and their structure and performances were evaluated systematically. Strikingly, significant improvement in glass transition temperature (from 63.1 to 94.5 °C) and notch impact strength (from 1.3 to 3.9 kJ/m2) were noted for the amorphous TPS/OCNC with 1 wt% OCNC, and its tensile strength achieved 20.5 MPa, simultaneously. The improved mechanism of these performances was assigned to In-Situ forming “Carboxyl-Hydroxyl” hydrogen bonds which acted as the physically cross-linking interactions and improved the interfacial compatibility. We showcase Fenton reaction and reactive extrusion as the facile strategy to prepare sustainable and biodegradable TPS/OCNC bionanocomposites with properties more suitable for daily applications to replace petroleum-based plastic and eliminated the pollution of “microplastics.”
The Protective Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Metallothionein-3 Expression in Liver and Kidney Upon Rats’ Exposure to Lead Acetate
Authors: Mazandaran Ardeshir Afshar , Khodarahmi Parvin
Published: February 2021

Metallothionein-3 (MT3) is an antioxidant protein that alters after exposure to heavy metals. In this study, we investigated the hepatic and renal expression of MT3 gene following exposure to lead acetate (PbAc) alone and PbAc plus CoQ10 as an adjuvant antioxidant. Twenty-four rats were allocated into three groups, including control, PbAc (free access to drinking water contaminated with PbAc at 1g/100ml), and PbAc plus CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day Oral). After 28 consecutive days of treatment, the mRNA expression of MT3 and Cyt-c genes and MT3 protein levels were assessed using real-time PCR and immunosorbent assay. The serum lipid profile was also monitored in the three groups. PbAc exposure significantly reduced the hepatic and renal MT3 mRNA and protein expression compared to the control group. This reduction was significantly increased with addition of CoQ10 to levels near those of the control group. The hepatic and renal expression of Cyt-c mRNA increased after treatment with PbAc, while such effect was reversed after addition of CoQ10. Alteration in lipid profile including increased cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were observed after PbAc exposure which were counteracted by CoQ10. Our results confirm the cytotoxic effects of acute lead exposure manifested as changes in the serum lipid profile and cellular levels of Cyt-c mRNA. These cytotoxic effects may have been caused by decreased MT3 gene expression and be reduced by the protective role of CoQ10.
The role of mental health symptomology and quality of life in predicting referrals to special child and adolescent mental health services
Authors: Yoon Yeosun and , Deighton Jessica , Wickersham Alice , Edbrooke-Childs Julian , Osborn David , Viding Essi , Downs Johnny
Published: February 2021

BackgroundChildren and adolescents’ mental health problems have been largely assessed with conventional symptom scales, for example, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) given that it is one of the mostly widely used measures in specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). However, this emphasis on symptom scales might have missed some important features of the mental health challenges that children and young people experience including day to day functioning and life satisfaction aspect (i.e. qualify of life).MethodThe study examined longitudinal association between a young person’s self-perceptions of quality of life and mental health difficulties and referral to specialist CAMHS service using a population cohort study (Targeted Mental Health in Schools service data) nested within a large-scale linkage between school (National Pupil Data base) and child mental health service administrative data (South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust children and adolescent mental health services health records). Cox proportional hazard regression to estimate crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between participant psychopathology, and incidence of CAMHS referral.ResultsPupils experiencing more behavioural difficulties, had an increased incidence of CAMHS referral (adjusted hazard ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval 1.0-1.2). However, pupils who reported higher health related quality of life had a lower incidence of CAMHS referral over the follow-up period (adjusted hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.9–0.98).ConclusionChildren and young people’s perception of their quality of life should be considered at the stages of a clinical needs assessment.
Prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among blood donors in Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Free State provinces of South Africa in January 2021.
Authors: Sykes Wendy , Mhlanga Laurette , Swanevelder Ronel , Glatt Tanya Nadia , Grebe Eduard , Coleman Charl , Pieterson Nadia , Cable Russell , Welte Alex , Berg Karin van den , Vermeulen Marion
Published: February 2021

Background: Population-level estimates of prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity (seroprevalence) is a crucial epidemiological indicator for tracking the Covid-19 epidemic. Such data are in short supply, both internationally and in South Africa. The South African blood services (the South African National Blood Service, SANBS and the Western Cape Blood Service, WCBS) are coordinating a nationally representative survey of blood donors, which it is hoped can become a cost-effective surveillance method with validity for community-level seroprevalence estimation.Methods: Leveraging existing arrangements, SANBS human research ethics committee permission was obtained to test blood donations collected on predefined days (7th, 10th ,12th ,15th ,20th ,23th and 25th January) for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, using the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay on the cobas e411 platform currently available in the blood services’ donation testing laboratories. Using standard methods, prevalence analysis was done by province, age and race, allowing age to be regarded as either a continuous or categorical variable. Testing was performed in the Eastern Cape (EC), Free State (FS), KwaZulu Natal (ZN) and Northern Cape (NC) provinces.Results: We report on data from 4858 donors - 1457 in EC; 463 in NC; 831 in FS and 2107 in ZN. Prevalence varied substantially across race groups and between provinces, with seroprevalence among Black donors consistently several times higher than among White donors, and the other main population groups (Coloured and Asian) not consistently represented in all provinces. There is no clear evidence that seroprevalence among donors varies by age. Weighted net estimates of prevalence (in the core age range 15-69) by province (compared with official clinically-confirmed COVID-19 case rates in mid-January 2021) are: EC-63%(2.8%), NC-32%(2.2%), FS-46%(2.4%), and ZN-52%(2.4%).Conclusions: Our study demonstrates substantial differences in dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 infection between different race groups, most likely explained by historically based differences in socio-economic status and housing conditions. As has been seen in other areas, even such high seroprevalence does not guarantee population-level immunity against new outbreaks – probably due to viral evolution and waning of antibody neutralization. Despite its limitations, notably a ‘healthy donor’ effect, it seems plausible that these estimates are reasonably generalisable to actual population level anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, but should be further verified.
Size Doesn’t Matter, Performance Does: Assessing Micro-Ribonucleic Acids as Potent Cardio-Specific Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Wulandari Prima Hapsari
Published: February 2021

The severe and acute manifestation of coronary artery disease (CAD) is acute coronary syndrome (ACS); therefore, prompt diagnosis can save lives. Cardiac biomarkers that are accepted to use in evaluating ACS are creatine kinase muscle/brain subtype (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (CTnI), or cardiac troponin T (CTnT). However, these markers have several drawbacks, such as prolonged time to rise for prompt diagnosis and elevation in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Lately, potential, novel candidates for cardiac ischemia biomarkers have been developed, one of which is micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs). miRNAs are potential due to their remarkable reproducibility and stability. Several miRNAs, such as, miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, miR-208a, miR-208b, and miR-499a, greatly rise in concentration in the plasma or serum of patients with acute cardiac ischemia, signifying their cardiac specificity and promising biomarkers in patients with ACS. This systematic review aims to elucidate the role of cardio-specific miRNA in acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) and its relationship with other cardiac biomarkers.
A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol examining the clinical characteristics and epidemiological features of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Tan Rosemond Qian-Xiu , Li Wai Tak Victor , Shum Wing-Zi , Chu Sheung Chit , Li Hang-Long , Shea Yat-Fung , Chung Tom Wai-Hin
Published: February 2021

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused recurring and major outbreaks in multiple human populations around the world. The plethora of clinical presentations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been described extensively, of which olfactory dysfunction (OD) was established as an important and common extrapulmonary manifestation of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this protocol is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on peer-reviewed articles which described clinical data of OD in COVID-19 patients. Methods This research protocol has been prospectively registered with the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42020196202). CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Central, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PubMed, as well as Chinese medical databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and WANFANG will be searched using keywords including “COVID-19”, “coronavirus disease”, “2019-nCoV”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “novel coronavirus”, “anosmia”, “hyposmia”, “loss of smell”, and “olfactory dysfunction”. Systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Articles will be screened according to pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria to extract studies that include new clinical data investigating the effect of COVID-19 on olfactory dysfunction. Included articles will be reviewed in full; data including patient demographics, clinical characteristics of COVID-19-related OD, methods of olfactory assessment, and relevant clinical outcomes will be extracted. Statistical analyses will be performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3. Discussion This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol will aim to collate and synthesise all available clinical evidence regarding COVID-19-related OD as an important neurosensory dysfunction of COVID-19 infection. A comprehensive search strategy and screening process will be conducted to incorporate broad clinical data for robust statistical analyses and representation. The outcome of the systematic review and meta-analysis will aim to improve our understanding of the symptomatology and clinical characteristics of COVID-19-related OD and identify knowledge gaps in its disease process, which will guide future research in this specific neurosensory defect.Systematic Review registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020196202
Involving elderly research participants in the co-design of a future multi-generational cohort study
Authors: Nunn Jack , Sulovski Merrin , Tiller Jane , Holloway Bruce , Ayton Darshini , Lacaze Paul
Published: February 2021

Background: It has been proposed that the existing ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly Extension observational cohort study (ASPREE-XT) would provide a platform for a future multigenerational research study (MGRS). An advert was sent to 14,268 participants (aged 74 years and older, from Australia, and located in both metropolitan and rural locations) to invite them to share views and preferences about being involved in the co-design of a future MGRS, as their preferences were not known. The objective of this article is to report as a case study the process of involving study participants and how this impacted the co-design of a proposed multi-generational research study, using a novel standardised reporting tool. Methods: We used participatory action research to involve elderly research participants in the co-design of a proposed multi-generational cohort study between 2017-2019 using newsletters, telephone interviews and an in-person workshop. We used the novel ‘Standardised Data on Initiatives Alpha Version 0.1’ (STARDIT 0.1) to plan and report how participant involvement activities positively impacted the study design.Results: Fifty-nine ASPREE-XT participants were interviewed by telephone and 18 participants attended a face-to-face event. Involving participants positively impacted the proposed study design by improving the research objectives, developing protocols, influencing funding decisions and improving ethics applications. Learning points included the importance of maintaining the ideals of ASPREE-XT (respect, quality and transparency); research participants’ preference for the option of receiving results (including genetic results); participants’ need for involvement in decisions about recruitment, data access, governance and other ethical issues; and the preference for different communication methods, including both face-to-face and online methods. Data from the process indicated it was highly valued by all stakeholders, including research participants, study staff and lead investigators. Involvement of participants was described by a lead study investigator of ASPREE-XT as “enormously helpful”.Conclusions: This case study demonstrates that including participants in the design of a research study positively impacted the study design, participants and researchers. Using a standardised reporting tool to describe the methods and impacts provides a way for learning from this case study to inform future research studies planning to involve people.
Prevalence of post intensive care syndrome among Japanese intensive care unit patients: A prospective, multicenter, observational J-PICS study
Authors: Kawakami Daisuke , Fujitani Shigeki , Morimoto Takeshi , Dote Hisashi , Takita Mumon , Takaba Akihiro , Hino Masaaki , Nakamura Michitaka , Irie Hiromasa , Adachi Tomohiro , Shibata Mami , Kataoka Jun , Korenaga Akira , Yamashita Tomoya , Okazaki Tomoya , Okumura Masatoshi , Tsunemitsu Takefumi
Published: February 2021

Background Many studies have compared quality of life of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) patients with age-matched population-based controls. Many studies on PICS used the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) health survey questionnaire version 2 but lack the data for SF-36 values before and after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Thus, clinically important changes in the parameters of SF-36 are unknown. Therefore, we determined the frequency of co-occurrence of PICS impairments at 6 months after ICU admission. We also evaluated the changes in SF-36 subscales and interpreted the patients’ subjective significance of impairment.Methods A prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study was conducted in 16 ICUs across 14 hospitals in Japan. Adult ICU patients expected to receive mechanical ventilation for >48 hours were enrolled, and their 6-month outcome was assessed using the questionnaires. PICS definition was based on the physical status, indicated by the change in SF-36 physical component score (PCS) ≥10 points; mental status, indicated by the change in SF-36 mental component score (MCS) ≥10 points; and cognitive function, indicated by the worsening of Short-Memory Questionnaire (SMQ) score and SMQ score at 6 months <40. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with PICS occurrence. The patients’ subjective significance of physical and mental symptoms was assessed using the 7-scale Global Assessment Rating to evaluate minimal clinically important difference (MCID).Results Among 192 patients, 48 (25%) died at 6 months. Among the survivors at 6 months, 96 patients responded to the questionnaire; ≥1 PICS impairment occurred in 61 (63.5%) patients, and ≥2 occurred in 17 (17.8%) patients. Physical, mental, and cognitive impairments occurred in 32.3%, 14.6%, and 37.5% patients, respectively. Population with only mandatory education was associated with PICS occurrence (odds ratio: 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–18.8, P=0.029). The MCID of PCS and MCS scores was 6.5 and 8.0, respectively.Conclusions Among the survivors who received mechanical ventilation, 64% had PICS at 6 months; co-occurrence of PICS impairments occurred in 20%. PICS was associated with population with only mandatory education. Future studies elucidating the MCID of SF-36 scores among ICU patients and standardizing the PICS definition are required. Trial registration UMIN000034072
Effect of an intervention on antibiotic prescription control for respiratory diseases: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yue Chang , Cui Zhezhe , Yang Guanghong , He Xun , Wang Lei , Xin Zhang , Tang Lei
Published: February 2021

Background The global health system is improperly using antibiotics, particularly in the treatment of respiratory diseases. We aimed to examine the effectiveness of implementing a unifaceted or multifaceted intervention for unreasonable antibiotic prescriptions.
Methods Relevant literature published in the databases of Pubmed, Embase, Science Direct, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese Journal Full-text (CNKI) and Wanfang was searched. Data were independently filtered and extracted by two reviewers based on a pre-designed inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Cochrane collaborative bias risk tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.
Results A total of 1,074 relevant studies were obtained of which 69 were included in the systematic review. Fifty-nine studies reported positive results, that is, the primary results in the intervention groups were superior to those in the control groups. The remaining 10 studies had negative or partially negative results. In 22 studies the outcome variable was the antibiotic prescription rate with detailed reports of the number of prescriptions being further analyzed, of which 19 involved educational interventions for doctors, including: (1) Online training using email, web pages and webinar, (2) Antibiotic guidelines for information dissemination measures by email, postal or telephone reminder, (3) Training doctors in communication skills, (4) Short-term interactive educational seminars, and (5) Short-term field training sessions. Seventeen studies of interventions for health care workers also included: (6) Regular or irregular assessment/audit of antibiotic prescriptions, (7) Prescription recommendations from experts and peers delivered at a meeting or online, (8) Publicly reporting on doctors' antibiotic usage to patients, hospital administrators, and health authorities, (9) Monitoring/feedback prescribing behavior to general practices by email or poster, and (10) Studies involving patients and their families (n=10). Seventeen studies were rated as having a low risk of bias while five were rated as having a high risk of bias.
Conclusion Implementing multiple interventions in health care institutions can effectively reduce antibiotic prescription rates. Adding multiple feedback interventions to educational interventions may be a more reasonable control method.
Registrations: This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42020192560.