bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Post-weld Heat Treatment on Microstructures and Properties of Laser-Welded FV520B Steel
Authors: Deng Dewei , Jie LV , Yushan MA , Xin TIAN , Zhiye HUANG , Yong ZHANG , Qinghua FAN , Yongxiang JIAO
Published: September 2020

For the laser-welded FV520B steel welds, the experiments of post-weld aging treatment have been conducted at different temperatures. The microstructural transformations under various heat-treatment conditions are investigated by optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Vickers hardness and impact toughness are also measured after the aging treatments. The results of microstructural observations show that before heat treatment the fusion zone (FZ) mainly includes low carbon martensite and δ-ferrite. With the increase of aging temperature and time, in FZ the δ-ferrite phase spheroidizes and disappears. When the aging temperature is lower than 400 ºC, the carbides grow with increasing aging time. After aging treatment at 550 ºC for 12 h, a small amount of reversed austenite appears in FZ. The volume fraction of reversed austenite increases with the further increase of aging temperature and time. However, in FZ all the reversed austenite disappears after aging at 650 ºC for 12 h. This indicates that at room temperature the amount of reversed austenite is related not only to the volume fraction of the reversed austenite obtained from aging, but also to the stability of reversed austenite during cooling. The Vickers hardness and impact toughness of the welds mainly depend on the balance between the dispersion strengthening effect of the Cu-rich precipitates and the weakening effect of tempered martensite. The presence of reversed austenite can also improve the toughness of welds. In addition, as the aging temperature and aging time increase, the hardness difference between the three zones of FZ, heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal (BM) decreases.
Application of Virtual Noncontrast CT Generation Technology From Intravenous Enhanced CT Based on Deep Learning in Proton Radiotherapy
Authors: sui jianfeng , Gao Liugang , Shang Haijiao , Li Chunying , Lu Zhengda , Mu He , Lin Tao , Xie Kai , Sun Jiawei , Bi Hui , Ni Xinye
Published: September 2020

Objective: The aim of this study is to generate virtual noncontrast (VNC) computed tomography (CT) from intravenous enhanced CT by using Unet convolutional neural network (CNN). The differences among enhanced, VNC, and noncontrast CT in proton dose calculation were compared. Methods: A total of 30 groups of CT images of patients who received enhanced and noncontrast CT were selected. Enhanced and noncontrast CT were registered. Among these patients, 20 groups of the CT images were chosen as the training set. Enhanced CT images were used as the input, and the corresponding noncontrast CT images were used as output to train the Unet neural network. The remaining 10 groups of CT images were chosen as the test set. VNC images were generated by the trained Unet neural network. The same proton radiotherapy plan for esophagus cancer was designed based on three images. Proton dose distributions in enhanced, VNC, and noncontrast CT were calculated. The relative dose differences in enhanced CT with VNC and noncontrast CT were analyzed. Results: The mean absolute error (MAE) of the CT values between enhanced and noncontrast CT was 32.3 ± 2.6 HU. The MAE of the CT values between VNC and noncontrast CT was 6.7 ± 1.3 HU. The mean values of the enhanced CT in the great vessel, heart, lung, liver, and spinal cord were significantly higher than those of noncontrast CT, with the differences of 97, 83, 42, 40, and 10 HU, respectively. The mean values of the VNC CT showed no significant difference with noncontrast CT. The differences among enhanced, VNC, and noncontrast CT in terms of the average relative proton dose for clinical target volume(CTV), heart, great vessels, and lung were also investigated. The average relative proton doses of the contrast CT for these organs were significantly lower than those of noncontrast CT. The largest difference was observed in the great vessel, while the differences in other organs were relatively small. The γ-passing rates of the enhanced and VNC CT were calculated by 2% dose difference and 2 mm distance to agreement. Results showed that the mean γ-passing rate of VNC CT was significantly higher than that of enhanced CT (p<0.05). Conclusions: The proton radiotherapy design based on enhanced CT increased the range error, thereby resulting in calculation errors of the proton dose. Therefore, a technology that can be used to generate VNC CT from enhanced CT based on Unet neural network was proposed. The proton dose calculated based on VNC CT images was essentially consistent with that based on noncontrast CT.
Molecular Epidemiology, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Infection in Eastern China: for A Retrospective Study Over 4 Years
Authors: Zhao Dongmei , Li Hongru , Yue Chengcheng , Liu Yanyan , Ye Ying , Li Jiabin
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) have undergone extensive dissemination in worldwide resulting in increased mortality. We performed a retrospective analysis of epidemiology and risk factors for CRKP infection in a general teaching hospital in China.Methods: A molecular and clinical study were conducted for 98 CRKP in a tertiary hospital from January 2013 to December 2016. Carbapenemase gene detection, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were performed. Logistic regression was also used to identify the risk factors associating with the 30-day mortality.Results: The producition of KPC cabapenemase was the main resistant mechanism and increased annually with a significant difference. However, the molecular outcome revealed the dominance and diversity in CRKP with 24 sequence types (STs) and 59 PFGE types (PTs ). The ST11 CRKP were documented as the predominant strains in our study, which showed a significant increasing trend year by year. Additionally, the predominant ST11 CRKP corresponding to PT10 and PT15 remained a typical fashion. Of note, the new advantage PT09 or PT16 were just discovered in 2016 which also corresponding to ST11. Meanwhile, the factors on 30-day mortality and ST11 proportionality with CRKP infection were assessed, which showed that ST11, appropriate empirical treatment, and hospital stays were independently associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions: ST11 CRKP payed a dominant role in the process, but the homology of these strains was polymorphic and the advantage clusters would be changed by evolution. Additionally, besides appropriate empirical treatment and hospital stays, ST11 CRKP was independently associated with the 30-day mortality, first reported as we know.
Differing Context-Specific Sedentary Behaviors in Australian Adults with Higher and Lower Diabetes Risk
Authors: Homer Ashleigh R , Owen Neville , Sethi Parneet , Clark Bronwyn K , Healy Genevieve N. , Dempsey Paddy C. , Dunstan David W
Published: September 2020

Time spent sitting in different settings can pose different risks to health. In Australian adults either with higher and lower diabetes risk, this study examined the differing compositions of self-reported sitting time accumulated in five contexts (occupational, transport, TV viewing, leisure computer-use and other). Participants (n = 3927; 60 ± 11 years; 45% male) were from the 2011–2012 assessment wave of the AusDiab study. The relative compositions of self-reported context-specific sedentary behaviors to total sitting time were compared between those with and without previously undiagnosed dysglycaemia (impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance or newly diagnosed T2D), in working (323 with, 1646 without; 5-part composition) and non-working (433, 1525; 4-part composition) adults. For working adults, compared to those without dysglycaemia, those with undiagnosed dysglycemia spent the same proportion of time sitting at work, 3% more time sitting during transport, 9% more time sitting watching TV, 2% less time sitting using a computer for leisure, and 9% less time sitting during other activities. For non-working adults, compared to those without, those with dysglycemia spent 26% less time sitting during transport, 9% more time sitting while watching TV, 29% less time sitting using a computer for leisure, and 5% more time sitting during other activities. In addition to addressing overall sitting time, those with higher levels of diabetes risk may benefit from targeted reductions in context-specific sedentary behaviors, particularly TV viewing time. These findings also provide a case in point with potential relevance for other health problems associated with sedentary behavior.
Il-1antagonist Treatment in Recurrent Aseptic Meningitis Related to Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Livny Ruth , Bitterman Yuval , Brik Riva , Aviel Yonatan Butbul
Published: September 2020

Background Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive, auto-inflammatory disease, presenting with recurrent bouts of fever and polyserositis. FMF has been associated with central nervous system (CNS) manifestations such as Headache and Myalgia. The occurrence of other forms of nervous system involvement is rare, including seizures, sinus vein thrombosis, pseudotumor cerebri and more. There are only few case reports of aseptic meningitis due to FMF. Case presentation We present the case of a 14 year-old girl diagnosed with FMF, who experienced recurrent episodes of severe headache and aseptic meningitis while on maximal dose of colchicine therapy. She had a dramatic response to anakinra with symptoms resolving completely within a few days without recurrence. Subsequently, we identified seven cases in the literature describing recurrent aseptic meningitis in patients with underlying FMF; all showed response to colchicine treatment, without treatment failure. Conclusion Our case suggests a role for Interleukin 1 (IL-1) antagonists for cases of CNS involvement secondary to FMF in patients who fail to respond to colchicine, and might imply that anakinra could be effective in other auto-inflammatory diseases with CNS involvement.
A Novel Circular RNA circ-LRIG3 Facilitates the Malignant Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Modulating the EZH2/STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Sun Suofeng , Gao Jing , Zhou Shen , Li Yuan , Wang Yu , Jin Li , Li Jian , Liu Bowei , Zhang Bingyong , Han Shuangyin , Ding Hui , Li Xiuling
Published: September 2020

Background: Circular RNA (circRNA) is emerging as an important player in human diseases, especially cancer. In our previous study, we identified a series of deregulated circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by performing circRNA microarray expression profile. Here, we aimed to explore the role of circ-LRIG3 (hsa_circ_0027345) in HCC.Methods: qRT-PCR and western blot were used to asses gene and protein expression, respectively. CCK-8, EdU and Transwell assays were used to detect cell proliferation, migration and invasion. GSEA software was applied to analyze the pathway related to circ-LRIG3. Co-IP, RIP and ChIP assays were used to identify the positive feedback axis of circ-LRIG3/EZH2/STAT3. Animal study was carried to test the role of circ-LRIG3 in vivo.Results: Circ-LRIG3 was notably upregulated in HCC and promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and reduced apoptosis. Circ-LRIG3 formed a ternary complex with EZH2 and STAT3, facilitating EZH2-induced STAT3 methylation and subsequent phosphorylation, resulting in the activation of STAT3 signaling. In turn, activated STAT3 could directly bind to circ-LRIG3 promoter to increase circ-LRIG3 transcription activity, thus forming a positive feedback loop. The animal models showed that exogenous expression of circ-LRIG3 enhanced tumorigenicity and metastasis in vivo, whereas these effects were blocked after treatment with C188-9, a specific STAT3 small-molecule inhibitor. Clinically, high circ-LRIG3 was closely linked with aggressive clinicopathological features and was identified as an independent risk prognostic factor of overall survival. Importantly, plasma circ-LRIG3 was found to be a highly sensitive and specific non-invasive diagnostic indicator for HCC. Conclusions: Our study reveals the carcinogenic role of circ-LRIG3 in HCC, which may provide a new therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Evaluation of Different Blood Feeding Frequencies on Glossina Palpalis Gambiensis Performance in A Mass Rearing Insectary
Authors: Camara Karifa , Ilboudo Kadidiata , Salou Ernest Wendemanegde , Gimonneau Geoffrey
Published: September 2020

Background: In tsetse flies mass rearing insectaries, the sustainable supply of high-quality blood meals is the main challenge, especially in Africa. Because collection of high-quality and quantity of blood may be an important constraint to production, blood feeding frequency can be a lever to lessen this impact. Therefore, this study evaluates three blood feeding frequencies on G. p. gambiensis colony performance.Methods: Three blood feeding treatments, i.e. three, four and six times per week, were evaluated on female’s survival, productivity, and progeny emergence rate and flight ability. Results: Females survival was significantly higher for flies feed four times per week (87%) than three (72%) and six times (78%, p<0.05). Productivity was similar between flies feed four and six times per week (457 and 454 larvae) but significantly reduced when fed three times (280 larvae produced; p<0.05). Similarly, emergence rate and flight ability rate were both similar between flies feed four (97 and 94%) and six times (96 and 97%) per week but significantly reduced when fed three times (89 and 84% respectively; p<0.05).Conclusions: Blood feeding frequency could be reduced to four times per week without affecting the mass rearing production and progeny quality. We discuss the implications of these results on tsetse mass rearing production.
MiR-204-5p/FOXC1/GDF7 Axis Regulates Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Via the AKT and p38 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhou You , Liu Siyu , Wang Wei , Sun Qiang , Lv Mengzhu , Yang Shude , Tong Shuang , Guo Shu
Published: September 2020

Background: Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are stem cells with the potential to differentiate in multiple directions. MiR-204-5p is poorly expressed during osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs, and its specific regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the function and possible molecular mechanism of miR-204-5p involved in the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. Methods: The expression pattern of miR-204-5p, Runx2, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Osteocalcin (OCN), and Forkhead box C1(FOXC1) and growth differentiation factor 7(GDF7) in hADSCs during osteogenesis were detected by qRT-PCR. Then, ALP and alizarin red staining (ARS) were used to detect the activity of osteoblasts and mineral deposition. Western blot was conducted to confirm the protein levels. The regulation relationship among miR-204-5p, FOXC1 and GDF7 was verified by double luciferase activity and CHIP experiment.Results: First, miR-204-5p expression was down-regulated and overexpressed miR-204-5p suppressed the osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, the levels of FOXC1 and GDF7 were decreased in the miR-204-5p mimics group, which indicate that overexpressed miR-204-5p would suppress the expression of FOXC1 and GDF7 through binding the 3’UTR region each. Overexpression of FOXC1 or GDF7 could improve the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs induced by the miR-204-5p mimics. Moreover, FOXC1 could bind to the promoter of miR-204-5p and GDF7, promote the deacetylation of miR-204-5p and reduced the expression of miR-204-5p, thus promoting the expression of GDF7 during osteogenic differentiation. GDF7 could induce hADSCs osteogenesis differentiation by activating the AKT and P38 signaling pathways. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that miR-204-5p/FOXC1/GDF7 axis regulates osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs via the AKT and p38 signaling pathways. This study further understood the regulatory mechanism of hADSCs differentiation balance from the perspective of miRNAs regulation.
Increased Interleukin-6 Levels in Neuron-Derived Plasma Small Extracellular Vesicles of Subarachnoid Haemorrhage Patients
Authors: Lai Niansheng , Yao Yang , Yu Tao , Xia Dayong , Zhao Xintong , Wu Degang , Li Zhenbao , Fang Xinggen , Sheng Bin
Published: September 2020

Background: Aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a serious type of stroke with high mortality and disability. Identifying circulating biomarkers is helpful to improve theranostics of aSAH. In this study, we are for the first time to report circulating interleukin-6(IL-6) in neuron-derived small extracellular vesicles(NDSEVs) were identified to be the potential biomarkers in prognosis of aSAH. Methods: We extracted small extracellular vesicles from the plasma of aSAH patients and healthy controls and were enriched by sequential precipitation and anti-L1CAM antibody immunoabsorption. Subsequently,we determined IL-6 levels by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result: Plasma IL-6 NDSEVs showed distinct pattern differences between aSAH patients and healthy controls. The IL-6NDSEVs levels were increased and positively associated with disease monitoring and prognosis of aSAH patients. These data suggest an elevated neuroinflammatory cascade in aSAH patients.Conclusion: The IL-6NDSEVs maybe prospective biomarkers to indicate its progression, and thus may own great potential in applications such as prognostic evaluation of aSAH in the near future.
2-BFI Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice via Regulation of Lymphocytes Subsets
Authors: Shang Xiaofeng , Wang Tan , Xi Nana , Xu Huiqin , Zheng Rongyuan
Published: September 2020

Background: Imidazoline compounds are well accepted to exhibit various pharmacological effects including antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-morphine tolerance and inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase. 2-(-2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline (2-BFI), a selective imidazoline 2 receptor (I2R) ligand, has been proven to exhibit therapeutic effects for various neuroimmunological diseases. However, the mechanism behind its neuroprotective properties remains elusive. Methods: In this study, we used 2-BFI for the treatment of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG33-55). The clinical signs of neurological deficits were evaluated daily. The demyelination and inflammatory infiltration in the CNS of mice with EAE were examined by Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Flow cytometry was utilized to examine the ratios of lymphocyte subsets in the periphery and CNS of mice with EAE. We also used Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to observe the changes of expression of inflammatory cytokines by 2-BFI intervention. Results: We found that 2-BFI significantly reduced the incidence of EAE and attenuated the severity of neurological disability. Pathological staining showed that the infiltration of inflammatory cells and demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS) of the mice were markedly alleviated via 2-BFI intervention. To explore the mechanism of action of 2-BFI, we used flow cytometry to determine immunophenotypes in the spleen and CNS of the mice. We discovered that 2-BFI significantly decreased the ratio of CD28+ lymphocytes and B cells in the spleen of EAE mice. In the CNS, the expression of CD4+ T cells was downregulated by 2-BFI, while B cells and CD39+ lymphocytes were dramatically increased. RT-PCR also demonstrated that the level of IFN-γ mRNA secreted by CD4+T cells was lower than that in the CNS of EAE mice, while the levels of TGF- β and IL-10mRNA secreted by Treg and B cells were increased with 2-BFI intervention. Conclusion: 2-BFI could ameliorate EAE-induced neurobehavioral deficits and reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells via regulating the activation and migration of lymphocyte subsets. This study provides a new explanation for the protective mechanism of 2-BFI in neuroimmune diseases.
Quantitative Imagery Analysis of Spot Patterns for Haplogroup Classification of Triatoma Dimidiata (Latreille, 1811) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) an Important Vector of Chagas Disease
Authors: Flores Daryl David Cruz , Ávila Dennis Denis , Arellano Elizabeth , Ibarra-Cerdeña Carlos N.
Published: September 2020

Background: Spots and coloring patterns evaluated quantitatively can be used to discrimination and identify possible cryptic species. Triatoma dimidiata (Reduviidae: Triatominae) is one of the main complexes of Chagas disease vector species. Phylogenetic studies have defined three haplogroups for Mexico and part of Central America. In this work, we evaluate the possibility of correctly discriminating among these T. dimidiata haplogroups using the pattern of dorsal spots.Results: A distinctive spot pattern was found for each haplogroup. The most differentiated pattern was presented by haplogroup 2, mainly apparent in the notably larger central spots. Haplogroups 1 and 3 were more similar to each other, but there were consistent differences in the shape and orientation of the spots. Significant differences were found among haplogroups in almost all the variables analyzed, these differences being greater in relative spot area, mean relative area of central spots, central spots Feret diameters, lateral spots Feret diameters and aspect ratio. Both the DFA and the neural network had correct discrimination values above 90%. Conclusions: We conclude that the spot pattern can be reliably used to discriminate among haplogroups, and possibly among triatomine species.
Transcriptional Analysis Reveals Alteration of Lung Macrophages Following Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Neonatal Mice With Hyperoxia-Induced Injury
Authors: Al-Rubaie Ali , DeMatteo Robert , Sozo Foula , Cole Timothy , Harding Richard , Ricardo Sharon D
Published: September 2020

Background Lung immaturity is one of the most serious consequences of growth restriction and premature birth. Preterm babies often require mechanical ventilation to survive, but exposure to high levels of oxygen can permanently damage the lungs and interrupts normal development. As lung macrophages play an important role in hyperoxic lung injury and repair, our objective was to use next generation sequencing (NGS) to identify changes in the macrophage transcriptome following neonatal hyperoxia, with and without treatment with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). We provide the first report of RNA-sequencing of lung macrophages following neonatal hyperoxia and hMSCs therapy. Methods Neonatal mice exposed to normoxia (21%O2) or hyperoxia (90% O2) from birth to postnatal day 4 were randomized to receive either hMSCs or vehicle via intratracheal delivery on postnatal day 4. Mouse lungs from normoxia and hyperoxia groups with and without hMSCs therapy were examined at day 14. RNA-sequencing was performed on flow-cytometric CD45+CD11b+CD11c+ sorted lung macrophages. Purified total RNA was used to construct barcoded multiplex-compatible sequencing libraries using: 1) Illumina Stranded mRNA Sample Preparation chemistry (for transcriptomics) and 2) Bio Scientific NEXTFlex Small RNA chemistry (for small RNA). Results Sorted CD45+CD11b+CD11c+ lung macrophages from hyperoxia-exposed neonatal mice showed differentially expressed macrophage genes and miRNA compared to mice exposed to normoxia or hyperoxia+hMSCs. The administration of hMSCs was found to differentially upregulate 421 genes and downregulate 651 genes in CD45+CD11b+CD11c+ lung macrophages from neonatal mice exposed to hyperoxia, compared to normoxia. Integrity pathway analysis (IPA) analysis of macrophage-specific gene pathways revealed the effectiveness of hMSCs in altering macrophage function towards an anti-inflammatory ‘M2’ phenotype. Small-RNA sequencing provided further evidence on the effects of hMSCs, where 1,098 small RNAs transcriptomes were expressed as either significantly up- or down-regulated in response to hMSCs therapy following hyperoxia-induced lung damage. Conclusions Pathway analysis of the predicted mRNA targets of differentially expressed genes provides insight into miRNAs that preferentially target several important pathways. These miRNAs will be functionally relevant for lung macrophages, and will provide a greater understanding of the interaction between macrophage genotype and the associated phenotypes in the setting of inflammation or tissue repair.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in Children with Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy as the First Manifestation: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Han Yan-xin-li , He Ting , Wen Yu , Hu Xiu-fen , Lu Hui-ling
Published: September 2020

Background: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary neurodermal syndrome with diverse clinical manifestations, implicating multiple organs including the nervous system, skin, kidney, lung, heart, eyes and others. Most of the children are first diagnosed with seizures or facial hemangiofibroma, 45% to 60% of patients with TSC lesions can affect the heart resulting in cardiac rhabdomyoma. Although most cardiac rhabdomyomas are asymptomatic, some children may develop severe symptoms such as hemodynamic abnormalities, arrhythmias, and even heart failure in the neonatal period and early infancy. But Tuberous sclerosis complex with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as the first manifestation is rare. Hence, physicians may delay diagnosis and treatment of TSC due to the lack of comprehensive thinking on this atypical presentation.Case presentation A 5-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital due to syncope for more than 10 days. When she was 8 months old, she was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and received long-term oral propranolol treatment. After her admission, a thorough examination was performed. Heart exam revealed the revelant problem. Brain MRI demonstrated mutiple nodules in bilateral frontal parietal occipital cortex, subcortical cortex and bilateral lateral ventricular margin consistent with TSC. Genetic analysis (high-precision clinical display PLUS, JiaJian Medicine Company) revealed that the patient had inherited the TSC2 mutation c.1343T> C (p.L448P) from her mother (heterozygous), who was clinically unaffected.Conclusions: This report highlights that TSC occurs in different ways. Given the possibility of insidious and atypical tuberous sclerosis, when apical hypertrophy or cardiac tumors are identified, it is recommended to broaden the systemic examination even including genetic testing to further determine the cause, in order to reduce the misdiagnosis rate of tuberous sclerosis.
Novel H2S Donor Proglumide-ADT-OH Protects HUVECs From ox-LDL-Induced Injury Through NF-κB and JAK/SATA Pathway
Authors: Ou Xuelan , Yang Chunyan , Yu Chunlei , Zhang Shipeng , Huang Rong , Chen Chuan , Xia Tianqin , Zhou Chunyang
Published: September 2020

Introduction: As a gaseous me dilator, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has many physiological effects and pathological effects in atherosclerosis. In recent years, many exogenous H2S donors have been synthesized to study atherosclerosis diseases. Methods: Proglumide-(5-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-3H-1, 2-dithiole-3-thione) (P-A) was synthesized as a H2S donor. The protective effect and mechanism of P-A on HUVEC that injured by ox-LDL was detected. Results: The HUEVCs was affected by 100μmol/L P-A for 24 hours, the release of H2S was the largest. After 100μmol/L P-A acted on HUVEC damage model for 12h, the cell proliferation activity was the best. The results showed that P-A can down regulate the expression of p-NF-кBp65 protein and reduce the amount of TNF-α and IL-6 and promote the formation of IL-10 by inhibiting the NF-кB pathway, and also induce the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to protect HUVEC from ox-LDL injury. P-A can also regulate JAK/STAT pathway to reduce the expression of p-JAK2 protein and reduce the production of IL-6 and TNF-α. Conclusion: P-A has protective effect on HUVEC injured by ox-LDL, and the protective mechanism is related to the regulation of JAK/STAT pathway and NF-кB pathway.
Education Based Health Belief's Model Impact on Promoting Preventive Behaviors Related to Hypertension Disease
Authors: Azadi Nemam Ali , ziapour arash , lebni Javad Yoosefi , Irandost Saied Fahim , Abbas Jaffar , Chaboksavar Fakhreddin
Published: September 2020

Background: Hypertension is the leading cause of many diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and many internal diseases.Methods: This pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted using 128 staff of Iran University of medical sciences. They were randomly assigned to an intervention (n=64) or a control (n=64) group. Data collection tool was a questionnaire based on health belief model constructs, which included 42 questions. Results were interpreted using ANCOVA or robust ANCOVA as appropriate.Results: ANCOVA showed improvement in the cues to action of participants following educational intervention (P = 0.011). Robust ANCOVA revealed that the intervention was successful for participants with low to moderate initial levels of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy scores. The levels of these components didn’t change in participants with very high baseline scores. Compared to control group, regardless on baseline score, the perceived benefits and practice (behavior) of participants at intervention group were improved significantly (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that education based on the health belief model is effective in promoting hypertension preventive behaviors in university staff.
Clonorchis Sinensis-Derived Protein Attenuates Inflammation and New Bone Formation in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Lee Yu Jeong , Kim Moon-Ju , Jo Sungsin , Jin So-Hee , Park Pu-Reum , Song Ho-Chun , Kim Jahae , Kim Ji-Young , Shim Seung Cheol , Kim Tae-Hwan , Hong Sung-Jong , Kim Tae-Jong , Won Eun Jeong
Published: September 2020

Background: Helminth infections and their components have been shown to have potential to modulate immunity and attenuate immune response. The objective of this study was to evaluate potential protective effects of Clonorchis sinensis–derived protein (CSp) on ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Methods: Cytotoxicity of CSp at different doses was assessed by MTS and flow cytometry before performing experiments. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and Synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) were obtained from AS patients. Inflammatory cytokine-producing cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. SKG mice were treated with CSp or vehicle. Inflammation and new bone formation were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, positron emission tomography (PET) and micro–computed tomography (CT).Results: Treatment with CSp resulted in no reduced cell viability of PBMCs or SFMCs. In experiments culturing PBMCs and SFMCs, the frequencies of IFN-g and IL-17A producing cells were significantly reduced after CSp treatment. In the SKG mouse model, CSp treatment significantly suppressed arthritis and enthesitis. Micro-CT analysis of hind paw revealed less new bone formation in CSp-treated mice than in vehicle-treated mice. Conclusions: We provide the first evidence demonstrating that CSp can ameliorate clinical signs and cytokine derrangements in AS. In addition, such CSp treatment could reduce new bone formation of AS.
Retinol-Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Levels in Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zou Wen , Wang Zehao , Xia Jing , Yang Jing
Published: September 2020

Background: Antioxidant/oxidant imbalance has been reported to be related to diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Vitamin A (retinol), a kind of antioxidant, plays a role in restoring ovarian oxidative damage, while C-reactive protein (CRP) is the classical marker of oxidative stress and has recently been identified as an independent variable that is associated with low anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in young women with DOR. Additionally, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) can be considered a substitute for retinol in healthy, nonobese women. The study aim was to determine the relationship between serum RBP4, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations and ovarian reserve in nonobese DOR patients.Methods: This study included 24 DOR women and 48 normal ovarian reserve (NOR) women from the reproductive medical center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. The serum RBP4 and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels were measured with ELISA kits.Results: RBP4 levels (20,648.36 ± 5475.16 vs 23,986.48 ± 5995.64, p = 0.025) were decreased, and hs-CRP levels (695.08 ± 1090.19 vs 364.32 ± 786.29, p = 0.012) were increased in the DOR group. Serum RBP4 was positively related to AMH (Pearson r = 0.518, p = 0.000), while hs-CRP was negatively correlated with AMH (Spearman r = -0.345, p = 0.005). after adjustments were made for the covariables, multiple line regression analysis showed that positive association between RBP4 and AMH still existed (β = 0.450, p ˂ 0.001). Conclusion: Decreased serum RBP4 levels and increased serum hs-CRP were observed in DOR patients in our study, and the strong correlation between RBP4 and AMH supports the notion that oxidative stress plays a role in DOR, and that appropriate levels of antioxidant vitamin A may be protective against ovarian reserve dysfunction.
Mitochondrial DNA 4977 bp Deletion in Peripheral Blood is Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Authors: Ye Mujin , Shi Weihui , Hu Bin , Guo Fei , Lin Xianhua , Jin Li , Xu Chenming , Li Shuyuan
Published: September 2020

Background PCOS is a common worldwide endocrine disorder. We aimed to examine the associations of two mtDNA biomarkers in the peripheral blood, mtDNA CN and mtDNA4977 DR, with PCOS in a clinical setting.Methods We performed a study involving 263 women with PCOS and 326 age-matched controls between January 2016 and December 2018. The mtDNA CN and mtDNA4977 DR were measured via a multiplex probe-based qPCR. The associations of mtDNA CN and mtDNA DR with the risk of PCOS were estimated by logistic regression.Results In the analysis between mtDNA biomarkers and PCOS, the mtDNA CN (P = 0.003) and mtDNA4977 DR (P < 0.001) levels in PCOS patients were significantly higher than those in the controls. After adjusting for BMI, LH/FSH, and T, only higher mtDNA4977 DR was associated with PCOS (odds ratio 1.053, 95% confidence interval 1.024 to 1.083, P < 0.001). The linear dose-response trends of mtDNA4977 DR were also supported by the quartile analyses.Conclusions Multivariable models suggest that mtDNA4977 DR levels are strongly associated with PCOS and represent an independent risk factor for PCOS. Future investigation of the utility of mtDNA as a biomarker for PCOS is warranted.
Household Catastrophic Health Expenditure and Its Effective Factors: A Case of Iran
Authors: Jafari Abdosaleh , Jalali Farideh Sadat , Bayati Mohsen , Palmer Andrew J. , Bastani Peivand , Ravangard Ramin
Published: September 2020

Background:The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed special emphasis on protecting households from health care expenditures. Many households face catastrophic health expenditures (CHEs) from a combination of economic poverty and financing the treatment of medical conditions. The present study aimed to measure the percentage of households facing catastrophic CHEs and the factors associated with the occurrence of CHEs in Shiraz, Iran in 2018.Methods:The present cross-sectional study was performed on 740 randomly selected households from different districts of Shiraz, Iran in 2018 using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using the Persian version of the "WHO Global Health Survey” questionnaire. CHEs were defined as health expenditures exceeding 40% of households’ capacity to pay. The associations between the households’ characteristics and facing CHEs were determined using the Chi-Square test as well as multiple logistic regression modelling in SPSS 23.0 at the significance level of 5%. Results:The results showed that 16.48% of studied households had faced CHEs. The higher odds of facing CHEs were observed in the households living in rented houses (OR=3.14, P-value<0.001), households with disabled members (OR=27.98, P-value<0.001), households with children under 5 years old (OR=2.718, P-value=0.02), and those without supplementary health insurance coverage (OR=1.87, P-value=0.01).Conclusion:CHEs may be reduced by increasing the use of supplementary health insurance coverage by individuals and households, increasing the support of the Social Security and the State Welfare Organizations for households with disabled members, developing programs such as the Integrated Child Care Programs, and setting home rental policies and housing policies for tenants.
The Patient Focused Outcomes of Neuroma Excision at a Mean Follow-up of 8 Years and 10 Months
Authors: Coutts Andrew , Kilmartin Tim
Published: September 2020

Background - While the majority of patients do well following neuroma excision, good outcomes are far from universal. Hence we always provide a course of non-surgical treatment prior to surgery – footwear advice, orthotics, patient education and up to 3 corticosteroid injections. Furthermore, we wanted to understand and quantify the risks and complication to allow us to be able to provide this information to patients during informed consent.Methods - Between 2000 and 2012 neuroma excision from the 2nd intermetatarsal or 3rd intermetatarsal space was carried out consecutively on 42 cases (36 patients), for the treatment of IM neuroma pain. Three patients from the cohort died prior to follow-up and 6 cases failed to attend for review. The outcomes of surgery were measured in a service review using a visual analogue pain scale, the Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire, clinical examination of the foot and consultation with the patient where any adverse issues were recorded. The mean follow-up period was 8-years and 10-months (range 61-194 months). At the time of surgery, the mean age of the patients was 54-years of age (range 25-74 years) and at follow-up the mean age was 63-years of age (range 31-85 years). Results - Twenty four cases (73%) reported they were completely satisfied with the results of their surgery, 8 cases (24%) were satisfied with reservations and 1 case (3%) reported they were dissatisfied. All cases agreed they would be happy to undergo surgery under similar circumstance again if required, i.e. under local anaesthesia on a day case basis. 2 cases (6%) reported recurrence of symptoms and required revision surgery which was performed in one case at 9-years and in the other at 11-years. After further excision of nerve tissue, their symptoms resolved.Conclusion - Neuroma excision is a reasonably safe and effective treatment for neuroma pain when non-surgical treatments fail to resolve symptoms. Our approach requires meticulous clinical examination and history taking, up to three cortisone injections and then ultrasound examination before the patient is listed for surgery. In this way we hope to minimise the risk of incorrect diagnosis and continued pain post excision due to the presence of undiagnosed capsulitis.
Deep Learning in Drug Target Interaction Prediction: Current and Future Perspectives
Authors: Abbasi Karim , Razzaghi Parvin , Poso Antti , Ghanbari-Ara Saber , Masoudi-Nejad Ali
Published: September 2020

Drug-target Interactions (DTIs) prediction plays a central role in drug discovery.
Computational methods in DTIs prediction have gained more attention because carrying out
in vitro and in vivo experiments on a large scale is costly and time-consuming. Machine learning
methods, especially deep learning, are widely applied to DTIs prediction. In this study, the
main goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of deep learning-based DTIs prediction
approaches. Here, we investigate the existing approaches from multiple perspectives. We explore
these approaches to find out which deep network architectures are utilized to extract features
from drug compound and protein sequences. Also, the advantages and limitations of
each architecture are analyzed and compared. Moreover, we explore the process of how to
combine descriptors for drug and protein features. Likewise, a list of datasets that are commonly
used in DTIs prediction is investigated. Finally, current challenges are discussed and a
short future outlook of deep learning in DTI prediction is given.
Direct incorporation of [18F] into Aliphatic Systems: A promising Mn-catalysed Labelling Technique for PET Imaging
Authors: Cesarec Sara , Robson Jonathan A. , Carroll Laurence S. , Aboagye Eric O. , Spivey Alan C.
Published: September 2020

Background:

One of the challenges in positron emission tomography (PET) is labelling complex aliphatic
molecules.

Objective:

To develop a method of metal-catalysed radiofluorination that is site-selective and works in moderate to good
yields under facile conditions.

Methods:

Herein, we report on the optimisation of an aliphatic C-H to C-18F bond transformation
catalysed by a Mn(porphyrin) complex.

Results:

The successful oxidation of 11 aliphatic molecules including progesterone are reported. Radiochemical
Incorporations (RCIs) up to 69% were achieved within 60 min without the need for pre-activation or specialist equipment.

Conclusion:

The method features mild conditions (60 °C) and promises to constitute a valuable approach to labelling of
biomolecules and drug substances.
Synthesis of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Loaded Chitosan/ Carbopol Hybrid Nanocomposite Gel for Oral Delivery of Artemether and Curcumin
Authors: Kumar Arun , Behl Tapan , Uniyal Toshi , Chadha Swati
Published: September 2020

Background:

Antimalarial therapy remains the utmost effective means for the management
of malarial parasites in the liver and red blood cells. The application of these therapeutic agents
is hampered by their improper application, hepato-toxicity caused by their continuous use, and degradation
by hepatic enzymes.

Methods:

Recent advancements in drug delivery applications have shown potential in improving the
pharmacological properties of artemether. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded chitosan
(CH)/Carbopol (CB) hybrid gel was prepared using glycerol monostearate (GMS) as solid lipid and
clove oil as a liquid lipid for artemether (ART) and curcumin (CR) for its localized effect on the liver.

Results:

The smaller particle size (~118 ± 1.0 nm) and high zeta potential (- 41.1 ± 6.46 mV) confirm
the formulation and stability of NLCs. On the other hand, the shape and morphology of prepared
NLCs and gel showed a spherical and wrinkled surface with a size range of 150-250 nm. The release
studies of the NLC’s showed a controlled release of artemether (~ 92%) and curcumin (~ 83%) for
up to 30 h. Photostability data showed that, approximately, ~86.5 ± 0.3% and ~60 ± 0.9% of nanoencapsulated
artemether and curcumin were still detected on exposure to sunlight, respectively. It has
been found from the permeation study that 69.8% and 49.1% of the drug was permeated across the
mucus membrane in 24 h with a significant increase (P < 0.05) in flux as well as permeability coefficients.

Conclusion:

The overall results showed that prepared CH/CB/NLCs hybrid gel could be a promising
vehicle for the effective delivery of ART and CR for the management of malarial parasites.
Lay Summary: Antimalarial therapy remains the utmost effective means for the management of malarial
parasites in liver and red blood cells. Recent advancements in drug delivery applications have
shown potential in improving the pharmacological properties of artemether. Application of these
therapeutic agents hampered by their improper application, hepato-toxicity caused by their continuous
use and degradation by hepatic enzymes. To manage the above issues, we synthesize nanostructured
lipid carriers (NLC’s) loaded chitosan (CH)/Carbopol (CB) hybrid gel using glycerol monostearate
(GMS) as solid lipid and clove oil as liquid lipid for artemether (ATR) and curcumin (CR) for
its local action in liver and the major criteria were to find a protective barrier with hepatoprotective
nature of the curcumin.
Impact of Job Involvement on In-Role Job Performance and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour
Authors: Chughtai Aamir Ali
Published: September 2020

This study examines the impact of job involvement on the self-report measures of inrole

job performance and organizational citizenship behaviour. The results of this study

revealed that job involvement was positively correlated with both in-role job

performance (r = 0.30, p<0.01) and OCB (r = 0.43, p<0.01). In addition to this it was

found that organizational commitment partially mediated the job involvement performance relationship. Furthermore the findings of this research uncovered that job involvement exerted a stronger impact on OCB than on in-role performance. Finally the practical implications of this research for organizations are discussed.
Динамика морфологии поверхности вольфрамовой фольги под нагрузкой
Authors: Корсуков В.Е. , Анкудинов А.В. , Бетехтин В.И. , Бутенко П.Н. , Вербицкий В.Н. , Гиляров В.Л. , Гиляров И.В. , Князев С.А. , Корсукова М.М. , Обидов Б.А.
Published: September 2020

Morphology dynamics of recrystallized tungsten foil surface under uniaxial stretching was investigated in situ by LEED, Auger, AFM, SEM an X-Ray fluorescent analysis. It has been found that before the rupture of the sample the transition from multifractality to monofractality occurs in a few stages: narrowing of the width of multifractal singularity spectrum of surface defects, turn of structural blocks of dominating face W (112) and transition of the lattice of dominating face into diffractive disordered state.
Автоволны локализованной деформации, индуцированной фазовым превращением
Authors: Хон Ю.А. , Зуев Л.Б.
Published: September 2020

An approach and a model for the nucleation and development of deformation bands and their fronts during plastic deformation due to phase transformation are proposed. A solid is considered as an open nonequilibrium system, the relaxation of which is determined by both vibrational and electronic degrees of freedom. Electronic transitions between different states of a system of nuclei and electrons upon deformation initiate the excitation of an unstable vibrational mode of atomic displacement to positions characteristic of the martensite phase.
Изучение свойств сплава золото-железо в макро- и нанокристаллических состояниях в различных P-T-условиях
Authors: Магомедов М.Н.
Published: September 2020

For a disordered fcc-Au-Fe substitution alloy, the parameters of the Mie–Lennard-Jones pairwise interatomic potential are determined. Based on these parameters, the concentration dependencies of lattice properties for the macrocrystal of this alloy are calculated. Calculations of 20 properties of macrocrystals fcc-Au, fcc-Fe and fcc-Au0.5Fe0.5 are showed good agreement with experimental data. Using the RP-model of the nanocrystal, the state equation P(v, T; N) and baric dependences of both lattice and surface properties of the fcc-Au0.5Fe0.5 alloy are calculated. Calculations were performed at temperatures T = 100, 300 and 500 K for both a macrocrystal (N = Macro) and a cubic nanocrystal with N = 306 atoms. It is shown that with an isothermal-isobaric (P = 0) decrease in the size of a nanocrystal, its the Debye temperature, elastic modulus, and specific surface energy decrease, while its the specific volume, thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat capacity, and Poisson's ratio increase. At low temperatures in a certain pressure region, the specific surface energy increases at an isothermal-isobaric decrease in the number of atoms in the nanocrystal. As the temperature increases, this pressure region disappears.