bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Visualization of Collagen Transdermal Absorption by a Combined Second-harmonic Generation and Two-photon Excited Fluorescence Method
Authors: Sun yanan , Ma Shuhua , He Gaiying , Yang Weifeng , Wang Yi
Published: August 2021

The transdermal administration of collagen is an important method used for wound healing and skin regeneration. However, due to the limitations of previous approaches, the process and degree of collagen transdermal absorption could only be quantitatively and qualitatively assessed in vitro. In the present study, we introduced a novel approach combining second-harmonic generation with two-photon excited fluorescence to visualize the dynamics of collagen transdermal absorption in vivo. The high resolution images showed that the exogenous recombinant human collagen permeated through the epidermis, reached the dermis and formed reticular structures in real time. We also validated these findings through traditional in vitro skin scanning and histological examination. Thus, our approach provides a reliable method of measurement for the real-time evaluation of collagen absorption and treatment effects.
Experimental Studies on Frozen Soil
Authors: Gaur Kshitij , Sahu Anil Kumar
Published: August 2021

Various studies have been carried out for soils at normal room temperature but the studies on frozen soils are meagre. For every construction, soil investigation is the most important and the primary step for a site. For constructions at normal room temperature, there is plenty of experimentation and research data on soil is available. But lack of research data for colder regions, where the ambient temperature is below zero degrees Celsius for most of the time. It is therefore the need to study soil under the iced condition to get a better idea about the behaviour of frozen soils. There is little research on the construction and mechanical behaviour of frozen soil but no study on the very basic parameters like void ratio, bulk density, porosity, and the degree of freezing and how these parameters change as the soil temperature changes from normal room temperature to negative values. The main emphasis is on the study and experimentation of frozen soil and the formulation of different relationships between individual soil parameters at various temperatures. The methodology used is to model the soil surface (open grounds in colder regions) by taking sand as the soil after sieving. The model samples are taken into beakers with different bulk densities to replicate real site conditions in the freezer. Then by calculating factors like density, porosity, void ratio, etc at negative temperature (-5, -10, -15, -20 degree Celsius) and forming a relationship with the same parameters as that on room temperature. The experimental data obtained is used in “Eureqa software” that will utilize the input so provided and will find mathematical relations that exist in the soil parameters.
A Prospective, Single-Arm, Phase II Trial of Apatinib Combined With Nab-Paclitaxel and Carboplatin for The Neoadjuvant Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zeng Tianyu , Wang Jue , Li Wei , Yang Yiqi , Yang Fan , Yang Mengzhu , Sun Chunxiao , Huang Xiang , Liang Yan , Fu Ziyi , Zha Xiaoming , Yin Yongmei , Li Jun
Published: August 2021

Background: Pathological complete response (pCR) is essential for improvements of prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We evaluated the efficacy of apatinib combined with nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients in this phase II clinical trial.Methods: Women with hormone receptor- and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)- negative, stage II/III breast cancer received six cycles of 75 mg/m2 docetaxel, carboplatin (AUC = 5) and 15 mg/kg bevacizumab every 21 days. The primary end point was pathological complete response (pCR) in the primary breast and axillary lymph nodes (ALN).Results: Thirty-two patients were recruited into the clinical trial, the vast majority of the patients had stage III tumors (65.6%) and the median longest tumor size was 3.5 cm. The pCR rate was 43.8% (n = 14); clinical response rate 93.8% (n = 30); complete response rate 21.9% (n = 7); partial response rate 71.9% (n = 23); stable disease 6.2% (n = 2). After surgery, 7 (63.6%) of the 11 patients without axillary lymph node metastasis achieved a pCR. The median target lesions in breast reduced to 1.2 cm after the third cycle treatment and 0.9cm after the last cycle. Most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events were thrombopenia (40.6%, n = 13) and neutropenia (25%, n = 8). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant apatinib, combined with albumin paclitaxel and carboplatin resulted in an encouraging pCR rate in locally advanced breast cancer and no major safety concerns during the therapy.Clinical trial registration: NCT03650738
An Initial Evaluation of Human Plasma cMLC-1 as a Potential Protein Biomarker for Trastuzumab-Induced Cardiotoxicity, Breast Cancer Screening and Progression
Authors: Yu Ling , Allen Read , Jia Lin , Sun Ting , Isakoff Steve J. , Scherrer-Crosbie Marielle , Zheng Hui , Walmsley Charlotte S. , Hesler Katherine , Varasteh Ava N. , Pinto Christopher J. , McLoughlin Daniel E. , Wu Wenjin , Wang Xinhui
Published: August 2021

Background

Trastuzumab is a targeted therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. However, trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity (TIC) has been reported as a single agent or combined with anthracycline. Methods such as biomarkers for early TIC detection is not available. Blood-based protein biomarker prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for diagnosis, screening, prediction of response to therapy, and disease progression has revolutionized management and outcome of prostate cancer. Nevertheless, no blood biomarkers exist for breast cancer diagnosis or screening.
Methods

We evaluated for the first time the potentials of cardiac myosin light chain 1(cMLC-1) as a biomarker to predict TIC, screen breast cancer and monitor breast cancer progression. Plasma cMCL-1 was measured quantitatively using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Archived paired plasma samples collected before and after trastuzumab treatment from 15 HER2 + patients with or without cardiotoxicity, recently collected unpaired plasma samples from 79 breast cancer patients (40 HER2+, 39 HER2- ) and 46 healthy donors were tested for cMLC-1 levels.
Results

We found that elevated plasma level of cMLC-1 is associated with cardiotoxicity in 43% of trastuzumab-treated patients. In addition, we demonstrated that elevated plasma cMCL-1 is associated with breast cancer. The cutoff cMLC-1 concentration is estimated to be 44.99 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 59.49% (95%CI: 48.47%-69.63%) and specificity of 71.74% (95%CI: 57.45% -82.68%). We also found that plasma cMCL-1 is more elevated in HER2- than in HER2 + breast cancer patients. As a result, improved sensitivity of 79.49% (95%CI: 64.47%-89.22%) with the specificity of 63.04% (95%CI:48.60%-75.48%) were obtained for cMLC-1 to predict HER2- breast cancer with the cutoff at 37.17 ng/mL. Moreover, we determined that cMLC-1 level was significantly higher in patients with metastatic breast cancer than in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer.
Conclusions

Here we report the first exploratory human study on the potential of cMLC-1 as a blood protein biomarker for predicting TIC. Additionally, we show our findings which shed light on and filled, to some extent, the gap of knowledge of the potential of cMLC-1 as a blood protein biomarker for screening breast cancer, especially for HER2- breast cancer, and disease progression of breast cancer.
Inflammation and obstruction of the small intestine due to phytobezoar
Authors: Hoang Van Trung , Hoang The Huan , Pham Ngoc Trinh Thi , Chansomphou Vichit , Hoang Duc Thanh
Published: August 2021

Background: Bezoar bowel obstruction is a rare entity and remains difficult to detect on imaging studies. Recognition of its characteristic imaging pattern will be useful for diagnosis and management in the setting of intestinal obstruction.Case presentation: We report a 68-year-old female patient who was admitted to the hospital with signs of intestinal obstruction including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. She was diagnosed with phytobezoar small bowel obstruction on computed tomography (CT) imaging. The patient underwent surgery to confirm the diagnosis and subsequently recovered well.Conclusions: Bezoar is indicated by the sign of floating fat-density debris sign on CT images. It needs to be differentiated from small-bowel feces sign in intestinal obstruction.
Digital Response Framework for COVID-19 Pandemic Monitoring and Control in India
Authors: Hasan Iqbal , Rizvi SAM , Geelani Abid
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is atypical in scale, perseverance, and geographical progression throughout the world in recent history. It is declared a public calamity in India wherein the Prime Minister’s Office is directly associated with every aspect of surveillance, control, and relief measures. This paper aims to present the digital response framework for management, surveillance, and control of the COVID-19 crisis across the country. The paper also presents technological adoption by various states and union territories and analysis of COVID cases in India. MethodsThe Ministry of Home Affairs and its various organizations such as the National Disaster Management Authority, and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are managing various authoritative and administrative activities, and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology through National Informatics Centre (NIC) are providing technological solution to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The NIC is playing a crucial role to develop and manage digital solutions for surveillance and control of COVID-19 in India. ResultsOn analysis of COVID-19 data of reported confirmed, recovered, and deceased cases across India in various states, it is observed that Maharashtra was most affected followed by Karnataka , Kerala , Delhi and other states. ConclusionThe technological solutions developed, implemented, managed by NIC making up the digital response framework for monitoring, surveillance, and control of COVID-19 are standard for India and proved to be effective in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and are widely used in central, state, and local governing bodies.
PPM1H is Down-Regulated by ATF6 and Dephosphorylates p-RPS6KB1 to Inhibit Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Xiaoshuang , Guo Jianting , Li Wei , Li Chunrui , Zhu Xilin , Liu Ying , Wu Xiaopan
Published: August 2021

Background: Our previous studies found that polymorphism of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) was associated with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and ATF6 promoted HCC progression. So genes down-regulated by ATF6 might play a tumor suppressing role. In present study, we aimed to identify downstream genes down-regulated by ATF6, and clarified its role in HCC progression.Methods: To determine the role of ATF6 on downstream gene expression, qRT-PCR and western blot were performed in HCC cells and liver specifically Atf6-knocked out mice. Tumor tissues from 134 HCC patients were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Then, MTT, transwell and clone formation assays were performed in hepatoma cells. DEN/CCl4 induced HCC mouse model and nude mice tumorigenicity assay were conducted to investigate the effect of PPM1H on HCC tumorigenesis and development. 3D model of PPM1H was obtained by homology multi-template modeling, the potential substrates of PPM1H were screened by Rosetta and verified through co-immunoprecipitation, western blot and in vitro phosphatase assays.Results: The expression of Protein phosphatase magnesium or manganous dependent 1H (PPM1H) mRNA and protein can be inhibited by ATF6. PPM1H inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and clone formation of cancer cells. PPM1H inhibited induced HCC nodules formation and tumor xenograft growth in two mouse models. The protein docking energy of RPS6KB1 with PPM1H in the BMP/TGFβ pathway is the lowest, and PPM1H directly dephosphorylated p-RPS6KB1. PPM1H exhibited higher expression level in adjacent para-cancer tissues than in HCC tissues. Patients with higher expression of PPM1H indicated a better prognosis.Conclusions: We first discovered RPS6KB1 as a new PPM1H dephosphorylation substrate. PPM1H exhibited suppressive effect on the progression of HCC through dephosphorylating p-RPS6KB1. This might contribute to finding novel target for therapy of HCC.
A Sample of The Relationship Between The Non-Integrated Healthcare System And National Epidemic of Emergency Department Overcrowding In Turkey
Authors: Dundar Cihad , Yaylaoglu Seydanur Dal
Published: August 2021

Background: The use of EDs has significantly increased, and a majority of this increase is attributed to non-urgent visits, which has negative impacts. We aim to explore the frequency of non-urgent emergency department (ED) visits and to identify risk factors for non-urgent ED visits. Methods: This retrospective, the record-based study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Samsun province of Turkey. The records of all adult patients who visited to the ED between January 1 and December 31, 2017, were included in this study. All emergency department visits were evaluated according to age, gender, time of visit, means of arrival, ICD diagnostic codes, and the number of repeated non-urgent ED visits. The number of ED visits was 87,528 for the year 2017. Results: The non-urgent emergency visit rate was 9.9%. According to binary logistic analysis, non-urgent visits were associated with young age (OR = 2.75), female gender (OR = 1.11) and non-ambulance transportation (OR = 9.86). The prevalence of non-emergent visits was very similar between weekends and weekdays but was significantly higher in work hours on weekdays than non-work hours (p<0.001). The most frequent diagnostic code was “Pain, unspecified” (R52) and the rate of repeated visits was 14.8% of non-urgent ED visits. Conclusions: Harmonization of various databases at the primary level in terms of design and connectivity and integration with hospital information systems will contribute to the identification of problems and the generation of solutions. The next step is establishing an integrated health care system that can benefit emergency care organizations in Turkey.
Efficacy of Quinine Plus Clindamycin Versus Artemether-Lumefantrine For The Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria In Kenyan Children (CLINDAQUINE): An Open-Label Randomised Trial
Authors: Obonyo Charles , Juma Elizabeth A. , Were Vincent O. , Ogutu Bernhards R
Published: August 2021

Background: World Health Organisation recommends quinine plus clindamycin as first-line treatment of malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy and as a second-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria when artemisinin-based drug combinations are not available. We compared the efficacy of quinine plus clindamycin with that of artemether-lumefantrine in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children below 5 years of age. Methods: An open-label, phase 3, randomised trial was conducted in western Kenya. Children aged 6-59 months with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were randomly assigned (1:1) via a computer-generated randomization list to receive 3 days of twice a day treatment with either oral quinine (20mg/kg/day) plus clindamycin (20mg/kg/day) or artemether-lumefantrine tablets (artemether 20mg, lumefantrine 120mg). The primary outcome was a PCR-corrected rate of adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) on day 28 in the per-protocol population. Results: A total of 384 children were enrolled and randomised, 192 to quinine plus clindamycin and 192 to artemether-lumefantrine. A total of 353 (92%) children were analysed. The PCR-corrected ACPR rate was 44.0% (80 children) in the quinine plus clindamycin group and 97.1% (166 children) in the artemether-lumefantrine group (treatment difference -53.1%, 95% CI -43.5% to -62.7%). At 72h after starting treatment, 50.3% (94 children) in the quinine plus clindamycin group were still parasitemic compared with 0.5% (1 child) in the artemether-lumefantrine group. Three serious adverse events occurred in the quinine plus clindamycin group. Conclusions: We found no evidence to support the use of quinine plus clindamycin in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in children under 5 years of age in Kenya, where artemether-lumefantrine is still effective. Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry, ACTR20129000419241.
Development and Validation A Prognostic Signature Based on Hypoxia-Related Gene for Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zhang HongYang , Li Sijia , Li Wei
Published: August 2021

Background.

We aimed to establish a model to predict the prognosis of patients with thyroid cancer based on differentially expressed hypoxia-related genes.
Methods.

By comparing the genes in TCGA database and hypoxiaDB database, we obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to hypoxia in thyroid cancer. Gene function enrichment analysis was performed, and a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database. Univariate Cox regression were used to screen hypoxia-related genes with prognostic value. Subsequently, multivariate Cox analysis was used to determine prognostic markers based on thyroid cancer, a prognosis model based on these genes was established. The Kaplan-Meier analysis, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and The Harrell’s concordance indexes in the training set and the validation set were used to evaluate the performance of the model. Finally, we conducted univariate analyses of the prognostic value of clinical data (including risk scores) of thyroid cancer patients.
Results.

326 hypoxia-related thyroid cancer genes were found. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated they were mainly involved in regulating biological functions. 23 genes have been proved to be associated with the prognosis of thyroid cancer with univariate Cox regression, among them, 11 marker genes were used to construct a new prognosis model by multivariate Cox analysis. Accordingly, the system of risk scores was constructed, patients with high-risk scores (P < 0.005) had shorter overall survival than those with low-risk scores in the testing set and validation set. The AUC was used to quantify the survival of thyroid cancer patients in the two sets. Our univariate analysis of the prognostic value of clinical data (including risk score) of patients with thyroid cancer proved that our model was significantly correlated with the overall survival rate of patients.
Conclusions.

The model we established had excellent performance in the prognosis of thyroid cancer.
G-CSF: One of The Vehicles for Communication Between Trophoblasts and Macrophages, Which May Cause Problems in Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Gao Peng , Liu Haiyi , Zha Ying , Wei Lijie , Zhou Xuan , Zhu Shenglan , Zhang Huiting , Gao Xuan , Jiang Yi , Chen YuTing , Li Jiaqi , Zhang Jingyi , Yu Jun , Wang Shaoshuai , Feng Ling
Published: August 2021

Background
The etiology of about half of the patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains unclear, and the imbalance of the immune inflammatory response at the mother-foetal interface may be one of the keys to the onset. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is thought to have a protective effect on pregnancy, and its absence may lead to pregnancy failure, but the evidence is scant. This study aims at investigating whether the loss of G-CSF induced RSA by affecting cell communication at the maternal-foetal interface.
Results
G-CSF was mainly expressed in villus rather than decidua, and the expression in RSA tissues was lower than that in normal tissues. Down-regulation of G-CSF in trophoblasts resulted in decreased cell activity. Trophoblast-derived exosomes inhibited macrophage activation, while G-CSF free exosomes did not. Intraperitoneal injection of G-CSF improved the pregnancy outcome of RSA mice, and the expression of G-CSF and its receptor at the mother-foetal interface also changed.
Conclusion
The expression of G-CSF was found to be decreased in villi of patients with RSA. The absence of G-CSF weakens the immune suppression of trophoblasts against macrophages, and the function of trophoblasts is impaired, which may be a key factor in the occurrence of RSA. G-CSF decreased the rate of abortion in RSA mice, and might provide some assistance in the treatment of patients with RSA.
PTBP3 Modulates of P53 Expression and Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation by Maintaining UBE4A mRNA Stability
Authors: Xie Canbin , Li Liang , Li Xiaorong , Ma Min , Long Fei , Lu Zhixing , Wu Runliu , Zhang Yi , Huang Lihua , Chou Jing , Gong Ni , Hu Gui , Lin Changwei
Published: August 2021

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignancy worldwide and has become the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The RNA-binding protein polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 3 (PTBP3) was recently reported to play a critical role in multiple cancers, and its molecular mechanisms involve RNA splicing, 3′ end processing and translation. However, the role of PTBP3 in CRC is unclear.
Methods
We analyzed the expression levels of PTPB3 using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and clinical tissues. The effect of PTBP3 on CRC cell proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, flow cytometry and tumor xenograft assays. A series of experiments were conducted to reveal the mechanisms by which PTBP3 promotes CRC proliferation.
Results
We showed that PTBP3 was upregulated in CRC and associated with a poor prognosis. Knockdown of PTBP3 in CRC cell lines restricted CRC proliferative capacities in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that PTBP3 regulated the expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase ubiquitination factor E4A (UBE4A) by binding the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of its mRNA, thereby preventing its degradation. We also discovered that UBE4A participated in the degradation of P53, and knockdown of PTBP3 in CRC cell lines increased P53 expression. Overexpression of UBE4A rescued PTBP3 knockdown-induced inhibition of CRC cell proliferation and P53 expression.
Conclusions
PTBP3 plays an essential role in CRC cell proliferation by stabilizing UBE4A to regulate P53 expression and may serve as a new prognostic biomarker and effective therapeutic target for CRC.
Determinants of Long Acting Contraception Among Women Using Modern Contraception in Cameroon.
Authors: TOGUEM Michael Guy
Published: August 2021

Background: In Cameroon, 23% of married women, 34% of sexually active single women have unmet needs for family planning and 58% of the reproductive age patients are not interested in family planning. While a long acting contraception such as intra uterine devise is known to be safe, highly effective, and cost effective; less than 1% of reproductive age women in Cameroon use a long acting reversible contraception. These contribute to Cameroon’s mother mortality rate of 600 per 100,000 live births. In this study, we tried to identify the determinants of use or none use of long acting contraception among Cameroonian women using a modern contraception so that they can be acted upon to improve long acting contraception use in cameroon.Methods: The study uses data from 2,231 women aged 15 to 49 years old, using a modern contraception and included in the demographic health survey of Cameroon 2018/19. Bivariate, then multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted for the study outcome of short versus long term modern contraception. Statistical significance was taken at p < 0.05.Results: Among women using a modern contraception in Cameroon, 45.4% were using a long acting contraception. The mean determinants for this were: increase age, being more than 10 people in the household, belonging to the poorer and middle economic quintiles, being insulted or made to feel bad sometimes by the husband or the partner. Conclusion: To improve the use of long acting contraception among women using a modern contraception in Cameroon, a special consideration should be given to women experiencing domestic violence without forgetting the other determinants.
Validity and Risk of Adopting PGA ≤ 2 As A Remission Criteria of Boolean in Clinical Practice in Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Yoshii Ichiro , Chijiwa Tatsumi , Sawada Naoya
Published: August 2021

Validity and risk of setting patient’s global assessment (PGA) ≤ 2 as a Boolean remission criteria substituting PGA ≤ 1 in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was investigatedPatients were recruited from an area cohort, of whom attained Boolean remission (Boolean-1) or near remission with PGA ≤ 2 and the rest components were ≤ 1 (Boolean-2). Simplified disease activity index (SDAI) score was compared according to the criteria variations.A total of 517 patients were studied. Mean SDAI score of patients with Boolean-1 was significantly lower than that of patients with Boolean-2 at acquisition. The trend was evident in the patients who attained Boolean-1 remission. Mean SDAI score at acquisition, 6 months after, and 1 year after of patients who attained Boolean-2 first and then Boolean-1, was significantly inferior to that of patients who attained the remissions at the same time. The mean SDAI score at month 6 in the Boolean-2 was not SDAI remission at all.We concluded that setting PGA ≤ 2 as a remission criteria may not have statistical difference in disease activity from PGA ≤ 1, however, there was an determinant risk to misread that includes patient who losses clinical remission after acquisition.
The Essential Roles of Exosome and CircRNA_101093 to Desensitize Lung Adenocarcinoma to Ferroptosis
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Xu Yunhua , Ma Lifang , Yu Keke , Niu Yongjie , Xu Xin , Shi Yi , Guo Susu , Xue Xiangfei , Wang Yikun , Qiu Shiyu , Cui Jiangtao , Wang Hong , Tian Xiaoting , Miao Yayou , Meng Fanyu , Qiao Yongxia , Yu Yongchun , Wang Jiayi
Published: August 2021

BackgroundResistance to ferroptosis, a regulated cell death caused by iron-dependent excessive accumulation of lipid peroxides has recently been linked to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the most prevalent lung cancer subtype. Despite intracellular antioxidant system is required for protection against ferroptosis, whether and how extracellular system desensitizes LUAD cells to ferroptosis is incompletely known. MethodsImmunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunoblotting (IB) were used to analyze protein expression, and quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) was used to analyze mRNA level. Cell viability, cell death and the lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were measured to evaluate the responses to ferroptosis induction. Metabolites were measured using appropriate kits. Exosomes were observed using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The localization of arachidonic acid (AA) was detected using click chemistry labeling followed by confocal microscope observation. Interaction between RNA and protein were detected using RNA-pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP). Proteomic analysis was used to investigate circRNA_101093 (cir93) regulated protein and metabolomic analysis was used to analyze metabolites that changed among LUAD tissues expressing low and high Fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) levels. Cell-derived xenograft (CDX), patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and cell-implanted intrapulmonary LUAD mouse models and plasma/tissue specimens from LUAD patients were used to validate the mechanism that exosome and cir93 desensitized ferroptosis in LUAD. ResultsHere, the roles of exosome and circular RNA (circRNA) to desensitize LUAD cells to ferroptosis were investigated. Plasma exosome from LUAD patients exclusively reduced lipid peroxidation and desensitized ferroptosis. This might because exosomal-cir93 sustained an elevation of intracellular-cir93 in LUAD to modulate AA, a poly-unsaturated fatty acid that is critical for ferroptosis-associated over peroxidation in the plasma membrane. Mechanistically, cir93 interacted and lifted FABP3, which transported and facilitated AA reaction with taurine. Thus, global-AA was reduced while N-Arachidonoyl taurine (NAT), the product of AA and taurine, was induced. Notably, a role of NAT to suppress AA incorporation into plasma membrane was also revealed. In pre-clinical in vivo models, reducing exosome exhibited an improvement of ferroptosis-based treatment. ConclusionExosome and cir93 are essential for desensitizing LUAD cells to ferroptosis, and blocking exosome will be helpful for future LUAD treatment.
Determination of the Interaction and Pharmacological Modulation of MCHR1 Signaling by C Terminus of MRAP2 Protein
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhai Yue , Lei Xiaowei , Xu Jing , Jiang Bopei , Kuang Zhe , Fu Yanbin , Zhang Cong , Liu Shangyun , Bian Shan , Yang Xiao-Mei , Jin Li-Na , Li Qingfeng , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2021

Background: Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH), an orexigenic neuropeptide, is primarily secreted by the hypothalamus and acts at its receptor, the melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1), to regulate energy homeostasis and body weight. The Melanocortin Receptor Accessory Protein 2 (MRAP2), a small single transmembrane protein broadly expressed in multiple tissues, has been defined as a vital endocrine pivot of five melanocortin receptors (MC1R-MC5R) and several other GPCRs in the regulation of central neuronal appetite and peripheral energy homeostasis. However, the regulatory and relationship between MCHR1 and MRAP2 is unknown.Results: In this study, we show that MRAP2 interacts with MCHR1 and suppresses MCHR1 signaling in vitro. We also identified the C-terminal domains of MRAP2 protein required for pharmacological modulation of intracellular Ca2+ cascades and membrane transport.Conclusions: These findings elucidated the broad regulatory profile of MRAP2 protein in the central nervous system and may provide implications for the modulation of central MCHR1 function in vivo.
Environmental and Performance Assessment of Fabricated Hydrophobic and Flame-Retardant Cotton Fabrics with Functional Integrated Graphene
Authors: Xu Jia , Zhi Yifan , Wei Sainan , Wei Yujuan , Chen Luyi
Published: August 2021

There is a conflict between enhancing the functionality of products and reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing in the materials industry. Using green chemicals or adopting cleaner production processes can help overcome this conflict. However, researchers usually neglect the substitution effect when selecting green technology, namely, that investing more in chemical development decreases the resources used in cleaner process techniques. This study demonstrated this substitution effect in the modification of cotton fabrics. We fabricated hydrophobic and flame-retardant cotton fabrics with functional integrated graphene. It was found that these fabrics can be prepared in one step. As seen from an environmental assessment, applying functional integrated graphene can decrease the time required, reduce the energy consumption, and reduce the wastewater discharge. Based on the hydrophobicity-flame retardancy quadrant, we found that functional integrated graphene can improve the compatibility of different functionalities. On the other hand, compared to the use of commercial finishing agents, using functional integrated graphene can reduce organic discharge by up to 92%. This study demonstrates that using green chemicals can reduce pollution discharge and result in a cleaner production process. This study also provided atom economic ideas for green modification of cellulosic materials.
Multistability Analysis of State-Dependent Switched Hopfield Neural Networks With The Gaussian-Wavelet-Type Activation Function*
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Zhen
Published: August 2021

This paper studies the multistability of state-dependent switched Hopfield neural networks (SSHNNs) with the Gaussian-wavelet-type activation function. The coexistence and stability of multiple equilibria of SSHNNs are proved. By using Brouwer's fixed point theorem, it is obtained that the SSHNNs can have at least 7n or 6n equilibria under a specified set of conditions. By using the strictly diagonally dominance matrix (SDDM) theorem and Lyapunov stability theorem, 4n or 5n locally stable (LS) equilibria are obtained, respectively. Compared with the conventional Hopfield neural networks (HNNs) without state-dependent switching or SSHNNs with other kinds of activation functions, SSHNNs with this type of activation functions can have more LS equilibria, which implies that SSHNNs with Gaussian-wavelet-type activation functions can have even larger storage capacity and would be more dominant in associative memory application. Last, some simulation results are given to verify the correctness of the theoretical results.
Free Vitamin D Status Among Apparently Healthy Adults Living in Duhok Governorate
Authors: abdulrahman masood abdulkareem , Alkass Suad Yousif , Mohammed Noor Isam
Published: August 2021

Serum total 25-OHD is a main marker of vitamin D which represents the intake and sunlight exposure. Free form of 25‐OHD, the small fraction not bound to a transporter protein has been incorporated as a new marker. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the impact of several factors on total and free vitamin D levels in healthy subjects and to find out if the free form of vitamin D could be a better representative of the body’s vitamin D status. Total and free 25‐OHD were analyzed by ELISA method in a blood sample collected from 391 apparently healthy volunteers (219 female and 172 Male) from Duhok Governorate/Iraq population. Total and free 25‐OHD levels were increased proportionally to BMI with lower values seen in the underweight group, also a significant gender differences in total D3 level with higher values in males (23.90 ± 16.41) ng/ml than females (21.24 ± 15.65) ng/ml was observed. Total and Free 25‐OHD levels were significantly associated with ages, their deficiency most frequent occurs in the younger ages between (16–25) years old. Smokers had higher level of Total 25‐OHD (26.95 ± 19.01) ng/ml and Free 25‐OHD (9.47 ± 4.94) pg/ml than nonsmokers (22.14 ± 14.59) ng/ml and (7.87 ± 4.32) pg/ml respectively. A significant increase in Free 25‐OHD level in the veiled women (9.12 ± 4.64) ng/ml than unveiled (6.16 ± 3.73) ng/ml with a significant positive correlation between Free 25‐OHD level and dress style was also seen. 30% and 33% of the participants whom their daily exposure to sunlight for 30 minutes and > 1hour respectively were severe deficient in total 25‐OHD. 95% of the participants who had Abnormally low level of free D were exposed for ≥ 30 minutes to sunlight. Daily exposure to sunlight was negatively associated with Free 25‐OHD level.
Development of a New Score for Early Mortality Prediction in Trauma ICU patients. RETRASCORE
Authors: Serviá Luis , Llompart-Pou Juan Antonio , Chico-Fernández Mario , Montserrat Neus , Badia Mariona , Barea-Mendoza Jesús Abelardo , Ballesteros-Sanz María Ángeles , Trujillano Javier
Published: August 2021

BackgroundSeverity scores are commonly used for outcome adjustment and benchmarking of trauma care provided. No specific models performed only with critically ill patients are available. Our objective was to develop a new score for early mortality prediction in trauma ICU patients.MethodsRetrospective study using the Spanish Trauma ICU registry (RETRAUCI) 2015-2019. Patients were divided and analysed into the derivation (2015-2017) and validation sets (2018-2019). We used as candidate variables to be associated with mortality those available in RETRAUCI that could be collected in the first 24 hours after ICU admission. Using logistic regression methodology, a simple score (RETRASCORE) was created with points assigned to each selected variable. The performance of the model was carried out according to global measures, discrimination and calibration.ResultsThe analysis included 9465 patients. Derivation set 5976 and validation set 3489. Thirty-day mortality was 12.2%. The predicted probability of 30-day mortality was determined by the following equation: 1 / (1+exp (-y)), where y=0.598 (Age 50–65) + 1.239 (Age 66–75) + 2.198 (Age > 75) + 0.349 (PRECOAG) + 0.336 (Pre-hospital intubation) + 0.662 (High risk mechanism) + 0.950 (unilateral mydriasis) + 3.217 (bilateral mydriasis) + 0.841 (Glasgow ≤ 8) + 0.495 (MAIS-Head) - 0.271 (MAIS-Thorax) + 1.148 (Hemodynamic failure) + 0.708 (Respiratory failure) + 0.567 (Coagulopathy) + 0.580 (Mechanical ventilation) + 0.452 (Massive haemorrhage) - 5.432. The AUROC was 0.913 (0.903-0.923) in the derivation set and 0.929 (0.918-0.940) in the validation set.ConclusionsThe newly developed RETRASCORE is an early, easy-to-calculate and specific score to predict in-hospital mortality in trauma ICU patients. Although it has achieved adequate internal validation, it must be externally validated.
Fast satellite selection algorithm for GNSS multisystems based on the Sherman-Morrison formula
Authors: SHI Junpeng , LI Kezhao , CHAI Lin , LIANG Lingfeng , TIAN Chengdong , XU Keke
Published: August 2021

The usage efficiency of GNSS multisystem observation data can be greatly improved by applying rational satellite selection algorithms. Such algorithms can also improve the real-time reliability and accuracy of navigation. By combining the Sherman-Morrison formula and singular value decomposition (SVD), a smaller geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) value method with increasing number of visible satellites is proposed. Moreover, by combining this smaller GDOP value method with the maximum volume of tetrahedron method, a new rapid satellite selection algorithm based on the Sherman-Morrison formula for GNSS multisystems is proposed. The basic idea of the algorithm is as follows: first, the maximum volume of tetrahedron method is used to obtain four initial reference satellites; then, the visible satellites are co-selected by using the smaller GDOP value method to reduce the GDOP value and improve the accuracy of the overall algorithm. By setting a reasonable precise threshold, the satellite selection algorithm can be autonomously run without intervention. The experimental results based on measured data indicate that (1) the GDOP values in most epochs over the whole period obtained with the satellite selection algorithm based on the Sherman-Morrison formula are less than 2. Furthermore, compared with the optimal estimation results of the GDOP for all visible satellites, the results of this algorithm can meet the requirements of high-precision navigation and positioning when the corresponding number of selected satellites reaches 13. Moreover, as the number of selected satellites continues to increase, the calculation time increases, but the decrease in the GDOP value is not obvious. (2) The algorithm includes an adaptive function based on the end indicator of the satellite selection calculation and the reasonable threshold. When the reasonable precise threshold is set to 0.01, the selected number of satellites in most epochs is less than 13. Furthermore, when the number of selected satellites reaches 13, the GDOP value is less than 2, and the corresponding probability is 93.54%. These findings verify that the proposed satellite selection algorithm based on the Sherman-Morrison formula provides autonomous functionality and high-accuracy results.
Preparation And Adsorption Performance of Nano-Hydroxyapatite-Enhanced Acrylamide Hydrogel Adsorbent
Authors: Wang Zhi-Ke , Li Ting-Ting , Peng Hao-Kai , Ren Hai-Tao , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: August 2021

In this study, a hydrogel adsorbent was successfully synthesized using hydroxyapatite/acrylamide/β-cyclodextrin to adsorb heavy metal ions and dyes in water. In the study, different contents of hydroxyapatite were added to the hydrogel, and then the mechanical properties and adsorption properties of the material were studied. The results show that the compressive strength of hydrogel added with hydroxyapatite increased by 37.1%. According to the adsorption isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity is 300mg/g. In addition, the preparation process of the composite hydrogel is simple, and can be used at a lower pH value, and can be used multiple times. Therefore, the material is of great significance to the treatment of pollutants.
Two-Dimensional Vibrating And Thermal Response of Skin Tissue To Different Types of Heat Sources Considering The Hyperbolic Heat Transfer Equation
Authors: Ghanbari Mina , Rezazadeh Ghader
Published: August 2021

Laser-induced thermal therapy, due to its applications in various clinical treatments, has become an efficient alternative, especially for skin ablation. In this work, the two-dimensional thermomechanical response of skin tissue subjected to different types of thermal loading is investigated. Considering the thermoelastic coupling term, the two-dimensional differential equation of heat conduction in the skin tissue based on the Cattaneo–Vernotte heat conduction law is presented. The two-dimensional differential equation of the tissue displacement coupled with the two-dimensional hyperbolic heat conduction equation of tissue is solved simultaneously to analyze the thermal and mechanical response of the skin tissue. The existence of mixed complicated boundary conditions makes the problem so complex and intricate. The Galerkin-based reduced-order model has been utilized to solve the two-sided coupled differential equations of skin displacement and heat transfer with accompanying complicated boundary conditions. The effect of various types of heating sources such as thermal shock, single and repetitive pulses, repeating sequence stairs, ramp-type, and harmonic-type heating, on the thermomechanical response of the tissue is investigated. The temperature distribution in the tissue along the depth and radial direction is also presented. The transient temperature and displacement response of tissue considering different relaxation times are studied, and the results are discussed in detail.
Study On Parameter Optimization of 3D Bioprinting of Hybrid Bio-Inks
Authors: James Sagil , Mulgaonkar Samir
Published: August 2021

Used mainly for manufacturing operative tissue structures to replace damaged ones, Three-dimensional (3D) Bioprinting is a burgeoning area of medical science with enormous potential. Since the technology is still relatively new, 3D bioprinting heavily relies on the trial-and-error approach for advancement, but the general process currently involves a mixture of various biomaterials in hydrogel form. The quality of the results is affected significantly by the parameters by which the print is made. Even the most seemingly minute details can drastically change the outcome of the print, including temperature, print time, the speed of the occurring print and nozzle diameter, dispensing pressure, and more. The biomaterial used is also of the utmost importance. Based on current results, an ideal biomaterial should include the same or similar chemical, biological, mechanical, and practical properties of the target end structure. It is critical to ascertain the closest parameters available to ensure a quality end resulting print. The proposed studies' goal is to determine and streamline process parameters to the nearest possible degree to optimize the bioprinting process of hybrid bioinks. Using material made from unchanged alginate, alginate with gelatin, and combined amino acids and derivatives with diphenylalanine, the medical properties of each biomaterial were examined, as well as their flow behavior, allowing a certain level of predictability on printing parameters. Printing parameters, as described, are the parameters by which we can predict how well a target structure can be accurately constructed using various bio-inks. Ultimately, the results have indicated that printing parameters primarily hinges on the composition of the hydrogels used and the pressure by which it was distributed. This study also presented a detailed frame of reference to assess amino acids and derivatives with diphenylalanine systematically, which can also be used in other areas of 3D bioprinting.
A novel surfactant-assisted dilute phosphoric acid plus steam explosion pretreatment of poplar wood for fermentable sugar production
Authors: Tong Denghui , Zhan Peng , Zhang Weifeng , Zhou Yongcai , Huang Yilei , Qing Yan , Chen Jienan
Published: August 2021

Pretreatment is an indispensable process in lignocellulosic bioethanol production. In this work, a surfactant agent JFC was introduced into the dilute phosphoric acid plus steam explosion pretreatment scheme for fermentable sugar production using poplar as substrate. Four crucial factors (phosphoric acid concentration, surfactant concentration, pressure, and residence time) affecting the pretreatment efficiency were optimized using the single factor tests. The optimal parameters obtained were as follows: 1:2.5 solid/liquid rate, 2 h pre-soaking time, 1.5 %(v/v) JFC-M + 2.0 wt% phosphoric acid, 2.0 MPa pressure, and 120 s residence time, resulting in a maximum cellulose recovery rate of 86.33 % and enzymatic saccharification rate of 84.62 %, which was 38.97 % higher than that of control. The morphological and structural characteristics of samples before and after pretreatment, were characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) method. The addition of JFC-M was of a notable influence in overcoming biomass recalcitrance and boosting cellulose digestion, showing great application potentials in biomass conversion process.
A Comparison of miRNAs with Proinflammatory Cytokines and Procalcitonin in the Diagnosis, Treatment, Follow Up and Prognosis of Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Orhan Semiha , Gulsoy Kemal Yetıs , Yaylagul Esra Orenlili , Koca Halit Bugra , Yavuz Lutfi , Ulger Celal
Published: August 2021

Background: The development of sepsis, the low efficacy of antibiotics used, long-term antibiotic use, and the development of resistance to antibiotics are significant problems in patients in intensive care units. The use of biological markers is promising for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. In this study, proinflammatory cytokines, procalcitonin and four miRNA expressions were analyzed in a time-dependent manner in a patient group and control group, and the correlations between them were examined.Material and Method: The study included 30 patients in the intensive care unit who were diagnosed with sepsis and applied with SOFA and APACHE-2 scoring and 30 control subjects. Serum samples were taken at 24 hours, 72 hours, and on the 7th day. Analyses according to time were made of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, TNF-alpha, procalcitonin and four miRNAs (miR-122, miR-146a, miR-150, and miR-223) in the collected samples and comparisons were made between the patients and the control group. Results: At 24 hours, a decrease was observed in the miRNA-146a, miRNA-150, and miRNA-122 values and an increase in the miRNA-223 values in the sepsis group compared to the control group. At 72 hours, a decrease was observed in the miRNA-146a, miRNA-150, miRNA-122, and miRNA-223 values in the sepsis group compared to the control group.Conclusion: When procalcitonin and inflammatory cytokines were compared with selected miRNAs in the diagnosis, treatment follow-up, and prognosis of sepsis in the intensive care unit, a correlation between procalcitonin levels, proinflammatory cytokines and miRNA-150, miRNA-146a, and miRNA-223 was found.