bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurobehavioral dimensions of Prader Willi Syndrome: Relationships between sleep disturbance and psychotic experiences
Authors: Zhang Zizhao , Vajdi Ariana , Kushan-Wells Leila , Huang Zhengyi Sissi , Pacheco-Hansen Laura , Roof Elizabeth , Holland Anthony , Port Allison M. , Gur Ruben C. , Bearden Carrie E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder caused by the absence of expression of the paternal copies of maternally imprinted gene(s) located at 15q11–q13. While the physical and medical characteristics of PWS, including short stature, hyperphagia and endocrine dysfunction are well-characterized, systematic investigation of the long-recognized psychiatric manifestations has been recent.
Methods

Here, we report on the first remote (web-based) assessment of neurobehavioral traits, including psychotic-like experiences (Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief Version; PQ-B) and sleep behavior (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), in a cohort of 127 participants with PWS, of whom 48% had a paternal deletion, 36% uniparental disomy, 2.4% an imprinting mutation and 13% unknown mutation (mean age 19.2 years+/-8.4 years; 55.2% female). We aimed to identify the most informative variables that contribute to psychosis risk symptoms. Multiple domains of cognition (accuracy and speed) were also assessed in a subset of PWS participants (N = 39) using the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (Penn-CNB).
Results

Individuals with PWS reported a range of psychotic-like symptoms, with over half reporting cognitive disorganization (61%) and suspiciousness (51%). Sleep disturbance, particularly the reasons for sleep difficulty, was most strongly associated with distress related to psychotic-like symptoms. Regarding cognition, individuals with PWS showed the most prominent deficits in accuracy on measures of social cognition involving faces, namely Face Memory, Age Differentiation and Emotion Recognition, and greatest slowing on measures of Attention and Emotion Recognition. However, there were no significant differences in psychotic-like experiences or cognitive performance as a function of PWS genetic subtype.
Conclusion

PWS is associated with a high prevalence of distressing psychotic-like experiences, which were associated with sleep disturbance. Findings indicate that self/parent-reported neurobehavioral symptoms and cognition can be assessed remotely in individuals with PWS, which has implications for future large-scale investigations of rare neurogenetic disorders.
Trial registration:
Not applicable.
The brain function state in different phase and relation with clinical symptoms in migraine: an fMRI study based on Reho
Authors: Lei Ming , Zhang Jun-Jian , Wu Dong-Mei
Published: April 2021

Objective

Through regional homogeneity (ReHo) to analyze the activation of brain regions at different phase in migraineurs and to explore its relationship with clinical symptoms.
Methods

we analyzed resting-state Resting brain functional magnetic resonance in 19 patients with episodes and 22 patients with interictal phase,22 healthy controls. Using regional homogeneity (ReHo) method to do post-processing. All subjects were evaluated by Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), simple mental state examination (MMSE), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD). Subjects' clinical indicators (such as frequency of attack, course of disease, duration of each headache, and severity of headache) were correlated with ReHo values of brain regions. This study was approved by the ethics committee of Yangtze river shipping general hospital.
Results

the episodes group compared with the interictal group, Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) (-9,42༌15)༌is that the ReHo value of bilateral anterior cingulate cortex was lower active than the interictal group; and Montreal Neurological Institute (MN) (-3༌-24༌66) ,the ReHo value of bilateral paracentrallobule was stronger active than the interictal group(P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, patients in interictal phase had lower activation in bilateral cuneus and bilateral lingual gyrus, MNI of the two are (9, -84, 36) and (0,-72,6). No significant different brain area was found between the episodes group and the control group. In episodes group, significant correlation was found between attack frequency and ReHo value of the bilateral paracentrallobule (r = 0.492; p = 0.038).
Conclusion

We need to observe the course of migraine as a whole. Even in the interictal, it may affect the development of the disease through the cuneus and lingual gyrus. ACC regulates different states of migraine by inducing anti-injury sensation regulation function. Paracentric lobule is not only associated with migraine attacks, but also with the frequency. it may have an effect with the outcome of subsequent migraines, whether become chronic, and the remodeling of the brain.
Good Operative Effects of Patellofemoral Arthroplasty Combined With the Tibial Tubercle Transfer for Isolated Patellofemoral Arthritis Patients With an Increased Tibial Tuberosity-trochlear Groove Distance
Authors: Dong Conglei , Zhao Chao , Li Ming , Kang Huijun , Piao Kang , Hao Kuo , Xu Chenyue , Wei Maozheng , Wang Fei
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The objective of present study was to investigate the operative effect of patellofemoral arthroplasty combined with the tibial tubercle transfer for isolated patellofemoral arthritis patients with an increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (>20mm).Methods: A prospective study was performed between November 2012 and December 2017. Finally, thirty-six cases, with a mean age of 61.1 ± 7.3 years, were admitted to our study. A total of 17 patients underwent patellofemoral arthroplasty combined with tibial tubercle transfer, and 19 patients underwent patellofemoral arthroplasty only. All eligible patients had CT scans preoperatively and at 12 months follow-up, to assess the stability of the patellofemoral joint on axial slices. In addition, the demographic and clinical features of all the patients were asked. Knee balance was assessed with the single leg stance test and timed get up and go, and functionality was evaluated with stair climbing test and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score. (P>0.05)Results: Preoperatively, the data regarding the knee balance and functionality were not significantly different between the two Groups (P>0.05). Many measurements showed significant differences between the two groups at the last follow-up. Significant differences were seen in well-known measurements such as the SLST (Group I, 28.9 s (SD 7.5); Group II, 20.3 s (SD 5.9); p < 0.001), TGUG (Group I, 13.4 s (SD 3.2); Group II, 16.8 s (SD 3.1); p < 0.001), and SCT (Group I, 18.6 s (SD 6.8); Group II, 24.5 s (SD 8.7); p < 0.001). Additionally, the median WOMAC score was improved from 62.7 (SD 11.2) preoperatively to 25.7 (SD 8.2) one year postoperatively in Group I and from 64.1 (SD 10.7) to 36.2 (SD 9.7) in Group II, which were also significantly different between the groups.Conclusion: For such special IPA patients with an increased TT-TG (>20mm), the combined operation of PFA combined with TTT can better restore the involutional relationship of patellofemoral joint and further improve the balance and function of knee joint.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2 is a receptor of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Bu Zhigao , Wang Jinliang , Yang Guan , Wang Xinxin , Wen Zhiyuan , Shuai Lei , Luo Jie , Wang Chong , Sun Ziruo , Liu Renqiang , Ge Jinying , He Xijun , He Qianqian , Wang Xijun , Yang Xiao , Chen Weiye , Zhong Gongxun
Published: April 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative pathogen of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)1. SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a cellular receptor and enters cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME)2-4. However, the key molecules involved in internalizing and facilitating CME for virus entry remain unknown. Here, we found metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2 (mGluR2) is a key entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. mGluR2 directly interacts with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Knockdown of mGluR2 decreases endocytosis of SARS-CoV-2 but not cell binding. mGluR2 cooperates with ACE2 to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry through CME. Knockout of the mGluR2 gene in mice abolished SARS-CoV-2 infection in the nasal turbinates and significantly reduced viral infection in the lungs. Importantly, mGluR2 also is important for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus spike protein and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus spike protein mediated endocytosis. Our study provides important insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection and reveals an important target for the development of novel approaches to limit coronavirus infection.
PROSE – Prospective Randomized Trial of the On-X Mechanical Prosthesis and the St Jude Medical Mechanical Prosthesis Evaluation (EDIT – March 21,2021& April 16,2021)Part 1 – Preoperative Demographics and Preoperative and Operative Risk Factors
Authors: Jamieson William Robert Eric , Ely John L , Brink Johan , Pennel Timothy , Bannon Paul , Patel Jashvant , Gupta Rajiv Kumar , Rao Prasanna Simha Mohan , Agrawal Damyanti , Wiklund Lar , Kappetein A Pieter , Haaverstad Rune , Geisner Thomas , Doesnt Torsten , Schlensak Christian , Nair Sulgunan , Brown Craig , Siepe Matthias , Damiano Ralph J , Langlois Yves , Cherian KM , Azar Hormoz , Chen John C , Bavaria Joseph E , Fedoruk Lynn M , Munfakh Nabil A , Srid V , Scholz PM , Pfeffer TA , Ye Jian
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesThe PROSE trial purpose is to investigate whether the incidence of thromboembolic – related complications is reduced with a current generation mechanical prosthesis (On-X Life Technologies/CryoLife Inc. – On-X) compared with a previous generation mechanical prosthesis (St Jude Medical – SJM). The primary purpose of the initial report is to document the preoperative demographics, and the preoperative and operative risk factors by individual prosthesis and by Western and Developing populations. MethodsThe PROSE study was conducted in 29 worldwide centres and incorporated 854 subjects randomized between 2003 and 2016. The study enrollment was discontinued on August 31, 2016. The preoperative demographics incorporated age, gender, functional class, etiology, prosthetic degeneration, primary rhythm, primary valve lesion, weight, height, BSA and BMI. The preoperative and operative evaluation incorporated 24 risk factors.ResultsThe total patient population (854) incorporated On-X population (461) and the St Jude Medical population (393). There was no significant difference of any of the preoperative demographics between the On-X and SJM groups. The preoperative and operative risk factors evaluation showed there was no significant difference between the On-X and St Jude Medical populations. The preoperative and operative risk factors by valve position (aortic & mitral) also documented no differentiation. The dominant preoperative demographics of the Western world population were older age, male gender, sinus rhythm, aortic stenosis, congenital aortic lesion, and mitral regurgitation. The dominant demographics of the Developing world population were rheumatic etiology, atrial fibrillation, aortic regurgitation, mixed aortic lesions, mitral stenosis and mixed mitral lesions. The Developing world group had only one significant risk factor, congestive heart failure. The majority of the preoperative and operative risk factors were significant in the Western world population. ConclusionsThe preoperative demographics do not differentiate the prostheses but do differentiate the Western and Developing world populations. The preoperative and operative risk factors do not differentiate the prostheses BUT do differentiate the Western and Developing world populations.
Modified National Early Warning Score As Early Predictor of Outcome In COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tagliabue Fabio , Schena Daniele , Galassi Luca , Magni Matteo , Guerrazzi Guglielmo , Acerbis Andrea , Rinallo Christina , Longhi Daniel , Ronzani Alberto , Mariani Pierpaolo
Published: April 2021

Aim: COVID-19 represented an important challenge to the Italian health care system (IHCS). Our main aim was to obtain evidence to support the use of modified national early warning score (m-NEWS) as an interdisciplinary, common and universal scoring scale to quickly recognize patients with a risk of clinical deterioration before admission and during hospitalization. As a secondary goal, we tried to find a score threshold that can be implemented in an optimal triaging protocol for an emergency setting where healthcare resources are overloaded as happened during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study. We included in our study all patients treated for COVID-19 infection in surgical departments between 01 March 2020 and 16 April 2020. Patients with negative test results for SARS-COV2 were excluded. m-NEWS score was obtained twice a day. Patients’ m-NEWS scores were analyzed in order to verify the correlation between m-NEWS (at admission and m-NEWS variation 24h after admission) and outcome (positive outcome-survival, negative outcome- death or intensive care unit (ICU) transfer). Results: We included a population based sample of 225 Sars Cov-2 infected patients. Overall, the average age at hospitalization was 71 (ranging from 40 to 95). 144 (64%) patients were males and 81 (36%) females. m-NEWS values lower or equal to 7 were associated to the majority of the "recovered" population (100/132 75,75%) and at the same time to the minority of the "non recovered" population (25/93 26,88%). Conclusions: For our sample, age is statistically correlated to the outcome but a triage protocol based solely on this variable is less effective than m-NEWS, which showed to be a reliable and easy-to-use score for first patient evaluation. Our observations pave the way towards further studies aiming at optimizing territorial and community healthcare management protocols.
Intranasal Curcumin Attenuates Silicosis by Inhibiting Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) Activity in Mice
Authors: Kumari Sneha , Dash D , singh rashmi
Published: April 2021

Inhalation of crystalline silica causes silicosis, a type of occupational pulmonary fibrosis, is most prevalent among people working in industries related to construction.Curcumin being an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in nature has shown anti-asthmatic effectsbut it has not yet been investigated to have any impact on silicosis. Therefore,our aim was to study impact of intranasal curcumin on lung fibrosis after sequentialsilica exposure. The mice model of silicosis was developed by intranasal silica instillation(2.5 mg/mice) for every alternate dayfor different durations, mainly 7, 14 and 21 days. This model of silicosis mimic chronic occupational exposure of silica dustand severe features of silicosis were developed in 21 days of silica exposure.One hour prior to silica administration, curcumin (5 mg/kg,i.n) and /or dexamethasone, a known corticosteroid (10 mg/kg,i.p)was administered in mice.Results haveshown that apart from being anti-inflammatory, curcumin is being reported here for the first time to possess anti-fibrotic effects where silica exposed airway inflammation and fibrosis was reduced after intranasal curcumin treatment. Reduced inflammatory cell recruitment, collagen deposition around the bronchioles and the alveolar spaces, hydroxyproline level and matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP 9) activity was noted in silicosis affected mice after curcumin administration.Remarkable reduction in oxidative stress markers like reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide, myeloperoxidases (MPO) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) levels wereobserved in curcumin treatment groupswhich was better and/or comparable to corticosteroid, dexamethasone.
Comparison of emission profile of black carbon and carbon monoxide over Eastern India: source apportionment and health risk impact
Authors: Ambade Balram , Sankar Tapan Kumar , Sahu Lokesh K. , Gautam Sneha , Gautam Alok Sagar
Published: April 2021

In the present study, black carbon (BC) mass concentration and carbon monoxide (CO) combination ratio were calculated simultaneously at two different cities (i.e.,Jamshedpur (JSR) and Kharagpur (KGP)) located in the eastern state of India. The analysis of GIOVANI NASA data indicates the highest concentrations of BC and CO in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) as well as the eastern part of India. The BC-CO relationship exhibited an excellent positive correlation (r2 = 0.65), while BC-PM2.5 showed a strong positive correlation (r2 > 0.96). On the other hand, the backward air trajectory showed pollutant transport mainly from India's northern part with some contributions from other countries likePakistan, Nepal, Bhutan etc. BC concentration overall health risk assessment was demonstrated as 6.27, 12.43, 11.22 and 25.60 in JSR and 2.02, 4.02, 3.63 and 8.28 in KGP, passive cigarettes comparable concerning the risk of lung cancer, low birth weight, cardiovascular mortality, and percentage lung function decrement of school-aged children.
Schwannoma of the Posterior Pharyngeal Wall in a Child
Authors: zhu peng , li xiao yan
Published: April 2021

Background: To our knowledge, There are only 7 cases of posterior pharyngeal wall schwannoma which have been previously reported in the literature, but none of them was associated with a 3-year-old child.Case presentation: We presented a rare case of a schwannoma which is localized on the posterior pharyngeal wall, It caused severe difficulty in swallowing and breathing in a child whose age is three years old. Schwannomas of the posterior pharyngeal wall has been rarely reported in children, The tumor was removed with plasma radio frequency excision via a transoral route, There was not seen any recurrence of tumor by examination of CT or MRI up to two years. as far as we know, It's the first time which a case of posterior pharyngeal wall schwannoma that has been reported to occur in a 3-year-old child, and the first case in which the schwannoma was removed via transoral plasma radio frequency excision.Conclusions: This case illustrates that schwannoma may be found in children ,and it is safe to treat this disease through plasma radio frequency excision via a transoral route.
IgA dysfunction induced by the early-lifetime disruption of gut microbiota aggravates diet–induced metabolic syndrome in mice
Authors: Guo Jielong , Han Xue , You Yilin , Huang Weidong , Jicheng Zhan
Published: April 2021

BackgroundLow-dose antibiotic contamination in animal food is still a severe food safety problem worldwide. Penicillin is one of the main classes of antibiotics being detected in food. Previous studies have shown that transient exposure of low-dose penicillin (LDP) during early life resulted in metabolic syndrome (MetS) in mice. However, the underlying mechanism(s) and efficient approaches to counteracting this are largely unknown.MethodsWild-type (WT) or secretory IgA (SIgA)-deficient (Pigr-/-) C57BL/6 mice were exposed to LDP or not from several days before birth to 30 d of age. Five times of FMT or probiotics (a mixture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and L. rhamnosus GG) treatments were applied to parts of these LDP-treated mice from 12 d to 28 d of life. Bacterial composition from different regions (mucosa and lumen) of the colon and ileum were analyzed through 16S rDNA sequencing. Intestinal IgA response was analyzed. Multiple parameters related to MetS were also determined. In addition, germ-free animals and in vitro tissue culture were also used to determine the correlations between LDP, gut microbiota (GM) and intestinal IgA response.ResultsLDP disturbed the intestinal bacterial composition, especially for ileal mucosa, the main inductive and effective sites of IgA response, in 30-d-old mice. The alteration of early GM resulted in a persistent inhibition of the intestinal IgA response, leading to a constant reduction of fecal and caecal SIgA levels throughout the 25-week experiment, which is early life-dependent, as transfer of LDP-GM to 30 d germ-free mice only resulted in a transient reduction in fecal SIgA. LDP-induced reduction in SIgA led to a decrease in IgA+ bacteria and a dysbiosis in the ileal mucosal samples of 25 week wild-type but not Pigr-/- mice. Moreover, LDP also resulted in increases in ileal bacterial encroachment and adipose inflammation, along with an enhancement of diet-induced MetS in an intestinal SIgA-dependent manner. Furthermore, several times of FMT or probiotic treatments during LDP treatment are efficient to fully (for FMT) or partially (for probiotics) counteract the LDP-effect on both GM and metabolism.ConclusionsEarly-life LDP-induced enhancement of diet-induced MetS is mediated by intestinal SIgA, which could be (partially) restored by FMT or probiotics treatment.
Asymptomatic COVID-19 Adult Outpatients identified as Significant Viable SARS-CoV-2 Shedders
Authors: Glenet Marie , Lebreil Anne-Laure , Heng Laetitia , N’Guyen Yohan , Meyer Ittah , Andreoletti Laurent
Published: April 2021

Differential kinetics of RNA loads and infectious viral levels in the upper respiratory tract between asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected adult outpatients remain unclear limiting recommendations that may guide clinical management, infection control measures and occupational health decisions. In the present investigation, 496 (2.5%) of 17,911 French adult outpatients were positive for an upper respiratory tract SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection by a quantitative RT-PCR assay, of which 180 (36.3%) were COVID-19 asymptomatic. Of these adult asymptomatic viral shedders, 84.4% had mean to high RNA viral loads (Ct values<30) which median value was significantly higher than that observed in symptomatic subjects (P=0.029), and 50.6% were positive by cell culture assays of their upper respiratory tract specimens. Our findings indicate that COVID-19 asymptomatic adult outpatients are significant viable SARS-CoV-2 shedders in their upper respiratory tract playing a major potential role as SARS-CoV-2 transmitters in various epidemiological transmission chains, promoting COVID-19 resurgence in populations.
Spectroscopic and Magnetic performance of Cobalt (Co) Incorporated NiMn0.05Fe1.95O4 Nanoferrites: A potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (MT675916).
Authors: Thakur Sapna , Guleria Geetika , Thakur Shweta , Sharma Sushma , Kumari Poonam
Published: April 2021

We investigated the impact of cobalt (Co) incorporation on the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of ferrite Ni1 − xCoxMn0.05Fe1.95O4, also known as NCMF for x = 0, 0.02, and 0.04, which were successfully synthesized using a low-temperature sol gel combustion process with nitrates as cations and citric acid (C6H8O7) as the combustion/chelating agent. In X-ray diffraction studies, cobalt incorporation resulted in a significant increase in lattice parameter from 8.31 to 8.36, as well as a significant increase in density from 5.42 to 5.52 g/cm3; crystal size formation was observed in the range of 44.76 nm to 48.54 nm for all samples. Raman spectra analysis confirmed that single phase belongs to the Fd3m space group. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were used to identify functional clusters and residual groups in all samples. UV-visible spectroscopy showed a redshift of 0.92 eV for x = 0.04. The effect of dopants on nickel ferrites' magnetization was observed in the range 52emu/g − 59emu/g, indicating that all samples contain soft magnetic content. Antifungal activity of synthesized sample was analyzed against Aspergillus niger (MT675916) species of plant pathogenic fungi isolated from Capsicum during storage. Biological analysis designated that the sample for x = 0.04 has shown a 100% potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (MT675916) species. For x = 0.04 treatment completely inhibit the growth of fungus after 7 days. Therefore, NCMF NPs can be used as applicant resources for industrial, medical, and biological applications.
Examination of Acephate Absorption, Transport, Metabolism, and Accumulation in Maize After Root Irrigation for Spodoptera Frugiperda Control
Authors: Wu jiyingzi , Li xianjia , Hou ruiquan , Zhao kunyu , Wang yongqin , Huang suqing , Cheng dongmei , Zhang Zhixiang
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND: Since the invasion of the fall armyworm moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) in China in January 2019, damage to maize crops has gradually intensified, and chemical control has become the main control measure. This study aimed to examine methods of effective pest control while monitoring the environmental impact of pesticide use. The effectiveness of S. frugiperda pest control by foliar spraying and root irrigation of maize plants with acephate was determined, and the absorption, distribution, and dissipation of acephate and methamidophos by maize were studied.RESULTS: Field trials showed that acephate treatment at 6000 g.a.i ha-1 was the most effective for controlling S. frugiperda. Acephate and methamidophos were absorbed from the roots, transported upward, and concentrated in the leaves, particularly new leaves. The terminal residues of acephate and methamidophos in maize grains were below detectable levels at 60 days after treatment.CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that acephate treatment via root irrigation can more effectively control the infestation of S. frugiperda in maize than acephate treatment via foliar spraying. The translocation and distribution of acephate and methamidophos by root irrigation were more uniform, and the holding efficiency was higher than those in foliar spraying, suggesting an extended period of control efficacy. This pest control method could be utilized to reduce pesticide residues while safely and efficiently controlling S. frugiperda infestation.
Features of the Working Area Aerogasdynamics with the Direct-Flow Ventilation Scheme
Authors: Spatayev Nurbek , Sattarova Gulmira , Nurgaliyeva Assel , Balabas Lidiya
Published: April 2021

To control rock pressure in the Karaganda coal basin, various technological schemes are used for mining and developing coal seams. At the same time, in order to form healthy and safe working conditions at workplaces in coal mines in the course of mining operations, it is necessary to ensure effective ventilation of the development and breakage faces. When solving the problem of aeration of stopes, the authors of the article propose to take into account air leaks through the collapsed coal-rock mass of the goaf when controlling gas emission of an working area. For this purpose, the gas-dynamic state of the goaf has been studied under various conditions of ventilation: when isolating the longwall face goaf, when demolishing the supported ventilation working, when the amount of air supplied to the longwall face is changed and for refreshing, as well as a combination of these options. Experimental studies have been carried out in the mines of the Karaganda coal basin. This article took into account the features of the working area aerogasdynamics with the direct-flow ventilation scheme. As a result of the study, a quasi-network model of the working area and an algorithm of calculating air leaks through the collapsed goaf massif have been developed.
Variation in Metabolic Characteristics of Chrysanthemum indicum from Different Habitats: Implications for cultivation and breeding
Authors: Zou Qingjun , Guo Qiaosheng , Wang Tao , Chen Jiamin , Yang Feng , Yang Chenlu
Published: April 2021

Chrysanthemi Indici Flos (CIF), the capitulum of Chrysanthemum indicum, is widely used as Chinese medicine, spice, and tea in many areas, its extracts are also frequently used in daily chemical products and cosmetics. Although CIF-related products are becoming more abundant because of its excellent biological activity, its metabolic characteristics and the accumulation of metabolites are still unclear. A total of 802 metabolites were identified in CIF by widely targeted metabolomics, and significant differences were found in the accumulation of metabolites of CIF from different habitats. Particularly, the differences in metabolite accumulation in CIF were significantly correlated with the geographical distribution in mountainous areas, but not with climate. Through multivariate statistical analysis, the seven samples from different habitats could be divided into four categories, and the significantly changed metabolites between different categories were mainly concentrated in the flavonoid synthesis pathway. Judging from the metabolic level, it was supported to separate the Ch. nankingense (Juhuanao) into a single species. In addition, the corresponding candidate biomarkers were screened in this study to identify the origin of CIF and distinguish the Juhuanao. It can be inferred that widely targeted metabolomics has great application potential in authenticity identification, origin tracing and quality evaluation of CIF. There were abundant metabolic differences among different populations of Ch. indicum, which provided abundant materials for the selection and breeding of fine varieties.
Mapping Surface Charge Distribution of Single-Cell via Charged Nanoparticle
Authors: Ouyang Leixin , Shaik Rubia , Xu Ruiting , Zhang Ge , Zhe Jiang
Published: April 2021

Background: Many bio-functions of cells can be regulated by their surface charge characteristics. Mapping surface charge density in a single cell’s surface is vital to advance the understanding of cell behaviors. Results: This article demonstrates a method of cell surface charge mapping via electrostatic cell–nanoparticle interactions. Nanoparticles with fluorescence were used as the marker to investigate single cells’ surface charge distribution. The nanoparticles with opposite charges were electrostatically bonded to the cell surface; a stack of fluorescence distribution on a cell’s surface at a series of vertical distances was imaged and analyzed. By establishing a relationship between fluorescence light intensity and surface charge density, cells’ surface charge distribution was quantified from the fluorescence distribution. Two types of cells, HUVECs and Hela cells, were tested. From the measured surface charge density of a group of single cells, the average zeta potential of the two types of cells was obtained, which is in good agreement with the standard electrophoretic light scattering measurement. Conclusions: This method can be used for rapid surface charge mapping of single particles or cells and can advance cell-surface-charge characterization applications in many biomedical fields.
Challenges and Coping Strategies Adopted by Midwives in Nursing Patients With Eclampsia in a Low Resource Setting: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Dartey Anita Fafa , Dzansi Gladys , Obuobisa Clara Racheal , Celestine Afua Bosu Emefa , Afaya Agani
Published: April 2021

Objective: Eclampsia remains a public health issue, especially in low resource countries around the world, where approximately 63, 000 women die annually with young adolescence (ages 10-14) facing a higher risk of complication. Little is known about the challenges associated with the care of eclamptic clients. We sought to explore the challenges and coping strategies adopted by midwives in nursing patients with eclampsia in a low resource setting.Methods: This study employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design. A total of 8 midwives were purposively selected and individual interviews were conducted. Data were analysed through qualitative thematic analysis.Findings: From thematic data analysis two overarching themes emerged with six sub-themes. The two overarching themes were inadequate resources and coping strategies. The subtheme under inadequate resources includes a shortage of drugs, inadequate resuscitation equipment, and inadequate and inappropriate beds. The subtheme under coping strategies includes: coping with drug shortages, inadequate resuscitation equipment, and inadequate and inappropriate beds. Conclusion: Currently, the quest of midwives to promote and provide quality care for women with eclampsia faces some bottlenecks. These bottlenecks led to the adaptation of some coping strategies to provide care for women with eclampsia. One major coping strategy in the absence of drugs (MgSO4) was a referral to a higher health facility. They also borrowed equipment from neighbouring wards for resuscitation. Midwives improvised by admitting eclamptic women on the floor due to lack of beds. In times that they had beds without side rails patient relatives were asked to sit by the side of the bed to prevent falls in case of seizures.
MarkerCount: A stable, count-based cell type identifier for single cell RNA-Seq experiments
Authors: Kim HanByeol , Lee Joongho , Kang Keunsoo , Yoon Seokhyun
Published: April 2021

Cell type identification is a key step to downstream analysis of single cell RNA-seq experiments. Indispensible information for this is gene expression, which is used to cluster cells, train the model and set rejection thresholds. Problem is they are subject to batch effect arising from different platforms and preprocessing. We present MarkerCount, which uses the number of markers expressed regardless of their expression level to initially identify cell types and, then, reassign cell type in cluster-basis. MarkerCount works both in reference and marker-based mode, where the latter utilizes only the existing lists of markers, while the former required pre-annotated dataset to train the model. The performance was evaluated and compared with the existing identifiers, both marker and reference-based, that can be customized with publicly available datasets and marker DB. The results show that MarkerCount provides a stable performance when comparing with other reference-based and marker-based cell type identifiers.
Tissue-Specific Metabolic Response of Acanthopanax Senticosus (Rupr. Et. Maxim.) Harms Leaf To UV-B radiation
Authors: Wu Kexin , Liu Jia , Liu Yang , Shao Wenda , Tang Zhonghua , Mu Liqiang
Published: April 2021

This study aims to evaluate the effects of medium and high UV-B radiation on leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et. Maxim.) Harms. Two-year-old potted A. senticosus plant samples were respectively exposed to two levels of artificial, biologically effective UV-B radiation under glasshouse-controlled conditions: 1.972KJ/m2 and 3.442KJ/m2. Ordinary sunlight treatment was included as a control group, in which major effects of UV-B were observed. It was discovered that UV-B enhanced the medicinal value (especially eleutheroside B and E) of A. senticosus but impaired its growth. The sensitivity of leaves to UV-B radiation varied across different parts of the plant, among which the upper leaves responded most strongly. Furthermore, multiple types of phenolic compounds are synergistically involved in stress resistance in different aspects, including up-regulation of UV-absorbing substances (C6C3C6-type, kaempferol and rutin) and antioxidant enzyme synergists (C6C1-type, salicylic acid) as well as down-regulation of antioxidants (C6C3-type, p-coumaric acid). Conclusion of this study may provide a new perspective to improve the exploitation of A. senticosus.
The Difference of ACE and ACE2 Gene Expression in Patients With Acute Aortic Dissection and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Li Yang , Mao Long , Xiao Zongwei , Bhushan Sandeep
Published: April 2021

BackgroundTo explore whether there is a difference in the expression of ACE and ACE2 genes in patients with acute AD and CHD. MethodsBlood samples from 68 patients, including 34 cases of acute AD (including Stanford type A and B), 21 cases of CHD, and 13 cases of control group. 2 ml of venous blood is submitted for plasma ACE concentration. The arterial wall tissue was taken during the operation for mRNA detection. ResultsThe ACE concentration in the AD group was (17.9 ± 7. 9) U / L, in the CHD group was (33.5 ± 8.1) U / L, and the ACE concentration in the control group was (38.4) ±4.8) U/L, statistically significant (P<0.05). The expression of ACE gene in the AD group was (0.2265 ± 0.3783); the expression in the CHD group was (7.085 7 ± 7.692 9), with significant (P < 0. 05). The expression of ACE2 gene in the AD group was (0.766 2 ± 0.858 6); in the CHD group was (9.612 7 ± 11.542 6), and the difference was significant (P < 0. 05). The expression of the ratio of ACE / ACE2 in the AD group was (0.413 8 ± 0.448); the expression in the CHD group was (0.811 1 ± 0.256 3), the difference was statistically significant (P <0. 001). ConclusionPlasma ACE concentration, ACE and ACE2 gene expression are significantly reduced in acute AD. The imbalance of ACE and ACE2 expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.
A Novel Correlation of Preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA-contrast-enhanced MRI with FGFR4 Expression and Its Value in Targeted Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Mo Zhiqing , Long Liling , Ding Hao , Zhou Xiaojiao
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To assess the relationship between preoperative gadolinium ethoxy-benzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and methods: Fifty-nine HCC patients (54 males, 5 females) who underwent preoperative enhanced MRI were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Quantitative and qualitative features of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were analyzed in these pathologically confirmed HCC patients. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of FGFR4 in HCC. The relationship between these image features and the level of FGFR4 gene expression in HCC was evaluated by correlation analysis.Results: The FGFR4 mRNA and protein expression has significant correlation with the change of signal intensity in the phase of hepatobiliary, IHC analysis revealed significant correlation between the protein expression of FGFR4 and the qualitative enhanced MRI feature, mainly the manifestation of the intratumoral vessels at the arterial phase. Furthermore, the presence of intratumoral vessels (P =0.034, OR=4.71) and heterogeneous 3 signal performance in the hepatobiliary phase (P =0.008, OR=4.2) were identified as independent indicators for high FGFR4 expression in HCC. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate novel correlation between enhanced MRI features and FGFR4 gene expression, suggesting the heterogeneous signal intensity at the phase of hepatobiliary and the present of intratumoral vessels in the arterial phase as indicators for high FGFR4 expression in HCC. Our study may have clinical implication that enhanced MRI holds promise as useful modality in treatment selection of targeted therapies to HCC patients.
Wave Propagation in an Optimized Tunable Multi-channel Flter based on One-dimensional Nano Superconductor Photonic Crystal
Authors: Baseri Ali , Keshavarz Alireza
Published: April 2021

Although there has been a focus on THz lters so far, there is a signifcant defciency in advancing low-temperature THz lters. According to the needs, we proposed a tunable THz lter that selectively permits the desired incident frequencies to be propagated in relevance with our purpose. The presence of a low-temperature nano superconductor and an undoped semiconductor layers in the proposed structure resulted in a multi-channel THz lter, which could be highly tuned with several parameters such as lattice constants, applied temperature, etc. The achieved transmittance spectra revealed that the emerged transmittance couples and stacks follow exact regulations. Furthermore, the structure exhibited omnidirectional band-gaps for both TE and TM polarized waves. Moreover, the use of a central defect layer gave some transmittance defect modes in
the forbidden areas. This structure could be used in some THz devices such as switches, optimized sensors as well as in space industry and telecommunications.
Influence of Nano-Silica in Al6061 Composites on Mechanical and Material Properties prepared through Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Votarikari Naveenkumar , Nath N. Kishore , Babu Poosa Ramesh
Published: April 2021

The influence of composites preparation methods in the aerospace industry has evolved quite new challenges achieving better and desired properties. In this context, this work deals with the preparation of nano silica-based composite through the powder metallurgy technique. The composites prepared were tested for material characterization with morphological, X-Ray diffraction, and mechanical characterization with hardness, tensile strength, density, and porosity tests. The results revealed that the nano-silica has interfacial interaction with aluminum alloy. The strength of Al6061 nano-silica composite has the effect of sintering and compaction processes. Crystallization of Al6061 composite has been influenced by sintering time for nano-silica reinforcement. A compound was formed during the ball milling process during the blending of Al6061 and nano-silica powders was examined and detailed through material characterization. It revealed the structure as a mesoporous structure which created a route for better-impregnated bearing material. Al6061 nano-silica impregnated bearing with porous structure holds the lubricating fluid which is serving the purpose of self-lubrication and self-cooling by dissipating the heat generated during the running conditions. The strengthening mechanism like the Orowan effect and dislocation density strengthening enhanced the process and revealed the effect on nano-silica content. The wettability of silica was improved through binder in PM and the preheating process of powders. Hardness incremented up to 21% of base alloy through the PM technique.
Structural Insights into the Binding of Nanobodies Lam2 and Lam4 to the Red Fluorescent Protein mCherry
Authors: Wang Ziying , Li Long , Hu Rongting , Zhong Peiyu , Zhang Yiran , Cheng Shihao , Liu Rui , Ding Yu
Published: April 2021

Background

Red fluorescent proteins (RFPs) are widely used in molecular biology research, especially in deep tissues and animal models, because of their superior autofluorescence, light scattering, and phototoxicity to GFP. Although RFP can be easily monitored in vivo, improved manipulation of RFP is still desired. Using suitable nanobodies (Nbs) to bind to different epitopes of RFP is the most promising approach; thus, it is crucial to obtain structural information on how the different Nbs interact with RFP.
Results

We determined the crystal structures of the LaM2-mCherry and LaM4-mCherry complexes at 1.4 Å and 1.9 Å resolution. Our results showed that LaM2 binds to the side of the mCherry β-barrel, while Lam4 binds to the bottom of the β-barrel and does not interfere with the homo-oligomerization interface. The distinct binding sites of LaM2 and LaM4 were further verified by ITC, F-SEC and DLS assays. Our results also showed that LaM2 and LaM4 can bind simultaneously to mCherry, which is crucial for recruiting multiple operation elements to the RFP. The binding of LaM2 or LaM4 did not significantly change the chromophore environment of mCherry, which is important for fluorescence quantification assays, while several GFP Nbs significantly altered the fluorescence. Mutation of the residues of the LaM2 or LaM4 binding interface to mCherry significantly decreased the binding affinity of the Nb to mCherry.
Conclusions

Our results provided atomic resolution interaction information on the binding of Nbs LaM2 and LaM4 binding with mCherry, which is important for developing detection and manipulation methods for RFP-based biotechnology.
The Proportion, Species Distribution and Dynamic Trends of Bloodstream Infection Cases in a Tertiary Hospital in China, 2010-2019
Authors: Cui Jiewei , Li Meng , Wang Juan , Qiang Xiaofei , Liang Zhixin
Published: April 2021

Background: Recent epidemiological studies on bloodstream infection (BSI) that include the proportion, species distribution and dynamic changes are scarce in China. This study was performed to understand these epidemiological data of BSI over the past 10 years in China. Methods: Using real-time nosocomial infection surveillance system, this study was retrospectively performed in one of the largest hospitals in China. The time trend was tested using the Cochran-Armitage trend test in R Programming Language.Results: From 2010 to 2019, there were totally 9381 episodes of BSI cases out of 1,437,927 adult-hospitalized patients in the hospital, the total proportion of BSI cases was 6.50‰ (6.50 episodes per 1000 adult-hospitalized patients per year) and the proportion had significantly decreased (8.24‰ to 6.07‰, time trend P<0.001). Among the 9381 episodes of BSI, 93.1% were bacteremia and others were fungemia (6.9%). As the most common species, the composition ratios of coagulase-negative staphylococcus (25.6% to 32.5%), Escherichia coli (9.8% to 13.6%) and Klebsiella pneumonia (5.3% to 10.4%) had been dynamically increased (all time trends P<0.05) and the proportion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa had decreased (4.0% to 2.4%, time trend P=0.032). However, Staphylococcus aureus (3.3% to 3.1%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (4.4% to 4.2%) had not changed significantly (P>0.05). These common species were consistent with China Antimicrobial Surveillance Network reported in 2018 (2018 CHINET report), but their composition ratios were different. Additionally, among bacteremia, the proportion of multidrug-resistant bacteria gradually increased from 52.9% to 68.4% (time trend P<0.001). Conclusion: The proportion and species distribution of BSI were dynamically changing along certain trends. These trends deserved more attention from clinicians and researchers.
Self-Assembling Ferritin-Dendrimer Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of Nucleic Acids to Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Palombarini Federica , Masciarelli Silvia , Incocciati Alessio , Liccardo Francesca , Fabio Elisa Di , Iazzetti Antonia , Fabrizi Giancarlo , Fazi Francesco , Macone Alberto , Bonamore Alessandra , Boffi Alberto
Published: April 2021

Background: In recent years, the use of ferritins as nano-vehicles for drug delivery is taking center stage. Compared to other similar nanocarriers, Archaeoglobus fulgidus ferritin is particularly interesting due to its unique ability to assemble-disassemble under very mild conditions. Recently this ferritin was engineered to get a chimeric protein targeted to human CD71 receptor, typically overexpressed in cancer cells.Results: Archaeoglobus fulgidus chimeric ferritin was used to generate a self-assembling hybrid nanoparticle hosting an aminic dendrimer together with a small nucleic acid. The positively charged dendrimer can indeed establish electrostatic interactions with the chimeric ferritin internal surface, allowing the formation of a protein-dendrimer binary system. The 4 large triangular openings on the ferritin shell represent a gate for negatively charged small RNAs, which access the internal cavity attracted by the dense positive charge of the dendrimer. This ternary protein-dendrimer-RNA system is efficiently uptaken by acute myeloid leukemia cells, typically difficult to transfect. As a proof of concept, we used a microRNA whose cellular delivery and induced phenotypic effects can be easily detected. In this article we have demonstrated that this hybrid nanoparticle successfully delivers a pre-miRNA to leukemia cells. Once delivered, the nucleic acid is released into the cytosol and processed to mature miRNA, thus eliciting the expected phenotypic effects and inducing morphological changes typical of the granulocyte differentiation process. Conclusion: The results here presented pave the way for the design of a new family of protein-based transfecting agents that can specifically target a wide range of diseased cells.