bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the molecular pathogenesis behind neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 and drug repurposing, a systems biology approach
Authors: Mozafar Maryam , Mirmotalebisohi Seyed Amir , Sameni Marzieh , Dehghan Zeinab , Khazaei-Poul Yalda , Sepehrizadeh Zargham , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Shahverdi Ahmad Reza , zali hakimeh
Published: April 2021

Introduction: As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads worldwide, reports about the neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2 are excessively increasing. However, there is still insufficient high-throughput data on neuronal cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 to help predict its neural pathogenesis. HCoV-OC43 is another member of the beta coronavirus family that has confirmed neuro-invasive effects and has available neural omics data. This study predicts the critical genes, biological processes, and pathways mediating in SARS-CoV-2 neurological manifestations using a systems biology approach.Method: We retrieved raw data related to SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 infections from gene expression omnibus datasets (GSE147507 and GSE13879 respectively). We constructed gene regulatory networks for both infections, detected significant regulatory motifs by FANMOD software, and created their subnetworks. We also constructed PPI networks and identified the MCODE clusters. In the intersection of merged subnetworks of two viruses, the most critical genes were verified in GRN & PPI networks. We drug-repurposed for the selected target genes and performed the functional enrichment analysis using DAVID and String databases.Results: Some of the top KEGG pathway results included NF-kappa B, Toll-like receptor, NOD-like receptor, MAPK, and Neurotrophin signaling pathways. The most essential identified genes included IL6, TNF, HOXA5, POU2F2, ITGB3, STAT1, YY1, E2F6, ESR1, FOXO3, FOXO1, MEF2A, ATF3, ATF4, DDIT3, TCF4, BCL2L2, and BMP4. These genes were also involved in mechanisms of other viral infections of the nervous system. This study repurposes nine medicines with effects on COVID-19 neurological complications. Some of the repurposed drugs were previously registered in clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment.Conclusion: We recommended some identified crucial genes and medications to investigate further their potential role in treating COVID-19 neurological complications.
Distribution and Functional Analysis of the Two Types of 8-vinyl Reductase Involved in Chlorophyll Biosynthesis in Marine Cyanobacteria
Authors: Suehiro Haruka , Tanaka Ryouichi , Ito Hisashi
Published: April 2021

In the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway, the 8-vinyl group of the chlorophyll precursor is reduced to an ethyl group by 8-vinyl reductase. Two isozymes of 8-vinyl reductase have been described in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms: one encoded by BciA and another by BciB. Only BciB contains an [Fe-S] cluster and most cyanobacteria harbor this form; whereas a few contain BciA. Given this disparity in distribution, cyanobacterial BciA has remained largely overlooked, which has limited understanding of chlorophyll biosynthesis in these microorganisms. Here, we reveal that cyanobacterial BciA encodes a functional 8-vinyl reductase, as evidenced by measuring the in vitro activity of recombinant Synechococcus and Acaryochloris BciA. Genomic comparison revealed that BciB had been replaced by BciA during evolution of the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus, and coincided with replacement of Fe-superoxide dismutase (SOD) with Ni-SOD. These findings imply that the acquisition of BciA confers an adaptive advantage to cyanobacteria living in low-iron oceanic environments.
Computed tomography-based assessment of radiographic progression in spine and sacroiliac joints after pregnancy in women with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Lee Kyung-Ann , Lee So Yun , Kim Se Hee , Kim Hyun-Sook , Kim Hae-Rim , Lee Sang-Hoon
Published: April 2021

We aimed to investigate whether pregnancy affects radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on computed tomography (CT) evaluations. This retrospective study included women with AS aged 19–49 years who underwent at least two CT evaluations of the whole spine or sacroiliac joints (SIJs) at intervals of 2–4 years. The delivery group was restricted to women who had the first CT ~ 2 years before delivery and the second CT ~ 2 years after delivery. The CT Syndesmophyte Score (CTSS) (0-522) and SIJ scores (0–40) were used to radiographic progression. A total of 21 women in the delivery group and 38 women in the controls were included. The median (Q1-Q3) CTSS at baseline in the delivery group and controls was 19 (16–23) and 20 (13.25–27.75), and the median progression was 1 (0–3) and 0 (0–1) during the median 2.9-year follow-up, respectively. The median SIJ score at baseline in the delivery group and controls was 13 (8–22) and 11 (6–22), and the median progression was 1.5 (0–3) and 1 (0–2), respectively. The CTSS and SIJ scores significantly increased in both groups; however, no difference in absolute score changes per time-point was observed. Pregnancy do not affect the radiographic progression in AS.
Utilizing the solar thermal ice storage system in improving the energy, exergy, economic and environmental assessment of conventional air conditioning system
Authors: Elhelw Mohamed , El-Maghlany Wael M. , ‎ Mohamed Shawky Ismail
Published: April 2021

This paper introduces novel modification for conventional air conditioning systems through utilizing a thermal ice storage system integrated with solar panels. Alexandria and Aswan, cities in Egypt, are chosen to represent two climates for hot-humid and hot-dry climates respectively. The governing equations for both heat and mass transfer are theoretically solved. Exergy analysis is performed for the proposed solar-ice thermal storage system via determining exergy destruction on ice and solar components as well as the total destruction based on transient analysis. This study was carried out on two common types of air conditioning systems, an air handling unit and fan coil unit. Results showed that, solar-ice storage system is more effective approach in hot-humid climate than hot-dry climate and more efficient with all-water air conditioning system than with all-air conditioning system. The maximum energy saving is 205.16 GJ having a percent of 27.5% in August for all water system in case of Alexandria city and 224.67 GJ with a percent of 25.38% in August for all-water system in case of Aswan city. All air system simulation showed maximum energy saving of 175.05 GJ with a percent of 18.13 % in case of August for Alexandria and 175.45 GJ having a percentage of 17.43% in case of Aswan in August. Moreover, the all-water system achieved a reduction in CO2 emissions by 467 tons/year in Aswan city and 390 tons/year in case of Alexandria city. While these reductions decrease to be 435 and 353 tons/year when the all-air system used for the same two cities.
Revisiting the Physical Mechanisms of East Asian Summer Monsoon Precipitation Changes During the Mid-Holocene: A Data–model Comparison
Authors: Sun Yong , Wu Haibin , Ramstein Gilles , Liu Bo , Zhao Yan , Li Laurent , Yuan Xiayu , Zhang Wenchao , Li Lijuan , Zou Liwei , Zhou Tianjun
Published: April 2021

The mid-Holocene (MH; 6 ka) is one of the benchmark periods for the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) and provides a unique opportunity to study monsoon dynamics and orbital forcing (i.e., mostly precession) that differ significantly from the present day. We conducted a data–model comparison along with a dynamic analysis to investigate monsoonal (i.e., East Asian summer monsoon; EASM) precipitation changes over East Asia during the MH. We used the three phases of the PMIP simulations for the MH, and quantitatively compared the model results with pollen-based climate records. The data–model comparison shows an overall increase in precipitation, except for a local decrease in EASM precipitation during the MH. Decomposition of the moisture budget into thermodynamic, dynamic components and co-variations in both allowed us to assess the relative role of thermodynamic and dynamic components in controlling EASM precipitation during the MH, and to investigate the precipitation changes obtained from pollen records in terms of physical processes. We show that the dynamic effect, rather than the thermodynamic effect, is the dominant control in increased EASM precipitation during the MH in both the proxy records and models. The dynamic increase in precipitation results mainly from the enhancement of horizontal monsoonal moisture transport that is caused by intensified stationary eddy horizontal circulation over East Asia. In addition, a cloud cooling effect reduced the thermodynamic contribution to the increase in EASM precipitation during the MH.
An Identification of Faults in Industries Using Hybrid Feed Forward Neural Network – Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Chittilappilly Anoopa Jose , Subramaniam Kamalraj , Jose Giby , Manimegalai P.
Published: April 2021

In order to enhance the quality governance in automotive firms the fault analysis and categorization is designed with optimal image renewals employing swarm intelligence scheme with improved precision classifier. Methodology: Preliminarily the accumulated information is preprocessed for eradicating the undesirable noise and renewal is achieved employing non – local means scheme, followed by which five characteristics like arithmetic mean, variance, standard deviation, skewness and auto correlation are mined. The mined characteristics are sent to the feed forward neural network (FFNN) classifier for recognizing faults in the computerized segments produced in the firms. In FFNN the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is employed to optimize the characteristics for effective fault identification in metal sheets. Results: The experimental analysis reveals that the designed FFNN – PSO scheme acquires improved performance with increased rate of accuracy of 92.86%, sensitivity rate of 95.24%, specificity rate of 90.48%, G – mean rate of 97.47% and precision rate of 90.90% evaluated against the prevailing classifiers.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Autonomic Dysfunction in Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis
Authors: Chen Zhongyun , Zhang Yan , Wu Xiaowen , Huang Huijin , Chen Weibi , Su Yingying
Published: April 2021

Background To explore the characteristics and prognosis of autonomic dysfunction and paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH), and evaluate the efficacy of drugs used to suppress PSH episode in anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients.MethodsPatients who met the diagnostic criteria of anti-NMDAR encephalitis were enrolled from January 2012 to August 2018 and followed up. PSH was diagnosed according to the PSH-Assessment Measure. The demographics data, clinical features, main accessory examinations, treatments, and long-term outcomes were prospective collected and analyzed. ResultsA total of 132 anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients were enrolled, 27.3% of patients experienced autonomic dysfunction, of which cardiac autonomic dysfunction (77.8%) was the most common subdivisions. Of the patients, 9.1% had probable PSH, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypertonia (100%) were the most common symptoms of PSH. Patients with a higher incidence of ovarian teratoma, mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit admission, and elevated levels of CSF glucose, and higher CSF NMDAR antibody titers were more likely to exhibit autonomic dysfunction or PSH. Diazepam and phenobarbitone were commonly used drugs to control PSH episodes in patients without prior sedative drugs and the overall efficacy was 90.0%. However, the efficacy of monotherapy dropped to 69.6% and approximately half of episodes need a combination of drugs to control symptoms in PSH patients with prior sedative drugs. No significant difference was observed in the prognosis between the autonomic dysfunction group and the non- autonomic dysfunction group or PSH group and non-PSH group after 6 months and during long-term follow-up. However, patients with cardiac autonomic dysfunction had a poor prognosis at 6 months.Conclusion PSH is a common clinical condition in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, especially in severe cases, and the clinical management of PSH can be assisted by several acute drug administered therapies. Patients with autonomic dysfunction or PSH do not seem to compromise their neurological recovery despite a longer hospital stay.
Compared to liver, bile duct and skeletal muscle garlic (versus normal saline) only enhances pancreas insulin m-RNA transcription that corresponds to islets cellular plasticity and local and circulating hyperinsulinemia in diabetic rats
Authors: Al-Adsani Amani Mustafa , Al-Qattan Khaled Khalil
Published: April 2021

Background: Garlic aqueous extract (GE) augments insulin circulating concentration in streptozotocin-induced type-1 diabetes mellitus (STZ-DM) rat model. Objective: This study investigated at 4 stages in a time-line fashion whether modifications in insulin m-RNA transcription occur, and if they do, are they related to accumulative changes in insulin - serum and tissue concentrations and immunohistochemical (IHC) localizations and plasticities as part of the GE-induced insulinogenic mechanism(s) in the pancreas, liver, bile duct and gastrocnemius skeletal muscle (GSM) of STZ-DM rats. Method: The body weight, food and water intake, urine output, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin (SI), in addition to tissues insulin concentrations, IHC localizations and numerical intensities and m-RNA transcriptions were investigated before (basal level = BL) and after 1, 4 and 8 weeks of oral treatment in normal rats given normal saline (NR-NS), diabetic rats given normal saline (DR-NS) and diabetic rats given GE (DR-GE). The readings collected were compared using two-way ANOVA with LSD post-hoc test (IBM SPSS - V.22) and differences were considered significant when P <0.05.Results: Compared to NR-NS, DR-NS showed typical diabetic biophysical symptoms in addition to significant accumulative increases in FBG and reductions in SI, which corresponded positively with reductions in pancreatic insulin IHC localization and numerical intensity and m-RNA transcription. Conversely, and in comparison to DR-NS, DR-GE showed amelioration of diabetic biophysical symptoms, in addition to significant accumulative decreases in FBG and increases in SI, which corresponded positively with increases in pancreatic insulin IHC localization and numerical intensity and m-RNA transcription. The liver, bile duct and GSM did not show any changes in the targeted parameters (or indicators of insulin synthesis: proinsulin or C-peptide) in response to GE treatment. Conclusion: GE induced increases in circulating insulin concentration could have been due to increases in pancreas insulin concentrations as a result of an enhancement in islets cellular plasticity and m-RNA transcription. Accordingly, garlic insulinogenic action could be partly due to modification of pancreas genetic expression.
Evaluation on the receptor-binding preference and drug resistance of H9N2 influenza viruses
Authors: Su Jiazi , Deng Xiaoyu , Sun Yixue , Yu Haiying , Cong Yulin , Cong Yanlong
Published: April 2021

The enzootic and zoonotic nature of H9N2 avian influenza viruses pose a persistent threat to global poultry industry and human health. This particular subtype influenza virus raises public concerns because it possesses human receptor specificity. In this study, four H9N2 virus strains clustered into the G57-like viruses preferentially bound to SAα2,6 receptors as demonstrated in the results from the receptor-binding assay. The molecular dynamic simulation showed that HAQ226L substitution of H9N2 viruses may alter the conformation of the 220-loop of hemagglutinin (HA) and thus optimize the contacts between HA and human receptors, thereby increasing the preference for α2,6-linkages. The acquisition of an additional N-glycosylation site at position 264 close to the enzyme active sites of neuraminidase of H9N2 viruses induced the loss of hydrogen bonding between 276E at the enzyme active sites and Zanamivir and further led to occurrence of Zanamivir-resistant of viruses. This study shows the relationship between the conformational changes due to amino acid variations and viral biological phenotypes, which emphasizes the necessity for monitoring the continual evolution of H9N2 viruses and comprehensively assessing their potential zoonotic threat.
Title Euthanasia in advanced Dementia; the view of the GPs in the Netherlands on a vignette case along the juridical and ethical dispute . A survey among Dutch general practitioners
Authors: Schuurmans Jaap , Crol Chantalle , Chabot Boudewijn , Rikkert Marcel Olde , Engels Yvonne
Published: April 2021

Background In the Netherlands, euthanasia has been regulated by law since 2002 under strict conditions. In the past decade, a growing number of persons with dementia (PWDs) requested for euthanasia, and each year more requests were granted. A euthanasia request from a PWD can have a major impact on a general practitioner (GP), as it requires expertise on medical, communication, legal and ethical aspects, causing uncertainties, dilemmas and doubts. We aimed to get insights in problems and needs GPs experience when confronted with a person with advanced dementia (PWAD) and an advance euthanasia directive (AED.Methods A postal survey was sent to a random sample of 894 Dutch GPs. As part of this survey, questions were asked about a case vignette about a PWAD who was not able to confirm previous wishes anymore. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.Results Of the 894 GPs approached, 422 (47.3%) completed the survey. 176 (41.6%) of them at least once had had a euthanasia request from a PWD. 178 GPs (42.2%) did not agree with the statement that an AED can replace an oral request if communication with the concerned patient has become impossible. About half of the respondents (209; 49.5%) did not agree that the family can initiate a euthanasia trajectory, 95 GPs (22.5%) would accept such a family initiative and 110 GPs (26.1%) would under certain conditions.Discussion In case of PWADs, when confirming previous wishes is not possible anymore, about half of the Dutch GPs would not accept an AED to replace verbal or non-verbal conformation, nor consider performing euthanasia; a minority would. The reported burden and the rise in numbers and complexity of euthanasia requests from PWADs warrants better national professional guidelines and primary care support. Our study shows that due to jurisdiction and changed professional guidelines conflicting views have arisen among Dutch GPs about interpretation of moral, ethical values considering AED and PWADs.
The characteristics of patients with Acute Kidney Injury in Local Hospitals: A National Survey from China
Authors: Wu Lihua , Ma Yaqi , Wang Jinwei , Luan Fengwu , Wang Mengting , Feng Zhihong , Tian Yanhong , Li Lu , Chu Rui , Yin Xiaolong , Wang Yan , Li Yanmei , Guo Xiaoyan , Zhou Xiaoling , Yu Min , Yang Xiaojuan , Yang Li , Chen Menghua
Published: April 2021

Background：Improving the diagnosis and treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) in local hospitals is of great significance in developing countries. The aim of the present survey was to describe the characteristics of AKI in local hospitals at different economic levels and in different regions in mainland China. Methods：We used the database of a nation-wide survey on AKI in mainland China and extracted the data from 22 local hospitals. These hospitals were divided into three groups based on the local per capita gross domestic product (pcGDP) levels. We also divided the hospitals by geographic regions into Northwest China, North China, South China, and Southwest China. Using this data, we analyzed all characteristics associated with AKI. Results: 1,942 patients were diagnosed with AKI in the 22 local hospitals between January and July 2013, with a detection rate of 1.66%. There were significant differences in the detection rates and the classification of AKI across regions with different economic levels or geographic locations. The proportion of patients who had not been recognized with AKI on time, or with unclassifed AKI was higher in local hospitals from regions with lowest and moderate pcGDP levels than that in regions with the highest pcGDP levels. Renal hypoperfusion, drug factors and associated with other serious diseases were the most common causal factors of AKI in all regions. Northwest and Southwest regions had higher proportion of patients with potential nephrotoxic drugs use. The Southwest region had the most patients with environmental toxin-induced AKI compared to other regions. AKI caused by sepsis or surgical factors was more common in South China. The all-cause in-hospital mortality was 10.5%. Advanced age, male gender, staying in ICU, higher AKI stages, using nephrotoxic drugs, being with other critical illness, and delayed recognition were associated with increased in-hospital mortality, while in hospitals from South China or from regions with the highest pcGDP levels were associated with decreased in-hospital mortality.Conclusions: The detection rate of AKI in local hospitals in China is significantly lower than that in provincial hospitals. The etiology of AKI varies across different geographic regions and the level of economic development is closely related to the diagnosis of AKI in local hospitals.
Women’s Participation in Research to Improve Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Outcomes Through Evidence Base Data in West Africa
Authors: Sombié Issiaka , Johnson Ermel Ameswue Kpogbe , Amadou Moukaïla , Lokossou Virgil , Olabisi Aina
Published: April 2021

Background: Women participation in decision-making fora is key to ensure that their concerns are take into consideration, especially in maternal, newborn and child health issues. The objective of this study was to analyse the participation of stakeholders in the various meetings organized as part of the project "Moving for Maternal, Newborn and Child Evidence into Policy in West Africa".Methods: A gender analysis was conducted using data drawn from the attendance lists at the various meetings organized during the project implementation. Results: This analysis showed that women were under-represented in the various meetings organized by the project, but that their profile was not different from that of men. There was a higher proportion of women among the decision-makers during the engagement, dialogue workshops and at the international workshops without significant difference. Nevertheless, in the training workshops, there was a low proportion of women among the decision-makers with statistical significant difference. Conclusion: The women participating in the regional platform meeting have the same profile as men in terms of decision-making power. An inequitable participation of women in the health research meetings in West Africa noted in this analysis need to be addressed in the future by the application of some innovative approaches including women as part of the organizers or by the introduction of quotas.
Effect of Tripterine on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine A and its mechanism, in rats
Authors: 周 锦屏 , ZHANG RUI , Yang Tingyu , Wei Ye , Yang Chunxiao , Zhou Jiali , Guo Pengpeng , Shi Shaojun , LIU YANI , Huang Xixi
Published: April 2021

Tripterine is one of the main active components in tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides tablets. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive agent commonly used in clinical organ transplantation. Combined application of Tripterygium wilfordii and cyclosporine A has been proved to enhance the immunosuppressive effect of cyclosporine and reduce its toxic effects. The present study investigated the effect of tripterine on the pharmacokinetics of CsA and its underlying mechanisms.LC-MS/MS was used to establish a detection method of the concentration of CsA in rat blood. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Western Blot (WB) were used to determine the expression of tripterine on drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), drug transporters (DTs) and nuclear receptors (NRs). As the result, tripterine reduced the bioavailability of cyclosporin A. Compared with control group, the Cmax of CsA were reduced in all dosages of tripterine, and the AUC was significantly decreased in 18 mg∙kg-1 and 54mg∙kg-1 group. The results of PCR and WB showed that tripterine had inhibitory effects on CYP3A1, CYP3A2, UGT1A1, OATP1B2, P-GP, MRP2, BCRP, BSEP and NTCP. Therefore, we put forward that the inhibition effect of tripterine on NTCP, BESP and OATP1B2 in the liver could limit the uptake of cyclosporin A into the blood and the hepatointestinal circulation of cyclosporine A, resulting in the decrease of blood drug concentration of cyclosporin A.
Development of a Blended Learning System for Nurses to Learn the Basics of Psychoeducation for Patients with Mental Disorders
Authors: Matsuda Mitsunobu , Kohno Ayumi
Published: April 2021

Background

Psychoeducation should be practiced by various professionals. However, many Japanese psychiatric nurses recognize that psychoeducation should be practiced by other professionals, and show passive attitudes toward learning about evidence-based practices (EBPs), including psychoeducation. We developed a psychoeducation practitioner training program (PPTP) to nurture nurses. However, the PPTP was shown to be ineffective to help nurses achieve psychoeducation skills, although it improved their knowledge of psychoeducation and views on EBP. We developed and evaluated a revised version of the PPTP, integrating blended learning that combines e-learning and group education (BL-PPTP), to nurture nurses’ competencies to practice psychoeducation for patients with mental disorders. We trained nurses working on acute psychiatric care wards of Japanese hospitals using BL-PPTP, and compared their attitudes for evidence-based practices (EBP attitudes), preparedness for psychoeducational practice, and self-efficacy at 4 points to clarify time-course changes in each participant.
Results

Sixty-nine nurses participated, 31 withdrew, and 38 were analyzed. The time needed to complete BL-PPTP ranged from 31 to 259 days, revealing a marked individual difference. There were significant improvements in most participants’ EBP attitudes and preparedness for psychoeducational practice at the end of the program compared with the baseline.
Conclusions

BL-PPTP may be useful to nurture nurses’ competencies to practice psychoeducation. BL-PPTP developed in the present study may also help disseminate psychoeducation among nurses, and increase the quality of nursing care.
Lin28A Promotes the Amplification and Cancer Stemness of Lung Cancer Cells Via Activating MAPK Pathway Dependent on Let-7c Functions
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Pengpeng , Zhang Xiao , Ye Yingnan , Yu Jinpu
Published: April 2021

Background: Metastasis and relapse of lung cancer are the main cause of disease-related deaths. It’s reported that tumor metastasis and relapse originated from cancer stem cells (CSCs) which possess more potential in proliferation and invasion. In our previous studies, we established a conditional BME-based three-dimensional culture (3D culture) system to mimic the growth environment in vivo and further amplified lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) in our system. However, the molecular mechanisms of the amplification and development of LCSCs in our 3D culture system are still not very clear. Methods: We tested the expression of Lin28 and let7 by western blot and qPCR, and constructed A549 cells either knockdown of Lin28 or overexpression of let7, followed by investigating the expression of stemness markers by flow cytometry and qPCR, and stem cell like phenotypes including cell proliferation, colony formation, mammosphere culture, cell apoptosis, migration, invasion and drug resistance in vitro, as well as tumorigenicity in vivo. Results: Here we observed Lin28A/let-7c was dysregulated in LCSCs both from the 3D culture system and from lung cancer tissues. Further, the abnormal expression of Lin28A/let-7c was correlated with poor survival outcomes. We found over-expression let-7c inhibited the maintenance of LCSC properties, while the results for knockdown of Lin28A showed Lin28A was critical for the enrichment and amplification of LCSCs via MAPK signaling pathway. Importantly, we found that either knockdown of Lin28A or over-expression of let-7c inhibited carcinogenesis and disrupted LCSC expansion in vivo. Conclusions: Our study uncovered the functions and mechanisms of the "Lin28A/let-7c/MAPK" signaling pathway in promoting the amplification and cancer stemness of LCSCs, which might be a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer therapy by reducing and even eliminating LCSCs in the future.
Numerical Investigation on the Triaxial Compression Behavior of Large-Scale Jointed Coal
Authors: Wang Xiaoqing , Gao Fuqiang
Published: April 2021

Accurate estimation of the triaxial compression behavior of coal mass is essential for coal mining. In this study, a numerical synthetic rock mass method was used to study the triaxial compression behavior of coal mass. The jointed-coal specimens were constructed based on in-situ joint measurements and microparameter calibration against laboratory tested data. A series of triaxial compression tests on jointed-coal specimens with different loading orientations and confining pressures were performed to obtain joint and confining-pressure effects and to reveal the related failure mechanism. The results suggest that jointed coal has a strong joint effect and confining-pressure effect. Joints weaken the strength and elastic modulus, reduce the lateral deformation, and affect the geometries of the shear-rupture surface. With increase in the confining pressure, the peak strength and residual strength increase but the elastic modulus remains stable; the lateral strain decreases, especially at low confining pressure; the mechanical behavior transitions from brittleness to ductility; the failure mode transitions from shear-rupture surface to plastic flow; and the joint effect diminishes and even disappears. The shear-rupture surface is formed by the combined effect of shear stress and joints at low confining pressure, and the contribution of joints decreases with increase in confining pressure.
Catastrophic Mechanism and Stability Analysis of Jiangdingya Landslide in Zhouqu County, Gansu Province, China
Authors: Ma Tianzhong , Yang Xiaohui , Zhang Weixiong , Sun Chendong
Published: April 2021

On July 12, 2018, a large-scale landslide occurred in the Jiangdingya area, Nanyu Town, Gansu Province, China. According to remote sensing interpretation and field investigation, the landslide volume is about 480×104 - 550×104m 3 , which caused the Bailongjiang River to be blocked and the water level to rise, forming a dammed lake, flooding Nanyu Town. The landslide is characterized by chain disasters, which poses a serious threat to the ecological security of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. In this paper, the catastrophic mechanism of Jiangdingya landslide is analyzed, and the stability of the slope is studied. According to the disaster characteristics, comprehensive safety control measures are put forward. The study shows that the occurrence of landslides is closely related to geological structure, environmental evolution, precipitation infiltration, earthquake damage and human activities, among which geological structure is the decisive factor and earthquake and rainstorm are the inducing factors. Under the action of river erosion and precipitation infiltration, it is easy to trigger the revival of new large-scale landslides. Therefore, it is necessary to take risk management measures for landslides, strengthen the risk identification of landslide disasters, and avoid the recurrence of serious geological disasters. The research results of this paper are of great significance to the prevention and control of chain disasters and the comprehensive treatment of slopes.
Adipose Tissue is a Predictor of 30-days Mortality in Patients with Bloodstream Infection Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae
Authors: ying piaopiao , chen jiajing , ye yinchai , ye jiayong , cai weiyang
Published: April 2021

Background: Prevalence of CRKP bloodstream infection with high mortality has attached physicians' attention. High-VAT and high-SAT were confirmed by previous studies that closely related to increased pneumonia severity, more complications, and higher mortality in COVID-19. Thus, we speculate that CT-quantified body composition may also be connected to all-cause mortality and bacterial clearance in patients with CRKP bloodstream infection. Methods: We investigated the associations of CT-quantified body composition with CRKP bloodstream infectious patients. All of the CT images were obtained at the level of the L3/4 spinal level. The prognostic value of the body composition was analyzed using the Cox regression model, and precise clinical nomograms were established. Results: Factors associated with 30-day all-in hospital mortality included TAT [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.028, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.004–1.053; p = 0.028], age [OR=1.031, 95% CI, 1.001–1.062; p = 0.046] and SOFA score [OR=1.137, 95% CI 1.047–1.235; p = 0.002]. Compared with low-VAT, patients with high-VAT show a strikingly poor prognosis in both 30-day mortality (P=0.0449, Figure 2A) and all-cause mortality (P=0.0048, Figure 2C). The results of TAT were similar with VAT. Conclusions: Our study suggests that CT-derived composition could be a credible and effective alternative to assess the prognosis of patients with BSIs owing to CRKP. CT-quantified total adipose tissue, age and SOFA scores were independently associated with 30-day all-cause mortality in these severe infectious patients, while skeletal muscle did not have obvious statistical significance.
Washing-free Chemiluminescence Immunoassay for Rapid Detection of cTnI in Whole Blood Samples
Authors: Zhao Huan , Su Enben , Huang Li , Zai Yunfeng , Liu Yuan , Chen Zhu , Li Song , Jin Lian , Deng Yan , He Nongyue
Published: April 2021

Background: Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) has always been a great challenge in detecting whole blood samples without centrifugation because of the interference of red blood cells and low sensitivity. Results: In this scheme, the antigens and erythrocytes in the blood were captured by the antibodies immobilized on the magnetic particles, recognized by another biotin-conjugated cTnI antibody and detected by streptavidin/acridine aster-conjugated PCMS. After magnetic separation, the supernatant was transferred and measured. No significant difference was noted between the cTnI concentrations of the serum samples, plasma samples and whole blood. The prepared PCMS provided more functional areas to conjugate streptavidin and acridinium ester, so the immunoassay has highly sensitive, the limits of blank at 0.012 ng/mL, and functional sensitivity at 0.019 ng/mL with a CV of 20%, and 0.058 ng/mL with a CV of 10%. Total precision of any sample type ranged from 2.62~5.67%. The assay was linear over the studied range of 0.01–50.00 ng/mL, and no hook effect was found when cTnI concentrations reached 1900 ng/mL. No significant interference was noted with the potential endogenous interfering substances. Compared with the commercial kit (Abbott assay kit), the correlation coefficient was 0.9859.Conclusions: A washing-free chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) was established for the rapid detection of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in human whole blood, using erythrocyte capture antibodies-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles for eliminating the influence of erythrocytes and polychloromethylstyrene microspheres (PCMS) for signal amplification, which showed great potential in clinical application.
Robust synthesis of two-dimensional metal dichalcogenides and their alloys by active chalcogen monomer supply
Authors: Liu Kaihui , Zuo Yonggang , Liu Can , Ding Liping , Qiao Ruixi , Liu Chang , Fu Ying , Liu Kehai , Zhou Xu , Wang Qinghe , Guo Quanlin , Xue Guodong , Wang Jinhuan , Hong Hao , Wu Muhong , Yu Dapeng , Wang Enge , Bai Xuedong , Ding Feng
Published: April 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), with their atomic thicknesses, high carrier mobility, fast charge transfer, and intrinsic spin-valley couplings, have been demonstrated one of the most appealing candidates for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. The synthesis of TMDs with well-controlled crystallinity, quality and composition is essential to fully realize their promising applications. Similar to that in III-V semiconductor synthesis, the precise precursor supply is a precondition for controllable growth of TMDs. Although great efforts have been devoted to modulate the transition metal supply, few effective methods of chalcogen feeding control were developed. Herein we report a strategy of using active chalcogen monomer supply to grow TMDs and their alloys in a robust and controllable manner. It is found that at a high temperature, the active chalcogen monomers (such as S, Se, Te atoms or their mixtures) can be controllably released from metal chalcogenides and, thus, enable the synthesis of TMDs (MX2, M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, Te) with very high quality, e.g., MoS2 monolayers exhibit photoluminescent circular helicity of ~92%, comparable to the best exfoliated single-crystal flakes and close to the theoretical limit of unity. More intriguingly, a uniform quaternary TMD alloy with three different anions, i.e., MoS2(1-x-y)Se2xTe2y, was accomplished for the first time. Our mechanism study revealed that the active chalcogen monomers can bind and diffuse freely on a TMD surface, which enables the effective nucleation and reaction, quick chalcogen vacancy healing, and alloy formation during the growth. The chalcogen monomer supply strategy offers more degrees of freedom for the controllable synthesis of 2D compounds and their alloys, which will greatly benefit the development of high-end devices with desired 2D materials.
Modification of heavy metals toxicity by Cyanobacteria Nostoc sp. N27P72 and Nostoc sp. FB71 in Culture Conditions
Authors: Ghorbani Elham , Nowruzi Bahareh , NejadAli Mssomeh , Hekmat Azadeh
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Cyanobacteria are ecologically relevant prokaryotes that can be found in environments contaminated with heavy metals. As their photosynthetic machinery imposes high demands for metals, homeostasis of these micronutrients has been extensively considered in cyanobacteria. So far, most studies have focused on treatment of wastewaters using microalgae leads to remarkable reduction of an array of organic and inorganic nutrients, but what takes place in the extracellular environment when cells are exposed to external supplementation with heavy metals remains largely unknown. Methods: Here, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production in strains Nostoc sp. N27P72 and Nostoc sp. FB71 isolated from different habitats are reported and compared. Cultures of both strains, supplemented with either glucose, sucrose, lactose or maltose showed that production of EPS and cell dry weight was boosted by maltose supplementation. Result: Nostoc sp. N27P72 which was isolated from lime stones was higher, resulting in 9.1 ± 0.05 µg/ml and 1.01 ± 0.06 g/l in EPS and cell dry. The cell cultures tested for their ability to remove Cu(II), Cr(III) and Ni(II) in media culture containing the maltose and without maltose as control culture. Remarkably, we showed that although these elements can be toxic, supplementing the media culture can effectively sequester their toxic effects by increasing the production of EPSs, carbohydrates and total soluble proteins in comparison to control. The crude EPS showed metal adsorption capacity assuming the order Ni(II)> Cu(II)> Cr(III) from metal-binding experiments. Nickel was preferentially biosorbed with a maximal uptake of 188.8 ± 0.14 mg (g cell dry wt) -1 crude EPS. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed treatment with Ni made changes in the functional groups and glycoside linkages in both strains. Results of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) to determine the biochemical composition of Nostoc sp. N27P72 showed that strong Ni(II) removal capability is suspected to be associated with the high Cyclotrisiloxane and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid content. Conclusion: The results of these investigates specified that strains Nostoc sp. N27P72 is good candidates for the commercial production of EPS and might be utilized in bioremediation field as an alternative to synthetic and abiotic flocculants.
Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis of Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV) infected Lymantria dispar in Tree-top Disease
Authors: Li Fengjiao , Wang Yajie , Yu Xiao , Wang Dun
Published: April 2021

The pioneer record described the phenomenon of nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) manipulating host behavior was named as Tree Top Disease or “Wipfelkrankheit” by Hofmann in 1891. Following publics advised multipartite effect during infection progressing that NPVs adjusting manipulated mode to actualize crossing barriers, immune escape and hormone regulation. In this study, the molecular mechanism of Lymantria dispar Multiple embedded Nucleopolyhedrovirus(LdMNPV)-infected was investigated by a comparison of transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis at four selected time points of LdMNPV-infected and healthy Lymantria dispar (Ld) larvae. Among data collecting, the notably up-regulated and down-regulated genes and metabolomics were used for further analysis. Integrative analysis revealed the content changes of caffeine, glutamate and gamma-Aminobutyric acid involved in LdMNPV inducing behavior change, and the alteration of myo-inositol, phosphatidyl-1D-myo-inositol and relevant genes involved in larval extended instar duration and apoptosis avoiding.
Risk Factors of ICU-Acquired Weakness in Critical Ill Patients with ECMO Support: A Retrospective Study
Authors: chen xinyi , lei xiong , xu xin , Huang Man
Published: April 2021

Background Muscle weakness is exceedingly common in critical illness patients and is well described. However, information on the risk factors of muscle weakness in critically ill patients who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support are lacking. Our study aims to clarify the risk factors of ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) in ECMO patients to help early recognize potential weakness. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of critical ill patients who used ECMO during their ICU stay. ICU-AW was diagnosed at the time when patients discharged and had a muscle strength sum score < 48 out of a maximal score of 60. Baseline characters and therapy details were collected from the case report form and inspection report. Results 63 patients receiving ECMO support were divided to ICU-AW group and no ICU-AW group according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) score when discharged. A total of 50 of the 63 patients were diagnosed with ICU-AW. On logistic regression analysis, the use of adrenaline apparently increased the odds of developing ICU-AW (OR=6.8,95%CI 1.19-38.92, p=0.032), and it was independent of all other established risk factors for ICU-AW. Meanwhile, the occurrence of infection during ECMO support significantly increased the risks of ICU-AW (OR=7.3,95% CI 1.28-41.24, p=0.025) and was independently associated with the outcome of ICU-AW. Other factors such as mechanical ventilation duration, steroid use and neuromuscular blockade did not differ significantly between the groups in our analysis. Conclusion Infection during ECMO support and use of adrenaline were found independently associated with the development of ICU-AW.
Detailed analysis of recovery process of cranial nerve palsy after IMRT-based comprehensive treatment in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: zang jian , li yan , luo shanquan , wang jianhua , hou bingxin , yao min , zhao lina , shi mei
Published: April 2021

Background

cranial nerve (CN) palsy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma with cancer-related involvement of cranial nerve has been considered as an unfavorable prognostic factor for NPC. We assessed the role of IMRT based treatment modality on the recovery of CN and investigated the prognostic value of CN palsy recovery.
Methods

A total of 115 NPC patients with CN palsy were included in the study. We referred CTCAE version 5.0 to evaluate the grade of CN palsy.
Results

All patients with grade 1 CN palsy recovered completely during the 2 years of follow-up after definite treatment. Most grade 2 palsy could change gradually to grade 1 palsy or complete recovery during two years of follow-up. The 3-year DFS were 84.9% in patients experienced 1 or 2 symptom of CN palsy compared with 60.3% in patients with more than 2 symptoms of CN palsy (HR: 0.25, 95%CI: 0.07–0.89, P = 0.001).
Conclusions

IMRT based comprehensive treatment could effectively promote the recovery of tumor-related CN palsy in locoregionally advanced NPC.
The Determinants of Caregiver use and its Costs for Elderly Inpatients in Korea: A study applying Andersen’s behavioral model of health care utilization and replacement cost method
Authors: Kim Jennifer Ivy , Kim Sukil
Published: April 2021

Objectives: The average annual healthcare expenditure among elderly patients in Korea is increasing rapidly in indirect healthcare sectors, requiring an understanding of factors related to the use of both formal and informal caregivers. This study aims to analyze the factors related to caregiver use and caregiving costs among hospitalized patients due to acute illness or exacerbation of chronic diseases and whether they differ by age group.Methods: A total of 1,550 study participants from the Korea Health Panel Study Data 2017, consisting of 819 elderly inpatients and 731 nonelderly inpatients, were used for the analysis. Costing methods were applied according to the major type of caregiver during hospitalization. Predisposing, enabling, and need factors were considered to determine the possible factors associated with caregiver use. A two-part model was applied to analyze the factors related to care receiving and estimate incremental costs from care after stratifying subjects by age.Results: Elderly inpatients who used tertiary hospitals (OR: 2.44, p-value <0.00), received financial support (OR: 2.70, p-value <0.00), and had disability status (OR: 1.76, p-value <0.05) were more likely to rely on a caregiver, while elderly inpatients living by themselves had a lower probability of using caregivers (OR: 0.48, p-value <0.00). Also, there was a positive association between caregiving costs and the number of chronic diseases among elderly inpatients (β: 0.66, p-value <0.05) with incremental costs of $567.Conclusion: This study presented significant health-related and socio-environmental characteristics to the use of formal and informal caregiving and its related expenditures. Therefore, healthcare management plans that encompass clinical and social levels should be implemented to ease the caregiver burden.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered