bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STIM1-regulated exosomal EBV-LMP1 empowers endothelial cells with aggressive phenotype by activating the Akt/ERK pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Deng Yayan , Liu Xue , Huang Yujuan , Ye Jiaxiang , He Qian , Luo Yue , Chen Yong , Li Qiuyun , Lin Yan , Liang Rong , Li Yongqiang , Wei Jiazhang , Zhang Jinyan
Published: March 2023

Background Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)-mediated Ca2+ signaling regulates tumor angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related human malignancy. However, the mechanism by which STIM1 modulates the endothelial functional phenotypes contributing to tumor angiogenesis remains elusive.
Methods We explored the intercellular communication via exosomal biomolecules released by EBV-infected NPC cells and delivered to endothelial cells (ECs). The NPC cell-derived exosomes were isolated via differential centrifugation and observed with transmission electron microscopy. Exosome particle size was assessed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Uptake of exosomes by recipient ECs was detected by fluorescent labeling of the exosomes with PKH26. Tumor angiogenesis-associated profiles were characterized by determining cell proliferation, migration, tubulogenesis, and permeability in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Activation of the Akt/ERK pathway was elucidated by detecting the phosphorylation level using western blotting. A chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) xenograft model was employed to study tumor-associated neovascularization in vivo.
Results The NPC cell-derived exosomes harboring EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) promoted proliferation, migration, tubulogenesis, and permeability by activating the Akt/ERK pathway in ECs. STIM1 silencing reduced LMP1 enrichment in NPC cell-derived exosomes, thereby reversing its pro-oncogenic effects in an Akt/ERK pathway-dependent manner. Furthermore, STIM1 knockdown in NPC cells blunted tumor-induced vascular network formation and inhibited intra-tumor neovascularization in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) xenograft model.
Conclusion STIM1 regulates tumor angiogenesis by controlling exosomal EBV-LMP1 delivery to ECs in the NPC tumor microenvironment. Blocking exosome-mediated cell-to-cell horizontal transfer of EBV-associated oncogenic signaling molecules may be an effective therapeutic strategy for NPC.
Dynamics Modeling and Simulation Analysis of a Gas-hydraulic Buffer Based on AMESim
Authors: Feng Zengming , Heng Tianlong , Wang Lu , Xu Jiancheng , Feng Shuai , Zheng Chenggong , Zhang Yiming
Published: March 2023

Previous studies on train crash behaviour have focused on the entire train buffer system, and few studies have focused on the internal structure and dynamic characteristics of the gas-hydraulic buffer in the buffer device. In this paper accurate three-dimensional and dynamic models of a gas-hydraulic shock absorber are constructed, and a simulation model of the gas-hydraulic shock absorber is established using the AMESim software platform. Based on this model, the influence of the structural parameters of the gas-hydraulic buffer and the parameters of the internal working medium on its dynamic characteristics is studied, which provides a reference for the practical application, development and optimization of gas-hydraulic buffers in the future. Compared with the impedance force-travel data curve of an impact trolley crash test at different speeds, it is proven that the model can simulate the dynamic characteristics of the gas-hydraulic buffer in the collision process.
Key words: Gas-hydraulic buffer; Dynamic characteristics; Structural parameters; Working medium; Simulation analysis
Chronic and acute health effects of PM2.5 exposure and the basis of pollution control targets
Authors: Bui Long Ta , Nguyen Nhi Hoang Tuyet , Nguyen Phong Hoang
Published: March 2023

Ho Chi Minh City is changing and expanding quickly, leading to environmental consequences that seriously threaten human health. PM2.5 pollution is one of the main causes of premature death. In this context, studies have evaluated strategies to control and reduce air pollution; such pollution-control measures need to be economically justified. The objective of this study was to assess the socio-economic damage caused by exposure to the current pollution scenario, taking 2019 as the base year. A methodology for calculating and evaluating the economic and environmental benefits of air pollution reduction was implemented. This study aimed to simultaneously evaluate the impacts of both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) PM2.5 pollution exposure on human health, providing a comprehensive overview of economic losses attributable to such pollution. Spatial partitioning (inner-city and suburban) on health risks of PM2.5 and detailed construction of health impact maps by age group and sex on a spatial resolution grid (3.0 km × 3.0 km) was performed. The calculation results show that the economic loss from premature deaths due to short-term exposure (approximately 38.86 trillion VND) is higher than that from long-term exposure (approximately 14.89 trillion VND). As the government of HCMC has been developing control and mitigation solutions for the Air Quality Action Plan towards short- and medium-term goals in 2030, focusing mainly on PM2.5, the results of this study will help policymakers develop a roadmap to reduce the impact of PM2.5 during 2025–2030.
Topical use of tranexamic acid can reduce opioid consumption for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shen Lei , Jiang Zhenhuan , Wang Qiang , Xu Wei
Published: March 2023

Background: The problem of opioid addiction after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been widely concerned. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be effective in reducing blood loss for patients undergoing THA, but few studies focus on its alleviation of postoperative local pain symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether topical TXA could reduce early postoperative hip pain for primary THA patients, thereby reducing the use of opioids, and whether local pain is related to inflammatory response.
Methods: In this prospective randomized controlled study, we randomly divided 161patients into a topical group (n=79) and an intravenous group (n=82). Hip pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score within three days after surgery and tramadol was used for pain relief when necessary. Inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total blood loss and hemoglobin drop were assessed by hematologic tests. The primary outcomes included the VAS score and dose of tramadol from the first to the third day after surgery. The secondary outcomes included the inflammatory markers level, total blood loss and complications.
Results: The pain score and inflammation markers level on the first day in the topical TXA group were significantly lower than those in the intravenous TXA group (P＜0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the VAS score on the first day after surgery was positively correlated with the inflammation markers level (P＜0.05). The tramadol dose for topical group was lower than intravenous group on the first and second day after surgery. There were no differencesin total blood loss between the two groups (640.60± 188.12ml vs. 634.20± 187.85ml, P= 0.06). There was no difference in the incidence of complications.
Conclusion: Topical use of TXA could relieve the local pain symptoms and reduce opioid consumption for patients undergoing primary THA by reduce the early postoperative inflammatory response.
Trial registration: The trial was registered at the China Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100052396) on 10/24/2021.
Cas13a-based multiplex RNA targeting for potato virus Y
Authors: Zhan Xiaohui , Tu Zhen , Song Wenlei , Zhang Jiang , Zhang Fengjuan
Published: March 2023

CRISPR-Cas systems endow the bacterial and archaeal species with adaptive immunity mechanisms to fend off invading phages and foreign plasmids. The class 2 type VI CRISPR/Cas effector Cas13a has been harnessed to confer the protection against RNA viruses in diverse eukaryotic species. However, whether gRNA targeting sites have effects on the efficiency of RNA viruses inhibition is unknown. Here we repurpose of CRISPR/Cas13a coupled with an endogenous tRNA-processing system (polycistronic tRNA-gRNA, PTG) to target four genes of potato virus Y (PVY). Expression of Cas13a and four different gRNAs were evidenced in transgenic potato lines expressing Cas13a/PTG construct. We show that the multiple gRNAs transgenic plants could suppress PVY accumulation and disease symptoms at a similar level to transgenic plants expressing single gRNA. Collectively, our study suggests that the Cas13-based multiplex RNA targeting system can be used to engineer resistances to RNA viruses in plants, and the number of gRNAs target sites have no effect on CRISPR/Cas13a-mediated viral interference in plants.
Bacterial Diversity and Community Characteristics of the Sinus and Dental Regions in Adults with Odontogenic Sinusitis
Authors: Wu Jianyou , Zheng Ming , Zhao Yan , Yin Weihong , Sima Yutong , Zhao Jinming , Wang Xiangdong , Lin Jiang , Zhang Luo
Published: March 2023

Background
The microbiome plays a crucial role in Odontogenic sinusitis (OS); however, bacterial characteristics of the sinuses and connected dental regions in OS are poorly understood. In this study, nasal secretion were collected from 41 OS patients and 20 simple nasal septum deviation patients, and oral mucosa samples from dental regions were collected from 28 OS patients and 22 impacted teeth extraction patients. DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to explore the characteristics and structure of microbiome in sinuses and dental regions of OS patients.
Results
Alpha diversity of oral and nasal microbiome in OS patients all were higher than that in control. Principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) showed that oral samples clustered separately from nasal samples, beta diversity of oral and nasal samples in OS patients were also higher than that in control. Dominant phylum was Bacteroidota in OS patients and Firmicutes in control, either in oral or nasal cavity. Dominant genera in oral microbiome of OS patients were similar to that of control, were Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas and Prevotella, which were close to nasal microbiome structure of OS, while dominant genus in nasal microbiome of control were Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Cutibacterium. Co-occurrence network analysis showed decreased microbial connectivity in oral mucosa and nasal secretion samples of OS patients.
Conclusions
Odontogenic infection promotes structural and functional disorders of nasal microbiome in OS. The interaction of dominant pathogens in nasal and oral regions may promote the development of OS. Our study provides the microbiological aetiology of the nasal and connected dental regions in OS and is expected to provide novel insights into the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for OS.
An Interpretable Multiparametric Radiomics Model of Basal Ganglia to Predict Dementia Conversion in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Park Yae Won , Chung Seok Jong , Park Chae Jung , Eom Jihwan , Park Ki Sung , Kim Yun Joong , Ahn Sung Soo , Kim Jinna , Lee Phil Hyu , Sohn Young Ho , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) severely affects patients’ prognosis, and early detection of patients at high risk of dementia conversion is important for establishing treatment strategies. We aimed to investigate whether multiparametric MRI radiomics from basal ganglia can improve the prediction of dementia development in PD when integrated with clinical profiles.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 262 patients with newly diagnosed PD (June 2008 – July 2017, follow-up >5 years) were included. MRI radiomic features (n = 1,284) were extracted from bilateral caudate and putamen. Two models were developed to predict dementia development: 1) a clinical model – age, disease duration, and cognitive composite scores, and 2) a combined clinical and radiomics model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated for each model. The models’ interpretabilities were studied.
Results: Among total 262 PD patients (mean age, 68 years ± 8 [standard deviation]; 134 men), 51 (30.4%) and 24 (25.5%) patients developed dementia within 5 years of PD diagnosis in the training (n = 168) and test sets (n = 94), respectively. The combined model achieved superior predictive performance compared to the clinical model in the training (AUCs 0.928 vs. 0.894, p= 0.284) and test set (AUCs 0.889 vs. 0.722, p = 0.016). The cognitive composite scores of the frontal/executive function domain contributed most to predicting dementia. Radiomics derived from the caudate were also highly associated with cognitive decline.
Conclusion: Multiparametric MRI radiomics may have an incremental prognostic value when integrated with clinical profiles to predict future cognitive decline in PD.
Tailoring energy barriers of Bloch-point-mediated transitions between topological spin textures
Authors: Li Yu , Zang Yuzhe , Chen Runze , Moutafis Christoforos
Published: March 2023

Magnetic skyrmions are nanoscale spin textures that their thermal stability originates from the nontrivial topology in nature. Recently, a plethora of topological spin textures have been theoretically predicted or experimentally observed, enriching the diversity of the skyrmionic family. In this work, we theoretically demonstrate the stabilities of various topological spin textures against homochiral states in chiral magnets, including chiral bobbers, dipole strings, and skyrmion tubes. They can be effectively classified by the associated topological Hall signals. Multiple transition paths are found among these textures, mediated by Bloch-point singularities, and the topological protection property here can be manifested by a finite energy barrier with the saddle point corresponding to the Bloch-point creation/destruction. By carefully modulating the local property of a surface, such as interfacial DMI induced by breaking the structural symmetry, the energy landscape of a magnetic system can be tailored decisively. Significantly, the proposed scenario also enables the manipulation of stabilities and transition barriers of these textures, even accompanied by the discovery of ground-state chiral bobbers. This study may raise great expectations on the coexistence of topological spin textures as spintronics-based information carriers for future applications.
Research on Great Wall Section Protection and User VR Experience Innovation Based on GIS Data Visualization
Authors: Yanzhen Wang , Xiaofen Wang , Lihua Han
Published: March 2023

VR technology can enable users to be in a realistic virtual environment, thus bringing them an immersive experience. It has great charm and can effectively display scenes that are difficult to reproduce in real life. It can also be used in education and other fields. It has a wide range of applications and can bring great convenience. Under this background, this paper introduces GIS data visualization technology to complete the expansion of VR technology and apply it to the Great Wall section protection research project. This paper has improved a kind of VR system, which can meet the needs of human-computer interaction and create virtual avatars to achieve two-way communication between human and VR experience environment. This system design has the advantages of simple use and powerful functions, and is also the design goal of VR experience technology itself. The ease of use of the system is reflected in the visual clarity of interface interaction and system response speed. The practicality is reflected in the stability of system operation and the time required for users to complete feature functions. The security is reflected in the degree of protection of private data. The simulation results show that the system can effectively reduce the magnitude of data after processing and compressing the data set, thus reducing the processing time. Compared with the original processing method, it can be seen that the system improves significantly. By traversing the original dataset, the array can be effectively drawn, which greatly reduces the system processing time and improves the efficiency. In this paper, GIS data visualization technology and VR technology are integrated to complete the research of the Great Wall section protection project.
Prevention Strategy of Intra-articular Screw Penetration During Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fracture
Authors: Xu Xiaopei , Gong Maoqi , Liu Yang , Wang Dong , Diao Shuo , Wang Hanzhou , Gao Yuling , Lu Tianchao , Zhou Junlin , Lv Xin
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study obtains a specific fluoroscopic view by using geometric methods, which can detect whether there is unrecognized joint penetration (UJP) during the operation.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted including 52 patients with femoral neck fractures who underwent internal fixation with cannulated screw at the Department of Orthopedics of the xxx from January 2021 to June 2021. The specific fluoroscopic view that can detect the UJP is obtained by using the geometric method and correction formula. The accuracy and effectiveness of this special fluoroscopic view acquisition method were verified by preparing four femoral models of UJP.
Results: There were 21 patients (40.38%) with unrecognized screw penetration, and 5 patients (9.62%) occurred UJP. Among them, 3 patients occurred in the anterosuperior (AS) area (5.77%), 1 patient in the posterosuperior (PS) area, and 1 patient in the posteroinferior (PI) area (1.92%). In the research and verification of special fluoroscopic views, the lateral view was set as 0°, and the specific fluoroscopic view θ= arctan (M1O ′/M2O ′), if the screw is located in the anteroinferior (AI) and PS regions of the femoral head, it is a - θ °rollunder lateral view; If the screw is located in the area of AS and PI femoral head, it is a θ °rollover lateral view. In the validation experiment, using the above method, the UJP model of the four regions can find screw penetration in the specific fluoroscopic view.
Conclusion: In this study, a special fluoroscopy view can detect whether there is screw penetration during internal fixation of femoral neck fracture and effectively reduce the incidence of UJP.
Identification of Necroptosis-Related Gene TRAF5 as Potential Targets of Diagnosing Atherosclerosis and Assessing Its Stability
Authors: Peng Zhanli , Wang Kangjie , Wang Shenming , Wu Ridong , Yao Chen
Published: March 2023

Background
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in older patients and features progressive formation of plaques in vascular tissues. With the progression of atherosclerosis, plaque rupture may occur and cause stroke, myocardial infarction, etc. Different forms of cell death promote the formation of a necrotic core of the plaque, leading to rupture. Necroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. However, the role of necroptosis in AS has not yet been investigated.
Methods
The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to obtain gene expression profiles. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and necroptosis gene sets were used to identify necroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (NRDEGs). The NRDEGs were used to construct a diagnostic model and were further screened using least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) regression and random forest (RF) analysis. The discriminatory capacity of the NRDEGs was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Immune infiltration levels were estimated based on CIBERSORTx analysis. The GSE21545 dataset, containing survival information, was used to determine prognosis-associated genes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses combined with survival analysis determined gene prognostic values. RNA and protein levels were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting in arteriosclerosis obliterans(ASO) and normal vascular tissues. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to develop cell models of advanced AS. The effects of protein knockdown on necroptosis were assessed by western blotting and flow cytometry. EdU and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were used to examine cell proliferation.
Results
TNF Receptor Associated Factor 5 (TRAF5) was identified as a diagnostic marker for AS based on the AUC value in both the GSE20129 and GSE43292 datasets. According to differential expression analysis, LASSO regression analysis, RF analysis, univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and gene-level survival analysis, TRAF5 was markedly associated with necroptosis in AS. Silencing TRAF5 promotes necroptosis and attenuates the proliferation of ox-LDL-induced cell models of advanced AS.
Conclusions
This study identified a diagnostic marker of necroptosis-related atherosclerosis, TRAF5, which can also be used to diagnose and assess atherosclerotic plaque stability. This novel finding has important implications in the diagnosis and assessment of plaque stability in atherosclerosis.
Promoting orderly access to health care: an empirical analysis based on the Chinese experience
Authors: Li Fei , Yang Yueran , Zhao Junjuan , Zhao Zerun
Published: March 2023

Background and objective Creating an orderly medical treatment pattern is an important way to efficiently allocate and utilize medical resources to achieve health equity. China’s tiered health care delivery system is of great significance in promoting the formation of an orderly medical treatment pattern.
Methods This study constructs a theoretical framework from the three dimensions of service system level, policy orientation, and behavior utilization to explain the implementation path and service mode of a tiered health care delivery system. Based on this, we perform an empirical analysis to evaluate the actual flow of medical treatment of residents on whether the implementation of the tiered health care delivery system in China promotes the orderly medical treatment of residents.
Results China’s tiered health care delivery system has not yet created effective guidance for the orderly medical treatment of residents, and there is still a gap between the expected ideal and the existing.
Conclusion It is necessary to improve the quality of medical services based on the clear functional positioning of medical institutions, especially the capacity of grassroots services, and give play to the role of health departments and medical insurance departments to help promote tiered health care delivery system.
Comparison of rabbit corneal changes during different preservation techniques using Optisol-GS and airlift.
Authors: Tang DiYa , Uematsu Masafumi , Harada Kohei , Mohamed Yasser Helmy , Kusano Mao , Inoue Daisuke , Kitaoka Takashi
Published: March 2023

Background: A previous study has suggested that airlift condition is superior to Optisol-GS condition in preserving the limbal tissue of human cornea.
Purpose: To investigate a new preservation device that preserves the cornea while separating epithelial and endothelial areas. We compared the differences after preserving the corneal epithelium in different conditions. Methods: 24 corneas of New Zealand rabbits were divided into 4 groups in which the corneal epithelia submersed in Optisol-GS or under airlift conditions for 1 and 2 weeks, (4°C). Transparency, OCT, H&E staining and epithelial migration tests were used to assess the corneal status.
Results: The epithelial migration examination showed statistical difference indicating that the epithelium had larger migration ability after airlift conditions. Corneas in the 1-week Optisol-GS group were the most transparent, followed by the 1-week airlift group. OCT showed progressive increase of corneal thickness till the end of the study. H&E staining results showed that the epithelial cells retained intact cellular structure and morphology of the cells for both the 1-week preserved groups. However, there was disruption of the corneal epithelial cell structure for both 2-week preserved groups.
Conclusion: Corneal epithelium preserved under hypothermic airlift conditions was comparable to that found for Optisol-GS conditions.
A proteomic study indicating susceptibility to excitotoxicity induced by the N-methyl-D- aspartate receptor hyperfunction as a potential mechanism underlying differences in cognitive function between males and females in a Thai healthy population
Authors: Chen Chen , Khanthiyong Bupachad , Thaweetee-Sukjai Benjamard , Charoenlappanit Sawanya , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Thanoi Samur , Reynolds Gavin P , Nudmamud-Thanoi Sutisa
Published: March 2023

Intact cognitive function is dependent on the precise exchange of information between neurons. Sex differences in cognitive function exist, but they are not stable, undergoing dynamic change during the lifespan. However, our understanding of how sex-related neural information transmission evolves with age is still in its infancy. This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related sex differences in cognitive function in a Thai healthy population, as well as to determine the sex-dependent protein complexes for predicting cognitive aging. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was performed to assess cognitive function in 199 Thai healthy subjects (aged 20–70 years). The results showed that males outperformed females in two of the five WCST sub-scores: %Corrects and %Errors, with a higher percentage of total corrects and a lower total errors rate. Sex differences in these scores were related to aging, and it became noticeable in those over 60. Moreover, the label-free proteomics method and bioinformatic analysis were also used to investigate the age-related alternations in the expression profiles of sex-specific neurotransmission-related proteins. According to the findings, differently expressed individual proteins and protein complexes between Thai healthy men and women were related to the potential excitotoxicity induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptor (NMDAR) hyperfunction, with females might be more susceptible to such neurotoxicity, as indicated by their cognitive performance. The NMDAR complex was enriched exclusively in elderly female samples, implying that later in life, higher than optimal levels of NMDARs function and loss of estrogen neuroprotective, resulted in a loss of brain environment homeostasis and impaired cognitive function in elderly female subjects. This could explain why the sex differences in %Corrects and %Errors were only significant in the elderly group, and NMDAR protein complex enrichment in serum could be suggested as a potential indication for predicting cognitive aging in Thai healthy females.
Shotgun metagenomic analysis of the microbial communities and associated network of nitrogen metabolism genes in the Ryukyu limestone aquifer
Authors: Maruyama Rio , Yasumoto Ko , Mizusawa Nanami , Iijima Mariko , Yasumoto-Hirose Mina , Iguchi Akira , Hermawan Oktanius Richard , Hosono Takahiro , Takada Ryogo , Song Ke-Han , Shinjo Ryuichi , Watabe Shugo , Yasumoto Jun
Published: March 2023

While microbial biogeochemical activities such as those involving denitrification and sulfate reduction have been considered to play important roles in material cycling in various aquatic ecosystems, our current understanding of the microbial community in groundwater ecosystems is remarkably insufficient. To assess the groundwater from three locations in the Ryukyu limestone aquifer of Okinawa Island, which is located in the southernmost region of Japan, we performed shotgun metagenomic analysis on the microbial communities at the three sites and screened for functional genes associated with nitrogen metabolism. Shotgun analysis showed that bacteria accounted for 90–98% of the microbial communities, which included archaea, eukaryotes and viruses, at all three sampling sites. The bacterial communities associated with nitrogen metabolism shifted by month at each site, indicating that this metabolism was accomplished not via specific bacteria but rather by the bacterial community as a whole. Interestingly, site 3 contained much higher levels of the denitrification genes narG/narH/nxrB, narG/narZ/nxrA, napA, nirK, norB and nosZ than the other two sites. This site was thought to have undergone denitrification that was driven by high quantities of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In contrast, site 2 was characterized by a high nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) content and a low amount of DOC, and this site yielded a moderate amount of denitrification genes. Site 1 showed markedly low amounts of all nitrogen metabolism genes. Overall, nitrogen metabolism in the Ryukyu limestone aquifer was found to change based on environmental factors.
Intraesophageal Pressure in Patients Receiving Proximal Gastrectomy with Hinged Double Flap Method for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Saeki Y. , Tanabe Kazuaki , Chikuie E. , Ota H. , Ide R. , Takemoto Y. , Karakuchi N. , Miura O. , Toyama E. , Ohdan Hideki
Published: March 2023

Background Objective functional assessment of esophagogastric anastomosis in patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy with the hinged double flap method for gastric cancer has not been well investigated. This study aimed to perform a functional analysis of reconstruction using high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM). Methods The subjects comprised 25 patients receiving proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer between May 2015 and April 2020. Eligible questionnaires (Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale − 37 [PGSAS-37]) were retrieved from 16 patients. The data of this study were compared with the values of the Japanese standard data from the PGSAS study. Results The quality of ingestion subscale had a significant influence on patients’ weight loss and weight loss rate one year after surgery (r = -0.874, p = 0.0048, r = -0.876, p = 0.0044, respectively). The amplitudes of distal esophageal peristaltic waves, contractile front velocity, and distal latency assessed by HRIM were almost normal after surgery. Most patients showed lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure within normal limits, whereas all patients showed abnormal LES residual pressure during swallowing-induced relaxation. However, high LES residual pressure during swallowing-induced relaxation did not attribute to deterioration the patients’ quality of life; the results of the PGSAS-37 score in this study were comparable to the values of patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy in Japan. Conclusions Proximal gastrectomy impaired swallowing-induced relaxation of LES. On the other hand, LES resting pressure created by the hinged double flap was maintained after surgery, and the postoperative outcome was good.
Antimicrobial activities and total phenolic contents of the sap of Pycnanthus angolensis and root of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta
Authors: Adu-Amankwaah Francis , Sam Hephzibah , Asare Chris Yaw , Mills-Robertson Felix Charles
Published: March 2023

The death of many people in tropical countries can be attributed to microbial infection, probably, because synthetic antibiotics are failing in the treatment of these microbial infections, attributed to the ability of the microorganisms to mutate and adapt to harsh conditions. This study evaluated, in vitro, the antimicrobial activities, antioxidant potentials, and the total phenolic contents of aqueous and ethanol extracts of the root of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) and the crude sap of Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw) using selected standard bacteria strains (S. aureus (ATCC 25923), S. saprophyticus (ATCC 15305), E. coli (ATCC 25922), S. typhi (ATCC 19430), P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and P. mirabilis (ATCC 49565). The modified agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of the plant extracts. Chloramphenicol and tetracycline were used as positive controls. The extracts were also screened for specific phytochemicals and using the Folin Ciocalteu reagent test, their total phenolic contents were determined. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and saponins in both Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and Pycnanthus angolensis. For the antimicrobial activities, all the test bacteria were susceptible to the crude sap of Pycnanthus angolensis except P. mirabilis. In the case of the Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, only S. aureus was susceptible to both aqueous and ethanol extracts. The total phenolic content, expressed in g/100g GAE, recorded values of 55.427 ± 4.248 for the crude sap of Pycnanthus angolensis, and 11.642 ± 4.248 and 26.888 ± 4.248 for the aqueous and ethanol extracts of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, respectively. It was concluded that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta and Pycnanthus angolensis are excellent candidates for further development of antimicrobial agents in the fight against microbial infections given the pressing need for novel efficacious agents.
Efficiency measurement on teaching hospitals: an integrative review
Authors: Almeida Juliana Pascualote Lemos , Moreira Marina Figueiredo , Bermejo Paulo Henrique de Souza , Prata David Nadler
Published: March 2023

Background
The complexity of hospital management drives the improvement of scientific instruments available to measure their organizational efficiency. The incorporation of financial aspects as an agenda for the improvement of models for evaluating the efficiency of hospitals, and of the quality dimension have been indicated as gaps. Particularly, teaching hospitals are less profitable than other hospitals due to their teaching and research missions. Thus, this paper presents an integrative review of the literature about measuring the efficiency of teaching hospitals from 2011 to January 2023 to outline the main achievements, challenges, and recommendations in this research field.
Methods
We offer an integrative review across Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Inderscience, and Springer Link databases. The search in databases generated 384 records, after removing duplicates, and following the PRISMA guidelines, 30 studies were considered eligible for this study.
Results
The studies included in this review revealed the scarcity of evaluation models tailored to the reality of teaching hospitals. Data Envelopment Analysis is the most frequently used evaluation method. There is a greater occurrence of inputs related to personnel and the most frequent outputs were those related to the number of visits and surgeries. We did not identify quality-oriented inputs, but we observed outputs (service level, and medical service satisfaction). The economic-financial inputs are related to expenses and costs, and the outputs are related to revenue, profit, and Resource Intensity Weight.
Conclusions
This study contributed to the improvement of the research field by pointing a direction for the advance of the measurement models. It is recommendable a combination of economic-financial indicators and quality measures. Regarding the financial dimension, the recommendation is to analyze the Return on Investment, and in the scope of the quality dimension, to verify the staff inputs from the point of view of the quality of the workforce. Also, there is a broken path for future research to consider input-oriented to physical and technological structure to measure the efficiency of teaching hospitals. We recommend developing a specific model to measure the efficiency of teaching hospitals to target the limitations appointed in this study.
Non-invasive Phenotyping for Water and Nitrogen Uptake by Deep Roots Explored using Machine Learning
Authors: Changdar Satyasaran , Popovic Olga , Wacker Tomke Susanne , Markussen Bo , Dam Erik Bjørnager , Thorup-Kristensen Kristian
Published: March 2023

Background and aims

Root distribution over the soil profile is important for crop resource uptake. Using machine learning (ML), this study investigated whether measured planar root length density (pRLD) at different soil depths were related to uptake of isotope tracer (15N) and drought stress indicator (13C) in wheat, to reveal root function.

Methods

In the RadiMax semi-field root-screening facility 95/120 different winter wheat genotypes were phenotyped for root growth in 2018/2019, respectively. Using the minirhizotron technique, root images were acquired across a depth range from 80 to 250 cm in May, June, and July and pRLD was extracted using a convolutional neural network. We developed ML models to explore whether the pRLD estimates at different soil depths were predictive of the uptake of deep soil nitrogen - using deep placement of 15N tracer as well as drought resilience potential using natural abundance of 13C isotope. We analyzed the correlations to tracer levels to both an analytical root depth estimation and an ML approach. We further analyzed the genotypic effects on root function using mediation analysis.

Results

Both analytical and ML models demonstrated clear correlations between pRLD distribution and resource uptake. Further, both models demonstrated that deep roots at approx. 150 to 170 cm depth were most important for explaining the plant content of 15N and 13C isotopes. The correlations were higher in 2018 than in 2019.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that in the semi-field non-invasive root phenotyping setup, analytical and ML-based analysis provided complementary insight into the importance of deep rooting for water and nitrogen uptake.
Modified honey related synthetic peptides in treating glioblastoma U-87 MG nude Mice Model, leukemia C1498 and lung carcinoma LLC syngeneic models
Authors: Elawdan Khaled M.E , Elawdan Youssof K. , Elawdan Ibrahim K , Alfkey Mohammed S. , Mousa Mahmoud M. , Eldrieny Ezzat A.
Published: March 2023

Prognosis in certain types of cancers still poor like in glioblastoma, some types of leukemia & lung cancer. Royal Jelly (RJ) chemical investigations started in 1960s and Major Royal Jelly proteins (MRJPs)were first reported in 1992. Later on, in 2006 after bee genome publication, nine different types of MRJPs were confirmed. Apisimin a new peptide found in RJ was discovered in 2002, and in 2004 Jelleines peptides group were also reported in RJ.
While Apisimin and Jellein 4 of not known biological activities recorded, Jellein 1, 2 &3 peptides showed antibacterial effect, antifungal effects, mast cell degranulation activity and hemolysis. However, nobody used Jelleins, Apisimin derivatives or both in a trial to treat cancer. Here we show new significant cancer inhibitions for a combination of Apisimin derivatives and modified Jelleins (with a change of few amino acids to d-form). In vivo studies, using a combination of peptide J1d (modified Jellein 1)and Ap3d( peptide contains 8 amino acids from c-terminal of Apisimin) in one group and a peptide K2( synthetic peptide consists of Ap3d + J1d) in another group in U-87 nude mice, we got significant inhibitions in both groups.
In another studies, using K2 peptide in one group and K3 peptide( synthetic peptide consists of Ap4d+ J2d) in another group versus C1498 and LLC syngeneic models, we also got significant inhibitions. We got no effect when using any Jelleins as well as with any Apisimin derivatives.
Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of using Apisimin derivatives peptides and modified Jelleins simultaneously in cancers.
The risk factors and mortality in elderly patients with different glomerular filtration rate after hip fracture
Authors: Wang Yishu , Zheng Songbai , Fan Yong qian , Zhu Yuefeng , Xu Leyang , Ye Zhibin , Hong Wei
Published: March 2023

Background: The aim of our study was to explore short- and long-term mortality and risk factors affecting Chinese elderly patients with different glomerular filtration rate after hip fracture.
Methods: This study included 513 patients aged≥65 years old and first been diagnosed with hip fracture in the Department Orthopedics of Huadong hospital between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2011. Patients’ medical records were collected from the electronic medical record system. Survival status after hip fracture were assessed through telephone interviews and causes of death were verified. The patients were divided into three groups according to the renal function. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare survival time between different groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to analyze differences between patients and factors associated with mortality.
Results: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and excluded patients who were lost to follow-up, a total of 325 patients were available in this study. Of which 73.5% were female and 85.2% received surgical operation. One-year cumulative mortality were 9.30%, 19.81% and 22.53% for group 1, 2 and 3. Five-year cumulative mortality were21.87%, 55.86% and 78.87%, while the ten-year cumulative mortality were40.61%, 74.32% and 94.37% respectively. Our analysis found that age (1.076 (1.031-1.122)), cognitive function (2.279(1.101-4.718)) were associated with higher risk of one-year mortality. Age (1.062(1.035-1.090)), eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m2(2.425(1.054-5.578)) were associated with higher risk of five-year mortality. Age(1.073(1.049-1.097)), eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m2(2.120(1.110-4.048)) and mildly decreased cognitive function(1.949(1.163-3.265)) were associated with higher risk of ten-year mortality.
Conclusion: Renal function seem to have little effect on short term mortality of Chinese elderly patients after hip fracture, but was an important risk factor affecting the medium to long-term mortality. For patients with decreased eGFR, fully evaluating the status of patients and choosing appropriate surgical method as soon as possible after fracture can greatly reduce the risk of death and ensure better survival in the elderly.
Experimental study of opto-thermal parameters of glycerol and ethylene glycol at various temperatures using laser thermal lens spectroscopy
Authors: keykeleh Zahra Safi , Mohammadi-Manesh Ebrahim , Mohebbifar Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2023

One of the important applications of the photothermal effect is laser thermal lens spectroscopy. Using this technique, some opto-thermal parameters of materials such as thermal diffusivity, thermo-optic coefficient (TOC), thermal conductivity, etc. can be accurately measured. In this experimental study the thermal diffusivity of butanol and propanol were measured. The accuracy of our experimental setup was confirmed by comparing with the reference. Then, the experiments were repeated for glycerol and ethylene glycol and measured the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of these samples. A reliable agreement between these results and reference values was observed. Finally, thermal conductivity of glycerol and ethylene glycol at various temperatures was studied. These results show that thermal conductivity increases (from 0.2805 to 0.2865 W/mK for glycerol and from 0.246 to 0.275 W/mK for ethylene glycol) with increasing temperature (from 25°C to 90°C). Also, TOC and \(\frac{dn}{dQ}\) of these samples were measured at the beam waist of 25 µm and laser energy of 100 mJ.
Transcriptional Induction of NF-kB-Inducing Kinase by E2F4/5 Facilitates Collective Invasion of Glioma Cells
Authors: Pflug Kathryn , Lee Dong , McFadden Kassandra , Herrera Linda , Sitcheran Raquel
Published: March 2023

The prognosis of high-grade gliomas, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is extremely poor due to the highly invasive nature of these aggressive cancers. Previous work has demonstrated that TNF-weak like factor (TWEAK) induction of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway increases the invasiveness of glioma cells in an NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK)-dependent manner. While NIK activity is predominantly regulated at the posttranslational level, we show here that NIK (MAP3K14) is upregulated at the transcriptional level in invading cell populations, with the highest expression observed in the most invasive cells. Glioma cells with high induction of NIK gene expression demonstrate characteristics of collective invasion, facilitating invasion of neighboring cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the E2F transcription factors E2F4 and E2F5 directly regulate NIK transcription and are required to promote glioma cell invasion in response to TWEAK. Overall, our findings demonstrate that transcriptional induction of NIK facilitates collective cell migration and invasion, thereby promoting glioma pathogenesis.
WITHDRAWN: Zn-MOF hydrogel: Regulation of ROS-mediated inflammatory microenvironment for treatment of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Qiu Lirong , Ouyang Chengcheng , Zhang Wei , Liu Jia , Yu Luting , Chen Guoguang , Ren Lili
Published: March 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and recurrent inflammation disease associated with immune dysfunction. The high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes high oxidative stress and further results in the deterioration of AD. Here, a Zn-MOF hydrogel is prepared to regulate ROS-mediated inflammatory microenvironment. The hydrogel with high ROS scavenging performance has a good protective effect on cells. The antibacterial agent Zn-MOF(ZIF-8) loaded into the hydrogel (Gel@ZIF-8) can reduce its toxic and side effects and show a lasting and effective antibacterial activity. In the AD-induced mouse model, Gel@ZIF-8 can significantly enhance the therapeutic effect, such as reduce the thickness of epidermis, the number of mast cells and IgE antibodies. The results indicate that the ROS-scavenging hydrogel could treat the AD by regulating the inflammatory microenvironment, providing a promising treatment for managing AD.
The biocontrol agents of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda in Togo: moderating insecticide applications for natural control of the pest?
Authors: Koffi Djima , Agboka Komi , Adjevi Mawuko Kossi Anani , Adom Médétissi , Tounou Agbeko Kodjo , Meagher Robert L.
Published: March 2023

Although there has been intensive use of insecticides for fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) management, their effects on population reduction and performance of natural enemies have not been adequately investigated. Therefore, this study assessed the diversity and performance of natural biocontrol agents under insecticide and insecticide-free applications. Bio-agents were annually collected from 2016 to 2022 in 348 maize farms throughout the West African nation of Togo. The collections included the entomopathogenic nematode Ovomermis sinensis (Nematoda: Mermithidae), unidentified bacteria from Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus, unidentified viruses from Ascoviruses and Baculoviruses, and fungi Isaria spp. (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Metarhizium rileyi (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). Eggs were parasitized by Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae), and the egg-larval parasitoid Chelonus bifoveolatus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Larval parasitoids included Anatrichus erinaceus (Diptera: Chloropidae), Archytas spp. and Lespesiaspp. (Diptera: Tachinidae), Bracon sp., Coccygidium luteum, Cotesia icipe and Meteoridea testacea (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and Campoletis grioti and Ophion spp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). The collected predators included Orius insidiosus (Heteropterans: Anthocoridae), Haematochares obscuripennis, Peprius nodulipes, Rhynocoris sp. and Zelus renardii (Heteroptera: Reduviidae), Calleida sp. (Coleoptera: Carabidae), Cheilomenes sulphurea, Coccinella septempunctata and Cycloneda sanguinea (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Euborellia annulipes, Forficula auricularia and F. senegalensis (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), Pheidole megacephala and Polyrhachis lamellidens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and Mantis religiosa(Mantodea: Mantidae). The parasitism rates were from 14.72% in 2018 to 45.38% in 2022 for egg masses, and from 1.32% in 2016 to 41.85% in 2021 for larvae. The parasitism rates were three to four times higher in unsprayed farms than sprayed farms.