bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free-Standing Activated Carbon Made from Melamine- Impregnated Paper
Authors: Zhang Yaokun , Lin Xiuyi , Hu Chuanshuang , Yun Hong
Published: April 2022

Aiming at the high value-added utilization of waste scraps of Melamine impregnated paper, also known as “melamine” paper, is a plain base paper or printing decorative paper impregnated with amino resin (melamine formaldehyde resin and urea formaldehyde resin) and dried to a certain extent, with a certain resin content and volatile content of the adhesive paper, after hot pressing can be bonded with each other or with artificial board substrate., this study adopts high temperature pyrolysis method to carbonize the waste impregnated paper to prepare melamine impregnated paper-based activated carbon. The effects of different carbonization temperatures and NaOH/C on the properties of activated carbon materials were studied. When the carbonization temperature is 400℃ and the ratio of alkali to carbon is 2:1, the highest removal rate of methylene blue (MB) by activated carbon is 99.45%, and the specific surface area reaches 608.548 m2/g. Langmuir isotherm, Freundlich isotherm models were used to fit the experimental dye adsorption data, with the Langmuir providing the best fit. This activated carbon adsorbent based on melamine impregnated paper is shown to be highly promising for water decontamination applications.
Augmented Reality indoor tracking using Placenote
Authors: Shewail Ashraf S. , Elsayed Neven A. M. , Zayed Hala H.
Published: April 2022

Recently, augmented reality technology became more stable and integrated into our daytime applications. Augmented reality adds virtual content to enrich physical environments. Augmented reality uses tracking techniques to capture environments features. The tracking is classified into two types: outdoor and indoor tracking. Currently, outdoor tracking becomes popular for outdoor navigation applications using GPS. However, GPS has low performance in indoor tracking due to the imprecision of GPS satellite signals. The deficiencies in the signals make it difficult to navigate through malls, hospitals, museums, and airports. Indoor tracking provides a solution for vast, complex indoor environments navigation. Nowadays, most indoor applications rely on predefined two- and three-dimensional maps of buildings to direct users to their destinations. Our paper presents an indoor tracking model that combines placenote technology with cloud computing technology and A* navigation algorithm. Our model enables users to select a destination without predefined maps, and at the same time, it can calculate the shortest path. Experiments demonstrate that our suggested model achieves an average accuracy about 99 percent within a 7–10 cm error bound in scenarios involving different distance paths. At the same time, the experiments show that all users reach their destinations successfully. The error of the proposed model is significantly lower than the errors reported in the literature for research conducted with markerless technology and tested in similar area sizes.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen pretreatment on lower body negative pressure endurance of pilots with poor acceleration endurance
Authors: Ma Mengyu , Liu Hongjin , Fu Zhaojun , Liu Qiming , Liu Qiyang , Sun Nannan
Published: April 2022

Background
Aiming at the problem of pilots with poor acceleration endurance, the effects of hyperbaric oxygen pretreatment (HBOP) on improving the lower body negative pressure endurance and centrifuge acceleration endurance of pilots with poor acceleration endurance were investigated.
Methods
Thirty pilots with poor acceleration endurance were subjected to multiple hyperbaric oxygen chambers and 3 oxygen exposures. The lower body negative pressure endurance, centrifuge acceleration endurance, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR),blood lactic acid (BLA), hydrogen ion concentration, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) and adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured before and after HBOP.
Results
The cumulative stress index increased after HBOP compared with before HBOP (P < 0.05), that is, lower body negative pressure endurance increased. 30 people underwent centrifuge reexamination, and the passing rate of 4.0 G 10 s reached 93.3%. After HBOP, diastolic blood pressure increased, heart rate slowed, lactic acid, hydrogen ion concentration, carbon dioxide partial pressure decreased, oxygen partial pressure increased compared with HBOP, and the changes were significant (P < 0.05)
Conclusion
HBOP can improve the lower body negative pressure endurance and centrifuge acceleration endurance of pilots with poor acceleration endurance.
Generation of corrected hiPSC clones from a Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) patient through CRISPR-Cas based technology
Authors: Umbach Alessandro , Maule Giulia , Kheir Eyemen , Cutarelli Alessandro , Foglia Marika , Guarrera Luca , Fava Luca , Conti Luciano , Garattini Enrico , Terao Mineko , Cereseto Anna
Published: April 2022

BackgroundCornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare multisystem genetic disorder which is caused by genetic defects involving the Nipped-B-like protein (NIPBL) gene in the majority of clinical cases (60-70%). Currently, there are no specific cures available for CdLS and clinical management is needed for life. Disease models are highly needed to find a cure. Among therapeutic possibilities are genome editing strategies based on CRISPR-Cas technology. MethodsWe tested CRISPR-Cas technologies including most recent base- and prime editors which introduce modifications without DNA cleavages and compared with sequence substitution approaches through homology directed (HDR) induced by Cas9 nuclease activity. The HDR method that was found more efficient was applied to repair a CdLS-causing mutation in the NIPBL gene. We generated isogenic corrected clones from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) obtained from a CdLS patient carrying the c.5483G>A mutation in the NIPBL gene. ResultsWe discovered that the most efficient method to repair the NIPBL gene is HDR mediated by CRISPR-Cas and induced with a compound (NU7441) inhibiting non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair. This sequence repair method allowed us to generate isogenic wild-type hiPSCs clones with regular karyotype and preserved pluripotency. ConclusionsWith this study we generated a CdLS cellular model which will facilitate the investigation of the disease molecular determinants and the identification of therapeutic targets. In particular the hiPSCs cellular models offer the paramount advantage to study the tissue differentiation stages which are altered in the CdLS clinical development. Importantly, the hiPSCs that we have generated are isogenic thus providing the most controlled experimental set up between wild-type and mutated conditions. Finally, the efficient and precise gene replacement strategy developed in this study can be extended to the modification of other genomic loci to produce hiPSCs preserving staminal properties.
Pan-Cancer Prognostic, Immunity, Stemness, and Anticancer Drug Sensitivity Characterization of Pyroptosis Related Genes in Human Cancers
Authors: Wang Zhi-Na , Ma Hong-Ming , Chen Zi-yi , Chen Jia-Wen , Yang Xu-wen , Zhang Nan , Meng Fanjie
Published: April 2022

Pyroptosis related to inflammation has an important role for tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. Our studies described pyroptosis at the pan-cancer level through the tumor immune microenvironment, survival, stemness score, and anticancer drug sensitivity. We evaluate the differential expression of pyroptosis related genes using the Wilcox test of normal human tissues from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project (GTEX), and human cancer tissues from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The R packages were used to identify survival analyses of pyroptosis related genes in 33 TCGA cancer types. The correlation between pyroptosis related genes expression and tumor microenvironment, tumor stem cell score, and anticancer drug sensitivity was determined through the Spearman correlation test and Pearson correlation test. The functional enrichment of pyroptosis related genes was investigated using Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. In 18 TCGA cancer types and adjacent normal tissues, the 27 pyroptosis related genes were naturally different. According to correlation analysis, the association between the expression of 27 pyroptosis related genes and the tumor microenvironment revealed that the higher the expression of pyroptosis related genes, the greater the degree of tumor microenvironment. Anticancer drug sensitivity research revealed a favorable connection between anticancer medications and pyroptosis related genes expression such as ELANE, IL18 and CHMP4A (p < 0.05). We studied the association between the immune microenvironment and pyroptosis. The 27 pyroptosis related genes were significantly different in immune subtypes C1 (wound healing), C3 (inflammatory), C2 (IFN-gamma dominant), C5 (immunological quiet), C4 (lymphocyte deficient), and C6 (TGF-beta dominant), as shown in a pan-cancer immune subtype study (p < 0.05). Our research sheds light on the important function that pyroptosis related genes perform in the tumor immune microenvironment, stemness score, and anticancer treatment sensitivity in various cancers. This research was permitted by the Research Ethics Committee of the Emergency General Hospital (No. K202110).
Evaluation complaints of palpitations in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: GÜNLÜ Serhat , AKTAN Adem
Published: April 2022

Objective
To research the effect of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) on the cardiac conduction system and evaluate the feasibility of ECG parameters in estimating arrhythmia development with 24-hour ambulatory Holter ECG monitoring.
Method
ECG was taken for all participants of the study. ECG parameters were measured. 24-hour ambulatory Holter ECG monitoring was made and analyzed.
Result
90 patients with FMS and 70 controls were enrolled in the study. The average age of the patient group was 38.3 ± 6.3 years, and the female patient population (73.3%) was almost three times the number of male patients (p = 0.032). In terms of clinical features such as age (p = 0.301), height (p = 0.789), weight (p = 0.628), and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.770), there was no significant difference between the study and control groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of heart rate (p = 0.800), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.394), and dyslipidemia (p = 0.133). In terms of routine blood tests, there was no significant difference between the study and control groups (p > 0.05). In the comparison of ECG parameters, Pmax, QTd, and QTcd were statistically significant in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In terms of Pmin and Pdis, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant relationship between the study group and the control group in terms of 24-hour Holter ECG recording results (p = 0.182).
Conclusion
Although FM patients complain of palpitations, the outcomes of the study showed that the risk of arrhythmias was not increased.
Nature Inspired Method for Noninvasive Fetal ECG Extraction
Authors: Raj Akshaya , Brablik Jindrich , Kahankova Radana , Jaros Rene , Barnova Katerina , Snasel Vaclav , Mirjalili Seyedali , Martinek Radek
Published: April 2022

This paper introduces a novel algorithm for effective and accurate extraction of non-invasive fetal Electrocardiogram (NI-fECG). In NI-fECG based monitoring, the useful signal is measured along with other signals generated by the pregnant women’s body, especially maternal electro-cardiogram (mECG). These signals are more distinct in magnitude and overlap in time and frequency domains, making the fECG extraction extremely challenging. The proposed extraction method combines the Grey wolf algorithm (GWO) with Sequential Analysis (SA). This innovative combination, forming the GWO-SA method, optimises the parameters required to create a template that matches the mECG, which leads to an accurate elimination of the said signal from the input composite signal. The extraction system was tested on two databases consisting of real signals, namely, Labour and Pregnancy. The results show that the proposed method extracts the fetal ECG signal with an outstanding efficacy. The efficacy of the results was evaluated based on accurate detection of the fQRS complexes. The parameters used to evaluate are as follows: accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SE), positive predictive value (PPV), and F1 score. Due to the stochastic nature of the GWO algorithm, ten individual runs were performed for each record in the two databases to assure stability as well as repeatability. Using these parameters, for the Labour dataset, we achieved an average ACC of 94.60%, F1 of 96.82%, SE of 97.49%, and PPV of 98.96%. For the Pregnancy database, we achieved an average ACC of 95.66%, F1 of 97.44%, SE of 98.07%, and PPV of 97.44%.
Soluble RAGE in COPD, with or without coexisting obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Marin-Oto Marta , Sanz-Rubio David , Santamaría-Martos Fernando , Benitez Ivan , Simon Ana L. , Forner Marta , Cubero Pablo , Gil Ana , Sanchez-de-laTorre Manuel , Barbe Ferran , Marin José M.
Published: April 2022

Background. Hypoxia can reduce the levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE), a new anti-inflammatory biomarker of COPD. We assessed sRAGE in patients with hypoxia-related diseases such as COPD, OSA and OSA-COPD overlap.Methods. Plasma levels of sRAGE were measured in 317 subjects at baseline (57 heathy nonsmokers [HNS], 84 healthy smokers [HS], 79 OSA, 62 COPD and 35 OSA-COPD overlap patients) and in 294 subjects after one year of follow-up (50 HNS, 74 HS, 77 OSA, 60 COPD and 33 overlap).Results. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking status and body mass index, sRAGE levels showed a reduction in OSA (-12.5%, p = 0.005), COPD (-14.8%, p < 0.001) and OSA-COPD overlap (-12,3%, p = 0.02) compared with HNS. There were no differences when comparing sRAGE plasma levels between overlap patients and those with OSA or COPD alone. At follow-up, sRAGE levels did not change significantly in healthy subjects, COPD and OSA or OSA-COPD overlap nontreated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Moreover, in patients with OSA and OSA-COPD overlap who were treated with CPAP, sRAGE increased significantly.Conclusions. The levels of sRAGE are reduced in COPD and OSA. Treatment with CPAP significantly ameliorated sRAGE levels in patients with OSA who also had COPD.
Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of sulfonium lipids as potential nonviral gene vectors
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Ying , Zhang Lei , Lin Yue , Zhou Xiaodong , Liu Bingling , Jin Chenghao
Published: April 2022

IntroductionNon-viral gene vectors have attracted much attention in the last few decades, because of its potential activity and less side effects. Headgroup chemistry is a key aspect in lipid design. MethodsIn this study, a group of sulfonium lipids were designed and constructed by combining tetrahydrothiophene or tetrahydrothiopyran with an ethoxy linker and carbon aliphatic chains. 12 sulfonium lipids were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Mass. The compounds were evaluated in terms of their ability as potential gene vectors. Condensates of sulfonium lipids (SL) and DNA were examined by gel electrophoresis and particle size and zeta potential were measured. Sulfonium compounds were tested on HepG2 cells for cytotoxicity. SL/DNA condensates were studied incellular uptake and distribution using fluorescent microscopy.ResultsThe results showed that sulfonium cation can effectively interact with phosphorous in DNA. Compounds containing a longer lipid chains can effectively retard DNA at S/P ratio higher than 10/1 and can condense DNA into a nanosize particles with particle size in the range 150 nm ~ 300 nm, zeta potential in the range of +20~+40. Sulfonium compounds were calculated IC50s on HepG2 cells in the range of 3.52 ng/mL to 1.64 μg/mL. The intra-cellular uptake experiments revealed that SL/DNA nano particle was taken into the cell at low efficiency.ConclusionSulfonium headgroup can interact with phosphate of DNA. The structural environment of sulfonium ion influences the DNA bonding effect. The designed cyclic sulfonium ion was buried in the middle of structure, and thus was hindered interaction with DNA. This type of molecule is worthy of further modification to increase DNA capacity and to reduce cell cytotoxicity.
Effect of cortical extracellular GABA on motor response
Authors: Hoshino Osamu , Zheng Meihong , Fukuoka Yasuhiro
Published: April 2022

To elucidate how the flattening of sensory tuning due to a deficit in tonic inhibition slows motor responses, we simulated a neural network model in which a sensory cortical network (N S) and a motor cortical network (N M) are reciprocally connected , and the N M projects to spinal motoneurons (Mns). The N S was presented with a feature stimulus and the reaction time of Mns was measured. The flattening of sensory tuning in N S caused by decreasing the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in extracellular space resulted in a decrease in the stimulus-sensitive N M pyramidal cell activity while increasing the stimulus-insensitive N M pyramidal cell activity , thereby prolonging the reaction time of Mns to the applied feature stimulus. We suggest that a reduction in extracellular GABA concentration in sensory cortex may interfere with selective activation in motor cortex, leading to slowing the activation of spinal motoneurons and therefore to slowing motor responses.
Pamoic acid is an inhibitor of HMGB1•CXCL12 elicited chemotaxis and reduces inflammation in murine models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia
Authors: De Leo Federica , Rossi Alice , De Marchis Francesco , Cigana Cristina , Melessike Medede , Quilici Giacomo , De Fino Ida , Mantonico Malisa Vittoria , Fabris Chantal , Bragonzi Alessandra , Bianchi Marco Emilio , Musco Giovanna
Published: April 2022

Background. High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is an ubiquitous nuclear protein that once released in the extracellular space acts as a Damage Associated Molecular Pattern and promotes inflammation. HMGB1 is significantly elevated during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and has a clinical relevance in respiratory diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Salicylates are HMGB1 inhibitors. To address pharmacological inhibition of HMGB1 with small molecules, we explored the therapeutic potential of pamoic acid (PAM), a salicylate with limited ability to cross epithelial barriers. Methods. PAM binding to HMGB1 and CXCL12 was tested by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy using chemical shift perturbation methods, and inhibition of HMGB1•CXCL12–dependent chemotaxis was investigated by cell migration experiments. Aerosol delivery of PAM, with single or repeated administrations, was tested in murine models of acute and chronic P. aeruginosa pulmonary infection in C57Bl/6NCrlBR mice. PAM efficacy was evaluated by read-outs including weight loss, bacterial load and inflammatory response in lung and bronco-alveolar lavage fluid. Results. Our data and three-dimensional models show that PAM is a direct ligand of both HMGB1 and CXCL12. We also showed that PAM is able to interfere with heterocomplex formation and the related chemotaxis in vitro . Importantly, PAM treatment by aerosol was effective in reducing acute and chronic airway murine inflammation and damage induced by P. aeruginosa . The results indicated that PAM reduces leukocyte recruitment in the airways, in particular neutrophils, suggesting an impaired in vivo chemotaxis. This was associated with a decrease in myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase levels. Modestly increased bacterial burdens were recorded with single administration of PAM in acute infection; however, repeated administration in chronic infection did not affect bacterial burdens, indicating that the interference of PAM with the immune system has a limited risk of pulmonary exacerbation. Conclusions. This work established the efficacy of treating inflammation in chronic respiratory diseases, including bacterial infections, by topical delivery in the lung of PAM, an inhibitor of HMGB1.
Social acceptance and practicality of cattle-administered endectocides for malaria control in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Makhanthisa Takalani , Braack Leo , Bornman Maria S. , Lutermann Heike
Published: April 2022

Background: Malaria continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa and conventional malaria control strategies such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) are increasingly losing their effectiveness. Consequently, the development of alternative or supplementary strategies is required. One potential strategy is the use of cattle/livestock-administered endectocides to control vector mosquitoes that feed outdoors on livestock. However, since this strategy requires support from local communities and livestock owners consenting for their animals to be treated, it can only be implemented if acceptance by affected communities is sufficiently high. The aim of this study was to assess the social acceptance and practicality of the use of cattle/livestock-administered endectocides in the malaria endemic villages of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, where malaria incidence is high. Methods: Questionnaires were administered in the Vhembe District in 103 livestock-owning households from four villages, namely, Gumbu, Malale, Manenzhe and Bale. The assessment included questions on the acceptability of the strategy, the type and number of livestock owned, distances between houses and kraals (overnight pens) as well as previous use and awareness of endectocides. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. Results: The types of livestock owned by the participants comprised, cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys, with the most dominant being goats (n = 1040) and cattle (964). The majority of the participants had their kraals less than 10 meters from their houses. Most participants (72.5%) reported that they were already using chemicals to treat their livestock for parasites. About 33.3% of the livestock owners reported that they or their family members had previous infections of malaria. All participants indicated that they would accept the implementation of the strategy and would give consent for their animals to be treated by endectocides. Conclusions: The use of cattle/livestock-administered endectocides appears to be a feasible and acceptable approach for control of animal-feeding malaria vector species in the malaria endemic villages of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. This is based on a high percentage of rural residents keeping suitable livestock close to their homes and expressing willingness to use endectocides for mosquito control.
Evaluating adherence to post-treatment surveillance of colorectal cancer at a reference center in Mexico: A retrospective analysis.
Authors: Hernandez-Felix Jorge Humberto , Noguez-Ramos Alejandro , Aguilar Mauricio Rivera , Valenzuela-Vidales Ana K. , Rosas-Camargo Vanessa , Cedro-Tanda Alberto , Torres-Valdiviezo Lucero Itzel , Arce-Sandoval Cesar Rodrigo , Cisneros-Cordero Miriam Heidi , Luviano Andrea , Huitzil-Melendez Fidel David , Meneses-Medina Monica I.
Published: April 2022

Purpose: After colorectal cancer (CCR) treatment, adequate follow-up is recommended to improve overall survival. We aimed to assess the adherence to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical practice guidelines on post-treatment surveillance for CRC at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran in Mexico City, Mexico. Methods: We included patients with stage I-III CRC treated between January 2014 and December 2016. We evaluated adherence to surveillance during the first three years after completion of CRC treatment or until recurrence, whichever came first. We defined adequate compliance with guidelines as ≥2 physician visits annually for three years, ≥2 serum carcinoembryonic antigen blood tests annually for two years, and at least one colonoscopy during the three-year surveillance period. Results: Overall-three-year adherence to surveillance recommendations was 53.8% (n=49). Colonoscopy was the component with the highest adherence with 91.2% (n=83) of the patients, followed by medical visits with 71.4% (n=65) of the patients. During the three-year period of follow-up, 23% (n=21) of patients lost follow-up. Three-year recurrence rate was 6.6% (n=6). In a bivariate analysis, we did not find any significant association between clinical and demographic factors and adherence to surveillance.Conclusions: At our institution, compliance to the guidelines on post-treatment surveillance is higher than the reported at similar centers in other world regions, though there is a decreasing trend in adherence during the study period. More evidence is needed to understand the potential barriers to surveillance and implement strategies to improve compliance to surveillance and the survival of patients.
Antibody- and T cell-dependent responses elicited by a SARS-CoV-2 adenoviral-based vaccine in a socially vulnerable cohort of elderly individuals
Authors: Moya Martin , Aleksandroff Ariel , Marrama Marcela , Veigas Florencia , Cocco Montana N. Manselle , Moreno Tomás Dalotto , Rabinovich Gabriel A
Published: April 2022

Background In spite of compelling evidence demonstrating safety and immunogenicity of adenoviral-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the general population, its effects in socially vulnerable elderly individuals is poorly understood Here we aimed to investigate the efficacy of two doses of combined vector vaccine, the Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V), at 14, 42 and 180 days after immunization, in a nursing home for low-income and homeless individuals. Methods: A phase 3, open-label clinical trial involving administration of two adenoviral vectors (Ad26 - Ad5) vaccine, in elderly individuals over the ages of 60 years was performed. SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-specific IgG antibodies at days 21-, 42- and 180 post-vaccination was analyzed in sera of individuals receiving two doses of the Sputnik V vaccine with an interval of 21 days. SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8 T cell responses, measured by intracellular tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was determined by flow cytometry following antigen-specific cultures. Results A total of 72 elderly adults with a mean age of 72.6 ±9.5 years-old was selected after applying the inclusion criteria, all corresponding to a very low-income population. Two-doses vaccination with Sputnik V vaccine elicited an antibody-mediated immune response (revealed by quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies, CMIA) 70% at day 21, 90% at day 42s and 66.1% at day 180. Fully vaccinated individuals had robust SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses, evidence by TNF production in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in all time periods analyzed.Conclusion: Six months after receipt of the second dose of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine, SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels declined substantially among the tested population, whereas CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell-mediated immunity remained at high levels. These data suggest that two doses of combined adenoviral-based vaccine elicits a considerable level of SARS-CoV-2 immune responses in elderly individuals, highlighting its safety and immunogenicity in this highly vulnerable population.
Integrating microarray-based spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals tissue architecture in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhou Bolun , Liu Xiang , Huai Qilin , Guo Lei , Xue Xuemin , Tan Fengwei , Li Yin , Xue Qi , Gao Shugeng , He Jie
Published: April 2022

Background
The tumour microenvironment (TME) serves as an important factor in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Although distinct cell subsets can be identified via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), the spatial composition of cells within the TME is difficult to characterise.
Methods
Tissue samples were collected from three patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and scRNA-seq was performed to identify distinct cell subsets. In addition, a microarray-based spatial transcriptomic (ST) method was used to characterise the spatial landscape of expression data via an array of spots. Using multimodal intersection analysis (MIA) to integrate scRNA-seq and ST, the exact cellular components of the tumour and stromal regions were annotated.
Results
The subpopulations of seven stromal cells were identified within the TME of ESCC, and the architecture of scRNA-seq-determined subsets was mapped in cancer and stromal regions. The distribution of various stromal cells and their subpopulations was heterogeneous. Compared with immune cells, non-immune stromal cells were significantly enriched in the TME. Most subsets of epithelial cells were enriched in the cancer regions, whereas inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts were correlated with the stromal regions. Furthermore, TME features were different between metastatic and non-metastatic samples and between the primary and metastatic sites of the metastatic sample.
Conclusions
This study revealed the spatial landscape of various cell subsets within the TME and the potential cross-talk among diverse cells, which provides novel insights into cancer intervention.
Semi-quantum Key Agreement Protocol against Dishonest Third-party with Delegating Quantum Measuring
Authors: Zhou Yi-Hua , Xu Yang , Yang Yu-Guang , Shi Wei-Min , Chen Ze-Song
Published: April 2022

In quantum cloud environment, most application protocols have the problems of using a lot of quantum resources, high communication costs, and inability to check the honesty of cloud server. Therefore, a semi-quantum key agreement protocol based on GHZ-like state with a dishonest delegated measuring center is proposed. In our protocol, the application system consists of a quantum cloud server which only needs to prepare GHZ-like states and distributes all the particles to other participants, a quantum measuring center which performs complicated quantum measurement, such as X-base measurement and Bell measurement, and many classical semi-quantum participants which perform key agreement. Our protocol has many advantages. First, our protocol removes the assumption of honest or semi-honest cloud server because the dishonesty of cloud sever can be checked by delegated measuring center and classical semi-quantum participants. Second, the dishonesty of measuring center can also be found by classical semi-quantum participants through joint measurement. Third, only classical semi-quantum participants can obtain random shared key even if quantum cloud server and measuring center are interested in shared keys. Fourth, a large number of participants may be semi-quantum users which saving a lot of quantum resources. Our protocol is especially suitable for applications such as a large number of classical users arbitrarily performing key agreement in a real cloud environment which only need fewer resources, being easy to implement, and controllable. Security analysis and efficiency analysis show that our protocol can not only effectively resist external and internal attacks, but also resist collusion attack, which is more efficient than similar protocols.
Assessment of Adsorption and Removal Efficacy of Spirulina Powder for Strontium and Thallium
Authors: Yadav Mahendra , Kumar Vivek , Jain Shelly , Sandal Nidhi , Chauhan Meenakshi Kanwar
Published: April 2022

A nuclear accident or incident releases a large number of radionuclides. The most important fission produced radionuclides are cesium, strontium, iodine, and thallium. It enters the body through ingestion, inhalation and skin, and accumulates in tissues and organs. Thus, it is extremely important to remove these radionuclides as soon as possible. In concern of this, the present study was envisaged to evaluate the adsorption and removal efficacy of Spirulina for radionuclides viz., cobalt (Co), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), cesium (Cs) and thallium (Tl). The adsorption efficacy was investigated in terms of weight of Spirulina (0.1 g), contact time (3h), metal ion concentration (10-100 mg L-1), and simulated physiological fluids viz., simulated gastric (SGF) and intestinal fluid (SIF). The removal efficacy of Spirulina was evaluated for strontium and thallium in mice. The strontium and thallium content in major tissues, urine and faeces were estimated. The maximum binding capacity of Spirulina for Co+2,, Sr+2, Ba+2, Cs+1 and Tl+1 was found to be 3.774, 0.655, 0.337, 1.328 and 0.129 mg g-1 in water, respectively, and 0.838, 0.575, 0.697, 0.334 and 6.098 mg g-1 in SGF, respectively, whereas in SIF it was found to be 18.182, 0.329 and 1.203 mg g-1 for Sr+2, Cs+1 and Tl+1, respectively. Spirulina significantly reduced the whole body retention of strontium and thallium and enhanced their excretion through urine and faeces. In conclusion, pulverized Spirulina showed potential adsorption efficiency and may be used as a cost-effective, efficient and non-toxic agent for removal of strontium and thallium from body.
Hsa-miR-374b-5p and hsa-miR-106a-5p are associated with inflammatory bowel disease through targeting IL-10/STAT3 axis
Authors: Li Dongjie , Du Xiancai , Ma Wen , Zhang Jing , Piao Wenhua
Published: April 2022

Purpose
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is a common gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Recent studies revealed that there is a strong connection between the regulatory mechanism of miRNA and IBD etiology. In the current study, we aim to investigate the potential role of hsa-miR-374b-5p(miR-374b-5p) and hsa-miR-106a-5p (miR-106a-5p)in regulating IBD development.
Methods
Serum was obtained from vein blood of IBD patients and healthy controls ,qRT-PCR was performed to study the expression of miR-374b-5p and miR-106a-5p. Furthermore ,we investigate the effects of overexpression or inhibition of miR-374b-5p on naïve CD4 + T cell subsets differentiation from vein blood of healthy controls by qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and western blot. And more the prediction and confirmation of the targeting genes of miR-374b-5p and miR-106a-5p were performed by bioinformatics softwares and dual-luciferase reporter assay.
Results
We found that miR-106a-5p and miR-374b-5p were markedly upregulated in the serum of IBD patients, and hsa-miR-374b-5p was able to facilitate the Th1 and Th17 differentiation and is associated with IBD pathogenicity. Overexpression of miR-374b-5p increased IFN-γ, IL-17A mRNA levels, and decreased IL-10 mRNA levels in CD4+T cells by qRT-PCR. Moreover, inhibition of miR-374b-5p decreased IFN-γ, IL-17A, and increased IL-10 mRNA levels in CD4+ T cells; these were further confirmed at protein level by flow cytometry and western blot. Additionally, we confirmed IL-10 as a novel target gene of miR-374b-5p by dual-luciferase reporter assay, which has been identified as anti-inflammatory cytokine to negatively regulate the development of IBD. Otherside, we identified STAT3 as a target gene of miR-106a-5p by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Our subsequent study observed that the JAK1/STAT3 pathway were regulated by miR-374b-5p through IL-10/STAT3 axis in CD4+T cells. Overexpression of miR-374b-5p could significantly decrease STAT3 mRNA levels and serine phosphorylation(ser-727) of STAT3 protein levels and inhibition of miR-374b-5p could significantly increase STAT3 mRNA levels and serine phosphorylation(ser-727) of STAT3 protein levels respectively.
Conclusion
MiR-374b-5p and miR-106a-5p may play an important role in IBD pathogenesis through targeting IL-10/STAT3 axis.
High-throughput discovery of chemical structure-polarity relationships combining automation and machine learning techniques
Authors: Mo Fanyang , Xu Hao , Lin Jinglong , Liu Qianyi , Chen Yuntian , Zhang Jianning , Yang Yang , Young Michael , Xu Yan , Zhang Dongxiao
Published: April 2022

As an essential attribute of organic compounds, polarity has a profound influence on many molecular properties such as solubility and phase transition temperature. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) represents a commonly used technique for polarity measurement. However, current TLC analysis presents several problems, including the need for a large number of attempts to obtain suitable conditions, as well as irreproducibility due to non-standardization. Herein, we describe an automated experiment system for TLC analysis. This system is designed to conduct TLC analysis automatically, facilitating high-throughput experimentation by collecting large experimental datasets under standardized conditions. Using these datasets, machine learning (ML) methods are employed to construct surrogate models correlating organic compounds’ structures and their polarity using retardation factor (Rf). The trained ML models are able to predict the Rf value curve of organic compounds with high accuracy. Furthermore, the constitutive relationship between the compound and its polarity can also be discovered through these modeling methods, and the underlying mechanism is rationalized through adsorption theories. The trained ML models not only reduce the need for empirical optimization currently required for TLC analysis, but also provide general guidelines for the selection of conditions, making TLC an easily accessible tool for the broader scientific community.
Novel Machine Learning Models to Predict Pneumonia Events in Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage Populations: An Analysis of the Risa-MIS-ICH Study
Authors: Zheng Yan , Lin Yuan-xiang , He Qiu , Li Chun-wang , Huang Wei , Gao Zhuyu , Ye Geng-zhao , Chen Ren-long , Cai Lve-ming , Zhao Ming-pei , Zhuo Ling-yun , Wang Hao-jie , Xie Ze-feng , Ma Ke , Fang Wen-hua , Wang Deng-liang , Chen Jian-cai , Kang De-zhi , Lin Fu-xin
Published: April 2022

Background: Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) contributes to high mortality rates in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) populations. The accurate prediction and early intervention of SAP are associated with prognosis. Although various predictive scoring systems have been previously developed, none are widely accepted. We aimed to derive and validate novel supervised machine learning (ML) models to predict SAP events in supratentorial sICH populations.Methods: In this work, the data of eligible supratentorial sICH individuals were extracted from the database of the Risa-MIS-ICH study, and the participants were split into training, internal validation, and external validation datasets. The primary outcome was SAP during hospitalization. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used for variable filtrations, and logistic regression (LR), Gaussian naïve Bayes (GNB), random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), and ensemble soft voting model (ESVM) were adopted for ML model derivations. The metrics of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were adopted to evaluate the predictive value of each model with internal/cross-/external validations.Results: After screening 909 individuals with sICH, a total of 468 were included in this work. Six independent variables [nasogastric feeding, airway support, unconscious onset, surgery of external ventricular drainage (EVD), sICH volume, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay] for SAP were identified and selected for seven ML prediction model derivations and validations. The internal and cross-validations revealed the superior and robust performance of the GNB model with the highest AUC value (0.861, 95% CI: 0.793-0.930), while the LR model had the highest AUC value (0.867, 95% CI: 0.812-0.923) in external validation. The ESVM method combining the other six methods had moderate but robust abilities in both cross- and external validations and achieved an AUC of 0.843 (95% CI: 0.784, 0.902) in the external validation.Conclusion: The ML models could effectively predict SAP events in sICH populations, and our novel ensemble models demonstrated reliable robust performance outcomes despite the populational and algorithmic differences.Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier: NCT03862729
Structure and graph-based virtual screening in pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and antioxidant activity of the Castanol B against AKR1C2 prostate cancer target
Authors: Rocha Matheus Nunes , Bezerra Lucas Lima , Silva Leonardo Paes , Almeida-Neto Francisco Wagner Queiroz , Marinho Márcia Machado , Santos Hélcio Silva , Neto Pedro Lima , Marinho Emmanuel Silva
Published: April 2022

The Chinese chestnut cultivation represents the advance of world trade, and the consumption provides several benefits for human health. Studies reported that a Chinese chestnut has several biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative. The polyphenol recently isolated from Chinese chestnut known as Castanol B was analyzed through of in silico approach using the ADMET simulations, quantum calculations, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. The ADMET results showed that the Castanol B conjugate base is more water-soluble, then conducting a theoretical pharmacokinetic model based on a great intestinal permeability and great metabolic stability, showing an antiproliferative activity with low toxic response to the host. The quantum calculations indicated that Castanol B acts by the HAT mechanism; besides, the anion carboxylate microspecies showed better thermodynamic favoring gas and water phases. The molecular docking results showed the highest potential interaction between the Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C2 (AKR1C2) receptor with the compound analyzed, highlighted for the Castanol B and Castanol B conjugate base. Finally, the molecular dynamics results indicated that the Castanol B conjugate base showed high stability and the highest potential of interactions during the simulations. Therefore, this compound presented might potentially be used to treat prostate cancer.
Comprehensive analysis of the clinical and biological significances of cholesterol metabolism in lower-grade gliomas
Authors: Huang Ruoyu , Tao Rui , Yang Jingchen , Wang Zhiliang , Yang Pei , Han Bo , Wang Kuanyu
Published: April 2022

Background: As a component of membrane lipids and the precursor of oxysterols and steroid hormones, reprogrammed cholesterol metabolism contributes to the initiation and progression of multiple cancers. Thus, we aim to further investigate the significances of cholesterol metabolism in lower-grade gliomas (LGGs). Methods: The present study included 413 LGG samples from TCGA RNA-seq dataset (training cohort) and 172 LGG samples from CGGA RNA-seq dataset (validation cohort). The cholesterol metabolism-related signature was identified by the LASSO regression model. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to explore the functional roles of this signature in LGGs. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were enrolled to estimate prognostic value of the risk signature. Results: Our findings suggested that cholesterol metabolism was tightly associated clinicopathologic features and genomic alterations of LGGs. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that cholesterol metabolism played a key role in immunosuppression of LGGs, mainly by promoting macrophages polarization and T cell exhaustion. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis showed that cholesterol metabolism was an independent prognostic indicator for LGG patients. To improve the clinical application value of the risk signature, we also constructed a nomogram model to predict the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival of LGG patients.Conclusion: The cholesterol metabolism was powerful prognostic indicator and could serve as a promising target to enhance personalized treatment of LGGs.
The usefulness of machine learning in pediatric intensive care: k-means clustering for shock classification
Authors: Rollán-Martínez-Herrera María , Keretxeta-Sarregi Jon , Gil-Antón Javier , Macia-Oliver Iván , Pilar-Orive Javier
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The use of unsupervised learning techniques based on the multiple variables routinely collected in PICUs could help to find patterns that clinicians may have overlooked, and that may define new classifications of types of shock in the pediatric setting.Methods: data from 90 patients with shock diagnosis, stored in a third level PICU database, were used. K-means algorithm was applied over the data from the first 24 hours of admission (physiological and analytical variables and the need for devices), without preceding death in less than 48 hours. 3 clusters were created. It was analysed whether these clusters had differences between them, their correlation with diagnosis at discharge, their association with outcomes (mortality and LOS) and whether they were more accurate than classical classification in outcome prediction.Results: significant differences were found in variables used (e.g. mean diastolic arterial pressure p < 0.001, age p < 0.001) and not used for training (e.g. EtCO2 min p < 0.001, Troponin max p < 0.01), diagnosis at discharge (p < 0.001) and outcomes (p < 0.05). Clustering classification equalled classical classification in its association with LOS (p = 0.01) and surpassed it in its association with mortality (p < 0.04 vs. p = 0.16).Conclusion: even with such a small sample, k-means clustering method was able to classify shocked pediatric patients with higher outcome correlation than the clinical method. These results support the utility of unsupervised learning algorithms for patient classification in PICU, something that could help to implement guided therapies.
Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the SCREENIVF among Persian infertile couples
Authors: Kargar Somaye Taghadosi , Elyasi Forouzan , Jahanfar Shayesteh , Peyvandi Sepideh , fallah behnoud , Aghmashhadi Fatemeh Yahya Poor , Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND
To determine the face, content and construct validity of the Persian version of SCREENIVF for the infertile Iranian population.
METHODS
This was a methodological study of the psychometric properties of SCREENIVF. This report describes process and principles used in translation and cultural adaption of SCREENIVF on 20 infertile couples.
RESULTS
During the process, cultural differences were quantified and taken into account. Results from qualitative face validity indicated that all items have equal or higher effect scores than 1.5(1.5 score effect), which shows the importance of these cases in infertile couples. In measuring the content validity ratio, all cases' scores were higher than 51% in Lawsche table (51% for 14 experts). The content validity ratio scores for all cases were equal or greater than 0.57, so items were identified as "essential". The entire instrument's internal correlation was estimated by using alpha Cronbach 0.89, which shows significant reliability. Results from construct validity represents that five factor structure of SCREENIVF has a good fit to the observe data.
Limitations:
The researchers must be aware of the culture-based constraints for data collected through the questionnaire. Therefore, further studies are highly recommended with the larger sample size.
CONCLUSION
It seems that the Persian version of SCREENIVF is valid and reliable and can be used to screen for emotional risk factors in infertile couples under treatment in infertility clinics in Iran.