bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variations in nucleotide excision repair pathway genes and hepatoblastoma susceptibility
Authors: Zhuo Zhenjian , Miao Lei , Hua Wenfeng , Chen Huitong , Yang Zhonghua , Li Yong , Zhang Jiao , Li Suhong , Cheng Jiwen , Li Li , Xia Huimin , He Jing
Published: July 2021

The etiology of hepatoblastoma is largely unknown due to the rarity of this disease. Nucleotide excision repair (NER), a versatile system in repairing DNA damage, is highly implicated in carcinogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes in the NER pathway are related to hepatoblastoma risk. A total of 313 Chinese children diagnosed with hepatoblastoma and 1446 controls were recruited from seven hospitals across China. TaqMan assay was adopted to genotype 19 SNPs in NER pathway genes including ERCC1, XPA, XPC, XPD, XPF and XPG. Of them, only two SNPs in XPC gene predisposed to hepatoblastoma risk. The XPC rs2607775 polymorphism significantly contributed to hepatoblastoma risk (dominant model: adjusted OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.01‐2.05, P = .046). However, XPC rs1870134 conferred a significantly decreased risk of hepatoblastoma in recessive model (adjusted OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.26‐0.98, P = .042). Stratified analysis revealed that rs2607775 CG/GG genotype, rs1870134 CC genotype and four to five risk genotypes were associated with the risk of hepatoblastoma under certain subgroups. The significant relationships were confirmed by haplotype analyses and false‐positive report probability analyses. In addition, expression quantitative trait locus analysis suggested that rs2607775 G increased expression of XPC mRNA. Collectively, our discover a promising candidate XPC gene as a biomarker for the risk of hepatoblastoma.
Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein is a predictor of brain metastases in patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Darlix Amélie , Hirtz Christophe , Mollevi Caroline , Ginestet Nelly , Tiers Laurent , Jacot William , Lehmann Sylvain
Published: July 2021

In patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), brain metastases (BM) are associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, there is no validated serum biomarker that accurately predicts BM occurrence in these patients, and the role of serum biomarkers for prognosis remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the association of neurofilament light chain (NfL), ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and tau serum levels with BM presence and prognosis in patients with MBC. In serum samples from patients with MBC with (n = 100) and without BM (n = 47), we measured the biomarker serum levels using single molecule array (Simoa) technology (Neurology‐4‐Plex assay). To evaluate their accuracy to identify patients with BM, we determined the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve (AUC) for each biomarker and calculated their sensitivity and specificity. The median serum levels of NfL, UCHL1, tau and GFAP were significantly higher in patients with BM. The AUC for GFAP (0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75‐0.88) was significantly higher than those of the other biomarkers considered independently. Using the medians as cutoff values, elevated serum levels of NfL, UCHL1, tau and GFAP were associated with BM in univariate analysis, but only high GFAP levels in multivariate analysis (odd ratio 23.4, 95% CI 6.8‐80.5, P < .001). Elevated serum GFAP levels were independently associated with poor outcome. GFAP outperforms NfL, UCHL1 and tau as diagnostic and prognostic factor of BM in patients with MBC. These results must now be validated in an independent cohort of patients.
Anti‐hypertensive use for non‐severe gestational hypertension in Botswana: A case‐control study
Authors: Johnson Katherine M. , Zash Rebecca , Modest Anna M. , Luckett Rebecca , Diseko Modiegi , Mmalane Mompati , Makhema Joseph , Ramogola‐Masire Doreen , Wylie Blair J. , Shapiro Roger
Published: July 2021

Objective

The fetal risks and benefits of antihypertensives to treat gestational hypertension in pregnancy are understudied, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

We performed a nested case‐control study within a retrospective cohort of obstetrical patients in Botswana from 2014 to 2019. We included women carrying singletons who developed new onset non‐severe hypertension (140–159 mm Hg systolic or 90–109 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure) after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Cases were defined as women with either small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants or stillbirth, analyzed separately; controls were otherwise similar women without the adverse outcome in each analysis.

Results

We identified 1932 cases of SGA (7925 controls) and 316 cases of stillbirth (9619 controls). Cases with SGA were more likely to have used an anti‐hypertensive than controls (33% vs 29%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.43). Cases with stillbirth were more likely to have used an anti‐hypertensive than controls (42% versus 29%, aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.14–1.83).

Conclusion

Anti‐hypertensive use for new‐onset gestational hypertension was associated with an increased risk of having an SGA infant or a stillbirth among women who never developed severe hypertension. These data support conduct of a randomized clinical trial to determine the appropriate use of anti‐hypertensives in non‐severe gestational hypertension.
COVID‐19‐related deaths among women of reproductive age in Brazil: The burden of postpartum
Authors: Knobel Roxana , Takemoto Maíra L. S. , Nakamura‐Pereira Marcos , Menezes Mariane O. , Borges Vicente K. , Katz Leila , Amorim Melania M. R. , Andreucci Carla B.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To compare risk of death due to COVID‐19 among pregnant, postpartum, and non‐pregnant women of reproductive age in Brazil, using the severe acute respiratory syndrome surveillance system (SARS‐SS).

Methods

A secondary analysis was performed of the Brazilian official SARS‐SS, with data retrieved up to August 17, 2020. Cases were stratified by pregnancy status, risk factors or co‐morbidities, and outcome (death or recovery). Multiple logistic regression was employed to examine associations between independent variables and risk of death.

Results

A total of 24 805 cases were included, with 3129 deaths (12.6%), including 271 maternal deaths. Postpartum was associated with increased risk of death, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and mechanical ventilation. Co‐morbidities with higher impact on case fatality rate among non‐obstetric cases were cancer and neurological and kidney diseases. Among pregnant women, cancer, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and rheumatology diseases were associated with risk of death. In the postpartum subgroup, age over 35 years and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with higher chance of death.

Conclusion

Postpartum was associated with worse outcomes among the obstetric population, despite lower risk of dying without accessing ICU care. Non‐pregnant women with cancer, neurological diseases, and kidney diseases have a higher risk of death due to COVID‐19.
TrafC‐AnTabu: AnTabu routing algorithm for congestion control and traffic lights management using fuzzy model
Authors: Verma Ajay , Tandon Righa , Gupta Pradeep Kumar
Published: July 2021

Traffic congestion is becoming one of the severe problems around the globe. The rate at which vehicles are increasing is exponentially proportional to more complex issues. Therefore, it becomes necessary to efficiently manage traffic flow to avoid congestion on the roads and other complex problems. In this paper, we have proposed a system model that uses the AnTabu routing algorithm to overcome the severe problem of traffic congestion. We have also implemented a fuzzy model for managing the traffic lights on the road intersections. From the obtained results, it is found that the proposed system model has minimized the average travel time of vehicles and has increased the throughput of vehicles on the road intersections.
Influence of bovine serum albumin on biodegradation behavior of pure Zn
Authors: Dong Hongzhou , Virtanen Sannakaisa
Published: July 2021

Zinc is emerging as a promising biodegradable metal for temporary implant applications. In this work, we investigate the influence of bovine serum albumin (BSA)—the most abundant blood protein in simulated body fluid (SBF) on degradation of pure Zn via electrochemical measurements and long‐term immersion. Electrochemical experiments indicate a decrease of the corrosion rate of bare Zn with increasing BSA concentration in solution for short‐term exposures. Samples were characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM) (including energy dispersive spectroscopy [EDS], X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy [XPS], Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [FTIR], and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry [TOF‐SIMS]) after immersion up to 21 days. Presence of BSA in the electrolyte, decrease the amount of Ca‐phosphate precipitation on Zn surface. However, a more compact surface layer formed in the presence of BSA in solution. Most noteworthy, in long‐term exposures, BSA enhances localized corrosion of Zn—such detrimental localized attack was not observed in BSA‐free solution. We suggest that a sealed space forming between the Zn substrate and a protein adsorption layer restricts mass transport, thus triggering localized corrosion of Zn.
Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co‐occurrence among people living with schizophrenia in China: Prevalence and correlates
Authors: Xi Shi‐jun , Shen Min‐xue , Wang Yao , Zhou Wei , Xiao Shui‐yuan , Tebes Jacob Kraemer , Yu Yu
Published: July 2021

Background

The current study examines the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, their occurrence, and key socio‐demographic and clinical correlates among people living with schizophrenia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 390 schizophrenia individuals. Depressive and anxiety symptoms, patient symptoms, functioning, and disability were assessed using standard assessment tools.

Results

People living with schizophrenia had a prevalence of 40.51% for depressive symptoms, 29.74% for anxiety symptoms, and 26.41% for their co‐occurrence. More symptoms (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04–1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.10) and higher disability (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09) were associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co‐occurrence. In addition, having middle school or high school education (OR: 2.48–2.61, 95% CI: 1.15–5.53), and being unemployed (OR: 4.98–9.08, 95% CI: 1.09–69.87) were associated with increased risk for anxiety symptoms and its co‐occurrence with depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Depressive and anxiety symptoms are relatively common. Interventions should carefully assess these symptoms to distinguish them from schizophrenia to target them in the treatment.
Values of left ventricular diastolic function assessed by left atrial volumes and Doppler echocardiography in healthy Angolans: Effect of age and gender: A pilot study
Authors: Morais Humberto , Feijão Ana , De Victória Pereira Savarino
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Studies about the reference values of conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography in African populations are limited.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of aging and gender in left ventricular diastolic function assessed by conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography in healthy Angolans.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study involving healthy adult participants attending a diagnostic center in Luanda, Angola. Two‐dimensional transthoracic B‐mode and Doppler echocardiography were performed according to the Guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging.

Results

A total of 103 men (47.5%) (mean age: 39.5 ± 10.8) and 114 women (52.5%) (mean age: 43.0 ± 12.5 years) were included. Women were older (p = 0.025) and showed smaller body surface area (p < 0.001) than men. Mitral E velocity and E/e' ratio were higher in women than in men. While DT of mitral E velocity was longer in men than in women (p = 0.041), E velocity, E/A ratio, and average e' velocity showed a negative significant correlation with increasing age (r − 0.33; p ≤ 0.001; r − 0.48; p ≤ 0.001 and r − 0.41; p ≤ 0.0001, respectively). Conversely, A wave velocity showed a significant positive correlation with age (r 0.47; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In a healthy Angolan adult population, the variables of left ventricular diastolic function declined with age, reflecting a normal aging process. This must be taken into account when assessing diastolic function at different age categories.
Resveratrol prevents brain edema, blood–brain barrier permeability, and altered aquaporin profile in autism animal model
Authors: Deckmann Iohanna , Santos‐Terra Júlio , Fontes‐Dutra Mellanie , Körbes‐Rockenbach Marília , Bauer‐Negrini Guilherme , Schwingel Gustavo Brum , Riesgo Rudimar , Bambini‐Junior Victorio , Gottfried Carmem
Published: July 2021

Autism spectrum disorder can present a plethora of clinical conditions associated with the disorder, such as greater brain volume in the first years of life in a significant percentage of patients. We aimed to evaluate the brain water content, the blood–brain barrier permeability, and the expression of aquaporin 1 and 4, and GFAP in a valproic acid‐animal model, assessing the effect of resveratrol. On postnatal day 30, Wistar rats of the valproic acid group showed greater permeability of the blood–brain barrier to the Evans blue dye and a higher proportion of brain water volume, prevented both by resveratrol. Prenatal exposition to valproic acid diminished aquaporin 1 in the choroid plexus, in the primary somatosensory area, in the amygdala region, and in the medial prefrontal cortex, reduced aquaporin 4 in medial prefrontal cortex and increased aquaporin 4 levels in primary somatosensory area (with resveratrol prevention). Valproic acid exposition also increased the number of astrocytes and GFAP fluorescence in both primary somatosensory area and medial prefrontal cortex. In medial prefrontal cortex, resveratrol prevented the increased fluorescence. Finally, there was an effect of resveratrol per se on the number of astrocytes and GFAP fluorescence in the amygdala region and in the hippocampus. Thus, this work demonstrates significant changes in blood–brain barrier permeability, edema formation, distribution of aquaporin 1 and 4, in addition to astrocytes profile in the animal model of autism, as well as the use of resveratrol as a tool to investigate the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder.
Postnatal exposure to fluoxetine led to cognitive‐emotional alterations and decreased parvalbumin positive neurons in the hippocampus of juvenile Wistar rats
Authors: Meurer Ywlliane da Silva Rodrigues , Linhares Sara Sophia Guedes , Lima Alvaro da Costa , de Aquino Antonio Carlos Queiroz , Brandão Luiz Eduardo Mateus , Nôga Diana Aline , Campelo Clarissa Loureiro das Chagas , Lima Ramon Hypólito , Cavalcante Jeferson de Souza , Engelberth Rovena Clara Galvão Januário , Ribeiro Alessandra Mussi , Silva Regina Helena
Published: July 2021

The exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during development results in behavioural impairment in adulthood in humans and animal models. Indeed, serotonergic overexpression in early life leads to structural and functional changes in brain circuits that control cognition and emotion. However, the effects of developmental exposure to these substances on the behaviour of adolescent rats are conflicting and remain poorly characterised. We performed a behavioural screening to investigate the effects of postnatal exposure to fluoxetine on memory and behaviours related to anxiety, anhedonia, and depression, as well we evaluate the parvalbumin expression in hippocampus of juvenile (~PND45) female and male rats. Fluoxetine (daily 20 mg/kg s.c. injections from PND7‐PND21)‐ or vehicle‐treated adolescent rats went through several behavioural tasks (from PND 38 to PND52) and were subject to transcardial perfusion and brain removal for immunohistochemical analysis (PND53). We found that postnatal exposure to fluoxetine increased anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviours in the open field and sucrose preference and forced swimming tests, respectively. In addition, this treatment induced working memory and short‐term (but not long‐term) recognition memory impairments, and reduced parvalbumin‐positive interneurons in the hippocampus. In addition, the results revealed developmental sex‐dependent effects of fluoxetine postnatal treatment on adolescent rats' behaviour. These outcomes indicate that affective disorders and mnemonic alterations caused by SSRIs perinatal exposure can be present at adolescence.
Pachypodol protects newborn rats from anaesthesia‐induced apoptosis in the developing brain by regulating the JNK/ERK pathway
Authors: Zhang Jingxiong , Zhu Mingsheng , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2021

Anaesthesia exposure causes changes in the developing brain and affects behaviour and memory. This study examined the beneficial effect of pachypodol against isoflurane (ISF)‐induced neuronal injury. Seven‐day‐old rats were treated with 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg intravenous pachypodol 30 min before exposure to ISF (0.75%) for 6 h. Oxidative stress and other biochemical parameters were assessed in the brain tissue and serum using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) assay was performed to assess neuronal cell apoptosis in several regions of the hippocampus. Cognitive function and neurological scores were determined in the pachypodol‐treated neuron‐injured rats. Cytokine levels and oxidative stress were reduced in the pachypodol‐treated group compared with the ISF group. In addition, cognitive deterioration was reversed in pachypodol‐treated compared with ISF‐treated rats. Thus, treatment with pachypodol reduced neuronal apoptosis in neuron‐injured rats. Moreover, pachypodol ameliorated changes to the JNK/ERK/Akt pathway in brain‐injured rats. In conclusion, pachypodol treatment prevents neuronal apoptosis in ISF‐treated rats by regulating the JNK/ERK pathway.
Terlipressin effect on hepatorenal syndrome: Updated meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed M G , Rauf Abdul , Adam Abubakr , Kheiri Babikir , Lacasse Alexandre , El‐Halawany Hani
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a fatal complication of liver cirrhosis with a limited pharmacological option. Terlipressin is a vasoconstrictor that is approved in many countries but not yet in the United States. This is a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to review terlipressin effect on HRS and the safety profile.

Methods

We searched electronic databases for RCTs comparing terlipressin versus placebo in addition to albumin in patients with type 1 or 2 HRS. Primary outcome was HRS reversal. Secondary outcomes were change in serum creatinine (Cr), requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT) at 30 days of randomization, and 90‐day survival. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MD) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random‐effects model.

Results

We identified eight RCTs with a total of 974 patients, and median follow up of 100 days. Mean age was 55 ± 10 years, 61% were males. Alcoholic liver disease represented 56%. Compared with placebo, terlipressin was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of HRS reversal (RR 2.08; 95% CI [1.51, 2.86], P < 0.001), significantly lower serum Cr (MD −0.64; 95% CI (−1.02, −0.27), P < 0.001], and a trend toward less RRT requirements (RR 0.61; 95% CI [0.36, 1.02], P = 0.06). There was no difference in survival at 90 days between groups (RR 1.09; 95% CI (0.84, 1.43), P = 0.52). Major adverse effects (AEs) were gastrointestinal cramps, discomfort, and respiratory distress.

Conclusion

In patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by HRS, terlipressin was associated with significant HRS reversal and decrease in serum Cr. No survival benefit was detected at 90 days.
The superiority of high‐power short‐duration radiofrequency catheter ablation strategy for atrial fibrillation treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis study
Authors: Waranugraha Yoga , Rizal Ardian , Firdaus Achmad J. , Sihotang Fransiska A. , Akbar Akita R. , Lestari Defyna D. , Firdaus Muhammad , Nurudinulloh Akhmad I.
Published: July 2021

Background

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) using the high‐power short duration (HPSD) results in better ablation lesion formation in the swine model. This systematic review and meta‐analysis purposed to investigate the safety and efficacy profile between HPSD and low‐power long‐duration (LPLD) ablation strategies to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.

Methods

We completed the literature review after identifying the relevant articles comparing HPSD and LPLD ablation methods for AF recorded in ClinicalTrials.com, CENTRAL, PubMed, and ScienceDirect until February 2021. The overall effects were calculated using pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) for categorical and continuous data, respectively. We also estimated the 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The HPSD strategy took shorter procedure time (MD = −33.75 min; 95% CI = −44.54 to −22.97; P < .01), fluoroscopy time (MD = −5.73 min; 95% CI = −8.77 to −2.70; P < .001), and ablation time (MD = −17.71; 95% CI = −21.02 to −14.41) than LPLD strategy. The HPSD RFCA was correlated with lower risk of esophageal thermal injury (RR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.94; P = .02). The HPSD method resulted in higher first‐pass pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) (RR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.13 to 1.64; P < .01), lower PV reconnection (RR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.64; P < .01), and lower recurrent AF (RR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.96; P = .02) than LPLD strategy.

Conclusion

HPSD RFCA was superior to the conventional LPLD RFCA in terms of safety and efficacy in treating AF patients.
Molecular and functional analysis of naphthalene‐degrading bacteria isolated from the effluents of indigenous tanneries
Authors: Muccee Fatima , Ejaz Samina , Riaz Naheed , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: July 2021

During present study, four naphthalene‐ metabolizing bacteria were isolated from tanneries effluents through enrichment on naphthalene as sole carbon source in minimal salt medium. The bacteria were analyzed to document growth pattern, naphthalene removal efficiency, biochemical and molecular characteristics, antibiotic sensitivity, and metabolic profile. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences were compared through BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) similarity search tool and three isolates were found homologous to Brevibacillus agri strain NBRC 15538 and one similar to Burkholderia lata strain 383. The naphthalene removal efficiencies ranged from 1.16 ± 0.056 mg/h (IUBN1) to 1.379 ± 0.021 mg/h (IUBN26). All isolates were positive for p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (PO4), esculin, and inulin fermentation tests. Majority were positive for glucosaminidase (IUBN3, 17, and 26) and a few for mannitol and sorbitol fermentation (IUBN1). Identification of metabolites through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis allowed tracing pathways associated with naphthalene degradation. Intermediates such as cis‐dihydrodiolnaphthalene, 2‐hydroxychromene‐2‐carboxylate, 6‐hydroxyhexanoic acid, acetyl‐CoA confirmed that the present study bacteria can metabolize naphthalene through a pathway which differs from the pathways reported in earlier known bacteria. Due to fast growth rates, high naphthalene removal potentials, and multiple degradation pathways, these bacteria can be exploited for bioremediation of naphthalene.
Effect of glutamine supplementation on inflammatory markers in critically ill patients supported with enteral or parenteral feeding
Authors: Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Tabrizi Reza , Rezaei Shahla , Badeli Mostafa , Shadnoush Mahdi , Jarrahi Alireza Mosavi , Doaei Saeid
Published: July 2021

Background

Glutamine plays an important role in acute catabolic conditions in critically ill patients. This meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the effect of glutamine supplementation on inflammatory markers in critically ill patients supported with enteral feeding (EN) or parenteral feeding (PN).

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were explored to identify the studies investigating the effect of glutamine on serum inflammatory markers in intensive care unit patients. All randomized clinical trials that assessed the effect of glutamine supplementation on “inflammatory markers” in EN or PN were included in the study. Because a small number of studies were included, SE was adjusted for overall effect size by using the Knapp‐Hartung method.

Results

In this study, 2728 eligible studies were initially included, and 10 eligible case‐control studies were finally enrolled for further investigations. There was a statistical reduction between preintervention and postintervention CRP levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.38 mg/L; 95% CI, −0.72 to −0.03). No significant association was found between L‐glutamine supplementation in the EN/PN and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) (SMD = −0.58 pg/ml; 95% CI, −2.15 to 0.99) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) (SMD = 2.69 pg/ml; 95% CI, −9.66 to 15.03) compared with the control group.

Conclusions

This study identified that glutamine supplementation might have an important effect on CRP in acute conditions and no significant effect on IL‐6 and TNF‐α in acute conditions.
Autophagy upregulates inflammatory cytokines in gingival tissue of patients with periodontitis and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Kim Won Jae , Park Sam Young , Kim Ok Su , Park Hoo Sang , Jung Ji Yeon
Published: July 2021

Background

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by multiple disease‐associated bacterial species in periodontal tissues. Autophagy is known to modulate various inflammation‐driven diseases and inflammatory responses, but the role of autophagy related to the pathogenesis of periodontitis is not fully established. We investigated whether autophagic flux regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the gingiva of periodontitis patients and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The mRNA and protein expression of proinflammatory cytokines was assessed in human gingival tissues collected from patients with periodontitis and HGFs treated with LPS. The expression of signaling molecules related to autophagy was evaluated by immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses.

Results

The expression of interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) was increased in the gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis. LC3B‐positive cells, a typical autophagic marker, were increased in the gingival tissues of periodontitis patients and LPS‐treated HGFs. The conversion ratio of LC3‐I to LC3‐II was higher in the gingival tissues associated with periodontitis and LPS‐treated HGFs compared to the controls. The autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine (3MA) significantly abrogated the LPS‐sustained inflammatory effect by reducing the expression of IL‐6, TNF‐α, COX‐2, and ICAM‐1 in HGFs. The phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) and protein S6K1 (S6), signals involved in the mTOR‐dependent mechanism, was decreased in gingiva derived from periodontitis patients and LPS‐treated HGFs.

Conclusions

Autophagy augmented the production of inflammatory cytokines by mTOR inactivation via the AKT signaling pathway in the gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis and LPS‐stimulated HGFs. These findings would provide a better understanding of the mechanism by which autophagy regulates the inflammatory response associated with periodontal pathogenesis.
Resonance Raman studies of gas sensing heme proteins
Authors: Liu Yilin , Kincaid James R.
Published: July 2021

Heme sensor proteins are present in organisms ranging from bacteria to mammals, typically consisting of a catalytic domain and a heme‐containing sensor domain, which can bind diatomic gas molecules such as O2, CO, and NO. Such ligand binding event can induce active site conformational changes that are subsequently propagated to the functional domain, ultimately activating/deactivating a series of biological events, such as aerotaxis, gene expression, changes the metabolic pathway, and so forth. Such regulatory events are crucial for the cell to fulfill the physiological functions by regulating enzyme activity in response to the external stimuli. Resonance Raman (rR) spectroscopy is an effective method to investigate the sensing mechanism of these structurally different associated sensor proteins that exhibit diverse inherent physiological functions. This review summarizes the results of rR studies on a diverse collection of these heme sensor proteins, including FixL, Escherichia coli direct oxygen sensor (EcDOS), HemAT from Bacillus subtilis (HemAT‐Bs), CooA, soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), heme nitric oxide and/or oxygen binding domain (H‐NOX), and nitric oxide sensing proteins (NosP).
The Impact of Virtual Reality Exposure on Stress Level and Sense of Competence in Ambulance Workers
Authors: Chaabane Sourour , Etienne Anne‐Marie , Schyns Michaël , Wagener Aurélie
Published: July 2021

Virtual reality (VR) exposure is used in clinical psychology to treat anxiety disorders. It is also used to enhance resilience in soldiers by allowing them to confront virtual combat environments to help fortify them against the negative consequences of trauma exposure. Most VR studies have focused on military and emergency medical staff; however, thus far, none have investigated VR in ambulance workers (AWs), who are confronted with traumatic situations daily. The current study aimed to assess the impact of a single VR exposure session on self‐perceived competence and stress level in a sample of AWs. Participants (N = 40) were randomly assigned to either a VR immersion (i.e., experimental group, n = 20) or an audio immersion (i.e., control group, n = 20) of a shooting attack situation. We hypothesized that compared to controls, VR participants would report decreased anxiety, as measured using visual analog scales, as well as an increased sense of competence. The results showed a significant reduction in fear in both groups, d = 0.33, and an increased sense of competence in VR participants, d = 0.35. Although our hypotheses were only partially confirmed, the observed beneficial effects of VR and the audio immersion on stress levels in AWs suggest that VR exposure could be a useful way to increase resilience in AWs.
Assessment of the Validity of the Sinonasal Outcomes Test‐22 in Pituitary Surgery: A Multicenter Prospective Trial
Authors: Sarris Christina E. , Little Andrew S. , Kshettry Varun R. , Rosen Marc R. , Rehl Ryan M. , Haegen Timothy W. , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Nyquist Gurston G. , Recinos Pablo F. , Sindwani Raj , Woodard Troy D. , Farrell Christopher J. , Santarelli Griffin D. , Milligan John , Evans James J.
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sinonasal Outcomes Test‐22 (SNOT‐22) is used widely as a patient‐reported sinonasal quality‐of‐life (QOL) instrument for endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery. However, it has never been validated in this population. This study explores the psychometric validity of SNOT‐22 to determine if it is a valid scale in patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery.

Study Design

Multicenter prospective trial.

Methods

Adult patients (n = 113) with pituitary tumors undergoing endoscopic surgery were enrolled in a multicenter study. Patient‐reported QOL was assessed using SNOT‐22 and the Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory‐12. Face validity, internal consistency, responsiveness to clinical change, test–retest reliability, and concurrent validity were determined using standard statistical methods.

Results

Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha at baseline and 2 weeks postoperatively were 0.911 and 0.922, indicating SNOT‐22 performed well as a single construct. Mean QOL scores were significantly worse at 2 weeks than baseline (16.4 ± 15.1 vs. 23.1 ± 16.4, P < .001), indicating the scale is responsive to clinical change. However, only 11/22 items demonstrated significant changes in mean scores at 2 weeks. Correlation between scores at 2 and 3 weeks was high, suggesting good test–retest reliability, r(107) = 0.75, P < .001. Factor analysis suggests the five‐factor solution proposed for the SNOT‐22 in rhinosinusitis patients is not valid in pituitary surgery patients.

Conclusions

The SNOT‐22 is a valid QOL instrument in patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery. However, because it includes 22 items, can be applied only as a single construct, 50% of the items do not demonstrate changes after surgery, and is not as sensitive to change as other scales, shorter instruments developed specifically for this patient population may be preferable.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 131:E2757–E2763, 2021
Effect of lipopolysaccharide on peripheral tissue and hypothalamic expression of metabolic and inflammatory markers in mice fed high‐fat diets with distinct 18‐carbon fatty acid composition
Authors: Shin Sunhye , Ajuwon Kolapo M.
Published: July 2021

Physiological and metabolic effects of fatty acids are determined by their degree of saturation and chain length. Effects of 18‐carbon fatty acids with various degrees of saturation on inflammatory, oxidative, and neuropeptide gene transcription, especially in the hypothalamus, in response to LPS‐induced acute inflammation have not been well studied. We conducted this study to test whether diets with distinct 18‐carbon fatty acid differentially affect inflammatory and metabolic response to LPS exposure in the hypothalamus, liver, and muscle tissues. Four experimental diets were fed for 4 weeks to male C57BL/6J mice, and a terminal 4‐h lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection was administered. Diets included a control diet (CON) containing 5.6% kcal fat from lard and 4.4% kcal fat from soybean oil, and three high‐fat diets (HFD) containing 25% kcal fat from lard and 20% kcal fat from either shea butter (SHB; saturated fatty acid‐rich fat), olive oil (OLO; monounsaturated fatty acid‐rich oil), or soybean oil (SBO; polyunsaturated fatty acid‐rich fat). Compared to CON, HFD‐fed mice had higher weight gain and body fat accumulation. The SBO group had lowest Cpt1b expression in the liver, and OLO group had the lowest Pomc and the highest Lepr expression in the hypothalamus. LPS challenge increased pro‐inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in the brain and peripheral tissues. However, the diets did not exert distinguishable effects on LPS‐induced inflammatory responses. Therefore, saturation degree of 18‐carbon fatty acids may not play a critical role in their effects on inflammatory and metabolic indicators in response to acute inflammation induced by LPS.
From the Heroic Age to today: What diatoms from Shackleton's Nimrod expedition can tell us about the ecological trajectory of Antarctic ponds
Authors: Kohler Tyler J. , Howkins Adrian , Sokol Eric R. , Kopalová Katerina , Cox Aneliya , Darling Joshua P. , Gooseff Michael N. , McKnight Diane M.
Published: July 2021

Biological invasion and environmental change pose major threats to ecosystems. While long‐term ecological change is commonly evaluated through sediment cores in lakes, it is generally not feasible for smaller ponds, and spatial resolution is limited. Here, we analyze pond diatom communities collected during Shackleton's Nimrod expedition at Cape Royds, Antarctica, to compare with the same waterbodies a century later. We find historical samples to be almost identical to modern counterparts, and provide no evidence of exotic introductions despite increasing human activity. However, a shift occurred in the pond nearest Shackleton's hut, Pony Lake, which was dominated by Luticola muticopsis a century ago, and was replaced by Craspedostauros laevissimus. Both are endemic species previously and currently present at Cape Royds, and we hypothesize that a shift in conductivity accompanying changing precipitation patterns may be responsible. Collectively, these results provide important data for assessing human and climate impacts among Antarctic lacustrine habitats.
Tribological behaviours of black phosphorus/MoS2 composites as water‐based lubrication additives
Authors: Wang Wei , Dong Shaowen , Gao Yuan , Zhang Guoliang , Wang Kuaishe
Published: July 2021

In this investigation, a self‐assembly method was used to fabricate black phosphorus (BP)/MoS2 composites as water‐based lubrication additives. The tribological behaviours of the lubrication additives for GCr15 steel ball/TC4 titanium alloy disk contact under different mass ratios, loads and rotational speeds were also investigated. The experimental results showed that 0.01 wt.% BP and 0.04 wt.% MoS2 as water‐based lubrication additive have the best the synergistic lubrication effect. Compared with pure water, coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate of the lubrication additive at the test conditions of 8 N and 150 r/min were reduced by 32.6% and 68.8%, respectively. As the loads increased, the COFs and wear rates of all the lubricants including pure water, BP as water‐based lubrication additive (BP‐WL), MoS2 as water‐based lubrication additive (MS‐WL) and BP/MoS2 composites as water‐based lubrication additive (BM‐WL) were all reduced. As the rational speeds increased from 100 to 250 r/min, all the lubricants were firstly decreased and then increased. Based on tribological tests and wear surface analysis, the lubrication mechanism of BM‐WL is proposed. The interlaminar shear and the adsorption of BP/MoS2 composites on the wear surface of the friction pairs are the key to reducing COFs sand wear rates. In addition, the tribo‐chemical reaction films consists of FeO/Fe2O3, Al2O3 and TiO2 were formed during the friction process, which can effectively protect the surface of the titanium alloy/steel contact from wear.
Mechanical Properties of Silicone Rubber Enhanced Microcellular EPDM Foams Based on Supercritical CO2Foaming Technology
Authors: Wen Huayin , Wang Min , Luo Shikai , Zhou Yuanlin , Liu Tao
Published: July 2021

Microcellular ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) foams derived from miniaturizing the cellular structure can improve mechanical properties of traditional EPDM foams. It is a current challenge that microcellular EPDM foams prepared by supercritical CO2foaming technology cannot undergo the post‐crosslinking process due to the disappearance of cellular structure, which strongly restricts the development of the mechanical properties of EPDM foams. Hence, a scalable and blending route by selecting the silicone rubber (SR) with different crosslinking temperature compared to EPDM is developed to improve mechanical properties of EPDM foams. During the pre‐crosslinking process of EPDM, SR forms a complete crosslinking network, which can make up for the strength of EPDM without the post‐crosslinking. Meanwhile, the silica can reduce the domain size of SR and enhance the compatibility between EPDM and SR. As expected, the addition of SR improves the storage modulus, viscosity and matrix strength of EPDM, which shows enhanced mechanical properties of EPDM foams. When the foam density is basically the same, the tensile strength and compressive strength of SR/EPDM foam are increased by 461% and 283% respectively compared with that of EPDM foam. Finally, the maximum tensile strength and compressive strength (40% strain) of SR/EPDM foam achieves 3.58 MPa and 0.59 MPa, respectively.
Inclusive finance and employment: Can financial development improve peasant's entrepreneurship?
Authors: Jiang Ruibo , Fan Wenjing
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the relationship between peasant entrepreneurship and financial inclusion throughout China. Chinese data for the period 2006–2013 and global data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor were analyzed by using descriptive and coupling model. Our results suggest that the degree of coupling between financial inclusion and peasant entrepreneurship is higher in regions of financial underdevelopment than in other regions. This indicates that two distinct types of peasant employment exist as a result of different investment priorities in credit markets. In this paper, we provide new insights on financial breadth in supporting peasant entrepreneurship.
Dissecting human trophoblast cell transcriptional heterogeneity in preeclampsia using single‐cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Zhang Tao , Bian Qianqian , Chen Yanchun , Wang Xiaolin , Yu Shaowei , Liu Shunhua , Ji Ping , Li Ling , Shrestha Mandakini , Dong Shujun , Guo Rong , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2021

Objective

PE is a pregnancy‐specific syndrome that affects 3%–5% of pregnant women. It often presents as new‐onset hypertension and proteinuria during the third trimester. PE progresses rapidly and may lead to serious complications, including the death of both mother and fetus. In low‐income countries, PE is one of the main causes of maternal and child mortality. While the cause of PE is still debated, clinical and pathological studies suggest that the placenta plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PE.

Materials and Methods

In this single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) study, the placenta was taken from the designated position after cesarean section. We compared placental cell subsets and their transcriptional heterogeneity between preeclampsia and healthy pregnancies using the single‐cell RNA‐seq technology. A developmental trajectory of human trophoblasts was shown.

Results

Gene expression in endoplasmic reticulum signaling pathways in syncytiotrophoblast was upregulated in the PE group. The villi cytotrophoblasts (VCT) and extravillous trophoblasts were mainly involved in immune responses.

Conclusion

The placental immune function of patients with PE was altered. Proteasomes, spliceosomes, ribosomes, and mitochondria were abnormally active in the new VCT cell type.
Antioxidant Effects of Elderberry Anthocyanins in Human Colon Carcinoma Cells: A Study on Structure–Activity Relationships
Authors: Pahlke Gudrun , Ahlberg Katarina , Oertel Anne , Janson‐Schaffer Theresa , Grabher Stephanie , Mock Hans‐Peter , Matros Andrea , Marko Doris
Published: July 2021

Scope

Glycosylation is a way to increase structure‐stability of anthocyanins, yet compromises their bioactivity. The study investigates the antioxidant activity of purified cyanidin (Cy)‐based anthocyanins and respective degradation products in Caco‐2 clone C2BBe1 aiming to identify structure–activity relationships.

Results and Methods

Cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside (Cy‐3‐glc) and cyanidin 3‐O‐sambubioside (Cy‐3‐sam) proved to be most potent regarding antioxidant properties and protection against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐levels measured with the dichloro‐fluorescein (DCF) assay. Cyanidin 3‐O‐sambubioside‐5‐O‐glucoside (Cy‐3‐sam‐5‐glc) and cyanidin 3‐O‐rutinoside (Cy‐3‐rut) were less efficient and not protective, reflecting potential differences in uptake and/or degradation. Following ranking in antioxidant efficiency is suggested: (concentrations ≤10 × 10−6 M) Cy‐3‐glc ≥ Cy‐3‐sam > Cy‐3‐sam‐5‐glc ≈ Cy‐3‐rut ≈ Cy; (concentrations ≥50 × 10−6 M) Cy‐3‐glc ≈ Cy‐3‐sam ≥ Cy > Cy‐3‐sam‐5‐glc ≈ Cy‐3‐rut. Cy and protocatechuic acid (PCA) reduced ROS‐levels as potent as the mono‐ and di‐glycoside, whereas phloroglucinol aldehyde (PGA) displayed pro‐oxidant properties. None of the degradation products protected from oxidative stress. Gene transcription analysis of catalase (CAT), superoxide‐dismutase (SOD), glutathione‐peroxidase (GPx), heme‐oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and glutamate‐cysteine‐ligase (γGCL) suggest no activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2).

Conclusion

More complex residues and numbers of sugar moieties appear to be counterproductive for antioxidant activity. Other mechanisms than Nrf2‐activation should be considered for protective effects.
Longitudinal relaxation rate measurements for different signals unveiled by nutation spectroscopy: Application to the characterization of two arrangements experienced by water in a clay network
Authors: Ferrari Maude , Moyne Christian , Canet Daniel
Published: July 2021

Nutation consists in monitoring the motion of nuclear magnetization under the application of a radiofrequency (rf) field. With an appropriate amplitude of the rf field, the nutation frequency depends on the NMR relaxation times. This property offers the possibility of differentiating species having the same Larmor frequency but differing by their relaxation times. This may occur for the composite proton NMR signal of water in complex systems. Separate nutation signals are thus observed with the possibility of measuring their longitudinal relaxation times by simply applying a saturation hard pulse, followed by an evolution interval, prior to the nutation sequence. This novel experiment has been used for studying the two sites existing for water in two kaolinite samples (one hydrated after stabilization of several months and the other nonhydrated). It turns out that water in these two sites differs essentially by its transverse relaxation time. Moreover, recovery is surprisingly biexponential for these two signals. A proper analysis of results obtained by this saturation‐recovery nutation experiment provides not only the specific longitudinal relaxation rates of water in these two sites but also information about the averaging which occurs at long evolution times. This is discussed with regard of the structure and organization of the clay network. In particular, from relaxation rates at short evolution times, it is shown that this network is mainly constituted of ordered platelets, with a relatively weak proportion of randomly distributed platelets.
Pathological features of reinnervated skeletal muscles after crush injury of the sciatic nerve in ob/ob mice
Authors: Asano Takahiro , Tsujii Masaya , Iino Takahiro , Odake Kazuya , Sudo Akihiro
Published: July 2021

Introduction/Aims

Obesity is a factor contributing to suboptimal improvement of motor function in peripheral nerve disorders. In this study we aimed to evaluate the skeletal muscles during denervation and reinnervation after nerve crush injury in leptin‐deficient (ob/ob) mice.

Methods

Experiments were performed on the skeletal muscles of the hindlimbs in 20 male ob/ob mice and controls. Characteristics of the gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated by histological analysis, immunohistological analysis, and Sircol‐collagen assay after measurement of body weight and wet weight of the skeletal muscles, and by walking track analysis. The sciatic nerve was denervated by crushing with smooth forceps and reinnervation was evaluated.

Results

Gastrocnemius wet weight was significantly lower in the ob/ob mice than in the control mice. A smaller cross‐sectional area of type II fibers and increase of type I fiber grouping of the skeletal muscles was demonstrated in the ob/ob mice. After nerve injury, motor function recovery was equal between the groups but the cross‐sectional area of type II fibers was significantly smaller in the ob/ob mice than in control mice at 4 weeks. The denervated muscles showed an increase in collagen deposition in the interstitial space; predominant in the ob/ob mice after nerve injury.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that fibrosis in the skeletal muscle of obese patients after nerve injury is prominent, which may impair improvement of muscle function after treatment of peripheral nerve disorders.