bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sintesis Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Menggunakan Prekursor Bahan Alam Serta Modifikasi CNT Sebagai Komposit CNT/Resin Epoksi: Review
Authors: Anggoro Putri Ayu , Saraswati Teguh Endah
Published: September 2021

Carbon Nanotube (CNT) memiliki aplikasi potensial yang luas karena sifat kimia dan fisiknya yang sangat baik. CNT disintesis menggunakan prekursor cair dari bahan alam yang. Prekursor cair dari bahan alam dimungkinkan dapat mengganti prekursor berbasis minyak bumi. Minyak kamper, jarak, kayu putih, dan kelapa sawit digunakan sebagai reservoir karbon untuk menghasilkan CNT berdinding banyak (MWCNT). Berbagai metode telah digunakan untuk menghasilkan CNT, termasuk ablasi laser, arc discharge dan proses deposisi uap kimia (CVD). Ulasan ini menjelaskan pembuatan CNT menggunakan metode CVD dikarenakan metode ini adalah metode yang umum digunakan dan sederhana. MWCNT yang dihasilkan dimodifikasi untuk membentuk komposit dengan resin epoksi.

Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) Using Natural Material Precursors and Modified CNTs as CNT/Epoxy Resin Composite: Review. Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) have wide potential applications due to their excellent chemical and physical properties. CNTs were synthesized using liquid precursors from natural materials possibly replacing petroleum-based precursors. Camphor, jatropha, eucalyptus oil, and palm oil are used as carbon reservoirs to produce multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). A variety of methods have been used to produce CNTs, including laser ablation, arc discharge, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. This mini-review explained the manufacture of CNTs using the CVD method as a commonly used and simple method. The synthesized CNT is then modified to be applied to form a composite with epoxy resin
Sintesis Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) Berbasis Bahan Alam Limbah Tempurung Kelapa dan Aplikasinya dalam Pembuatan Polimer Komposit Polimida-CNT: Review
Authors: Saputri Dini Deviana , Saraswati Teguh Endah
Published: September 2021

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) menjadi salah satu material unggul teknologi nano yang membawa banyak keuntungan karena memiliki sifat kimia dan mekanik yang baik. Hal ini menjadikan CNT dimanfaatkan di berbagai aplikasi nano-device ataupun material komposit. Beberapa metode yang sering digunakan untuk menumbuhkan CNT adalah deposisi uap kimia (Chemical Vapor Deposition), laser ablasi dan arc discharge. Kebanyakan sumber prekursor karbon dalam sintesis CNT diambil dari bahan bakar fosil yang memiliki kelemahan bahan tidak bisa diperbaharui dan menghabiskan biaya yang mahal. Limbah bahan alam atau hasil biomassa dapat menjadi alternatif bahan baku pembuatan CNT yang membawa keunggulan biaya murah, ketersediaan melimpah, dan hemat energi, contohnya seperti limbah tempurung kelapa yang mengandung unsur karbon tinggi. Tempurung kelapa telah dilaporkan sebagai salah satu bahan baku potensial produksi CNT. Aplikasi CNT dalam polimer komposit contohnya penggabungan dengan polimida. Keunggulan polimida adalah sifat mekaniknya yang sangat baik, stabilitas termal, dan ketahanan kimia. Namun, polimida memiliki kelemahan dalam konduktivitas termal yang rendah. Penambahan CNT ke dalam polimida dapat meningkatkan konduktivitas termal sehingga meningkatkan kinerja polimer tersebut. 

Synthesis of Coconut-Shell Waste-based Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and Its Application in Polymer Composite Polyimide-CNT Fabrication: Review. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have become one of the excellent materials for nanotechnology which brings many advantages because of their good chemical and mechanical properties, inducing CNTs to be used in various nano-device applications or composite materials. Some of the methods commonly used to grow CNTs are chemical vapor deposition, laser ablation, and arc discharge. Most sources of carbon precursors in CNTs synthesis are taken from fossil fuels which have the disadvantages of non-renewable materials and high cost. Natural waste or biomass products can be an alternative raw material for CNTs production which brings the advantages of low cost, abundant availability, and energy-saving, for example, such as coconut shell waste which contains high carbon elements. Coconut shell has been reported as one of the potential raw materials for CNT production. CNT applications in composite polymers are for example collaboration with polyimides. The advantages of polyimides are their excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance. However, polyimides have a disadvantage in their low thermal conductivity. The addition of CNT into polyimides can increase its thermal conductivity enhancing polyimide performance.

 
Serious Injuries and Fatalities: A Study of Data and Prevention Strategies
Authors: Bibby David
Published: September 2021

Serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) occurring in the workplace have become a significant focus in the field of safety. Over the past 20 years there has been a steady decline in the prevalence of all injuries, however the rates of SIFs have plateaued in recent years, contrary to Heinrich's Triangle. In one of the largest studies of its kind, we set out to identify trends and common factors of SIF incidents to identify strategies to reduce the risk of SIF incidents occurring.

We have studied OSHA log records and OSHA recorded fatalities of over 50,000 companies over multiple years broken down by numerous different indicies including industry, age, day of the week, body part affected, type of incident and severity of incident to give a picture of SIF prevalence and trends. This data has also been cross referenced against qualititive information of these companies to identify trends, commonalities and disparities in order to identify causes and opportunities for improvement.

The data reported on has shown different risk groups for SIF incidents occurring, that 60% of companies are at low risk of SIF incidents occurring and identifying the highest risk injuries for SIF events occurring (drilling and construction work). In addition, seemingly random factors such as day of the week and month of they year are found to statistically vary, presenting opportunities for targetted outreach based on this data in order to reduce risk. Furthermore, the study reveals companies who work with chemicals, performing welding work and work at heights should be the top targets for SIF prevention intervention, whilst the impact of heavily regulated industries (e.g., PSM facilities) and ensuring organisations have good safety procedures are linked to lower risks of SIF events occuring.

This information is of valuable use for all organisations who are interested in truly understanding the root causes of incidents and learning techniques to achieve a Vision Zero of a reduction of incidents, particularly serious injuries and fatalities, to the lowest possible level. A no-blame culture to the accurate reporting of incidents is also vital to a deeper understanding of causation and prevention.
A kilonova from an ultra-quick merger of a neutron star binary
Authors: Jin Zhiping , Zhou Hao , Covino Stefano , Liao Nenghui , Li Xiang , Lei Lei , D'Avanzo Paolo , Fan Yi-Zhong , Wei Daming
Published: September 2021

GRB 060505 was the first well-known nearby (at redshift 0.089) “hybrid” gamma-ray burst that has a duration longer than 2 seconds but without the association of a supernova down to very stringent limits1. The prompt γ−ray flash lasting ∼ 4 sec could consist of an intrinsic short burst and its tail emission2 , but the sizable temporal lag (∼ 0.35 sec) as well as the environment properties led to the widely-accepted classification of a long duration gamma-ray burst originated from the collapse of a massive star3–5. Here for the first time we report the convincing evidence for a thermal-like optical radiation component in the spectral energy distribution of the early afterglow emission. In comparison to AT2017gfo, the thermal radiation is ∼ 2 times brighter and the temperature is comparable at similar epochs. The optical decline is much quicker than that in X-rays, which is also at odds with the fireball afterglow model6 but quite natural for the presence of a blue kilonova7, 8. Our finding points towards a neutron star merger origin of the hybrid GRB 060505 and strongly supports the theoretical speculation that some binary neutron stars can merge ultra-quickly (within ∼ 1 Myr) after their formation9 when the surrounding region is still highly star-forming and the metallicity remains low. Gravitational wave and electromagnetic jointed observations are expected to confirm such scenarios in the near future.
Gut Microbiota Plays an Essential Role in the Onset of Membranous Nephropathy: Evidence from Multi-Center Case-Control Study and Animal Model
Authors: Shang Jin , Zhang Yiding , Guo Ruixue , Liu Wenli , Zhang Jun , Yan Ge , Wu Feng , Cui Wen , Wang Peipei , Zheng Xuejun , Wang Ting , Ding Suying , Gao Xinxin , Dong Yijun , Zhao Jing , Wang Li , Ren Hongyan , Liu Chao , Xiao Jing , Ren Zhigang , Zhao Zhanzheng
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Here we aim to establish a non-invasive diagnostic model using differential gut microbiome and to explore the relationship between gut microbiome and the pathogenesis of MN in animal experiment.DESIGN: A total of 825 fecal samples including MN patients and healthy controls (HC) were collected from Central, East and South China. We obtained crucial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) by 16S rRNA sequencing and then established a diagnostic model using five-fold cross-validation on random forest model. We subsequently validated its efficiency in cross regional cohort. MN rat model was induced by Sheep Anti-Rat Fx1A Serum and was used to explore the relationship between gut microbiome and the pathogenesis of MN.RESULTS: The diversity and richness of gut microbiome was significantly decreased in MN patients. The diagnostic model based on 7 operational OTUs achieved excellent efficiency with an area under curve (AUC) of 98.36% in training group. The different disease states and cross regional cohort validated high diagnostic efficiency. In rat model, urinary protein was significantly relieved by intestine cleaning, while increased again by fecal microbiome transplant (FMT). Interestingly, fecal microbiome from MN patients seems to play a protective role when compared with that from healthy people.CONCLUSION: Gut microbiome can be used as a non-invasive tool for MN diagnosis. The onset of MN depends partially on the existence of naturally colonized microbiome. Adaptive changes of gut microbiome during MN may help relieve urinary protein.
Diversity and Distribution of Sulfur Metabolism 1 in the Human Gut Microbiome and its Association with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wolf Patricia G. , Cowley Elise S. , Breister Adam , Matatov Sarah , Lucio Luke , Polak Paige , Ridlon Jason M. , Gaskins H. Rex , Anantharaman Karthik
Published: September 2021

Background: Microbial sulfidogenesis produces genotoxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the human gut using inorganic (sulfate) and organic (taurine/cysteine/methionine) substrates, however the majority of studies have focused on sulfate reduction using dissimilatory sulfite reductases (Dsr). Recent evidence implicates microbial sulfidogenesis as a potential trigger of colorectal cancer (CRC), highlighting the need for comprehensive knowledge of sulfur metabolism within the human gut.Results: Here we show that microbial sulfur metabolism is more abundant and diverse than previously studied and is statistically associated with CRC. Using ~17,000 bacterial genomes from publicly available stool metagenomes, we studied the diversity of sulfur metabolic genes in 667 participants across different health statuses: healthy, adenoma, and carcinoma. Sulfidogenic genes were harbored by 142 bacterial genera and both organic and inorganic sulfidogenic genes were associated with carcinoma. Significantly, anaerobic sulfite reductases were twice as abundant as dsr, demonstrating that this enzyme is likely a more important contributor to sulfate reduction in the human gut. We identified twelve potential pathways for reductive taurine metabolism and discovered novel genera harboring these pathways. Finally, prevalence of metabolic genes for organic sulfur indicate that these understudied substrates may be the most abundant source of microbially derived H2S.Conclusions: Our findings significantly expand knowledge of microbial sulfur metabolism in the human gut. We show that microbial sulfur metabolism in the human gut is more prevalent than previously known, irrespective of health status (i.e., in both healthy and diseased states). Our results significantly increase the diversity of pathways and bacteria that are associated with microbial sulfur metabolism in the human gut. Overall, our results have implications for understanding the role of the human gut microbiome and its potential contributions to the pathogenesis of CRC.
Tools to Assess the External Validity of Randomized Controlled Trials in Systematic Reviews: a Systematic Review of Measurement Properties
Authors: Jung Andres , Balzer Julia , Braun Tobias , Luedtke Kerstin
Published: September 2021

Background: Internal and external validity are the most relevant components when critically appraising randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for systematic reviews. However, there is no gold standard to assess external validity. This might be related to the heterogeneity of terminology as well as to unclear evidence of the measurement properties of available tools. The aim of this review was to identify tools to assess the external validity of RCTs in systematic reviews and to evaluate the quality of evidence regarding their measurement properties.Methods: A two-phase systematic literature search was performed in four databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO via OVID, and CINAHL via EBSCO. First, tools to assess the external validity of RCTs were identified. Second, studies aiming to investigate the measurement properties of these tools were selected. The measurement properties of each included tool were appraised using an adapted version of the COnsensus based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines.Results: 34 publications reporting on the development or validation of 26 included tools were included. For 62% of the included tools, there was no evidence of any measurement property. For the remaining tools, reliability was assessed most frequently. Reliability was judged as “sufficient” for three tools (very low quality of evidence). Content validity was rated as “sufficient” for one tool (moderate quality of evidence).Conclusions: Based on these results, no available tool can be fully recommended to assess the external validity of RCTs in systematic reviews. Several steps are required to overcome the identified difficulties to either adapt and validate available tools or to develop a new one. There is a need for more research for this purpose.Trial registration: Prospective registration at Open Science Framework (OSF): https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PTG4D
Involving Resilience In Assessment of The Water-Energy-Food Nexus For Arid And Semiarid Regions
Authors: Núñez-López Jesús Manuel , Cansino-Loeza Brenda , Zarco Xaté Geraldine Sánchez , Ponce-Ortega José María
Published: September 2021

The proper planning of the water-energy-food nexus is key for urban sustainability. However, the security of water, energy, and food is posed at risk due to uncertain events such as natural disasters. The quantification of resilience in water-energy-food systems has gained relevance in recent years and has served as a key tool to identify vulnerable areas. This work presents a systematic approach to assessing the resilience of the water-energy-food nexus in arid/semiarid regions that present low availability of resources. A methodology for assessing the resilience of the water-energy-food nexus of an arid region is presented, which allows evaluating the system under the disturbances of natural disasters such as hurricanes, low-temperature events, and droughts. The events in which failures in functional services may occur are analyzed using penalty costs. To apply the proposed approach, scenarios corresponding to past conditions and future projections were evaluated for two Mexican arid cities. The results show that it is possible to identify vulnerable areas related to the existence of natural disasters and thereby look for alternatives to maintain the security of the nexus. The proposed approach is general, and it can be applied to other regions with similar characteristics.
Comparison of the sonography index of thyroid gland with serum level of Anti-thyroid peroxidase, Anti-thyroglobulin and thyroid function test in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis
Authors: Eftekharian Fatemeh , Omrani Gholamhossein Ranjbar , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Sahraei Reza , Bakhshayeshkaram Marzieh , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Mahdi , Behnam Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2021

Background
The purpose of this study was to determine the association of sonographic parameters with the serum levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (Tg), and thyroid hormones in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Methods
149 patients (118 females, 31 males; aged 18–60 years; mean age: 38.60 ± 8.03 years) who were diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis were enrolled in the study. Blood sample was taken to measure the serum levels of free T3 and T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-TPO antibody titers, and anti-Tg antibody titers. The thyroid sonography of each patient was classified into one of the five grades by real-time ultrasonography (US) based on echogenicity, thyroid size, and thyroid pattern. We evaluated whether a correlation existed between thyroid characteristics on US and serum levels of thyroid hormones, anti-TPO and anti-Tg.
Results
Nodular structures were detected in 54 (36.2%) patients (38 micronodular and 16 macros nodular). Echogenicity was recorded as isoechoic in 15 (10.07%) and hypoechoic in 119 (79.87%) subjects. Euthyroid ‎subjects had significantly thicker isthmus than overt and subclinical hypothyroid patients (p = 0.018). Mean serum TSH, anti-Tg and anti-TPO titers was significantly higher in patients with micronodules than those with micronodules and subjects without nodules (P < 0.05). Isthmus thickness had a significant negative correlation with FT4 and FT3 (P = 0.046; r = 0.11& P = 0.017; r = 0.15, respectively). Thyroid autoantibodies had positive significant correlations with different parameters of the thyroid volume (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Thyroid’s US findings in addition to serum levels of anti-Tg and anti-TPO titers would be useful in diagnosis and evaluation of the severity and extent of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but further evaluations are needed.
Trial registration:
Trial registry identifier IR.SUMS.REC.1395.S161 (2015/11/30).
A Case of Cardiac Amyloidosis Diagnosed Using Combination of Echocardiography and Electrocardiogram
Authors: Wang Ceng , Wang Jing , Zheng Yi , Sun Tingting
Published: September 2021

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an invasive cardiomyopathy with high mortality. The gold standard of diagnosis is usually cardiac biopsy, but its clinical application is reduced because it is an expensive and invasive procedure. The combination of electrocardiogram and echocardiography, which is associated with typical characteristics, is used to diagnose CA. However, in recent years, this procedure has been less widely used domestically and internationally. The aim of this study was to elaborate on the diagnostic merits of the two methods.
Pathogenicity Comparison Between QX-Type And Mass-Type Infectious Bronchitis Virus To Different Segments of The Oviducts In Laying Phase
Authors: Zhang Xiaorong , Yan Kun , Zhang Chengcheng , Guo Mengjiao , Chen Shuqin , Liao Kai , Bo Zongyi , Cao Yongzhong , Wu Yantao
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe QX-type infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has become the predominant genotype worldwide in recent years and has caused serious economic losses to the chicken industry. The most significant feature of QX IBV is that its infection in the early growing stage can cause abnormal oviduct development, resulting in a high proportion of ‘false layers’ in poultry flocks of laying hens and breeders. However, few studies have evaluated whether infections of QX-type IBV in laying stages can also cause severe pathological changes in the oviduct. MethodsIn this study, 300-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were infected either with the QX-type strain QXL or Massachusetts (Mass)-type strain M41 to compare their pathogenicity on different segments of the oviduct. ResultsBoth the QXL and M41 strains successfully replicated in all segments of the oviduct; however, the QXL strain was more highly distributed in mucosal layer and caused severe lesions in the lamina propria, including interstitial dilation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and distinct expansion of tubular glands. Moreover, the QXL strain induced high expression of proinflammatory cytokines and cytotoxic molecules in the majority of segments in the oviduct. Further research found that the QXL strain may affected the formation of shell membranes and eggshells by inhibiting the expression of type I collagen and CaBP-D28k. ConclusionsOur results indicate that the QX-type IBV is more pathogenic than Mass-type IBV to oviduct in laying phase. Collectively, these findings provide detailed information on the pathological changes in different segments of the oviduct in laying phase, which could offer a better understanding about the pathogenicity of IBV.
Effectiveness of Interventions To Enable Hypertension Medication Adherence In Low-And Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis
Authors: Nakwafila Olivia , Sartorius Benn , Nkambule Sphamandla Josias , Thompson Tivani Mashamba
Published: September 2021

Background: In recent decades low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are witnessing an increase in hypertension and thus becoming a significant public health issue due to associated Cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. Antihypertensive medication adherence is crucial to controlling blood pressure; therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on improving blood pressure control and medication adherence in patients with hypertension in LMICs.Methods: We searched the following databases for relevant literature published between Jan 2005 – Dec 2020: PubMed, EBSCOhost included Academic Search; CINAHL and MEDLINE complete; PubMed; WEB of Science; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Google Scholar. Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2) was used to appraise included studies critically, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to measure the quality of evidence. We conducted a meta‑analysis using DrSimonian-Laid's random-effect model at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The secondary outcomes of interests were synthesised descriptively as changes in BP adherence outcomes. Results: We identified 14 eligible randomised controlled trials that presented blood pressure (BP) effectiveness and medication adherence among BP patients aged between 18-75 years. The overall quality of evidence with the majority of trials was moderate. Meta weighed effect (SBP) for 12/14 studies was -4.74 (95% CI:-6.07 to -3.47) and I2 = 57%. Out of 14 eligible studies, (86%) suggested a significant improvement in the proportion of patients with controlled blood pressure (BP < 140/90mmHG) with a positive effect on secondary outcomes such as quality of life.Conclusion: Non-pharmacological interventions could be effective in managing hypertension. In recommending the need to investigate the feasibility of non-pharmacological evidence in specific LMIC settings, focus should be on an intervention strategy consisting of an educational intervention directed toward the patients, health professionals and organisation. Considering heterogeneity, randomised trials that are well-designed with larger sample sizes are encouraged in LMICs` to help policymakers make well-informed decisions on hypertension management.Systematic review Registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020172954
Absence of WDR13 in p53-Null Mice Increases Longevity
Authors: Mishra Arun Prakash , Lakshmi B Jyothi
Published: September 2021

Absence of WDR13 is known to be involved in pancreatic, colon and uterine hyperproliferation. However, a recent study showed its antiproliferative role liver regeneration in response to hepatotoxins. These findings intrigued to study the role of WDR13-null condition in Trp53 knockout mouse to study the tumour predisposition and survival. We report absence of Wdr13 in Trp53-null background alleviates the tumour load, in turn increasing total survival in mouse model.
Metabolic Benefits of Methionine Restriction in Adult Mice Do Not Require Functional Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase a (MsrA)
Authors: Thyne Kevin M. , Salmon Adam B.
Published: September 2021

Methionine restriction (MR) extends lifespan and improves several markers of health in rodents. However, the proximate mechanisms of MR on these physiological benefits have not been fully elucidated. The essential amino acid methionine plays numerous biological roles and limiting its availability in the diet directly modulates methionine metabolism. There is growing evidence that redox regulation of methionine has regulatory control on some aspects of cellular function but interactions with MR remain largely unexplored. We tested the functional role of the ubiquitously expressed methionine repair enzyme methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) on the metabolic benefits of MR in mice. MsrA catalytically reduces both free and protein-bound oxidized methionine, thus playing a key role in its redox state. We tested the extent to which MsrA is required for metabolic effects of MR in adult mice using mice lacking MsrA. As expected, MR in control mice reduced body weight, altered body composition, and improved glucose metabolism. Interestingly, lack of MsrA did not impair the metabolic effects of MR on these outcomes. Moreover, females had blunted MR responses regardless of MsrA status compared to males. Overall, our data suggests that MsrA is not required for the metabolic benefits of MR in adult mice.
MYC Promoted The Formation of RANKL Induced Osteoclasts By Modulating The miR-320a/PTEN Axis
Authors: Chen Hao , Li Shaoshuo , Yin Heng , Hua Zhen , Shao Yang , Wei Jie , Wang Jianwei
Published: September 2021

Background: Osteoporosis is a serious bone metabolism disease. Recent studies have shown that MYC could promote the formation of osteoclasts. There is study has also shown that miR-320a could cause the damage of osteoblast by inducing oxidative stress. By querying the database, we found that MYC has the potential to target and affect the expression of miR-320a. However, the effect of MYC and miR-320a on the RANKL induced osteoclasts is unclear.Results: MYC promoted the expression of miR-320a in RAW 264.7 cells by binding on the promoter of miR-320a. Inhibition of MYC and miR-320a suppressed the formation of RANKL induced osteoclasts by inhibiting the expression of c-Fos, NFATc1, TRAP and CTSK. Moreover, the expression of c-Fos, NFATc1, TRAP and CTSK was rescued and the RANKL induced osteoclasts was promoted after the repressing the expression of PTEN.Conclusions: MYC enhanced the formation of RANKL induced osteoclasts by modulate the miR-320a/PTEN pathway.
A Novel Effect of PDLIM5 In α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Up-Regulation And Surface Expression
Authors: Li Zilin , Gou Chenyu , Wang Wenhui , Li Yuan , Cui Yu , Duan Jingjing , Chen Yuan
Published: September 2021

α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) are expressed widely in the brain, where they contribute to a variety of behaviors including arousal and cognition, participate in a number of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and is responsible for nicotine addiction. Although recent studies indicate that the PDZ-containing proteins comprising PSD-95 family co-localize with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and mediate downstream signaling in the neurons, the mechanisms by which α7nAChRs are regulated are still less well understood. Here we show that the regulation of the α7nAChRs is controlled by PDLIM5 in the endogenous PDZ domain proteins family. We find that chronic exposure to 1 μM nicotine up-regulated both α7, β2-contained nAChRs and PDLIM5 in primary cultured hippocampal neurons, and the up-regulation of α7nAChRs and PDLIM5 is increased more on the cell membrane than the cytoplasm. Interestingly, the α7nAChRs and β2nAChRs display distinct patterns of expression, with α7 co-localized more with PDLIM5. Meanwhile, PDLIM5 interacts with native brain α7 but not β2 nAChRs in neurons. Moreover, knocking down of PDLIM5 in heterologous cells abolishes nicotine-induced up-regulation of α7nAChRs. In cultured hippocampal neurons, shRNA against PDLIM5 decreased both surface clustering of α7nAChRs and α7nAChRs mediated currents. Proteomics analysis shows PDLIM5 interacts with α7nAChRs through the PDZ domain and the interaction between PDLIM5 and α7nAChRs can be promoted by nicotine. Collectively, our data suggest a novel cellular role of PDLIM5 in regulating α7nAChRs, which may be relevant to plastic changes in the nervous system.
The RNA-Binding Protein ELAVL1 Regulates Hepatitis B Virus Replication And Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Kanzaki Hiroaki , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Kaneko Tatsuya , Ao Junjie , Qiang Na , Ma Yaojia , Ishino Takamasa , Ogawa Keita , Nakagawa Miyuki , Fujiwara Kisako , Unozawa Hidemi , Iwanaga Terunao , Kan Motoyasu , Sakuma Takafumi , Fujita Naoto , Koroki Keisuke , Kusakabe Yuko , Kobayashi Kazufumi , Kanogawa Naoya , Kiyono Soichiro , Nakamura Masato , Kondo Takayuki , Saito Tomoko , Nakagawa Ryo , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Muroyama Ryosuke , Nakamoto Shingo , Kanda Tatsuo , Maruyama Hitoshi , Kato Jun , Zen Yoh , Kotani Ai , Sekiba Kazuma , Otsuka Motoyuki , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Kato Naoya
Published: September 2021

Previous RNA immunoprecipitation followed by proteomic approaches successfully demonstrated that Embryonic Lethal, Abnormal Vision, Drosophila-Like 1 (ELAVL1) interacts with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived RNAs. Although ELAVL family proteins stabilize AU-rich element (ARE)-containing mRNAs, their role in HBV transcription remains unclear. This study conducted loss-of-function assays of ELAVL1 for inducible HBV-replicating HepAD38 cells and HBx-overexpressed HepG2 cells. In addition, clinicopathological analyses in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surgical samples have also been conducted. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA knockdown of ELAVL1 resulted in a decrease in both viral RNA transcription and production of viral proteins, including HBs and HBx. Cell growth in tetracycline-treated replication-stopping HepAD38 cells was more significantly impaired in ELAVL1 knockdown than those in the control group, indicating that ELAVL1 is involved in proliferation not only by the suppression of HBV replication but also by other factors. Immunohistochemical analyses of 77 paired HCC surgical specimens have demonstrated that diffuse ELAVL1 expression was detected more frequently in HCC tissues (61.0%) than in nontumor tissues (27.3%). In addition, the abundant expression of ELAVL1 tended to affect postoperative recurrence in HBV-related HCC patients. In conclusion, ELAVL1 contributes not only to HBV replication but also to HCC cell growth. It may be a potent therapeutic target for HBV-related HCC treatment.
Investigation of Correlation Between Research Self-Efficacy and Academic Performance in Iranian Students of Health Sciences
Authors: Khatony Alireza , Shiri Parisa , janatolmakan Maryam , Azizi Seyyed Mohsen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

One of the most important concepts in educational psychology is self-efficacy. Self-efficacy in the learning and research process can play an important role in the success of students. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the level of research self-efficacy in students and its correlation with academic performance.
Methods

In this correlation study, 210 Iranian students of health sciences participated. The self-efficacy in research measure (SERM) and grade point average (GPA) was used for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 18.
Results

Most of the students used internet and library resources for more than 3 hours and less than 1 hour per day, respectively. In addition, students mostly used the PubMed database. The mean research self-efficacy score among students was 183.12 ± 46.54 out of 297. There was a significant difference between the mean research self-efficacy score and age group (F = 2.103, P ≤ 0.01). Research self-efficacy had a significant correlation with academic performance (r = 0.648, P ≤ 0.01).
Conclusion

In this study, research self-efficacy of students was at a moderate level. Research self-efficacy showed associations with academic performance. In general, the findings suggest that research self-efficacy is very important in students’ educational-research performance. Therefore, educational and psychological interventions are necessary to enhance the research self-efficacy beliefs.
Impact of a Novel W2027L Mutation And Non-Target Site Resistance On Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Herbicides In a French Lolium Multiflorum Population
Authors: Kaundun Shiv Shankhar , Downes Joe , Jackson Lucy Victoria , Hutchings Sarah-Jane , Mcindoe Eddie
Published: September 2021

Herbicides that inhibit acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) are among the few remaining options for the post-emergence control of Lolium species in small grain cereal crops. Here we have determined the mechanism of resistance to ACCase herbicides in a Lolium multiflorum population (HGR) from France. A combined biological and molecular approach detected a novel W2027L ACCase mutation that affects aryloxyphenoxypropionate (FOP) but not cyclohexanedione (DIM) or phenylpyraxoline (DEN) subclasses of ACCase herbicides. Both the wild type tryptophan and mutant leucine 2027-ACCase alleles could be positively detected in a single DNA-based derived Polymorphic amplified cleaved sequence (dPACS) assay that contained the targeted PCR product and a cocktail of two discriminating restriction enzymes. Additionally, we have identified three well-characterised I1781L, I2041T and D2078G target site resistance mutations as well as non-target site resistance in HGR. The non-target site component endowed high levels of resistance to FOP herbicides whilst partially impacting on the efficacy of pinoxaden and cycloxydim. This study adequately assessed the contribution of the W2027L mutation and non-target site mechanism in conferring resistance to ACCase herbicides in HGR. It also highlights the versatility and robustness of the dPACS method to simultaneously identify different resistance-causing alleles at a single ACCase codon.
After Life Effect of Endophytic Bacterium Bacillus Cereus on Litter Decomposition
Authors: Hu Haijing , Ye Rumeng , Pang Lu , Jiang Han , Tian Kai , Gao Yang , Ji Yanli , Wan Pengwei , Yang Junbo , Zou Xiaoming , Tian Xingjun
Published: September 2021

Background and aims: Endophytic microorganisms exist commonly in plants and are recognized to increase plant growth especially under adverse physical environmental conditions. We here demonstrate that endophytic bacteria (EB) Bacillus cereus can accelerate the decomposition of plant litter and enhance nutrient availability for plant growth.Methods: We first obtained plant litter with and without EB inoculation using a model plant Arabidopsis thaliana in a microcosmic experiment, then conducted a litter decomposition experiment to investigated the effect of EB on litter decay rate, phosphorus availability, and on soil microbial community structure. We further evaluated wheat (Triticum aestivum) biomass growth using soils treated with and without EB.Results: Inoculation of EB significantly increased the mass loss of Arabidopsis litter in the middle stage of decomposition, elevated the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the early stage of decomposition, and increased soil available P at the end of decomposition. Analyses of Illumina MiSeq sequencing and structural equation models also indicated that EB inoculation had pronounced impact on the bacterial abundance and diversity in soil. Finally, the growth of the wheat was significantly promoted in the litter with EB decomposition system. Conclusion: EB mediated host after-life effect likely through accelerating the release of nutrients such as P from decomposing plant litter and regulating the structure of soil microorganisms, promoting the sustainability of nutrient utilization efficiency in a terrestrial ecosystem.
Prognostic Impact of Autophagy and Immunity Related Biomarker for Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Du Huibin , He Yan , Lu Wei , Wan Qi
Published: September 2021

Background: Autophagy and immunity related genes serve crucial roles in carcinogenesis, but little is known about the prognostic impact for uveal melanoma (UM).Methods: Autophagy related and immunity related genes (AIRGs) expression data of 80 UM patients were obtained from the cancer genome atlas project (TCGA) database. Next, univariate cox regression analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithms were applied to build a robust AIRGs signature in TCGA and validated in another two independent datasets. Besides, UM patients classified into two subgroups based on the risk model. Differences of clinical outcome, tumor microenvironment and the likelihood of chemotherapeutic response were further explored.Results: In total, a 4-AIRGs signature was constructed and validated in various datasets, which can robustly predict patients’ metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) and is an independent prognostic factor in UM. The UM patients can be classified into high and low risk subgroups by applied risk score system. The high risk group have poor clinical outcomes, higher CD8+ T cell and macrophage immune-infiltrating and more sensitive to chemotherapies. In addition, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis revealed that hallmark epithelial-mesenchymal transition and KRAS pathways are commonly enriched in high-risk expression phenotype.Conclusion: Thus, our findings provide a new clinical strategy for the accurate diagnosis and identify a novel prognostic autophagy and immunity associated biomarker for the treatment of uveal melanoma.
Optical, Morphological, and Structural Properties of Porous Silicon Tablets.
Authors: Carrillo Francisco Severiano , Salgado Godofredo García , Villanueva Martin Salazar
Published: September 2021

Porous silicon (PS) is a material whit a great interest due to its optical (photoluminescent) and chemical (reactive surface) properties, for this reason, it is important to find new ways to be applied in the development of new devices. In this work the optic, chemical and morphologic properties of PS compressed into a tablet were characterized. The porous silicon was removed physically from the crystalline silicon and then was compressed to obtain a tablet. The optical characterization was performed through photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The PL spectrum from the PS tablet showed a small shift to lower wavelengths in comparison with the PS layers used to obtain the tablet. The x-ray diffraction pattern showed a loss in PS tablet crystallinity after being subjected to the compression process. The morphological characterization was carried out with a scanning electron microscope and showed a compact surface with high rugosity. This result was supported by the profilometry analysis, which also showed an irregular surface. The chemical properties of the surface were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR characterization showed an oxidized and highly hydrogenated surface.
Existing Bone-Derived Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Initiates Contact Osteogenesis on the Surface of a Titanium Implant
Authors: Kim Ung-Gyu , Choi Jung-Yoo , Lee Junbeom , Yeo In-Sung
Published: September 2021

The dental implant relies on osseointegration and the response of bone to the implant surface. This process comprises bidirectional bone formation, including bone deposition on the implant surface toward the existing bone (contact osteogenesis) and vice versa (distance osteogenesis). It is unclear whether these processes are independent or whether contact osteogenesis is initiated by other factors. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the initiator of contact osteogenesis. We hypothesized that contact osteogenesis does not occur when it is physically isolated from distance osteogenesis, which would imply that some factors from the wounded bone normally promote contact osteogenesis. Using a rabbit tibial implant model, we tested the effects of human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and plasma-rich plasma, which are possible initiators from bone and blood, respectively. Titanium implants with BMP-2 showed a better bone-to-implant contact (BIC) ratio. We concluded that BMP-2 initiated contact osteogenesis on the surface of titanium implants.
Integrated Design of Active And Passive Gripper For Robotic Pick And Place Applications
Authors: Huseynov Mahmud
Published: September 2021

Grippers developed in recent years either cannot achieve a complete universality due to grasping stability issues or are designed with excessive complexity. In this paper, the design of a three-fingered tendon-driven integrated gripper based on the concept of integrating Universal Active Gripper (UAG) with Universal Passive Gripper (UPG) fingertips, which ensures achieving adjustable fingertip stiffness and is practically proven to solve grasping stability issues, is proposed. Furthermore, kinematic, dynamic, and force analyses was conducted to calculate the specifications of the designed gripper, which was compared to four commercial grippers. Finite element analysis was also carried out for the designed gripper. When the final design of the gripper was compared to that of Hou et al.'s (2018) (the only comparable design present for the integrated gripper), one crucial similarity noted was based on both designs adopting the same kinematic configuration. This fact further increases the confidence in the optimal development of the designed gripper. According to FEA results, the maximum stress acting on the components of the gripper was 15.78 MPa, 39.45% of the yield stress of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). In conclusion, it was theoretically established that the designed gripper with the tendon-driven actuation is operating efficiently.
Tea Polyphenol Modified, Photothermal Responsive and ROS Generative Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots as Nanoplatforms for Promoting MRSA Infected Wounds Healing in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Xu Shibo , Chang Linna , Zhao Xingjun , Hu Yanan , Huang Shuocheng , Chen Zhenhua , Ren Xiuli , Mei Xifan
Published: September 2021

BackgroundHealing of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infected deep burn wounds (MIDBW) in diabetic patients remains an obstacle, but is a cutting-edge research problem in clinical science. Surgical debridement and continuous antibiotic use remain the primary clinical treatment for MIDBW. However, suboptimal pharmacokinetics and high doses of antibiotics often cause serious side effects such as fatal complications of drug-resistant bacterial infections. MRSA, which causes wound infection, is currently a bacterium of concern in the treatment of diabetic wound healing, and in more severe cases it can even lead to amputation of the patient's limb.ResultsThe present work proposed a strategy of using EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) modified black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) as a therapeutic nanoplatform for MIDBW to achieve the synergistic functions of NIR (near infrared)-response, ROS-generation, sterilization and promoted wound healing. The electron spin resonance results revealed that EGCG-BPQDs@H had a stronger photocatalytic ability to produce singlet oxygen than BPQDs@H and the inhibition results indicated an effective bactericidal rate of 88.6% against MRSA. Molecular biology analysis demonstrated that EGCG-BPQDs significantly upregulated CD31 nearly 4-fold and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) nearly 2-fold, which were beneficial for promoting proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and skin epidermal cells. Under NIR irradiation, EGCG-BPQDs hydrogel (EGCG-BPQDs@H) treated MIDBW area could rapidly raise temperature up to 55°C for sterilization. The MIBDW closure rate of rat after 21 days of treatment was 92.4%, much better than that of 61.1% of the control group. The engineered EGCG-BPQDs@H were found to promote MIDBW healing by triggering the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, which could enhance cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, intravenous circulation experiment showed good biocompatibility of EGCG-BPQDs@H, no obvious damage to rat major organs were observed.ConclusionsThe obtained results demonstrated that EGCG-BPQDs@H achieved the synergistic functions of photocatalytic property, photothermal effects and promoted wound healing, and are promising multifunctional nanoplatforms for MIDBW healing in diabetics.
Treatment-resistant Abuse of Oxybutynin With Psychotic Symptoms: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Aras Neriman
Published: September 2021

BackroundAnticholinergic drugs are the most commonly used addictive drugs among non-prescription drugs. Oxybutynin is one of the anticholinergic drugs widely used for overactive bladder and nocturnal enuresis treatment for both adults and children. Here is a new case of oxybutynin use with high dose and long-term use despite recurrent treatment applications. Case PresentationA 25 years old, unemployed man that was graduated from primary school applied to the inpatient clinic. He reported that he has been using oxybutynin for 8 years. He was taking 500 mg/day of oxybutynin (100 pills in a day), approximately. He stated that he had taken 250-300 pills in some days (1000-1500 mg/day). He described agitation, irritability, anxiety, visual and auditory hallucinations, reference thoughts, and persecution delusions. The patient was diagnosed with Other Substance Use Disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) criteria. Carbamazepine 400 mg/day, olanzapine 10 mg/day, and lorazepam 2.5 mg/day treatments were started. At the end of the five weeks, both symptoms improved completely. In the follow-up, he had no psychiatric symptoms two months after the discharge. He was not using any substance or addictive drugs; working regularly in his father’s family business. ConclusionsOxybutynin is one of the non-controlled drugs, so can be obtained easily from pharmacies without a prescription in Turkey. Interestingly, case reports about oxybutynin use are all from Turkey. Oxybutynin should be considered for the potential for addiction due to its anticholinergic properties, easily accessible, and cumulative cases. Psychiatrists and non-psychiatric physicians, especially urologists should be aware of the addiction potential of the drug because of anticholinergic effects, especially between substance users, and oxybutynin may cause some psychotic effects.