bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emodin Ameliorates Acute Pancreatitis-associated Lung Injury Through Inhibiting the Alveolar Macrophages Pyroptosis
Authors: Wu Xiajia , Yao Jiaqi , Hu Qian , Kang Hongxin , Miao Yifan , Zhu Lv , Li Cong , Zhao Xianlin , Li Juan , Wan Meihua , Tang Wenfu
Published: September 2021

Background: Emodin, one of the most dominant components of the traditional Chinese medicine rhubarb, has been utilized to treat acute pancreatitis (AP). Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common complications of acute pancreatitis, leading to a serious mortality rate. However, the specific mechanism of emodin in the treatment of AP-associated lung injury remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the protective roles of emodin in AP-ALI and its underlying mechanisms in two clinically relevant experimental AP models.Methods: NaT-AP model in rats was constructed using 3.5% sodium taurocholate, and CER+LPS-AP model in mice was constructed using caerulein combined with Lipopolysaccharide. Animals were divided randomly into sham, AP, Ac‐YVAD‐CMK (caspase-1 specific inhibitor, AYC), and emodin groups. AP-associated lung injury was assessed through H&E staining, inflammatory cytokine levels, and myeloperoxidase activity. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) pyroptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pyroptosis-related protein expressions were detected by Western Blot. Results: Emodin, similar to the positive control AYC, significantly alleviated pancreatic and lung damage in rats and mice. Additionally, emodin decreased the pyroptotic rates of AMs, inflammatory cytokines, and the lactate dehydrogenase level. More importantly, the protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase1 p10, GSDMD, and GSDMD-NT in AMs were significantly downregulated after emodin intervention. Conclusion: Emodin has a therapeutic effect on AP-associated lung injury, which is at least partially due to the inhibition of NLRP3/Caspase1/GSDMD-mediated AMs pyroptosis signaling ways.
Zhuanggu Guanjie herbal formula mitigates osteoarthritis via NF-κB transduction mechanism in vitro
Authors: Gong Guowei , Zheng Yuzhong , Zhou Xuan , Dai Zhi , Duan Juanhui , Yang Peikui , Liu Xiangzhi , Wen Zhen
Published: September 2021

BackgroundZhuanggu Guanjie herbal formula, a famous Chinese prescription, which is commonly applied for mitigating bone-related problems, clinically. According to the China Pharmacopeia (CP, 2020), this herbal formula includes 12 raw materials, and the major components are Rehmanniae Radix (RR) and Psoraleae Fructus (PF). The anti-osteoarthritis properties of this herbal prescription are well-documented in CP (2020). However, the working mechanism of this ancient herbal formula has not been elucidated. Therefore, we would like to probe the anti-osteoarthritis pharmaceutical values of this ancient herbal prescription.Materials and methodsThe differentiated ATDC5 cells were employed in the following experiments. In the present study, the involvements of cytokine levels and hallmark proteins reflecting inflammatory responses in Zhuanggu Guanjie Capsule (ZGC)-induced differentiated cells were detected by RT-PCR, flow cytometer, western blot and laser confocal assays.ResultsThe cytokines and inflammation-specific proteins, i.e. interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin synthesis E2 (PGES-2) were robustly declined after incubating with ZGC for 48 hours, and the attenuation levels were in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, ZGC could also block NF-B translocation from cytosol to nucleus and which has been verified by the laser confocal microscope.ConclusionsThe in vitro studies have clarified the anti-osteoarthritis properties of ZGC and the working mechanism involved, and this herbal formula shed light on osteoarthritis treatment.
Clinical Study on the Intervention of Coptis Root and Ginseng on gut microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes: a study protocol for a randomized controlled and double-blinding trial
Authors: Jiang Li , Fu Qiang , Huang Weijun , Chen Yu , Li Jiayue , Xiao Yonghua , Sun Ruixi , Shen Esther Aijia , Wang Junheng , Zhang Yaofu , Li Zhuang , Liu Jiangteng , Fu Xiaozhe , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhao Yu , Su Guanxun , Wang Shidong , Zhao Jinxi
Published: September 2021

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disease caused by complicated factors, the pathogenesis of which has not been determined. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) could effectively regulate blood sugar and influence gut microbiota in T2DM patients. Preliminary studies showed that the coptis root and ginseng (RG) formula could relieve insulin resistance and regulate the progression of diabetes in mice. The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of RG formula in the treatment of adult patients with T2DM, as well as observing its effects on gut microbiota.Methods and analysis: This trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 60 participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into an experiment group (RG formula) and a control group (placebo). Patients in both groups will be given diabetes education and basic blood glucose control. Glucose-lowering drugs with significant influence on gut microbiota will be avoided. This trial will last 25 weeks including 1 week run-in, 12 weeks intervention and 12 weeks follow-up visit. The primary outcome is the change in the HbA1c. The secondary outcomes comprise the change in the fasting blood glucose(FBG), postprandial blood glucose(PBG) fasting insulin(FIL), fasting C-peptide(C-P), insulin resistance index(IRI), inflammatory factors and species abundance of gut microbiota between the two groups. Safety in medication will also be evaluated. The correlation analysis will be explored between the glycemic indicators,inflammatory factors and abundance of gut microbiota.Discussion: This study will provide the clinical evidence for the efficacy of RG formula in regulating blood sugar and influencing gut microbiota, which will be beneficial to form the integrated therapeutic regimen in T2DM with TCM.Trial registration: “Clinical Study on the Intervention of Coptis Root and Ginseng”, Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR 2100042126. Registered on 14 January, 2021, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=42669&htm=4
Successful Conversion Surgery for Massive Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus in Main Portal Vein after Treatment with Lenvatinib Combined with Toripalimab: A Case Report
Authors: OuYang JingZhong , Zhou Yanzhao , Wang Zhengzheng , Li Qingjun , Zhou Jinxue
Published: September 2021

Background:Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Portal vein invasion has an extremely dismal prognosis. We report a rare case of advanced HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). First, Lenvatinib(Len) combined with Toripalimab(Tor) was treated. The patient was successfully treated with radical surgical resection after the tumor thrombus shrank. Postoperative pathology showed complete response (CR).Case presentation:A 52-year-old male patient had a massive liver cancer in his right liver, and the tumor thrombus grew to the main portal vein. He passed 4 cycles of Len combined with Tor, the tumor shrank rapidly, the level of tumor markers dropped rapidly, The tumor thrombus was successfully confined from the main portal vein to the right branch of the portal vein. Therefore, the patient underwent a right hepatectomy and successfully removed a complete PVTT. Histopathological results showed that the primary tumor and tumor thrombus were only infiltrated by inflammatory cells, and there were no viable tumor cells.Conclusions:Len combined with Tor can be used as a preoperative neoadjuvant regimen for the treatment of advanced HCC with massive macrovascular invasion.
Diagnosis of Parapneumonia Pleural Effusion With Serum and Pleural Effusion Activin A
Authors: Zhou Guanghui , Shan Yi , Tang Zhiwei , Chen Ruhua , Fen Yan , Ji XiuHai , Ding Hui
Published: September 2021

Background

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of Activin A levels in serum and pleural effusion on parapneumonic pleural effusion (PPE).
Methods

We collected serum and pleural effusion from 86 PPE and 37 non-PPE (NPPE) patients. Including Activin A, levels of biomarkers as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. All factors were calculated for association with days after admission. The diagnostic potential of biomarkers on PPE was considered by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Results

Levels of Activin A in serum and pleural effusion of PPE patients were significantly higher than those of the NPPE patients. Moreover, concentrations of Activin A in pleural effusion showed a more obvious relevant days after admission. ROC curve analysis found that Activin A in pleural effusion had AUCs of 0.899 with 93% sensitivity and 84% specificity for PPE diagnosis.
Conclusion

Activin A in pleural effusion correlated with disease severity could act to diagnosis PPE.
Effect of Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) on Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Fused Silica Ceramic Composites
Authors: Madhukar Pagidi , Kandi Kishore Kumar , Punugupati Gurabvaiah , Rao C.S.P.
Published: September 2021

Fused silica ceramics composites were widely using for the fabrication of radomes which is the vital component of a missile. The required properties were attained by the addition of small amounts of Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) to the fused silica for enhancing flexural strength and without disturbing the dielectric properties. In the present work, porous fused silica ceramic composites were fabricated using gelcasting process, a near net shaping technique. The experiments were conducted using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) central composite with face centered design with six centre points approach. The process parameters of gelcasting process such as solid loading, monomer ratio, monomer content and additive (Si3N4) were considered as input parameters and flexural strength, porosity and dielectric constant as response parameters. Single parameter and interaction parameter effect on responses were studied. The effectiveness of derived models was compared with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence level. Statistical analysis proven that input parameters have critical effect on responses. The derived RSM mathematical models have a higher R2 values (Flexural strength 97.62%, Porosity 95.12% and dielectric constant 95.93%) which shows the critical relation between actual and predicted values. The optimal responses obtained were flexural strength 86.173 MPa, porosity 39.767% and dielectric constant 6.949 corresponding parameters process parameters solid loading 47.95%, additive (Si3N4) 10.43 wt%, monomer content 15 wt% and monomer ratio 3.
Experimental Evidence and Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis Revealing the Effects and Mechanism of Branches of Sophora Japonica (L.) in Anti-Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Zhang Mei , Liao Hailang , Xu Feng , Yang Ye , Ding Qin , Qin Ping , Wu Hongmei , Zhang Yanyan , Wang Xiangpei
Published: September 2021

Background: Huai-Zhi (HZ), the fresh or dried branches of Sophora japonica (L.) are commonly used to treat several diseases such as heartache, red eyes, and metrorrhagia. The present study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms effects of HZ anti-myocardial ischemia by experiment and integrating network pharmacology. Methods: Isoproterenol was used in this study to establish the myocardial ischemia model in mice. Different extraction processes were used to obtain different HZ extracts with a screening of their anti-myocardial ischemia activities. Furthermore, the network pharmacology methods together with molecular docking were utilized to explore the active components, targets, and mechanism of anti-myocardial ischemia of HZ. Results: The ethyl acetate extract of HZ (HZ-EtOAc) significantly reduced the ST-segment elevation of mice in the preliminary test. The 95% ethanol fraction of the ethyl acetate extract of HZ (HZ-EtOAc-95) significantly reduced the ST-segment elevation, reduced the creatine kinase (CK) activity, reduced the levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in serum, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the myocardial tissues. Moreover, these results indicated that HZ-EtOAc extract in mice ameliorates myocardial tissue injury. Additionally, network pharmacology demonstrated that nine active components and 177 protein targets are related to the anti-myocardial ischemic effects of HZ. Its underlying mechanism might be involved in multiple signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, Toll-like receptor, and PI3K-Akt. Conclusion: This study used pharmacological experiments to determine the active site of HZ, and explored its potential mechanism in conjunction with network pharmacology.
Curcumin relieves CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors through PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway
Authors: Wu Yanqin , Sun Fusheng , Guo Yujin , Zhang Yumao , Li Li , Dang Ruili , Jiang Pei
Published: September 2021

Background

Curcumin (CUR), a primary component extracted from the Chinese medicine Curcuma longa, has been suggested to be effective in treating symptoms of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders including depression. However, the underlying mechanism of CUR’s antidepressant properties remains largely unknown. In this study, the antidepressant effect and its mechanism of CUR were investigated.
Methods

In this study, the chronic unpredictable mild stress- (CUMS-) induced depression model was employed to investigate the antidepressant effect of CUR. The depressive-like state was evaluated by the behavioral tests. On the day of the sacrifice, blood samples and the hippocampus of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were collected for the following analysis. The proteins were investigated by Western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence analysis. The mRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis was determined with Brdu cell proliferation assay and Nissl staining assay.
Results

After stress exposure for six weeks, the CUMS rats showed depressive-like behaviors, and the administration of CUR successfully attenuated the depressive-like behaviors in CUMS-treated rats. Additionally, CUR effectively increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The CUR also stimulated the transcription of PGC-1α and estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα), enhanced PGC-1α and ERRα translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus, thus activating the PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway. Furthermore, we found the supplementation of CUR effectively promoted neurocyte proliferation and suppressed neural apoptosis induced by CUMS.
Conclusions

Collectively, the study revealed that CUR exerts antidepressant-like effect through the activation of the PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway.
Ideal Stage of Embryo Transfer to Improve Outcomes for Women of Advanced Maternal Age
Authors: Wang Xue , Xiao Yaling , Sun Zhengyi , Zhen Jingran , Yu Qi
Published: September 2021

Background

The purpose of this retrospective study was to optimise the transplantation strategy for women of advanced maternal age to achieve live births within the shortest time.
Methods

Data were collected from patients older than 40 years who underwent assisted reproductive therapy at our centre from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019. A total of 1233 cases of fresh cleavage embryo transfer cycles, 280 cases of frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles, and 26 cases of frozen-thawed cleavage embryo transfer cycles were included. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounding factors.
Results

The main outcome was the live birth rate. The secondary outcomes were the clinical pregnancy rate, spontaneous abortion rate, and neonatal outcomes. We found that the blastocyst formation rate of patients older than 40 years was 23.5%, the freezing cycle rate was 19.8%, and the fresh embryo transfer rate was 83.0%.
Conclusions

Cleavage embryo transfer should be performed first to reduce the cycle cancellation rate. If the number of retrieved oocytes is more than eight, then blastocyst transplantation can be considered after fully discussing the advantages and disadvantages of blastocyst culture with patients. Alternatively, cleavage embryo transfer can be performed first, and frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer can be performed next if cleavage embryo transfer is unsuccessful.
Effect of Periosteum Preservation On The Bone Healing Rate After in Situ Replantation of Autogenous Skull Grafts Preserved In Vivo
Authors: Sun Guoqing , Zhuang Xuwei , Bai Mingtao , Wang Shanshi
Published: September 2021

Objective: To investigate the effect of the periosteum-preserving method on the bone healing rate after in situ replantation of autologous cranial bone flaps preserved in vivo. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 99 patients who underwent autologous skull repair from January 2011 to December 2014. The 49 patients treated from January 2011 to December 2012 were divided into the nonperiosteum group, and the 51 patients treated from January 2013 to December 2014 were divided into the periosteum group. The autogenous cranial flaps of the two groups were preserved subcutaneously in vivo. Early in situ replantation was performed within 4-8 weeks after the operation. CT was performed regularly within 1, 6, 12, 24 and 60 months after the operation to observe the healing rate and bone resorption of the autogenous cranial flaps. Results: At 1, 6, 12, 24 and 60 months after the operation, the skull healing rate in the periosteum group (0%, 41.176%, 74.510%, 100%, and 100%, respectively) was significantly higher than that in the nonperiosteum group (0%, 14.286%, 36.735%, 59.184%, and 75.510%, respectively). At 60 months after the operation, the bone resorption rate of 0% in the periosteum group was significantly lower than the 14.286% in the nonperiosteum group. The infection rate of 0% in the periosteum group was significantly lower than the 10.204% in the nonperiosteum group. The re-repair rate of 0% in the periosteum group was significantly lower than the 12.245% in the nonperiosteum group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of subcutaneous effusion between the periosteum group (5.882%) and the nonperiosteum group (6.122%). Conclusion: Preservation of the periosteum and early in situ replantation of skull bone flaps preserved in vivo can increase the bone healing rate of the skull, reduce the infection rate, and reduce the probability of postoperative autogenous bone resorption.
SubMo-GNN: Property- and Structure-Aware Diverse Molecular Selection with Representation Learning and Mathematical Diverse-Selection Framework
Authors: Nakamura Tomohiro , Sakaue Shinsaku , Fujii Kaito , Harabuchi Yu , Maeda Satoshi , Iwata Satoru
Published: September 2021

Selecting diverse molecules from unexplored areas of chemical space is one of the most important tasks for discovering novel molecules and reactions. This paper develops a new method for selecting a diverse subset of molecules from a given molecular list by utilizing two techniques studied in machine learning and mathematical optimization: graph neural networks (GNNs) for learning vector representation of molecules and a diverse-selection framework called submodular function maximization. Our method first trains a GNN with property prediction tasks, and then the trained GNN transforms molecular graphs into molecular vectors, which capture both properties and structures of molecules. Finally, to obtain a diverse subset of molecules, we define a submodular function, which quantifies the diversity of molecular vectors, and find a subset of molecular vectors with a large submodular function value. This can be done efficiently by using the greedy algorithm, and the diversity of selected molecules measured by the submodular function value is mathematically guaranteed to be at least 63 % of that of an optimal selection. We also introduce a new evaluation criterion to measure the diversity of selected molecules based on molecular properties. Computational experiments confirm that our method successfully selects diverse molecules from the QM9 dataset regarding the property-based criterion, while performing comparably to existing methods regarding a standard structure-based criterion. The proposed method enables researchers to obtain diverse sets of molecules for discovering new molecules and novel chemical reactions, and the proposed diversity criterion is useful for discussing the diversity of molecular libraries from a new property-based perspective.
3q27.1 Microdeletion Causes a Clinically Recognizable Syndrome Characterized by Severe Prenatal and Postnatal Growth Restriction and Neurodevelopmental Abnormalities
Authors: Barua Subit , Pereira Elaine , Jobanputra Vaidehi , Anyane-Yeboa Kwame , Levy Brynn , Liao Jun
Published: September 2021

BackgroundConstitutional deletions/rearrangements involving chromosome 3q are uncommon and overlapping microdeletions of chromosome 3q26-3q28 have only been reported in eight individuals. The common phenotype observed in these individuals include severe intrauterine growth restriction and postnatal growth impairment, feeding difficulties, characteristic facial features, feet abnormalities and developmental delay. The most striking clinical features shared among all reported cases is severe prenatal and postnatal growth restriction and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Case presentationWe identified two additional individuals with overlapping deletions and shared clinical features by high-resolution SNP oligonucleotide microarray, and refined the smallest region of overlap (SRO) to a 1.2 Mb genomic location in chromosome 3q27.1 by reviewing and comparing all published cases. We evaluated the SRO using ACMG/ClinGen current recommendations for classifying copy number variants (CNVs), and discussed the contribution of the genes deleted in the SRO to the abnormal phenotype observed in these individuals. ConclusionsThis study provides further evidence supporting the existence of a novel 3q26q28 microdeletion syndrome and suggests that haploinsufficiency of potential candidate genes, DVL3, AP2M1, and PARL in the SRO in 3q27.1 is responsible for the phenotype. It also demonstrates the clinical utility of the newly released ACMG/Clingen standards for CNV interpretation.
Sub-Specialization Among Nigerian Ophthalmologists: Status, Disposition and Barriers.
Authors: Musa Kareem Olatunbosun , Idowu Oluwatobi Olalekan , Aribaba Olufisayo Temitayo , Salami Monsurah Olabimpe , Onakoya Adeola Olukorede , Akinsola Folasade Bolanle
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To determine the status of sub-specialization among Nigerian ophthalmologists as well as their dispositions and barriers against sub-specialization with a view to providing valuable information for the purpose of human resources for eye care planning thereby providing useful insight into the future of ophthalmic practice in Nigeria. Methods: This was a web-based, cross-sectional study conducted among Ophthalmologists in Nigeria. An online questionnaire was distributed through e-mails using Qualtrics software (Qualtrics, Provo, UT, USA). Information concerning socio-demographic characteristics, type of practice, location of practice, years of practice, status and disposition to sub-specialization as well as barriers to sub-specialization were obtained through the questionnaire.Results: two hundred and four Nigerian Ophthalmologists participated in the study out of which 118 (57.8%) were females. One hundred and ten (54.0%) respondents had undergone sub-specialty training. The sub-specialties with the highest number of patronage was Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (14.2%). Respondents older than 46 years were three times more likely to have undergone subspecialty training compared to respondents who were aged 46 years and below [odds ratio (OR) = 3.01, 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 1.33 – 6.83, p = 0.01]. The main barriers to the availability and uptake of sub-specialty services as well as the challenges of sub-specialty services at the centres with established sub-specialty practice were non-availability/inadequate trained specialist and inadequate equipment. Conclusion: Nigerian Ophthalmologists are well disposed to sub-specialization although the extent of sub-specialization among them was a little above average. The main barriers to the availability and uptake of sub-specialty services as well as the challenges of sub-specialty services at the centres with established sub-specialty practice in this study were non-availability/inadequate trained specialist and inadequate equipment.
An Ultrasound-Based Radiomics Nomogram for Differentiation of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer From Fibroadenoma
Authors: Du Yu , Zha Hai-Ling , Wang Hui , Liu Xin-Pei , Pan Jia-Zhen , Du Li-Wen , Zong Min , LI CUI-YING
Published: September 2021

Background: To develop a radiomics nomogram that incorporates the radiomics features and ultrasound (US) conventional features and clinical findings to differentiate triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) from fibroadenoma.Methods: A total of 182 pathology-proven fibroadenomas and 178 pathology-proven TNBCs which underwent preoperative US examination were involved and randomly divided into training (n = 253) and validation cohorts (n = 107). The regions of interest (ROIs) of all lesions were delineated based on preoperative US examination subsequently radiomics features extracted. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model and the maximum relevance minimum redundancy algorithm were established for the selection of tumor status-related features and construction of radiomics signature (Rad-score). Then, multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to develop a radiomics model by incorporating the radiomics signature and clinical findings. Finally, the usefulness of the combined nomogram was assessed by the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).Results: The radiomics signature, composing of twelve selected features, achieved good diagnostic performance. The nomogram incorporated with radiomics signature and clinical data showed favorable diagnostic efficacy in the training cohort (AUC 0.986, 95% CI, 0.975-0.997) and validation cohort (AUC 0.977, 95% CI, 0.953-1.000). The radiomics nomogram outperformed the Rad-score and clinical models alone (p < 0.05). The calibration curve and decision curve analysis demonstrated the better clinical utility of the combined radiomics nomogram.Conclusions: The radiomics signature is a potential predictive indicator for differentiating TNBC and fibroadenoma. The radiomics nomogram associated with Rad-score, US conventional features, and clinical data outperformed the Rad-score and clinical models alone.Advances in knowledge: Recent advances in radiomics-based US identified increasingly gaining ground in oncology to improve diagnosis, assessment of therapeutic response, and disease prediction. We revealed that the Rad-score is an independent predictive indicator for differentiating TNBC and fibroadenoma. The radiomics nomogram associated with Rad-score, US conventional features, and clinical data outperformed the Rad-score and clinical models alone.
Nanoplatform Self-assembly From Small Molecules of Porphyrin Derivatives for NIR-II Fluorescence Imaging Guided Photothermal-immunotherapy
Authors: Cao Yanbing , Wei De , Yang Lixia , Luo Zijin , Yu Peiwen , Li Hao , Zhang Cao , Liu Xiaolong , Wu Fengshou , Wu Ming , Zeng Yongyi
Published: September 2021

Combinatorial photothermal and immunotherapy have demonstrated great potential to remove primary tumors, suppress metastases, and prevent tumor recurrence. However, this strategy still confronts with many limitations, such as complex components, sophisticated construction and inadequate therapeutic efficacy. In this work, we develop small molecules of porphyrin derivatives (PPor) which can self-assemble into monodispersed nanoparticles without supplement of any other ingredients or surfactants. The formed PPor nanoparticles (PPor NPs) exhibit highly photothermal conversion eﬃciency of 70% and NIR-II luminous abilities originated from the strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect of D-A structure under 808 nm laser irradiation, thus achieving NIR-II fluorescence imaging guided photothermal therapy (PTT) against primary tumor with a high cure rate. More importantly, tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) together with damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from PTT-treated cancer cells are proved to elicit immune responses in some degree. After combination with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibody, a robust systematic antitumor immunity are generated to restrain both primary and abscopal tumors growth, prolong survival, prevent pulmonary metastasis on an aggressive 4T1 murine breast tumor model. Thus, this study provides a promising therapeutic paradigm with porphyrin derivatives nano-assembly as phototheranostic agents for the treatment of aggressive tumor with high efficiency.
Effects of rumen undegradable protein sources on nitrous oxide, methane and ammonia emission from the manure of feedlot-finished cattle
Authors: Coelho Larissa de Melo , Brito Liziane de Figueiredo , Messana Juliana Duarte , Cardoso Abmael da Silva , Carvalho Geovany Macêdo , Torres Rodrigo de Nazaré Santos , Carlos Roberta Souto , Malheiros Euclides Braga , Cruz Mara Cristina Pessôa , Berchielli Telma Teresinha
Published: September 2021

Here, the effects of sources of rumen undegradable protein (RUP) in diets on methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3) emissions from the manure of feedlot-finished cattle were evaluated. We hypothesized that the use of different RUP sources in diets would reduce N loss via urine and contribute to reduced N2O, CH4 and NH3 emissions to the environment. Nellore cattle received different diets (18 animals/treatment), including soybean meal (SM, RDP source), by-pass soybean meal (BSM, RUP source) and corn gluten meal (CGM, RUP source). The protein source did not affect the N and C concentration in urine, C concentration in feces, and N balance (P > 0.05). The RUP sources resulted in a higher N2O emission than the RDP source (P = 0.030), while BSM resulted in a higher N2O emission than CGM (P = 0.038) (SM = 633, BSM = 2521, and CGM = 1153 g ha− 2 N-N2O); however, there were no differences in CH4 and NH3 emission (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the use of RUP in diets did not affect N excretion of beef cattle or CH4 and NH3 emission from manure, but increased N2O emission from the manure.
An Investigation of Different Factors On Durability of Metakaolin Geopolymer Cement Mortar
Authors: Feng Bowen , Liu Jiesheng , Tongtong Zhang , Yan Xu , Man Zhang , Hao Peng , Xiaoming Tan , Sun Zhengguang
Published: September 2021

In the preliminary part of this research, orthogonal experiments were conducted to identify metakaolin admixture and activator content as the two main influencing factors through four factors that mainly affected the basic properties of metakaolin geopolymer specimens. It is crucial to study the durability of construction materials under harsh environments. Therefore, this experiment mainly tested the anti-permeability, sulfate corrosion resistance, and freezing-thawing resistance of metakaolin geopolymer pastes with different ratio of metakaolin admixture and alkali activators content.The results indicated that with the changes of metakaolin and activator content,both of two anti-permeability curves increased firstly and then decreased.The sulfate corrosion resistance showed that both weight loss curves firstly decreased and then increased trend.Corrosion resistance curves increased first and then decreased in different curing time.Freezing-thawing resistance tests indicated that weight loss rate and strength loss rate declined and then ascended.Moreover,the microscopic SEM and FT-IR experiments were used to more directly reflect the patterns of durability changes.
Aging-In-Place Preference and Institutionalization Among Japanese Older Adults: A 7-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Nakagawa Takeshi , Noguchi Taiji , Komatsu Ayane , Ishihara Masumi , Saito Tami
Published: September 2021

Background
In Asia, where autonomous decision-making is not well accepted, little is known about whether and how individuals’ preferences are considered when deciding where they receive care. This study examined the longitudinal association of aging-in-place preference when bedridden with institutionalization among Japanese older adults.
Methods
We analyzed nationally representative data of 1,290 community-dwelling older adults aged 70 and above, applying the multiple imputation method. Baseline data were collected in 1999, shortly before the long-term care insurance system was introduced. The outcome was measured as self- or proxy-reported years of institutionalization over seven years. The explanatory variable was the aging-in-place preference. Participants were asked about their desired place of care (facility, home, or other) when bedridden. Covariates were sociodemographic and health-related factors. We used Cox proportional hazards models and calculated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the association of aging-in-place preference when bedridden with institutionalization.
Results
Seventy-eight respondents (6.0%) were institutionalized during the follow-up period. Compared to individuals preferring to reside in long-term care facilities when bedridden (48.7%), those preferring to stay in their homes (39.6%) were less likely to be institutionalized, even after adjusting for relevant covariates (HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.27–0.79 for model 1 including residential status; HR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.27–0.76 for model 2 including marital status and co-resident children).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that individuals’ aging-in-place preferences are considered under the long-term care insurance system. Individuals’ preferences should be shared by families and clinicians when deciding the place of care.
The Comparative Effectiveness of Adult Mosquito Sampling Methods Dealing With Odor-Baited Resting Box Traps in A Malaria-Endemic Area in Southern Iran
Authors: Kazemi Seyed Hassan Moosa , Salari Yousef , Shahosseini Nariman , Fekri Sajad , Raeisi Ahmad , Khosravani Mousa , Safari Reza , Rafatpanah Azam , Asgarian Tahereh Sadat , Sedaghat Mohammad Mehdi
Published: September 2021

Background

Iran is under threat of a potential outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Zika. The study aimed to determine the efficiency and sustainability of some adult mosquito sampling methods for designing effective entomological surveillance systems in a malaria endemic area.
Methods

Different rates of tap water, sugar, and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were mixed to provide CO2. Anopheles stephensi and Culex pipiens Bandar Abbas strains were reared in the insectary and used for tests. On a lab scale, CO2 orientation experiments were performed using a Y-tube olfactometer on the insectary mosquito strains. In the field trial, human landing catches (HLC), artificial pit shelter (APS), CO2-baited trap (CO2-BT), human and cow odor baited resting boxes (HOBT, COBT), cow urine baited trap (CUBT), and colored un-baited box (UB) were studied in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, south of Iran. Mean densities of An. stephensi and Cx. pipiens insectary strains, which oriented to CO2 as flowrate of 170, and 300 mL/minute was significantly higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The black un-baited inbox resting traps significantly more collected wild mosquito species compared to others colored UB (P ˂ 0.05).
Results

A total of 2722 collected mosquitoes comprises Culex pipiens (48.56%), Anopheles fluviatilis s.l.(14.21%), An. stephensi (11.68%), Cx. theileri (9.95%), Aedes caspius (7.01%), An. dthali (6.79%) An. culicifacies s.l., An. pulcherrimus, An. sergentii,An. superpictus s.l., Cx. sitiens and, Ae.caspius less than 1%. Anopheles stephensi and, An.sergenti were most collected in CUBT. Anopheles fluviatilis s.l. and Ae. caspius were most found in HLC. Anopheles dthali, Cx. pipiens and, Cx. theileri were most abundant in APS.
Conclusions

Black CUBT and APS methods can be suggested as a perfect sampling strategy for malaria vectors surveillance. APS, and HLC methods were found useful to entomological surveillance systems for arboviral and filarial vector-borne diseases. Further modified sampling methods should be devoted to identify more effective sampling methods.
Calibration of Two Validated SARS-CoV-2 Pseudovirus Neutralization Assays for COVID-19 Vaccine Evaluation
Authors: Huang Yunda , Borisov Oleg , Kee Jia Jin , Carpp Lindsay , Wrin Terri , Cai Suqin , Sarzotti-Kelsoe Marcella , McDanal Charlene , Eaton Amanda , Pajon Rolando , Hural John , Posavad Christine , Gill Katherine , Karuna Shelly , Corey Lawrence , McElrath M. Juliana , Gilbert Peter , Petropoulos Christos , Montefiori David
Published: September 2021

Vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) are key biomarkers considered to be associated with vaccine efficacy. In United States Government-sponsored phase 3 efficacy trials of COVID-19 vaccines, nAbs are measured by two different validated pseudovirus-based SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assays, with each trial using one of the two assays. Here we describe and compare the nAb titers obtained in the two assays. We observe that one assay consistently yielded higher nAb titers than the other when both assays were performed on the World Health Organization’s anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin International Standard, COVID-19 convalescent sera, and mRNA-1273 vaccinee sera. To overcome the challenge this difference in readout poses in comparing/combining data from the two assays, we evaluate three calibration approaches and show that readouts from the two assays can be calibrated to a common scale. These results may aid decision-making based on data from these assays for the evaluation and licensure of new or adapted COVID-19 vaccines.
Quality control method of inner surface of valve sleeve in abrasive flow machining
Authors: Li Junye , Sun Liwei , Zhu Zhibao , Song Linsen , Zhao Weihong , Xu Chengyu , Xu Ying
Published: September 2021

The abrasive flow precision machining(AFPM) method is utilized to smooth the inner wall of the valve sleeve. Through the method of large eddy simulation(LES) and a reasonable subgrid model, numerical simulation analysis is performed on the inner surface of the abrasive flow machining (AFM) valve sleeve to predict the material removal efficiency and surface quality. The effects of wall shear force, dynamic pressure, particle pressure, and vortex on the particle flow are analyzed under different processing parameters. The mechanism of precision machining of the inner wall surface of the valve sleeve by abrasive flow is obtained. The experiment of AFPM was performed by response surface methodology. The results show: The processing pressure and the number of abrasive mesh have a significant impact on the AFM. Through the quadratic response surface plot and contour plot, it is found that the roughness has a minimum point and the best process parameters are obtained. After AFPM, the roughness of the inner wall of the valve sleeve can reach 0.218μm. Finally, the roughness prediction model is established by using the analysis of variance method, and the quality control method of the inner wall surface of the valve sleeve is obtained.
A stretchable micromixer with enhanced performance for intermediate Reynolds numbers
Authors: Fallahi Hedieh , Zhang Jun , Nicholls Jordan , Singha Pradip , Nguyen Nhat-Khuong , Ooi Chin Hong , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: September 2021

Chemical reactions in microscale require good mixing at a relatively low flowrate. However, mixing in microscale faces the major challenge of stable laminar flow associated with the low Reynolds number, the relative ratio between inertial force and viscous force. For low Reynolds numbers of less than unity, mixing occurs due to molecular diffusion. For high Reynolds number of more than several tens, chaotic advection enhances mixing. However, in the intermediate regime, mixing is not efficient. This paper reports a stretchable micromixer with dynamically tuneable channel dimensions. Periodically stretching the device changes the channel geometry and the curvature induced secondary Dean flows. The dynamically evolving secondary and main flows in the mixing channel result in chaotic advection and enhance mixing. The concept was demonstrated in a stretchable micromixer with a serpentine channel. We evaluated the performance of this stretchable micromixer both experimentally and numerically. At the intermediate range of Reynolds numbers from 4 to 17, the periodically stretched micromixer showed a better mixing efficiency than the non-stretched counterpart. Therefore, our stretchable micromixer is a potential candidate for applications where precious reagents need to be mixed at relatively low flow rate conditions.
Assessing Students' Satisfaction with Library Service Delivery at University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho
Authors: TSEH ELIAS KORMLA
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the study was to investigate students' satisfaction with service delivery in the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho. Research survey of students was adopted. Sample size of 151 made up of students from selected departments at UHAS participated in the study. Data from the questionnaire was analyzed using frequency counts and percentages by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS (version 22). Five areas of service delivery namely: library, ICT, health, transportation, and hostel services were considered in the study. A number of significant findings were made from the study. The results revealed that majority of the students indicated dissatisfaction with health, transport as well as Information and communication Technology services (ICT), while others showed little level of satisfaction with library and hostel services. Again, it was revealed that students' satisfaction with service delivery in terms of library and hostel services significantly differ by other services, while, they show much significant difference in their satisfaction with transport, health and ICT services. It was recommended that the university management should enhance students’ satisfaction by ensuring all services that contribute to academic and social life of students in UHAS are delivered to acceptable and satisfactory standards. Again, it was recommended that the government should provide the necessary financial support or resources to management to meet acceptable standards in service delivery and surveys to assess students’ satisfaction with service delivery should be on regular basis by management to ascertain the satisfaction needs of students.
Formation of earth ethics in the context of technological culture of the late modern era
Authors: Pylypenko Svitlana
Published: September 2021

Object of research: technological culture as a matrix of interaction of the components of the system "man – society – nature/Earth".

Investigated problem: the substantiation of the meaning of the Ethics of the Earth in the context of technological culture, transforms the moral and value system of the late Modern era and provokes the emergence of the era of Posthumanism.

The main scientific results: the definition of the technological culture of the late Modern era made it possible to determine the existing contradictions in the moral dimension of the existence of man and the Earth. It should be noted that in the context of the technological transformation of the Earth, the existing ethics as a monoparadigm of the Enlightenment does not correspond to the challenges of the beginning of the XXI century. It is emphasized that the ethical dimension of the introduction of technologies into the existence of the Earth is an indispensable component of modern scientific discourse. It is not only about the ethical dimension of technology, but also the importance of the formation of the Ethics of the Earth. This allows to conclude that a person determines its moral position relative to the Earth in the context of the technological transformation of the Earth's existence.

The scope of practical use of the research results: the research results can be used in teaching such normative courses as "Philosophy", "Philosophical Anthropology", "Culturology" for students and undergraduates, graduate students of humanitarian and technical faculties.

Innovative technological product: Ethics of the Earth destroys the concept of the Earth as an object that is external to humans. The anthropological dimension of the Earth testifies to the fact that a person should be clearly aware of the responsibility for its activities, since the existence of the Earth is a condition for the existence of a person.

The scope of using the innovative technological product: the substantiation of the Earth Ethics corresponds to the polyparadigmatic optics of the modern post-non-classical scientific discourse, where a person is one of the constituent parts of the nature / Earth system. The post-non-classical paradigm eliminates the New European anthropocentrism, striking the consequences of which the person of the late Modern era feels. We are talking about environmental and anthropological crises that occur in the space of the Earth in the coordinates of technological culture.
Study of properties of wheat germins and meals and their use in the production of dietary hardtacks
Authors: Pyvovarov Pavlo , Cheremskaya Tetiana , Kolesnikova Maryna , Iurchenko Svitlana , Andrieieva Svitlana
Published: September 2021

Object of research: technology of production of dietetic hardtacks using germs and meal of wheat germ, by defatting them.

Investigated problem: the process of defatting wheat germ meal not only reduces the total amount of lipids, but also contributes to a change in the ratio of individual fatty acids.

Main scientific results: in order to use wheat germ meal as the main raw material, together with wheat germ in the production of dietetic hardtacks, their amino acid composition, biological value and balance of essential amino acids were studied in comparison with the FAO/WHO standard. The mineral, vitamin and fatty acid composition of the germ and meal of wheat germ has been determined. The results obtained were used in the development of the recipe composition and the technological process for the production of dietetic hardtacks.

The results obtained (calculation of the balance according to the "tryptophan" and "threonine" indices) confirm that wheat germ meal is a valuable raw material that can be used in technologies for the production of high-protein food products.

The moisture-absorbing capacity of wheat germ and meal was studied in order to determine their ability to form dough. It has been established that the best performance is characterized by a mixture of wheat germ meal and wheat germ in a ratio of 80:20.

The ability of digestion by enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract "in vitro" of wheat germ meal proteins has been investigated, which determines the biological value of food products and makes it possible to predict the degree of their utilization by the body.

The field of practical use of the research results: production of dietetic hardtacks in restaurant enterprises, in specialized confectionery shops, as well as within the boundaries of food production

An innovative technological product: the possibility of using valuable secondary raw materials in food production technology – wheat germ and meal, which is a source of high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals. This will make it possible to adjust the nutritional and biological value of flour confectionery products, as well as improve the nutritional structure of consumers of these products.

Scope of application of an innovative technological product: dietetic hardtacks