bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis of Mycobacterial Biofilm Matrix and Development of Biofilm-binding Synthetic Nanobodies
Authors: Hammarén Milka , Luukinen Hanna , Sillanpää Alina , Remans Kim , Lapouge Karine , Custódio Tânia , Löw Christian , Montonen Toni , Myllymäki Henna , Seeger Markus , Robertson Joseph , Nyman Tuula , Savijoki Kirsi , Parikka Mataleena
Published: May 2022

Tissue-penetrating nanobodies as drug-delivery vehicles have shown efficacy in treating hard-to-reach and -treat diseases. The present study reports nanobodies with application potential in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), especially the antibiotic tolerant biofilms that form in TB granulomas. Using Mycobacterium marinum (Mmr) as a model pathogen, we identified the most abundant matrix proteins in cultured biofilms and granuloma biofilms from infected zebrafish, and used them as targets to produce synthetic nanobodies (sybodies). Surface-exposed proteins on Mmr biofilms were identified using a combination of in vitro cell surface biotinylation proteomics and ex vivo proteomics on granulomas extracted from Mmr-infected adult zebrafish. We identified a total of 3080 and 41 mycobacterial biofilm matrix-associated proteins by in vitro and ex vivo proteomics, respectively. The molecular chaperones GroEL1 and GroEL2 were identified in both datasets, and fulfilled the criteria of ideal nanobody targets. We created sybodies against GroEL1 and GroEL2, and showed that they bind the intact in vitro and ex vivo Mmr-biofilms. Taken together, the present study reports a proof-of-concept showing that biotinylation proteomics of biofilms complemented with ex vivo proteomics of granuloma biofilms is a valuable strategy to uncover optimal nanobody targets within the biofilm matrix. Nanobody-based strategies have great potential to provide new and much-needed solutions for more effective treatment of tuberculosis, as well as other chronic biofilm infections with increased antibiotic tolerance and high risk for emerging antibiotic resistance.
Sustainable and color-indicated tannic acid@high amylose starch/polyvinyl alcohol (TA@HAS/PVA) fibers for adsorbing uranium from aqueous solutions
Authors: Liu Qun , Wang Xiaoyang , Bai Meiyan , Guo Jiayi , Qian Zhengjie , Li Jihui , Wang Zhifen , Zhang Yucang
Published: May 2022

Adsorbents for uranium adsorption from aqueous solutions should possess several key properties, such as sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the impact forces during agitation and anti-biofouling activity to prevent the adhesion of microorganisms to the active sites. Herein, a simple design strategy for the facile construction of tannic acid@high amylose starch/polyvinyl alcohol (TA@HAS/PVA) fibers for efficient uranium adsorption is reported. The sustainable TA@HAS/PVA fibers were synthesized by crosslinking TA on HAS and PVA followed by solution spinning into anhydrous ethanol. The fibers exhibited satisfactory mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength (11.31 MPa) and tensile strain (159.56%), in addition to anti-biofouling activity, good adsorption capacity (86 mg g− 1), and excellent reusability. Furthermore, the adsorption process could be visually indicated by the color of the fibers. The results indicated that TA@HAS/PVA fibers were a promising candidate for industrial uranium adsorption.
Analysis of the Impact of Economic Development on the Suitability of Biomass Energy Development
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Wang Xiaoheng , Ma Keni
Published: May 2022

The Chinese economy has been growing rapidly for a long time, and coal remains the most important energy resource for China. However, as the primary conflicts in Chinese society have shifted, the environmental pollution caused by fossil fuel burning has made us increasingly aware that developing clean and efficient energy is an inevitable measure to solve the energy problem in China and worldwide. As a clean energy source, biomass energy has great potential for development and utilization. Hence, this paper, starting with the composition of three major industries of GDP, explores the suitability of biomass energy development amid economic development and commits to finding the best industrial structure for biomass energy development. This paper selected 30 counties and cities in Heilongjiang Province and Jilin Province under six different types of industrial structures as the main research objects via data regression. The biomass potential was calculated following the distribution of the main crops, and the demand for biomass raw materials was identified based on population and energy demand data. The ArcGIS analysis tool has been utilized to analyse the break-even status of the research area under six different types of industrial structures over the past 20 years, and a forecast has been made through the biomass energy break-even model related to resource supply and demand. The analysis result shows that when the economic development drives the industrial structure of counties and cities to be “312” or “213”, it is suitable for biomass energy development; when the economic development drives the industrial structure of counties and cities to be “321”, it is not suitable for biomass energy development.
Automatic Detection of B-Lines in Vivo Lung Ultra Sound by Using Bottom Hat Transform
Authors: Har Sanda Sri
Published: May 2022

The main objective of this concept is accurate detection and visualization of B-lines in ultrasound lung images. Patterns of disease distribution within the secondary lobule have been well established pathologically. Distinguishing ordinary and strange parts of the lobule is in this way a expected guide in recognizing extraordinary. More cost for CT , MRI scanned images and results should known to higher official doctorates with large amount of money. This designed feature is able to differentiate between the healthy and unhealthy classes based on B-lines in ultrasound lung images. B-lines are important ultrasound artifacts used in LUS for detection of pulmonary disease. Further As an extension of this concept Morphological Top-hat as well bottom hat transformation is applied to improve image efficiency. This efficiency is yielded in the form of Peak signal to Noise ratio.
Netrin-1 improves functional recovery through autophagy regulation by activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in high-glucose-induced renal proximal tubule injury
Authors: Liu Chenxiao , Wu Mian , Zhao Yun , Huang Aijie , Hu Xingna , Chen Jiaqi , Lu Ting , Li Min , Feng Min , Xiang Rong , Lu Honghong
Published: May 2022

Netrin-1, a survival factor, is highly expressed in the kidney and reported to participate in some types of acute or chronic kidney diseases. Nevertheless, the causal link beneath the effect on renal proximal tubule cells of Netrin-1 under pathological conditions in diabetic nephropathy (DN) hasn't been elucidated. Our team explored the effects of Netrin-1 on the etiopathogenesis of DN. In vitro, high blood glucose caused the downregulation of Netrin-1, which induced the stimulation of AKT/mTOR signal transmission with the elevated programmed cell death of renal proximal tubule cells and increased actin cytoskeleton derangement. The supplementation of recombinant rat Netrin-1 reversed these pathological changes and it was tightly related to the recovery of autophagy flux. In addition, those pathologic variations were abolished by transfection with a lentivirus expressing short hairpin RNA against Netrin-1 or a mTOR inhibitor in vitro. The discoveries of the present research reveal that Netrin-1 is responsible for the mediation of high glucose-triggered loss of renal proximal tubule cells by regulating their detachment and programmed cell death in vitro. The present paper facilitates our comprehension regarding the causal links of renal proximal tubule cell injury in DN and reveals that targeting Netrin-1-associated signal transduction has treatment significance for DN.
Association of Body Mass Index and Inflammatory Dietary Pattern with Breast Cancer Pathologic and Genomic Immunophenotype in the Nurses’ Health Study
Authors: Asad Sarah , Damicis Adrienne , Heng Yujing J. , Kananen Kathryn , Collier Katharine A. , Adams Elizabeth J. , Kensler Kevin H. , Baker Gabrielle M. , Wesolowski Robert , Sardesai Sagar , Gatti-Mays Margaret , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari , Eliassen A. Heather , Hankinson Susan E. , Tabung Fred K. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Stover Daniel G.
Published: May 2022

Background: Breast tumor immune infiltration is clearly associated with improved treatment response and outcomes in breast cancer. However, modifiable patient factors associated with breast cancer immune infiltrates are poorly understood. The Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) offers a unique cohort to study immune gene expression in tumor and adjacent normal breast tissue, immune cell-specific immunohistochemistry (IHC), and patient exposures. We evaluated the association of body mass index (BMI) change since age 18, physical activity, and the empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) score, all implicated in systemic inflammation, with immune cell-specific expression scores.Methods: This population-based, prospective observational study evaluated 882 NHS and NHSII participants diagnosed with invasive breast cancer with detailed exposure and gene expression data. Of these, 262 women (training cohort) had breast tumor IHC for four classic immune cell markers (CD8, CD4, CD20, CD163). Four immune cell-specific scores were derived via lasso regression using 105 published immune expression signatures’ association with IHC. In the remaining 620 patient testing cohort, we evaluated association of each immune-cell specific score as outcomes, with BMI change since age 18, physical activity, and EDIP score as predictors, using multivariable-adjusted linear regression. Results: Among women with paired expression/IHC data from breast tumor tissue, we identified robust correlation between novel immune cell-specific expression scores and IHC. BMI change since age 18 was positively associated with CD4+ (β=0.16; p=0.009), and CD163+ novel immune scores (β=0.14; p=0.04) in multivariable analyses. In other words, for each 10 unit (kg/m2) increase in BMI, the percentage of cells positive for CD4 and CD163 increased 1.6% and 1.4%, respectively. Neither physical activity nor EDIP were significantly associated with any immune cell-specific expression score in multivariable analyses.Conclusions: BMI change since age 18 was positively associated with novel CD4+ and CD163+ cell scores in breast cancer, supporting further study of the effect of modifiable factors like weight gain on the immune microenvironment.
Lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio predicts prognosis in patients with colorectal liver metastases after hepatic resection: a retrospective study
Authors: Utsumi Masashi , Inagaki Masaru , Kitada Koji , Tokunaga Naoyuki , Kondo Midori , Yunoki Kosuke , Sakurai Yuya , Hamano Ryosuke , Miyasou Hideaki , Tsunemitsu Yousuke , Otsuka Shinya
Published: May 2022

BackgroundPreoperative systemic inflammation has been reported to predict survival in patients with various cancers. Especially for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), the prognosis is poor despite therapeutic advances in the field. Here we aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein (CRP) ratio (LCR) in patients with CRLM after hepatic resection.MethodsThis retrospective study included 104 patients who underwent hepatic resection for CRLM over a period of 11 years, from October 2010 and October 2021, at the National Hospital Organization Fukuyama Medical Center, Hiroshima, Japan. The association between clinicopathological variables, including various inflammation biomarkers [LCR, platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI)], and overall survival of the patients was investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. ResultsThe optimal cut-off values of each biomarker by receiver operating characteristic analysis were as follows: LCR, 12,720; PLR, 150; NLR, 4; CAR, 0.023; and PNI, 44.8. The 1, 3, and 5 year overall survival rates were 97.0%, 71.3%, and 56.8%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, LCR < 12,720, PLR < 0.14, body mass index < 24, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 ≥ 37 U/ml, multiple tumors, and the largest hepatic tumor ≥ 5 cm were significant predictive factors. The multivariate analysis revealed that LCR < 12,720 [hazard ratio (HR): 2.156, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.060–4.509, p = 0.034] and multiple tumors (HR: 2.336, 95% CI: 1.125–4.925, p = 0.023) were independent predictors of overall survival, whereas other inflammation biomarkers including NLR, PLR, CAR and PNI were not significant.ConclusionsThus, LCR could be an independent prognostic predictor in patients with CRLM after hepatic resection. Therefore, the assessment of LCR as a biomarker will help in the planning of treatment strategy including surgery and adjuvant therapies.
Comparison of the Effects of Resistance Exercise Training Versus Bike Fitting on Cycling Performance in Recreational Cyclists
Authors: Kırmacı Yusuf Şinasi , Usgu Günseli , Bayramlar Kezban , Yakut Yavuz
Published: May 2022

Background
In cycling, performance can change with the adaptation of the bicycle to the individual, as well as the physiological characteristics of the individual.
Aim
The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of exercise training and bike fitting on cycling performance in recreational cyclists.
Methods
A total of 16 recreational cyclists were included in the present study. Individuals were divided into 2 groups as intervention and control groups with a simple random method. To the intervention group, exercise training for 3 days a week for 8 weeks and bike fitting was applied with video analysis method. On the other hand, to the control group, only bike fitting was applied with video analysis method. Cycling performance was evaluated with Functional Threshold Power Test (FTP), Lactate Threshold Heart Rate (LTHR), 10 Mile Time Trial Test (10 Mile TT), and critical powertest. Evaluations were made twice, before and after the training.
Results
After 8 weeks of training, significant differences were found in FTP (p = 0.008), LTHR (p = 0.044), 10 Mile TT (p = 0.038), and critical power (p = 0.008) tests in intervention group, and in FTP (p = 0.028) in control group. When the cycling performances of the groups were compared, only LTHR results were found to decrease in favor of intervention group (p = 0.017).
Conclusion
The exercise program developed for recreational cyclists and individual adaptations for bicycle ergonomics are important in terms of increasing cycling performance. We believe that strength training provided along with bike fittng in cyclists will be beneficial particularly in reducing fatigue.
Resistance training relieves skeletal muscle atrophy induced by hypoxia via the Akt- FoxO1-MuRF1/Atrogin-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Yu Jiabei , Hu Yang , Li Yanchun , Han Tianyu , Zhu Rongxin , Fu Pengyu
Published: May 2022

Purpose This study investigated the effects of resistance training at continuous hypoxia in rat skeletal muscles, with a focus on the modulation of Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) signaling by protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) in this process.Methods In an intervention experiment, male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to simulated hypoxia and subjected to resistance training for four weeks. The biceps of forelimb and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle were isolated for histological observation and biochemical analysis. L6 rat myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes in the cell culture experiment and then subjected to hypoxic conditions with the addition of an Akt activator. The cells were harvested to observe their morphology and determine the expression level of FoxO1 and downstream signaling molecules. Results Morphological observation showed the wet weight of the EDL and biceps of the upper limb was significantly higher in the hypoxia-training (HR) group than in the hypoxia (H) group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05). Resistance training significantly enhanced Akt expression and FoxO1 phosphorylation (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) in skeletal muscle. In myotubes activated Akt under 1% O2 conditions, FoxO1 phosphorylation at S256 was up-regulated, while expression of MuRF1 and Atrogin-1 was reduced (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05). Conclusion Resistance training alleviated skeletal muscle atrophy induced by hypoxia, in which FoxO1 phosphorylated by Akt at the S256 position and down-regulation of E3 ligase MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1 in skeletal muscle.
Revisited Multispectral Image Capture Deployment System for Drones
Authors: Bokolonga Ezekiel , Hauhana Martin , Assaf Mansour H.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we present the design and evaluation of a Parrot drone multispectral imaging system based on multispectral Red-Green-Blue (RGB) and Near-infrared (NIR) imaging camera units; the multi-color RGB camera captures true color geo-tagged images using a Global positioning System (GPS). The two cameras are triggered simultaneously via the GPIO pins of the raspberry pi boards programmed in Python language. Captured images are stored in native file generated format (10-bit raw data) on a micro SD-card. The intensity-based automatic registration method was applied to define the positive correlation between the two captured RGB and NIR images for display purposes. The above-mentioned method is used to determine image transformation for registration and alignment, by applying the bilinear interpolation. The design was implemented and the prototype was validated in different environmental situations.
A transcriptomic analysis identifies the association of MIR31HG and EPB41L4A-AS2 lncRNAs in Oral Cancer
Authors: Haldar Agnik , Singh Ajay Kumar
Published: May 2022

Long non-coding RNAs or lncRNAs, are non-protein coding transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides, distinguishing them from small regulatory RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs), short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and other short RNAs. LncRNAs have begun to gain widespread attention in recent years; as a result, the need to identify them as well as determine their functions has gained precedence. Over the years some lncRNAs are involved in numerous fundamental processes of gene regulation. Examples: Chromatin modification, DNA methylation, etc. Having a variety of functions, it is expected that lncRNAs are also involved in the development of diseases. LncRNAs are quite often found to be differentially expressed, which play a significant role in carcinogenesis. Presently oral cancers are considered two of the most prevalent cancers affecting the human population. Therefore the need to study the mechanism and functions of the lncRNAs involved in cancer reaches significant priority. Identification of long noncoding RNAs as well as lncRNAs which are speculated to play a role in the mechanism and formation of various forms of cancer. For identification and analysis of lncRNAs, a comparison between the expression of lncRNAs in normal and affected tissues will confirm the involvement of lncRNAs in the disease or the lack thereof. In this article, we perform transcriptomic analysis to identify the prevalence of the lncRNAs EPB41L4A-AS2 and MIR31HG in oral cancer.
Surgery for Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm – 13 years’ Experience at Nepalese Tertiary Center
Authors: SAH DHRUBA NARAYAN , Bhandari Ramesh Singh , Kansakar Prasan B S , Ghimire Bikal , Lakhey Paleswan Joshi
Published: May 2022

Background: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) are rare, relatively indolent tumors with potential malignant behavior. The incidence of these tumors is increasing due to the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment and the only curative option.The study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological details, surgical management and short- & long- term outcomes of operated cases of SPN.Methods:This is a retrospective review of diagnosed SPNs confirmed histopathologically after surgical resections at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Kathmandu, Nepal from 2006 November to 2019 January. Patient’s clinical details, surgical procedures, perioperative outcomes and follow-up were recorded. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Results: Over 13 years, a total of 15 cases with a median age of 22 years (11-52) had female predominance (14). Five cases were diagnosed incidentally while pain abdomen (5) was the most common presentation followed by lump (4). Locations of tumor were head (4), uncinate process (2), neck (2), body (4) and tail (3). Pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed in 4 cases, enucleation (3), central pancreatectomies (4), distal pancreatectomy (1) and distal pancreatico-splenectomies (3). Margins were negative in all cases with a median tumor size of 6 cm (2.5 -18). Postoperatively, 20% developed major complications with Clavien-Dindo (grade III & above) out of which 1 patient (6.7%) had mortality. The median hospital stay was 7 days (4-16). One patient was lost to follow-up while the remaining had a median follow-up of 72 months (38 months – 150 months) and revealed no issues. No recurrences were noted.Conclusion: SPNs are low-grade tumors with a good prognosis. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice, with excellent survival.
The Relation of Individual and Collective Narcissism and Belief in COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories: The Moderating Effects of Needs for Uniqueness and Belonging
Authors: Ük Bengi , Bahçekapılı Hasan Galip
Published: May 2022

The international pandemic of Covid-19 not only led to chaos and uncertainty, but it also brought about many conspiracy theories. In the last two decades, with a considerable amount of research, social psychologists have begun to understand the psychological factors behind conspiracy theories. One such factor is narcissism. In this research, we focus on both collective and grandiose narcissism’s predictive effects on Covid-19 conspiracy theories and possible moderation of need for uniqueness and belonging. In a Turkish sample (N= 309), we found that both collective and grandiose narcissism were significant predictors of Covid-19 conspiracy. In addition, when the need to feel special was high, grandiose narcissists, but not collective narcissists, tended to believe in Covid-19 conspiracies. Finally, we found that generic conspiracy beliefs and religiosity were also important predictors of Covid-19 conspiracy theories. Our research illuminates the link between narcissism and Covid-19 conspiracy theories. Future research should look for other possible moderating factors between collective narcissism and conspiracy beliefs.
LncRNA HOXA11-AS promotes gliomas malignant phenotypes and reduces its sensitivity to ROS via Tpl2-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Wei Cheng , Zhang Xiaoyang , Peng Dazhao , Lu Yalin , Luo Lin , Wang Bo , Li Zesheng , He Yingjie , Du Xuezhi , Zhang Shu , Liang Hao , Li Shenghui , Wang Sheng , Han Lei , Zhang Jianning
Published: May 2022

Background
Dysregulation of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA11-AS plays an important role in the development of gliomas. Hence, uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal expression of lncRNAs is important for identifying novel therapeutic targets in glioma.
Methods
The expression of HOXA11-AS, and the relationship between HOXA11-AS and the prognosis of patients with glioma were analyzed using databases and glioma samples. CCK-8, EdU, wound healing, transwell, and subcutaneous xenograft assays were performed to study the effects of HOXA11-AS on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptomics, small RNA sequencing, RIP, ChIRP, luciferase, and ChIP assays were used to identify the relationship between HOXA11-AS and let-7b-5p, and to explore its downstream targets in glioma. The downstream targets of HOXA11-AS were explored using transcriptomic, proteomic, and bioinformatic analyses. The role of HOXA11-AS in reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensitivity in gliomas was determined by ROS sensitivity experiments and xenograft orthotopic model assays in vitro and in vivo.
Results
HOXA11-AS was significantly upregulated in gliomas, and was negatively correlated with the prognosis of patients with glioma. Ectopic expression of HOXA11-AS promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HOXA11-AS competitively acts as a miRNA sponge by binding to let-7b-5p, to increase the expression of CTHRC1, which activates the β-catenin/c-Myc pathway. HOXA11-AS recruits c-Jun to the Tpl2 promoter to induce Tpl2 transcription, which activates the Tpl2-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway to promote ROS resistance. HOXA11-AS knockdown increased ROS sensitivity of glioma cells.
Conclusions
HOXA11-AS upregulates CTHRC1 expression by binding to let-7b-5p, which promotes β-catenin nuclear accumulation and activates c-Myc to promote the transcription of HOXA11-AS itself. HOXA11-AS knockdown promotes ROS sensitivity in glioma cells by regulating the Tpl2-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 axis. Our results highlight the potential of HOXA11-AS as a biomarker and therapeutic target in gliomas.
Annexin A1 peptide Ac2-26 mitigates ventilator-induced lung injury in acute respiratory distress syndrome rats by enhancing endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity
Authors: Ju Yingnan , Sun Xikun , Xu Guangxiao , Tai Qihang , Gao Wei
Published: May 2022

Background
Although mechanical ventilation is an essential support for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ventilation also leads to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). This study aimed to estimate the effect and mechanism of Annexin A1 peptide (Ac2-26) on VILI in ARDS rats.
Methods
Thirty-two rats were randomized into the sham (S), mechanical ventilation (V), mechanical ventilation/Ac2-26 (VA) and mechanical ventilation/Ac2-26/L-NIO (VAL) groups. The S group only received anesthesia, and the other 3 groups received endotoxin and then ventilation for 4 h. Rats in the V, VA and VAL groups received saline, Ac2-26 and A c2-26/L-NIO, respectively. The gas exchange and capillary permeability were detected. The pulmonary and systemic inflammation were investigated. The oxidative stress response was also detected. Histological injury and apoptosis in lung tissues were tested. Moreover, the epithelial cells were also cultured to detect the effect of Ac2-26 on apoptosis induced by ARDS.
Results
All indexes deteriorated in the V, VA and VAL groups compared with the S group. Compared with V group, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio was increased, but the wet-to-dry weight ratio and protein levels in BALF were decreased in the VA group. The inflammatory cells and proinflammatory factors were reduced by Ac2-26. The oxidative stress response, lung injury and apoptosis were also decreased by Ac2-26 compared to V group. All improvements of Ac2-26 were partly reversed by L-NIO.
Conclusions
Ac2-26 effectively reduced VILI, improved respiratory function and alveolar-capillary permeability, ameliorated endothelial injury, inhibited oxygen stress and inflammation, and reduced lung injury and apoptosis. Ac2-26-mediated protection of VILI in ARDS rats partly depended on the endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway.
Evaluation of candidate reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in red deer growing antler
Authors: Broggini Camilla , Abril Nieves , Carranza Juan , Membrillo Alberto
Published: May 2022

Sexual selection favors male traits that increase their ability to monopolize the breeding access to several females. Deer antlers are cranial appendages that regenerate annually in males. Throughout life, the phenology of antler growth advances and antler mass increases until the buck reaches, between 8 and 10 years old, maximum body mass and highest reproductive success. The molecular mechanisms of antler growth are of great interest in both evolutionary and regenerative medicine studies. To minimize errors in the assessment of gene expression levels by qRT-PCR, we analyzed the stability of a panel of eight candidate reference genes and concluded that qRT-PCR normalization to three stable genes is strongly convenient in experiments performed in red deer antler blood. To validate our proposal, we compared the expression level of three genes linked to red deer antler growth (ANXA2, APOD and TPM1) in fifteen male red deer classified as young (up to 4 years old) and adults (4–6 years old). Our data confirms that B2M, ACTB and RPLP0 are valuable reference genes for future gene expression studies in red deer antler blood, which would provide increased insight into the effects of intrinsic factors that determine the reproductive success of male red deer.
Serious hazards of transfusion: Evaluating the dangers of a wrong patient autologous salvaged blood in cardiac surgery
Authors: Uramatsu Masashi , Maeda Hideyuki , Mishima Shiro , Takahashi Megumi , Wada Jun , Amano Kagehiro , Barach Paul , Miki Tamotsu
Published: May 2022

Background: Intraoperative cell salvage is widely used, but the risk of incorrect administration remains underappreciated. We report on a case in which blood collected from a patient with lung cancer was mistakenly administered to a patient undergoing cardiac surgery who should have received his own collected blood. The initial investigation found that violations of procedures by field personnel were the cause. However, a detailed investigation revealed that not only violations were the cause, but also that the underlying causes included organizational policies, communication, workload and staffing deficiencies, human factors and cultural challenges. Case presentation: A 72-year-old male patient requiring dialysis due to chronic renal failure was admitted to our hospital for angina pectoris and multi-vessel coronary artery disease; cardiac surgery was performed using the autologous salvaged blood system with autologous blood collection, with no major problems other than prolonged operative time. A drop in blood pressure that night led to administering the patient's previously stored blood. The nurse took a blood bag from the ICU refrigerator and administered it to the patient. In doing so, neither the physician nor the nurse performed the requisite verification procedures. However, the blood administered was blood from another patient that had been collected the day before from another surgery. The ABO-mismatch transfusion had occurred and the patient was diagnosed with DIC. The patient recovered and was discharged 65 days later. An accident investigation committee was convened, root cause analysis was conducted, and measures to prevent recurrence were developed.Conclusion: This adverse event occurred because the protocol for intraoperative blood salvage management was not clearly defined, and the procedure was different from the for standard transfusion practices. There were unexpected events, such as the presence of salvaged blood from other patients as well as inadequate and ambiguous information-sharing among the parties involved. We developed a systemic improvement strategy in which intraoperative blood collection would be administered before the patient leaves the operating room to completely prevent recurrence, instead of simply requiring front-line staff to do double-check. Implementing strong systems processes can reduce the risk of errors in blood transfusions and ensure that patients receive the correct blood products.
Detection of Human Adenovirus among Iranian Pediatric Hospitalized Patients Suspected to COVID-19 Epidemiology and Comparison of Clinical Features
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen , Bid-Hendi Shadi , Baghershiroodi Mahnaz , Chehrazi Mohammad , Yahyapour Yousef , GouranOurimi Azin , Sadeghi Farzin
Published: May 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children typically results in similar symptoms with other viral respiratory agents including human adenoviruses (HAdVs). Mixed HAdV and SARS-CoV-2 infection (co-infection) in children might result in enhanced or reduced disease severity compared with single infections. The present study aims to investigate the rate of SARS-CoV2 and HAdV infection and also their coinfection and compare the two infections regarding their laboratory, and clinical characteristics at hospital admission. A total of 360 combined oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swab samples from hospitalized children were examined.by real-time PCR for the existence of the SARS-CoV-2 and HAdVs The symptoms, clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were retrieved and compared in SARS-CoV-2 and HAdVs positive cases. Of the total 360 suspected COVID-19 hospitalized children, 45 (12.5%) and 19 (5.3%) specimens were PCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2 and HAdV respectively. SARS-CoV-2 and HAdV co-infection was detected in 4 cases (1.1%). Regarding symptoms at hospital admission, fever in SARS-CoV-2 positive group were significantly higher than those in HAdV positive group [34 (85%) vs. 7 (46.7%), p = 0.012]. However, percentages of cases with sore throat, headache, fatigue, lymphadenopathy and conjunctivitis in HAdV positive group were significantly higher than those in SARS-CoV-2 positive group. SARS-CoV-2 and HAdV co-infected children showed mild respiratory symptoms. The present study revealed that SARS-CoV-2 positive children often appear to have a milder clinical course than children with respiratory HAdV infection and children co-infected with SARSCoV-2 and HAdV had less-severe disease on presentation.
Circular RNA circFIRRE drives osteosarcoma progression and metastasis through tumorigenic-angiogenic coupling
Authors: Yu Lingfeng , Zhu Hao , Wang Zhen , Huang Jianhao , Zhu Yan , Fan Gentao , Wang Yicun , Zhou Guangxin
Published: May 2022

Background
Disappointing clinical efficacy of standard treatment has been proven in refractory metastatic osteosarcoma, and the emerging anti-angiogenic regimens are still in the infantile stage. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic approach for osteosarcoma lung metastasis.
Methods
circFIRRE was selected from RNA-sequencing of 4 matched osteosarcoma and adjacent samples. The expression of circFIRRE was verified in clinical osteosarcoma samples and cell lines via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The effect of circFIRRE was investigated in cell lines in vitro models, ex vivo models and in vivo xenograft tumor models, including proliferation, invasion, migration, metastasis and angiogenesis. Signaling regulatory mechanism was evaluated by RT-qPCR, Western blot, RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assays.
Results
In this article, a novel circular RNA, circFIRRE (hsa_circ_0001944) was screened out and identified from RNA-sequencing, and was upregulated in both osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues. Clinically, aberrantly upregulated circFIRRE portended higher metastatic risk and worse prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. Functionally, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments demonstrated that circFIRRE could drive primary osteosarcoma progression and lung metastasis by inducing both tumor cells and blood vessels, we call as “tumorigenic-angiogenic coupling”. Mechanistically, upregulated circFIRRE was induced by transcription factor YY1, and partially boosted the mRNA and protein level of LUZP1 by sponging miR-486-3p and miR-1225-5p.
Conclusions
We identified circFIRRE as a master regulator in the tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma, which could be purposed as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for refractory osteosarcoma.
Antibacterial activities, chemical composition, and efficacy of green extract Carica papaya peel on food model systems
Authors: Asri Nurul Aimi Amanina Mohamad , Sani Muhamad Shirwan Abdullah , Othman Rashidi , Nordin Noor Faizul Hadry , Desa Mohd Nasir Mohd
Published: May 2022

This study investigated antibacterial activities, chemical composition and extract efficacy of Carica papaya peel (CPPE) var. Sekaki/ Hong Kong. Nine green solvents were used to extract the Carica papaya peel, and the extracts were subjected to antibacterial tests and assays against 14 bacteria. The most potent extract was then subjected to phenolic and flavonoid assays, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis, and efficacy study on food model systems. All CPPEs showed antibacterial activities, and pentane extract had moderate to clear inhibitions against all 14 bacteria. Ethanol extract of Carica papaya peel (ECPPE) inhibited C. perfringens, L. monocytogenes, B. subtilis, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.563 mg/ml; therefore, the ECPPE was selected as the most potent extract. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) of the CPPEs ranged between 6.20 to 58.75 mg GAE/g DW and 1.35–29.09 mg QE/g DW, respectively. Palmitic acid, linoleic acid, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol in ECPPE may be potential antibacterial compounds that render antibacterial activities. The ECPPE could effectively inhibit the tested bacteria in low carbohydrate and high protein, fat, and fibre food model systems, which may suit the investigation of ECPPE efficacy in meat, poultry and dairy products, high fat-content products such as mayonnaise, butter and margarine and high fibre food such as legumes, lettuce and barley.
Fabrication and Electrical Characterization of a Transistor Device Configuration Based on Graph
Authors: Osorio Humberto Franco
Published: May 2022

The films of graphene oxide multilayer synthesized from bamboo as material source (GO), by the method of double thermal decomposition (DTD-method), for carbonization temperatures of 973 and 1023 K, exhibited electrical behavior as semiconductor with narrow band-gap energy and conduction mechanism by the Mott 3D variable range hopping, postulating this material as an excellent candidate for the development of electronic devices. This work presents the fabrication procedure and electrical characterization of a transistor configuration based on GO films (GOT). The electrical characterization was carried out in an automated system at low power and it were measured the transistor curves families of input, output, reaction and transfer in GOT devices. The results obtained suggest that GOT devices could be used in switching and voltage attenuation applications in low electrical power circuits, given the electrical behavior obtained as voltage dependent voltage sources with unitary gain approximately.
The Immunoreactivity Patterns of BRAF VE1 and its Diagnostic Value in Brain Tumors
Authors: Li Hainan , Fan Chongzhu , Liu Minting , Chen Wendan , Cheng Baijie , Xiang Xuan , Zhang Zhenbin , Cai Linbo , Li Zhi
Published: May 2022

Background
BRAF-V600E mutation is considered as a material biomarker with diagnosis, prognosis and prediction in brain tumors. At present, molecular detection remains the most responsible approach for BRAF V600E mutation. The accuracy of Immunohistochemical test for Anti-BRAF VE1 antibody has rarely been systematically evaluated in brain tumors, despite it is widely used in pathological diagnostic practice.
Methods
A total of 120 brain tumors were detected by immunohistochemical staining and real-time qPCR for BRAF V600E mutation. These cases were divided into 4 groups by Immunoreactivity Patterns under a microscope, including: diffuse positivity, reliable positivity of single tumor cells, uniform "coating" positivity and Negative. Then the Image-Pro Plus 6.0 image processing and analysis software were used to measure the stained area, integrating absorbance(IA)of stained area. The accuracy of immunohistochemical detection was verified by real-time qPCR. The BRAFV600E mutation prediction model was further established using Bayesian classification with tumor type, area of positive and average IA of stained area. All statistical analyses were performed in R (version R 3.6.3)
Result
The sensitivity of immunohistochemical detection was 97.01% and the specificity was 100%(P < 0.0001). The BRAFV600E mutation prediction model was further established with a AUC value of 0.95.
Conclusions
BRAF VE1 staining could replace molecular detection to some extent, on the premise of mastering the key points in the interpretation of BRAF VE1 immunostaining. Otherwise, the prediction model of BRAF V600E mutation may provide a possible scheme for artificial intelligence interpreting of immunohistochemical staining of BRAF VE1.
Ovarian gonadoblastoma with the karyotype of 46, XX: A case report
Authors: Zhao Fengju , Zhao Yingchao , Xing Biyuan , Liu Zhao
Published: May 2022

Gonadoblastoma is a rare tumor comprised of sex cord derivatives and germ cells. The risk for developing gonadoblastoma increases significantly in patients who possess a Y chromosome or Y chromosome material. A 49-year-old Chinese woman found a pelvic mass during a routine physical examination. Pathological analysis after surgery indicated that the tumor was unilateral ovarian gonadoblastoma with dysgerminoma. Compared with other cases in the literature, our patient was the oldest, and the tumor mass was smaller. Karyotype analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes revealed that the woman had a 46, XX female karyotype. Whole-exon sequencing revealed that some mutations, such as altered somatic genes in the Forkhead box protein O (FoxO) signaling pathway and KIT, might cause the disease. In conclusion, we described a rare case of gonadoblastoma in a woman who had normal routine menstruation, sexual development, and successful pregnancies and possessed a normal female 46, XX karyotype.
Reliability of Ratings of Multidimensional Fluency Scale with Many-Facet Rasch Model
Authors: AKIN ARIKAN Çiğdem , KANIK UYSAL Pınar , BİLGE Huzeyfe , YILDIRIM Kasım
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to determine whether the reliability of raters was provided by assessing reading prosody using the Multidimensional Fluency Scale (MDFS). The study was completed with a cross-sectional design, and in line with this, the prosodic reading skills of 41 fifth-grade students were rated by elementary school classroom teachers and Turkish language arts teachers using the MDFS. Data obtained from the ratings were analyzed with the many-facet Rasch model (MFRM). When the findings are investigated, the reading prosody rubric used in the research served the purposes of the reading prosody criteria, the sub-dimensions of the rubric could be reliably differentiated, the determined criteria were reliable, and the criteria categories appear to be adequate. Additionally, the severity and leniency of raters were found to differ, and Turkish language arts teachers were found to perform more severe ratings than classroom teachers. It was found that raters were ranked reliably in terms of severity/leniency, and that their levels of severity/leniency differed from each other. Another result obtained is that the prosody criterion that students completed with the most difficulty was phrasing. Therefore, it was concluded that the MDFS is a reliable rubric and that researchers and teachers can reliably use it to assess prosodic reading skills.
Excitons under strain: light absorption and emission in strained hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Lechifflart Pierre , Paleari Fulvio , Attaccalite Claudio
Published: May 2022

Hexagonal boron nitride is an indirect band gap material with a strong luminescence in the ultraviolet. This luminescence originates from bound excitons recombination assisted by different phonon modes. The coupling between excitons and phonons is so strong that the resulting light emission is as efficient as the one of direct band gap materials. In this manuscript we investigate how uniaxial strain modifies the electronic and optical properties of this material, and in particular how it affects the exciton-phonon coupling. Using a formulation of this coupling based on finite-difference displacements, recently developed by some of us, we investigate how phonon-assisted transitions change under strain. Our results open the way to the study of phonon-assisted luminescence in strained materials from first principles. Our findings are important both for experiments that directly probe h-BN under strain or for those in which it is used as substrate for other 2D material with a lattice mismatch.
Institutional culture and staff performance: A case study of the banking industry in South Africa
Authors: K. Govender Krishna , Maralack CT
Published: May 2022

Although research in the past focused on the direct association between organizational culture and staff performance, the effect of any mediating variable was not fully investigated. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effect of innovation and communication as mediating variables in the association between institutional culture and staff performance. A quantitative methodology was used to collect data through a survey using an on-line Likert-scale questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to select 19 employees from two commercial banks in South Africa, which included senior executives, managers, supervisors, administrative staff and cashiers. Since these banks were very similar in size, 10 respondents were selected from Bank A and 9 from Bank B according to the above selection criteria. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to address the aim of the study.The findings confirmed that communication and innovation facilitated the relationship between institutional culture and employee performance, which was mediated by innovation and communication. Thus, the leadership of the banks should strategically and effectively employ communication tools to ensure that the institution remains innovative. Furthermore, an innovative culture should be nurtured, which encourages and invites participation by staff.
Externalidades do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida na visão de não beneficiários: Um estudo sobre dois empreendimentos de Volta Redonda (RJ)
Authors: Martins Carolina Leite , Oliveira Virgílio Cézar da Silva e , Santos Gilmar José dos
Published: May 2022

As políticas públicas habitacionais integram um debate relevante no Brasil, em função do persistente déficit de moradias. Em âmbito global, sua importância inspirou o Objetivo 11 da Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável da ONU, que busca tornar cidades e assentamentos humanos inclusivos, seguros, resilientes e sustentáveis. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo compreender como se apresentam as externalidades do programa Minha Casa Minha Vida em residenciais urbanos no município de Volta Redonda (RJ), na visão de não beneficiários. Para tanto, foram empregados como métodos de pesquisa a análise documental, a observação e a entrevista (com antigos residentes, prestadores de serviços públicos e planejadores municipais). Os resultados reafirmam que a provisão de moradia digna vai além da entrega da unidade habitacional, passando pela disponibilização ou redimensionamento de equipamentos e serviços públicos plurais e pelo zelo com questões relativas à alteração demográfica. Aspectos relacionais, com desdobramentos objetivos e subjetivos, devem ser considerados, sob pena da solução habitacional traduzir-se em problemas comunitários de natureza diversa.