bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Contact Angle vs. Temperature for the Quartz-Water-Decane System
Authors: Duffy Timothy S. , Gamwo Isaac K. , Johns Russell T. , Lvov Serguei N.
Published: June 2021

Innovative approaches are needed to improve the efficiency of oil recovery technologies to meet the growing demands of fossil-fuel based energy consumption. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods such as low-salinity waterflooding and chemically tuned waterflooding aim to optimize the reservoir’s wetting properties, detaching oil globules from rock surfaces and allowing easier oil flow through pore throats. This wetting behavior is commonly quantified by contact angle measurements of the rock-oil-brine interface, which have been thoroughly investigated and theorized for many systems at ambient temperatures and pressures. However, few studies exist for extending contact angle theories away from ambient conditions. In this paper, we model the contact angles of a quartz-water-decane system at elevated temperatures using the surface tension component (STC) approach. Temperature-dependent van der Waals [Lifshitz-van der Waals (LW)] interactions and hydrogen-bonding (acid-base) interactions were calculated and are incorporated into the model for the quartz-water-decane interface. The Hough and White procedure was used to create temperature-dependent dielectric functions of quartz, water, and normal decane for calculations of Hamaker coefficients. Hamaker coefficients calculated this way are highly linear with temperature and agree well with Israelachvili’s approximation. The acid-base interactions likely contribute the most to system wettability changes. Resulting contact angles of the quartz-water-decane system shift from water-wet (16°) to slightly water-wet (57.4°) as temperature increases. The model was also successfully verified for the quartz-air-water system. Our results can be used in future studies to determine optimal injected water compositions for specific rock-oil-brine and other systems with consideration of reservoir temperature.
Assessment of Clinical laboratory using WHO AFRO-SLIPTA Quality Standards in a Referral Hospital laboratory in Ghana
Authors: Tanko Rufai , Aninagyei Enoch , Baffour Albert Gyau , Gbadago Fred , Addae Gideon , Ameme Donne , Sackey Samuel Oko , Ernest Kenu
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The hospital laboratory exists to provide accurate and reliable results to physicians for effective management of patients. The Quality Management System (QMS) in the laboratory must be effective and efficient so that reliable results will be produced for patient care. Quality System Essentials together with International Organization for Standardization (IOS) 15189 are the core components used to establish a QMS in the Laboratory. Laboratory assessments are an effective means to determine whether a laboratory is providing accurate and reliable results and adhering to good laboratory practices. We assessed the Suhum Hospital laboratory to identify gaps in the components of Quality System Essentials. Method: This exploratory study investigated the practice of QMS in Suhum Hospital laboratory, a public district hospital laboratory in Ghana, in January 2016. Data collected comprised activities by laboratory staff during onsite visits and evidence of documentation. Permission to collect data was sought from the Hospital Management and Laboratory Manager. We used the WHO-AFRO laboratory Strengthening Checklist to assess the laboratory. We reviewed the records to verify if the laboratory quality manuals, policies, logs, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were complete, current, accurate, and annually reviewed. Finally, we interviewed staff of the laboratory and clinicians to obtain information to learn their perspective on the laboratory’s performance. Results: The undepartmentalized laboratory is headed by a manager with a staff strength of 13 trained professionals. It receives averagely 100 patient samples daily and runs 30 different tests. The main strengths of the laboratory in terms of Quality System Essentials were information management 15/18 (83%), process control 25/33 (77%), internal audit 6/10 (60%), facilities and safety 25/43 (58%), purchasing and inventory 17/30 (57%). However, equipment management 8/30 (27%), occurrence management 3/12 (25%), documents and records 7/25 (28%), organization and personnel 8/20 (40%), corrective actions 5/12 (42%) and client management 5/17 (29%) required improvement. Conclusion: Findings from the laboratory audit pointed to an overall weak laboratory QMS based on WHO/AFRO laboratory strengthening checklist and rating. Concerted efforts are therefore required to improve the laboratory QMS rating to improve quality of care to clients in all district hospital laboratories in Ghana.
Graphene under extreme electromagnetic field: energetic ion acceleration by direct irradiation of ultra intense laser on few layer suspended graphene
Authors: Kuramitsu Yasuhiro , Minami Takumi , Hihara Takamasa , Sakai Kentaro , Nishimoto Takahiro , Isayama Shogo , Liao Yu-Tzu , Wu Kuan-Ting , Woon Wei-Yen , Chen Shih-Hung , Liu Yao-Li , He Shi-Ming , Su Ching-Yuan , Ota Masato , Egashira Shunsuke , Morace Alessio , Sakawa Youichi , Habara Hideaki , Kodama Ryosuke , Dohl Leonard , Woolsey Nigel , Koenig Michel , Kanasaki Masato , Asai Takafumi , Yamauchi Tomoya , Oda Keiji , Kondo Kotaro , Kiriyama Hiromitsu , Fukuda Yuji
Published: June 2021

Atomically thin graphene is a transparent, highly electrically and thermally conductive, light-weight, and the strongest material. To date, graphene has found applications in many aspects including transport, medicine, electronics, energy, defense, and desalination. We demonstrate another disruptive application of graphene in the field of laser-ion acceleration, in which the unique features of graphene play indispensable role. Laser driven ion sources have been widely investigated for pure science, plasma diagnostics, medical and engineering applications. Recent developments of laser technologies allow us to access radiation regime of laser ion acceleration with relatively thin targets. However, the thinner target is the less durable and can be easily broken by the pedestal or prepulse through impact and heating prior to the main laser arrival. One of the solutions to avoid this is plasma mirror, which is a surface plasma created by the foot of the laser pulse on an optically transparent material working as an effective mirror only for the main laser peak. So far diamond like carbon (DLC) is used to explore the ion acceleration in extremely thin target regime (< 10 nm) with plasma mirrors, and it is necessary to use plasma mirrors even in moderately thin target regime (10-100 nm) to realize energetic ion generation. However, firstly DLC is not 2D material, and therefore, it is very expensive to make it thin and flat. Moreover, graphene is stronger than diamond at extremely thin regime, and much more reasonable for mass-production. Furthermore, installing and operating plasma mirrors at high repetition rate is also costly. Here we show another direct solution using graphene as the thinnest and strongest target ever made. We develop a facile transfer method to fabricate large-area suspended graphene (LSG) as target for laser ion acceleration with precision down to a single atomic layer. Direct irradiation of the LSG targets with an ultra intense laser generates energetic carbons and protons evidently showing the durability of graphene without plasma mirror. This extends the new frontier of science on graphene under extreme electromagnetic field, such as energy frontier and nuclear fusion.
A Generalized Approach on Outage Performance Analysis of Dual-Hop Decode and Forward Relaying for 5G and Beyond Scenarios
Authors: Singh Daljeet
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a generalized approach on performance of relay aided communication systems for 5G and beyond scenarios. A dual-hop decode and forwarding scheme is considered in the analysis. The relationship between the outage performance and cumulative distribution function (CDF) of signal to noise ratio (SNR) is exploited to derive a universal expression of outage probability valid for all fading scenarios irrespective of their nature or complexity. Further, an effort is made to parameterise the channel PDF in such a manner that reflects a commonly encountered practical fading scenario faced by current and future wireless communication systems. The analytical results obtained for various cases are validated by Monte-Carlo simulations.
A New Approach For Physically-Based Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis For Portugal
Authors: Zacchei Enrico , Brasil Reyolando
Published: June 2021

Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) is nowadays the more complete analysis method to estimate the seismic input for structural analysis. However, it is strongly influenced by seismogenic parameters and attenuation equations. Here PSHA using empirical Green’s functions (EGFs) with 2 + 2 variables is carried out, which are correlated through the moment magnitude. This combination, already known as “physically-based PSHA (pb-PSHA)”, is an original approach that should be disseminated because it provides a good alternative in countries where the seismogenic zones and attenuation equations are not well known. The proposed model is based on linear faults, random, periodic, impulsive, linear source functions, and a punctual hypocentre. Differential equations are explained. Results are shown in terms of new seismic parameters, specific return periods and ground accelerations. The studied country is Portugal. It appears to the authors that no study has been published about pb-PSHA for Portugal.
The Effect of Noise-Induced Quantum Coherence in the Intermediate Band Solar Cells
Authors: Daryani Mohsen , Rostami Ali , Darvish Gaffar , Farshi Mohammad Kazem Morravej
Published: June 2021

It has been shown that quantum coherence induced by incoherent light can increase the efficiency of solar cells. Here we evaluate the effect of such coherence in the intermediate band solar cells. We first examine a six-level quantum IBSC model and demonstrate by simulation that the maximum of output power in a solar cell with quantum structure increases more than 16 percent in the case of coherence existence. We then propose an IBSC model which can absorb continuous spectra of sunlight and show that the quantum coherence can increase the output power of the cell. For instance, calculations indicate that the coherence makes an increase of about 31% in the maximum output power of a cell that the width of the conduction and intermediate bands are 100 and 10 meV, respectively. Also, our calculations show that the quantum coherence effect is still observed in increasing the solar cell power by expanding the width of the conduction band, although the output power is reduced due to increase in the thermalization loss. However, expanding the width of the intermediate band reduces the coherence effect.
Hatchability, Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency, and Survival of Normal Feathered Local, Sasso-rir and Their F1-cross Chickens Under on-station Management Condition in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: wolde shewangizaw woltamo , Mirkena Tadele , Melesse Aberra , Dessie Tadelle , Abegaz Solomon
Published: June 2021

The Normal Feathered local chicken (LL), Sasso-RIR (SRSR) and their F1-cross (LSR) chickens were hatched to evaluated for egg hatchability, growth performance, feed efficiency and survival rate. After 14-days of brooding, 150 chicks of each genotype were randomly selected and further replicated in to five pens in a deep litter grower house consisting of 30 chicks each in a completely randomized design, and evaluated for a period of 16-weeks. Hatchability of fertile eggs was highest for LL (80.0 %), intermediate for LSR (68.6%) and lowest for SRSR (55.9%) chickens. The body weight (BW) of chicks at 2-weeks of age was 80.0, 76.3 and 61.5 g/bird for SRSR, LSR, and LL, respectively, the latter being the lowest (p<0.05). The respective BW at 8-weeks of age was 732, 587 and 451 g while at 18-weeks it was 1877, 1379 and 1070 g/bird and different from each other (p<0.05). During 3- to 8-weeks and 9- to 18-weeks growth periods, the LL chickens were inferior (p< 0.05) in feed intake (29.7 and 66.9 g/d/bird) whereas the SRSR chickens were superior (p< 0.05) in body weight gain (15.5 and 16.3 g/d/bird) and feed conversion ratio (2.67 and 5.35 g feed/ g gain), respectively. The mortality rate of chicken was not affected by genotypes. It can be concluded that the exotic blood of Sasso-RIR chicken had played a significant role in upgrading the growth rate and market weight of the local Normal Feathered chicken without adverse effect on hatchability, feed efficiency, and survival rate.
A Case-Control Study of Relevance Between NOS2 rs2297518 Polymorphism with Preeclampsia Risk in the Chinese Han women
Authors: Wang Jingli , Guan Chengcheng , Hou Huabin , Peng Xinguo , Liu Yun , Li Jinling
Published: June 2021

Backgroud: Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) acts on the contraction and expansion of blood vessels by mediating the synthesis of Nitric Oxide (NO), which is implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE) associated with systemic vasoconstriction. The polymorphism of NOS2, the gene of coding iNOS, can affect the function of protein. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether the polymorphism site rs2297518 in NOS2 is associated with susceptibility of PE in a Chinese Han population. Methods and Results:Genotyping the NOS2 rs2297518 polymorphism through TaqMan real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after DNA extraction from blood samples in this case-control study including 979 PE patients and 1187 healthy pregnant women. Using independent sample t-test and chi-square test to analyse clinical data and experimental results. We performed the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the degree of the association.There was no statistical significance in the genetic distributions for the polymorphism of rs2297518 between the PE and control groups (c2=1.43, p=0.49 by genotype frequency, c2=0.85, p=0.36, odds ratio=1.07, 95% confidence interval 0.92-1.25 by allele frequency), and no differences among early/late-onset or mild/severe PE and controls was seen. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the NOS2 rs2297518 polymorphism may be not play a major role in the susceptibility to PE in the Chinese Han population. Therefore, it is essential to test other polymorphisms of this gene to validate a potential relationship for susceptibility to PE.
Application of The Full-Width-At-Half-Maximum Image Segmentation Method to Analyse Retinal Vascular Changes in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Xu Bo Lun , Li Yi Jie , Zhou Wen Li , Cheng Ke Yun , Zhan Hai Jing , Jiang Li Gang , Tong Yu Hua
Published: June 2021

The study used spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and full width at half maximum image segmentation to investigate the morphological changes of retinal blood vessels in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR).Seventy-five patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) without DR and 65 patients with DR were studied. The vascular images of superior temporal region B of the retina were obtained by SD-OCT. The edges of retinal vessels were identified by the full-width-at-half-maximum image segmentation method. The lumen diameter, wall thickness (WT), wall cross-sectional area (WCSA), and wall-to-lumen ratio (WLR) were investigated.We found that compared with no-diabetic-retinopathy (NDR) group, patients in DR group had increased retinal arteriolar lumen diameter (RALD), retinal arteriolar outer diameter (RAOD), and WT(128.80 µm vs. 104.88 µm; 147.01 µm vs. 135.60 µm; 18.29 µm vs. 15.26 µm; P < 0.05 respectively). And, the retinal venular lumen diameter, retinal venular outer diameter, and venular WT in the DR group also increased (146.17 µm vs. 133.66 µm; 180.20 µm vs. 156.43 µm; 17.01 µm vs. 11.38 µm; P < 0.05 respectively). The morphological changes of retinal vessels were significantly correlated with DR stage.In conclusion,in diabetic patients with DR, both retinal arteries and veins are widened with increased vascular thickness.
Comparative Gene Analysis in Chordate Embryonic Development Reveals Co-existence of Von Baer’s and Haeckel’s Postulates
Authors: Guo Song , Hu Haiyang , Xu Chuan , Irie Naoki , Khaitovich Philipp
Published: June 2021

The relationship between embryonic development and evolution historically investigated based on embryo morphology could now be reassessed using mRNA expression endophenotype. Here, we analyzed the conservation of divergence of the developmental mRNA expression profiles in nine evolutionarily distinct species, from oyster to mouse, and compared them to the original concepts formulated by von Baer and Haeckel. We find nearly linear conservation of species’ developmental programs among these species, compatible with models rooted on von Baer’s postulates, for approximately a third of expressed orthologous genes. By contrast, 5-15% of developmental expression profiles, enriched in neural genes, displayed an alignment pattern compatible with the terminal edition paradigm proposed by Haeckel. Thus, the development-evolution relationship based on mRNA expression agrees with early concepts based on embryo morphology and demonstrates that the corresponding patterns coexist in chordate development.
Development of Adaptation and Rehabilitation Potential of A Family That Bring Up A Child With Health Limitations in The Conditions of A Parent Club
Authors: Chemerilova Irina , Kirilova Olga , Gavrilova Irina , Akyeva Nurgozel
Published: June 2021

Family adaptation to parenting and accompanying a child with disabilities is currently a serious social and psychological problem. This study is aimed at studying the development, adaptation and rehabilitation potential of a family raising a child with disabilities in an inclusive education. This study is also aimed at theoretical substantiation, experimental verification and confirmation of the possibilities to adapt and rehabilitate such families with the help of a parent support program based on the parent club of the Center for Psychological, Medical and Social Assistance. The methodological basis of the study was the systematic and active support to families in inclusive education. The research was carried out by analyzing scientific literature and using psychological techniques. The results of the study deepened the scientific understanding of the principles, mechanisms, methods of measuring the effectiveness and improving the process of accompanying a family raising a child with disabilities in inclusive practice. The article defines the essence and content of the adaptive and rehabilitation potential of a family raising children with disabilities, identifies the structural components; and provides diagnostic tools. The results of the experimental study prove that the actual problem of improving adaptive and rehabilitative potential of a family raising children with disabilities can be successfully solved with the help of a parental support program in a parent club.
α-Lipoic Acid Induces Intrinsic Apoptosis in Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Duraisamy Revathi , Devaraj Ezhilarasan , Perumal Elumalai
Published: June 2021

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the leading cancers in India and it is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. α -lipoic acid, a co-factor for several metabolic enzymes, suppresses the tumor growth. In this study, we investigated the α-lipoic acid-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human oral squamous carcinoma (SCC-25) cells. α-lipoic acid treatments were given to SCC-25 cells for 24 h and cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. The reactive oxygen species expression was examined by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay. Apoptosis-related morphological changes were detected by dual staining. Cytochrome c and RAS (H-Ras) expression was measured by dual staining and RT-PCR respectively. Intrinsic apoptosis-related markers are analyzed using qPCR.α-lipoic acid inhibited SCC-25 cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. This treatment also increased intracellular reactive oxygen species expression and the percentage of apoptotic cells (up to 70% of the cell population). Dual staining further confirms cytochrome c cytosolic expression. The oncogene H-Ras protein and gene expression was also down-regulated upon α-lipoic acid treatment in SCC-25 cells. qPCR analysis further confirms α-lipoic acid-induced an upregulation of bax, Apaf-1, caspase 3 and − 9, pro-apoptotic gene expressions and downregulation of bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic gene expression. The present results suggest that α-lipoic acid has cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic potential and it also downregulates H-Ras oncogene expression in human oral squamous carcinoma cells. α-lipoic acid may have promising role in the treatment of human oral squamous carcinoma.
Control of Intramolecular Electron Transport Pathways by Varying Localized Electron Distribution
Authors: Zhou Dahai , Duan Ping , Zhou Yu , Li Chuan , Wang Yaping , Chen Lichuan , Wang Jin-Yun , Qu Kai , Tang Chun , Shi Jia , Liu Junyang , Zhang Qian-Chong , Chen Zhong-Ning , Hong Wenjing
Published: June 2021

The control of different electron transport pathways by quantum interference (QI) effects offers a unique opportunity for the modulation of electrical properties in molecular electronic devices and materials. In this work, we propose a chemical way to control the intramolecular electron transport pathways by the localization of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) distribution. The negative charge injection in para-carbazole by deprotonation exhibited a fourfold suppression of single-molecule conductance, while the conductance is almost the same for meta-carbazole before and after deprotonation. The flicker noise analyses and theoretical simulations revealed the localized distribution of HOMO on the para-carbazole center, leading to the appearance of destructive quantum interference (DQI) effect for the control of electron transport pathway. This strategy of reaction-induced orbital localization offers a new strategy for the control of charge transport through molecular devices and materials.
Mapping the pre and post seismic crustal stress heterogeneity analogous to 2016, Mw 7.8, Kaikoura quake, New Zealand
Authors: M. Anupama , P.S. Sunil
Published: June 2021

Heterogeneity of pre and post seismic stress states associated to any earthquake play a primary role in understanding the earthquake mechanism and hazard assessment of a seismically dynamic region. The Mw 7.8, November 14, 2016 Kaikoura, New Zealand earthquake offer an unprecedented possibility to observe the heterogeneity in stress field over a very complex fault system wherein subduction zone converges with the strike slip faults system. Here we report the pre and post seismic stress field asperity first time in terms of spatial and temporal variations of b-values associated to the Kaikoura main-shock. Pre seismic spatial disparity of b-value indicates the existence of two prominent low b-value clusters, one towards southwest closer to the epicenter and other to the north of the rupture zone. During co seismic period, owing to the stress release near the epicentral area, the pattern of prominent low b-value pattern has become negligible in the post seismic period. However, the pattern of low b-value in the north of the rupture zone remains similar in the post seismic period indicates the unreleased strain energy in the province. The temporal evaluation of the earthquakes frequency magnitude distributions over a period of two decades also showed an analogous pattern that the b-values were decreased considerably before the large earthquakes in the expanse, which could spawn a larger future earthquakes in the vicinity.
Prevalence of Placental Infection with Plasmodium Falciparum Detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Associated Risk Factors in Women After Delivered Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Haffsatou Sawadogo , Zida Adama , ZONGO Cheikna , Soulama Issiaka , Sawadogp Marcel Patindoilba , Guiguemde Thierry , Sangaré Ibrahim , Sangaré Lassana , Traoré Yves , Ouedraogo-Traore Rasmata , Guiguememde Robert T. , Savadogo Aly
Published: June 2021

Background: Malaria is known to have a negative impact on pregnant women and their foetuses. This infection during pregnancy represents a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factor of Plasmodium falciparum in pregnant women the city of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2019 to March 2020 in four health districts within Ouagadougou, capital city. Samples were collected from the placenta from 531 women after delivered Plasmodium falciparum then by PCR. Results: The prevalence placental malaria with of Plasmodium falciparum was estimated at 7.53%. The status of unemployment and/ or the status of residence around the city of Ouagadougou represent risk of malaria infection.Conclusion: Malaria in pregnancy is responsible for several complications so emphasis should be placed on communication about malaria control in pregnancy and, the behavior of pregnant women and health workers as well.
Functional Modules Analysis and Hub Gene Prognostic Values Evaluation Based on Co-Expression Network in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Yujia , Hu Xiaoping , Pan Zongfu , Jiang Yuchen , Guo Dandan , Xu Tong , Sun Jiao , Huang Ping , Zhang Yiwen
Published: June 2021

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most common fatal disease worldwide, but its mechanism and therapeutic targets are still unclear. In this study, we have analyzed the differences in gene modules and key pathways in gastric cancer patients, then elaborated the mechanism and effective treatment of gastric cancer with microarray data from the gene expression omnibus(GEO) database.Methods: GEO2R tools were used to identify differential expression genes (DEGs), String database was employed to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. We imported the PPI network into the Cytoscape software to find key nodes, and employed statistical approach of MCODE to cluster genes. After that the ClueGO was used to enrich and annotate the pathways of key modules. To investigate the relationship between the upstream regulator and hub genes, the transcriptional regulatory network was built based on TFCAT database.Results: 63 characteristic genes of gastric cancer are involved in regulation of ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion and protein digestion and absorption. SPARC, FN1, BGN and COL1A2 are four key nodes relating to tumor proliferation and metastasis, and their expression were strongly associated with poor survival (p<0.05). 13 transcription factors including PRRX1 have remarkable changes in gastric cancer, which may play a key role in hub gene regulation.Conclusions: The present study defined the gene expression characteristics and transcriptional regulatory network that promote our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of gastric cancer, and might provide new insights into targeted therapy and prognostic markers for the personalized treatment of gastric cancer.
Tetrahydropalmatinee alleviates diabetic neuropathic pain by inhibiting the inflammation via p38-MAPK signaling pathway in microglia
Authors: Cheng Lianzhi , Ma Junlong , Jiang Aijuan , Cheng Kai , Wang Fanjing , Chen Qian
Published: June 2021

Object: Exploring the effect of Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) on diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) and its possible mechanism. Methods: The type 2 diabetic (T2DM) rat models were prepared by high-fat and high-sugar feeding combined with a single small-dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). When the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and the thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of T2DM model rats decreased to less than 85% which were judged as DNP-bearing rats. After treatment with or without THP, the protein expression of hypertonic glycerol reactive kinase (p38), phosphorylated hypertonic glycerol-responsive kinase (p-p38) and OX42 (a specific marker of microglia) were detected by Western Blot and and the mRNA content of p38 and OX42 were detected by qRT-PCR. The expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, as well as chemotactic factors and their receptors including CXCL1, CXCR2, CCL2 and CCR2 in spinal tissues were detected by ELISA. Serum FINS and GSP content were also detected by ELISA. Double-label immunofluorescence were used to observe the expression of OX42 and p-p38 in the spinal dorsal horn. Results: Results showed that THP inhibited microglial activation of spinal in DNP rats. And after THP intervention, the MWT and TWL of DNP rats decreased, the expression of p38, p-p38 and OX42 in the spinal cord tissues of rats was significantly reduced while the mRNA of p38 and OX42 also reduced. The expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1, CXCR2, CCL2 and CCR2 in the spinal cord tissues of rats was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). At the same time, THP significantly proved FINS, but did not affect FBG and GSP in DNP rats. Conclusions: THP significantly alleviates pain symptoms in DNP rats, and this effect may be achieved by inhibiting the inflammatory response caused by the activation of microglia mediated by the p38-MAPK signaling pathway.
Acute Cerebral Infarction in a patient of Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Case Report and literature review
Authors: Chen Ke-Yang , Tao Lin-Shuang , Sun Ni , Chen Song-Fang , Hu Bei-Lei
Published: June 2021

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by cytopenia that results in infection and bleeding. However, there are few reports of cerebral infarction in MDS. In this case report we reported a Chinese female patient diagnosed MDS without drugs and an onset of acute cerebral infarction. Imaging examinations showed an ischemic stroke and further bone marrow aspiration identified MDS in the patient. Low dose aspirin and rehydration were used to improve symptom, as well as anti-epileptic drugs and rehabilitation. We also reviewed acute cerebral infarction associated with MDS from a total of three reported cases without drugs for the treatment of MDS. Our data provide further evidence that acute ischemic stroke might be associated with MDS, which may be due to complex chromosomal abnormality and inflammatory processes.
MRI-Based Demonstration of The Normal Glymphatic System in a Human Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Min Kyoung , Cho Se Jin , Bae Yun Jung , Kim Jong-Min
Published: June 2021

The glymphatic system has been described as the exchange between cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid. Recently, many studies have demonstrated the presence of the glymphatic system based on MRI. The purpose of our study is to systematically review the studies demonstrating normal glymphatic system in a human population using MRI, and to find a detailed imaging protocol for the glymphatic system. We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies with human participants that contained MRI-based demonstrations of the normal glymphatic system. We extracted data on the imaging sequence, imaging protocol, and the targeted anatomical structures on each study. According to studies using contrast-enhanced MRI, peak enhancement was sequentially detected first in the CSF space, followed by the brain parenchyma, the meningeal lymphatic vessel (MLV), and finally the cervical lymph nodes, which corresponds to the glymphatic flow. Non-contrast flow-sensitive MRI showed similar results of glymphatic inflow from the CSF space to the brain parenchyma and efflux from the brain parenchyma to the MLV. Based on current systematic review, we recommended T1-weighted MRI using contrast material to visualize the glymphatic system. Our result can increase understanding of the glymphatic system and may lay the groundwork for future development of a standard imaging protocol.
Comparative transcriptome analysis uncovers cell wall reorganization and repressed cell division during cotton fiber initiation
Authors: Liu Wenyuan , Lv Yanjia , Li Xiaoyue , Feng Zongqin , Wang Lichen
Published: June 2021

Background

Tetraploid cotton plants serve as prime natural fiber source for the textile industry. Although various omics studies have revealed molecular basis for fiber development, a better understanding of transcriptional regulation mechanism regulating lint fiber initiation is necessary to meet global natural fiber demand.
Conclusions

Here, we aimed to perform transcriptome sequencing to identify DEGs (differentially expressed genes) in ovules of the cotton variety Xu142 and its fibreless mutant Xu142fl during early lint fiber initiation period. Totally, 5516 DEGs including 1840 upregulated and 3676 downregulated were identified. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the downregulated DEGs mainly associated with biological processes such as transcription related biosynthesis and metabolism, organic cyclic compound biosynthesis and metabolism, photosynthesis, and plant cell wall organization, with molecular functions involving transcription related binding, organic cyclic compound binding, and dioxygenase activity, while the upregulated DEGs were associated with DNA replication and phospholipid biosynthetic related processes. Among the 490 DEGs annotated as transcription factor genes 86.5% were downregulated in the mutant including the Malvaceae-specific MMLs, expression patterns of which were confirmed during the central period of lint fiber initiation. Investigation of the 20 genes enriched in the cell wall organization revealed that 17 were EXPA coding genes. Overall, we suggest that lint fiber initiation is a complicated process involving cooperation of multiple transcription factor families, which might ultimately lead to the reorganization of the cell wall and terminated cell division of the differentiating fiber initials.
Biodegradable Antimicrobial Agent/Analgesic/Bone Morphogenetic Protein-Loaded Nanofibrous Fixators for Bone Fracture Repair
Authors: Yu Yi-Hsun , Lin Yu-Ting , Hsu Yung-Heng , Chou Ying-Chao , Ueng Wen-Neng W. N. , Liu Shih-Jung
Published: June 2021

Background

Post-operative infection and pain management are two critical aspects that are of great concern to orthopedic surgeons. Although there are several protocols available to deal with these issues, they are fraught with complications such as cartilage damage, cardiovascular and neurological intoxication, and systemic adverse responses. Therefore, it is necessary to develop safe and effective perioperative protocols. In the present study, antimicrobial agents/analgesics/growth factor-embedded biodegradable hybrid fixators (polycaprolactone fixator + poly[lactide-co-glycolide] sheath-core structured nanofibers) for bone fracture repair were designed. These fixators were fabricated using solution-extrusion three-dimensional printing and electrospinning. The in vitro and in vivo release of the incorporated vancomycin, ceftazidime, lidocaine, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was evaluated. The in vivo efficacy of the biomolecule-loaded nanofibrous fixators was investigated in rabbit rib-fracture models.
Results

The nanofibrous fixators were shown to release vancomycin, ceftazidime, and lidocaine in a sustained manner in both in vitro and in vivo conditions and protected BMP-2 from burst release. The implantation of these hybrid fixators around the fractured rib significantly improved animal activities and bone union indicating that the inclusion of analgesic in the fixator effectively reduced the post-surgical pain and thereby helped in recovery.
Conclusions

The novel biomolecule-loaded nanofibrous hybrid fixators resulted in excellent therapeutic outcomes. They may be effective in the repair of rib fractures in clinical settings and may help deal with surgical complications such as infection, non-union, and intolerable post-operative pain.
METTL3 Facilitates Colorectal Carcinoma Progression via Regulating m6A-CRB3-Hippo Axis
Authors: Liu Feng , Xiao Xiaoli , Pan Jiashu , Xu Ruohui , Dai Liang , Zhu Mingzhe , Xu Hanchen , Xu Yangxian , Zhao Aiguang , Zhou Wenjun , Dang Yanqi , Ji Guang
Published: June 2021

Background

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. RNA N6-methyladnosine (m6A) and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) play an important role in cancer. However, the roles of m6A and METTL3 in CRC progression are still elusive.
Methods

Adenoma and CRC samples were applied to detect m6A and METTL3 levels, and tissue microarrays were performed to evaluate their associations with survival of CRC patients. The biological functions of METTL3 were investigated by CCK8, wound healing and transwell assays. M6A epitranscriptomic microarray, RNA stability and luciferase reporter assays were performed to explore the mechanism of METTL3 in CRC.
Results

m6A and METTL3 levels were significantly upregulated in both adenoma and CRC tissues, and the CRC patients with high m6A or METTL3 level had both shorter overall survival. METTL3 knockdown markedly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. M6A epitranscriptomic microarray revealed that the cell polarity regulator Crumbs3 (CRB3) was the downstream target of METTL3. METTL3 knockdown markedly inhibited the degradation of CRB3 mRNA to increase the CRB3 expression. In addition, CRB3 level was also markedly reduced in both adenoma and CRC tissues, and the CRC patients with high CRB3 level had higher overall survival and disease free survival. CRB3 knockdown significantly promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Finally, CRB3 knockdown inhibited Hippo pathway, and increased nuclear localization of YAP.
Conclusions

The m6A and METTL3 levels were significantly increased in both adenoma and CRC tissues. The CRC patients with high m6A or METTL3 levels had shorter overall survival. Mechanistically, METTL3 regulated the initiation and progression of CRC via regulating m6A-CRB3-Hippo pathway.
Relationship of Objectively Measuring Physical Activity and Sitting Time on Plasma Lipid Metabolism During Pregnancy
Authors: Chen Hanqing , Zhang Casper J. P. , Fang Xuanbi , Tan Zijian , Yan Ni , Ming Wai-Kit , Wang Zilian
Published: June 2021

Background: Physical activity (PA) was commonly associated with pregnancy outcomes, including plasma lipids. We hypothesized that women with more PA would improve plasma lipid status than those with less PA during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the association of PA and sitting time with blood lipids in the first two trimesters. Methods: A prospective study was performed among 197 cases aged 18 to 40 recruited from a regional university affiliated hospital in south China. accelerometer were used to measure maternal PA in two trimesters (first measurement within 10th to 14th week of gestation and second measurement within 20th to 24th weeks of gestation; 7 consecutive days for each measurement). Maternal fasting venous blood was collected to test plasma lipids (cholesterol, triglyceride, low- and high-density lipoprotein [LDL and HDL]) in each of two trimesters.Results: A total of 197 cases completed this study. After adjusting for age and pre-pregnancy BMI, moderate PA of the first trimester was inversely linear associated with triglycerides in early pregnancy (β=-0.231, P=0.002). And it was also inversely significant linear association with triglycerides of the second trimester (β=-0.196, P=0.006). Moderate PA in early pregnancy showed a positively non-significant linear association with HDL levels of the first trimester (β=0.134, P=0.068). However, sitting time of the second trimester were positively non-significant associated with total cholesterol (β=0.126, P=0.080）and LDL levels (β=0.124, P=0.082）of the second trimester.Conclusions: Sitting time of the second trimester would positively associated with total cholesterol and LDL levels of the mid pregnancy. Higher moderate PA of early pregnancy was associated with lower triglycerides, and this effect lasting to the mid pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should be encourage to increase moderate PA and decrease sitting time from early pregnancy to improve lipid status.
The Effect of Benign Joint Hypermobility on Pain, Physical Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Satis Serap
Published: June 2021

Objective: This study investigated the effect of hypermobility on pain, joint stiffness, physical function, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design: Sixty-four patients diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis were included; 42 patients in Group 1 were those with hypermobility and 22 patients in Group 2. There were 40 women and 2 men in Group 1, and 16 women and six men in Group 2 were those without hypermobility. The age, sex, and body mass index of all patients recorded. The WOMAC and SF-36 tests performed on the patients.Results: The average ages were 51.40±5.42 and 53.36±4.31, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference. The body mass index was high in the hypermobility group, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.028). Pain and stiffness were higher in the hypermobility group than in the non-hypermobility group in the WOMAC subgroups and total scores (p=0.030, p=0.002, p=0.047). The non-hypermobility group had better SF-36 social function and pain scale scores. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.016, p=0.004).Conclusions: Hypermobility aggravates the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Hypermobility evaluated in all patients diagnosed with knee OA. A more intense and long-term rehabilitation program should be determined for these patients to prevent injuries and improve proprioception.
Collagen-Derived Dipeptide Pro-Hyp Administration Accelerates Muscle Regenerative Healing Accompanied by Less Scarring After Wounding on the Abdominal Wall in Mice
Authors: Jimi Shiro , Koizumi Seiko , Sato Kenji , Miyazaki Motoyasu , Saparov Arman
Published: June 2021

Collagens act as cellular scaffolds in extracellular matrixes, and their breakdown products may also have important biological functions. We hypothesize that collagen dipeptide Pro-Hyp induces favorable healing activities and examined the effects of Pro-Hyp administered via different routes on wound healing using our novel murine model, in which an advanced fibrosis-prone scar lesion was developed in the abdominal muscle wall under the skin. After excising a part of the abdominal wall, a free-drinking experiment was performed using solutions with casein (CS), high molecular weight collagen peptides (HP), and low molecular weight collagen peptides including Pro-Hyp and Hyp-Gly (LP), in addition to water (HO). On day 21 of the study, when compared to the HO and CS groups, muscle regeneration in the LP group was significantly advanced in the granulation tissue, which was associated with a decrease in fibrosis. To clarify the effects of Pro-Hyp, daily intraperitoneal administration of pure Pro-Hyp was performed. Pro-Hyp administration induced many myogenically differentiated cells, including myogenin-positive myoblasts and myoglobin-positive myocytes, to migrate in the granulation tissue, while scar tissue decreased. These results indicated that Pro-Hyp administration accelerates muscle regenerative healing accompanied by less scarring after wounding on the abdominal wall.
Association Between Fat Distribution and Low Back Pain: Results From The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Oh Minji , Kim Jongyeon , Lee Seunghoon , Lee Jae-Dong
Published: June 2021

Obesity is associated with chronic low back pain (CLBP), but the association between fat distribution and CLBP is currently unclear. We designed a cross-sectional study to evaluate the relationship between the two, including 10,606 people who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We estimated the regional fat distribution as well as waist circumference and body fat proportion, and compared the values in people with and without CLBP. We also stratified the estimates by sex and obesity status. The average waist circumference was not significantly different between the CLBP (80.8 cm) and non-CLBP groups (80.7 cm, p = 0.606). There were no statistically significant differences in the average fat proportion between the CLBP (26.5%) and non-CLBP groups (26.6%, p = 0.631). The average regional fat distribution in the lower limbs was significantly higher in the CLBP (31.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [31.6, 32.2]) than in the CLBP groups (31.4%, 95% CI: [31.2, 31.6], p < 0.001); this pattern was more obvious in men with obesity. People, particularly men, with CLBP and obesity tend to have a higher fat mass distribution in the lower limbs than those without CLBP, suggesting that fat reductions in the lower body may aid in CLBP management.
Potential Benefits of a Novel Home-Based Exercise Program for Inactive Older Adults: An Exploratory Case Study
Authors: Lees Marcus A. , Edwards Jonathon , McCain Jamie E. , Bouchard Danielle R.
Published: June 2021

Background This study proposed a 3-week home exercise program using a square-stepping exercise (SSE) to explore if it could address common barriers and enhance enablers of regular exercise among older adults. Methods Using embedded mixed methods, 10 inactive older adults over the age of 65 completed the proposed program in conjunction with follow-up interviews. Participants were deemed inactive if they took less than 10,000 steps/day over one week. Their physical activity was tracked at home with a pedometer. Results Barriers reached during the proposed program were being uncomfortable in a fitness facility and body image. The proposed program enhanced enablers such as the use of home equipment and easy access. The average total steps/day increased by 27% (p=0.02) and moderate-intensity was reached by 80% of participants when performing the SSE. Conclusion The exercise program addressed the common barriers to exercise and could increase the physical activity level of inactive older adults especially for those intimidated by a fitness facility setting and those concerned with their body image.
Epidemiology of depression and factors associated with depression in cancer patients’ in Ethiopia: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tsehay Mekonnen , Belete Asmare , Necho Mogesie
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThere is no pooled evidence regarding the prevalence and potential associated factors of depression among cancer patients in East Africa community. Hence, the current review aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among cancer patients in East Africa.Method: A computerized systematic literature search was made in MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Each database was searched from its start date to June 2020. All included articles were published in English, which evaluated prevalence and associated factors of depression among cancer patients in East Saharan Africa. Pooled estimations with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Publication bias was evaluated by using inspection of funnel plots and statistical tests.DiscussionSince we are using existing anonymized data, ethical approval is not required for this study. Our results can be used to guide clinical decisions about the most efficient way to prevent and treat depression among cancer patients.Systematic review registrationsubmitted to Prospero