bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation and experimental validation of convective heat transfer in air square duct
Authors: Mhamdi Aymen , Driss Zied , Belghar Nourredine , Reis Paulo , Bezazi Abderazak , Guerira Belhi , Kchaou Hedi
Published: June 2022

The present paper introduces the impact of the turbulence model and the meshing effect on the airflow characteristics inside a square duct. The analysis in this study is done with the commercial software "ANSYS FLUENT 17.0" using the finite volume method. In this application, several numerical parameters such as the convective heat gain, the magnitude velocity, the temperature, the static pressure and the turbulence characteristics are analysed in order to select the most appropriate model. To ensure the accuracy of the numerical findings, we investigated the influence of meshing on CFD results in order to select the most appropriate mesh with the shortest calculated time. We also looked on the impact of the turbulence model on the aerodynamics properties of the considered square air duct.
Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction-Mediated Bax Silencing Inhibits Acute Rejection Following Heart Transplantation
Authors: Xu Jing , Jin Jia Mei , Li Gang , Zong Ming , Tao Yi Rao , Chen Ming , Zhang Yu Hui , Cao Hao
Published: June 2022

Background: Ultrasound‑targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has been developed as a promising approach for organ‑ and tissue‑specific gene or drug delivery. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of UTMD‑mediated Bax gene silencing in acute rejection(AR) response after heart transplantation(HT).Methods: Bax-short hairpin RNA (shRNA) bound with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and microbubbles(MBs) were synthesized and effective ultrasound-targeted delivery of Bax-shRNA/PEI into rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 confirmed in vitro. Based on these observations, three transplant rat models were tested： ①Allograft (ALLO); ② ALLO+cyclosporine(CsA); and ③ALLO+UTMD+Bax-shRNA/PEI. The protein expression of Bax gene was detected through Western blot analysis. The pathological examination and survival time of cardiac allografts were also evaluated.Results: Bax protein expression was significantly inhibited in ALLO+UTMD+Bax-shRNA/PEI group compared to the other two groups(p<0.01). At 6 days post HT, the ALLO+UTMD+Bax-shRNA/PEI group had Grade II rejection or less inflammatory infiltration and myocyte damage using International Society For Heart and Lung Transplantation grading, compared to Grade IIIB or IV in ALLO group and Grade II or III in ALLO+CsA group.The survival time of allografts in ALLO+UTMD+Bax-shRNA/PEI group was(16.21±5.01)days, which was obviously longer than that in ALLO (p < 0.05) and ALLO+CsA(p < 0.01) group.Conclusions: UTMD mediated Bax gene inhibition with shRNA/PEI can prevent acute cellular rejection and improve survival time of the grafted heart in the early post-transplant period. These findings may provide a new strategy for gene therapy in patients after HT.
Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Spinal Cord Injury: In Vitro and In Vivo Analysis
Authors: Bang Woo-Seok , Han Inbo , Mun Seul-Ah , Cho Dae-Chul , Lee Sang-Woo , Kim Byoung-Joon , Kim Chi Heon , Choi Hyuk , Kim Kyoung-Tae
Published: June 2022

Electrical stimulation influences neural stem cell neurogenesis. We analyzed the effects of electrical stimulation on neurogenesis in rodent spinal cord-derived neural stem cells (SC-NSCs) in vitro and in vivo and evaluated functional recovery and neural circuitry improvements with electrical stimulation using a rodent spinal cord injury (SCI) model. Rats (20 rats/group) were assigned to a sham (Group 1), SCI only (Group 2), SCI + electrode implant without stimulation (Group 3), and SCI + electrode with stimulation (Group 4) groups to count total SC-NSCs and differentiated neurons and evaluate morphological changes in differentiated neurons. Further, the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores were analyzed, and the motor and somatosensory evoked potentials in all rats were monitored. In vitro, biphasic electrical currents increased SC-NSC proliferation and neuronal differentiation and caused qualitative morphological changes in differentiated neurons. Electrical stimulation promoted SC-NSC proliferation and neuronal differentiation and improved functional outcomes and neural circuitry in SCI models. Increased Wnt3, Wnt7, and β-catenin protein levels were also observed after electrical stimulation. In conclusion, our study proved the beneficial effects of electrical stimulation on SCI. We believe that Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation may be associated with this relationship between electrical stimulation and neuronal regeneration after SCI.
Transient thermal error modeling of a ball screw feed system
Authors: Su Dongxu , Li Yang , Zhao Wanhua , Zhang Huijie
Published: June 2022

The thermal behaviors of the ball screw feed system significantly affect the machining accuracy of the machine tool, which is widely valued by users and manufacturers. In the current ball screws thermal error models, the moving heat source at nuts is simplified to a fixed heat source to simplify the calculation, which can decrease the model’s prediction accuracy. A novel thermal error modeling method for the ball screw feed system is proposed by this paper based on the FEM. In the proposed method, the moving heat source at the nut is loaded into the model by changing the grid distribution at different time steps. Meanwhile, a series of thermal experiments are carried out to collect the thermodynamic data with the machine tool’s feed drive system operating at a different speed. And then the multi-objective optimization method is introduced to obtain the heat generated by the nuts and the convection coefficient between the air and the screw. The experimental results show that the thermal error of the ball screw feed system is different when the feed system runs in different intervals, even if the temperature rise at measuring points is the same. In the final, experiments under different conditions are carried out and the proposed model is accurate enough to predict the thermal error of the ball screw feed system.
Case report: A Rare Case Involving the Coexistence of Glioblastoma Multiforme, Arteriovenous Malformation and Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Li Chi-Ruei , Shen Chiung-Chyi , Yang Meng-Yin , Cheng Wen-Yu , Chang Cheng-Siu , Chen Se-Yi
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe coexistence of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) is rarely reported in literature. Additionally, there is a paucity of data surrounding the simultaneous presentation of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) with intracranial aneurysms. In the English literature, the concurrence of these three intracranial lesions has never been reported. Regarding our case, we present a case of an Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) aneurysm that occurred in a patient with coexisting GBM and AVM. In addition, we discuss the current literature relating to this unique combination of medical conditions.Case PresentationThe 44-year-old female was presented to our hospital experiencing intermittent headaches and dizziness. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a heterogeneously enhanced mass with peri-focal edema at the right temporal lobe. Upon additional computed tomographic angiography study, the presence of AVM nidus at the right temporal-parietal occipital region was noted. Moreover, the image study also demonstrated a right ICA aneurysm. After surgery, histopathological examination demonstrated GBM and AVM in the separately resected lesion specimen. Furthermore, we expected that the ICA aneurysm would reduce in size after removal of the ipsilateral AVM and glioblastoma. Unfortunately, the postoperative digital subtraction angiography revealed only sparse change in the right ICA aneurysm, resulting in the patient still needing to receive intervention involving flow diverter stent placement.ConclusionsIn this case, we discuss the current literature relating to this unique combination of medical conditions. The causality and correlation of this presentation remains uncertain. With regards to our case, the pre-surgical image survey provided us with much support towards making critical decisions. Surgery surrounding the removal of simultaneously coexisting AVM and GBM is always a challenging task due to the potential risk of massive intraoperative bleeding.
Clinical utility of chromosomal microarray analysis and whole exome sequencing in fetuses with oligohydramnios
Authors: Shi# Xiaomei , Ding# Hongke , Li Chen , Liu Ling , Yu LiHua , Zhu Juan , Wu Jing
Published: June 2022

Background: Oligohydramnios is associated to a high rate of pregnancy complications and increased fetal morbidity and mortality. Numerous genetic disorders can present with oligohydramnios. This study aims to evaluate the clinical utility of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and whole exome sequencing (WES) in fetuses with oligohydramnios.Methods: In this retrospective study, 126 fetuses with oligohydramnios at our center from 2018 to 2021 were reviewed. Results of CMA and WES were analyzed.Results: One hundred and twenty-four cases had CMA performed and 32 cases had WES performed. The detection rate of pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) copy number variants (CNVs) by CMA was 1.6% (2/124). WES revealed P/LP variants in 21.8% (7/32) of fetuses. Six (85.7%, 6/7) fetuses showed an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Three (42.9%, 3/7) variants were involved in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which are the known genetic causes of autosomal recessive renal tubular dysgenesis (ARRTD).Conclusion: CMA has low diagnostic utility for oligohydramnios. WES is an efficient approach and should be recommended in cases of oligohydramnios.
Candidate pathophysiology processes in Fragile-X associated neuropsychiatric disorders: An event-related potential study
Authors: Harold Roslyn , Kelleher Bridgette , Novak Keisha , Neo Wei Siong , Stump Tim R , Lee Taylor , Garwood Tessa , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Foti Dan
Published: June 2022

BackgroundWomen who carry the premutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene are at high risk for adult-onset major depressive disorder. The current study explores abnormal reward sensitivity (indexed by the reward positivity [RewP]) and error processing (indexed by the error-related negativity [ERN]) as candidates processes of depression risk in this population. Both the RewP and ERN have been linked to depression risk in the general population, but are unexplored within FMR1 premutation carriers (PMC).MethodData were collected from 16 adult PMC women and 16 women with no history of fragile X syndrome, autism, or intellectual disability. Participants completed validated measures of neural sensitivity to rewards (a simple guessing task) and errors (arrow flankers task) while the electroencephalogram was recorded. Cognitive functioning and lifetime history of depression were also assessed.ResultsBoth the ERN and RewP were abnormal among premutation carriers: the topography of the ERN was altered among carriers, and the amplitude of the RewP was reduced among carriers. Both effects were attributable to PMC status, as they remained significant after controlling for differences in verbal comprehension and lifetime history of depression. ConclusionThe FMR1premutation may confer increased risk for depression in part through abnormal neural sensitivity to reward delivery and error commission, which are pathophysiological processes of depression that are shared with the general population. If validated in larger samples, the RewP and ERN may potentially be used as risk markers for depression to aid early intervention and prevention efforts.
Evaluation of some oxidative stress biomarkers in Syrian patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: a case-control study
Authors: Al-torkmany Kassem , Al-zeer Samar
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between oxidant production and antioxidant defense mechanisms, in favor of oxidant production. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis and development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hemodialysis (HD) has also been described to contribute remarkably to oxidative stress in CKD patients. This study aims to evaluate the levels of different oxidative stress biomarkers in Syrian patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) that also analyzed the effect of HD on redox status.Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from CKD (n=30) and HD (n=30) patients and healthy individuals (n=30), and the following markers of oxidative stress were analyzed: malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP), glutathione (GSH), in addition to Hgb, Hct, CRP and Cr.Results: We have found that the levels of MDA, AOPP, CRP, and Cr in CKD and HD groups were significantly higher than in the control group (P=0.0001, P=0.003, P=0.0001, and P=0.0001 respectively). Also, we have found that the levels of GSH, Hgb, and Hct in CKD and HD groups were significantly lower than in the control group (P=0.0001, P=0.0001and P=0.0001, respectively). On the other hand, there were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in MDA, AOPP, GSH, and CRP between CKD and HD groups whilst there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in Hgb, Hct, and Cr between CKD and HD groups.Conclusions: CKD and HD patients have both higher concentrations of all studied serum oxidative stress biomarkers and decreased concentrations of antioxidants. Also, the results showed that the greatest influence on the development of oxidative stress is the severity of renal failure rather than Hemodialysis treatment.
Comparative study on the nutritional content and physical attributes of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) meats
Authors: Tee Zheng-Bin , Ibrahim Saadiah , Teoh Chaiw-Yee
Published: June 2022

Giant freshwater prawn (GFP), Macrobrachium rosenbergii and redclaw crayfish (RC), Cherax quadricarinatus are among the commercial aquaculture species of Malaysia. The tail meat yield and nutritional content are important to both producers and consumers and the present study aimed to determine both aspects for both species. A total of 180 GFP and RC samples consisting of 45 males and females each were obtained, and their physical attributes and proximate composition of tail meat were analysed. Samples were grouped into four categories with triplicates each (n = 3): male GFP, female GFP, male RC, female RC. Individual body weight, tail meat weight, individual body width, and individual body length were measured and the percentage of edible part in relation to body weight was calculated for physical attributes. Moisture, ash, protein, and lipid content of the tail meat for each group were determined for nutritional content. The results indicated that female GFP had significantly (P < 0.05) highest percentage of edible meat (36.15%), and GFP had significantly higher percentage of edible part than RC regardless of the gender. Moreover, both gender and species demonstrated significant effect on the percentage of edible part. On the other hand, male RC had significantly higher moisture (79.17%), ash (1.66%), and lipid (2.98%) contents than male and female GFP, whereas male GFP had significantly highest protein content (20.02%). To sum up, the present study found out that female GFP had the highest tail meat yield, male RC had the highest moisture, ash, and lipid contents, and male GFP had the highest protein content. Besides, different species or gender contributes differently on body growth and development, and that the nutritional content (protein, lipid, ash) of male and female individual is different.
Relationship Among Water, Sediment and Intestinal Microbial Community Structure between Breeding Group and Control Group of Juvenile Huanghe Carp New Strain
Authors: Su Shengyan , Jing Xiaojun , Lu Zeyu , Li Zhixun , Zhou Xiaolin , Li Bing , Tang Yongkai , Zhu Jian , Zhang Chengfeng
Published: June 2022

A total of 1500 fish species in the Yellow River carp breeding group and the control group were reared in the pond and fed with commercial bait three times a day. In the first 2 months of feeding, samples were taken at 4 time points to measure water quality parameters. At the fourth time point, intestinal samples were taken for DNA extraction and purification. PCR amplification, purification and 16S amplicon sequencing were performed. The results showed that except for NO2-N, NO3-N and transparency, the other 11 water quality indexes were closely related to water quality bacterial community. A total of 1,364,230 original tags were obtained for 50 samples including water, sediment and intestines, with an average of 56, 842.9 tags per sample. Finally, 5105 operational taxa (OTUs) were isolated from all samples. OTU mean abundance was highest in water (1228.08±155.87). It was lowest in intestinal tract (717.50±95.31). The Alpha diversity in breeding group was higher than that in control group. There was a clear dividing line between the control group and the selective group. The intestinal microbes first clustered with the water quality microbes, and then clustered with the sediment microbial community. From the perspective of bacterial community structure, whether in the control group or the breeding group, Needle-shaped bacteria were dominant at the 2nd, 3rd and 4th time points of water samples, while Limnohabitans were dominant at the 1st time point. Rhodobacter was dominant in the intestinal tract of both the breeding group and the control group, while Firmicutes were dominant in the bottom mud. The bacteria ranked second and third at the first time point in the water were consistent with those in the bottom mud. In the intestinal tract, the abundance of Chlorooscilla and Firmicutes was different in the breeding group. These results indicated that the breeding group of new strain of Yellow River carp had specific microflora structure.
Predictive value of p16-ki67 double staining of cell block in high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and grades above it
Authors: Meng Fanfan , Gu Yiqun , Wang Li , Sun Xiaofei
Published: June 2022

Objectives: we performed p16-ki67 immunohistochemical double staining on cervical cytological specimens to shunt patients with high risk human papillomavirus positive(HR-HPV) and cytological diagnosis of atypical squamous sells of undetermined significance(ASC-US), and to explore its expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and above (Cin2 +) patients.Methods: Age 21-74 years old woman, who were screened for cervical cancer, tested for HPV and cervical cytology in Haidian District Maternal and Child Health care Hospital from January to December 2021 were selected as the research objects. A subset of paired cervical and vaginal specimens (n = 261) were selected to undergo p16-Ki-67 dual-stain cytology, liquid-based cytology and HR-HPV detection.Results: (1)1) 239 HR-HPV positive patients (239 / 261), of which 80 had histopathological results of Cin2 + and 159 had histopathological results of negative. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Cin2 + detected by HR-HPV were 98.8% (80 / 81), 11.7% (21 / 180), 33.5% (80 / 239) and 95.5% (21 / 22) respectively; Among 261 patients, 80 cases were positive for p16-Ki67 double staining and 181 cases were negative.The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of patients with Cin2 + were 86.4% (70 / 81), 94.4% (170 / 180), 87.5% (70 / 80) and 93.9% (170 / 181) respectively; Among the 261 patients, 233 were above ASC-US and 28 were negative. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Cin2 + patients were 91.4% (74 / 81), 11.7% (21 / 180), 31.8% (74 / 233) and 75% (21 / 28), respectively; 2)The kappa values of patients with HR-HPV infection, p16-ki67 double staining and TCT diagnosis above ASC-US and histopathological results were 0.068, 0.811 and 0.02 respectively.(2)The positive rates of p16-ki67 double staining in 239 HR-HPV positive patients and 22 negative patients were 33% (79 / 239) and 4.5% (1 / 22), respectively, with significant difference（ χ2=7.703，p=0.006）.(3)The results showed that TCT had statistical significance for patients with Cin2 + detected in histology (P = 0.041). The positive expression of p16-ki67 double staining was a risk factor for Cin2 + patients (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Our study shows that p16-Ki67 double staining has certain sensitivity and specificity, and has high application value for screening Cin2 + population. In particular, it can be used as an important reference index for negative TCT, ASC-US and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(LSIL) results.
Estrogen prevents atherosclerosis by promoting macrophage cholesterol crystal metabolism via estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)
Authors: Li Jun , Ding Xue , Zhang Shu rui , Han Feng , Fu Yu , Chao Ying , Ji Tingting , Yu Xichao , Zhang Weiwei , Bi Yunhui , Zhang Yuhan , Chen Qi , Meng Qinghai , Li Yu , Bian Huimin
Published: June 2022

The accumulation of macrophages and cholesterol crystals in atherosclerotic plaques is an important pathological feature of patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Decreased estrogen levels and estrogen receptors (ERs) lead to an increase in atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. Whether estrogen prevents atherosclerosis by promoting macrophage cholesterol crystal metabolism via estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is unknown. The ascending aorta of postmenopausal women decreased the fibrous cap around the plaque, increased the aggregation of CC and macrophages, and reduced the expression of ERα, and transcription factor EB (TFEB). Estrogen supplementation ameliorated atherosclerosis, and reduced CC and macrophages in the cardiac aorta and CC in primary peritoneal macrophages in OVX LDLR−/− mice. Silencing TFEB eliminated the effect of estrogen in enhancing lysosomal function, promoting CC internalization in lysosomes, and promoting reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) through APOA1, but did not affect triglyceride (TG) accumulation or RCT mediated by HDL in macrophages. Inhibition of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) decreased the effect of estrogen in increasing RCT through APOA1 and HDL and decreasing TG in macrophages. Inhibition of ERα weakened the effect of estrogen in reducing CC, TG, total cholesterol(TC), free cholesterol(FC), and cholesterol ester (CE) in macrophages. Silencing ERα eliminated the effect of estrogen in increasing lysosomal function and promoting the expression of TFEB, HSL, ABCA1/ABCG1 and inhibiting the expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β in macrophages. Our results provide evidence that estrogen promotes macrophage CC metabolism, which includes increasing the internalization of CC in lysosomes through rescuing the lysosomal biogenesis program by the ERα-TFEB pathway and promoting RCT via ERα-TFEB and HSL pathways to increase the cholesterol efflux.
Development of Cohort-Based Prediction Model for Human Health in Relation to Ecological Aspects
Authors: Pimpale Yogita , Gupta Sachin
Published: June 2022

The ecological aspects such as environmental factors, socio economic constraints and demographic parameters are one of the key aspects to examine the health benefits of human subject and used as ready reference in eco system modelling. Presently, there are various kinds of deadly diseases and disorders who are liable for affecting the human health and impacting the eco framework of whole world. The virus such as Corona, Swine Flu, omicron and others are one of the best examples for the research community to understand the vulnerability of human health in relation to these unpredictable causes. As per report of world health organization every year more than ten million people are affected by such ecological and environmental disbalance. The burden of ecological aspects apparently affecting the working of various organs in human subject. There is a need to understand this ecological model in relation to health of human subjects. In this study, a cohort-based data set of Ecological pollutants and Physiological signals such as ECG and anthropogenic data of human subjects were extracted from Maharashtra from 2015 to 2021. As per neural network-based hazard ratio was calculated and observed to be deplorable among unhealthy and health categories of human subjects. The accumulative eco system is responsible for overburden to organs of living beings and policy makers must focus on the facts of study for modern management framework designs.
CMOS-Compatible Ising Machines built using Bistable Latches Coupled through Ferroelectric Transistor Arrays
Authors: Mallick Antik , Zhao Zijian , Bashar Mohammad Khairul , Alam Shamiul , Islam Md Mazharul , Xiao Yi , Xu Yixin , Aziz Ahmedullah , Narayanan Vijaykrishnan , Ni Kai , Shukla Nikhil
Published: June 2022

Realizing compact and scalable Ising machines that are compatible with CMOS-process technology is crucial to the effectiveness and practicality of using such hardware platforms for accelerating computationally intractable problems. Besides the need for realizing compact Ising spins, the implementation of the coupling network, which describes the spin interaction, is also a potential bottleneck in the scalability of such platforms. Therefore, in this work, we propose an Ising machine platform that exploits the novel behavior of compact bi-stable CMOS-latches (cross-coupled inverters) as classical Ising spins interacting through highly scalable and CMOS-process compatible ferroelectric-HfO2-based Ferroelectric FETs (FeFETs) which act as coupling elements. We experimentally demonstrate the prototype building blocks of this system, and evaluate the behavior of the scaled system using simulations. We project that the proposed architecture can compute Ising solutions with an efficiency of ~1.04 x 108 solutions/W/second. Our work not only provides a pathway to realizing CMOS-compatible designs but also to overcoming their scaling challenges.
Non-targeted metabolite profiling to evaluate the drying process effect in the Peruvian maca actives through principal component analysis
Authors: Rodrigues Heloísa Carvalho , Leme Luíza Mariano , Paulino Hellen Fernanda Silva , Pilau Eduardo Jorge , Valderrama Patrícia , Março Paulo Henrique
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the drying process on Peruvian maca flours. The analysis was done using a non-targeted metabolite profiling approach through principal components analysis (PCA) to evaluate the different ions detected by an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometer. In this case, only the positive ions were considered. The spectra were acquired after methanolic extraction, and the data was organized in a matrix form. PCA allowed to find out the main substances responsible for differentiating between the drying processes, showing that oven drying mainly influences the amount of amino acids and glucosinolates. It was also possible to note that some macamides were still detectable after oven drying, and the main alkaloids also remained after heating. Therefore, this study offers a feasible method for metabolomics for food authentication.
Salivary level of microRNA-146a and microRNA-155 biomarkers in patients with oral lichen planus versus oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mehdipour Masoumeh , Shahidi Minoo , Anbari Fahimeh , Mirzaei Homa , Jafari Soudeh , Kholghi Azam , Lotfi Ehsan , Manifar Soheila , Abbas Fatemeh Mashhadi
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa, which has potential for malignant transformation. MicroRNAs play an important role in immunopathogenesis of OLP, and may be used for prediction of its malignant transformation.This study aimed to assess the salivary level of microRNA-146a and microRNA-155 biomarkers in patients with OLP and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: In this case-control study, unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 60 patients, including 15 patients with dysplastic OLP, 15 OLP patients without dysplasia, 15 patients with OSCC, and 15 healthy controls according to the Navazesh technique. After RNA extraction, the expression of microRNA-146a and microRNA-155 was quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn-Bonferroni tests. Results: The difference in expression of microRNA-146a and microRNA-155 among the four groups was significant (P<0.05). Pairwise comparisons of the groups showed significantly higher expression of microRNA-146a in OLP (P=0.004) and dysplastic OLP (P=0.046) patients compared with the control group. Up-regulation of this biomarker in OSCC patients was not significant compared with the control group (P=0.076). Up-regulation of micro-RNA-155 was only significant in OLP group, compared with the control group (P=0.009). No other significant differences were found (P>0.05). Conclusion: MicroRNA-146a and microRNA-155 may serve as early biomarkers in OLP. Also, considering the altered expression of microRNAs in dysplastic OLP and OSCC, their altered expression may serve as an alarming sign of malignancy. However, further investigations are still required.
HMGB1 increases myelin debris phagocytosis and ICAM-1 expression in rat central nervous system endothelial cells in vitro via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Qin Zhi-xin , Wang Li-ping , Wang Zhi-qiang , Liu Jin -Ming , Deng Chen , Deng Li , Sun Lin
Published: June 2022

Objective
Myelin debris mediates the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in endothelial cells of the central nervous system (CNS) after disease and injury and plays a critical role in promoting the recruitment of peripheral immune cells. As an inflammatory necrosis factor, high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) regulates the inflammatory response after CNS injury. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of HMGB1 on the phagocytosis of myelin debris and the expression of ICAM-1 mediated by myelin debris in endothelial cells.
Methods
Rat brain and spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells were cultured in vitro. The expression of myelin basic protein (MBP), cathepsin D (CatD), and ICAM-1, as well as macrophage adhesion to endothelial cells, were studied in myelin debris-mediated endothelial cells with or without recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) exposure, at different times. The role of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) / nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the regulation of MBP, CatD, and ICAM-1 expression by HMGB1 in myelin debris-mediated endothelial cells was also studied.
Results
The expression of MBP, CatD, and ICAM-1 in myelin debris-mediated endothelial cells was significantly increased from 12 to 72 h following rHMGB1 exposure, with a peak increase observed at the 24 h time point. The expression of MBP, CatD, ICAM-1, and macrophagocyte adhesion in myelin debris-mediated endothelial cells without rHMGB1 exposure was significantly reduced compared with those in the 24 h rHMGB1 + myelin debris group. Moreover, the expression of MBP, CatD, and ICAM-1, and macrophagocyte adhesion were significantly increased in endothelial cells first incubated with rHMGB1 for 24 h and then treated with myelin debris than in the myelin debris group. The HMGB1 effects on MBP, CatD, and ICAM-1 expression in myelin debris-mediated endothelial cells in vitro were mediated, at least in part, by activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Conclusion
HMGB1 increased MBP, CatD and ICAM-1 expression, as well as myelin debris phagocytosis and macrophage adhesion in myelin debris-mediated endothelial cells in vitro. These effects occur through the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
A critical role of calcineurin in stress responses, hyphal formation, and virulence of the pathogenic fungus Trichosporon asahii
Authors: Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Yoshikawa Asami , Nagamachi Tae , Sugiyama Yu , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Sugita Takashi
Published: June 2022

Trichosporon asahii is a conditional pathogenic fungus that causes severe and sometimes fatal infections in immunocompromised patients. While calcineurin, an essential component of a calcium-dependent signaling pathway, is known to regulate stress resistance and virulence of some pathogenic fungi, its role in T. asahii has not been investigated. Here, we demonstrated that calcineurin gene-deficient T. asahii mutants are sensitive to high temperature as well as cell-membrane and cell-wall stress, and exhibit decreased hyphal formation and virulence against silkworms. Growth of T. asahii mutants deficient in genes encoding subunits of calcineurin, cna1 and cnb1, was delayed at 40˚C. The cna1 and cnb1 gene-deficient mutants also showed sensitivity to sodium dodecyl sulfate, Congo red, dithiothreitol, and tunicamycin. On the other hand, these mutants exhibited no sensitivity to caffeine, sorbitol, monensin, CaCl2, LiCl, NaCl, amphotericin B, fluconazole, or voriconazole. The ratio of hyphal formation in the cna1 and cnb1 gene-deficient mutants was decreased. Moreover, the virulence of the cna1 and cnb1 gene-deficient mutants against silkworms was attenuated. These phenotypes were restored by re-introducing each respective gene into the gene-deficient mutants. Our findings suggest that calcineurin also has a role in regulating the cellular stress response and virulence of T. asahii.
Assessing uranium mobility in water-sediment system and diurnal stream chemistry
Authors: Raji Iyioluwa Busuyi
Published: June 2022

Due to gold mining operations in the Witwatersrand Basin, rivers’ sediment has been polluted with uranium. In this study, we looked at factors that influenced uranium remobilisation by rewetting a dry sediment collected from a uranium polluted dam with rainwater and the daily changes in water chemistry were analysed. The rapid oxidation of uranium by oxygen led to the dissolution of uranium adsorbed by iron and carbonate while the presence of nitrate ensured that uranium was not completely immobilised eight hours after rewet. The result of the diurnal stream water chemistry indicated an increase in water pH and decrease in electrical conductivity during the day and vice-versa at night. This resulted in higher concentration of dissolved uranium at night than during the day. From the result, it can be concluded that dissolved uranium can be remobilised from dry polluted sediment by rainwater and uranium remobilisation is not linear due to the heterogeneity of sediment and the difference in solubility rate of each component of the sediment which uranium is adsorbed onto. Dissolved uranium released from sediment can remain in the water column for several hours even after rainfall, which can be harmful to the health of people that use the water for various purposes.
Ultrasonic Synthesis of Polyoxovanadate-based Nanoparticles as Catalyst for Water Remediation
Authors: Khazaei Malihe , Geranmayeh Shokoofeh , Najafi Mahnaz , Janczak Jan
Published: June 2022

In the current work, a new polyoxovanadate (POV)-based material, NH4V3O8 (1), has been synthesized via hydrothermal process. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of 1 shows a 2D structure in which the {V3O8}−n layers are joined through hydrogen bonding interactions with NH4+. The POV compound was further analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and FT-IR. Crystals of 1 were subjected to ultrasonic irradiation to yield spherical and relatively uniform nanoparticles with 51–75 nm in diameter while maintaining its pristine bulk crystalline structure. Compound 1, in bulk and nanoscale, was employed as catalysts for catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of crystal violet (CV) in water under ambient conditions. The degradation products were determined by ion chromatography (IC) analysis. It was found that both 1 and nanosized 1 are active catalysts for water remediation, however, compared with bulk crystals, the obtained nanoparticles showed more reactivity towards the degradation of the dye.
Capsaicin shapes gut microbiota and pre-metastatic niche to facilitate cancer metastasis to liver
Authors: Cheng Peng , Wu Jiawei , Zong Gangfan , Wang Feihui , Deng Rui , Tao Ruizhi , Qian Cheng , Chen Wenxing , Wang Aiyun , Zhao Yang , Wei Zhonghong , Lu Yin
Published: June 2022

BackgroundDietary factors are fundamental in tumorigenesis throughout our lifetime. A spicy diet has been ambiguous about the development of cancers, especially in the study of colon cancer metastasis. It is unclear whether long-term, high dose intake of capsaicin could promote cancer metastasis. Here, we utilized a metastasis mouse model to test the potential pro-metastasis role of capsaicin. ResultsLong-term continuous administration of capsaicin diet to mice will promote the formation of liver pre-metastatic niche to facilitate colon cancer cells metastasis. Bacteria translocation to liver is clearly observed. Capsaicin increases intestinal barrier permeability and disrupts gut vascular barrier by altering the composition and abundance of gut microbiota. Capsaicin not only changes the abundance of mucin-related bacteria like Akkermanisa and Muribaculaceae, but also bacteria involved in bile acids metabolism. Dysregulated bile acids profile is related to NKT cells recruitment in pre-metastatic niche, primary bile acid α-MCA could enhance the recruitment of NKT cells, while secondary bile acids GUDCA and THDCA impairs the recruitment of NKT cells. ConclusionThese findings reveal long term consumption of capsaicin would increase the risk of cancer metastasis through modulating the gut microbiota. Capsaicin disrupts gut barrier and promotes the translocation of bacteria to liver, while altered bile acids metabolism affects NKT cells recruitment in liver, forming a pre-metastatic niche and promoting cancer metastasis.
Toughening two dimensional materials through lattice disorder
Authors: Xie Wenhui , Wei Yujie , Gao Huajian
Published: June 2022

Carbon-based two-dimensional (2D) materials, with graphene being the most prominent example, are some of the strongest materials existing today due to their covalent bonding but at the same time also the most fragile, with fracture toughness close to that of an ideally brittle solid, due to their intrinsic lack of effective dissipation mechanisms. Here, by investigating fracture mechanisms in monolayer amorphous carbon (MAC), we reveal a novel strategy to toughen 2D materials through lattice disorder. It is shown that lattice disorder results in nanoscale ripples which can alleviate stress concentration in the vicinity of crack-tips and render MAC flaw tolerant. Consequently, MAC outperforms graphene in resisting brittle fracture and endures larger strain to failure in the presence of a preexisting crack. Our work sheds light on the mechanisms of crack propagation in MAC and also provides a mechanistic basis for designing tough 2D materials through lattice disorder.
Promoting mental wellbeing among pregnant and postpartum adolescents: A toolkit for adolescents living in urban poor environments
Authors: Sidze Estelle Monique , Wainaina Caroline Wangui , Anyango Hazel Odhiambo , Khasowa Dorcas , Kathoka Faith , Badillo-Amberg Icoquih , Okoror Collins E. M.
Published: June 2022

Background: About one in five of women aged between 15 and 49 years old experience a mental disorder in antepartum and postpartum period in developing countries where routine screening and treatment are sometimes not prioritized due to other competing health issues needing urgent attention. The prevalence of mental health disorders is even higher among pregnant adolescents who face constant stigmatization from society and peers. Methods. This paper reports on an innovative toolkit for maternal mental health promotion among pregnant and postpartum (2 years post-delivery) adolescent girls. The toolkit is intended to provide pregnant and postpartum adolescent girls with the knowledge, problem-solving skills, coping mechanisms and confidence they need to protect their mental health during pregnancy and early motherhood. The toolkit was co-created with 50 pregnant and postpartum adolescent girls living in urban poor settings in Nairobi, in a 3-step approach, and tested through a field experimentation with 130 pregnant and postpartum adolescent girls living the slums. We also report on results from qualitative interviews conducted post-experiment to assess views and satisfaction with the toolkit package, and experiences and preferences with the two delivery modes used for delivering the toolkit package (face-to-face and through phones). Results: The toolkit development process provided a critical opportunity for adolescent girls to engage on maternal mental health issues and reflect on their lived experiences, thus improving on their mental health awareness. Preliminary qualitative insights from adolescent girls indicate that the toolkit sessions were effective in improving overall wellbeing. Conclusion: Large scale implementation of maternal mental health interventions is needed the improve health and wellbeing of adolescent mothers living in poor environments across the sub-Saharan African region. Our toolkit provides an adolescent-friendly tool to be used for such interventions.
Space Liquid Transport Experiments in TY-1
Authors: Li Guangyu , Huang Yiyong , Han Wei , Wu Zongyu , Yang Yanjie
Published: June 2022

Space liquid transport experiments in TY-1 were described in this paper. A space test system was established to evaluate the performance of two different vane-type propellant management devices (PMDs) as well as one porous media reservoir, in the space low-gravity environment. During the transfer, the Bond number was in the range from 1 × 10−5 to 1×10-3 , and the Weber number was about 6 ×10−4 , the liquid was retained over the inlet/outlet, most of the gas was oriented around the vent tube, liquid in both the supply or receiver tanks was controlled by the PMDs, the liquid-gas interface was stable. These results provide a valuable reference to the design and application of vane-type PMD.
A Luminescent Zinc-based azine-functionalized metal-organic framework for fluorescence detection of Fe 3+ ions in the aqueous medium
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Yusuf Mohammad , Malik Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2022

A strongly fluorescent Zn(II)-based azine functionalized MOF was synthesized solvothermally by using inexpensive and readily available starting materials, i.e., benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid and 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-2,3-butadiene (4-bpdb). Crystallographic and thermogravimetric studies approved the excellent crystallinity and thermal stability, respectively of the synthesized Zn-MOF. Photoluminescence studies point out that Zn-MOF can be used as a highly sensitive and quickly responsive sensor for the selective identification of Fe3+ ions in water via a significant turn-off quenching response. Herein, accessible Lewis base azine sites originating from 4-bpdb Schiff base ligand within Zn-MOF act as functional sites that can interact favorably with the Fe3+ ions and then lead to obvious variations in the fluorescence spectra. Photo induced electron transfer (PET), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and competitive energy adsorption were used to establish the mechanism of action. The detection limit of the Zn-MOF towards Fe3+ was 0.4 µM (25 ppb). The selectivity of Zn-MOF towards Fe3+ ions over other metal ions was certified by competitive test. Easy recoverability and reusability for at least four cycles without significant sensitivity loss are the benefits of the Zn-MOF. All these features clearly demonstrate its great potential of Fe3+ ions detection in aqueous environment for public safety and security.
CCR5 promoter SNP genotype in HIV seropositive infants on combinational antiretroviral therapy in Uganda: Association with virological failure
Authors: Karara Daniel , Bagaya Bernard S. , Kyeyune Fred , Nabulime Eva , Ainembabazi Pamela , Rutebarika Diana , Basiimwa Roy C. , Arikod Paul , Matama Christine , Nankya Immaculate
Published: June 2022

IntroductionBy Sept 2018, only 59.3% of all HIV positive children on cART under 5 years were achieving virological suppression compared to 88.4% in the general population in Uganda. CCR5 promoter genotype specifically single nucleotide polymorphisms have been linked to modulate patient virological status. However, the few studies that have studied the association in infants have utilized allele-specific PCR a genotypic method limited to detecting already known SNPs. By using Sanger sequencing, we explored the association taking into account novel mutations. Methods Following ethical approvals, a cross sectional study was conducted using archived buffy coat samples from a pediatric HIV drug resistance study between May 2019 and January 2022 at the Joint Clinical Research Centre in Kampala, Uganda. 100 HIV seropositive infant buffy coat samples were sequenced for CCR5 SNP genotype following nucleic acid extraction, polymerase chain reaction and sanger sequencing. Odds ratios were used to determine the association between CCR5 SNPs and infant HIV plasma loads. Results 10 SNPs were identified with frequencies as follows; 58227G/A (21.8%), 58636A/G (28.7%), 58934T/G (74.7%), 59029G/A (48.3%), 59353T/C (55.2%), 59356C/T (23.0%), 59402G/A (94.2%) 59653C/T (66.7%), 59802A/C (34.5%), and 60024A/G (34.5%). Notably, 58227G/A, 58636A/G, 59802A/C, and 60024A/G are novel SNPs. However, none of these SNPs was significantly associated with infant virological failure but SNPs 59029G/A and 59353T/C showed higher odds of occurring in non-suppressors whereas 59356C/T and 59402G/A appeared to correlate with reduced plasma HIV loads. Infant virological suppression remained at 59% and in agreement with the national data. Conclusion Our study augments previous studies that CCR5 promoter SNPs play a role in modulating patient virological status however, strong conclusions could be drawn from either utilizing in-vitro studies or large epidemiological studies.