bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salvage stereotactic body radiation therapy for locally recurrent prostate cancer following primary radiation therapy, are benefits worth toxicity risk?: A systematic review
Authors: Bray Gerard , Bahadori Arya
Published: April 2022

Salvage stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for local prostate cancer recurrence following radiation therapy remains controversial. Salvage SBRT may cure disease recurrence however receives criticism as it carries with it risks of severe genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity. We performed a systematic review to assess the efficacy and side effects profile of salvage SBRT for locally recurrent prostate cancer to assess the role of salvage SBRT in clinical practice. A systematic review was carried out using Pubmed (MEDLINE) and Scopus databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were satisfied, and those studies included were quality assessed using the ROBINS-I checklist. Five studies in total met criteria for inclusion. Median doses for SBRT ranged from 30Gy to 36Gy delivered over 5 to 6 fractions. Recurrence free survival ranged from 40% to 76% at 2 years. Genitourinary toxicity was more prevalent than gastrointestinal toxicities. Grade 2 and 3 genitourinary complication rates ranged from 5 – 22% and 0 to 9% respectively. Gastrointestinal grade 2 complication rates ranged from 0 to 11% and no grade 3 complications were recorded. Lower dose SBRT generally was associated with less gastrointestinal and genitourinary side effects however had inferior recurrence free survival rates. This systematic review serves as one of the first to characterise SBRT as a salvage option for locally recurrent prostate cancer. Further large-scale prospective studies are required to guide whether the benefits outweigh the risk profile.
Ultrasound-guided the stellate ganglion block relieved the stress responses and improved early postoperative sleep in elderly patients after thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer
Authors: Gu Cuifang , Liu Xi , Lv Aijun , Ma Shasha , Hu Huan , Liu Lu , Li Xuan , Cheng Xiangyang
Published: April 2022

Background: Thoracoscopic surgery is one of the main methods for the treatment of lung cancer. Most patients had severe sleep disorders after surgery, which affected the rapid recovery of patients. Postoperative sleep disturbance may be associated with strong stress responses. Our study was to evaluate the effects of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on stress responses and early postoperative sleep for the aging with lung cancer after thoracoscopic surgery.Methods: 92 eligible elderly people were included and randomly divided into the SGB group and control group. Before anesthesia induction, The patients in SGB group were given 0.5% ropivacaine 7ml to the stellate ganglion site , while scanned the stellate ganglion block site in the control group. We needed to monitor the sleep duration, N3 sleep stage and sleep efficiency index by BIS-Vista monitor at various time points. We also needed to recorded AIS score, VAS score, the concentration of cortisol, norepinephrine and 6-HMS at various time points.Results: Most of patients had insomnia after surgery in the both groups , but compared with the control group, patients in the SGB group showed longer sleep duration and N3 stage sleep, higher sleep efficiency index, lower AIS score, and higher concentration of 6-hydroxysulfate melatonin in urina sanguinis. In addition, the SGB treatment inhibited HPA and SAM axis, alleviated stress responses. And patients in the SGB group had lower concentration of cortisol and norepinephrine after surgery.Conclusions: The SGB treatment relieved the stress responses and improved the early postoperative sleep of elderly patients with lung cancer after thoracoscopic surgery.
Transcription factor Foxp1 stimulates angiogenesis in adult rat after myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Dinghui , Liu Bin , Xiong Tianhua , Yu Wenlong , Yang Huiping , Wang Jing , Jing Xiaodong , She Qiang
Published: April 2022

Background: Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death and major socioeconomic burden worldwide. The ischemia and hypoxia caused by the sudden occlusion of the main coronary arteries lead to myocardial infarction, leading to hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes and left ventricular dilatation, which eventually develops into heart failure. Timely and effective revascularization is extremely important for saving the infarcted myocardium and improving heart function.Purpose: To explore the effect of transcription factor Foxp1 on angiogenesis after myocardial infarction from two levels of in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods: The myocardial infarction model was established in male SD rats to detect FoxP1 expression; lentivirus carrying FoxP1 interfering RNA was injected by multi-point method for 4 weeks, and tissue immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical experiments were performed to observe myocardial endothelial cell proliferation and collagen deposition. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured in a hypoxic cell incubator to detect the expression changes of FoxP1 transcription level and protein level at different time points; Lentiviruses carrying specific FoxP1 gene interfering RNAs were used to transfect HUVECs, and cells were used for transfection. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to detect the proliferation ability of HUVEC in different groups; meanwhile, cell scratch assay was used to detect the migration ability of HUVEC of different groups and tubule formation experiment to observe the tube formation ability.Results: The myocardial infarction rat model was successfully established. Compared with the sham-operated group, immunofluorescence experiments showed that the expression of FoxP1 was significantly increased. After the lentivirus of FoxP1 interfering RNA was injected into myocardial infarction rats, the expression of FoxP1 decreased, endothelial cell proliferation decreased, and collagen deposition increased. Angiogenesis is reduced. When HUVECs were treated in a 5% hypoxia incubator, it was found that the expression of FoxP1 in endothelial cells increased within 24 hours. After transfection of HUVECs with FoxP1 interfering RNA lentivirus, their proliferation, migration and tube formation abilities decreased significantly.Conclusions: Hypoxia can promote the expression level of endothelial cells FoxP1 to a certain extent; foxp1 may promote the formation of new blood vessels in the infarct area by promoting endothelial cell proliferation and inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis after myocardial infarction. FoxP1 may provide a promising therapeutic target by promoting effective angiogenesis in the treatment of myocardial infarction.
Evaluating the Spidey sense: The metacognition of intuition
Authors: Lufityanto Galang , Pearson Joel
Published: April 2022

The notion of intuition is a common phenomenological description of how people feel they make some decisions. Although previous work has demonstrated an objective lab-based method to measure intuition, it remains unknown how such objective data might be related to real-world phenomenology of intuition, such as metacognition. To investigate this, we compared performance in an objective lab-based intuition task and its physiological responses with off-line self-report measures of intuitive thinking. We found that intuitive phenomenology was positively correlated with objective intuition and physiology in the lab-based task. Further, we found that those categorized as ‘intuitive thinkers’ performed better on the lab-based intuition task, relative to ‘rational thinkers’. Interestingly, individuals categorized as neither intuitive nor rational thinkers demonstrated decisional adaptability in their degree of intuition, depending on the availability of conscious evidence. These findings support a link between objective psychophysical lab-based measures, physiology, and subjective phenomenology of intuition in decision making: good metacognition.
Production of limonene from textile and cardboard wastes establishes a proof of concept for the sustainable production of terpenes.
Authors: Zebec Žiga , Poberžnik Mojca , Scrutton Nigel S. , Lobnik Aleksandra
Published: April 2022

Cellulose containing textiles (cotton) and cardboard/carton-based wastes represent a large pool of untapped organic carbon. These wastes have enormous potential for utilization as carbon feedstocks in industrial biotechnology processes. Essentially, cotton/cardboard (CC) waste is pure cellulose (with some additives) in the form of polymerised glucose composed of β (1→4) linked D-glucose subunits. CC waste materials can be enzymatically hydrolysed to monomers of D-glucose in aqueous solution, to form ‘glucose juice’, which can then be fermented to bio-ethanol. In principle, value added chemicals could also be produced from glucose juice. Bioconversion of CC waste to other compounds of importance to industry could form the basis of environmentally attractive production routes. Terpenes are one of the largest and most diverse classes of natural compounds, and are of value to industry as they have a wide range of applications as flavourings, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, bio-pesticides and biofuels. Here, we investigated the bioconversion of CC waste to the exemplar terpene limonene as a proof-of-concept. Six different CC waste streams were enzymatically hydrolysed to glucose juice and used to produce limonene by fermentation of an engineered E. coli microbial cell factory. D-glucose content was determined in the glucose juice, and then metabolized by E. coli using an engineered heterogenic biolipid synthesis pathway (the mevalonate pathway) to produce limonene (300–700 mg L− 1), which was then partitioned into a nonane overlay. This study establishes an important proof-of-concept for terpene production from hydrolysed CC waste streams.
Characterization of Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in Orchidectomized Insulin-resistant Rats
Authors: Akinbampe Monsurat A. , Abayomi Taiwo Adekemi , Opuwari C. S , Falana Benedict
Published: April 2022

BackgroundAndrogen deprivation can be achieved through testosterone antagonists (chemical castration) with or without orchidectomy. There is this hypothesis that stipulates that testesterone exerts supreme effects on synaptic plasticity, however low testosterone has been linked to type- 2 diabetics mellitus, insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the cellular changes that occur from bilateral orchidectomy and examine the effects of androgen deprivation, orchidectomy and flutamide administration on the histoarchitectural organization of the hippocampus in male Wistar rats. MethodologyThirty-six (36) adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into into six (6) groups: Control group (distilled water),orchidectomy group (bilateral orchidectomy), flutamide group (oral 10mg,20mg), orchidectomy+flutamide. Animals were sacrificed at 30 days respectively. ResultsThe total plasma; testesterone, insulin levels, fasting blood glucose, and nitric oxide were assayed; the homeostasis model for insulin resistance was also calculated. Histological examinations by Hematoxylin and Eosin(H&E) and Cresyl fast violet (CFV), while immunohistochemical analysis of astrocytes were performed using Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Results of study show that androgen deprived insulin-resistance state primarily affects fasting blood glucose and lead to increases in the level of serum insulin, glucose and nitric oxide and caused a decrease in serum testosterone levels. The hippocampal response to flutamide was unaffected by blockade of intracerebral estrogen biosynthesis. In comparison flutamide alone increased CA1 spine synapse density also whereas in combination the effects of flutamide+orchidectomy were additive rather than inhibitory. ConclusionHistopathological results showed that flutamide significantly restored the histological damage of rat brain in flutamide treatment+ orchidectomy.
Enhancing classification performance of binary class imbalanced Data for Weather Forecasting using Machine Learning Classifiers
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Yadav Anil Kumar , Jha SK , Pathak Pawan Kumar
Published: April 2022

Drastic change in climatic conditions is a very big and challenging task for people around the globe. Most of the biological, constructional, transportation and agricultural sectors get affected due to uneven weather conditions, i.e. flood, rainfall, drought, etc. As part of the weather system, rainfall being most prominent phenomena, its rate is treated as one of the most important variables. Meteorological scientists try to identify the parameters of the atmosphere such as temperature, sunshine, cloudiness and humidity of the earth by applying conventional techniques and developing a prediction model. These days, Machine Learning (ML) techniques are more evolving and give more accurate results than the traditional approaches. ML is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) which is used in this paper for predicting the next day's rainfall from the past 10 year’s weather dataset of Australia. This paper presents the ML classifiers such as Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Light Gradient Boost Machine (LGBM), Cat Boost (CB), and Extreme Gradient Boost (XGB) to predict the rainfall of the next day. The Python software package having an inbuilt library like Pandas, Numpy Scikitlearn, and Matplotlib is extensively used for data management, mathematical computation, ML modeling, and visualization tools, respectively. This is followed by sequential stages of data visualization, training, testing, modeling, and cross-validation. The evaluation metrics like Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve, recall, accuracy, precision, and Cohen kappa are used to check the performance of ML algorithms.
The Evolution of the COVID-19 Pandemic Through the Lens of Google Searches
Authors: Marty Robert , Maqueda Manuel Ramos , Khan Nausheen , Reichert Arndt
Published: April 2022

Real-time data is essential for policymakers to adapt to a rapidly evolving situation like the COVID-19 pandemic. Relying on Google search interest data across 207 countries and territories, we demonstrate the capacity of publicly-available, real-time data to anticipate COVID-19 cases; evaluate the economic, mental health, and social impacts of containment policies; and identify demand for (mis)information about COVID-19 vaccines. We show that: (1) search interest in COVID-specific symptoms can anticipate rising COVID-19 cases across both high- and low-income settings; (2) countries with more restrictive containment policies experienced larger socio-economic externalities; in addition, lower-income countries experienced less searches for unemployment, but more pronounced mental health externalities; and (3) high vaccination rates are associated with strong demand for information about vaccine appointments and side effects; in some settings, high interest in misinformation search terms is associated with low vaccination rates. Overall, the results demonstrate that real-time search interest data can be a valuable tool for both high- and low-income countries to inform policies across multiple stages of the pandemic.
Computed tomography evaluation of skeletal muscle quality and quantity in morbidly obese individuals with and without metabolic abnormality
Authors: Kwon Soon Hyo , Oh Eunsun , Cho Nam-Jun , Kang Heemin , Kim Sang Hyun , Park Hyeong Kyu
Published: April 2022

We investigated the differences in quantity and quality of skeletal muscle between metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) individuals using abdominal CT. One hundred and seventy-two morbidly obese individuals who underwent bariatric surgery and 64 healthy control individuals participated in this retrospective study. We divided the obese individuals into an MHO and MUO group. CT evaluation of muscle quantity (at the level of the third lumbar vertebra [L3]) was performed by calculating muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), which was normalized to patient height to produce skeletal muscle index (SMI). Muscle quality was assessed as skeletal muscle density (SMD), which was calculated from CT muscle attenuation. To characterize intramuscular composition, muscle attenuation was classified into three categories using Hounsfield unit (HU) thresholds: -190 HU to -30 HU for intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), -29 to + 29 HU for low attenuation muscle (LAM), and + 30 to + 150 HU for normal attenuation muscle (NAM). Morbidly obese individuals comprised 24 (14%) MHO individuals and 148 (86%) MUO individuals. The mean age of the participants was 39.7 ± 12.5 years, and 154 (65%) participants were women. MUO individuals had a significantly greater total skeletal muscle CSA than MHO individuals in the model that adjusted for all variables. Total skeletal muscle SMI, SMD, NAM index, LAM index, and IMAT index did not differ between MHO and MUO individuals for all adjusted models. Total skeletal muscle at the L3 level was not different in muscle quantity, quality, or intramuscular composition between the MHO and MUO individuals, based on CT evaluation.
The Association of FKBP5 Gene Methylation, Adolescents’ Sex, and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Adolescents: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Li Wenyan , Wang Wanxin , Lai Wenjian , Li Xiuwen , Zhu Liwan , Shi Jingman , Teopiz Kayla M. , McIntyre Roger S. , Guo Lan , Lu Ciyong
Published: April 2022

Background:Depressive symptoms among adolescents are a serious health concern around the world. Altered DNA methylation in the FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene has been reported to regulate stress response, which has been reported to be closely associated with depressive symptoms. However, most of the contributing studies have been conducted among adults and relatively few studies have considered the effect of disparate social influences and sex differences on the DNA methylation of FKBP5 in persons with depressive symptoms. The present study aimed to test the associations of FKBP5 DNA methylation and depressive symptoms among adolescents and explore possible sex differences in the foregoing associations.Methods:This study was conducted using a nested case-control design within a longitudinal cohort study from January 2019 to December 2019. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years from 69 classes in 10 public high schools located in Guangdong province of China participated in this research. Students with depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up were randomly selected as the case group, and those without depressive symptoms were treated as the control group. Our study finally included 87 cases and 151 controls matched for age.Results:The overall DNA methylation trend of FKBP5 CpG sites in the case group was lower in comparison to the control group. Compared to healthy controls, lower methylation percentage of FKBP5-12 CpG 1 was observed in adolescents with depressive symptoms after adjusting for covariates (case: 0.94 ± 2.00, control: 0.47 ± 0.92; F = 5.41, P = 0.021). However, the hypomethylation of FKBP5-12 CpG 1 was approaching significance after adjustment for social-environmental factors (aOR = 0.77; P = 0.055), which indicated that hypomethylation of FKBP5 CpG sites may not be an independent risk factor for depressive symptoms in our sample. In addition, in the present study, we were unable to identify sex differences in the association of FKBP5 gene methylation with depressive symptoms.Conclusions:The decreased methylation level of FKBP5 was observed in adolescents with depressive symptoms. Our results presented here are preliminary and underscore the complex gene-environment interactions relevant to the risk for depressive symptoms.
Performance Evaluation of Free Hole Transport Layer CsPbI3 Perovskite Solar cells
Authors: AbdElAziz Hadeer
Published: April 2022

Full inorganic cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) HTL free transport layer is investigated and simulated using SCAPS. The aim of the study is to investigate the optimum performance of the device structure. Using DFT study, the optical refractive index and reflectivity of CsPbI3 are calculated. Further investigation of the device performance with changing parameters like metal back contact, absorber thickness, acceptor density, and defect density. The solar cell device has the optimum performance with Selenium as a back contact. The solar cell device structure of (FTO/ZnO/CsPbI3/Se) with Voc of 1.34 V, Jsc of 19.75 mA/cm2, an FF of 87.5%, and PCE of 23.25% are acquired for the proposed HTL-free CsPbI3-based PSC. The simulation study will be a guide in fabricating low cost highly efficient HTL free inorganic CsPbI3 solar cells.
Long-term nitrogen and phosphorus additions change community diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and crop yield are mainly determined by Glomus and Paraglomus in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Li Chunyue , Zhang Wenting , Wang Yi , Miao Yu , Chang Shun , Kou Zhaoyang , Li Qianxue , Dang Tinghui
Published: April 2022

Aims
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can form mutualistic symbiosis with more than 80% of plant roots on land, playing an important role in promoting plant growth. Similarly, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition, a common fertilization practice in the Loess Plateau, China, can improve crop yield, and further has an important effect on soil microbial community. However, the potential effects of long-term N and P addition on AMF community structure in farmland system in loess arid region are still unclear.
Methods
Based on the Changwu Agricultural Ecology Experimental Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this study set three N and P concentration gradients: low (0 kg hm− 2), medium (90 kg hm− 2) and high (180 kg hm− 2), and carried out a 3 × 3 complete interaction experiment with 9 treatments, which were CK, N12, N24, P12, N12P12, N24P12, P24, N12P24, N24P24. In this study, we combined high-throughput sequencing technology with traditional biochemical methods to analyze the composition and structural diversity of AMF community. Besides, correlation analysis between AMF community composition, soil environmental factors and crop yield was also preformed.
Results
Our results showed that AMF community diversity increased significantly under the N and P interaction. The AMF community composition was differentiated by N and P additions across the concentration gradients, driven mostly by the available phosphorus (AP), total phosphorus (TP) and pH as the main environmental factors. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between Glomus and wheat yield, Paraglomus opposite.
Conclusions
Long-term N and P addition not only directly increased the crop yield, but also affected wheat yield indirectly by affecting soil physicochemical properties and AMF community diversity. Rational N and P application could improve the ecological and physiological functions of AMF community, which was of positive significance for improving crop yield and agricultural sustainable development.
Life Story Book to Enhance Communication in People with Dementia: A Systematic Review of Reviews
Authors: Subramaniam Ponnusamy , Thillainathan Preyaangka , Ghani Nur Amirah Mat , Sharma Shobha
Published: April 2022

Background: Life Story Book (LSB) has been commonly used in promoting person-centred care in elderly care especially for people with dementia. This involves collecting the life stories and memories and then being compiled to produce a tangible output, usually a book often termed the Life Story Book. However, the use, benefits and the influences of Life Story Book in dementia care is still scarce and requires an overall review. The aim of this systematic review is to collect past reviews and provide a thorough overview on the use, benefits, and impact of the Life Story Book for the person with dementia, the relatives, family and caregivers. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science as well as grey literature through Google Scholar were searched to select the relevant studies. Results: Seven studies that meet the inclusion criteria were selected and data was synthesised. Findings revealed that the use of the Life Story Book has no specific guidelines and has been described with numerous characteristics and varied methods of implementation. The Life Story Book intervention is found to provide significant positive outcomes for the person with dementia and the carers involved. Six out of the seven studies reported that Life Story Book enhanced communication between persons with dementia, relatives, care staff and residents. Conclusion: The review extends the current evidence on the usage of the Life Story Book in dementia care and confirms that the use of life stories leads to better care in various setting. However, more research is needed to reveal the potential of Life Story Book in enhancing communication and the guideline or training for staff and carers to deliver the intervention.
Prognostic implications of MUC1 and XBP1 concordant expression in multiple myeloma: A retrospective study
Authors: Rajput Sheerien , Minhas Khurram , Azam Iqbal , Shaikh Usman , Lalani El-Nasir
Published: April 2022

Background:Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease of malignant plasma cells (PC) with poor survival. Disease progression and treatment relapse are attributed to MM cancer stem cells (CSCs) and signaling molecules such as MUC1 and XBP1. The prognostic value of the expression of CSC associated biomarkers, MUC1 and XBP1 in MM, has not been explored previouslyMethod:In this study, we determined the immunohistochemical expression of CSC markers (ALDH1, CD117 and CD34), MUC1 and XBP1in 128 MM formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded bone marrow archival blocks. The expression of biomarkers was assessed for association with clinicopathological variables and the overall survival of patients. Descriptive & initial univariate survival analyses were performed using Kaplan Meier curves. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed using simple and multiple Cox regression models. The results are reported as crude & adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results :Expression of ALDH1 and CD117 was found in 51% and 48% of the tumors, respectively. ALDH1 expression was associated with 1.83 years of reduced survival for patients with CD56 negative tumors. MUC1 expression was observed in 62%, whereas XBP1 was expressed in 48% tumors. Combinatorial group analysis of XBP1 and MUC1 stratified patients into two prognostic groups. Cases with tumors negative for expression of MUC1 and XBP1 (XBP1- / MUC1-) were categorized as a good prognostic group with increased survival of 3.42 years compared to cases with tumors expressing both (Worst prognosis, XBP1+/MUC1+). The adjusted hazard ratio showed a four-fold increased risk of mortality associated with the concordant expression of MUC1 and XBP1 in patients who were >65 years of ageConclusion: Concordant expression of MUC1 and XBP1 in MM defines a subset of patients with adverse outcomes. Of these, patients diagnosed at >65 years of age have a significantly higher risk of death.
Examining the Relationship Between Demographic Characters of Green Space Users and the Categorization of Green Spaces
Authors: Gagakuma Desmond , Takyi Stephen Appiah , Amponsah Owusu
Published: April 2022

The paper examines the relationship between the demographic characters of the users of green spaces and the activities they perform in green spaces. The study considers green spaces from a categorical perspective. Therefore, the study selected green spaces in the city of Kumasi that falls under three categories of green spaces. Using semi-structured questionnaires which were administered to green space users using interviews, data was obtained from 345 visitors of the categories of green spaces selected for this study. The selected green spaces in this study include KNUST Botanical Garden, KNUST Royal Parade Ground, and the road corridor that extends from the Ahodwo Roundabout to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Clinic. The findings of the study indicate that the linear green space and the functional green space attracted more young people than the amenity green space. The findings further indicated that the relationship between the demographic characteristics of the respondents and walking at the KNUST Botanical Garden and the Royal Parade Ground was not statistically significant. However, at the linear green space, some demographic characteristics of respondents such as marital status and age and the use of the green space for walking had a statistically significant relationship. The study found that there was no statistically significant relationship between the demographic characters of green space users and the use of the three selected categories of green space for relaxation. The further statistical test showed that there was no statistically significant relationship between the demographic characters of green space users and the use of green space for conversation at the KNUST Botanical Garden and the linear green space selected for this study. However, the statistical test indicated that the employment status of the respondents had a statistically significant relationship with the use of the Royal Parade Ground for conversations. The study concludes that all green spaces are not the same; therefore, the demographic characteristics of green space users that influence the use of different categories of green space for specific activities are dynamic. The researchers recommend that greenspace administrators and city authorities should avoid making generic greenspace policies that aim to improve the performance of specific activities in green spaces. Green space administrators and city authorities must meticulously collect data on the demographic characteristics of respondents and conduct statistical analyses which will empower them to make context-specific policies for the various categories of green spaces which exist in cities.
Structure of the magma plumbing system beneath Semisopochnoi Island (Aleutian Arc) inferred from seismic tomography
Authors: Koulakov Ivan , Yaroshenko Galina , Al-Arifi Nassir , Qaysi Saleh , El-Khrepy Sami
Published: April 2022

Semisopochnoi Island is a remote and little-studied volcanic island in the western part of the Aleutian Arc. The existence of several active volcanic centers and a 5,000–6,900-year-old large caldera makes this island an important site for volcanic hazard assessment in the Northern Pacific. Based on local seismicity data recorded by six permanent seismic stations, we created the seismic tomography model, including the 3D distributions of Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratios to a depth of 10 km. This model provides the first geophysical insight into the interior structure of Semisopochnoi Island and sheds light on the processes in the magma plumbing system beneath all volcanic centers on the island. At depths of 5–10 km, we observed a columnar-shaped high Vp/Vs-ratio anomaly below the caldera in the central part of the island, which likely represents the steady magma conduit. This conduit is headed by a prominent high Vp/Vs-ratio anomaly located 3–5 km directly below the caldera, which represents the magma reservoir feeding Cerberus and other Holocene-aged volcanic centers on Semisopochnoi Island.
Epidemiological Survey and Genetic Characterization of Type 3 Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Isolated from a Patient with Four Doses of Inactivated Polio Vaccine in Henan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Yang Jianhui , Bai Yiran , Zhu Hui , Wang Changshuang , Zhang Lu , Xu Jin , Lu Mingxia , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Xiao Zhanpei , Ma Yating , Wang Yan , Li Xiaolei , Wang Dongyan , Zhu Shuangli , Yan Dongmei , Xu Wenbo , Zhang Yong , Zhang Yanyang
Published: April 2022

Background: This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of the first vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) identified from a patient with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), with four doses of inactivated polio vaccine immunization in Henan Province, China in 2017. Methods: The patient was diagnosed with type 3 VDPV. Subsequently, a series of epidemiological approaches was implemented, including a retrospective search of AFP cases, rate of vaccination assessment, study of contacts, and supplementary immunization activities. Fecal samples were collected, viral isolation was performed, and the viral isolates were characterized using full-length genomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Results: Phylogenetic analysis showed that the viral isolates were different from other reported genetic clusters of type 3 VDPV worldwide. They were identified as a Sabin 3/Sabin 1 recombinant VDPV with a crossover site in the P2 region. Nucleotide substitutions, including U → C(472) and C → U(2493), have been identified, both of which are frequently observed as reversion mutations in neurovirulent type 3 poliovirus. A unique aspect of this case is that the patient had been vaccinated with four doses of inactive polio vaccine, and the serum neutralizing antibody for Sabin types 1 and 3 were 1:16 and 1:512, respectively. Thus, the patient was speculated to have been infected with type 3 VDPV, and the virus continued to replicate and be excreted for at least 41 d. Conclusion: The existence of this kind of virus in human population is a serious risk and poses a severe challenge in maintaining a polio-free status in China. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of VDPV identified in the Henan province of China. Our results highlight the importance of maintaining a high-level vaccination rate and highly sensitive AFP case surveillance system in intercepting VDPV transmission.
Comprehensive analysis of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 and its correlation with immune infiltration in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Li Yuting , Zhang Na , Zhou Jianhong , Ye Wei
Published: April 2022

Background: CDK6, a member of the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) family, is known as a classic cell cycle regulating kinases and plays an important role in promoting cancer initiation as well as progression. However, how CDK6 affects the immune system and the prognosis of uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma(UCEC) remains to be determined. Methods: TIMER, UALCAN, TCGA, HPA, LinkedOmics, STRING, cBio-Portal and COSMIC were used to analyze the expression and mutation of CDK6 in patients with UCEC and its clinical value, and to explore the possible mechanism of CDK6 in the occurrence and development of UCEC through the biological functional analysis and immune infiltration.Results: Our results suggested that the overall expression level of CDK6 in UCEC was significantly lower than that in adjacent normal tissues. Inversely, the CDK6 level in the intermediate-/high-risk endometrial carcinoma group was significantly higher than patients in the low-risk group. Subgroup analysis showed that the serous histological type, grade 3, and stage III had significantly higher CDK6 levels. The result of promoter methylation analysis served as a good explanation of the above conclusion. What’s more, patients with high CDK6 expression had a poorer prognosis compared with those patients with low CDK6 expression using the ULCAN and Kaplan–Meier plotter data analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the Gene Co-Expression Network of CDK6 was mainly involved in extracellular structure organization and focal adhesion. PPI analysis validated that CDK6 was controlled by the Cip/Kip family and the INK4 family. Importantly, we found that CDK6 was significantly correlated with most of the immune markers of different T cells in UCEC, which suggested that CDK6 plays an important role in regulating UCEC tumor immunity and is probably involved in the T cell immune response. In addition, M1, M2 macrophage, TAM, Monocyte, Neutrophil, and Dendritic cell were also verified to correlate with CDK6 significantly. Conclusions: CDK6 plays an important role in endometrial carcinoma progression and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and novel risk stratification target for endometrial carcinoma.
Association between living arrangements and cognitive decline in older adults: a nationally representative longitudinal study in China
Authors: Yu Yifan , Lv Junqi , Liu Jing , Chen Yueqiao , Chen Kejin , Yang Yanfang
Published: April 2022

Background: Living arrangements are critical for the survival and well-being of older people, especially in China, filial piety culture demands adult children should care for and serve their parents. The study aimed to explore the association between living arrangements and cognitive decline among older people in China. Methods: Participants included 6,074 older adults over 60 years old (49.65% male, mean age 67.2 years [range 60–98]) from four waves (2011-2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Two to four assessments were conducted over a follow-up of an average of 5.3 years (range, 2–7). Cognitive function was evaluated in three dimensions: mental status, episodic memory and visuo-construction. Living arrangements were classified as follows: living alone, living with spouse, living with adult children, living with spouse and adult children and living with others. Multilevel models were used to investigate the relationship between living arrangements and cognitive decline, as well as the gender difference. Results: As the main type of living arrangements of the study participants (44.91%), living with spouse was taken as the reference group. Compared to the reference group, living alone (β=-0.126, P<0.001), living with adult children (β=-0.136, P<0.001), living with spouse and adult children (β=-0.040, P<0.05) and living with others (β=-0.155, P<0.05) were all related to a faster rate of cognitive decline. Further, the association between living arrangements and cognitive decline varied by gender. Living alone (β=-0.192, P<0.001) was associated with a faster cognitive decline only in older men. Living with spouse and adult children (β=-0.053, P<0.05) and living with others (β=-0.179, P<0.05) were associated with faster cognitive decline only in older women. Conclusions: This study suggests that living arrangements in older people in China were associated with cognitive decline, and these associations varied by gender. Greater attention to living arrangements might yield practical implications for preserving the cognitive function of the older population.
Kidney dysfunction: prevalence and associated risk factors in a community-based study from the North West Province of South Africa
Authors: Navise Nonkululeko Hellen , Mokwatsi Gontse Gratitude , Gafane-Matemane Lebo Francine , Fabian June , Lammertyn Leandi
Published: April 2022

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is in the top 10 leading causes of mortality globally. In South Africa where non-communicable diseases are the main cause of mortality the true prevalence of CKD is unknown, and its associated risk factors remain understudied in the general population. In this study we investigate the prevalence and identify the main risk factors involved in kidney dysfunction that will be helpful in guiding health care professionals in the planning of intervention studies.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 1999 participants older than 30 years. Kidney dysfunction was defined as (i) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 90 ml/min/1.73m2, or (ii) urine albuminuria-to-creatinine ration (uACR) ≥ 3.0 mg/mmol, or a combination (i and ii). The risk factors included are age, sex, locality, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), Lipids, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), C-reactive protein (CRP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), tobacco use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Results
The mean age of all participants was 48.0 (42.0;56.0) years, and 656/1999 (33%) had kidney dysfunction. Those with kidney dysfunction were older, majority women, had higher measures of adiposity, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP, higher lipids as well as higher CRP (all p ≤ 0.024). In multiple regression analyses, eGFR was associated with systolic BP (β = 0.11) and HIV (β=-0.09), while albuminuria was associated with elevated CRP (β = 0.12) and HIV infection (β = 0.11) (all p < 0.026). In both groups (individuals with and without kidney dysfunction) eGFR associated with age (β=-0.29, β=-0.49, respectively), male sex (β = 0.35, β0.28, respectively), body mass index (BMI) (β=-0.12, β=-0.09, respectively), low density lipoprotein cholesterol/ high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (β=-0.17, β=-0.09, respectively) and CRP (β = 0.10, β = 0.09, respectively) (all p < 0.005); while uACR associated with female sex (β = 0.10, β=-0.14, respectively), urban locality (β=-0.11, β=-0.08, respectively), BMI (β=-0.11, β-0.11, respectively), and systolic BP (β = 0.27, β = 0.14) (all p < 0.017).
Conclusions
In this relatively young population kidney dysfunction prevalence is high. When compared to individuals without kidney dysfunction intervention strategies should be focussed on controlling blood pressure, inflammation, and HIV.
The limited potential of urban greenspace for nature-based offsetting of institutional carbon emissions
Authors: Wang Jiaqian , Manning David A.C. , Werner David
Published: April 2022

Urban greenspace can potentially contribute to ambitious climate action plans declared by city institutions and councils. We measured soil carbon at 42 sampling locations across three land-covers and vegetation carbon of 490 trees (67 species) over the city campus of Newcastle University. Soil carbon varied with pH and land-cover classes (lawned with some free-standing trees, woodland park, sports fields), and tree cover significantly enhanced soil carbon storage. Soil carbon storage from 0–30 cm depth averaged 18.85 kg·m− 2, more than double the tree carbon storage (average 7.66 kg·m− 2) estimated using biomass empirical equations. The carbon stock from 95 Large-Leaved Lime (Tilia platyphyllos, 40,721 kg) and 54 Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus, 40,238 kg) was similar. These two species together accounted for the largest percentage of carbon stock from all trees on campus (18% each). According to our scenarios, if all currently available urban greenspace were converted to woodland this would offset only 1% of annual greenhouse gas emissions of Newcastle University or, if implemented more widely, of Newcastle city overall. While urban woodland brings benefits beyond carbon storage, the limit to what can be achieved with the available urban greenspace emphasises the need to first reduce city emissions substantially. In exchange for helping cities with carbon abatement, their surrounding rural regions could improve their infrastructural provisions with the carbon offsetting payments. Overall, a carbon-friendly land management strategy should be developed with full consideration of the collaboration between urban and surrounding rural areas, particularly placing a high value on soil and tree carbon.
The use of ultrasound (UAE) and microwaves (MAE) to improve the extraction of pharmaceutically active materials from the fruit of the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)
Authors: Badawy Esraa , Vinatoru Mircea , Calinescu Ioan , Shams Khaled , Abel-Azim Nahla , Fahmi Abdelgawad , Abdul-Rahman Mariam , Abd-Rabou Ahmed , Hamed Ahmed , Mahmoud Khaled , Mason Timothy , Saleh Ibrahim
Published: April 2022

Background
Conventional extraction methods have many limitations and drawbacks, including, prolonged extraction time, present safety concern and environmental risks, with low quality extracts. We report the use of ultrasonic (UAE) and microwave (MAE) assisted technologies as techniques for improving the extraction of pharmaceutically active materials from Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) a species of prickly pear.
Results
The pulp and peel of the plant fruit were used and the total phenolic and flavonoid content were evaluated. Antioxidant assay (DPPH), was employed to prescreen different extracts. The Hepa1c1c7 model was used for testing the induction of chemopreventive marker protein NAD (P) H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was performed on RAW 264.7 macrophage model induced for nitric oxide (NO) release in the presence of lipopolysaccharide. In vivo study included testing the therapeutic potential of some extracts on carrageenan induced paw edema in adult rats. Our data showed that fruit peels had the highest contents of phenolic and flavonoid compounds of OFI extracted using microwave assisted extraction (MAE) at 800 W power for 5 min extraction time (EXM1) with a percentage increase of 74.1% and 115.3% respectively, when compared to conventional maceration. The fruit pulp showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid content using MAE at 400 W power for 15 min extraction time (EXM2) with a percentage increase of 55.4% and 105.8% respectively, when compared to conventional maceration. DPPH prescreen revealed the potency of the EXM1 among other tested extracts, recording EC50 148 µg/ml. Although in vitro chemopreventive as anti-inflammatory model revealed no activity on (NQO1) induction of EXM1, the in vivo model gave positive results. Edema size reduction percentage of EXM1 was 104% after 4 hours. Anti-inflammatory markers indicated that EXM1 inhibited COX-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 more significantly than indomethacin and conventional extraction methods, while inhibition levels of NO and MDA in case of EXM2 extract were more significantly than other extraction methods. Moreover, extracts obtained using MAE showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes (GSH and SOD) than those obtained using conventional method.
Conclusions
The data obtained further confirming the beneficial value of MAE and UAE technologies for extraction of the active material of (OFI).
Geochemical Characteristics and Simulation of Hydrocarbon Generation and Expulsion of Main Hydrocarbon Source Rocks of the Mesozoic strata in Hari sag, North of Yingen- Ejinaqi Basin
Authors: Zhang Yaqin , Li Yun , Gong Hujun , Shen Weibing , Li Erhu , Chao L
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we took samples from the Mesozoic Lower Cretaceous Yingen Formation, Suhongtu Formation, Bayingebi Formation and Permian source rocks in Well YH7 and Well YH8 in Hari Sag to study the geochemical features and compared the results with early research results; Samples of the second hydrocarbon source rocks in the Yingen Formation and the Bayingebi Formation were selected for thermal simulation experiments to study the secondary hydrocarbon generation potential. By analyzing and comparing the geochemical features of the source rocks, it is found that the Mesozoic hydrocarbon source rocks in the Hari Sag are mainly deposited in a reducing environment, and some are in a weakly oxidizing-weakly reducing environment. K1y is the best II2 immature-low mature hydrocarbon source rock, K1s is the non-hydrocarbon- best II1-II2 mature hydrocarbon source rock, K1b3 is the non-hydrocarbon- good II2-III mature hydrocarbon source rock, K1b2 is the medium- best II1-III low mature- mature hydrocarbon source rock, K1b1 is the non-hydrocarbon- best Ⅱ2-Ⅲ mature- high mature hydrocarbon source rock, and P is the best III over mature hydrocarbon source rock. By the thermal simulation experiments on the secondary hydrocarbon source rock of the Yingen Formation and the Bayingebi Formation, it is found that the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion characteristics of the Mesozoic source rock samples in the Hari Sag can be roughly divided into four stages: low mature stage (0.5% < Ro < 0.7%, simulation temperature is 250 ℃ - 300 ℃), early rapid oil generation and expulsion stage (0.7% < Ro < 1.3%, simulation temperature is 300 ℃ - 400 ℃), mid-term oil cracking gas stage (1.3% < Ro < 2.0%, simulation temperature is 400 ℃ - 500 ℃), and late major gas generation stage (Ro ＞ 2.0%), simulation temperature is 500 ℃ - 550 ℃). The K1b2 hydrocarbon source rock in the late first stage and early second stage has much larger exploration potential than K1y in the first stage.