bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Changes and Detection of Liver Fibrosis–Related Protein Levels in Coculture of Alveolar Echinococcosis-Protoscoleces and Human Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: cao DEping , Shamsan Emad , Jiang Bofan , Yaogang Zhang , Dehwah Mustafa Abdo Saif
Published: March 2021

BackgroundEchinococcus multilocularis is a causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis (AE). AE leads to cirrhosis in several organs, such as the liver, triggering severe conditions, including hepatic failure and encephalopathy. The main purpose of this study is to explore the interaction between treated hepatic stellate cells and AE-protoscoleces (AE-PSCs). The results of this study will be provided experimental basis for revealing the mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis after AE infection.MethodsWe investigated the role of alveolar echinococcosis-protoscoleces (AE-PSCs) in liver fibrosis and structural changes and liver fibrosis-related protein expression in a coculture of PSCs and human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Structural changes were detected by transmission electron microscopy, whereas liver fibrosis-related proteins, collagen I, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and osteopontin levels were measured by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsPSCs exhibited morphological changes, specifically changes in shape, and showed slight changes in the cytoplasmic membrane, whereas structural modifications were observed in HSCs. Additionally, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that PSCs treated in vitro with HSC-LX2 showed significantly increased collagen-Ⅰ, α-smooth muscle actin, and osteopontin expression levels after 3–4 days of incubation in a coculture system. AE-PSCs induced liver fibrosis by inducing extracellular matrix expression and HSC activation.Conclusions﻿These results provide insight into the pathogenesis of echinococcosis- induced hepatic fibrosis and introduce therapeutic targets and diagnostic criteria for managing echinococcosis-dependent liver fibrosis.
High-resolution mapping of the quantitative trait locus (QTLs) conferring resistance to false smut disease in rice
Authors: neelam kumari , Kumar Kishor , Kaur Amandeep , Kishore Amit , Kaur Pavneet , Babbar Ankita , Kaur Gurwinder , Kamboj Ishwinder , Lore Jagjeet Singh , Vikal Yogesh , Mangat G.S. , Kaur Rupinder , Khanna Renu , Singh Kuldeep
Published: March 2021

Decoding the genetic mechanisms underlying disease resistance is of great importance for crop improvement. Rice false smut (RFS) is a major fungal disease caused by Ustilaginoidea virens that hampers the grain quality and yield of rice worldwide. It causes 2.8-49% global yield loss depending upon disease severity and varieties grown. In India, the severity of yield loss ranged from 2-75%. Keeping the economic importance of this disease, identification of the genes/QTLs governing disease resistance is of prime importance for the development of the linked markers and cloning of the genes. Here, we report mapping of QTLs using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between resistant line, RYT2668, and a highly susceptible variety, PR116. The population was evaluated for rice false smut disease under field conditions for three cropping seasons 2013, 2015, and 2016. A total of seven QTLs were mapped on rice chromosomes 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9 of rice using 2326 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Among them, a novel QTL qRFSr9.1 affecting total smut ball (TSB)/panicle on chromosome 9 exhibited the largest phenotypic effect. The prediction of putative candidate genes within the qRFSr9.1 spanned in 994.1Kb revealed four NBS-LRR domain-containing disease resistance proteins. We identified SNPs/Indels associated with the disease resistance which could be used for accelerating breeding programs using marker-assisted selection. In summary, our findings mark the ‘hot-spot’ region on rice chromosomes along with the identification of disease resistance genes in conferring resistance to the rice false smut disease.
Role of Plasmodium berghei ookinete surface and oocyst capsule protein, a novel oocyst capsule-associated protein, in ookinete motility
Authors: Nakayama Kazuhiko , Kimura Yuta , Kitahara Yu , Soga Akira , Haraguchi Asako , Hakozaki Jun , Sugiyama Makoto , Kusakisako Kodai , Fukumoto Shinya , Ikadai Hiromi
Published: March 2021

Background: Plasmodium sp., which causes malaria, must first develop in mosquitoes before being transmitted. Upon ingesting infected blood, gametes form in the mosquito lumen, followed by fertilization and differentiation of the resulting zygotes into motile ookinetes. Within 24 hours of blood ingestion, these ookinetes traverse mosquito epithelial cells and lodge below the midgut basal lamina, where they differentiate into sessile oocysts that are protected by a capsule. Methods: We identified an ookinete surface and oocyst capsule protein (OSCP) that is involved in ookinete motility as well as oocyst capsule formation. Results: We found that knockout of OSCP in parasite decreases ookinete gliding motility and gradually reduces the number of oocysts. On day 15 after blood ingestion, the oocyst wall was significantly thinner. Moreover, adding anti-OSCP antibodies decreased the gliding speed of wild type ookinetes in vitro. Adding anti-OSCP antibodies to an infected blood meal also resulted in decreased oocyst formation. Conclusion: These findings may be useful for the development of transmission-blocking tools for malaria.
Investigation of Oligonucleotide Usage Variance Between SARS -related Coronaviruses and Common Cold Coronaviruses
Authors: Mousavi Elham , Nikobin-Boroujeni Majid , Teimoori Ali , Arabzadeh Seyed Ali Mohammad , Hashemi Mohammad Mostakhdem , Arab-Bafrani zahra
Published: March 2021

Background: The widespread outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has become a deal threat for human health. This new emerged virus coupled with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) viruses belong to coronoviridae family, which develop SARS in human being. However, prior to the emergence of virulent viruses, the coronaviruses were known as the leading causes of mild common cold. Getting more knowledge about the genome organization of different strains can conduct us how these viruses evolve and become a virulent strain. Here, we reported the difference of oligonucleotide distribution contributing in genome of two groups of coronaviruses, SARS related viruses versa common cold coronaviruses, by employing weighting algorithms approaches. Results: In this study, we found a few oligonucleotides, which significantly distinguish two viral groups. Among dinucleotide’s features, the discrepancy of TC and CC between SARS related viruses and common cold coronaviruses was quite considerable. Furthermore, CC dinucleotide was sequentially repeated in a few multinucleotide patterns including CCA, CCAC, ACCAC, and CACCAC motifs with the highest values, which also discriminated two viral groups. Conclusions: Theses remarkable oligonucleotides might point towards the existence of some particular RNA elements that might be involved in viral infectivity.
WHtR may be a Better and Stronger Indictor for Fatty Liver: A Population-Based Cross-sectional Comparison Study of Anthropometric and Metabolic Indices for Identification Fatty Liver in China
Authors: Xie Fangfei , Pei Yuyu , Zhou Quan , Wang Yun , Han Renfang , Zeng Nimei , Sun Kangyun
Published: March 2021

Background: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the predictive performance anthropometric and metabolic indices in identifying fatty liver (FL) diseases in Chinese adults. Indices including Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT and AST), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist–hip Ratio (WHR), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), Body Mass Index (BMI), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Triglyceride Glucose (TyG), and ALT/AST were selected. Methods: A total of 1748 participants aged over 18 years were included in this study. Univariate analyses were performed to determine the associations between these indices and FL with odds ratio (ORs). The predictive performance of these indices to identify FL was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and areas under curves (AUCs). Results: WHtR had the greatest AUC in males (AUC = 0.81) and females (AUC = 0.85). Furthermore, WC and AVI had the greatest AUC in 20-40 years (AUC = 0.96), while TyG had the greatest AUC in 40- years (AUC = 0.80) of females. And WHtR had the second diagnostic ability in both two decades of age (20-40 and 40- years) of females. Conclusions: WHtR might be the best for predicting FL in males and females, while WC and AVI might be best for identifying FL for males aged 20-40 years, while TyG for those aged over 40 years.
STK4 deficiency underlies impaired interferon signaling and T cell immunity
Authors: Guennoun Andrea , Bougarn Salim , Khan Taushif , Mackeh Rafah , Rahman Mahbuba , Ali Fatima Al , Ata Manar , Aamer Waleed , Prosser Debra , Habib Tanwir , Chin-Smith Evonne , Al-Darwish Khawla , Zhang Qian , Al-Shakaki Alya , Robay Amal , Crystal Ronald , Fakhro Khalid , Al-Naimi Amal , Maslamani Eman Al , Tuffaha Amjad , Janahi Ibrahim , Janahi Mohammad , Love Donald , Karim Mohammed Yousuf , Lo Bernice , Hassan Amel , Adeli Mehdi , Marr Nico
Published: March 2021

Purpose. Human serine/threonine kinase 4 (STK4) deficiency is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder leading to combined immunodeficiency. The extent to which STK4 deficiency impairs immune signaling and host defenses is unclear. We assessed the functional consequences of a novel, homozygous nonsense STK4 mutation (NM_006282.2:c.871C>T, p.Arg291*) found in a pediatric patient by comparing the patient’s innate and adaptive cell-mediated and humoral immune responses with those of three heterozygous relatives and unrelated controls.Methods. The genetic etiology was identified by whole genome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. STK4 gene and protein expression was measured by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Cellular abnormalities were assessed by high-throughput RT-RCR, RNA-Seq, ELISA and polychromatic flow cytometry. Finally, antibody responses were delinated by ELISA and phage immunoprecipitation-sequencing.Results. The affected patient exhibited partial loss of STK4 expression and complete loss of STK4 function. The patient suffered from recurrent viral and bacterial infections, most notably persistent Epstein-Barr virus viremia and pulmonary tuberculosis. Cellular and molecular analyses revealed abnormalities to the fractions of T-cell subsets, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and NK cells. The transcriptional responses of the patient’s whole blood and PBMC samples were reminiscent of dysregulated interferon signaling, impaired T immunity and increased T-cell apoptosis. Nonetheless, the patient had detectable vaccine-specific antibodies and IgG responses to various pathogens, consistent with a normal CD19 + B-cell fraction, albeit with a distinctive antibody repertoire, largely driven by herpesvirus antigens.Conclusion. Patients with STK4 deficiency can exhibit broad impairment of immune function extending beyond lymphoid cells.
Lower Urinary Tract Signs and Symptoms in COVID-19 infected Patients
Authors: Marand Aida Javan Balegh , Janssen Dick , Bach Christian , Heesakkers John , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Voegeli Thomas Alexander , Hajebrahimi Sakineh , Salehi-Pourmehr Hannieh , Mostafaei Hadi , Rahnama'i Mohammad Sajjad
Published: March 2021

Background:The type of pneumonia that is caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has spread across the world in a pandemic. It is not clear if COVID-19 patients have any lower urinary tract signs or symptoms.Methods:The effect of COVID-19 on lower urinary tract function was studied in a multi-centre study including 238 patients who were admitted with symptoms caused by COVID-19 to the university hospital of Aachen in Germany and Tabriz in Iran. Results:None of the patients reported to have any lower urinary tract symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 was found in the urine of 19 % of the tested patients. The mortality rate in COVID-19 infected patients with microscopic haematuria together with white blood cells in their urine, was significantly increased from 48% to 61% in the Tabriz cohort (p-value=0.03) and from 30 % to 35% in the Aachen cohort (p-value =0.045). Furthermore, in the group of patients with SARS-CoV-2 urine PCR, the mortality rate rose from 33% to 50%. (p-value =0.039).Conclusion:Patients admitted with COVID-19 infection did not report to have any lower urinary tract symptoms even those patient who had a positive Urine SARS-CoV-2 PCR.In addition, hematuria, WBC in urine as well as COVID-19 positivity in urine were found to be strong negative prognostic factors in admitted COVID-19 patients.
Deep Learning Use for Differentiation of Low-grade vs High-Grade Glioma in Intraoperative Squash Smears
Authors: Thombre Bhushan Diwakar , Nandeesh B N , Vazhayil Vikas , Prabhuraj A R
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveAutomated diagnosis using Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques would be a useful addition to the intraoperative squash smear diagnosis. A robust diagnostic tool would enhance capabilities in centres where there is limited expertise for the diagnosis of intracranial lesions. The study aims to explore possibilities of deep learning technique-based models to classify squash smear images of glioma into high- and low-grade tumors.Methods500 Scanned images of squash smear were obtained intraoperatively and dataset was built. Image dataset was then pre-processed and fed into a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) model for training and validation. The dataset consisted of 10,000 images of high (6000) and low (4000) grade gliomas, divided into three sets of training, validation and testing. ResultsCNN model based on deep learning algorithm was built and trained on training dataset to get accuracy of 96.2%. On a testing dataset which contains images previously unseen by trained model, it could achieve accuracies of 91% for diagnosing high grade glioma and 77% for low grade glioma. A positive predictive value of 86.6% and F1-score of 0.887 was achieved. Feature visualization technique was applied at the end to visualize regions of interest.ConclusionDeep Learning techniques can be applied as diagnostic tool if proper standardized images are obtained for reporting of squash smears of gliomas. The diagnostic accuracies of such tools can reach up to current standard diagnostic accuracies by conventional ways of reporting. Feature visualization techniques applied which can be used for rapid screening of slides or section of slide to assist in rapid diagnosis.
Treatment effectiveness and economic evaluation of different pulp treatments of primary molars: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Ziyi , Zhang Sun , Ma Wenli , Dou Guili , Xia Bin
Published: March 2021

Background This study focused on the primary molars meeting the indications partially overlapping of indirect pulp treatment (IPT), pulpotomy and pulpectomy.The aims were to compare the effectiveness and cost of these three treatments and apply cost-effectiveness analysis to provide guidance for physicians and parents.Materials and Methods The subjects were children whose primary molars were treated with IPT, pulpotomy or pulpectomy from May 2014 to May 2015 in the Peking University School of Stomatology. The general information, treatment information and total treatment cost of patients were collected. Tooth survival time, cost and survival time: cost ratio were compared between the IPT group and the pulpotomy group, and between the pulpotomy group and the pulpectomy group.Results The survival time: cost ratio of the IPT group was 3.56 ± 0.14 d/Yuan, which was significantly higher than the pulpotomy group (1.46 ± 0.056 d/Yuan; P < 0.001); which was in turn significantly higher than the pulpectomy group (0.89 ± 0.038 d/Yuan; P < 0.001).Conclusion IPT had the lowest survival time: cost ratio, indicating this procedure was more economical at a 2.5-3-year follow-up compared with pulpotomy. Pulpotomy was found to be more economical than pulpectomy.
The Effect of Glycerol as a Cryoprotective Agent in the Cryopreservation of Adipose Tissue
Authors: Zhang Pei-Qi , Tan Poh-Ching , Gao Yi-Ming , Zhang Xiao-Jie , Xie Yun , Zheng Dan-Ning , Zhou Shuang-Bai , Li Qing-feng
Published: March 2021

Background: Long-term preservation of adipose tissue is crucial for clinical applications. Researchers should consider both efficiency and biosafety when choosing a cryoprotective agent (CPA) for adipose tissue preservation. Glycerol has been applied as a nontoxic CPA for multiple tissues but not adipose tissue. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of glycerol as a CPA for adipose tissue cryopreservation.Methods: Fresh human adipose tissues were obtained from ten patients who underwent liposuction and divided into 1 ml samples. Each sample was randomly mixed with 1 ml of CPA: 60 to 100% glycerol, 0.25 mol/L trehalose or DMSO+FBS and cryopreserved in -196 °C liquid nitrogen for one month. After thawing and elution, the tissues were immediately evaluated for activity and structural integrity in vitro. Then, 0.2 ml of each sample was transplanted subdermally to the nude mouse dorsum and harvested after one month for histological examination to assess the effect of the cryopreserved fat in transplantation.Results: After cryopreservation, the samples treated with DMSO+FBS, trehalose, and 60% and 70% glycerol had a more integrated structure than the samples in other groups. Tissues preserved with 70% glycerol had the highest tissue activity, close to that of fresh tissues. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) viability, proliferation and differentiation capability were also better in 70% glycerol group. In vivo analysis showed that tissue preserved with 70% glycerol had superior retention rates and structural integrity. Compared to the DMSO+FBS and trehalose groups, the glycerol group showed lower inflammation.Conclusion: Glycerol (70%) is efficient in adipose tissue cryopreservation. Glycerol-based CPAs, which are nontoxic and show biosafety, are a promising solution for clinical tissue cryopreservation.
The Significance of Neural Inter-Frequency Correlations
Authors: Savolainen Oscar Wiljam
Published: March 2021

It is of great interest in neuroscience to determine what frequency bands in the brain contain common information. However, to date, a comprehensive statistical approach to this question has been lacking. As such, this work presents a novel statistical significance test for correlated power across frequency bands in non-stationary time series. The test accounts for biases that often go untreated in time-frequency analysis, i.e. intra-frequency autocorrelation, inter-frequency non-dyadicity, and multiple testing under dependency. It is used to test all of the inter-frequency correlations between 0.2 and 8500 Hz in continuous intracortical extracellular neural recordings, using a very large, publicly available dataset. The results show that neural processes have signatures across a very broad range of frequency bands. In particular, LFP frequency bands as low as 20 Hz were found to almost always be significantly correlated to kHz frequency ranges. This test also has applications in a broad range of fields, e.g. biological signal processing, economics, finance, climatology, etc. It is useful whenever one wants to robustly determine whether short-term components in a signal are robustly related to long-term trends, or what frequencies contain common information.
Predictability of Sinusoidal Stimulus Movement in Accommodative Demand Does Not Improve Accommodation
Authors: Águila-Carrasco Antonio J. Del , Marín-Franch Iván
Published: March 2021

Previous research work suggests that predictable target motion such as sinusoidal movement can be anticipated by the visual system, thereby improving the accommodative response. The validity of predictable motion for studying human dynamic accommodation is sometimes put into question. The aim of this work was to assess from a practical perspective the effect of anticipation along with learning (and motivation, etc.) and fatigue (and boredom, loss of attention, etc.) on dynamic accommodation experiments. Specifically, changes in amplitude and temporal phase were estimated within and between trials as 9 adult observers were instructed to focus on a stimulus that oscillated in distance at specific temporal frequencies. On average, amplitude decreased whereas phase increased within trials. No evidence of anticipation or learning was observed either within or between trials. Fatigue consistently dominated anticipation and learning within the course of each trial. Even if the eye is equipped by a “prediction operator”, in practice, it is fatigue, and not anticipation or learning, that seems to muddle the results from dynamic accommodation experiments.
Numerical Investigation on the Effects of Circuit Parameters on the Plastic Deformation of Fastener Holes in Thin Aluminum Alloy via Electromagnetic Expansion Process
Authors: Xu Xiaofei , Geng Huihui , Cao Qingshan , Cao Quanliang , Li Liang , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: March 2021

The size of plastic deformation zone during fastener hole strengthening is a critical indicator of the strengthening effect. In this study, a considerable plastic deformation zone in 1.5 mm aluminum alloy plate with a hole was produced via electromagnetic strengthening. The finite element analysis results showed that the electromagnetic strengthening process could achieve high compressive hoop residual stress around the fastener hole in thin plate without serious axial deformation compared with conventional cold hole expansion process. The simulation results were experimentally validated by the grid method. Furthermore, for the same discharge energy, the size of plastic deformation zone varies with the discharge capacitance, and there was an optimal combination of the discharge capacitance and discharge voltage. What’s more, even the plastic deformation zone was the same at the maxed load, different unloading process during the electromagnetic hole expansion process also had a great influence on the strengthening effect.
Integrated analysis of coexpression and competitive endogenous RNA networks identified survival-related genes in gastrointestinal tumors
Authors: Bai Dan , Feng Huhu , Yang Jiajun , Shi Haitao , Ji Fanpu , Qian Airong , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
NORHA, A Novel Follicular Atresia-related Lncrna, Promotes Granulosa Cell Apoptosis via miR-183-96-182 Cluster and FoxO1 Axis
Authors: Yao Wang , Pan Zengxiang , Du Xing , Zhang Jinbi , Liu Honglin , Li Qifa
Published: March 2021

BackgroundFollicular atresia has been shown to be strongly associated with low follicle utilization rate and female infertility, which are regulated by many factors such as miroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). However, little is known about long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), another ncRNAs, which regulate follicular atresia. ResultsA total of 94 differentially expressed lncRNAs, including 74 up-regulated and 20 down-regulated lncRNAs, were identified in early atretic follicles compared to healthy follicles by RNA-sequencing. We identified and characterized a non-coding RNA that was highly expressed in atretic follicles (NORHA), an intergenic lncRNA, was the most significantly elevated lncRNA in early atretic follicles. Functionally, RT-PCR，flow cytometry and western blot results showed that NORHA was associated with follicular atresia by influencing GC apoptosis. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay results showed that NORHA acted as a ‘sponge’, which directly bound to the miR-183-96-182 cluster, and therefore resisted their targeting inhibition of FoxO1, the major sensor and effector of oxidative stress. Furthermore, NORHA and oxidative stress synergistically induced GC apoptosis. ConclusionsWe provide a comprehensive perspective of lncRNAs regulation of follicular atresia, and demonstrate that NORHA, a novel lncRNA related to follicular atresia, induces GC apoptosis through affecting the miR-183-96-182 cluster and Foxo1 axis
Solitary Bone Plasmacytoma: The Unusual Case with Involvement of Adjacent Disc Space
Authors: Tan Hong-dong , Gu Jia , Xu Liang , Sun Gang
Published: March 2021

Background: Solitary plasmacytoma of the bone (SPB) is a rare manifestation of plasma cell tumor that usually presents as a osteolytic lesion mainly localized within the axial skeleton and the back pain is a common clinical feature.Case presentation: This case report discussed a 57-year-old male presented with low back pain caused by SBP. In this case, there is an even rarer phenomenon presented as osteolytic destruction in T7 to T9 vertebral bodies with involvement of adjacent disc spaces. This case report provided a comprehensive description of the radiographic assessment, medical management, and differential diagnosis.Conclusions: This is the first discussion focusing on differential diagnosis between spinal neoplasm and infectious diseases about SBP with involvement of adjacent disc space.
Silencing Herg1 by shRNA inhibits the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Chen Zhida , Song Chao , Chen Yunping , Xiao Lili , Jiang Yuanjie , Wu Jin
Published: March 2021

Background: Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor of childhood, and improvements in the survival rates have reached a plateau phase. This study was aimed to explore the the importance of the human ether-a-go-go-related potassium channel (Herg1) in the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma.Methods: The effects of Herg1 silenced on osteosarcoma cell proliferation and invasion were detected by were detected by CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Tandem affinity purification, mass spectrometry and Dual luciferase reporter assay were used to find out possible molecules responsible for the action of Herg1 on osteosarcoma cells. Nude mouse model was used to investigate the in vivo functions of Herg1. Results: Herg1 silencing by shRNA significantly suppressed the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells in vitro as well as tumorigenicity and metastasis in nude mice. Moreover, Herg1 promoted osteosarcoma progression via turning off Hippo signaling pathway, leading to the activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP). Mechanistically, Herg1 co-localized and interacted with NF2 (also called Merlin), and this interaction probably caused the de-phosphorylation of MST1/2 and LATS1/2, which drove YAP nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation. Conclusion: Herg1 acts as an oncogene in osteosarcoma and may therefore serve as a useful therapeutic target for osteosarcoma patients.
Users’ Perception on Factors Contributing to Electronic Medical Records Systems Use: A Focus Group Discussion Study in Healthcare Facilities Setting in Kenya
Authors: Ngugi Philomena N. , Babic Ankica , Were Martin C.
Published: March 2021

Background Electronic Medical Records systems (EMRs) adoption in healthcare to facilitate work processes have become common in many countries. Although EMRs are associated with quality patient care, patient safety and cost reduction, their adoption rates are comparatively low. Understanding factors associated with usage of implemented EMRs are critical for advancing successful implementations and scale-up sustainable initiatives. The aim of this study was to explore end users’ perceptions and experiences on factors facilitating and hindering EMRs use in healthcare facilities in Kenya. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted with EMRs users (n=20) each representing a healthcare facility determined by the performance of the EMRs implementation. Content analysis was performed on the transcribed data and relevant themes derived.Results Six thematic categories for both facilitators and barriers emerged, and these related to: (1) system functionalities; (2) training; (3) technical support; (4) human factors; (5) infrastructure, and (6) EMR operation mode. The identified facilitators included: easiness of use and learning of the system, efficiency of EMRs in patient data management, responsiveness of Information Technical (IT) support, user training on EMR system upgrades. The identified barriers included: frequent power blackouts, inadequate computers, retrospective data entry (RDE) EMRs operation mode, lack of continuous training on system upgrades, and delayed IT support. Conclusion Users in an LMIC setting generally believed that the EMRs improved work process, with multiple identified facilitators and barriers to their use. Most users perceived system functionality and training as motivators to EMRs use, while infrastructure challenge was the greatest barrier.
The risk factors of surgical site infection following posterior cervical spine surgery
Authors: Chang Yvang , Yang Ming , Zhang Wentao , Xu Gang , Li Zhonghai
Published: March 2021

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following posterior cervical spine surgery, imposing a high burden on patients and society. However, information about its characteristics and related risk factors is limited. We designed this study intended to address this issue.Methods: From January 2011 through October 2020, a total of 405 patients diagnosed of cervical degenerative diseases (cervical spondylotic myelopathy, ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament and cervical disk herniation) who were treated with unilateral open-door lamnioplasty surgeries were enrolled in this study. We divided the patients into the SSI group and the non-SSI group and compared their patient-specific and procedure-specific factors. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors. Results: There were significant differences between groups in subcutaneous fat thickness (FT) (P<0.001), ratio of subcutaneous FT to muscle thickness (MT) (P<0.001), preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association（JOA）Scores (P< 0.003), preoperative serum albumin (P< 0.001), postoperative drainage (P<0.004), time of draining (P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis of these differences showed that ratio of subcutaneous FT/MT, preoperative JOA score, preoperative serum albumin and longer time of draining were significantly related to SSI (P<0.05).Conclusion: Ratio of subcutaneous FT/MT, preoperative JOA score, preoperative serum albumin and longer time of draining are identified as the independent risk factors of SSI in posterior cervical spine surgeries. Identification of these risk factors could be useful in reducing SSI incidence and patients counseling.
Laser-triggered combined chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy enabled by iron sulfide-doxorubicin@bovine lactoferrin nanozymes for breast cancer therapy
Authors: Bai Qian
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe use of magnetic nanozymes with the ability to synchronize gas therapy through photodynamic and chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer has received much attention. ResultsHence, in this study, we designed a bovine lactoferrin-coated iron sulfide nanozymes containing doxorubicin (FeS-Dox@bLf NZs) by wet chemical synthesis that can respond to tumor acidity. Then, the physicochemical properties of synthesized NZs were investigated by TEM, SEM, DLS and spectroscopic methods. Likewise, the level of Fe2+ release, H2S and Dox from FeS-Dox@Lf NZs under acidic conditions was evaluated. It was observed that Fe2+ and S2- caused significant OH and H2S release through the Fenton reaction. Also, the toxic effects of FeS-Dox@Lf NZs on 4T1 cancerous cells were investigated by MTT and flow cytometry assays. After intravenous injections of NZs and laser irradiation, significant effects of FeS-Dox@Lf NZs on mice weight and tumor status were observed. Afterwards, not only the distribution of Dox in the body was examined by fluorescent, but also the time of Fe clearance and the amount of Dox and Fe retention in vital tissues were determined. The findings confirm that FeS-Dox@Lf NZs, in addition to targeted drug distribution in tumor tissue, resulted in superior therapeutic performance compared to free Dox due to reduced Dox side effects in vital tissues, and increased level of free radicals in 4T1 cells. ConclusionOverall, FeS-Dox@Lf nanozymes with the ability to synchronize chemotherapy and gas therapy raised hopes for more effective treatment of breast cancer.
Corydalis Saxicola Bunting Total Alkaloids Inhibits Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy By Regulating PKCε-TRPV1 and p38 MAPK-TRPV1 Signaling Pathways
Authors: xue chu , Liu Si-Xue , Hu Jie , Huang Jin , Liu Hong-Min , Qiu Zhi-Xia , huang fang
Published: March 2021

Background: Corydalis saxicola Bunting, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been proven to work well in anti-inflammation, blood circulation improvement, hemostasis, analgesia. This study was designed to observe the effects and potential mechanism of Corydalis saxicola Bunting total alkaloids (CSBTA) on paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). Materials and methods: Following 4 times intraperitoneal injections of paclitaxel (2 mg/kg) and intragastrically (i.g.) administrated at 30 or 120 mg/kg CSBTA, mechanical and thermal allodynia and hyperalgesia in rats were tested. After 40 days, serum was collected for the detection of PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-1β by ELISA. The L4-L6 segment spinal cord, DRG, and plantar skin were harvested, and protein and gene expression of CGRP, SP, TRPV1, p38, and PKCε were analyzed by Western-blot or RT-qPCR. Parallelly, the PIPN cell model was also established in primary DRG neurons by paclitaxel stimulation (300 nM, 5 d). We examined PGE2, TNF-α and CGRP mRNA levels, and the protein expression on the PKCε-TRPV1 and p38 MAPK-TRPV1 pathways in PIPN cell model with or without CSBTA (25 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml). Results: The results showed that CSBTA effectively ameliorated allodynia and hyperalgesia in PIPN rats, regulated the contents of cytokines and neuropeptides in different tissues and cell models. CSBTA significantly decreased the protein expression of PKCε-TRPV1 and p38 MAPK-TRPV1 signaling pathways in the spinal cord and DRG tissues in the PIPN animal model and primary DRG neurons. Conclusion: Therefore, CSBTA has a perspective therapeutic effect on the treatment of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Effects of a Snack on Performance and Errors During a Simulated 16-h Night Shift: a Pilot Study
Authors: Oriyama Sanae , Yamashita Kotomi
Published: March 2021

Background: Night shift workers might not eat due to their busy schedules during the night shift. However, diet may not only satisfy hunger, but also affect performance and errors.The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of a snack on performance and errors during 2-day, 16-h simulated night shifts. Methods: A randomized repeated-measure crossover study was performed to investigate subjective and cognitive performance in 15 healthy female adults (mean age, 21.7 years) after they consumed a snack (352 kcal) during a simulated night shift (16:00 to 09:00). The participants were kept awake from wake up in the morning to the next day at 09:00. Subjects were tested for performance on the Uchida-Kraepelin test, as well as for subjective feeling, body temperature, psychomotor vigilance test, and heart rate variability, before and after they consumed the snack. One day before the experiment, all participants wore an actigraphy monitoring device to determine their sleep state. Results: There was no difference between the snack condition and the skipping condition in sleep states the day before the experiment. On the day of the experiment, between 16:00 and 09:00, subjective sleepiness, fatigue, and body temperature were not different between the two conditions. Subjects showed a significant improvement in performance on the Uchida-Kraepelin test and total errors on the psychomotor vigilance test, the primary outcome measure, when they consumed a snack compared with the skipping condition. In addition, the snack condition was associated with decreased high-frequency power, decreased low-frequency power/high-frequency power ratio, and increased heart rate, in the vagally mediated heart rate variability indices, which may reflect a higher ability to modulate cognitive and behavioral processes. Conclusions: These results suggest that providing a snack to shift workers during night shifts might improve work safety and efficiency.Trial registration: This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network-Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CRT registry ID: UMIN 000034345).
A Novel Method of Defect Detection Based on Experimental Investigation of Galvanized Steel Welded Plates Using Wobble Laser Process
Authors: Karganroudi Sasan Sattarpanah , Aminzadeh Ahmad , Kemda Vincent Blériot Feujofack , Barka Noureddine
Published: March 2021

This paper aims at investigating the effect of laser welding parameters on the hardness profile, using hardness mapping analyses, and welding geometry of galvanized steel plates. Hardness distribution and geometry deflection of galvanized welded thin plates are commonly applied in fields where the weld quality is of utmost importance. Due to the welding process and material condition, welding galvanized steel is one of the problematic matters in welding technology. Here, the design of experiment (DOE) approach is used to study the effect of process parameters. Using a pattern matrix of micro-indentation hardness experiment, the welding defects are visualized on hardness profile of the weld cross-section. The effect of process parameters on welding defect formation is then qualitatively analyzed. The geometrical defects of welding such as weld width and voids are then quantitatively studied based on analysis of variance (ANOVA), and predictive models of welding voids and weld seam width are developed based on the regression method. Response surface method (RSM) is then applied to define the trend of process factors interaction on the welding defects. The experimental results confirm the reliability of developed predictive models of welding defects geometry, weld width, and voids area of laser-welded galvanized plates.
Investigation of the Wear Behavior of Abrasive Grits in a Dry Machining Inconel 718 Narrow-Deep-Groove with a Single-Layer Cubic Boron Nitride Grinding Wheel
Authors: Li Guang , Liang Guoxing , Shen Xingquan , Lv Ming , Liu Donggang , Hao Xinhui , Huang Yonggui , Princewill Tochukwu Ojiako , Al-Nehari Mohammed
Published: March 2021

The wear behavior of a single-layer electroplated cubic boron nitride (cBN) grinding wheel was investigated in creep feed profile grinding Inconel 718 narrow-deep-groove with a width of 2 mm. In this paper, the protrusion height of cBN grits on the side edge of the grinding wheel was measured by three-dimensional optical profiler, and a scanning electron microscope was used to detect the topography of worn cBN grit and the nickel bonding layer. The investigation results indicated that the steady wear stage of the grinding wheel shared more than 84.6% of the wheel lifespan, and the machining precision of the grinding wheel was kept at a high level. The fracture mode of the cBN grit was proven to be cleavage. The source of the cleavage cracks was observed on the surface of wear flat or the side surface of the cBN grit. The holding strength of cBN grit could be weakened due to the joint surface breakage, the displacement of grit, or the cracks of the nickel bonding layer. The transition layer was contributed to the decrease of the bonding strength. Severe macro fractures and the concentration of pulled out grits were observed on the transition edge and the inner area of the side edge, separately. This study provides a deep understanding of the wear mechanism of a single-layer electroplated cBN grinding wheel.
Towards the Use of a Smartphone Imaging-Based Tool for Point-of-Care Detection of Asymptomatic Low-Density Malaria Parasitemia
Authors: Colbert Ashlee Joi , Co Katrina , Lima-Cooper Giselle , Lee Dong Hoon , Clayton Katherine , Wereley Steven , John Chandy , Linnes Jacqueline , Kinzer-Ursem Tamara
Published: March 2021

Background: Globally, there are over 200 million cases of malaria annually and over 400,000 deaths. Early and accurate detection of low density parasitemia and asymptomatic individuals is key to achieving the WHO’s 2030 sustainable development goals of reducing malaria-related deaths by 90% and eradication in 35 countries. Current rapid diagnostic tests are neither sensitive nor specific enough to detect the low parasite concentrations in the blood of some asymptomatic individuals. Methods: Here, we combine an imaging-based sensing technique, particle diffusometry (PD), with loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) on a smartphone-enabled device to detect low levels of parasitemia often associated with asymptomatic malaria. After amplification, PD quantifies the Brownian motion of fluorescent nanoparticles in the solution during a 30 second video taken on the phone. The resulting diffusion coefficient is used to detect the presence of Plasmodium DNA amplicons by comparing to coefficients of negative samples using a one-way ANOVA test.Results: As few as 1 parasite/µL of blood was detectable in 45 minutes without DNA extraction. We detected Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) parasites from asymptomatic individuals’ whole blood samples with 89% sensitivity and 100% specificity when compared to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Conclusions: PD-LAMP is of value for the detection of low density parasitemia especially in areas where trained personnel may be scarce. The demonstration of this smartphone biosensor paired with the sensitivity of LAMP provides a proof of concept to achieve widespread asymptomatic malaria testing at the point of care.
Intratumoral Hemorrhage After Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for Obstructive Hydrocephalus Caused by Brain Tumors
Authors: Taguchi Akira , Kinoshita Yasuyuki , Amatya Vishwa Jeet , Takayasu Takeshi , Takano Motoki , Yonezawa Ushio , Tominaga Atsushi , Takeshima Yukio , Sugiyama Kazuhiko , Yamasaki Fumiyuki
Published: March 2021

IntroductionEndoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for obstructive hydrocephalus and endoscopic biopsy (EB) for intra- and paraventricular tumors are recognized as standard therapies because of their minimal invasiveness. Although EB-associated hemorrhagic risk has been well documented, reports on the ETV-associated hemorrhagic risk are only few. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study to review the incidence of hemorrhage due to EB and/or ETV in a single institution.Material and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data, including patient characteristics, procedure, pathological findings, and complications, including hemorrhage, of 100 patients with intra- and paraventricular tumors who underwent EB and/or ETV at our institution from 2000 to 2020.ResultsEB and ETV combined surgery (combined group), EB-alone surgery (EB-alone group), and ETV-alone surgery (ETV-alone group) were performed in 44 (44%), 24 (24%), and 32 (32%) patients, respectively, and all procedures were successful. The rates of definitive and suggestive diagnoses in EB were 76.5% and 23.5%, respectively. Adverse events were observed in six patients. An acute obstruction of the ETV stoma and a transient double vision were observed in the combined group. Two transient aqueductal stenosis/obstructions were recognized in the EB-alone group. Hemorrhage was observed in two patients in the ETV-alone group; these patients developed intratumoral hemorrhage despite ETV-alone surgery. Subsequently, these two patients underwent tumor removal, and the histopathological diagnosis was atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) in both.ConclusionsFor obstructive hydrocephalus with AT/RTs, physicians must be aware of the risk of postoperative intratumoral hemorrhage after performing ETV.Trial registration numberE-2385 (2021/3/11)
Inherited unbalanced reciprocal translocation with 3q duplication and 5p deletion in a foetus revealed by Cell-Free foetal DNA (cffDNA) testing: A case report
Authors: Ali Taccyanna Mikulski , Mateu-Brull Emilia , Balaguer Nuria , Souza Camila Dantas de , Borges Haline Risso , Oliveira Mariana Quintans Guerra de , Rodrigo Lorena , Campos-Galindo Inmaculada , Navarro Roser , Milan Miguel
Published: March 2021

BackgroundSince 2011, screening maternal blood for cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) fragments has offered a robust clinical tool to classify pregnancy as low or high-risk for Down, Edwards, and Patau syndromes. With recent advances in molecular biology and improvements in data analysis algorithms, the screening’s scope of analysis continues to expand. Indeed, screening now encompassess additional conditions, including aneuploidies for sex chromosomes, microdeletions and microduplications, rare autosomal trisomies, and, more recently, segmental deletions and duplications called copy number variations (CNVs). Yet, the ability to detect CNVs creates a new challenge for cffDNA analysis in couples in which one member carries a structural rearrangement such as a translocation or inversion.Case presentationWe report a segmental duplication of the long arm of chromosome 3 and a segmental deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5 detected by cffDNA analysis in a 25-year-old pregnant woman. G-band karyotyping in amniotic fluid only detected an abnormality in chromosome 5. Next-generation sequencing in amniocytes confirmed both abnormalities and identified breakpoints in 3q26.32q29 and 5p13.3p15. The foetus died at 21 weeks of gestation due to multiple abnormalities, and later G-band karyotyping in the parents revealed that the father was a carrier of a balanced reciprocal translocation [46,XY,t(3;5)(q26.2;p13)]. Maternal karyotype appeared normal.ConclusionThis case provides evidence that extended cffDNA can detect, in addition to aneuploidies for whole chromosomes, large segmental aneuploidies. In some cases, this may indicate the presence of chromosomal rearrangements in a parent. Such abnormalities are outside the scope of standard cffDNA analysis targeting chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y, potentially leading to undiagnosed congenital conditions.
Surface modification of magnesium oxide/epoxy composites with significantly improved mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad Wasim , Seok Kim Jong , Memon Muddassir Ali , Khan Muhammad Yasir , Baloch Muhammad Moazam
Published: March 2021

This paper demonstrated the effect of functionalized magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles with 3-(Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) as fillers on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy composite. The functionalization of MgO (S-MgO) considerably improved the inteface between the MgO and epoxy resin. The mechanical properties of the composites revealed that the addition of functionalized MgO improved their tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and ductility when compared to neat epoxy. In compare to neat epoxy, the in-plane thermal conductivity of the epoxy composite with S-MgO filler improved by 10 folds. These observations indicated that the silane functionalization on MgO contributes to the formation of a strong interfacial bond and a compact interconnected network between the filler and the epoxy matrix.