bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of the Polymorphisms of the NHEJ Pathway Genes With HIV-1 Infection and Aids Progression Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Northern China
Authors: Zhang Xuelong , Wang Kaili , Mo Han , Hu Yuanting , Yang Xun , Wu Jiawei , Liu Bangquan , Xu Lidan , Sun Haiming , Jia Xueyuan , Wang Ping , Sun Wenjing , Fu Songbin , Qiao Yuandong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of HIV infection. Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway is the main way of double-stranded DNA break (DSB) repair in the higher eukaryotes, and can repair the DSB timely at any time in cell cycle. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of SNPs of the NHEJ pathway genes with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and AIDS progression among MSM residing in northern China.Results: In the present study, a total of 481 HIV-1 seropositive men and 493 HIV-1 seronegative men were included. And genotyping of 22 SNPs in NHEJ pathway genes was performed using the SNPscanTM Kit. Our results disclosed significant associations of XRCC6 rs132770 and XRCC4 rs1056503 genotypes with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. The generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) analysis found a significant SNP-SNP interaction between the XRCC6 and XRCC4 variants in the risk of HIV-1 infection. In stratified analysis, the positive effects of XRCC5 rs16855458 and LIG4 rs1805388 on the CD4+ T cell count and clinical phase of disease were validated.Conclusions: Our results confirmed that the NHEJ gene polymorphisms played an important role in HIV-1 infection and AIDS progression in the northern Chinese MSM population.
N6-methyladenosine Methylation Related Immune Biomarkers Correlates With Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xiong Hui , Kang Weiting , Zhang Qi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation-related immune biomarkers and their clinical value in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).Methods: The RNA-seq data and clinical phenotype of ccRCC were downloaded from TCGA database. Immune-related genes list was downloaded from InnateDB database. Correlation analysis, survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to investigate the prognostic independent m6A-related immune genes, followed by prognosis risk model establishment. Patients were divided into high/low risk groups, followed by survival analysis, clinical factors, immune checkpoint genes and gene set variation analysis in high-risk vs. low-risk group. Results: Five prognostic independent m6A-related immune genes (PKHD1, IGF2BP3, RORA, FRK and MZF1) were identified. Low expression of PKHD1, RORA and FRK were associated with poor survival, while high expression of IGF2BP3 and MZF1 were associated with poor survival for ccRCC patients. Their expression showed correlations with multiple m6A genes. The risk model could stratify ccRCC patients into high/low risk group, and patients with high-risk were associated with short survival time. High-risk group had an high proportion of patients in tumor stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ and patients with pathologic T3-T4 tumors, lymph node metastasis (N1) and distant metastasis (M1). Ten immune checkpoint genes were differentially expressed in high/low risk groups, such as PD1 and CTLA-4. The risk group could be an independent prognostic factor (HR=1.69, 95% CI 1.07-2.68, P=0.0246). Conclusion: In this study, we developed a five genes risk model, which had independent prognostic value and associated with tumor stage, pathologic T/N/M and immune checkpoint expression in ccRCC.
Troxerutin Preconditioning Modulates the Activity of TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Mitochondrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels in a Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Masoud Farid , Mokhtari Behnaz , Gholami Sanaz , Javadi Aniseh , Badalzadeh Reza 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Given the rising prevalence of ischemic heart diseases (IHD), investigations for achieving effective treatments are required. The purpose of this study is further understanding of troxerutin's impact on inflammatory response induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury, and the role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoKATP) channels in this scenario.
Methods

Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control, troxerutin-receiving, MI/R, MI/R plus troxerutin, MI/R plus 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), and MI/R plus troxerutin and 5-HD. The Langendorff-perfused hearts of animals were subjected to 30 min of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation and 45 min of reperfusion. Troxerutin (150 mg/kg/day) was administered for 4 weeks prior to MI/R. 5-HD (100 µM) was added to the perfusion solution 20 min before the ischemia. Myocardial infarct size (IS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were measured.
Results

Troxerutin preconditioning significantly reduced IS (P < 0.05) and LDH release (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with troxerutin decreased the expressions of TLR4 (P < 0.05) and NF-κB (P < 0.01), and reduced the levels of TNF-α (P < 0.01) and IL-1β (P < 0.05). Inhibition of mitoKATP channels by 5-HD significantly reversed the cardioprotective effects of troxerutin (P < 0.05).
Conclusion

The present work revealed that troxerutin preconditioning has cardioprotective effects against MI/R damage, which are partly mediated through anti-inflammatory effects and the activation of mitoKATP channels.
Transverse magnetoresistance, Hall mobility and Hall constant of thin Cu films deposited onto cleaved mica: Evidence of weak Anderson localization.
Authors: Díaz Eva , Herrera Guillermo , Oyarzún Simón , Munoz Raul 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We report the resistivity of 5 Cu films approximately 65 nm thick, measured between 5 K and 290 K, and the transverse magnetoresistance and Hall effect measured at temperatures 5 K< T<50 K. The mean grain diameters are D=(8.9, 9.8, 20.2, 31.5, 34.7) nm, respectively. The magnetoresistance signal is positive in samples where D>L/2 (where L=39 nm is the electron mean free path in the bulk at room temperature), and negative in samples where D<L/2. The sample where D=20.2 nm exhibits a negative magnetoresistance at B < 2 Tesla and a positive magnetoresistance at B > 2 Tesla. A negative magnetoresistance in Cu films has been considered evidence of charge transport involving weak Anderson localization. These experiments reveal that electron scattering by disordered grain boundaries found along L leads to weak Anderson localization, confirming the localization phenomena predicted by the quantum theory of resistivity of nanometric metallic connectors. Anderson localization becomes a severe obstacle for the successful development of the circuit miniaturization effort pursued by the electronic industry, for it leads to a steep rise in the resistivity of nanometric metallic connector with decreasing wire dimensions (D<L/2) employed in the design of Integrated Circuits.
Mass Spectrometry Detection of Inhaled Drug in Distal Fibrotic Lung
Authors: Mikolasch Theresia , Obella Eunice , Vahdati-Bolouri Mitra , Morrell Josie , Jarvis Emily , Cui Yi , Cahn Anthony , Terry Rebecca , Sahota Jagdeep , Thakrar Ricky , Marshall Peter , PORTER Joanna 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCurrently the only available therapies for fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease are administered systemically, often causing significant side effects. Inhaled therapy could avoid these but to date there is no evidence that drug can be effectively delivered to distal, fibrosed lung. We set out to combine mass spectrometry and histopathology with rapid sample acquisition using transbronchial cryobiopsy to determine whether an inhaled drug can be delivered to fibrotic, distal lung parenchyma in participants with Interstitial Lung Disease.MethodsPatients with radiologically and multidisciplinary team confirmed fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease were eligible for this study. Transbronchial cryobiopsies and endobronchial biopsies were taken from five participants, with Interstitial Lung Disease, within 70 minutes of administration of a single dose of nebulised ipratropium bromide. Thin tissue cryosections were analysed by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry imaging and correlated with histopathology. The remainder of the cryobiopsies were homogenised and analysed by Liquid Chromatography – tandem Mass Spectrometry. ResultsDrug was detected in proximal and distal lung samples from all participants. Fibrotic regions were identified in research samples of four of the five participants. Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry imaging showed co-location of ipratropium with fibrotic regions in samples from three participants.ConclusionsIn this proof of concept study, using mass spectrometry, we demonstrate for the first-time that an inhaled drug can deposit in distal fibrotic lung parenchyma in patients with Interstitial Lung Disease. This suggests that drugs to treat pulmonary fibrosis could potentially be administered by the inhaled route.Trial RegistrationA prospective clinical study approved by London Camden and Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee and registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03136120)
Emergency responses to COVID-19 in the hospital outpatient-emergency department under diversified decision scenarios: A case study in Wuhan, China
Authors: Peng Yingying , Li Jiang , Li Suyun , Li Xianglin , Jia Erping , Xiong Liming , Xiong Juyang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
An Open-Access and Inexpensive 3D Printed Otoscope for Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Capobussi Matteo , Moja Lorenzo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Limited access to key diagnostic tools is detrimental to priority health needs of populations. Ear pain, tenderness, itching, and different degree of hearing loss are common problems which require otoscopy as first diagnostic assessment. Where an otoscope is not available because of budget constraints, a self-fabricated low-cost otoscope might represent a feasible opportunity. In this paper, we share the design and construction process of an open-source, 3D printed, otoscope. The prototype was compared to a commercial solution, demonstrating similar overall quality between the instruments.
Activation of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Further Ameliorates Post-Infarct Cardiac Remodeling in Mice With MSC Transplantation
Authors: Li Wentao , HUANG YI , GAO CHUANYU , ZHU ZHONGYU , DAI GUOYOU 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background：The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of MSCs on the infiltration of iNKT cells and further observe whether the activation of iNKT cells could assist the therapeutic action of MSCs on ventricular remodeling.Methods：Mice with MI were sacrificed at day 7, 14, 28 and hearts were excised. qRT-PCR for Vα14Jα18 (a special marker of iNKT cell for C57BL/6) was carried out. 25μL serum-free medium(Me)、complete medium with 1×106 MSCs or without MSCs were respectively injected into myocardium in five points. After 7, 14, 28 days, qRT-PCR for Vα14Jα18 was respectively preformed. Gene expressions of Vα14Jα18 in PLV with the injection of cMe alone and cMe with PGE2, L-NMMA, indomethacin, anti-TGF at day 7 were also analyzed. Then, the experiment was performed in five groups: MI+Me, MI+MSCs, MI+MSCs+indome, MI+α-GC and MI+MSCs+ α-GC. After 28 days, heart tissue fibrosis was accessed by Masson trichrome dyeing and apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining and western blotting for caspase-3 protein.Results：The iNKT cells infiltrating into the PLV was significantly increased at day 7 after MI (1.72-fold changes from baseline, P<0.05), but almost returned to baseline level at day 14 and 28. Compared to MI+Me group(1.76±0.20-fold), iNKT cells infiltration was significantly suppressed at day 7 in MI+MSCs (1.25±0.29-fold, P<0.05) and MI+cMe groups (1.19±0.25-fold, P<0.05). In MI+cMe+indome and MI+cMe+PGE2 group, the changes of iNKT cells infiltration were respectively 1.74- and 1.04-fold (vs 1.20-fold in MI+cMe group, P<0.05). Combined MSCs transplantation with iNKT cells activation, myocyte apoptosis and interstitial fibrosis in PLV were both significantly attenuated. Conclusions:In the infarcted mouse model, MSCs suppressed the infiltration of iNKT cells by secreting PGE2. Activating iNKT cells could assist the therapeutic effect of MSCs on ventricular remodeling, with attenuated apoptosis and interstitial fibrosis.
Effects of Nitric Oxide On The Growth of The Marine Microalgae And The Parameters of Carbonate Chemistry
Authors: Peifeng Li , Min Zhao , Chunying Liu , Guipeng Yang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a non-traditional regulator for the growth of plant and phytoplankton. This study monitored the growth of five marine phytoplankton species, namely, Platymonas helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis, Platymonas subcordiformis, Skeletonema costatum, Gymnodinium sp., and Prorocentrum donghaiense, and examined the parameters of the carbonate system in the culture media after adding different concentrations of NO and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, NO donor) solutions. The different concentrations of exogenous NO had various roles in the growth of these microalgae. The two food algae,namely, P. helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis, P. subcordiformis, and three red tide algae, namely S. costatum, Gymnodinium sp., and P. donghaiense showed different responses to the same NO concentration. The red tide algae were more sensitive to exogenous NO than the food algae. NO with the concentration of 1.4 × 10− 6 mol L− 1 had the optimum stimulatory effect on the growth of the microalgae, the cell density increased by 9.8 ~ 38.3%. SNP solution with the concentration of 100 µmol L− 1 inhibited the growth of the two food algae, the cell density decreased by 38.8 ~ 84.3%. Meanwhile, 10 µmol L− 1 SNP solution additions to the three red tide algae declined the cell density by 95.3 ~ 99.9%. Low concentrations of SNP (0.1 µmol L− 1 for the two food algae and 0.01 µmol L− 1 for the red tide algae) promoted the growth of microalgae slightly. Different concentrations of exogenous NO could also influence parameters of the carbonate system in the culture media. NO participates in the regulation of marine microalgae photosynthesis, which may influence the parameters of carbonate system.
Critical Chains and Its Randomness Study
Authors: Han Xiaokang , Yan Wenzhou , Liu Ting 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
It has been widely accepted in the academic community that the Critical Chain Method (CCM) has significant advantages over the Critical Path Method (CPM) in solving the problem with resource constraints. However, this paper conducted a study on comparing the two methods of Critical Chain Method and Critical Path Method, and found that the only difference between those two methods lies in how to determine the priority of resources allocating, and on the assumption of not setting buffer zone, those two methods have no essential distinctions at all. By establishing the relationship between CCM and CPM, this paper also enriched and improved CCM to some extent, and pointed out that the buffer zone setting in CCM is merely subjective and short of scientificity. In the meantime, for the problem of unclear representation of critical chains, it proposed two ways of representing critical chains and related rules to follow. To verify the conclusion of this paper, further detailed case study of comparing CCM and CPM was performed. Affected by various uncertain factors, the project construction sequence is random, the total construction duration is random, and the critical chain is also random, so it is unable to determine how to direct construction. Aiming at the randomness of the critical chain, this article analyzed various uncertain factors of the critical chain, and on the basis of solving the critical chain sequence time, it proposed the approach to determine the completion probability of the total construction duration and control the construction of the critical chain to direct the construction, in the meantime, the inverse algorithm was adopted to determine of the construction duration under the condition of required completion probability.
Educating Nursing Students for Cultural Competence in Emergencies A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kula Yosef , Cohen Odeya , Clempert Neta , Grinstein-Cohen Orli , Slobodin Ortal 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Racial and ethnic minorities suffer significantly more than others in the wake of disasters. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of culturally competent health services, systematic cultural competence training in the medical education system is still scarce, especially in the field of emergency. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an online culturally informed intervention for increasing cultural competence in emergencies among nursing students. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was used to test the intervention effectiveness in increasing nursing students' cultural competence in four domains: attitudes, knowledge, skills, and encounters. The study included 72 undergraduate nursing students recruited from two academic institutes. Participants were randomized (1:1 ratio) to an intervention (n=34) and control group (n=38). The study adheres to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). Results: Multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures, followed by post hoc analyses with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, revealed that the intervention was effective in increasing the participants' culturally competent knowledge. The effect of the intervention on the skills domain approached significance. No group differences were identified in the attitudes and the encounters domains. Conclusions: The current study supported the effectiveness of an online culturally informed intervention in increasing cultural competence in emergencies, especially in the cognitive domain (knowledge). Our results encourage the development of future intervention programs that are based on a deep understanding of local values, needs, and preferences.
The Wedge Between Need and Access to Healthcare: Does Health Insurance Improve Utilization for People With Non- Communicable Diseases?
Authors: Ngwira Agness , Bulawayo Maio , Hangoma Peter 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWith progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) the disease burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in LMICs is increasing while inequalities in healthcare access exist. We aimed to investigate whether health insurance enables people with NCDs to utilize health services more than their counterparts without insurance.MethodsUsing a quantitative research method and data from the Zambia Household Health Expenditure Utilization Survey (ZHHEUS, 2013) conducted in 2013, we focussed on the people who recalled visiting a health facility a month prior to the survey, 8,146 of whom said yes. Approximately 2247 had an NCD while 229 were covered by health insurance. Only women age 15-49 and men age 15-59 who were interviewed for information regarding themselves and other members of the household. The survey included questions on demographics, health status (self-rated health); illness experiences, healthcare utilization (visits, admission, type of providers sought, health expenditure); and insurance cover. Specifically, individuals were asked if they had visited a health facility in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. ResultsWe find that NCDs are associated with an increase in healthcare use (5.4 percentage points (pp); 95% CI -0.28 to 0.09; p=<0.001). Utilization increases further for those with NCDs by having health insurance (6.4pp; 95% CI -0.18 to 0.05; p=0.285) though the association was not statistically significant. Having health insurance itself, regardless of NCD status, is associated with a higher utilization (6.4pp; 95% CI -0.13 to 0.0005; p=0.048). ConclusionsOur results suggest that health insurance may play an important role in improving access among people with chronic conditions, and since they mainly affect poorer households, health insurance may have a strong equity result in a low- and middle-income country context.
Investigating the Association of IL-1beta IL-8 &amp; IL 11 with Commonly used Cardiovascular Biomarkers (CK-MB &amp; Troponin) in Patients with Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Authors: Shahbazi Hojat , Maleknia Mahsa , Noroozi Saam 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Myocardial infarction is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. The term myocardial infarction should be used when there is an evidence of myocardial necrosis in a clinical setting consistent with myocardial ischemia. Cardiac troponins (cTn) have emerged as the preferred diagnostic biomarkers. If troponin assays are not available, the best alternative is creatine kinase (CK-MB). Numerous studies have reported the ability of various inflammatory biomarkers to predict future cardiovascular events. Therefore, we have decided to investigate inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8 & IL-11) to compare with routine biomarkers.Methods: 40 patients who were diagnosed with myocardial Infarction (at the first 24 hours), have voluntarily participated in this research project. 5 cc of whole blood was collected, both myocardial routine biomarkers (Tropinin & CK-MB), serum lipid profiles and blood sugar were evaluated after diagnosis of MI. Meanwhile, we have assessed the serum levels of three Interleukins (IL-1β, IL-8 & IL-11) by ELISA method.Results: First we have assessed blood sugar and all lipid profiles. B.S and HDL were higher in males, while TG, Cholesterol and LDL were higher in females. Our data demonstrated that Troponin continued to increase significantly throughout the 72 hours, while CK-MB fell dramatically over the period in question. Our result also revealed the rise in IL-1β serum levels (after 72 hours of MI diagnosis). However, this was not a significant increment. On the other hand, both IL-8 and IL-11 have followed the same decreasing pattern till the end of experiment. It is interesting to note that IL-8 showed a dramatic fall during the experimental period.Conclusion: We concluded that inflammatory cytokines would be a promising diagnostic biomarkers for MI cases. A noticeable changes of IL-8 plasma levels made it a decent candidate for MI diagnosis and follow-up.