bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food consumption patterns and sedentary behaviours among the university students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Akter Mst. Mahfuza , Hossain Md. Jubayer
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study, conducted in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, aimed to examine the eating habits and physical inactivity levels of 444 randomly selected university students. Descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and chi-square test were used for data analysis. Approximately 44% of the students had irregular breakfast consumption, with a slightly higher proportion of males (46%) than females (42%). Additionally, approximately 23% of the students exhibited irregular dinner habits, with a significant difference between males (9.6%) and females (31%) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of smoking was 13%, with a higher percentage of male smokers (22%) than of female smokers (7.6%) (p < 0.001). Only 19% of both male and female students consumed fruit daily. Rice and meat were the preferred food choices for 57% of students, with slightly higher among males (59%) than females (56%). The majority of students (70%) consumed their favourite food once or twice daily, with females (81%) showing a higher prevalence than males (70%) (p < 0.013). Junk was favoured by 55% of the students, with similar preferences among males (53%) and females (56%). Traditional cooking methods were preferred by 71% of the students. 66% of the students had a normal weight, with a slightly higher proportion of males (67%) than females (65%). Overweight and obesity were observed in 13% and 7.4% of the patients, respectively. Additionally, most females (87%) spent less than two hours watching television daily compared to 80% of males (p < 0.035). Furthermore, physical inactivity was more prevalent among female students (44%) than male students (p < 0.026). This study highlights unhealthy habits among Bangladeshi university students, stressing the need for intervention programs to promote healthier lifestyles.
Metabolomic Insights in Advanced Cardiomyopathy of Chronic Chagasic and Idiopathic Patients that Underwent Heart Transplant
Authors: de Oliveira Raphaela M. , Paiva Mariana U. B. , Picossi Carolina R. C. , Paiva Diego V. N. , Ricart Carlos A. O. , Ruperez Francisco J. , Barbas Coral , Atik Fernando A. , Martins Aline M. A.
Published: August 2023

Heart failure (HF) studies typically focus on ischemic and idiopathic heart diseases. Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) is a progressive degenerative inflammatory condition highly prevalent in Latin America that leads to a disturbance of cardiac conduction system. Despite its clinical and epidemiological importance, CCC molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here we characterize and discriminate the plasma metabolomic profile of 15 patients with advanced HF referred for heart transplantation – 8 patients with CCC and 7 with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) – using gas chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Compared to the 12 heart donor individuals, also included to represent the negative control scenario, patients with advanced HF exhibited a metabolic imbalance with 21 discriminating metabolites, mostly indicative of accumulation of fatty acids, amino acids and important components of the TCA cycle. CCC vs. IDC analyses revealed a metabolic disparity between conditions, with 12 CCC distinctive metabolites vs. 11 IDC representative metabolites. Disturbances were mainly related to amino acid metabolism profile. Although mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of metabolic flexibility may be a central mechanistic event in advanced HF, metabolic imbalance differs between CCC and IDC populations, possibly explaining the dissimilar clinical course of Chagas’ patients.
Effects of Mepiquat Chloride and Plant Population Density on Leaf Photosynthesis and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Upland Cotton
Authors: Luo Haihua , Zhang Zhengxiang , wu Jianfei , wu Zhenjiang , Wen Tianwang , Tang Feiyu
Published: August 2023

Background
Mepiquat chloride (MC) application and increasing plant population density (PPD) are required for modern cotton production. However, their interactive effects on leaf physiology and carbohydrate metabolism remain obscure. This study aimed to determine how MC and PPD affect the leaf morpho-physiological charateristics, and thus final cotton yield. PPD of three levels (D1: 2.25 plants m-2, D2: 4.5 plants m-2, and D3: 6.75 plants m-2) and MC dosage of two levels (M0: 0 g ha-2, M1: 82.5 g ha-2) were combined to create six treatments. The dynamics of nonstructual carbohydrate concentration, carbon metabolism-related enzyme activity, and photosynthetic attributes in cotton leaves were examined during reproductive growth in 2019 and 2020.
Results
Among six treatments, the high PPD of 6.75 plants m-2 combined with MC application (MC1D3) exhibited the greatest seed cotton and biological yields. The sucrose, hexose, starch, and total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) concentrations peaked at first flowering (FF) stage and then declined down to a minimum at first boll opening (FBO) stage. Compared to the other treatments, MC1D3 improved starch, and TNC concentrations by 5.4–88.4%, 7.8–52.0% in 2019, and by 14.6–55.9%, 13.5–39.7% in 2020 at the FF stage, respectively; Additionally, The treatment produced higher transformation rates of starch and TNC during the FF to FBO stages, indicating greater carbon production and utilization efficiency with it. MC1D3 displayed the maximal SLW at the FBO stage, and the greatest Chl a, Chl b, and Chl a + b concentrations at the mid-late growth phase in both years. The Rubisco activity with MC1D3 was 2.6–53.2% higher at the flowering and boll setting stage in both years, and 2.4–52.7% higher at the FBO stage in 2020 than those in the other treatments. These results provided a explanation of higher leaf senescence-resistant ability in MC1D3.
Conclusion
Increasing PPD coupled with MC application improves cotton yield by enhancing leaf carbohydrate production and utilization efficiency and delaying leaf senescence.
Development of a Novel Prognostic Model for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Insights into Immune Cell Interactions and Drug Sensitivity
Authors: Wang Pu , Du Bin , Wei Lingyu , Wang Jia , Wang Jinshang
Published: August 2023

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly aggressive upper gastrointestinal tumor with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. Therefore, developing new effective prognostic markers is of great clinical significance. In this study, we utilized datasets specific to ESCC and analyzed differentially expressed genes in each dataset. By conducting Venn analysis, we identified genes that exhibited significant differential expression across multiple datasets. Through gene interaction network analysis, we identified a core set of genes (23 genes) and established a prognostic model for ESCC using the COX algorithm (p=0.000245, 3-year AUC=0.98). The high-risk group of patients showed a significantly worse prognosis compared to the low-risk group. Furthermore, immune interaction network analysis revealed a strong association between increased risk values and an elevated presence of M2 macrophages within tumor tissues. Drug sensitivity analysis indicated that the high-risk group of patients exhibited poorer sensitivity to first-line chemotherapy drugs for ESCC. Notably, there was a significant positive correlation between the expression of core genes and immune checkpoint genes such as SIGLEC15, PDCD1LG2, and HVCR2. The high-risk group exhibits decreased Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) values, indicating that immune checkpoint blockade therapy might result in more favorable outcomes for these individuals. The immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy may potentially yield better outcomes for these patients. In summary, through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we have established a highly effective prognostic model consisting of 23 genes for ESCC. An increased risk score in this model indicates a stronger infiltration of M2 macrophages and poorer sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. Moreover, immune checkpoint blockade therapy may hold greater benefits for patients in the high-risk group.
Research on the degree of non-stationarity in extreme precipitation in the continental United States
Authors: Shao JunBo , Wang Jingcai , Wang Wenyue , Li Fan , Wu Chen
Published: August 2023

Identifying the non-stationarity of hydrological extreme value sequences is crucial for understanding the patterns of hydrological systems and conducting reliable risk assessments. Current research on detecting non-stationarity primarily focuses on determining whether the parameters of a sequence vary through statistical tests. In this study, we introduce the concept of distributional changes in the detection of non-stationarity and propose the Cumulative Distribution Function Change Index (CDCI) as a measure to quantify the degree of non-stationarity in extreme value sequences. To demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of CDCI in assessing non-stationarity, we apply it to hourly precipitation data from 102 meteorological stations in the United States for the period from 1975 to 2021. We compare CDCI with existing methods for detecting non-stationarity to validate its rationality. Additionally, we explore the relationship between distribution, non-stationarity, and return periods using CDCI. The findings of this research indicate that: (1) distributional changes can reflect the non-stationarity of the sequence, and CDCI is more sensitive in identifying non-stationarity compared to conventional methods; (2) by combining CDCI with changes in return periods, we can identify the response of the distribution to non-stationarity, including changes occurring predominantly in low or high percentiles, or changes occurring across all percentiles and their magnitude. Therefore, the results not only demonstrate the efficacy and validity of measuring the non-stationarity of hydrological extreme value sequences through distributional changes but also reveal possible relationships among non-stationarity, distributional changes, and changes in return periods.
Gravity wave analysis and stratosphere-troposphere exchange during Typhoon Molave (2020)
Authors: Chang Shujie , Huang Dong , Wan Lingfeng
Published: August 2023

To investigate the stratosphere-troposphere exchange (STE) process induced by the gravity waves caused by typhoon “Molave” (2020) in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere region, we analyzed the ERA5 reanalysis data provided by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the tropical meteorological optimal path dataset from China Meteorological Administration. We also adopted the mesoscale forecast model Weather Research and Forecasting model, V4.3, for numerical simulation. Most of the study is about typhoon-induced STE and typhoon-induced gravity waves, so our research will provide information for the study of STE caused by typhoon-induced gravity wave breaking. Our analysis shows that in most of the time, the gravity wave signal of typhoon “Molave” appeared below the tropopause and on the east side of the typhoon center (10°N-20°N, 110°E-120°E), it was stronger than that on the west side, suggesting an eastward tilted structure with height increase. When the gravity waves in the UTLS region (100°E-108°E) which on the west side of the typhoon center broke up, it produced strong turbulent, resulting in stratosphere-troposphere exchange. At this time, \(\stackrel{-}{PVW}\), the average potential vorticity vertical flux, increased with the average ozone mass mixing ratio. The gravity wave events and STE process simulated by the WRF model are basically consistent with the results of ERA5 reanalysis data, but the time of gravity wave breaking is different. This study indicates that the distribution of typhoon-induced gravity waves is related to the background wind field, and after it is broken, it will generate turbulent mixing, causing the STE.
The protective effect of L-theanine addition to a cryoprotectant on the storage viability of lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Kwon Hyuk-Ju , Nguyen Trung Hau , Kim Jin-Seong , Kang Chang-Ho
Published: August 2023

There is an increase in the prevalence of mental illness owing to Covid-19 and excessive work stress. Many factors influence mental health. Intestinal health is significantly associated with mental health. Probiotics are beneficial for intestinal health; therefore, research on the correlation between lactic acid bacteria and mental health is ongoing. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that metabolize sugars to obtain energy and produce a large amount of lactate through the process, are well known for their benefits. However, they can be used in a large-scale only when good storage stability is guaranteed. The vitality and stability of several LAB strains were effectively protected in this investigation by L-theanine at 1% of the appropriate concentration. (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG5023, Enterococcus faecium MG5232, Lactococcus lactis MG4668, Streptococcus thermophilus MG5140, and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis MG741). The inclusion of L-theanine as a protective agent significantly enhanced the viability of all strains throughout the freeze-drying process compared to that of the non-coated probiotics. The efficacy of L-theanine in improving bacterial stability and survivability was evaluated using accelerated stability tests, gastrointestinal (GI) tract survivability tests and adhesion assays with intestinal epithelial cells. The cell surface was covered with substances including L-theanine, according to morphological findings, providing efficient defense against a variety of external stresses. Therefore, by exerting anti-freezing and anti-thawing properties, the adoption of L-theanine as a new and efficient protective agent may improve the stability and viability of a variety of probiotics.
Evaluating artificial diets for cucurbit fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquilett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) maggots through age-stage, two sex life table approach
Authors: T SHARMITHA , Balasubramani V. , Elaiyabharathi T. , Raveendran M. , Pugalendhi L. , Kokiladevi E.
Published: August 2023

The cucurbit fruit fly or melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquilett) is the most devastating pest of horticultural crops. Laboratory research with maggots and adults of fruit flies necessitates the need for mass rearing. Only a few artificial diets have been evaluated for mass rearing of Z. cucurbitae. With this mandate, the present study was formulated to evaluate the fitness of different artificial diets on Z. cucurbitae maggots in comparison with the natural hosts cucumber and pumpkin. Age-stage, two-sex life table approach was used to assess the efficacy of the artificial diets. Developmental duration (egg, maggots, pre-pupa, pupa), adult longevity, lifespan, adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), total pre-oviposition period (TPOP), oviposition period, fecundity and sex ratio were observed for life table analysis. Among the artificial diets evaluated, only D6 supported the survival and growth of maggots. Significant differences were observed in the developmental duration of maggots in D6 to the natural hosts cucumber and pumpkin. Other biological parameters and population parameters observed on the artificial diet D6 were statistically equivalent with the natural hosts. Thus, the semi-artificial solid diet D6 developed based on pumpkin and common bean powder without anti-microbial agents can promisingly be used for efficient mass rearing and laboratory research on Z. cucurbitae maggots.
Tibetan umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes improve hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting pulmonary vascular remodeling
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , Liu Hong , Liu Chuanchuan , Wang Yuxiang , Huang Pan , Wang xiaobo , Ma Yougang , Ma lan , Ge Rili
Published: August 2023

Aims
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease that involves pulmonary vasoconstriction, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy, ultimately leading to right heart failure. However, current treatments for pulmonary hypertension have several limitations. This study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of Tibetan umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) exosomes (exos) in treating PH, and to compare their treatment efficacy with Han Chinese umbilical cord MSC exosomes.
Methods and results
A rat model of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) was established in vivo to study the effects of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUCMSC) supernatant. Additionally, an in vitro model of hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) injury was established. The therapeutic effects of Tibetan-MSC-exo and Han-MSC-exo on HPH were investigated using various techniques such as immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, an EdU cell proliferation kit, and Transwell assay. The results demonstrated that Tibetan-MSC-exo had a more significant impact in attenuating pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) in HPH rats compared to Han-MSC-exo. In cell culture experiments, Tibetan-MSC-exo showed a stronger inhibition of hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation and migration. Furthermore, this study revealed that Tibetan-MSC-exo downregulated TGFβ1 expression in HPH rats and hypoxia-induced PASMCs to a greater extent than Han-MSC-exo. It was also observed that overexpression of the TGFβ1 gene diminished the therapeutic effects of both Tibetan-MSC-exo and Han-MSC-exo on hypoxic injury.
Conclusion
In this study, we demonstrated that Tibetan-MSC-exo exhibited a superior effect compared to Han-MSC-exo in treating HPH. Furthermore, we confirmed that this mechanism was associated with the down-regulation of the TGFβ1/p-Smad2/3 pathway.
Looking at the peat from above: application of Interferometric synthetic aperture radar to detect peatland subsidence in the Biebrza Valley
Authors: Ghezelayagh Pouya , Oleszczuk Ryszard , Stachowicz Marta , Eini Mohammad Reza , Grygoruk Mateusz
Published: August 2023

This study presents an analysis of peatland surface height changes in the Biebrza Valley, Poland, using the Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF) Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) on-demand cloud computing via Small Baseline Set (SBAS) technique and seasonal-annual search approach. The dataset covers the period from April 2015 to April 2022. The findings reveal a consistent rate of peatland subsidence, calculated to be 1.25 cm per year, which was validated through field surveys. The statistical analysis demonstrates the dataset’s robustness, with an R2 value of 0.94, indicating a strong correlation, while the low RMSE value of 0.23 cm suggests minimal error. The negative Pbias value of -33.6 indicates a tendency towards overestimation of the measured subsidence values. These results indicate the high precision and accuracy achieved by the InSAR products generated by the ASF DAAD HyP3 platform, providing reliable measurements at the millimeter level. Considering the extensive area of the Biebrza National Park, covering 59,717 hectares, the estimated annual volume loss of peatland is projected to reach approximately 7,500,000 cubic meters based on the observed rate of subsidence. These findings underscore the significant impact of peatland degradation and emphasize the need for continued research and proactive measures to mitigate such effects.
Obesity Modifies the Association of Race/Skin Color and COVID-19 Mortality: Analysis of a Retrospective Cohort From Southern Brazil
Authors: Silva Anelise Silva da , Santos Francine , Colucci Carolina , Olinto Maria Teresa Anselmo , Canuto Raquel
Published: August 2023

Background
COVID-19 and obesity are two concurrent, interrelated pandemics that share similarities in their social causes, including racism. It is essential to understand how their characteristics are interrelated and the possible role of obesity in the association between race/skin color and COVID-19 mortality. Thus, we investigated the relationship between race/skin color and COVID-19 mortality and the modifying effect of obesity on this relationship.
Methods
It is a retrospective cohort study. We analyzed data from 113,737 adults aged ≥ 19 years hospitalized for COVID-19 in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from March 2020 to December 2021. The study outcome was in-hospital COVID-19 mortality. Exposures included race/skin color, analyzed as White, Brown, and Black and as White and Black (Brown + Black), and obesity. Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations adjusted for age, comorbidities, and health care.
Results
The cumulative incidence of COVID-19 mortality was 33.46% (95% CI 33.18–33.74). Compared with White individuals, Brown and Black individuals were 39% (95% CI 1.28–1.52) and 30% (95% CI 1.20–1.41) more likely to die from COVID-19, respectively. Brown women with obesity had the greatest likelihood of COVID-19 mortality (1.64 [95% CI 1.27–2.13]) compared with all other groups.
Conclusions
Brown and Black individuals were more likely to die from COVID-19 than White individuals. Obesity was an effect modifier of the association between race/skin color and COVID-19 mortality, increasing the risk of mortality in the group of Brown women, after adjustments.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Rehabilitation Outcomes of Traumatic and Non-Traumatic Spinal 1 Cord Injury Patients: A Comparative Study Across Different Time Periods
Authors: Altahla Ruba , Alshorman Jamal , Tao Xu
Published: August 2023

Background
Spinal cord injury (SCI) SCI is a severe affliction that can have a profound impact on a person's ability to move and feel, affecting a significant number of individuals. However, Rehabilitation after SCI treatment remains a critical method to improve motor-sensory functions, which improves the patient's quality of life.
Objective This study aims to describe the epidemiological profile of SCI in a period of pandemic COVID-19 and without COVID-19 in China, Hubei province, Wuhan city.
Design A retrospective hospital-based study.
Setting Rehabilitation department of Wuhan’s Tongji Hospital.
Participants People who had been diagnosed with a SCI and admitted to the Rehabilitation department of Wuhan Tongji Hospital between January 2019 and May 2023 were examined retrospectively.
Interventions Not applicable. Outcome measures: Epidemiological features such as gender, age, marital status, Mechanism of spinal cord injury, work, neurological level of injury, and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale on admission, hospitalization, and COVID-19, non-COVID-19 SCI patientswere collected.
Results The medical histories of 93 patients who were diagnosed with SCI. Forty patients with SCI from the non-COVID-19 period while 53 patients from the COVID-19 period with a mean age of 38.80±17.71 and 44.53±13.27 years, respectively, were identified. In both SCI periods male/female ratio was 2:1. The most mechanism of injury (MOI) was fall (50%) in non-COVID-19, and 37.74% in the COVID-19 period. The most common initial ASIA grade was B in non-COVID-19 and grade C in COVID-19. As well as final ASIA after treatment was grade C in non-COVID-19 and grade D in COVID-19.
conclusion SCI is more prevalent in males, and the leading causes of this condition are falls and road traffic accidents. This research suggests that workers are the group most susceptible to SCI, and preventive measures should be tailored to the specific characteristics of SCI patients and this study emphasizes the significance of SCI rehabilitation.
HOTVOLC: The official French satellite-based service for operational monitoring and early warning of volcanic ash plumes
Authors: Guéhenneux Yannick , Mathieu Gouhier
Published: August 2023

Early detection of volcanic ash clouds is crucial to aviation safety and airspace surveillance. With the increase in air traffic and the frequency of volcanic eruptions, the need for effective warning procedures and improved detection methods has become obvious. The eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010 showed that air traffic operations were severely disrupted, and highlighted the importance of effective communication strategies between stakeholders. To improve monitoring capabilities, satellite techniques have become essential due to their wide coverage and rapid response. This article presents the HOTVOLC 3.0 web-GIS interface, an enhanced version of the CNRS-INSU-certified French operational monitoring platform developed at the Observatoire de Physique du Globe de Clermont-Ferrand (OPGC). By integrating data from the METEOSAT second generation (MSG) satellites, HOTVOLC 3.0 enables early detection of volcanic activity and monitoring of ash plumes and clouds. The HOTVOLC service is designed to support volcanic observatories, volcano research institutes, Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAAC) and other operational actors who play a crucial role in decision-making and the implementation of effective risk management strategies for aviation safety. After a description of how the system works, we provide details of the updated web interface, which enhances the user experience by offering an interface with an operational mode and an archive mode, enabling easy access to past eruptions for training purposes. In the second part we look at the various ash-related observation products (detection algorithms and quantitative products) that are disseminated via the new interface. Finally, we explore future developments of the platform, including the use of machine learning for ash detection, the integration of data from other geostationary satellites to improve product quality, and the forthcoming arrival of data from METEOSAT Third Generation (MTG) satellites.
Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and dynamics in mouse liver infected with Plasmodium berghei and the modulatory effects of a novel compound purified from Phyllanthus amarus
Authors: Olanlokun Oludele , Babarinde Cecilia Opeyemi , Olorunsogo Olufunso Olabode
Published: August 2023

Mitochondria occupy prominent position in cell metabolism, however, infection of the host by Plasmodium species causes their dysfunction and imbalance in homeostasis. Antimalarial orthodox drugs affect oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dynamics in the host cell. In this study, we observed the influence of 1, 3, 16 trimethoxy-10 methyl-17-(pent-3-enyl)cyclopenta[α]phenanthrene (TMCP) purified from Phyllanthus amarus on oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dynamics in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice by assessing the extent of mRNA of mitochondrial complexes and proteins responsible for mitochondrial biogenesis, fission and fusion. P. berghei decreases the expressions of complexes I to V while TMCPT at both doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) increased them. The PGC-1α, prohibitins 1 and 2 that P. berghei infection decreased in the infected control was increased significantly by TMCP (5 mg/kg). Increase in DRP-1 mediates mitochondrial fission in the infected mice treated with TMCP while significant expressions of OPA1 and mitofusin1 in mice treated with TMCP (5 mg/kg) elicit significant mitochondrial fusion. The TMCP (5 mg/kg) initiated PINK 1-dependent mitophagy while maximum FUNDC1 expression signified full modulation of hypoxia-induced autophagy. Furthermore, TMCP initiated up-regulation of prohibitins 1 and 2 relative to the infected control. The results obtained in this study indicates that TMCP prevents bioenergetic stress and modulate mitochondrial dynamics for effective mitophagy.
The high dose rate sensing potential of a radiotherapy optical fiber dosimeter
Authors: Basaif A. , Oresegun Adebiyi , Tarif Zubair H. , Zin Hafiz , Choo K. Y. , Ibrahim S. A. , Lau Sian Lun , Abdul-Rashid H. A. , Alkhorayef M. , Lewis Elfed , Bradley D. A.
Published: August 2023

A perceived need exists for real-time dosimeters offering pulse-by-pulse temporal resolution to validate the delivery of the prescribed dose from clinical electron linear accelerators (linacs). In the case of linacs working at conventional (100–600 cGy/min) dose rates and operating in the bremsstrahlung mode, radioluminescence-emitting Ge-doped silica optical fibers have been shown to satisfy such demand. Ge-doped silica optical fiber scintillators measurements are made for a linac operating in the electron mode, delivering at dose rates up to 600 cGy/min. The radioluminescence response of the material as a function of dose has been measured using a Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) with a photon-counting circuit capable of 1-200 µs gating time, demonstrating dose linearity (R2 = 0.99971). Time-resolved radiation dosimetry measurements for a wide range of electron beam energies (6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 MeV) are reported. Measurements using a Multi Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC) connected to an oscilloscope shows the absence of saturation in the time resolved signal, freedom from performance limitations of residual memory or afterglow effects. Individual pulses at different energies have been analysed in terms of rise- and decay-times. While obtaining a qualitative assessment of the variation in pulse sub-structure, the variations likely arising from internal pulse manipulation for handling linac power delivery. The results point not only to the use of Ge-doped optical fiber scintillator in time-resolved dosimetry at conventional dose rates but also potential for use at the greater dose-rates of FLASH radiotherapy.
Structural properties and immunomodulatory activity of an α-glucan purified from the fruiting body of Stropharia rugosoannulata
Authors: Zuofa Zhang , Tingting Song , Guoying Lv , Jie Liu , Qunli Jin
Published: August 2023

A novel polysaccharide PSRa-2 was purified from Stropharia rugosoannulata fruiting bodies using high pressure homogenization-assisted dual enzyme method, ion exchange, and gel chromatography. The PSRa-2 was characterized via FT-IR, HPAEC, SEM, Congo red test, SEC-MALLS-RI, methylation analysis, and NMR analysis. Structural characterization revealed that PSRa-2 was an α-glucan with a Mw 455.6 kDa. The backbone of PSRa-2 was composed of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and →3)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and branches of α-D-Glcp-(1→ at position O-6 of →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→. PSRa-2 induced splenocyte proliferation and protected splenocytes against 5-Fu-induced immunosuppression by restoring the proliferation and secretion of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-2) secretion levels. Thus, PSRa-2 exhibits obviously immunomodulatory activity and represents a potential natural immunomodulator.
Antifungal and physicochemical properties of polymerized acrylic resin containing strontium-modified phosphate-based glass
Authors: Jang Eun-Jee , Hong Ye-Ji , Jeong Yoon-Ha , Kim Kyoung-Eun , Jo Eun-Seo , Lee Myung-Jin , Yang Song-Yi
Published: August 2023

Acrylic resins are widely used as the main components in removable orthodontic appliances. However, poor oral hygiene and maintenance of orthodontic appliances provide a suitable environment for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, strontium-modified phosphate-based glass (Sr-PBG) was added to orthodontic acrylic resin at 0% (control), 3.75%, 7.5%, and 15% by weight to evaluate the surface and physicochemical properties of the novel material and its antifungal effect against Candida albicans. Surface microhardness and contact angle did not vary between the control and 3.75% Sr-PBG groups (p > 0.05), and the flexural strength was lower in the experimental groups than in the control group (p < 0.05), but no difference was found with Sr-PBG content (p > 0.05). All experimental groups showed an antifungal effect at 24 and 48 h compared to that in the control group (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that 3.75% Sr-PBG exhibits antifungal effects against C. albicans along with suitable physicochemical properties, which may help to minimize the risk of adverse effects associated with harmful microbial living on removable orthodontic appliances and promote the use of various materials.
Investigation into the prevalence of enterotoxin genes and genetic background of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from retain foods in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhao Gang , Yang Wei , Chen Fuhong , Qi Yan , Lou Zhengqing
Published: August 2023

Background
Staphylococcus aureus expresses numerous toxins, many of which are strongly believed to be responsible for specific symptoms and even diseases, making it significant in the pathogenesis of human health. Enterotoxins, which are vital toxins, are associated with foodborne illnesses that manifest through symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. In the present study, 264 S. aureus isolates obtained from various retail foods in Hangzhou, China were further investigated the profiles of enterotoxin genes and genetic backgrounds.
Results
Approximately, 64.02% of the isolates from diverse sources contained at least one Staphylococcal Enterotoxin (SE) genes, displaying a total of 36 distinct combinations. Enterotoxin gene cluster (egc) encoded enterotoxin genes, normally designated by seg, sei, sem, sen, seo and selu, plus with sep were more frequently detected (33.73%, each). In contrast, see, ses and set were absent in any of the isolates tested. A total of 44 sequence types (STs), 20 clonal complexes (CCs) and 66 different staphylococcal protein A (spa) types (including six novel types) were identified among those 169 SE-positive isolates. Moreover, nineteen methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were identified. The majority of those isolates belonged to the CC59-Sccmec Ⅳa cluster and carried the seb-sek-seq gene cluster. The egc cluster, either coexisting with or without other enterotoxin genes, was observed in all isolates allocated into CC5, CC9, CC20, CC25, CC72 and ST672. Irrespective of the spa types and origins of the food, it appeared that seh was a distinct genetic element present in isolates belonging to the CC1 clonal lineage.
Conclusions
The results not only proposed a suspected relationship between distribution of enterotoxigenic strains and genetic backgrounds, but also attributed the presence of novel enterotoxins to potential hazards in food safety.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Unveils Lrg1's Role in Cerebral Ischemia‒Reperfusion Injury by Modulating Various Cells
Authors: Ruan Zhaohui , Cao Guosheng , Qian Yisong , Fu Longsheng , Hu Jinfang , Xu Tiantian , Wu Yaoqi , Lv Yanni
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose: Cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury causes significant harm to human health and is a major contributor to stroke-related deaths worldwide. Current treatments are limited, and new, more effective prevention and treatment strategies that target multiple cell components are urgently needed. Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein 1 (Lrg1) appears to be associated with the progression of cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury, but the exact mechanism of it is unknown.
Methods: Wild-type (WT) and Lrg1 knockout (Lrg1-/-) mice were used to investigate the role of Lrg1 after cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury. The effects of Lrg1 knockout on brain infarct volume, blood‒brain barrier permeability, and neurological score (based on 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, evans blue dye, hematoxylin, and eosin staining) were assessed. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), immunofluorescence, and microvascular albumin leakage tests were utilized to investigate alterations in various cell components in brain tissue after Lrg1 knockout.
Results: Lrg1 expression was increased in various cell types of brain tissue after cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury. Lrg1 knockout reduced cerebral edema and infarct size and improved neurological function after cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of WT and Lrg1-/- mouse brain tissues after cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury revealed that Lrg1 knockout enhances blood‒brain barrier (BBB) permeability by upregulating claudin 11, integrin β5, protocadherin 9, and annexin A2. Lrg1 knockout also promoted an anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing phenotype in microglia and macrophages while reducing neuron and oligodendrocyte cell death.
Conclusions: Convincing evidence has shown that Lrg1 mediates numerous pathological processes involved in cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury by altering the functional states of various cell types, thereby rendering it a promising therapeutic target for cerebral ischemia‒reperfusion injury.
One-pot synthesis and in vitro bioactivity of novel 4-aminopyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivatives as potential antimicrobial compounds
Authors: Aggarwal Ranjana , Kumar Suresh , Sumran Garima , Sharma Deepansh
Published: August 2023

The present paper describes an efficient synthesis of a series of 4-aminopyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivatives 11a-i in 69-81% yields by one-pot three-component domino reaction of phenylhydrazine and two different β-ketonitriles in DMSO. All the synthesized derivatives were screened in vitro for their antimicrobial potential against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical bacterial strains and one fungal strain. Most of the tested derivatives displayed promising antimicrobial potency and activity was found to be comparable to standard drugs (amoxicillin and fluconazole). Compounds 11a and 11d with the MIC value of 3.12 μg/mL were identified as broad spectrum antibacterial agents. Compounds 11b, f, h and 11i exhibited equivalent antifungal activity (MIC 6.25 μg/mL) against Candida albicans to fluconazole. Interestingly, all the compounds were found to be non-toxic to normal mammalian and plant cells at very high concentration of 1 mg/mL.
Treadmill exercise improves behavioral and molecular alterations in restraint-stressed rats
Authors: ERCAN ZUBEYDE , BULMUS OZGUR , KACAR EMINE , SERHATLIOGLU IHSAN , ZORLU GOKHAN , KELESTIMUR HALUK
Published: August 2023

Stress is a state that is known to impact an organism's physiological and psychological balance as well as the morphology and functionality of certain brain areas. In the present work, chronic restraint stress (CRS) model rats treated with treadmill exercise were used to examine anomalies associated to emotion and mood as well as molecular changes in the brain. 40 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, stress, exercise, and stress+exercise groups. CRS were exposed to stress group rats and exercise group underwent a chronic treadmill exercise. Depressive-like behavior was evaluated with the forced swim test(FST) and tail suspension test(TST). For assessing anxiety-like behavior, the light-dark test(LDT) and the open field test(OFT) were used. Morris water maze test(MWMT) were used for testing memory and learning. Brain's monoamine level and the expression of genes related to stress were measured. It was discovered that CRS lengthens latency in the MWMT, increases immobility in the FST and TST, decreases time in the light compartment and causes hypoactivity in the OFT. CRS reduced the dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens(NAc). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamin receptors and serotonin receptor (HTR2A) gene expression in the prefrontal cortex, corpus striatum and hypothalamus were decreased by CRS. Exercise on a treadmill lead to increase NAc's dopamine and noradrenaline levels and prevented behavioral alterations. Exercise increased the alterations of BDNF expressions in the brain in addition to improving behavior. As a result, CRS-induced behavioral impairments were effectively reversed by chronic treadmill exercise with molecular alterations in the brain.
System analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in hexaploid wheat display tissue-specific regulatory role during Fe deficiency response
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Singh Dalwinder , Joon Riya , Shukla Vishnu , Singh Ajit Pal , Singh Palvinder , Mantri Shrikant , Pandey Ajay K
Published: August 2023

Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral element, and its deficiency in soil largely affects crop productivity. In plants, the molecular mechanisms underlying the genetic regulation of Fe deficiency responses have yet to be well understood. Specifically, microRNA (miRNA) mediated regulation of Fe deficiency response and its regulatory network is largely elusive. In the present study, we performed a small RNA-targeted whole genome transcriptome analysis to identify the involvement of sRNAs in Fe deficiency response. The analysis identified 105 differentially expressed miRNAs corresponding to Fe deficiency response; 9 miRNAs were found to be novel in this study. Interestingly, tissue-specific regulation of Fe deficiency response also participates through miRNA-mediated regulation. We identified 17 shoot-specific miRNAs and 18 root-specific miRNAs with altered expression. We validated the tissue specificity of these miRNAs by stem-loop quantitative RT-PCR. Our analysis of selected miRNAs also confirmed a temporal regulation of the response. Further, an attempt was made to predict their targets to speculate their participation in Fe deficiency response. The miRNA target prediction analysis suggested a few major targe genes, such as multicopper oxidases, E3 ubiquitin ligases, GRAS family, and WRKY transcription factors, those are previously known to play key roles in Fe homeostasis. The first information generated here will classify the repository of wheat miRNAs (with few novel miRNAs) for their role in Fe deficiency response. Our work provides insights into miRNA-mediated regulatory pathways during Fe deficiency.
Correlation between Binocular Vision and CVSS-17 Questionnaire in Taiwan High-Tech Industry Engineers
Authors: Tsai Lung-Hui , Chen Bo-Yu , Su Kuo-Chen , Cheng Ching-Ying
Published: August 2023

Purpose
To analyze the relationship between binocular visual function and visual-related symptoms in the high-tech industry group.
Methods
The study sample was comprised of 33 participants aged between 20 and 40 years. After completing basic information and the CVSS-17 questionnaire, the participants underwent a comprehensive examination of binocular visual function. All data were statistically analyzed with SPSS V26.0 software.
Results
The value of the binocular vision function of the Taiwan high-tech industry group was significantly different compared with the Scheiman & Morgan standard value. Similar results were shown in the Taiwan binocular visual function standard study, which was conducted during 2020. Study subjects were generally found to exhibit larger exophoric at distance, which in turn might lead to a lower ability to maintain binocular fusion to a single image, or recover from fusional disruption at distance. Subjects also experienced accommodation and convergence problems at near at the same time. Only the daily computer use time had a significant impact on the CVSS17 scores, particularly for internal symptom factor (ISF) dimensions. The interaction between the ISF and external symptom factor (ESF) resulted in more severe visual symptoms in patients.
Conclusion
No research has demonstrated a relationship between dry eye and computer vision syndrome in high-tech industry professionals, specifically regarding binocular vision. This lack of evidence serves as the primary motivation for conducting this study.
The association between NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis with urinary heavy metal based on the NHANES 2013-2018
Authors: Cai Jiacheng , Jia Yangtao , Jiang Pan , Su Mingli , Chen Dahua , Wu Zhe , Luo Wenjing , Wang Jian , Ye Hua
Published: August 2023

Background
Chronic liver disease poses an escalating health challenge on a global scale. It has been suggested that prolonged exposure to heavy metals could potentially contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our study aimed to assess the correlation between urinary levels of specific heavy metals, including Ba, Cd, Co, Cs, Hg, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti, and Ur, and the occurrence of NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis within the general population of the United States.
Methods
In our study, we conducted a thorough analysis using data from the NHANES spanning from 2013 to 2018. To examine the correlation between urinary heavy metal concentration and the prevalence of NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis, we employed a multivariable analysis that accounted for various factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, hypertension, and T2DM. This allowed us to control for potential confounding variables and obtain reliable findings regarding the association between urinary heavy metal concentration and the occurrence of NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis.
Results
We employed multiple logistic regression models to examine the data, and the results revealed noteworthy findings. Higher levels of urinary Ba, Cd, Co, Pb, Sb, Sn, Tu, and Ur exhibited a significant positive association with NAFLD. Additionally, as the concentration of Cd, Pb, Sb, and Sn increased in urine, the likelihood of advanced liver fibrosis also significantly increased. These findings underscore the significant positive associations between the levels of specific heavy metals in urine and both NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis.
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest a significant association between elevated urinary Ba, Cd, Co, Pb, Sb, Sn, Tu, Ur concentration and NAFLD while a significant correlation was also found between higher urinary levels of Cd, Pb, Sb, Sn and advanced liver fibrosis.
Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is valuable in identifying the micropapillary component in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Cheng , Chen Zhi-Jun , Li Wu-Jun , Wen Yuan-Yuan , Deng Tao , Le Han-Bo , Zhang Yong-Kui , Zhang Bin-Jie
Published: August 2023

Background: Biomarkers for identifying the solid or micropapillarycomponents in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma are urgently needed. Our study examined whether preoperative systemic inflammatory markers were valuable in identifying the solid or micropapillary components in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma and their association with prognosis.
Methods: Clinicopathological data of 640 patients with stage IA lung adenocarcinoma between January 2012 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Independent predictors of specific components were determined by logistic regression analysis. Correlations between systemic inflammatory markers and the cumulative incidence of recurrence were also assessed.
Results: The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio of the “micropapillary positive” group was significantly higher than that of the “micropapillary negative” group (P=0.006). None of the systemic inflammation markers showed significant differences between the groups with or without a solid component (P≥0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (odds ratio [OR]=1.272; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.047–1.544; P=0.015), tumor size (OR=1.982; 95% CI, 1.480–2.652; P<0.001), and carcinoembryonic antigen level (OR=1.095; 95% CI, 1.035–1.159; P=0.002) were independent predictive factors for the micropapillary component in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma. None of the systemic inflammatory markers showed a significant correlation with thecumulative incidence of recurrence in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma.
Conclusions: The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio independently predicted the existence of a micropapillary component in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma. Future investigations should explore the use of this ratio in combination with other clinicopathological parameters to help clinicians develop optimal surgical strategies. Furthermore, none of the systemic inflammatory markers showed significant associations with the cumulative incidence of recurrence in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma, which warrants additional in-depth analyses in future studies.