bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of dietary Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) & Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and marker of oxidative stress, superoxide dismutase (SOD) in obese women athletes: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tavasoli Parastoo , Gholizadeh Mohammad , Alaeddini Farshid , Ghiasvand Reza , Amini Pegah
Published: April 2022

Background: omega 3 fatty acid metabolites (Eicosapentaenoic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid) are essential fatty acids which showed significant roles for making balance on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The aim of present study is to investigate the correlation of dietary EPA/DHA with some of the biochemical markers of oxidative stress such as SOD, hs-CRP, and BMI. Method: this study used to on women people with mean ages 37.81± 7.65. The women are overweight and obese with mean of BMI with mean ± SD 29 ± 3.8. Demographic data of people by filling a form. Weight was assessed by Seca scale and CRP, SOD and Adiponectin of people were measured by obtaining blood from people. Results. There is observed significant association between EPA and SOD in crude model, although this correlation no observed after adjusting potential cofounder including fat, energy intake, BMI, Caffeine Consumption and education with β ± SE (1.29, p-value<0.047 and 0.07, p-value: 0.43). Moreover, there is not observed significant association between EPA and CRP with β ± SE (0.001, p-value=0.634 and -0.09, p-value: 0.76) as well as between EPA and Adiponectin with β ± SE (0.0001, p-value=0.632 and -0.02, p-value: 0.84), respectively. Whereas, it was demonstrated significant association between DHA and SOD in crude model, although this correlation no observed after adjusting potential cofounder including fat, energy intake, BMI, Caffeine Consumption and education with β ± SE (3.38, p-value<0.047 and -0.20, p-value: 0.40). Moreover, there is not observed significant association between EPA and CRP with β ± SE (-0.003, p-value=0.689 and -0.07, p-value: 0.75) as well as between EPA and Adiponectin with β ± SE (0.001, p-value=0.617 and 0.05, p-value: 0.85), respectively.ConclusionOur study showed significant association between EPA and DHA and SOD before adjusting potential cofounder, nevertheless did not show a significant association between DHA and EPA and CRP, Adiponectin and SOD plasma concentration.
Topographic factors drive natural understory revegetation in burned areas
Authors: Zhixue He , Lei Wang , Luo Jun , Bin Zhang , Qingchun Deng , Hui Liu , Haiqing Yang
Published: April 2022

Background: In nature, fire is an important disturbance in forest ecosystems and has important impacts on vegetation succession. To reveal the characteristics of natural understory revegetation after burning and its response to environmental factors, we studied burned areas in a subtropical climate (Xide County, China). Results: Based on quadrat surveys and correlation analyses, the main results of this study were as follows. (1) Within four months after a fire, 71 species, 52 genera, and 20 families gained, representing rapid recoveryafter a fire. (2) The Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, and Margalef indexes increased with recovery, whereas the Pielou index decreased; the Margalef index was the most sensitive, increasing by 5.44 and 5.16 in lightly and severely burned areas, respectively. (3) The community stability was relatively low at the initial stage of revegetation andtended to increase with the intensity of the fire. (4) Elevation and slope were the main physical factors affecting the biodiversity indexes and distribution. Conclusions: This study could help us to understand the relationships between revegetation and topographic factors in burned areas, thereby providing a scientific basis for related ecological restoration.
Achievements and challenges in the development of a respectful delivery care model provided by Partners in Health in rural Mexico: A mixed methods analysis
Authors: Nigenda Gustavo , Montaño Mariana , Aranda Zeus , Aristizabal Patricia , Ortiz Fabiola , Ortega Soraya , Juárez Ameyalli , Macías Valeria , Zárate-Grajales Rosa Amarilis , Flores Hugo
Published: April 2022

As with many low- and middle-income countries, Mexico has developed and implemented a model of obstetric care centered on the biomedical clinical tradition, with important achievements and enormous challenges. In recent years, the federal Ministry of Health of Mexico decided to promote alternative models through changes in legislation and financing for the care of rural populations living in deprived areas. Objective: Analyzing the implementation of a model of respectful delivery care by supervised nursing and midwifery undergraduate interns in a birthing center in the State of Chiapas, operated by a civil society organization in collaboration with the state health authority and educational institutions, in order to identify achievements and challenges ahead. Methods: We used information from various primary and secondary sources and undertook a mixed-methods analysis. Results: The proportion of births attended in the birthing center increased in relation to all the births attended in public institutions of Ángel Albino Corzo between 2017 and 2020. Overall, there was an increase in positive indicators of respectful care with the implemented model, while the negative indicators decreased. The service demonstrated high levels of satisfaction and increased demand in the local population. Between 2016 and 2020, obstetrician nurses attended 800 deliveries with no maternal deaths and managed some emergency cases referred to specialized care. Conclusions: The case illustrates the great potential of alternative delivery care models to the medicalized model that is often predominant. Therefore, evidence-based midwife and nurse-led models of obstetric clinical care are suitable models of care.
Long-term outcomes of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage using a novel spiral plastic stent in acute calculus cholecystitis
Authors: Sato Junya , Nakahara Kazunari , Michikawa Yosuke , Suetani Keigo , Igarashi Yosuke , Sekine Akihiro , Satta Yusuke , Kobayashi Shinjiro , Otsubo Takehito , Tateishi Keisuke
Published: April 2022

Background: Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (EGBS) is considered for patients with contraindications to early surgery for acute calculus cholecystitis. However, evidence regarding the long-term outcomes of EGBS is insufficient to date. Aims: To evaluate the feasibility of EGBS as a bridge to or alternative to surgery when there are contraindications, we retrospectively evaluated the long-term outcomes of EGBS using a novel spiral-shaped plastic stent.Patients and methods: We reviewed the cases of patients who underwent EGBS using a novel spiral-shaped plastic stent for acute calculus cholecystitis between January 2011 and December 2019.Results: Forty-nine patients were included. The clinical success rate of EGBS was 97%. After EGBS, 25 patients (surgery group) underwent elective cholecystectomy and 24 patients did not (follow-up group). In the surgery group, the median period from EGBS to surgery was 93 days. There was a single late adverse event with cholecystitis recurrence. In the follow-up group, the median follow-up period was 236 days. Late adverse events were observed in seven patients, including recurrence of cholecystitis (four patients), duodenal penetration by the distal stent end (two patients), and distal stent migration without cholecystitis (one patient). In the follow-up group, the time to recurrence of biliary obstruction was 527 days.Conclusions: EGBS with a novel spiral-shaped plastic stent is safe and effective for long-term acute calculus cholecystitis. EGBS may be a bridge to surgery and a surgical alternative for acute calculus cholecystitis in patients with contraindications to early cholecystectomy.
Predictive factors of febrile neutropenia after pegfilgrastim as primary prophylaxis in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil for esophageal cancer: Impact of febrile neutropenia on changes in neutrophil counts and relative dose intensity
Authors: Inagaki Takahito , Sato Miki , Kin Masaoki , Otsuka Koji , Murakami Masahiko , Kogo Mari
Published: April 2022

Purpose　We investigated factors predicting febrile neutropenia (FN) after the administration of pegfilgrastim as primary prophylaxis in patients with esophageal cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) to support the appropriate management of FN. We evaluated changes in neutrophil counts and relative dose intensity (RDI) after the incidence of FN.Methods　The retrospective study included 122 patients with esophageal cancer who were treated with DCF and pegfilgrastim at the Showa University Hospital, Japan, between April 2016 and August 2021. The primary outcome was the FN incidence after cycle 1 of DCF chemotherapy. The significant independent factors associated with FN incidence were selected using the multivariate analysis. Changes in neutrophil counts and RDI were compared between the FN and non-FN groups. Results　A total of 100 patients were included in the analysis. The incidence of FN was 21%. In the multivariate analysis, geriatric nutritional index (GNRI) < 92 (odds ratio [OR] 13.162, P < 0.001) and combination of platelet and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (COP-NLR) score of 0 (OR 4.619, P = 0.012) were independent predictors of FN. The neutrophil counts on day 7–10 and RDI in the FN group were significantly lower than those in the non-FN group (all P < 0.05). Conclusion　GNRI < 92 and COP-NLR score of 0 are important indicators to predict patients at high risk of DCF chemotherapy-induced FN. Furthermore, we showed that FN incidence after pegfilgrastim administration had a strong impact on delayed neutrophil recovery and reduced RDI.
Engineering ZIF-8 morphology for uptake of methomyl residues from wastewater by combining it with extracted lignin as an antibacterial
Authors: Abdelhameed Reda , Hasanin Mohamed , Abdel-Gawad Hassan , Hegazi Bahira
Published: April 2022

It is highly favorite to remove hazardous substances from insecticides by means of adsorbents with high adsorption uptake. Here, the hybridization between lignin and ZIF-8 and the removal of methomyl insecticides from wastewater were studied. The compounds were assured by FTIR, SEM, XRD, and BET analyses. The effect of some variables such as adsorbent dose and contact time on methomyl removal efficiency was investigated. The reaction mechanism was carefully scanned by SEM and FTIR. Kinetic and isometric parameters have been accurately matched with Langmuir models and pseudo-second-order models. The adsorption capacities in 60% ZIF-8@Lignin approached as high as 324.6 mg g− 1 which were much higher than Lignin alone. Compared to other works, the present work demonstrated better absorption capacity and cost-effectiveness. Antimicrobial testing approved that addition of ZIF-8 to lignin enhanced microbial activity and the MIC value. The lowest values against all tested microbial strains were 19 mg/mL.
A low-cost and highly optimized Analog circuit design to interface negative voltages to Single Ended ADC
Authors: Chalapala Sreekanthreddy
Published: April 2022

Interfacing negative(inverted) voltages to micro controller ADC is always challenging. On the fly solution available of using external ADC is expensive and pin compatible chips from different manufacturers is another test. High range of input signal interfacing needs reduced gain circuits, which is an additional task to generate on board negative power source for OpAmp Circuits. To avoid an external ADC chip and optimizing the cost, a dual OpAmp with some discrete and General-purpose comparators, analogue switches is added. This paper discusses about step-by-step design of circuitry to interface negative voltages to single ended ADC, and consideration on optimizing along with calculations.
Impact of Gender on Sleep Dissatisfaction in the Elderly
Authors: Salles Cristina , Santos Augusto Marianno Ferreira , Galtieri Ranuzia , Acuña-Castroviejo Dario , Cruz Miguel Meira e
Published: April 2022

Background: Sleep patterns vary depending on variables such as gender and age, but adequate and sufficient sleep is fundamental for well-being, health and survival regardless of these factors. The elderly experience changes in their sleep patterns, such as a decrease in total sleep time and an increase in the duration of more superficial sleep, contributing to the emergence of night awakenings, sleep fragmentation and sleep disorders. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of sleep disorders in patients aged 65 years and older according to gender. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which individuals aged 65 years or older who sought a sleep laboratory between October 2014 and October 2018 complaining of dissatisfaction with their habitual sleep were evaluated, and all patients who completed a set of clinical questionnaires containing information regarding sleep characteristics were included. Results: The sample comprised 115 patients with a mean age = 72.5±6.3 years, female gender = 53%, BMI = 27.7±6.9 kg/m², Epworth Scale = 8.5 (6-15), bedtime = 22:15±1:43 h, wake time = 5:51±1:31 h, total sleep time = 7:30±1:48 h. The most frequent sleep disorders were: snoring (89.6%), insomnia (47.8%), leg movement during sleep (46.1%), and witnessed apnea (44.3%). Women had more difficulty sleeping compared to men (62.3% vs. 31.5%; p<0.001), as well as body aches (67.2% vs. 40.7%; p=0.004), respectively. Men had a higher frequency of excessive daytime sleepiness than women (46.3% vs. 16.4%; p<0.001), as well as a higher frequency of the complaint "talking during sleep" (24.1% vs. 6.6%; p<0.016). Conclusion: The present study showed that elderly individuals have a high frequency of sleep-related dissatisfaction, namely related to breathing complaints associated with sleep and insomnia, suggesting, however, that symptoms and clinical presentation vary with gender. Considering the association of advanced age with other comorbidities and with polypharmacy, the clinical implications of these findings are relevant from both diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.
Mechanism of fucoxanthin biosynthesis in Phaeodactylum tricornutum under different light intensities via FCP complex formation
Authors: Truong To Quyen , Park Yun Ji , Koo Song Yi , Choi Jae-Hyung , Enkhbayar Altai , Song Dae-Geun , Kim Sang Min
Published: April 2022

Fucoxanthin (FX), a primary carotenoid, is associated with the fucoxanthin-chlorophyll a/c binding protein (FCP) complex integrated into the thylakoid membrane (TM) which functions as a light-harvesting complex in Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of FX biosynthesis under different light intensities via FCP complex formation. High light (HL) accelerated P. tricornutum growth more than low light (LL). The maximum values of FX content and productivity obtained under LL (1.7 mg/g and 2.12 mg/L/day, respectively) were substantially higher than those obtained under HL (0.54 mg/g and 0.79 mg/L/day, respectively). Notably, SDS-PAGE and photosynthetic pigment analyses revealed the enrichment of FCP antennae in the LL culture TM fractions but not the HL culture. Semi-quantification of FCP antenna protein using LC-MS/MS and RNA transcriptome analyses revealed that PtLhcf5 and PtLhcf8 played crucial roles in FCP biosynthesis under LL. P. tricornutum cultured under light transition exhibited FCP formation only in the early growth stage to meet the increased photosynthetic activity requirements under LL. Meanwhile, FCP degradation could be triggered by HL throughout the cultivation period. Therefore, FX production was highly correlated with FCP formation, and LL conditions in the early growth stage were critical for higher FX productivity.
Identification of alkaline salt tolerance genes in Brassica napus L. by transcriptome analysis
Authors: Xu Yu , Tao Shunxian , Zhang Qi , Wang Han , Li Ping , Zhang Yan , Bakirov Aldiyar , Cao Hanming , Qin Mengfan , Wang Kai , Shi Yiji , Liu Xiang , Zheng Lin , Xu Aixia , Huang Zhen
Published: April 2022

BackgroundSoil salt alkalization is one major abiotic factor reducing the productivity of crops worldwide, including rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), an indispensable oil crop and vegetable. The mechanism studies of alkali-salt-tolerance are helpful for the breeding of high resistant varieties and the expansion of the planting area. However, the study of the alkaline salt tolerance mechanism in rapeseed is limited. This study aimed to identify candidate genes related to the regulation of alkali salt tolerance in B. napus. ResultsIn the current study, B. napus line 2205 exhibited stronger tolerance to alkaline salt than B. napus line 1423. In line 2205, the lesser plasma membrane damage index, the accumulated osmotic adjustment substances, and higher antioxidant enzyme activities were contributed to alkaline tolerance. Ultrastructure observation found that the mesophyll cells of line 2205 had higher integrity compared with line 1423, further confirming that line 2205 suffered a lesser injury under alkali-salt stress. Transcriptome analysis showed that more genes responded to alkaline salt in line 2205, and the expressions of respective specific response genes were different in these two cultivars. The expression level of the line-1423-specific-response genes was lower in line 2205, which were primarily annotated to the cytosol, spliceosome, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, whereas most of the specific response genes in line 2205 had a higher expression, which were mainly enriched in carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthetic processes, ROS regulating, and response to salt stress. It can be seen that the tolerance to alkaline salt is attributed to the high expression of some genes in these pathways. Based on these results, twelve cross-differentially expressed genes, including BnMDH2, BnGAPCs, BnACO1, BnGOXs, and BnGGTAs, were proposed as candidate genes for regulating alkali-salt tolerance in rapeseed.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that tolerant rapeseed exhibits superior physiological indicators and actively mobilizes genes involved in energy metabolism and ROS-related pathways to resist undesirable adverse signals from alkaline salts. The candidate genes provide reliable clues for further analysis of the resistance mechanism of rapeseed.
Adiponectin promotes neurogenesis after transient cerebral ischemia through STAT3 mediated BDNF upregulation in astrocytes
Authors: Yu Liang , wang Jiajia , Xia Ying , Hou Wugang , Yao Xi , Guo Yaru , Wang Jin , Wei Haidong , Wang Shiquan
Published: April 2022

Newborn neurons from the subventricular zone (SVZ) are essential to functional recovery following ischemic stroke. However, most of these newly generated neurons die quickly and fail to form functional connections with surrounding neurons. Thus, methods to promote neurogenesis and the survival of newborn neurons are of significance to post-stroke recovery. Adiponectin could increase neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus in neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we wonder whether adiponectin could also promote neurogenesis in SVZ and improve functional recovery after ischemic stroke. In addition, the critical role of astrocyte-derived BDNF in promotion of the neurogenesis should be verified. Here, we adopted the middle cerebral artery occlusion model of mice, and started the adiponectin treatment on day 3 of reperfusion. Neurogenesis and brain atrophy were analyzed by morphological methods, and neurological function was assessed by the adhesive removal test and the forepaw grip strength. The levels of BDNF and p-STAT3 were detected by western blotting. The adeno associated virus-encoded BDNF shRNA with GFAP promoter and a STAT3 inhibitor Stattic were used. We found that adiponectin improved neurological recovery, reduced brain atrophy, and increased both the doublecortin-positive cells and NeuN/BrdU double-positive cells. Mechanically, adiponectin increased the protein levels of p-STAT3 and BDNF in astrocytes, while silence of BDNF diminished the adiponectin-induced neurogenesis and functional recovery. Moreover, inhibition of STAT3 not only reversed the increase of BDNF but also the neurogenesis and functional recovery. Collectively, we conclude that adiponectin enhances neurogenesis and functional recovery after ischemic stroke via STAT3/BDNF pathway in astrocytes.
A signature based on costimulatory molecules for the assessment of prognosis and immune characteristics in stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Bangjie , Yao Yong , Mao Deshen , Li Conghan , Wang Xingyu , Sheng Shuyan , Zhang Lizhi , Wang Xinyi , Chen Sanwei , Xu Wentao , Deng Jianyi , Sun Chenyu , Zhou Qin , Lowe Scott , Bentley Rachel , Shao Wei , Li Haiwen
Published: April 2022

Although costimulatory molecules have been shown to boost antitumor immune responses, their significance in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the gene expression patterns of costimulatory molecule genes in STAD and to develop a predictive signature to aid in therapy selection and outcome prediction. We used 60 costimulatory family genes from prior research to conduct the first complete costimulatory molecule analysis in STAD patients. For the two groups discovered, consensus clustering analysis based on these 60 genes indicated unique distribution patterns and prognostic differences. Then, using Lasso and Cox regression analysis, 9 costimulatory molecular gene pairs (CMGPs) of prognostic value were discovered. With these 9 CMGPs, we were able to develop a costimulatory molecule-related prognostic signature, which performed well in an external dataset. For STAD patients, the signature was proved to be a risk factor independent of clinical characteristics, indicating that this may be employed in conjunction with clinical considerations. An further connection between the signature and immunotherapy response was discovered. People who had high mutation rates, an abundance of infiltrating immune cells, and an immunosuppressive milieu were classed as high-risk. It is possible that patients classed as high-risk have a better prognosis for immunotherapy since these patients have greater cytolytic activity scores and immunophenoscores of CTLA4 and PD-L1/PD-L2 blocker As a consequence, clinicians might use our signature to better assess patient prognosis and develop treatment plans.
Intergovernmental Transfers and Environmental Pollution
Authors: Ye Bing , Cao Qianwen
Published: April 2022

We exploit the dramatic change in intergovernmental transfers after the tax-sharing reform in China to identify the causal effect of intergovernmental transfers on environmental pollution. Applying the two-stage least squares method to China’s county-level data, we find that a 1% increase in the annual change in intergovernmental transfers relative to the previous year’s GDP will increase the annual growth rate of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration by 4.3145%. The mechanisms include the following: (1) intergovernmental transfers drive county governments to increase expenditures and cut taxes; (2) intergovernmental transfers increase the gross industrial output value above the designated size at the intensive margin; and (3) intergovernmental transfers reduce the proportion of GDP in the secondary industry and increase the proportion in the tertiary industry. In addition, intergovernmental transfers boost GDP growth and prompt the movement of labor from rural to urban areas within a county.JEL: H77; Q53
Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and liver metabolomic changes during brain death
Authors: Tao R. , Guo W. , Li T. , Wang Yong , Wang Pan-liang
Published: April 2022

Background: The causative link between brain death and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis is unclear, and the distortion in liver metabolism caused by brain death requires further exploration. Methods: A rat model of brain death was constructed and sustained for 9 hours. Intestinal contents and portal vein plasma were collected for microbiota sequencing and microbial metabolite detection. Liver tissue was resected to investigate metabolic alterations, and the results were compared with those of a sham group. Results: Microbiota dysbiosis occurred at the family and genus levels after 9 hours of brain death. Microbial metabolites remained unchanged in both the intestinal contents and portal vein plasma. Liver metabolic function deteriorated, and the levels of 80% of the differential metabolites decreased in the brain-dead rats. Most of the differential metabolites were related to energy metabolism. Conclusions: Brain death resulted in microbiota dysbiosis in rats; however, this dysbiosis did not alter microbial metabolites. Deterioration in liver metabolic function during extended periods of brain death may reflect a continuous worsening in energy deficiency.
SGLT2 inhibitors attenuate nephrin loss and enhance TGF-β1 excretion in type 2 diabetes patients with albuminuria
Authors: Tian Yuan , Chen Xiao-min , Liang Xian-ming , Wu Xiao-bin , Yao Chun-meng
Published: April 2022

Objective: To evaluate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) on albuminuria, nephrin(NPH) and transforming-growth-factor-beta1(TGF-β1) expression in urine, glucose and lipid metabolism, low grade inflammation in type 2 diabetes(T2D ) patients.Methods: Sixty-eight patients with T2D were divided into three groups according urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio(UACR), UACR<30mg/g, UACR≧30mg/g to≦300mg/g and UACR˃300mg/g, who all received SGLT2i treatment for 12 weeks. The expression of NPH, UACR and TGF-β1 in urine were measured as indications of podocyte injury and renal fibrosis. Low grade inflammation was assessed by the levels of IL-6,TNFα and hsCRP.Results: After 12 weeks SGLT2i treatment, UACR and NPH remarkably decreased, TGF-β1 dramatically increased in urine in T2D with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria groups, NPH(1.12[0.59, 1.29] vs 0.71[0.41, 1.07] ug/ml, P=0.022) and (1.29[0.99, 1.96] vs 0.93[0.57, 1.31]ug/ml, P=0.002), UTGF-β1(4.88±1.31 vs 7.27±1.21pg/ml, P˂0.001) and (4.30±1.34 vs 6.78±2.59pg/ml, P˂0.001), respectively. Stepwise multiple regression analyses show that TGF-β1, BMI, UACR, HDL-C, TNFα and IL-6 have significant effects on NPH levels.Conclusions: Our study showed that SGLT2i alleviate nephrin loss and enhance TGF-β1 excretion in urine in T2DM with albuminuria. The anti-albuminuric effect of SGLT2i could be attributed to mitigating podocyte apoptosis and attenuating renal fibrosis.Trial registration: This clinical trial has been registered on September 30, 2019 in ClinicalTrials.gov and the registry number is NCT04127084.
Healthier Energy Balance Behaviors Most Important for Health-Related Quality of Life in Rural Cancer Survivors in Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Olson Jenny L. , Robertson Michael , Chen Minxing , Conroy David E. , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Mama Scherezade K.
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Rural cancer survivors experience poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than urban cancer survivors. Lifestyle behaviors can improve HRQoL; however, the combination of behaviors most important for HRQoL in rural survivors is unclear. This study aimed to identify clusters of lifestyle behaviors in rural cancer survivors, and differences in HRQoL between behavioral clusters. Methods: Rural cancer survivors in the United States (N = 219) completed a cross-sectional survey. Lifestyle behaviors were classified into unhealthy/healthy binary categories (i.e., inactive/active, longer/shorter sedentary time, excessive/acceptable fat intake, very low/higher fruit and vegetable intake, some/no alcohol consumption, poor/good sleep quality). Behavioral clusters were identified by latent class analysis. Differences between behavioral clusters and HRQoL were assessed by ordinary-least-squares regression. Results: The two-class model demonstrated the best fit and interpretability. The ‘mostly unhealthy behaviors’ class (38.5% of sample) had higher probabilities of all unhealthy behaviors, except alcohol consumption. The ‘healthier energy balance’ class (61.5% of sample) had higher probabilities of active, shorter sedentary, higher fruit and vegetable, excessive fat intake, some alcohol consumption, and poor sleep categories, and reported better HRQoL. Conclusion: The combination of healthier energy balance behaviors appears to be particularly relevant for HRQoL in rural cancer survivors. Multiple behavior change interventions to improve HRQoL in rural cancer survivors should focus on supporting energy balance behaviors. Many rural cancer survivors may lead very unhealthy lifestyles, placing them at high risk of adverse outcomes. This sub-population should be prioritized to help alleviate cancer health disparities.
Coupling of silicon and carbon cycling influences CO2 exchange between the oceans and atmosphere
Authors: Akagi Tasuku , Nishino Hirotaka
Published: April 2022

The processes whereby remineralization of dissolved or particulate organic carbon occurs in the oceans are poorly understood. We show that oceanic distribution of total inorganic carbon, TIC, is correlated with silicic acid concentration in deep water over a wide area, for a given concentration of other nutrients. Examination of existing datasets reveals that the attendant slope (ΔTIC/ΔSi) range is ~ 0.4−0.8. This C-Si stoichiometric relationship necessitates a re-evaluation of the cycling of oceanic Si and C and the factors that determine whether ocean water is a CO2 source or sink. Silicic acid in the deep ocean derives from weathering of silicate minerals, with aqueous CO2 consumption balanced by the oxidation of organic carbon, perhaps microbially. In the deep ocean, aeolian dust – rather than fluvial input – is probably the major source of silicic acid. The CO2 balance between “CO2 absorbing” dust weathering and “CO2 releasing” organic carbon oxidation governs CO2 exchange between the ocean and atmosphere. The C-Si stoichiometry collapses in upwelling areas of the North Pacific and Southern Oceans, resulting in the release of CO2 from those regions.
Performance comparison of different approaches in genotyping MHC-DRB: the contrast between single-locus and multi-locus species
Authors: Svetličić Ida , Konjević Dean , Bužan Elena , Bujanić Miljenko , Duniš Luka , Stipoljev Sunčica , Martinčić Jelena , Šurina Mihaela , Galov Ana
Published: April 2022

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are widely recognised as valuable markers for wildlife genetic studies given their extreme polymorphism and functional importance in fitness-related traits. Newly developed genotyping methods, which rely on the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS), are gradually replacing traditional cloning and Sanger sequencing methods in MHC genotyping studies. Allele calling in NGS methods remains challenging due to extreme polymorphism and locus multiplication in the MHC coupled with allele amplification bias and generation of artificial sequences. In this study, we compared the performance of molecular cloning with Illumina and Ion Torrent NGS sequencing in MHC-DRB genotyping of single-locus species (roe deer) and species with multiple DRB loci (red deer) in an attempt to adopt a reliable and straightforward method for future deer genotyping projects. For high-throughput data processing, we applied the Amplicon Sequencing Analysis Tools aiming to avoid complex bioinformatic analyses. Our results show that all methods work similarly well in roe deer, but we demonstrate non-consistency in results across methods in red deer. With Illumina sequencing, we detected a maximum number of alleles in 10 red deer individuals (42), regardless of the number of reads used for data analysis. Other methods were somewhat less accurate as they scored 69–81% of alleles detected with Illumina sequencing.
Imperatorin derivative OW1, a new vasoactive compound, attenuates cell proliferation and migration by inhibiting Nox1-mediated oxidative stress
Authors: Zhou Nan , Yong Suyun , Shi Xianpeng , Zhang Peng , Wang Jianhua
Published: April 2022

Background: Vascular remodeling is the common pathological basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In previous studies, we identified a new imperatorin derivative, OW1, that had significant effects on vasodilation and inhibited vascular remodeling. OW1 reduced blood pressure and microvascular remodeling in thoracic aorta, heart, and kidney, and inhibited peroxide levels in serum from hypertensive rats. Blood shear stress and Ang II induced increases in ROS levels that were dependent on Nox1 activation. In the present study, we investigated whether OW1 could inhibit vascular cell proliferation and migration through attenuation of Nox1-ROS signaling. Methods and results: OW1 (1, 3, 10 µmol/L) inhibited Ang II-induced increases in peroxidation levels (LPO, SOD and ROS levels) in VSMCs and HUVECs. Ang II-induced increases in mRNA and protein levels of Noxs (Nox1, p22phox, p47phox, NoxA1/p67phox, and Nox2/gp91phox) in VSMCs and HUVECs were also inhibited by OW1. Besides, OW1 attenuated cell proliferation and migration through the MAPK pathway and MMPs in HUVEC. However, OW1 treatment had no significant effects on cell migration, ROS levels and the expression of phosphorylated MAPKs in VSMCs when Nox1 gene knockout. OW1-mediated downregulation of ROS levels and the expression of phosphorylated MAPKs in NIH3T3 cells with a Nox1 overexpression plasmid. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that Ang II induced VSMC/HUVEC proliferation and migration via increases in Nox1 and intracellular peroxide levels. OW1 might inhibit vascular remodeling through downregulation of the Nox1-ROS-MAPK/MMP signaling pathways. OW1 is expected to serve as a new therapeutic target associated with peroxide levels for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Comparison of next-generation sequencing and cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2 in detecting EGFR mutations
Authors: Murakami Shuji , Yokose Tomoyuki , Shinada Kanako , Isaka Testuya , Katakura Seigo , Ushio Ryouta , Kondo Tetsuro , Kato Terufumi , Ito Hiroyuki , Saito Haruhiro
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Targeting oncogenic driver mutations, such as sensitizing mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR), significantly improves the prognosis of patients with advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC). As the number of genetic mutations that must be tested increases, the Oncomine Dx Target Test (ODxTT), which can simultaneously detect multiple cancer-related genes, is becoming the main test used, in preference to single-molecule testing. In this study, we evaluated the performance of ODxTT and cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2 (cobas® EGFR), one of the single-molecule tests, in detecting EGFR mutations.Materials and methods: Samples from 211 patients who had been diagnosed with NS-NSCLC were tested simultaneously or sequentially with the cobas® EGFR Mutation Test and ODxTT. We compared the success rates and detection rates of both tests and evaluated their equivalence by determining the concordance rate and k-coefficient of the two tests.Results: The success rate in detecting EGFR mutations was 95.7% for ODxTT and 100% for cobas® EGFR. EGFR mutations were detected in 26.5% of samples with ODxTT and in 28.0% with cobas® EGFR. For the 200 samples successfully analyzed with both tests, the concordance rate and k-coefficient were 97.5% and 0.938, respectively. ODxTT failed to detect two exon 19 deletion mutations (p.E746_P753delinsVS and p.E746_P753delinsLS), and cobas® EGR failed to detect three instances of an exon 19 deletion (p.L747_P753delinsS), L861R, and an exon 20 insertion (p.P772_H733insV).Discussion: The success rate of ODxTT is slightly inferior to that of cobas® EGFR. ODxTT shared a high concordance rate and k-coefficient with cobas® EGFR in detecting EGFR mutations, but discordant results between the two tests were observed in a few cases, mainly due to the difference of detectable EGFR variants. Therefore, the advantages and limitations of each test must be clarified to ensure that genomic testing methods are used properly.
Predicting and Developing Mine Water Quality Index using Data Mining Techniques and Mathematical Approach
Authors: Singh Kulshresth , Mukhopadhyay Sudipta , Banerjee Indrajit
Published: April 2022

This study shows how to use data mining techniques to anticipate and develop a mine water quality index. This study also illustrates the mathematical expression for calculating the mine water quality index and evaluating the anticipated model using a quantitative method. The prediction framework used traditional classification and regression data mining approaches to describe water quality. The test has been carried out using historical real-time monitoring data sets. A k-fold cross-validation approach has been utilized to create predictive environment learning and testing models. The accuracy rate of the "decision trees" was determined to be 97.30 % and 99.50 %, respectively, based on the findings of the validation of the training and test models, which is greater than the other classification techniques. MAE, RMSE, MSE, and R-squared metrics were calculated to measure prediction accuracies and model performance in regression analysis. This study's R-squared value is 1, indicating that the regression model is free of errors. This study shows that data mining techniques may accurately forecast the Mine Water Quality Index.
Kidney stone management in the era of miniaturized PCNL: Does it improve safety?
Authors: Sakly Aymen , Zakhama Walid , Chafik Anas , Manita Mouez , Mnasser Aymen , Binous Yassine
Published: April 2022

Objectif: The aim of this study is to compare the safety and the outcomes of standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sPCNL) vs mini-PCNL (mPCNL).Methods: We conducted a retrospective comparative study over a 2-year period of all consecutive patients who underwent sPCNL or mPCNL for 2-4 cm renal stones. Patients with active urinary tract infection, abnormal coagulopathy state, malformative uropathies and multi-tract-access procedures were excluded. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon in the supine-modified position. In total, 90 patients underwent sPCNL using a 30 Fr access sheath with 24Fr nephroscope while 52 patients underwent mPCNL using a minimally invasive PCNL system: 12 Fr nephroscope and a 16.5/17.5F access sheath after one single step dilation. Blood loss estimation was assessed postoperatively after 6 hours by considering hemoglobin drop and blood transfusion if required. Stone free rate (SFR) at one month was defined by the absence of stone or residual fragments ≤ 3mm on CT-scan.Results: Stone characteristics were comparable in both treatment arms. The mean stone size was comparable for sPCNL and mPCNL groups (32.6 ± 10.8 mm vs 29.4 ± 11.8 mm). Operative time was longer in the mPCNL group (124 ± 40.4 min vs 95.8 ± 32.3 min, p<0.001). According to the Clavien–Dindo classification, no statistical difference was found between the groups in terms of complication rate (p=0.092). However, the mean of hemoglobin drop and transfusion rate were significantly in favor of mPCNL (1.43 ± 1.5 g/dcL vs 0.88 ± 1.4 g/dcL, p=0.04). Hospital stay was found to be significantly shorter for patients undergoing mPCNL (4.4 ± 3.9 days vs 2.7 ± 1.7 days, p<0.001). The success rate in the sPCNL group was higher than mPCNL group in terms of stone clearance at one month, but this difference was not statistically significant (69.4% vs 62.7%, p=0.06).Conclusion: Both standard and minimally invasive PCNL have shown good outcomes in the treatment of renal stones ≥ 20 mm. Although the SFR was equal for both techniques, hospital stay, bleeding and transfusion rate are much lower with the use of mPCNL.
Underfive Mortality and Associated Factors among Children Born from 15-49 Years Old Mothers in Haramaya Town, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed , Demena Melake , Teklemariam Zelalem , Desalew Assefa , Assefa Nega
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUNDGlobally, since 2000, a decline in the underfive mortality rate has been recorded, indicating that over 50 million children’s lives have been saved. More than 80 countries globally, specifically 69 developing nations, have reduced the underfive mortality by half since 2000. In the eastern part of Ethiopia, evidence from the Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System in the Kersa district of East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, suggested a decline in the underfive mortality rate from 131.8 per 1000 live births in 2008 to 77.4 per 1000 live births in 2013. The death rates still remain far from the Sustainable Development Goals’ target reduction to 25 or less per 1000 live births by 2030. However, the magnitude and determinants of underfive mortalities have not been studied in Haramaya town.OBJECTIVETo assess the underfive mortality rate and its associated factors among children born from 7th August 2015 to 6th August 2020 in Haramaya town, east Ethiopia, by 7th–31st August 2020.METHODOLOGYA quantitative cross-sectional population-based study was conducted on 391 pairs of 15- to 49-year-old mothers and their live-born underfive children selected using a systematic random sampling technique from Haramaya town to compare child mortality between the <=24 and >=25 mother’s age groups. Data were collected using an interview-based questionnaire, double entered into EpiData 3.1, and then exported to the statistical package for social sciences program version 20.0 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis (p value <0.20) was performed to examine the crude association of predictors with underfive mortality, and then multiple logistic regression analysis (p value <0.05) was performed to measure the statistical association.RESULTSThe deaths of 28 out of 372 live births resulted in an underfive mortality rate of 75 per 1000 live births. Children born in households with fewer than 6 members had 7. 98 times higher odds of dying than those born in households with at least 6 members (AOR =7.98, 95% CI =1.59-40.17). Those children who did not feed colostrum were associated with a 17.45 times increased risk of underfive deaths compared to colostrum-fed children (AOR =17.45, 95% CI =6.54-46.55).CONCLUSIONThe study suggests that 75 per 1000 live births die before celebrating their fifth birth day. Household size and colostrum feeding are significantly associated factors.RECOMMENDATIONAll concerned should inform the mothers of the role of identified factors such as household size and colostrum feeding in child survival.
relações brasileiro-paraguaias de Dilma a Temer (2011-2018)
Authors: Espósito Neto Tomaz , Franchi Tássio
Published: April 2022

Brasil e Paraguai iniciaram uma “parceria estratégica”, com reflexos positivos em diversos setores; O presente artigo pretende examinar a evolução dessa parceria, apresentando um panorama das relações brasileiro-paraguaias entre 2011 e 2018, com o objetivo de analisar suas inflexões e continuidades. Trabalha-se com a hipótese de que houve uma alteração no viés da parceria, com aumento das temáticas econômico-comerciais e de securitização. Isso se deveu a fatores como a mudança no perfil da liderança política, passando pela crise política nos dois paísesà. O método utilizado foi o process tracing, com base em fontes selecionadas.
Continuous and efficient oil/water separation by special wettability granular filter media
Authors: Hongwei Zhang , Junye Qi , Yinglong Che , Shide Man , Jianlin Liu , Bigui Wei
Published: April 2022

To improve the separation efficiency of the oil/water mixture and simplify the separation process, a superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic quartz sand filter media (PR@QS) was prepared by coating potato residue onto the quartz sand surface, and an oil/water mixture separator containing two horizontally placed filter columns and one inlet chamber was proposed. One filter column was filled with the PR@QS, and the other column was filled with the superhydrophobic/superoleophilic quartz sand filter media. The experimental results showed that the separation efficiencies of five kinds of oil/water mixtures (petroleum ether, engine oil, diesel oil, cyclohexane, and methylene chloride) were up to 99.4%. Except for engine oil, the hydraulic conductivities of the other four oils and water are all greater than 3.5 m/h. When the filter layer is invaded by the lyophobic liquid, its filtration performance can be restored by backwashing. In summary, the separator can separate oil/water mixtures continuously and efficiently without filter contamination. Therefore, it has a broad prospect for practical application.
Tissue Drug Concentration
Authors: Fagiolino Pietro , Vázquez Marta
Published: April 2022

Blood flow enables the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the different tissues of the human body. Drugs follow the same route as oxygen and nutrients; thus, drug concentrations in tissues are highly dependent on the blood flow fraction delivered to each of these tissues.
Although the free drug concentration in blood is considered to correlate with pharmacodynamics, the pharmacodynamics of a drug is actually primarily commanded by the concentrations of drug in the aqueous spaces of bodily tissues. However, the concentrations of drug are not homogeneous throughout the tissues, and they rarely reflect the free drug concentration in the blood. This heterogeneity is due to differences in the blood flow fraction delivered to the tissues and also due to membrane transporters, efflux pumps, and metabolic enzymes. The rate of drug elimination from the body (systemic elimination) depends more on the driving force of drug elimination than on the free concentration of drug at the site from which the drug is being eliminated. In fact, the actual free drug concentration in the tissues results from the balance between the input and output rates. In the present paper, we develop a theoretical concept regarding solute partition between intravascular and extravascular spaces; discuss experimental research on aqueous/non-aqueous solute partitioning and clinical research on microdialysis; and present hypotheses to predict in-vivo elimination using parameters of in-vitro metabolism.
Male Reproductive Dysfunction and Pharmacological Action of Curcumin:
A Concise Review
Authors: Rotimi Damilare E. , Kayode Omowumi T. , Adeyemi Oluyomi S.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Male reproductive dysfunctions are the results of the malfunctioning of one or more of these cellular components due to several factors among which are exposure to heavy metals, reactive oxygen species, smoking and alcohol, genital infection, lifestyle, hormonal disorders, and unhealthy diet. However, it has been widely reported that curcumin possesses pharmacological potential which could ameliorate the effects of these factors on male reproductive dysfunctions.

Introduction:

This review discusses the pharmacological activities of curcumin about its ameliorating effects on male reproductive dysfunction especially on induced sperm disorders, steroidogenic toxicity, immune-regulatory activity, apoptotic toxicity, and oxidative toxicity, along with their possible mechanisms on male reproductive dysfunction.

Method:

The terms such as "Curcumin" together with "testis", "sperm", " male reproductive function", and "testosterone" were searched on Google Scholar, Pubmed, and Scopus. Relevant literature was also assessed.

Result:

Curcumin mitigated the adverse effects on hormone levels, cellular apoptotic activity, oxidative stress, and histopathological damages. Curcumin also inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, increased semen quality, sperm motility, and concentration, and restored the IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1 level in the reproductive tissues. Furthermore, curcumin has been shown to increase mRNA, cytoplasmic Bcl-2, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD and Nrf2 expression, ɣ-GCS, and GSH-Px levels, the number of TUNEL-positive cells, and to reduce levels of LDH-x, and LDH activities.

Conclusion:

Curcumin exerts pharmacological activities which improved the male reproductive functions as it pinpoints how curcumin affects various testicular processes. This will be imperative as a measure to enhance male fertility.