bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Effects of Canes on Postural Control: Beyond Perceptual Information
Authors: Russo Marta , Lee Jongwoo , Hogan Neville , Sternad Dagmar
Published: November 2021

BackgroundNumerous studies showed that postural balance improves through light touch on a stable surface highlighting the importance of haptic information, seemingly downplaying the mechanical contributions of the support. The present study examined the mechanical effects of canes for assisting balance in healthy individuals challenged by standing on a beam. MethodsSixteen participants supported themselves with two canes, one in each hand, and applied minimal, preferred, or maximum force onto the canes. They positioned the canes in the frontal plane or in a tripod configuration. ResultsResults showed that canes significantly reduced the variability of the center of pressure and center of mass to the same level as when standing on the ground. In the preferred condition, participants exploited the altered mechanics by resting their arms on the canes and, in the tripod configuration, allowing for larger CoP motions in the task-irrelevant dimension. Increasing the exerted force beyond the preferred level yielded no further benefits, in fact had a destabilizing effect on the canes: the displacement of the hand on the cane handle increased with the force. ConclusionsDespite the challenge of a statically unstable system, these results show that, in addition to augmenting perceptual information, using canes can provide mechanical benefits and challenges. First, the controller minimizes effort channeling noise in the task-irrelevant dimensions and, second, resting the arms on the canes but avoiding large forces that would have destabilizing effects. However, if maximal force is applied to the canes, the instability of the support needs to be counteracted, possibly by arm and shoulder stiffness.
Arginine Methyltransferase PRMT5 Methylates and Destabilizes Mxi1 to Confer Radioresistance in Lung Cancer
Authors: Yang Xijie , Zeng Zhen , Jie Xiaohua , Wang Ye , Han Jun , Zheng Zhikun , Li Jinsong , Liu Hongli , Dong Xiaorong , Wu Gang , Xu Shuangbing
Published: November 2021

BackgroundRadioresistance is regarded as the main cause of local recurrence and distant metastasis in lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of radioresistance remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the roles and regulatory mechanisms of arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 in lung cancer radioresistance.MethodsImmunoprecipitation assay and GST pulldown were used to detect the protein-protein interaction. The methylation of Mxi1 was determined by in vivo and in vitro arginine methylation assays. In vivo ubiquitination and CHX chase assays were performed to examine the stability of Mxi1. The biological effects of PRMT5 and its specific inhibitor EPZ015666 in lung cancer were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.ResultsWe show that the arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 interacts with and methylates Mxi1, which promotes the binding of the β-Trcp ligase to Mxi1, facilitating the ubiquitination and degradation of Mxi1 in lung cancer. Furthermore, genetic blockade of PRMT5 impairs DNA damage repair and enhances lung cancer radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo, and these phenotypes are partially reversed by Mxi1 silencing. More importantly, pharmacological inhibition of PRMT5 with the specific inhibitor EPZ015666 leads to extraordinary radiosensitization in vitro and in vivo in lung cancer.ConclusionsOur data indicate that PRMT5 methylates and destabilizes Mxi1 to confer radioresistance, suggesting that PRMT5 may be a promising radiosensitization target in lung cancer.
Using X-Ray As An Irradiation Source For Direct ESR Dating of Fossil Teeth
Authors: Yu Wenjing , Herries A.I.R. , Joannes-Boyau R.
Published: November 2021

In this paper we have tested the potential application of X-rays as an irradiation source in Electron Spin Resonance dating of tooth enamel. Both modern and fossil samples were used to assess the feasibility of dose estimations using this alternative irradiator. Equivalent doses obtained with gamma-rays on fossil powder enamel was frequently less than the doses obtained on fragments using only X-rays. It is believed that a combination of NOCORs (non-orientated CO2- radicals) and local internal dose discrepancy may be the origin of the difference. Here, we show that testing penetration attenuation for each individual irradiation source is required to accurately estimate the maximum enamel thickness and produce reliable protocols. The use of a known laboratory additive dose allows the calculation of an absorption equivalent coefficient between gamma-rays and X-rays. We conclude that X-rays are an alternative irradiation source for ESR dating protocols, however, limitations remain in particular with alpha efficiency.
Case Report: Acute Submandibular Glanditis Caused by Nasogastric Tube Feeding in A Subject with Poorly Controlled Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Iwamoto Yuichiro , Anno Takatoshi , Koyama Katsumasa , Tomoda Koichi , Kimura Tomohiko , Kaneto Hideaki
Published: November 2021

Background

Enteral tube feeding is an effective method of providing nutrients for patients who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements and patients with parenteral nutrition are possible the increased risk of infection. The submandibular gland is one of the salivary glands and some of sialadenitis are caused by obstruction of the salivary outflow tract.

Case presentation

A 91-year-old woman had parenteral nutrition with nasogastric tube feeding. Her background history was repeated angina and myocardial infarction and performed percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), heart failure, atrial fibrillation and sick sinus syndrome and performed, pacemaker placement. She was continued parenteral nutrition with nasogastric tube feeding for 20 days, and suddenly she had high fever and elevated infection markers under poorly glycemic control. We diagnosed her as acute submandibular glanditis. We treated her with antibiotics therapy, extubation, daily massage of the submandibular gland and strict glycemic control, and her neck swelling disappeared about 11 days after such treatment.

Conclusions

We reported acute submandibular glanditis induced by nasogastric tube feeding under poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. We have to pay attention to glycemic control in subjects under parenteral nutrition with tube feeding management.
May hepatic steatosis be associated with gynecomastia and epicardial fat? A retrospective study of 599 male patients
Authors: Aksoy Suleyman Hilmi , Aydin Selami , Yurdaisik Isil , Dalkilic Orhan
Published: November 2021

Objective

There is no study in the literature investigating the association of hepatic steatosis with both gynecomastia and epicardial fat thickness together. We aimed to determine the correlations between hepatic steatosis through liver density, gynecomastia and epicardial fat thickness in patients undergoing CT scans due to suspected COVID-19 symptoms.
Methods

A total of 599 male patients who underwent chest CT scans due to a presumed diagnosis of COVID-19 in our radiology clinic were included in the study. Patients’ age, diameters of the subareolar glandular tissues of the right and left breasts, the right retroareolar fatty tissue, liver and spleen density, epicardial fat thickness and biochemical parameters were recorded and analyzed. The laboratory analyses were performed according to the standard methods.
Results

The mean age of the patients was 47.21±15.00 years. The left subareolar tissue thickness and the right retroareolar fatty tissue thickness that are used to indicate the presence of gynecomastia were found to be significantly correlated with liver density in negative direction (r=-.137, p<0.001; r=-.172, p<0.001; respectively). Epicardial fat thickness was statistically significantly correlated with right subareolar tissue thickness (r=.085, p=0.037), left subareolar tissue thickness (r=.101, p=0.014) and right retroareolar fatty tissue thickness (r=.148, p<0.001).
Conclusion

The results of this study showed that gynecomastia was significantly correlated with both age and hepatic steatosis. Epicardial fat thickness was also associated with liver steatosis. We demonstrated the significant correlations between epicardial fat thickness and gynecomastia for the first time. Nevertheless, our results need to be confirmed by further comprehensive studies.
Association Between Admission Serum Phosphate and Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients with Rhabdomyolysis: A Retrospective Study Based on MIMIC-III
Authors: Wen Tao , Mao Zhi , Liu Chao , Wang Xiaoli , Zhou Feihu
Published: November 2021

Background The incidence of acute kidney injury(AKI) is high in critically ill patients with rhabdomyolysis. Limited evidence was proved of the association between serum phosphate levels at intensive care unit(ICU) admission and the subsequent risk of AKI. Our study aims to assess if serum phosphate level at admission was independently associated with AKI risk in these patients. Methods This study extracted and analyzed data from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-Ⅲ(MIMIC-Ⅲ,version1.4). Rhabdomyolysis was defined as a peak creatine kinase(CK) level higher than 1000 U/L. Serum phosphate was measured within the first day into the ICU and was categorized to 4 groups(<2.6, 2.6-3.4, 3.5-4.5, >4.5mg/dl). AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) guidelines. Adjusted smoothing spline plots and multivariate logistic regressions were carried out to explode the association between serum phosphate and risk of AKI. Subgroup analyse was applied to verify the consistency of the association.Results Three hundred and twenty-one patients(67.8% male) diagnosed as rhabdomyolysis were eligible for this analysis. AKI occurred in 204(63.6%) patients of total. Incidence of AKI with admission serum phosphate groups<2.6, 2.6-3.4, 3.5-4.5 and>4.5mg/dl were 52.6%, 56.8%, 68.4% and 75.9%, respectively. Smoothing spline curve showed that there was a positive curve between the elevated phosphate values and increasing risk of AKI, and there was no threshold saturation effect. In multivariate logistic regression, OR was 1.3(95%CI 1.1-1.6, P=0.012, P trend=0.034) after adjusting confounders. Subgroup analyses proved the consistency of the relationship in these patients except in the strata of creatine kinase.Conclusion In rhabdomyolysis patients admitted to ICU, serum phosphate level at admission was independently associated with an increased risk of AKI. As phosphate levels rise, the risk of AKI increased.
Modeling of mechanism of obtaining mesostructural coal matrix in pyrolysis processes.
Authors: Kotelnikov Valeriy , Ryazanova Elena , Ershova Olesya
Published: November 2021

Reducing the role of coal in the energy balance of countries and the whole world sets the task of improving coal combustion technologies and creating new environmentally friendly processes for deep processing of coal. The production of high-quality raw materials for the metallurgical industry and other industries is a strategic task for the development of the country. In this study we try to use an Monte Carlo method to analyze and modeling of coke producing process in the device for continuous pyrolysis of organic materials in a thermally loaded layer.
Accelerated Hyper-Versus Normofractionated Radiochemotherapy with Temozolomide in Patients with Glioblastoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis.
Authors: Klement Rainer J. , Popp Ilinca , Kaul David , Ehret Felix , Grosu Anca L. , Polat Bülent , Sweeney Reinhart A. , Lewitzki Victor
Published: November 2021

Background and purpose
The standard treatment of glioblastoma (GB) patients consists of surgery followed by normofractionated radiotherapy (NFRT) with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy. Whether accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) yields comparable results to NFRT in combination with temozolomide has only sparsely been investigated. The objective of this study was to compare NFRT with HFRT in a multicenter analysis.
Materials and methods
A total of 484 GB patients from four centers were retrospectively pooled and analyzed. 310 and 174 patients had been treated with NFRT (30×1.8Gy or 30×2Gy) and HFRT (37×1.6Gy or 30×1.8Gy twice/day), respectively. The primary outcome of interest was overall survival (OS) which was correlated with patient-, tumor- and treatment-related variables via univariable and multivariable Cox frailty models. For multivariable modeling, missing covariates were imputed using multiple imputation by chained equations, and a sensitivity analysis was performed on the complete-cases-only dataset.
Results
After a median follow-up of 15.7 months (range 0.8-88.6 months), median OS was 16.9 months (15.0-18.7 months) in the NFRT group and 14.9 months (13.2-17.3 months) in the HFRT group (p=0.26). In multivariable frailty regression, better performance status, complete versus not complete resection, MGMT hypermethylation, IDH mutation, smaller planning target volume, no steroid administration, and salvage therapy were significantly associated with longer OS (all p<0.01). Treatment differences (HFRT versus NFRT) had no significant effect on OS in either univariable or multivariable analysis.
Conclusions
This analysis suggests that HFRT and temozolomide is a safe option for patients wishing to shorten their treatment time and does not affect OS.
Ab initio mechanism revealing for tricalcium silicate dissolution
Authors: Li Yunjian , Pan Hui , Ming Xing , Li Zongjin
Published: November 2021

Dissolution of mineral in water is ubiquitous in nature and industry, especially for the calcium silicate species. However, the behavior of such a complex chemical reaction is still unclear at atomic level. Here, we show that the ab initio molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations enable quantitative analyses of reaction pathways, and the thermodynamics and kinetics of calcium ion dissolution from the tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO5) surface. The calcium sites with different coordination environment leads to different reaction pathways and free energy barriers. The low free energy barriers lead to that the detachment of calcium ions is a ligand exchange and auto-catalytic process. Moreover, the water adsorption, proton exchange and diffusion of water into the surface layer accelerate the leaching of calcium ions from the surface step by step. The discovery in this work thus would be a landmark for revealing the mechanism of cement hydration.
Construction of Pharmacological Network and Molecular Docking Analysis of Key Molecular Components of Jianpi Yiqi Formula for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Li Qiming , Deng Gang , He Yunlei , Yang Jiafeng
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To perform network pharmacological analysis so as to identify and screen the active ingredients of Jianpi Yiqi Formula; find its core target and explore its mechanism in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Materials and Methods: A network pharmacology approach was used to inquire and screen the active ingredients from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database for potential active compounds that are commonly contained in the Jianpi Yiqi formula. The Swiss Target Prediction database was used for the prediction of the active ingredient's target of the action; the genecard database was used to search for target genes associated with ITP and to screen for target genes, in which the drug target was intersected with the disease target. Protein interaction network was constructed using string database software for GO and KEGG analysis to construct the "component/target/pathway" pharmacology network of Jianpi Yiqi granules therapy for ITP. Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was harnessed to visualize and integrate this network. The Virtua Drug web-based pharmacology website ( https://www.dockingserver.com ) was used to validate the regulatory relationship between key active compounds and critical pathway molecular signals by molecular docking. Results: Two key active ingredients, quercetin, and kaempferol, were selected from hundreds of herbal ingredients referenced in online pharmacological studies. Molecular docking analysis revealed that quercetin and kaempferol could stably bind PI3K/AKT and exert inhibitory effects, respectively. It was also speculated that PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway might be the critical pathway for the pharmacokinetic mechanism of Jianpi Yiqi Granules. Conclusion: The present study suggests the multi-component effect characteristic of the treatment of ITP with Jianpi Yiqi granules, thus providing a theoretical basis for the clinical use of Jianpi Yiqi formula.
Mapping De-Implementation Strategies To Identified Determinants of Low-Value Statin Prescription for Primary CVD Prevention in Primary Care
Authors: Sanchez Alvaro , Elizondo-Alzola Usue , Pijoan Jose I. , Mediavilla Marta M. , Pablo Susana , de Rozas Rita Sainz , Lekue Itxasne , Gonzalez-Larragan Susana , Helfrich Christian D. , Grandes Gonzalo
Published: November 2021

BackgroundDespite clear recommendations supporting healthy lifestyle promotion interventions for the primary prevention of CVD in low-risk patients, a considerable number of these people continue to receive inappropriate statin prescriptions. The present study reports on the structured process based on theory and evidence carried out for the design of de-implementation strategies to reduce the inappropriate prescription of statins and to increase the promotion of healthy lifestyles, in CVD prevention practice of primary care professionals for patients with low cardiovascular risk.MethodsA phase I formative study following a structured theory-informed process combining the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) was conducted, comprising: semi-structured interviews (n=5) with primary care professionals to delimitate and define the problem in behavioral terms; focus groups (4 groups with 21 physicians; 1 group with 6 patients) to identify the determinants of potentially inappropriate prescribing [PIP] of statins and healthy lifestyle promotion actions; mapping of behavioral change interventions operationalized as de-implementation strategies for addressing identified determinants; and consensus techniques for the prioritization of strategies based on perceived effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability.ResultsNumerous multilevel determinants of both PIP of statins and healthy lifestyle promotion embracing almost all of the TDF dimensions have been identified. Guided by the BCW established procedure, 13 potential de-implementation strategies have been mapped to identified determinants. Those assessed as potentially more feasible, acceptable and potentially effective by the professionals themselves were: 1) Information/knowledge dissemination strategies: a corporate dissemination campaign on “Abandonment of Low-Value Practices”; a Clinical Pathway for the primary prevention of CVD in low-risk patients, accompanied with audiovisual and paper-based training resources; 2) Strategies for presenting relevant information for decision-making: an audit/feedback system regarding CVD prevention practice performance indicators; and 3) Strategies for helping clinical decisions: reminders, alerts, and a decision support tool incorporated into the REGICOR CVD risk calculator in the electronic clinical record.DiscussionThe methodology established by the TDF/BWC for the design of behavior change interventions has been useful for the development of de-implementation strategies targeting the decision-making process of clinicians to favor the uptake of recommended clinical practice for CVD prevention in low-risk patients.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04022850. Registered 17 July 2019, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04022850
Biopsychosocial risk factors of depression during menopause transition in southeast China
Authors: Chu Ketan , Shui Jing , Ma Linjuan , Huang Yizhou , Wu Fan , Wei Fang , Meng Xingjun , Luo Jie , Ruan Fei , Zhou Jianhong
Published: November 2021

Objective

More than 2 billion women experiencing menopause transition in China and some of them suffered depression; while the risk factors of depression are still unclearin China. We aimed to investigate the risk factors in mid-life women in Southeast China.
Method

This study included 1748 Chinese women aged 40 to 65 years who visit gynecology outpatient department of Women’s hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University during 2010 to 2018. Demographic information was collected, and the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (mKMI) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression were assessed. Circulating levels of sex hormones were obtained. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for depression.
Results

The prevalence of depression symptoms was 47.43%. The majority of women had mild (38.56%) or moderate depression symptoms (8.00%); only 0.86% had severe depression. Compared with perimenopausal women, postmenopausal women had increased risks of depression. The associations between menopausal syndromes and depression were strongly positive (OR 6.69, 95% CI 5.39–8.29). Women with older age, higher follicle stimulating hormone levels, lower estradiol levels, and fewer parity had increased risk of depression. Among postmenopausal women, underweight, mKMI > 14, earlier age at menopause, shorter reproductive period, and longer duration after menopause were risk factors for depression.
Conclusions

The results demonstrated a high proportion of depression in women complaining of menopause. Menopausal symptoms were strongly related to the risk of depression. In postmenopausal women, estrogen related events are associated with depression. Gynecological endocrinologists in China should consider screening for depression in high-risk women.
Integrative analysis of proteome-wide association and transcriptome-wide association study identifies candidate brain proteins associated with insomnia
Authors: Meng Peilin , Cheng Bolun , Li Chun’e , Zhang Huijie , Cheng Shiqiang , Liu Li , Yang Xuena , Liang Chujun , Yao Yao , Ye Jing , Chu Xiaomeng , Pan Chuyu , Chen Yujing , Zhang Jingxi , Zhang Zhen , Wen Yan , Jia Yumeng , Guo Xiong , Zhang Feng
Published: November 2021

Great progress has been made in identifying risk loci for insomnia by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analysis, but its association with human brain proteome is unclear. Two insomnia GWAS summary datasets were derived from deCODE (n = 113,006) and 23andMe (n = 1,331,010). Two human brain proteomic datasets were obtained from ROS/MAP and Banner, and two reference datasets were obtained from brain RNA-seq (CBR) and RNA-seq splicing (CBRS). Proteome-wide association study (PWAS) was first used to detect brain proteins associated with insomnia at the translation level. Transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) was then used to verify the results at the DNA level. Finally, brain imaging GWAS was used to explore the brain functional areas related to the identified brain proteins and genes in insomnia. PWAS identified 4 and 1 common proteins shared by two human brain proteomic datasets in insomnia GWAS dataset 1 and 2, such as ME1 (PDataset1−Banner−full=1.08×10−2, PDataset1−ROS/MAP−full=8.21×10−3). Further TWAS identified 5 and 1 candidate genes shared by the two reference expression profiles in dataset 1 and 2, like ICA1L (PDataset2−CBR=3.01×10−2, PDataset2−CBRS=3.24×10−2). CAMLG was observed to associate with insomnia in both PWAS (PDataset2−ROS/MAP=2.94×10−2) and TWAS (PDataset2−CBR=1.11×10−2). Comparing the results of PWAS and TWAS, there are 9 common proteins and genes shared by both two datasets, such as INPP4A. Brain imaging analysis found that insomnia associated proteins and genes were functionally related to cortex. Our results may reinforce the understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of insomnia and provide promising brain protein targets for further therapeutic and mechanistic studies.
Identification of Tumor Specific Neoantigens and Their Implications in Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy Using Liquid Biopsy Results: Findings from an Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Myint Khin Zay Yar , Shimabuku Masamori , Horio Ruriko , Kaneda Munehisa , Shimizu Yoko , Taguchi Junichi
Published: November 2021

Liquid biopsies can be a rapid, cost-effective and noninvasive alternative to tumor biopsies for detecting genetic mutations in somatic tumors. Genetic profiling of liquid biopsies can also be used to identify novel antigens for targeted therapy, provide updated information on disease prognosis and evaluate treatment efficacy. In this study, we aimed to examine mutations that could be identified in liquid biopsy and their potential implications for personalized dendritic cell immunotherapy using neoantigens. We analyzed the genomic profiles of 99 blood samples from 85 patients with 22 different types of cancer using two commercially available liquid biopsy tests before the patients underwent standard cancer treatment and dendritic cell immunotherapy. Nonsynonymous mutations were detected in more than 90% of the samples, with an average frequency of 3.6 mutations per sample. The tumor mutations were specific to each patient, as approximately 94.7% of the mutations were so unique that there was almost no duplication among the patients. Clonal evolution was observed in two patients just before or after chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. These findings indicate that liquid biopsy can be a potential surrogate for neoantigen-based immunotherapy and the importance of tailoring neoantigen-based immunotherapy in accordance with the liquid biopsy result in each treatment stage.
Autocrine Activity of Exosomes in Glucocorticoid-Induced Injury of Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells Identified by Protein Array
Authors: Zhang Qingyu , Li Tengqi , Li Zirong , Lu Jike , Wu Xinjie , Gao Fuqiang , Sun Wei
Published: November 2021

Background: Glucocorticoid could induce injury and apoptosis of bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) in the femoral head and the application of icariin showed a protective effect. However, the impact of autocrine exosomes during these processes is still to be confirmed.Methods: Exosomes were extracted from BMECs treated with hydrocortisone or hydrocortisone plus icariin by super-speed centrifugation; exosome-carried proteins were evaluated via BCA assay, Western blotting, protein array assay and Elisa test, while miRNA expression profile was assessed via high-throughput sequencing and confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to screen candidate molecules responsible for BMEC-Exo function. BMECs were incubated with and without exosomes before glucocorticoid intervention and then the impact of BMECs-derived exosomes on BMECs viability, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis, and protein expression was further assessed by a series of functional assays. Results: Exosomes secreted by BMECs could ameliorate glucocorticoid-induced endothelial cellular injury, improve cell viability, decrease cell apoptosis, and promote cell migration and angiogenesis compared with the blank control. These effects of secreted exosomes could be reinforced by icariin intervention. Meanwhile, mechanism studies showed that expression level of eNOS, COX-2, and pERK were significantly increased while the cleaved caspase-3 level was decreased in BMECs after coculture with exosomes. Although icariin treatment would not significantly change the size and total protein content of BMECs-derived exosomes, expression of exosome-carried vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was enhanced and numerous miRNAs involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis were up-regulated (e.g., hsa-miR-1469 and hsa-miR-133a-5p) or down-regulated (e.g., hsa-miR-10b-5p) (p < 0.05). 29 differentially expressed inflammatory factors were detected between the exosomes secreted by the Icariin-treated and the Model groups.Conclusion: To sum up, the present study indicates that autocrine exosomes could significantly improve glucocorticoid-induced injury of BMECs, partially mediated by activation of MAPK/ERK pathway and regulation of several inflammation/apoptosis/proliferation-associated proteins. Icariin intervention could reinforce these effects and may act as a promising drug for improving glucocorticoid-induced injury of BMECs. In vivo or animal studies are still required to better understand the function of BMEC-derived exosomes.
Incidence, Survival, and Associated Factors Estimation in Osteosarcoma Patients with Lung Metastasis: A Single-center Experience of 11 Years in Tianjin, China
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wu Haixiao , Xu Guijun , Ma Wenjuan , Qi Lisha , Li Zhijun , Zhang Jin
Published: November 2021

Background: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor. The current study was conducted to describe the general condition of patients with primary osteosarcoma in a single cancer center in Tianjin, China and to investigate the associated factors in osteosarcoma patients with lung metastasis. Methods: From February 2009 to October 2020, patients from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, China were retrospectively analyzed. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate the overall survival of osteosarcoma patients. Prognostic factors of patients with osteosarcoma were identified by the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Risk factor of lung metastasis in osteosarcoma were investigated by the logistic regression model. Results: A total of 203 patients were involved and 150 patients were successfully followed up for survival status. The 5-year survival rate of osteo-sarcoma patients was 70.0%. Surgery, bone and lung metastasis were the significant prognostic factors in multivariable Cox regression analysis. Twenty-one (10.3%) patients showed lung metastasis at the diagnosis of osteosarcoma and 67 (33%) lung metastases during the later course. T3 stage (OR=11.415, 95%CI 1.362-95.677, P=0.025) and synchronous bone metastasis (OR=6.437, 95%CI 1.69-24.51, P=0.006) were risk factors of synchronous lung metastasis occurrence. Good necrosis (≥90%, OR=0.097, 95%CI 0.028-0.332, P=0.000) and elevated Ki-67 (≥50%, OR=4.529, 95%CI 1.241-16.524, P=0.022) were proved to be significantly associated with metachronous lung metastasis occurrence. Conclusion: The overall survival, prognostic factors and risk factors for lung metastasis in this single center provided insight about osteosarcoma management.
Spatial behavior of red deer (cervus elaphus) in northern apennines: are we managing them correctly?
Authors: Fontana Riccardo , Calabrese Licia , Lanzi Ambrogio , Armaroli Elisa , Pelliccioni Elisabetta Raganella
Published: November 2021

Backgound

Throughout its range, red deer is a well-studied species. In Italy the species occupies two ecologically different ranges: the Alps and the Apennine. Although several studies have described spatial behaviour of red deer in the Italian Alps, no data are available for the Apennine population.

Results

Spatial behaviour of 13 deer from Northern Apennine range was analysed for the first-time using GPS-GSM telemetry, from 2011 to 2017. Red deer displayed two different strategies coexisting in the population, i.e., migratory and stationary. Females tend to migrate more than males. We found a high level of inter individual variability in the date of migration/return, while each migratory deer is very conservative during the study period. Migration ranges are on average 12±4.2 km far apart from the resident range. Both migratory and resident deer displayed high site fidelity. No switch from migratory to stationary strategy was observed for any deer during the study period, which however could have been too short to detect any switch. At management level, a spatial mismatch was found between deer range and management units (districts) in 44.4% of the cases. Merging the districts belonging of each province to obtain an area of approximately 1.000 km 2 would partially solve such spatial mismatch reducing it to 22%.

Conclusions

Despite the low sample size, these results can provide guidance for future management actions. An in-dept study with a higher sample size is however required to better understand and manage the red deer Apennine population.
Capacitated Multi-objective Disassembly Scheduling with Fuzzy Processing Time viaAFruit Fly Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Yuan Gang , Yang Yinsheng , Tian Guangdong , Fathollahi-Fard Amir Mohammad
Published: November 2021

This work proposes a capacitated fuzzy disassembly scheduling model with cycle time and environmental cost, which has broad applications in remanufacturing and many other production systems. Disassembly scheduling is not always given accurately as a time quota in a production system, particularly in the obsolete products remanufacturing process. It is meaningful to study a novel model and algorithm based on uncertainty processing time to solve uncertainty disassembly scheduling problems. Therefore, a mixed-integer mathematical programming model is proposed to minimize the cycle time and environmental cost, whilst a metaheuristic approach based on a fruit fly optimization algorithm is developed to find a fuzzy disassembly scheduling scheme. To estimate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the proposed algorithm is tested with different size cases of products disassembly scheduling. Furthermore, experiments are conducted to compare with other multi-objective optimization algorithms. The computational results demonstrate the proposed algorithm outperforms other algorithms on computational efficiency and applicability performance. Finally, a case study is described to illustrate the proposed method. The main finding of this current work is to provide a new idea to solve the problem of disassembly scheduling in an uncertain environmental practically and efficiently.
Timely initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers with vaginal and cesarean deliveries in public hospitals of Addis Ababa
Authors: Mekonnen Adane , Shewangizaw Zewdu
Published: November 2021

Background

WHO and UNICEF recommend breastfeeding to be initiated within the first hour of birth. It is possible to initiate breastfeeding within an hour of birth regardless of the method of delivery. Despite this, the practice of timely initiation of breastfeeding remains low in Ethiopia with both delivery modalities. Therefore, this study aims to compare timely initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors with cesarean and vaginal deliveries in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, 2021.
Methods and materials:

Comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to February 2021 in public hospitals of Addis Ababa. 322 mothers within three days of delivery at the postnatal ward of the respective public hospitals were selected. A multi-stage sampling method was employed with the final participants being recruited by systematic random sampling. Data was entered to Epi data Version 4.6 and analysis was performed by SPSS Version 26. A Binary and multivariate logistic regression statistical model was used. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to see the strength of association.
Result

Timely breastfeeding initiation was 79 (51.2%) and 123 (80%) for cesarean and vaginal deliveries. With a vaginal delivery, pre-lacteal feeding (AOR= 5.50, 95% CI:1.83-16.57) was significantly associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding. Multiparty (AOR= 2.14, 95% CI: 1.02-4.50), support from health care worker (AOR= 2.602, 95% CI: 1.16-5.82), and pre-lacteal feeding (AOR= 2.55, 95% CI: 1.13-5.75) were significantly associated with timely initiation of breastfeeding with cesarean delivery.
Conclusion

The rate of timely initiation of breastfeeding differs according to the mode of delivery. Cesarean delivery, as compared to vaginal delivery, was associated with a higher mean and median time for initiation of breastfeeding.
The relationship between serum hepatitis B core-related antigen and hepatitis B virus DNA in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Baiguo , Jia Lian , Liu Anjing , Liu Ying , Han Tao , Guo Hua , Ding Xian , Yin Weili , Xiang Hui-ling
Published: November 2021

Aims. The relationship between hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA has already been adequately researched in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, but there are only a few researches yet on the correlations between HBcrAg and HBV DNA in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis. Here we explore the correlation between HBcrAg and HBV DNA in this population. Methods. Available data and samples of 98 untreated patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis between October 2018 and October 2019 were analysed. Statistical analyses included baseline characteristics, univariate analysis, stratification analysis, three different analytical models, and a generalized additive model. Results. After adjusting for all recorded confounders (sex, age, diagnosis of primary hepatic carcinoma, total bilirubin（TBIL）, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg), Child–Pugh class, family history of HBV infection, family history of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), and diabetes mellitus), a linear relationship was detected between HBcrAg and HBV DNA (β=0.59, 95%CI=0.34–0.84, P<0.0001). The variational trend of HBcrAg and HBV DNA in each stratified variable (sex, age, HBeAg, family history of HBV infection, family history of HCC, diabetes mellitus, diagnosis of primary hepatic carcinoma, Child–Pugh class, and ALD) were consistent. Conclusion. There was a linear and positive correlation between HBcrAg and HBV DNA in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.
Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Community Structure And Function In A Improved Biofilter With Odorous Gases
Authors: Ni Jianguo , Yang Huayun , Chen Liqing , Xu Jiadong , Zheng Liangwei , Xie Guojian , Shen Chenjia , Li Weidong , Liu Qi
Published: November 2021

Biofilters have been broadly applied to degrade the odorous gases from industrial emissions. A industrial scale biofilter was set up to treat the odorous gases. To explore biofilter potentials, the microbial community structure and function must be well defined. Using of improved biofilter, the differences in microbial community structures and functions in biofilters before and after treatment were investigated by metagenomic analysis. Odorous gases have the potential to alter the microbial community structure in the sludge of biofilter. A total of 90,016 genes assigned into various functional metabolic pathways were identified. In the improved biofilter, the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Chloroflexi, and the dominant genera were Thioalkalivibrio, Thauera, and Pseudomonas. Several xenobiotic biodegradation-related pathways showed significant changes during the treatment process. Compared with the original biofilter, Thermotogae and Crenarchaeota phyla were significantly enriched in the improved biofilter, suggesting their important role in nitrogen-fixing. Furthermore, several nitrogen metabolic pathway-related genes, such as nirA and nifA, and sulfur metabolic pathway-related genes, such as fccB and phsA, were considered to be efficient genes that were involved in removing odorous gases. Our findings can be used for improving the efficiency of biofilter and helping the industrial enterprises to reduce the emission of waste gases.
Bmal1- and Per2-mediated Regulation of the Osteogenic Differentiation and Proliferation of Mouse BMSCs by Modulating the Wnt/β-catenin Pathway
Authors: Zheng Jiawen , Zhang Lanxin , Tan Zhen , Zhao Qing , Wei Xiaoyu , Yang Yuqing , Li Rong
Published: November 2021

Bmal1 and Per2 are the core components of the circadian clock genes(CCGs). Bmal1−/− mice exhibited premature aging characterized by osteoporosis and reduced proliferation ability. The same thing occurred in Per2−/− mice, albeit to a less severe degree. However, whether the effects of Bmal1 and Per2 on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation are synergistic or antagonistic remains unclear. To figure this out, we constructed lentiviral and adenoviral vectors to silence or overexpress Bmal1 or Per2 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and applied MTT, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, WB, and ChIP-Seq analyses to identify the underlying mechanism. The results showed Bmal1 and Per2 had synergistic effects on the proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs. Furthermore, Bmal1 and Per2 inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, accompanied by downregulating Rorα expression and upregulating Rev-erbα expression, both of which were also key elements of CCGs. This may be the mechanism by which Bmal1 and Per2 negatively regulate the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Inhibition of MUS81 By siRNA Reverses Resistance to Cisplatin in Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Bourton Emma C. , Adam-Zahir Sheba , Plowman Piers N. , Al-Ali Hussein Nahidh , Foster Helen A. , Parris Christopher N.
Published: November 2021

Bacground: Drugs that induce DNA interstrand crosslinks form the mainstay of anticancer treatments for different cancers. These drugs are used to treat ovarian cancer which is the most prevalent gynaecological cancer. Five-year survival rates are approximately 40% and the development of drug resistant disease is an important factor in treatment failure. Methods: In this study a comprehensive evaluation of the expression and function of the site-specific endonuclease MUS81 was conducted. Using quantitative real time PCR analysis and imaging flow cytometry we determined the mRNA and protein expression of MUS81 in three ovarian cancer cell lines and two immortalised human fibroblast cell lines which had been made resistant to cisplatin by chronic exposure. siRNA knockdown of MUS81 was employed to determine the effect on overall cell survival which was assessed using clonogenic assays. Results: In the five cisplatin-resistant cell lines we observed increased MUS81 mRNA expression. In addition MUS81 protein expression in the form of discrete nuclear foci in cells was observed in all cell lines following cisplatin exposure, there being significantly more foci in cisplatin resistant cell lines. siRNA knockdown of MUS81 significantly reduced both mRNA and protein levels in two cell lines (SK-OV-3 and MRC5-SV1 – wild-type and resistant) and critically re-sensitised cisplatin resistant cells to wild-type level, determined by clonogenic assay.Conclusion: MUS81 is central to the development of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cell lines. Inhibition of MUS81 restored drug sensitivity to the cells. MUS81 may be a useful therapeutic target to overcome drug resistance in ovarian and other cancers.
Vehicular Traffic Noise Modelling of Urban Area- A Contouring & Artificial Neural Network-Based Approach
Authors: Debnath Abhijit , Singh Prasoon Kumar , Banerjee Sushmita
Published: November 2021

Road traffic vehicular noise is one of the main sources of environmental pollution in urban areas of India. Also, steadily increasing urbanization, industrialization, infrastructures around city condition causing health risks among the urban populations. In this study we have explored noise descriptors (L10, L90, Ldn, LNI, TNI, NC), contour plotting and finds the suitability of artificial neural networks (ANN) for the prediction of traffic noise all around the Dhanbad township in 15 monitoring stations. In order to develop the prediction model, measuring noise levels of five different hours, speed of vehicles and traffic volume in every monitoring point have been studied and analyzed. Traffic volume, percent of heavy vehicles, Speed, traffic flow, road gradient, pavement, road side carriageway distance factors taken as input parameter, whereas LAeq as output parameter for formation of neural network architecture. As traffic flow is heterogenous which mainly contains 59% 2-wheelers and different vehicle specifications with varying speeds also effects driving and honking behavior which constantly changing noise characteristics. From radial noise diagrams shown that average noise levels of all the stations beyond permissible limit and highest noise levels were found at the speed of 50-55 km/h in both peak and non-peak hours. Noise descriptors clearly indicates high annoyance level in the study area. Artificial neural network with 7-7-5 formation has been developed and found as optimum due to its sum of square and overall relative error 0.858 & .029 in training and 0.458 & 0.862 in testing phase respectively. Comparative analysis between observed and predicted noise level shows very less deviation up to ±0.6 dB(A) and the R2 linear values are more than 0.9 in all five noise hours indicating the accuracy of model. Also, it can be concluded that ANN approach is much superior in prediction of traffic noise level to any other statistical method.
Overview of Some Factors Affecting the Durability and Efficacy of LLINs Used by the Communities in South Region of Cameroon, Central Africa
Authors: AKONO Patrick NTONGA , Mbongue Serge , Hondt Odette Ngo , Takap Francis Noel Nopowo , Ngaha Rachel , Tekapi Williefred Dongmo , Ambeme Parfait Awono , Nkondjio Antonio , Ngoa Laurent Serges Etoundi
Published: November 2021

Background: Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are widely used in sub-Saharan Africa to control the transmission of malaria parasites by Anopheles mosquitoes. However, their operational lifespan depends on numerous factors that are often not considered. This paper investigates on some of the factors likely associated with the rapid breakdown of LLINs efficacy in urban and rural settings of the seaport city of Kribi, South Region of Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2019 including: (i) a household survey using standard questionnaire for brands of LLINs used, their maintenance, and coverage rates in study communities, (ii) assessment of the physical integrity of nets, and (iii) WHO cone bioassays to determine the residual efficacy of the nets against wild strains and susceptible reference laboratory strains of Anopheles gambiae s. l. species. Results: A total of 540 households were surveyed, 235 in Kribi- urban and 305 in Kribi-rural. The overall net coverage rate per sleeping space was 68.82%, irrespectively with a similar trend between Kribi-rural (68.98%) and Kribi-urban (68.62%) (p = 0.929). Of the 1,211 LLINs recorded, 64.73% were Interceptor®, 25.44% were PermaNet®, 4.68% were Olyset Net ; the remainder (05.13%) belonged to Yorkool®, Royal Sentry®, Netto®, Super Net® and Panda Net®. The hole indices were significantly correlated to the frequency of washes in kribi-urban as well as kribi-rural settings (p≤ 10-3). Nets washed with ordinary soap had lower hole indices compared to nets washed with corrosive detergents in the two groups of settings in the study area (p≤ 10-4). Likewise, nets dried under the sun significantly recorded a higher hole indices compared to nets dried in a shaded area (p≤ 0.04) in the two groups of settings. Polyethylene fibers were significantly less degraded than polyester fibers. The bio efficacy results revealed 21.6% - 99.6% mortality rates of the Kisumu strain exposed to LLINs washed more than 20 times and from 0.8% to 76.50% for the wild strain. LLINs washed with ordinary soap significantly retained their lethal properties more than LLINs washed with corrosive detergents (p=10-4). Similarly, LLINs dried in the shade retained their lethal properties more than those spread in the sun.Conclusion: Excessive washes, Corrosive detergents and drying regimes are factors that degrade the toxic effect of insecticide impregnated on LLINs. Awareness campaigns are needed to encourage people to adopt good LLIN maintainance practices.