bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of archaea and niche preferences among putative ammonia-oxidizing Nitrososphaeria dominating across European arable soils
Authors: Saghaï Aurélien , Banerjee Samiran , Degrune Florine , Edlinger Anna , García-Palacios Pablo , Garland Gina , Heijden Marcel GA van der , Herzog Chantal , Maestre Fernando T , Pescador David S , Philippot Laurent , Rillig Matthias , Romdhane Sana , Hallin Sara
Published: May 2021

Background: Archaeal communities in arable soils are dominated by Nitrososphaeria, a class within Thaumarchaeota comprising all known ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA). AOA are key players in the nitrogen cycle and defining their niche specialization can help predicting effects of environmental change on these communities. However, hierarchical effects of environmental filters on AOA and the delineation of niche preferences of nitrososphaerial lineages remain poorly understood. Here we combined multiple environmental gradients with fine-scale phylogenetic analyses and machine learning for new insights into ecological preferences within Nitrososphaeria. With this approach, we could identify climatic, edaphic and geomorphological drivers of Nitrososphaeria and other archaea in arable soils along a 3 000 km European gradient. Results: Mean annual temperature, C:N ratio and pH were the best predictors of diversity, evenness and distribution of Nitrososphaeria and thresholds in the predictions could be defined for C:N ratio and cation exchange capacity. Recent adaptations to soil pH were indicated in the Nitrososphaeria phylogeny. Our analyses further suggest the coexistence of widespread ecophysiological differences between closely related soil Nitrososphaeria. Only limited insights into the ecology of the low-abundant, but highly diverse classes Thermoplasmata and Woesearchaeia could be inferred. However, for explaining the overall archaeal community composition at the continental scale the contribution of distance (reflecting stochastic assembly processes) and environmental factors (reflecting deterministic processes) were comparable. Conclusions: Our findings underline the multifactorial nature of niche differentiation in soil Nitrososphaeria and the ecophysiological differences between closely related members observed suggest that the phylogeny does not reflect their ecology. Our results also imply multiple, independent specializations to low pH. The study highlights that the ecology of Nitrososphaeria is best studied at fine phylogenetic scale. Finally, the identification of thresholds in the responses show that simple correlations are not sufficient when determining environmental drivers of archaeal diversity.
Temporal and Spatial Changes in Crop Patterns, Use of Inputs and Hydrological Alteration in the Case of Fogera Floodplain, Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Mare Addis , Zeleke Gete , Payne William A. , Abebe Wubneh Belete
Published: May 2021

More than half of the world's population consumes rice. The area under modern rice varieties has expanded, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has increased in various countries. The hydrology of wetlands are also influenced by its chemical and physical characteristics. Hence, this research focused on temporal and spatial changes in crop patterns, input usage, and hydrological change in Fogera floodplain, with the objectives: a. what are the spatial and temporal trends in crops production pattern? b. What inputs have been used in the past and present to produce rice and other crops? c. What looks like the hydrological alteration of the area? The primary data was gathered through a questionnaire, focus group discussions, interviews, and field observations. Secondary data from Landsat imageries, SWAT input data, water flow, normalized difference vegetation index, and hydrological alteration of the site were collected. To analyze data, tables, graphs, and charts percentage, mean, and correlation were used. NDVI results indicated that rice crop is growing while other variables are decreasing. artificial inputs are currently used but before the introduction of rice were not. Recession farming activities have also diminished wetland. Annual average water flow and rainfall have been trending upward. Flow of water with Nitrogen and Phosphorous has a negative correlation, with Pearson's values − 0.069 and − 0.072, respectively whereas the value 0.242 indicates that nitrogen and phosphorus have a positive relationship. In conclusion, these extended and intensification of farming practices have an impact on the biodiversity of fauna and flora of the area.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Cryoballoon Ablation versus Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation; Case Study: Iran
Authors: Darvishi Ali , Sadeghipour Parham , Darrudi Alireza , Daroudi Rajabali
Published: May 2021

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia at which electrical stimulation does not pass a distinct pathway through heart. There are various methods to treat AF which Ablation is one of the most effective among them. The present study aimed to assess cost utility of Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) comparing to Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat patients with AF in Iran.Methods: Cost utility analysis is done using a decision analytic model based on a lifetime Markov structure which was drawn considering nature of interventions and natural progress of disease. Costs data was extracted from medical records of 47 patients of Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center in Tehran in 2019. Parameters and variables related to strategies such as transition probabilities, risks related to side effects and mortality rates as well as utility values were extracted from domestic and foreign evidences. Due to uncertainty regarding some variables used in model, deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis was also done. TreeAge pro 2020 were used in all stages of analysis.Results: In the base case analysis, CBA strategy was associated with higher cost and effectiveness rather than RFA, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $11223 per Quality adjusted life year (QALY), which compared to Iran one time GDP per capita ($7142) as Willingness to pay threshold, CBA was not cost effective. But on the other hand, considering twice the GDP per capita as threshold, CBA was cost-effective. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis confirmed findings of base case analysis, and Monte Carlo Simulation showed that RFA was cost effective by probability of 60%. One way sensitivity analysis showed that results of study has highest sensitivity to changes of RFA cost variable. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the cost effectiveness results were not robust and are sensitive to changes in variables changes.Conclusions: Primary results showed that CBA in treatment of AF comparing to RFA is not cost-effective in Iran considering one GDP per capita. But the sensitivity analysis results showed considerable sensitivity to changes of ablation costs variable. In general, it is not possible to conclude with certainty about the cost-effectiveness of CBA against RFA.
Microcystin-leucine arginine blocks vasculogenesis and angiogenesis through impairing cytoskeleton and impeding endothelial cell migration by downregulating integrin-mediated Rho/ROCK signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Qilong , Chen Guoliang , Zhang Qian , Wang Mingxing , Wang Guixue , Hu Tingzhang
Published: May 2021

The main characteristic of eutrophication is cyanobacteria harmful algae blooms. Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) is considered to be the most toxic and most commonly secondary metabolite produced by cyanobacteria. It has been reported that MC-LR had potential vascular toxicity. However, the mechanism that MC-LR induced vascular toxicity is very limited and remain to be clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic hazard towards the vasculogenesis and angiogenesis of MC-LR. Its effects on vasculogenesis, sprouting angiogenesis and endothelial cell tube formation were studied. The study showed that MC-LR exposure blocked vasculogenesis in zebrafish embryos, sprouting angiogenesis from rat aorta and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, MC-LR exposure also induced the disruption of cytoskeletal structures and markedly inhibited endothelial cells (ECs) migration from caudal hematopoietic tissue in zebrafish and HUVEC migration. Western blot analysis showed that MC-LR exposure down-regulated the expressions of integrin β1, FAK, Rho and ROCK. Combined with these results, MC-LR could induce disruption of cytoskeleton via down-regulating integrin-mediated FAK/ROCK signaling pathway, leading to the inhibition of ECs migration, which finally blocked vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.
Mathematical Programming Approaches for Modeling a Sustainable Cropping Pattern under Uncertainty: A Case Study in Southern Iran
Authors: Najafabadi Mostafa Mardani , Ashktorab Niloofar
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the excessive and unreasonable use of chemicals, the occasional use of water, and the use of improper irrigation methods have created a worrying and unstable situation in developing countries' agricultural activities. In the present study, the robust multi-objective fractional linear programming model (RMOLFP) was introduced to determine the sustainable optimal cropping pattern. This model was presented in the Gotvand irrigation and drainage network located in Khuzestan province, southern Iran, under two scenarios with and without considering the uncertainty to evaluate the ability of the model. The results showed that in the first scenario, the consumption of critical disruptive inputs of sustainable agriculture such as fertilizers and chemical pesticides decreased by 5.9% and 8.19%, respectively. On the other hand, the model's uncertainty condition was applied in the second scenario in which the increase in gross margin was reduced. There is a trade-off between protecting the optimization model against system uncertainty and gross margin. Finally, the ability of the proposed model to apply uncertainty conditions was verified by the Monte Carlo simulation method. The results of this simulation confirmed the use of the RMOLFP method in determining the sustainable optimal cropping pattern for the study area.
Risk Stratification and Adjuvant Chemotherapy Based on Clinical Risk Scores of Patients with Stage IB-IIA Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhai Wenyu , Duan Fangfang , Dongxia Li , Yan Qihang , Dai Shuqin , Zhang bei , Wang Junye
Published: May 2021

Background Despite the heterogeneity among patients with stage IB-IIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), clinical applicable model to identify those patients to receive adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection is limited. We aimed to developed a clinical tool of benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy for risk stratification and individualized management in this heterogeneous patient population. Methods Between January 2008 and March 2018, patients with T2N0M0 NSCLC at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrospectively retrieved. Survival curves were estimated by means of the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the long-rank test. We used the Cox hazard regression models to identify the prognostic factors associated with the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). To reduce the possible effects of bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was implemented in a 1:1 ratio to. Subgroup analysis was further performed based on the quantized clinical risk score (CRS) derived from the prognostic variates and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status. Results A total of 1063 patients with T2N0M0 NSCLC were enrolled in this retrospective study, 272 patients among them received adjuvant chemotherapy. Before PSM, Patients with a high-CRS (>1) had a significant worse OS and DFS. After PSM, the baseline characteristics of 270 pairs of patients were matched well. A significant improvement in OS was associated with adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with a high-CRS, while adjuvant chemotherapy was a positive independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS in patients with wild-type EGFR. The interaction analysis showed an apparent interaction effect between adjuvant chemotherapy and EGFR-activating mutations as well as chemotherapy regimens and histology.Conclusions Clinical risk score can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with stage IB-IIA NSCLC. Adjuvant chemotherapy could improve the outcome of patients after surgery, especially for those with clinical risk score over 1. Patients with non-squamous cell histology receiving pemetrexed plus platinum might benefit more, but not in those with EGFR-activating mutations.
The relationship between maternal perfluoroalkylated substances exposure and low birth weight of offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Tengrui , Qu Aibin , Li Zixuan , Wang Wenjuan , Liu Ran , Wang Xue , Nie Yaxiong , Sun Suju , Zhang Xiaolin , Liu Xuehui
Published: May 2021

Some studies have shown that maternal perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) exposure may be associated with low birth weight (LBW) of offspring. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between maternal PFASs exposure and LBW in offspring. The researchers searched PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase to find all the articles before October 2020. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Finally, six articles were included for meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed were no significant correlation between maternal perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure and LBW of offspring: odds ratio (OR) = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.80–1.01, with low heterogeneity (I2 = 18.4%, P = 0.289); there was a significant positive correlation between maternal perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure and LBW of offspring (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.09–1.55) with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0.00%, P = 0.570). The grouping analysis of PFOS showed was a significant positive correlation between maternal PFOS exposure and LBW of offspring in America (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.15–1.72). This study provided a systematic review and meta-analysis evidence for the relationship between maternal PFASs exposure and LBW of offspring through a small number of studies. Researchers should conduct further studies between different regions.
Transcriptional Inactivation of TP53 and the BMP Pathway Mediates Therapy-induced Dedifferentiation and Metastasis in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Han Hyunho , Wang Yan , Curto Josue , Gurrapu Sreeharsha , Laudato Sara , Rumandla Alekya , Chakraborty Goutam , Wang Xiaobo , Chen Hong , Jiang Yan , Kumar Dhiraj , Caggiano Emily , Zhang Boyu , Ji Yan , Maity Sankar , Hu Min , Bai Shanshan , Aparicio Ana , Efstathiou Eleni , Logothetis Christopher , Navin Nicholas , Navone Nora , Chen Yu , Giancotti Filippo
Published: May 2021

Unsupervised clustering and deconvolution analysis identifies a novel subtype of M-CRPC endowed with hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) and luminal progenitor-like traits (Mesenchymal and Stem-like PC, MSPC). Analysis of patient datasets and mechanistic studies indicate that MSPC arises as a consequence of therapy-induced lineage plasticity. AR blockade instigates two separate and complementary processes: 1) transcriptional silencing of TP53 and hence acquisition of hybrid E/M and stem-like traits; and 2) inhibition of the BMP signaling, which promotes resistance to the pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of AR inhibition. The drug-tolerant prostate cancer cells generated through reprogramming are rescued by neuregulin and generate metastases in mice. Combined inhibition of HER2/3 and AR or mTORC1 exhibit efficacy in preclinical models of mixed ARPC/MSPC or MSPC, respectively. These results identify a novel subtype of M-CRPC, trace its origin to therapy-induced lineage plasticity, and reveal its dependency on HER2/3 signaling.
The spleen physiologically clears Aβ, and splenectomy aggravates Alzheimer-type pathogenesis
Authors: Yu Zhong-Yuan , Chen Dong-Wan , Tan Cheng-Rong , Zeng Gui-Hua , He Chen-Yang , Bu Xian-Le , Wang Yan-Jiang
Published: May 2021

Background: A previous study demonstrated that nearly 40%-60% of brain Aβ flows out into the peripheral system for clearance. However, where and how circulating Aβ is cleared in the periphery remains unclear. The spleen acts as a blood filter and an immune organ. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the spleen in the clearance of Aβ in the periphery. Methods: We investigated the physiological clearance of Aβ by the spleen and established a mouse model of AD and spleen excision by removing the spleens of APP/PS1 mice to investigate the effect of splenectomy on AD mice. Results: We found that Aβ levels in the splenic artery were higher than those in the splenic vein, suggesting that circulating Aβ is cleared when blood flows through the spleen. Next, we found that splenic monocytes/macrophages could take up Aβ directly in vivo and in vitro. Splenectomy aggravated cognitive impairment, brain Aβ burden, and AD-related pathologies in AD mice. Conclusion: Our study reveals for the first time that the spleen exerts a physiological function of clearing circulating Aβ in the periphery. Our study also suggests that splenectomy, which is a routine treatment for splenic rupture and hypersplenism, might accelerate the development of AD.
Enhancing Biofilm Formation and Microalgae Growth by Preparing Cellulose Substrate With Rough Surface
Authors: Chen Caixiang , Wen Shumei , Wang Zhihui , Zhang Jinming , Yan Chenghu , Zhang Jun , Cong Wei
Published: May 2021

A series of cellulose films with rough surface were prepared by employing a simple solution casting method and using the waterproof abrasive papers with different grits as the substrate. The cellulose films possessed a rough surface with the maximum height difference (Sz) of 128-217 μm, a macroporous structure with a high porosity of 84.7%-90.5%, and a negative potential between -40.00 and -54.15 mV. Furthermore, the cellulose films exhibited excellent microalgae adhesion properties. After 18 days of attached Chlorella sp. cultivation experiments, the average productivities of C-A-120 films (C-A-X, X means the mesh number of the substrate) reached 20.80 g m-2 d-1), which is 2.69 times than that of the cellulose film with a smooth surface. The result indicates that the cellulose films with a rough surface and high water adsorption ratio have a huge potential in serving as the substrate of the attached microalgae cultivation to promote microalgae cells growth and biofilm formation.
Tumor cell-derived CCL2 promotes chemoresistance via c-Fos in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Dong , Yang Li , Li Yanjun , Cao Ling , Zhang Kai , Lian Jingyao , Shen Zhibo , Huang Jianmin , Wang Liping , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2021

Background

The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in promoting chemoresistance in solid cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the underlying molecular mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment potentially involved in chemoresistance in lung adenocarcinoma patients.
Methods

A multiplex assay was used to determine the transcription factor levels in chemoresistant lung adenocarcinoma cells. The role of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in chemoresistance of lung adenocarcinoma was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. A ChIP assay was performed to determine the molecular mechanism by which c-Fos regulates “CCL2”.
Results

CCL2 expression was significantly higher in chemoresistant than in chemosensitive lung adenocarcinoma cells and was closely associated with poor survival in lung adenocarcinoma patients. CCL2 enhanced the resistance of lung adenocarcinoma cells to cisplatin in vitro. Chemoresistant lung adenocarcinoma cell-derived CCL2 promoted monocyte recruitment to the tumor site and monocyte polarization into M2 macrophages, which further mediated the chemoresistance of lung adenocarcinoma. The involvement of c-Fos in CCL2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells might promote chemoresistance. Blockade of CCL2 suppressed tumor growth and restored cisplatin sensitivity in lung adenocarcinoma.
Conclusions

The c-Fos–CCL2 axis might provide a promising target for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
Work motivation and occupational self-efficacy belief to continue working among ageing home care nurses: a qualitative study with a mixed methods approach
Authors: Wallin Stina , Fjellman-Wiklund Anncristine , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: May 2021

Background: It is important to support ageing home care nurses (HCNs) to remain in work for longer, since the need for home care services is increasing. Personal resources such as self-efficacy belief contribute to work ability, as does work motivation. Few studies have targeted the ageing workers’ self-efficacy belief to manage their final working years. This study explores ageing HCNs’ work motivation, and occupational self-efficacy, i.e. belief in one’s capabilities, to continue working until expected retirement age. Methods: This exploratory qualitative study, analysed with a mixed methods approach, reports on phase two of a cross-sectional survey. A total of 234 HCNs answered four open-ended questions, regarding their work motivation and self-efficacy beliefs. First, data was analysed using manifest qualitative content analysis. Next, a quantitative analysis was performed based on the results of the qualitative study, and the categories that emerged were quantitatively ranked. Results: The open-ended questions yielded 2339 utterances. The findings showed that several factors concurrently affected both work motivation and self-efficacy belief. When the factors were well-functioning, they positively affected both motivation and self-efficacy belief, and when they were insufficient, they negatively affected either or both motivation and/or belief. Meaningfulness, job satisfaction, social support, and work environmental and organizational characteristics affected work motivation most. Perceived health highly affected the self-efficacy belief to continue working until expected retirement age, as well as meaningfulness of work, support from colleagues and supervisors, and work characteristics. Conclusions: Through highlighting the meaningfulness of work, and supporting the perceived health, the work community and leadership, both work motivation and self-efficacy belief to continue working might be facilitated among ageing HCNs. However, the still present draining workload must be focused.
Alterations in functional connectivity and interactions in resting-state networks in female patients with functional constipation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Yuyao , Li Guanya , Yi Xiaofang , Hu Yang , Tan Zongxin , Jia Zhenzhen , Li Hao , Lv Shuai , von Deneen Karen M. , Zhang Junwang , Duan Shijun , Cui Guangbin , Zhang Yi , Nie Yongzhan
Published: May 2021

Patients with functional constipation (FCon) have been reported with brain functional abnormalities. The associations between constipation symptoms and brain functional connectivity (FC) in these patients are not well understood. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine FC alterations between resting-state networks (RSNs) and their associations with constipation symptoms in patients with FCon. The investigation of these characteristics might help to reveal the underlying neural mechanisms. Functional MRI with independent component analysis was applied to investigate alterations in FC within and functional network connectivity (FNC) between RSNs including default mode- (DMN), basal ganglia- (BGN), salience- (SN), left and right control executive-network (LCEN/ RCEN) in 39 female patients with FCon and 36 female healthy controls (HC). Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Scale (PAC-QOL) and Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom Scale (PAC-SYM) were used to assess the constipation symptoms. Results showed that FCon patients had changed regional FC between different networks contributed to the abnormal FNCs among RSNs compared with HC. Patients with greater stool syndromes had increased FNC of BGN-SN and DMN-LCEN, and patients with greater worries/concerns and PAC-QOL total score had reduced FNC of SN-RCEN. The greater strength changes of FC in prefrontal and in parietal cortices were associated with higher negative emotion scores and greater rectal symptoms respectively. Our functional MRI suggested that FCon patients had altered FC within and interaction between RSNs and the brain FC changes were associated with constipation symptoms and altered emotions.
The Role of the Electrokinetic Charge of Neurotrophis-based Nanocarriers: Protein Distribution, Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in in Vitro Setting
Authors: Dąbkowska Maria , Ulańczyk Zofia , Łuczkowska Karolina , Rogińska Dorota , Sobuś Anna , Wasilewska Monika , Olszewska Maria , Jakubowska Katarzyna , Machaliński Bogusław
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe rational chemical design of nanoparticles can be readily controlled and optimized by quantitatively studying protein adsorption at variously charged polymer carriers, which can determine their fate in biological fluids. We manufactured brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) -based electrostatic nanocomplexes with different type of dendrimer core (anionic or cationic), encapsulated or not in polyethylene glycol (PEG), and studied their physicochemical properties and behavior in biological setting. We investigated whether the electrokinetic charge of dendrimer core influences BDNF loading and desorption from the nanoparticle and serves as a determinant of nanoparticles’ behaviour in in vitro setting, influencing mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation and general nanoparticles’ cellular toxicity.ResultsWe found that elektrokinetic charge of the dendrimer core influences nanoparticles in terms of BDNF release profile from their surfaces and their effect on cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell phenotype and induction of oxidative stress. The electrostatic interaction of positively charged core of nanoparticles with cell membranes decreases their cytotoxicity, as well as increases serious phenotype alterations in comparison to negatively charged nanoparticles core in neuron-like differentiated human neuroblastoma cell. Moreover, PEG adsorption at nanoparticles with negatively charged core present a distinct decrease in metabolic cell activity. On the contrary, charge neutralization due to PEG adsorption on the surface of nanoparticles with positively charged core does not reduce their cytotoxicity makes them less biocompatible with differentiated cells and presumably show non-specific toxicity.ConclusionsThe surface charge transformation after adsorption of protein or polyelectrolyte during nanocarriers formulation has an important role not only in designing nanomaterials with potent neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties but also in applying them in cellular environment.
MicroRNA-Regulated Ubiquitination and Lipid Metabolism Networks Are Associated With Chemotherapy Response in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Topouza Danai Georgia , Choi Jihoon , Nesdoly Sean , Tarnouskaya Anastasiya , Nicol Christopher J.B. , Duan Qing Ling
Published: May 2021

BackgroundHigh-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a highly lethal gynecologic cancer, in part due to resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy reported among 20% of patients. This study aims to characterize the biological mechanisms underlying chemotherapy resistance, which remain poorly understood. MethodsSequencing data (mRNA and microRNA) from HGSOC patients were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes and co-expressed transcript networks associated with chemotherapy response. Analyses used datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and were replicated in two independent ovarian cancer cohorts. Moreover, transcript expression datasets and genomics data (i.e. single nucleotide polymorphisms) were integrated to determine potential regulation of the associated mRNA networks by microRNAs and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs).ResultsWe identified 196 differentially expressed mRNAs enriched for adaptive immunity and translation, and 21 differentially expressed microRNAs associated with angiogenesis. Co-expression network analysis identified two mRNA networks associated with chemotherapy response, which were enriched for ubiquitination and lipid metabolism, as well as three associated microRNA networks enriched for lipoprotein transport and oncogenic pathways. These network modules replicated in two independent ovarian cancer cohorts. Moreover, integrative analyses of the mRNA, microRNA and genomics datasets revealed potential regulation of the mRNA networks by the associated microRNAs and SNPs (i.e. eQTLs). ConclusionsWe report novel transcriptional networks and biological pathways associated with resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy among HGSOC patients. These results improve our understanding of the effector networks and regulators of chemotherapy response, which will help to elucidate novel therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.
Prevalence and Location of Endplate Fracture and Subsidence after Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Inoue Gen , Saito Wataru , Miyagi Masayuki , Imura Takayuki , Shirasawa Eiki , Mimura Yusuke , Kuroda Akiyoshi , Yokozeki Yuji , Akazawa Tsutomu , Nakazawa Toshiyuki , Uchida Kentaro , Takaso Masashi
Published: May 2021

Background: Recently, Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is commonly indicated to correct the sagittal and coronal alignment in adult spinal deformity (ASD). Endplate fracture during surgery is one of major complication of OLIF, but the detailed location of fracture in vertebral endplate has not yet evaluated in ASD. We conducted this study to evaluate the incidence and location of endplate fracture and subsidence of the OLIF cage, and its impact on fusion status and alignment in ASD surgery.Methods: 75 levels in 27 patients were analyzed using multiplanar CT to detect the endplate fracture immediately after surgery and subsidence at postoperative 1 year. The prevalence was compared between anterior and posterior, approach side and non-approach side, and concave and convex side. Their impact on fusion status, local and global alignment, and complication was also investigated.Results: Endplate fracture was observed in 64 levels (85.3%) in all 27 patients, and the incidence was significantly higher in posterior area compared with anterior area (85.3% vs. 68.0%, p=0.02) of affected vertebra in sagittal plane. On the coronal plane, there was no significant difference in incidence between left (approach) side and right (non-approach) side (77.3% and 81.3%, respectively), or concave and convex side (69.4% and 79.6%) of wedged vertebra. On the other hand, cage subsidence at postoperative one year was noted in 18.7% (14/75 levels), which was not associated with endplate fracture. Fusion status, local and global alignment, or complications were not associated with endplate fracture and subsidence.Conclusion: Endplate fracture during OLIF procedure in ASD cases is hardly avoidable, possibly induced by corrective maneuver with ideal rod counter and cantilever force, but impacts less on subsequent cage subsidence, fusion status, and sustainment of corrected alignment in long fusion surgery performed even for elderly patients.
Nano-Viewpoint in Modeling and Investigation of the D/M/D Transparent-Conductive Layer
Authors: Haidari Gholamhosain
Published: May 2021

A transparent-conductive film (TCF) is widely used in various electro-optical devices. The dielectric/metal/dielectric(D/M/D) as one type of TCF has been highly considered due to more advantages, such as the possibility of selecting different materials and engineering other properties. For pre-fabrication design, it is often modeled with a 1D photonic crystal. This model needs to be improved due to the low thickness of the metal layer. This thin metallic layer leads to a nanostructure instead of a uniform layer. In this study, after proper nanostructure modeling, the 3D-FDTD method was used to simulate different optical properties of the structure. The first aspect of the importance of the nanostructured model is to address the serious plasmonic resonant losses. They are associated with the complicated metallic form in D/M/D that is not considered in conventional modeling. The simulation results showed that for Ag, plasmonic loss peaks show a wide distribution over the visible. About Al, these peaks show a more significant distribution at the beginning of the visible spectrum. In both, plasmonic loss behavior tends to red-shift. About optical transition, Al does not offer a notable advantage over Ag. Due to the intense excitation of plasmonic losses when the metal layer has pores, a layer of entirely connected nanoparticles with the least possible thickness can have the desired properties. The increased rough surface of the dielectric layer due to the nanostructured metallic layer was also modeled.
Construction of a Novel Risk Model Based on the Random Forest Algorithm to Distinguish Pancreatic Cancers with Different Prognoses and Immune Microenvironment Features
Authors: Lei Yalan , Tang Rong , Xu Jin , Zhang Bo , Liu Jiang , Liang Chen , Meng Qingcai , Hua Jie , Yu Xianjun , Wang Wei , Shi Si
Published: May 2021

Background: Immune-related long noncoding RNAs (irlncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be actively involved in the regulation of immune status. With this study, we aimed to establish a risk model of irlncRNAs and further investigate the roles of irlncRNAs in prognosis prediction and the immune landscape in pancreatic cancer.Methods: The transcriptome profiles and clinical information of pancreatic cancer patients were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Immune-related genes (irgenes) downloaded from ImmPort were used to screen the lncRNAs by correlation analysis (R>0.5, p<0.001). Random survival forest (RSF) and survival tree analysis showed that 9 irlncRNAs were highly correlated with overall survival (OS) according to the variable importance (VIMP) and the minimal depth. Then, Cox regression was used to establish a risk model with 3 irlncRNAs, which was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. In addition, we performed Cox regression analysis to establish the clinical prognostic model, which showed that the risk score was the only independent prognostic factor (p<0.001). A nomogram was drawn to visualize the clinical features. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and analysis of the correlations between the risk score and immune cells was applied to explore the potential irlncRNAs related to immune status.Results: A total of 176 samples were randomly divided into a training set (n=123) and a test set (n=53). A total of 1903 irlncRNAs were identified after Pearson correlation analysis between irgenes and lncRNAs. A total of 9 irlncRNAs were identified in the survival tree analysis, and 3 irlncRNAs (LINC00462, LINC01887, RP11-706C16.8) were used to establish a risk model. The areas under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for 36 months, 30 months, 24 months, 18 months, 12 months and 6 months were 0.778, 0.774, 0.751, 0.753, 0.780 and 0.756, respectively, with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.696. In the clinical prognostic model, the C-index increased from 0.599 to 0.682 after combining the risk scores. Furthermore, a high risk was associated with increased infiltration of CD4+ T cells, M0 macrophages and M1 macrophages.Conclusions: We established a novel three-irlncRNA risk model. The clinical evaluation showed its robustness in predicting the prognosis and immune landscape of pancreatic cancer.
Hydrogeochemical Variability and Appraisal of Water Quality of Groundwater in Mahoba District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Gupta Dev Sen , Ghosh Parthapratim , Rai Shive Prakash , Tripathi Shashikant
Published: May 2021

Mahoba district comes under the state of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), India which is a part of mighty Bundelkhand Granitic Terrain known for its water debt condition. The region is hard rock terrain having recent alluvium cover of variable thickness relating to slope and level of erosion. Secondary porosity i.e. in the fractures and cracks present hosts the groundwater in the study area. The high water scarcity and poor drinking quality led us to carry our research work in the study area. The water facies analysed shows Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Na-HCO3 water types which indicated their compositional source from rock and anthropogenic inputs. Majority of the samples showed dominance of alkaline earths over alkalies and weak acids over stronger counterparts. The correlation coefficients calculated between hydrochemical parameters projects a strong positive correlation of EC and TDS with most of the major ions, including SO42−, NO3−. The excessive fertilizers, unplanned municipal wastes and agricultural wastes resulted to high SO42− and NO3−. High F− showed concentration in various samples may have geogenic sources due to flour-apatite in granitic terrain and Fe found in excess gives unpleasant taste on drinking. The analysed irrigation parameters (% Na, MR, TDS, RSC, SAR, TH, and KI) revealed perfect under permissible quality. Various negative human health issues like indigestion, bone problems, alimentary canal problems have been seen due to excess of SO42−, NO3− and F−). The study reflects the need of immediate preventive measures to improve drinking quality from health alarming ion concentrations and also would help for further management programs.
Determination of Colistin Resistance in Gram-negative Bacteria by Four Phenotypic Assays and Inference of the Underlying Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Torres Diana Albertos , Seth-Smith Helena M.B. , Jossee Nicole , Lang Claudia , Dubius Oliver , Nüesch-Inderbinen Magdalena , Hinic Vladimira , Egli Adrian
Published: May 2021

Background: Colistin is used against multi-drug resistant pathogens, yet resistance emerges either through dissemination of plasmid-mediated genes (mcr) or chromosomal mutation of genes involved in lipopolysaccharide synthesis (i.e. mgrB, phoPQ, pmrCAB). Phenotypic susceptibility testing is challenging due to poor diffusion of colistin in agar media, leading to an underestimation of resistance. We aimed to compare the performance of four different phenotypic approaches in the context of different molecular mechanism of resistance. Methods: We compared the performance of Vitek 2® (bioMérieux, AST N242), Colistin MIC Test Strip (Liofilchem Diagnostici), UMIC (Biocentric), and Rapid Polymyxin NP Test (ELITechGroup) against the standard broth microdilution (BDM) method. We used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to infer the molecular mechanisms of resistance. A total of 97 Enterobacterales and non-fermenting bacterial isolates were collected from clinical samples during 2016-2017 and tested for colistin susceptibility. Data was analysed by comparing the susceptibility category (susceptible or resistant) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). We determined diversity of isolates by core genome multi locus sequencing typing (cgMLST) and identified antimicrobial resistance genes using NCBI and CARD databases. Results: Of the 97 clinical isolates, 54 (56%) were resistant by the standard broth microdilution. The highest susceptibility category concordance was achieved by the Rapid Polymyxin NP test (98.8%) followed by UMIC (97.9%), E-test MIC strip (96.9%) and Vitek 2 (95.6%). The highest MIC concordance was achieved by UMIC (80.4%), followed by Vitek 2 (72.5%) and E-test MIC strip (62.9%). Among the resistant isolates, 23/54 (43%) were intrinsically resistant to colistin, whereas 31/54 (57%) isolates had acquired colistin resistance. Of these, mcr-1 was detected in four isolates and mcr-2 in one isolate. Mutations in mgrB, phoQ, pmrA, pmrB, and pmrC genes that led to amino acid changes were encountered in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter bereziniae resistant isolates. Conclusions: The Rapid Polymyxin NP test showed the highest categorical concordance and the UMIC test provided MIC values with a high concordance to the standard method. We found colistin resistance in diverse species occurred predominantly through spontaneous chromosomal mutation rather than plasmid-mediated resistance.
Association of Mean Perfusion Pressure Variability and Short-Term Mortality in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Peng Yudie , Wu Buyun , Xing Changying , Mao Huijuan
Published: May 2021

Abnormal blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with various organ injuries, high risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events and mortality. To investigate the association between mean perfusion pressure variability (MPPV) and mortality in critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), we analyzed data stored in the eICU-CRD database. MPPV was measured as the standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), average real variability (ARV) and variation independent of the mean (VIM) of the first 24 hours MPP data within the first 72 hours in the first ICU stay. A total of 6049 patients were included. Apart from SD, survivors had significantly lower MPPV in ARV, CV but higher VIM compared with non-survivors. After accounting for confounders, highest MPPV in decile using four measurements were associated with increased risk of hospital mortality compared with those in the fifth and sixth decile. In addition, lowest MPPV with dimension (mmHg) in decile also correlated to an increase in the risk of hospital mortality compared with the fifth and sixth decile. These relationships remained remarkable in the sensitive analyses. Increased MPPV and decreased MPPV with dimension were associated with short-term mortality in critically ill patients.
Experimental Investigation and Bifurcation Set Equation Modeling of Chip-Splitting Catastrophe
Authors: You Qingfa , Xu Mingxian , Zhu Baoyi , Xiong Liangshan , Yin Kai
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the methods of designing experiments for observation of the critical conditions of chip-splitting catastrophe (CSC) based on the dichotomy principle and the methodology of modelling CSC with a bifurcation set equation on the basis of catastrophe theory. 355 groups of experiments are carried out for observing critical conditions of CSC in the symmetrical straight double-edged cutting. It is found that the occurrence of CSC is of obvious regularity. Besides, the specific cutting force is reduced by a maximum of 64.68% after CSC. The bifurcation set equation is established, which can predict the critical conditions of CSC in the symmetrical cutting with a straight double-edged tool with any combinations of cutting edge angles and rake angles. With verification, the predicted values of the critical cutting thickness of CSC based on the established equation are in good agreement with experimental values and yield an average absolute prediction error of 5.34%, which is satisfactorily low. This study lays the groundwork for energy-saving optimization of tool structure and process parameters through reasonable utilization of CSC.
­­Development and Validation of a Novel HILIC Method for the Quantification of Low-levels of Cuprizone in Cuprizone-containing Chow
Authors: Zheng Fengmei , Lin Yiqing , Boulas Pierre
Published: May 2021

Cuprizone is an amide compound that has been wildly used in various animal studies, such as in the investigation of remyelination in mouse model. It is important to control the amount of cuprizone dosed in animals to be consistent as different amounts may lead to different clinical observations. Cuprizone is usually administrated as a minor component (i.e., 0.3%) of a mixture with powdered or pelleted rodent chow. Its low content, combined with the complex nature of chow, represents a significant challenge for the quantification of cuprizone in the mixture. To the best of our knowledge, no method has been reported in the literature so far. In this study, a simple, selective, and sensitive hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic method was developed for the quantification of cuprizone in cuprizone pre-clinical formulations. The analytical method comprises a fast ultrasound assisted extraction with acetonitrile/water as a solvent followed by HILIC separation using a Waters Xbridge HILIC column and UV detection. The specificity, linearity, accuracy, repeatability, and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the method were established. This method has been demonstrated to be suitable for its intended use and has been successfully applied to the quantification of low levels of cuprizone in chow formulations. It was found that the cuprizone content in chow could varied significantly between batches and the potential causes of the variability were investigated.
Hereditary Spherocytosis With Liver Transplantation After Cirrhosis: a Case Report
Authors: Yang Xueliang , Wang Wen , Fan Wanhu , Cai Lin , Ye Feng , Lin Shumei , Liu Xiaojing
Published: May 2021

Background: The clinical manifestations of hereditary spherocytosis are similar to those of various hemolytic anemias, which causes hereditary spherocytosis to be difficult to diagnose clinically. Case presentation: In this case, we obtained the peripheral blood of a patient and family members, and through a whole exome test of the 6297 genetic phenotypes confirmed by OMIM, we found a heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.4117C>T, P.Q1373X) in the SPTB gene. Combined with the patient's clinical data, the diagnosis was hereditary spherocytosis. Compared with the public population sequence database, the mutation was found to be unique. Through protein structure prediction analysis and literature studies, we found that the mutation caused SPTB mRNA instability, resulting in insufficient spectral protein synthesis and affecting the integrity and flexibility of the red blood cell membrane skeleton. This case report found that SPTB gene mutations may cause liver dysfunction and cirrhosis in addition to hereditary spherocytosis, and this finding expands the phenotypic spectrum of SPTB. This study confirmed that NGS can be used to diagnose hereditary spherocytosis.Conclusions: Identifying mutated genes can not only accurately treat diseases, but also avoid potential genetic risks and improve prenatal and postnatal care.