The Laplacian Eigenvalues and Invariants of Graphs

In this paper, we investigate some relations between the invariants (including vertex and edge connectivity and forwarding indices) of a graph and its Laplacian eigenvalues. In addition, we present a sufficient condition for the existence of Hamiltonicity in a graph involving its Laplacian eigenvalues.Comment: 10 pages,Filomat, 201

High-throughput sequencing of RNAs isolated by cross-linking immunoprecipitation (HITS-CLIP) reveals Argonaute-associated microRNAs and targets in Schistosoma japonicum

Sequences of SjAgo-associated novel miRNAs by the HITS-CLIP assay. (XLSX 16 kb

Composition and characteristics of Libyan flora

The composition, life forms and the distribution of plants in Libya were studied. The results show that in Libya there are 2103 species that belong to 856 genera and 155 families. The distribution among Libyan seed plants was characterized by a high proportion of herbs (annual to perennial), unlike the low number of woody (tree and shrub) species; these have an important influence on the structure of floral composition. The geographic element of the flora was predominantly tropical and Mediterranean. The local plants belong to representative tropical desert flora. The presence and distribution characteristics of flora in Libya show that climate, environmental condition, ecological amplitude and adaptive capacity of the plants have a determinative influence on the floristic stock in the area studies

Eisenia fetida Protease-III-1 Functions in Both Fibrinolysis and Fibrogenesis

The fibrinolytic function of earthworm protease-III-1 (Ef P-III-1) has been studied in recent years. Here, we found that Ef P-III-1 acted not only in fibrinogenolysis, but also in fibrogenesis. We have used Ef P-III-1 to hydrolyze fibrinogen, and to activate plasminogen and prothrombin. Based on the N-terminal sequences of the hydrolytic fragments, Ef P-III-1 was showed to specifically recognize the carboxylic sites of arginine and lysine. Analyses by fibrinogenolysis mapping and amino acid sequencing revealed that the isozyme could cleave the alpha, beta, and gamma chains of fibrinogen, showing a high α-fibrinogenase, moderate β-fibrinogenase, and low γ-fibrinogenase activities. Interestingly, Ef P-III-1 activated plasminogen and released active plasmin, suggesting a tPA-like function. Furthermore, Ef P-III-1 showed a factor Xa-like function on prothrombin, producing alpha-thrombin. The function in both activating prothrombin and catalyzing fibrinogenolysis suggests that Ef P-III-1 may play a role in the balance between procoagulation and anticoagulation

An earthworm protease cleaving serum fibronectin and decreasing HBeAg in HepG2.2.15 cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Virus-binding activity is one of the important functions of fibronectin (FN). It has been reported that a high concentration of FN in blood improves the transmission frequency of hepatitis viruses. Therefore, to investigate a protease that hydrolyzes FN rapidly is useful to decrease the FN concentration in blood and HBV infection. So far, however, no specific protease digesting FN in serum has been reported.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We employed a purified earthworm protease to digest serum proteins. The rapidly cleaved protein (FN) was identified by MALDI-TOF MS and western blotting. The cleavage sites were determined by N-terminus amino acid residues sequencing. The protease was orally administrated to rats to investigate whether serum FN <it>in vivo </it>became decreased. The serum FN was determined by western blotting and ELISA. In cytological studies, the protease was added to the medium in the culture of HepG2.2.15 cells and then HBsAg and HBeAg were determined by ELISA.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The protease purified from earthworm <it>Eisenia fetida </it>was found to function as a fibronectinase (FNase). The cleavage sites on FN by the FNase were at R and K, exhibiting a trypsin alkaline serine-like function. The earthworm fibronectinase (EFNase) cleaved FN at four sites, R₂₅₉, R₁₀₀₅, K₁₅₅₇and R₂₀₃₉, among which the digested fragments at R₂₅₉, K₁₅₅₇and R₂₀₃₉were related to the virus-binding activity as reported. The serum FN was significantly decreased when the earthworm fibronectinase was orally administrated to rats. The ELISA results showed that the secretion of HBeAg from HepG2.2.15 cells was significantly inhibited in the presence of the FNase.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The earthworm fibronectinase (EFNase) cleaves FN much faster than the other proteins in serum, showing a potential to inhibit HBV infection through its suppressing the level of HBeAg. This suggests that EFNase is probably used as one of the candidates for the therapeutic agents to treat hepatitis virus infection.</p

Effect of Interval between Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Surgery on Oncological Outcome for Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim. To evaluate the influence of interval between neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) and surgery on oncological outcome. Methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for publications reporting oncological outcomes of patients following rectal cancer surgery performed at different NCRT-surgery intervals. Relative risk (RR) of pathological complete response (pCR) among different intervals was pooled. Results. Fifteen retrospective cohort studies representing 4431 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was a significantly increased rate of pCR in patients treated with surgery followed 7 or 8 weeks later (RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.18–1.78; and P<0.01 and RR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.15–1.92; and P=0.002, resp.). There is no consistent evidence of improved local control or overall survival with longer or shorter intervals. Conclusion. Performing surgery 7-8 weeks after the end of NCRT results in the highest chance of achieving pCR. For candidates of abdominoperineal resection before NCRT, these data support implementation of prolonging the interval after NCRT to optimize the chances of pCR and perhaps add to the possibility of ultimate organ preservation

Effects of the subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative sleep quality in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. Surgical intervention is a critical component of treatment, yet the associated stress and anxiety can significantly disrupt postoperative sleep quality. Emerging evidences suggest that esketamine may offer benefits in alleviating emotional distress and enhancing sleep. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of intraoperative subanesthetic dose of esketamine on the sleep of patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, controlled trial enrolled 145 female patients, who were randomly assigned to either the esketamine group (Group E, n = 72) or the control group (Group C, n = 73). Patients in Group E received esketamine (0.2 mg/kg loading dose, followed by 0.1 mg/kg/h infusion), while those in Group C received saline (0.2 mL/kg loading dose, followed by 0.1 mL/kg/h infusion). The primary outcome was the total score on the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) measured on postoperative day (POD) 1. Secondary outcomes included recovery time, the incidence of postoperative adverse events and rescue analgesia, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores, short-form McGill’s Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) sensory and affective scores, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the total RCSQ scores on POD 1 between Group E and Group C (median [interquartile range]: 46 [32–68] vs. 54 [40–71], p &gt; 0.05). Recovery time was significantly longer in Group E compared to Group C (8 [5–11] vs. 6 [4–11] minutes; p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events or remedial analgesia within 48 h postoperatively. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the groups in pain VAS scores, and SF-MPQ sensory or affective scores at 4, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. PSQI scores on POD 30 were not significantly different between the groups (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionFor female patients without pre-existing sleep disorders undergoing modified radical mastectomy, intraoperative subanesthetic esketamine may not significantly impact postoperative sleep quality but potentially contribute to a prolonged recovery time.Trial registrationThis trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on July 03, 2022 (https://www.chictr.org.cn; Registration number: ChiCTR2200061818)