bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) expression predicts the prognosis of numerous malignant tumors: A pan-cancer Analysis
Authors: Wang Yuetong , Fu Guotao , Chen Xueqin , Xia Zengrun , Qi Meng , Du Xiaoping , Liu Kun , Liu Qiling , Sun Na , Shi Chuandao , Zhang Rongqiang , Qu Kai
Published: October 2021

Background
Malignant tumor is a general term for uncontrollable growth of cells. Several studies have investigated that role of GPX3 in tumors. However, no pan-cancer analysis has be conducted to assess the diagnostic and prognostic potential of GPX3.
Methods
GPX3 mRNA and protein expression profile was analyzed in the TCGA + GTEx database and CPTAC database. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and forest plots were constructed to help evaluate the impact of GPX3 on the survival and prognosis of cancer patients. Gene mutations of GPX3 were analyzed based on TMB/MSI. The correlation between GPX3 and tumor immune infiltration was assessed using TIMER2. Enrichment analysis was performed to determine tumor-related signaling pathways associated with GPX3. A prediction model for STAD was established.
Results
GPX3 was downregulated in most malignant tumors, and was significantly associated with the survival and prognosis of malignant tumors, such as STAD, PAAD, COAD, etc. Moreover, GPX3 expression was positively correlated and negatively with MSI in 13 and 20 categories of tumor respectively after GPX3 expression was positively correlated and negatively with TMB in 9 and 24 tumors separately (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between GPX3 and the infiltration level of major immune cells and Cancer-associated fibroblasts (P < 0.05). The effects of GPX3 were mediated by the AMPK signaling pathway, fructose and mannose metabolism.
Conclusions
This is a novel pan-cancer analysis on the relationship between GPX3 and human tumors. Findings of this research will deepen our understanding on the role of GPX3 in the development, regulation and prognosis of malignant tumors.
Dexmedetomidine Induces Low Patient State Indices While Preventing the Development of Postoperative Delirium in Older Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia - A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial (NEUPRODEX)
Authors: Thomas Juliane , Koch Susanne , Spies Claudia D , Liederwald Leonie , Pohrt Anne , Mueller Anika
Published: October 2021

Background: Dexmedetomidine may have a delirium preventive effect in high-risk surgical patients. Accurate frontal EEG-guided anesthesia can decrease the incidence of postoperative delirium by avoiding too deep anesthesia. Aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence of postoperative delirium under intraoperative frontal EEG neuromonitoring during general anesthesia with dexmedetomidine.Methods: A secondary analysis of a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Patients > 60 years were included with either abdominal or cardiac surgery, receiving intraoperative dexmedetomidine or placebo. Delirium incidence was measured up to the fifth postoperative day. Anesthetic depth was measured as Patient State Index (PSi™) every 15 minutes during surgery using EEG-based neuromonitoring.Results: Of the 60 patients included, the incidence of postoperative delirium was significantly reduced in the dexmedetomidine group (n=28) vs. the control group (n=32) (p=0.031). A PSi less than 25 at least once was seen in 85.2% of the verum group and 58.1% of the placebo group (p=0.024). The mean (SD) PSi value in the dexmedetomidine group was 28.17 (10.35) and 33.55 (11.31) in the placebo group using mixed-model ANOVA.Conclusions: Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine reduces the incidence of postoperative delirium in older patients at risk, although presenting with lower intraoperative PSi levels.
Lentivector cryptic splicing mediates increase in CD34+ clones expressing truncated HMGA2 in human SCID-X1
Authors: De Ravin Suk See , Liu Siyuan , Sweeney Colin , Brault Julie , Whiting-Theobald Narda , Ma Michelle , Choi Uimook , Lee Janet , Anaya-O'Brien Sandra , Quackenbush Priscilla , Estwick Tyra , Karra Anita , Kwatemaa Nana , Guo Shuang , Su Ling , sun David , Zhou Sheng , Malech Harry , Wu Xiaolin , Liu Taylor
Published: October 2021

A 4–8 year follow-up of vector integration site (VIS) analysis in blood lineages from patients with X-linked severe combined immune deficiency receiving lentivector gene therapy found a > 60-fold increase in frequency of forward-orientated VIS within intron 3 of HMGA2. Some patients demonstrated emergence of dominant HMGA2 VIS clones in progenitor and myeloid lineages, but with no disturbance of hematopoiesis. Molecular analysis demonstrated a cryptic splice site within the cHS4 insulator generating truncated mRNA transcripts from any transcriptionally active gene containing forward-oriented intronic insert, but with detectable effect on VIS frequency only for intron 3 HGMA2 inserts. A two base-pair change at the splice site eliminated splicing activity while retaining vector functional capability. Functional analysis of lentivectors for cryptic splicing should become routine for pre-clinical safety assessment.
Reduction of testosterone levels in Schistosoma haematobium- or Schistosoma mansoni-infected men: a cross-sectional study in two schistosomiasis-endemic areas of the Adamawa region of Cameroon
Authors: JATSA Hermine BOUKENG , FEMOE Ulrich MEMBE , DONGMO Calvine NOUMEDEM , KAMWA Romuald Issiaka NGASSAM , FESUH Betrand NONO , TCHUENTE Louis-Albert TCHUEM , KAMTCHOUING Pierre
Published: October 2021

Background: The incidence of schistosomiasis‐induced male reproductive dysfunction and infertility is probably underestimated compared to female genital schistosomiasis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of S. haematobium or S. mansoni infection on the reproductive function of adult men in Tibati and Wouldé, two schistosomiasis endemic areas in the Adamawa region of Cameroon.Methods: A total of 89 men of reproductive age (range: 14 – 56 years) from two localities were enrolled in the study, with 51 in Tibati and 38 in Wouldé. Each participant was submitted to a questionnaire to document data on sociodemographic and stream contact behaviors. A medical examination was performed to measure the circumference of the testes and to evaluate genital tract pathologies. Stool and urine samples were collected and screened for the presence of S. haematobium or S. mansoni ova. Blood serum was used to evaluate the levels of transaminases and testosterone.Results: S. haematobium was present only in Tibati, with a prevalence of 31.37%. The S. mansoni prevalence was 3.92% at Tibati and 44.71% in Wouldé. The intensity of infection was 22.12 ± 9.57 eggs/10 mL for S. haematobium and 128.10 ± 3.76 epg for S. mansoni. Serum transaminase activity and the mean testicular circumference of Schistosoma-positive individuals were close to those of Schistosoma-negative individuals. However, the testes size was higher in S. mansoni-positive individuals than in S. haematobium-positive individuals (P < 0.05). The serum testosterone levels of S. haematobium- and S. mansoni-positive men were significantly reduced by 56.07% (P < 0.001) and 51.94% (P < 0.01), respectively, in comparison to those of Schistosoma-negative men. A significant and negative correlation was established between schistosomiasis and the low level of serum testosterone. Male genital tract pathologies such as scrotal abnormalities, varicocele, nodular epididymis, inguinal hernia and hydrocele were recorded in both Schistosoma-positive and Schistosoma-negative men. However, no significant link was established between schistosomiasis infection and these pathologies.Conclusion: These results demonstrated that infection with S. haematobium or S. mansoni is associated with low production of the reproductive hormone testosterone and may be a major cause of male infertility.
Temperature-Dependent Viscosity and Nanoparticle Effect on Wire Coating Using Third-Grade As a Polymer Liquid With Magnetic Field Flow Within Porous Die
Authors: Khan Zeeshan , Khan Prof. Dr. Ilyas
Published: October 2021

The convective heat and mass propagation inside dies are used to determine the characteristics of coated wire products. As a result, comprehending the properties of polymerization mobility, heat mass transport, and wall stress concentration is crucial. The wire coating procedure necessitates an increase in thermal performance. As a result, this research aims to determine how floating nanoparticles affect the mass and heat transport mechanisms of third-grade fluid in the posttreatment for cable coating processes. For nanoﬂuids, the Buongiorno model is used, including variable viscosity. The model equations are developed using continuity, momentum, energy, and nanoparticle volume fraction concentration. We propose a few nondimensional transformations that are relevant. The numerical technique Runge-Kutta fourth method is used to generate numerical solutions for nonlinear systems. Pictorial depictions are used to observe the influence of various factors in the nondimensional flow, radiative, and nanoparticle concentration fields. Furthermore, the numerical results are also verified analytically using Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). The analytical findings of this investigation revealed that within the Reynolds modeling, the stress on the whole wire surface combined with shear forces at the surface predominates Vogel's model. The contribution of nanomaterials upon force on the entire surface of wire and shear forces at the surface appears positive. A non-Newtonian feature can increase the capping substance's velocity. This research could aid in the advancement of wire coating technologies.For the first instance, the significance of nanotechnology during wire coating evaluation is explored utilizing Brownian motion with generation/absorption slip processes. For time-dependent viscosity, two alternative models are useful.
The Seasonal Variation Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Soil Ecological Stoichiometry with Different Land Use Types in Karst Rocky Desertification Area in Southwest China
Authors: Chi Yongkuan , Song Shuzhen , Xiong Kangning
Published: October 2021

Aims Study the influence of different land use types on the stoichiometric characteristics of soil C, N, P, and explore its response to environmental factors. Methods The research takes soils of 6 different land use types (shrub grassland, dry land, economic fruit forest, sparse forest, primary forest, and waste grassland) from the demonstration area for ​​comprehensive control of karst rocky desertification in southwest China-Grand Canyon of Guanling Huajiang, Guizhou as the research object. Results The result shows that the C, N, and P contents of primary forest among the six different land use types are the highest, which are significantly higher than that of shrub grassland, dry land, economic fruit forest, and waste grassland. The C and N contents of waste grassland are the lowest, which are significantly lower than that of primary forest, sparse forest and shrub grassland, roughly represented as primary forest>sparse forest>shrub grassland>dry land>economic fruit forest>waste grassland. The C, N, and P contents show certain seasonal variations, which are higher in autumn than in spring. In addition, soil C, N, and P contents show a trend of decreasing with the increase of soil layer thickness, with obvious surface accumulation characteristics. Conclusions The soil C:N of spring and autumn in 6 different land use types are lower than the national and global averages, and the C:P and N:P are much higher than the average value of karst soils in the same area, indicating that the soil in the study area is relatively sufficient in N but P is relatively lacking. Redundancy analysis shows that soil C, N and P in different land use types are affected. The main environmental factors for the change of stoichiometric characteristics are the human activity intensity, landform, and the slope. The research results will provide relevant theoretical support for the control of rocky desertification and vegetation restoration in southwest karst.
Endoscopic Scoring System for Gastric Atrophy and Intestinal Metaplasia: Correlation with OLGA and OLGIM Staging: A Single Center Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Na Hee Kyong , Choi Kee Don , Park Young Soo , Kim Hwa Jung , Ahn Ji Yong , Lee Jeong Hoon , Jung Kee Wook , Kim Do Hoon , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Jung Hwoon-Yong
Published: October 2021

Background/Aims: We aimed to develop an endoscopic scoring system to evaluate atrophic and intestinal metaplasia using narrow-band imaging (NBI) and near focus mode (NFM) to compare endoscopic scores with the Operative link for gastritis assessment (OLGA) and the Operative link for gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment (OLGIM). Methods: A total of 51 patients who underwent diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy were prospectively enrolled and endoscopic scoring using NBI and NFM was performed. Four areas (the lesser and greater curvatures of the antrum and the lesser and greater curvature side of the corpus) were observed and biopsies were taken. The degree of atrophy was scored from 0 to 2 according to the Kimura-Takemoto classification (0: C0-1, 1: C2-3, 2: O1-3). The degree of metaplasia was scored from 0 to 4 (0: no metaplasia, 1: presence of metaplasia at the antrum, 2: presence of metaplasia at the corpus, add score 1: presence of metaplasia for 1/2> observed field of the picture at the antrum, add score 2: 1/2 > observed field of the picture at the corpus). The endoscopic scores were compared to the OLGA and OLGIM staging. Results: The correlation coefficient for atrophy between the endoscopic and histologic scores was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.52–0.81 p <0.001) and for metaplasia, it was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.60–0.85; p <0.001). For atrophic gastritis, endoscopic score > 1 correlated with OLGA stage III and IV with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and agreement of 88%, 74%, 75%, 87%, and 80.4%, respectively, and for metaplasia, an endoscopic score > 1 correlated with high OLGIM stage III and IV with 100%, 59%, 69%, 100%, and 78.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Endoscopic scoring for gastric atrophy and metaplasia using NBI-NFM correlate well with histologic staging.
Determinants of Under-Five Child Mortality in Iran: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abbasi Mahya , Tajvar Maryam , Karami Badrye
Published: October 2021

Background: The under-five child mortality is considered as one of the indicators of development and health of a population. The death of many children during this period is preventable. This study reviewed the determinants of child death in Iran.Methods: A systematic search in seven electronic databases and two search engines of all the studies that identified determinants of child mortality in any part of Iran or in the whole country were included, without any restriction of time or language of studies. To identify the studies, a combination of hand searching, gray literatures and bibliographies was also conducted. These sources and citations yielded a total of 512 articles; nevertheless, finally 32 articles fulﬁlled the inclusion criteria, then were reviewed and analyzed.Results: Amongst the 32 studies published between 2000 and 2019 in Iran, 22 studies were cross-sectional and 14 published in Farsi language. The associations between several factors (n=57) and the child mortality were examined. Factors such as ‘birth weight’, ‘mother’s literacy’, ‘socioeconomic status’, ‘delivery type’, ‘gestational age’, ‘pregnancy interval’, ‘place of residence’, ‘Immaturity’, ‘type of nutrition’, ‘father’s literacy’ and ‘child gender’ were the most important determinants of child mortality.Conclusions: Effective efforts with emphasis on identifying and managing the determinants of child mortality are essential to improve their health indicators.
Low color temperature artificial lighting can slow myopia development: long-term study using juvenile monkeys
Authors: Hu Yingzhou , Yang Hua , Li Hao , Lv Longbao , Wu Jing , Zhu Zhu , Zhang Yuhua , Yan Fang-Fang , Fan Shuhan , Wang Shuxiao , Zhao Jianping , Qi Qiang , Huang Changbing , Hu Xintian
Published: October 2021

The incidence of myopia has been increasing rapidly in recent decades, suggesting that environmental factors, such as light, may be a leading cause. Correlated color temperature (CCT) is a commonly used index to quantify the spectral composition of light. Here, we used 32 juvenile monkeys and selected four kinds of light with typical but different CCTs to study the relationship between CCT and ocular axial elongation. After half a year of observation, elongation of the ocular axis under low-CCT light was lower than that under high-CCT light. As excessive axial elongation is the main cause of juvenile myopia, these results provide a new approach for the prevention of juvenile myopia and establish a scientific foundation for introducing appropriate lighting standards in schools.
Title Page: Good medical adherence according to having meaning in life among Thai schizophrenic patients
Authors: Teetharatkul Teerapat , Pitanupong Jarurin
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe narrative model was used to search for meaning in life, and to change the meaning of the illness for the taking of medication. This study aimed to explore medication adherence, meaning in life, and the association of medication adherence and meaning in life. MethodsThis cross-sectional study explored all Thai schizophrenic outpatients that followed up at the Psychiatric outpatient clinic, Songklanagarind Hospital. Three questionnaires were used:1) Demographic information 2) Medication adherence questionnaire 3) The meaning in life questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were calculated using proportions, median and inter-quartile range (IQR) or mean and standard deviation (S.D.). ResultsAccording to the study period, there were 110 respondents. Most of them (94.5%) came to regular follow-ups by doctors’ appointments. The majority of them were male (56.4%), single (76.4%), and Buddhist (82.7%). According to the medication adherence questionnaire, all participants (100%) had good medication adherence scores. Concerning meaning in life, most of the participants had high scores in all subparts of meaning in life. As a result, an attempt to indicate the association between good or poor medication adherence and meaning in life could not be established in this study. ConclusionsMost schizophrenic patients had good medication adherence as well as meaning in life. Thus, the narrative model helps patients to search for meaning in life; meaning in taking medications that decrease negative medication attitudes and change the meaning of the illness. Moreover, schizophrenia does not cause them suffering and it enables them to accept it as part of life.
Low-Intensity Ultrasound Inhibits the Long-Term Migration of Cancer Cells
Authors: González Itziar , Luzuriaga Jon , Valdivieso Alba , Frutos Jesús , López Jaime , Hernández Luis , Rodríguez-Lorenzo Luis , Yagüe Virginia , Blanco Jose Luis , Pinto Alberto , Earl Julie
Published: October 2021

In recent years, it has been verified that collective cell migration is a fundamental step in tumor spreading and metastatic processes. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time how low-intensity ultrasound produces long-term inhibition of collective migration of epithelial cancer cells in wound healing processes. In particular, we show how pancreatic tumor cells, PANC-1, grown as monolayers in vitro respond to these waves at frequencies close to 1 MHz and low intensities (<100 mW cm−2) for 48-72 hours of culture after ultrasound irradiation. This new strategy opens a new line of action to block the spread of malignant cells in cancer processes. Despite relevant spatial variations of the acoustic pressure amplitude induced in the assay, the cells behave as a whole, showing a collective dynamic response to acoustic performance, agreeing with the “cell jamming” effect defined before in the literature. Experiments carried out with samples without previous starving showed remarkable effects of the LICUs from the first hours of culture, more prominent than those with experiments with monolayers subjected to fasting prior to the experiments. This new strategy to control cell migration opens a new line of action in vivo to block the spread of malignant cells.
Combinatorial Optimization with Photonics-Inspired Clock Models
Authors: Miri Mohammad-Ali , Honari-Latifpour Mostafa , Mills Matthew
Published: October 2021

NP-hard combinatorial optimization problems are in general hard problems that their computational complexity grows faster than polynomial scaling with the size of the problem. Thus, over the years there has been a great interest in developing unconventional methods and algorithms for solving such problems. Here, inspired by the nonlinear optical process of $q$-photon down-conversion, we introduce a single-variable nonlinear dynamical model that allows for efficiently approximating the ground state of the classical $q$-state planar Potts Hamiltonian. This reduces the exhaustive search in the large discrete solution space of a large class of combinatorial problems that are represented by the Potts Hamiltonian to solving a system of coupled dynamical equations. We introduce two different annealing mechanisms, adiabatic deformation and chaotic annealing, and show that numerical simulations of the proposed dynamical model can efficiently approximate the solution of hard combinatorial problems. The proposed algorithm is applied to graph-$q$-partitioning as an example.
Explicit formulas for partial Bell polynomials, Maclaurin's series expansions of real powers of inverse (hyperbolic) cosine and sine, and series representations of powers of Pi
Authors: Qi Feng
Published: October 2021

In the paper, by means of the Faa di Bruno formula, with the help of explicit formulas for special values of partial Bell polynomials with respect to two specific sequences generated by derivatives at the origin of the inverse sine or inverse cosine, and by virtue of two combinatorial identities containing the Stirling numbers of the first kind, the author establishes Maclaurin's series expansions for real powers of the inverse cosine (sine) functions and the inverse hyperbolic cosine (sine) functions. By comparing different series expansions for the square of the inverse cosine function and for the positive integer power of the inverse sine function, the author not only finds infinite series representations of the circular constant Pi and its powers, but also derives several combinatorial identities involving central binomial coefficients and the Stirling numbers of the first kind.
Comparison of Self Versus Expert-assisted Feedback for Cricothyroidotomy Training
Authors: Aldinc Hasan , Yaylaci Serpil , Gun Cem , Senuren Cigdem Ozkaya , Guven Feray , Sahiner Melike , Kayayurt Kamil , Turkmen Suha
Published: October 2021

The self-video feedback method may have the potential to provide a low-cost alternative to physician-driven simulation-based training. This study aimed to assess the utility of video feedback by comparing the improvement in procedural performance when trainees received self-video feedback (trainees review their performance alone) and expert-assısted video feedback (trainees review their performance while an emergency physician provides additional feedback). This study was performed at a university simulation center with 89 final-year medical students and used a cricothyroidotomy simulation model. Following the educational presentation and the best practice video, trainees were randomized into two groups (self video-feedback and expert assisted video-feedback). They performed the cricothyroidotomy before and after the feedback, The procedures were recorded and scored. Scoring were made using a pre-defıned checklist. Mann Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test were used to analyze non-normally distributed data. For the analysis of normally distributed data, Student t-test and Paired Samples t-test were used. Results demonstrated significant improvement in cricothyroidotomy performance with both types of video feedback. The improvement was significantly greater in the expert-assisted video feedback group. We think that simulation-based training is effective with self video feedback.
RGEN-seq For Highly Sensitive Amplification-free Screen Of Off-target Sites Of Gene Editors
Authors: Kuzin Alexander , Redler Brendan , Onuska Jaya , Slesarev Alexei
Published: October 2021

Sensitive detection of off-target sites produced by gene editing nucleases is crucial for developing reliable gene therapy platforms. Although several biochemical assays for the characterization of nuclease off-target effects have been recently published, significant technical and methodological issues still remain.. Of note, existing methods rely on PCR amplification, tagging, and affinity purification which can introduce bias, contaminants, sample loss through handling, etc. Here we describe a sensitive, PCR-free next-generation sequencing method (RGEN-seq) for unbiased detection of double-stranded breaks generated by RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas9 endonuclease. Through use of novel sequencing adapters, the RGEN-Seq method saves time, simplifies workflow, and removes genomic coverage bias and gaps associated with PCR and/or other enrichment procedures. RGEN-seq is fully compatible with existing off-target detection software; moreover, the unbiased nature of RGEN-seq offers a robust foundation for relating assigned DNA cleavage scores to propensity for off-target mutations in cells. A detailed comparison of RGEN-seq with other off-target detection methods is provided using a previously characterized set of guide RNAs.
Long-Term Hyperglycemia Induces α-Synuclein Aggregation and Dopaminergic Neuronal Loss in Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Lv Yi-Qing , Yuan Lin , Sun Yan , Dou Hao-Wen , Su Ji-Hui , Hou Zhi-Pan , Li Jia-Yi , Li Wen
Published: October 2021

Background: Growing evidence suggest the association between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). On a cellular level, it was proven that long-term elevated levels of glucose might lead to nigrostriatal degeneration in PD models. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Previously, we have elucidated the potential of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in facilitating PD progression, involving aggregation of both alpha-synuclein (α-syn) and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in the pancreatic and brain tissues. However, due to the complicated effect of insulin resistance on PD onset, the actual mechanism of hyperglycemia-induced dopaminergic degeneration remains unknown. Methods: In the present study, we employed the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) model induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection, to investigate the direct effect of elevated blood glucose level on nigrostriatal degeneration. Results: We found that STZ treatment induced more severe pathological alterations in the pancreatic islets and T1DM symptoms in α-syn-overexpression mice than that in wild type (WT) mice, one month and three months after STZ injections. Behavioral tests evaluating motor performance confirmed the nigrostriatal degeneration. Furthermore, we observed a marked decrease in dopaminergic profiles and an increase of α-syn accumulation and Serine 129 (S129) phosphorylation in STZ-treated α-syn mice compared with vehicle-treated mice. At last, we observed more severe neuroinflammation in the brain of the STZ-treated α-syn mice.Conclusion: Our results solidify the potential link between DM and PD, providing insights on how hyperglycemia induces nigrostriatal degeneration and contributes to pathogenetic mechanisms in PD.
Inulin-type Fructans Protect Against High Fat-sucrose Diet-induced Gestational Diabetes Mice in Association with Gut Microbiota Regulation
Authors: Miao Miao , Wang Qing , Wang Xinyan , Fan Chong , Luan Ting , Yan Lina , Zhang Yue , Rui Can , Hou Wenwen , Zeng Xin , Dai Yongmei , Li Ping
Published: October 2021

Background: Inulin-type fructans have been used as prebiotics to alleviate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. However, few studies evaluate the microbial mechanism of inulin in improving maternal metabolic status during pregnancy. Methods: We use high fat-sucrose diet-induced gestational diabetes mice as a model to study the effect of inulin-type fructans on the cecal microbiota by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Results: The inulin-type fructans-supplemented diet improved glucose and lipid metabolism disorder parameters in high-fat/sucrose diet (HFD) induced gestational diabetes mice, alleviating fat accumulation and glucose intolerance. The α diversity of gut microbial community of HFD mice was reduced after inulin treatment, while the β diversity tended to return to the level of normal chow diet (NCD) mice. Interestingly, Verrucomicrobia, Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia were obviously enriched, while Dubosiella was obviously lessened after inulin treatment. Further analysis indicated that Dubosiella was positively correlated with markers of glycolipid metabolism disorders, whereas the inulin-type fructans-supplemented diet partially reversed the changes. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the inulin-type fructans-supplemented diet alleviates glucose and lipid metabolism disorders mediated by gut microbiota.
The Feasibility of Binary and Ternary Hydrate Mixtures of CH4, CO2 and C3H8 for Metals Removal
Authors: Abulkhair Hani , Alsaiari Abdulmohsen , Ahmad Iqbal , Nallakukkala Sirisha , Lal Bhajan , Shariff Azmi Mohammad
Published: October 2021

The selection of suitable hydrate formers and their respective gas composition for high hydrate formation driving force is critical to achieve high water recovery and metals removal efficiency in the hydrate-based desalination process. This study presents a feasibility analysis on the possible driving force and subcooling temperatures for the binary and ternary mixtures of methane, carbon dioxide, and propane for hydrates-based desalination process. The driving force and subcooling of the gas systems was evaluated by predicting their hydrate formation phase boundary conditions in 2 wt.% NaCl systems at pressures ranges from 2.0 - 4.0 MPa and temperatures of 1 – 4°C using Modified Peng-Robinson Equation of State in the PVTSim software package. The results suggested that the driving force of CH4-C3H8 and CO2+C3H8 binary systems are similar to their ternary. Thus, the use of binary systems is preferable and simpler than the ternary systems. For binary gas composition CO2+C3H8 (70:30) exhibited a higher subcooling temperature of 8.07 ºC and driving force of 1.49 MPa in presence of 2wt% salt. In case of ternary system (CH4-C3H8-CO2) composition of (10:80:10) provided a good subcooling temperature of 12.86 ºC for hydrate formation. The results favour CO2-C3H8 as preferred hydrate formers for hydrate- based desalination. This is attributed due to the formation of sII structure and as it constitutes 136 water molecules which signifies a huge potential of producing more quantity of treated water.
Proline residues impart a tripartite segmental behavior to the nucleosomal H3 histone tail in the unmodified and posttranslationally modified states
Authors: Piston Kathryn , Cosgrove Michael , Nangia Shikha
Published: October 2021

Histone tails are integral structural and functional components of the eukaryotic nucleosome. These tails, rich in positively charged amino acid residues, interact with the DNA to stabilize the nucleosomal structure. However, capturing the biochemical effects of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) on histone tails in molecular detail using X-ray or NMR techniques remains a challenge due to their intrinsically disordered structure. In this work, we studied the N-terminal portion of the H3 histone protein, a 38-residue tail, that when posttranslationally modified, is implicated in altering the tail’s interaction with the DNA, affecting nucleosomal stability. Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations for a total of 35 microseconds, we investigated the structure and dynamics of the wildtype H3 tail and seven known nucleosomal PTMs. Based on residues’ contacts with DNA, water, and ions, dihedral angle analysis, and root-mean-square fluctuations of the tail residues, our results show that the H3 tail has a tripartite segmental nature. The three segments, labeled I, II, and III, are separated by the proline residues P16, P30, and P38. A comparison of wildtype H3 tail and proline-to-alanine-mutated H3 tail showed that the prolines function as segmental dividers or hinges of the H3 tail. We show that Segment I is more dynamic than Segments II and III, and Segment I makes multiple transient contacts with the DNA. The PTMs affect the tail’s dynamics to different extents, but the tripartite segmental nature of the tail is preserved. Notably, single-residue modification of the lysine by acetylation or methylations in Segment I versus multiple residue modifications by serine phosphorylation or lysine methylations have marked effects on the tail’s flexibility and interaction with the DNA. This study highlights the significance of proline residues in creating the segmental behavior of the H3 tail.
Fibroblast Activation Protein Imaging in Reperfused ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Comparison with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Xie Boqia , Wang Jiaxin , Xi Xiao-Ying , Guo Xiaojuan , Chen Bi-Xi , Hua Cuncun , Zhao Shihua , Su Pixiong , Chen Mulei , Yang Min-Fu
Published: October 2021

Purpose
The goals were to explore the correlation of 18F-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and to investigate the value of FAPI imaging in predicting cardiac functional recovery.
Methods
Fourteen first-time STEMI patients (11 men, mean age: 62 ± 11 years) after PPCI were prospectively recruited. All patients underwent baseline FAPI imaging (6 ± 2 days post-MI) and CMR (8 ± 2 days post-MI). Ten patients had convalescent CMR (84 ± 4 days post-MI). Myocardial FAPI activity was analyzed on extent (the percentage of FAPI uptake volume over the left ventricular volume, FAPI%), intensity (target-to-background uptake ratio, TBRmax), and amount (FAPI%×TBRmax). Serum biomarkers during the acute phase, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), extracellular volume (ECV), microvascular obstruction (MVO), and cardiac function from CMR imaging were analyzed.
Results
Localized but inhomogeneous FAPI uptake was observed, which was larger than the edematous and infarcted myocardium. The MVO area showed lower FAPI uptake compared with the surrounding myocardium. FAPI activity was associated with myocardial injury biomarkers, T2WI, LGE, and ECV at both per-patient and per-segment levels (all p < 0.05). Among the CMR parameters, T2WI had the greatest correlation coefficient with both FAPI% and FAPI%×TBRmax. Baseline TBRmax was correlated with convalescent left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)(r = −0.73, p = 0.02).
Conclusion
FAPI imaging detects more involved myocardium than CMR in reperfused STEMI, and was associated with myocardial damage and convalescent LVEF.
Diversity of Site-Specific Microbes of Occlusal and Proximal Lesions in Severe- Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC)
Authors: Fakhruddin Kausar Sadia , Samaranayake Lakshman Perera , Hamoudi Rifat Akram , Ngo Hien Chi , Egusa Horoshi
Published: October 2021

Background: Severe-early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a global problem of significant concern, commonly manifest as a dentinal lesion on the occlusal and proximal surfaces of the affected deciduous dentition. Although there are major ecological differences between these two niches, it is unclear whether these are reflected in the composition of their dysbiotic cariogenic microbiome. Therefore, we compared the compositional differences in the microbiota of occlusal and proximal caries lesions in S-ECC. Methods: Deep-dentine caries samples (19-occlusal and 19-proximal) from asymptomatic primary molars of children with S-ECC (n=19) belonging to caries-code 5/6, according to ICDAS classification, were evaluated. Employing two primer pools, we amplified and compared the bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences of the seven hypervariable regions (V2 to V4 and V6 to V9) using a next-generation sequencing based assay.Results: Bray-Curtis dissimilarity data indicated that occlusal lesions had a more homogeneous microbial community structure than the proximal lesions with significant compositional differences at species level (p=0.01; R-value of 0.513). Together, the occlusal and proximal niches harbored 263 species, of which 202 (76.8%) species were common to both locales, while 49 (18.6%) and 12 (4.6%) disparate species were exclusively isolated from the proximal and occlusal niches, respectively. The most commonly found genera at both locales included Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Lactobacillus, with 33, 27, and 22 species each, respectively. In addition, Streptococcus mutans predominated in the proximal cavities (p≤0.05), as opposed to Atopobium parvulum (p=0.01) in the occlusal niches, while Vellonella alcalescens was present in similar proportions in both habitats (p≥0.05). Conclusions: Distinct differences between the caries microbiota of occlusal and proximal caries in S-ECC exist. The former niche appears to provide a habitat for a more homogeneous growth of communal microbiota than the latter. This may be due to the conditions prevalent in relatively quiescent inter-proximal regions, as opposed to the occlusal regions exposed to the ebb and flow of salivary and masticatory forces, and/or the anatomical and structural differences in the two locales. The clinical implications of these findings in terms of the rate and severity of caries progression remain to be determined.
Safety Profile and Risk Factors for Bleeding in Transbronchial Cryobiopsy Using a Two-Scope Technique for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions
Authors: Nakai Toshiyuki , Watanabe Tetsuya , Kaimi Yuto , Ogawa Koichi , Matsumoto Yoshiya , Sawa Kenji , Okamoto Atsuko , Sato Kanako , Asai Kazuhisa , Matsumoto Yuji , Ohsawa Masahiko , Kawaguchi Tomoya
Published: October 2021

Background
A balloon occlusion technique is suggested for use in cryobiopsy for interstitial lung diseases because of the bleeding risk. However, it may interfere with selection of the involved bronchus for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). A two-scope technique, in which two scopes are prepared and hemostasis is started using the second scope immediately after cryobiopsy, has also been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and diagnostic utility of transbronchial cryobiopsy using the two-scope technique for PPLs.
Methods
Data of patients who underwent conventional biopsy followed by cryobiopsy using the two-scope technique for PPLs from November 2019 to March 2021 were collected. The incidence of complications and risk factors for clinically significant bleeding (moderate to life-threatening) were investigated. Diagnostic yields were also compared among conventional biopsy, cryobiopsy, and the combination of them.
Results
A total of 139 patients were analyzed. Moderate bleeding occurred in 25 (18.0%) patients without severe/life-threatening bleeding. Although five cases required transbronchial instillation of thrombin, all bleeding was completely controlled using the two-scope technique. Other complications included two pneumothoraces and one asthmatic attack. On multivariable analysis, only ground-glass features (P < 0.001, odds ratio: 9.30) were associated with clinically significant bleeding. The diagnostic yields of conventional biopsy and cryobiopsy were 76.3% and 81.3%, respectively (P = 0.28). The total diagnostic yield was 89.9%, significantly higher than conventional biopsy alone (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
The two-scope technique provides useful hemostasis for safe cryobiopsy for PPLs, with a careful decision needed for ground-glass lesions.
WITHDRAWN: Analysis of Hyperhomocysteinemia and Related Factors : A Case - Control Study in Northeast China
Authors: Ding Ding , Zhang Ya Lin , Yang Jing Xin , Fu Yu , Liu Ning , Lu Wan Yi , Pan Yi Ming , Guo Jia Qi , Zhang Hui , Lou Yan , Kong Juan
Published: October 2021

Objectives. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an easily neglected disease, which can be hidden in the body for many years without signs or symptoms. We want to explore the causes of HHcy, the correlation of HHcy with micronutrients, lifestyle, dietary habits and HHcy related genes, preventing the occurrence of HHcy.Methods. 800 subjects (M/F, 403/397) were divided into normal Hcy and HHcy group according to the plasma levels of Hcy, compared essential characteristics by questionnaires, genetic polymorphism tested by Realtime PCR and micronutrients detected by mass spectrometry. The statistical analysis methods were Chi - square tests, ANOVA, logistic regression. This trial has been registered with the trial number ChiCTR1900025136. Results. 42.66% of 143 HHcy cases were aged from 10 to 18, with higher levels of zinc (Zn), vitamin A, Uric acid (P < 0.05) and a lower level of 25-OH-D3, VB12, folic acid (Fol) (P < 0.05) compared to the normal group. The multivariate logistic regression significantly predicted HHcy development containing higher level of Zinc (Exp(B) = 1.042; 95% CI, 1.000 - 1.086), higher Uric (Exp(B) = 1.014; 95% CI, 1.008 - 1.019), lower B12 (Exp(B) = 0.993; 95%CI, 0.989 - 0.997), lower Folic acid (Exp(B) = 0.772; 95% CI, 0.657 - 0.907), and polymorphism of MTHFR C677T (Exp(B) = 2.923; 95% CI, 1.399–6.107).Conclusion. Pay more attention to those students who were facing great pressure because they are very likely to be potential HHcy patients with high levels of uric acid and zinc and anxiety.
Melatonin alleviates hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative damage in MC3T3-E1 cells via SIRT1/p66SHC pathway and promotes osteogenesis
Authors: Liu Hedong , Ren Maoxian , Li Yang , Zhang Ruotian , Ma Nengfeng , Li Tianlin , Jiang Wenkai , Zhou Zhi , Yao Xuewei , Liu Zhiyi , Yang Min
Published: October 2021

Oxidative stress is an important contributor to the development of osteoporosis. Melatonin, an indoleamine secreted by the pineal gland, has antioxidant properties. This study aims to explore whether melatonin can promote bone formation and elucidate the mechanisms underlying this process. In this study, we used an in vitro hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress model in MC3T3-E1 cells and an in vivo ovariectomized osteoporotic bone defect model in rats to explore the protective effects of melatonin against osteoporotic bone defects along with the mechanism underlying these effects. We found that melatonin significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization capacity, and the expression of BMP2, RUNX2, and OPN in MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, melatonin was found to activate SIRT1 and inhibit p66SHC, reduce the intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, stabilize mitochondria, reduce malondialdehyde levels, increase superoxide dismutase activity, and reduce apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells treated with H2O2. Intriguingly, these effects could be reversed by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. In vivo experiments confirmed that melatonin improves the microstructure and bone mineral density of the distal femoral bone trabecula and promotes bone formation. Taken together, our findings showed that melatonin can restrain oxidative damage in MC3T3-E1 cells via SIRT1/p66SHC pathway and promote osteogenesis, suggesting that melatonin could be a potential therapeutic agent for osteoporosis-related bone metabolic diseases.
Impact of an Automated Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program on Suicide Thinking and Risk Among US Rural Adults
Authors: Schure Mark B. , McCrory Bernadette , Greist John , Weissman Ruth Striegel
Published: October 2021

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for mental disorders, including depression. Internet-based CBT (iCBT) programs increasingly are showing similar impact to clinician-delivered CBT. We assessed the impact of Thrive, a fully-automated iCBT depression treatment program on suicidal thinking. Participants were randomly assigned to Thrive (n=218) or a waitlist control group (WLC, n= 230). Intent-to-treat analyses tested for group differences at 8-weeks in suicidal thinking (CHRT-SR3 subscale, primary outcome), and secondary outcomes including depression symptoms (PHQ-9), anxiety symptoms (GADS-7), work and social adjustment (WSAS), and resilience (CD-RISC-10). Using self-reports, participants were evaluated at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks for each outcome. Thrive program adherence (n = 218) was assessed by number of lessons completed. The Thrive group was 38.7% less likely than the control group to present with suicidal thinking at 8 weeks (odds ratio 0.61, p = 0.10). Comparison of 8-week depression symptom slopes showed statistically significant effects favoring the Thrive group (WLC = -3.04 vs. Thrive = -4.32, p = 0.007) (d = 0.08); no other significant group differences were observed. Lessons completed were significantly related to lower PHQ-9 (p = 0.026) and GAD-7 scores (p < 0.01). Study results are consistent with a previous study showing nonsignificant effect of an automated iCBT program for reducing suicidal thinking, but a significant positive impact on depression symptoms among rural US adults. Future studies should test whether strategies for boosting lesson completion are successful in enhancing the efficacy of Thrive to reduce suicide risk.
CXCL10 Expression in Tumor Tissues and is An Independent Prognostic Indicator of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hu Lingyu , Xu Haokai , Zhong Zhengxiang , Wu Bin
Published: October 2021

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a malignant disease with difficult diagnosis and high mortality. The most common type is pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC). CXCL10 is of great significance in the treatment of immune diseases and cancer. Here, we evaluated the expression of CXCL10 in pancreatic cancer and its clinical significance. Results: The results of the TCGA database showed that the expression of CXCL10 in pancreatic cancer tissues was higher than that in matched adjacent tissues (P <0.05). Patients with high expression of CXCL10 had a poor prognosis compared with those with low expression of CXCL10 (P=0.0051).We found that CXCL10 was positively and strongly correlated with tumour-infiltrating neutrophils and macrophages in PDAC (P<0.0001). We also performed CXCL10 immunohistochemical staining in a tissue microarray (TMA), which included tumour samples collected from 119 PDAC patients (each sample was matched with an adjacent tissue sample). The expression level of CXCL10 in PDAC tissues was prominently higher than that in the matched adjacent tissues (P = 0.0001). Analysis of clinicopathological factors suggested that the high expression of CXCL10 was correlated with the patient's T stage (P = 0.020). In addition, higher CXCL10 expression was significantly associated with worse overall survival of PDAC patients (P = 0.012). The results of COS multivariate analysis suggested that age (P=0.005), histological grade (P=0.001), TNM stage (P=0.017) and CXCL10 expression (P=0.024) were independent prognostic factors for pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: Our data indicate that CXCL10 is highly expressed in PDAC and may be used as an independent clinical prognostic indicator for PDAC.