bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Hypercoagulopathy as a Severe Long-term Complication of Post SARS-CoV-19 Infection, Autopsy Findings in Three Patients
Authors: Zhang Xinhai Robert , Agarwal Indu , Jing Jian , Cheng Lin , Scaria Gladson , Latef Mamoor , Gattuso Paolo 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: It has been less than two years since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are plenty of publications describing the clinical and pathological features of this severe infectious disease, damaging not only lung but also other vital organs. However, the pathologic findings of long-term complications post virus infection have rarely been described. Case presentation: We are reporting three autopsy cases from patients who had COVID-19 one to six months before death. The patients were all SARS-CoV-2 negative at admission but expired shortly. At autopsy, the first patient showed subacute diffuse myocardial ischemic injury with microthrombi in pericardial small vessels, whereas the second patient showed catastrophic acute and subacute pulmonary infarctions with hemothorax leading to respiratory failure. The third patient showed subacute severe cerebral infarcts in the left middle cerebral artery region. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the hypercoagulopathy and subsequent vital organ damage may persist beyond the active phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is essential to evaluate and continue monitoring the COVID-19 patients after recovery, so as to identify the ones with vital organ injury in a timely manner and to take the steps to prevent severe consequence of COVID-19 complications.
Use of a Suspended and Straightened Knee Joint Position When Fixing Steel Plates Can Prevent the Increase in Postoperative Posterior Tibial Slope After Open‑wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Ma Wenru , Han Zengshuai , Sun Shengnan , Chen Jinli , Zhang Yi , Yu Tengbo 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Posterior tibial slope (PTS) increases after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is challenging for patients. This study aims to determine whether use of a suspended and straightened knee joint position during the fixing of steel plates can prevent an increase in the posterior tibial slope after OWHTO.Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 112 subjects (122 knees) [34 males, 78 females; mean age 59.1±6.6 (range 48–76) years; mean body mass index (BMI) 28.06±3.61 kg/m²] who underwent OWHTO. A total of 78 knees that were suspended and extended by placing a sterile cloth ball under the ipsilateral ankle during the fixing of steel plates comprised the suspended and straightened knee joint position (SSP) group, and 44 knees that were kept naturally straightened without placing a sterile cloth ball under the ipsilateral ankle during the fixing of steel plates comprised the naturally straightened knee joint position (NSP) group. Patients were clinically assessed according to the visual analog pain scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index. Radiological assessment was performed according to the changes in the posterior tibial slope between preoperation, 1-day postoperation, and the final follow-up periods. Ultimately, the difference in postoperative PTS changes between the two groups was statistically analyzed. The median follow-up period was 2.2 years (range 1.6–3.7 years).Results: In the final follow-up period, significant improvements were observed in the clinical VAS and WOMAC scores in both groups (P < 0.001), and no difference was found between the two groups. Radiological assessment showed that there was no statistical difference in the preoperative PTS between the two groups. The 1-day post-operative PTS and the most recent follow-up PTS were significantly greater than the preoperative PTS in the NSP group (t=-3.213, -6.406, all P < 0.001), but no significant increase was seen in the SSP group (P >0.05). The increase in PTS in the NSP group was significantly greater than that in the SSP group at the 1-day postoperative (t=2.243, P=0.030) and final follow-up periods (t=6.501, P<0.001).Conclusion: For OWHTO, the use of a suspended and straightened knee joint position rather than a naturally straightened knee joint position during the fixing of steel plates could effectively prevent the increase in postoperative PTS.Level of Evidence: Retrospective Study Level III
LncRNA-CCAT1/miR-152-5p is Involved in CSE-Induced Inflammation in HBE Cells Via Regulating ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zong Dan-dan , Liu Xiang-ming , Li Jin-hua , Long Ying-jiao , Ouyang Ruo-yun , Chen Yan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Emerging studies have noted that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in the pathological processes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). LncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript 1 (CCAT1) plays well-defined roles in the inflammatory progression. The study aims to figure out the effect and regulatory mechanism of CCAT1 in the cigarette smoke induced inflammation in COPD. Methods: The expression levels of CCAT1 and miR-152-3p were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The inflammatory levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were evaluated by qRT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was used for the measurement of ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2 protein levels. Luciferase reporter assay was performed for the target gene analysis.Results: CCAT1 was highly expressed in lung tissues of smokers with COPD compared with non-smokers without COPD samples. In human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells, cigarette smoke extract (CSE) treatment led to an increase in CCAT1 expression in a dose- and time- dependent manner. Functional experiments showed that knockdown of CCAT1 ameliorated CSE-induced inflammation. Mechanistically, CCAT1 directly targeted miR-152-3p, and miR-197-3p overexpression reversed the pro-inflammatory effects of CCAT1 on HBE cells. Subsequently, miR-152-3p was found to regulate ERK signaling pathway. PD98059, ERK specific inhibitor, reversed miR-152-3p inhibition mediated inflammation in HBE cells. In addition, CCAT1 acted as a sponge for miR-152-3p to positively regulate ERK signaling pathway. Conclusion: Current findings suggest that CCAT1 promoted inflammation by activating ERK signal pathway via sponging miR‑152‑3p in CSE‑treated HBE cells. These results may provide a novel therapeutic target for alleviating cigarette smoke mediated airway inflammation.
Precise Design of Drill Structure Based on Cutting Force Distribution Alone Cutting Edge in CFRP Drilling
Authors: Qiu Xin-Yi , Li Peng-Nan , Li Chang-Ping , Niu Qiu-Lin , Li Shu-Jian , Ko Tae Jo 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
At present, the problems that need to be solved urgently in CFRP drilling are delamination and tool wear, which are closely related to the distribution of cutting force on the cutting edge. The aim of this paper is to present a method to analyze the cutting force distribution on the main cutting edge of the drill. This method applies to the analysis of the drilling performance of double point angle (DPA) drill and to optimize the step drill structure for CFRP drilling. Both of these applications prove the correctness of the analysis method. According to the calculation model of the rake angle of the main cutting edge of the twist drill and the cutting force prediction model, the distribution model of the cutting force on the main cutting edge is established. This method reveals the basic reason why the thrust force increases linearly when a single main cutting edge cuts into the workpiece. In the process of analyzing the drilling performance of the DPA drill, the edge force coefficient is used to represent the thrust force, and the application environment of the drill with a different structure is analyzed. Based on the distribution characteristics of the axial force on the main cutting edge, the step ratio of the step drill is optimized. This method can optimize the step ratio of the step drill. This method can be employed to optimize the step ratio of any structure step drill.
Jet Shape Analysis and Removal Function Optimization of Atmospheric Plasma Processing Applied in Optical Fabrication
Authors: Jin Yuan , Wang Bo , Ji Peng , Qiao Zheng , LI Duo , Ding Fei 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
When using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) as a machining tool, its processing method based on the principle of chemical etching leads to no contact stress between the tool and the material, thereby generating no mechanical damage. In recent years, this issue has been widely concerned in the field of optical fabrication. However, there are many differences between low power ICP jet and conventional ICP jet, one of which is that the former does not easily form a rotation-symmetric removal function due to its obvious pinch effect. In this research, the electromagnetism principle of the plasma pinch effect was analyzed firstly, and the jet shape under the pinch effect was classified. Then, experimental study was carried out on the plasma jet shape under the pure Ar and mixed gas of CF4-Ar, and the influence law of the reaction gas on the jet propagation shape was analyzed. Finally, the rotational symmetry of the removal function of plasma jet processing was optimized, and the nozzle design criteria based on pinch effect were proposed.
Impact of Mg2+ and Zn2+ Addition on the Structural, Morphological, Physicochemical, Dielectric and Biological Properties of Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Narayanasamy Anandhan , Ramaswamy Panneerselvam , Ramaswamy Poonguzhali , Arockiam Amali Roselin , Issac Joseph Panneerdoss , Periannan Ganesan Karuppannan , Vasudevan Sugumar 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In the present work, the wet-chemical precipitation technique is employed to prepare Zinc/Magnesium doped hydroxyapatite (HAP). In doped HAP, the X-ray diffraction peak shifts to a higher angle because of the contraction of the lattice parameters along a - axis. The Raman peaks at 519, 440, 1464 cm-1 indicate the presence of Mg, Zn and CO32- in doped HAP respectively. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) measures the grain size of pure, 5% Zn and 5% Mg doped HAP, as 275, 510, and 251 nm respectively. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the morphological change in HAP. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) identifies the presence of Mg2+ and Zn2+ in doped HAP. The dopant elevates the hardness and dielectric constant, so the strength and the bone growth of HAP increases. All the doped samples show excellent antibacterial, antifungal and antibiofilm activities than the pure HAP.
Integrating Gene Mutation Mutual Exclusion Information Into Radiomics Algorithms to Improve Gene Mutation Prediction in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Lv Xing , Cao Xin , Huang Weicheng , Quan Zhiyong , Li Guiyu , Zhao Xiaohu , Wang Yirong , Xie Zhaojuan , Yan Yuhao , Gao Yuhua , Li Xiang , Ma Wenhui , Yang Weidong , Kang Fei , Wang Jing 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose Gene mutations are mutually exclusive in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Using EGFR and KRAS as examples, this study aims to assess the significance of mutation mutual exclusion information in the optimization of radiomics algorithms for predicting gene mutation.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 161 NSCLC patients with 18F-FDG PET/CT scans and EGFR and KRAS gene mutation data. Patients were randomly divided into training and testing cohorts. The Pyradiomics toolkit was used for radiomics feature extraction. Based on these features, radiomics score (RS) models were developed for predicting KRAS mutations using the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) algorithm. Furthermore, to investigate the value of adding mutation mutual exclusion information, a composite model combining PET/CT RS and EGFR mutation status was developed using logistic regression. The area under the curve (AUC), specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy were calculated for model performance evaluation in the training and test cohorts. To test the generalizability of this optimization method, models for predicting EGFR mutation were established in parallel, with or without adding KRAS gene mutation information.Results Compared with CT, the PET/CT based RS model exhibited higher AUC (KRAS: 0.792 vs 0.426; EGFR: 0.786 vs 0.644). By integrating EGFR mutation information into the PET/CT RS model, the AUC, accuracy, and specificity for predicting KRAS mutations were all elevated in the test cohort (0.928, 0.857, 0.897 vs 0.792, 0.755, 0.769). Conversely, the composite model for predicting EGFR mutations could also be optimized by adding KRAS gene mutation information (AUC, accuracy, and specificity: 0.877, 0.776, 0.700 vs 0.786, 0.694, 0.567). By adding EGFR and KRAS exclusive mutation information, respectively, the composite model corrected 55.4% and 30.7% false positive cases produced by the PET/CT RS model in the test cohort, without sacrificing sensitivity.Conclusion Integrating the mutation status of a known gene is a potential method to optimize radiomics models for predicting another gene mutation. This method may help predict unconventional gene mutations when the second biopsy is clinically difficult to carry out.
Non-invasive in Vivo Assessment of 11β-hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase type 1 Activity by 19 F-magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Naredo-Gonzalez Gregorio , Upreti Rita , Jansen Maurits A , Semple Scott , Sutcliffe Oliver B , Marshall Ian , Walker Brian R , Andrew Ruth 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) amplifies tissue glucocorticoid levels and is a pharmaceutical target in diabetes and cognitive decline. Clinical translation of inhibitors is hampered by lack of in vivo pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Our goal was to monitor substrates and products of 11β-HSD1 non-invasively in liver via 19 Fluorine magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19 F-MRS). Interconversion of mono/poly-fluorinated substrate/product pairs was studied in Wistar rats (male, n=6) and healthy men (n=3) using 7 T and 3 T MRI scanners, respectively. Here we show that the limit of detection, as absolute fluorine content, was 0.625 μmol in blood. Mono-fluorinated steroids, dexamethasone and 11-dehydrodexamethasone, were detected in phantoms but not in vivo in human liver following oral dosing. A non-steroidal polyfluorinated tracer, 2-(phenylsulfonyl)-1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethanone and its metabolic product were detected in vivo in rat liver after oral administration of the keto-substrate, giving a readout of reductase activity. Administration of a selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor in vivo in rats altered total liver 19 F-MRS signal. We conclude that there is insufficient sensitivity to measure mono-fluorinated tracers in vivo in man with current dosage regimens and clinical scanners. However use of a poly-fluorinated tracer allowed detection of hepatic reductase activity in rats and could be developed for translation to man.
Genetic Identification and Diversity of Stocks of The African Bonytongue, Heterotis Niloticus (Osteoglossiformes: Arapaiminae), in Nigeria, West Africa
Authors: Oladimeji Tofunmi E. , Caballero Isabel C. , Mateos Mariana , Awodiran Michael O. , Winemiller Kirk O. , Adite Alphonse , Hurtado Luis A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Inland fisheries are an important source of protein and income for people in Africa, and sustainable fisheries management requires knowledge of regional stocks. Presently, information regarding genetic diversity of African freshwater fishes is very limited. Here we present findings from a spatial analysis of genetic patterns in the African bonytongue, Heterotis niloticus, an important component of inland fisheries in West Africa. The species is common throughout Western and Central Africa and the Nile Basin; and has been introduced for aquaculture in locations across Africa. Nigeria has the largest fishery for African bonytongues, representing ~86% of the global total. Recent declines in yields at some Nigerian locations, however, suggest current levels of exploitation may be unsustainable. Habitat degradation also may be impacting some stocks. Despite its commercial and nutritional importance, the African bonytongue has been the subject of scant research to support management. We examined patterns of genetic diversity in natural populations of H. niloticus at four locations in Nigeria, including Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River in north-central Nigeria, and three southtern localities (Ethiope River, Igbokoda River, and Epe Lagoon), as well fish from the Ouémé River delta near Porto Novo, Benin. Eighty-five specimens were genotyped for nine microsatellite-loci. Genetic diversity estimates were highest at Kainji Lake, and substantially lower at southern localities. High levels of genetic differentiation were detected between samples from Kainji Lake and those from the southern localities. Low, yet significant FST values were observed among samples from southern Nigerian localities that were more differentiated from the sample from nearby coastal Benin. We thus recommend that African bonytongues from the five locations be considered distinct genetic stocks and managed accordingly.
Disarrangement and reorganization of the hippocampal functional connectivity during the spatial path adjustment of pigeons
Authors: Li Mengmeng 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The hippocampus plays an important role to support path planning and adjustment in goal-directed spatial navigation. While we still only have limited knowledge about how do the hippocampal neural activities, especially the functional connectivity patterns, change during the spatial path adjustment. In this study, we measured the behavioural indicators and local field potentials of the pigeon (Columba livia, male and female) during a goal-directed navigational task with the detour paradigm, exploring the changing patterns of the hippocampal functional network connectivity of the bird during the spatial path learning and adjustment. Results: Our study demonstrates that the pigeons progressively learned to solve the path adjustment task after the preferred path is blocked suddenly. Behavioural results show that both the total duration and the path lengths pigeons completed the task during the phase of adjustment are significantly longer than those during the acquisition and recovery phases. Furthermore, neural results show that hippocampal functional connectivity selectively changed during path adjustment. Specifically, we identified depressed connectivity in lower bands (delta and theta) and elevated connectivity in higher bands (slow-gamma and fast-gamma).Conclusions: These results feature both the behavioural response and neural representation of the avian spatial cognitive learning process, suggesting that the functional disarrangement and reorganization of the connectivity in the avian hippocampus during different phases may contribute to our further understanding of the potential mechanism of path learning and adjustment.
Deformation of the Nucleus by TGFβ1 Via the Remodeling of Nuclear Envelope and Histone Isoforms
Authors: Chi Ya-Hui , Wang Wan-Ping , Hung Ming-Chun , Liou Gunn-Guang , Wang Jing-Ya , Chao Pen-Hsiu Grace 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The cause of nuclear shape abnormalities which are often seen in pre-neoplastic and malignant tissues is not clear. In this study we report that deformation of the nucleus can be induced by TGFb1 stimulation in several cell lines including Huh7. In our results, the upregulated histone H3.3 expression downstream of SMAD signaling contributed to TGFb1-induced nuclear deformation, a process of which requires incorporation of the nuclear envelope (NE) proteins lamin B1 and SUN1. During this process, the NE constitutively ruptured and reformed with no observable indications of DNA damage response. Contrast to lamin B1 which was relatively stationary around the nucleus, the upregulated lamin A was highly mobile, shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm, and clustering at the nuclear periphery. The chromatin regions that lost NE coverage formed a supra-nucleosomal structure characterized by elevated histone H3K27me3 and histone H1, the formation of which depended on the presence of lamin A. These results provide evidence that shape of the nucleus can be modulated through TGFb1-induced compositional changes in the chromatin and nuclear lamina.
Knockdown CD44 Promotes Amyloid-Beta Degradation in Ovarian Cancer Cells By Regulating CD36 Expression
Authors: Xu Ying , Gao Yunge , Qian Luomeng , Feng Wangyou , Song Tingting , Li Yuanfeng , Guo Fenfen , Zheng Jiao , Li Yu , Zhang Jianfang , Yang Hong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: CD44 is highly expressed in many cancers, including ovarian cancer. Its interactions with ligands are involved in tumor progression, prognosis, and metastasis. However, the function of CD44 in the advancement of ovarian cancer remains unclear. Methods and Results: RNA sequencing was used to investigate the possible molecules and pathways regulated by CD44 in ovarian cancer to compare gene expression in CD44-knockdown SKOV3 cells and control cells. Identify the differentially expressed genes and then proceed to functional enrichment analysis. The results showed that genes differentially expressed were enriched in ECM-receptor interaction, Protein digestion and absorption, Focal adhesion, Notch signaling pathway, microRNA in cancer, and TGF-beta signaling pathway. Furthermore, the analysis of the proteins interaction network revealed the interaction between CD44 and CD36 in SKOV3 cells. Further analysis showed that CD36, a molecule that may be involved in ECM-receptor interaction, was low expressed in CD44-knockdown SKOV3 cells. And the results showed that knockdown CD44 induces amyloid-beta degradation in ovarian cancer cells by regulating CD36 expression. The analyses of the public database demonstrated that the CD36 expression was related to the clinical survival of ovarian cancer. Conclusions: Our study showed that CD44 might up-regulate the CD36 expression in ovarian cancer, thereby exerting a cancer-promoting effect.
Biodegradable Reduce Expenditure Bioreactor For Augmented Sonodynamic Therapy Via Regulating Tumor Hypoxia And Inducing Pro-Death Autophagy
Authors: Zou Weijuan , Hao Junnian , Wu Jianrong , Cai Xiaojun , Hu Bing , Wang Zhigang , Zheng Yuanyi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds: Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) as an emerging reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated antitumor means is still hampered by the rapid depletion of oxygen, as well as hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Instead of the currently coping strategies through amplifying endogenous O2 level, herein, a biodegradable O2 economizer is described as a reduce expenditure bioreactor for augmenting SDT efficacy. Results: We have successfully fabricated the O2 economizer (HMME@HMONs-3BP-PEG, HHBP) by the conjugation of respiration inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) with hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (HMONs), followed by the loading of organic sonosensitizers (HMME) and further surface modification of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The engineered HHBP features controllable pH/GSH/US-sensitive drug release. The exposed 3BP could effectively inhibit cell respiration for restraining the oxygen consumption, which could alleviate the tumor hypoxia. More interestingly, it could exorbitantly elevate the autophagy level, which in turn induce excessive activation of autophagy for promoting the therapeutic efficacy. As a result, accompanied with suppressing O2-consumption and triggering pro-death autophagy strategy, the HHBP achieves remarkable antitumor activity, which has been systematically validated both in vivo and in vitro assays. Conclusion: This work not only provides a reduce expenditure strategy for enduring SDT, but also represents an inquisitive strategy for tumor treatments via inducing pro-death autophagy.