bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in p38MAPK Signaling Pathway and Extracellular Matrix Accumulation in Renal Tissue of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Min Han , Gong Xiumin , Cai Xiaomeng
Published: April 2023

BMSCs can effectively reduce the accumulation of extracellular matrix in renal tissues of rats with FSGS. This study intends to investigate the effect of BMSCs on extracellular matrix accumulation in renal tissues of rats with FSGS. 60 female mice aged 3 weeks were randomly assigned
into control group, model group, transplantation group, positive control group and p38MAPK signaling pathway agonist group (agonist group) followed by analysis of renal histopathology, body weight, kidney weight and renal weight index of rats, expression of Col-IV, FN, MMP-9 protein and mRNA,
as well as P38MAPK, P-CREB protein expression. The body weight, kidney weight and kidney weight index of rats in control group, transplant group and positive control group were significantly lower than those in model group and agonist group (P < 0.05) without differences among control
group, transplantation group, positive control group, model group and agonist group (P > 0.05). COL-IV and FN protein and mRNA expression was higher in control group, transplantation group and positive control group, while MMP-9 expression was lower. However, agonist group and model
group showed opposite profile of these proteins (P < 0.05). The protein expressions of p38MAPK and P-CREB in control group and transplantation group were lower than those in model group, positive control group and agonist group (P < 0.05) without significant difference
among other groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, BMSCs can reduce the accumulation of extracellular matrix and glomerular sclerosis, thereby controlling FSGS progress.
Co-Culture of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes (RA-FLS) Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis Cell Apoptosis by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response
Authors: Liang Qingchen , Tian Yanjie , Liu Zijin , Yu Dejun , Guo Hengbing , Sun Fenglong
Published: April 2023

Objective: To investigate the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bmsc) on RA-fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), and to further explore the mechanism of action. Methods: The rheumatoid arthritis cell model was established,
and the cells were co-cultured with BMSC. The proliferation and apoptosis of the cells were detected by MTT and flow cytometry, the expression level of inflammatory factors in the cells was detected by ELISA, and the phosphorylation activation and expression of proteins in related pathways
were analyzed by western blotting. Results: bmsc inhibited the proliferation of TNF-a-induced RA-FLS, increased the apoptosis rate, and up-regulated caspase-3, PARP and Burlington levels. Meanwhile, the expression of il-10, il-1β and il-6 was inhibited. p-STAT3 levels were
down-regulated in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of STAT3 partially neutralizes BMSC-mediated caspase-3 increase and PARP shear, as well as down-regulation of il-10, IL-1B, and il-6. This suggests that BMSCs inactivate the STAT3 pathway. In addition, BMSCs can effectively inhibit
the production of inflammatory cytokines in rat models of RA-FLS and CIA. Conclusions: In summary, synthesis is a potential long-term treatment drug for rheumatoid arthritis, which can play a therapeutic role in rheumatoid arthritis by inactivating the STAT3 pathway. At the same time,
it reveals the role of STAT3 pathway in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, and suggests the possibility of STAT3 pathway as a therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis.
miR-10a Ameliorates Renal and Myocardial Injury in Sepsis Through Regulation of PI3K/AKT Signaling
Authors: Hu Chenglian , Yang Ying , Ye Lun
Published: April 2023

miR-10a participates in the prognosis of patients with sepsis, which also influence multiple organs and cause damages to the kidney and myocardial tissues. This study intends to assess miR-10a’s role in sepsis-induced renal and myocardial injury. 50 Wistar rats were randomized into sham-operation group, model group, MiR-10a group, positive control group and PI3K/AKT-agonist group (n= 10) followed by analysis of the histopathological changes of myocardial and renal tissues, kidney injury, expression of renal GR-αand CK-MB/CK, levels of inflammatory factors (IL-10, IL-6, IL-1βand TNF-α) and the level of miR-10a, PI3K and AKT. Rats in model group and PI3K/AKT-agonist group exhibited highest pathological score of kidney injury, expression of CK-MB, CK and renal GR-α, followed by rats in positive control group and miR-10a group. Furthermore, model group and PI3K/AKT-agonist group showed the highest level of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), followed by positive control group and miR-10a group. Lowest miR-10a expression and highest mRNA levels of PI3K and AKT was detected in model group, PI3K/AKT-agonist group and positive control group, followed by miR-10a group. PI3K is a target of miR-10a. In conclusion, miR-10a alleviates the sepsis-induced renal and myocardial injury mainly by mediating the PI3K/AKT transduction pathway, indicating that miR-10a can be utilized as a target gene for sepsis treatment.
LncRNA Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Induced Kinase 1-AS Promotes Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Expression Through Sponge miR-98-5p and Contributes to Bladder Cancer Progression
Authors: Wang ShunPing , Cheng DanPing , Zheng Bin
Published: April 2023

Background: LncRNA PINK1-AS is an identified key modifier in cancers, but its biological function in bladder cancer (BC) remains unclear. The current work tried to explore the function and mechanism of PINK1-AS in BC. Methods: Fifty-five pairs of BC tissue and matched
para-cancer normal tissue were excised to analyze PINK1-AS, miR-98-5p, and IGF1R expression. Based on T24 cells, the proliferative, apoptotic, invasive, and migratory activities were evaluated by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay correspondingly. RIP and dual luciferase reporter assays
verified binding relationships between genes. Results: PINK1-AS expression was abnormally high in BC tissues, and was associated with TNM staging and lymph node metastasis in BC patients. PINK1-AS knockdown delayed the malignant progression in BC. Overexpressing PINK1-AS had the opposite
effect. The impacts of silencing or promoting PINK1-AS on BC were mitigated by overexpression of IGF1R and miR-98-5p, respectively. PINK1-AS was competitively bound to miR-98-5p to mediate IGF1R expression. Conclusion: Targeting the abnormally overexpressed lncRNA, PINK1-AS, can release
the inhibition of IGF1R by miR-98-5p, thereby promoting BC malignancy. PINK1-AS/miR-98-5p/IGF1R axis can be used as a potential therapeutic target for BC.
Preventative effects of the albumin nano tissue-type plasminogen activator gene plasmid ultrasound microbubble carrier system on thrombosis after cardiac valve replacement
Authors: Li Kaige , Xu Kai , Jiang Weifeng , Liu Xu
Published: April 2023

Mechanical valve replacement is a new method for treating rheumatic heart valve disease. However, patients require long-term anticoagulation therapy after surgery, thus reducing their use of anticoagulants, making the prevention of postoperative thrombosis of great research interest.
We examined the potential preventative effects of the albumin nano tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) gene plasmid ultrasound microbubble carrier system on thrombosis. The average particle size of the nano tPA gene plasmid was 131.8 nm, the surface zeta potential was 30.65±40.34 mV,
and the encapsulation efficiency was 76.56%, all meeting experimental requirements. One month after gene integration, the tPA content of group B had increased beyond pre-integration levels and above post-integration levels of group A. After valve replacement operations, the venous blood D-Dimer
(D-D) content of group B increased significantly, whereas the venous blood D-D content of group A decreased. In addition, at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after operation, the venous blood D-D content of group B was greater than that of group A. These results suggest that the prepared albumin nano tPA
gene plasmid ultrasound microbubble vector system can prevent thrombosis after heart valve replacement.
Phase transition temperature and non-isothermal kinetics in zirconium alloys by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Liu Jin , Liu Yan , Deng Ai-Lin , Chen Hui , Cheng Zhu-Qing , Zhang Li
Published: April 2023

In this study, zirconium alloys were analyzed for their phase transformation behavior and kinetics in the presence of non-isothermal conditions through differential scanning calorimetry. The phase transition temperature was examined on the differential thermal curves. Indeed, it was
affected by heating rates, and the equilibrium transformation temperature of the alloy was extrapolated using a model approach. The α → β phase transformation activation energy was calculated using Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose as well as Flynn–Wall–Ozawa
approach, and activation energy was related to conversion ratios, thus suggesting that phase transformation refers to the complicated multi-step reaction. Furthermore, the alloy transformation mechanism was discussed using the optimized Johnson-Mehl-Avrami.
Treatment activity of mitomycin-loaded hydrogels on lung cancer by inhibiting the proliferation of the cancer cells
Authors: Pan Jie , Cui Liang , Liu Si-Han
Published: April 2023

Lung cancer is currently the most common malignant tumor and most lethal cancer worldwide, posing a serious threat to human life and health. Mitomycin has been widely used in the clinical treatment of malignant tumors owing to its strong antitumor effects. In this study, hyaluronic
acid/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogels loaded with mitomycin were prepared by chemical synthesis. The SEM results showed that the hydrogels had a 3D interoperable porous structure, which facilitates drug loading. Biological experiments showed that the mitomycin-loaded hydrogels remarkably reduced
the viability of cancer cells and inhibited the activation of the VEGF signaling pathway in cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, the hydrogels are expected to be used as a drug carrier material for lung cancer treatment.
Gold-aptamer modified dielectrode silica surface for hepatitis C virus core antigen sandwich assay
Authors: Zhang Huirong , Gopinath Subash C. B.
Published: April 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause both chronic and acute hepatitis, depends on the severity from mild to serious illness, leads a lifelong illness, such as liver cancer and liver cirrhosis. Chronic HCV is generally a silent infection for several years, until it damages the liver. Diagnosing
HCV infection in a regular basis is mandatory and this research focused to quantify hepatitis C-core antigen (HCVcoreAg) on aptamer-gold modified dielectrode silica surface. Aptamer-biotin was immobilized on the electrode by using streptavidin-gold nanoparticle interaction, which enhance the
number of aptamer attachment on interdigitated dielectrode (IDE). Further, aptamer-antibody sandwich assay was carried out to increase the analytical performance for HCVcoreAg detection and reached a limit of detection to 0.5 pg/mL on a linear increment range from 0.5 to 16 pg/mL with an acceptable
regression coefficient [y = 1.0116×−1.372; R2 = 0.963]. In addition, blocking agent PEG-b-PAAc reduced the biofouling on IDE and control the increment of current responses in non-specific experiments, which helps to detect the HCVcoreAg in mixed biological
samples without interferences. This sandwich assay detects the lower level of HCVcoreAg and diagnose HCV infection.
Action mechanisms of Oviductus ranae on perimenopausal depression model mice via regulation of phosphoinositol 3 kinase/AKT signalling
Authors: Pei Ke , Lu Jing , Li Yong , Ma Chao , Li Weijia , Lin He , Wang Yuchen , Lv Guangfu , Lin Zhe
Published: April 2023

Oviductus ranae (OR) is an animal-based traditional Chinese medicine. In this work, its underlying mechanism of action in mice model of perimenopausal depression (PMD) was investigated. Network pharmacology and molecule docking analysis were conducted to identify potential targets
and chemical components of OR in PMD. Subsequently, 60 female mice were ovariectomized and subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress to establish the PMD model. After 14 days of OR administration on PMD mice, the depression-like behavioral were evaluated using sucrose preference, forced
swimming, tail suspension, open field and morris water maze tests. Hippocampal tissues were collected to observe pathological changes via haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect the expression of the protein kinase B (AKT), phosphoinositol
3 kinase (PI3K), and oestrogen receptor β (ERβ). Western blot (WB) analysis was Conducted to detect the expression of PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. In the results, 18 potential targets and two chemical components of OR in PMD were identified. KEGG suggested that the
PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was frequently involved in treatment of PMD with OR. Molecular docking showed that β-sitosterol in OR had the best docking effect with the target. OR treatment improved depression-like behaviour of PMD mice, significantly improved pPI3K/PI3K, pAKT/AKT,
and pCREB/CREB ratios and brain derived neurotrophic factor. These findings suggested that OR may alleviate PMD and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, and has a certain therapeutic effect on PMD by up-regulating the expression of ERβ and activating the PI3K/AKT
pathway. Overall, our study highlights OR as a promising therapeutic candidate for PMD.
Artemisinin promotes apoptosis of spinal tuberculosis macrophages by inhibiting NF-κB
Authors: Zhang Chengliang , Song Dajiang , Zhang Lidong , Liu Lei , Zhu Baolin
Published: April 2023

Artemisinin has been proved to have a wide range of pharmacological effects, mainly used in anti-malaria, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, etc., but the effect and mechanism of artemisinin on tuberculosis-infected macrophages have not yet been elucidated. THP-1 cell line was cultured and
randomly divided into the following 4 groups; control group, which was infected with Mtb standard human virulence strain H37Rv; low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose artemisinin groups, which were treated with artemisinin at 50 μM, 150 μM and 300 μM, respectively.
The effect of artemisinin on cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by PCR. The inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA. The above tests were used to understand apoptosis, inflammation and proliferation. The expressions
of Bcl-2, osteoprotectin (OPG), nuclear factor κB receptor activator (RANK) and NF-κB were detected by Western blot. Acting on macrophages infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis, artemisinin can significantly inhibit cell proliferation, promote cell apoptosis, inhibit
the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and reduce the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α. Artemisinin also decreased the expression of Bcl-2, OPG, RANK and NF-κB (p < 0.05), and the change was more significant with the increase of dose. Artemisinin could down-regulate
the expression of OPG, RANK and NF-κB, and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors and Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and then promoting apoptosis of spinal tuberculosis macrophages.
Optimization of process parameters for surface temperature in laser-assisted machining of Nb C103 alloy using taguchi method
Authors: Sankeerth Aravind , Madhukar Pagidi , Punugupati Gurabvaiah , Veeresh Kumar G. B. , Rao C. S. P. , Chavali Murthy , Helal Mahmoud , Sami Rokkaya , Alsufyani Sultan J. , Aljuraide N. I. , Dawood Abdallah M. A. , Harara Suzan
Published: April 2023

In the current paper, laser-assisted machining (LAM) was used to get the machin ability characteristics of Niobium C-103. Taguchi Technique (TT) was utilized to develop a mathematical model for machining, which will serve the functional relationship between process parameters (cutting
speed (CS), laser power (LP), feed (F), and depth of cut (DoC)) with a surface temperature of a cutting process. Taguchi technique was used to optimize the process parameters on surface temperature. Machining was performed on the workpiece considering the L9 array of Taguchi technique and
the mathematical model was developed. Main effect graphs and signal-to-noise ratio were used to examine the influence of various experimental variables on the response. The obtained results showed that both LP and CS were the most influencing input variables on surface temperature among all
other factors. Single objective optimization was employed to obtain the optimal parametric combinations and proposed for a minimum surface temperature through regression analysis.
Investigation on strengths and hydration products of portland cement blending with dolomite powder and metakaolin at 20 °C and 60 °C
Authors: Chen Sensen , Chen Deng , Wen Zhong
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to understand the synergistic effect of dolomite powder (DM) and metakaolin (MK) on the strengths and hydration products of Portland cement (PC), then facilitating DM application in PC. Results showed that the combination of DM and MK improved the flexural and compressive
strengths of mortars at 20 °C and 60 °C markedly. This was mainly due to that the combined effect of DM and MK improved the pore structure. At 20 °C, the incorporation of MK in the PC-DM pastes stimulated the generation of calcium carboaluminate including hemicarbonate (Hc) and
monocarbonate (Mc). An increase in the MK to DM ratio resulted in the increment of Hc at the early age. At the later age, further dissolution of DM promoted the transformation of Hc to Mc. At 60 °C, hydrotalcite (Ht) was found in the pastes with low MK dosages (≤5 wt%), and Ht was mainly
distributed in the DM particle surface. However, the additions of high MK dosages (≥10 wt%) restricted the formation of Ht. The lack of portlandite might be the major reason for the limitation of Ht formation. In addition, iron containing calcium carboaluminate could be identified in the
PC-DM-MK system cured at 60 °C, especially with high MK dosages.
Magnetron-sputtered Mg-Ga co-doped ZnO transparent conductive thin films: Microstructural and optoelectrical investigation
Authors: Wang Shuming , Yang Sike , Zhu Ya , Tian Yu
Published: April 2023

The Mg–Ga co-doped ZnO (MGZO) transparent conducting thin films (TCTFs) were fabricated via magnetron-sputtering. The dependence of microstructural, morphological and optoelectrical characteristics on sputtering power was investigated. The findings demonstrate that all the TCTFs
present a wurtzite hexagonal crystal structure and (002)-preferred orientation. The sputtering power has a significant impact on the properties of the TCTFs. The sample fabricated at 150 W possesses the highest optoelectrical performance and crystalline quality, with the maximum figure of
merit, highest average visible transmittance, minimum resistivity, lowest dislocation density and lattice strain of 1.042×104 Ω−1·cm−1, 92.21%, 1.181×10−3 Ω·cm, 1.041×1011 cm−2
and 3.936×10−3, respectively. Moreover, the optical constants (OCs) of the MGZO TCTFs were extracted by the optical spectrum fitting method (OSFM). The dispersion behavior of refractive index (RI) was assessed. The oscillator parameters, optical bandgaps and nonlinear
OCs were realized. This study provides a reference basis for the applications of MGZO TCTFs in photoelectronic devices.
MircroRNA-219a Alleviates Atherosclerosis by Regulating Homeobox A1
Authors: Lin Shaoyi , Zhu Yunyun , Hu Tingting , Wang Kaihan , Chen Xiaomin
Published: April 2023

To elucidate the role of microRNA-219a (miR-219a) in the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis. Transfection efficacy of miR-219a mimics and inhibitor was tested in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Proliferative and migratory capacities in ASMC regulated by miR-219a were
examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) and Transwell assay, respectively. The target gene of miR-219a was predicted by bioinformatics method and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Rescue experiments were conducted to clarify the role of miR-219a/HOXA1
axis in the progression of atherosclerosis. Overexpression of miR-219a attenuated proliferative and migratory capacities in ASMC. MiR-219a could bind HOXA1, and negatively regulate its mRNA and protein levels. Overexpression of HOXA1 promoted proliferative and migratory capacities in ASMC.
Notably, co-overexpression of miR-219a and HOXA1 abolished the inhibitory effects of overexpressed miR-219a on proliferative and migratory capacities in ASMC. MiR-219a attenuates proliferative and migratory capacities in ASMC by binding HOXA1, thus participating in the progression of atherosclerosis.
Fabrication of Doxorubicin Nanoparticles Mediated by Folic Acid and Its Effect on the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling to Improve Precancerous Lesions in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yan Fan , Huang Hongjuan , Jiang Ying , Zeng Hongxin
Published: April 2023

Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is an anthracycline broad-spectrum antitumor drug, but it can produce a wide range of cytotoxicities in the body. Intravenous injection of a high dose of DOX causes serious toxicity and side effects in the heart and spinal cord. These shortcomings limit
the clinical adoption of DOX. In this work, folic acid was coupled to DOX albumin nanoparticles (NPs) by chemical modification so that the preparation could actively target tumor site accumulation and release DOX to inhibit tumor cells. Albumin NPs were prepared by the desolvation method,
and the formulation and preparation process were optimized. The particle size and granularity were taken as evaluation indexes. The in vitro antitumor activity of folic acid-mediated DOX albumin NPs against human hepatoma cell HepG2 and human gastric cancer cell SGC7901 was evaluated
by using the methyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay with commercial DOX as a reference. Twenty SD rats were utilized to participate in the efficacy analysis of folic acid-mediated DOX albumin NPs for gastric precancerous lesions (GPLs). The results showed that the average particle size of folate-mediated
doxorubicin albumin NPs was 267.28±0.38 nm, and 90% of them were less than 280.00 nm, showing a uniform particle size distribution. The drug release rate of the NPs within 24 h was 27.3%, and the NPs had sustained release properties. The IC50 values of the NPs and DOX aqueous solution
on the highly expressed HepG2 cells were 4.78 μmol/L and 5.26 μmol/L, respectively, and those on the SGC7901 cells were 4.62 μmol/L and 5.06 μmol/L, respectively. After the establishment of the GPL model, the gene levels in the Wnt/β-catenin
signaling were markedly upregulated (P <0.05). Folic acid-mediated doxorubicin albumin NPs greatly inhibited the abnormal expression of the above genes (P <0.01), i.e., they could effectively prevent further precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.
Stability Analysis of Ice Crystal Orientation
Authors: Zeng Xiping , Ulanowski Zbigniew , Heymsfield Andrew J. , Wang Yansen , Li Xiaowen
Published: April 2023

The stability of ice crystal orientation is studied by modeling the airflow around ice crystals at moderate Reynolds number, where an ice crystal is approximated by a cylinder with three parameters: diameter D, length L, and zenith angle of the axis θ. In this paper, the torque acting on ice crystals is simulated at different θ first, and then a special θ with zero horizontal torque, denoted as θe, is sought as an equilibrium of ice crystal orientation. The equilibrium is classified into two kinds: stable and unstable. Ice crystals rotate to θe of stable equilibriums while deviating from θe of unstable ones once they are released into quiet air. Multiple equilibriums of ice crystal orientation are found via numerical simulations. A cylinder with D/L close to one has three equilibriums, two of which are stable (i.e., θe = 0° and 90°). A cylinder with D/L away from one has only two equilibriums, one of which is stable (i.e., either θe = 0° or 90°). In addition, an asymmetric cylinder has two, three, or five equilibriums, and their θe is sensitive to the distance between its geometrical center and its center of gravity. The sensitivity of θe to crystal asymmetry suggests large symmetric ice crystals tend to become asymmetric (or irregular) and subsequently oriented randomly.

Significance Statement

Ice crystal orientation impacts high-cloud reflectance and satellite-based observations of high clouds significantly. However, its laboratory and field observations look dissimilar: the percentage of horizontally oriented ice crystals (HOICs) observed in the laboratory is quite high, while in the field it is often low and varies greatly in space and time. The motivation for this study is to elucidate what causes the difference between the laboratory and field observations. The torque acting on ice crystals are computed by modeling the airflow around ice crystals, revealing the conditions for nonhorizontal orientations of ice crystals. In quiet air, an ice crystal is oriented either horizontally or vertically when its shape is close to sphere. When its shape is elongated in one direction, its orientation depends on its asymmetry in density and shape. The sensitivity of ice crystal orientation to ice crystal asymmetry explains the low percentage of HOICs in the field, because asymmetric ice crystals are common in clouds. As an application, this sensitivity together with the observed percentage of HOICs can be used to infer the processes of ice crystal growth in clouds, providing clues to better representation of ice crystals in weather and climate models.
Hemispheric Albedo Asymmetries across Three Phases of CMIP
Authors: Crueger Traute , Schmidt Hauke , Stevens Bjorn
Published: April 2023

Earth’s planetary albedo shows a remarkable hemispheric symmetry. We assess to what extent CMIP models symmetrize the hemispheric clear-sky albedo asymmetry and what the role of clouds is for this. Following Voigt et al., we calculate a reference TOA reflected solar radiation considering the masking of clear-sky asymmetry by symmetric cloud contributions. We use the simple radiation model of Donohoe and Battisti to estimate this benchmark and to separate surface, aerosol, and cloud contributions to the compensation of this benchmark. In CERES, tropical clouds enhance the reference asymmetry while extratropical cloud asymmetries balance the reference asymmetry and the additional asymmetry introduced by tropical clouds. CMIP multimodel means show similar results as CERES. Clouds compensate reference asymmetries by 85% (CMIP3), 65% (CMIP5), and 78% (CMIP6) as compared with 98% for CERES. Spatial distributions of hemispheric differences indicate clear improvements across the CMIP phases. Remaining all-sky reflection asymmetries predominantly result from too-small, partly compensating cloud asymmetries: a too-weak enhancement of the reference asymmetry in the tropical Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans is accompanied by a too-weak compensation by extratropical clouds. Thus, tropical clouds and extratropical storm track regions are largely responsible for the compensation of hemispheric clear-sky asymmetries in CERES and CMIP, and for remaining biases in the GCMs. An unexpected result is the magnitude of model biases in the clear-sky asymmetries, which potentially condition systematic cloud biases. Experiments testing cloud-controlling factors influencing hemispheric asymmetry could help us to understand what drives hemispheric cloud differences.
Association Between Graft Type and Risk of Repeat Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cohort Study of 1747 Patients
Authors: Heffner Michael , Chang Richard N. , Royse Kathryn E. , Ding David Y. , Maletis Gregory B.
Published: April 2023

Background:

With an increasing number of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLRs), the burden of revision ACLR (rACLR) has also increased. Graft choice for rACLR is complicated by patient factors and the remaining available graft options.

Purpose:

To examine the association between graft type at the time of rACLR and the risk of repeat rACLR (rrACLR) in a large US integrated health care system registry while accounting for patient and surgical factors at the time of revision surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data from the Kaiser Permanente ACLR registry were used to identify patients who underwent a primary isolated ACLR between 2005 and 2020 and then went on to have rACLR. Graft type used at rACLR, classified as autograft versus allograft, was the exposure of interest. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate the risk of rrACLR, with ipsilateral and contralateral reoperation as secondary outcomes. Models included factors at the time of the rACLR (age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, staged revision, femoral fixation, tibial fixation, femoral tunnel method, lateral meniscal injury, medial meniscal injury, and cartilage injury) and a factor from the primary ACLR (activity at injury) as covariates.

Results:

A total of 1747 rACLR procedures were included. The crude cumulative rrACLR incidence at 8-year follow-up was 13.9% for allograft and 6.0% for autograft. Cumulative ipsilateral reoperation incidence at 8-year follow-up was 18.3% for allograft and 18.9% for autograft; contralateral reoperation cumulative incidence was 4.3% for allograft and 6.8% for autograft. With adjustment for covariates, a 70% lower risk for rrACLR was observed for autograft compared with allograft (hazard ratio [HR], 0.30; 95% CI, 0.18-0.50; P < .0001). No differences were observed for ipsilateral reoperation (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.73-1.51; P = .78) or contralateral reoperation (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.60-2.97; P = .48).

Conclusion:

The use of autograft at rACLR was associated with a 70% lower risk of rrACLR compared with allograft in this cohort from the Kaiser Permanente ACLR registry. When accounting for all reoperations outside of rrACLR after rACLR, the authors found no significant difference in risk between autograft and allograft. To minimize the risk of rrACLR, surgeons should consider using autograft for rACLR when possible.
Inclusive civic education and school democracy through participatory budgeting
Authors: Bartlett Tara , Schugurensky Daniel
Published: April 2023

Calls for more civic education have risen alongside political polarization, social injustices, and threats to democracy. Although civic learning opportunities are disproportionately accessible and often not inclusive, one model has shown promising results. Through School Participatory Budgeting, students deliberate and decide how to allocate funds to improve their school community using a democratic process and learn democracy by doing. However, like other civic engagement programs, students with disabilities (SWD) are often underrepresented. To address this challenge, a pilot project focused on engaging SWD in every aspect of the process, including overrepresentation on the student steering committee. In a mixed methods case study, we explored the effects of participation in the process and found that the inclusive model increased civic knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices for all students and fostered self-skills, relationships, and school leadership roles for SWD. These findings yield important lessons for future implementation of inclusive civic education practices.
Prenatal developmental toxicity of gardenia blue, a natural food colorant, in rats and rabbits
Authors: Breslin William J , Mesnard Jaime L , Maronpot Robert R , Koyanagi Mihoko , Chiba Shuichi , Nishino Masayuki , Hayashi Shim-mo
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Gardenia blue is a colorant widely used in Asia in food and beverages. The objectives of the present studies were to evaluate the maternal and prenatal embryo-fetal developmental toxicity of gardenia blue in rats and rabbits.

Methods

Sprague Dawley rats and New Zealand White rabbits were administered gardenia blue daily by oral gavage at doses of 0 (deionized water vehicle), 500, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg/day on Gestation Days 6 through 20 (rats) and 7 through 28 (rabbits). Endpoints evaluated included clinical observations, body weight, food consumption, thyroid hormones (rats), thyroid weights and histopathology (rats), gross pathologic changes, ovarian and uterine observations, fetal weight and anogenital distance (rats) and fetal morphology (external, visceral and skeletal).

Results

Treatment related maternal findings attributed to the blue/dark color of the test substance included body surface staining, and dark/blue discoloration of the kidneys, gastrointestinal track and mesenteric lymph nodes at all or most doses in the rat and/or rabbit. Slight reductions in food consumption without effects on body weight were also observed in rats at all doses and in rabbits at 2000 mg/kg/day. There were no treatment related effects on maintenance of pregnancy, postimplantation loss, litter size, fetal weight and anogenital distance, or fetal external, visceral, or skeletal malformations and variations.

Conclusions

Based on these results, the maternal and developmental no-observed-adverse-effect level for gardenia blue in rats and rabbits was ≥2000 mg/kg/day.
Stack-VTP: prediction of vesicle transport proteins based on stacked ensemble classifier and evolutionary information
Authors: Chen Yu , Gao Lixin , Zhang Tianjiao
Published: April 2023

Vesicle transport proteins not only play an important role in the transmembrane transport of molecules, but also have a place in the field of biomedicine, so the identification of vesicle transport proteins is particularly important. We propose a method based on ensemble learning and evolutionary information to identify vesicle transport proteins. Firstly, we preprocess the imbalanced dataset by random undersampling. Secondly, we extract position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) from protein sequences, and then further extract AADP-PSSM and RPSSM features from PSSM, and use the Max-Relevance-Max-Distance (MRMD) algorithm to select the optimal feature subset. Finally, the optimal feature subset is fed into the stacked classifier for vesicle transport proteins identification. The experimental results show that the of accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) of our method on the independent testing set are 82.53%, 0.774 and 0.836, respectively. The SN, SP and ACC of our proposed method are 0.013, 0.007 and 0.76% higher than the current state-of-the-art methods.
Proinflammatory plasticity towards Th17 paradigm of regulatory T cells consistent with elevated prevalence of TGFBR2 variants in elderly patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Cao Jingjing , Zhan Yanxia , Ji Lili , Chen Pu , Cheng Luya , Li Feng , Zhuang Xibing , Min Zhihui , Sun Lihua , Hua Fanli , Chen Hao , Wu Boting , Cheng Yunfeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized for the skewed Th differentiation towards Th1 and Th17 cells as well as the impaired number and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs are capable of co-expressing effector Th markers in different inflammatory milieu, which probably indicates Treg dysfunction and incompetence to counter over-activated immune responses.

Methods

Ninety-two primary ITP patients from March 2013 to December 2018 were included, and proinflammatory plasticity in different Treg compartments, age groups, and TGFBR2 variant carrier status were investigated.

Results

Patients were categorized into elderly (n = 44) and younger (n = 48) groups according to an age of 50 years at disease onset. The overall remission rate was 82.6% after first-line regimens, including 47.8% complete remission. TGFBR2 variants were found in 7 (7.6%) patients with three V216I and four T340M heterozygote carriers. ITP patients demonstrated elevated co-expression of IL-17 and decreased co-expression of both IFN-γ and IL-13 than health control (all p < 0.01). The elderly group demonstrated elevated prevalence of TGFBR2 variants (p = 0.037) and elevated co-expression of IL-17 (p = 0.017) in Tregs, while female predominance was found in the younger group (p = 0.037). In the elderly group, TGFBR2 variant carriers demonstrated further elevated co-expression of IL-17 (p = 0.023) and decreased co-expression of both IFN-γ (p = 0.039) and IL-13 (p = 0.046) in the aTreg compartment.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed additional aberrations of Treg proinflammatory plasticity in elderly primary ITP patients, and highlighted the potential role of Treg dysfunction and senescence in the pathogenesis and management among these patients.
Does chronic low-dose aspirin use benefit bone health? A cross-sectional study on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Li , Ji Xuelei , Chen Jun , Zhu Yu , Wang Zhen , Ma Zhen , Wu Yu , Wu Faguo , Zheng Zhangan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Numerous studies have reported the striking result that aspirin use is associated with higher bone mineral density (BMD), suggesting its potential as a population-wide osteoporosis prevention measure. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of chronic low-dose aspirin use on bone remodeling biomarkers and BMD in an aging population.

Materials and methods

Between September and November of 2019, clinical data regarding the medication use, serum bone remodeling biomarkers, and BMD of 567 consecutively hospitalized patients, a minimum of 50 years old with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), were collected. The cross-sectional associations between chronic low-dose aspirin use and serum concentrations of bone remodeling biomarkers and BMD were estimated separately using linear regression. Potential confounding variables were controlled for, including age, sex, and comorbidities.

Results

Low-dose aspirin users had significantly lower serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) concentrations than non-users (82.44 ± 28.03 U/L vs 90.71 ± 32.79 U/L, p = 0.025). On the other hand, low-dose aspirin users had insignificantly higher vertebral BMD (0.95 ± 0.19 vs 0.91 ± 0.21, p = 0.185), femoral neck BMD (0.80 ± 0.15 vs 0.78 ± 0.17, p = 0.309) and Ward’s triangle BMD (0.46 ± 0.14 vs 0.44 ± 0.13, p = 0.209), regardless of adjustment.

Conclusions

This cross-sectional study demonstrated that chronic use of low-dose aspirin was associated with significantly lower serum concentrations of BAP in hospitalized patients with T2DM. The mechanism causing the insignificantly higher BMD observed in chronic aspirin users in this study and the significant increments in BMD reported in previous studies requires further clarification in other clinical trials.
Primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PBMAH) patient with ARMC5 mutations
Authors: Tang Peng , Zhang Jun , Peng Song , Yan Xuzhi , Wang Yapeng , Wang Shuo , Zhang Yao , Liu Gaolei , Xu Jing , Huang Yiqiang , Zhang Dianzheng , Liu Qiuli , Jiang Jun , Lan Weihua
Published: April 2023

Background

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a highly heterogeneous disease with divergent manifestations ranging from asymptomatic subclinical Cushing syndrome (CS) to overt Cushing syndrome with severe complications. ARMC5 mutations occur in 20 to 55% PBMAH patients usually with more severe phenotypes. Different ARMC5 mutations might be associated with diverse phenotypes of PBMAH.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with progressive weight gain and severe hypertension. He presented typical CS and its classical metabolic and bone complications like hypertension and osteoporosis. The laboratory results showed high levels of cortisol and low levels of ACTH. Low- and high-dosed dexamethasone suppression tests were negative. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple bilateral irregular macronodular adrenal masses. Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) confirmed that the right adrenal gland with larger nodules secreted more hormone that the left side did. Right adrenalectomy and subsequent contralateral subtotal resection were conducted. His blood pressure and CS symptoms as well as comorbidities including backache and muscle weakness improved. Whole exome sequencing identified one ARMC5 germline mutation (c.1855C > T, p. R619*), five ARMC5 somatic mutations (four novel mutations) in his right and left adrenal nodules.

Conclusions

This PBMAH patient was identified with one ARMC5 germline mutation and five different somatic ARMC5 mutations (four novel mutations) in the different nodules of the bilateral adrenal masses. AVS combined with CT imagine could be helpful to determine the dominant side for adrenalectomy. Genetic testing is important for the diagnosis and management of the patient with PBMAH.
Improving person-centered occupational health care for workers with chronic health conditions: a feasibility study
Authors: Zipfel Nina , de Wit M. , Snippen N.C. , Bosma A.R. , Hulshof C.T.J. , de Boer A.G.E.M. , van der Burg-Vermeulen S.J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Person-centered care is needed to effectively support workers with chronic health conditions. Person-centered care aims to provide care tailored to an individual person’s preferences, needs and values. To achieve this, a more active, supportive, and coaching role of occupational and insurance physicians is required. In previous research, two training programs and an e-learning training with accompanying tools that can be used in the context of person-centered occupational health care were developed to contribute to this changing role. The aim was to investigate the feasibility of the developed training programs and e-learning training to enhance the active, supportive, and coaching role of occupational and insurance physicians needed for person-centered occupational health care. Information about this is important to facilitate implementation of the tools and training into educational structures and occupational health practice.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted, with N = 29 semi-structured interviews with occupational physicians, insurance physicians, and representatives from occupational educational institutes. The aim was to elicit feasibility factors concerning the implementation, practicality and integration with regard to embedding the training programs and e-learning training in educational structures and the use of the tools and acquired knowledge and skills in occupational health care practice after following the trainings and e-learning training. Deductive analysis was conducted based on pre-selected focus areas for a feasibility study.

Results

From an educational perspective, adapting the face-to-face training programs to online versions, good coordination with educational managers and train-the-trainer approaches were mentioned as facilitating factors for successful implementation. Participants underlined the importance of aligning the occupational physicians’ and insurance physicians’ competences with the educational content and attention for the costs concerning the facilitation of the trainings and e-learning training. From the professional perspective, factors concerning the content of the training and e-learning training, the use of actual cases from practice, as well as follow-up training sessions were reported. Professionals expressed good fit of the acquired skills into their consultation hour in practice.

Conclusion

The developed training programs, e-learning training and accompanying tools were perceived feasible in terms of implementation, practicality, and integration by occupational physicians, insurance physicians and educational institutes.
Diagnostic accuracy of atopy patch test in children with cow’s milk allergy
Authors: Kulalert Prapasri , Pongcharoen Padcha , Sritipsukho Paskorn , Intraakhao Sukkrawan , Piriyanon Punnapat , Thaweekul Patcharapa , Nanthapisal Sira , Poachanukoon Orapan
Published: April 2023

Background

The accuracy of an atopy patch test (APT) for fresh cow’s milk allergy is controversial. Few studies have focused on commercial extract solutions. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the APT in cow’s milk allergic children using fresh cow’s milk and commercial extracts of cow’s milk and its components including casein, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out in children with a history of cow’s milk allergy. Children underwent the skin prick test (SPT) and APT with fresh cow’s milk, powdered cow’s milk, and commercial extracts of cow’s milk, casein, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin. Oral food challenge (OFC) was confirmed in all children.

Results

A total of 37 patients participated (mean age 13.14 ± 7.26 months). Only 5 (13.51%) patients had positive OFC to cow’s milk. The sensitivity of the APT using fresh cow’s milk was 40%, specificity was 65.6%, PPV was 15.4%, and NPV was 87.5%. The sensitivity of the APT using powdered cow’s milk was 40%, 60.7% for specificity, 15.4% for PPV, and 58% for NPV. The sensitivity and PPV of the APT using commercial solutions of cow’s milk, casein, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin were zero. The specificities were 90.6%, 93.8%, 100%, and 100% for α-lactalbumin, cow’s milk, casein, and β-lactoglobulin, respectively.

Conclusions

APT using commercial solutions showed higher specificity than fresh milk. The specificity increased using a protein component allergen.
Cementless total hip arthroplasty for treatment of acetabular protrusion secondary to rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Liu Peng , Qiao Yong-jie , Lou Jin-peng , Cao Guoding , Chang Yanfeng , Zhou Sheng-hu
Published: April 2023

Background

To explore the surgical technique and clinical outcomes of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) combined with impacted bone grafting for the treatment of moderate and severe acetabular protrusion with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

From January 2010 to October 2020, 45 patients (56 hips), including 17 men (22 hips) and 28 women (34 hips) with acetabular impingement secondary to RA, were treated with bioprosthetic THA combined with autologous bone grafting at our hospital. According to the Sotello-Garza and Charnley classification criteria, there were 40 cases (49 hips) of type II (protrusio acetabuli 6–15 mm) and 5 cases (7 hips) of type III (protrusio acetabuli > 15 mm). At the postoperative follow-up, the ROM of the hip joint, the VAS score, and the Harris score were evaluated. The healing of the bone graft, the restoration of the hip rotation center, and the prosthesis loosening were assessed by plain anteroposterior radiographs.

Results

The average operation time was 95.53 ± 22.45 min, and the mean blood loss was 156.16 ± 69.25 mL. There were no neurovascular complications during the operation. The mean follow-up duration was 5.20 ± 1.20 years. The horizontal distance of the hip rotation center increased from preoperative 10.40 ± 2.50 mm to postoperative 24.03 ± 1.77 mm, and the vertical distance increased from preoperative 72.36 ± 3.10 mm to postoperative 92.48 ± 5.31 mm. The range of flexion motion of the hip joint increased from 39.48 ± 8.36° preoperatively to 103.07 ± 7.64° postoperatively, and the range of abduction motion increased from 10.86 ± 4.34° preoperatively to 36.75 ± 3.99° postoperatively. At the last follow-up, the Harris score increased from 37.84 ± 4.74 to 89.55 ± 4.05. All patients were able to move independently without assistance.

Conclusions

Cementless THA combined with impacted grafting granule bone of the autogenous femoral head and biological acetabular cup can reconstruct the acetabulum, restore the rotation center of the hip joint, and achieve good medium-term outcomes in the treatment of moderate to severe acetabular herniation secondary to RA.