bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effect of dexmedetomidine on autophagy in mice administered intracerebroventricular injections of Aβ25-35
Authors: Lee Youn Young , Han Jong In , Cho Sooyoung , Suh Eun Cheng , Lee Kyung Eun
Published: September 2022

Current evidence suggests that dexmedetomidine (Dex) can be used as an adjuvant to general anesthesia for the elderly with or without neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), since it has perioperative analgesic properties and can prevent postoperative delirium. Dysfunction involving the autophagy-lysosomal pathway is thought to underlie the pathological mechanism of AD. Evidence regarding the effects of Dex on neuronal autophagy dysfunction in mice with AD is lacking. Therefore, we hypothesized that administration of Dex could exert neuroprotective effects by ameliorating pathological autophagy dysfunction in mice that received an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of amyloid β-protein fragment 25–35 (Aβ25−35) and in an autophagy-deficient cellular model. Low dose Dex treatment reversed decreases in percentage of alternation in the Y-maze test. It restored levels of phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (p-CaMKII) and postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95), both memory-related proteins. Dex also protected synapses from Aβ-induced toxicity in mice injected with Aβ25−35. Furthermore, increased expression of the autophagy-related microtubule-associated protein light chain3- II (LC3-II), p62, and lysosome-associated membrane protein2 (LAMP2) in Aβ25−35 mice was reduced after low-dose Dex treatment, ameliorating aberrant autophagic reflux. The present study demonstrated that low-dose Dex treatment ameliorated memory and learning impairments. It’s neuroprotective mechanism was associated with autophagic flux in a murine Aβ25−35 model. These findings suggest that Dex could represent an effective clinical approach for AD patients as a neuroprotective adjuvant in anesthesia.
Peptidomics Approaches for Authentication of Pork and Water Buffalo Meat Employing Rapid In-solution Fractionation and 2-DE
Authors: Banerjee Rituparna , Maheswarappa Naveena B. , Biswas Subhasish , Dasoju Sowmya , Mohan Kiran , Ramanathan Ranjith
Published: September 2022

A rapid and highly reproducible gel-eluted liquid fraction entrapment electrophoresis (GELFrEE) coupled with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is explored for the first time for authenticating adulteration of pork with water buffalo meat. The GELFrEE offers novel in-solution protein fractionation with a dynamic range from 3.5–500 kDa and the specificity sufficient to be implemented effectively for the identification of species-specific peptides derived from myoglobin (‘HPGDFGADAQGAMSK’, ‘HPSDFGADAQAAMSK’) and carbonic anhydrase-3 (‘GGPLTAAYR’, ‘GGPLAAPYR’) demonstrating their potential as heat-stable markers for meat authentication including commercial samples. The suitability of 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) coupled with MALDI-TOF MS for efficiently detecting myosin light chain isoforms from contaminating pork in buffalo meat is also demonstrated. The GELFrEE and gel-based 2-DE approaches efficiently authenticate raw and heat-processed meat and meat mixes up to 0.5% (w/w) level; however, quick extraction protocol and rapid fractionation by GELFrEE offer better solutions for routine MS-based approaches to address global meat fraud issues.
Emotion dysregulation as cross-disorder trait in child psychiatry predicting quality of life and required treatment duration
Authors: Bierens Margreet , Hartman Catharina A. , Klip Helen , Deckers Stijn , Buitelaar Jan , Rommelse Nanda
Published: September 2022

Background
Emotion dysregulation (ED) is increasingly under investigation as a cross-disorder trait, and is by some considered as the core feature in mental disorders. The underlying assumptions are that ED is a trait that manifests similarly across disorders and with similar impact. The aims of this study are to examine the shared and specific features of ED in relation to DSM-categories in a large sample of clinically referred youth.
Methods
Information on clinical diagnosis (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder, Anxiety and Mood Disorders), ED (measured by the CBCL-Emotion Dysregulation Index), Quality of Life (Qol, measured by the Kidscreen-27), and treatment duration (measured by Electronic Health Records) was retrieved from two large samples of toddlers (1.5-5 year old; N = 1,544) and school aged children (6–18 year old; N = 7,259). Frequency scores and logistic regression were used to study symptom profiles of ED, as measured with CBCL-EDI, across all disorders. Linear regression was used to determine the predictive value of ED (CBCL-EDI total score) regarding QoL and treatment duration in addition to - and in interaction with - clinical diagnosis.
Results
Across disorders, equal levels of total ED were found, which predicted lower QoL and a longer treatment duration in addition to clinical diagnosis. The majority of items (11/15 and 16/18) were of equal relevance to the disorders; items that were not, largely reflected disorder specific DSM definitions (i.e. externalizing symptoms in ODD/CD and internalizing symptoms in Anxiety and Mood disorders).
Conclusions
ED is a clinically useful cross-disorder trait to predict severity of impairment as well as required treatment duration. In addition, ED is largely composed of shared features across disorders, with certain disorder specific coloured elements.
Use of the speckle imaging sub-pixel correlation analysis in revealing a mechanism of microbial colony growth
Authors: Balmages Ilya , Liepins Janis , Auzins Ernests Tomass , Bliznuks Dmitrijs , Baranovics Edgars , Lihacova Ilze , Lihachev Alexey
Published: September 2022

The microbial colony growth is driven by the activity of the cells located on the edges of the colony. However, this process is not visible unless specific staining or cross-sectioning of the colony is done. Speckle imaging technology is a non-invasive method that allows visualization of the zones of increased microbial activity within the colony. In this study, the laser speckle imaging technique was used to record the growth of the microbial colony. This method was tested on three different microorganisms: Vibrio natriegens, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the speckle analysis system is not only able to record the growth of the microbial colony but also to visualize the microbial growth activity in different parts of the colony. The developed speckle imaging technique visualizes the zone of “the highest microbial activity” migrating from the center to the periphery of the colony. The results confirm the accuracy of the previous models of colony growth and provide algorithms for analysis of microbial activity within the colony.
Analysis of a stochastic HIV model with cell-to-cell transmission and Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process
Authors: Liu Qun
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we establish and analyze a stochastic HIV model with both virus-to-cell and cell-to-cell transmissions and Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process, in which we suppose that the virus-to-cell infection rate and the cell-to-cell infection rate satisfy the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. Firstly, we validate that there exists a unique global solution to the stochastic model with any initial value. Then we adopt a stochastic Lyapunov function technique to develop sufficient criteria for the existence of a stationary distribution of positive solutions to the stochastic system, which reflects the strong persistence of all CD4+ T cells and free viruses. In particular, under the same conditions as the existence of a stationary distribution, we obtain the specific form of the probability density around the quasi-chronic infection equilibrium of the stochastic system. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to validate these analytical results. Our results suggest that the methods used in this paper can be applied to study other viral infection models in which the infected CD4+ T cells are divided into latently infected and actively infected subgroups.
Unconventional route to control the chemical doping of molecular
semiconductors through proton-coupled electron transfer in aqueous solutions
Authors: Yamashita Yu , Ishii Masaki , Watanabe Shun , Ariga Katsuhiko , Takeya Jun
Published: September 2022

The chemical doping of molecular semiconductors is based on electron transfer reactions between the semiconductor and dopant molecules; here, the molecular orbital energy of the dopant is key to control the Fermi level of the semiconductor. The tunability and reproducibility of chemical doping are limited by the availability of suitable dopant materials and effects of impurities such as water. In this study, we focused on proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions, which are widely employed in biochemical processes; changes in the free energy in these redox reactions depend on not only the molecular orbital energy but also an easily handled parameter, that is, proton activity. We immersed p-type organic semiconductor (OSC) thin films in aqueous pH-controlled doping solutions under ambient conditions. In accordance with the Nernst equation, the Fermi levels of the semiconductors were controlled with a high degree of precision, ca. thermal energy of 25 meV at RT, over a few hundred meV around the band edge. The OSC thin films showed repetitive and reproducible resistance changes as a function of the pH of the doping solution, which could lead to the development of a reference-electrode-free, resistive pH sensor. Knowledge of the connection between semiconductor doping and proton activity, a widely employed parameter in chemical and biochemical processes, may help create a new platform for developing ambient semiconductor processes and biomolecular electronics.
Special clinicopathological features of anaplastic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhao Min , Wang Lixing , He Juan , Wang Xingyu , Huang Ying , Yu Kuai , Li Dan , Xian Jie
Published: September 2022

Anaplastic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (A- DLBCL) is a mysterious and rare disease, its histopathological features have not been fully clarified toaday. This paper provides a case in the left axillary lymph node, there are a large number of pleomorphic centroblast-like cells with anaplastic characteristics and HRS-like cells in a nodular or follicular germinating center-like growth, which is consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, non-special type, anaplastic subtype. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that these tumor cells were positive for CD20, CD79ɑ, Pax5, LMO2, BCL6, IgD. Besides, CD21 showed FDC network and p53 was diffusely and strongly positive. Ki67 proliferation index was 80 ~ 90%. Tumor cells were no association with EB virus (EBV). Our case presents different morphological diversity from previously reported cases of A-DLBCL, which shows different clinicopathological features with common diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Furthermore, we also review the most of article about ALCL and summarize the progress of its pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis in recent years.
Proposal for a novel parameter for predicting the concentration of unbound valproic acid
Authors: Ishikawa Masayuki , Uchida Masashi , Asakawa Takahiro , Suzuki Shota , Yamazaki Shingo , Shiko Yuki , Kawasaki Yohei , Suzuki Takaaki , Ishii Itsuko
Published: September 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore appropriate parameters for predicting the free fraction of valproic acid (VPA) and the unbound VPA concentration in patients.
Methods
Datasets from patients treated with VPA were retrospectively evaluated. We analyzed the associations between various parameters and the free fraction of VPA. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was analyzed by testing for no correlation.
Results
A total of 136 datasets from 75 patients were analyzed in this study. The free fraction of VPA was 0.18 ± 0.07 (range, 0.07–0.46). The parameter that combines total VPA concentration (CtVPA) and serum albumin (SA), (CtVPA [µM] – 2 × SA [µM]), significantly related to the free fraction of VPA (r = 0.76, p < 0.001). This combined parameter-based prediction formula for unbound VPA concentration was constructed. Analysis using previously reported external datasets from patients without severe renal failure showed that the combined parameter also significantly related to the free fraction of VPA (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the prediction errors of the unbound VPA concentration by the combined parameter-based prediction formula were lower than those of previously reported prediction formulae.
Conclusions
This study indicates that (CtVPA [µM] – 2 × SA [µM]) significantly relates to the free fraction of VPA in patients. This combined parameter may make it possible to predict more accurately the free fraction of VPA and the unbound VPA concentration in patients without severe renal failure than the previously reported formulae.
Effect of an increase in Lp(a) following statin therapy on cardiovascular prognosis in secondary prevention population of coronary artery disease
Authors: Zhu Lijun , Fang Yangliang , Gao Beibei , Jin Xiangbo , Zheng Jiamin , Yin he , Huang Jin-yu
Published: September 2022

Background
It is frequently observed in clinical trials that statins lead to an increase in Lp(a), and recent studies have indicated that statins tend to increase Lp(a) levels by 10–20%. Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the association of statin-mediated increases in Lp(a) levels with CAD has not been determined.
Methods
This study included 488 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Lp(a) levels were measured at baseline and 1 month after statin therapy. The study endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Hazard ratios for the MACE were adjusted for potential confounder using Cox regression.
Results
After statin therapy, the mean level of Lp(a) increased by 19.3% from baseline. Lp(a) levels increased in 307 patients (62.9%) with a median elevation of 4.1 mg/dL. Individuals with an increase in Lp(a) were at higher risk for MACE than those without an increase in Lp(a) (p = 0.044). Subgroup analyses revealed that a mild-to-moderate increase in Lp(a) was not associated with MACE, whereas there was a strong correlation between the highest quartile increase in Lp(a) (≥ 10.1mg/dL) and MACE (HR = 2.29, 95%CI = 1.36–3.84, p = 0.002). This correlation was independent of baseline Lp(a) levels but not independent of on-statin Lp(a) levels.
Conclusions
Substantial increases in Lp(a) following statin therapy raise the risk of MACE, but a mild-to-moderate increase in Lp(a) hardly affects the cardiovascular prognosis of CAD patients. Even if the baseline Lp(a) levels are low, it is necessary to continue testing for Lp(a) concentration at least once after statin.
The 27-gene IO score is associated with efficacy of PD-1/L1 inhibitors independent of FGFR expression in a real-world metastatic urothelial carcinoma cohort
Authors: Nielsen Tyler J. , Varga Matthew G. , Cronister Catherine T. , Ring Brian Z. , Seitz Robert S. , Ross Douglas T. , Schweitzer Brock L. , McGregor Kimberly
Published: September 2022

Multiple targeted therapeutics have been approved by the FDA for mUC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and more recently targeted agents for both FGFR and Nectin-4. FGFR3-aberrant and Nectin-4 expressing cells have been associated with an immunosuppressed phenotype. Given that less than half of all patients respond to these agents as monotherapies, and less than 20% are eligible to receive salvage therapy, effective personalized treatment plans are critical. Typical biomarkers for ICIs such as PD-L1 and TMB have not been definitive in mUC, yet a biomarker-driven optimization of first-line therapy and subsequent sequencing have the potential to achieve higher and more durable response rates. The IO score is a 27-gene tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) classifier that has been associated with the clinical benefits of ICIs in multiple cancer types, including mUC. This study demonstrates that the IO score was associated with both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in a real-world cohort of mUC patients treated with ICIs. Furthermore, the IO score was independent of and provided information incremental to TMB. Interestingly, the IO score predicted benefit in patients with high FGFR expression, despite conflicting data regarding response rates among the FGFR aberrant population. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the IO score assessment of the TIME is associated with a clinical benefit from ICI therapy and that this novel biomarker may inform therapeutic sequencing decisions in mUC, potentially improving outcomes for this notoriously difficult-to-treat disease.
Mechanobiology of the relocation of proteins in advecting cells: modeling, experiments, and simulations.
Authors: Serpelloni Mattia , Arricca Matteo , Ravelli Cosettta , Grillo Elisabetta , Mitola Stefania , Salvadori Alberto
Published: September 2022

Cell motility - a cellular behavior of paramount relevance in embryonic development, immunological response, metastasis, or angiogenesis - demands a mechanical deformation
of the cell membrane and influences the surface motion of molecules
and their biochemical interactions.
In this note, we develop a fully coupled multi-physics model able to capture and predict the
protein flow
on endothelial advecting plasma membranes.
The model has been validated against co-designed in vitro
experiments. The complete picture of the receptor dynamics
has been understood,
limiting factors have been identified together with the laws that regulate receptor
polarization.
This computational approach might be insightful in the prediction of endothelial cell behavior in different tumoral environments,
circumventing the time-consuming and expensive empirical characterization of each tumor.
3rd Trimester Umbilical Arterial Pulsatility Index Is Associated with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 2-years in Major Congenital Heart Disease.
Authors: MBBS Amol A MORAY , ROBERTSON Charlene M.T. , MN Gwen Y. BOND , ABEYSEKERA Jayani B. , MOHAMMADIAN Parsa , DINU Irina A. , ATALLAH Joseph , SWITZER Heather N. , HORNBERGER Lisa K. , Hornberger Lisa
Published: September 2022

Background
Major congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with impaired neurodevelopment (ND), partly from prenatal insults. In this study we explore associations between 2nd and 3rd trimester umbilical (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI = systolic-diastolic velocities/mean velocity) in fetuses with major CHD and 2-year ND and growth outcomes.
Methods
Eligible patients included those with a prenatal diagnosis of CHD from 2007–2017 without a genetic syndrome who underwent previously defined cardiac surgeries and 2-year biometric and ND assessments in our program. UA and MCA-PI Z-scores at fetal echocardiography were examined for relationships with 2-year Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and biometric Z-scores.
Results
Data from 147 children was analyzed. Second and 3rd trimester fetal echocardiograms were performed at 22.4 ± 3.7 and 34.7 ± 2.9 weeks (mean ± SD), respectively. Multivariable regression analysis showed an inverse relationship between 3rd trimester UA-PI for all CHD and cognitive − 1.98(-3.37,-0.59), motor − 2.57(-4.15,-0.99), and language − 1.67(-3.3,-0.03) (effect size and 95th confidence interval) ND domains (p < 0.05), with the strongest relationships in the single ventricle and hypoplastic left heart syndrome subgroups. No association was found for 2nd trimester UA-PI or any trimester MCA-PI and ND or between UA or MCA-PI and 2-year growth parameters.
Conclusions
Increased 3rd trimester UA-PI, reflecting an altered late gestation fetoplacental circulation, relates to worse 2-year ND in all domains.
Preoperative Factors Affecting the Two-Year Postoperative Outcome in Single-Level Lumbar Grade I Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: Prospective, Multicenter, Patient-Preference Cohort Study using Patient-Reported Assessment
Authors: Kanchiku Tsukasa , Taguchi Toshihiko , Sekiguchi Miho , Toda Naofumi , Hosono Noboru , Matsumoto Morio , Tanaka Nobuhiro , Akeda Koji , Hashizume Hiroshi , Kanayama Masahiro , Orita Sumihisa , Takeuchi Daisaku , Kawakami Mamoru , Fukui Mitsuru , Kanamori Masahiko , Wada Eiji , Kato So , Hongo Michio , Ando Kei , Iizuka Yoichi , Ikegami Shota , Kawamura Naohiro , Takami Masanari , Yamato Yu , Takahashi Shinji , Watanabe Kei , Takahashi Jun , Konno Shinichi , Chikuda Hirotaka
Published: September 2022

Background
Selection of operative method for lumbar spinal stenosis with Meyerding grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis remains controversial and the preoperative factors affecting the patient-reported postoperative assessment are unknown. The objective of this study was to clarify the preoperative factors affecting the two-year postoperative outcome in Meyerding grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis by using a patient-reported assessment.
Methods
Seventy-two consecutive patients who had decompression alone (D group; 28) or with fusion (DF group; 44) were enrolled. The parameters investigated were the Japanese Orthopaedic Association back pain evaluation questionnaire, visual analog scales, and radiological evaluation of L4 slippage (L4S), lumbar lordosis (LL), and lumbar axis sacral distance (LASD) as an index of sagittal alignment. The prospectively collected data of postoperative 2 years were examined by statistical analysis.
Results
Finally, sixty-two cases (D group; 25, DF group; 37) were evaluated. There was no significant difference in JOABPEQ outcome between the two surgical groups. On the other hand, in multiple logistic regression analysis, gender, preoperative L4S, LASD, and LL were extracted as significant preoperative factors affecting the two-year postoperative outcome. Women had a lower rate of improvement in lumbar spine dysfunction due to low back pain (risk ratio = 0.17, p = 0.034) and psychological disability (risk ratio = 0.222, p = 0.045) compared to men. Patients with preoperative L4S greater than 5–6 mm have a lower rate of improvement in low back pain (risk ratio = 0.159, p = 0.049) and lumbar spine dysfunction due to low back pain (risk ratio = 0.188, p = 0.043). Patients with a preoperative LASD greater than 30 mm have a higher rate of improvement in postoperative low back pain (risk ratio = 20.905, p = 0.008) and lumbar dysfunction due to low back pain (risk ratio = 11.48, p = 0.021). Preoperative LL of less than 35 degrees was associated with a lower rate of improvement in gait disturbance due to low back pain (risk ratio of high lordosis to low lordosis = 11.638, p = 0.017).
Conclusions
In this study, the selection of operative method was not a significant factor affecting the two-year postoperative outcome and gender, preoperative L4S, LASD, and LL were extracted as significant preoperative factors.
Route of dexamethasone administration influences parasite burden in Strongyloides hyperinfection model
Authors: Corrêa Luisa Queiroz , Couto Bruna Patrícia do , de Carvalho Edson Fernando Goulart , de Sousa José Eduardo Neto , Ribeiro Vanessa da Silva , Gonzaga Henrique Tomaz , Costa-Cruz Julia Maria
Published: September 2022

Rodents infected withStrongyloides venezuelensisare experimental models applied to strongyloidiasis research. This study evaluated oral and subcutaneous dexamethasone (DEX) treatments to establish immunosuppression in an experimental model ofStrongyloideshyperinfection.Rattus norvegicusWistar were divided: G I (−): untreated and uninfected animals, G II (+): untreated and infected, G III (o −) orally treated and uninfected, G IV (o +) orally treated and infected, G V (sc −) subcutaneously treated and uninfected, G VI (sc +) subcutaneously treated and infected. For oral administration, DEX was diluted in sterile water (5 µg / ml) and made available to the animals on intervals in experimental days − 5 to 0, 8 to 13 and 21 to 26. For subcutaneous administration, animals received daily injections of DEX disodium phosphate (2mg / kg). Infection was established by the subcutaneous inoculation of 3000S. venezuelensisfilarioid larvae. Groups were evaluated by egg per gram of feces and parasite females counts and IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a detection. GIV (o+) had egg peaks count on days 13 and 26 and maintained egg elimination until the last experimental day. Parasitic females recovery at day 30 was significantly higher in G IV (o+) when compared to G VI (sc +). Levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a of all groups, except the positive control GII (+), were below the detection threshold. Pharmacological immunosuppression induced by oral administration of DEX produced high parasitic burden, and is a noninvasive method, useful to study immunosuppression in strongyloidiasis hyperinfection model in rats.
Antimicrobial Activity of Bacillus velezensis K-9 Against Potato Scab and Its Genome-wide Analysis
Authors: Shuang Ma , Wang Yanjie , Teng Wang , Ru Jiarong , Jiang Lili , Cong Wang
Published: September 2022

We isolated a bacterial strain K-9, identified as a species of the genus Bacillus, from a potato tuber sample. The inhibition rate of the strain K-9 against potato scab (Streptomyces scabies) was 44.90%. The whole genome sequence of Bacillus velezensis K-9 was obtained, and genomic analyses were performed. Complete genome sequence of strain K-9 was obtained through PacBio RSII and Illumina platforms. The size of genome is 3891530 bp, with estimated 3915 coding DNA sequences, GC content of 46.45%, 79 tRNA, and 10 rRNA. In addition, functional annotation of the strain K-9 genes was performed by GO, COG, KEGG, and CAZy analyses. There were 12 gene clusters for secondary metabolite synthesis in the genome of Bacillus velezensis K-9. Except for the unknown metabolites of the T3PKS (third polyketone), terpene and lanthipeptide class-II, the other eight gene clusters are associated with the synthesis of secondary metabolites that are common in Bacillus and have antibacterial activity. Based on the functional analysis of the genome, the lipopeptide extract and crude protein extract of the strain were verified as bacteriostatic. The metabolites of its antibacterial activity were analyzed and identified by metabolomics technology. The antibacterial protein-related substances such as polyketide synthetase, plastin synthetase, bacitin-biosynthetic protein and flagellin were isolated and identified from the crude protein extract. In the future, information derived from the thorough genomic analyses of this strain may be helpful in directed genetic modification of bacterial strains for production of antibacterial substances to control potato scab.
Assigning Resistivity Values to Rock Quality Designation indices Using Integrated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography in Granitic Rock
Authors: Junaid Muhammad , Abdullah Rini Asnida , Saa’ri Radzuan , Islam Amber
Published: September 2022

Rock quality designation (RQD) is a standard technique in mining and geotechnical investigation for quantifying the quality and degree of jointing of the rock mass. However, the need for expeditious and inexpensive geotechnical site characterization is the main motivation for the modification of RQD. This research work integrates 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (2D ERT), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and borehole to assign resistivity values to various RQD indexes. The UAV survey was performed to calculate RQD on the rock surface using volumetric joint counts (Jv), whereas the 2D ERT survey provides the corresponding resistivity values. A limited number of core samples were also gathered to validate the o the 2D ERT investigation. Combine 2D ERT and UAV provides resistivity values for various RQD indices such as very poor rocks (<350 Ωm), poor rock (350-1150 Ωm), fair rock (1150 – 1850 Ωm), good rock (1850 -2500 Ωm) and > 2500 Ωm excellent rock. Based on the established correlation of RQD and resistivity, the subsurface rock mass quality at Site 1 was predominantly good and excellent rock, while at Site 2, poor rock was significantly reported. This research study concluded that rock mass characterization using RQD is more rapid and inexpensive than the direct or indirect calculation of RQD.
Functional improvements in β-conglycinin by preparing edible bioconjugates with ε-polylysine and dextran
Authors: Yoshida Tadashi , Hamaji Ikumi , Hashimoto Takeshi , Matsumoto Takuya , Hattori Makoto
Published: September 2022

β-Conglycinin was conjugated with ε-polylysine (PL) by means of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) to improve its function. The β-conglycinin-PL conjugate was purified by dialysis. Composition of the β-conglycinin-PL was β-conglycinin:PL = 1:18 (molar ratio) which was confirmed by amino acid analysis. The β-conglycinin-PL was further conjugated with dextran (Dex) by the Maillard reaction. The β-conglycinin-PL-Dex conjugate was purified by dialysis. Conjugation was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and PAS staining. Composition of the β-conglycinin-PL-Dex was β-conglycinin-PL:Dex = 1:41 (molar ratio) which was confirmed by UV spectra measurement and phenol sulfuric acid method. Solubility of β-conglycinin in the acidic range was much improved by conjugation with PL and further improved by further conjugation with Dex. Emulsifying property of β-conglycinin in acidic pH range was much improved by conjugation with PL and Dex. Immunogenicity of β-conglycinin was decreased by conjugation with PL and Dex.
Effectiveness of the virtual psychosocial empowerment program on the quality of life of family caregivers of chronic mental disorders: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: lohrasebi fatemeh , Maghsoudi Jahangir , Alavi Mousa , Akbari Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Caring for a patient with a chronic mental disorder is a difficult and exhausting task that makes family caregivers face all kinds of psychosocial problems and ultimately reduces the quality of life of these people. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the virtual psychosocial empowerment program on the quality of life of family caregivers with chronic mental disorders.Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a control group and a pre-test-post-test design that was performed on 70 family caregivers of patients with chronic mental disorders in Farabi and Noor educational- medical centers in Isfahan, Iran. The participants in this study were selected by convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic information form and the WHO-QOL-BREF questionnaire, before, immediately, and one month after the intervention. The experimental group received the psychosocial empowerment program in 8 sessions and 4 weeks. At the end of the intervention, and one month later the WHO-QOL-BREF questionnaire was completed by the experimental and control groups and the data were analyzed using independent t-test and RM-ANOVA.Results: In this study, 35 participants were in the intervention group and 35 participants were in the control group. Three members of the intervention group were excluded from the study and finally data analysis was performed on 67 of the samples. The average quality of life score and its dimensions in the intervention group were improved immediately after the intervention and one month after that. The results of the RMANOVA test showed that the mean changes in the intervention group were significant(P=0.000), but these changes were not significant in the control group (P=0.793). Conclusions: Using the empowerment program for family caregivers of chronically mentally ill patients in virtual form can be effective on their quality of life and can be used as one of the supported methods for these families.
Improvement effect of enzymic polypeptide from Paeonia ostii cake on protein-energy malnutrition mouse model
Authors: Wei Liang , Yang Huiying , Yu Xinxin , Pu Duowen , Lu Qi , Zhu Minghua , Zu Yuangang
Published: September 2022

The improvement effects of enzymatic polypeptide of Paeonia ostii cake (APHP) on model mice of protein-energy malnutrition were evaluated by body weight changes, organ indices, levels of SOD, CAT，MDA, total protein and albumin in serum, staining images of major organs and macrophages phagocytosis. The results indicated the mice body weight recovery was dose-dependent with APHP and the body weight change of model mice fed with high-dose APHP (5.0 g/kg) and normal diet showed a same recovery effect. The model mice had higher thymus and spleen indexes than other groups. And the values of SOD, CAT, MDA, total protein and albumin in serum returned to normal level after 30, 60, 45, 30 and 45 days respectively, which was better than those of normal diet. Our research will provide basic data support for new potential applications of APHP and increase the added value of Paeonia ostii processing enterprises.
Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution Analysis of PI-PLC Family and Their Expression Patterns in Response to Different Hormones and Growth in Banana (Musa L.)
Authors: Wu Qiuzhen , Fan Zhengyang , Qi Feng , Li Dan , Zhang Zihao , Chen Yukun , Huang Yuji , Lin Yuling , Lai Zhongxiong
Published: September 2022

PI-PLC is not only involved in the regulation of plant responses to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses, but also plays an important role in the regulation of plant growth. banana is one of the four most famous fruits in the world, as well as one of the most important tropical fruits in the world. However, in recent years, blight and cold damage have become two major deadly hazards for banana industry, making it particularly important to improve the resistance of bananas to stress. In this study. PI-PLCs gene family of banana encodes 567–698 amino acidsand. It is mainly located in chloroplasts, mitochondria and cytoplasm. Systematic evolution and homology analysis, PI-PLCs gene family of banana is highly clustered, the structure and function are relatively consistent. There were hormones and stress response elements such as methyl jasmonate, auxin and gibberellin, in the promoter region of MaPLCs family members. The proteins coded by all MaPLCs could interact and participate in a series of life-sustaining activities. The study showed that members of the MaPLCs gene family of bananas could be induced to express by auxin, abscisic acid and salicylic acid. And the leaves appeared curl, wilting symptoms, and water-stained spots.
Penetrating Keratoplasty in Congenital Glaucoma
Authors: Tamçelik Nevbahar , Oto Bilge Batu , Bozkurt Ercüment , Arici Ceyhun , Kılıçarslan Oğuzhan , Gönen Busenur , Çelik Hacı Uğur
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate the graft survival rate and factors affecting graft survival in patients with congenital glaucoma who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).Materials and Methods: Patients with congenital glaucoma who underwent PKP were retrospectively evaluated. The associations between age, corneal diameter, presence of ocular comorbidities, concurrent ocular surgeries with corneal graft, and visual outcomes were assessed.Results: Among the 30 eyes enrolled in the study, 6 (20%) had aniridia, 6 (20%) had Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome, and 18 (60%) were diagnosed with primary congenital glaucoma. Graft survival rates were 66.6% and 63.33% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. At the end of the follow-up, the overall graft survival rate was 60%. Statistical significance was observed between patient age at the time of surgery and graft failure (p=0.02). Graft failure was associated with a younger patient age. Functional vision was achieved in 53.3% of patients.Conclusions: Management of congenital glaucoma and its corneal complications is a delicate issue that requires great effort. PKP in congenital glaucoma was moderately successful in the present study. To provide functional vision, PKP could be the treatment of choice.
D-limonene binds the target gene odorant-binding protein 3 to control Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Wei Yan , Gao Liming , Zhang Zhanhong , Xu Lingchao , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Deyong , Chen Jianbin , Li Kailong , Yan Shuo , Du Jiao , Zhou Xuguo , Shi Xiaobin , Liu Yong
Published: September 2022

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important global invasive pest, which damages plants by feeding on phloem sap and causes great losses to agricultural production. At present, the management of B. tabaci still relies on insecticides. Based on the emergence of the insecticide resistance and the pursuit of environmental friendliness, more green control methods have been generated. Insects rely on odorant-olfactory proteins to identify specific volatiles and locate hosts, and these volatiles can be exploited in agricultural pest control. This study evaluated the control efficacy of d-limonene, a common volatile in three avoidant plants. Our results showed that d-limonene had a repelling effect on B. tabaci, and the LC50 value of d-limonene was 81.623 ppm. Moreover, the LC50 of bifenthrin and flupyradifurone were reduced by 25.2% and 38.7% when mixed with d-limonene. The underlying molecular mechanism of d-limonene recognition by B. tabaci was investigated. Treating B. tabaci with dsBtabOBP3 increased the control effect of d-limonene, and the LC50 of d-limonene, mixture (L+B) and mixture (L+F) were decreased by 32.6%, 38.4% and 33.1%. These results indicated that specific volatiles could directly bind to target genes and therefore enhance the control effect of B. tabaci.
Analysis of the curative effect of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with osseous foraminal stenosis using ultrasonic osteotome in anterior cervical surgery
Authors: Liu Junlin , Kong Qingquan , Feng Pin , Zhang Bin , Ma Junsong , Hu Yuan
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To explore the clinical efficacy and operation points of cervical radiculopathy with osseous foraminal stenosis treated with ultrasonic osteotome in anterior cervical surgery.
Methods
From January 2018 to June 2021, a retrospective analysis of 23 patients with cervical radiculopathy with bony foraminal stenosis during this period was retrospectively analyzed. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) was used for all cases in this group. Intraoperative use of ultrasonic osteotome to decompress the nerve in the intervertebral foramina. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and complication rate were recorded in this group of patients. Interbody fusion was evaluated using Brantigan criteria. The IC-PACS imaging system was used to measure the intervertebral foramen area (IFA) before and after surgery to evaluate the range of decompression. The VAS (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) score and NDI (Neck Disability Index, NDI) score before and after surgery were recorded to evaluate the clinical efficacy.
Results
All enrolled patients were followed up regularly for 1 year or more. The mean operative time was 61.5 ± 8.0 minutes. The average intraoperative blood loss was 88.3 ± 12.8ml, and the average hospital stay was 8.1 ± 1.7d. 21 cases of successful fusion were followed up 1 year after operation, and the fusion rate was 91.3%. IFA expanded from 25.1 ± 4.0mm2 before operation to 57.9 ± 3.4mm2 at 1 year after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The VAS score and NDI score of patients 3 days after surgery, 3 months after surgery, and 1 year after surgery were significantly lower than those before surgery (P < 0.001). There was 1 case of dysphagia and 1 case of Cage subsidence after operation, and the complication rate was 8.6%.
Conclusion
Anterior cervical surgery using ultrasonic osteotome in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy with bony foraminal stenosis has reliable clinical efficacy and high safety, and is worthy of clinical promotion.
A discrete unified gas-kinetic scheme for multi-species rarefied flows
Authors: xin ziyang , zhang yue , Guo Zhaoli
Published: September 2022

In this work, a discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) is developed for multi-species flow in all flow regimes based on the Andries-Aoki-Perthame (AAP) kinetic model. Although the species collision operator in the AAP model conserves fully the mass, momentum, and energy for the mixture, it does not conserve the momentum and energy for each species due to the inter-species collisions. In this work, the species collision operator is decomposed into two parts, one part is fully conservative for the species and the other represents the excess part. With this decomposition, the kinetic equation is solved following the Strang-splitting procedure, in which the excess part of the collision operator is treated as a source, while the kinetic equation with the species conservative part is solved by the standard DUGKS. Particularly, the time integration of the source term is realized by either explicit or implicit Euler scheme. By this means, it is easy to extend the scheme to gas mixtures composed of Maxwell or hard-sphere molecules, while the previous DUGKS [Y. Zhang et al., Phys. Rev. E 97, 053306 (2018)] of binary gases was only designed for Maxwell molecules. Several tests are performed to valid the scheme, including the shock structure and plane Couette flow. Excellent agreement is observed between the solutions of the present method and the previous DUGKS and the unified gas kinetic scheme. The results also show that the present DUGKS with implicit source discretization is preferable for gas mixture flow problems involving different flow regimes.
Comprehensive Analysis of Cuproptosis-related genes in prognosis, tumor microenvironment infiltration, and Immunotherapy response in gastric cancer
Authors: Nie Haihang , Wang Haizhou , Zhang Meng , Ning Yumei , Chen Xiaojia , Zhang Zhang , Hu Xinyi , Zhao Qiu , Chen Pengfei , Fang Jun , Wang Fan
Published: September 2022

Cuproptosis is the most recently identified copper-dependent cell death form that influences tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. However, the relationship between cuproptosis and clinical prognosis, tumor microenvironment infiltration (TME), and response to immunotherapy remains unclear. Thus, we performed the following analysis. Single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was employed to construct cuproptosisScore (cpS) and 1378 gastric cancer (GC) patients from five independent public datasets were classified into high- or low-cpS groups according to the median of cpS. Then the impacts of cuproptosis on tumor microenvironment infiltration (TME), biological function, response to immunotherapy, and clinical prognosis of GC were evaluated. RiskScore and nomogram were constructed using Lasso Cox regression algorithm to validate its predictive capability in GC patients. Compared to patients with high cpS, patients with low cpS exhibited poorer prognosis, higher TNM stage, and stronger stromal activation. Meanwhile, the analysis of response to immunotherapy confirmed patients with high cpS could better benefit from immunotherapy and had a better susceptibility to chemotherapeutic drugs. 9 prognosis-related signatures were collected based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of cpS groups. Finally, a riskScore model was constructed using the multivariate Cox (multi-Cox) regression coefficients of prognosis-related signatures and had an excellent capability of predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival in GC patients. In summary, this study revealed the role of curproptosis in TME, response to immunotherapy, and clinical prognosis in GC, which highlighted the significant clinical implications of curproptosis and provided novel ideas for the therapeutic application of cuproptosis in GC.
Quinine: re-designed and re-routed
Authors: Agbo Chinazom Precious , Ugwuanyi Timothy Chukwuebuka , Eze Osita Christopher , Onugwu Adaeze Linda , Echezona Adaeze Chidiebere , Nwagwu Chinekwu Sherridan , Uzondu Samuel Wisdom , Ogbonna John Dike , Ugorji Lydia Onyinyechi , Nnamani Petra Obioma , Akpa Paul Achile , Reginald-Opara Joy Nneji , McConville Christopher , Attama Anthony Amaechi , Ofokansi Kenneth Chibuzor
Published: September 2022

Quinine (QHCl) as an antimalarial drug has remained very relevant 400 years after its effectiveness was discovered. Unlike other antimalarials, the development of resistance to quinine has been slow. Hence, this drug is till date still used for the treatment of severe and cerebral malaria, for malaria treatment in all trimesters of pregnancy, and in combination with doxycycline against multi-drug resistant parasites. The declined in its administration over the years is mainly associated with poor tolerability due to its gastrointestinal (GIT) side effects such as cinchonism, complex dosing regimen and bitter taste, all of which result in poor compliance. Hence our research was aimed at redesigning quinine using nanotechnology and investigating an alternative route for its administration for the treatment of malaria. A nanosuspension (NS) of QHCl was formulated to suit intranasal administration. QHCl-NS was prepared using lipid matrices made up of solidified reverse micellar solutions (SRMS) comprising Phospholipon® 90H and lipids (Softisan® 154 or Compritol®) in 1:2 ratio, while Poloxamer® 188 (P188) and Tween® 80 (T80) were used as stabilizer and surfactant. The QHCl-NS formulated were in nanosize range (68.6±0.86 to 300.8±10.11 nm), and highly stable during storage. QHCl-NS achieved above 80 % in vitro drug release in 6 h. Ex vivo permeation studies revealed that formulating QHCl as NS resulted in a 5-fold and 56- fold increase in flux and permeation coefficient, respectively, thereby enhancing permeation through pig nasal mucosa better than plain drug solutions. This implies that the rate of absorption as well as ease of drug permeation through porcine nasal mucosa was impressively enhanced by formulating QHCl as NS. Most importantly, reduction in parasitaemia in mice infected with plasmodium berghei ANKA by QHCl-NS administered through the intranasal route (51.16 %) was comparable to oral administration (52.12 %). Therefore, redesigning QHCl as NS for intranasal administration has great potentials to serve as a more tolerable options for the treatment of malaria in endemic areas.
A Survey on Implementations of Homomorphic Encryption Schemes
Authors: Doan Thi Van Thao , Messai Mohamed-Lamine , Gavin Gérald , Darmon Jérôme
Published: September 2022

With the increased need for data confidentiality in various applications of our daily life, homomorphic encryption (HE) has emerged as a promising cryptographic topic. HE enables to perform computations directly on encrypted data (ciphertexts) without decryption in advance. Since the results of calculations remain encrypted and can only be decrypted by the data owner, confidentiality is guaranteed and any third party can operate on ciphertexts without access to decrypted data (plaintexts). Applying a homomorphic cryptosystem in a real-world application depends on its resource efficiency. Several works compared different HE schemes and gave the stakes of this research field. However, the existing works either do not deal with recently proposed HE schemes (such as CKKS) or focus only on one type of HE. In this paper, we conduct an extensive comparison and evaluation of homomorphic cryptosystems’ performance based on their experimental results. The study covers all three families of HE, including several notable schemes such as BFV, BGV, CKKS, RSA, El-Gamal, and Paillier, as well as their implementation specification in widely used HE libraries, namely Microsoft SEAL, PALISADE, and HElib. In addition, we also discuss the resilience of HE schemes to different kind of attacks such as Indistinguishability under chosen-plaintext attack and integer factorization attacks on classical and quantum computers.