bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rear 4-minute Schirmer Test, A Modified Indicator of Schirmer Test in Diagnosing Dry Eye
Authors: Wang Xin , Fan Xiaojing , Wu Yaying , Mou Yujie , Min Jinjin , Jin Xiuming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study was desgined to find a reliable and convenient indicator (a modified Schirmer test) to improve the accuracy of assessing tear secretion and diagnosing dry eye. This is a prospective continuous study on 180 volunteers. Schirmer test I without anesthesia was performed once on both eyes to determine the value of normal Schirmer test. The values of tear secretion were recorded in each minute. Examined individuals also underwent other examinations: the standard patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED), the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), fluorescein stain, tear film breakup time (BUT), and Meibomian gland (MG)grading. The participants were divided into two groups: dry eye (DE) groupand non-dry eye (ND) group. The mean age was 39.41±14.05 years in DE group and 37.62±13.17 in ND group. The value of 2-minute Schirmer test, rear 3-minute Schirmer test, rear 4-minute Schirmer test and 5-minute Schirmer test was 5.36±4.63, 5.57±2.11, 7.21±4.13 and 10.93±6.30 respectively in DE group. And these indicators was 8.25±6.80, 2.73±2.31, 7.36±3.42, 11.84±6.16 in ND group. The rear 4-minute ST has significant correlation with OSDI and SPEED in DE group (r =-0.242/-0.183) and in ND gruop(r =-0.316 /-0.373). Meanwhile, rear 4-minute ST had stronger connection with fBUT(r =0.159) and MG (r =-0.162) in DE gruop. And rear 4-minute ST also had higher accuracy in diagnosing severe dry eye and borderline dry eye.The rear 4-minute Schirmer test may be a supplement indicator in assessing tear secretion and diagnosing dry eye.
Cardiac MyD88 Mediates Inflammatory Injury and Adverse Remodeling in Diabetes
Authors: Luo Wu , Wu Gaojun , Chen Xiaojun , Zhang Qiuyan , Zou Chunpeng , Liu Jun , Chattipakorn Nipon , Wang Yi , Liang Guang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Hyperglycemia-associated inflammation contributes to adverse remodeling and fibrosis in diabetic heart. MyD88 is an adapter protein of many Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and is recruited to TLRs to initiate inflammatory signalling pathway in endotoxin-activated innate immunity. However, the role of MyD88 in diabetic cardiomyopathy is unknown. Methods: For genetic deficiency, cardiomyocyte-specific MyD88 knockout and littermate control mice were induced type 1 diabetes (T1D) by intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg/day streptozotocin for five days consecutive and then fed for 4 moths. For pharmacological inhibition, MyD88 inhibitor LM8 were administered daily for 8 weeks by oral gavage in T1D and T2D (db/db) mice. The effect of genetic and pharmacological inhibition MyD88 to myocardial injure which were induced by 33 mM glucose in vivo.Results: In this study, we first found that MyD88 expression was increased in cardiomyocytes of diabetic mouse hearts. Cardiomyocyte-specific MyD88 knockout protected mice against hyperglycemia-induced cardiac inflammation, injury, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in T1D model. In cultured cardiomyocytes, MyD88 inhibition either by siRNA or by small-molecular inhibitor LM8 markedly blocked TLR4-MyD88 complex formation, reduced pro-inflammatory MAPKs/NF-κB cascade activation and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression under high glucose condition. Moreover, pharmacologic inhibition of MyD88 by LM8 showed significantly anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertrophic and anti-fibrotic effects in the hearts of both T1D and T2D mice. These beneficial effects of MyD88 inhibition were correlated to the reduced activation of TLR4-MyD88-MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways in the hearts.Conclusion: Taken together, MyD88 in cardiomyocytes mediates diabetes-induced cardiac inflammatory injuries and genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of MyD88 shows significantly cardioprotective effects, indicating MyD88 as a potential therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Profiling the Urinary Microbiota in Men with Positive versus Negative PD-L1 Expression for Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Chen Chunxiao , Huang Zehai , Huang Pengcheng , Li Kun , Zeng Jiarong , Wen Yuehui , Li Biao , Zhao Jie , Wu Peng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Urinary microbiota is associated with the recurrence of bladder cancer, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The notion that microbiota can upregulate PD-L1 expression in tumors to promote immune escape have been demonstrated. We hypothesized that the urinary microbiota may be involved in the recurrence and progression of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) by upregulating the PD-L1 expression. For proving this hypothesis, we firstly performed this study to characterize the potential urinary microbial community possibly associated with PD-L1 expression in male patients with NMIBC.
Results

The subjects (aged 43–79 years) based on their PD-L1 immunohistochemical results were divided into PD-L1-positive group (P group) and PD-L1-negative group (N group) respectively. We observed that P group exhibited higher species richness and diversity (based on Observed species and Ace index, both P < 0.05). Significantly different composition of urinary microbiota was found between P group and N group (based on weighted Unifrac and unweighted Unifrac distances metric, both P < 0.05). Enrichment of some bacterial genera (e.g., Leptotrichia, Roseomonas, and Propionibacterium) and decrease of some bacterial genera (e.g.,Prevotella and Massilia) were observed in P group as compared with N group. These findings indicate that these genera may affect the expression of PD-L1 through some mechanisms to be studied. PICRUSt analysis showed that several pathways involved in the metabolism of chemical compounds and immune-related disease were enriched in the PD-L1 negative group.
Conclusion

Our data indicate that urinary microbiota may be an important determinant of PD-L1 expression in male NMIBC patients. The findings of our study may facilitate subsequent study on the role and mechanism of urinary microbiota in the recurrence of NMIBC and may also pave a new way for the better application of PD1 or PD-L1 blockers in bladder cancer in the future.
Identification of Mycoplasma Species and Related Organisms From Ruminants in England and Wales During 2005 – 2019
Authors: Deeney Alannah S. , Collins Rachael , Ridley Anne M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Mycoplasma species have been associated with economically important diseases affecting ruminants worldwide and include contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and contagious agalactia, listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The Mycoplasma Team at the Animal and Plant Health Agency provides an identification service for Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species of veterinary importance to the United Kingdom (UK), supporting the detection of new and emerging pathogens, as well as contributing to the surveillance of endemic, and the OIE listed diseases exotic to the UK. Mycoplasma and other Mollicutes species were identified from diagnostic samples from farmed ruminants in England and Wales using a combination of culture and 16S rRNA gene-based PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, submitted between 2005 and 2019.Results: A total of 5578 mollicutes identifications, which include mycoplasmas and the related acholeoplasmas and ureaplasmas, were made from farmed ruminant animals during the study period. Throughout the study period, the pathogen Mycoplasma bovis was consistently the most frequently identified species, accounting for 1411 (32%) of 4447 molecular identifications in cattle, primarily detected in the lungs of pneumonic calves, followed by joints and milk of cattle showing signs of arthritis and mastitis, respectively. M. bovirhinis, M. alkalescens, M. dispar, M. arginini and Ureaplasma diversum, were also common. Mixed species, principally M. bovis with M. alkalescens, M. arginini or M. bovirhinis were also prevalent, particularly from respiratory samples. The non-cultivable blood-borne haemoplasmas Candidatus ‘Mycoplasma haemobos’ and Mycoplasma wenyonii were identified from cattle, with the latter species most often associated with milk-drop. M. ovipneumoniae was the predominant species identified from sheep and goats experiencing respiratory disease, while M. conjunctivae preponderated in ocular samples. The UK remains free of the ruminant mycoplasmas listed by OIE. Conclusions: The continued high prevalence of M. bovis identifications confirms its ongoing dominance and importance as a significant pathogen of cattle in England and Wales, particularly in association with respiratory disease. M. ovipneumoniae has seen a general increase in prevalence in recent years, notably in coughing lambs and should therefore be considered as a primary differential diagnosis of respiratory disease in small ruminants.
Bioelectrical impedance phase angle as a diagnostic indicator in thyroid cancer
Authors: Du Zhenhong , Xiao Zhanwen , Zhu Jingqiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a non-invasive and easy-to-use technique to distinguish tissue properties. Phase angle, determined by BIS, detects changes in tissue electrical properties. We aimed to study the feasibility and validity of phase angle in diagnosis of thyroid cancer for the first time. Methods: 226 invitro thyroid specimens in 210 patients from Department of Thyroid in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from March to November 2013 were collected. According to the location from thyroid cancer, thyroid specimens were divided into four groups: A, B, C and D. All of the groups were analyzed with phase angles respectively. The results were compared with final pathologic diagnosis. Results: Results showed that the phase angle is the characteristic parameter. The rank-sum test showed, the significant difference between the four groups and between two groups (P<0.05), with statistical significance. Our study showed 86% sensitivity and 72% specificity of mean phase angle difference (MPAD). The corresponding positive and negative predictive values were 78% and 82%, overall accuracy was 80%, the area under the ROC curve is 0.838. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that phase angle can be used to diagnose thyroid cancer. With further research, the phase angle may be a potential diagnostic indicator for the thyroid cancer.
Effect of Volcano-like Textured Coated Tools on Machining of Ti6Al4V: An Experimental and Simulative Investigation
Authors: Zhou Yun , Fu Yonghong , Yang Jie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this work, the main aim is to reduce the adhesion and wear that happened during machining of the Ti6Al4V alloy by employing volcano-like texture on the rake face of coated tool. A combination of experimental and simulative investigation was adopted. DEFORM-3D software with updated Lagrangian formulation was used for numerical simulation, and the thermo-mechanical analysis was performed using Johnson-Cook material model to predict the cutting temperature, cutting forces, chip morphology and tool wear. In cutting experiments, volcano-like textures with different area densities (10%, 20%, 30%) were fabricated by fiber laser on the rake face of cemented carbide tools close to the main cutting edge. Then, these textured tools were deposited with CrAlN coating through cathodic vacuum arc ion plating technique. Experiments in cutting Ti6Al4V alloy were carried out with the textured coated tools and non-textured coated tool under dry and wet cutting conditions. Then, the chip morphology, chip size and tool wear were investigated. The results showed that textured coated tools were superior to conventional tool. Especially in wet cutting, compared with those of non-textured coated tool, the adhesion area and the chip curling radius of the coated tool with texture area density of 20% (VCT2) were reduced by 31.2% and 49.7%, respectively. Therefore, VCT2 tool showed a better cutting performance. Finally, the mechanisms of textured coated tools under dry and wet cutting conditions were proposed.
Isolation and molecular identification of microorganisms isolated from soils contaminated with heavy metals in Mosul city
Authors: Qasim Sana , Fadhel Mazin N. , Khalil Mohammad I. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This research is concerned with organisms isolated from soils contaminated with heavy metals in industrial and residential areas in the city of Mosul, the center of Nineveh Governorate, and the diagnosis of these organisms using molecular biology technique. Samples were collected from four locations in the city between the industrial area and residential neighborhoods. Soil samples were analyzed and dilutions were prepared, then the dilutions were grown on potato extract and dextrose (PDA) medium for the development of fungi and Nutrient agar for bacterial development. The dilutions were planted by casting method by three replications, then the process of purifying the fungal and bacterial colonies was carried out using the traditional methods. For the purpose of diagnosing these pure colonies using PCR technique, colonies of fungi were grown on the medium of PDA, and bacteria were grown on the medium of nutritious broth. As a result, nine fungal species were diagnosed, two of them are new undiagnosed genera that have been registered in the gene bank, four of them contain genetic mutations, and three of them are known and previously diagnosed fungi. As for bacteria, two new strains were isolated and registered in the gene bank among the four types that were diagnosed. And some of these genera exhibited severe resistance to antibiotics, while others showed moderate resistance, in contrast to the control, which was very sensitive to antibiotics.
Graded Reconstruction Strategy Using a Multi-Layer Technique without Lumbar Drainage After Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery
Authors: Ha Chang-Min , Hong Sang Duk , Choi Jung Won , Seol Ho Jun , Nam Do-Hyun , Lee Jung-Il , Kong Doo-Sik 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Introduction Sellar reconstruction following endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) requires modification based on the degree of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. For high-flow (grade II or III) intraoperative CSF leak, lumbar drainage (LD), in addition to the multi-layer closing technique, is generally recommended. However, LD has complications occasionally, including post-puncture headache, over-drainage symptoms, and increased length of stay (LOS). We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of our graded reconstruction strategy using a multi-layer technique with a novel material, without LD, after EES.Methods Ninety-seven patients who underwent EES with grade II or III intraoperative CSF leak between June 2020 and March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. For grade II CSF leak, fibrin sealant and a nasoseptal flap (NSF) were placed; for grade III CSF leak, a multi-layer technique was utilized in combination with collagen matrix, an acellular dermal graft, injectable hydroxyapatite (HXA), and an NSF. Postoperatively, routine LD was not performed.Results This study included 48 (49.5%) grade II and 49 (50.5%) grade III CSF leaks. Upon follow-up period (mean, 8.7 months), no patient showed postoperative CSF leak in either group. The postoperative LOS was not significantly different between the grade II (6.68 [range, 3–14] days) and grade III CSF leak groups (7.38 [range, 4–15] days) (p>0.05). No HXA-associated complications occurred.ConclusionsA graded surgical repair strategy after EES could avoid postoperative CSF leak. Combined use of injectable HXA and acellular dermal grafts for high-flow CSF leak can limit LD requirement, without significant risks.
A Study of the SORL1 Gene in the Pathogenesis of Late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease by Affecting the Expression of BDNF
Authors: Zhao Mingri , Liu Jiangfeng , He Jingli , Chen Xun , Feng Yanjin , Wang Chen , Liu Wanxi , Liu Xionghao , Liu Mujun , Hou Deren 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory impairment and other cognitive disorders. It is divided into Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) and Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD). SAD is also called delayed Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Sortilin Related Receptor 1 (SORL1) is a high-risk pathogenic gene of LOAD, which can participate in the occurrence and development of AD by affecting the transport and metabolism of intracellular β-amyloid precursor protein (APP). The expression of SORL1 is significantly downregulated in patients with LOAD.ResultsIn the SORL1 knockout (SORL1 KO) mouse model constructed by CRISPR/cas9, we found that the expression of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the brain of SORL1 KO mice was significantly down-regulated and Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposition was found in the brain ofSORL1 KO mice. Through the SORL1 knockdown N2a cell model constructed by shRNA, we also found that when the SORL1 expression was knocked down, the BDNF expression was also downregulated and the cell viability decreased. The results of immunohistochemistry and in vitro cell model experiments suggest that the downregulation of BDNF caused by SORL1 knockdown may be mainly achieved by affecting the expression and distribution of N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDAR).ConclusionsSORL1 knockout changes the expression and distribution of NMDAR in cells, downregulates the expression of BDNF, and thus affects the learning and memory of mice.
An Electromagnetic Cloaking Scheme Using Magnetic Dipole Based Scattering Cancellation
Authors: VP Sarin , PV Vinesh , M Manoj , P Mohanan , K Vasudevan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper explores the possibility of creating a cylindrical electromagnetic cloaking scheme using resonant magnetic dipole excitation. Split-ring resonators are arranged around the cylindrical metal target to generate strong subwavelength resonant magnetic dipole moments to cancel far-field scattered power from the target. We used the multipole scattering theory to identify the actual reason behind scattering cancellation. The scattering from resonant circulating magnetic dipoles interferes destructively with that from the non-resonant electric dipole moments of the target resulting in a significant reduction in the Scattering Cross Section. The results are verified using full-wave simulation software and subsequently validated with backscattering measurements inside an anechoic chamber.
TRPM7 Silencing Modulates Glucose Metabolic Reprogramming to Inhibit the Growth of Ovarian Cancer by Enhancing AMPK Activation to Promote HIF-1α Degradation.
Authors: Liu Lu , Chen Yongchang , Xia Longzheng , Wu Nayiyuan , Wang Ying , Li He , Chen Xue , Zhang Xiaoye , Liu Zhaoyi , Zhu Miaochen , Liao Qianjin , Wang Jing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTumor cell metabolic reprogramming is crucial for the malignant behavior of cancer cells by promoting their proliferation. However, little is known on how transient receptor potential 7 (TRPM7) modulates metabolic reprogramming in ovarian cancer.MethodsThe effects of TRPM7 silencing on transcriptome profile, glucose uptake, lactic acid production, extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), oxygen consumption rate (OCR), intracellular ROS and ATP levels, and NAD+/NADH ratios in ovarian cancer cells were examined. The impacts of TRPM7 silencing on the levels of glycolysis-related HK2, PDK1 and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-related IDH3B and UQCRC2, HIF-1α expression and AMPK phosphorylation were determined in ovarian cancer. The effect of AMPK activity on HIF-1α ubiquitination degradation was investigated in ovarian cancer cells.ResultsCompared with the control, TRPM7 silencing suppressed the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and promoted their apoptosis by shifting preferable glycolysis to OXPHOS. In parallel, TRPM7 silencing decreased the glucose uptake of tumor-bearing mice and TRPM7 levels were negatively correlated with IDH3B and UQCRC2, but positively with HK2 and PDK1 expression in ovarian cancer tissues. Mechanistically, TRPM7 silencing significantly increased AMPK phosphorylation and decreased HIF-1α protein levels in ovarian cancer, particularly in HIF-1α silencing cells. The shifting from glycolysis to OXPHOS by TRPM7 silencing was abrogated by HIF-1α over-expression and impaired by inhibiting AMPK activity in ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, enhanced AMPK activation inhibited glycolysis, which was abrogated by HIF-1α over-expression in ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the enhanced AMPK activation promoted HIF-1a ubiquitination degradation.ConclusionsTRPM7 silencing enhanced AMPK activation to shift glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation by promoting HIF-1α ubiquitination degradation in ovarian cancer. Hence, TRPM7 may be a therapeutic target for intervention of ovarian cancer.
The value of early positive nucleic acid test and negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Zhai Yongzhen , Zang Xin , Xiong Liangkun , Zhu Junyao , Zhao Fangfang , Wang Shihong , Zeng Wenhui , Yu Kaihuan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) poses a great threat to the global public health. At present, the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases and new deaths is increasing worldwide. The strategy of comprehensive and scientific detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19) through real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for special populations and environments provides great support for the prevention and control of this pandemic in China. Our study focused on determining the factors associated with the length of time from symptom onset to the first positive nucleic acid test of throat swabs in COVID-19 patients, evaluating the effect of early positive nucleic acid detection on the disease severity and its significance in prognosis, and predicting the factors associated with the time from positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA test to negative conversion in COVID-19 patients.
Methods

This study included 116 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from January 30, 2020 to March 4, 2020 in Wuhan, China. Throat swabs samples were collected for real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and all patients included in this study were positive for this test.
Results

Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that disease severity and the duration of disease before admission to hospitals were protective factors for the time from symptom onset to positive nucleic acid detection, and the time from positive nucleic acid test to negative conversion was a risk factor for the time from symptom onset to positive nucleic acid detection. Meanwhile, the time from symptom onset to positive nucleic acid detection was an independent risk factor for the prolonged negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Conclusions

Patients with more severe disease and longer duration of disease before admission to hospitals had a shorter time from symptom onset to positive nucleic acid test. Prolonged time from symptom onset to positive nucleic acid test was an independent risk factor for the prolonged negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the severity of the disease had no correlation with negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 virus.