bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Values of nitric oxide and superoxide dismutase in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Djordjevic Gordana , Ljubisavljevic Srdjan , Stojanov Aleksandar
Published: April 2022

Background: Neurons are highly energy-dependent and highly specialized cells, showing great sensitivity to oxidative stress (OS). This study aimed to contribute to the further elucidation of the role of OS in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Matherial and methods: We assessed nitric oxide () and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 24 sporadic ALS (sALS) patients (13 of them presented with spinal form while 11 patients had bulbar form) and 20 controls (CG).Results: The obtained SOD levels in sALS patients were lower than those in CG (p<0.001), while NO showed higher levels compared to CG (p < 0.001). Observed separately, there were no significant differences in the levels of NO and SOD in CSF between patients about their clinical presentations (p > 0.05). There were significant negative correlations between SOD and NO levels in all sALS patients (r = 0.31, p=0.025). Significant correlation between SOD and functional rating scale as well as disease progression index were recorded in patients with sALS (r=0,618 r= 0.425 p < 0.01), while NO levels were significantly associated with disease progression only (r=0.348 p < 0.01). Conclusion: The data presented here clearly support the role of impaired oxidant/antioxidant balance in the pathogenesis of ALS. The CSF SOD and NO level might serve as a useful biomarker for functional disorder and progression of the disease, but these facts need to be reevaluated in future research which should be performed on a large cohort of ALS patients
Initial studies of the response of rubber tree seedlings treated with saprobic fungi from the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil to anthracnose
Authors: Lopes Marcela Pagoti Bergamini , Gomes Marcela Eloi , Anjos Louyne Varini Santos dos , Celin Gustavo Silva , Henrique Rodney Lucio Pinheiro , Magalhães Izabela Ponso , Pascholate Sergio F. , Furtado Edson Luiz , Firmino Ana Carolina
Published: April 2022

Anthracnose, caused by fungi of the genus Colletotrichum, is present in the main areas where rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) are planted. Thus, considering that biological agents can be an alternative for disease control, the present study aimed to carry out initial studies to investigate the response of rubber tree seedlings inoculated with Colletotrichum and treated with saprobes fungi from the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil (Curvularia eragrostidis, Memnoniella levispora, Myrothecium roridum and Phialomyces macrosporus). Seedlings of the rubber tree clone RRIM600 were sprayed with biocontrol agents as preventive and curative treatments seven days before and after C. tamarilloi inoculation, respectively. Assessments included plant response to disease expression based on percentage of symptomatic area on treated leaves, percentage of graft death, and percentage of apical death in seedlings 30 days after inoculation with C. tamarilloi. In addition, the enzymes peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) had their activity quantified by their association with plant resistance to pathogens. The fungus C. eragrostidis had the best result in controlling anthracnose when applied as a preventive treatment, showing 10% less disease than the untreated plant. The same was observed for the fungus P. macrosporus when used in the curative form. These fungi also reduced the graft death. In these cases, PAL activity was higher and may be linked to the induction of resistance against the pathogen. The peroxidase activity was not expressive for treatments with saprobic fungi in the periods studied. Therefore, among the tested fungi, C. eragrostidis and P. macrosporus are promising for the control of anthracnose, deserving further studies.
Exclusion of plant input affects the temperature sensitivity of soil carbon decomposition
Authors: Zhang Xiuwei , Zhu Biao , Yu Fei-Hai , Wang Peng , Cheng Weixin
Published: April 2022

Plant residue input plays a vital role in cropland carbon (C) balance, which can be greatly affected by climate change. Our knowledge of the effect of plant residue on soil respiration is crucial for evaluating C exchange between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems, but large uncertainties remain in the effect of plant input on the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition in cropland ecosystems. Here, we tested the effect of long-term exclusion of plant input on the Q10 of SOC decomposition by incubating soils collected from two bare fallow (including a Mollisol and an Alfisol with different climate and land-use history) and adjacent old field plots at 10°C and 20°C for 815 days. The ‘equal-time’, ‘equal-C’, ‘one-pool model’ and ‘two-pool model’ methods were used to evaluate the Q10 of SOC decomposition. Results indicated that in the early stage of incubation, exclusion of plant input increased the Q10 (Alfisol) or had minor effect on the Q10 (Mollisol), which may be related to the interactions between substrate quality decrease (increase of chemical stability) and clay mineral suppression on microbial decomposition. However, in the later stage of incubation, plant residue removal decreased the Q10 values in both soils possibly due to the limitation of substrate availability on microbial decomposition. Overal, the role of plant input in the temperature sensitivity of SOC decomposition should be considered when predicting SOC stocks in a future warmer world.
Structural and bioactivity evaluation of molybdenum-doped phosphate glasses: drug delivery application
Authors: Fayad Amira , El-Bassyouni Gehan , Abdel-Baki Manal , Ahmed Manar
Published: April 2022

Boro-phosphate glasses of stoichiometric chemical formula of (50-x)P2O5-20B2O3- 20CaO-10Na2O (x = 5–15 mol. % MoO3), have been prepared using melt-quenching technique. Structural and bioactivity properties of these glasses were considered. The bioactivity was evaluated upon 14 days of soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) using: XRD, FT-IR and SEM. Through these techniques the creation of the calcium phosphate biolayer as one of the transitional yields of biomineralization is affirmed. Moreover, glass samples were examined as a drug delivery for ciprofloxacin (CIP) antibiotic. It was noticed that the higher the MoO3 content the faster was the drug release rate. Textural analysis elucidated that by increasing the content of MoO3, the surface area was increased. Mathematical models help to design a controlled drug release system. CIP in vitro release mechanism was determined by fitting different dissolution data into two different release models Zero Order and Higuchi model.
Experimental investigation into weld cladding of Ni-WC MMC overlays by CMT process
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Reza , Wang Sheng-Hui , Jelovica Jasmin
Published: April 2022

In the search for versatile and effective weld cladding processes to deposit ultra-wear-resistant Ni-WC MMC (Ni-based tungsten carbide metal matrix composite) overlays for mining applications, there is an increasing interest in exploring advanced low-heat-input cold metal transfer (CMT) method. Depositions of single weld bead tracks of Ni-WC MMCs on steel plates were performed by employing CMT process; Taguchi design of experiments was used to plan the experimental investigation. All weld tracks exhibit continuous and uniform bead profile and sound metallurgical bonding to the substrate. Retained WCs are present in the overlay tracks relatively uniformly. Formation of primary WC and secondary carbides is observed depending on the level of dilution. In contrast to traditional gas metal arc welding (GMAW) processes, volume fraction of retained WC (fWC) is not directly correlated with heat input for CMT process, and can reach a high level together with improved weld bead appearance at high deposition rate. fWC is negatively correlated with dilution rate. Deposition rate has a positive correlation with average instantaneous power, which is, in turn, positively correlated with wire feed speed. Addition of oxygen into shielding gas mixtures promotes carbide transfer from cored feed wire to the weld track and increases fWC. Analysis of Signal-to-Noise ratios shows that it is difficult to find a single set of optimized process control parameters, and trade-offs are needed in the engineering practice. The present investigation demonstrates that CMT process has a clear advantage for depositing Ni-WC MMC overlays over traditional GMAW technologies and that Taguchi method is a powerful tool in process improvement for weld cladding of Ni-WC MMC overlays.
Antimicrobial Evaluation of Sequentially extracted Leaf of Vernonia auriculifera Hiern (Rejicho)
Authors: Etiso Teshale , Suleman Sultan , Mohamed Tesfaye
Published: April 2022

Background: Though there are reports about V. auriculifera antimicrobial activity, there is not enough information about its activity on some of the bacterial and fungal species. Besides, there was no quantitative evaluation done for phytochemicals previously. Therefore, the main purpose of this research work is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and quantitative evaluation of the phenol and flavonoid contents V. auriculifera. Objectives: The objective of this study was to conduct the antimicrobial and quantitative evaluation of a sequentially extracted leaf of Vernonia auriculifera Hiern. Methods: The leave samples of Vernonia auriculifera were collected from Hawassa Zuria woreda, Sidama region of Ethiopia. The collected leaves of the plant were cleaned with tap water and air-dried. Then, it was coarsely powdered by mortar and pestle. The extractive value of the leaf part of the plant was determined in different solvents. The grounded leaf product was subsequently extracted by hexane, chloroform, and methanol in maceration conical flasks. The phytochemical screening was done for each extract. Then the total phenol and total flavonoid content in each extract were determined. Standard strains of bacterial and fungal species were used to assess the antibacterial, antifungal susceptibility test and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of crude extract. Result: Extraction yield for hexane, chloroform, and methanol was 0.6±0.05%, 1.7±0.02%, and 3.3±0.01% respectively. Phytochemical screening has shown the presence of multiple constituents. The TLC analysis depicted the presence of a different number of constituents in three extracts. The total phenolic content of methanol extract was 72.998 ± 0.002 mg GAE /g. The total flavonoid content of hexane and chloroform extracts were 2.59 ± 0.004 mg QE/g and 9.6 ± 0.02 mg QE/g respectively. The antimicrobial activity test showed the chloroform extract was the most active against all test microorganisms. Conclusion: This study has shown the activity of V. auriculifera against selected microorganisms of study. This plant could be used as a crude drug to treat infection caused by these pathogenic microorganisms. It had enough phenol and flavonoid amount that made V. auriculifera exhibit its biological activity.
Comparison of Corneal Flap Thickness Predictability and Architecture Between Femtosecond Laser and Sub-bowman Keratomileusis Microkeratome in Laser in Situ Keratomileusis.
Authors: Rattan Suzan Amana , Rashid Riyam Faihan , Mutashar Mahir Kadhim , Nasser Yaser A.R. , Anwar Didar Sddeq
Published: April 2022

Purpose of the Study:The purpose of the study is to assess and compare the corneal flap thickness predictability and uniformity between Visumax femtosecond laser and Moria sub-Bowman keratomileusis microkeratome in laser in situ keratomileusis procedure to correct myopic and myopic astigmatism refractive errors. Methods:One hundred eyes from 100 patients, were enrolled in this study. Only one eye (right eye) of each patient was chosen for this study. They were divided into two groups of equal size (50 each). Target flap thickness was 90 μm. Flap thickness was measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography in 7 specified positions at 3 months postoperative.Results:For femtosecond laser group, the average central flap thickness (CFT) was 91.35µm ±4.97. There was no statistically significant difference between the target flap thickness and the resultant flap thickness (p=0.12). When the central, nasal and temporal thicknesses in the same flap were compared, there was no statistically significant difference among these measurements (p=0.9).For the microkeratome group, CFT was 102.18µm±5.63. There was statistically significant difference between the target flap thickness and the resultant flap thickness (p=0.001).The central, nasal and temporal thicknesses were compared and there was a statistically significant difference.(p=0.000).Conclusions:Our study is among few studies in the literature comparing femtosecond laser flap to SBK microkeratome flap. Femtosecond laser creates more predicable flap thickness and more uniform flap architecture. It should be the first choice for the patients when the availability and cost is not a problem. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: NCT04684888. Trial Registration date: December 2020. Registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
The effect of the time parents spend with children on children's well-being
Authors: Li Dongxu , GUO XI
Published: April 2022

The time with parents is a crucial factor in the growth of children, and children’s well-being is an important indicator of their mental health. To promote the improvement of children's well-being, relying on data from the 2017 China Time Use Survey（CTUS）, this study explores the relationship between parental time and children's well-being and specific influencing factors. The results show that the more time parents spend with children, the higher their children’s well-being. Regarding the types of companionship, the life and leisure time parents spend with children promotes children's well-being. Regarding parent s’ role division, the life and leisure time mother spend with children,and the life and leisure time and educational interactions time father spend with children positively affect children’s well-being. The influence of the time parents spend with children on children’s well-being is heterogeneous based on children’s academic performance. Therefore, family education and guidance services and mental health services should be strengthened, and it is necessary to improve the time spend with children, pay attention to individual diffrences in children.
Twist Springback and Microstructure Analysis of PEEK Sheets in Ultrasonic-Assisted Thermal Incremental Forming
Authors: Liao Juan , Zhou Shaocong , Xue Xin
Published: April 2022

With a view to reducing the springback and twist of PEEK during the incremental forming process, the ultrasonic vibration is introduced into polymer thermal SPIF. In this study, the effects of temperature and ultrasonic vibration on twist and springback of formed parts are investigated. Several modified tool trajectories are developed, and the influence of tool trajectory on twist and springback are also studied. Finally, the microstructures of PEEK parts are analyzed by XRD. The results show that the increase of temperature is helpful to reduce the twist and springback. The ultrasonic vibration is beneficial to the improvement of geometric accuracy, while the side wall bulge aggravates at 140 ℃ after the ultrasonic vibration is applied. The optimized tool trajectory can effectively eliminate twist and reduce the springback of PEEK parts. The XRD result shows that the ultrasonic vibration is helpful to increase the molecular chain orientation, improve crystallinity and refine crystallite at 60 ℃ and 100 ℃. However, the opposite trend occurs at 140 ℃ due to the disorientation effect of molecular chain.
Construction of proliferation-related lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhuang Xingxing , Zhang Weifeng , Liu Tao , Wei Liangbing , Guo Yanyan , Gao Jiarong
Published: April 2022

Lately, researches on lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network have been the hotspots, the present study explored the functional roles and regulatory networks of lncRNAs in chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). The proliferation ability of glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) induced by different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were detected with CCK-8 assay and RNA-seq was performed to study differentially expressed lncRNAs in LPS-induced GMCs. According to the sequencing results, 6 lncRNAs were selected for RT-qPCR validation. Furthermore, lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network were constructed to examine the role and mechanism of proliferation-related lncRNAs. To reveal the biological functions of lncRNAs, GO biological process and KEGG pathway analysis were we performed on all mRNAs involed in lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network and ceRNA network. Finally, 1532 differentially expressed lncRNAs, including 594 upregulated lncRNAs and 938 downregulated lncRNAs were screened out by RNA-seq. The results of RT-qPCR validation were consistent with RNA-seq result. The lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network, including 236 lncRNAs and 556 mRNAs and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network, including 6 lncRNAs, 18 miRNAs, and 419 mRNAs were successfully constructed. The GO biological process and KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that those lncRNAs were mainly related to inflammatory response and substance metabolism. This study first identified key proliferation-related lncRNAs in LPS-induced GMCs, and further revealed a global view of lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network involved in CGN. Our findings offered novel insights into the roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of CGN and provided promising diagnostic biomarkers.
International Comparison of Physicians’ Attitudes Toward Refusal of Treatment by Patients with Severe Anorexia Nervosa: A Case-Based Vignette Study
Authors: TAKIMOTO YOSHIYUKI
Published: April 2022

Background: We investigated the attitudes of physicians in Japan, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) toward refusal of treatment for anorexia nervosa.Methods: A questionnaire survey was administered to eating disorder physicians (Japan, n=55; UK, n=84; US, n=82) to evaluate their treatment strategies for fictitious cases of refusal of treatment for anorexia nervosa.Results: For acute patients, 53 (96.3%) physicians in Japan, 65 (77.4%) in the UK, and 54 (65.9%) in the US chose compulsory treatment if the patient’s family requested treatment, while 46 (83.6%) physicians in Japan, 53 (63.1%) in the UK, and 47 (57.3%) in the US chose compulsory treatment if the family left the decision to the patient. For severe and enduring patients, 53 (96.3%) physicians in Japan, 62 (73.8%) in the UK, and 57 (69.5%) in the US chose compulsory treatment if the patient’s family requested treatment, while 38 (69.1%) physicians in Japan, 56 (66.7%) in the UK, and 55 (67.1%) in the US chose compulsory treatment if the family left the decision to the patient.Conclusions: Physicians in all three countries tended to choose compulsory treatment irrespective of disease duration or whether the patient’s family requested treatment or not. This may indicate that medical practitioners value the ethical obligation of beneficence, giving priority to the protection of life. Attitudes toward refusal of treatment during a life crisis tend to vary among medical professionals, particularly if the patient’s family does not request treatment.
Using Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors to Interrogate Ovarian Cancer Metabolism
Authors: Bose Shree , Yao Haipei , Huang Qiang , Whitaker Regina , Kontos Christopher D. , Previs Rebecca A. , Shen Xiling
Published: April 2022

BackgroundEpithelial ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy and patients present with significant metastatic burden, particularly to the adipose-rich microenvironment of the omentum. Recent evidence has highlighted the importance of metabolic adaptations in enabling this metastasis, leading to significant interest in evolving the arsenal of tools used to study OC metabolism. In this study, we demonstrate the capability of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors to study OC, with a focus on 3D organoid models that better recapitulate in vivo tumor microenvironments. Materials and MethodsPlasmids encoding the metabolic biosensors HyPer, iNap, Peredox, and Perceval were transfected into 15 ovarian cancer cell lines to assay oxidative stress, NADPH/NADP+, NADH/NAD+, and ATP/ADP, respectively. Fluorescence readings were used to assay dynamic metabolic responses to omental conditioned media (OCM) and 100 μM carboplatin treatment. SKOV3 cells expressing HyPer were imaged as 2D monolayers, 3D organoids, and as in vivo metastases via an intravital omental window. We further established organoids from ascites collected from Stage III/IV OC patients with carboplatin-resistant or carboplatin-sensitive tumors (n=8 total). These patient-derived organoids (PDOs) were engineered to express HyPer, and metabolic readings of oxidative stress were performed during treatment with 100 μM carboplatin. ResultsExposure to OCM or carboplatin induced heterogenous metabolic changes in 15 OC cell lines, as measured using metabolic sensors. Oxidative stress of in vivo omental metastases, measured via intravital imaging of metastasizing SKOV3-HyPer cells, was more closely recapitulated by SKOV3-HyPer organoids than by 2D monolayers. Finally, carboplatin treatment of HyPer-expressing PDOs induced higher oxidative stress in organoids derived from carboplatin-resistant patients than from those derived from carboplatin-sensitive patients. ConclusionsOur study showed that biosensors provide a useful method of studying dynamic metabolic changes in preclinical models of OC, including 3D organoids and intravital imaging. As 3D models of OC continue to evolve, the repertoire of biosensors will likely serve as valuable tools to probe the metabolic changes of clinical importance in OC.
Using Global Navigation Satellite Systems for modeling Athletic Performances in elite football players
Authors: Imbach Frank , Ragheb Waleed , Leveau Valentin , Chailan Romain , Candau Robin , Perrey Stéphane
Published: April 2022

This study aims to predict individual Acceleration-Velocity profiles (A-V) from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements in real-world situations.
Data were collected from professional players in the Superleague division during a 1.5 season period (2019-2021).
A baseline modeling performance was provided by time-series forecasting methods and compared with two multivariate modeling approaches using ridge regularisation and long short term memory neural networks. The multivariate models considered commercial features and new features extracted from GNSS raw data as predictor variables. A control condition in which profiles were predicted from predictors of the same session outlined the predictability of A-V profiles. Multivariate models were fitted either per player or over the group of players. Predictor variables were pooled according to the mean or an exponential weighting function.
As expected, the control condition provided lower error rates than other models on average (p = 0.001). Reference and multivariate models did not show significant differences in error rates (p = 0.124), regardless of the nature of predictors (commercial features or extracted from signal processing methods) or the pooling method used. In addition, models built over a larger population did not provide significantly more accurate predictions.
In conclusion, GNSS features seemed to be of limited relevance for predicting individual A-V profiles. However, new signal processing features open up new perspectives in athletic performance or injury occurrence modeling, mainly if higher sampling rate tracking systems are considered.
Early surgical treatment using regional clinical pathways reduces the length of postoperative hospitalization in hip fracture patients: Retrospective analysis using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database
Authors: Nishimura Haruki , Suzuki Hitoshi , Tokutsu Kei , Muramatsu Keiji , Kawasaki Makoto , Yamanaka Yoshiaki , Uchida Soshi , Nakamura Eiichiro , Fushimi Kiyohide , Matsuda Shinya , Sakai Akinori
Published: April 2022

Background: Hip fracture is a common injury in elderly people, especially those with weak bone contracture, such as in osteoporosis. Although early surgical treatment is recommended, the optimal timing for hip fracture surgery has not been determined in Japan. To date, regional clinical pathways have been introduced into the clinical field to treat patients in a more effective and unified manner. In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of early surgery among hip fracture patients and the effectiveness of early surgery and the implementation of regional clinical pathways in reducing the length of postoperative hospital stay in hip fracture patients using Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database.Methods: Data of patients diagnosed with femoral neck and femoral peritrochanteric fractures retrieved from the Japanese DPC database between April 2016 and March 2018 were used. Patients were divided into early surgery group (43,928 [34%] patients, surgery within 2 days of admission) and delayed surgery group (84,237 [66%] patients, surgery after 2 days of admission).Results: The difference in length of stay (LOS) between the early and delayed surgery groups was 2 days (early vs. delayed: 21.00 days vs. 23.00 days). The early surgery group had more cases of intertrochanteric fractures (57.4% vs. 43.4%) and internal fixation (74.3% vs. 55.4%) than the delayed surgery group. In contrast, the delayed surgery group had more cases of femoral neck fractures (42.6% vs. 56.6%) and bipolar hip arthroplasty (24.5% vs. 41.6%) or total hip arthroplasty (1.2% vs. 3.0%). The early surgery group showed a lower incidence of complications, except anemia (12.0% vs. 8.8%), than the delayed surgery group. Multilevel regression analysis showed that early surgery and implementation of regional clinical pathways reduced LOS by 2.58 and 8.06 days, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Early surgery was performed in a third of all hip fracture patients. Early surgery and implementation of regional clinical pathways for hip fracture patients are effective in reducing postoperative hospital LOS, with regional clinical pathways having a greater impact. These findings will help acute care providers when treating patients with hip fractures.
Lipid oxidation in cured meat model systems containing either antioxidant or prooxidant: A comparative study on determination of malondialdehyde concentration by using conventional, test-kit and chromatographic assays
Authors: Ozturk-Kerimoglu Burcu , Nakilcioglu Emine , Serdaroglu Meltem
Published: April 2022

The impacts of curing plus antioxidant or prooxidant inclusion in model meat systems on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels detected by three different assays as spectrophotometry (M-1), test kit (M-2), and high-performance liquid chromatography (M-3) were explored. Four different treatments that included non-cured, cured, cured plus zeaxanthin-added, and cured plus ferric iron-added meat systems were produced. MDA levels during storage recorded by M-1 were higher than both M-2 (up to 29-fold) and M-3 (up to 53-fold). The effects of curing were visibly detected by all assays, whereas the impacts of antioxidant or prooxidant addition were much obvious when determined by M-2 and M-3. Despite the variations within numerical values, both M-1 and M-2 presented strong correlations with M-3. Overall, it was concluded that spectrophotometric assays could be reliable on condition that acceptable coefficients are utilized to avoid overestimation. Besides, the simultaneous improvement and simplification of chromatographic techniques as well as rapid test kits would pave the way for their widespread use.
Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with amplitude-controlled tapping-mode AFM
Authors: Umakoshi Takayuki , Kawashima Koji , Moriyama Toki , Kato Ryo , Verma Prabhat
Published: April 2022

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is a powerful tool for analyzing chemical compositions at the nanoscale owing to near-field light localized at a metallic tip. In TERS, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is commonly used for tip position control. AFM is often controlled under the contact mode for TERS, whereas the tapping mode, which is another major operation mode, has rarely been employed despite several advantages, such as low sample damage. One of the reasons is the low TERS signal intensity because the tip is mostly away from the sample during the tapping motion. In this study, we quantitatively investigated the effect of the tapping amplitude on the TERS signal. We numerically evaluated the dependence of the TERS signal on tapping amplitude. We found that the tapping amplitude had a significant effect on the TERS signal, and an acceptable level of TERS signal was obtained by reducing the amplitude to a few nanometers. We further demonstrated amplitude-controlled tapping-mode TERS measurement. We observed a strong dependence of the TERS intensity on the tapping amplitude, which is in agreement with our numerical calculations. This practical but essential study encourages the use of the tapping mode for further advancing TERS and related optical techniques.
Exploring the clinicopathological significance of YKL-39 in gastric adenocarcinoma based on tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Xue Ling , Chu Wei , Wan Fangsheng , Wu Pingfan , Zhao Xiaowen , Ma Linna , She Yali , Li Changtian , Li Yaling
Published: April 2022

Background
Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor with a high incidence and mortality rate. Angiogenesis is necessary for tumor infiltration and metastasis, and also affects patient prognosis. YKL-39 has monocyte chemotactic activity and pro-angiogenic activity in some of the tumors. In this study, we will investigate the relationship between YKL-39 and tumor-associated macrophages and microangiogenesis in gastric cancer and explore the value of YKL-39 as a prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer.
Methods
A total of 119 patients with gastric cancer who had undergone gastrectomy at the 940th Hospital of the Joint Security Force between 2013 and 2019 were included in this study, and the protein expression of YKL-39, CD68, and CD34 was detected by immunohistochemistry, and intracellular expression of YKL-39 and CD68 was detected by immunofluorescence.
Results
Our results showed that YKL-39 was expressed in both nucleus and cytoplasm of gastric cancer tissues and tumor mesenchyme, and the expression of YKL-39 was positively correlated with CD68 and CD34, as well as the high expression of YKL-39 was associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients.
Conclusion
In gastric cancer, YKL-39 expression positively correlated with the degree of tumor-associated macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis, and it could be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
Nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices about nutritional management of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Farzaei Mahsa , Shahbazi Shahla , Gilani Neda , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Gholizadeh Leila
Published: April 2022

Background: The prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly worldwide. Nurses work collaboratively with health care team to improve diabetes management. Yet, little is known about nurses’ role in the nutritional management of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about nutritional management of diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 160 nurses recruited between July 4 and July 18, 2021 from two referral tertiary teaching hospitals in Iran. A validated paper-based self-reported questionnaire was used to assess Nurses’ KAP. Nurses’ KAP regarding nutritional management of diabetes were assessed and the associated factors identified using multiple linear regression analysis.Results: The mean knowledge score was 12.16 ± 2.83, with 61.2% of participants showing a moderate knowledge level on nutritional management of diabetes. The mean attitude score was 60.68 ± 6.11, with 86.92% of participants demonstrating positive attitudes. The mean practice score of study participants was 44.74 ± 7.81, with 51.9% having a moderate level of practice. Higher knowledge scores were observed among male nurses (B = -7.55, p = 0.009) and those with blended learning as a preferred learning method (B = 7.28, p = 0.029). Having an opportunity to provide education to patients with diabetes during shifts affected nurses’ attitudes positively (B = -7.59, p = 0.017). Practice scores were higher among nurses who perceived themselves competent in the nutritional management of diabetes (B = -18.05, p = 0.008).Conclusion: Nurses’ knowledge and practice in the nutritional management of diabetes should be increased to help improve the quality of the dietary care and patient education they provide these patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of this study both in Iran and internationally.
GAP method: a gap-based technique for outlier detection and its application to wildlife GPS data
Authors: Hirakawa Hirofumi , Muramatsu Daisuke , Gordo Marcelo , Takii Akiko , Izumiyama Shigeyuki
Published: April 2022

Outliers in datasets are a concern for analysts as noise or signals. To detect them, we must quantify how much each data point lies away from others and then set a threshold to separate outliers from the others. However, there is scant research on the latter. We developed a method to address this issue. The method uses value gaps between adjacent data pairs in a univariate dataset, where data are in ascending order of values. Its core process is to find the largest gap in the upper range of the dataset and remove the data above the gap as outliers, and its supplementary process is to repeat the core process with the same dataset after removal. Analysts must decide when to stop this repetition; however, this technique lessens subjectivity by leaving only a few logical options. We can apply this method to any dataset, such as a time series or multivariate dataset, by quantifying data to expose anomalies as outliers in a univariate dataset. We demonstrate how to implement the technique using wildlife GPS data. We expect that this method has a much broader application because, to our knowledge, there are no other techniques to play the role.
Comparison between relative and absolute quantitative real-time PCR applied to single-cell analyses: Transcriptional levels in a key neuron for long-term memory in the pond snail
Authors: Hatakeyama Dai , Chikamoto Nozomi , Fujimoto Kanta , Kitahashi Takashi , Ito Etsuro
Published: April 2022

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is a powerful method for measuring nucleic acid levels and quantifying mRNA levels, even in single cells. In the present study, we compared the results of single-cell qPCR obtained by different quantification methods (relative and absolute) and different reverse transcription methods. In the experiments, we focused on the cerebral giant cell (CGC), a key neuron required for the acquisition of conditioned taste aversion in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis, and examined changes in the mRNA levels of 3 memory-related genes, cAMP-response element binding proteins (LymCREB1 and LymCREB2) and CREB-binding protein (LymCBP), during memory formation. The results obtained by relative quantification showed similar patterns for the 3 genes. For absolute quantification, reverse transcription was performed using 2 different methods: a mixture of oligo d(T) primers and random primers (RT method 1); and gene-specific primers (RT method 2). These methods yielded different results and did not show consistent changes related to conditioning. The mRNA levels in the samples prepared by RT method 2 were up to 3.3 times higher than those in samples prepared by RT method 1. These results suggest that for qPCR of single neurons, the efficacy and validity do not differ between relative and absolute quantification methods, but the reverse transcription step critically influences the results of mRNA quantification.
Evaluating the inequality of medical resources allocation based on spatial and non-spatial accessibility: A case study of Wenzhou, China
Authors: Du Miao , Zhao Yuhua , Fang Tao , Fan Linyu , Zhang Minghua , Huang Hong , Mei Kun
Published: April 2022

Background: Environmental and social factors that impact resource allocation in rural, developing regions are key social determinants of health that require multi-sector collaboration to improve health opportunities. Thus, we sought to evaluate the spatial distribution and accessibility of medical resources to assess current disparities, determine best practices for resource allocation, and inform policies to improve regional health planning.Methods: We used the Gini coefficient and agglomeration degree to measure inequality among the frequency distribution of medical resources in Wenzhou, China. We applied the modified hierarchical two-step floating catchment area (H2SFCA) method to evaluate the spatial accessibility of medical institutions across the city. Finally, we explored the influencing factors of accessibility differences using the spearman correlation analysis. Results: The distribution of medical resources in Wenzhou is inequitable according to population and geographical distribution. The overall spatial accessibility of Wenzhou is poor, the accessibility of east region is higher than west region, and the accessibility of different levels of medical institutions varies greatly. Accessibility is positively correlated with the number of institutions (ρ=0.585), the number of doctors (ρ=0.670), population density (ρ=0.769), road density (ρ=0.792), and GDP (ρ=0.310).Conclusions: There are disparities in the spatial and unbalanced distribution of medical resources in Wenzhou. Policies and initiatives to improve the geographical distribution of resources, construct connected road networks, and enhance resident access to medical resources are needed.
Examination of risk factors influencing the time to in-the-bag intraocular lens dislocation
Authors: Tokunaga Yoshiro , Nishimura Eiichi , Soda Mitsutaka , Ochiai Hirotaka
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To verify the risk factors that influence the intraocular lens (IOL) dislocationMethods: The time to of in-the-bag IOL (242 eyes) dislocation after the initial surgery was examined using patient characteristics and risk factors. The examined risk factors included 11 factors associated with underlying diseases (trauma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PE), atopic dermatitis, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma attack, glaucoma, short axial length, long axial length, uveitis, scleral buckling, post-pars plana vitrectomy) and two factors associated with the initial surgical findings (zonular weakness [ZW], posterior capsule rupture).In addition, the 242 eyes were classified into four groups (group A, PE+ ZW+; group B, PE− ZW+; group C, PE+ ZW−; group D, PE− ZW−), and the dislocation period was examined.Results: The median patient age was 67 years, and the median time to dislocation after the first cataract surgery was 120 months. Among the risk factors, PE and ZW were significantly associated with the time to dislocation (both p < 0.05). In addition, the time to dislocation was significantly shorter in groups A (12.3 months) and B (83.6 months) than in group D (135.6 months; p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively).Conclusions: The presence of PE and/or ZW increases the risk of IOL dislocation. However, positivity for PE alone may be associated with a lower risk of IOL dislocation, indicating the need to assess ZW in the initial surgery.
Nitidine chloride inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by activating the p53 signaling pathway
Authors: Zheng Qiao , Zhang Yan , Zhang Lanlan , Chen Nianzhi , Zhang Gang , Zhao Maoyuan , Liao Wenhao , Zeng Zhongzhen , Wei Yujie , Zhou Gang , Tang Jianyuan , Zhao Ziyi
Published: April 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer, as a general malignancy of the digestive system, has long constituted a threat to the health of the population and the development of the social economy. It has been widely recognized that exploiting a drug with weaken toxic side effects and excellent antitumor activity can be a viable and promising strategy. Nitidine chloride is a typical bioactive base extracted from the dried roots of the Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC, has been clinically evidenced to exhibit robust immune efficacy against several types of tumor cells. However, the underlying function mechanism of the anti-colorectal-cancer effectiveness is still in its exploratory stage and thereby deserves further in-depth investigations.Objective: To examine the anti-cancer activity of Nitidine chloride against colorectal cancer in vitro and in vivo and its mechanism of effect.Methods: In this work, we combined a series of cellular characterization techniques to examine the inhibitory effect of Nitidine chloride (NC) on colorectal cancer cells, including RKO, HCT116 and HT29 cells. In addition, the potential signaling pathways were clarified via transcriptome sequencing technique. Moreover, we proposed a reliable biomedical mechanism towards the inhibition effects of the NC against colorectal cancer on the basis of qRT-PCR and western blot.Results: At first, we examined the toxic effect of NC on several colorectal cancer cells (RKO, HCT116 and HT29), within which the value of IC30 and IC50 were determined to be 2 µM and 3 µM for RKO; 3.5 µM and 5 µM for HCT116; and 6 µM and 10 µM for HT29, respectively. Through transcriptome sequencing, it is acquired that the p53 pathway and downstream signaling was prominently activated, indicating that NC is strongly correlated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. We also reveal that NC was able to suppress malignant behaviors, including proliferation, migration, invasion and tumor formation in RKO, HCT116 and HT29 cells. Besides, NC treatment significantly modified EMT-related hall marker proteins, including E-cadherin, N-cadherin and MMP9, which is indicative of the inhibition of EMT. Furthermore, the IC50 of NC significantly upregulated the pro-apoptosis-related factors, including Bax, Noxa, and caspase-3 and down-regulated the apoptosis-inhibiting factor Bcl2. Conclusion: In conclusion, the above experimental results and data analysis pointed out that colorectal cancer can be considerably suppressed by NC treatment, which effectively activates p53 signaling. Our approach should hold substantial promise for therapeutic applications in the therapy of colorectal cancer.
Isolated partial anomalous pulmonary veins: ten-year experience in a single center
Authors: Jin Can , Wu Yongtao , Wang Zhiyi , Liu Xiaoran , Yang Jing , Fan Xiangming
Published: April 2022

Background: Isolated partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is difficult to diagnose. Surgical indications remain controversial. This study aimed to review cases of isolated PAPVC treated from 2010 to 2019 and share our 10-year experiences in managing these cases.Methods: Patients with isolated PAPVC admitted to the Anzhen Congenital Heart Disease Department from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed.Results: A total of 30 patients between 4 months and 32 years of age were included. Correlations of right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic dimension z-score (RVED-z) with age (P=0.003) and estimated pulmonary pressure with age (P=0.03) were significant. There were no significant correlations between RVED-z and the number of anomalous PVs (P=0.121), between estimated pulmonary pressure and RVED-z (P=0.094), and between estimated pulmonary pressure with the number of anomalous veins (P=0.110). Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed 90% of the cases of isolated PAPVC. Surgical repair was performed in 29 patients with RV enlargement, persistent low weight, two or more anomalous veins, pulmonary hypertension, or respiratory symptoms. No mortality or re-intervention was observed in the surgical patients. The mean duration of echocardiographic follow-up was 1.9 years, during which 25 patients (86%) had a reduction in RV size. Nine patients had elevated pulmonary pressure before surgery, and the pressure decreased after surgery.Conclusions: Transthoracic echocardiography is recommended for routine assessment; PAPVC should be considered as a possibility when unexplained right chamber enlargement appears. Patients with symptoms, pathologic changes, or more than one anomalous pulmonary vein may require surgical treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality.
The Combination of BRAFV600E mutation and Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System is Helpful in the Management of AUS/FLUS Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Li Qiang
Published: April 2022

Purpose To explore the utility of the BRAFV600E mutation in combination with Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (C-TIRADS) in the management of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) thyroid nodule (TN).Methods 138 AUS/FLUS TNs in 129 patients were included. Each TN underwent preoperative BRAFV600E mutation analysis and was classified using the C-TIRADS. Histopathologic diagnosis served as reference standard.Results 46 benign TNs and 92 malignant TNs were identified. Malignant TNs were more commonly observed in TNs with a size less than 10mm (P = 0.033). There were significant differences in malignancy rate among the different C-TIRADS TNs (P = 0.000), and these TNs with higher C-TIRADS were associated with increased malignancy rate (P for trend = 0.000). The rate of nodule with BRAFV600E mutation increased with the increase of C-TIRADS (P for trend = 0.001). For AUS/FLUS TNs without BRAFV600E mutation, the malignancy rates of the C-TIRADS 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5 were 0%, 21.4%, 20.8%, 70.8%, and 100%, respectively (P = 0.000), and the malignancy rate increased from C-TIRADS 3 to C-TIRADS 5 (P for trend = 0.000). The diagnostic performance of C-TIRADS was similar to the BRAFV600E mutation (P > 0.05), and the sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the combination were significantly higher than BRAFV600E gene or C-TIRADS alone (P < 0.05).Conclusions C-TIRADS can effectively provide risk stratification for AUS/FLUS TNs. The combination can be helpful in selecting appropriate management for AUS/FLUS patients.