bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomenclatural and taxonomic notes on some names of Sesleria sect. Argenteae (Poaceae) from Italy and the Balkans
Authors: DI PIETRO ROMEO , KUZMANOVIĆ NEVENA , LAKUŠIĆ DMITAR , VICIANI DANIELE , FORTINI PAOLA , IAMONICO DUILIO
Published: March 2021

Several names belonging to the Sesleria sect. Argenteae (Poaceae) were discussed in this paper and, where necessary, typified. Lectotypes were designated for the names Sesleria nitida var. brevidentata, S. nitida var. intermedia, S. nitida var. tenoreana f. macrostachya, and S. nitida var. tenoreana f. visianii. Neotypes were designated for the names Sesleria nitida var. tenoreana s.s. and S. nitida var. de-gasperiana. Synonyms were proposed for the following names (accepted names in brackets): S. feretrana (= S. italica), S. italica subsp. mariculensis (= S. italica), S. nitida var. brevidentata (= S. vaginalis), S. nitida var. candae (= S. italica), S. nitida var. intermedia (= S. robusta), S. nitida var. tenoreana f. visianii (= S. italica), and S. nitida var. tenoreana f. macrostachya (= S. italica). As regards Sesleria nitida var. de-gasperiana and S. nitida var. sancti-marinii, they were confirmed as synonyms of S. pichiana. Due to the extremely limited number of herbarium specimens available, we could not confirm the taxonomic autonomy of S. nitida var. pulchella (basionym of the taxon currently accepted as S. pulchella) and consider it as a preliminary synonym of Sesleria italica.
A new species of Calea (Neurolaeneae, Asteraceae) from the Atlantic Forest, Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil
Authors: SILVA GENILSON ALVES DOS REIS E , NAKAJIMA JIMI NAOKI
Published: March 2021

A new species, Calea arachnoidea, which belongs to Calea sect. Meyeria, is hereby described and illustrated. This species occurs in the Serra Negra region, located in the southern portion of the “Zona da Mata” in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Calea arachnoidea resembles C. quadrifolia, C. heteropappa and C. semirii, and its relationships with these species are discussed and an identification key for the species of C. sect. Meyeria in the state of Minas Gerais is provided. Additionally, photographs, a distribution map, comments about habitat and conservation status are provided.
RNA Sequencing Evidences the Prevention of Oxidative Stress is Effective in Injury-Induced Heterotopic Ossification Treatment
Authors: Xie Kai , Chen Lijun , Yang Jiazhao
Published: March 2021

Heterotopic ossification is a bona fide bone formation outside the normal skeleton. Traumatic injury and genetic mutations are the important risk factors of HO. Both injury-induced HO and hereditary HO severely affect human life quality. However, there were no effect therapies treating
HO. Here, we performed the RNA-sequencing assay to examine dynamic process during HO initiation and development. Moreover, we found that oxidation-reduction process were significantly dysregulated following HO formation. Further, we characterized that Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor
2 (NRF2) expression conferred antioxidant property in macrophages and then helped chondrocytes formation. Instead, 3-Nitrotyrosine is expressed by T-lymphocytes, but not macrophages, causing deficient adaptive immunity. Inhibition of NRF2 markedly alleviated HO. Finally, we identified that
PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is responsible for whole HO process, but ERK signaling is activated only in early stage. ERK pathway blockade effectively prevented HO. These findings revealed that oxidative stress induced by early immune response can be targeted in HO treatment.
Novel Copper Nanoparticles Intercalated Polyurethane Heparin/Poly-L-Lysine Chelates Coated Stents: Viability Study for Coronary Vascular Cells and Aneurysms Treatments
Authors: Ma Ji , Li Teng-Fei , Yuan Hui-Feng
Published: March 2021

Continuous delayed endothelium regeneration and continues thrombosis development designate a task for coronary artery stent rehabilitation. To progress the direct vascular cell behavior, aneurysms treatments and compatibility of cardiovascular implants novel copper intercalated polyurethane
heparin/poly-L-lysine chelates treated stent has established in this report. The functional group modifications, structural characteristics, and stability of the chelates have investigated for polyurethane heparin: poly-L-lysine, copper intercalated polyurethane heparin/poly-L-lysine coated
stents. The FTIR results showed the copper intercalation at 446 cmr and the Cu 2s peak at 932 eV from XPS also indicated that the successful coating of copper, polyurethane heparin, poly-L-lysine. The relative surface geomorphology of the chelates displayed the uniform Cu coating consisting
of multilayer poly-L-lysine on the substrate. The stability and biocompatibility studies indicated the significantly enhanced performance with clot the APTT and TT periods as clotting and cell proliferation assessments. This type of composite proposes a stage on a stent external area for discerning
track of vascular cell performance and aneurysms treatments with low side effects.
Temperature Plays an Essential Regulatory Role in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Youpeng , Zhao Ziyin , Han Bing , Yang Jinbo , Sun Yang , Zhang Bingyuan , Zang Yunjin , Guan Huashi
Published: March 2021

In recent years, emerging immunotherapy has been included in various malignant tumor treatment standards. Temperature has been considered to affect different pathophysiological reactions such as inflammation and cancer for a long time. However, in tumor immunology research, temperature is still rarely considered a significant variable. In this review, we discuss the effects of room temperature, body temperature, and the local tumor temperature on the tumor immune microenvironment from multiple levels and perspectives, and we discuss changes in the body’s local and whole-body temperature under tumor conditions. We analyze the current use of ablation treatment—the reason for the opposite immune effect. We should pay more attention to the therapeutic potential of temperature and create a better antitumor microenvironment that can be combined with immunotherapy.
Highly Fluorescent N-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from Bamboo Stems for Selective Detection of Fe3+ Ions in Biological Systems
Authors: Yan Jiamin , Lu Yuneng , Xie Shaowen , Tan Haihu , Tan Weilan , Li Na , Xu Lijian , Xu Jianxiong
Published: March 2021

The establishment of sensing platform for trace analysis of Fe3+ in biological systems is meaningful for health monitoring. Herein, a Fe3+ sensitive fluorescent nanoprobe was constructed based on highly fluorescent N-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) derived from
bamboo stems through a hydrothermal method employing ethylenediamine as the nitrogen dopant. The prepared NCQDs had a uniformly distributed size and their mean size was around 2.43 nm. Abundant functional groups (C=N, N-H, C=O, and carboxyl) anchored on NCQDs demonstrated successful doping
of N in CQDs. The obtained NCQDs possessed a high fluorescence quantum yield of 20.02% and outstanding fluorescence stability over a wide pH range and at high ionic strengths. Moreover, Fe3+ ions presented a specific fluorescent quenching effect to the as-prepared NCQDs. The calibration
curve for fluorescence quenching degree corresponding to Fe3+ concentration showed a linear response in a range of 0.01–10 µM, and detection limit was 0.486 µM, which indicated that the NCQDs had high sensitivity to Fe3+ ions. Ascribed
to these unique properties, the NCQDs were selected as luminescent probes for trace amount of Fe3+ ions in human serum. These results demonstrated their promising use in clinical diagnostics and other biologically relevant studies.
Microvesicles from Schwann-Like Cells as a New Biomaterial Promote Axonal Growth
Authors: Ye Kai , Yu Jiahong , Li Li , Wang Hui , Tang Bin , Ni Wei , Zhou Jiqin , Ling Yating , Lu Xiaorui , Niu Dongdong , Ramalingam Murugan , Hu Jiabo
Published: March 2021

Schwann cells promote axonal regeneration following peripheral nerve injury. However, in terms of clinical treatment, the therapeutic effects of Schwann cells are limited by their source. The transmission of microvesicles from neuroglia cells to axons is a novel communication mechanism
in axon regeneration.To evaluate the effect of microvesicles released from Schwann-like cells on axonal regeneration, neural stem cells derived from human embryonic stem cells differentiated into Schwann-like cells, which presented a typical morphology and characteristics similar to those
of schwann cells. The glial markers like MBP, P0, P75NTR, PMP-22, GFAP, HNK-1 and S100 were upregulated, whereas the neural stem markers like NESTIN, SOX1 and SOX2 were significantly downregulated in schwann-like cells. Microvesicles enhanced axonal growth in dorsal
root ganglia neurons and regulated GAP43 expression in neuron-like cells (N2A and PC12) through the PTEN/PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway. A 5 mm section of sciatic nerve was transected in Sprague-Dawley rats. With microvesicles transplantation, regenerative nerves were evaluated after 6 weeks.
Microvesicles increased sciatic function index scores, delayed gastrocnemius muscle atrophy and elevated βIII-tubulin-labeled axons in vivo. Schwann-like cells serve as a convenient source and promote axonal growth by secreting microvesicles, which may potentially be used
as bioengineering materials for nerve tissue repair.
A Scale-Adaptive Turbulence Model for the Dry Convective Boundary Layer
Authors: Zhou Bowen , Li Yuhuan , Miao Shiguang
Published: March 2021

A scale-adaptive model is developed for the representation of dry convective boundary layer (CBL) turbulence in numerical models operating at O(100) m to O(1) km horizontal resolution, also known as the model gray zone of the CBL. The new model is constructed based on a planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme and a large-eddy simulation (LES) closure that are both turbulence kinetic energy–based parameterizations. Scale adaptivity is achieved by “blending” the PBL scheme with the LES closure through an inverse averaging procedure that naturally accounts for vertical variations of the dominant turbulent length scales, hence the gray zone range. High-resolution wide-domain LES benchmark cases covering a broad range of CBL bulk stability are filtered to gray zone resolutions, and analyzed to determine the averaging coefficients. Stability dependence of the dominant length scales is revealed by the analysis and accounted for in the new model. The turbulence model is implemented into a community atmospheric model, and tested for idealized cases. Compared to two established gray zone models, the new model performs equally well under strongly convective conditions, and is more advantageous for the weakly unstable and near neutral CBL.
Reply to “Comments on ‘Global and Regional Entropy Production by Radiation Estimated from Satellite Observations’”
Authors: Kato Seiji , Rose Fred G.
Published: March 2021

This reply addresses a comment on the study by Kato and Rose (herein referred to as KR2020). The comment raises four points of criticism. These are 1) on notations used, 2) on a steady-state assumption made, 3) on the result of entropy production change with Earth’s albedo, and 4) disputing the statement that a simple energy balance model cannot produce absorption temperature change with Earth’s albedo. We concur on points 2 and 3 raised by the comment and recognize the significance of entropy storage due to ocean heating in the analysis of how entropy production changes with the shortwave absorptivity of Earth. Once entropy storage is considered, the results of KR2020 indicate that the increase of entropy production rate by irreversible processes, including by radiative processes, is smaller than the increase of entropy storage when absorptivity is increased. This is a manifestation of the primary contribution of positive top-of-atmosphere net irradiances (i.e., energy input to Earth) to heating the ocean and is consistent with an energy budget perspective. Once entropy storage is separated, the entropy production by irreversible processes increases with the shortwave absorptivity.
Effect of Boundary Conditions on Adjoint-Based Forecast Sensitivity Observation Impact in a Regional Model
Authors: Kim Hyun Mee , Kim Dae-Hui
Published: March 2021

In this study, the effect of boundary-condition configurations in the regional Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model on the adjoint-based forecast sensitivity observation impact (FSOI) for 24 h forecast error reduction was evaluated. The FSOI has been used to diagnose the impact of observations on the forecast performance in several global and regional models. Different from the global model, in the regional model, the lateral boundaries affect forecasts and FSOI results. Several experiments with different lateral boundary conditions were conducted. The experimental period was from 1 to 14 June 2015. With or without data assimilation, the larger the buffer size in lateral boundary conditions, the smaller the forecast error. The nonlinear and linear forecast error reduction (i.e., observation impact) decreased as the buffer size increased, implying larger impact of lateral boundaries and smaller observation impact on the forecast error. In most experiments, in terms of observation types (variables), upper-air radiosonde observations (brightness temperature) exhibited the greatest observation impact. The ranking of observation impacts was consistent for observation types and variables among experiments with a constraint in the response function at the upper boundary. The fractions of beneficial observations were approximately 60%, and did not considerably vary depending on the boundary conditions specified when calculating the FSOI in the regional modeling framework.
Impact of the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) Pandemic on Head and Neck Cancer Care
Authors: Thompson Joshua Adam , Lubek Joshua E. , Amin Neha , Joy Reju , Dyalram Donita , Ord Robert A. , Taylor Rodney J. , Wolf Jeffrey S. , Mehra Ranee , Cullen Kevin J. , Molitoris Jason K. , Witek Matthew , Papadimitriou John C. , Morales Robert E. , Hatten Kyle M.
Published: March 2021

Objective

The study aimed to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on head and neck oncologic care at a tertiary care facility.

Study Design

This was a cross‐sectional study conducted between March 18, 2020, and May 20, 2020. The primary planned outcome was the rate of treatment modifications during the study period. Secondary outcome measures were tumor conference volume, operative volume, and outpatient patient procedure and clinic volumes.

Setting

This single‐center study was conducted at a tertiary care academic hospital in a large metropolitan area.

Methods

The study included a consecutive sample of adult subjects who were presented at a head and neck interdepartmental tumor conference during the study period. Patients were compared to historical controls based on review of operative data, outpatient procedures, and clinic volumes.

Results

In total, 117 patients were presented during the review period in 2020, compared to 69 in 2019. There was an 8.4% treatment modification rate among cases presented at the tumor conference. There was a 61.3% (347 from 898) reduction in outpatient clinic visits and a 63.4% (84 from 230) reduction in procedural volume compared to the prior year. Similarly, the operative volume decreased by 27.0% (224 from 307) compared to the previous year.

Conclusion

Restrictions related to the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in limited treatment modifications. Transition to virtual tumor board format observed an increase in case presentations. While there were reductions in operative volume, there was a larger proportion of surgical cases for malignancy, reflecting the prioritization of oncologic care during the pandemic.
Comparison of Percutaneous Transluminal Angiography With or Without Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Chronic Femoropopliteal Occlusive Disease
Authors: Yi Mengfei , Guo Jianjun , Gao Yanxia , Ren Jianzhuang , Bi Yonghua , Han Xinwei
Published: March 2021

Background:

Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is seldom used for chronic femoropopliteal occlusive disease.

Methods:

Patients with chronic femoropopliteal occlusive disease enrolled between January, 2011 and April, 2017. Hospitalization expense, limb salvage rate and survival rate were calculated.

Results:

Twenty-nine patients were treated with CDT (CDT group) and 31 patients without CDT (Non-CDT group).The mean hospitalization expense (5.2 ± 0.5), balloon catheter (1.0 ± 0.2) and stents number (0.8 ± 0.2) in CDT group were significantly less compared to Non-CDT group ( P < 0.05). The short-term and long-term effect scales showed similar in both groups. The incidences of perioperative complications (10.3% vs. 19.4%), primary patency and second patency rate, limb salvage rate (14.8% vs. 16.1%) and survival rate were also similar ( P > 0.05). Six patients died in each group and only 2 disease related deaths were found in Non-CDT group.

Conclusion:

CDT is a safe and economic strategy for patients with chronic femoropopliteal occlusive disease, and should be served as blanket treatment for every patient without thrombolytic contradictions or a remedy for failure PTA to achieve a comparable clinical effect.
Parenting Mediates Associations Between Intimate Partner Violence at Different Life Stages and Toddler Social–Emotional Problems
Authors: Riggs Jessica L. , Janisse Heather , Huth-Bocks Alissa
Published: March 2021

Background:

Researchers have linked parent experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) to engagement in more negative and less positive parenting behaviors with their own children. This parenting behavior is associated with more negative child social-emotional outcomes. There is little research examining the impact of exposure to IPV during childhood on subsequent parenting and child outcomes in the next generation. This study aimed to better understand the complex relationship between IPV, parenting, and child social-emotional development among mothers of toddler-aged children, using both mothers’ self-reported and observed parenting.

Method:

This study utilized longitudinal data from an economically disadvantaged, racially diverse sample of 120 women who participated in data collection across the perinatal period, until children were 2 years of age. Measures included self-reported and observed parenting, mother-reported IPV history, and mother-report of toddler social-emotional difficulties.

Results:

Childhood exposure to IPV predicted observed parenting problems, which in turn predicted greater toddler social-emotional problems. Conversely, adult experiences of IPV predicted self-reported parenting difficulties, which predicted greater toddler social-emotional problems.

Findings suggest that exposure to IPV at different time points may influence parenting in different ways, representing unique pathways between maternal IPV experiences and child social-emotional difficulties
Patterns of Orbital Fractures Needing Surgical Reconstruction in a Large Tertiary Hospital in Northern India
Authors: Gupta Sneha , Singh Praveen Kumar , Mehrotra Divya , Mohammad Shadab , Singh Vibha , Kaur Apjit , Ojha Bal Krishna
Published: March 2021

Study Design:

This is a prospective study for 3 year duration.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to observe the incidence and patterns of orbital fractures and discuss their treatment options.

Methods:

A total 29604 trauma patients visited our emergency department within May 2017 to Oct 2019, where 1230 (4.15%) patients presented with orbital fractures, of which only 44 (3.6% of orbital fracture) patients required surgical reconstruction, and were enrolled in our study and evaluated for their fracture patterns, size of bone defect, clinical presentation, timing of surgery, reconstruction, and complications.

Results:

The incidence of orbital fracture was 4.15%, of which only 20.5% were pure blow out. Associated fractures included 72.7% zygomatic complex, 50% LeFort, 31.8% mandible and 20.5% pan facial fractures. The most common pattern was the 1 wall orbital defect in 38.6%, 2 wall in 27.3%, 3 wall in 29.5% and 4 wall in 4.5%. The orbital floor fracture was seen in 100%, medial wall in 27.3%, lateral wall in 61.4%, roof in 15.9%. Different reconstruction options used included calvarial bone (2.3%), ear cartilage (2.3%), medpore (36.4%), polycaprolactone sheet (6.8%), titanium mesh (52.3%), patient specific implant (6.8%) and navigation (4.5%).

Conclusion:

Orbital fractures are mostly impure fractures, associated with zygomatic complex fractures, hence lateral wall fractures are seen more commonly. Patient specific implants, navigation guided reconstruction, autologous calvarial bone graft and preformed titanium mesh show better results, and fulfill the objectives of orbital reconstruction by restoring the normal anatomy and volume of the orbit.
Targeting AXL kinase sensitizes leukemic stem and progenitor cells to venetoclax treatment in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Niu Xiaojia , Rothe Katharina , Chen Min , Grasedieck Sarah , Li Rick , Nam Sung-Eun , Zhang Xiuyan , Novakovskiy German E. , Ahn Ye-Hyeon , Maksakova Irina , Lai Shenshen , Zhang Hong , Yan Jun , Liu Hong , Zhao Yun , Wu Depei , Ge Yubin , Wasserman Wyeth W. , Rouhi Arefeh , Kuchenbauer Florian , Yip Calvin K. , Zhang Zaihui , Jiang Xiaoyan
Published: March 2021

The abundance of genetic abnormalities and phenotypic heterogeneities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) poses significant challenges to the development of improved treatments. Here, we demonstrated that a key growth arrest-specific gene 6/AXL axis is highly activated in cells from patients with AML, particularly in stem/progenitor cells. We developed a potent selective AXL inhibitor that has favorable pharmaceutical properties and efficacy against preclinical patient-derived xenotransplantation (PDX) models of AML. Importantly, inhibition of AXL sensitized AML stem/progenitor cells to venetoclax treatment, with strong synergistic effects in vitro and in PDX models. Mechanistically, single-cell RNA-sequencing and functional validation studies uncovered that AXL inhibition, alone or in combination with venetoclax, potentially targets intrinsic metabolic vulnerabilities of AML stem/progenitor cells and shows a distinct transcriptomic profile and inhibits mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Inhibition of AXL or BCL-2 also differentially targets key signaling proteins to synergize in leukemic cell killing. These findings have a direct translational impact on the treatment of AML and other cancers with high AXL activity.
KDM5 inhibition offers a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of KMT2D mutant lymphomas
Authors: Heward James , Koniali Lola , D’Avola Annalisa , Close Karina , Yeomans Alison , Philpott Martin , Dunford James , Rahim Tahrima , Al Seraihi Ahad F. , Wang Jun , Korfi Koorosh , Araf Shamzah , Iqbal Sameena , Bewicke-Copley Findlay , Kumar Emil , Barisic Darko , Calaminici Maria , Clear Andrew , Gribben John , Johnson Peter , Neve Richard , Cutillas Pedro , Okosun Jessica , Oppermann Udo , Melnick Ari , Packham Graham , Fitzgibbon Jude
Published: March 2021

Loss-of-function mutations in KMT2D are a striking feature of germinal center (GC) lymphomas, resulting in decreased histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation and altered gene expression. We hypothesized that inhibition of the KDM5 family, which demethylates H3K4me3/me2, would reestablish H3K4 methylation and restore the expression of genes repressed on loss of KMT2D. KDM5 inhibition increased H3K4me3 levels and caused an antiproliferative response in vitro, which was markedly greater in both endogenous and gene-edited KMT2D mutant diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell lines, whereas tumor growth was inhibited in KMT2D mutant xenografts in vivo. KDM5 inhibition reactivated both KMT2D-dependent and -independent genes, resulting in diminished B-cell signaling and altered expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family members, including BCL2 itself. KDM5 inhibition may offer an effective therapeutic strategy for ameliorating KMT2D loss-of-function mutations in GC lymphomas.
Synergistic efficacy of the dual PI3K-δ/γ inhibitor duvelisib with the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax in Richter syndrome PDX models
Authors: Iannello Andrea , Vitale Nicoletta , Coma Silvia , Arruga Francesca , Chadburn Amy , Di Napoli Arianna , Laudanna Carlo , Allan John N. , Furman Richard R. , Pachter Jonathan A. , Deaglio Silvia , Vaisitti Tiziana
Published: March 2021

A small subset of cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia undergoes transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Richter syndrome (RS), which is associated with a poor prognosis. Conventional chemotherapy results in limited responses, underlining the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we investigate the ex vivo and in vivo efficacy of the dual phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-δ/γ (PI3K-δ/γ) inhibitor duvelisib (Duv) and the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax (Ven) using 4 different RS patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Ex vivo exposure of RS cells to Duv, Ven, or their combination results in variable apoptotic responses, in line with the expression levels of target proteins. Although RS1316, IP867/17, and RS9737 cells express PI3K-δ, PI3K-γ, and Bcl-2 and respond to the drugs, RS1050 cells, expressing very low levels of PI3K-γ and lacking Bcl-2, are fully resistant. Moreover, the combination of these drugs is more effective than each agent alone. When tested in vivo, RS1316 and IP867/17 show the best tumor growth inhibition responses, with the Duv/Ven combination leading to complete remission at the end of treatment. The synergistic effect of Duv and Ven relies on the crosstalk between PI3K and apoptotic pathways occurring at the GSK3β level. Indeed, inhibition of PI3K signaling by Duv results in GSK3β activation, leading to ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of both c-Myc and Mcl-1, making RS cells more sensitive to Bcl-2 inhibition by Ven. This work provides, for the first time, a proof of concept of the efficacy of dual targeting of PI3K-δ/γ and Bcl-2 in RS and providing an opening for a Duv/Ven combination for these patients. Clinical studies in aggressive lymphomas, including RS, are under way. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03892044.
Oscillatory shear stress promotes angiogenic effects in arteriovenous malformations endothelial cells
Authors: Ryu Jeong Yeop , Kim Yun Hyun , Lee Joon Seok , Lee Jeong Woo , Oh Eun Jung , Kim Hyun Mi , Lee Seok-Jong , Lee Jongmin , Lee Sang Yub , Huh Seung , Kim Ji Yoon , Im Saewon , Chung Ho Yun
Published: March 2021

Background

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are subject to continuous shear stress due to blood circulation. Mechanical stress due to high shear flow can also cause arteriovenous malformation (AVM) when ECs respond hyper-sensitively to shear flow. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that angiogenesis could be promoted in response to mechanical stress via regulation of pro-angiogenic factors in AVM cells.

Methods

ECs were extracted from the tissue samples from six AVM patients and six normal patients. Shear stress at 7 dynes/cm2 were applied for 24 h. Before and after application of shear stress to each group, RT-PCR was performed to access the expression levels of angiopoietin2(AGP2), aquaporin1(AQP1) and TGFβR1. Immunofluorescences was also performed to evaluate the level of protein expressions.

Results

In both normal and AVM tissues, AGP2 and TGFβR1 under the shear stress showed increased expression in the ECs compared to the non-sheared samples. When AVMs and normal arterial vasculature were compared, the expression levels of both AGP2 and TGFβR1 in AVMs were higher when compared to normal arterial vasculature with or without shear stress. Immunofluorescence-based protein analysis also confirmed shear-induced AGP2 and TGFβR1 in both samples of normal and AVM patients.

Conclusions

AVMs exhibited higher sensitivity to shear stress by producing higher expressions of some marked genes and proteins that regulate the endothelial functions upon exposure to shear stress. While the physiological mechanism for AVMs remain elusive, our study shows the plausibility of physical stress imposed by the shearing flow can cause the occurrence of AVMs.
Non-lead rifle ammunition: Danish hunters’ attitudes
Authors: Kanstrup Niels , Balsby Thorsten Johannes Skovbjerg , Mellerup Kavi Askholm , Hansen Hans Peter
Published: March 2021

Background

Lead particles from hunting rifle ammunition become embedded in the tissue of shot animals and pose a health risk to predators and scavengers that eat discarded offal or parts of non-retrieved carcasses of shot game animals, as well as to humans who consume game. Copper and copper–zinc alloys are the most widely used alternatives to leaded ammunition. In Denmark, there has been a growing awareness of the toxic environmental effects of lead ammunition and the Danish government, supported by the Danish Hunters’ Association, announced in November 2020 a forthcoming ban on the use of lead-based bullets for hunting purposes intended to take effect in 2023. The question that remains to be addressed is how the Danish hunting community perceives lead ammunition as a problem and non-lead alternatives as a solution, and whether the willingness to change demonstrated by the hunters’ representatives reflects the attitude of the individual hunters. We studied this in a survey targeting 6000 randomly selected Danish rifle hunters, mapping their knowledge and concerns regarding lead rifle ammunition as well as their use of lead and non-lead ammunition.

Results

We found that approximately one-fifth of the use of rifle ammunition for hunting in Denmark in 2019 was non-lead. Hunters’ knowledge of and concern for the adverse impacts of lead ammunition and the opportunities to switch to non-lead alternatives were generally limited. However, some showed an open-minded attitude and we found that such knowledge and concern increased the likelihood of hunters deciding to use non-lead ammunition. Hunters mainly got their information from hunting organizations and colleagues and expressed a distinct lack of information and guidance on the topic from ministerial authorities responsible for hunting administration.

Conclusions

Some hunters have already changed to use non-lead rifle ammunition completely or in part, and others show an open attitude to discussing the issue and receiving more information particularly from hunting authorities. Some hunters demonstrated a critical or negative attitude towards a change. Communication of the adverse impacts of leaded ammunition in terms of the risk of lead poisoning to wildlife and humans and the opportunities of switching to the existing efficient and safe alternatives is essential regardless of the formal approach and will be crucial for the effectiveness of the regulation announced by the Danish government.
Evaluating ecological risks and tracking potential factors influencing heavy metals in sediments in an urban river
Authors: Liu Dongping , Wang Jian , Yu Huibin , Gao Hongjie , Xu Weining
Published: March 2021

Background

Heavy metal pollution of aquatic systems is a global issue that has received considerable attention. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) have been applied to heavy metal data to trace potential factors, identify regional differences, and evaluate ecological risks. Sediment cores of 200 cm in depth were taken using a drilling platform at 10 sampling sites along the Xihe River, an urban river located in western Shenyang City, China. Then they were divided into 10 layers (20 cm each layer). The concentrations of the As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn were measured for each layer. Eight heavy metals, namely Pb, Zn, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Hg, were measured for each layer in this study.

Results

The average concentrations of the As, Cd, Cu, Hg, and Zn were significantly higher than their background values in soils in the region, and mainly gathered at 0–120 cm in depth in the upstream, 0–60 cm in the midstream, and 0–20 cm downstream. This indicated that these heavy metals were derived from the upstream areas where a large quantity of effluents from the wastewater treatment plants enter the river. Ni, Pb, and Cr were close or slightly higher than their background values. The decreasing order of the average concentration of Cd was upstream > midstream > downstream, so were Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn. The highest concentration of As was midstream, followed by upstream and then downstream, which was different to Cd. The potential factors of heavy metal pollution were Cd, Cu, Hg, Zn, and As, especially Cd and Hg with the high ecological risks. The ecological risk levels of all heavy metals were much higher in the upstream than the midstream and downstream.

Conclusions

Industrial discharge was the dominant source for eight heavy metals in the surveyed area, and rural domestic sewage has a stronger influence on the Hg pollution than industrial pollutants. These findings indicate that effective management strategies for sewage discharge should be developed to protect the environmental quality of urban rivers.
Is ferroptosis involved in ROS-induced testicular lesions in a varicocele rat model?
Authors: Shaygannia Erfaneh , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad H. , Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Fattah , Parivar Kazem
Published: March 2021

Background

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death that is distinct from apoptosis. Based on excessive amounts of iron and reactive oxygen species in varicocele (VCL) rats, we hypothesize that ferroptosis might be involved in VCL. In addition, since alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) was shown to have both antioxidant and anti-ferroptotic activity we assessed in the present work the status of ferroptosis in our varicocele model and the protective effect of ALA. To this end, 70 male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups: control, sham and varicocele groups which were initially sacrificed 2 months after the operation to verify the induction of varicocele. A second batch of the same 3 groups were sacrificed 4 months after varicocele induction to evaluate the effect of ALA supplementation. The parameters measured were chromatin integrity (aniline blue and acridine orange staining), lipid peroxidation (BODIPY staining), testicular morphometry and iron content. In addition, redox (GSH and NADPH) and ferroptosis (Nrf2, Slc7a11, P53 and p-Jnk) markers were evaluated at 2 and 4 months post-operation.

Result

The alteration of the spermatic parameters made it possible to verify the induction of the varicocele. Iron accumulated well in the testicles during varicocele and decreased significantly following ALA treatment. Ferroptotic molecular markers at the mRNA and protein levels were not significantly altered. ALA supplementation did not alter NADPH values, but increased GSH levels.

Conclusion

Despite the increased accumulation of iron in the testes 2 and 4 months after surgical induction of varicocele, molecular evidence did not demonstrate the involvement of ferroptosis. This could be explained by the mosaic nature of the varicocele affecting some seminiferous tubules and not others which could mask variations in molecular markers. In parallel, our study confirms that ALA stimulates the NRF2 pathway.
Reliable genomic strategies for species classification of plant genetic resources
Authors: van Bemmelen van der Plaat Artur , van Treuren Rob , van Hintum Theo J. L.
Published: March 2021

Background

To address the need for easy and reliable species classification in plant genetic resources collections, we assessed the potential of five classifiers (Random Forest, Neighbour-Joining, 1-Nearest Neighbour, a conservative variety of 3-Nearest Neighbours and Naive Bayes) We investigated the effects of the number of accessions per species and misclassification rate on classification success, and validated theirs generic value results with three complete datasets.

Results

We found the conservative variety of 3-Nearest Neighbours to be the most reliable classifier when varying species representation and misclassification rate. Through the analysis of the three complete datasets, this finding showed generic value. Additionally, we present various options for marker selection for classification taks such as these.

Conclusions

Large-scale genomic data are increasingly being produced for genetic resources collections. These data are useful to address species classification issues regarding crop wild relatives, and improve genebank documentation. Implementation of a classification method that can improve the quality of bad datasets without gold standard training data is considered an innovative and efficient method to improve gene bank documentation.
Six genes involved in prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma identified by Cox hazard regression
Authors: Dai Qinghong , Liu Tao , Gao Yongchao , Zhou Honghao , Li Xiong , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), derived from hepatocytes, is the main histological subtype of primary liver cancer and poses a serious threat to human health due to the high incidence and poor prognosis. This study aimed to establish a multigene prognostic model to predict the prognosis of patients with HCC.

Results

Gene expression datasets (GSE121248, GSE40873, GSE62232) were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and adjacent or normal tissues, and then hub genes were screened by protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and Cytoscape software. Seventeen genes among hub genes were significantly associated with prognosis and used to construct a prognostic model through COX hazard regression analysis. The predictive performance of this model was evaluated with TCGA data and was further validated with independent dataset GSE14520. Six genes (CDKN3, ZWINT, KIF20A, NUSAP1, HMMR, DLGAP5) were involved in the prognostic model, which separated HCC patients from TCGA dataset into high- and low-risk groups. Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival analysis and risk score analysis demonstrated that low-risk group represented a survival advantage. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed risk score could be an independent prognostic factor. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed there was a better predictive power of the risk score than that of other clinical indicators. At last, the results from GSE14520 demonstrated the reliability of this prognostic model in some extent.

Conclusion

This prognostic model represented significance for prognosis of HCC, and the risk score according to this model may be a better prognostic factor than other traditional clinical indicators.
Diversity of short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) in lepidopteran insects and evidence of horizontal SINE transfer between baculovirus and lepidopteran hosts
Authors: Han Guangjie , Zhang Nan , Jiang Heng , Meng Xiangkun , Qian Kun , Zheng Yang , Xu Jian , Wang Jianjun
Published: March 2021

Background

Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) belong to non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons, which can mobilize dependent on the help of counterpart long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs). Although 234 SINEs have been identified so far, only 23 are from insect species (SINEbase: http://sines.eimb.ru/).

Results

Here, five SINEs were identified from the genome of Plutella xylostella, among which PxSE1, PxSE2 and PxSE3 were tRNA-derived SINEs, PxSE4 and PxSE5 were 5S RNA-derived SINEs. A total of 18 related SINEs were further identified in 13 lepidopteran insects and a baculovirus. The 3′-tail of PxSE5 shares highly identity with that of LINE retrotransposon, PxLINE1. The analysis of relative age distribution profiles revealed that PxSE1 is a relatively young retrotransposon in the genome of P. xylostella and was generated by recent explosive amplification. Integration pattern analysis showed that SINEs in P. xylostella prefer to insert into or accumulate in introns and regions 5 kb downstream of genes. In particular, the PxSE1-like element, SlNPVSE1, in Spodoptera litura nucleopolyhedrovirus II genome is highly identical to SfSE1 in Spodoptera frugiperda, SlittSE1 in Spodoptera littoralis, and SlituSE1 in Spodoptera litura, suggesting the occurrence of horizontal transfer.

Conclusions

Lepidopteran insect genomes harbor a diversity of SINEs. The retrotransposition activity and copy number of these SINEs varies considerably between host lineages and SINE lineages. Host-parasite interactions facilitate the horizontal transfer of SINE between baculovirus and its lepidopteran hosts.
Use of therapeutic caffeine in acute care postoperative and critical care settings: a scoping review
Authors: Bright M. , Raman V. , Laupland K. B.
Published: March 2021

Background

Caffeine is the most utilised psychoactive drug worldwide. However, caffeine withdrawal and the therapeutic use of caffeine in intensive care and in the perioperative period have not been well summarised. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of caffeine withdrawal and use in the intensive care unit (ICU) and postoperative patients.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Complete, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies investigating the effects of caffeine withdrawal or administration in ICU patients and in the perioperative period. Areas of recent systematic review such as pain or post-dural puncture headache were not included in this review. Studies were limited to adults.

Results

Of 2268 articles screened, 26 were included and grouped into two themes of caffeine use in in the perioperative period and in the ICU. Caffeine withdrawal in the postoperative period increases the incidence of headache, which can be effectively treated prophylactically with perioperative caffeine. There were no studies investigating caffeine withdrawal or effect on sleep wake cycles, daytime somnolence, or delirium in the intensive care setting. Administration of caffeine results in faster emergence from sedation and anaesthesia, particularly in individuals who are at high risk of post-extubation complications. There has only been one study investigating caffeine administration to facilitate post-anaesthetic emergence in ICU. Caffeine administration appears to be safe in moderate doses in the perioperative period and in the intensive care setting.

Conclusions

Although caffeine is widely used, there is a paucity of studies investigating withdrawal or therapeutic effects in patients admitted to ICU and further novel studies are a priority.
A pilot study of 17 wrist-cutting suicide injuries in single institution: perspectives from a hand surgeon
Authors: Kim Jong-Ho , Yoo Hyokyung , Eun Seokchan
Published: March 2021

Background

Self-cutting is a special type of emergency in hand surgery. Despite its low mortality rate, it is clinically significant because there is a possibility of permanent disability and repeated suicide attempts are likely to occur. Therefore, we aim to understand the characteristics of self-inflicted wrist injuries and share the perspectives from a hand surgeon in order to inform those who face these patients primarily in the emergency room.

Methods

We reviewed 17 patients with self-inflicted wrist injuries who were referred to the Department of Hand surgery from the Emergency Medicine Department from 2013 to 2017. We investigated the differences in demographic features (age, gender, psychological diagnosis, alcohol consumption, prior suicide attempts) and clinical features (injury side, injury pattern, anatomical structures, distance from wrist crease).

Results

Among the patients, 4 were female and 13 were male. 70.6% of patients (12/17) had injuries on the left wrist and 94.1% of patients (16/17) had injuries on the flexor side. The average distance from the wrist crease to the injured site was 3.43 cm and 90.5% (19/21) of total injuries had an average distance of was less than 5 cm. The most frequently injured structures were palmaris longus tendon (58.5%, 10/17). 52.9% (9/17) of patients, among which 6 of the 8 patients with deep injuries and 3 of the 9 patients with superficial injuries, had a history of a psychiatric disorder.

Conclusions

We conclude that a male with a previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder has a higher chance of inflicting a deeper injury. In addition, self-cutting injuries are highly predictable because most of these injuries occur on the flexor side of the left wrist and are limited to a distance of 5 cm from the wrist crease. In terms of the implements used in self-inflicted injuries, we can predict the type of damage to some degree depending on the type of implement used. In view of these characteristics, more appropriate evaluation can be implemented in the emergency room and those who deal with these patients primarily can cope more effectively for better long-term results.
Recruiting general practitioners and patients with dementia into a cluster randomised controlled trial: strategies, barriers and facilitators
Authors: Lech Sonia , O’Sullivan Julie L. , Wellmann Leonard , Supplieth Juliana , Döpfmer Susanne , Gellert Paul , Kuhlmey Adelheid , Nordheim Johanna
Published: March 2021

Background

Recruitment of general practitioners (GPs) and their patients is reported as one of the most challenging steps when undertaking primary care research. The present paper describes the recruitment process of a cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) aiming to improve dementia care in the primary care setting.

Methods

Recruitment data was analysed descriptively using frequency tables to investigate comparisons of recruitment rates and results of different recruitment strategies as well as reasons for participation and non-participation of GPs, patients with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers.

Results

Over a period of 23 months,N = 28 GPs were successfully included in the cRCT. This represents an overall recruitment rate of 4.6%. The most efficient strategy in terms of high response and low labour-intensity involved the dissemination of calls for participation in a GP research network. Most frequently reported reasons for GP’s participation wereImprovement of patient’s well-being(n = 22, 79%) followed byInterest in dementia research(n = 18, 64%). The most common reasons for non-participation wereLack of time(n = 71, 34%) followed byNot interested in participation(n = 63, 30%). On a patient level,N = 102 PwD were successfully recruited. On average, each GP referred aboutn = 7 PwD (range: 1–17;mdn = 6; IQR = 3.5) and successfully recruited aboutn = 4 PwD (range: 1–11;mdn = 3; IQR = 3.5).

Conclusion

First, our findings propose GP research networks as a promising strategy to promote recruitment and participation of GPs and their patients in research. Second, present findings highlight the importance of including GPs and their interests in specific research topics in early stages of research in order to ensure a successful recruitment. Finally, results do not support cold calls as a successful strategy in the recruitment of GPs.

Trial registration

The trial was prospectively registered with the ISRCTN registry (Trial registration number:ISRCTN15854413). Registered 01 April 2019.