bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Cycle Training for Non-Critical Care Physicians to Meet Intensive Care Unit Staff Shortage At An Academic Training Center In A Developing Country During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bakhsh Abdullah , Asiri Razan , Alotaibi Hadeel , Boker Abdulaziz
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe sudden unexpected increase in critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), resulted in an urgent need for expanding the physician workforce. A COVID-19 Critical Care Crash Course was implemented to introduce physicians without prior critical care experience to care for critically ill COVID-19 patients. Upon successful completion of the course, physicians were recruited to work in a COVID-19 ICU under supervision of a board-certified critical care physician. The aim of this study is to describe the methods of a novel course designed specifically to teach the management critically ill COVID-19 patients, while assessing the change in knowledge, skill competency, and self-reported confidence.MethodsThe 1-day focused COVID-19 critical care crash course is composed of both virtual and practical components. Candidates may register for the practical component only after successful completion of the virtual component. We assessed knowledge acquisition using a multiple-choice question test (pre- and post-test assessment), skill competency, and self-reported confidence levels during simulated patient settings.ResultsSixty-five physicians/trainees from different specialties were included in the analysis. Knowledge significantly increased from 14.92± 3.20 (out of 20 multiple-choice questions) to 18.81± 1.40 (p< 0.01), skill competence during practical stations had a mean minimum of 2 (out of 3), and self-reported confidence during a simulated patient setting increased significantly from 4.98± 1.15 (out of 10) to 8.76± 1.10 (out of 10) (p< 0.01).ConclusionPhysicians with no prior critical care experience can acquire relevant knowledge, perform sufficient basic skills and work confidently in a team after completing a focused 1-day evidence-based course, in order to increase critical care physician workforce.
Heavy metal in honey bees, honey and pollen produced in different locations of Konya province in Turkey
Authors: Bayir Huseyin , Aygun Ali
Published: March 2022

We investigated the levels of heavy metals in honey bee, honey and pollen samples obtained from different locations of Konya City in Turkey. Five honey-bee colonies were placed in eight different locations, four of them around the city center and four in rural areas, in the province of Konya City in Turkey. Heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) levels were determined in honey-bee, honey, and pollen samples taken from these colonies, with comparison between samples from urban and rural areas. The values of Cd and Pb in honey samples and those of Cd in pollen samples did not differ significantly among the locations. All heavy metal values of honey bee samples were lower in rural areas than in urban areas (P < 0.05). Significant statistical differences were determined for Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn values of honey and pollen samples among the locations (P < 0.05). Heavy metal values of honey and pollen samples obtained from different locations were in agreement with the International Food Standard values.
HCMV infection activates NLRP3 inflammasome by releasing mtDNA into cytosol in human THP-1 cells
Authors: Xu Xi , Lu Yutian , Huang Kaizhao , Guo Binhan , Fang Yangyang , Lai Meimei , Lan Linhua , Peng Ying , Zheng Xiaoqun
Published: March 2022

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection of monocytes results in the production of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The objective of the study was to explore the mechanism behind the activation of inflammation. HCMV infection activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and enhanced the secretion of IL-1β in THP-1 cells. Besides, HCMV infection caused mitochondrial dysfunction, including excessive ROS production, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased mitochondrial fusion. Importantly, the infection reduced the expression of TFAM protein and the release of mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm, which may contribute to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Collectively, our finding suggests that HCMV infection may activate NLRP3 inflammasome by releasing mtDNA into the cytosol in human THP-1 cells and provides novel insights into the innate immune response against HCMV infection.
Association of thrombus histopathology with mechanical thrombectomy: an in vitro study tested by thromboelastography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu Xing-Long , Wang Bin , Zu Qing-Quan , Shi Hai-Bin , Liu Sheng
Published: March 2022

Objective: To detect the association between the content of red blood cell (RBC) within thrombi and thromboelastography, magnetic resonance imaging and retrieving strength during thrombectomy in vitro.Methods: Arterial and venous blood samples, considered as RBC-rich groups, were collected from twenty healthy beagle dogs under general anesthesia. RBCs were diminished by gathering the plasma and buffy coat layer after centrifugation. Then samples were grouped as: arterial whole blood group, venous whole blood group, arterial plasma group and venous plasma group. Blood routine test and coagulation test were used to quantify the content of RBC, platelet and fibrin. After tested by thromboelastography, these four groups of blood samples were proceed to clots and compared by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), HE staining and mechanical thrombectomy in vitro. Results: TEG assay showed MA of whole blood groups with high RBCs was significantly higher than that of plasma groups. MRI demonstrated the plasma clots were much more homogeneous than whole blood samples. T2 value of plasma clots on GRE T2*MR imaging sequence were higher than that of whole blood groups (P<0.001). The whole blood clots showed significant higher tension, but were more fragile compared with that of plasma clots. Moreover, clot tension was found positively correlated with MA.Conclusion: RBC-rich clots showed lower T2 value, higher retrieving strength but more fragile during mechanical thrombectomy in vitro compared with those of plasma clots. Further, the retrieving strength was positively correlated with MA.
Identification of Potentially Invasive Wood Borers From China Using Sentinel Gardens of Stressed American Trees
Authors: Ernstsons A. Simon , Li You , Ji Yingchao , Wang Bo , Ruan Yongying , Hulcr Jiri
Published: March 2022

Thousands of insect species have been introduced to non-native regions around the world; many have harmlessly integrated into the new ecosystems, while some became agents of mortality of the new plant hosts. To prepare for possible new invasions, scientists and agencies need to identify traits that predispose wood boring species to become tree-killers, and focus on species that possess these traits. Here, we report results of field trials in three different sentinel gardens of North American trees in China, seeking to identify wood borers demonstrating aggressive traits while still in their native range. We also added flooding and partial girdling of the experimental trees to detect wood borers attracted to physiologically stressed but living trees. We identified two species of Cerambycidae (Anoplophora chinensis, Chlorophorus signaticollis) and 3 species of Curculionidae-Scolytinae (Cryphalus lipingensis, C. piceus, Hyledius kesiyae) colonizing living, North American oaks and pines. We have also documented additional seven borer species which colonized our trees only after their vitality index had dropped below recovery, a trait associated with secondary, non-damaging borers. Identifying potential pests and documenting their interactions with the host in sentinel gardens supports risk analysis, and enables trading partners to assess the potential impact of pest-host interactions prior to an invasion.
Expression of a copper activated xylanase in yeast: Differential properties of C-tagged or untagged recombinant xylanases
Authors: ELGHARBI Fatma , HLIMA Hajer BEN , HMIDA-SAYARI Aïda
Published: March 2022

Background: Endo-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8), which hydrolyze the backbone structure of β-1,4-xylans, can be used together with laccase (activated by copper) to hydrolyse lignocellulosic and hemicellulosic materials in bioethanol production. A previous study described the cloning of the xylanase gene from Aspergillus niger US368 and obtaining the recombinant His-tagged protein using E. coli expression system. This recombinant xylanase was activated by copper which is a strong inhibitor for xylanases activities. The activation of the enzyme toward copper is due to the 36 extra amino acids provided by the vector pET28a. However, the expression of this xylanase was relatively low and intracellular that limits its potential industrial application. Hence, we aimed to over-express this interesting enzyme using the Pichia pastoris system for use in biofuel production.Results: A copper activated xylanase produced by E. coli BL21 was expressed in Pichia pastoris using the pGAPZαB expression vector. Two recombinant xylanase forms were obtained (Non-C-terminal tagged-His-tagged r-XAn11 and C-terminal tagged-His-tagged r-XAn11). The findings revealed that the two recombinant xylanases displayed different behaviors toward the copper. In the presence of 3 mM Cu2+, the relative activity of the Non-C-terminal tagged-His-tagged r-XAn11 was enhanced by about 52%. However, the xylanase activity of the C-terminal tagged one was strongly inhibited by copper. The Non-C-terminal tagged recombinant enzyme was more thermostable, in the presence of 3 mM Cu2+, than the C-terminal tagged one with a half-life of 10 min at 60 °C. 3D models of the two recombinant forms were constructed. The results showed that the created copper site in the Non-C terminal tagged protein was loosed in the C terminal tagged protein due to the high fluctuation and probably new interactions among the C and N-terminal amino acids.Conclusion: The present work reports the expression and purification of two recombinant xylanases forms (non C-terminal tagged and C-terminal tagged His-tagged r-XAn11).
Non-contact Intraocular Pressure Measurement over Bandage Contact Lens and the Effect of Pentacam and Corvis ST’s IOP Correction System
Authors: Cai Xueting , Qin Yi , Liu Sixiu , Cheng Zhewei , Lu Fan , Qu Jia , Chen Ding
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement while wearing bandage contact lens (BCL) and the effect of Pentacam and Corvis ST’s correction systems. Methods: It was a prospective comparative study. Forty healthy subjects (Forty eyes) were included in this study. Eyes were measured by non-contact tonometer (NCT), Corvis ST and Pentacam before and after wearing BCL. Pentacam’s five correction formulas (Ehlers formula, Shah formula, Dresden formula, Kohlhaas formula, Orssengo/Pye formula) and Corvis ST’s correction formulas (Ehlers formula and biomechanical corrected formula) were used to correct the IOP values before and after BCL wearing. The IOP values were compared and the correction effect of different systems were evaluated.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 24.4±0.60 years. The mean IOP obtained by NCT was 14.8±3.2mmHg before BCL wearing, and was 15.7±3.4mmHg after BCL wearing. The mean IOP was significantly increased after BCL wearing (0.9±2.9mmHg, P=0.05). Four of the five Pentacam’s correction formulas (except Kohlhaas formula) showed no significant difference in the mean corrected IOP values before and after BCL wearing (all P>0.05). The mean IOP obtained by Corvis ST was 13.7±2.8mmHg before BCL wearing, and was 15.0±4.0mmHg after BCL wearing. The mean IOP was significantly increased after BCL wearing (1.3±2.4mmHg, P<0.05). Corvis ST’s correction formula (Ehlers formula other than biomechanical corrected formula) showed no significant difference in the mean corrected IOP values before and after BCL wearing (P>0.05).Conclusion: The IOP measurements over BCL by NCT and Corvis ST was found to be increased. The correction systems of Pentacam (Ehlers formula, Shah formula, Dresden formula, and Orssengo/Pye formula) and Corvis ST (Ehlers formula) are useful in correcting the IOP measuring deviation induced by BCL wearing.
LncRNA HCG11 suppresses the progression of breast cancer through cooperating with miR-330-3p/FOXO1 axis
Authors: Zhu Xiaotao , Wang Fan , Wang Mingzheng , Lv Lin , He Dan , Fan Chen
Published: March 2022

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second most common cancer among newly diagnosed cancers worldwide. At present, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely reported to be involved in the occurrence and development of multiple cancers. As a newly discovered long non-coding RNA, the function of HLA complex group 11 (HCG11) remain uncertain in breast cancer. This article aims to examine the effect of HCG11 in breast cancer.Methods: RT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA level of HCG11 in both breast cancer tissues and cell lines. HCG11 overexpression virus and siHCG11 were constructed and transfected to the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The effect of HCG11 were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound scratch assay, and cell invasion assay. Then we found and determined small RNA that may interact with HCG11 by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase report analysis. Next, we further researched the role of miR-330-3p in HCG11-mediated breast cancer by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound scratch assay, and cell invasion assay. At last, the above experimental methods and nude mouse experiments were used to confirm the role of HCG11/miR-330-3p/ FOXO1 in breast cancer process.Results: The results showed that the mRNA level of HCG11 was low-expressed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. HCG11 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration in MCF-7 cell line. Moreover, HCG11 could target miR-330-3p/FOXO1 and further suppressed the progression of breast cancer. Conclusion: In summary, lncRNA HCG11 suppressed the progression of breast cancer through cooperating with miR-330-3p/FOXO1 axis
ELIMINATOR: Essentiality anaLysIs using MultIsystem Networks And inTeger prOgRamming
Authors: Antoranz Asier , Ortiz Maria , Pey Jon
Published: March 2022

A gene is considered as essential when it is indispensable for cells to grow and replicate under a certain environment. However, gene essentiality is not a structural property but rather a contextual one, which depends on the specific biological conditions affecting the cell. This circumstantial essentiality of genes is what brings the attention of scientist since we can identify genes essential for cancer cells but not essential for healthy cells. This same contextuality makes their identification extremely challenging. Huge experimental efforts such as Project Achilles where the essentiality of thousands of genes is measured together with a plethora of molecular data (transcriptomics, copy number, mutations, etc.) in over one thousand cell lines can shed light on the causality behind the essentiality of a gene in a given environment. Here, we present an in-silico method for the identification of patient-specific essential genes using constraint-based modelling (CBM). Our method expands the ideas behind traditional CBM to accommodate multisystem networks. In essence, it first calculates the minimum number of non-expressed genes required to be active by the cell to sustain life as defined by a set of requirements; and second, it performs an exhaustive in-silico gene knockout to find those that lead to the need of activating additional non-expressed genes. We validated the proposed methodology using a set of 452 cancer cell lines derived from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia where an exhaustive experimental large-scale gene knockout study using CRISPR (Achilles Project) evaluates the impact of each removal. We also show that the integration of different essentiality predictions per gene, what we called Essentiality Congruity Score, (derived from multiple pathways) reduces the number of false positives. Finally, we explored the gene essentiality predictions for a breast cancer patient dataset, and our results showed high concordance with previous publications. These findings suggest that identifying genes whose activity is fundamental to sustain cellular life in a patient-specific manner is feasible using in-silico methods. The patient-level gene essentiality predictions can pave the way for precision medicine by identifying potential drug targets whose deletion can induce death in tumour cells.
Green approach for the regioselective synthesis of β-thiol-1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles using Fe3O4@SiO2-PMA-Cu as a novel and efficient magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst
Authors: Eisavi Ronak , Ahmadi Fereshteh
Published: March 2022

The magnetic nanoparticles of Fe3O4 were synthesized through a solid-state reaction of hydrated iron (III) chloride, hydrated iron (II) chloride and NaOH, and then purified by calcination at high temperature. To protect ferrite nanoparticles from oxidation and agglomeration, as well as to manufacture a novel catalytic system of anchored copper on the magnetic substrate, the Fe3O4 was core-shelled by adding tetraethyl orthosilicate. Next, the prepared Fe3O4@SiO2 was supported by phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) as the second layer of nanocomposite at 80 °C after 30 hours. Eventually, the new nanocomosite of Fe3O4@SiO2-PMA-Cu was successfully synthesized by adding copper (II) chloride solution and solid potassium borohydride. The structure of magnetic nanocatalyst was acknowledged through different techniques such as EDS, VSM, XRD, TEM, FT-IR, and FESEM. The synthesis of β-thiolo/benzyl-1,2,3-triazoles from various thiiranes, terminal alkynes and sodium azide was catalyzed by Fe3O4@SiO2-PMA-Cu nanocomposite in aqueous medium. In order to obtain the optimum condition, the effect of reaction time, temperature, catalyst amount and solvent was evaluated. The recycled catalyst was used for several consecutive runs without any loss of activity.
Modified and Alternative Baveno VI Criteria Based on Age for Ruling Out High-risk Varices in Patients With Compensated Cirrhosis
Authors: Zhao Lili , Wang Ting , Guo Chunxia , Zhou Li , Han Ping , Wang Chunyan , Ma Ying , Wang Jing , Gao Min , Li Jia
Published: March 2022

Background: The Baveno VI criteria(B6C) was recommended to screen high-risk varices(HRV) in liver cirrhosis patients so that esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) could be safely avoided. It was perceived as conservative, and Transient elastography is not available in many medical institutions; this restricts the clinical application of B6C. We aimed to optimize the B6C to screen more patients who could safely avoid screening EGD and to explore the parameters to replace liver stiffness(LS).Methods: 1188 patients with compensated cirrhosis were analyzed and divided into the training cohort(TC) and validating cohort(VC) by the split-sample method. Variables were selected to construct the new criteria in the TC and were validated in the VC. Results: Age≥50 years, LS, platelet count(PLT), and spleen area (SA) were independently associated with HRV. The risk of HRV was 2.39 times higher in patients over 50 years, so the alternative B6C(AB6C) and modified B6C(MB6C) criteria were built based on age. MB6C was built by adjusting the cutoff value of LS and PLT (patients aged<50 years, the criteria of PLT>100×109/L and LS<30kPa; aged≥50 years, combination of PLT>125×109/L and LS<20 kPa). The predicting performance HRV showed no statistical difference between PLT, SA and LS. SA was selected to replace the LS and built AB6C(patients aged<50 years, the criteria of PLT>100×109/L and SA<55cm2; aged≥50 years, combination of PLT>125×109/L and SA<44 cm2). Conclusions: The excellent performance of MB6C and AB6C, which stratified by age, were validated for safely ruling out high-risk varices and these could help avoid more EGD procedures than B6C and EB6C.Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR-DDD-17013845.
Evolutionary Relationships, Phylogeographic Patterns, and a Hypothesis for Air- and Sea-driven Global Spread of Chromoblastomycosis by Etiological Fonsecaea Agents
Authors: Wang huiWei , Hao Juan , Cai Liang-Qi , Chen Min , Fang Wen-Jie , Pan Bo , Zhang Chao , Liu Xiao-Gang , Lei Wen-Zhi , Du Lin , Zhang Lei , Cao Cun-Wei , Xue Xiao-Chun , Yang Ya-li , Chen Xiang-Fang , Zhao Ying , Li Xiao-Jing , Yang Ying , Ling Li-Yan , Jiang Wei-Wei , Pan Weihua , Chen Liu-qing , Liao Wan-Qing
Published: March 2022

Fonsecaea spp. is the most common pathogen underlying chromoblastomycosis. However, many aspects of its evolutionary history are not fully understood, and a timescale for its diversification is lacking . Here, we propose, explain, and validate the evolutionary relationships, transmission routes, and modes of transmission among pathogenic species of the genus Fonsecaea . we investigated the sequences of a total of 510 intra-ribosomal transcribed regions and 485 reported cases of eight strains of the genus Fonsecaea , that have spread epidemically worldwide, persisted, and diversified over 38.27 million years. This period coincides with the diversification of many filamentous fungi, and this evolution explains the diversity and origin of pathogenic species of Fonsecaea spp . , as well as the possible transmission routes. Fonsecaea pedrosoi originated in the Atlantic Ocean near Brazil, F. monophora originated in the Pacific Ocean near southern China, and F. nubica originated in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar. F. pugnacius originated and is endemic in the Atlantic Ocean near Brazil. We proposed the hypothesis that non-pathogenic environmental strains in the environment ( Fonsecaea brasiliensis , F. multimorphosa , F. minima , and F. erecta ) evolved into pathogenic strains ( F. pedrosoi , F. pugnacius , F. nubica , and F. monophora ) and spread globally with global tropical cyclone and ocean currents pathways. F. multimorphosa is potentially infectious to humans. The present study’s results will greatly facilitate the prevention, treatment, and cure of Fonsecaea infections and give insight and reference to researchers in the field of fungal research, especially other pathogenic fungi and environmental fungi.
Characteristics of a Radish Mutant with Longer Siliques
Authors: fu jun , yu xiaomin , li zhengrong , Jin Die , Zhu Jinjin , zhu yuxin , liu mingru , yin yanni , li shisheng
Published: March 2022

The silique is an important organ in plant reproduction and maintains biodiversity among species; however, little is known about the regulation of radish silique development. In this study, we conducted research on the radish long silique (ls) mutant and wild-type (WT) radish and compared their morphological and molecular markers. The results showed that the mutant obtained by ethyl methane sulfonate treatment had the following stable characteristics: the lengths of mutant and WT siliques were 20.50 and 9.10 cm, respectively; and the ovule number per silique of the mutant and WT was 9.5 and 4.5, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed abundant polymorphisms between the ls mutant and WT in HZ001, SRC9-022, and OIL2F11 simple-sequence repeat molecular markers, and the expression of LS1 and LS2 (RsNAC66). Arabidopsis thaliana-transformed plants with RsNAC66 overexpression were obtained by the floral dip method. Quantitative PCR showed that LS2 (RsNAC66) was more highly expressed in transformed lines than in WT, and the expression of LS2 (RsNAC66) in the transformed lines was higher in siliques than leaves. Phenotypic analysis revealed abnormal ovule numbers and shoots, and altered plant height in the transformed plant. Phenotypic and gene expression analyses showed that LS2 (RsNAC66) had a positive effect on silique length and the number of seeds per silique. Together, the results showed that the radish ls mutant is specific and stable, and thus constitutes an excellent research resource for improving the seed yield of radishes.
Amine-functionalized magnetic biochars derived from invasive plants Alternanthera philoxeroides for enhanced efficient removal of Cr(VI): performance, kinetics and mechanism studies
Authors: Luo Xin , Du Haiying , Zhang Xiaochao , Yang Yuhang
Published: March 2022

In this study, novel magnetic biochars derived from Alternanthera philoxeroides and modified by different amines (Hexanediamine, Melamine and L-Glutathione) were successfully prepared and employed as an efficient adsorbent for Cr(VI). The maximum adsorption capacity is 80.58 mg/g obtained by Hexanediamine modified biochar (MFBAP), which is nearly twice that of the pristine biochar (42.47 mg/g). BET demonstrated that Hexanediamine and Melamine could enhance the SBET of biochars, while L-Glutathione could reduce its SBET, which SEM images could support this conclusion. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms studies showed that the Cr(VI) adsorption process of MFBAP followed Elovich kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, which means that it was mainly a chemical adsorption process. The characterization results proved that -NH2 derived from amines play a significant role in removing Cr(VI), which is mainly degraded by complexation reaction, electrostatic interaction and reduction.. In sum, the biochar modified by amines has excellent Cr(VI) adsorption performance, highly enhanced SBET and excellent recyclability, which is a promising candidate for solving the problem of invasive plants and wastewater treatment.
Toward a BT.2020 green emitter through a combined multiple resonance effect and multi-lock strategy
Authors: Liu Junyuan , Zhu Yunhui , Tsuboi Taiju , Deng Chao , Lou Weiwei , Wang Dan , Liu Tiangeng , Zhang Qisheng
Published: March 2022

Color-saturated green-emitting molecules with high Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) y values have great potential applications for displays and imaging. In this study, we linked the outer phenyl groups in multiple-resonance (MR)-type blue-emitting B (boron)-N (nitrogen) molecules through bonding and spiro-carbon bridges, which resulted in planar and rigid green emitters with thermally activated delayed fluorescence. The MR effect and multiple interlocking strategy greatly suppressed the high-frequency vibrations in the molecules, which emit green light with a full-width at half-maximum of 14 nm and a CIE y value of 0.77 in cyclohexane. These were the purest green molecules with quantum efficiency and color purity that were comparable to the best quantum dots currently available. Doping these emitters into a traditional green-emitting phosphorescence organic light-emitting diode (OLED) endowed the device with a Broadcast Service Television 2020 color-gamut, 50% improved external quantum efficiency, and an extremely high luminescence of 4.6×105 cd/m2, making it the greenest and brightest OLED ever reported.
Water quality analysis based on phytoplankton and metal indices: A case study in the Sauce Grande River Basin (Argentina)
Authors: Zunino Josefina , Colla Noelia S La , Brendel Andrea S , Alfonso Maria B , Botté Sandra E , Perillo Gerardo M E , Piccolo Maria C
Published: March 2022

This study presents the first integrated water quality assessment of the Sauce Grande River Basin. This South American freshwater environment contains two water bodies that interrupt its course before the river discharges into the ocean: a dam for water supply and a shallow lake. We analyzed the spatial distribution of the phytoplankton community, the physicochemical parameters, and the metal concentrations in the particulate fraction. According to the trophic indices and the phytoplankton abundance, composition and diversity, the water quality showed significant deterioration in the lower basin after the Sauce Grande lake. The conductivity, turbidity and most metal concentrations increased towards the downstream area, even exceeding recommended levels for some metals. This study generates a database for the water quality of the Sauce Grande River Basin and its contribution to the sea. It shows an example of how the water quality varies along a basin that crosses different topographic environments and land covers.
Acute caloric restriction acts on the plasma proteome and reveals Apolipoprotein C1 as a signal of nutritional state and metabolic disease
Authors: Vernardis Spyros , Demichev Vadim , Lemke Oliver , Grüning Nana-Maria , Messner Christoph , White Matt , Pietzner Maik , Peluso Alina , Collet Tinh-Hai , Henning Elana , Gille Christoph , Campbell Archie , Hayward Caroline , Porteous David , Marioni Riccardo , Mülleder Michael , Zelezniak Aleksej , Wareham Nick , Langenberg Claudia , Farooqi Sadaf , Ralser Markus
Published: March 2022

Caloric restriction (CR) has proven beneficial to healthspan and lifespan, but not enough is known about the molecular mechanisms that interlink the human CR response and its downstream effectors. We induced acute caloric restriction in a controlled human intervention study and compared plasma proteome, metabolome and endocrine responses. We report that plasma proteins that dominate the response to negative and positive energy balance in CR are associated with disease-relevant endocrine parameters in two population studies. For example, APOC1, a small and understudied apolipoprotein, was not only CR-induced but also dominated the human response to glucose consumption and differed in abundance between individuals with and without diabetes. Our study shows that acute and time-limited CR acts on the plasma proteome, affecting molecular pathways that are intrinsically associated with human endocrine parameters important for metabolic health.
Analysis of porphyromonas gingivalis kgp gene polymorphism in periodontitis patients with diabetes
Authors: Guan Danping , Mao Xiaojun , Jia Ru , Qian Wenhao
Published: March 2022

Background: To analyze the distribution of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) kgp genotype in subgingival plaque of patients with diabetic periodontitis. The genetic polymorphism of the kgp gene in diabetic periodontitis was explored, and the correlation between different genotypes and diabetic periodontitis was obtained. Methods: Subgingival plaque samples were collected from 49 patients with periodontitis (21 with diabetes, 28 with non-diabetic periodontitis) and 11 healthy periodontal subjects. DNA was extracted, and the positive samples of P. gingivalis were screened by PCR with specific primers of 16S rRNA gene of P. gingivalis, and the fragment of kgp catalytic domain was obtained by PCR with specific primers of kgp. The genotype of kgp was determined by Mse I digestion of the catalytic domain fragment of kgp, and the experimental data were analyzed by the Pearson χ2 method. Results: Among the 11 healthy periodontal population samples collected in this study, 4 cases (36.4 %) of P. gingivalis were detected. Among 49 subgingival plaque samples of periodontitis, 47 patients (95.9 %) were detected with P. gingivalis. There was a statistical difference between the two. Among the 47 samples with P. gingivalis, the detection rate of kgp I was 57.4 %, the detection rate of kgp II was 31.9 %, and the detection rate of kgp I + II was 10.6 %. The kgp genotype was not associated with diabetes. There was no significant difference in the kgp genotypes between the two groups with different PD depths. Conclusion: P. gingivalis is associated with periodontitis. P. gingivalis kgp gene polymorphism exists in patients with diabetic periodontitis subgingival plaque.
Health economic evaluation of digital technologies in nursing care: a review on methodological recommendations
Authors: Huter Kai , Krick Tobias , Rothgang Heinz
Published: March 2022

BackgroundHealth economic evaluation of digital technologies in nursing is important to provide information that help avoid undesirable developments and implementations as well as increasing the chances of success of developed applications. At the same time, studies and evidence on cost-effectiveness are still very rare in this area. Review studies in related technology areas, such as telemedicine, continuously criticize the quality and comparability of the health economic evaluations that have been conducted in this field. Based on a content analysis of methodological literature on the economic evaluation of innovative (digital) technologies in health and nursing this article aims to identify specific challenges in this research area and the given recommendations on how to address these challenges to promote more sound health economic evaluations in the future.MethodsA rapid review was conducted, consisting of a systematic search in the Pubmed database as well as Google Scholar. In addition, the literature lists of the analysed texts were searched for additional texts to be included. Methodological literature, single studies, and reviews were included. A total of 536 studies were screened, of which 29 were included in the full text analysis.ResultsBased on the systematic content analysis of the studies under consideration, 10 special methodological challenges are identified, and it was worked out which methodological recommendations could be considered. A particular focus aimed on whether special methodological approaches might be needed in the context of evaluating the efficiency of digital care technologies. ConclusionMany of the challenges identified for the health economic evaluations of digital nursing technologies are comparable to those of other complex healthcare interventions. The discussed recommendations can help to alleviate those challenges. Future research should focus on alternative approaches to assess causality in different phases of technology development while maintaining high evidence standards. High evidence economic assessment of technologies in nursing care should be carried out in routine use especially if they target to be reimbursed by the social insurance.
Metformin as an adjuvant therapy to an aromatase inhibitor in overweight and obese postmenopausal women with breast cancer: A pilot study
Authors: elattar aya ahmed , Ibrahim Osama Mohamed , Alhassanin Suzan Ahmed , Essa Enas Said , Mostafa Tarek Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Metformin may provide therapeutic benefits to patients with various types of malignancy. Through its insulin-sensitizing effect, metformin can also reduce weight in non-diabetic populations.Purpose: Our research aimed at evaluating the effect of metformin as an adjuvant therapy to aromatase inhibitor (letrozole) on estradiol and other biomarkers serum levels in postmenopausal obese breast cancer women.Patients and methods: This controlled study involved 45 postmenopausal breast cancer females who were assigned into three arms: the control arm (arm 1; n= 15 obese women) which received letrozole only (2.5 mg/day); the metformin arm (arm 2; n= 15 obese women) which provided a similar letrozole dosage in addition to metformin (2000 ± 500 mg/day); and the lean arm (arm 3; n= 15) which received letrozole. The intervention duration was 6 months. Blood samples were obtained at zero time and six months later for the measurement of serum estradiol, osteocalcin, insulin, leptin, lactate, and fasting blood glucose. Results: After the intervention, the metformin arm had significantly lower osteocalcin and fasting blood glucose levels than both the control and the lean arms (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, respectively). The metformin and lean arms had significantly lower fasting insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), estradiol, and leptin concentrations than the control arm (p = 0.0064, p = 0.0020, p<0.0001, and p<0.0001, respectively). We observed non-significant variation in serum lactate levels among the three study arms.Conclusion: Metformin might represent a promising adjuvant therapy to letrozole in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05053841/Registered September 23, 2021 - Retrospectively
MiR-106b-5p attenuates neuropathic pain by regulating P2X4 receptor in the spinal cord in mice
Authors: Du Huiying , Wu Danlei , Zhong Shuotao , Wei Xuhong , Yuan Zhongmin , Gong Qingjuan
Published: March 2022

P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) can be up-regulated after nerve injury and its mediated spinal microglial activation makes a critical contribution to pathologically enhanced pain processing in the dorsal horn. Although some studies have partly clarified the mechanism underlying altered P2X4R expression, the specific mechanism is not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which control gene expression by binding with their target mRNAs. Thus, in the present study, whether miRNA was involved in pathogenesis of neuropathic pain by regulating the P2X4R was investigated. Our results showed that P2X4R was up-regulated in the spinal dorsal horn of mice following spared nerve injury (SNI), and 69 miRNAs (46 up-regulated and 23 down-regulated miRNAs) were differently expressed (fold change > 2.0, P < 0.05). P2X4R was a major target of miR-106b-5p (one of down-regulated miRNAs) with bioinformatics technology and quantitative real time PCR analysis validated the expressed change of miR-106b-5p, dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the correlation between them. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to show cell co-localization of P2X4R and miR-106b-5p in the spinal dorsal horn. Transfection with miR-106b-5p mimic into BV2 cells reversed the up-regulation of P2X4R induced by LPS. Moreover, miR-106b-5p overexpression significantly attenuated neuropathic pain induced by SNI with decreased expression of P2X4R mRNA and protein in the spinal dorsal horn, intrathecal miR-106b-5p antagomir induced pain behaviors and increased the expression of P2X4R in the spinal dorsal horn of naïve mice. These data suggest that miR-106b-5p can serve as an important regulator of neuropathic pain development by targeting P2X4R.
Trophoblast replacement enables rhesus monkey cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer
Authors: Sun Qiang
Published: March 2022

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been used to clone cynomolgus monkeys, but cloning of other non-human primate species remains to be achieved. Our histological examination indicated severe calcification of the placenta of implanted SCNT macaque embryos. By replacing SCNT-derived trophoblast with ICSI-derived trophoblast, endowing a normal placenta for the SCNT fetus, we obtained a healthy SCNT rhesus monkey. Thus, trophoblast replacement represents a useful approach for rhesus monkeys cloning.
Research on the Dynamic Characteristics of the Crack Damage of the Seal-Rotor System
Authors: Huang Fengchao , Wang Lipeng , Luo Yuegang , Chen Changzhen
Published: March 2022

In the rotor system, the labyrinth seal system is the core component to suppress fluid leakage between the rotor and the stator. This paper analyzes the vibration characteristics of the coupling of air-induced vibration and crack fault. First, perform numerical simulation analysis and test verification on the response of the system with no sealing force and crack failure; Subsequently, the system with sealing force and different crack parameters was analyzed for numerical simulation analysis, and then the influence of crack damage failure on other sealing parameters (including sealing pressure difference, sealing gap, and sealing length) was studied; Finally, the influence of double crack damage (damage location, damage degree, phase difference angle) on the rotor system is analyzed. The results show that when the crack depth increases to a certain value, it will also cause the superharmonic resonance phenomenon in the subcritical speed region of the system; When the system has a sealing force, it is found that the airflow excitation frequency of the system can be affected as the degree of crack damage increases; The coupled dynamic response of airflow excitation and crack faults shows a rich spectrum of nonlinear phenomena, which is closely related to the degree of cracks and sealing parameters. Increasing the crack angle will weaken the impact of crack damage on the system. This research can provide a theoretical basis for detecting and diagnosing crack faults in the labyrinth seal rotor system.
A Solitary Hemangioblastoma in the Lateral Ventricle: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yu Wenjing , Guo Yifan , Cao Zhijian
Published: March 2022

Background: Hemangioblastoma is a benign tumor occurring in the central nervous system. As known, the most common sites are the cerebellum and spinal cord with the typical appearance which is a nodule with a cyst and contrast-enhanced scan demonstrates the obvious enhancement of the nodule and the local cyst wall. However, it’s difficult to diagnose the hemangioblastoma when it occurs in the lateral ventricle, due to the rare incidence of hemangioblastoma in the lateral ventricle.Case presentation: A 28-year-old man with a 1-month history of recurrent headache accompanied by slight dizziness, then the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain showed the cystic solid tumor with obvious enhancement in the parenchymal part and local cystic wall, also, there was abnormal dilated blood vessel in the parenchymal part which was considered as the hemangioblastoma in the lateral ventricle.Conclusions: Total resection of the tumor was performed under neuronavigation, then the tumor was pathologically confirmed to be hemangioblastoma which was the Grade WHOI. Based on this study, we have increased the understanding of hemangioblastoma in the differential diagnosis of tumors located in the lateral ventricle and provide a new method of resection of the tumor.
The Second-Generation Proteasome Inhibitor Ixazomib Enhances the Anticancer Effects of Gemcitabine or Fluorouracil in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Gao Jianjun , Wang Hao , Sun Wenjing , Wang Dongsheng , Wang Jiangang , Xie Longfei , Zhong Xiangyu
Published: March 2022

Background
Ixazomib (MLN9708) shows a better pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic feature than bortezomib as a second-generation proteasome inhibitor. Our study aims to examine the cytotoxic effects of MLN9708 alone or in combination with fluorouracil (5-FU) or gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells, and explore the possible molecular mechanism with MLN9708 in pancreatic cancer.
Materials:
In this preclinical study, three pancreatic cancer cell lines were selected to perform the cell proliferation assays, colony formation assays and anchorage-independent growth assays to examine the cytotoxicity of MLN9708 alone or mixed with gemcitabine or 5-FU. Next-generation RNA sequencing was then used to identify differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs from different treatment groups in BxPC-3 and PANC-1. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay was performed to validate the accuracy of the RNA-seq results. Furthermore, UALCAN website and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to determine predicting value of DE expression genes and levels.
Results
MLN9708 demonstrated inhibitory effects on pancreatic cancer cell lines. The combinational therapy leads to greater inhibition of cell proliferation in PANC-1 and BxPC-3 than the monotherapy. A total of 157 commonly DE genes were identified. Among them, top five upregulated DE genes were picked out. RT-qPCR assay showed that ATP6V0D2, Matrix Metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) and RNF103-CHMP3 were significant differences. According to UALCAN website and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, overexpression of ATP6V0D2, MMP-1 and RNF103-CHMP3 was associated with worse prognosis of PC patients; and overexpression of MMP-1 and RNF103-CHMP3 predicted shorter relapse-free survival in pancreatic cancer patients. Furthermore, ATP6V0D2 and MMP-1 demonstrated high expressions in pancreatic cancer samples.
Conclusions
Our experiments suggested MLN9708’s antitumor effects in pancreatic cancer, which sensitizes PANC-1 and BxPC-3 to gemcitabine and 5-FU, especially for 5-FU treatment. MMP-1 overexpression is closely associated with molecular mechanisms of MLN9708 in pancreatic cancer.
Assessing Health Care Workers’ Satisfaction and Loyalty in a Balanced Scorecard: Development and Validation of BSC-HCWSL - a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Amer Faten , Hammoud Sahar , Khatatbeh Haitham , Alfatafta Huda , Alkaiyat Abdulsalam , Nour Abdulnaser Ibrahim , Boncz Imre , Endrei Dóra
Published: March 2022

BackgroundImproving health care in Palestinian territories is a challenging task. Organizations worldwide utilize the balanced scorecard (BSC) for their performance evaluation (PE). In the BSC implementations, some health care organizations (HCOs) assessed the satisfaction of health care workers (HCWs), but none considered their loyalty. Furthermore, none of them explored the causal links between BSC dimensions and HCWs’ satisfaction based on HCWs’ observations. This research aims to provide a tool to assess the performance of BSC dimensions and their impact on HCWs’ satisfaction and loyalty (BSC-HCWSL). Additionally, it seeks to translate the BSC-HCWSL to Arabic and validate it at Palestinian hospitals.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study. Two expert committees performed the BSC-HCWSL item development. We performed forward and reverse translations from English to Arabic and vice versa. Pretesting was performed on 13 HCWs at one hospital. Then, between January and October 2021, 540 questionnaires were retrieved in the other 14 hospitals. To detect redundant and poorly correlated items, the composite reliability (CR), interitem correlation (IIC), and corrected item total correlation (CITC) were evaluated. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to assess the construct validity.ResultsIn both EFA and CFA, the scales demonstrated a good level of model fit. All the items had loadings greater than 0.50. All constructs passed the discriminant validity. Although certain constructs’ convergent validity was less than 0.50, their CR, IIC, and CITC were adequate. The final best fit model had nine constructs and 28 items in CFA.ConclusionThe BSC-HCWSL is the first self-administered HCW questionnaire designed to assess BSC perspectives and dimensions and their impact on HCWs’ satisfaction and loyalty. The questionnaire scale was completed following all applicable rules and regulations. The findings revealed that this instrument’s psychometric characteristics were adequate. Therefore, BSC-HCWSL can be utilized in future BSC implementations. It can also be used to assess the influence of BSC factors on HCWs’ satisfaction and loyalty and examine differences depending on HCWs and hospital characteristics.
Meta-genomic analysis of Halobacillus trueperi S61 isolated from the Qarhan Salt Lake
Authors: Li Wei , Shen Shuo , Wang Jian
Published: March 2022

Background: Halophilic microbial as prospective resources of biotechnology due to the advantages of flexible survivability. Qarhan Salt Lake is the second largest Salt Lake in the world which contains rich-unique extremophiles and deserved in-depth exploration. Results: Present study first time isolated novel strain Halobacillus trueperi S61 from Qarhan Salt Lake and performed whole-genome sequencing through combined third-generation PacBio and second-generation Illumina technology. The whole genome of Halobacillus trueperi S61 identified 57549 total reads and consists a complete circular chromosome of 4047887 bp with 43.86% GC content without gaps. Total number of 139 non-coding RNA (included 86 tRNA, 30 rRNA and 23 sRNA), 16 gene islands with 260275 bp and two prophages (with 82682 length) were predicted. In addition, the whole genome of Halobacillus trueperi S61 summarized basic annotation for 3982 protein-coding genes, 3980, 3667, 2998 and 2303 unigenes were annotated with Nr, Swissport, KOG and KEGG database. Combined with advanced analysis, 561 carbohydrate enzymes and 4416 pathogen host interactions related genes were identified. The protein function of Halobacillus trueperi S61 was mainly focus on biological processes, and the protein function was mainly distributed in gene transcription and amino acids, and carbohydrates metabolism. Conclusions: The complete whole genome sequence assembly and annotation of novel strain Halobacillus trueperi S61 isolated from Qarhan Salt Lake mainly focus on protein biological processes and antibiotic resistance, provides a potential resource for biotechnology.