bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioavailability and speciation of Cadmium in contaminated paddy soil as alleviated by biochar from co-pyrolysis of peanut shells and maize straw
Authors: Xu Weijie , Xiao Linlin , Hou Shuzhen , Rukh Gul , Xu Meizhen , Pan Yatian , Xu Jingweng , Lan Wangkaining , Ruan Zhongqiang , Zhong Bing , Liu Dan
Published: May 2022

Background: Biochar is an important material for remediation of Cd in contaminated paddy soils. However, different biochars have variable effects on bioavailability of Cd while single biochar can not properly amend immobilized Cd. Co-pyrolysis biochar was produced from peanut shell and maize straw in variable mass mixture ratios. The characteristics, properties and effects of co-pyrolysis biochars on amendments of Cd polluted paddy soil was evaluated.Results: Our research revealed that yield, ash, elemental contents and specific surface area of co-pyrolysis biochars have variable amendment effects compared with single biochar. The co-pyrolysis biochar have produced rich oxygen-containing functional groups and crystal structure, especially 1P3M (co-pyrolysis produced from peanut shell and maize straw in mass ratios of 1:3). The addition of biochar has significantly enhanced pH and EC value, however, content of available Cd during incubation was significantly reduced compared with control treatment. The efficiency of biochars have reduced available Cd in order of 1P3M > M > 1P1M > 1P2M > 2P1M > 3P1M > P after incubation. The 1P3M was most effective in reducing CaCl2-extractable Cd concentration up to 43.97%. The BCR sequential extraction method has produced lowest exchangeable fraction Cd content and highest residual fraction Cd content in 1P3M among all biochar amended treatments. Conclusions: It is concluded that 1P3M has a much greater potential to decreased the bioavailability of Cd in contaminated paddy soil. And 1P3M was highly effective for transporting Cd from soluble form to less toxic stable forms in polluted paddy soils.
Soil moisture revamps the temperature extremes in a warming climate over India
Authors: Mujumdar Milind , Ganeshi Naresh , Takaya Yuhei , Goswami Mangesh , Singh Bhupendra Bahadur , Krishnan Raghavan , Terao Toru
Published: May 2022

In a warming climate, land-atmosphere interaction is one of the key aspects controlling the temperature extremes (ExT). We explore the impact of soil moisture-temperature (SM-T) coupling on the ExT over India. Observations and simulations identify the transitional regions of north-central India (NCI) as a hotspot of strong SM-T coupling. Over NCI, the historical simulation shows an occurrence of 4-5 extreme events per year, with an average duration of 5-6 days and intensity exceeding 46°C whereas future projection indicates alarming, long-lasting, and more frequent ExT. A 20% departure in SM significantly modulates ExT conditions by 7-30% with the difference in the 50-year return value of the block maxima Generalized Extreme Value distribution fit reaching upto 1.25°C and 3°C for historical and future climate, respectively. ExT conditions are modulated through intensification/abridgement of sensible heat flux by limiting/intensifying available total energy for evaporative cooling due to faster/slower dissipation of positive soil moisture anomalies.
Longitudinal association of dietary habits and the risk of cardiovascular disease among Iranian population between 2001 and 2013: The Isfahan Cohort Study
Authors: Mohseni Maryam , Mohammadifard Noushin , Hassannejhad Razieh , Aghabozorgi Mahnaz , Shirani Fatemeh , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Roohafza Hamidreza , Sarrrafzadegan Nizal
Published: May 2022

Purpose: There has been a steady rise in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Iranian population. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of Global Dietary Index (GDI) and CVD risk among Iranian adults population.Method: This study was conducted based on Isfahan Cohort Study, a longitudinal study which collected data between 2001 to 2013on 6405 adults. Dietary intakes were assessed by a validated FFQ to calculate GDI. All participants were followed every two years by phone call to ask about death, any hospitalization or cardiovascular events to examine CVD events.Results: During 55017 person-years of follow-up, one unit GDI increase was associated with the higher risk of MI, stroke and CVD by 72% (HR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.04-2.84), 76% (HR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.09-2.85) and 48% (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.03-2.14), respectively and higher risk of CHD more than 2 times (HR: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.50-3.60) and CVD mortality and all-cause mortality over than 3 times [(HR: 3.65; 95% CI: 1.90-7.01) and (HR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.90-5.06), respectively] in total population. Conclusions: Higher GDI had a significant relationship with the increased risk of CVD events and all-cause mortality. Further randomized clinical trial studies are suggested to confirm our findings.
Efficient Use of Bacillus Cereus Bacteria to Make Durable Concrete
Authors: Priyom Sudipto Nath , Islam Md. Moinul , Shumi Wahhida
Published: May 2022

Concrete is today’s material of choice for construction worldwide because of its strength and cost effectiveness. However, its system behavior is greatly influenced by the environment. Environmental influences can initiate cracking of the concrete due to changes and differences in temperature, changes in moisture content, and internal drying shrinkage. This present research investigation aims at improving the durability of the concrete by incorporating Bacillus cereus which led to the formation of “Microbial Concrete”. Concrete specimens of 100 mm cubical size were cast using B. cereus species maintaining five different water to culture ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100) and cured for 28, 60 and 90. An optimum microbial concentration (0:100) was determined first on the basis of strength development. New specimens were cast again using that optimum concentration and cured for 7, 14, 28, 60, 90 and 180 days in plain water with and without using bacteria. The specimens were taken out periodically and subjected to compressive and tensile strength tests. B. cereus bacteria were found to be effective in increasing compressive (up to 21%) and tensile strength (up to 31%) than all concrete groups. Cylindrical concrete specimens were also be cast to monitor pulse velocity (UPV) and maximum increment (up to 9%) was recorded for specimens prepared with B. cereus strain. Later on surface morphology test (SEM) was also done to confirm presence of mineral precipitation in inner structures of concrete.
A new principal design of a sustainable power plant to produce combined Hydrogen-Carbon dioxide fuel for industrial applications
Authors: Nouri Milad , Miansarigavzan Morteza , Mahmoudi Jafar
Published: May 2022

In this paper, an innovative geothermal-based hybrid energy structure incorporated with power production units and industrial fuels is developed and evaluated. This integrated structure comprises an organic Rankine cycle power plant, lead-acid battery, proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and oxyfuel power plant to generate power, hydrogen, and liquid carbon dioxide simultaneously. The comprehensive energy, exergy, exergoeconomic, and sensitivity analyses are conducted. The geothermal unit provides 9390 kW thermal power to run the organic Rankine cycle, which is designed using different working fluids to produce initial power to drive the water electrolyzer system (453 kW initial power). The electrolyzer system produces 80 m 3 /h hydrogen as the main product to be stored in a reservoir and 40 m 3 /h oxygen to drive an oxyfuel power plant that generates 41.11 MW power with 79.91% exergy efficiency. The amount of liquid carbon dioxide production is around 10.186 kg/s. For specified conditions, the total power generation is about 42 MW and the exergoeconomic analysis illustrates that the maximum capital cost occurs in oxyfuel power plant’s compressors and turbines with 938.31 $/h and 732.45 $/h, respectively. The proposed integrated structure can certainly provide a new approach toward generating power and industrial fuels utilizing geothermal renewable energy sources.
Application of Columba livia Feather as a Bioindicator of Industrial Pollution
Authors: Asgari Fariba , Sajjadi Nooshin , Zaeimdar Mojgan , Sadeghi Mostafa , Tehrani Mahnaz Mirza Ebrahim
Published: May 2022

In developing countries, the use of bioindicators could be a good way to transmit pollutants to the environment. In this study, the accumulation of heavy metals such as lead, zinc and cadmium in Columba livia feathers in males and females and live and dead species inside in the Industrial town of Zinc-Zanjan and comparison with control species outside the industrial town were studied. The feathers of 164 pigeons were collected and dissolved by chemical digestion method. In this study, heavy metals were measured by the avanta GBC atomic absorption device. The mean concentrations of lead, zinc and cadmium were determined greater in dead female pigeons, dead male pigeons, live female pigeons, and live male pigeons respectively. This was also the case with the control species. Statistical analysis of data was performed with SAS software. (P ≤ 0.05, 95% confidence level) and (P ≤ 0.01, 99% confidence level) were considered as significant differences. The results of statistical tests in the samples inside in the Industrial town of Zinc-Zanjan showed that there is a significant statistical relationship between gender and live and dead bird and elements of lead, zinc and cadmium, while for the control species outside industrial town were different. Significant levels of heavy metals in bird feathers indicate their usefulness as a non-invasive tool to show the concentration of metals in pigeons to control the level of pollution in the environment. The present study showed that Columba livia had suitable biological characteristics for use as a bioindicator of industrial pollution.
Simulation study on the effect of pore structure and surface curvature of activated carbon on the adsorption and separation performance of CO2 /N2
Authors: Chen Weihua , Huang Weiqiu , Fu Lipei , Li Xufei , Wang Xinya , Zheng Yongyin , Zhang Yilong , Zhu Jiahui , Zhu Bing
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) method was used to explore the effects of four pore structures (disordered pore, wedge pore, carbon nanotube and slit pore structures) and surface curvature of activated carbon on the adsorption and separation of CO2/N2. On the whole, carbon nanotubes have the greatest selectivity for CO2, followed by disordered pores, wedge pores and slit pores. The effect of pore structure on the interaction energy of gas molecules is similar to that of selectivity, in which the fluid-solid potential energy between adsorbates and adsorbents plays an important role. Due to the different affinity between adsorbate molecules and activated carbon, CO2 with high affinity is more sensitive to the change of pore size. Therefore, under high pressure, the density of CO2 in the slit pore is greater than that in the wedge pore. However, N2 with poor affinity is limited by the surface area, resulting in the density of it in the wedge pore is always higher than that in the slit pore. Although the existence of non-six membered corannulene rings in activated carbon can’t always cause the increase of specific surface area, the surface curvature of activated carbon caused by it can increase strong energetically adsorption sites. Hence, the surface curvature plays a positive role in the adsorption density, interaction energy and CO2 selectivity. The discovery of CO2/N2 adsorption and separation at the molecular level is expected to provide valuable insights.
IDH3γ serves as a redox switch that regulates mitochondrial energy metabolism and contractility in the heart under oxidative stress
Authors: Nanadikar Maithily , Leon Ana Vergel , Guo Jia , Belle Gijsbert van , Jatho Aline , Brandner Astrid , Böckmann Rainer , Rhunzu Shi , Brodesser Susanne , Schmidtendorf Marlen , Lee Jingyun , Wu Hanzhi , Furdui Cristina , Burgoyne Joseph , Bogeski Ivan , Riemer Jan , Chowdhury Arpita , Rehling Peter , Bruegmann Tobias , Belousov Vsevolod , Katschinski Dörthe
Published: May 2022

Redox signaling and cardiac function are tightly linked. Still, it is largely unknown which protein targets are affected by H2O2 in cardiomyocytes that underly the impaired inotropic effects in oxidative stress. Here, we combined a new chemogenetic mouse model (HyPer-DAO mice) and a redox proteomics approach to identify redox sensitive proteins. Using the HyPer-DAO mice, we prove that increased endogenous production of H2O2 in cardiomyocytes leads to a reversibly impaired cardiac contractility in vivo. We identified the γ-subunit of the TCA cycle enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)3 as a redox switch and link its modification to mitochondrial metabolism and glutathione synthesis. Microsecond molecular dynamics simulations combined with experiments using cysteine-gene-edited point mutated cells revealed that IDH3γ Cys148 and 284 are critically involved in H2O2-dependent regulation of IDH3 activity. The oxidative modification of IDH3γ regulates the competition between energy production by TCA cycle flux and cellular anti-oxidant defense by glutathione synthesis.
ceRNA network analysis reveals the molecular mechanism by which umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells reverse thymic epithelial cell senescence
Authors: Yang Zai-ling , Zhu Xiang-qing , Chuan Tian , Jing Zhao , Ruan Guang-ping , Hang Pan , Jie He , Kai Wang , Wei Wang , Pan Xing-hua
Published: May 2022

Background: A decreased number of thymic epithelial cells and the development of dysfunction of this population have been reported to be important factors in thymic degeneration, which can lead to thymus degeneration, proliferation defects and peripheral T-cell dysfunction. Previous research showed that umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can restore the structure and function of the aging thymus in vivo, but the specific mechanism is still unclear.Methods: We treated thymic epithelial cells with H2O2 to establish a cellular senescence model. We assessed the effect of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on thymic epithelial cells and investigated the lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA profiles of these cells. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Genome Encyclopedia analyses were performed on these RNAs to identify key pathways.Results: Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells significantly reversed the H2O2-induced senescence of thymic epithelial cells. We identified 172 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 23 differentially expressed miRNAs and 272 differentially expressed mRNAs associated with the reversal of thymic epithelial senescence by umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was identified as a key signaling pathway that promotes cell proliferation by regulating the cell cycle. Finally, we constructed a lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network using matched miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA expression profiles in the model dataset and altered miRNA expression profiles in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.Conclusion: Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells have a protective effect against H2O2-induced thymic epithelial cell senescence. Our study provides new insights into the ceRNA-mediated gene regulation of thymic senescence progression and the mechanism of action of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.
Extended and Sufficient Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection at Robotic Prostatectomy for High-risk Prostate Cancer Benefits Biochemical Recurrence-free Survival: A Single-center, Propensity Score-matched Analysis
Authors: Yashi Masahiro , Yokoyama Megumi , Nakamura Gaku , Uematsu Toshitaka , Suzuki Issei , Sakamoto Kazumasa , Nishihara Daisaku , Kijima Toshiki , Ishida Kazuyuki , Kaji Yasushi , Kamai Takao
Published: May 2022

Background: A recent randomized controlled trial failed to demonstrate oncological benefit from extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during radical prostatectomy, while subgroup analysis suggested a potential benefit in high grade prostate cancer (PCa). We evaluated early survival outcome in contemporary PCa patients using propensity score (PS)-matched analysis.Methods: Three hundred and seventy-eight patients with high-risk PCa were enrolled. They were determined to have a lymph node (LN) involvement probability of greater than 5%. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network classification and Johns Hopkins University criteria were used as risk stratification. Clinical stage was determined by assessing digital rectal examination and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. Biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival was compared between the two groups divided by the threshold of LN yield, which was set at 15.Results: The mean LN yield was 23.9 and 3.4, and the positive LN rate was 20.1% and 2.0% in the sufficient and insufficient LN yield groups, respectively. In the entire unmatched cohort, the estimated curve was 15.6% superior in 3-year BCR-free survival for sufficient LN yield (hazard ratio [HR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40-0.94; p=0.025). The PS-matched cohort was converged in each LN yield group to 117 patients, and the difference in the 3-year BCR-free survival widened to 24.8% (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26-0.74; p=0.002). In the PS-matched analyses of subgroups, the statistical difference was consistent in both standard high-risk PCa (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20-0.93; p=0.033) and very high-risk PCa (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.96; p=0.040). Conclusions: Our results possibly demonstrate the therapeutic role of PLND in high-risk PCa. The benefit of PLND depends on the surgeon complying with the extended template and removing a sufficient number of LNs in selected patients with an optimal risk-range.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: Clinical Result Comparison of Oral Dydrogesterone and Micronized Vaginal Progesterone Gel Use for Luteal Phase Support in Embryo Transfer Cycles
Authors: Eren Gülnur , Görkemli Hüseyin
Published: May 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the effects of oral dydrogesterone and micronized vaginal progesterone (MVP) gel for luteal phase support on the pregnancy outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer (ET) cycles with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using gonadotropin-releasing hormone in antagonists protocol.Materials and Methods: Women with infertility who attended the gynecology and obstetrics department of Meram Medical Faculty Hospital between January 2017 and January 2021 were evaluated. For the purpose of this research study, 301 patients who underwent ICSI-ET were divided into two groups. Micronized vaginal progesterone (Crinone 8% 90 mg gel with 1 time daily) was administered to 147 patients in the first group; and oral dydrogesterone (Duphaston 10 mg with 3 time daily), to 154 patients in the second group from the day of oocyte pick-up. On the twelfth day post-transfer , the ß-hCG and serum progesterone levels were measured, and the results were evaluated. A β-hCG value of ≥ 20 mIU/mL was considered to be a positive result. The rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical abortion, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy were compared between the two groups.Results: Among the women who underwent ICSI-ET, those who received vaginal progesterone gel and oral dydrogesterone on the day of oocyte retrieval showed similar serum progesterone levels and β-hCG positivity, biochemical pregnancy, clinical abortion, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rates. In terms of side effect profile, vaginal discharge and irritation complaints were found to be significantly lower in the oral progesterone group.Conclusion: The clinical results obtained from the patients who were given vaginal progesterone and oral dydrogesterone supplementation were similar. Oral progesterone support is an effective method that is more easily tolerated by patients and can be safely used for luteal phase support.
CircPAK1 promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via modulation of YAP nucleus localization by interacting with 14-3-3ζ
Authors: Hao Xiaopei , Zhang Yao , Shi Xiaoli , Zheng Zhiying , Han Guoyong , Rong Dawei , Tang Weiwei , Wang Xuehao
Published: May 2022

Background
Circular RNA (circRNA), a new class of non-coding RNA, has obvious correlations with the occurrence and development of many diseases, including tumors. This study aimed to investigate the potential roles of circPAK1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods
High-throughput sequencing was performed on 3 pairs of HCC and matched normal tissues to determine the upregulated circRNAs. The expression level of circPAK1 was detected by qRT-PCR in HCC and paired with normal liver tissue samples. The effects of circPAK1 on proliferation, invasion, metastasis and apoptosis of HCC cells were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. We also constructed CS/si-circPAK1 nanocomplexes using Chitosan material to evaluate its in vivo therapeutic effect on HCC. High-throughput sequencing, RNA-sequencing, RNA probe pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation and Co-Immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the relationship between circPAK1, 14-3-3ζ, p-LATS1 and YAP. Exosomes isolated from lenvatinib-resistant HCC cell lines were used to evaluate the relationship between exosomal circPAK1 and lenvatinib resistance.
Results
CircPAK1, a novel circRNA, is highly expressed in HCC tumor tissues and cell lines as well as correlated with poor outcomes in HCC patients. Functionally, circPAK1 knockdown inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while circPAK1 overexpression promoted HCC progression. The tumor-promoting phenotypes of circPAK1 on HCC were also confirmed by animal experiments. Importantly, the design and the application of CS/si-circPAK1 nanocomplexes showed a better therapeutic effect on tumor growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, RNA-sequencing showed circPAK1 enhanced HCC progression by inactivating the Hippo signaling pathway, and this kind of inactivation is based on its competitively binding of 14-3-3 ζ with YAP, which weakens the recruitment and cytoplasmic fixation of 14-3-3 ζ to YAP, thus promoting YAP nucleus localization. Additionally, we found circPAK1 could be transported by exosomes from lenvatinib-resistant cells to sensitive cells and induce lenvatinib resistance of receipt cells.
Conclusion
CircPAK1 exerts its oncogenic function by competitively binding 14-3-3 ζ with YAP, thus promoting YAP nucleus localization, leading to the inactivation of a Hippo signaling pathway. Exosomal circPAK1 may drive resistance to lenvatinib, providing a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.
PKM2 allosteric converter: a self-assembly peptide for suppressing renal cell carcinoma and sensitizing chemotherapy
Authors: Wang Lu , Fu Bo , Hou Da-Yong , Lv Yulin , Yang Guang , Li Cong , Shen Jiachen , Kong Bin , Zheng Libo , Qiu Yu , Wang Honglei , Liu Chen , Zhang Jianji , Li Li-Li , Wang Hao , Xu Wanhai
Published: May 2022

Stronger intrinsic Warburg effect and resistance to chemotherapy are the responses to high mortality of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) plays an important role in this process. Promoting PKM2 conversion from dimer to tetramer is a critical strategy to inhibit Warburg effect and reverse chemotherapy resistance. Herein, a PKM2 allosteric converter (PAC) is constructed based on the “in vivo self-assembly” strategy, which is able to continuously stimulate PKM2 tetramerization. The PAC contains three motifs, a serine site that is protected by enzyme cleavable β-N-acetylglucosamine, a self-assembly peptide and a aggregation-induced emission (AIE) motif. Once PAC nanoparticles reach tumor site via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, the protective and hydrophilic β-N-acetylglucosamine will be removed by over-expressed O-GlcNAcase (OGA), causing self-assembled peptides to transform into nanofibers with large serine (PKM2 tetramer activator) exposure and long-term retention, which promotes PKM2 tetramerization continuously. Our results show that PAC-induced PKM2 tetramerization inhibits aberrant metabolism mediated by Warburg effect in cytoplasm. In this way, tumor proliferation and metastasis behavior could be effectively inhibited. Meanwhile, PAC induced PKM2 tetramerization impedes the nuclear translocation of PKM2 dimer, which restores the sensitivity of cancer cells to first-line anticancer drugs. Collectively, the innovative PAC effectively promotes PKM2 conversion from dimer to tetramer, and it might provide a novel approach for suppressing RCC and enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity.
Targeting STAT5b regulated signaling suppresses neuroinflammation and protects neuron in ischemic stroke
Authors: Pu Zhijun , Xia Shengnan , Shao Pengfei , Bao Xinyu , Wu Dan , Xu Yun
Published: May 2022

Inflammatory storm after ischemia-reperfusion contributes significantly to prognosis, and STAT5 is proving to be a highly effective anti-inflammatory therapy with great potential. The inhibition of STAT5 has demonstrated significant anti-inflammation and therapeutic effects, but studies on neuroinflammation and brain injury from ischemia-reperfusion are rare. It is the first time to define the dauricine as a STAT5 inhibitor, and found that dauricine mainly bind with STAT5b at Tyr-699 instead of STAT5a. Dauricine suppressed the inflammation cytokines Eotaxin, KC, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12β, IL-17α, and also inhibited the NF-kappaB activation. These results suggest that dauricine might protect the brain from the injury of post-ischemia-reperfusion via mediating the NF-kappaB activation by inhibiting the STAT5b. As a potential therapeutic target for neuroinflammation, STAT5b needs to be raised concern in ischemic stroke.
Formation and stability of bulk nanobubbles generated by gas–liquid mixing
Authors: Lee Jeong Il , Han Jung-Geun , Kim Jong-Min
Published: May 2022

As the field of application of nanobubbles (NBs) expands, more in-depth research into NB generation techniques is required. In this study, the NB characteristics generated by gas–liquid mixing and an NB generation mechanism were investigated according to the different liquid volume fraction (LVF). In the gas–liquid mixing method, we confirmed that the important factors for NB generation are the shear force applied to the trapped bubbles and the amount of trapped bubbles in the liquid. Based on these factors, NBs were generated at more than 10×108 NBs/ml and remained in a stable state for seven days. This study proposes a more specific NB generation mechanism and a valuable methodology for high-concentration NB generation through the gas–liquid mixing method.
The Women’s Health Initiative cancer survivorship clinic incorporating electronic patient reported outcomes: a study protocol for the Linking You to Support and Advice (LYSA) randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Kearns Noreen , Raigal-Aran Laia , O'Connell Kate , Davis Andrea , Bermingham Katie , O'Reilly Seamus , Collins Dearbhaile C , Corrigan Mark , Coulter John , Cleary Vicki , Cushen Samantha , Flavin Aileen , Byrne Fiona , O'Grady Aisling , O'Neill Deirdre , Murphy Aileen , Dahly Darren , Palmer Brendan , Connolly Roisin M , Hegarty Josephine
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe improved survival rate for many cancers in high income countries demands a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to survivorship care and service provision to ensure optimal patient outcomes and quality of life. The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to assess the feasibility of introducing a Women’s Health Initiative Cancer Survivorship Clinic in Ireland. MethodsThe trial comprises an intervention and control arm. Two hundred participants will be recruited. Key eligibility 1) women with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast or gynaecologic cancer (cervix or endometrial), within 12 months of completion of primary curative therapy, and 2) access to the internet. The complex intervention comprises a nurse-led pilot clinic targeting symptom management through a trigger alert system, utilizing electronic patient reported outcome (ePRO) assessments at baseline, and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months. It also includes dietitian-led component monitoring diet and nutritional status. The control group will receive their usual care pathway standard of care and attend the cancer survivorship clinic and complete ePRO assessments at the start and end of the study. Primary endpoint (feasibility) includes: the proportion of enrolled participants who complete baseline and follow-up ePRO surveys, and partake in health professional consultations after ePRO data triggers. Secondary endpoints include: changes in cancer-related symptom scores assessed by ePROs, health related-Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) scores, Appraisal Self-Care Agency-R scores, and adjuvant endocrine therapy medication adherence. A process evaluation will capture the experiences of participation in the study, and the healthcare costs will be examined as part of the economic analysis.Ethical approval was granted in December 2020, with accrual commencing in March 2021.DiscussionThis protocol describes the implementation of a parallel arm RCT which examines the feasibility of delivering a Cancer Survivorship Clinic. The ePRO is an innovative symptom monitoring system which detects treatment related affects and provides individualized support for cancer survivors. The findings will provide direction for the implementation of future survivorship care. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05035173. Registered September 5th 2021 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05035173?cntry=IE&city=Cork&draw=1&rank=10
A Spanish cross-cultural adaptation of the Quality in Psychiatric Care – Forensic In-patient Staff (QPC-FIPS) instrument: Psychometric properties
Authors: Campo Marta Domínguez-del , Moreno-Poyato Antonio R. , Puig-LLobet Montserrat , Lluch-Canut María Teresa , Rodríguez-Zunino Natalia F. , Tomás-Jiménez Manuel , Sanchez-Balcells Sara , Schröder Agneta , Lundqvist Lars-Olov , Escuder-Romeva Gemma , Roldán-Merino Juan F.
Published: May 2022

"Quality in Psychiatric Care - Forensic Inpatient Staff (QPC-FIPS) is an instrument of Swedish origin validated to measure the perception of the quality of mental health care provided by forensic psychiatry professionals. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the QPC-FIPS instrument and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the instrument. A psychometric study was carried out. For validity, content validity, convergent validity and construct validity were included. For reliability, the analysis of internal consistency and temporal stability was included. The sample consisted of 153 mental health professionals from four Forensic Psychiatry units. The adapted Spanish version of the QPC-FIPS scale was configured with the same number of items and dimensions as the original. The psychometric properties, in terms of temporal stability and internal consistency, were adequate and the factor structure, such as the homogeneity of the dimensions of the Spanish version of the QPC-FIPS, was equivalent to the original Swedish version. We found that the QPC_FIPS-Spanish is a useful, valid and easy-to-apply instrument for assessing the self-perception of professionals regarding the care they provide, as well as, identifying elements for the improvement of the quality of care.
Comprehensive analysis reveals independent prognostic biomarkers in glioblastoma
Authors: Jin Xingbing , Zhang Lily , Deng Bin
Published: May 2022

Background
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant intracranial tumor with an extremely poor prognosis. Screening and identification of potential prognostic biomarkers are essential for clinical treatment of GBM.
Methods
In this study, a total of 199 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on GSE4290, GSE19728 and GSE50161 datasets. Function enrichment analyses and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were performed. As a result, 10 genes (CDK1, TOP2A, RRM2, DTL, PBK, NUSAP1, NDC80, DLGAP5, KIF14, FOXM1) were selected as hub genes using CytoHubba in Cytoscape. Subsequently, GEPIA, Human Protein Atlas, PROGgeneV2 and cBioPortal databases were used to study the roles of hub genes in the prognosis of GBM.
Results
The results showed that 10 hub genes were over-expression in GBM patients and higher expressions of hub genes were significantly correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) in GBM patients. Multivariate analysis indicated that RRM2, DLGAP5 and KIF14 were independent prognostic factors of GBM patients. Three independent prognostic biomarkers were also found to be correlated with immune cell infiltration and clinical features of glioma patients.
Conclusion
Our results indicated that RRM2, DLGAP5 and KIF14 could be independent prognostic biomarkers of GBM patients.
Repeated psychological stress, chronic vicarious social defeat stress, evokes irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms in mice
Authors: Yoshioka Toshinori , Ohashi Misaki , Matsumoto Kenjiro , Omata Tomoki , Hamano Takumi , Yamazaki Mayuna , Okano Kotaro , Kobayashi Riho , Yamada Daisuke , Hada Noriyasu , Kato Shinichi , Saitoh Akiyoshi
Published: May 2022

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that emotional states and intestinal conditions are inter-connected in so-called “brain–gut interactions.” Indeed, many psychiatric disorders are accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, such as the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the functional connection remains elusive, partly because there are few useful experimental animal models. Here, we focused on a highly validated animal model of stress-induced psychiatric disorders, such as depression, known as the chronic vicarious social defeat stress (cVSDS) model mice, which we prepared using exposure to repeated psychological stress, thereafter examining their intestinal conditions. In the charcoal meal test and the capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia test, cVSDS model mice showed a significantly higher intestinal transit ratio and increased visceral pain-related behaviors, respectively. These changes persisted over one month after the stress session. On the other hand, the pathological evaluations of the histological and inflammatory scores of naive and cVSDS model mice did not differ. Furthermore, keishikashakuyakuto—a kampo medicine clinically used for the treatment of IBS—normalized the intestinal motility change in cVSDS model mice. Our results indicate that cVSDS model mice present IBS-like symptoms such as chronic intestinal peristaltic changes and abdominal hyperalgesia without organic lesion. We therefore propose the cVSDS paradigm as a novel animal model of IBS with wide validity, elucidating the correlation between depressive states and intestinal abnormalities.
LXRB-SREBP1 axis regulating lipogenic homeostasis by controlling the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in goat mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Wenying , Zhang Changhui , Luo Jun , Xu Huifen , Liu Jianxin , Loor Juan J. , Shi Hengbo
Published: May 2022

Background: Liver X receptor beta (LXRB) is the predominant LXR subtype in ruminant mammary cells. Whether and how LXRB plays a role in the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the mammary gland remains to be determined. In the current study, we used overexpression and knockdown of LXRB in goat primary mammary epithelial cells (GMEC) to evaluate abundance of lipogenic enzymes, fatty acid profiles, content of lipid stores and activity of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) promoter. Results: Overexpression of LXRB markedly upregulated the protein abundance of LXRB while incubation with siRNA targeting LXRB markedly decreased abundance of LXRB protein. Overexpression of LXRB plus ligand T0901317 (T09) dramatically upregulated genes encoding proteins related to PUFA synthesis. Compared with the control, cells overexpressing LXRB plus T09 had greater concentrations of C16:0, 16:1, 18:1n7,18:1n9 and C18:2 as well as desaturation and elongation indices of C16:0. Furthermore, LXRB overexpressing cells incubated with T09 had greater levels of triacylglycerol and cholesterol. Knockdown of LXRB in cells incubated with T09 led to downregulation of genes encoding elongases and desaturases. In contrast, knockdown of LXRB attenuated the increase in TAG and cholesterol that was induced by T09. In cells treated with DMSO, knockdown of LXRB increased the concentration of C16:0 at the expense of C18:0, while a significant decrease in C18:2 was observed in cells incubated with both siLXRB and T09. The abundance of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (pSREBP1) and its mature fragment (nSREBP1) was upregulated by T09, but not LXRB overexpression. In the cells cultured with T09, knockdown of LXRB downregulated the abundance for pSREBP and nSREBP1. Luciferase reporter assays with site directed mutagenesis of SREBP1 response elements (SRE) revealed that that the SCD1 promoter with the wild type or SRE mutation decreased markedly when LXRB was knocked down. Activity of the SCD1 promoter that was induced by T09 was impaired when the SRE mutation was introduced. Conclusion: There is an important role of LXRB-SREBP1 axis in the synthesis of PUFA via the regulation of genes encoding elongases and desaturases. Thus, this network elicits broad effects on lipid homeostasis in ruminant mammary gland.
Fracture dislocation of the cervical spine and common carotid artery medialization
Authors: FERRACCI François-Xavier , HEUZE Donatien , SACCO Riccardo , CURADO Jonathan , MONNOT Antoine , DUPARC Fabrice , OULD-SLIMANE Mourad
Published: May 2022

A 68-year-old female presented acute neck pain and incomplete tetraplegia following a fall on the stairs. Radiographs, contrast enhanced computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance of the cervical spine revealed a C5-C6 bi-articular dislocation. A detailed preoperative assessment of the images discovered a medialization of the left common carotid artery. An external reduction and a left anterior cervical approach allowed a careful management of the vascular malformation and an anterior C5C6 arthrodesis. At six months, a full neurological recovery was assessed and radiographs demonstrated successful fusion of the cervical arthrodesis.Anatomical features such as medialization of the common carotid artery may affect patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries. The severity of the traumatic bone lesions should not overshadow the preoperative analysis of the adjacent anatomical structures encountered during the surgical approach, even in an emergency situation.
Preparation and Properties of Lignin-Based Carbon/ZnO Photocatalytic Materials
Authors: Li Tianyang , Pan Hong , Xu Lihui , Shen Yong , Li Keting
Published: May 2022

Lignin-based carbon/ZnO (LCZ) composites were prepared by one-step carbonization method using lignin as carbon source. The effects of different carbonization conditoions (temperature, carbonization time and QAL addition) on the pore structure of the composites were investigated. The results showed that the obtained LCZ composite had the largest specific surface area (317.765 m2·g− 1) and pore volume (0.4344 mL·g− 1) when the QAL addition was 4 g and carbonization at 600°C for 2 h. Due to the tight combinationg of carbon and ZnO, the photodegradation performance of the prepared LCZ under simulated solar light (500 W Xe lamp) irradiation was improved for the rapid transfer of photogenerated electrons. Compared with pure ZnO, the degradation rate of LCZ reached 92% and 91% of methyl orange and rhodamine B in 2 hours. Meanwhile, LCZ had good acid-base stability and cyclic stability.
MTMR14 is a potential independent prognostic factor in glioma patients and induces glioma cell apoptosis through the Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: liu ruen , wang changfeng , wang zhiwen , lv qiaoli , xiang hui , ou yue , chen xianjun , liu jiahao , zheng chenpeng
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Novel phosphoinositide phosphatase MTMR14 is responsible for regulating inflammatory metabolism, stable aging, and autophagy. This study investigated the clinicopathological significance of MTMR14 expression in glioma.Methods: mRNA expression profiles and clinical information of 703 glioma patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationship between clinical factors and MTMR14 expression. Cox regression and the Kaplan–Meier method were used to determine the clinical factors associated with overall survival of patients with glioma. Using the STRING database and the TIMER2.0 database, proteins and tumor immune infiltrating cells interacting with MTMR14 were identified. MTMR14 of U87 and U251 cells was knocked out by transfection. Interference efficiency was determined by a real-time fluorescence quantitative nucleic acid amplification test; the CCK-8 experimental wound healing test was performed, and a flow cytometry apoptosis assay was used to observe the effect of MTMR14 knockout on glioma cells. Results:MTMR14 expression levels were highly correlated with grade, age, and survival time of glioma patients. The expression level of MTMR14 was correlated with overall survival.The proliferation and migration of U87 and U251 cells were weakened and apoptosis was promoted after knocking MTMR14.Conclusions: MTMR14 was a potential independent prognostic factor for glioma patients, participating in the regulation of various signaling pathways and influencing tumor immune microenvironment. In cell experiments, deletion of MTMR14 resulted in decreased proliferation and migration ability of glioma cells, and activation of the Akt/ mTOR pathway led to glioma cell apoptosis.
Construction of a minicellulosome-producing consolidated bioprocessing reaction system for simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation from Pennisetum purpereum
Authors: Liu Han , Du Jiliang , Wang Xuxin , Kang Zhuoran , Hou Chenglin , Yang Xiushan , Tian Shen
Published: May 2022

The enhanced hydrolysis of xylan-type hemicellulose is important to maximize ethanol production yield and substrate utilization rate in lignocellulose-based simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation system. In this study, we conduct d-integration CRISPR Cas9 to achieve multicopy chromosomal integration with high efficiency of reductase-xylitol dehydrogenase pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Subsequently, a mincellulosome attaching with hemicellulose-degrading enzymes on this xylose-utilizing recombinant yeast strain is developed for synergistic catalysis and co-fermentation from steam-exploded Pennisetum purpereum. Despite the accumulation of xylitol, the maximum ethanol titer of genetic engineered yeast strain reached 4.77 g/l with the cellulose conversion of 97.02% and hemicelluose conversion of 67.45% under 30 ºC after 96 h with the addition of commercial cellulase. The elaborated cellulosomal organization toward genetic engineering of an industrially important microorganism presents a designed approach for advanced lignocellulolytic potential and improved capability of biofuel processing.
Attention Vision Transformers for Human Fall Detection
Authors: Bakshi Satyake
Published: May 2022

In recent years, attention transformers have proven to be instrumental in natural language processing (NLP)-based tasks such as sentence classification and language translation. However, their application has been recently extended to large-scale object recognition tasks. In this work, Vision Transformer with attention has been investigated for the detection of human falls and ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) from time series-based signals. The Vision Transformer model has been trained and validated using the acceleration signals of waist-worn Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors obtained from the IMU Falls dataset[1]. The model is also trained and validated on the popular SiSFall dataset[2]. The model is also investigated by independently training three different cases of patch size and attention heads. It was observed that a larger patch size resulted in significant performance deterioration. Additionally, a smaller patch size took longer to train and was computationally expensive. The model performed (best case) with an Accuracy (%) of 99.9 ± 0.1 and a True Positive Rate (%) of 99.9 ± 0.1 on the SFU-IMU dataset and with an Accuracy (%) of 99.8 ± 0.25 and a true positive rate (%) of 99.87 ± 0.3 on the SISFALL dataset. Overall, the results show that Transformers are highly robust in the detection of human falls and nonfalls/ADLs, subject to the appropriate patch size.
Oblique lateral interbody fusion combined with lateral plate VS. combined with pedicle screw fixation for the treament of lumbar degenerative diseases
Authors: Li Hai-Dong , Zhu Xin-Hong , Min Ji-Kang , Zhong Li
Published: May 2022

Background: The oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) is a minimally invasive indirect decompression technique for the treatment of degenerative spinal disease. It is usually combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation to decrease perioperative complications.The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of OLIF combined with lateral plate (LP) vs. combined with posterior pedicle screw (PS) fixation for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD).Methods: The clinical data of 53 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent OLIF from May 2020 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, 24 patients in OLIF+LP group and 29 paients in OLIF+PS group. We compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes between two groups. The operation time, blood loss, fusion rate and complications were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), disc height (DH), foraminal height (FH) and cross-sectional area (CSA) were also evaluated.Results: Fifty-three patients were followed up postoperatively for 13.2±6.5 (range 12-16) months. The operation time was 75.41±11.53 min in OLIF+LP group, which was much shorter than that in OLIF+PS group. Similarly, the blood loss was also much less in OLIF+LP group (39.55±5.32 VS 89.81±9.62 ml, P<0.01). In both of two groups, the VAS and ODI score had significantly decreased at the final follow-up compared to pre-operation. However, the OLIF+LP group suffered both less VAS scores and less ODI scores at 7 days (3.05±0.67 VS 4.55±0.39, P<0.01; 17.36±2.76 VS 22.80±6.02, P<0.01) after surgery than OLIF+PS group. Interestingly, these differences were both disappeared at one year after surgery. The DH, FH, and CSA had also improved by final follow-up. The total complication rate was 13.21% in this study, and there was no siginificant difference between the two groups, and the most common approach-related complication was end-plate injury.Conclusions: OLIF+LP technique seems to be a valuable surgical option for single-segmental lumbar degenerative disease. It can achieve the similar clinical outcome with less damagment, compared with OLIF+PS technique.