bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications for future policy implementation: a qualitative evaluation of the national rollout of a diabetes prevention programme in England.
Authors: Brunton Lisa , Soiland-Reyes Claudia , Wilson Paul
Published: August 2022

Background
The National Health Service Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) was commissioned by NHS England in 2016 and rolled out in three ‘waves’ across the whole of England. It aims to help people with raised blood glucose levels reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes through behaviour change techniques (e.g. weight loss, dietary changes and exercise). We report findings from interviews with designated local leads, responsible for the local commissioning and implementation of the programme, to explore how local implementation processes were enacted and adapted over time.
Methods
We conducted a telephone interview study across two time-points. We conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with local leads across 19 sampled case sites between October 2019 and January 2020. We conducted 13 interviews with local leads across 13 sampled case sites between July 2020 and August 2020. Interviews aimed to reflect on the experience of implementation and explore how things changed over time; this included how implementation plans changed in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
We identified five overarching themes to show how implementation was locally enacted and adapted across the sampled case sites: 1. Adapting to provider change; 2. Identification and referral; 3. Enhancing uptake in underserved populations; 4. Digital and remote service options and 5. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on implementation.
Conclusion
This paper reports how designated local leads, responsible for local implementation of the NHS DPP, adapted implementation efforts over the course of a changing national diabetes prevention programme, including how implementation and delivery of the programme was impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper highlights three main factors that influence implementation: the importance of facilitation, the ability (or not) to tailor interventions to local needs and the role of context in implementation.
Push out bond strength and dentinal penetration of a novel herbal based pulp capping agent: An in Vitro study
Authors: Hamdy Mai , gendy Huda El , Sharaan Marwa
Published: August 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of grape seed extract (GSE) and Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to penetrate to dentin and their push-out bond strength at two time intervals (1 and 3 months) when used as pulp capping agents either singly or combined to each other. Materials and Methods:This study was conducted on 120 human single-rooted anterior teeth. Sixty dentin discs were randomly divided into three groups (n=20) based on the material used; MTA, GSE, and a combination of MTA and GSE. A universal testing machine was used to determine the push-out bond strength for one and three months. At the same time intervals, extra 60 teeth with the same groups were utilized to quantify the degree of capping material penetration within the dentinal tubules using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ANOVA with multiple comparison Post hoc test was used to evaluate the data where the p value was < 0.05. Results: MTA had the highest push-out bond strength and penetration depth measurement into dentinal tubules at one month, followed by MTA combined with GSE, while GSE had the lowest push-out bond strength and penetration depth measurement. Nevertheless, GSE had the greatest values in both tests at 3 months, followed by MTA, while MTA coupled with GSE had the lowest value in both tests. Conclusion: Push out bond strength and dentinal penetration depth were improved with time except for the MTA group testing its dentinal penetration depth. GSE shows good push out bond strength and dentinal penetration depth.
Translocation of a single Arg9 peptide across a DOPC/DOPG(4:1) model membrane using the weighted ensemble method
Authors: Choe Seungho
Published: August 2022

A spontaneous translocation of cell-penetrating peptides(CPPs) in all-atom molecular dynamics(MD) simulations is not expected within a short time scale (e.g., a few hundred ns) because
it is believed that the time required for the translocation of usual CPPs is on the order of minutes. In this study, we report a single Arg9(R9) peptide translocation across a DOPC/DOPG(4:1) model membrane within an order of a few tens ns scale by using the weighted ensemble(WE) method, one of the most powerful and flexible path sampling techniques. We present free energy profiles of the translocation across the membrane and identify how water molecules play a role during the translocation. We also show how the orientation of Arg9 affects the translocation and how lipid molecules were transported along with Arg9. Our approach can help study interactions of CPPs with various model membranes within MD simulation approaches.
Physical Urban Area Identification Based on Vector Buildings and Quantitative Attribution of Optimal Distance Threshold: A Case Study in Chongqing Municipality, Southwestern China
Authors: Wang Dan , Kong Liang , Chen Zhongsheng , Yang Xia , Luo Mingliang
Published: August 2022

The physical urban area is not artificially delimited, and reflects the objective distribution of the spatial scope of the urban area. It is the basis of the accurate distinction between cities and villages. Although there are many methods that have studied and explained the physical urban area to a certain extent, the influencincg factors of identification threshold are not studied deeply. In this paper, 22 administrative districts in central and western Chongqing Municipality are taken as the research object. Based on vector building data, the urban expansion curve method is used to identify the optimal distance threshold to extract the physical urban area of Chongqing Municipality. And the geographical detector technique is used to detect respectively that how and to what extent the urban spatial structure factors, geographical environment factors and social economic factors affect the optimal distance threshold of 22 administrative districts. The results show that the optimal distance threshold for identifying physical urban area of Chongqing Municipality based on the vector building is 146m, and the physical urban area is 1598.43km2, with the error of 2.1% compared with the built-up area. Taking 22 administrative districts as the individual research objects, it is found that the road network density and building density in urban spatial structure factors, urbanization rate and urban population density in socio-economic factors, and their interaction with regional GDP play a critical role in the optimal distance threshold, and the index value of influence degree ≥ 0.79. Under the influence of different factors, the optimal distance thresholds of 22 administrative districts show adaptive characteristics. Looking forward to the future, this study provides a reference for further research on the morphological characteristics and distribution laws of multi-scale cities.
Machine Learning Based PV Power Prediction Using Different Environmental Parameters of Turkey
Authors: İçel Yasin , Gursoy Mehmet Ismail
Published: August 2022

The prediction of photovoltaic power generation provides the basis for the generation, transmission, and distribution systems of electrical energy, ensuring the establishment of uninterrupted and reliable energy systems. In the present study, environmental parameters and power values produced from photovoltaic panels were measured and recorded for 1 year with the measurement stations established in three different regions (Adıyaman-Malatya-Şanlıurfa) in terms of environmental parameters. Modeling has been developed for the power estimation to be produced using the MLP, CNN, LSTM, Stacked LSTM, Bidirectional LSTM, and CNN-LSTM methods on the extensive dataset. Predictions were obtained from the developed models with an accuracy rate of 98.9%, 98.6%, 95.1%, 95.0%, 95.0%, and 84.9%, respectively. As a result of the study, it has been seen that all of the proposed methods are successful for the problems of PV power prediction. In addition, it has been determined that the success rate of MLP and CNN methods is superior to other methods. Thus, with the developed forecasting models, PV power prediction for photovoltaic power systems desired to be installed by using environmental parameters belonging to different regions in any part of the world can be estimated with a high degree of accuracy.
HvNCX, a prime candidate gene for the novel qualitative locus qS7.1 controlling salinity tolerance and Na+ exclusion in wild barley
Authors: Zhu Juan , Zhou Hui , Fan Yun , Guo Yu , Zhang Mengna , Shabala Sergey , Zhao Chenchen , Lv Chao , Guo Baojian , Wang Feifei , Zhou Meixue , Xu Rugen
Published: August 2022

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting crop yield. Developing salinity-tolerant varieties is critical for minimizing economic penalties caused by salinity and providing solutions for global food security. Many genes/QTL for salt tolerance have been reported in barley but only a few of them have been map-cloned. In this study, a total of 163 doubled haploid lines from a cross between a cultivated barley variety Franklin and the wild barley accession Tam407227 were used to map QTL for salinity tolerance. Two major QTL for salinity tolerance were identified on chromosomes 5H (qS5.1) and 7H (qS7.1), accounting for 11.7% and 27.8% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Two QTL for Na+ content in leaves under salinity stress were detected on chromosomes 1H (qNa1.1) and 7H(qNa7.1). qS7.1 was fine-mapped to a 2.46 Mb physical interval using F4 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). This region contains 23 high-confidence genes, with HvNCX which encodes a sodium/calcium exchanger being most likely the candidate gene. The HvNCX was highly induced by salinity stress and showed a greater expression level in a sensitive variety. cDNA sequencing of the HvNCX revealed that the difference between the two parents is conferred by a single Ala77Pro amino acid substitution, which is located on the transmembrane domain. These findings open new prospects for improving salinity tolerance in barley by targeting a previously unexplored trait.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of CdFe2O4/Al2O3 Nanocomposite for Dye Degradation
Authors: Varpe Ashwini S. , Deshpande Mrinalini D. , Tope Dipak R. , Borhade Ashok V.
Published: August 2022

In the present work, CdFe2O4/Al2O3 magnetic nanocomposite photocatalyst is successfully synthesized by simple sol-gel auto-combustion method. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by the xylenol orange (XO) dye degradation under UV light. The influence of Al2O3 concentration with CdFe2O4 on the catalytic property is also studied. We have considered three weight percentage of Al2O3, 5%, 10% and 20% with CdFe2O4. All the samples are characterized with XRD, BET, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, UV-Visible, and VSM techniques. The degradation process of the dye is monitored spectrophotometrically. The photocatalytic activity of the samples is evaluated by the xylenol orange (XO) dye degradation under UV light. The performance in terms of removal efficiency is studied by varying the contact time, dye concentration and amount of catalyst. Among the three concentrations of Al2O3 with CdFe2O4, the 10% weight concentration of Al2O3 with CdFe2O4 is found to be the optimal concentration and showed the higher degradation rate. After 30 min photocatalytic reaction, the degradation rate is 92.29% for 10% CdFe2O4/Al2O3 and for bare CdFe2O4 it is 85.79%. The lower particle size, higher surface area, enhanced porosity, considerable band gap, and higher saturation magnetization is found as compared to that of 5% and 20% CdFe2O4/Al2O3 as well as bare CdFe2O4 nanoparticles. It is found that, the photocatalytic activity of synthesized nanocomposite is higher than CdFe2O4 (85.79%). The stability of the composite material is also investigated by performing consecutive runs. This work affords a new reference for designing spinel ferrites/Al2O3 nanocomposite and its application for environmental purification.
Polytrauma: Skeletal Injury Patterns and Associations
Authors: Kumar Pratik , Bhuyan Sanjeev Kumar
Published: August 2022

Background
Polytrauma fulfills the disease classification criteria for a global pandemic, being a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Skeletal injuries in polytrauma patients, maximally affect the functional outcome and quality of life after the injury. However, there is little epidemiological data on skeletal and associated injuries in polytrauma patients.
Methods
A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary-care hospital on patients presenting with history of trauma. Patient’s injuries were coded as per Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and categorized as polytrauma on the basis of New Injury Severity Score (NISS > 16). Skeletal injuries were classified as per AO/Muller classification and Open fractures classified by Gustilo-Anderson system.
Results
647 patients of age ≥ 16 and NISS ≥ 16 sustained 1353 skeletal injuries with an average of 2.09 fractures/dislocations per patient. Majority were young male adults sustaining injury following a RTA having head injury as commonest association. A mean ISS of 24.9 and NISS of 27.5 was observed. Femur and tibia sustained maximum injury. 16.2% of the skeletal injury were open with 57.5% of the skeletal injuries requiring surgical intervention in some form.
Conclusion
The purpose of this prospective study was to obtain data on the epidemiology of polytrauma and assess skeletal injuries and its associations.It’s obvious that majority of patient were young adults leading to considerable workforce and economic loss to society. This points to the burden of polytrauma and warrants requirements of a dedicated trauma team and other resources to improve mortality and morbidity statistics as well as patient outcome.
A mixed-method feasibility study of a new digital health support package for people after stroke: The Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participant are Stroke (ReCAPS) intervention
Authors: Cameron Janette , Lannin Natasha A , Harris Dawn , Andrew Nadine E , Kilkenny Monique F , Purvis Tara , Thrift Amanda G , Thayabaranathan Tharshanah , Ellery Fiona , Sookram Garveeta , Hackett Maree , Kneebone Ian , Drummond Avril , Cadilhac Dominique A
Published: August 2022

Background: Evidence for digital health programs to support people living with stroke is limited. We assessed the feasibility of a protocol and procedures for the Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke (ReCAPS) intervention. Method: We conducted a mixed-method feasibility study. Participants with acute stroke were recruited from three hospitals (Melbourne, Australia). Eligibility: Adults discharged home within 10 days of hospital admission, modified Rankin Score 0-4, and prior use of Short Message System (SMS) or email. While in hospital participants contributed to structured person-centred goal setting with clinicians, provided responses to surveys including assessment of self-management skills and health-related quality of life. Participants were randomised 7-14 days after discharge via REDCap® (1:1 allocation). Following randomisation, the intervention group received a 12-week program of personalised electronic support messages (average 66 messages sent by SMS or email) aligned to their goals. The control group received six electronic administrative messages. Feasibility outcomes included: number of patients screened and recruited, study retainment, completion of outcome measures, number of electronic messages delivered, and acceptability of the ReCAPS intervention and trial procedures (participant satisfaction survey, clinician interviews and researcher communications). We undertook inductive thematic analysis of interview/open-text survey data, and descriptive analysis of closed survey questions.Results: Between November 2018 and October 2019, 312 patients were screened; 37/105 (35%) eligible patients provided consent (mean age 61 years; 32% female); 33 were randomised (17 to intervention). Outcome assessments at 12-weeks were completed by 88% of participants with 16 also completing the satisfaction survey (intervention=10). Overall, trial participants felt that the study was worthwhile and most would recommend it to others. Six clinicians participated in one of three focus group interviews; while they reported that the trial and the process of goal setting acceptable, they raised concerns regarding the additional time required to personalise goals. Conclusion: The study protocol and procedures were feasible with acceptable retention of participants. Consent and goal personalisation procedures should be centralised for the Phase III trial to reduce the burden on hospital clinicians. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12618001468213 (Date 31/08/2018); Universal Trial Number: U1111-1206-7237
Energy and air? The impact of energy efficiency improvement on air quality in China
Authors: An Bo-Wen , Liu Wei , Basang Tsering-Xiao , Li Chun-Yu , Xiao Yi
Published: August 2022

Energy shortage and air pollution are the two key issues hindering global economic development. And the optimal measure to improve air quality is by increasing energy efficiency. The influence of energy efficiency, socioeconomic and natural climatic factors on air quality is analyzed under the theory of STIRPAT. The energy efficiency is measured using the super SBM model while air pollutants are estimated by sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and dust and smoke (DS). It is highly coupled between the energy efficiency and the spatial distribution of air quality. Increased energy efficiency can improve air quality by reducing SO2 and NOx, but the impact on DS is not significant. Air pollutants decrease by about 0.5313% for every 1% increase in temperature and 0.1046% for every 1% increase in precipitation. Consumption will exacerbate air pollution, and there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between population density, economic scale, urbanization, technology innovation and air pollution. It is worth mentioning that this work adds temperature and precipitation to the STIRPAT as natural climatic factors, analyzing the impact of energy efficiency on air pollution under the two-factor restrictions of socioeconomic and natural climatic factors. Finally, management suggestions are made in order to improve air quality.
Technology-Enabled Virtual Ward for COVID Management of the Elderly and Immunocompromised in Singapore: A Descriptive Cohort
Authors: Ko Stephanie Q , Kumar Shoban Krishna , Jacob Jonathan , Hooi Benjamin MY , Soo Michelle , Nashi Norshima , Cruz Maria Teresa D , Yeo Ai Wah , Wong Zhi Xin , Smitasin Nares , Lum Lionel , Archuleta Sophia
Published: August 2022

Background: To address the hospital bed demand for Delta and Omicron surges in Singapore, the National University Health System (NUHS) developed a COVID Virtual Ward to relieve bed pressures on its three acute hospitals – National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Alexandra Hospital. To serve a multilingual population, the COVID Virtual Ward featuring protocolized teleconsultation of high-risk patients, use of a vital signs chatbot, supplemented by home visits where necessary. This study aims to evaluate the safety, outcomes and utilisation of the Virtual Ward as a scalable response to COVID-19 surges.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients admitted to the COVID Virtual Ward between 23 September to 9 November 2021. Patients were defined as “early discharge” if they were referred from inpatient COVID-19 wards and “admission avoidance” if they were referred directly from primary care or emergency services. Patient demographics, utilisation measures and clinical outcomes were extracted from the electronic health record system. The primary outcomes were escalation to hospital and mortality. Use of the vital signs chatbot was evaluated by examining compliance levels, need for automated reminders and alerts triggered. Patient experience was evaluated using data extracted from a quality improvement feedback form.Results: 238 patients were admitted to the COVID Virtual Ward from 23 September to 9 November, of whom 42% were male, 67.9% of Chinese ethnicity. 43.7% were over the age of 70, 21% were immunocompromised, and 36.6% were not fully vaccinated. 17.2% of patients were escalated to hospital, with no significant difference between the early discharge and admission avoidance cohorts (adjusted OR 0.77 [95% CI 0.39-1.56]) and 1.2% of patients died. There were no missed deteriorations. All patients received teleconsults (median of 5 teleconsults per patient, IQR 3-7). 22.7% of patients received home visits. 77.7% of patients engaged with the vital signs chatbot, with a compliance rate of 84%. All patients would recommend the programme to others in their situation. Conclusions: Virtual Wards are a scalable, safe and patient-centered strategy to care for high risk COVID-19 patients at home.Trial Registration: NA
A novel ferroptosis-related gene signature associated with Helicobacter pylori for prognosis prediction in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Qi , Ji Mingyu , Zhao Xin , Liu Duanrui , Xu Mingjie , Qu Xue , Li Huanjie , Jia Yanfei , Zhou Yunying , Wang Yunshan , Han Shuyi
Published: August 2022

BackgroundGastric Cancer (GC) is a seriously heterogeneous disease, making the prognostic prediction challenging. The causal relationship between helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and GC has been tightly entrenched by numerous epidemiological and clinical studies. Ferroptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death, is closely related to the increase and development of malignant tumors. ROS plays a key role in ferroptosis, whereas ROS produced by HP in some patients with GC also plays an important role in tumor progression. Whether the induction of ferroptosis can play a better role in the clinical treatment of GC caused by HP infection remains to be further studied. Therefore, the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical data of patients with GC were downloaded from public databases. Methods Univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression were used to construct a multigene signature in the TCGA cohort. Patients with GC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort were used for validation. The results showed that six differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were correlated with prognosis. Then, GSVA algorithm was used to calculate the enrichment score of each sample based on the six genes. Patients were divided into two risk groups (low and high) by the median risk score evaluated with the enrichment score and found statistically significant differences in their survival rates. ResultsA novel prognostic model integrating six ferroptosis-related and HP-related genes were firstly constructed, and a nomogram combining DEG signature with clinical features was constructed to confirm the robustness of the model for speculating about RFS in patients with GC. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, independent GEO datasets, and our experiments at the cellular level and with RNA extracted from patient tissues indicated that the signature endows a good predictive performance. The functions of this gene signature were assessed by gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis, gene mutation analysis, and molecular docking were used to explore the potential mechanism of this gene signature.ConclusionsConclusively, a novel gene signature can be used for the prognostic prediction of GC. Targeting ferroptosis and HP may be a therapeutic alternative for patients with GC.
Tissue factor links inflammation, thrombosis, and senescence in COVID-19
Authors: Nguyen Dayna , Lee Jeongwu
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory infection that induces inflammatory and thrombotic responses. Upon SARS-CoV-2 entry into lung epithelial cells, infected cells secrete a group of chemokines known as the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). These SASP factors induce the harmful COVID-19 cytokine storm by recruiting and activating inflammatory immune cells. Recent studies propose viral-induced senescence (VIS) is responsible for releasing these SASP factors and exacerbating inflammation in COVID-19. However, it is still unclear how thrombosis, inflammation, and senescence are connected, and whether senescence is commonly triggered after infection. Additionally the underlying mechanism of thrombosis in COVID-19 remains unknown. Here, we conducted meta-analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data from multiple patient studies, animal models, and cell lines infected with SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. We found that SASP factors are prevalent in infected patients and that tissue factor (F3), initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, was positively correlated with SASP expression. Notably, F3 is overexpressed in various respiratory viral infections including COVID-19 and is positively correlated with thrombosis and inflammatory SASP factor production. Together, these data indicate F3 links inflammation, thrombosis, and senescence during infection, and propose F3 as a target protein for antiviral treatment.
Increasing Socially Appropriate Behavior for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Functional Communication Training
Authors: Alakhzami Maryam , Chitiyo Morgan
Published: August 2022

Communication deficits are one of the main characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Self-injurious behavior (SIB) in individuals with ASDs often occurs due to the individuals’ lack of social-communicative abilities to express what they want (e.g., attention; access to tangible items; help). Many researchers have successfully used functional communication training (FCT) to replace SIB with positive communicative responses for children with ASD. While these studies have reported positive outcomes, there is limited research examining the extent to which the individuals will maintain the gains of the treatment after treatment is discontinued. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of FCT on socially appropriate behavior of children with ASD and the extent to which the gains would be maintained after withdrawal of treatment. FCT procedures were implemented to increase functional communication responses by asking for a break while limiting SIBs expressed by the participants when confronted with non-preferred activities (e.g., academic tasks). This study revealed that combining FCT with concurrent schedules instead of extinction effectively maintained low rates of SIBs while simultaneously increasing the opportunity for participants to emit alternative communicative responses over time.
Modeling and nonlinear dynamics of a dielectric elastomer soft sandwich cantilever plate
Authors: Xu Jie , Yuan Xue Gang , Wang Yan Qing
Published: August 2022

Inspired from the bimorph actuator which is an efficient design to flap and propel swimming vehicles, a soft actuator made of two dielectric elastomer layers and a hyperelastic material core is presented. This actuator is also termed as a soft sandwich cantilever rectangular plate, which is stimulated by the alternating voltages with a phase difference. Based on the classical plate theory and the variational method, the governing equation describing the nonlinear vibration of the soft sandwich cantilever plate is formulated. Employing the harmonic balance method and the arc-length continuation method, periodic solutions are obtained, then the convergence analyses of the numbers of discrete modes and harmonics are conducted. In order to illustrate the frequency features more clearly, a modified mode numbering scheme is developed. The numerical results manifest that, there are abundant nonlinear behaviors among mode responses of the soft sandwich cantilever plate driven by the combined voltage excitation, including the local peak and the isolated bubble aroused by the nonlinear coupling. Additionally, the fundamental mode response keeps dominating the dynamic behaviors of the soft plate. The nonlinear dynamics broaden the resonant domain significantly, which can be potentially applied to the design and manufacture of high-performance soft actuators through the vibration enhancement strategy.
Climate and earthquake patterns linked through variations in Pacific Ocean sea-level.
Authors: Stone Roger , Mori Jim , Marcussen Torben , Muller R Dietmar , Everingham Yvette , Allan Rob , Pudmenzky Christa
Published: August 2022

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) produces large shifts in ocean and atmospheric conditions in the Pacific and Indian Ocean basins, including major changes in sea level in equatorial regions across the Pacific basin, including the Pacific Rim1-6, 18. The Pacific Ocean rim is also well known as a region prone to a high frequency of earthquakes16,17, which has a profound influence on lives, economies, and ecosystems in the region. An ability to better estimate earthquake risk frequency would be of enormous value in preparedness and response planning16. Here we show that ENSO-driven sea-level variability, measured in the equatorial, northern or overall Pacific Ocean is coherent with subsequent variability in earthquake frequency in the western Pacific Ocean Basin. While the statistical link is evident for M4.7 to M5.5 and ≥M6.5 earthquakes, it is strongest for M4.7 to M5.5 earthquakes. We hypothesize that the relationship is due to a systematic influence of the climate-ocean system on the lithospheric stress field and plate coupling along subduction zones. We suggest these results would underpin an ability to better assess earthquake frequency risk in and around the western Pacific several months in advance.
Achillea santolina and Raphanus sativus extracts downregulated the expression of the developmental genes NOTCH1, SIX1 and WNT1 in colon and breast cancer cell lines.
Authors: Gaafar Reda Mohamed , Mohasseb Reham Nagy , Abd-Elbaseer Mohamed Ali , Salem Mohamed Labib
Published: August 2022

Background: Although anticancer treatment with chemotherapy is an effective approach, the development of cancer stem cells is regulated by several genes, including NOTCH1, SIX1, and WNT1. Sowe have recently found that treatment of Caco2, HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines with Achillea santolina or Raphanus sativus extracts revealed an antitumor effect. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of these natural extracts on the expression of genes NOTCH1, SIX1 and WNT1 in Caco2 and MCF-7 cell lines. Methods & Results: Colon adenocarcinoma (Caco2), breast cancer (MCF-7) and normal amniotic cell line (WISH) were treated with 110 IC50 concentrations of Achillea santolina and Raphanus sativus extracts and compared to the 110 IC50 concentration of cisplatin as a reference chemotherapy drug. After 72 hours of treatment, total RNA was extracted and then cDNA was prepared for reverse transcriptase PCR of NOCH1, WNT1, and SIX1. The R. sativus treatment significantly decreased NOTCH1 expression in MCF7 and Caco2 cell lines, while it decreased SIX1 gene expression in Caco2 cell lines and WNT1 in MCF7 cell lines. On the other hand, A. santolina extract observably decreased the WNT1 gene expression in the MCF7 cell line. Conclusion: The crude extract of R. sativus decreased the developmental gene expression of NOTCH1, SIX1 in Caco2 cell lines as well as on NOTCH1 and WNT1 in MCF7 cell lines more than cisplatin chemotherapy. Similarly, the A. santolina crude extract decreases the expression of WNT1 in the MCF7 cell line more than cisplatin chemotherapy.
­QTL analysis for nitrogen use efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Singh Rakhi , Saripalli Gautam , Kumar Anuj , Gautam Tinku , Singh Susheel Kumar , Gahlaut Vijay , Kumar Sachin , Meher Prabina Kumar , Mishra Rajendra Prasad , Singh Vinod Kumar , Sharma Pradeep Kumar , Balyan Harindra Singh , Gupta Pushpendra Kumar
Published: August 2022

The genetic architecture of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and its two component traits i.e. NUpE (N uptake efficiency) and NUtE (N utilization efficiency) was studied using a bi-parental RIL mapping population derived from a cross HUW468 (high NUE)/C306 (low NUE). The mapping population, two parental genotypes and three check genotypes were evaluated under four different N levels (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg/ha) over three years. A genetic map containing 456 SNP markers (2,571.38 cM length) was used for QTL analysis. Thirty six main effect QTLs (17 QTLs for NUE, 13 NUpE and 6QTLs for NUtE) distributed on 12 chromosomes (1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 3A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5D, 6A, 6D, and 7A) were identified at 2.52 to 9.27 LOD scores. Individual QTLs explained 6.65–22.89% phenotypic variation. Multi-traits QTLs (Mt-QTLs) and and epistatic QTLs involving first order epistatic (QTL x QTL) interactions were also discovered. Candidate genes (CGs, as many as 737) were mined from QTL regions which were mainly involved in metabolic process, cellular process and catalytic activity, etc; differential expression was observed for 49 genes in roots and 34 CGs in shoots. The CGs encoded important transcription factors, transporters etc. having a role in NUE. QTLs and CGs reported in this study enriched the available knowledge. Seven QTLs (including three Mt-QTLs) and QTLs involved in six epistatic interactions were recommended for MAS for improvement of NUE in wheat.
Post-traumatic stress disorder among individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury in Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Parajuli Bikash , Acharya Khagendra , Groves Christine , Dhakal Raju , Shrestha Jemina , Shrestha Rahul , Manandhar Misu
Published: August 2022

Study design: Cross-sectional studyObjectives: To identify the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and to examine the relationships between demographic and clinical characteristics, and PTSD.Setting: Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center (SIRC) and Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital (DH, KUH), Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal.Methods: Individuals above18 years of age with TSCI of at least one month from trauma and admitted to SIRC and DH, KUH from June 2019 to May 2021 were included. The specific stress version of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL), a 17- item self-report instrument corresponding to DSM–IV criteria for PTSD was utilized. To classify the neurological status of TSCI individuals, American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) and International Standard for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) were used. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis between independent variables and normalized PCL score was done to evaluate the predictors of PTSD.Results: Among 163 patients, the overall prevalence of PTSD was 27%, and the mean PCL score was 36±13.9. Factors predictive of PTSD included gender, family type, ethnicity, and literacy rate. No significant association was found between the clinical characteristics and PTSD.Conclusions: PTSD appears to be considerably prevalent among individuals with TSCI in Nepal. Females, individuals from nuclear families, individuals with lower literacy, and individuals from lower caste are significantly vulnerable to developing PTSD. However, clinical characteristics do not appear to be influential in the development of PTSD.
In vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of “Habanero” chili pepper (Capsicum chinense) seeds extracts pretreated with cellulase
Authors: Cortés-Ferre Héctor Emmanuel , Martínez-Avila Mariana , Antunes-Ricardo Marilena , Guerrero-Analco José Antonio , Monribot-Villanueva Juan Luis , Gutierrez-Uribe Janet Alejandra
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of capsaicin and particular phenolic compounds profile from cellulase assisted extracts of Habanero (Capsicum chinense) chili pepper seeds (CPS) on the concentration of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Capsaicin was quantified by HPLC-DAD, and the phenolic profile was determined by UPLC-MS-QqQ. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by Mouse Cytokine/Chemokine Magnetic Bead Panel 96-well plate assay. Among the 15 different phenolics found in CPS extracts obtained at 120 or 150 minutes of maceration with 2500 UI/L at 30ºC or 45 ºC in a 1:15 (w:v) proportion, the most abundant was vanillic acid (7.97–12.66 µg/g). The extract obtained at 30ºC and 120 minutes, showed similar effects than the observed for synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs indomethacin and dexamethasone and capsaicin standard. Beyond capsaicin, salicylic, protocatechuic and trans-cinnamic acids as well as vanillin in CPS extracts were correlated with the anti-inflammatory effect. On the other hand, capsaicin and chlorogenic acid contents were potential immunostimulants whose concentration varied depending on the cellulase treatment time.
Phase II study of sodium valproate in combination with oral etoposide in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Nakka Thejeswar , Goenka Luxitaa , Dubashi Biswajit , Kayal Smita , Jayanthi M , Barathi Deepak , Krishnamoorthy Narendran , Thumaty Divya Bala , Dahagama Sindhu , Ganesan Prasanth
Published: August 2022

Background: Patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) have limited therapeutic options and poor survival. There is a need for the development of newer therapies. Sodium valproic acid (VPA) is a short-chain fatty acid histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor with antitumor activity in preclinical models of PROC. Synergism with conventional cytotoxic agents like etoposide has been demonstrated. Methodology: In this prospective, single-arm, open-label, phase 2 study, we included patients ≥18 years with histologically or cytologically confirmed PROC and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) 0-3. Patients received oral VPA 60 mg/kg/day in three divided doses for three days (D1-D3), followed by oral etoposide 50 mg once daily for two consecutive weeks (D4-D17). Serum samples were collected to assess peak VPA drug levels. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. We sought to show an improvement in response rate from 25% (historically with oral etoposide) to 40% with the addition of VPA. Results: 27 patients were enrolled in the study, and 18 [median age: 52 (45-59) years; serous histology:17(94%); ECOG-PS 2 or 3: 14 (78%)] were evaluable for the response after four months. Nine patients were lost from follow-up before achieving the primary endpoint (mainly due to Covid-related lockdown issues). The median number of prior lines of treatment was 2 (1-3). ORR was 0% according to GCIG criteria. The disease was stable in two patients [clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 11%]. The median OS and PFS were seven months and two months, respectively. Grade ≥3 adverse events were reported in 6 (33%) patients. Conclusion: The addition of valproic acid to oral etoposide in patients with PROC and poor general condition was not helpful and failed to improve responses compared to those historically achieved with single-agent etoposide.
Androgen combination estrogen improve asthma by mediating Runx3 expression
Authors: HE YI , Binaya Wasti , YUAN YU , Chen Zhifeng , Duan Wentao , Jia Jingsi , Xiao Bing , Zhang Xiufeng , Li Jianmin , Zeng Qingping , Ma Libing , Liu Shaokun , Xiang Xudong
Published: August 2022

Objective Asthma is a chronic airway heterogeneous disease and T-helper-type2(Th2) cells have an intimate connection with the pathogenesis of asthma by secreting IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, recruiting eosinophils and mast cells, releasing IgE in the lungs and blood. Although it has been argued that androgen and estrogen are involved in asthma progression, how they affect asthma is unknown. Studies showed that Runx3 could promote the migration of naïve CD4+ T cells to Th1 cells and inhibit the production of IL-4 and accelerate the expression of IFN-γ. Hence, the aim of our study was to explore how androgen and estrogen regulation asthma by interacting with Runx3. Materials and methods Clinical assessment and pulmonary function tests were conducted on 35 patients with confirmed asthma, and peripheral blood was collected. At the same time, peripheral blood was obtained from 21 normal controls. Female C57BL/6 mice and bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) were used to develop asthma mouse models and asthma vitro models respectively. Western blotting, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were utilized to detect Th1 and Th2 cells differentiation and Runx3 expression. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the concentrations of androgen, estrogen, IL-4 and IFN-γ. Results Serum DHT levels were considerably decreased in asthma patients compared to normal controls, while serum estradiol levels were significantly increased in asthma patients compared with normal controls. The murine model of asthma was established successfully. The principal manifestations were increased total cells and eosinophils in BALF, IL-4 in mice supernatant and activated Th2 cell differentiation. In asthmatic mice and asthma vitro models treated with androgen combined with estrogen, expressions of Runx3 and T-bet in lung tissues were significantly increased, while the corresponding expression of GATA3 was significantly decreased. Meanwhile, Th1 cells increased markedly increased and the corresponding Th2 cells decreased markedly. Conclusions These findings suggest that androgen combination estrogen may improve asthma and provide a viable treatment. However, further implementation needs more research.
The Type IIS restriction enzyme MmeI can cut across a double-strand break
Authors: Tasnim Maliha , Selph T. Jacob , Olcott Jason , Hill Jonathon T
Published: August 2022

Background: Type IIS restriction enzymes cut outside of their recognition sites, allowing them to remove their own binding sites upon digestion. This feature has resulted in their wide application in molecular biology techniques, including seamless cloning methods, enzymatic CRISPR library generation, and others. We studied the ability of the Type IIS restriction enzyme MmeI, which recognizes an asymmetric sequence TCCRAC and cuts 20 bp downstream, to cut across a double-strand break (DSB). Methods and Results: We used synthetic double-strand oligos with MmeI recognition sites close to 5′ end and different overhang lengths to measure digestion after different periods of time and at different temperatures. We found that the MmeI binding and cutting sites can be situated on opposite sides of a DSB if the edges of the oligos are held together by transient base-pairing interactions between compatible overhangs. In this paper, we propose a model to explain this observation and characterize the nature of the brief interaction needed for digestion. Conclusion: We found that MmeI can cut across a DSB, and factors that increase the duration of the basepair interactions across the DSB (such as longer overhangs) or increase enzymatic activity (higher temperatures) tend to increase the amount of digestion. The ability of MmeI, and potentially other Type IIS enzymes, to cut across a DSB can result in DNA digestion without the recognition and target sites being ligated together.
Air pollution forecasting and modelling using hybrid machine learning for Craiova City in Romania
Authors: UDRISTIOIU Mihaela T. , MGHOUGHI Youness EL , YILDIZHAN Hasan
Published: August 2022

Poor air quality affects human health and exacerbates climate change, inducing temperature variations. Therefore, it is important to understand at local level the interactions between climate variability and air pollution to mitigate the effects of air pollution on human health. The aim of this paper is to explore the correlations between meteorological parameters, temperature (T), humidity (H) and air pressure (P) and particulate matter concentrations (PM1, PM2.5, PM10). Also, it is investigated the correlation between PM 2.5 and PM10, between noise, CO2, and PM concentrations. For this purpose, five hybrid Machine Learning models were employed to forecast the PMs concentrations and then the Air Quality Index (AQI). The data set was provided by an independent network of sensors for the period of September 22, 2021 – February 17, 2022. In the results we found, R² exceeds, in general, 0.96 and, in most cases, they can reach 0.99. The humidity was found to be the less significant variable on the PMs concentrations, and the best accuracy was found by combining the pressure with the temperature. In addition, PM10 concentrations were found effectively related to the PM2.5 concentrations and with a bit strongly to the PM1. The PM10 concentration is not strongly correlated to the Noise and CO2 data. Finally, several new relationships have been built to forecast the PMs concentrations and the AQI based on the best combinations of predictor variables found.
Mitochondrial SHMT2 is a crucial therapeutic target in dedifferentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Lee Seong Eun , Park Seongyeol , Yi Shinae , Lim Mi Ae , Chang Jae Won , Won Ho-Ryun , Kim Je Ryong , Ko Hyemi , Chung Eun-Jae , Park Young Joo , Cho Sun Wook , Yu Hyeong Won , Choi June Young , Yeo Min-Kyung , Yi Boram , Yi Kijong , Lim Joonoh , Lee Min Joung , Heo Jun Young , Yoon Sang Jun , Kwon Sung Won , Park Jong-Lyul , Chu In-Sun , Kim Jin Man , Kim Seon-Young , Hong Suna-A , Choi Dong Wook , Ju Young Seok , Shong Minho , Kim Seon-Kyu , Koo Bon Seok , Kang Yea
Published: August 2022

The roles of the serine/glycine metabolic pathway (SGP) have recently been evident in certain types of tumor physiology; however, the pathological relevance of SGP in undifferentiated thyroid cancer remains unexplored. Herein, we employed a comparative transcriptome analysis of bulk RNA sequencing coupled with single-cell RNA sequencing, showing that the high expression of SHMT2 and MTHFD2 is tightly associated with a low thyroid differentiation score (TDS) and poor clinical features in thyroid cancer. In addition, unique metabolic reprogramming of SGP-relevant pathways in dedifferentiated cancer cells, and a distinct trajectory of a subpopulation of tumor cells with a high mitochondrial one-carbon pathway was observed. More importantly, such dramatic changes are functionally relevant, as inhibition of SHMT2 significantly compromises mitochondrial respiration and decreases tumor size by upregulating TDS markers. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of the mitochondrial one-carbon pathway, including SGP, in undifferentiated thyroid cancer and suggest that SHMT2 is a novel therapeutic target.