bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-cigarette Aerosol Condensate leads to Impaired Coronary Endothelial Cell Health and Restricted Angiogenesis
Authors: Chhor Michael , Tulpar Esra , Nguyen Tara , Cranfield Charles , Gorrie Catherine A , Chan Yik Lung , Chen Hui , Oliver Brian G , McClements Lana , McGrath Kristine C
Published: July 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with cigarette smoking being a major preventable risk factor. Smoking cessation can be difficult due to the addictive nature of nicotine and the withdrawal symptoms following cessation. Electronic cigarettes (e-Cigs) have emerged as an alternative smoking cessation device, which has been increasingly used by non-smokers; however, the cardiovascular effects surrounding the use of e-Cigs remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of e-Cig aerosol condensate (EAC) (0mg and 18mg nicotine) in-vitro on human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and in-vivo on the cardiovascular system using a mouse model of ‘e-vaping’. The results show a decrease in cell viability of HCAEC when exposed to EAC either directly or after exposure to conditioned lung cell media (p < 0.005). Reactive oxygen species and ICAM-1 expression were increased in HCAEC when exposed to EAC directly (p < 0.0005). ICAM-1 mRNA expression was increased (18mg vs control, p < 0.05), and immunostaining revealed upregulated anti-angiogenic markers, FKBPL, and endothelial cell marker, CD31, in murine hearts following exposure to electronic cigarette aerosol treatment. This study showed that even though e-Cigs are widely used for tobacco smoking cessation, these can negatively impact on endothelial cell health with a potential to lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. This process is visualised in Supplementary File 1.
Site-based comparative analysis of sample collection through direct biopsy and nasal swab collection for early diagnosis of post-COVID rhinomaxillary fungal infection using KOH mounting – A Retrospective Cohort study.
Authors: Agarwal Subham S , Anand Preetha , Rao Santhosh , Galhotra Virat
Published: July 2022

AIM: To perform site-based comparative analysis for samples collected from the nasal region and Oral cavity subjected to microscopic detection of fungal hyphae in KOH mount in a group of patients with rhinomaxillary mucormycosis.Methodology- 40 patients full-filled eligibility criteria. The diagnostic outcome of detection of fungal hyphae from the KOH samples obtained was the primary endpoint of the study. Based on this, the samples were grouped into 3 groups viz- Oral, Nasal and Both. The secondary outcome was to check if there was any diagnostic delay in these three groups of patientsResults: The mean number of days for delayed diagnosis for oral site involvement was 56.33 ± 37.53, for Nasal involvement was 32.86 ± 19.53 and for both oral & nasal involvement was 22.00 ± 12.94. This difference was statistically significant at p=0.03. The mean delay in diagnosis was significantly less when both oral & nasal regions are involved as compared to the only oral region involved at P=0.01.Conclusion- To avoid the chance of delayed diagnosis or false-negative results its best to collect samples from both nasal tissues and the most representative site in the dentoalveolar segment depending on the extensiveness of the disease.
Tunable valley band and exciton splitting by interlayer orbital hybridization
Authors: Zou Xiaolong , Wang Dan
Published: July 2022

Magnetic proximity effect has been demonstrated to be an effective routine to introduce valley splitting in two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures. However, the control of its strength and the induced valley splitting remains challenging. In this work, taking heterobilayers combining monolayer MSe2 (M = Mo or W) with room-temperature ferromagnetic VSe2 as examples, we demonstrate that the valley splitting for both band edges and excitons can be modulated by the tuning of the interlayer orbital hybridization, achieved by inclusion of different amounts of exact Hartree exchange potential via hybrid functionals. The calculations suggest that large valley band splitting about 30 meV and valley exciton splitting over 150 meV can be induced in monolayer MSe2. Besides, we show such tuning of orbital hybridization could be experimentally realized by external strain. Our work reveals a way to control proximity effects and provides some guidance for the design of spintronic and valleytronic devices.
PHLDA1 promotes glioblastoma cell growth via sustaining the activation state of Ras
Authors: Wang Jiutao , Yao Ning , Hu Yamei , Lei Mingjuan , Wang Meixian , Yang Lu , Patel Satyananda , Li Xiang , Liu Kangdong , Dong Zigang
Published: July 2022

Activation of the Ras signaling pathway promotes the growth of malignant human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Mutations in Ras are rare in GBM, elevated levels of activated Ras are prevalently observed in GBM. However, the potential mechanism of how Ras is activated in GBM remains unclear. In this study, we screened a new interacted protein of Ras, PHLDA1. Our findings confirmed that PHLDA1 acted as an oncogene and promoted GBM progression and recurrence. We demonstrated that PHLDA1 was upregulated in GBM tissues and cells. PHLDA1 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and tumor growth. In terms of mechanism, PHLDA1 promoted cell proliferation by regulating Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk signaling pathway. Moreover, Src promotes GTPase activity of Ras via tyrosine 32 phosphorylation. PHLDA1 and Src competed binding with Ras, inhibiting Ras phosphorylation by Src and rescuing Ras activity. This study may provide a new idea of the molecular mechanism underlying glioblastoma progression and a novel potential therapeutic target for the comprehensive glioblastoma treatment.
Homologous recombination deficiency and Cyclin E1 amplification are correlated with immune cell infiltration and survival in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Authors: Wagensveld Lilian Van , Baal Juliette van , Timmermans Maite , Gaillard Duco , Borghuis Lauri , Coffelt Seth , Rosenberg Efraim , Lok CAR , Nijman Hans W. , Kooreman Loes , Sanders Joyce , Bruyn Marco , Wessels Lodewyk , Wiel Rianne van der , Rausch Christian , Broeks Annegien , Kruitwagen Roy , Aa Maaike van der , Sonke Gabe , Schouten Philip , de Vijver Koen Van , Horlings Hugo
Published: July 2022

How the tumor’s genetic make up (i.e. molecular profiles) is associated with changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is incompletely understood, while these factors influence survival. To investigate this we analyzed the TME and molecular profiles (homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and Cyclin E1 (CCNE1) amplification) of HGSOC and assessed their associations with each other and overall survival (OS). Patients with advanced-stage HGSOC treated in three Dutch hospitals between 2008-2015 were included. Patient, treatment, and outcome data were collected from medical records. BRCA1/2 mutation, BRCA1 promotor methylation analyses, and copy number variations were used to define five molecular profiles. Immunecell densites were assessed with immunohistochemical staining for T- (CD8 and CD103), B- cells (CD20) and macrophages (CD68). This resulted in the assessability of 348 patients who were categorized as; BRCA mutation or promotor methylation (BRCAm) (30%), non-BRCA mutated HRD (19%), CCNE1-amplification (13%), non-BRCAmut HRD and CCNE1-amplification (double classifier) (20%), and no specific molecular profile (NSMP) (18%). BRCAm tumors showed the highest immune cell densities and CCNE1-amplification the lowest. BRCAm showed the most favorable OS (52.5months), compared to non-BRCAmut HRD (41.0months), CCNE1-amplification (28.0months), double classifier (27.8months), and NSMP (35.4months). CCNE1-amplification and double classifier remained to have a significantly worse OS in multivariable analysis. Higher immune cell densities showed a favorable OS compared to lower densities, also within the molecular profiles. CD8+, CD20+, and CD103+ cells remained associated with OS in multivariable analysis. These results depict that both molecular profiles and TME are associated with OS. Immune composition for lymphocytes and macrophages differ per molecular profile, with higher immune cell densities showing a favorable OS, even within the profiles. HGSOC does not reflect one entity but comprises different variants based on molecular profiles and TME, which ideally is translated into tailored treatment approaches.
Comparative Analysis of Crystallographic Phase Stability of Single and Poly-Crystalline Lead Nitrate at Dynamic Shocked Conditions
Authors: Sivakumar A. , Eniya P. , Dhas S.Sahaya Jude , Kumar Raju Suresh , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Chakraborty Shubhadip , Sundar J.Kalyana , Dhas Martin Britto
Published: July 2022

Over a long time, exploration of the structural stability of single and poly-crystalline materials has been an attractive topic in materials science because it is crucially important to explore the stability of materials whereby it is possible to generate novel structures and identify materials with multifunctional properties. In the present work, we report the crystallographic structural stability of the poly-crystalline lead nitrate samples at shocked conditions with which a systematic comparison is made for the previously reported single-crystalline lead nitrate crystal at shocked conditions. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Raman spectroscopic measurements have been performed to assess the crystallographic structural stability of poly-crystalline Pb(NO3)2 samples at shocked conditions and the observed XRD and Raman results disclose that the title poly-crystalline samples retain the original crystallographic structure even at 100 shocked conditions interacting with the shock waves of 2.2 Mach number. But the single crystals of Pb(NO3)2 undergoes crystalline to amorphous phase transition at shocked conditions. Based on the observed results, poly-crystalline samples have higher-structural stability than that of the single crystals. The outcome of this work provides the glimpses of possible further contributions to crystal engineering for the design of new materials with specific physical and chemical properties as well as understanding the degree of shock resistance of single and polycrystalline materials.
A theoretical and experimental investigation into tool setting induced form error in diamond turning of micro-lens array
Authors: Guo Pan , Li Zhen , Xiong Zhiwen , Zhang Shaojian
Published: July 2022

Micro-lens array (MLA) has been widely used for 3D imaging etc., due to its excellent functional performances. Ultra-precision diamond turning (UPDT) offers a satisfying solution to the fabrication of micro-lens array with sub-micron form accuracy and nanometric surface roughness. However, the deviation between spindle to tool tip, i.e. tool setting error, is a crucial factor deteriorating form accuracy in UPDT. This study focuses on discussing the effect of tool setting errors on form error in UPDT of MLA. Firstly, a theoretical model was established to analyze the form error of MLA induced by tool setting. Moreover, a new two-step tool setting method was employed for reducing or eliminating the tool setting errors. Finally, experiments were carried out considering the tool setting effect in UPDT of MLA. The results indicated that the proposed tool setting method can achieve a high-precision accuracy and the distribution of form error obtained from experiments was in a good agreement with theoretical model. Significantly, the study draws up an understanding of the tool setting effect on form accuracy in UPDT of MLA with the further improvement.
Evaluation of tibial eminence morphology using coronal MRI scans in juvenile patients with complete discoid lateral meniscus
Authors: Liu Wei , Fu Chunxu , Kang Kai , Huang Teng , Jiang Shigang , Gu Juyuan , Gao Shijun
Published: July 2022

Background:Many studies have shown that hypoplasia of knee bone morphology is related to the morphological features of the discoid lateral meniscus (DLM). However, few studies have focused on hypoplasia of tibial eminence morphology in juvenile patients with complete DLM. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between tibial eminence morphology characteristics and complete DLM in juvenile patients. Methods: The DLM group comprised 34 juvenile patients with complete DLM, and the control group comprised 34 juvenile individuals, each with a normal lateral meniscus based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. All parameters, including tibial width (TW), tibial eminence width (TEW), the height of the lateral tibial spine (HLTS), the height of the medial tibial spine (HMTS), lateral slope angle of the lateral tibial eminence (LSALTE), lateral slope angle of the medial tibial eminence (LSAMTE), tibial eminence width ratio (TEWR), height of the lateral tibial spine ratio (HLTSR), and the height of the medial tibial spine ratio (HMTSR), were recorded using coronal MRI scans. Statistical analyses were used to determine the differences between the two groups and whether differences were significant. Results: The TEW and TEWR were significantly greater (P<0.05), and LSALTE and LSAMTE were significantly smaller (P<0.05) in patients in the DLM group than in participants in the control group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that a larger TEW, above 13.4 mm, was associated with complete DLM, with a sensitivity of 77.0% and specificity of 88.2%, and a larger TEWR, above 19.7%, was associated with complete DLM, with a sensitivity of 76.5% and specificity of 91.2%. Conclusions: This study recognized hypoplasia of tibial eminence morphology in juvenile patients with complete DLM using coronal MRI scans. Additionally, TEW and TEWR could help clinicians screen for complete DLM in juvenile patients.
Combining women’s economic empowerment with men’s sensitization on gender: marginal impact on child nutritional status in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Bapolisi Wyvine , Bisimwa Ghislain , Chiribagula Christian , Merten Sonja
Published: July 2022

Background:In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), food insecurity and malnutrition in children under five years of age carry out a great burden. It is estimated that 45 per cent of child mortality in DRC is associated with malnutrition. The ongoing conflict in the Eastern DRC worsens the situation. This study aims to assess the impact of a project combining approaches to increase women’s economic participation through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) and men’s sensitization on gender norms on child nutritional status.Methods: A cohort of 1400 children aged 1-5 years old were followed over a year. Height-for-age, weight-for-age, and weight-for-height were calculated using WHO Anthro software version 2006. Prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight were calculated before and after intervention and linear regression models were run to assess any impact of the intervention on the WHO child anthropometric measurements.Results: Prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight decreased over the year in intervention and control areas. Severe stunting HAZ went from a 33.4% prevalence (baseline) to 24.9% at the end of the study in the intervention group, while severe wasting (WHZ) decreased from a 2.6% prevalence to 1.1% in the same group. The intervention did not seem to show a statically significant impact on child nutritional parameters (stunting, wasting or underweight). Conclusion: Multi-sectorial approaches are vital in addressing child nutritional problems and a long-term assessment of the impact is needed because the change in anthropometric parameters does not happen in a short period.
Benzoxazole Derivatives: Qsar and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Kumar Ankush , Yadav Suchitra , Singh Amit , Kakkar Saloni , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Sharma Aastha
Published: July 2022

The increase of bacterial multidrug resistance, as well as a scarcity of new antibacterial agents, necessitate the research and development of novel antibacterials that escape resistance. The current work employed 46 benzoxazole derivatives to undertake both ligand-based molecular docking and receptor-based quantitative structure activity relationships modelling. On a series of benzoxazole derivatives, a quantitative structure-activity relationship study was first carried out, giving a robust model. According to QSAR models developed, topological parameters, Kier's molecular connectivity indices (1χ, 1χv), and topological indices (R) are mostly relevant for the antimicrobial activity of benzoxazole derivatives. The results of molecular docking revealed that molecules 26, 14, 13, 10 and 3 and Ciprofloxacin had docking score − 6.687, -6.463, -6.414, -6.389, -6.388 and − 6.092 respectively. ADME Analysis results indicated that the compounds (4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 16, 19, 20 showing 1 violation of Lipinski rule of five) all remaining derivatives did not violate any of the Lipinski rule of five and these compounds are selected for further research.
The Ala134Thr variant in TMEM176B exerts a beneficial role in colorectal cancer prognosis by increasing NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Cambui Raylane Adrielle Gonçalves , Fernandes Fernanda Pereira , Leal Vinicius Nunes Cordeiro , Reis Edione Cristina , de Lima Dhemerson Souza , Santo Gilmar Ferreira do Espírito , Elias Rosa Maria , Pontillo Alessandra
Published: July 2022

Purpose
TMEM176B was recently described as a negative modulator of Nlrp3 inflammasome activation in mice. In the mouse model, the inhibition of TMEM176B leads to an increased anti-tumoral activity which is dependent on Nlrp3. Since we have recently shown that single nucleotide variants (SNPs) in inflammasome genes, including NLRP3, significantly affect colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis, we proposed to investigate here the association between genetic variants in TMEM176B and CRC prognosis.
Methods
Considering that, up to now, no genetic study analyzing this gene in humans exists, we selected possible functional SNPs and genotyped them in a cohort of CRC patients submitted to surgery and followed up for more than 10 years. Genotype-guided assays were realized to evaluate the effect of the variant on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Gene expression from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort were analyzed to valid possible prognostic and predictive features.
Results
We identified the Ala134Thr variant (rs2072443) in TMEM176B as a protective factor for CRC prognosis. This SNP is associated with decreased gene expression and with an increased activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, at least in monocytes and dendritic cells. Furthermore, low TMEM176B expression is associated with higher overall survival.
Conclusion
Altogether these findings supported the role of TMEM176B in NLRP3 inflammasome biology and for the first time demonstrated the genetic association between rs2072443 and CRC in humans.
Is Rural Status Associated With Adverse Outcomes In Patients Undergoing Surgery For An Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: A Western Australian Study.
Authors: Eranki Aditya , Ali Umar , Villanueva Claudia , Saxena Akshat , Slimani Karim
Published: July 2022

Background:Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (TAAD) represents a cardiothoracic emergency and should be managed without delay. Western Australia is an expansive state with a network of regional centres and cardiothoracic centres located in the capital Perth. The aim of this study is to assess the differences in presentation and outcomes between rural and urban patients undergoing emergent repair for an acute TAAD. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing emergent repair of a TAAD at Fiona Stanley Hospital between 2015 to 2020. A number of variables associated with the patient’s geography, physiology, and postoperative outcome were assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression analysis was performed to evaluate significant differences between the cohorts. Results:A total of 64 patients underwent emergent repair of a TAAD between 2015 – 2020. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 20%. The 30-day mortality rate in the rural cohort was higher than the urban cohort (30% vs 16%) however this was not statistically significant. The rural cohort faced a higher median time to surgery (12 vs 6 hours, P = 0.002) and are likely to require transfer between more than two centres (7 vs 1, P = 0.001). Rural patients were also more likely to require resuscitation perioperatively (OR 4.33, P = 0.013) and more likely to require return to theatre post operatively (OR 7.60, P = 0.002). Both return to theatre and multi-hospital transfer were associated with rural status in multivariate analysis. ConclusionRural patients wait twice as long for definitive surgery as their urban counterparts and require multi-hospital transfer. Rural patients are more likely to present in a critical peri-operative state requiring resuscitation, and have a significantly higher risk of returning to theatre post operatively.
Improving eating disorder knowledge and attitudes among sports coaches and fitness instructors via the online course “I Care”
Authors: Selenius Sofia , Birgegård Andreas , Mantilla Emma Forsén
Published: July 2022

Background: Fitness instructors, coaches and trainers are often looked up to and seen as role-models within their sporting community. Since problematic exercise is a common symptom of eating disorders, they are also highly likely to meet individuals at risk for developing eating disorders within their profession. Thus, educating coaches about how to promote healthy ideals within their sports/training context and equipping them with knowledge to be able to detect and approach individuals at risk, is of great importance.Method: We studied the pre-to-post effects of the I Care online psychoeducational intervention in 150 coaches, trainers, and fitness instructors. Variables included the Compulsive Exercise Test, as well as knowledge of eating disorders, and confidence and awareness regarding approaching, talking to, and referring individuals whose observed behavior raised concerns.Results: Results showed significant and large improvements in coaches’ confidence and knowledge regarding warning signs and how to approach an at-risk person, and a decrease in their perceived ability to recognize eating disorders by sight, e.g., insight about EDs not being recognizable just by looking at a person. Also, significant positive change in attitudes about their own rule-driven exercise behavior and lack of enjoyment of exercise was observed. Conclusions: Although the lack of a control group compels caution, the study suggests that I Care may have positive effects in terms of a “declaration of intent” toward more positive role-modeling and interactions with clients.
The effect of ZnO addition into TiO2 nano photocatalyst on the degradation of dye compound in aqueous solution under UV-LED irradiation
Authors: Mai Hoang Phuc , Tanabe Shuji , Dao Minh Trung
Published: July 2022

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is extremely common semiconductor material in a wide use as a photocatalyst for solar conversion as well as in wastewater treatment and environmental air purification. TiO2 catalysts on the other hand, have a narrow band edge (3.2-3 eV for rutile and anatase phases, respectively) that hinders the photocatalytic decomposition. In this regard, the band gap energy has been lowered by attaching various metal oxides to TiO2 catalyst. Both zinc oxide (ZnO) and TiO2 are considered to be semiconductor with a wide band gap, which makes ZnO a potential candidate for combination with TiO2. As a result, the effect of adding ZnO into TiO2 photocatalyst was investigated with regard to the degradation of dye compound in aqueous solution under ultraviolet-light emission diode (UV-LED) irradiation. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy [1], and other techniques were utilized in order to characterize the ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposites. Methylene blue (MB) removal was studied using various parameters, including Zn content, catalyst amount, and pH. There was an average crystallite size of 5.7–6.4 nm. When compared to pristine TiO2 nanoparticles, the photolysis of ZnO/TiO2 nanocatalyst was significantly improved. The 1 wt.% ZnO/TiO2 photocatalyst prepared by Al2O3 balls alloying (U1ZnTi) can be applied for direct irradiation under UV-LED light as well as for pollutant adsorption in a short time compared to other studies, suggesting that the U1ZnTi is potential for practical treatment application of organic pollutants as well as dye compounds when a temporary power outage occurs due to unexpected troubles in operation. Photodegradation efficiency of MB by 1 wt.% ZnO/TiO2 (1ZnTi) under UV-LED was greater than that under UV. At an optimal MB decomposition concentration of 40 mg catalyst per gram of ZnO/TiO2 composite, the catalytic activity increased with an increase in ZnO content. At a pH of 7, the most MB was removed without the use of acids or bases.
A high percentage of CD16+ monocytes correlates with the extent of bone erosion in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients: the impact of leukemic B cells in monocytes differentiation and osteoclasts maturation.
Authors: Giannoni Paolo , Marini Cecilia , Cutrona Giovanna , Todoerti Katia , Neri Antonino , Ibatici Adalberto , Sambuceti Gian Mario , Pigozzi Simona , Mora Marco , Ferrarini Manlio , Fais Franco , Totero Daniela
Published: July 2022

Background
In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients, skeletal alterations are more evident in progressive disease stages. The detection of reactive cells within Bone Marrow (BM), and the evidence of tissue loss in their long bone shafts, suggest that leukemic B cells overgrowth contribute to bone derangement. Indeed, CLL-cells-released-cytokines enhance osteoclasts formation. CD16, a potential marker of monocytes differentiating toward osteoclasts, categorizes three subtypes: “non-classical”, “intermediate” and “classical”. We aimed to clarify whether the expansion of a specific CD16 + population influence bone homeostasis deregulation.
Methods
Cytofluorimetric analysis and patients’ whole body X-ray CT scans were used to evaluate a possible correlation between the expansion of a monocytic subset and the entity of bone erosion. In healthy monocytes, the modulation of CD16, RANK and RANKL expression and the evaluation of osteoclasts differentiation, after CLL-conditioned-media treatment, were assessed by immunofluorescence and Tartrate-resistant alkaline phosphatases (TRAP)/bone-erosion assays, respectively. Osteoclastogenesis was also determined upon M1/M2 polarization or IL-10/TGFβ pre-treatment. Immuno-histochemistry on CLL-BM biopsies was performed to verify simultaneous TRAP/CD16 positivity in osteoclasts in vivo.
Results
Circulating CD16 + monocytes, significantly more abundant in patients than in controls, directly correlated with bone erosion levels. After CLL-cm treatment, CD16 was markedly up-regulated, together with RANK and RANKL, in healthy monocytes. M2-polarized monocytes further resulted CD16 + and showed a striking propensity to differentiate toward osteoclasts. The identification of TRAP+/CD16 + cells, in CLL bone marrow, keeps in line with in vitro data.
Conclusions
Microenvironment/leukemic cells interactions affect bone degradation: specific monocytic subsets (CD16+/M2), notably expanded in these patients, may contribute to this phenomenon.
Shelf life and biochemical changes of chilled Atlantic chub mackerel, Scomber colias, treated with extremophilic microbial films' extracts
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed , Sabae Soaad , Abo-Zeid Kamel , Abdelkarim Mohamad
Published: July 2022

To get rid of harmful effects of synthetic preservatives and develop new ones from natural sources, extracts of microbial films from extreme habitats of geothermal spring and hypersaline lake in Western Desert, Egypt, were used for chilled Atlantic chub mackerel, Scomber colias, preservations. The aqueous extracts of extremophilic microbial films showed considerable contents of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and good antioxidant activity. The cytotoxicity test of 2% w/v concentrations on normal cells of liver and colon showed very weak effects and the cell viabilities ranged between 95.09 and 98.14%, while the cell viability of carcinoma cells was in the range of 88.74–98.9%. We tested the effect of aqueous extracts of these films on microbial and biochemical characteristics changes of chilled Atlantic chub mackerel. Concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% w/v were applied. Total plate count (TPC), pH, value and acid value (AV), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA-N) content, thiobarbituric acid value (TBA) and free fatty acids (FFA) were investigated for 8 days of storage at 5°C. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed good understanding of the effect of extremophilic microbial films on biochemical features of chilled Atlantic chub mackerel and revealed that the best evaluated TPC and other biochemical characteristics were found at extremophilic microbial levels of 1.0 and 1.5% w/v till the 8th day.
Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Myelodysplastic Syndrome With Single Lineage Dysplasia
Authors: Kumar Ajeet , Tilak Vijai , Arora Disha , Marisha  , Rahul  , Gautam Deepak , Ali Akhtar
Published: July 2022

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of acquired clonal disorders characterized by dysplastic and ineffective hematopoiesis in the bone marrow. Various specific karyotypic and molecular abnormalities associated with MDS further guide the prognosis. Although translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11) (Philadelphia positive [Ph+]) and corresponding BCR-ABL fusion transcript are classically defined to differentiate CML from non-CML myeloproliferative disorders, it is also associated with adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph + ALL), acute myeloid Leukemia (Ph + AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (Ph + MDS). The occurrence of Ph + MDS is very uncommon, and a review of literature has shown by far 40 cases so far in which the majority are seen on progression to Leukemia. Few had de novo presence of such chromosomal abnormality. Due to its rarity, this entity has not yet found its space in the current WHO classification. Also, the role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in such a scenario is still debatable. We found two such cases of de novo Ph + MDS diagnosed at institute of medical sciences, Banaras Hindu university and a brief literature review.
Clinical Usefulness of Glycated Hemoglobin as a Biomarker of Atherogenic Dyslipidemia
Authors: Yao Chien-An , Yen Tsung-Yi , Su Ta-Chen
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant health problem and is associated with dyslipidemia; however, the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and atherogenic lipids in patients with diabetes and nondiabetes has rarely been reported.METHODS: We prospectively recruited 939 subjects from the Lipid Clinic of the National Taiwan University Hospital. HbA1C and fasting serum lipids, including total cholesterol (TC), high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C), small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides, and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), were measured. All subjects except those with diabetes with a fasting period of 10–14 h underwent an oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g of glucose loading. All subjects were asked to discontinue the use of lipid-lowering agents for 4 weeks before study. RESULTS: Patients with DM had a higher prevalence of hypertension, triglyceride, TC/HDL-C ratio, AGEs, VLDL-C and sdLDL-C. Among patients with higher HbA1C levels, the serum levels of triglyceride, VLDL-C, AGEs, and TC/HDL-C ratio were significantly higher than in those groups with lower HbA1C levels. After adjustment for covariates, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed different groups of dysglycemia, such as DM, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) those with higher HbA1C levels had a higher odds ratio for TC/HDL-C ≥ 5, sdLDL-C ≥75th percentile, VLDL-C ≥ 75th percentile, and AGEs ≥ 75th percentile.CONCLUSIONS: A higher level of HbA1C was associated with a significant increase in the risk of atherogenic dyslipidemia and AGEs levels, and its clinical application is promising.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with gastric cancer based on laboratory tests is safe: a single Chinese center analysis
Authors: Wu Yunzi , Zheng Xiaohao , Sun Chunyang , Wang Shenghui , Ding Shikang , Wu Ming , Zhang Jing , Wang Bingzhi , Xue Liyan , Yang Lin , Tian Yantao , Xie Yibin
Published: July 2022

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with gastric cancer diagnosed from laboratory tests. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 63 patients with gastric cancer who underwent HIPEC in 2017–2021 were prospectively recorded. Fifty-five patients underwent cytoreductive surgery + HIPEC, and eight patients received HIPEC alone. The factors associated with HIPEC safety and efficacy were analyzed. The primary endpoint was overall survival.Results: The average patient age was 54.84 years and 68.3% of patients were male. Moreover, 79.4% of patients had a peritoneal carcinoma index (PCI) score of ≤7 and 61.9% had a completeness of cytoreduction score of 0. Because of peritoneal metastasis, 29 patients (46.03%) were classified as stage IV. Laboratory tests showed no differences in pre-HIPEC blood test results compared to post-HIPEC results after removing the effects of surgery. HIPEC treatment did not cause obvious liver or kidney damage. Serum calcium levels decreased significantly after HIPEC (P=0.0018). The Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score correlated with the patient’s physical function and improved after HIPEC (P=0.0045). In coagulation tests, FDP (P<0.0001) and D-dimer (P<0.0001) levels increased significantly and CA242 (P=0.0159), CA724 (P<0.0001), and CEA (P<0.0014) levels decreased significantly after HIPEC. Completeness of cytoreduction score was an independent prognostic factor. HIPEC did not show a survival benefit in patients with gastric cancer (P=0.5505).Conclusion: HIPEC is a safe treatment for patients with gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis based on the laboratory tests. Its efficacy in terms of overall survival requires confirmation.
Re-examining of cotton bleaching process conditions with sodium chlorite and phosphonic acid catalysis, and the correction of misunderstandings
Authors: Dursun Sami , Yıldız Salih Zeki
Published: July 2022

Today's environmental and living conditions necessitate reconsideration of traditional cotton fabric bleaching processes. For this reason, it is very important for the environment and economy to obtain higher whiteness values by using less water and chemicals in bleaching. Sodium chlorite (NaClO2), source of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) as the most important disinfectant, which rises the popularity and availability during the Covid-19 pandemic recently is an appropriate oxidant for the purpose. Using NaClO2 as bleaching agent has significant advantages, such as reducing of washing proses and increasing of cotton strength. Another advantage of this reagent is that it causes less fabric weight loss than other reagents. Therefore, the present work was intended to improve the process conditions (different temperatures, concentration, and times) of bleaching of cotton fabric by using NaClO2. Optimum temperature and time were determined as 30 min at 65°C and 30 min at 85°C, and a high whiteness index (W.I.=88) was obtained by using phosphonic acid (HEDP). Moreover, the tensile strength and weight losses and morphologies of the samples were examined. It has been observed that sodium chloride causes little damage to cotton fibers and requires less water for rinsing since it does not form alkaline residues.
An acid-triggered reactive and enhanced fluorescent probe for selective detection of Al3+/H+and its application in real water samples and living cells
Authors: Li Zhigang , Zhao Bing , Kan Wei , Bu Fanqiang , Qi Xin , Wang Liyan , Song Bo , Ding Liming
Published: July 2022

A reactive fluorescent “turn-on” probe (di-PIP) with imine-linked dual phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole luminophore have been conveniently prepared as an Al3+ and H+ dual functional receptor. di-PIP displayed high selectivity and sensitivity towards Al3+ ion in DMF/HEPES accompanied by fluorescence blue-shift and a good linear relationship as well as a low detection limit of 30.5 nmol·L− 1, which can root from the synergetic functions of the decomposition reaction of di-PIP promoted by acidic Al3+ and the coordination effect between decomposition product and Al3+. Intriguingly, it was found that hydrogen ion H+ can be sufficient for simulating the fluorescence enhancing of di-PIP. 1H NMR titration and MS analyses for elucidation of the intermediate structure further revealed that the acid-triggered decomposition reaction resulted in the rapid, and sensitive sensing to Al3+ and H+. In addition, the probe di-PIP could be successfully applied to the detection of Al3+ in real water samples, and also utilized to visualize Al3+ and H+ in the living cells.
Food-grade titanium dioxide translocates across the oral mucosa in pigs and induces genotoxicity in an in vitro model of human oral epithelium
Authors: Vignard J , Pettes-Duler A , Gaultier E , Cartier C , Weingarten L , Biesemeier A , Taubitz T , Pinton P , Bebeacua C , Devoille L , Dupuy J , Boutet-Robinet E , Feltin N , Oswald IP , Pierre FHF , Lamas B , Mirey G , Houdeau E
Published: July 2022

Background
Food-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2), composed of nano- and submicron-sized particles, is used worldwide in various foodstuffs, toothpastes and pharmaceutical tablets as a whitening and opacifying agent. Its use as a food additive (E171 in EU) has raised concerns for human health regarding its systemic availability, tissue accumulation, genotoxicity and promotion of precancerous lesions. However, although the buccal mucosa is the first area exposed, oral transmucosal passage of TiO2 particles has not been documented. Here we analyzed TiO2 (E171) particle translocation in vivo through the pig buccal mucosa and in vitro on human buccal TR146 cells, and the effects of E171 on proliferating and differentiated human oral epithelial cells.
Results
Using transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), isolated TiO2 particles and small aggregates were observed in the buccal floor of pigs starting 30 min after the sublingual deposition of E171 suspended in water, and recovered in the submandibular lymph nodes at 4 h. In human TR146 cells exposed to E171, kinetic analyses using confocal microscopy, TEM and high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) imaging showed high uptake capacities of both the nano- and submicron-sized TiO2 particles. At 2 h, the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative stress were investigated in both proliferating and differentiated TR146 cells exposed to E171 in comparison with two TiO2 size standards of 115 and 21 nm in diameter. All TiO2 samples were reported cytotoxic in proliferating cells, an effect almost abolished following differentiation. Genotoxicity (γH2AX or 53BP1 foci formation and comet assays) and oxidative stress (CellRox reagent) were only reported for the E171 and 115 nm TiO2 particles, and mainly in proliferating cells.
Conclusions
These data showed that the buccal mucosa is an important absorption route for the systemic passage of food-grade TiO2 particles. In human cells, TiO2 particles are cytotoxic and generate size-dependent oxidative and genotoxic stresses in proliferating cells, potentially impairing oral epithelium renewal. Altogether, these data emphasize that buccal exposure should be considered during toxicokinetic studies and for risk assessment of TiO2 in human when used as food additive, including in toothpastes and pharmaceutical formulations.
OVI-3: A NoSQL visual query system supporting efficient anti-joins
Authors: El-Mahgary Sami , Soisalon-Soininen Eljas , Orponen Pekka , Rönnholm Petri , Hyyppä Hannu
Published: July 2022

The aim of this work was to develop a technique to speed up complexjoins in an incrementally based visual query system or VQS.When designing a visual, highly interactive interface for ad-hoc (readonly)queries, fast response times are of paramount importance. Whilea column-oriented DBMS reduces the inherent latency found in relationalDBMS, there is still the question as how to index the data,especially with regard to complex joins. Equi-joins that involve amany-to-many (M:N) relationship are an example of complex joinsthat arise often and their efficient processing is essential for fastquery processing. For brevity, we refer to such joins as M:N joins.We present OVI-3, a NoSQL visual query system (VQS) basedon incremental querying that uses a simple directory-based indexingscheme for fast M:N joins. OVI-3 acted as a testbed using realdata from the student database at Aalto University. The resultsshowed that the presented indexing scheme for M:N joins can outperformSQL queries from a data server, especially for queries involvinganti-joins (negation), where OVI-3 was orders of magnitude faster.
LncRNA PEG11as Aggravates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury After Ischemic Stroke Through miR-342-5p /PFN1 Axis
Authors: Yu Zhijun , Zhu Ming , Shu Dan , Zhang Rong , Xiang Zifei , Jiang Aihua , Zhang Chunxiang , Yuan Qiong , Hu Xiamin
Published: July 2022

LncRNAs are highly expressed in the CNS and regulate physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, the potential role of lncRNAs in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a common pathological process after ischemic stroke (IS) remains widely unknown. From a RNA-Seq analysis, 254 lncRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed in ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) mice brain tissue, including 234 upregulated and 5 downregulated lncRNAs. Among the 9 lncRNA used for verification, lncRNA paternal expressed gene 11 antisense (PEG11as) was significantly upregulated in the ischemic brain tissues of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice and N2a cells from oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Downregulate of PEG11as could markedly attenuate the brain infarct volume, alleviate neurological deficit in vivo, and effectively promote neuron survival, attenuate neuronal apoptosis and caspase 3 activity both in vivo and in vitro. FISH assay discovered that PEG11as was mainly located in the cytoplasm, indicating that PEG11as could be used as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to participate in post-transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, we demonstrate PEG11as was able to sponge miR-342-5p to inhibit miR-342-5p activity, resulting in profilin 1 (PFN1) overexpression and subsequently promoting apoptosis. Therefore, this study explored the role and underlying mechanisms of PEG11as in cerebral I/R-induced neuronal damage. It might contribute to the understand of the pathogenesis and provide a potential therapeutic option for the cerebral I/R.
Interpolation by hybrid Radial Basis Functions for solving nonlinear Volterra-Fredholm-Hammerstein integral equations
Authors: Zeghdane Rebiha
Published: July 2022

Interpolation by radial basis functions technique have grown significantly in recent years due to their ability for solving several problems almost impossible to obtain with standard methods. In this paper, an efficient scheme is given to solve nonlinear one-dimensional Fredholm-Volterra-Hammerstein integral equations, this technique is based on hybrid radial basis functions including the multiquadric, the Gaussian and cubic radial basis functions (RBFs). All integrals appeared in the scheme are approximately computed by the Gauss–Legendre integration formula. The new technique can be used for higher dimensional integral equations and does not increase difficulties in computation due to the easy adaption of radial basis functions. The convergence analysis and the accuracy of the proposed approach are given. Numerical examples clearly show the reliability and efficiency of the method.2000-Mathematics subject classification: 65XX, 65Dxx, 65D12.
Laparoscopic rectal resections without epidural catheters - does it work?
Authors: El-Ahmar Mohamad , Koch Franziska , Köhler Anja , Moikow Lutz , Ristig Matthias , Ritz Jörg-Peter
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Placement of an epidural catheter (EC) in colorectal resections is still recommended as a valid measure to achieve a low level of pain. However, EC is associated with increased invasiveness, and with an increased risk of bladder emptying disorders and a decrease of blood pressure, which all relate to delayed mobilization. Preliminary data show that EC placement may not be necessary in laparoscopic colon resections. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate how omission of EC placement influences short-term postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic rectal resections.Methods: All laparoscopic rectal resections occurring between 2013-2020 were prospectively examined. Resections from 01/2013-02/2018 (group A) were compared with resections from 03/2018-12/2020 (group B; after internal change of the perioperative pain regime). In addition to EC placement, the other target parameters of our study were urinary catheter placement during the inpatient stay, postoperative pain >3 days on a numerical rating scale (NRS), mobilization in the first 5 postoperative days, time until the first postoperative bowel movement, postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo, Intermediate care unit stay (IMC stay) in days and hospital length of stay in days.Results: In the entire study period, 221 laparoscopic rectal resections were performed: 122 in group A, and 99 resections in group B. The frequency of EC placement and urinary catheter placement, postoperative IMC stay, and hospital length of stay, were significantly lower in group B (p<0.05). The postoperative mobilization of patients in group B was possible more quickly. There were no differences in the level of pain, time until the first postoperative bowel movement, and postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo.Conclusion: Omission of EC placement in laparoscopic rectal resections led to faster mobilization, a shorter IMC stay, and a shorter hospital stay without increasing the pain level. Postoperative complications did not change when an EC was not placed. Therefore, routine EC placement in laparoscopic rectal resections is unnecessary.
The remineralization effect of GERM CLEAN on early enamel caries: An in vitro study
Authors: Wang Ye , Xiong Kaixin , Chen Xuan , Chi Yaqi , Han Qi , Zou Ling
Published: July 2022

Background: To evaluate the remineralization effect of GERM CLEAN, a novel antibacterial peptide, on early enamel caries.Methods: Forty human enamel blocks from thirty teeth were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1, 2, 3, 4 received GERM CLEAN (GC group)，GERM CLEAN and 1000 ppm fluoride (GC+NaF group), 1000 ppm fluoride (NaF group) and double distilled water (DDW), respectively. Specimens in these groups were subjected to demineralization for 3 days followed by pH cycling with intermittent treatment with the corresponding solutions for 14 days. After pH cycling, atomic force microscope (AFM), transverse micro-radiography (TMR), and polarized light microscopy (PLM) were conducted to analyse enamel blocks. Results: The study found that samples of the GC group showed smoother surfaces and less mineral loss than samples of the DDW group (P<0.05). Samples of the NaF group demonstrated the smoothest surfaces, the least mineral loss, and the shallowest lesion depth, which were similar to those of the GC+NaF group (P>0.05) and had significant differences than the DDW group and the GC group (P<0.05). Conclusions: GERM CLEAN has the potential to promote remineralization of demineralized enamel and could inhibit mineral loss to a certain extent.