bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations of Amygdala Volume and Functional Connectivity in Patients with Migraine Comorbid Depression
Authors: Chen Xin , Gui Wei , Zu Mei Dan , Zhang Juan , Li Han Li , Deng Zi Ru , Wang Long , Qiu Ben Sheng , Yang Jin Ying , Wang Yu
Published: March 2021

Objective: The comorbidity of migraine and depressive has been recognized, but the pathophysiology remains unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the structural change of amygdala(AMY) and abnormal function in the centromedial amygdala (CMA) among migraineurs with depression. Methods: High-resolution T1-weighted and functional magnetic resonance images were acquired from subjects of 22 migraine comorbid with depression(EMwD ), 22 episodic migraine (EM), 20 major depressive disorder (MDD), respectively, and 18 healthy controls(HC). Apply voxel-based morphometry (VBM ) and resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) to examing inter-group differences in brain structure and function. Results: The volume of bilateral AMY increased in EMwD and EM compared to HC. EMwD showed larger volume than MDD. And the volume of AMY showed positive correlation with duration of illness in patient groups. Compared with EM, EMwD exhibited decreased rsFC between the right CMA and left cerebellum, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) , left precuneus(PCC). In addition, rsFC between the left CMA and left DLPFC was negatively correlated with Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Conclusions: According to our findings, the larger volume of amygdala and the abnormal functional connectivity may help to determining the common symptoms in migraine with depression, and may be a treatment target for migraine and depression comorbidities.
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in Children with Trisomy 21
Authors: Bloom Jessica L. , Frank Benjamin , Weinman Jason P. , Galambos Csaba , O’Leary Sean T. , Liptzin Deborah R. , Fuhlbrigge Robert C.
Published: March 2021

Background: Respiratory conditions are the leading cause of hospitalization and death in children with Trisomy 21 (T21). Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) occurs at higher frequency in children with T21; yet, it is not widely studied nor is there a standardized approach to diagnosis or management. The objective of this study was to identify children with T21 and DAH in order to understand contributing factors and identify opportunities to improve outcomes. We identified 5 children with T21 at a single institution with histology-proven DAH over 10 years and discuss their presentation, evaluation, management, and outcomes. We also reviewed the cases in the literature. Case Presentation: Patient 1 died at age seven due to secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. DAH was seen on autopsy. Patient 2 was a three-year-old with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis diagnosed with DAH after presenting for hypoxia. Patient 3 was diagnosed with DAH at age nine after presenting with recurrent suspected pneumonia and aspiration. Patient 4 was diagnosed with DAH at age eight after presenting with pallor and fatigue. She had additional ICU admissions for DAH with infections. Patient 5 developed hemoptysis at age three and had recurrent DAH for ten years. Four patients responded positively to immune-modulation such as intravenous immunoglobulin, glucocorticoids, and rituximab. Of the 19 patients identified in the literature, only one was from the United States. The majority had anemia, respiratory distress, autoantibodies, and recurrences. A minority had hemoptysis. Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis was the most common diagnosis. Almost all received glucocorticoids with or without additional immunosuppression. The majority of our patients and those in the literature had positive auto-antibodies such as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and anti-nuclear antigen antibodies. Diagnostic clues included respiratory distress, hypoxia, anemia, recurrent pneumonia, and/or ground glass opacities on imaging. We identified four contributors to DAH: structural lung abnormalities, pulmonary arterial hypertension, infection/aspiration, and autoimmune disease/immune dysregulation.Conclusion: These cases demonstrate the need for an increased index of suspicion for DAH in children with T21, enrich the understanding of risk factors, and highlight the favorable response to immunosuppressive therapies in this vulnerable population.
Artificial Intelligence Is a Promising Prospect for the Detection of Prostate Cancer Extracapsular Extension With Mp-mri: A Two-center Comparative Study
Authors: Hou Ying , Zhang Yi-Hong , Bao Jie , Bao Mei-Ling , Yang Guang , Shi Hai-Bin , Song Yang , zhang yudong
Published: March 2021

Purpose: A balance between preserving urinary continence and achievement of negative margins is of clinical relevance while implementary difficulty. Preoperatively accurate detection of prostate cancer (PCa) extracapsular extension (ECE) is thus crucial for determining appropriate treatment options. We aimed to develop and clinically validate an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tool for the detection of ECE in patients with PCa using multiparametric MRI. Methods: 849 patients with localized PCa underwent multiparametric MRI before radical prostatectomy were retrospectively included from two medical centers. The AI tool was built on a ResNeXt network embedded with a spatial attention map of experts’ prior knowledges (PAGNet) from 596 training data sets. The tool was validated in 150 internal and 103 external data sets, respectively; and its clinical applicability was compared with expert-based interpretation and AI-expert interaction.Results: An index PAGNet model using a single-slice image yielded the highest areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.857 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.827-0.884), 0.807 (95% CI, 0.735-0.867) and 0.728 (95% CI, 0.631-0.811) in the training, internal test and external test cohorts, compared to the conventional ResNeXt networks. For experts, the inter-reader agreement was observed in only 437/849 (51.5%) patients with a Kappa value 0.343. And the performance of two experts (AUC, 0.632 to 0.741 vs 0.715 to 0.857) was lower (paired comparison, all p values < 0.05) than that of AI assessment. When expert’ interpretations were adjusted by the AI assessments, the performance of both two experts was improved.Conclusion: Our AI tool, showing improved accuracy, offers a promising alternative to human experts for imaging staging of PCa ECE using multiparametric MRI.
Development and Validation of a Cbct-Based Artificial Intelligence System for Accurate Diagnoses of Dental Diseases
Authors: Ezhov Matvey , Gusarev Maxim , Golitsyna Maria , Yates Julian , Kushnerev Evgeny , Tamimi Dania , Aksoy Secil , Shumilov Eugene , Sanders Alex , Orhan Kaan
Published: March 2021

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dental practice is becoming increasingly popular. However, the correct teeth identification, positioning and diagnosis based on CBCT can be tedious and challenging for the untrained eye. This is due to additional training, specific knowledge and time required for analysis and diagnosis. When compared to conventional dental imaging methods. In this study, we introduce a novel artificial intelligence (AI) system that facilitates analysis and diagnosis. This system is based on deep learning approaches that can localize teeth and define pathologies within three-dimensional CBCT scans. The study showed that the diagnostic performance of AI system image interpretation reaches and sometimes exceeds in comparison to clinician’s expertise. In this randomized cross-over trial we demonstrated a significant improvement of aided diagnostic accuracy for various dental diseases in comparison to a group of radiologists that made unaided decisions. AI can be used for both stand-alone CBCT interpretation and as a decision support system to improve quality of diagnostics and time efficiency.
PDCD4-MAPKs-NF-κB positive loop simultaneously promotes microglia activation and neuron apoptosis during neuroinflammation
Authors: Chen Quan , Lu Hongjian , Duan Chengwei , Zhu Xiangyang , Zhang Yi , LI Mengmeng , Zhang Dongmei
Published: March 2021

Neuroinflammation and neuron injury are common features of the central nervous system (CNS) diseases. It will be of great significance to identify their shared regulatory mechanisms and explore the potential therapeutic targets. Programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4), an apoptosis-related molecule, extensively participates in tumorigenesis and inflammatory diseases, but its expression and biological function during CNS neuroinflammation remain unclear. In the present study, utilizing the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation model on mice, we first reported an elevated expression of PDCD4 in both injured neurons and activated microglia of the inflamed mice brain. A similar change of PDCD4 expression was observed in the in vitro microglial activation model. Silencing PDCD4 by shRNA significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs (p38, ERK, and JNK), prevented the phosphorylation and nuclear transportation of NF-κB p65, and thus attenuated the LPS-induced microglial inflammatory activation. Interestingly, LPS also required the MAPKs/NF-κB signaling activation to boost PDCD4 expression in microglia, and thus form a positive loop. Moreover, a persistent elevation of PDCD4 expression was detected in the H2O2-induced neuronal oxidative damage model. Knocking down PDCD4 significantly inhibited the expression of pro-apoptotic protein BAX, suggesting the pro-apoptotic activity of PDCD4 in the neuron. Taken together, our data indicated that PDCD4 may serve as a hub regulatory molecule that simultaneously promotes both the microglial inflammatory activation and the oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis within CNS. The microglial PDCD4/MAPKs/NF-κB positive feedback loop may exaggerate the vicious cycle of neuroinflammation and neuronal injury, and thus may become potential therapeutic targets for neuroinflammatory diseases.
Effect of Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma on Chondrogenic Differentiation of Rabbit Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Zheng , Zhang Bin , Zhao Qinghua , Liu Yubao , Qi Wei
Published: March 2021

Background

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has revealed benefits in tissue repair and regeneration, however, the effect of PRP on proliferation and chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells remains controversial.This study is to evaluate the effect of different concentration PRP on proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).
Methods

PRP was obtained by centrifugation and activation, in which growth factors and cytokines were detected. BMSCs were isolated from rabbit bone marrow and characterized by flow cytometry. About 5 × 103 BMSCs were cultured in high glucose Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (HG-DMEM) with 4 different compositions: 10% fetal bovine serum, 5%PRP, 10%PRP, and 15%PRP for consecutive 7 days. Cell counting assays were performed on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 to evaluate the BMSCs proliferation. In chondrogenic differentiation, high-density cell pellets composed of 5 × 105 BMSCs were induced in 4 conditions: commercial chondrogenic medium (control), 5%PRP (HG-DMEM + 5%PRP), 10%PRP (HG-DMEM + 10%PRP), and 15%PRP (HG-DMEM + 15%PRP) for 21 days. The gene expression levels of aggrecan (ACAN), collagen type Ⅱ Alpha 1 (COL2A1), and SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (SOX9) in pellets were detected. Histological assessments were performed by morphologically observation and pathological stain. Independent-samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used in statistical analyses.
Results

The concentrations of growth factors and cytokines were elevated in PRP. BMSCs proliferation was enhanced in all groups, and 10% PRP revealed more obvious outcome than the others from day 5. In chondrogenic differentiation, the levels of ACAN, COL2A1, and SOX9 were lower in 3 PRP groups than control, but ACAN and SOX9 was higher in 10% PRP group than 5% and 15%. Histological examinations showed 10% PRP-treated pellets showed more regular appearance, larger size, and abundant extracellular matrix than 5% and 10% groups, but still inferior to commercial chondrogenic medium.
Conclusions

PRP may enhance the proliferation of rabbit BMSCs, while with limited effect on chondrogenic differentiation compared with commercial chondrogenic medium in pellets culture. Whether optimizing and modifying PRP components would lead to satisfying chondrogenesis of BMSCs, it is deserved furthermore study.
Medication Errors on a Surgery Service: Addressing the Gap with a Medication Prescribing Curriculum for Surgery Residents
Authors: Ring Justine , Maracle Jesse , Zhang Shannon , Methot Michelle , Zevin Boris
Published: March 2021

Background

Medication prescribing errors are a source of morbidity and mortality on surgical wards, however educational interventions with proven effectiveness to reduce these errors are lacking. Our objective was to design, implement, and assess the effectiveness of a curriculum designed to reduce medication prescribing errors on a surgery service at an academic hospital without electronic order entry.
Methods

This was a prospective observational cohort study at a Canadian academic hospital. A medication prescribing curriculum for surgery residents was developed and implemented in July 2019. All general surgery residents (n = 16) at our institution were eligible; 13 (81%) participated. Medication prescribing errors were tracked pre-curriculum implementation (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019) and post-curriculum (July 1-December 31, 2019). Medication prescribing errors were classified as prescription-writing (PW) or decision-making (DM).
Results

There were 87.5 (14.6) total medication prescribing errors per month in the pre-implementation period with 51.3 (11.9) PW and 36.3 (6.0) DM errors. Post-implementation, there were 78.7 (10.3) total errors monthly with 43.3 (9.5) PW and 35.3 (4.2) DM errors. There were significantly fewer total errors monthly in the first quarter (July–September) of the academic year post-curriculum implementation versus pre-implementation (77.7(12.7) vs. 107.3(8.1); p = 0.035) with significantly fewer PW errors monthly (40.7(13.2) vs. 68.7(9.3); p = 0.046) and no difference in DM errors monthly (37.0(2.0) vs. 38.7(5.7); p = 0.671).
Conclusions

Medication prescribing errors on a surgical service occurred both from prescription-writing and decision-making. Educational interventions, such as our medication prescribing curriculum, can decrease errors related to prescription writing, however the effect appears diminish over time.
TG/HDL-C Ratio Independent of Obesity Associates With Airflow Obstruction in Asthmatic Children 
Authors: Chanachon Pakvirin Nanakorn , Jotikasthira Wanlapa , Kiewngam Potjanee , Sawatchai Adithep , Kanchongkittiphon Watcharoot , Manuyakorn Wiparat
Published: March 2021

There is conflicting evidence on the association between dyslipidemia and asthma. This study was to evaluate the correlation between dyslipidemia and pulmonary function parameters in asthmatic children.Asthmatic children (aged 5–18 years old) were measured for fasting serum lipid profiles, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and C-Reactive protein (CRP). A pulmonary function test was assessed by spirometry.One hundred-fifty asthmatic children were enrolled with the mean (sd) age 11.82 (3.38) years. Ninety-four children (62.7%) were males, and 70 children (46.7%) had dyslipidemia. Of 70 children with dyslipidemia, 15 children (21.4%) were obese. LDL-C was the most common dyslipidemia (62.85%), followed by TC (55.71%), non-HDL-C (50%), TG (34.28%), and HDL-C (17.14%). The significant correlations between % FEV1/FVC ratio and the level of serum HDL-C and TC and TG/HDL-C ratio were observed (r=0.215, r=0.831 and r=0.17, p<0.03). There was a significant negative correlation between the level of CRP and HDL-C, and % FEV1/FVC ratio and TG/HDL-C (r =-0.236, p=0.004 and r=-0.170, p=0.038). Children with airflow obstruction (% FEV1/FVC ratio<90) had significantly higher TG, TG/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio but lower HDL-C. After adjusting with other blood lipids, body weight, BMI z-score, and obesity status, multiple logistic regression model demonstrated that only TG/HDL-C ratio was associated with % FEV1/FVC ratio<90, OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.5-5.15, p =0.001.Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia in children with asthma is high. TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with airflow obstruction in asthmatic children.Clinical Trial Registration: TCTR20200305005 date of registration 2020-03-04 retrospectively registered
Effects of Ambient Temperature and Fall Related Injuries in Ma'anshan, Anhui Province, China: A Distributed Lag Non-linear Analysis
Authors: Liang Mingming , Ding Xiuxiu , Yao Zhenhai , Duan Leilei , Xing Xiuya , Sun Yehuan
Published: March 2021

Despite the significant economic cost of falls and injuries to individuals and communities, little is known about the impact of meteorological factors on the incidence of fall-related injuries (FRIs). Therefore, a time-series study was conducted to explore the effects of meteorological factors on FRIs in Ma'anshan City, East China. Injury data from 2011 to 2017 were collected from the National Injury Monitoring Station in Ma'anshan City. Meteorological data were obtained from the National Meteorological Information Center. A distributed lag nonlinear model was used in this study to evaluate the correlation between ambient temperature and fall injuries. The results showed a significant exposure-response relationship between temperature and FRIs in Ma'anshan City. There was an asymmetric U-shaped relationship between ambient temperature and injuries, if the lowest risk temperature (4°C) was used as the reference temperature. The high temperatures increases the risk of FRIs (RR = 1.110, 95%CI:1.005–1.225). Sensitivity to ambient temperature varied by different ages and genders, and the ≥ 60 years subgroup seemed to be more sensitive in low temperature (RR = 1.071, 95༅CI:1.024–1.120). The cumulative result is similar to the single-day effect. This study would help the establishment of fall-related injury prediction and provide evidence for the formulation and implementation of preventive strategies and measures in the future.
Risk Factors Analysis of Pulmonary Cement Embolism during Percutaneous Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture.
Authors: Zou Dexin , Dong Shengjie , Du Wei , Sun Bing , Wu Xifa
Published: March 2021

Objective: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the risk factors and incidence of PCE during PKP or PVP for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) based on postoperative computed tomography (CT).Methods: A total of 2344 patients who underwent PVP or PKP due to OVCF in our spine centre were analyzed retrospectively. According to the detection of postoperative pulmonary CT, the patients were divided into two groups: pulmonary cement embolism group (PCE group) and non pulmonary cement embolism group (NPCE group). Demographic data in both groups were compared using the χ2 test for qualitative data and the unpaired t test for quantitative data. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify risk factors that were significantly related to the PCE resulting from cement leakage.Results: PCE was found in 34 patients (1.9% 34/1782) with pulmonary CT examination after operation. There was no statistically significant difference in the parameters such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and cement volume in the two groups. Patients with three or more involved vertebrae had a significantly increased risk to suffer from PCE than those with one involved vertebra (p=0.046 OR 2.412 [95% CI 1.017-5.722]). Patients who suffered thoracic fracture had a significantly increased risk to suffer from PCE than those suffered thoracolumbar fracture (p=0.001 OR 0.241 [95% CI 0.105-0.550]). And significantly increased PCE risk also was observed in thoracic fracture compared with Lumbar fracture patients (p=0.028 OR 0.094 [95% CI 0.114-0.779]). The risk of PCE within two weeks after fracture was significantly higher than that after two weeks of fracture (p=0.000 OR 0.178 [95% CI 0.074-0.429]). Patients who underwent PVP surgery had a significantly increased PCE risk than those underwent PKP surgery (p=0.001 OR 0.187 [95% CI 0.069-0.509])Conclusion: The real incidence of PCE is underestimated due to the lack of routine postoperative pulmonary imaging examination. The number of Involved vertebrae, fracture location, operation timing and operation methods are independent risk factors for PCE.
Examining the Etiology of Early-Onset Breast Cancer in the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (CanPath)
Authors: Pader Joy , Basmadjian Robert B. , O’Sullivan Dylan E. , Mealey Nicole E. , Ruan Yibing , Friedenreich Christine , Murphy Rachel , Wang Edwin , Quan May Lynn , Brenner Darren R.
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Breast cancer incidence among younger women (under age 50) has increased over the past 25 years, yet little is known about the etiology among this age group. The objective of this study was to investigate relationships between modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and early-onset breast cancer among three prospective Canadian cohorts.Methods: A matched case-control study was conducted using data from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project, BC Generations Project, and the Ontario Health Study. Participants diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50 were identified through provincial registries and matched to three control participants of similar age and follow-up. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine the association between factors and risk of early-onset breast cancer. Results: In total, 609 cases and 1,827 controls were included. A body mass index ≥30kg/m2 was associated with a lower risk of early-onset breast cancer (OR=0.65; 95% CI: 0.47-0.90), while a waist circumference ≥88 cm was associated with an increased risk (OR=1.40; 95% CI: 1.06-1.84). A reduced risk was found for women with ≥2 pregnancies (OR=0.80; 95% CI: 0.64-1.00) and a first-degree family history of breast cancer was associated with an increased risk (OR=2.06; 95% CI: 1.54-2.75).Conclusions: In this study, measures of adiposity, pregnancy history, and familial history of breast cancer are important risk factors for early-onset breast cancer. Evidence was insufficient to conclude if smoking, alcohol intake, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity are meaningful risk factors. The results of this study could inform targeted primary and secondary prevention for early-onset breast cancer.
The Effect of Maximal Exercise on Matrix Metalloproteinase, its Inhibitor (MMP9 and TIMP1), and the Role of MMP9 -1562 C/T and TIMP1 372 T/C Polymorphisms
Authors: Kosova Merve Koca , Turgay Faruk , Yigittürk Oya , Aşıkovalı Semih , Kosova Sercin , Canüzmez Aykut Eren , Durmaz Burak
Published: March 2021

To investigate the levels of MMP9 and TIMP1 before and after acute maximal exercise and the role of MMP9 -1562 C/T and TIMP1 372 T/C polymorphisms in athletes and sedentary individuals. The athlete group (n = 43) and sedentary group (n = 43) performed the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1. A blood sample was taken before and after the test. MMP9, TIMP1, MMP9/TIMP1 ratio, blood lipids, and lipoproteins (total cholesterol, high and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and indicators of muscle damage (creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) were determined from postprandial venous blood samples. Genetic polymorphisms were determined from DNA samples obtained from peripheral blood. MMP9 levels were found higher in both groups after the YOYO IR-1 test (exercise) (sedentary group, pre-exercise: 1771.15 ± 862.17 pg/mL, post-exercise: 2172.18 ± 680.93 pg/mL; athletic group, pre-exercise: 1373.57 ± 705.16 pg/mL, post-exercise: 1723.72 ± 733.88 pg/mL, p < 0.05). TIMP1 levels were also found higher in both groups after exercise (sedentary group, pre-exercise: 4.63 ± 3.99 ng/mL, post-exercise: 5.3 ± 3.51 ng/mL; athletic group, pre-exercise: 3.26 ± 2.34 ng/mL, post-exercise: 3.59 ± 1.99 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Basal serum MMP9 levels were significantly higher in sedentary individuals as compared with athletes (p = 0.046). MMP9 -1562 C/T and TIMP1 372 T/C polymorphisms had no effect on MMP9 and TIMP1 levels (p > 0.05). As a conclusion acute exercise increases MMP9 and TIMP1 levels in male athletes and sedentary individuals. Chronic anaerobic exercises performed by the athletic group may caused lower MMP9 levels. MMP9 -1562 C/T and TIMP1 372 T/C genetic polymorphisms are not associated with MMP9 and TIMP1 activation.
Electrochemical feedback on strain dynamics in noble metal nanocatalysts
Authors: Chattot Raphael , Martens Isaac , Mirolo Marta , Ronovsky Michal , Russello Florian , Isern Helena , Braesch Guillaume , Hornberger Elisabeth , Strasser Peter , Sibert Eric , Chatenet Marian , Honkimaki Veijo , Drnec Jakub
Published: March 2021

The theoretical design of effective metal electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage devices relies on the structure sensitivity of electrochemical processes to their catalyst materials, assuming the structural integrity during operation. However, theoretical predictions do not necessarily match practical performance. Here, by using high-energy X-ray diffraction from the new Extremely Brilliant Source of the European Radiation Synchrotron Facility (ESRF-EBS) on device-relevant Pd and Pt nanocatalysts during cyclic voltammetry experiments in liquid electrolyte, we quantitatively reveal how different electrochemical processes permanently affect the bulk microstructure of nanocatalysts in a distinctive fashion. The reported structural insights provide experimental access to reactivity descriptors such as adsorption and absorption trends operando. The ease and power of such an experimental approach at new and future beamlines is foreseen to guide computational model description of practical nanomaterials in electrochemical environment while providing a discovery platform toward the study of nanocatalysts encompassing a large variety of applications.
Overexpression of GSTP1 promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis by up-regulating STAT3
Authors: Wang Feifei , Zhang Ceng , Zhu Xiaohui , Zhang Dan , Zhang Zhaowen , Ni Shunjie , Wang Zhizhi , Xu Shuyi , Lan Xiaoliang , Ding Yanqing , Liang Li
Published: March 2021

Abnormal expression of glutathione S-transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1) is associated with the progression of several tumor types. However, its role and molecular mechanism in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) is largely unknown. In the present study, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative-reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of GSTP1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in CRC tissues. Western blotting was applied to detect the expression of GSTP1 and proteins of Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT3 pathway. The interaction and co-localization of GSTP1 and STAT3 were detected by co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) and immunofluorescence, respectively. A positive correlation was identified between the expression of GSTP1 and STAT3 in human CRC tissues. Overexpression of GSTP1 promoted the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of CRC cells by upregulating STAT3. GSTP1 and STAT3 can directly bind to and regulate each other, and can be regulated by the upstream gene which was called F-box only protein 8 (FBX8). The present study demonstrated that GSTP1 could enhance the expression of STAT3 to promote the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of CRC cells, which provides a potential therapeutic target for clinical treatment of CRC.
Implementing an Automated Monitoring Process in a Digital, Longitudinal Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Lindner Lisa , Weiß Anja , Reich Andreas , Kindler Siegfried , Behrens Frank , Braun Jürgen , Listing Joachim , Schett Georg , Sieper Joachim , Strangfeld Anja , Regierer Anne C.
Published: March 2021

Background
Clinical data collection requires, correct and complete data sets in order not to perform wrong statistical analysis and avoid false conclusions. While in randomized clinical trials much effort concentrates on data monitoring, this is rarely the case in observational studies- due to high numbers of cases and often restricted resources. We have developed a valid and cost-effective monitoring tool, which can substantially contribute to an increased data quality in observational research.
Methods
An automated digital monitoring system for cohort studies developed by the German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) was tested within the disease register RABBIT-SpA, a longitudinal observational study including patients with axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Physicians and patients complete electronic case report forms (eCRF) twice a year for up to ten years. Automatic plausibility checks were implemented to verify all data after entry into the eCRF. To identify conflicts that cannot be found by this approach, all possible conflicts were compiled into a catalog. This ‘conflict catalog’ was used to create queries, which are displayed as part of the eCRF. The proportion of queried eCRFs and responses were analyzed by descriptive methods. For the analysis of responses, the type of conflict was assigned to either a single conflict only (affecting individual items) or a conflict that required the entire eCRF to be queried.
Results
Data from 1883 patients was analyzed. A total of n = 3145 eCRFs submitted between baseline (T0) and T3 (12 months) had conflicts (40–64%). 56–100% of the queries regarding eCRFs that were completely missing were answered. A mean of 1.4 to 2.4 single conflicts occurred per eCRF, of which 59–69% were answered. The most common missing values were CRP, ESR, Schober’s test, data on systemic glucocorticoid therapy and presence of enthesitis.
Conclusion
Providing high data quality in large observational cohort studies is a major challenge, which requires careful monitoring. An automated monitoring process was successfully implemented and well accepted by the study centers. Two-thirds of the queries were answered with new data. While conventional manual monitoring is resource-intensive and may itself create new sources of errors, automated processes are a convenient way to augment data quality.
Somatic Proximity of the Axon Initial Segment Predicts Motoneuron Excitability
Authors: Rotterman Travis M , Carrasco Dario , Housley Nick , Nardelli Paul , Powers Randy K , Cope Timothy C
Published: March 2021

As the neuronal site where voltage gated channel density is highest, the axon initial segment (AIS) plays a key role in establishing a neuron’s action potential threshold, i.e. excitability. Among the properties of AIS that gain attention are length (AISl) and distance from the soma (AISd), which are variously found to change together with neuronal excitability following experimentally-induced perturbations in neural activity. The present study was designed to test the possibility that variation in AIS structural parameters regulates the native range in intrinsic excitability for one class of mature neurons. Spinal motoneurons were selected for their naturally large range in excitability and for their experimental accessibility to in vivo study. We began by determining whether AIS length or distance differed for motoneurons in motor pools that exhibit different activity profiles. Motoneurons sampled from the medial gastrocnemius (MG) motor pool exhibited values for average AISd that were significantly more than for motoneurons from the soleus (SOL) motor pool, which is more readily activated in low-level movements. Next, we tested whether AISd covaried with intrinsic excitability of individual motoneurons. Using anesthetized rats, we measured rheobase current intracellularly from MG motoneurons before labeling them for later immunohistochemical study of AIS. This combinatory approach revealed a significant correlation between AISd and rheobase, for 16 motoneurons sampled within the MG motor pool. Among multiple electrophysiological and morphological parameters measured here, AISd stood out as the dominant predictor of motoneuron excitability. These findings suggest an important role for AISd in setting the intrinsic excitability of spinal motoneurons.
Implication of Retrobulbar and Internal Carotid Artery Blood-Flow-Volume Alterations for the Pathogenesis of Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Fu Zhiyong , Li Hongyang , Wang Yanling
Published: March 2021

Background: To analyze blood flow volume alteration that involved both retrobulbar artery and internal carotid artery (ICA) in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and to assess their relevance for the pathogenesis of NAION. Methods: Forty two patients with NAION (unilateral affected) and 42 age-matched controls participated in this study. By head-and-neck computed tomographic angiography (CTA), the diameter of ICA and ophthalmic artery (OA) were measured. By colour Doppler imaging (CDI), the mean blood flow velocity (Vm) and the blood flow volume of ICA and OA were measured or calculated. By optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), peripapillary and optic disc vessel density were measured. Data obtained from the affected side of the patients were compared to those of the contralateral healthy side and the control. Results: Compared with the controls and the contralateral healthy side of the patients with NAION, the diameter of ICA, the blood flow volume of ICA and OA, the peripapillary and optic disc vessel density in the affected side decreased significantly (p<0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in the diameter of OA (p=0.179, 0.054 respectively), the Vm of OA (p=0.052, 0.083 respectively), or the Vm of ICA (p=0.364, 0.938 respectively) between groups. Peripapillary and optic disc vessel density were significantly positive correlated with the blood flow volume in ipsilateral ICA and OA in patients with NAION (all p<0.01). Conclusions: The reduction of blood flow volume was more prominent in OA and ICA than decrease of Vm, peripapillary and optic disc vessel density were significantly positive correlated with the blood flow volume of ipsilateral ICA and OA in patients with NAION. This finding may imply a predominant affection of retrobulbar artery and ICA blood flow volume alterations in the pathogenesis of NAION.
Total-body 18F-FDG PET Scan in Oncological Patients: How Fast could it be?
Authors: Hu Pengcheng , Zhang Yiqiu , Yu Haojun , Chen Shuguang , Tan Hui , Qi Chi , Dong Yun , Wang Ying , Deng Zilin , Shi Hongcheng
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore a fast PET scan protocol of the total-body uEXPLORER scanner by assessing the image quality consistent to that of a conventional digital PET/CT scanner both from the phantom and clinical perspectives.Methods: The phantom study using a NEMA/IEC NU-2 body phantom was performed both on a total-body PET/CT (uEXPLORER) and a digital routine PET/CT (uMI 780), with hot sphere to background activity concentration ratio of 4:1. The contrast recovery coefficient (CRC), background variability (BV), recovery coefficient RCmax and RCmean were assessed and compared between that in uEXPLORER with the different scanning duration and reconstruction protocols and that in uMI 780 with clinical settings. The coefficient of variation (COV) of the uMI 780 with clinical settings were calculated and used as a threshold to determine the optimized scanning duration and reconstruction protocols were, which can provide a consistent image quality for the two scanners. And subsequently, the proposed protocol was validated by 30 oncological patients. Images acquired in uMI 780 with a 2-3 minute for each bed position were referred as G780. All PET raw data were reconstructed using data-cutting technique to simulate a 30s, 45s or 60s acquisition duration on uEXPLORER. The iterations were 2 and 3 for uEXPLORER, referred as G30s_3i, G45s_2i, G45s_3i, G60s_2i, and G60s_3i. A 5-point Likert scale was used in the qualitative analysis to assess the image quality. The image quality was also compared with the liver COV, the lesion target-to-background ratio (TBR), and the lesion signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).Results: In the phantom study, CRC, BV, RCmax and RCmean in uEXPLORER with different scanning duration and reconstruction iterations were compared with that in uMI 780 with clinical settings and a minor fluctuation was found among different scanning durations. COV of the uMI 780 with clinical settings was 11.6% and determined protocol with a 30-45s scanning duration and 2 or 3 iterations to provide a similar image quality.In the quantitative analysis on the clinical images, there was no significant difference between G780 and G45s_3i. All the other groups in uEXPLORER with a 45s- and above acquisition showed a significantly improved image quality than that in uMI 780 with clinical settings. Comparing the liver COV, there was no significantly difference between G780 and G30s_3i. And no significant difference in lesion TBR was identified between G780 and G45s_2i, while uEXPLORER had a better performance in lesion SNR compared to that in uMI 780 with clinical settings. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a fast PET protocol with a 30-45s acquisition in uEXPLORER with consistent image quality to that in uMI 780 with clinical settings.
A Nutraceutical Combination of Cinnamon, Purple Onion, and Tea Linked with Key Enzymes on Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Weng Lebin , Chen Ting-Hsu , Huang Liyue , Lai Dong , Fu Yaw-Syan , Weng Ching-Feng
Published: March 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is concomitant with significant morbidity and mortality and its prevalence is accumulative worldwide. The conventional antidiabetic agents are known to mitigate the symptoms of diabetes; however, they may also cause adverse effects. This study explores the efficacy of polyherbal dietary supplement cinnamon, purple onion, and tea on the mediation of postprandial hyperglycemia for in the search of combinations with a maximal response. Materials and methods: A starch solution (3 g/kg Bwt) of oral starch tolerance test (OSTT) and glucose solution (4 g/kg Bwt) of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with and without cinnamon, purple onion, tea extract (15 mg/kg Bwt), and mixture (each 5 mg/kg Bwt, 1:1:1), metformin (14 mg/kg Bwt), or acarbose (50 mg/kg Bwt) was administered to high fat plus high fructose-induced diabetic mice after an overnight fast. Postprandial plasma glucose levels were measured and incremental areas under the response curve were calculated. Results: Compared with acarbose, the mixture of extracts (purple onion, cinnamon, and tea) indicated decreasing blood glucose in OSTT. In OGTT, the mixture of extracts showed greater efficacy for hypoglycemia when compared with metformin. The molecular docking of α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, and AMPK confirmed the putatively acting molecules from the extracts of purple onion, cinnamon, and tea. Conclusions: Overall, this investigation evidenced a beneficial mediation for the progression of lowering blood glucose with a combinatory extract of cinnamon, dietary onion, and tea, implicating their prospective as nutraceuticals that might ameliorate hyperglycemia in diabetes.
Electrochemical behavior of A356 Al alloy and its vortex and squeeze composites containing ZrO2 in 3.5 % NaCl solution
Authors: Mogoda Awad Sadek , Zohdy Khaled M , Aboutabl Mohamed Ali
Published: March 2021

Corrosion of A356 Al alloy and its composites reinforced by ZrO2 and prepared by vortex and squeeze casting was studied in 3.5 % NaCl solution using poteniodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The results of polarization and EIS indicated that the corrosion resistance of the vortex cast composites increases with the increasing in the vol. % of ZrO2 up to 20 % then decreases again at 30 % in the chloride solution. Also, the corrosion resistance of the squeeze cast composites increases as the squeeze pressure increases due to decreasing the porosity within these composites. Additional, the SEM micrographs well-showed that the defects and notches which appeared on the surface of the mechanically polished vortex cast composite were diminished due to growth of a protective passive film on the composite in the chloride solution. Also, the squeeze cast composite is covered by a thick passive film and less exposure to corrosion in comparing with surface of the vortex cast composite. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectra found out the presence of a passive aluminium oxide layer on the A356 Al alloy/ZrO2 composites.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome of Secale Sylvestre (Poaceae: Triticeae)
Authors: Skuza Lidia , Gastineau Romain , Sielska Anna
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveSecale sylvestre is a wild species of rye, morphologically distinct from domestic species. To draw comparisons between species based on molecular features, it is important to have high quality sequences, especially in the case of organellar genomes. For such reason, the complete chloroplast genome of Secale sylvestre Host introd. no. 6047 will provide useful data for ecological, agricultural and phylogenetic purposes.ResultsHere we present the complete, annotated chloroplast genome sequence of Secale sylvestre Host introd. no. 6047. The genome is 137116 bp long. The genome can be accessed on GenBank with the accession number (MW557517).
The Complete Genome Sequence of Listeria Monocytogenes Strain S2542 and Expression of Selected Genes Under High-Pressure Processing
Authors: Duru Ilhan Cem , Bucur Florentina Ionela , Andreevskaya Margarita , Ylinen Anne , Crauwels Peter , Grigore-Gurgu Leontina , Nikparvar Bahareh , Rode Tone Mari , Laine Pia , Paulin Lars , Løvdal Trond , Riedel Christian U. , Bar Nadav , Borda Daniela , Nicolau Anca Ioana , Auvinen Petri
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesThe study aims to generate the whole genome sequence of L. monocytogenes strain S2542 and to compare it to the genomes of strains RO15 and ScottA. In addition, we aimed to compare gene expression profiles of L. monocytogenes strains S2542, ScottA and RO15 after high-pressure processing (HPP) using ddPCR.Results﻿The whole genome sequence of L. monocytogenes S2542 indicates that this strain belongs to serotype 4b, in contrast to the previously reported serotype 1/2a. Strain S2542 appears to be more susceptible to the treatment at 400 MPa compared to RO15 and ScottA strains. In contrast to RO15 and ScottA strains, viable cell counts of strain S2542 were below the limit of detection after HPP (400 MPa/8 min) when stored at 8 °C for 24 and 48 h. The transcriptional response of all three strains to HPP was not significantly different.
Springback Prediction of 7075 Aluminum Alloy V-shaped Parts in Cold and Hot Stamping
Authors: Zhou Jing , Yang Xiaoming , Wang Baoyu , Xiao Wenchao
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the springback behavior of high strength aluminum alloy 7075 is studied by experiments and finite element (FE) simulation. Firstly, an analytical model is established to predict the springback angles and analyze the springback trend. The springback experimental tests are conducted by using the V-shaped stamping dies. The influence of deformation temperature, punch radius and blank holder force on the springback angles are studied. Finally, An FE simulation model is performed to investigate the deformation characteristics and springback process of the aluminum alloy sheet. The results show that the change of springback angles is direct proportional to the punch radius. The springback angles increase with the decreasing deformation temperature and the increasing blank holder force. The stress relaxation that occurs during the die holding stage is the primary reason of reducing the springback compared with cold stamping. Low blank holder force will cause side wall curl, which results in the deviation of forming size. The FE simulation model considering stress relaxation is capable of precisely predicting the change of springback angles, and the simulation results exhibit good consistency with the experimental results.
Multi-Bifurcation Cascaded Bursting Oscillations and Mechanism in a Novel 3D Non-autonomous Circuit System with Parametric and External Excitation
Authors: wang mengjiao , Li Jianhui , Zhang Xinan , Iu Herbert Ho-Ching , Fernando Tyrone , Li Zhijun , Zeng Yicheng
Published: March 2021

In this paper, multi-timescale dynamics and the formation mechanism of a 3D non-autonomous system with two slowly varying periodic excitations are systematically investigated. Interestingly, the system shows novel multibifurcation cascaded bursting oscillations (MBCBOs) when the frequency of the two excitations is much lower than the mean frequency of the original system (MFOS). For instance, periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic bursting oscillations induced by a variety of cascaded bifurcations are first observed, and the phenomenon of spiking transfer is also revealed. Besides, stability and local bifurcations of the system are comprehensively investigated to analyze the mechanism of the observed MBCBOs, in which bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponents, time series, phase portraits, and transformed phase diagrams are used. Finally, through a circuit simulation and hardware experiment, these complex dynamics phenomena are verified physically.
Analysis of pharmacist interventions associated with insulin prescribing for hospital inpatients with diabetes
Authors: Zipf Nathan , Grant Lauren , Robinson Brent , Teasdale Trudy , Grant Gary , Hattingh Hendrika Laetitia
Published: March 2021

Background: Insulin is a high-risk medicine, associated with hospital medication errors. Pharmacists play an important role in the monitoring of patients on insulin. Objective: To analyse interventions made by hospital pharmacists that were associated with insulin prescribing for inpatients with diabetes.Method: Retrospective audit of pharmacist interventions for adult inpatients for an 8-month period, 1 June 2019 to 31 January 2020. Pharmacist interventions recorded in the electronic medication management system by inpatient unit and dedicated high-risk medicine pharmacists were extracted, screened, and analysed.Results: Of 3,975 pharmacist interventions 3,356 (84.43%) were recorded by high-risk medicine pharmacists and 619 (15.57%) by inpatient unit pharmacists. July and August 2019 had the highest numbers of interventions with 628 and 643 (15.80% and 16.18%) respectively. Most of the interventions, namely 3,410 (85.79%) were classified as medicine optimisation interventions and 565 (14.21%) as prescribing errors. In the medicine optimisation intervention category, 2,985 (75.09%) were due to insulin not charted for ongoing administration.Conclusion: This study provides insights into pharmacist interventions for inpatients on insulin, showing that high-risk medicine pharmacists recorded most interventions. The classification of the insulin interventions into medicine optimisation and prescribing errors provides useful information for the training of prescribers in insulin management.