bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-assisted extraction of active compounds from Beta vulgaris using deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Dias Amanda C. S. , Demuner Antonio J. , Blank Daiane E. , Reis Cesar , Santos Marcelo H. , Stringheta Paulo C. , Sousa Rita C. S.
Published: April 2022

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are emerging as green and sustainable solvents for the efficient extraction of bioactive compounds and with that have increasingly attracted attention as environmentally friendly alternatives of traditional organic solvents. In this study, aimed to investigate the application of ultrasound in the extraction of betanin from beets (Beta vulgaris) with DES. The optimization of extraction was performed using the response surface methodology. The time variable was relevant in the performance of the extractions. In this work, three DES Choline chloride: urea (CC:U), Choline chloride: glycerol (CC:G) and Choline chloride: Citric acid (CC: Ac) and were studied. The results demonstrated that DES were excellent solvents for extraction of betanin with superior efficiency to conventional extraction solvents. The concentration of betanin varied from 41.27 to 67.51 mg/100 g with CC-U 82.46 to 104.45 mg/100 g with CC-G and 50.06 to 111.93 mg/100 g with CC-Ac. The optimum point in the extraction of betanin using Choline chloride:Citric acid (CC:Ac) was 111.193 mg/100 g in 38 min and 44% DES in water in ultrasonic bath with temperature of 35 ºC, frequency of 37 kHz and amplitude of 100%W. The use of ultrasound is found to have significant improvement in the extraction efficiency of betanins obtained from beets. However, the higher content of betanins in the extracts did not translate into a greater active antioxidant capacity, as it may be related to the synergism of other compounds present in the beet extracts. This study is the first attempt to optimize the ultrasound parameters to extract Beta vulgaris betanin with eutectic solvents.
Provision of Injectable Contraceptives by Community Health Workers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review of Safety, Acceptability and Effectiveness
Authors: Eric Besong Ayuk , Brenda Yankam Mbouamba , Saah Farrukh Ishaque , Bain Luchuo Engelbert
Published: April 2022

Background: Injectable contraceptives are the most popular method of contraception in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but their availability in clinical settings has been severely limited, despite scarcity of health care providers and limited access to health facilities. WHO and USAID has endorsed community-based distribution of injectable contraceptives as a promising option for improving access to family planning services and expanding the method mix for women who want to limit the number of births. Studies have shown that community health workers (CHWs) can provide women with injectable contraceptives that meet acceptable quality standards. The goal of this study is to identify, evaluate and synthesize evidence supporting the use of community-based administration of injectable contraceptives in SSA. Methods: This review's guidance was based on a previously developed protocol. Nine international electronic databases and the websites of organizations known to support community-based reproductive health initiatives in SSA were searched systemically. Experts in this area were also contacted for the identification of unpublished literature and ongoing studies. The reference lists of eligible studies were reviewed. The Effective Public Practice Project tool was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of eligible studies. Data was extracted and analyzed using a custom data extraction form and a narrative synthesis.Results: The search strategy identified a total of 1358 studies with 12 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. 1 unpublished study was provided by an expert making a total of 13 studies. The results showed that irrespective of the study designs, well trained CHWs can competently administer injectable contraceptives safely and community-based delivery of injectable contraceptives is acceptable in SSA. Also, the use of community health workers in the provision of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate expanded access to inhabitants of hard-to-reach areas and led to an overall uptake of injectable contraceptives as well as family planning. Studies that compared CHWs to clinic-based providers revealed equivalent or higher levels of performance in favour of CHWs. Conclusions: The CHWs can competently provide injectable contraceptives within SSA communities if appropriately trained and supervised. Hence, SSA policy makers should give this initiative due consideration as a way of improving access to family planning services.
Construction of dynamical S-boxes based on piecewise map: Image encryption approach
Authors: Hoseini Reza , Behnia Sohrab , Sarmady Siamak , Fathizadeh Samira
Published: April 2022

Many cryptographic schemes have been implemented, using the connection between chaos and cryptography. Substitution box (S-box) is one of the most successful examples of these strategies. However, most S-box design schemes contain a fixed point, which may cause a security issue for cryptographic primitives. In this paper, to achieve a low automatic correlation, a dynamic S-box is constructed based on a piecewise map. Lyapunov exponent has been calculated analytically by using the obtained invariant measure. Then, an image encryption algorithm based on a designated S-box and a trigonometric chaotic map is proposed. Theoretical and experimental results have indicated that the proposed algorithm is included large keyspace, high sensitivity to key, and robust to attacks.
Perspectives, Attitudes, and Willingness to Participate Toward Biobank Research of the Public in the Arab Region
Authors: Ahram Mamoun , Abdelgawad Fatma , ElHafeez Samar Abd , Abdelhafiz Ahmed , Ibrahim Maha , Mostafa Nada , Elgamri Alya , Mohammed Zeinab , Elsebaie Eman , Gamel Ehsan , Shahouri Manal , El-Rhazi Karima , Adarmouch Latifa , Silverman Henry
Published: April 2022

Population-based genomics studies have proven successful in identifying genetic variants associated with diseases. High-quality biospecimens linked with informative health data have made such studies possible. However, the success of biobanks depends on the willingness of the public to participate in biobank research. We aimed to explore the views of the Arabic public regarding their willingness to participate in biobank research. We used a validated questionnaire to assess the public's perceptions, attitudes, and willingness to participate in biobank research in four Arab low-middle income countries: Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Sudan. We recruited 967 participants in this survey. More than half of the respondents did not have prior awareness of biobanks. Although most aspects associated with biobanks had little influence on respondents’ decision to participate in biobank research, two appeared to be pivotal. These included the prospects of sharing biospecimens and medical information with international researchers and the possibility that biobanking research would improve the personal health of donors. Participants expressed concerns regarding the privacy of medical information when shared with physicians and researchers and many did not trust individuals in charge of biobanks. Their willingness to donate biospecimens and medical information was less than 10%. Predictors of willingness to participate in biobank research included previous involvement in research and positive attitudes toward biobanks, Perceptions of biobanks had a negative influence on willingness to participate in biobank research. We conclude there should be additional efforts to raise public awareness, enhance perceptions, and engage the public in all aspects of biobanking research.
Comparison of Clinico-pathologic features and outcomes of ANCA negative and ANCA positive pauci immune crescentic glomerulonephritis: A single centre study
Authors: Gupta Pallav , Bhargava Vinant , Malik Manish , Gupta Anurag , Bhalla AK , Gupta Ashwini , Tiwari Vaibhav , Rana D S , Sapra R L
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis (PICN) is an important cause of rapidly progressive renal failure. 10-40% of PICN cases have ANCA negative serology. Present study compared clinico-pathologic features, Brix’s renal risk score, Berden’s histopathological classes and differences in outcome between ANCA-ve vs ANCA+ve PICN. Methods: 61 patients of biopsy proven PICN were studied. Biochemical finding and ANCA serology were recorded. Renal biopsies slides were reviewed along with direct Immunofluorescence. Clinical and histological features were compared between ANCA negative and positive PICN using Man Whitney U test and chi square test. Patients were compared for distribution in Berden’s histological classes and Brix’s renal risk categories. Patient and renal survival were compared using Kaplan Meier survival analysis.Results: ANCA negative PICN patients were younger (44.9±16.5year vs 53.6±15.1 year,p=0.049). Nasal(0 vs 18%,p=0.035) and pulmonary involvement(9% vs 38%,p=0.014) were lower in ANCA negative group. Both ANCA groups had similar renal biochemical profile, percentage normal glomeruli, 16.27±18.25vs21.69±20.42 and percentage glomeruli with crescents, 64.45±28.12vs64.25±27.11. 27% ANCA negative cases fell in the sclerotic class in Berden’s classification vs just 2.5% in ANCA positive group(p=0.037) without significant difference in Brix’s renal risk categories(p=0.329).13% of ANCA –ve patients achieved complete remission on treatment compared to 33% in ANCA +ve patients. Patient survival and overall probability of progressing to ESRD were similar in the two groups.Conclusion: ANCA negative PICN cases present at younger age. Nasal and pulmonary involvement is uncommon with fewer cases achieving remission on treatment. Patient survival and progression to ESRD is similar in both ANCA groups.
Investigation of synoptic patterns of fire occurrence in Humid Climates (Case Study: the forests of the western Alborz Mountains)
Authors: Keikhosravi Ghasem , Dizaj Ameneh Yahyavi
Published: April 2022

The present study was conducted in order to identify the predominant synoptic patterns of fire occurrence in the western Alborz Mountains. For this purpose, first the days of fire were obtained from the Department of Natural Resources of Gilan Province and product (MCD14) Modis sensor (2007–2020). The longitude and latitude of the affected regions was added to GIS and the spatial database of the fire was prepared. In order to determine atmospheric synoptic patterns, atmospheric maps were obtained from NCEP / NCAR site on all fire days with a spatial resolution of 2.5 * 2.5 degree. Totally, 240 fires occurred in the study area during this 14-year period. Among the months of the year, July, August and December have the highest incidence of fires with the occurrence frequency of 38, 37 and 24 days, respectively. Based on the fires that occurred, the three predominant synoptic patterns have the highest frequency of fires, which are 1) Saudi-African high-pressure dominant in the hot and cold seasons of the year, with three forms of omega blocking (16.5%), ridge (24.8%) and intrusion (22.2%), in total with a frequency of 63.5%, 2) European Migrant high-pressure system intrusion dominant in the hot period of the year, with a frequency of 21.7% and 3) Sub polar low-pressure which is generally dominant during the cold period of the year and responsible for about 14.8% of the fires in the region.
Knowledge and Confidence Levels Improvement Among Obstetrics Residents Regarding Caesarean Section Training Using Video- Mannequins Combination
Authors: Kurniawati Eighty Mardiyan , Bachtiar Citra Aulia , Joewono Hermanto Tri , Utomo Budi
Published: April 2022

Background: Elevating rates of caesarean section was happened in around the world nowadays. The health professionals are required to expert in this surgery in order to provide safely procedures, especially obstetrics and gynecology residents. However, Covid-19 emergence became a barrier of residents to practice their surgery skills. Consequently, it had to discover alternative strategies for residents to achieve caesarean section skills. This study’s purpose was to identify the effect of virtual video, mannequins, and the combination of video-mannequins on resident’s knowledge and confidence regarding caesarean section. Method: This research was a quasy-experimental study with pre-test and post-test designs. Based on stratified random sampling, this research involved 33 obstetrics and gynecology residents as study respondent. These samples were divided into 3 groups. These three groups received different interventions, such as learning using video, mannequins, and video-mannequins combination. This study used 2 kinds of questionnaires to examine resident’s knowledge and their confidence level. The collected data was analysed further employing three statistical tests, such as Wilcoxon-Signed Ranked Test, Kruskal Wallis Test, and Mann Whitney Test. Result: This study consisted of 4 levels of residentials according to their semester periods. More than half respondents had more than three times clinical experiences in the hospital related to the obstetrics and gynecology sciences. All the study methods such as video tutorial (0.42(CI95%-0.11-0.9)), mannequin simulation (0.60(CI95%-0.04-1.25)), and the combination of video-mannequin (1.3(CI95%0.73-1.93)) significantly increased resident’s knowledge. Besides, video and mannequin learning methods could increase resident’s confidence due to caesarean surgery practice. Conclusion: All media could improve resident’s knowledge about caesarean section clinical practice. The combination of video tutorial and mannequin simulation became the best method to achieve competency in caesarean surgery, compared to the single video tutorial and mannequin simulation. In addition, these educational strategies enhanced resident’s confidence during clinical practice of caesarean section.
Health related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression in patients with desmoid type fibromatosis (DTF): a prospective cross-sectional study from tertiary care centre in India
Authors: Garg Vikas , Rastogi Sameer , Kalra Kaushal , Bhoriwal Sandeep , Barwad Adarsh , Dhamija Ekta , Upadhyay Ashish , Gamangatti Shivanand
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Patients with desmoid type fibromatosis (DTF) suffer from emotional distress and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to long disease course, and unpredictable growth patterns. Worldwide data on the impact of DTF on emotional distress and HRQoL is sparse. In this study, we assessed the impact of DTF on HRQoL, anxiety, and depression.Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional study done in patients with DTF and healthy controls. The study participants were asked to fill the EORTC QLQ-C30, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 questionnaires to assess HRQoL, anxiety, and depression respectively. The primary objective was to determine HRQoL and the secondary objectives were to determine anxiety and depression in patients with DTF and to determine any difference in HRQoL, anxiety, and depression between DTF patients and healthy controls.Results: Two hundred four subjects (102 DTF patients and 102 healthy controls) were recruited. The median age of DTF patients at recruitment into the study was 31 years (IQR, 25-37 years). There was a female preponderance with a male: female ratio of 1: 1.83. Appendicular skeleton and abdomen sites were most commonly involved in 59 % and 22.5 % respectively. About half (54 %) of patients were currently on sorafenib and 41 % were under active surveillance. The mean global health status in DTF patients was 65.58 ± 22.64, significantly lower than healthy controls. Similarly, DTF patients scored low on all functional scales except cognitive functioning. The symptom scale showed a significantly higher symptom burden of fatigue, pain, insomnia, and financial difficulties. Anxiety & depression was observed in 39.22 % and 50 % of DTF patients respectively. DTF patients had higher rates of mild, moderate, and severe anxiety and depression compared to healthy controls.Conclusion: DTF patients have significant symptom burden, poor functioning, and heightened anxiety and depression as compared to healthy controls. HRQoL, anxiety, and depression should be routinely used to assess symptom burden and treatment efficacy in DTF patients.
Phyto-Fenton remediation of a dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane contaminated site in Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam
Authors: Dang Minh Hieu , Vo Huu Cong , Inagaki Yoshihiko , Dao Thi Nhung , Tran Dinh Trinh , Tran Minh Thao , Nguyen Thi Thinh , Ho Thi Thuy Hang , Tran Duc Vien , Sakakibara Yutaka
Published: April 2022

A field trial was conducted at a site in Cam Binh commune, Ha Tinh province, Vietnam, highly contaminated with organo-pesticides. The phyto-Fenton process was applied to remove pesticide residues in soil. In addition to magnetite (Fe3O4) materials added to the soil, fertilisers and elicitors for oxidative burst were also added in the different experimental treatments. Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and isomers were removed in all experimental lots. Removal efficiency was highest in lot B1, a site where only iron materials were added. The removal efficiency and the final content of DDTs in B1 were 98.4% and 0.009 mg kg-1, respectively. These values were markedly better than those achieved by another phyto-Fenton trial in 2017. In the presence of elicitors, the conversion of DDT to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene was more favourable. Analysis of soil properties indicated that the phyto-Fenton process can occur at neutral soil pH, and when there are only small changes in soil organic carbon content and cation exchange capacities. Shifts in the composition of the microbial communities were observed. Further studies on the interactions between materials added to soil, plants, and the soil microbiome are needed to understand the mechanism of action of the phyto-Fenton process during soil remediation.
FPIRPQ: Accelerating Regular Path Queries on Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Wang Xin , Hao Wenqi , Qin Yuzhou , Liu Baozhu , Liu Pengkai , Song Yanyan , Zhang Qingpeng , Wang Xiaofei
Published: April 2022

With the growing popularity and application of knowledge-based artificial intelligence, the scale of knowledge graph data is dramatically increasing. As an essential type of query for RDF graphs, RegularPath Queries (RPQs) have attracted increasing research efforts, whichexplore RDF graphs in a navigational manner. Moreover, path indexeshave proven successful for semi-structured data management. However,few techniques can be used effectively in practice for processing RPQon large-scale knowledge graphs. In this paper, we propose a novel indexing solution named FPIRPQ (Frequent Path Index for Regular PathQueries) by leveraging Frequent Path Mining (FPM). Unlike the existing approaches to RPQs processing, FPIRPQ takes advantage of frequentpaths, which are statistically derived from the data to accelerate RPQs. Furthermore, since there is no explicit benchmark targeted for RPQsover RDF graph yet, we design a micro-benchmark including 12 basicqueries over synthetic and real-world datasets. The experimental resultsillustrate that FPIRPQ improves the query efficiency by up to orders ofmagnitude compared to the state-of-the-art RDF storage engine.
Lipopolysaccharide Induces Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and Accelerates Apoptosis by Activating ROS/NF-κB in Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes
Authors: Liu Su , Li Guoqing , Qi Tiantian , Chen Yixiao , Xiong Ao , Weng Jian , Yu Fei , Zeng Hui
Published: April 2022

Background. Chondrocyte apoptosis plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), but the mechanism remains unclear. This research aimed to elucidate the effect of mitochondrial oxidative stress on chondrocyte apoptosis through ROS/NF-κB pathway. Methods. Mouse chondrocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used as OA models in vitro. Cell viability was tested by CCK-8. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry. Contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were evaluated by biochemical detection. Ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Relative mRNA and protein expression were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot. Results. LPS increased the level of ROS and activated the NF-κB pathway, which decreased cell viability, inhibited the activity of SOD/CAT/GSH, and induced mitochondrial oxidative stress. The disturbance of mitochondrial homeostasis decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which eventually accelerated apoptosis. The ultrastructure of mitochondria changed with swelling, intrinsic vacuole, and deformed cristae after treated by LPS. These LPS-induced effects were attenuated by Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate ammonium (PDTC, an NF-κB inhibitor) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC, an antioxidant). Conclusions. LPS can induce mitochondrial oxidative stress and accelerate apoptosis through the ROS/NF-κB pathway. As mitochondrial dysfunction is an early sign of apoptosis, regulating the redox state of chondrocytes and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis may provide novel ideas for the early treatment of OA.
Triglyceride-Glucose Index Variability and Incident Cardiovascular Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Haibin , Chen Shuohua , Qian Frank , Tian Xue , Zuo Yingting , Li Xia , Guo Xiuhua , Wu Shouling , Wang Anxin
Published: April 2022

Background: Recent studies have suggested that triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the impact of long-term visit-to-visit variability in TyG index on risk of CVD is not known. We aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between baseline and mean TyG index as well as TyG variability and incident CVD in a Chinese population.Methods: We included 52,925 participants without previous history of CVD in the Kailuan study who underwent three health examinations (2006, 2008, and 2010) and were followed-up for clinical events until 2019. TyG index was calculated as Ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. We measured the TyG variability as the SD of the residuals obtained from a linear regression on the three TyG measurements for each individual. Multivariate-adjusted Cox models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: During a median follow-up time of 9.0 years, 2,745 developed CVD. The highest tertile (T3) of baseline and mean TyG index were each associated with higher CVD incidence as compared with the lowest tertile (T1) group: aHR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.20-1.51; and aHR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.27-1.60, respectively. Tertile 3 of TyG variability was associated with increased CVD incidence compared to T1 group (aHR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24). Individuals in the highest tertile of baseline TyG and the highest tertile of TyG variability experienced the highest incidence of CVD (aHR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10-1.53). Conclusion: Higher TyG level and greater TyG variability were each independently associated with a higher incidence of CVD.
Risk and prognosis of secondary bladder cancer after radiation therapy for pelvic cancer
Authors: Li Shuofeng , Wei Ran , Yu Guanhua , Guan Xu , Wang Xishan , Jiang Zheng
Published: April 2022

Background
This study aimed to identify the relationship between radiation therapy (RT) received for the treatment of primary pelvic cancer (PC) and subsequent secondary bladder cancer (SBC).
Methods
The SEER database was queried for PC. Fine-gray competing risk and Cox regression analyses were employed to assess the cumulative incidence of SBC. Poisson regression and multiple primary standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were used to evaluate the radiotherapy-associated risk for patients receiving RT. Subgroup analyses of patients stratified by latency time since PC diagnosis, calendar year of PC diagnosis stage, and age at PC diagnosis were also performed. Overall survival (OS) was compared among different treatment groups with SBC by Kaplan–Meier analysis.
Results
A total of 318,165 observations showed that the primary cancers were located in pelvic cavity, 256,313 patients did not receive radiation therapy (NRT), 51,347 patients who underwent external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and 10,505 patients receiving a combination of EBRT and brachytherapy (EBRT–BRT) who developed SBC. Receiving two types of RT was strongly consistent with a higher risk of developing SBC for PC patients in Fine-Gray competing risk regression (NRT vs. EBRT, adjusted HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.54–1.90, P < 0.001; NRT vs. EBRT–BRT, adjusted HR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.78–2.63, P < 0.001). The results of the dynamic SIR and Poisson regression analysis for SBC revealed that a slightly increased risk of SBC was observed after RT in the early latency and was significantly related to the variations of age at PC diagnosis and decreased with time progress. For OS, the SBC after NRT, SBC after EBRT, and SBC after EBRT-BRT of 10-year survival rates were 37.9%, 29.2%, and 22.2%, respectively.
Conclusions
Radiotherapy for primary PC was associated with higher risks of developing SBC than patients unexposed to RT. Different pelvic RT treatment modalities had different effects on the risk of SBC.
New insights into the evolution of portunoid swimming crabs (Portunoidea, Heterotremeta, Brachyura) and the brachyuran axial skeleton
Authors: Hazerli Dennis , Höpel Christoph Gert , Richter Stefan
Published: April 2022

Portunoidea (Heterotremata) represents a morphologically disparate taxon of true crabs (Brachyura), best-known for many of its representatives being considered as “swimming crabs”. This term, however, sometimes refers to a distinct taxon (traditionally to Portunidae within Portunoidea), but sometimes also to a certain morphotype, with the 5th pereiopod (P5) having the shape of a specific swimming leg. We herein use the term “P5-swimming crab” or “P5-swimmer”, not only to restrict it to the morphotype, but also to distinguish it from other kinds of swimming in Brachyura. The evolution of P5-swimming crabs is still poorly investigated. For example, it is not known, whether the morphotype evolved several times independently in different lineages of Portunoidea or if it evolved only once and had been lost in several lineages. We here present the first approach combining molecular with morphological data resulting in a new phylogenetic hypothesis of Portunoidea. For the first time, the latter involve data from the axial skeleton and extrinsic musculature. Morphological examinations revealed that axial skeleton and extrinsic musculature in P5-swimming crabs were more diverse than previously thought, except for the origin of the P5 anterior coxa muscle origin at the median plate, which was present in all P5-swimmers. Ancestral state reconstructions based on parsimony revealed that the stem species of Portunoidea already showed the morphotype of a P5-swimming crab, but with a long merus which probably resulted in a less effective P5-swimming ability compared to that of extant P5-swimming crab species with short merus. Several other extant taxa represent a reversal of the P5-swimmer morphotype with variable degree, with some extant species showing a complete reversal of unambiguous P5-swimming crab character states, like for example the common shore crab Carcinus maenas. Finally, a missing connection of interosternite 7/8 to the sella turcica (the secondary loss of the “brachyuran sella turcica”) in the stem species of Heterotremata, resulting in a junction plate forming a cavity that offered room and attachment sites for the P5 extrinsic musculature is uncovered as preadaptation to the P5-swimmer morphotype in Heterotremata, which is missing in “Podotremata" and Thoracotremata, the other two traditional main taxa of Brachyura.
Comparative analysis of three common imaging modalities in nasolabial cyst
Authors: Liu Shengyang , Hao Dingqian , Wu Yisha , Li Ping , Ma Hui , Zhao Hui , Sun Shujuan , Yu Peng , Yu Liang , Chen Aiping , Ji Hongzhi , Wan Yuzhu , Shi Li
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To compare the clinical diagnostic value of ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in nasolabial cyst.Methods: The clinical and imaging data of 20 patients with nasolabial cyst confirmed by operation and histopathology were analyzed.Results: The largest cyst was 3.4cm×2.7cm×2.3cm while the smallest one was 1.1cm×0.7cm×0.5cm. All cysts were located in the soft tissue between nasolabial fold and maxilla bone. USG: sensitivity was 95%, accuracy was 95% and missed diagnosis rate was 5%; CT: sensitivity was 80%, accuracy was 80% and missed diagnosis rate was 20%; MRI: sensitivity was 85%, accuracy was 85% and missed diagnosis rate was 15%.Conclusions: Compared with CT and MRI, sensitivity and accuracy of USG are higher and missed diagnosis rate is lower, so it is worth popularizing on a large scale in the diagnosis of nasolabial cyst.
The effect of Mir-181a-5p on the prognosis of LUAD patients through targeted regulation of GTSE1 expression
Authors: Yang Xitong
Published: April 2022

Backgroud：Studying the regulatory mechanism and clinical application of target genes in LUAD can further provide theoretical basis. Methods: LUAD expression data were downloaded from the UCSC database, miRNA data were obtained from the TCGA database, and DEGs were derived by analyzing expression data using R software. The genes associated with LUAD were then obtained by survival analysis, and among them, clear LUAD target genes were screened. In-depth analysis of the GEPIA database yielded differences in normal and tumor tissues of LUAD patients, while comparing DFS and OS of target genes in LUAD. The Relevant IncRNA was derived from mRNA and miRNA analysis, and the correlation between immune cell content and target gene copy number, as well as the correlation between target genes and immune checkpoint-related genes CD274, PDCD1 and CTLA4 were analyzed by Timer database. Results: The results indicated that GTSE1 expression was significantly higher in LUAD tumor tissues than normal tissues, and the survival rates of OS and DFS were significantly lower in patients with high GTSE1 expression than in the low expression group. GSEA analysis of GTSE1 was mainly involved in LUAD through Biocarta ranms pathway. According to the R software, mir-181a-5p was the GTSE1 target miRNA and GTSE1 gene expression was negatively correlated with mir-181a-5p expression. In addition, GTSE1 was positively correlated with CD274, PDCD1, and CTLA4 immune checkpoints. Conclusion: The mir-181a-5p is a target miRNA of GTSE1 and mir-181a-5p expression is positively correlated with patient survival.
Adiposity, lipid metabolites, statins use and sleep apnea syndrome risk: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhang Qiang
Published: April 2022

BackgroundBody mass index can not fully reflect obesity. The aim of the study was to verify the prognostic significance of obesity on sleep apnea syndrome using body fat percentage (BFP) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and to further explore the effect of lipid metabolites on the disease risk.MethodsGenetic variants from genome-wide association studies for BFP, WHR, ten lipid metabolites (including saturated fatty acid) and three statins (exposures) were used as instrumental variables. Two-sample and multivariate Mendelian randomization methods were adopted to determine the causal association of exposures mentioned above with sleep apnea syndrome (outcome) risk. All statistical analysis was conducted by R software (version 3.5.2).ResultsMultivariate Mendelian randomization showed that higher BFP and WHR were associated with the increased risk of sleep apnea syndrome after adjusting for the other exposures (BFP: OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.00~1.90; WHR: OR=1.36, 95%CI: 1.05~1.78). Multivariate analysis also found that higher saturated fatty acid was independently related to the elevated risk of the disease (SFA: OR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.08~3.70). However, multivariate analysis failed to confirm the potential relationships between the other exposures and sleep apnea syndrome risk.ConclusionThe study confirmed a causal association of systemic fat accumulation and abdominal obesity with development of sleep apnea syndrome. The study also provided some interesting evidences that saturated fatty acid might be one another risk factor for development of the disease. More importantly, the effect of obesity on the disease risk may be independent of lipid metabolites including saturated fatty acid.Trial registration: This was a Mendelian randomization study, and there was no results of a health care intervention on human participants.
Mathematical Modelling of Drug Interaction on Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance: An Analytical Approach
Authors: Nashebi Ramin , Sari Murat , Kotil Seyfullah
Published: April 2022

The rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens has prompted drug combinations to maintain clinical efficacy and combat the development of resistance. Drugs interact to increase (synergistic) or decrease (antagonistic) the effect of the combined therapy. Furthermore, the interactions of the two drugs can change as the bacteria evolves from the wild type (WT) to the mutant type (MT). Experimental studies have shown that the evolution of resistance is impeded if drugs interact antagonistically in the WT. In contrast, other studies have shown that antagonistic interactions in the MT speed up the resistance's emergence. Theoretical works investigated the effect of WT drug interactions on resistance. A fundamental question is how the different combination of drug interactions in WT and the MT influences antimicrobial resistance. Here we analyze a mathematical model that captures any combination of drug interactions in WT and the MT. The novelty of this work is to examine the association between synergistic and antagonistic interaction of antibiotics for wild-type (sensitive bacteria) and mutants (resistant bacteria) on the growth rate of resistant strains. The most important contribution is to clarify that antagonistic interaction against the wild type has a more critical role in slowing the growth rate of resistant bacteria. The antagonistic interaction in the MT speeds up evolution but minimally. Our results suggest that it would be more appropriate to consider the nature of the drug interactions for the WT when designing combination therapy.
Less acetabular coverage predicts the failure of core decompression for osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Kai , Zhang Qing-Yi , Tan Jie , Wang Gang , Yang Jing , Xie Hui-Qi , Zeng Yi
Published: April 2022

Background: It is unclear whether less acetabular coverage is associated with the failure of core decompression (CD) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study aimed to (1) investigate the clinical outcomes of CD for ONFH and (2) determine what factors, especially acetabular anatomical parameters, predict the failure of CD.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 322 consecutive CDs in 214 patients diagnosed with pre-collapse ONFH, with a mean follow-up of 69.1±37.5 months. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the survival rate of CD for ONFH. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the potential risk factors for the failure of CD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was further performed with conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) as the endpoint to determine the cutoff value, sensitivity and specificity of these factors.Results: The overall 5-year survival rate of CD for ONFH was 70.1% (95% CI 65.0-75.6) with progression of collapse as the endpoint and 80.3% (95% CI 75.7-85.1) with conversion to THA as the endpoint. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that less acetabular coverage with a lower center-edge angle (CEA) and acetabular head index (AHI) was significantly associated with the progression of collapse and conversion to THA. The ROC curve analysis with conversion to THA as the endpoint revealed that the cutoff values for CEA and AHI were 27.2° (sensitivity=70.9%, specificity=70.5%, area under the curve (AUC)=0.765) and 79.7 (sensitivity=78.9%, specificity=65.6%, AUC=0.778), respectivelyConclusion: CD showed satisfactory clinical outcomes for pre-collapse ONFH, where less acetabular coverage with a CEA <27.2° or AHI <79.7 was identified as an independent risk factor for the failure of CD.Trial registration: ChiCTR2100053471 (November 22, 2021)
M2 macrophage-derived exosome facilitates metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer via delivering integrin αvβ3
Authors: Huang Lamei , Zhang Jianye , Wang Xueping , Su Chaoyue , Wu Shaocong , Yang Chuan , Luo Min , Wang Fang , Fu Liwu
Published: April 2022

Background
The most prevalent cause of cancer death is metastasis. Immunological components of tumour microenvironment, especially tumour-associated macrophages, play a vital role in cancer metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms of tumour-associated macrophages on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis remain largely unexplored.
Methods
The distribution of macrophages in tumor microenvironment, especially in lung cancer, was analyzed by online database and immunohistochemistry. The model of M2 macrophage was successfully established in vitro and M2 macrophage-derived exosomes were identified by transmission electron microscope imaging, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot. The role of M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2-exos) in promoting metastasis of lung cancer cells was identified by transwell assay, wound healing assay, immunofluorescence in vitro, and by tumor model in vivo. The mechanism that M2-exos facilitates metastasis via delivering integrin αvβ3 and activating the FAK signaling was investigated using western blot, transwell assays, immunofluorescence assays. Finally, the expression levels of integrin αvβ3 were assessed in clinical samples by immunohistochemistry.
Results
We demonstrated that M2-polarized phenotypic macrophages facilitate the migration and invasion of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo through intercellular delivering M2-exos. Importantly, we found that M2-exos had considerably higher levels of integrin αvβ3. The impact of M2 macrophage-mediated invasion and migration of NSCLC cells was clearly decreased when integrin αvβ3 was blocked. Mechanistically, exosomal integrin αvβ3 produced from M2 macrophages successfully triggered the FAK signaling pathway in recipient cells, boosting the migratory and invasive abilities of NSCLC cells. Clinically, we found that metastatic NSCLC patients had greater integrin αvβ3 expression, which was associated with worse prognosis.
Conclusions
This study reveals a novel mechanism that M2 macrophage-derived exosomal integrin αvβ3 significantly increased NSCLC cells migration and invasion. integrin αvβ3 can be used as a potential prognostic marker, and blocking integrin αvβ3 could be a viable treatment option for preventing tumour progression and metastasis.
Analysis of high temperature oxidation performance of DD6 under different aging treatment
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Xie Youshui , Huang Yao , Sun Yanwen , Zhao Chengzhi , Zhang Hexin X.
Published: April 2022

In accordance with the national standard HB 5258-83 "Antioxidant determination test method for steel and high temperature alloy", this paper implements high temperature oxidation performance tests of single crystal high temperature alloy. Three different heat-treated single crystal samples were oxidized at 900℃ and 1000℃ for 125h. The oxidative properties were determined by discontinuous weighing method and cyclic oxidation method. The oxidation of the sample after oxidation was analyzed by XRD, and SEM, EDS was used to study the composition and morphology of the surface of and longitudinal section of the sample. At 900℃ and 1000℃, the heat treatment of the sample with the best oxidation resistance is SHT + 1100℃/30min AC, and the heat treatment of the sample with the worst oxidation resistance is SHT + 1100℃/10min AC.
Association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with outcomes in stroke patients achieving successful recanalization by endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Ma Jin , Guo Wenting , Xu Jiali , Li Sijie , Ren Changhong , Wu Longfei , Wu Chuanjie , Li Chuanhui , Chen Jian , Duan Jiangang , Ma Qingfeng , Song Haiqing , Zhao Wenbo , Ji Xunming
Published: April 2022

Serum inflammatory biomarkers have been found to play crucial roles in the development of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In this study, we explored the association between inflammatory biomarkers, such as platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and functional outcomes in AIS patients who achieved successful recanalization. Patients with AIS who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) therapy and achieved a modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale of 2b or 3 were screened from a prospective cohort at our institution between January 2013 and June 2021. Data on blood parameters and other baseline characteristics were collected. Unfavorable outcomes were defined as a modified Rankin Scale of 3-6 at 3 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the effects of PLR, NLR, and MLR on neurological functional outcomes. We enrolled 796 patients, of whom 331 (41.6%) had favorable outcomes and 465 (58.4%) had unfavorable outcomes. Patients with unfavorable outcomes had higher PLR (median, 168.89 vs. 153.90, p = 0.002), NLR (median, 6.57 vs. 4.85, p < 0.001), and MLR (median, 0.32 vs. 0.28, p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, a higher NLR (OR, 1.076; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.037-1.117; p < 0.001) and PLR (OR, 1.001; 95%CI, 1.000-1.003; p = 0.045) were significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of NLR and PLR was 0.622 and 0.564, respectively. Overall, our results indicate that higher PLR and NLR were independently associated with unfavorable functional outcomes in AIS patients with successful recanalization after EVT, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be investigated.
Investigation of respiratory viruses by multiplex PCR method in the community suggested reciprocal virus transmission between children and adults
Authors: Nagasawa Masayuki
Published: April 2022

The observational study of respiratory virus infection for children has already been reported, but there are few reports that examined both children and adults simultaneously in the community. We performed a multiplex PCR (polymerase-chain reaction) assay of respiratory viruses by using FilmArray respiratory panel version 2.1 for 248 children (under 15 years old) and 5,354 adults (15 years old or older) who were admitted or visited our hospital with respiratory symptoms and/or fever from December 2020 to November 2021. During this period, a seasonal outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza virus 3 (PI3) was found as well as a pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In adults, viruses were detected in 6.8% (364/5,354), and SARS-CoV-2 accounted for 228 cases. Only two cases presented multiple viruses. In children, viruses were detected in 64.9% (161/248), while 75.4% (135/179) were under 5 years old. Multiple viruses were detected in 26 cases, all of which were under 5 years old. SARS-CoV-2 was positive in six children. RSV prevailed both in children and adults simultaneously, while the PI3 outbreak was found first in children, followed by adults three weeks later. Rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV) was detected throughout the year with some fluctuation and was mostly found in children under 5 years old and in adults aged between 20s and 30s, which suggested reciprocal virus transmission between the children and the parents.
Four economic principles of just sustainability transition
Authors: Dombi Mihály , Fahid Aldebei Faisal Mohammad , Harazin Piroska , Karcagi-Kováts Andrea , Cao Zhi
Published: April 2022

Equitable income distribution is desirable for moral, economic, and social reasons. Recent studies, however, indicate that improved income allocation will result in increased environmental impacts due to our socio-economic system's current settings. Therefore, we explored the key aspects of a system that can more evenly reallocate natural and economic resources while reducing negative environmental impacts. We found that the capital is extremely important as a means of material flows and stocks. Thus, effective policy interventions should target mechanisms at this very market. Based on a comprehensive literature review and statistical analyses at various levels, we proposed a four-step policy framework that includes reducing and targeted savings, reshaping governments' spatial decisions and role in the housing market, and changing the rates of depreciation in income tax legislation used globally.
PIKfyve-specific inhibitors restrict replication of multiple human coronaviruses in vitro but not in a murine model of COVID-19
Authors: Logue James , Chakraborty Arup R. , Johnson Robert , Goyal Girija , Taylor Louis J. , Baracco Lauren , McGrath Marisa E. , Haupt Robert , Rodas Melissa , Furlong Brooke A. , Soong Mercy , Prabhala Pranav , Horvath Viktor , Carlson Kenneth E. , Weston Stuart , Ingber Donald E. , DePamphilis Melvin L. , Frieman Matthew B.
Published: April 2022

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has claimed more than 6 million lives and continues to test the world economy and healthcare systems. To combat this pandemic, the biological research community has shifted efforts to the development of medical countermeasures, including vaccines and therapeutics. However, to date, the only small molecules approved for the treatment of COVID-19 in the United States are the nucleoside analogue Remdesivir and the protease inhibitor Paxlovid, though multiple compounds have received Emergency Use Authorization and many more are currently being tested in human efficacy trials. One such compound, Apilimod, is being considered as a COVID-19 therapeutic in a Phase II efficacy trial. However, at the time of writing, there are no published efficacy data in human trials or animal COVID-19 models. Here we show that, while Apilimod and other PIKfyve inhibitors have potent antiviral activity in various cell lines against multiple human coronaviruses, these compounds worsen disease in a COVID-19 murine model when given prophylactically or therapeutically.