bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of Breast Cancer Milieu With Chemotherapy Plus Dendritic Cell Vaccines: An Approach To Select Best Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Mejías Luis , López-Janeiro Álvaro , Córdoba Alicia , Sala Pablo , Solans Belén Pérez , Inogés Susana , de Cerio Ascensión López-Díaz , Hato Laura , Guillén-Grima Francisco , Fernández-Hidalgo Óscar , Cruz Susana De La , Lozano María Dolores , Idoate Miguel A. , Santisteban Marta
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe addition of Dendritic cell vaccines (DCV) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) could induce immune biomarker changes in those patients with residual disease (RD) by transforming tumor microenvironment.MethodsCore-diagnostic biopsies and surgical specimens from 80 patients (38 in the Vaccinated Group plus NAC (VG) and 42 in the Control Group (CG) treated only with NAC) were selected. We quantify TILs (CD8, CD4 and CD45RO) using Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS III) in the core-diagnostic biopsies and in the surgical specimen, to compare the amount of TILs in each group.ResultsA CD8 rise in TNBC samples was observed after NAC plus DCV, changing from 4.48% in the biopsy to 6.70% in the surgical specimen, not reaching statistically significant differences (p = 0.11). TNBC patients in the CG showed a TILs drop from 2.71% in the biopsy to 0.18% in the surgical specimen (p = 0.5). We also found that a 66.7% (4/6) of TNBC patients from VG registered an increase in TILs after treatment as compared with 20% (1/5) of TNBC patients in the CG (p=0.24). This phenomenon is not observed in the other biologic subtypes.An association between before NAC CD8 TILs (4% cut-off point ) and pathological complete response in VG was found in univariate and multivariate analysis (OR=1.41, IC95% 1.05-1.90; p=0.02, and OR=2.0, IC95% 1.05-3.9; p=0.03, respectively).ConclusionOur findings suggest that patients with TNBC especially benefit from the stimulation of the antitumor immune system by using DCV pulsed with tumor antigens.Trial registration: NCT01431196. Registred 19 May 2016. EudraCT 2009- 017402-36.
Extraction of Polysaccharides From Bletilla Striata Using a Modified Low-temperature Method and Evaluation of Their Efficacy Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lin Yi-Wen , Fang Chih-Hsiang , Liao Hung-Hsiang , Lin Feng Huei
Published: July 2021

Background: Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common type of dementia. AD is characterized by progressive cognitive and memory loss accompanied by personality changes. Bletilla striata, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in Eastern Asian countries for alimentary canal damage, ulcer, bleeding, bruises, and burns. in this study, we investigated whether BSP could prevent the ROS from Aβ and the possibility to recover from the disease by memory improvement.Methods: In this study, a polysaccharide from Bletilla striata (BSP) with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties was extracted following a low-temperature method and tested for its efficacy against AD in vitro using N2a and BV-2 cells and in vivo using AD rats.Results: The characterization of the extracted BSP for its molecular structure and the functional group demonstrated the efficiency of the modified method to retain its bioactivity. In vitro, BSP reduced ROS levels in N2a cells and the expression levels of inflammatory-related genes in BV-2 cells treated with Aβ fibrils. In vivo, BSP recovered the learning memory, ameliorated the morphological damages in the hippocampus and cortex, and reduced the expression of the β-secretase protein in AlCl3-induced AD rats.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of BSP applicating in AD. Collectively, these findings demonstrated the efficacy of BSP to prevent and alleviate the effects of AD.
Conventional Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling Versus Temporal Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique for Large Macular Holes: A Comparative Study
Authors: Koçak Nurullah , Yeter Volkan , Birinci Hakkı
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To compare the anatomical, morphological, and functional outcomes of the conventional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling versus temporal inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique for large full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs). Subjects and Methods: Forty-six eyes of 44 patients with a minimum base diameter > 600 µm were included in this retrospective interventional study. The patients were divided into Group 1 (conventional ILM peeling) and Group 2 (temporal inverted ILM flap). The hole closure rate, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ellipsoid zone (EZ), and external limiting membrane (ELM) defects were analyzed at baseline and 6 months after surgery.Results: Hole closure was achieved in 17/25 (68%) cases of Group 1 and 20/21 (95.2%) cases of Group 2. The hole closure rate was significantly higher in the temporal inverted ILM flap group (p = 0.022). The mean BCVA (logMAR) changed from 1.12 ± 0.43 to 0.72 ± 0.31 in Group 1 and from 1.07 ± 0.34 to 0.51 ± 0.26 in Group 2 at six months (p < 0.001 in both cases). U-shaped closure was observed in 3 (12%) eyes in Group 1 and 15 (71.4%) eyes in Group 2 (p < 0.001). The total restoration rates of ELM and EZ were significantly higher in the temporal inverted ILM flap group (p = 0.009, p = 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: The temporal inverted ILM flap technique is more effective than conventional ILM peeling for larger than 600 µm macular holes and improves anatomical, morphological, and functional outcomes.
Estimating the Population at Risk with Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis and Annual Drug Requirements for Preventive Chemotherapy in Ogun State, Nigeria: A Bayesian Geostatistical Approach.
Authors: Mogaji Hammed , Johnson Olatunji Olugoke , Adigun Abass Bolaji , Adekunle Oladunni Nimota , Bankole Samuel Olukayode , Dedeke Gabriel Adewunmi , Bada Babatunde Saheed , Ekpo Uwem Friday
Published: July 2021

Background: Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common human infections worldwide with over 1 billion people affected. Many estimates of STH infection are often based on school-aged children (SAC). This study produced predictive risk-maps of STH on a more finite scale, estimated the number of people infected, and the amount of drug required for preventive chemotherapy (PC) in Ogun state, Nigeria. Methods: Georeferenced STH infection data obtained from a cross-sectional survey at 33 locations between July 2016 and November 2018, together with remotely-sensed environmental and socio-economic data were analyzed using Bayesian geostatistical modelling. Stepwise variable selection procedure was employed to select a parsimonious set of predictors to predict risk and spatial distribution of STH infections. The number of persons (preschoolers, SAC and adults) infected with STH were estimated, with the amount of tablets needed for preventive chemotherapy.Results: An overall prevalence of 17.2% (95 % CI: 14.9, 19.5) was recorded for any STH infection. Ascaris lumbricoides infections was the most predominant, with an overall prevalence of 13.6% (95% CI: 11.5, 15.7), while Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura had overall prevalence of 4.6 % (95% CI: 3.3, 5.9) and 1.7% (95 % CI: 0.9, 2.4), respectively. The model-based prevalence predictions ranged from 5.0 % to 23.8 % for Ascaris lumbricoides, from 2.0 % to 14.5 % for hookworms, and from 0.1 % to 5.7 % for Trichuris trichiura across the implementation units. The predictive maps revealed a spatial pattern of high risk in the central, western and on the border of Republic of Benin. The model identified soil pH, soil moisture and elevation as the main predictors of infection for A. lumbricoides, Hookworms and T. trichiura respectively. About 50% (10/20) of the implementation units require biannual rounds of mass drug administration (MDA). Approximately, a total of 1.1 million persons were infected and require 7.8 million doses. However, a sub-total of 375,374 SAC were estimated to be infected, requiring 2.7 million doses. Conclusion: Our predictive risk maps and estimated PC needs provide useful information for the elimination of STH, either for resource acquisition or identifying priority areas for delivery of interventions in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Rural Households Livelihood Portfolios and Determinates of Livelihood Diversification in North-Western Ethiopia
Authors: GETNET MERSHA TEWODROS , Ketema Mengistu , Alamirew Bamlak Alemu , Demilew Girma
Published: July 2021

Background: Regardless of the persistent image of rural areas in Ethiopia as a continent of subsistence farmers, over the past decades, there had been an outstanding tendency of rural economic diversification. Numerous motives prompt households and individuals to expand the range of assets, incomes, and activities. This paper is devoted to characterize rural households’ livelihood portfolios and examine the determinants of income diversification using primary data collected from two agro-ecological zones in north-western Ethiopia. To analyze, the data both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Levels of household livelihood diversification were measured using Simpson Diversification Index (SDI). Censured regression models were employed to identify determinant factors affecting livelihood diversification. Result: The result confirmed that households in the study area collected a significant portion of their income from the diverse farm and off-farm sources. Diversification into off-farm sources contributed 35% to total household income. The result confirms that factors linked to household livelihood diversification measured in Simpsons Diversification Index (SDI) are significantly determined by household head educational status, access for tanning, age of household head, family size, livestock ownership, ox ownership, land owned, the proportion of infertile land, access for road and agro-ecologies. Conclusion: From these results, therefore due attention should be given to strengthening the role plaid by off-farm income in a rural area to facilitate the countries goal of a transformation. Therefore, policy measures need to be directed towards creating conducive conditions through the provision of education and tanning and improve households’ access to credit and improve access to a road.
Prognostic Implications of the Peripheral PLR and NLR in Predicting pCR after NACT in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Jin Xiaoyan , Wang Ke , Shao Xuan , Huang Jian
Published: July 2021

Background: Inflammatory response is extremely important in tumor progression, and it is very difficult to identify prognostic indicators for neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to mine the potential prognostic significance of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline- or taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).Methods: Sixty-seven women diagnosed with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant therapy were enrolled in the study and then underwent surgeries. Before starting NACT, the PLR and NLR were calculated. The optimal cutoff value was calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, and the ROC curve analysis indicated that 106.3 and 2.464 were the best cutoff values for the PLR and NLR, respectively. The optimal cutoff values for the NLR and PLR were used to divide patients into low and high NLR groups and low and high PLR groups. Independent prognostic biomarkers and value the of PLR and NLR were assessed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. The connection between the NLR/PLR and pathological complete response (pCR), together with other clinical/pathological factors, was evaluated by Fisher's exact test or Pearson's x2 as appropriate.Results: Logistic regression model analyses revealed that patients with a high PLR correlated remarkably with better pCR than those with a low PLR. The results indicated that by using the cutoff value of 106.3, PLR had prognostic significance. However, there was no significant difference in NLR if analyzed separately. However, by combining PLR and NLR, the NLRhigh and PLRhigh subgroups achieved a significantly higher rate of pCR than the NLRIow/PLRIow subgroup (OR 0.153, 95% CI 0.068-0.876, p=0.008). Therefore, the combination of NLRhigh/PLRhigh was an independent prognostic factor different from common factors, such as PLR, Ki-67, and chemotherapy regimen.Conclusions: The PLR may serve as a potential marker of the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer, enabling oncologists to intervene earlier. Peripheral blood NLR and PLR can reflect the immune status of patients. High levels of both of them may indicate immune activation status and predict the pCR rate of NACT treatment in breast cancer patients.
Survey of Antibodies to Rift Valley Fever Virus and Associated Risk Factors in One-Humped Camels (Camelus dromedarius) Slaughtered in Maiduguri Abattoir, Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Musa Hassan Ismail , Kudi Caleb Ayuba , Gashua Muhammad Mamman , Muhammad Abubakar Sadiq , Tijjani Abdulyeken Olawale , Saleh Adamu Saidu , Mohammed Sani , Jajere Saleh Mohammed , Adamu Shuaibu Gidado
Published: July 2021

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging mosquito-borne zoonosis that threatens public health and animal agriculture in the endemic areas causing devastating epizootics characterized by abortion storms and high mortalities, especially in newborn animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and investigate risk factors associated with exposure to the virus in camels slaughtered in Maiduguri abattoir, Borno state of Nigeria. Camels presented for slaughtered were sampled and data on age, sex, source or origin, utility, presence of post mortem lesions, body weights and body condition score were collected. Blood samples were collected and sera were harvested and stored at -20°C until tested. The sera were tested using a commercial ELISA kit based on the manufacturer's instructions. The overall seroprevalence in the study was 20.7% (95% CI, 13.6 – 30.0). The analysis showed no significant differences between presence of antibodies and variables that included the sex of camels (c2=0.015, df = 1, p = 0.904) and presence of post mortem lesion on the carcass (c2=0.009, df = 1, p = 0.925). There were significant differences between presence of antibodies and three variables that included the age (c2= 4.89, df = 1, p = 0.027), the source (c2= 7.077, df = 2, p = 0.029) and the main utility (c2= 8.057, df = 3, p = 0.045) of the camels. It was concluded that camels presented for slaughter at the Maiduguri abattoir have evidence of exposure to the RVF virus and may be means of transmission of the virus. Regular monitoring and control of transboundary animal movements were recommended in the study area.
Robotic Surgery Contributes To The Preservation of Bowel and Urinary Function After Total Mesorectal Excison: Comparisons With Transanal and Conventional Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Miura Takuya , Sakamoto Yoshiyuki , Morohashi Hajime , Suto Akiko , Kubota Shunsuke , Ichisawa Aika , Kuwata Daisuke , Yamada Takahiro , Tamba Hiroaki , Matsumoto Shuntaro , Hakamada Kenichi
Published: July 2021

Background

Determine whether robotic surgery is more effective than transanal and conventional laparoscopic surgery in preserving bowel and urinary function after total mesorectal excision (TME).
Methods

Of 79 lower rectal cancer patients who underwent function-preserving TME between 2016 and 2020, 64 patients consented to a prospective questionnaire-based functional observation study (52 responded). At six months post-resection or ileostomy closure, Wexner, low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), modified fecal incontinence quality of life, and international prostate symptom scores were used to evaluate bowel and urinary function, comparing robotic surgery (RTME) with transanal (taTME) or conventional laparoscopic surgery (LTME).
Results

RTME was performed in 35 patients (54.7%), taTME in 15 (23.4%), and LTME in 14 (21.9%). While preoperative bowel/urinary functions were similar in all three procedures, and the distance from the anal verge to tumor was almost the same, more hand-sewn anastomoses were performed and the anastomotic height from the anal verge was shorter in taTME than RTME. At 2 years post-resection, 8 patients (12.5%) had a permanent stoma; RTME showed a significantly lower rate of permanent stoma than taTME (2.9% vs 40%, p < 0.01). Despite no significant difference, all bowel function assessments were better in RTME than in taTME or LTME. Major LARS was observed in all taTME and LTME cases, but only 78.8% of RTME. No clear difference arose between RTME and taTME in urinary function; urinary dysfunction was more severe in LTME than RTME (36.4% vs 6.1%, p = 0.02).
Conclusions

In function-preserving TME for lower rectal cancer, robotic surgery was suggested to be more effective than transanal and conventional laparoscopic surgery in terms of bowel and urinary functions.
Prognostic and Clinicopathological Value of Slug Expression in Breast Cancer: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Wang Yueyuan , Xie Xiao , Peng Jingyu , Wei Xue , Huang Dan , Song Tingting , Qi Xiaoyan , Yang Ming
Published: July 2021

1.1 Background Slug as a member of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) leads to the decrease of adhesion between cancer cells and the increase of cell migration. Many studies have been reported the relationship between prognosis and slug expression in patients with breast cancer, yet the results are controversial. Therefore, it is necessary to conclude the relationship between slug and breast cancer by a meta-analysis. 1.2 Methods We looked for studies on breast cancer and slug via PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science .A total of 1458 patients from the final eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall survival (OS) and Disease-free survival (DFS) were the primary endpoints. Pooled hazard ratio (HR), pooled odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the association between slug, prognosis, and clinicopathological parameters (age, tumor size, histological grade, axillary lymph nodes status(LN),TNM stage, ER(estrogen receptor) status, PR(progesterone receptor) status, HER-2(human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)status). Data analysis was carried out by using STATA version 14.0. (Stata Corporation, TX, USA)software. 1.3 Results This meta-analysis included 1458 patients from eight studies. The final results show that high slug expression leads to poor OS（pooled HR = 2.21;95%CI=1.47-3.33;p＜0.001) and DFS （pooled HR = 2.03;95%CI=1.26-3.28; P=0.004) in breast cancer. In terms of clinicopathological parameters, the results show that breast cancer patients with high slug expression have higher TNM stage(I-II/III-IV; pooled OR=0.42;95%CI=0.25-0.70;P=0.001), more prone to axillary lymph node metastasis(N+/N0;pooled OR =2.16; 95%CI =1.31-3.56; P=0.003) and more severe ER deficiency (positive /negative; pooled OR=0.67;95%CI=0.45-0.99; P=0.042).However, slug is not related to age, histological grade, tumor size, PR status and Her-2 status. 1.4 Conclusion This meta-analysis results show that high slug expression in breast cancer is associated with poor OS, DFS and axillary lymph node status, TNM stage and ER status, but not related to age, histological grade, tumor size, PR status and Her-2 status.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Prunus Sibirica L. in Inner Mongolia Using SCoT Molecular Markers
Authors: Habuer  , Sarula  , Yuan Wang Zi , ShuFang  , Yu'e Bai
Published: July 2021

Population genetic diversity contributes to the protection and utilization of germplasm resources, especially via genetic breeding. In the present study, start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT) molecular markers were used to study the genetic diversity of 278 individuals from 10 Prunus sibirica populations in Inner Mongolia. A total of 289 polymorphic bands were amplified with 23 SCoT primers, showing a polymorphism percentage of 97.94% and an average of 12.6 polymorphic bands per primer. The SCoT21, SCoT32, and SCoT53 primers amplified up to 17 bands, and the polymorphism percentage was 100%. The minimum number of bands amplified by SCoT3 was 9, and the polymorphism percentage was 90%. Therefore, SCoT molecular markers were shown to be highly polymorphic and suitable for genetic diversity studies of Prunus sibirica in Inner Mongolia. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 39% of the observed genetic differentiation occurred among populations and 61% occurred within populations, indicating that the genetic differentiation within populations was greater than that among populations. The results of the unweighted pair-group method with an arithmetic (UPGMA) cluster analysis, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and STRUCTURE analysis were basically the same and divided the 278 individuals from the 10 populations into 2 groups. The results indicated that the efficient SCoT molecular marker-based genetic diversity analysis of Prunus sibirica in Inner Mongolia can provide a reference for Prunus sibirica variety breeding and resource development.
Medical History of Coronary Artery Disease and Time to Electrocardiogram in the Emergency Department: A Real-Life, Single-Center, Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Heger Lukas Andreas , Glück Tina , Kaier Klaus , Hortmann Marcus , Rieder Marina , Siegel Patrick M. , Diehl Philipp , Wengenmayer Tobias , Olivier Christoph B. , Bode Christoph , Busch Hans-Joerg , Duerschmied Daniel , Ahrens Ingo
Published: July 2021

Background: Timely acquisition of 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) in the emergency department (ED) is crucial and recommended by current guidelines. Objectives: To evaluate the association of medical history of coronary artery disease (hCAD) on door-to-ECG time in the ED.Methods: In this single center, retrospective cohort study, patients admitted to ED for cardiac evaluation between were grouped according to hCAD, and no hCAD. The primary outcome was door-to-ECG time. A multivariate analysis adjusted for the cofounders sex, age, type of referral and shift was performed to evaluate the association of hCAD with door-to-ECG.Results: 1,101 patients were included in this analysis. 362 patients (33%) had hCAD. Patients with hCAD had shorter door-to-ECG time (20 min. [Inter Quartile Range [IQR] 13 – 30] vs. 22 min. [IQR 14 – 37]; p<0.001) when compared to patients with no hCAD. In a multivariable regression analysis hCAD was significantly associated with a shorter door-to-ECG time (- 3 min. [p=0.007; 95% confidence Interval [CI] -5.16 ­– -0.84 min.]). Conclusion: In this single center registry, hCAD was associated with shorter door-to-ECG time. In patients presenting in ED for cardiac evaluation, timely ECG diagnostic should be facilitated irrespective of hCAD.
A New Concept of Information Based on Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle and Its Experimental Verification
Authors: Wang Frank Z.
Published: July 2021

This study is the first use of Heisenberg's energy-time uncertainty principle to define information quantitatively from a measuring perspective: the smallest error in any measurement is a bit of information, i.e., 1 (bit)=(2∆E ∆t)⁄ℏ. If the input energy equals the Landauer bound, the time needed to write a bit of information is 1.75x10-14 s. Newton's cradle was used to experimentally verify the information-energy-mass equivalences deduced from the aforementioned concept. It was observed that the energy input during the creation of a bit of (binary) information is stored in the information carrier in the form of the doubled momentum or the doubled “momentum mass” (mass in motion) in both classical position-based and modern orientation-based information storage. Furthermore, the experiments verified our new definition of information in the sense that the higher the energy input is, the shorter the time needed to write a bit of information is. Our study may help understand the fundamental concept of information and the deep physics behind it.
Cell-free Fat Extract Promote Axon Regeneration: a Pre-clinical Study.
Authors: Sun Yiyu , Wang Xiangsheng , Chen Di , Yu Ziyou , Zhang Wenjie
Published: July 2021

Background: Injured axons of the central nervous system (CNS) hardly regenerate due to their poor intrinsic regeneration ability and adverse microenvironment at the site of injury; previous studies aimed to investigate both the above-mentioned factors and achieved some success. Compared with the gene-editing technology, stem cell therapy has unique advantages, such as low risk of tumor formation and ease-of-use, among others. However, traditional stem cell therapy is hindered by safety and immunogenicity issues. Previously, we developed a cell-free extract directly from human fat tissue (CEFFE) and demonstrated its proangiogenic capacity. Herein, we aimed to evaluate its potential therapeutic effect in injured CNS.Methods: Therapeutic potential of CEFFE in injured CNS was investigated, using a mouse optic nerve crush model. After the optic nerve was crushed, CEFFE was injected intravitreally. Two weeks post-injury, the number of regenerated axons was measured at different distances from the crush site (250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1500 µm). In addition, surviving retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were counted. Cellular locations and catalogs of CEFFE were analyzed by gene ontology (GO) annotation. Western blotting (WB) was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of CEFFE on the molecular level. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the levels of inflammatory factors in CEFFE. Results: Compared with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), CEFFE effectively promoted axon regeneration and RGCs survival. GO annotation showed that 146 proteins were involved in axon genesis or neurogenesis, most of which were located intracellularly. WB and ELISA results showed that CEFFE acted on diverse pathways and involved high levels of inflammatory factors. Conclusions: The present findings have shown that CEFFE may promote axon regeneration and increase RGCs survival. The levels of factors involved in CEFFE were much higher than those observed in the traditional secretome; CEFFE involves multiple factors and affects several mechanisms. This study has revealeded the potential application of CEFFE for the treatment of CNS injury.
Recovery Responses of Freshwater Phytoplankton Assemblage After the Disappearance of Metal Toxicity in Semi-Continuous Cultures
Authors: Tripathi Bhumi Nath , Gaur JP
Published: July 2021

The present study demonstrates the recovery of phytoplankton assemblage from metal stress. Phytoplankton assemblage consisting of different freshwater algal species isolated from a tropical pond was exposed to sublethal concentrations of Cu and Zn for 25 days in semi-continuous culture (Toxicity phase). Subsequently, algal assemblage grown in the toxicity phase were transferred to the fresh culture medium without elevated levels of the test metals for 25 days in semi-continuous culture (Recovery phase). We monitored the total biovolume of each algal species during the toxicity and recovery phases. The members of Cyanophyta were most sensitive against metal toxicity, followed by the members of Bascillariophyta. However, the members of Chlorophyta showed relatively lesser sensitivity against test metals. Among chlorophytes, Scendesmus opolinensis and Cosmarium bioculatum were tolerant to both the test metals. Metal-stressed algal species showed recovery after transferring to the basal medium depending on the concentration of metals during the toxicity phase. The members of Cyanophyta were unable to recover from metal stress. However, members of Chlorophyta showed faster recovery than others from Zn stress, and the members of Bascillariophyta showed quicker recovery from Cu stress. The differential abilities of various algal species to recover from metal stress perhaps depend on their ability to counterbalance metal toxicity. Further, research is warranted to characterize the differential ability of various algal groups to recover from metal stress. The present findings would help understand the efficiency of different algal groups to restore their position within the freshwater algal community after the disappearance for metal stress.
Variable Intraspecific Space Use Supports Optimality in an Apex Predator
Authors: Finnegan S. P. , Svoboda N. J. , Fowler N. L. , Schooler S. L. , Belant J. L.
Published: July 2021

Within optimality theory, an animal’s home range can be considered a fitness-driven attempt to obtain resources for survival and reproduction while minimizing costs. We assessed whether brown bears (Ursus arctos) in two island populations maximized resource patches within home ranges (Resource Dispersion Hypothesis [RDH]) or occupied only areas necessary to meet their biological requirements (Temporal Resource Variability Hypothesis [TRVH]) at annual and seasonal scales. We further examined how intrinsic factors (age, reproductive status) affected optimal choices. We found dynamic patterns of space use between populations, with support for RDH and TRVH at both scales. The RDH was likely supported seasonally as a result of bears maximizing space use to obtain a mix of nutritional resources for weight gain. While annually, support for RDH likely reflected changing abundances and distributions of foods within different timber stand classes. TRVH was supported at both scales, with bears minimizing space use when food resources were temporally concentrated. Range sizes and optimal strategies varied among sex and reproductive classes, with males occupying larger ranges, supporting mate seeking behavior and increased metabolic demands of larger body sizes. This work emphasizes the importance of scale when examining animal movement ecology, as optimal behavioral decisions are scale dependent.
WITHDRAWN: Spexin Levels are Associated with Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Zhu Lu , Zheng Hangping , Jiang Yaojing , Zhang Qi , Lu Bin , Li Yiming , Liu Rui
Published: July 2021

Background: Spexin is implicated in multiple functions of energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis regulation. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes and approximately half of the patients with DPN suffer from neuropathic pain. Recent experimental studies in mice have shown that Spexin has an antinociceptive effect, but there are no relevant reports in clinical studies. This study aimed to evaluate Spexin levels in people with painful DPN and controls and assess the correlation between serum Spexin levels and painful DPN.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 20 patients with diabetes but without DPN (non-DPN) as a control group, 24 patients with painless DPN, and 16 patients with painful DPN. Questionnaires and laboratory surveys were conducted to collect demographic and clinical data. The existence and severity of DPN were assessed using neurological symptom score, neurological examination, and electromyography. Serum Spexin levels were measured by ELISA. Results: Serum Spexin levels of patients with painful DPN were significantly lower than those of non-DPN patients (p<0.001) and painless DPN patients (p=0.035). Serum Spexin levels were negatively correlated with neuropathic pain score. Compared with individuals with higher levels of Spexin, the prevalence rate of painful DPN in those with lower levels of Spexin was signiﬁcantly higher. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratios for painful DPN were significantly elevated along with decreasing Spexin levels even after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, diabetes duration, HbA1c, 2hPBG, hypertension and smoking or drinking status. serum Spexin levels have a sensitivity of 84.1% and a specificity of 56.2% for predicting painful DPN.Conclusions: Decreased serum Spexin levels were strongly associated with painful DPN, suggesting a possible role of this peptide in pain-related pathogenesis.
Se-Methylselenocyteine, D-α-Tocopheryl Succinate, β-Carotene and L-Lysine Combined Can Prevent Cancer Metastases as an Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Li Shuhui , Cheng Yunlong , Lian Shu , Lu Yusheng , Wang Jie , Deng Xiaoxiao , Zhai Shengyi , Jia Lee
Published: July 2021

Primary tumour treatment by surgical resection and adjuvant therapy has been extensively studied, but there is a lack of effective strategies and drugs for the treatment of tumour metastases. Here, we show a functional combined product based on their individual well-known mechanisms for inhibiting cancer metastases, improving anti-cancer treatment, and enhancing immunity and antioxidant capacity as an adjuvant therapy. MVBL, our designed combination, consists of four inexpensive compounds: L-Se-methylselenocysteine, D-α-tocopheryl succinate, β-carotene and L-lysine. In this study, MVBL exhibited higher toxicity toward tumour cells than toward normal cells. It did not significantly affect the cancer cell cycle but increased their apoptosis. Wound healing, adhesion, and transwell assays showed that MVBL significantly inhibited tumour cell migration, adhesion and invasion. MVBL sensitized MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells to paclitaxel, indicating that MVBL had a synergistic effect as an adjuvant. In addition, animal experimental data showed that MVBL inhibited mouse tumour cell metastasis, prolonged survival time, and enhanced antioxidant capacity and immune function in mice. In summary, this study reveals the roles of MVBL in improving immunity and antioxidation, preventing tumour growth, and inhibiting metastasis in vitro and in vivo. MVBL may be used as an adjuvant cancer therapy for improving survival and quality of life among cancer patients.
Computed Tomography Imaging Results of Single Band Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Retrospective Study Comparing Fixed- and Adjustable-Length Loop Cortical Fixation on the First Day After Surgery
Authors: Yin Lifeng , Zhang Hua , Liu Junbo , zhang xingyu , wen zhengxing , Zhang Jian
Published: July 2021

Background: Cortical suspensory femoral fixation is commonly performed for graft fixation of the femur in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring tendons. This study aimed to compare the morphology of femoral tunnel and graft insertion between fixed-length loop devices (FLD) and adjustable-length loop devices (ALD) using computed tomography (CT) images on the first day after hamstring ACL reconstruction. Methods: Overall, 94 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction from January 2016 to January 2021 were included. For femoral graft fixation, FLD (Smith & Nephew, ENDOBUTTON) and ALD (DePuy Synthes, Mitek sports medicine, RIGIDLOOP Adjustable cortical system) were used in 56 and 38 patients, respectively (FLD and ALD groups). For evaluation of the morphology of the humeral tunnel and graft depth, CT scans were performed immediately on the first postoperative day. The gap distance between the top of the graft and the socket tunnel end, the length of lateral bone preservation, and the depth of graft insertion were measured on the CT images. Results: The gap distance and bone preservation significantly differed between the two groups (1.90±1.81 mm and 14.35±4.67 mm in ALD groups; 7.08±2.63 mm and 7.35±3.62 mm in FLD groups, respectively; both P values < 0.01). The graft insertion depth did not significantly differ between the groups. Conclusion: The ALD group had a smaller gap distance, better bone preservation, and a similar graft insertion length in the femoral tunnel when compared to the FLD group. Based on these findings, ALD might be better for bone preservation and tunnel utilization in patients with short femoral tunnels. Trial registration: retrospectively registered
Clinicopathological Characteristics of Three Cases with Recurrent Orbital Solitary Fibrous Tumors: A Retrospective Study and Literature Review
Authors: Cui Jinlong , Wang Xiawei , Cui Hongguang , Long Yan , Zhu MiaoMiao
Published: July 2021

Purpose Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a spindle cell neoplasm that rarely occurs in orbit. This study aimed to report clinical, imaging, and pathological features of three patients with recurrent orbital SFTs.Methods Clinical, imaging, and pathological data of the three patients were retrospectively reviewed, and the results were compared with those of previously reported cases with recurrent orbital SFT. Results One female and two male patients (mean age, 54 years old) were included in this study. The present cases and literature review showed that the average time to recurrence in patients who aged under 50 years old was shorter than that in those who aged over 50 years old. The most common site for recurrent orbital SFT was the retrobulbar area of the orbit (23.8%). Imaging examinations showed consistent intensity of MRI signals before and after recurrence. Immunohistochemical results of all cases revealed the expressions of CD34. The mitotic rate increased in 4/8 cases, and the percentage of Ki-67-positive cells was elevated in 5/16 cases. Conclusion These results suggested that young patients were more likely subjected to recurrent orbital SFT. The postoperative pathological diagnosis revealed that patients with recurrent orbital SFT had more nuclear abnormalities and mitotic activity, as well as a higher percentage of Ki-67-positive cells, indicating that orbital recurrent SFT tended to be malignant according to both morphological features and immunohistochemistry results.
Role of diffusion kurtosis imaging for detecting brain microstructural changes in complete remission childhood survivors undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Liang Yiwen , Wei Ke , Liu Longping , Cao Weiguo
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Some children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving chemotherapy may sustain brain microstructural damages that impair their neurocognitive function and affect their quality of life to varying degrees. This study aims to determine whether diffusion kurtosis imaging could detect brain microstructural changes in newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients before and after normalization in complete remission after chemotherapy.
Methods

Twenty newly diagnosed patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 20 healthy controls matched by sex and were enrolled in this study in the Shenzhen Children's Hospital from August 2019 to December 2020. Head MRI scans were performed mean kurtosis, axial kurtosis and radial kurtosis values were calculated before and after complete remission.
Results

There were significant decreases observed in mean kurtosis and axial kurtosis in both the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum after chemotherapy among patients under 5 years old who have also achieved complete remission. The diffusion kurtosis imaging parameters were measured in the bilateral frontal lobe and corpus callosum; there were no obvious changes observed among patients older than 5 years old.
Conclusion

Brain microstructure damage can occur in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during the early stage of chemotherapy. The location of the damage is significantly correlated with the patient’s age. Early recognition of changes in diffusion kurtosis imaging parameters of brain microstructure damage in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients may help improve patient prognosis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Acute Lung Injury in Mice Partly by Suppressing Alveolar Macrophage Activation in a PGE2-dependent Manner
Authors: Wang Gaojian , Zhang Yaping , Hu Nianqiang , Liu Qinxue , Ma Fengjie , Xie Junran
Published: July 2021

Background: Mesenchymal stem cell have shown therapeutic effect on acute lung injury, MSC could be activated when added to inflammatory environment and in turn suppress inflammation, yet the mechanism is complex and not understood. Methods: To determine the effect of MSC on ALI and alveolar macrophage activation, MSCs were administered to ALI mice and co-cultured with activated MH-S cells (alveolar macrophage cell line). To find the genes critical for MSC’s immunosuppressive effects, rest and activated MSCs induced by inflammatory MH-S cells were harvested for RNA-seq. To prove that PGE2 participates in the immunosuppressive effects of MSC, COX2 inhibitor and PGE2 receptor antagonist were added to the co-culture system and administrated to ALI mice. Results: The intratracheal administration of MSCs attenuated ALI and suppressed alveolar macrophages activation in vivo, the activation of MH-S cells was also significantly reduced after co-culturing with MSCs in vitro. The RNA-seq data of rest and activated MSCs suggested that the Ptgs2 gene may play an important role in MSC exerting immunosuppressive effects. Correspondingly, we found that the COX2 protein and PGE2 released by activated MSCs were increased dramatically after co-culturing with MH-S. The use of COX2 inhibitor NS-398 restrained the secretion of PGE2 and reversed the suppressive effect on macrophages activation of MSCs in vitro. Furthermore, GW627368X, a selective antagonist of PGE2 receptor (EP4 receptor), also reversed the inhibitory effects of MSCs on alveolar macrophages and their protective effects on ALI mice.Conclusions: MSC attenuate ALI partly through suppressing alveolar macrophage activation via PGE2 binding to EP4 receptor.
Electronic structure, stability, and cooperativity of chalcogen bonding in sulfur dioxide and hydrated sulfur dioxide clusters: a DFT study and wave functional analysis
Authors: Sathiyamoorthy Venkataramanan Natarajan
Published: July 2021

Density functional theory calculations and wave functional analysis are used to examine the (SO2)n and (SO2)n–H2O clusters with n = 1–7. The nature of interactions is explored by molecular electrostatic potentials, electron density distribution, atoms in molecules, noncovalent interaction, and energy decomposition analysis. The putative global minimum of SO2 molecules has a 3D growth pattern with tetrahedral. In the hydrated SO2 clusters, the pure hydrogen bond isomers are less stable than the O···S chalcogen bond isomers. The cluster absorption energy of SO2 on water increases with the size of sulfur dioxide, implying reactivity of sulfur dioxide with water increases with size. The presence of cooperativity was evident from the excellent linearity plot of binding energy/polarizability vs the number of SO2 molecules. Molecular electrostatic potential analysis elucidates the reason for the facile formation of S···O chalcogen than hydrogen bonding in hydrated sulfur dioxide. Atoms in molecule analysis characterize the bonds chalcogen and H bonds to be weak and electrostatic dominant. EDA analysis shows electrostatic interaction is dominated in complexes with more intermolecular chalcogen bonding and orbital interaction for systems with intermolecular H-bonding. The reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis of sulfur dioxide clusters has blue patches and green patches due to S···O chalcogen bonding O···O electrostatic interaction. The RDG analysis of hydrated sulfur dioxide clusters shows intensive blue patches and green patches for the existence of S···O chalcogen and hydrogen bonding respectively. Thus, the presence of strong electrostatic S···O chalcogen interaction and weak H bonds acts cooperatively and stabilize the hydrated sulfur dioxide clusters.
Chronic Progression of Lung Cancer Recurrence After Surgery: Warning Role of Postoperative Pneumonia
Authors: Lin Dong-qi , Zhu Jin-guo , Xu Xiao-hua , Xiao Ke , Wen Xu-qing , Zheng Qi-fa , Zhou Yu-hua , Cai Xin-ying
Published: July 2021

Background: The association between the process of postoperative pneumonia and lung cancer recurrence remains elusive in lung cancer surgery. We investigated the association between postoperative pneumonia and lung cancer recurrence development, emphasizing the warning role of postoperative specific pneumonia, in primary lung cancer resection patients.Methods: We assessed the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia in four to six months (PPFS), seven to twelve month (PPST), and lung cancer recurrence within one year (LRO) in 332 patients. The primary outcome was the development of PPST and LRO according to PPFS occurrence. Relevant risk factors of PPFS, PPST and LRO were identified through multivariable regression analysis.Results: During follow-up, 151 participants (45.48%) experienced PPFS outcomes. Regardless of the existing of postoperative pneumonia in one to three months (PPOT), PPFS increased the risk of PPST (OR: 2.886, 95% CI: 1.193-6.978, P<0.01 and LRO (OR: 2.793, 95% CI: 1.406- 5.552, P<0.01), and persistent PPST further increased the risk of LRO (OR:16.271, 95% CI: 6.757-39.182, P<0.001). Generalized estimating equation identified chemotherapy or targeted therapy as independent risk factors for PPFS and PPST.Conclusions: PPFS was associated with increased risk of PPST and LRO. Postoperative pulmonary inflammation assessed 4 months post-surgery also significantly influenced LRO development, indicating a need for close follow-up of lung inflammatory conditions to improve patient outcomes.
A reference gene catalogue of chicken gut antibiotic resistomes
Authors: Yang Jintao , Tong Cuihong , Xiao Danyu , Xie Longfei , Zhao Ruonan , Huo Zhipeng , Tang Ziyun , Hao Jie , Zeng Zhenling , Xiong Wenguang
Published: July 2021

Background: The chicken gut microbiota, as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), poses a high risk to humans and animals worldwide. Yet a comprehensive exploration of the chicken gut antibiotic resistomes remains incomplete. Results: In this study, we established the largest chicken gut resistance gene catalogue to date through metagenomic analysis of 629 chicken gut samples. We found significantly higher abundance of ARGs in the Chinese chicken gut than that in the Europe. tetX, mcr, and blaNDM, the genes resistant to antibiotics of last resort for human and animal health, were frequently detected in the Chinese chicken gut. The abundance of ARGs was linearly correlated with that of mobile genetic elements (MGEs). The host-tracking analysis identified Escherichia, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, and Lactobacillus as the major ARG hosts. Especially, Lactobacillus, an intestinal probiotic, carried multiple drug resistance genes, and was proportional to ISLhe63, highlighting its potential risk in agricultural production processes. Conclusions: We first established a reference gene catalogue of chicken gut antibiotic resistomes. Our study help to improve the knowledge and understanding of chicken antibiotic resistomes for knowledge-based sustainable chicken meat production.
Bioinformatics and Prediction Analysis of Long Non-coding RNAs in the Regulation of Glioblastoma Cell Migration and Invasion
Authors: Leung Dexter Hoi Long , Hassanudin Siti Ayuni , Kamarudin Muhamad N.A , Moriya Shogo , Soga Tomoko , Ponnampalam Stephen Navendran , Seera Manjeevan , Parhar Ishwar
Published: July 2021

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been identified in the regulation of cell-invasion via various cellular processes. Research on lncRNAs is however lacking in the context of Glioblastoma (GBM), which held-up identification of GBM-related lncRNAs via bioinformatic databases. This study intends to identify potential lncRNA candidates in the regulation of GBM cell-invasion based on target miRNA and mRNA/proteins. Microarray was carried out to identify upregulated lncRNA in GBM and astrocytoma cells, followed by bioinformatics-based prediction analysis to identify lncRNAs involved in cellular processes related to GBM cell-invasion. A total of 372 and 806 upregulated lncRNA were identified in GBM and astrocytoma cells. From these lncRNAs, 8 lncRNAs were predicted based on functions of target proteins; LINC00221 associated with EMT, LINC01564 and LINC00265 with angiogenesis, and LOC100240735 with cell-migration. Network analysis of lncRNA based on function of target miRNAs predicted LINC00999, ALOX12-AS1, CHKB-AS1, and LINC01588 as regulators of angiogenesis, with LINC00482, LINC00239, and LINC01003 for regulation of EMT. Based on the network analysis, three novel lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interacting axis from NEAT1, CRNDE, and SNHG1 were predicted to regulate GBM invasion. These findings have allowed prediction of lncRNA as regulators of GBM cell-invasion which can be considered as potential candidates for experimental studies as a GBM prognostic biomarkers.