bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal characteristics of current and projected rainfalls over East Africa: Insights from precipitation concentration and standardized precipitation indices
Authors: Assamnew Abera Debebe , Tsidu Gizaw Mengistu
Published: May 2022

This study has used monthly rainfalls from Regional Climate Models (RCMs) experiments conducted in the frame work of the COrdinated Regional Downscaled EXperiment (CORDEX) project for historical and future periods. The deriving General Climate Models (GCMs) are obtained from Coupled Model Inter-comparison project phase 5 (CMIP5). Rainfalls from RCMs for the historical period, the two scenarios (i.e. Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios representing radiative forcing of 4.5 m/W2 (RCP4.5) and 8.5 m/W2 (RCP8.5)) and Climate Research Unit (CRU) are used to determine precipitation concentration index (PCI), standardized precipitation index (SPI), and trend. The PCI, SPI, and trend derived from CRU and Historical Ensemble Mean (HEM) rainfalls are used to (1) assess the fidelity of the models in capturing observed spatiotemporal characteristics of rainfall over East Africa (EA) and (2) assess the relative change in the pattern of rainfall extremes and trends from the two scenario projections. From CRU and HEM-based SPI, the normal rainfall years are about 62–80% and 62–71% of the time of the historical period (1951–2005) during March-May (MAM) and September-December (SOND) respectively. The spatial dipole pattern captured by CRU and HEM is visible in the projections under the two scenarios implying that both radiative forcing are not expected to alter current rainfall regime over EA. In addition, normal rainfall is expected to occur for 62–68% and 65–72% of the time of the projection period (2006–2100) during MAM and SOND respectively. The projected rainfall shows wetting trend during MAM in contrast to the historical observations of dry trends over much of EA.
Comparative Analysis of Bioaccumulation of Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, Copper and Nickel in Wheat Crop
Authors: Mazhar Muhammad Waqar , Saif Saira , Irfan Muhammad , Raza Ahmad , Iram Wajeeha , Tahir Hira , Mazhar Fatima
Published: May 2022

In this research, the comparative analysis of heavy metals has been studied. An experiment was conducted to determine heavy metals bioaccumulation in wheat as wheat is the staple cereal crop consumed as food globally. Abiotic stress disturbs the metabolic pathway of plants, and the bioaccumulation of the metals cause enzymatic degradation, reduction in photosynthesis, increased level of the ROS species. Comparative analysis of the Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Ni was analyzed with the help of Inductively Coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results show that Ni has a maximum value of BCF in shoots and roots, whereas the Cr has maximum TF values. SOD and POD assays were performed to check the ROS level in the plants. The results show that plants increase their anti-oxidant enzymes for the scavenging of ROS produced against the bioaccumulation of heavy metals.
In Vivo Effect of Ampicillin, Enrofloxacin, Colistin, and Sulfonamides on Sperm Parameters in Breeding Roosters
Authors: Linda MOHAMMEDI , MESSAÏ Ahmed , Hamida OUAMANE , Sofiane BENCHARIF , Leghel TOUAZI , Mokrane IGUER-OUADA
Published: May 2022

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of commonly prescribed antibiotics on sperm parameters in breeding roosters. Twenty adult breeding roosters were divided into four experimental groups receiving different antibiotics during 9 consecutive days (G1: 30 mg/kg of Ampicillin, G2: 10 mg/kg of Enrofloxacin, G3: 75000 UI/kg of Colistin, and G4: 1g/liter of a Sulfonamides association. The measurements were performed on T0 (before treatment), T3, and T9 representing 3 and 9 days of treatment. The analysed parameters were: total motility (TM%), progressive motility (PM%), curvilinear velocity (VCLμm/s), straight-line velocity (VSLμm/s), average path velocity (VAPμm/s), amplitude of the lateral head displacement (ALH μm), linearity (LIN %) and the beat-cross frequency (BCF Hz). Antibiotics did not affect ejaculates color, pH (8 ± 0.5), seminal fluid viscosity, and agglutination. Ampicillin increased slightly sperm volume on T3 with no significant change on T9. No significant effect was observed on T3 on sperm count, viability, and TM. PM deceased slightly on T3. Enrofloxacin and Colistin induced a significant decrease in sperm volume, count, viability, TM, and PM on T3. On T9 some parameters were improved to be closer to those observed at T0. Ampicillin, Colistin, and Enrofloxacin decreased significantly all (CASA) Computer Aided Sperm Analysis kinematics parameters. The highest impact was observed on the third day of treatment (T3). Sulfonamides decreased sperm volume and gametes concentration, but enhanced significantly sperm viability, total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), and all kinematic parameters.
Widely Tunable Berry curvature in the Magnetic Semimetal Cr1+dTe2
Authors: Fujisawa Yuita , Pardo-Almanza Markel , Hsu Chia-Hsiu , Atwa Mohamed , Yamagami Kohei , Krishnadas A. , Chuang Feng-Chuan , Khoo Khoong Hong , Zang Jiadong , Soumyanarayanan Anjan , Okada Yoshinori
Published: May 2022

Magnetic semimetals have increasingly emerged as lucrative platforms hosting spin-based topological phenomena in real- and momentum spaces. Of particular interest is the emergence of Berry curvature, whose geometric origin, accessibility from Hall transport experiments, and material tunability, bodes well for new physics and practical devices. Cr1+δTe2, a self-intercalated magnetic transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD), exhibits attractive natural attributes relevant to such applications, including topological magnetism, tunable electron filling, magnetic frustration etc. While recent studies have explored real-space Berry curvature effects in this material, similar considerations of momentum-space Berry curvature are lacking. Here, we systematically investigate the electronic structure and transport properties of epitaxial Cr1+δTe2 thin films over a wide range of doping, δ (0.33 – 0.71). Spectroscopic experiments reveal the presence of a characteristic semi-metallic band region near the Brillouin Zone edge, which shows a rigid band like energy shift as a function of δ. Transport experiments show that the intrinsic component of the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) is sizable, and undergoes a sign flip across δ. Finally, density functional theory calculations establish a causal link between the observed doping evolution of the band structure and AHE: the AHE sign flip is shown to emerge from the sign change of the Berry curvature, as the semi-metallic band region crosses the Fermi energy. Our findings underscore the increasing relevance of momentum-space Berry curvature in magnetic TMDs and provide a unique platform for intertwining topological physics in real and momentum spaces.
Implication of transit transfer to the older adults: a systematic review
Authors: Noor Nur Farhana Mohammed , Shahar Hayati Kadir , Ibrahim Rahimah , Zainalaludin Zumilah , Hamid Tengku Aizan Tengku Abdul , Ahmad Siti Anom , Rokhani Fakhrul Zaman , Ujang Norsidah , Yus Irwan Syah Md , Akahbar Siti Aisyah Nor
Published: May 2022

Background: Extensive multimodal transportation network has resulted in widespread use of the transit transfer method of transportation among frequent travelers. In many parts of the world, transferring from one mode of transportation to another provides significant mobility advantage to people, commodities, and services in reaching their destination. However, there are some who have not reaped the benefits of this sophisticated transportation networking system. This study reviewed published articles on the implications of transit transfer on the older adults in order to gain a better understanding of this method of transportation and the nature of difficulties that it caused them. Methods: The following databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, ProQuest, WileyOnline, and Ovid. Inclusion criteria was English language, respondents aged 60 and above, living in community, and addressing transit transfer mode of transportations used, and the outcome on older adults. Review paper, letter, book citations, comments, editorials, experimental and animal studies were excluded from this review.Results: This review included six studies. According to the findings of this study, older adults were able to benefit from transit transfer as transportation method to reach their destination. It can also increase physical activity among the older adults through active commuting. However, older adults encountered a problem with transit transfer since they had to walk to reach each of the transport facilities. Transit transfers have also been shown to expose them to inconveniency pertaining to obstacle they faced while transit transfer.Conclusion: There are indications of positive and negative implications of transit transfer to older adults. More research should be conducted to further evaluate its risk and outcome to the older adults and to determine effective strategies to improve their intermodal transportation.
Eco-friendly microwave-assisted digestion using only hydrogen peroxide and subsequent ICP-based elemental analysis in milk samples
Authors: Park Ye-Seul , Lee Jian
Published: May 2022

A microwave-assisted digestion method using only hydrogen peroxide with a single reaction chamber was developed in an eco-friendly manner for the elemental determination of milk samples (whole, skimmed, and organic milk) by ICP-based techniques. The optimized conditions for decomposition were 0.25 g of sample, 6 mL of 30% H2O2, and 2 mL of H2O at 250 ℃ and 160 bar. This method presented the final digests with low residual carbon content and residual acidity of 76.7 mg L−1 and 0.03 mol L-1, respectively. The limits of detection ranged from 2.003 ոg g−1 (Sb) to 2.711 ոg g−1 (Ba). In particular, the optimized method using only H2O2 as a digestion solvent was compared to concentrated HNO3. As a result, this method was classified as an excellent green method with an Eco-Score of 85. Finally, the proposed method was applied to the determination of 13 elements (As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) in 50 milk samples commercially available on the market in South Korea.
Unified Creeping Model Identifying the Critical State of Granular Material
Authors: Tong L.H. , Wu Bingni , Lei Z.X. , Xu Changjie
Published: May 2022

We propose a state evolution model to study the creep of a granular material both below and beyond the yield stress. Three types of creeping curves are observed under both static and dynamic loading conditions. The experiments are analyzed using the proposed model which introduces characteristic strain to account for the influences of historic strain on current state. A criterion to identify the stability of a granular system is obtained based on the proposed model. Two key factors dominating the stability of the granular system are recognized, the shear wave velocity and critical velocity. Our laboratory experiments in combination with the proposed criterion offers a physical explanation for intrinsic triggering mechanism of system evolution from stable to fluidic state: decrease in wave velocity or/and critical velocity.
The dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of breast cancer: the correlation between mono-exponential DWI parameters and semi-quantitative TIC characteristics
Authors: Li Xiangsheng , Zhu Hongxian , Fan Hongxia , Zhang Wenzhun , Fang Yuan
Published: May 2022

Background
To investigate the relationship between mono-exponential diffusion- weighted imaging (DWI) parameters and time-intensity curve (TIC) characteristics generated from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI of breast cancer.
Materials and Methods
A total of 108 patients with breast cancer were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent DWI and DCE-MRI examination. Patients were divided into untypical TIC and untypical TIC groups; untypical TIC pattern was defined as a wash-in/plateau curve, and the typical TIC pattern of breast cancer as a wash-out curve. The relationships between DWI parameters and semi-quantitative TIC characteristics were investigated by using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results
The BI-RADS grade and the incidence of lymph node metastasis were higher in the typical TIC group (all P < 0.05). The ADCmean and ADCmin values were lower in the typical TIC group than in the untypical TIC group (all P < 0.05). There was a significantly negative correlation between ADCmean or ADCmin value and SIslope2 (r=-0.535,-0.514; P = 0.02, 0.04). According to logistic regression analysis, micro-vessel density (MVD), tumor stroma ratio (TSR), ADCmin, histological grading, and ADCmean were independently correlated with TIC patterns.
Conclusion
The water diffusion restriction reflected by DWI parameters may contribute to the TIC characteristics at the late phase after enhancement, which provides theoretical guidance for the diagnosis of breast cancer based on a combination of DWI and TIC characteristics.
Establishment and validation of PTE prediction model in patients with cerebral contusion
Authors: Lin Shengwu , Zhu Yufeng , Wang Qianqian , Jin Xiaoqing , Han Pei , Lu Zhongsheng
Published: May 2022

Objective: Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is an important cause of poor prognosis in patients with cerebral contusions.The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the high risk factors of PTE by summarizing and analyzing the baseline data, laboratory examination and imaging features of patients with cerebral contusion, and then developing a Nomogram prediction model and validating it. Methods: This study included 457 patients with a diagnosis of cerebral contusion who met the inclusion criteria from November 2016 to November 2019 at the Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital. All patients were assessed for seizure activity 7 days after injury. Univariate analysis was used to determine the risk factors for PTE. Significant risk factors in univariate analysis were selected for binary logistic regression analysis. p<0.05 was statistically significant. Based on the results of the binary logistic regression analysis, a predictive scoring system for PTE was developed using Nomogram and a Alignment Diagram was drawn. Finally, an external validation was performed on 457 participants to assess its performance. Results: Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS software, and the independent predictors significantly associated with PTE were screened as Contusion site, Chronic alcohol use, Contusion volume, Skull fracture, SDH, GCS score, and Non-LPTS. Based on this, a Nomogram model was developed. The prediction accuracy of our scoring system was C-index=98.29%. the confidence interval of C-index was 97.28%~99.30%. External validation showed that the calibration plot of this model was close to the ideal line. Conclusions: This study developed and verified a highly accurate Nomogram model, which can be used to individualize the prediction of PTE in patients with cerebral contusion. It can identify individuals at high risk of PTE and help us pay attention to prevention in advance. The model has low cost and is easy to be popularized in clinic. There are still some limitations and deficiencies in this model, which still need to be verified and improved by large-sample and multi-center prospective studies.
Provider Perceptions of Availability, Accessibility, and Adequacy of Health and Behavioral Services for Latino Immigrants: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Martinez-Donate Ana , Dsouza Nishita , Cuellar Sierra , Connor Gabrielle , Zumaeta-Castillo Claudia , Lazo-Elizondo Mariana , Yamasaki Yoshiaki , Perez Cristina , Carroll-Scott Amy , Martinez Omar , Hassrick Elizabeth McGuee
Published: May 2022

Objective
Latino populations in the United States are disproportionately affected by substance use, HIV/AIDS, violence, and mental health issues (SAVAME). A growing body of evidence demonstrates the syndemic nature of SAVAME and the need for integrated strategies to reduce their impact. This study sought to understand the network of SAVAME services for Latino immigrants in a mid-Atlantic city to inform future interventions for SAVAME prevention and mitigation.
Methodology:
Key informant interviews (N = 30) were conducted with providers working in Latino-serving organizations providing SAVAME services. Interviews were analyzed using thematic coding and grounded theory.
Results
Latino-serving providers perceived a large need for, but important limitations in the availability, accessibility, and adequacy of SAVAME services for Latino immigrants. Gaps were seen as especially acute for mental health and substance use services, partly because of insufficient funding for these services. Latino immigrants’ lack of health insurance, immigration status, limited English proficiency (LEP), stigma surrounding SAVAME issues, and limited knowledge of available services were identified as significant barriers preventing access to services. Providers noted that scarcity of well-trained, culturally competent, and ethnically concordant providers reduced the adequacy of SAVAME services for Latino immigrant clients. The small size, low levels of infrastructure, and limited capacity were reported as additional factors limiting the ability of many Latino-serving organizations to adopt a syndemic approach in the prevention and treatment of SAVAME services.
Conclusions
The results call for changes in the structure of funding streams and communitywide strategies to foster collaboration across SAVAME providers working with Latino immigrant clients.
Relative enlargement of the medial preoptic area in the Etruscan shrew, the smallest torpid mammal
Authors: Sun Senmiao , Brecht Michael
Published: May 2022

Endothermy is a key feature of mammalian biology and enables mammals to maintain stable body temperature and homeostatic functions in the face of a rapidly changing environment. However, when faced with harsh environmental conditions, certain mammalian species enter torpor, a state characterized by reduced metabolism, body temperature, and activity, to minimize energy loss. Etruscan shrews are the smallest mammals, with a surface-to-volume ratio that is very unfavorable for endothermic animals. As a result, Etruscan shrews have an extremely high metabolic rate and are known to enter torpor frequently, presumably as an energy-saving measure. Despite the recent identification of medial preoptic area (MPA) as a key brain region to regulate torpor in mouse, little is known about neural control of torpor in other endothermic animals, including the Etruscan shrew. Here, we confirmed that Etruscan shrews readily enter torpor even in the absence of strong physiological triggers. We then compared the MPA of Etruscan shrew and rat, a mammal that does not enter torpor under physiological conditions. While rats have roughly 100 times the body weight and 33 times the brain weight of Etruscan shrews, we find that the rat MPA exhibits only 6.5 times the volume of that of the shrew. Accordingly, the relative brain volume of the MPA was 4.5-fold larger in shrews, a highly significant difference. Moreover, MPA neuron counts were only roughly twofold lower in shrews than in rats, an astonishing observation considering the interspecies size difference and that neocortical neurons are ~ 20x more numerous in rats than in shrews. We suggest that the extraordinary enlargement of the Etruscan shrew MPA is a specialization for orchestrating torpor in a mammal with an exceptional metabolism.
Temporal and spatial impact of lockdown during COVID-19 on air quality index in Haryana, India
Authors: Manjeet Manjeet , Khan Ruksar , Kumar Rahul
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the evaluation of air quality in different districts of Haryana. Geo-spatial techniques were used to estimate gaseous and particulate pollutant's spatial and temporal variation during complete nationwide lockdown period and same month of previous year 2019 (March to May). Data of six fixed pollutants were collected from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In this context, the data of air pollutants (PM 10, PM 2.5, O3, NOx, SO2, and CO) were analyzed for 2019 and 2020. The Spatio-temporal distribution of the Air Quality Index (AQI) clearly depicts difference in lockdown and unlock period. The result was showed that the air quality was very poor to satisfactory in 2019 and a improvement was observed from satisfactory to good in 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdown. The study suggests that air quality will be improved by the best utilization of straw burning, automobiles and reduce major pollutant sources.
Effect of Iron Fortification on Anaemia and Risk of Malaria among Ghanaian Pre-School Children with Haemoglobinopathies and Different ABO Blood Groups
Authors: Tchum Samuel Kofi , Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Arthur Fareed , Adu Bright , Abubakar Latifatu Alhassan , Oppong Felix Boakye , Dzabeng Francis , Amoani Benjamin , Gyan Thomas , PokuAsante Kwaku
Published: May 2022

BackgroundHaemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disorder and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency as well as differences in ABO blood groups have been shown to influence the risk of malaria and/or anaemia in malaria-endemic areas. This study assessed how iron fortification in addition to weaning meals affects anaemia and the risk of malaria in Ghanaian pre-school children with haemoglobinopathies and different ABO blood groups.MethodsThis study was a double-blind, randomly clustered trial conducted within six months among infants and young children aged 6 to 35 months in rural Ghana (775 clusters, n = 860). Participants were randomly selected into clusters to receive daily semiliquid home-prepared meals mixed with either micronutrient powder without iron (noniron group) or with iron (iron group; 12.5mg of iron daily) for 5 months. Malaria infection was detected by microscopy, blood haemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured with a HemoCue Hb analyser, the reversed ABO blood grouping microtube assay was performed, and genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of G6PD deficiency in hemizygous males (8.5%) was higher than that in homozygous females (2.7%) but was similar (p=0.668). The prevalence rates of sickle cell traits (HbAS and HbSC) and sickle cell disorder (HbSS) were 17.5% and 0.5%, respectively. Blood group O was dominant (41.4%), followed by blood group A (29.6%) and blood group B (23.3%), while blood group AB (5.7%) was the rarest among the study participants. This study observed that children on an iron supplement with HbAS had significantly moderate anaemia at the endline (EL) compared to the baseline level (BL) (p = 0.004). However, subjects with HbAS and HbAC and blood groups A and O in the iron group had a significantly increased number of malaria episodes at EL than at BL (p < 0.05). Furthermore, children in the iron group with HbSS (p < 0.001) and the noniron group with HbCC (p = 0.010) were significantly less likely to develop malaria.ConclusionsIron supplementation increased anaemia in children with HbAS genotypes but provided less protection against malaria in children with HbAC and AS and blood groups A and O.
Molecular subtypes of ALS are associated with differences in patient prognosis
Authors: Eshima Jarrett , O'Connor Samantha , Marschall Ethan , Consortium NYGC ALS , Bowser Robert , Plaisier Christopher , Smith Barbara
Published: May 2022

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with poorly understood clinical heterogeneity, underscored by significant differences in patient age at onset, symptom progression, therapeutic response, disease duration, and comorbidity presentation. We performed a patient stratification analysis to better understand the variability in ALS pathology, utilizing postmortem frontal and motor cortex transcriptomes derived from 208 patients. Building on the emerging role of transposable element (TE) expression in ALS, we considered locus-specific TEs as distinct molecular features during stratification. We identified three unique molecular subtypes in this ALS cohort, with significant differences in patient survival. These results suggest independent disease mechanisms drive some of the clinical heterogeneity in ALS.
Rapid Bioethical Assessment for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Host Genetic Study in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia: Towards Context Specific Ethical Approach
Authors: Mekonnen Daniel , Munshea Abaineh , Nibret Endalkachew , Derbie Awoke , Wubetu Mastewal , Taye Mengistie , Zeru Taye , Bezabih Belay , Azage Muluken , Bobosha Kidist , Aseffa Abraham
Published: May 2022

Background
Rapid Ethical Assessment (REA) is a rapid qualitative study anticipated to understand the ethical sphere of the research setting prior to recruiting study subjects. The aim of this study was to gather ethnographic data to assess the knowledge about TB and research, study the social arrangements of the community and appraise the research ethics process in Amhara National Regional State (ANRS).
Methods
An ethnographic study was conducted in ANRS from January 5 to 30, 2021. Google based quantitative survey was carried out to assess the perceptions of researchers about REA. Face to face indepth interview (IDI) and focus group discussion (FGDs) were carried out to collect the qualitative views of participants. The study was conducted among researchers, data collectors, health professionals and community and religious leaders. The information was structured in to seven themes.
Results
Over 71% of researchers were not satisfied with the current consent process, and 82.7% of researchers agreed that the best interest of research participants was not adequately addressed in the current research practice. Tuberculosis is well known by the community as disease of cough. The community misunderstood and misinterpreted what research is and its goals. For community based research, participants advised researchers to approach the community either with health extension workers (HEW), religious leaders or local health professionals for data collection. Combined use of verbal and written based information provision at individual participant level.
Conclusion and recommendations:
The general public in ANRS have low level of knowledge and awareness about research, goal of research, research ethics and TB host genetic study key terms. Hence, a short flyer of key terms to research, ethics and TB genomic study shall be prepared in the local language and shared to the community using available public media. Besides the international ethical standards, it is appropriate to adhere to local rules and regulations.
Production of a 135-residue long N-truncated human keratinocyte growth factor 1 in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kim Young Su , Lee Hye-Jeong , Handoko Gabriella Aphrodita , Kim Jae-hui , Kim Seong-Bo , Won Min-ho , Park Jung-ho , Ahn Jungoh
Published: May 2022

Background: Palifermin (trade name Kepivance®) is an amino-terminally truncated recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor 1 (KGF-1) with 140 residues that has been produced using Escherichia coli to prevent and treat oral mucositis following radiation or chemotherapy. In this study, an amino-terminally shortened KGF-1 variant with 135 residues was produced and purified in E. coli, and its cell proliferation activity was evaluated.Results: We expressed soluble KGF-1 fused to thioredoxin (TRX) in the cytoplasmic fraction of E. coli to improve its production yield. However, three N-truncated forms (KGF-1 with 140, 138, and 135 residues) were observed after the removal of the TRX protein from the fusion form by cleavage of the human enterokinase light chain C112S (hEKL C112S). The shortest KGF-1 variant, with 135 residues, was expressed by fusion with TRX via the hEKL cleavage site in E. coli and purified at high purity (>99%). Circular dichroism spectroscopy shows that purified KGF-1135 had a structure similar to that of KGF-1 as a random coiled form, and MCF-7 cell proliferation assays demonstrate its biological activity.Conclusions: We identified variations in N-terminus-truncated KGF-1 and selected the most stable form. Furthermore, by a simple two-step purification, highly purified KGF-1135 was obtained that showed biological activity. These results demonstrate that KGF-1135 may be considered an alternative protein to KGF-1.
The effective components and mechanism of the kernel of Prunus mira Koehne to promote hair growth
Authors: Zhou You , zhang Jingwen , Chen Wanyue , Li Xiaoli , Fu Ke , Sun Weijun , Liang Yuan , Xu Min , Zhang Jing , Fan Gang , Yin Hongxiang , Wang Zhang
Published: May 2022

Objective The aim of the present study is to reveal the effective components and their mechanism of hair growth promotion in the kernel of Prunus mira Koehne, and to improve its quality control level. Methods Network pharmacology was used to predict the mechanism of action and active components in the treatment of the kernel of P. mira. The contents of oleic acid, linoleic acid and amygdalin in 12 batches of the kernel of P. mira were determined by HPLC. An animal model of the depilation of KM mice induced by sodium sulfide was created, and then 5 effective components that promoted hair growth were initially screened. An animal model of C57BL/6 mice depilation model induced by sodium sulfide was created, and the 5 effective components selected above were used for re-evaluating, so as to clarify the 3 effective components that promote hair growth. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the influence of the expression of indicators in the skin Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, including β-catenin, GSK-3β, mRNA and protein expression of Cyclin D 1 and LEF 1. Results In the study of network pharmacology, it was found that there were 149 targets for the chemical composition and alopecia in the kernel of Prunus mira Koehne, and the "protein-protein network interaction diagram" and the network diagrams of "components in the kernel of Prunus mira Koehne - chemical -targets-hair loss" were constructed. KEGG enrichment resulted in 12 alopecia related pathways, involving 25 targets and 13 components. The methodological investigation of oleic acid, linoleic acid and amygdalin in the kernel of Prunus mira Koehne were carried out by HPLC. Furthermore, The average content of oleic acid, linoleic acid and amygdalin in 12 batches from different producing areas is 428.91mg/mL, 99.89mg/mL, 17.27 mg/mL. Vitamin E (3.125 mg/cm2/d), β-sitosterol (0.061 mg/cm2/d), linoleic acid (0.156 mg/cm2/d) had the effect of promoting hair growth in mice, and could up-regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the mRNA expression of LEF 1, GSK-3β, and β-catenin also showed an upward trend, but they had no significant effect on the protein expression of the four indicators.Conclusions The determination method of oleic acid, linoleic acid and amygdalin in the kernel of Prunus mira Koehne was established by HPLC, which improved the quality standard. Vitamin E (3.125 mg/cm2/d), β-sitosterol (0.061 mg/cm2/d) and linoleic acid (0.156 mg/cm2/d) in the kernel of Prunus mira Koehne can promote hair growth in mice, and its mechanism of action may be related to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Carvacrol reduces abnormal and dead sperm counts by attenuating sodium arsenite-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy in testicular tissues of rats
Authors: Gur Cihan , Akarsu Serkan Ali , Kandemir Fatih Mehmet
Published: May 2022

Background: The present study investigated the protective effects of carvacrol (CAR) against testicular toxicity induced by sodium arsenite (SA). Methods and Results: Rats were given SA and/or CAR for 14 days. Semen analyzes showed that CAR increased sperm motility and decreased the percentage of anarmol and dead sperm. It was determined that the oxidative stress induced by SA decreased with the increase of Nrf-2 and HO-1 expressions, SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH levels, and MDA levels decreased after CAR treatment. It was observed that autophagy and inflammation triggered by SA in testicular tissue were alleviated by suppressing the expressions of LC3A, LC3B, MAPK-14, NF-kB, TNF-a, IL-1b, iNOS and COX-2 biomarkers in rats given CAR. CAR treatment protected against apoptosis by suppressing Bax and Caspase-3 expressions and triggering Bcl-2 expression in testicles. Conclusions: As a result, it was seen that CAR could provide protection against SA-induced damage in testicular tissues of rats.
Clinical factors associated with cerebral autoregulation in ischemic stroke related to small artery occlusion
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Zhou Yanxia , Shen Yanxia , Lei Zhihao , Xiao Kun , Zhang Pandeng , Liu Jia , Ren Lijie
Published: May 2022

Background
Existing data suggest that cerebral autoregulation (CA) varies among different subtypes of ischaemic stroke. CA is globally impaired in patients with small artery occlusion (SAO). However, the factors influencing CA impairment in patients remains to be elucidated.
Methods
Stroke patients with SAO who underwent blood and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were prospectively studied. Within 7 days after stroke onset, CA was recorded from the middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity and arterial blood pressure was simultaneously measured. Transfer function analysis was used to derive CA parameters, including gain and phase. Clinical characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), biochemical findings, and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers on MRI were assessed in each patient. Factors associated with CA parameters were investigated. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between clinical factors and CA parameters.
Results
Sixty-three SAO patients (age, 56.3 ± 9.9 years; 55 men) were enrolled in the study. In the multiple linear regression analysis, after controlling for relevant clinical factors, MAP on admission (ipsilateral β = -0.396 and contralateral β = -0.359, both P < 0.005) was a significant independent predictor of bilateral gain. MAP > 105 mmHg on admission (β = -0.323, P = 0.019) was significantly associated with ipsilateral gain. Diabetes mellitus was a significant predictive factor for bilateral gain (ipsilateral β = 0.292 and contralateral β = 0.262, both P < 0.005). No correlations were found between CA parameters and CSVD characteristics.
Conclusion
In SAO-related ischaemic stroke, patients with MAP > 105 mmHg on admission tended to have better ipsilateral CA. An appropriate increase in MAP during the acute phase after stroke may help improve CA. Diabetes mellitus appears to be an independent risk factor for CA impairment in patients with SAO-related stroke. CSVD may not be the main factor affecting bilateral CA in patients with SAO.
Compensation of low-frequency noise induced by power line in trapped-ion system
Authors: Hu Han , Xie Yi , Zhang Man-chao , Qin Qing-qing , Zhang Jie , Su Wen-bo , Zhan Tian-xiang , Wu Chun-wang , Chen Ping-xing , Wu Wei
Published: May 2022

The low-frequency magnetic field noise resulting from the lab[1]oratory power supply is one of the main decoherence sources of trapped-ion qubits. Synchronizing the experimental sequence to the phase of the power line is widely used to mitigate this problem, but it will greatly reduce the ex[1]perimental efficiency. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate a simple active compensation method to reduce the observed 50 Hz and 150 Hz strong magnetic noise in an ion trap induced by the power line. In our method, a single 40Ca+ ion is used as the noise probe and an reverse compensation sig[1]nal is generated by a programmable arbitrary waveform generator (AWG).After compensation, an 86% reduction of the periodic magnetic field fluc[1]tuation and over 35-fold extension of the coherence time from 70 µs to 2500 µs were observed. This method can also be applied to compensate other spectral components of the magnetic field noise related to the power line, and it is also useful for other atomic systems such as neutral atoms.
Intra-operative hemi-diaphragm electrical stimulation does not change mitochondrial function in cardiothoracic surgery patients
Authors: Mankowski Robert T. , Wohlgemuth Stephanie E. , Bresciani Guilherme , Martin A. Daniel , Arnaoutakis George , Martin Tomas , Jeng Eric , Ferreira Leonardo , Machuca Tiago , Rackauskas Mindaugas , Smuder Ashley J. , Beaver Thomas , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Smith Barbara K.
Published: May 2022

Background: Mechanical ventilation during cardiothoracic surgery is life-saving, but leads to ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) and prolongs weaning from the ventilator and hospital stay. Intra-operative diaphragm electrical stimulation may preserve mitochondrial function, and thus prevent VIDD.Methods: We studied 21 patients stimulating a phrenic nerve of one hemidiaphragm every 30 min for 1min during a surgery. We collected diaphragm biopsies after the last stimulation and analyzed for mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized fibers, and protein expression and enzymatic activity of biomarkers of muscle atrophy, oxidative stress and mitophagy. Results: Patients received on average 6.2 (1.9) stimulation bouts. Stimulated hemidiaphragm showed attenuated integrative and intrinsic mitochondrial respiratory function. There were no significant differences between oxidative stress, mitophagy and atrophy protein expression levels, and mitochondrial enzyme activities.Conclusions: Intraoperative phrenic nerve electrical stimulation led to an impairment of mitochondrial respiration in the stimulated hemidiaphragm without differences in biomarkers of atrophy and oxidative stress. Future studies warrant investigating optimal stimulation doses and testing post-operative chronic stimulation effects on weaning from the ventilator and rehabilitation outcomes.Trial registration: NCT03303040, Registered on the 5th of October 2017. No retrospective registration statement needed – first subject was enrolled on 2/14/2018.
In silico biomechanical analysis of Poller screw-assisted small-diameter intramedullary nail in the treatment of distal tibial fractures
Authors: Tan Jinchuan , Yang Yang , Wang Mian , Huang Xuecheng , Ouyang Hanbin , Zhao Dongliang , Huang Gang , Deng Yuping , Huang Wenhua
Published: May 2022

Objective
To evaluate the biomechanical effects of Poller screws combined with small-diameter intramedullary nails in the treatment of distal tibial fractures at different locations and on different planes.
Methods
Data were acquired from one cadaveric lower limb (male, age 39 years) via computed tomography. Finite element modeling simulated the placement of small-diameter intramedullary nails and poller screws for distal tibial fractures. Nine finite element models were established in this study. The models containing poller screw were set as the experimental group, and the model containing only intramedullary nail was set as the control group.Construct stiffness and directional micro-motion through the fracture were investigated to assess the poller effects of Poller screws. The allowable stress method was used to evaluate the safety of the construct.
Results
Under the load condition of 500N, the mean axial stiffness with IMN only was 973.38 ± 95.65 N/mm, which was significantly less than that in the two PS groups at positions A and B. The axial stiffness means in the sagittal plane group at position A and position B were 2698.84 ± 296.53 N/mm and 2234.47 ± 254.69 N/mm (P༜0.05). The axial stiffness means in the coronal plane group from position A and position B were 2139.50 ± 262.46 N/mm and 2439.53 ± 518.26 N/mm. The shear displacements of position A and position B in sagittal plane group and coronal plane group were 0.410mm ± 0.12mm, 0.487 mm ± 0.06 mm, 0.168mm ± 0.11mm and 0.187mm ± 0.07mm. The above displacements were all smaller than the shear displacements of the models containing only intramedullary nail: 2.10mm ± 0.02mm (P < 0.05). Under physiological load, the stresses of all internal fixation devices and the nail-bone interface were within a safe range.
Conclusion
In the treatment of distal tibial fractures, placing the poller screw in the proximal fracture block can obtain better biomechanical performance.The intramedullary fixation system can obtain higher structural stiffness and reduce the displacement of the fracture end by adding poller screws.
Prediction of Immune Infiltration and Prognosis for Patients with Urothelial Bladder Cancer Based on the DNA Damage Repair-related Genes Signature
Authors: Li Tianhang , Jiang Ning , Bai Yuhao , Liu Tianyao , Zhao Zihan , Xu Xinyan , Zhang Yulin , Wei Fayun , Sun Rui , Liu Siyang , Li Jiazheng , Guo Hongqian , Yang Rong
Published: May 2022

Objectives
To analyze the correlations between the expression and effect of DNA damage repair genes and the immune status and clinical outcomes of urothelial bladder cancer (BLCA) patients. In addition, we evaluate the value of utilizing DNA damage repair genes signatures as a prognosis model.
Methods
Two subtype groups (C1 and C2) were produced based on the varied expression of DNA damage repair genes. Significantly differentiated genes and predicted enriched pathways were obtained between the two subtypes. Through infiltrating and screening, 7 key genes were obtained and a 7-gene signature prognosis model was established based on the key genes. The efficacy and accuracy of this model in prognosis prediction was evaluated and verified in two independent databases. Also, the difference in biological functions, drug sensitivity, immune infiltration and affinity between the high-risk group and low-risk group was analyzed.
Results
DNA damage repair gene signature could significantly differentiate the BLCA into two molecular subgroups with varied genetic expression and enriched pathways. 7 key genes were screened out from the 232 candidate genes for prognosis prediction and helped establish a 7-gene signature prognosis model. Two independent patient cohorts (TCGA cohort and GEO cohort) were utilized to validate the efficacy of the prognosis model, which demonstrated an effective capability to differentiate and predict the overall survival of BLCA patients. Also, the high-risk group and low-risk group derived from the 7-gene model exhibited significantly difference in drug sensitivity, immune infiltration status and biological pathways enrichment.
Conclusions
Our established 7-gene signature model based on the DNA damage repair genes could serve as a novel prognosis predictive tool for BLCA. The differentiation of BLCA patients based on the 7-gene signature model may be of great value for the appropriate selection of specific chemotherapy agents and immune-checkpoint blockade therapy administration.
Practical model for residual/recurrent cervical intraepithelial lesions in patients with negative margins after cold-knife conization
Authors: Chen Wei , Dong Yajie , Liu Lu , Jia Lin , Meng Lihua , liu Hongli , wang Lili , Xu Ying , Zhang Youzhong
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to identify reliable risk factors for residual/recurrent cervical intraepithelial lesions in patients with negative margins after cold-knife conization. 2352 women with HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) were treated with cold-knife conization with a negative margin from January 2014 to December 2020 and followed up until December 2021. Univariate analysis was used to select discriminative clinical features. Multivariate logistic regression was used to built four predictive models based on the different combination of follow-up data (Model A: preoperative factors; Model B: first follow-up data; Model C: second follow-up data; Model D: both follow-up data). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, false-positive rate (FPR), false-negative rate (FNR), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were evaluated on the validation cohort. The predictive power of risk factors was further validated using six machine learning algorithms. Model D demonstrated the highest AUC 0.91 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.96) in the validation cohort, while Model A-C achieved AUCs of 0.69 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.78), 0.88 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.95) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.97) respectively. Six machine learning methods achieved consistent results. Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves demonstrated that our models can effectively stratify patients with all models (p < 0.05 for all models). The identification model can serve as a complementary screening procedure for early detection or prediction of recurrence after cold-knife conization in HSIL patients.
Social and mental health needs of Palestine refugees and UNRWA responses in Gaza during the Covid-19 pandemic: a qualitative assessment
Authors: Jamal Zeina , ElKhatib Zoheir , AlBaik Shatha , Horino Masako , Waleed Mohammed , Fawaz Farah , Loffreda Giulia , Akihiro Seita , Witter Sophie , Diaconu Karin
Published: May 2022

Background
Refugees are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of the pandemic due to pre-existing challenges, but the impact of the pandemic on this group remains to be understood. In this study, we aimed to uncover the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of Palestine refugees in Gaza, disentangling the role of social determinants. We further aimed to explore views on the effectiveness and acceptability of policies and strategies the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) implemented during the pandemic.
Methods
This qualitative study took place between August and November 2020. Twenty-nine key-informant interviews were conducted with UNRWA Headquarters, Gaza Field Office, Health and Relief and Social Service staff and with community leaders and members residing in Rafah and Jabalia camps. We collected information on UNRWA’s strategies, people’s perception of those strategies, and personal and professional stressors during the pandemic. Data was coded based on the framework for social determinant of mental health.
Results
Interview data suggest that the pandemic and social determinants mutually aggravated one another resulting in a major impact on the physical and mental health of Gazans. Women, children and daily-paid workers were acutely more disadvantaged than other groups of the community, experiencing violence and anxieties. Financial strain, violence, food insecurity, and disruption in the education process were reported by all participants. UNRWA reconfigured its methods of service delivery to continue the provision of essential services. The strategies enacted by UNRWA during the pandemic were generally perceived as helpful, yet not enough to respond to Gazans’ needs.
Conclusion
The pandemic serves as a stark reminder of the need to broaden the public health response beyond disease management and prevention to address social determinants in order to improve refugees’ health and decrease their vulnerability to future shocks. UNRWA deployed telemedicine and mental telehealth services at short notice and the need to evaluate these new modes of remote service delivery is essential. The use of a hybrid approach, a combination of online and face-to-face therapy, could be useful as a long-term solution.