bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling And Optimization Study of PEMFC Fueled With Ammonia Reforming Gas
Authors: Zhao Jian Feng , Qianchao LIANG , Yifan LIANG
Published: July 2021

The storage of high-purity hydrogen has been a technical challenge limiting the large-scale application of fuel cells. Ammonia is an ideal hydrogen storage carrier with a storage mass density of up to 17 wt% and can be easily liquefied for storage and transportation, but ammonia requires complex separation equipment to re-generate high-purity hydrogen, which greatly reduces its advantages in hydrogen storage. Therefore, the development of direct ammonia reforming gas fuel cells, which can avoid complicated pure hydrogen separation equipment, has a very meaningful impact and can greatly expand the application of fuel cells. In this paper, we study the modeling simulation of ammonia reforming gas-fueled proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) based on the preliminary experiments, and the concentration-dependent Butler-Volmer electrochemical model is used to simulate the ammonia reforming gas-fueled PEMFC. Firstly, the concentration-dependent Butler-Volmer electrochemical model was improved by adding a correction factor for the concentration difference polarization based on the characteristics of the experimental data to obtain a correction factor of 1.65 based on the experimental data; secondly, the effect of the anode channel length on the fuel cell performance was investigated. The results show that: firstly, the improved concentration-dependent Butler-Volmer electrochemical model can better match the experimental results; secondly, the anode channel length has less effect on the maximum power density and hydrogen concentration in the exhaust gas, and the current density gradient increases with decreasing anode channel length, but the fuel flow resistance decreases. The results of the study can provide a reference for the simulation study of PEMFC using ammonia reforming gas as fuel.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV as a Novel Prognostic Marker and Important Therapeutic Target in Melanoma
Authors: Piatkowska-Chmiel Iwona , Gawronska-Grzywacz Monika , Iwan Magdalena , Natorska-Chomicka Dorota , Herbet Mariola , Korga-Plewko Agnieszka , Dudka Jaroslaw
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThere is a lot of evidence which suggests that DPP IV level may correlate with a type of tumor cells, metastatic potential and prognosis for the patient. Bearing in mind that the melanomas are characterized by high heterogeneity and identification of specific phenotypes of cells allows for early and more effective therapy, the aim of our study was to check whether there is a correlation between the DPPIV and the metastatic potential of melanoma cell lines. Additionally, the aim of our research was to evaluate the anti-tumor potential of linagliptin and saxagliptin in melanoma cell lines as well as determining correlation between cytotoxicity of the drugs and DPP IV level. MethodsThe inhibitory effect of tested drugs on the cancer cell growth was assessed using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) while cell cycle analysis and apoptosis were performed using the NucleoCounter® NC-3000™ system (ChemoMetec, Denmark), following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. DPPIV release by cancer cells was measured by DPP4/CD26 ELISA assay kit for biological samples (Cloud-Clone Corp.,Wuhan,China). ResultsOur results showed that DPPIV overexpression promoted cell proliferation of melanoma cells. Our data showed that especially short term treatment with linagliptin is associated with not only decreased expression of DPPIV and inhibition of cell proliferation but also induction of cell cycle disruption and apoptosis in melanoma. Conclusions﻿The routine identification of this glycoprotein in melanoma would be fundamental to assessing not only the risk of metastasis/disease progression but also selection of therapy and evaluation of its effectiveness.
Without Moths or Bats, Cacti form Friendships with Bees: Reproductive Biology of the Queen of Night Selenicereus Setaceus (Cactaceae) in São Thomé Das Letras, Brazil
Authors: Sampaio Paulo S.P. , de Almeida Odair J.G.
Published: July 2021

Epiphyte, hemiepiphyte and scandent cacti comprise about 10% of the total species of Cactaceae and are the least studied group in the family. Despite the close relationship of Selenicereus setaceus with the well-known and internationally traded pitahayas / dragon-fruit crops, researchers have only recently increased their study of this species. Selenicereus setaceus is the only species of the genus that occurs in the southern American continent; the genus has its center of diversity in Central America and Mexico. Experiments using exclusion methods were carried out to monitor reproductive success and determine which floral visitors were effective pollinators of S. setaceus in southeastern Brazil. Pollination treatments were carried out to determine the reproductive system of the species in addition to observations to unveil the phenology and quantify the volume and concentration of sugars of the nectar produced during anthesis. The Apis mellifera bee was the most frequent visitor and the main pollinator of the S. setaceus flowers. The studied population is self-compatible and fruits with manual or spontaneous self-pollination through physical contact between the anthers and the stigma lobes during flower closing. The nectar had an average sugar concentration of 28.3% and an average volume of 133µl. Although the floral characteristics fit into the sphingophily and chiropterophily syndromes, natural pollination occurred mainly from daytime visitation by A. mellifera, which promotes both self-pollination and cross-pollination mainly during the flower closing period between 5:00 am and 10:00 am. In addition, spontaneous self-pollination also contributed to increasing the rate of fruiting, since visits by nocturnal pollinators were rare.
Synergistic Inhibitory Effect of Maleic Anhydride Derivatives and Quercetin on Cervical Cancer Cells Mediated by Attenuating Cell Survival through Modification of the GSH System
Authors: TORRES GABRIELA CARRASCO , Millán-Casarrubias Elmer Joel , Monroy-Ramírez Hugo Christian , Trujillo-Ferrara José Guadalupe , Vásquez-Garzón Verónica Rocío , Villa-Treviño Saúl
Published: July 2021

Oxidative stress is considered apromotive factor in cervical cancer progression. Agents that decrease cellular GSH levels have been reported to modulate the proliferation rate of cancer cells. To explore a new therapeutic candidate for cervical cancer, we evaluated the effects of combined administration of a maleic anhydride derivative and quercetin on a human cervical cancer-derived (HeLa) cell line and human epithelial cell lines (HaCaT, THLE-3 and cultured primary cells). The combinatorial treatment sensitizes tumor cells through significant decreases in ROS and GSH levels, inducing apoptotic cell death, which was probably induced by disruption of cellular redox homeostasis. In addition, S-phase cell cycle arrest, decreased cell migration and clear evidence of changes in cytoskeletal actin and core morphology were observed in HeLa cells at 24 and 48 h after treatment. In an in vivo model, we observed an increase in the survival time of animals given the combination treatment, as well as tumor inhibition. Therefore, current data suggest that this alteration in the cellular redox state mediated through coadministration of established agentsmay be a promising chemotherapeutic approach.
Glucocorticoid and Antibiotic Treatment-induced Recapitulated Hematological Remissions in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Implications for Ligand-dependent Growth and Survival Advantage
Authors: Sun Xiao-Yun , Xiao Shu-Xin , Yang Xiao-Qiu , Yang Xiao-Dong , Meng Fan-Jun , Zhao Xi-Chen
Published: July 2021

Leukemia-transformed multipotential hematopoietic cells have acquired the increased self-renewal capacity and impaired myeloid differentiation to mature blood cells. The emergence of symptomatic leukemia also critically requires the acquisition of growth and survival advantage in leukemic cells. Untreated leukemia patients usually demonstrated a progressive process. However, spontaneous remission occasionally occurred in a very small number of leukemia patients, which frequently followed a febrile episode and antibiotic treatment and was generally attributed to the activation of anti-neoplastic activities. Here we report a 63-year-old Chinese man who presented with the main complaints of abdominal pain, febrile episode and urticaria-like skin lesions. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML-M4) with t(8;21)(q22;q22)/RUNX1-RUNX1T1 on the basis of morphological, immunological, cytogenetic and molecular analysis. He also had a mutated FLT3-TKD gene. He was treated with antibiotics and glucocorticoid for the gastrointestinal infection and the urticaria-like skin lesions. The infection and skin lesions were quickly resolved. Unexpectedly, along with the relief of the febrile episode, abdominal symptoms and skin lesions, he achieved a hematological remission. After relapse, repeating this treatment resulted in the second hematological remission. These recapitulated treatment responses strongly suggested that inflammatory stresses arising from the gut inflammatory lesions, which could be largely mitigated by antibiotic and glucocorticoid treatment, sustained the growth and survival advantage of the leukemic cells.
The Diagnostic Value of Adenosine Deaminase in Children With Infectious Mononucleosis by EBV
Authors: Shi Ting , Li Jungen , Miao Yuzhu , Huang Linlin , Tian Jianmei
Published: July 2021

Background

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) which was a common disease in children was often accompanied by elevated transaminase and occasionally liver failure. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of adenosine deaminase in IM and its concurrent elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
Methods

104 children with IM and 50 controls with acute infection, of whom main symptoms were fever, tonsillitis or lymphadenitis, from Children’s Hospital of Soochow University were enrolled in this study. Among 104 children with IM, 54 had normal ALT (IM1 group) and 50 had elevated ALT (IM2 group). Then the clinical and laboratory data of the children were collected to explore the diagnostic value of ADA in the three groups.
Results

ADA in the IM group was significantly higher compared with it in the control group (P < 0.001). ADA had a high correlation with lymphocyte count, CD3 + CD8 + T cell (%), CD4+/CD8 + and CD3-CD19+(%) (|r| >0.7, p < 0.01). ADA had great diagnostic value in pediatric patients with IM. The sensitivity and specificity of ADA in predicting pediatric IM patients were 97.1% and 94.0%, respectively. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis indicated that ADA was risk factor for elevated ALT in children with IM.
Conclusions

ADA may be a novel diagnostic indicator for pediatric IM and indirectly predict elevated ALT.
Seasonal heat stress alters the milk yield, antioxidative levels and serum metabolites in primiparous and 3 multiparous dairy cows
Authors: Chen Xue , Dong Jia Nan , Rong Ji Ye , Xiao Jun , Zhao Wei , Aschalew Natnael D. , Zhang Xue Feng , Wang Tao , Qin Guixin , Sun Zhe , Zhen Yuguo
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to explore the seasonal heat stress affects the milk yield, antioxidative levels and serum metabolites in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows during early lactation. A total of two hundred dairy cows were selected according to their calving months (June, temperature humidity index (THI) =66.72; July, THI=70.30; August, THI=69.32; September, THI=67.20; October, THI=59.45). Blood samples were collected on day 0, 21, 50, 80, 100 after calving for serum oxidative status analysis and milk yield was recorded every day. The lower average daily milk yield in cows that calved in June and July (P<0.05), and average daily milk yield of multiparous cows was higher than that of primiparous cows that calved in the same month (P<0.05), suggesting that seasonal (June) heat stress negatively affected milk yield in both primiparous and multiparous cows at early lactation. Besides, 15 and 11 serum metabolites were changed in heat stress (average THI = 70.30) group compared with non heat stress (average THI = 59.45) group in primiparous cows and multiparous cows, respectively. These metabolites were mainly involved in the pathways of aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and the metabolism of glycine, serine and threonine. These data suggested that heat stress negatively affected the milk yield and thus caused the the elevation of 2 the serum oxidative and antioxidative index Metabolic biomarkers associated with the heat stress 29 in serum were found 0 which providing the basement of evaluating indicator between heat stress and non heat stress groups in primiparous and multiparous cows.
Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice Among Lactating Mothers Infected with HIV in Southern Highlands of Tanzania, Assessing the Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Practice; An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Moshi Fabiola Vincent , Faustine Rose
Published: July 2021

Background: There is no other better way proven to safeguard an infant's health in the first six months of life than Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF). Mother's breast milk is valuable in all aspects of an infant's physical and mental growth as well as immune development. The study aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors associated with EBF practice among lactating HIV-infected mothers in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Method: A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among lactating HIV-infected mothers. A random sampling procedure was used to obtain 372 HIV-infected mothers of infants of 6 to 12 months who were still breastfeeding at the time of data collection. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with EBF practice. Statistical package for social science (SPSS v.20) software was used for data entry and analysis. Results: The prevalence of EBF practice was 58.1% at 95% Confidence Interval of 52.9% to 63.1%. More than half of the respondents 199(53.5%) had adequate knowledge while 173(46.5%) had inadequate knowledge on EBF. After adjusted for confounders, factors associated with EBF practice were knowledge on EBF [Adequate knowledge (AOR=5.114 at 95% CI= 3.2-8.172, p<0.001)], ANC visit [ Adequate (AOR=1.756 at 95% CI=1.094-2.817, p=0.002)], Income per day [1 0r more USD (AOR=1.828 at 95% CI=1.136-2.943, p=0.013)], perception towards EBF [ positive perception (AOR=3.506 at 95% CI=2.248-5.468, p<0.001) and ever experienced breast problem AOR=3.908 at 95% CI=1.891-8.075, p<0.001 Conclusion: More than half of interviewed mothers practiced EBF. The EBF practice among HIV lactating mothers was significant influenced by adequate knowledge on EBF, positive perception toward EBF, adequate ANC visits, and having never experienced breast problems. Strengthening adherence to ANC routine visits, counseling on breastfeeding, and improving mother's knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding would contribute to the enhancement of EBF practice in this region. An innovative interventional study is recommended to come up with an effective strategy to improve EBF knowledge among HIV-infected mothers.
Realization of Twenty Monochromatic Beams using Photonic Structure via Principle of Filtering
Authors: Swain K.P. , Das Subhankar , Samal Soumya Ranjan , Sahu Sanjay Kumar , Palai Gopinath
Published: July 2021

The current work employs silicon-based one dimensional photonic structure which delivers ‘20’ different types of monochromatic beams (wavelengths) via filtering action. The I/P signals are essentially varies from visible to short infrared range to justify the work. Though similar type of works related to filtering application are found in the literature, the present research deals with an output signal which could be deployed in different purposes vis-à-vis dentistry, dermatology, spectroscopy, printing, holography, barcode scanning etc. The physicality of this work incorporates 68 layers of silicon monoxide and silicon based one-dimensional optical waveguide along with their configuration where the plane wave expansion method does fulfill the nitty-gritty of required mathematics to solve out electromagnetic wave equations. Reflectance and transmittance characteristics along with the absorbance are the critical parameters that substantiate the said application.
Icosahedron [Cl12]12- Templated Gigantic Gd158Co38 Nanocluster with the Largest Ln158 Core for Magnetic Cooling
Authors: Liningfang Li , Luo Ximing , Wang Jia , Wang Jilei , Song You , Mei Hua , Xu Yan
Published: July 2021

The synthesis of large nano-sized cluster-molecules is a goal that synthesists and structural scientists have been pursuing, as well as a huge challenge. Herein, the largest 3d-4f metal clusters Cl12@Gd158Co38 and Br12@Gd158Co38 until now are obtained through the “multi-anions-template” strategy, with a protein-sized metal frame (ca. 4.3 × 3.6 × 3.5 nm3). Different from the mixed distribution of 3d and 4f metals and the hollow structure in the previous giant 3d-4f clusters, for the dense core-shell structure Cl12@Gd158Co38 and Br12@Gd158Co38, the Ln158 core with the highest Ln nuclearity number is induced by icosahedra-shaped templates [Cl12]12- or [Br12]12-, while 3d metals (Co) are distributed on its periphery. Their appearances point out a new structure type of non-open giant Ln-based clusters (metal number > 100) and provide an ideal model for studying the multi-level assembly of complex macromolecules. Additionally, Cl12@Gd158Co38 shows the largest magnetic entropy change (-∆Smmax = 46.95 J kg-1 K-1 under 2.0 K and ΔH = 7 T) among reported high-nuclearity 3d-4f clusters.
High dose vitamin C in sepsis (HDVCIS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Bing , Li Mengjiao , Li Jian , Liu Leshan , Wang Yihui , Sun Silei , Xu Lili , Qi Xing , Xie Mengqi , Zhou Yuhua , Ni Tongtian , Yao Yi , Chen Peili , Yu Meiling , Jiang Weisong , Wang Ruilan , Tong Chaoyang , Cao Yu , Sheng Huiqiu , Mao Enqiang , Chen Erzhen
Published: July 2021

Sepsis is an inflammatory syndrome with life-threatening organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection. Although the treatment for sepsis has improved a lot in the last 30 years, sepsis related mortality remains high. In the recent 10 years, high dose intravenous injection of vitamin C, the first line antioxidant of human, has received more and more attention in the field of critical care, its beneficial effect has been demonstrated by several small scale clinical trial and animal studies, but the effect of high dose vitamin C on sepsis in a larger trial seems warranted in further study. Here we will conduct a prospective, multi-center, double-blind, adaptive sample size, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial named as HDVCIS. The trial protocol has been approved by Clinical Trail Ethics Committee of Ruijin Hospital of Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine. This trial has been registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800017633) in August 7, 2018. Patients will be recruited from 4 medical centers in China. Its object is to testify the efficacy and safety of high dose vitamin C in the treatment of sepsis.
A New Measurement Technique for Location Before Osteotomy of The Distal Femur in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Zhao Xuequan , Zhao Bin , Yao Shuzhang , Cao Kanduo , Hu Xueliang , Ren Chongxi
Published: July 2021

Background

Many traditional methods are available to prevent unbalance of extension and flexion gap during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there are no reports on the use of measurement and positioning method before tibial osteotomy with self-made tools.We designed a self-made tool measuring the location before tibial osteotomy and determined the clinical effect.
Methods

The retrospective study included patients who received TKA at our hospital, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015. A new method, named as the measurement and localization before osteotomy with self-made tools (MOST), was developed to measure the osteotomy position of the posterior femoral condyle during TKA. They were divided into two groups, one that received the new method (GroupⅠ), and the other that received the traditional method as a control (GroupⅡ). HSS score, Oxford score, VAS score and knee joint activity were evaluated in two groups.
Results

One hundred and eighty-seven of 210 eligible patients were included. The function of knee joint in all patients was improved and the pain was obviously relieved. Significant differences were found in the HSS score, Oxford score, VAS score, knee joint activity between two groups at 5-year follow-up (p < 0.05).
Conclusions

The use of MOST may contribute to improve the balance between flexion and extension gaps as well as the balance between internal and external gaps during TKA, and overcome knee flexion instability.
Oleanolic acid mediated the proliferation and invasion of U251 glioma cells and promoted their apoptosis through the IKK-β, MAPK3, and MAPK4 signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Jinxiang , Lin Shengnan , Zhu Feng , Chen Dengsheng , Huang Fang , xu luning
Published: July 2021

ObjectTo investigate the effects of Oleanolic acid (OA) on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of human glioma cell U251, as well as IKK-β and MAPK signaling pathways.MethodsThe binding of OA to IKK-β and MAPK signaling pathway essential proteins IKK-β, MAPK3, and MAPK4 was analyzed by molecular docking technique. U251 cells were treated with different concentrations of OA. The proliferation and apoptosis rates of U251 cells were detected by CCK-8 assay, MTT assay, cell cloning assay, and AnnexinⅤ FITC/PI double staining assay. Transwell chamber assay was used to detect migration and invasion of U251 cells. Finally, Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of IKK-β, MAPK3, and MAPK4 in U251 cells treated with OA.ResultsThe results of molecular docking showed that OA could stably bind to IKK-β, MAPK3, and MAPK4 proteins. OA could not only effectively inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of U251 cells (P < 0.05), but also significantly inhibit the invasion of U251 cells (P < 0.05). Western blot assay confirmed that OA could dramatically inhibit the protein expression levels of IKK-β, MAPK3, and MAPK4 in U251 cells (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOA may inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma U251 cells by binding key molecules of the IKK-β signaling pathway and essential target proteins of MAPK3 and MAPK4 in the MAPK signaling pathway.
Gelidocalamus Fengkaiensis (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), A New Bamboo Species From Guangdong, China, With An Analysis of Branch Development in Relation To Flowering
Authors: Cai Zhuo-yu , Xin-Xin Zhou , Wong Khoon-Meng , Xia Nian-He
Published: July 2021

Background: Bamboos, widely distributed in temperate and tropical Asia, Africa and America, refer to a group of special plants in Poaceae, Bambusoideae. China is rich in bamboo species. However, due to long flowering cycle, the flowering habit and the flowering structure of many bamboo species are still unknown. Here, we report a new bamboo species from Guangdong, China and an analysis of its interesting branch development in relation to flowering.Results: This species is similar to G. stellatus, the generic type, but differs in the characteristics of its lemma and palea, mid-culm branch complement, and culm-sheath ligules. The initial branches at a culm node do not apically develop flowering structure during a flowering episode; instead, these form on what appears to be specialized flowering branches.Conclusions: The results of morphological comparison support Gelidocalamus fengkaiensis recognized as a new species. And during flowering episode, two branch types (‘foliage branch’ and ‘flowering branch’) can be distinguished in this species.
Selegiline Improves Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson’s Disease: An Open Trial
Authors: Zhang Jinru , Chen Ju-ping , Li Jia , Li Jian , Miao Hong , zhu xiangyang , meng meng , han Yang , chen Jing , Cheng Xiaoyu , Xiong Kang-ping , Jin Hong , luo Wei-feng , Mao Cheng-jie , Liu Chun-Feng
Published: July 2021

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may respond to dopaminergic therapies. The aim of this open-label trial was to assess the efficacy and safety of selegiline as a treatment for EDS in PD patients. In this multi-center study, 141 PD subjects were enrolled between December 2019 and October 2020, and 121 patients completed the 8-week study. Selegiline was administered at 5 mg/day in the first week and was increased to 10 mg per day during the following weeks. EDS was evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at baseline, week 3, and week 8. Changes in motor complications, sleep quality, and quality of life were also assessed in patients with PD. As primary outcomes, ESS scores decreased significantly in PD patients who received selegiline for 8 weeks (P < 0.001). As secondary outcomes, the scores of Parkinson's disease sleep scale (PDSS) and Parkinson’s disease quality of life questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39) also improved after the treatment. The severity of motor fluctuation improved (P=0.037), while the percentage of patients with dyskinesia and the severity of dyskinesia did not increase significantly compared with baseline. Participants treated with selegiline showed an improvement in EDS and good tolerance of the drug. This study demonstrated the efficacy of selegiline for the treatment of daytime sleepiness in PD patients.Trial registration: clinicaltrials, NCT04870372. Registered 5 May 2021 - Retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0009J06&selectaction=Edit&uid=U00026CP&ts=2&cx=ruz8uy.
Excess Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Diabetes: Can It Be Offset With Ideal Cardiovascular Health Trajectories?
Authors: Gaye Bamba , Lloyd-Jones Donald , Valentin Eugenie , Joseph Joshua J , Jouven Xavier , Lassale Camille
Published: July 2021

Objective: To describe patterns of change in cardiovascular health (CVH) measured by the Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) over 6 years in participants with diabetes, and assess the association of these patterns of change with subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality.Methods: We conducted a long-term prospective cohort analysis (median follow-up 19 years) using the ARIC study, a community-based, biracial cohort with participants aged 45-64 years at baseline in 1987–1989. The LS7 metrics (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure) were collected at baseline and 6 years later. At both time points, participants were classified as low (0-2 ideal metrics), moderate (3-4), and favorable (5-7) CVH, and 6-year CVH change categories were created. Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to estimate the association between change categories and CVD and mortality. Results: The majority (62.2%) of participants with diabetes had a stable-low CVH at both visits, whereas 12.1% had stable-moderate and 0.4% stable-favorable, 14.9% improved, and 10.5% worsened. Compared to participants with stable-low CVH, CVD and mortality risk was lower for those who improved CVH 6 years later, or stable-moderate, or even high- or moderate-to-low CVH. This was driven by favorable changes in blood pressure, cholesterol, physical activity and smoking. Compared to participants free of diabetes with a stable-favorable CVH change, participants with diabetes had higher CVD and mortality risk regardless of their CVH trajectory. However, those with a favorable CVH trajectory displayed the same excess risk as participants without diabetes with stable-low CVH. Conclusions: Among individuals with diabetes, maintaining or reaching ideal levels of LS7 metrics can help reduce the excess CVD incidence and mortality. A favorable CVH trajectory in people with diabetes carried approximately the same excess CVD and mortality risk than an unfavorable CVH trajectory in people free of diabetes.
ATP-Binding Cassette Expression Profilling Revealed its Role in Development and Regulating Stress Response in Potato (Solanum Tuberosum)
Authors: zaynab madiha , Hussain Athar , Sajid Mateen , Ahsan Muhammad , Sharif Yasir , Fatima Mahpara , Raza Muhammad Ammar , Khan Khalid Ali , Li Shuangfei
Published: July 2021

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene family play vital role in substance transportation including heavy metals ion, secondary metabolites and phytohormone across membranous structure. Despite its essential role in crops, still uncovered in potato (Solanum tuberosum L), grown world widely as a 3rd important food crop. Current study identified a total of 54 ABC transporter genes (StABC) in potato genome. The accumulative phylogenetic tree of StABC with Arabidopsis, divided into 8 groups (ABCA to ABCH). Among these, ABCG was the largest family covering 90% of StABC genes followed by ABCB group. The number and architecture of exon-intron varied from gene to gene. However, the sequence alignment and motif analysis demonstrated similar functional and structural sites and motif in all StABC. The syntenic blocks presented segmental duplication among intra and inter genomes. In addition, the presence of stress responsive element in the regulatory regions depicted their role in environmental adaptation. Furthermore, the tissues-specific and stress-specific expression profiling of StABC genes and their validation through Real-Time-qPCR (RT-qPCR ) analysis revealed their role in development and stress. The presented results provided useful information for further functional analysis of StABC and can also use as reference study for other important crops.
Melatonin Alleviates Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation By Suppressing NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis Via ROS/mtDNA/STING Pathway After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wang Jin , Yang Haiyuan , Zhang Fan , Shao Minghao , Xu Haocheng , Xu Shun , Lyu FeiZhou
Published: July 2021

BackgroundMicroglia pyroptosis-induced neuroinflammation has been one of the potential treatment targets for spinal cord injury (SCI). And melatonin is reported to have anti-neuroinflammation effect on SCI, but the underlying mechanism is largely unexplored. In addition, the potential regulatory role of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) mediated innate immune response in the SCI-induced neuroinflammation also remains unknown. The aim of this study is to identify the potential molecular mechanism of the anti-neuroinflammation effect of melatonin in SCI mice and to explore whether STING-mediated signal pathway is involved in this pharmacological process. MethodsIn vivo, the C57BL/6 female mice underwent SCI injury or Sham surgery (laminectomy alone). Melatonin and selective STING antagonist C-176 were administered intraperitoneally after injury in the SCI group once a day for 3 or 28 consecutive days for different experiments. The BMS score system was adopted to assess the motor function of mice. In vitro, the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/ATP was combinedly used to induce cell pyroptosis in BV2 microglia and the adenovirus was used to overexpress STING. A series of molecular experiments including Western blot (WB), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence (IF) were performed in vivo and in vitro. ResultsOur results showed that melatonin effectively suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis and STING-mediated pathway after SCI. In addition, C-176 also alleviated the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and promoted functional recovery in vivo. In vitro, we also found that melatonin abrogated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in LPS/ATP-induced BV2 cells, while overexpression of STING reversed the anti-pyroptotic role of melatonin. Subsequent results together indicated that the role of melatonin on STING-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation may be mediated by decreasing ROS production and cytosolic mtDNA release. ConclusionThis study preliminarily demonstrated that melatonin exerts its anti-neuroinflammation role on SCI by alleviating the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, which was mediated by blocking the ROS/mtDNA/STING pathway. It provides us a better understanding of the pathological mechanism after SCI and offer experiment evidence to promote the use of melatonin for SCI.
Bifico Relieves Irritable Bowel Syndrome By Regulating Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Inflammatory Cytokines in an Animal Model
Authors: Zhou Yanlin , Zhang Fan , Mao Liqi , Feng Tongfei , Wang Kaijie , Wang Xi , Xu Maosheng , Lv Bin
Published: July 2021

Gut microbiota dysbiosis, a core pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is closely related to immunological and metabolic functions. Gut microbiota-based therapeutics have been recently explored in several studies. Bifico is a probiotic cocktail widely used in gastrointestinal disorders which relate to the imbalance of gut microbiota. However, the efficacy and potential mechanisms of Bifico treatment in IBS remains incompletely understood. In this animal experiment, IBS mice received Bifico by intragastric administration. Subsequently, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores showed a protective effect of Bifico in IBS mice. Then 16S rDNA, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and western blot assays were performed to analyze alterations of gut microbiota, microbiome metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Results suggested that while Bifico did not increase gut microbial diversity, it could change the composition of gut microbiota which were characterized by an increase of Proteobacteria phylum and Actinobacteria phylum, Muribaculum genera, Bifidobacterium genera and a decrease of Parabacteroides genera, Sutterella genera and Lactobacillus genera. Moreover, Bifico elevated the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and reduced protein levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). From further Spearman's correlation analysis, Bifidobacterium genera were positively correlated with SCFAs including propionate, butyrate, valerate and negatively correlated with IL-6 and TNF-α. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Bifico could alleviate symptoms of IBS mice through regulation of the gut microbiota, elevating production of SCFAs and reducing the colonic inflammatory response. Therefore, Bifico may have utility in clinical practice.
Exosomes Derived From miR-214-3p Overexpressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Myocardial Repair
Authors: Zhu Wenwu , Wang Qingjie , Zhang Jian , Sun Ling , Du Wei , Wu Yujie , Cao Yue , Chi Boyu , Li Jing , Feng Yueyue , Zou Ailin , Mao Lipeng , Jiang Jianguang , Ji Yuan , Han Bing
Published: July 2021

Aims Exosomes are known as nanovesicles that are naturally secreted，playing an essential role in stem-mediated cardioprotection. This study mainly focused on investigating if exosomes derived from miR-214 overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show more valid cardioprotective ability in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its potential mechanisms.Methods Exosomes were isolated from control MSCs (Ctrl-Exo) and miR-214 overexpressing MSCs (miR-214OE-Exo) and then they were delivered to cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells in vitro under hypoxia and serum deprivation (H/SD) condition or in vivo in an acutely infarcted Sprague-Dawley rat heart. Regulated genes and signal pathways by miR-214OE-Exo treatment were explored using western blot analysis and luciferase assay.Results In vitro, miR-214OE-Exo enhanced migration, tube-like formation in endothelial cells. In addition, miR-214OE-Exo ameliorated the survival of cardiomyocytes under H/SD. In the rat AMI model, compared to Ctrl-Exo, miR-214OE-Exo reduced myocardial apoptosis, and therefore reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function. Besides, miR-214OE-Exo accelerated angiogenesis in peri-infarct region. Mechanistically, we identified that exosomal miR-214-3p promoted cardiac repair via targeting PTEN and activating p-AKT signal pathway. Conclusion Exosomes derived from miR-214 overexpressing MSCs have greatly strengthened the therapeutic efficacy for treatment of AMI by promoting cardiomyocyte survival and endothelial cell function.
A New Type of Balloon Catheter-Based Dilatation Intervention for Patients With Cricopharyngeus Achalasia After Stroke: A Randomized Study
Authors: Hu Tingting , Cai Yeyu , Shen Zhaohui , Chen Ailian , Wu Yacen , Song Tao , Liu Jia , Liu Chujuan , Gong Fanghua
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To investigated the efficacy and safety of a new type of balloon catheter in dilatation intervention for patients with cricopharyngeus achalasia after stroke.
Methods

Fifty-two patients with cricopharyngeus achalasia after stroke received routinely swallowing rehabilitation trainings and were randomly assigned to: an experimental group (n = 26) that received dilatation therapy using this new balloon catheter one time per day for 5 days per week and a control group (n = 26) that received dilatation therapy with NO.14 ordinary urinary catheter one time per day for 5 days per week. Duration of intervention, EAT-10 and FOIS scores were recorded at baseline and every day during intervention. The time for FOIS score ≥ 3, the time for recovery of oral intake of water, liquid food, mushy food and solid food were recorded and estimated. Complications were recorded during intervention.
Results

The Exp group had shorter duration of intervention compared to the Con group (p < 0.001). Exp group improved faster than Con group with shorter recovery time for oral intake of liquid food (p < 0.001), mushy food (p = 0.001) and solid food (p < 0.001). At the termination of intervention, EAT-10 score was lower in Exp group than in Con group (p = 0.002). Compared to the Con group, Exp group had similar incidence of complications but better tolerability (p = 0.006).
Conclusion

Using this new balloon catheter for dilatation improves more and faster than using ordinary urinary catheter in patients with cricopharyngeus achalasia after stroke.
Exploration of the Efficiency of Radiomics Applied to Left Ventricular Tomograms Obtained From D-SPECT MPI for the Auxiliary Diagnosis of Myocardial Ischemia in CAD
Authors: Wang Junpeng , Fan Xin , Qin Shanshan , Zhang Han , Yu Fei
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of radiomics with left ventricular tomograms obtained from D-SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for auxiliary diagnosis of myocardial ischemia in coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods: The images of 103 patients with CAD myocardial ischemia between September 2020 and April 2021 were retrospectively selected. After information desensitization processing, format conversion, annotation using the Labelme tool on an open-source platform, lesion classification, and establishment of a database, the images were cropped for analysis. The ResNet18 model was used to automate two steps (classification and segmentation) with five randomization, training and validation steps. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, Youden’s index, agreement rate, and kappa value were calculated as evaluation indexes of the classification results for each training-validation step; then, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were drawn, and the areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated. The Dice coefficient, intersection over union, and Hausdorff distance were calculated as evaluation indexes of the segmentation results for each training-validation step; then, the predicted images were exported.Results: Under the existing conditions, the radiomics model can distinguish myocardial ischemia quite accurately, with AUCs all exceeding 0.95, and predict the areas of myocardial ischemia quite accurately; all evaluated indexes were close to those of the gold standard.Conclusion: Radiomics can be feasibly applied to left ventricular tomograms obtained from D-SPECT MPI for auxiliary diagnosis, with quite good results. Patients may benefit from this approach as technology evolves and associated software is developed.
The Coagulation Analysis of Reveals Novel Biomarkers for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in Full Term Newborn
Authors: Zhou Fangye , Liu Li , Fu Rong
Published: July 2021

Background: The coagulation test is used to evaluate in various diseases. Little is known about correlation between the coagulation test and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The aim of the study was to determine the neonatal coagulation analysis value in infants with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia as reliable markers. Methods: All newborns were born and inpatients in the newborn wards of the Chengdu Second People’s Hospital. Measurement of serum bilirubin was done to diagnose hyperbilirubinemia. All neonates involved were full term of either gender without any significant illness or major congenital malformations. Data were collected from newborns who had neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and healthy in Chengdu Second People’s Hospital. Prothrombin time(PT), Thrombin time(TT), Fibrinogen(Fbg), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), and calculated international normalized ration(INR) values were recorded. Linear relationship between INR and level of total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin were analyzed by linear regression. The receiver operating curve(ROC) and the area under the curve(AUC) were made evaluated. Results: In this case-control study, the mean PT, APTT level were significant higher in the infants with hyperbilirubinemia group compared to the healthy infants. We found the positive correlation between INR and total bilirubin(R=0.3327; P<0.0001). Furthermore, there was also significant positive correlation between INR and indirect bilirubin(R=0.3402; P<0.0001). Meanwhile, INR in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia significantly achieved an AUC of 0.800(95% CI=0.6288-0.9712, cutoff value 1.060, specificity71.43%, and sensitivity 80.00%).Conclusions: PT, APTT were significant high in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia group. Correlation were observed between the INR and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Importantly, the study revealed INR as novel biomarkers for diagnosis of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in full term newborn.
IgG4-related Lung Disease With Recurrent Pulmonary Lesions During Steroid Therapy and Difficulty in Differentiating From Malignancy: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Okubo Tomohito , Nakashima Nariyasu , Tokunaga Yoshimasa , Kita Nobuyuki , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Ishikawa Ryou , Okada Setsuo , Go Tetsuhiko , Yokomise Hiroyasu
Published: July 2021

Background: Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is characterized by the formation of inflammatory lesions with fibrosis and infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells and lymphocytes in various organs of the body. Since the first report of IgG4-related autoimmune pancreatitis, IgG4-RD affecting various organs has been reported; however, there are still only a few reports of IgG4-related lung disease (IgG4-RLD). In this report, we describe a case of IgG4-RLD with recurrent pulmonary lesions during steroid therapy that were difficult to differentiate from malignancy.Case presentation: A 61-year-old man was referred to our hospital after an abnormal chest shadow on X-ray was noted during his visit to his previous doctor for asthma treatment. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a middle lobe hilar mass with irregular margins and swelling of the right hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography revealed a mass lesion with a maximum diameter of 5.5 cm, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of 11.0, and areas with high SUV in the hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. We suspected lung cancer or malignant lymphoma and performed a thoracoscopic lung biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A total of five tumor sites and an enlarged lymph node (LN#10) were biopsied; histopathological examination revealed no malignant findings, and IgG4-RLD was diagnosed. One month after treatment with prednisolone (PSL), the tumor had shrunk, but a CT scan during the third month of PSL treatment revealed multiple nodular shadows in both lungs. Considering the possibility of malignant complications and multiple lung metastases, we performed thoracoscopic partial lung resection of the new left lung nodules to determine the treatment strategy. Histopathological examination revealed no malignant findings in any of the lesions, and the patient was diagnosed with IgG4-RLD refractory to PSL monotherapy. We are considering the combination of azathioprine and PSL as future treatment.Conclusions: IgG4-RLD refractory to PSL monotherapy showed changes from a solitary large mass (pseudotumor) to multiple nodules on chest CT. It was difficult to distinguish malignancy from IgG4-RLD based on imaging tests and blood samples alone, and performing thoracoscopic lung biopsies and partial lung resection were useful in determining the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Trajectories of Cognitive Function and Their Machine Learning-based Prediction Models in Older Adults: a 16 Years Follow-up in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey
Authors: Wu Yafei , Jia Maoni , Xiang Chaoyi , Lin Shaowu , Jiang Zhongquan , Fang Ya
Published: July 2021

Background: Cognitive decline shows heterogeneous with increasing age. The trajectory of cognitive function is yet to be fully investigated in older Chinese. Early identification of such trend is essential for the prevention of high-risk population related to cognitive decline. This study aimed to explore the heterogeneity and determinants of cognitive trajectories, and construct prediction models for distinguishing cognitive trajectories among the elderly Chinese at a community level.Methods: This study included 3502 older adults aged 65-105 years at their first observations in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2002 to 2018. The Chinese version Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used for measuring cognitive function. The heterogeneity of cognitive trajectories was identified through mixed growth model, and the determinants of cognitive trajectories were analyzed by logistic regression. Under a consideration of feature selection, machine learning algorithms, namely logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and an integrated algorithm combining LR and SVM (stacking), were used to predict cognitive trajectories using epidemiological variables. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and brier score were used to assess discrimination and calibration, respectively. Results: Two distinct cognitive trajectories were identified according to the changes of MMSE scores: stable-function (93.6%), and rapid-decline (6.4%). Older age, female gender, Han ethnicity, having no schooling, rural residents, low frequency leisure activities, and low baseline ADL score were associated with the rapid decline in cognitive function. For classification of two trajectories, the performance of LR, SVM and stacking algorithms with feature selection were comparable, of which achieved 0.66 of balanced accuracy, 0.74 of sensitivity, 0.73 of F1 score, 0.66 of AUROC, and 0.25 of brier score. Among the predictors, age and psychological well-being were the most effective variables for distinguishing two trajectories.Conclusions: Two cognitive trajectories were identified among older Chinese. The identified determinants of trajectories could be targeted for constructing early risk prediction models.