bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic contribution and characteristics of cucumber stem and petiole
Authors: Sun Weike , Ma Ning , Huang Hongyu , Wei Jingwei , Ma Si , Liu Huan , Zhang Shi , Zhang Zhenxian , Sui Xiaolei , Li Xin
Published: August 2021

Background

Photosynthesis of plant non-leaf blade green tissue has been studied in some plants, but the photosynthesis characteristics of stem and petiole are poorly understood. Cucurbitaceous plants are climbing plants, and have a large biomass of stem and petiole. Understanding the photosynthetic contribution of cucumber stem and petiole to growth and the underlying molecular mechanisms are important for the regulation of growth in cucumber production.
Results

Here, the photosynthetic capacity of cucumber stem and petiole were proved by 14CO2 uptake. The total carbon fixation of stem and petioles is around 4% to that of one leaf blade in cucumber seedling stage, while the proportion of carbon accumulated in stem and petioles redistributed to sink organs (root and growing point) is increased obviously under leaf less condition. Photosynthetic properties of cucumber stem and petiole were studied using a combination of electron microscopy, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and isotope tracer to compare with leaf blade using two genotype of cucumber (dark green and light green stems). Compare with leaf blade, chlorophyll contents of cucumber stem and petiole are lower, and accompanying with lower chloroplast number, lower stoma number, but with higher thylakoid grana lamella number and larger stomata size. The total photosynthetic rate of stem and petiole is equivalent to 6 ~ 8% of one leaf blade, but the respiration rates were simiar in all the three tissues, which shown an almost 0 net photosynthetic rate in stems and petioles, and with lower non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Transcriptome analysis showed that compared with leaf blade, there are significantly different gene expressions in photosynthesis, porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, photosynthetic antenna proteins and carbon fixation in stem and petiole. Although with lower Rubisco expression level in stem and petiole, Rubisco and PEPC enzyme activities were both higher in stem and petiole than in leaf blade, suggesting the photosynthetic and respiratory mechanisms in stem and petiole are different from those in leaf blade.
Conclusions

In this study, we confirmed the photosynthetic contribution to growth of cucumber stem and petiole, and shown their similar photosynthetic pattern in tissue anatomy, molecular biology and physiology.
The Effect of Midwifery-led Counseling on Expectant Fathers’ Fear of Childbirth: A Smartphone- Based Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ghaffari Seyedeh Fatemeh , Elyasi Forouzan , Mousavinasab Seyed Nouraddin , Shahhosseini Zohreh
Published: August 2021

Background: Fear of childbirth has been reported in 11-37% of expectant fathers. It has adverse consequences on both the father and his family. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of midwifery-led counseling on the fear of childbirth among expectant fathers.Methods: A two-armed parallel design randomized controlled trial was conducted from July to August 2020. Fifty expectant fathers with severe fear of childbirth at the 24th-27th weeks of gestation, who were covered by health centers affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were assigned to intervention and control groups (allocation ratio1:1) using permuted block randomization. Participants assigned to the intervention group were engaged in six 60-90-minute sessions (twice a week) in the Skyroom platform. Measures were administered at recruitment, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in fear of childbirth score between groups over time. Secondary outcomes were changes in the General Self-Efficacy score as well as changes in the frequency of the preferred type of delivery between groups over time.Results: Fifty expectant fathers with a mean (SD) age of 31.64 (3.33) years were randomized and 47 finished the trial. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the fear of childbirth score in the intervention group significantly decreased (β= - 11.84; 95% Confidence Interval: -21.90 to -1.78; P=0.021) compared to that of the control group. In terms of secondary outcomes, the intervention group showed a significant increase in General Self-Efficacy compared to the intervention group at one-month follow-up measurement (β= 1.43; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.28 to 2.58; P=0.014). However, the frequency of preferred delivery type was not significantly different between the intervention and control groups (P=0.139).Conclusions: Midwifery-led counseling can be an effective approach in reducing expectant fathers’ childbirth fear with potential clinical significance. Although the inconclusive results imply more research on this issue. Registration number: IRCT20150608022609N6. Registered 12/04/2019.
Machine learning of the mineralogical and chemical constituents’ influences on carbonation efficiency
Authors: Abidoye Luqman , Oladipo Habeebllah
Published: August 2021

Cheap and efficient computational tool is needed to understand the influences of rock’s mineralogical and chemical constituents on the mineral carbonation efficiency. This work employs machine learning technique to learn some subtle contributions of minerals and technical parameters to carbonation yields in earthly materials. After training different configurations of Artificial Neural Network models, statistical appraisal shows that ANN[17-4-1] possesses the best performance criteria. Using this best-performing network, it was found that carbonation efficiency becomes lower as the particle size increases with maximum effects of size change giving up to 88, 180 and 289% reductions in carbonation efficiency corresponding to 10, 20 and 30% particle size increases, respectively. The simulation further highlights that the effects of particle size on carbonation efficiency can be overcome or, at least, reduced, by prolonging the duration of the carbonation. The study shows that there is optimum level of increase in the calcium amount to yield increased carbonation efficiency, following which the marginal increase in % of calcium continue to result in decrease of efficiency. There is gradual rise in efficiency as the % of silica and iron increase in the minerals, with up to 1541 % rise in efficiency at 30% increase in iron content. This is connected to the relatively higher level of magnesium in the sample considered. It was found that the high temperature (> 100oC) combined with high pressure (> 10 bars) favours increased efficiency with rise in pH value. Similarly, low temperature (< 100oC) with low pressure (< 10 bars) increased efficiency with rise in pH value. On the contrary, low pressure with high temperature yields reverse trends in efficiency for increase in pH. Pressure, carbonation time and temperature, all have positive effects on carbonation efficiency. But, curiously, at very high original carbonation efficiency, e.g., above 50%, reverse trend was predicted by the ANN model for temperature rise. This may mean that at very high carbonation level, it is of no benefit to raise the temperature further, as this may lead to decarbonation or desorption of CO2 in the medium. This study is among the first set of publications, in the open literature, to utilize the concept of machine learning to predict and forecast the carbonation efficiency of rock materials based on mineralogical contents and experimental conditions.
Loco-regional N staging in Rectal Cancer with Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Study of Inter- and Intra-Observer Variability
Authors: Stoppino Luca Pio , Francavilla Alessia , Petrera Miriana Rosaria , Manco Maria Grazia Rita , Gravina Matteo , Milillo Paola , Macarini Luca , Vinci Roberta
Published: August 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common tumors for both men and women: in the United States, it represents the third leading cause of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths. The prognosis is directly related to tumor infiltration in the mesorectum and lymph node metastases. In particular, it’s important to define the distance between lymphadenopathy and mesorectal fascia, as this has repercussions on surgical planning. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement among observers with different abdominal MRI expertise and intra-observer reliability in lymph nodes size and feature definition. Methods: In this retrospective study, MRI examinations were performed in 88 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma treated with primary surgery. Four observers, two senior physicians, and two junior physicians, analyzed MRI scans in two sessions 30 days apart and determined the size and morphological pattern of regional lymph nodes. Statistical analysis included the determination of Fleiss kappa (k) coefficient, Cohen's Kappa coefficient, and confidence intervals (CI). Results: The inter-observer reproducibility for MRI N-staging was good among the four physicians (kappa = 0.65; CI 0.45–0.77). Reproducibility between the two senior physicians had a kappa of 0.68 (CI 0.62–1.00), while between the two junior physicians had a kappa of 0.61 (CI 0.33–0.89). Inter-observer reproducibility was excellent for mesorectal, inferior mesenteric, and internal iliac lymph nodes (kappa values of 0.89, 0.82, and 0.80 respectively). For the other two nodal stations (superior and middle rectal lymph nodes, sacral lymph nodes), there was a good interobserver reproducibility (kappa between 0.70 and 0.77).The intra-observer reproducibility of interpretations of the MRI overall N staging progressively decreased among observer B (kappa= 0.85), observer C (kappa= 0.59), and the other two physicians. There was a significant difference in lymph nodes measurements between the first and second sessions in observer A (p ≥ 0.05). Excellent intraobserver reproducibility was found for mesorectal lymph nodes; the lowest intraobserver reproducibility values were found for presacral and lateral sacral lymph nodes.Conclusions: Although the low accuracy of MRI in assessing the involvement of metastatic lymph nodes in rectal cancer, this study demonstrates good interobserver reliability among physicians with different abdominal MRI experiences.
Prospect of Managing Invasive Plants by Native Insect Herbivores: A Case Study of Kashmir Himalaya
Authors: Ahmad Tariq , Rashid Irfan , Ahmad Rayees , Mehraj Maajid , Ahmad Naieem
Published: August 2021

Biological invasions are considered a massive threat to native biodiversity engulfing both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide while having cascading ecological and economic effects on the invaded regions. Kashmir Himalaya, an important constituent of the biodiversity hotspot, is heavily invaded by invasive alien plants. An inventory of species diversity of invasive plants and native insect herbivores was carried out in different terrestrial habitats of Kashmir Himalaya in the years 2018-19 and 2019-20. The results showed maximum value (3.39) of Shannon’s diversity index at district Kupwara with minimum value (2.967) at district Srinagar. Margalef Index attained maximum value (5.966) at district Bandipora and a minimum value (4.724) at district Srinagar. Our data revealed maximum value of evenness (0.732) in district Baramulla with minimum value (0.650) at district Pulwama. Similarly, district Baramulla of North Kashmir showed highest Simpson value (0.957) while district Srinagar with minimum value (0.934). Plantago major belonging to the family Plantaginaceae was found to be the most dominant invasive plant species followed by Taraxacum officinale of family Asteraceae. Altica himensis was the most abundant native insect herbivore feeding on almost all invasive plant species with maximum damage on Rumex hastatus of Polygonaceae family. A total of 42 invasive plant species were recorded during the entire study period, of which 12 are worst invaders namely Plantago major, Taraxacum officinale, Trifolium rapens, Trifolium pratense, Plantago lanceolata, Cyanodon dactylon, Anthemis cotula, Clinopodium umbrosum, Ranunculus arvensis, Veronica persica, Dactylis glomerata and Vulpia myuros. A total of 14 native insect herbivores species were identified on these invasive alien plants, of which the prospect of 06 insect herbivore species as potential biocontrol agents is promising. Among the collected insect herbivores, a few namely Chrysolina herbacea, Melanoplus differentialis, Pieris brassicae and Altica himensis are being reared on native and invasive plant species under laboratory conditions. Preliminary results of these native insect herbivors as potential biocontrol agents against invasive alien plants are encouraging. These novel, non-coevolved insect herbivores can not only be exploited to control the spread of invasive plants but could also thwart huge economic losses associated with the management of invasive plants worldwide.
The Impact of Sex Differences on Renal Function Outcomes After Radical Nephroureterectomy for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Chien Tsu-Ming , Li Ching-Chia , Lu Yen-Man , Chang Hsueh-Wei , Chou Yii-Her , Wu Wen-Jeng
Published: August 2021

Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a relatively rare type of urothelial carcinoma. Additionally, only few reports have examined the sex differences in patients with UTUC. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the sex factors affecting renal function in patients with UTUC.Methods: Patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for non-metastatic UTUC between 2000 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups by sex. The Kaplan–Meier method was applied to evaluate the effects of sex on survival, whereas for the other clinicopathological parameters, hazard ratios were evaluated using the Cox regression model. The analyses were also performed in patients with different chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages.Results: A total of 368 patients were included, 147 men and 221 women. Female patients had a higher rate of anemia, advanced CKD stage, and dialysis. Male patients predominantly had a higher rate of smoking. The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed no differences between sexes on metastasis-free survival (MFS) and cancer-specific survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed that ureteral tumors, advanced pathological tumor stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy indicated significantly worse survival outcomes in both sexes. However, only female patients with advanced CKD showed poorer MFS. After adjusting for renal function, the analysis found men had worse MFS.Conclusions: The female sex is significantly associated with a higher prevalence of advanced CKD among patients with UTUC in Taiwan. The impact of sex differences on renal function needs to be considered when evaluating survival.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Anthropometric Indices for Discriminating Elevated Blood Pressure in Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tao Jun-Min , Wei Wei , Ma Xiao-Yang , Huo Ying-Xiang , Hu Meng-Die , Li Xiao-Feng , Chen Xin
Published: August 2021

Background: Childhood obesity is more likely to increase the chance of many adult health problems. Numerous studies have shown obese children to be more prone to elevated blood pressure (BP) and hypertension. It is important to identify an obesity anthropometric index with good discriminatory power for them in pediatric population.Methods: MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were retrieved comprehensively for eligible studies on childhood obesity and hypertension/elevated BP through June 2021. The systematic review and meta-analysis of studies used receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves for evaluating the discriminatory power of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in distinguishing children with elevated BP and hypertension. Results: 21 cross-sectional studies involving 177,943 children and 3–19 years of age were included in our study. Meta-analysis showed that the pooled area under the reporting receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for BMI, WC, and WHtR to detect hypertension of boys were 0.68 (0.64, 0.72), 0.69 (0.64, 0.74), 0.67 (0.63, 0.71), for elevated BP, the pooled AUCs and 95% CIs were 0.67 (0.61, 0.73), 0.65 (0.58, 0.73), 0.65 (0.61, 0.71). The pooled AUCs and 95% CIs for BMI, WC and WHtR of predicting hypertension were 0.70 (0.66, 0.75), 0.69 (0.64, 0.75), 0.67 (0.63, 0.72) in girls, the pooled AUCs and 95% CIs of predicting elevated BP were 0.63 (0.61, 0.65), 0.62 (0.60, 0.65), 0.62 (0.60, 0.64) respectively. There was no anthropometric index was statistically superior in identifying hypertension and elevated BP, however, the accuracy of BMI predicting hypertension was significantly higher than elevated BP in girls (P< 0.05). The subgroup analysis for the comparison of BMI, WC and WHtR was performed, no significant difference in predicting hypertension and elevated BP in pediatric population. Conclusions: This systematic review showed that no anthropometric index was superior in identifying hypertension and elevated BP in pediatric population. while compared with predicting elevated BP, all the indicators showed superiority in predicting hypertension in children, the difference was especially obvious in girls. A better anthropometric index should be explored to predict children’s early blood pressure abnormalities.
Whole Exome Sequencing Revealed Three Novel Variants in TSPAN12 and LRP5 Genes for Two Families with Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Dan Handong , Wang Dongdong , Huang Zixu , Shi Qianqian , Zheng Miao , Xiao Yuanyuan , Song Zongming
Published: August 2021

Background: Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a complex form of blindness-causing retinal degeneration. This study investigated the potential disease-causing variant and molecular basis in two Chinese families with FEVR. Methods: All family members underwent detailed ophthalmological examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity, fundus examination, and fluorescein fundus angiography. Whole exome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and Sanger sequencing of available family members were used to confirm the disease-causing gene variant. Results: The proband F1-II:1, his mother, and proband F2-II:1 were diagnosed with FEVR based on clinical symptoms, fundus manifestation, and fundus fluorescein angiography. Whole exome sequencing showed that the proband F1-II:1 had a novel heterozygous variant in the TSPAN12 gene, c.236T>G p. (Met79Arg), which may disturb the transmembrane domain of the TSPAN12 protein. The variant was cosegregated with the phenotypes of FEVR in the family. The proband F2-II:1 carried novel compound heterozygous variants, c.1210G>A p. (Gly404Arg) and c.1612C>T p. (Arg538Trp), in the LRP5 gene, which may disturb the second β-propeller motif of the LRP5 protein. These three variants were classified as likely pathogenic variants. The variants were predicted to be damaging or deleterious using multiple lines of prediction algorithms; they were not frequently found in multiple population databases. The residues affected by these variants are highly conserved among different species. The three novel variants may be potential disease-causing variants in the two families. Conclusions: These results expand the spectrum of variants in TSPAN12 and LRP5 genes and enrich the understanding of the molecular etiology of FEVR.
Long-term Differences in K Balance Under Rice–wheat Cultivation Alter Potassium Supplying Ability of Soils
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Liu Dongbi , Wu Maoqian , Xia Ying , Zhang Fulin , Fan Xianpeng
Published: August 2021

The aims of the present study were to provide scientific bases for rational use of crop straw to substitute chemical potassium (K) input and to protect the ecological environment. The effects of potassium fertilization and straw incorporation on soil K balance and K supplying in a long-term (14 years) field experiment. Five treatments were examined: no fertilization and straw (CK); fertilization with no straw return (NPK); only straw return at 6000 kg hm-2 per season (RS); fertilization with straw return at 3000 kg hm-2 per season (NPKS); and fertilization with straw return at 6000 kg hm-2 per season (NPK2S). K composition, K balance and quantity-intensity (Q/I) relationship were studied. Under no fertilization or low straw returned conditions, soil K was unbalance and deficiency seriously. Straw return at 6000 kg hm-2 per season with fertilization improved the soil potassium supply and K balance. Long-term K surplus (4 or 5 years), Compared with NPK, the NPK2S significantly increased non-special adsorption K (Knsa) and non-exchangeable K (Kne) by 5.7 to 11.2 mg kg-1 and 65.7 to 128.1 mg kg-1, respectively. Q/I relationship showed cropping without straw K or without fertilizer K resulted in lower quantity (nonspecifically and specifically held K i.e. –∆K0 and Kx) and intensity (equilibrium activity ratio i.e. CR0K) of K in tested soils. K-fertilization with straw maintain higher exchangeable K (EK0) and a higher difference between EK0 and minimum exchangeable K(EKmin), and would help to prevent depletion in non-exchangeable pool of soil K under intensive cropping. Additionally, The straw return mainly decreased potential buffering capacity for exchangeable pool (PBCKn), 43.92% to 48.22% of added K in soil might be converted to exchangeable pool while it was 25.67% to 29.19% be converted to non-exchangeable pool. The contribution of exchangeable K towards plant K uptake would be higher in the soil with straw than the soil without straw and the non-exchangeable K would be the long-term fixed K as a supplement to the potassium pool. K fertilizer with 6000 kg hm-2 straw return in each crop season increased soil available K and slowly available K. The contribution of exchangeable K towards plant K uptake was higher in the soil with straw than without straw and the non-exchangeable K would be the long-term fixed K as a supplement to the potassium pool. The findings underlined important of the straw return and contribution for sustain K supplying ability of soils.
Serum sodium trajectory during AKI and mortality risk
Authors: Chavez-Iñiguez Jonathan Samuel , Maggiani-Aguilera Pablo , Rondon-Berrios Helbert , Kashani Kianoush , Pérez-Flores Christian , Michel-González Jorge , Torre-Quiroga Andrés De la , Luna-Ramos Andrea , Navarro-Blackaller Guillermo , Medina-González Ramón , Garcia-Garcia Guillermo
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Kidneys play a primary role in electrolyte homeostasis. The association between serum sodium level and mortality or the need for kidney replacement therapy during acute kidney injury has not been adequately explored. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled patients admitted to the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara from August 2017 to March 2020. We divided patients into five groups based on the serum sodium level trajectories up to ten days following hospitalization, 1) stable normonatremia (serum sodium 135 and 145 mEq/L), 2) fluctuating serum sodium levels (increased/decreased in and out of normonatremia), 3) uncorrected hyponatremia, 4) corrected hyponatremia, and 5) uncorrected hypernatremia. We assessed the association of serum sodium trajectories with mortality and the need for kidney replacement therapy (secondary objective). Results: A total of 288 patients were included. The mean age was 55±18 years, and 175 (60.7%) were male. Acute kidney injury stage 3 was present in 145 (51%). Kidney replacement therapy started in 72 (25%) patients, and 45 (15.6%) died. After adjusting for confounders, 10-day hospital mortality was significantly higher in group 5 (HR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.05 to 9.24, p = 0.03), and kidney replacement therapy initiation was higher in group 3 (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.04 to 5.70, p = 0.03) compared with group 1. Conclusion: In our prospective cohort, most patients with acute kidney injury had alterations in serum sodium. Uncorrected hypernatremia was associated with death, and uncorrected hyponatremia was correlated with the need for kidney replacement therapy.
Essential Role of Reliable Reduction Quality in Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fractures in the Non-elderly Patients—A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Qiu Longhai , Huang Yuliang , Li Guowen , Wu Hongbo , Zhang Zhiwen , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2021

Background: The rate of failure of internal fixation for femoral neck fractures has remained largely unchanged over the past 30 years. The current study attempted to identify the controllable variables influencing the failure of internal fixation of femoral neck fractures. Methods:The study included 190 patients aged from 20 to 65 with femoral neck fracture caused by low energy violent injuries, who were treated with multiple cannulated screws over the period 2005-2019 at a single centre. Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis was firstly utilized to evaluate the potential interaction between each variable and cumulative rates of reoperation. If P < 0.1 in KM survival analysis, the variables would be included in subsequent Cox survival analysis to explore the influencing need for reoperation of a femoral neck fracture. Next, all of the 190 patients were divided into perfect reduction group (Garden Alignment Index Ⅰ) and imperfect reduction group (Garden Alignment Index Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis resulted in 39 pairs. After the baseline variables were balanced between the two groups, Cox survival analysis was utilized again to explore the variables influencing the need of reoperation of a femoral neck fracture. Finally, KM survival analysis was utilized to compare the cumulative rate of reoperation between perfect reduction (Group PR) and imperfect reduction（Group IR）as a subgroup analysis. Results: Before PSM analysis, the mean age was 49.96±12.02 years and the total reoperation rate was 17.40%. Cox survival analysis showed that only reduction quality was interrelated with the need for reoperation before PSM analysis and after PSM analysis. Kaplan–Meier cumulative reoperation rate was higher in Group IR than in Group PR after PSM analysis. Conclusion: To prolong the service life of the original femoral head, it is essential to achieve a completely anatomical reduction and maintain the reduction quality until the patient fully recovers.
Molecular Mechanism of Gleditsiae Spina for the Treatment of High-grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Authors: Zhang Boran , Dan Wenchao , Chen Xing , Dai Cunfang , Li Guangda , Ma Tingting , Chen Xinjie , Yin Xiaohui , Zhang Ganlin , Wang Xiaomin
Published: August 2021

Background

In this study, we aimed to analyze the pharmacological mechanism of Gleditsiae Spina in the treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments.
Methods

The main active ingredients of Gleditsiae Spina were identified by high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and ADME screening was performed. The component targets of Gleditsiae Spina were screened using the pharmMapper platform, and differentially expressed genes in normal and HGSC tissues were identified through GEO database. Thereafter, Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct the network of "active ingredient-targets," and the BioGenet database was used for protein-protein interaction analysis. Furthermore, the protein-protein interaction network was established, and the potential protein function module was mined. Biological processes and pathways were analyzed through gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis.
Results

The core active ingredients of Gleditsiae Spina for regulating HGSC included luteolin, genistein, D-(+)-tryptophan, ursolic acid, and berberine. The ideal targets were HPSE, PI3KCA, AKT1, and CTNNB1. The prediction results were verified by molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and western blot analysis.
Conclusions

This study revealed the mechanism of Gleditsiae Spina for the treatment of HGSC based on multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-channels. It also provides a theoretical basis for the prevention of ovarian cancer and its treatment using traditional Chinese medicine in the future.
The Effect of Acetate Ringer's Solution Versus lactate Ringer's Solution on Acid Base Physiology in Infants with Biliary Atresia
Authors: Liu Xiang , Cao Hongyan , Tan Xiaona , Shi Jing , Qiao Li , Zhang Qi , Shi Lei
Published: August 2021

Backgroud: The choice of the perioperative crystalloid is a key component of the fluid management and must take into account the liver function and the appearing metabolic disorders to avoid increase the liver extra metabolism. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of acetate Ringer's solution or lactate Ringer's solution in biliary atresia patients.Methods: We included 68 infant patients aged between 21~65 d, ASA physical status II or Ⅲ, who underwent elective Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy, received either AR and LR for intravenous fluid resuscitation according to their group allocation. Lactate concentration, serum electrolytes and pH were noteded before skin incision (T1), end of surgery (T2) and postoperative 12 h. We also recorded the time of operation, stay of hospital, loss of blood and urinary, total volume of infusion of crystalloid.Results: Lactate level was significantly higher in Group LR than in Group AR patients at T2 ( 0.76 ± 0.13 versus 0.57 ± 0.22, P=0.03 ). Compared with T3, sodium and chlorine were significantly higher in two groups at T2 ( 145.2 ± 3.1 versus 143.4 ± 3.4 and 104.6 ± 3.7 versus 105.2 ± 2.1 ). No significant differences were noted in potassium, HCO3- and calcium. There was no statistically significant difference in pH. No glycopenia was recorded in two groups. No significant difference was noted in administration of vasoactive drug (0.7% versus 1% ).Conclusions: Resuscitation with AR and LR is associated with similar clinical improvement in infants with biliary atresia. Use of AR reduced the level of lactate in comparison with LR.
Jianpi Huoxue Decoction Ameliorates Alcoholic Liver Disease By Protecting Intestinal Barrier Function in Rats
Authors: Wang Xin , Yao Dongsheng , Xu Lin , Yan Dongming , Zhao Yu , Peng Jinghua , Fu Qilin , Hu Yiyang , Feng Qin
Published: August 2021

Background: Jianpi huoxue decoction (JHD), a Chinese herbal formula, is commonly applied in clinical practice for treatment of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in China. Involvement of intestinal barrier function is increasingly recognized in the pathogenesis and progression of ALD. The aim of this study was to explore whether JHD on potentially protects intestinal barrier function in ALD rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Model (alcohol-fed) and JHD groups were fed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets while rats in the control group were fed isocaloric maltose dextrin for six weeks. In the last three weeks of the respective diets, rats were intragastrically administrated JHD. Each rat received a gavage administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) before sacrifice. Gut leakage was evaluated by measuring LPS in the portal blood. Pathological changes in ileum tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Ultrastructural changes of the intestinal tract were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The tight junction (TJ) proteins ZO-1 and occludin were assessed by western blot and immunofluorescence. Myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, a key regulator of TJs, was also assessed by western blot.Results: JHD administration attenuated Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Alcohol feeding increased portal vein plasma LPS levels in the model group. This deleterious effect was decreased in the JHD-treated group. Moreover, ileum tissue H&E staining demonstrated that JHD diminished intestinal inflammation. In addition, TEM indicated that JHD improved focal loosely packed microvilli. Furthermore, expression of ZO-1 and occludin decreased in the ileum tract of model rats. Finally, an increased level of p-MLC in the model group was also observed. JHD treatment reversed phosphorylation of MLC in the ileum.Conclusions: The above results suggest that JHD has potential value in the prevention and treatment of ALD in rats; its mechanism of action may be closely related to its effect on improving intestinal barrier function and attenuating gut leakiness.
Corpse Degradation of Farmed Fish Increases the Abundance of Antibiotic Resistance Genes but Exhibits the Temporal Stability
Authors: Su Wanghong , Li Tongtong , Yu Qiaoling , Feng Tianshu , Yang Jiawei , Li Xiangzhen , Li Huan
Published: August 2021

Serious concerns have been raised regarding resistomes causing by corpse decomposition in the aquatic environment, which pose threats to the water environment and human health. However, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in large-volume tap water and their temporal stability during corpse decay are poorly explored. Here, high-throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction (HT-qPCR) and amplicon sequencing were applied to profile ARGs and bacterial communities in experimental and control groups containing 50 L of tap water at 7th, 15th and 100th day during corpse decomposition. We found that most of the ARGs in experimental groups had higher abundance compared with the control groups independent of time. And the absolute abundance of some ARGs in the carcass groups was even enriched by 259 to 413,640-folds. The tetracycline and beta-lactamase resistance genes of the experimental groups were obviously enriched compared with control groups, and the ARG profiles were convergent during different decay stages, which indicated the long-term persistence of ARGs. Treatment, dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH were three important factors determining ARG profiles during corpse decomposition. Twelve opportunistic pathogens, especially Burkholderia, Legionella and Halomonas, remarkably increased as decomposition proceeded. Network analysis showed that opportunistic pathogens were significantly associated with ARGs. Our results emphasize that corpse decay increases the abundance and diversity of ARGs in large-volume drinking water independent of time while exhibits temporal persistence of ARGs, thereby uncovering the harmful effects of animal cadavers. It also provides valuable suggestions for the risk assessment and management of source water caused by corpse decay.
Deformation Superposition Effect of Asphalt Mixture Based on Experiments and Micromechanical Modeling
Authors: Li Chun , Bian Xinxing , Dong Qifeng , Xu Huining
Published: August 2021

Under multi-wheel heavy load, the asphalt mixture is prone to exhibit the deformation superposition effect, which exacerbates the damage of pavement structure. Multi-point penetration tests and numerical simulations by discrete element method (DEM) are performed to investigate the deformation superposition effect and micromechanical characteristics of asphalt mixture. The effect of wheel spacing, wheel group, and the evolution of micromechanical deformation superposition behavior are analyzed. Results indicate that the deformation superposition resistance of the asphalt mixture under the multi-wheel load decreases considerably with the increase in wheel spacing and the number of wheels. The DEM simulations reflect the micromechanical property of asphalt mixture in the multi-point penetration test. The reduction of tensile chains is the internal reason for asphalt mixture deformation superposition, indicating the decrease of the adhesive strength of the material. A remarkably positive correlation is found between the reduction of the tensile chain and the deformation effect coefficient. In the process of superposition, the aggregate skeleton force chains are gradually destroyed and decrease to zero until cracking. The numerical simulation outcome is consistent with the laboratory penetration test outcome.
Reliability of Cone Beam CT for Morphometry of Nasolabial Soft Tissue in Patients with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Xu Wenjie , Lu Rui , Hu Yun , Cao Li , Wang Tao , Tan Hao , Meng Xuehuan , Ming Ye , Zheng Leilei
Published: August 2021

Background：Precise measurement of the morphological structure of soft and hard tissues is fundamental to the treatment of malocclusion, but the ability of cone beam CT(CBCT) for soft tissue measurements involves few studies to date. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of CBCT for nasolabial soft tissue measurements in patients with skeletal class III malocclusion based on 3-dimensional(3D) facial scanner results.Methods：CBCT and 3D facial scan images of 20 orthognathic patients were used in this study. 11 soft tissue landmarks and 15 linear and angular measurements were identified and performed. For qualitative evaluation, Shapiro-Wilk Test and Bland-Altman plots were applied to analyze the equivalence of the measurements derived from these two kinds of data. To quantify specific deviation of CBCT measurements from facial scanner, the latter were set as a benchmark, and mean absolute difference(MAD) and relative error magnitude(REM) for each variable were calculated.Results：Statistically significant differences were observed on length measurements of bilateral philtrum crests, width of mouth and angular measurements of the protrusion angle of lower lip, left angle of upper mouth and nasolabial angle between the two methods. The MAD value for all length measurements were less than 2 mm and for angular variables <8°. The average MAD and REM for length measurements was 0.94mm and 5.64% respectively, and 2.27°, 3.78% for angular measurements.Conclusions：Certain inconformity exists in regions of nasal base and lower lip vermilion between CBCT and facial scanner when measuring nasolabial surfaces, but most of them are clinically acceptable. The soft tissue results measured by CBCT showed relatively good reliability and can be used for 3D measurement of soft tissue in the nasolabial region clinically.
Can a Hybrid Decision Support System Effectively Rule Out Prescriptions from Medication Review in Daily Practice? A Randomized Case-Control Study.
Authors: Levivien Clara , Cavagna Pauline , Grah Annick , Courseau Romain , Bézie Yvonnick , Corny Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Background Medication review is time-consuming and not exhaustive in most French hospitals. We routinely use an innovative hybrid decision support system using Artificial Intelligence to prioritize medication review by scoring prescriptions by their risk of containing at least one medication error.Aim We aimed to demonstrate the digital tool’s ability to improve prescription safety by ruling out prescriptions that are effectively risk-free in daily practice.Methods We conducted a case-control study to compare the rate of pharmaceutical interventions (PI) between low and high-risk prescriptions defined by the tool’s calculated score. Medication orders were reviewed daily by a clinical pharmacist. Proportion of prescriptions with at least one severe medication error was calculated in both groups. Severe medication errors were characterized through a multidisciplinary approach.Results Four hundred and twenty (107 low score and 313 high score) prescriptions were analyzed. A significant difference in the percentage of PI was found between the “low score” (29%) and “high score” (51%) prescriptions (p < 0.001). The percentage of prescriptions with severe medication errors was dramatically decreased in low score prescriptions (2.8% vs. 15,3% respectively; p < 0.05). During the study period, the use of this tool allowed to rule out 55% of all prescriptions in our hospital.Conclusion This new decision support tool is an accurate method to rule out “low score” prescriptions, with an acceptable risk of missing medication errors and can be improved by the integration of future features. It offers a solution to focus pharmaceutical expertise on the most at-risk prescriptions and considerably improve the safety of patients’ care.
Gene Activation via Cre/lox-mediated Excision in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Zhang Zhifen , Guo Yinping , Marasigan Kathleen Monfero , Conner Joann A. , Ozias-Akins Peggy
Published: August 2021

Genetic engineering ideally results in precise spatiotemporal control of transgene expression. To activate transgenes exclusively in a hybrid upon fertilization, we evaluated a Cre/lox-mediated gene activation system with the Cre recombinase expressed by either AtRps5a or AtDD45 promoters that showed activity in egg cells and young embryos. In crosses between Cre recombinase lines and transgenic lines harboring a lox-excision reporter cassette with ZsGreen driven by the AtUbq3 promoter after Cre/lox-mediated recombination, we observed complete excision of the lox-flanked intervening DNA sequence between the AtUbq3pro and the ZsGreen coding sequence in F1 progeny upon genotyping but no ZsGreen expression in F1 seeds or seedlings. The incapability to observe ZsGreen fluorescence was attributed to the activity of the AtUbq3pro. Strong ZsGreen expression in F1 seeds was observed after recombination when ZsGreen was driven by the AtUbq10 promoter. Using the AtDD45pro to express Cre resulted in more variation in recombination frequencies between transgenic lines and crosses. Regardless of the promoter used to regulate Cre, mosaic F1 progeny were rare, suggesting gene activation at an early embryo-developmental stage. Observation of ZsGreen-expressing tobacco embryos at the globular stage from crosses with the AtRps5aproCre lines pollinated by the AtUbq3prolox line supported the early activation mode.
Collagen and PRP in Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Injuries. Friends or Only Indifferent Neighbours? Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Godek Piotr , Szczepanowska-Wolowiec Beata , Golicki Dominik
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION: Partial thickness rotator cuff injuries (PTRCI) is the sum of degenerative, overload and microtrauma processes, external supply of collagen and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could potentially counteract deterioration of degenerative tendinopathy.AIM: Comparison of the effectiveness: collagen with PRP, PRP alone, collagen alone in the treatment of PTRCI.METHODS: Ninety patients with PTRCI treated with US–guided injections into the shoulder bursa every consecutive week: Group A - collagen with PRP (n=30), B - collagen alone (n=30), C - PRP alone (n=30). Primary outcomes: numeric rating scale (NRS), QuickDash and EQ-5D-5L questionnaires in control points: IA (initial assessment), T1, T2, T3 – after 6, 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. Secondary outcomes: number of patients with loss of RC continuity, number of regenerated RC between IA and T3.RESULTS: No statistical difference between groups in primary outcomes, tendency for further improvement in A and C group (opposite to group B) between T2 and T3. The RC discontinuity (n = 3, one case in each group) and RC regeneration (n = 65; 73%, 67% and 77%, in group A, B and C, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapy of collagen and PRP in PTRCI is not more effective than monotherapies with collagen or PRP. (clinicaltrials.gov - NCT04492748)
Phytochemical Analysis, In Vitro Antioxidant and Wound Healing Activities of Turbinaria ornata (Turner) J. Agardh from Gulf of Mannar, India
Authors: M Mohamed Saibi K , Balan Leeba , Jamuna Sankar , Babu Ramesh
Published: August 2021

Turbinaria ornata, tropical brown algae found in the South pacific and Indian Ocean ecosystems. In accordance with recent studies, Turbinaria ornata J. has potent anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, this study is aimed to explore the biological activities of ethanolic extract of Turbinaria ornata J by analyzing the presence of phytochemical components, antioxidant property, antimicrobial activity and the wound healing activity. From the results, phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract of T. ornata showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, oils, total phenolic and total flavanoid content were estimated to be 0.683 Abs and 0.433 Abs respectively. Anti-oxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of T. ornata extract showed remarkable DPPH radical scavenging activity of about 58.8% at 200μg/ml and total anti-oxidant activity of 0.257 absorbance at 100μg/ml concentration, as compared to that of their respective controls. The ethanolic extract of T. ornata exhibited the maximum zone of inhibition against the clinical pathogens like Pseudomonas aeuruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with their potent anti-microbial activity. Wound healing effects of the ethanolic extract of T. ornata was analysed by using Zebra fish model. The results showed the rapidand significant regeneration of the wounded caudal fin on day 14. Therefore, the preliminary results of this study strongly supports the ethanolic extract of T. ornata may be effective in wound healing and regeneration of the wounded tissues.
CPR63 Promotes Pyrethroid Resistance by Increasing Cuticle Thickness in Culex Pipiens Pallens
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhou Yang , Li Xixi , Ma Lei , Zhou Dan , Sun Yan , Shen Bo , Zhu Changliang
Published: August 2021

The cuticle protein (CP) encoded by CPR63 plays a role in deltamethrin resistance in Culex pipiens pallens. Herein, we investigated the distribution of CPR63 transcripts in this organism, and revealed high expression levels in legs and wings. Furthermore, expression of CPR63 in the legs of deltamethrin-resistant (DR) strains were 1.79-fold higher than in deltamethrin-susceptible (DS) strains. Cuticle analysis of small interfering RNA (siRNA) groups by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a significantly thinner procuticle of the tarsi in the siCPR63 group than the siNC (negative control (group). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the procuticle, exocuticle and endocuticle thickness of the tarsi were significantly thinner in the siCPR63 group than the siNC group. Our results illuminate the resistance mechanism of CPRs and demonstrate that CPR63 contributes to the resistance phenotype by thickening the cuticle and substantially reducing uptake of insecticides.