bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovarian leptin signalling regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation and macrophage infiltration in a cell specific manner
Authors: Adamowski Marek , Sharma Yashaswi , Molcan Tomasz , Wołodko Karolina , Kelsey Gavin , Galvão António M.
Published: May 2023

Background: Obesity is associated with increased ovarian inflammation and the establishment of local leptin resistance. We presently investigated the role of leptin signalling on Nod-Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLPR3) inflammasome and macrophage prevalence in the pathophysiology of ovarian failure of obese mice.
Methods: We collected ovaries from: (i) diet-induced obese (DIO) mice fed chow diet (CD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 or 16 weeks (wk); (ii) mice lacking the long-isoform of leptin receptor (ObRb; db/db); (iii) mice lacking leptin (ob/ob); and (iv) pharmacologically hyperleptinemic (LEPT) mice for protein and mRNA expression analysis. Next, granulosa cells (GCs) from antral follicles isolated from db/db and ob/ob mice were subjected to transcriptome analysis.
Results: We observed no changes in the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components in the ovaries of db/db mice, as well as in markers of M1 and M2 macrophage infiltration. This contrasted with the downregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome components and M1 markers in ob/ob -/- and 16 wk HFD mice. Transcriptional analysis revealed opposing profiles between genetic models, with genes associated with steroid metabolism and prostaglandin action in db/db mice and genes controlling extracellular matrix in ob/ob mice being downregulated, despite both processes being crucial for follicular development and ovulation.
Conclusions: Leptin signalling regulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and expression of M1 markers in ovaries of obese mice, in an ObRb-dependent and -independent manner. Absence of changes in the expression of leptin signalling and proinflammatory mediators in GCs from db/db and ob/ob mice was associated with impaired folliculogenesis.
Determination of Natural Radioactivity Concentrations and Radiation Hazards in Rolled Oat Brands Available in the Iraqi Market
Authors: Al-Khazzar Akram , Al-Dulaimi Rand
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is to measure the natural radioactivity of potassium-40, uranium-238 and thorium-232 in rolled oat brands that widely consumed in Iraq. Based on these results, the radiological hazard parameters were evaluated. Five types of oat brands retailed Baghdad markets were tested. High purity germanium detector (HPGE) was used for the radiometric analysis. The mean activity concentration values of 238U, 232Th and 40K ranged from 6.88–10.61, 3.92–6.68 and 210.44–484.2 Bq/kg, respectively. The annual effective dose was the highest for a Ukrainian brand with 36.02 µSv/yr, while the radium equivalent activity values range from 31.43–56.1 Bq/kg. The results show that, regular consumption of these kinds of oats is radiologically safe for human health.
Comparative Effectiveness of Tocilizumab vs Standard Care in Patients with severe COVID-19–related Pneumonia: A retrospective cohort study utilizing registry data as a synthetic control
Authors: Uemura Yukari , Ozaki Ryoto , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Ohtsu Hiroshi , Shimizu Yousuke , Izumi Kazuo , Saito Sho , Matsunaga Nobuaki , Ohmagari Norio
Published: May 2023

Background The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections has led to the development of several therapeutic agents, with tocilizumab becoming increasingly used to treat patients with COVID-19-related pneumonia. Therefore, this study compared the use of tocilizumab treatment with the standard of care (SOC) to determine its efficacy against severe COVID-19-related pneumonia in Japan.Methods This retrospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab in two different databases: the JA42434 single-arm study and COVID-19 Registry Japan (COVIREGI-JP) data, with a synthetic control group from the COVIREGI-JP cohort as a benchmark for the tocilizumab group. The study’s primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab in treating severe COVID-19-related pneumonia compared to the SOC among patients included in the above two databases. The SOC group was extracted as the synthetic control group using exact matching and a propensity score matching in sequence per subject. As a secondary objective, the efficacy of tocilizumab compared to SOC was evaluated exclusively among patients included in the COVIREGI-JP database. In each objective, the primary endpoint was defined as the time to discharge or the status of awaiting discharge.Results For the primary endpoint, the hazard ratio (HR) of the tocilizumab group against the SOC group was 1.070 (95% CI: 0.565 to 2.028). The median time from Study Day 1 to discharge or the state of awaiting discharge was 15 days in the tocilizumab group and 16 days in the SOC group. The HRs for the secondary endpoints, namely, time to improvement in the clinical state, time to clinical failure, and time to recovery, were 1.112 (95% CI: 0.596 to 2.075), 0.628 (95% CI: 0.202 to 1.953), and 1.019 (95% CI: 0.555 to 1.871), respectively. Similarly, the HR of the primary endpoint for the secondary objective was 0.846 (95% CI: 0.582 to 1.230).Conclusions Tocilizumab did not demonstrate a positive effect on time to discharge or the state of awaiting discharge. Furthermore, no statistical differences, such as time to improvement in the clinical state, time to clinical failure, and time to recovery, were observed among the groups in other clinical outcomes.
Exploring the potential mechanism of Kaixinsan powder for the same pathogenesis of PTSD and anxiety based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Li Wen-Wei , Wang Jia , Wu Han-Biao , Qiu Zhi-Kun
Published: May 2023

Kaixinsan powder(KXS), a commonly used prescription in traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used to treat psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), but its mechanism is still unclear. There are many similarities and psychopathological overlap between PTSD and anxiety. Herein, we use the methods of network pharmacology study and molecular docking to explore the potential mechanism of KXS for the same pathogenesis of PTSD and anxiety. The bioactive components and relevant target genes of KXS were obtained and analyzed from TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and Swiss-ADME databases. The key genes of PTSD and anxiety were derived from disease databases. The network of protein-protein interaction(PPI) and a network of “drug-components-disease-targets” was constructed. Gene ontology(GO) enrichment and signaling pathway enrichment(KEGG) were analyzed by using R language and components-targets associated were validated by molecular docking. 64 bioactive components and 270 relevant targets were obtained from KXS. 3474 disease genes of PTSD and 4910 disease genes of anxiety were obtained. The results of KEGG have shown that neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway may play crucial roles in the effect of KXS on treating PTSD and anxiety. The results of PPI analysis and molecular docking indicated that AKT1 and IL-6 were crucial targets. Beta-sitosterol, Tenulin, Fumarine, and Stigmasterol might be crucial components via analyzing the network of “drug-components-disease-targets”. The network pharmacology study and molecular docking indicated that KXS treated anxiety and PTSD by multiple components, targets, and signaling pathways.
Quantum-chemical modeling of NO ligand activity in cationic nitrosyl iron complex [Fe(SC (NH2)2)2(NO)2]+ occurring in aerobic aqueous conditions
Authors: Gutsev Lavrenty G. , Emel’yanova Nina S. , Pokidova Olesya V. , Shestakov Alexandr F. , Sanina Nataliya A. , Aldoshin Sergei M.
Published: May 2023

The chemical reaction of a cationic ironnitrosyl complex with thiourea ligands of the composition [Fe(SC(NH2)2)2(NO)2]+ in aerobic aqueous conditions was studied via kinetic and quantum chemical modeling. An implicit expression is found for the kinetic curve which describes this process. The mechanism of interaction of the complex with molecular oxygen in the presence of water molecules was studied with density functional method. An optimized geometry of the initial, final, intermediate and transition states were obtained and the, energy profiles of the reactions were constructed. It was shown that the explicit inclusion of the water molecules in the reaction of the interaction of the complex with oxygen and the further transformation of the resulting products demonstrated not only the mechanism of the NO release, but also the intramolecular transformation of NO into NO2, NO2−, NO3−, ONOO−. A mechanism was proposed for the formation of a OH radical in the system and its release, along with the previously mentioned products, into solution.
A Paradigm Shifting View of Intellectual Disability: A Near Normal Distribution of IQ in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Schmitt Lauren M. , Will Meredith , Shaffer Rebecca , Erickson Craig
Published: May 2023

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is an X-linked disorder leading to the loss of expression of FMR1-protein product, FMRP. The absence or deficiency of FMRP is thought to result in the characteristic FXS phenotypes, including intellectual disability. Identifying the relationship between FMRP levels and IQ may be critical to better understand underlying mechanisms and advance treatment development and planning. A sample of 80 individuals with FXS (67% male), aged 8–45 years, completed IQ testing and blood draw via venipuncture to determine the relationship between IQ scores and FMRP levels as well as the normalcy of IQ distributions. In females with FXS only, higher FMRP levels were associated with higher IQ. In contrast, males with FXS showed a downward shifted but otherwise normal distribution of IQ scores. Our findings offer a paradigm-shifting views of FXS—males with FXS have normally distributed IQ that is downshifted 5 standard deviations. Our novel work provides evidence of a “FXS standard curve”, and is a critical step towards establishing molecular markers of disease severity in FXS. There is much future work to better understand the mechanism by which FMRP loss leads to intellectual disability and what biological/genetic and socio-environmental factors contribute to variation in IQ.
The effect of Cordia myxa mouthwash on the incidence and severity of stomatitis in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy: A protocol study
Authors: Molavynejad Shahram , Saberipour Bayan , Deilami Ahmad Ahmadzadeh , Siahpoush Amir , Mousavi Seyed Ali , Kambo Masoumeh Salehi , Javadi Mostafa
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose: Stomatitis or oral inflammation is one of the common complications in patients undergoing chemotherapy, which causes pain, discomfort, infection and long-term hospitalization. The only way to prevent this condition is to use a suitable mouthwash and maintain oral hygiene. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Cordia myxa mouthwash on preventing stomatitis in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Method: This study will be a double-blind, single-center randomized controlled clinical trial focusing on 60 patients undergoing chemotherapy. The samples will be randomly divided into intervention and control groups. In addition to receiving the routine betadine mouthwash, participants in the intervention group will receive a solution of 30 drops of 5% Cordia myxa formulation in 20 cc of water, and they will be asked to put the solution in their mouth, swirl it in their mouth for a minute and then spit it out. In the control group, in addition to betadine mouthwash, sterile water placebo (having the same taste and smell) will be used. Patients will brush their mouths with a soft toothbrush and the same toothpaste 3 times a day after breakfast, lunch, and dinner followed by mouthwash use for 14 days. Data will be collected using a demographic information questionnaire and the oral stomatitis severity checklist. The data will be analyzed based on statistical tests using SPSS version 22.
Discussion: This study is expected to shed light on the effectiveness of Cordia myxa mouthwash in improving the severity of stomatitis among leukemia patients. To the best of our knowledge, no valid scientific research has so far been conducted on this very topic. If this intervention proves effective in improving access and adherence to treatment, it would be a step forward in addressing a chronic health problem that is common among leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. Given its natural essence and the fact that it is not associated with any complications, the Cordia myxa mouthwash can be used safely alongside the main treatment to prevent and reduce the severity of mouth ulcers caused by chemotherapy.
Graphitization of Oak tree-based White Charcoals by High Temperature Heat Treatment
Authors: Park Yongnam , Park Young-Nam , Kwac Lee-Ku , Ryu Seung-Kon , Kim Hong-Gun
Published: May 2023

-Oak-tree-based white charcoals were subjected to high-temperature heat treatment at up to 2400°C to analyze changes in their surface morphology and internal structure using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. When the treatment temperature was increased, micropores became smaller and disappeared, but macropores and mesopores remained, resulting in an increase in average pore size. At a treatment temperature of 1800°C, some pores still remained. At treatment temperatures of 2000°C or higher, however, all the pores disappeared, and the internal structure changed into a dense graphite-like structure. The X-ray diffraction patterns of charcoals heat-treated at 1800°C or higher in an argon atmosphere exhibited a sharp peak at 2θ = 26.5°, and Raman spectroscopy also showed clear D and 2D bands near 1360 and 2680 cm−1 , respectively, indicating that carbon graphite crystals were developing. The presence of the D band and the ID/IG ratio confirmed that the newly developed structure was turbostratic. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller adsorption isotherm of the as-received charcoals exhibited peculiar characteristics in which Types I and IV were mixed. This result is due to low-pressure hysteresis, in which nitrogen is embedded in the crevices of charcoal during adsorption and is hardly desorbed during desorption. This low-pressure hysteresis disappeared as the heat-treatment temperature increased; the adsorption isotherm of charcoal treated at 2400°C was Type II, and the specific surface area was 8.45 m2 /g, indicating that the charcoal was completely transformed to nonporous graphite
The SAUR family gene OsSAUR56 regulates heading date in rice
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Chen Tengkui , Yue Jicheng , Pu Na , Liu Jinzhao , Luo Lixin , Huang Ming , Guo Tao , Xiao Wuming
Published: May 2023

Heading date is one of the most important agronomic traits and a fundamental factor determining crop yield. Although many genes related to heading date have been reported in rice, the molecular mechanism of heading date is still poorly understood. The Small Auxin-Up RNA (SAUR) family genes regulate many aspects of plant growth and development. However, their functions involved in heading date of rice (Oryza sativa L.) are not characterized. Here, OsSAUR56 gene was edited by the CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the japonica cultivar Zhonghua11 (ZH11). We found that loss-of-function of OsSAUR56 led to early heading phenotype regardless of day length. OsSAUR56 was mainly expressed in anther, and its protein was localized in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Gene expression analysis with quantitative RT-PCR showed that OsSAUR56 regulated flowering time and heading date by affecting the expression of a clock gene OsGI and two repressors, HEADING DATE 7 (Ghd7) and DTH8 (Ghd8/LHD1). Moreover, evolutionary analysis showed that OsSAUR56 presents divergence between indica and japonica, showing natural selection during the domestication of cultivated rice. These results indicate that OsSAUR56 plays an important role in the regulation of heading date, and may be an important target for rice breeding programs.
A study protocol for testing an innovative gait training program in immersive virtual reality for healthy older adults
Authors: Delbes Lisa , Mascret Nicolas , Goulon Cédric , Montagne Gilles
Published: May 2023

Background Impaired gait adaptability is one of the major causes of falls among older adults by producing inappropriate gait adjustments in cluttered environments. Training programs designed to improve gait adaptability behavior in a systemic approach may prevent falls in older adults. Recently, the technology of virtual reality has appeared as a relevant gait training tool based on its training implementation potential. The present study was designed to compare the effectiveness of a virtual reality gait training program (VR group) for improving gait adaptability behavior and thus, reducing the risk of falls relative to a conventional training program of Nordic walkway (NW group). We hypothesize that the virtual reality gait training program will lead to greater gait adaptability improvements.Methods The protocol describes a randomized controlled trial with pre-tests, post-tests, retention tests and follow-up. Forty healthy independent living community dweller participants (65–80 years) will be allocated, after a general medical examination, to the VR or the NW group for a training program of six weeks. Primary outcome related to gait adaptability capacities and acceptance of the virtual reality device will be assessed in pre- and post-intervention and one month after the completion of the training program (retention). A follow-up will be done during the 12 months after the completion of the gait training program.Discussion This study will demonstrate the relative relevance of a gait training program in virtual reality versus a conventional one for improving gait adaptability behavior in healthy older adults and thus preventing falls.Trial registration CERSTAPS (IRB00012476-2022-14-10-200, 14 October 2022)
Timeliness and completeness of monthly disease surveillance data reporting, Uganda, 2020–2021
Authors: Zavuga Robert , Migisha Richard , Gonahasa Doreen , Kadobera Daniel , Kwesiga Benon , Okello Peter Edward , Bulage Lilian , Aceng Freda Loy , Kayiwa Joshua , Makumbi Issa , Ario Alex Riolexus
Published: May 2023

Background Timely and complete reporting of routine public health information about diseases and public health events are important aspects of a robust surveillance system. Although data on the completeness and timeliness of monthly surveillance data are collected in the District Health Information System-2 (DHIS2), they have not been routinely analysed. For this study, we assessed completeness and timeliness of monthly outpatient department (OPD) data from January 2020 to December 2022.Methods We used DHIS2 data from all 15 regions and 146 districts of Uganda from January 2020─December 2021. Completeness was defined as the number of submitted reports divided by the number of expected reports from the same health facility, district, and region. Timeliness was defined as the number of reports submitted by the deadline (15th day of the following month) divided by reports received. Health facilities, districts, and regions with completeness or timeliness < 80% were regarded as having submitted incomplete or untimely reports.Results Overall, there was good general performance with the median completeness of OPD reports being high in 2020 (99.5%; IQR 97.8–100%) and 2021 (100%; IQR 98.7–100%), as was the median timeliness (2020; 82.8%, IQR 74.6–91.8%; 2021, 94.9%, IQR 86.5–99.1%). In terms of regions, no region reported below the 80% OPD completeness target; Kampala Region was the only region that consistently failed to reach ≥ 80% OPD timeliness (2020: 44%; 2021: 65%). Nakasongola was the only district that consistently performed poorly in the submission of timely reports in both years (2020:54.4%, 2021:58.3%). National referral hospitals consistently failed to meet the timeliness target in both years (2020:47.2%; 2021:74.1).Conclusion There was an overall good performance in the submission of complete and timely monthly OPD reports in both 2020 and 2021 in the DHIS2 across most districts and regions in Uganda. There is a need to strengthen the good reporting practices exhibited and offer support to regions, districts, and health facilities with timeliness challenges.
A Chromosome scale assembly of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), genome
Authors: Perera Omaththage P. , Saha Surya , Glover James , Parys Katherine A. , Allen K. Clint , Grozeva Snejana , Kurtz Ryan , Reddy Gadi V. P. , Johnston J. Spencer , Daly Mark , Swale Thomas
Published: May 2023

Objective: The tarnished plant bug (TPB), Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae), is a pest damaging many cultivated crops in North America. Although partial transcriptome data are available for this pest, a genome assembly was not available for this species. The aim of this was to assemble a high-quality chromosome-length genome of TPB to develop the genetic resources to provide foundation required for advancing research on this species.
Results:
The initial genome of TPB assembled with paired-end nucleotide sequences generated with Illumina technology was scaffolded with Illumina HiseqX reads generated from a proximity ligated (HiC) library to obtain a high-quality genome assembly. The final assembly contained 3968 scaffolds longer than 1 kbp to yield a genome of 599.97 Mbp. The N50 of the TPB genome assembly was 35.64 Mbp and 98.68% of the genome was assembled into 17 scaffolds larger than 1 Mbp. This megabase scaffold number is the same as the number of chromosomes observed in karyotyping of this insect. The TPB genome is known to have high repetitive DNA content, and the reduced assembled genome size compared to flowcytometric estimates of approximately 860 Mbp may be due to the collapsed assembly of highly similar regions.
ϕ-sectional curvatures of homogeneous real hypersurfaces in a complex projective space
Authors: Takagi Ren
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is to compute ϕ-sectional curvatures of homogeneous real hypersurfaces in a complex projective space. In particular, we determine the maximum and minimum values of ϕ-sectional curvatures of homogeneous real hypersurfaces of type (C), (D) and (E) in a complex projective space.
Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 53B25, Secondary 53C40.
Prediction of bladder cancer grade based on biparametric MRI radiomics: comparison with traditional MRI
Authors: Li Longchao , Zhang Jing , Zhe Xia , Tang Min , Zhang Li , Lei Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: May 2023

Background: To compare biparametric (bp) MRI radiomics signatures and traditional MRI model for the preoperative prediction of bladder cancer (BCa) grade.
Methods: This retrospective study included 255 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed 113 low-grade and 142 high-grade BCa who underwent preoperative MRI, including T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The traditional MRI nomogram model was developed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression by the mean apparent diffusion coefficient (mADC), vesical imaging reporting and data system (VI-RADS) scoring, tumor size and number of tumors. Volumes of interest were manually drawn on T2WI and ADC maps by two radiologists. Using ANOVA, correlation and LASSO methods to select features. Then, a logistic regression (LR) classifier was used to develop the radiomics signatures in the training set and assessed in the validation set. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare the diagnostic abilities of the radiomics and traditional MRI models by the DeLong test. Finally, decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed by estimating the clinical usefulness of the two models in both the training and validation sets.
Results: The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of the traditional MRI model were 0.841 in the training cohort and 0.806 in the validation cohort. The AUCs of the three groups of radiomics model [ADC, T2WI, bp-MRI (ADC and T2WI)]-based logistic regression analysis algorithms were 0.888, 0.875 and 0.899 in the training cohort and 0.863, 0.805 and 0.867 in the validation cohort, respectively. The combined radiomics model achieved higher AUCs than the traditional MRI model and was compared using the DeLong test (P = 0.026 and 0.023 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively). DCA indicated that the radiomics model had higher net benefits than the traditional MRI model.
Conclusions: The bp-MRI radiomics model may be helpful for distinguishing high-grade and low-grade BCa and outperformed the traditional MRI model. Multicenter validation is needed to acquire high-level evidence for its clinical application.
Rating of Perceived Exertion, a novel method for evaluating maximum bench press performance in inexperienced males
Authors: Hosseini Javid shah , Fashi Mohammad , zandian Hamed
Published: May 2023

Purpose:
The use of standard strength tests as a means of assessing maximum strength is extremely important when resistance training is planned on an individual basis. This study aimed to estimate one repetition maximum (1RM) of healthy males based on the Rating of Perceived Exertion in chest press movement and to provide a special predictive equation.
Methods:
70 healthy males (24.93±0.64 years; BMI: 25.04 ± 0.35 kg/m2) with no previous experience of resistance training, performed one repetition of chest press with eyes close and then chose a number to determine the intensity by Rating of Perceived Exertion scale of 1-10 (CR1-10 scale). The intensity of this repetition was randomly selected based on the percentages of 1RM: 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% and 95%. A special prediction equation was provided based on a mathematical model. Moreover, the Brzycki equation and standard protocol was used to verify the validity of the RPE equation.
Results:
Brzycki equations and standard protocol did not differ significantly with RPE-equation in predicting 1 RM (p>0.05). Based on the Brzycki equation and standard protocol, a 1RM attempt for inexperienced males resulted in 73.99±7.26 kg and 77.50±10.37 respectively, while the RPE equation produced 77.85 ± 8.59 kg. There were significant results for linear regression (p=0.001). Pearson correlation coefficients between Brzycki and standard protocol with predicted 1-RM were 0.961 and 0.962, respectively.
Conclusion:
The new method of 1RM based on RPE performed well in 1RM performance in inexperienced individuals' males, and it appeared safe, accurate, and time-effective.
Physiological response of potato leaves to uniconazole under drought stress at tuber expansion period
Authors: Ding Kaixin , Shan Ying , wang lichun , Tian Guokui , Li Fengyun , Wang Haiyan , Pang Ze , Pan Yang , Jiang Hui
Published: May 2023

Studying the mechanism of drought stress in potato leaves at tuber expansion period by exogenous uniconazole revealed new insights into potato stress physiology. Therefore, a completely random pot experiments with time gradients of 5, 10 and 15 d of drought treatment. were carried out with uniconazole (40 mg L− 1) with respect to photosynthesis, active oxygen metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activity and the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle on varieties kexin No 1 (drought-tolerant, KX 1) and Atlantic (drought-sensitive, Atlantic). The results showed that uniconazole can effectively alleviate the degradation of chlorophyll under drought stress, Compared with CK, drought significantly inhibited the Pn, Tr, Gs and Ci of the leaves of the two potato varieties. Exogenous uniconazole effectively alleviated the inhibition of drought on the photosynthetic parameters of potato leaves, compared with D treatment, uniconazole reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), the rate of superoxide radical (O2−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content in leaves of KX 1 and Atlantic, and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in antioxidant defense system to remove excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce membrane lipid peroxidation, effectively alleviated the loss of yield factors caused by drought stress, and the drought-tolerant variety KX 1 was less damaged by drought than the drought-sensitive variety Atlantic, in addition, under drought stress, the antioxidant enzyme activity and non-enzymatic antioxidant content of the two varieties increased to adapt to the stress response caused by drought stress, D + S treatment could further increase the contents of osmotic adjustment substances (soluble protein and proline) and AsA-GSH cycle products and substrates, including ascorbic acid (AsA), dehydroascorbate (DHA), glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and increase the ratio of AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG under drought stress in two potato varieties, so as to improve the level of reducing power and antioxidant capacity in leaves, thus reducing the damage of reactive oxygen species to cell membrane. The drought-tolerant variety KX 1 recovered better than the drought-sensitive variety Atlantic. These results provided a reference for the mechanism of drought resistance in potato and the effect of uniconazole on alleviating drought stress.
Dendrochronological studies of Pinus roxburghii and Pinus wallichiana from Ghora Galli, Murree
Authors: Ullah nadeem , Tayab Muhammad , Rehman Shafiq , Ghumman Muneeb Akram , Waheed Muhammad
Published: May 2023

The present study described the dendrochronological studies of Pinus roxburghii and Pinus wallichiana growing in Ghora Galli, Murree. Study area was subdivided into roadside and away from roadside. It was found that along road side the maximum diameter, age, growth rate and height of Pinus roxburghii were 71 inches, 304 age, 0.277 and 97 feet respectively. Similarly maximum diameter, age, growth rate and height of Pinus roxburghii growing away from road side were 93.5 inches, 328 years, 0.358 inches/year and 99 feet height respectively. Maximum DBH, age, growth rate and height of Pinus wallichiana growing along the roadside was 63 inches, 223 years, 0.392 inches/year and 83 feet height respectively. While, studying the trees of Pinus wallichiana growing away from road side it was found that the maximum DBH, age, growth rate and height were 56.5 inches, 158 years, 0.437 years/inches and 62 respectively. It was also found that growth rate of trees growing away from the road was greater than those growing along the road. A significant correlation between growth rate and height was found While studying the correlation between height and growth rate, it was found that there was no any significant correlation. In vegetation studies, it was found that dominant trees were from Pinaceae family. Shrubs were with three families while herbs contained eleven families and ferns were found with only two families. Maximum IVI from trees was of Pinus wallichiana with 11.07 belonging to Pinaceae family and 7.73 for Hedera nepalensis belonging to Araliaceae family. Similarly, 4.27 was maximum IVI for Artemisia vulgaris of Asteraceae family and 5.44 from ferns the maximum IVI of Adiantum capillus belonging to Adiantaceae family.
Proteome profiling of Campylobacter jejuni 81-176 at 37°C and 42°C by label-free mass spectrometry
Authors: Dreyer Annika , Masanta Wycliffe O. , Lugert Raimond , Bohne Wolfgang , Groß Uwe , Leha Andreas , Dakna Mohammed , Lenz Christof , Zautner Andreas E.
Published: May 2023

Background
The main natural reservoir for Campylobacter jejuni is the intestinal tract of birds, especially in the context of human nutrition chickens and turkeys play the main role. There, C. jejuni multiplies optimally at 42°C, the avian body temperature, while after infection of humans by peroral intake in the human intestinal tract only 37°C prevail. Proteome profiling by label-free mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) was performed to examine the processes which enable C. jejuni strain 81-176 to adapt to 37°C in comparison to 42°C. In total, four states were compared with each other: incubation for 12 h at 37°C, for 24 h at 37°C, for 12 h at 42°C and 24 h at 42°C.
Results
It was shown that the proteome profile changes not only according to the different incubation temperature but also with the length of the incubation period, i.e. significant differences in protein expression were evident when comparing 37°C and 42°C as well as 12 h and 24 h of incubation. Altogether, the expression of 957 proteins was quantifiable. Out of these, 37.1% - 47.3% were considered to be significantly differentially expressed, that means these proteins showed at least a 1.5-fold change in either direction (i.e log2 FC ≥ 0.585 or log2 FC ≤ -0.585) and an FDR-adjusted p-value of less than 0.05. The significantly differentially expressed proteins could be arranged in 4 different clusters and 16 functional catogories.
Conclusions
The C. jejuni proteome at 42°C is better adopted to high replication rates than that at 37°C, which was in particular indicated by the up-expression of proteins belonging to the functional categories "replication", "DNA synthesis and repair factors", "lipid and carbohydrate biosynthesis" and "vitamin synthesis, metabolism, cofactor biosynthesis". The relative up-expression of proteins with chaperone function at 37°C in comparison to 42°C after 12 h incubation indicates a temporary lower-temperature adaptation response. Additionally the up-expression of factors for DNA uptake at 37°C compared to 42°C indicate a higher competence for the acquisition of extraneous DNA at human body temperature.
Evaluating safety risks of whole-body cryotherapy/cryostimulation (WBC): a scoping review from an international consortium
Authors: Legrand Fabien D. , Dugué Benoît , Costello Joe , Bleakley Chris , Miller Elzbieta , Broatch James R. , Polidori Guillaume , Lubkowska Anna , Louis Julien , Lombardi Giovanni , Bieuzen François , Capodaglio Paolo
Published: May 2023

Over the two last decades, whole-body cryotherapy/cryostimulation (WBC) has emerged as an exciting non-pharmacological treatment influencing inflammatory events at a cellular and physiological level, which can result in improved sleep quality, faster neuromuscular recovery after high-intensity exercise, and chronic pain relief for patients suffering different types of diseases (fibromyalgia, rheumatism, arthritis). Some evidence even suggests that WBC has benefits on mental health (depression, anxiety disorders) and cognitive functions in both adults and older adults, due to increased circulating BDNF levels. Recently, some safety concerns have been expressed by influential public health authorities (e.g., FDA, INSERM) based on reports from patients who developed adverse events upon or following WBC treatment. However, part of the data used to support these claims involved individuals whose entire body (except head) was exposed to extreme cold vaporized liquid nitrogen while standing in a narrow bathtub. Such a procedure is known as partial-body cryotherapy (PBC), and is often erroneously mistaken to be whole-body cryotherapy. Although having similarities in terms of naming and pursued aims, these two approaches are fundamentally different. The present article reviews the available literature on the main safety concerns associated with the use of true whole-body cryotherapy. English- and French-language reports of empirical studies including case reports, case series, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science electronic databases. Five case reports and two RCTs were included for a total of 16 documented adverse events (AEs). A critical in-depth evaluation of these AEs (type, severity, context of onset, participant’s medical background, follow-up) is proposed and used to illustrate that WBC-related safety risks are within acceptable limits and can be proactively prevented by adhering to existing recommendations, contraindications, and commonsense guidelines.
Identifying Opportunities for Prevention of Adverse Outcomes Following Female Genital Fistula Repair: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study in Uganda
Authors: Ayadi Alison M El , Obore Susan , Kirya Fred , Miller Suellen , Korn Abner , Nalubwama Hadija , Neuhaus John , Getahun Monica , Eyul Patrick , Twine Robert , Andrew Erin V. W. , Barageine Justus K.
Published: May 2023

Background. Female genital fistula is a traumatic debilitating injury, frequently caused by prolonged obstructed labor, affecting between 500,000–2 million women in lower-resource settings. Vesicovaginal fistula causes urinary incontinence. Other gynecologic, neurologic and orthopedic morbidity may occur during fistula development. Women with fistula are stigmatized; limit engagement in social, economic, or religious activities; and report high psychiatric morbidity. Improved global surgical access has reduced fistula consequences yet post-repair risks impacting quality of life and well-being include fistula repair breakdown or recurrence and ongoing or changing urine leakage or incontinence. Limited evidence on risk factors contributing to adverse outcomes hinders interventions to mitigate adverse events, protecting health and quality of life after surgery. This study seeks to identify predictors and characteristics of post-repair fistula breakdown and recurrence (Aim 1) and post-repair incontinence (Aim 2), and to identify feasible and acceptable intervention strategies (Aim 3).Methods. This mixed-methods study incorporates a prospective cohort study of women with successful vesicovaginal fistula repair at approximately 12 fistula repair centers and affiliated care sites in Uganda (Aims 1–2) followed by qualitative inquiry among key stakeholders (Aim 3). Cohort participants will have a baseline visit at the time of surgery followed by data collection at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and quarterly thereafter for 3 years. Primary predictors to be evaluated include patient-related factors, fistula-related factors, fistula repair-related factors, and post-repair behaviors and exposures, collected via structured questionnaire at all data collection points. Clinical exams will be conducted at baseline, 2 weeks post-surgery, and for outcome confirmation at symptom development. Primary outcomes are fistula repair breakdown or fistula recurrence and post-repair incontinence. In-depth interviews will be conducted with cohort participants (n ~ 40) and other key stakeholders (~ 40 including family, peers, community members and clinical/social service providers) to develop feasible and acceptable intervention concepts for adjustment of identified risk factors.Discussion. Participant recruitment is underway. This study is expected to identify key predictors that can directly improve fistula repair and post-repair programs and women’s outcomes, optimizing health and quality of life. Furthermore, our study will create a comprehensive longitudinal dataset capable of supporting broad inquiry into post-fistula repair health.Trial Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05437939
Photoperiod response corresponds to different circadian entrainment properties in northern and southern Nasonia vitripennis lines
Authors: Floessner Theresa S.E. , Benetta Elena Dalla , Beersma Domien G.M. , Hut Roelof A.
Published: May 2023

The circadian clock times physiological and behavioural processes and resets on a daily basis to synchronize with the environment. The involvement of the circadian clock in photoperiodic time measurement synchronising annual rhythms is still under debate and different models have been proposed explaining their integration. Insects overcome unfavourable conditions in diapause, a form of dormancy. A latitudinal cline in diapause induction in the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis as well as a difference in circadian light sensitivity between north and south provide us with additional evidence that the circadian system of Nasonia is involved in photoperiodic time measurement and that circadian adaptation is a potential mechanism driving latitudinal adaptation in photoperiodism. We tested diapause induction in a range of T-cycles and photoperiods and found diapause induction in short photoperiods in all T-cycles in the northern line but in the southern line diapause only occurred in T-cycles close to 24 h. Due to a lower light sensitivity in the southern line, a wider distribution of phase angles of entrainment can be expected at a specific T-cycle duration, while the range of entrainment will decrease. Taking these oscillator properties into account, our data can be explained by an external coincidence model involving a single oscillator with a light-sensitive phase that drives annual timing of diapause in Nasonia vitripennis.
Effect of dihydromyricetin combined with cisplatin on treatment of lung cancer cell A549
Authors: Miao Hao , Pang Chong , Zhu Wenjing , Zhao HanZheng , Zhang Wenhui , Yang Fang , Song Zhichao , Sun Dayong , Zuo Yanzhen
Published: May 2023

Objective Chemotherapy resistance and side effects are important reasons for the failure of lung cancer treatment. Therefore, finding new sensitizers for chemotherapeutic drugs is an urgent problem to be solved.Method In this study, A549 cells were given different pharmacological interventions, including control, cisplatin, DMY and the combination of cisplatin and DMY. The level of cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay and Flow cytometry AV/PI double staining. Transwell assay was adopted to detect the ability of migration and invasion of A549 cells. Western blot analyzed the expression of protein about proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion.Results The present study denoted that DMY strengthened the effect of cisplatin on the inhibition of proliferation in lung cancer A549 cells. Meanwhile, DMY promoted cisplatin induced apoptosis of A549 cells. Further, DMY combined with cisplatin can synergistically inhibit the migration and invasion of A549 cells. Western blotting results showed that the expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased in the combination group compared to cisplatin group, while, the expression of N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase MMP 2, MMP 9 and Smads proteins (p-SMAD 3, t-SMAD 3, t-SMAD 4), were significantly decreased in the combination group.Conclusion Low dosage of DMY can significantly enhance the effect of cisplatin treatment in lung cancer cells, and its mechanism may be related to the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion, which is expected to be a low-toxic and efficient chemosensitizer for lung cancer treatment.
Federated Learning with GANs-based Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique for Improving Weather Prediction from Imbalanced Data
Authors: Jafarigol Elaheh , Trafalis Theodore B.
Published: May 2023

Detecting rare events is a challenging task among machine learning practitioners, motivating them to navigate and further improve data processing and algorithmic approaches to find accurate and computationally efficient methods for imbalanced learning. Imbalanced data is common in weather prediction, where the massive size of data poses storage and computational challenges. To learn from imbalanced data, the algorithms must strive to learn each class precisely to be able to classify both the minority and the majority class. While creating complex models is somewhat necessary for such problems, the machine learning algorithm must have adequate generalization capabilities. In recent years, federated learning has been used as an environmentally-friendly approach, which can produce accurate results in a distributed setting. Although privacy is not a concern of this study, inherent characteristics of federated learning are beneficial in weather prediction. Deep learning combined with data augmentation is explored in the framework of federated learning. We compare multiple data augmentation methods in a centralized and federated learning framework. Federated learning has great potential for weather prediction tasks. By leveraging data from multiple sources, we were able to improve the accuracy and generalization of the classifier. Addressing the issue of imbalanced data is an essential step. Incorporating the two remarkable approaches of Generative Adversarial Networks and Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique is a suitable solution for tabular weather data, and our experimental results confirm the effectiveness of this approach.
Flexible In-Cavity MRI Receiving Coil for Ultrahigh Resolution Imaging of the Pituitary Gland
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Patel Kunal S , Peeters Sophie , Lin Jiahao , DiRisio Aislyn C , Vinters Harry , Candler Robert , Sung Kyunghyun , Bergsneider Marvin
Published: May 2023

Purpose Preclinical design and construction of a flexible intra-sphenoid coil aiming for submillimeter resolution of the human pituitary gland.Methods Sphenoid sinus measurements determined coil design constraints for use in > 95% of adult patients. Temperature safety parameters were tested. The prototype 2-cm diameter coil was positioned in the sphenoid sinus of cadaveric human heads utilizing the transnasal endoscopic technique that is used clinically. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was estimated comparing the prototype transnasal coil versus a standard clinical head coil. One cadaver pituitary gland was explanted and histologically examined for correlation to the imaging findings.Results With the coil positioned directly atop the sella turcica at 00 angle of the B0 static field, the craniocaudal distance (24 ± 4 mm) was the limiting constraint. Phantom experiments showed a negligible change in temperature at two sites over 15 minutes. The flexible coil was placed transnasally in cadaveric specimens using an endoscopic approach. The image quality was subjectively superior at higher spatial resolutions relative to the commercial 20-channel head coil. An average 17-fold increase in SNR was achieved within the pituitary gland. Subtle findings visualized only with the transnasal coil had potential pathological correlation with immunohistochemical analysis.Conclusions A transnasal radiofrequency coil feasibly provides a 17-fold boost in SNR at 3T, providing, in principle, equivalent imaging to a 51T scanner using a standard head coil. The ability to safely improve the quality of pituitary imaging may be helpful in the identification and subsequent surgical resection of small functional pituitary lesions.
Cyber Security Standards in Popular Russian Websites through HTTP Observatory measurements
Authors: Xue Xingsi , Aghbolagh Mohsen Abdollahzadeh , Noeiaghdam Samad
Published: May 2023

Online user security is strongly reliant on a number of factors. One of the most important steps in enhancing data and communication security on well-known websites and a variety of internet services is adhering to security standards and using reliable and cutting-edge technology. These standards and technologies were developed and tested recently. Our investigation at the CERTFA Lab on 50 well-known websites shows that their security is comparable to that of the rest of the world, and very few websites are completely utilizing new security standards and technology. In fact, Russia has strong and comprehensive cyber capabilities. Websites run by the Russian government are subject to unprecedented cyberattacks, and technical measures have been taken to block international online traffic. Although domestic websites have operated successfully within the nation, some security measures need to be taken more seriously. According to our investigation, 47 of the websites we looked into have been configured with CSP2, with Yandex.ru, Ozon.ru, and wileberries.ru's implementations having more specifics and being more secure than those of the other websites, which used the upgrade-insecure-requests option as the default setting for CSP. Additionally, the results of the analysis of contemporary standards used in this study (DNSSEC, CAA, DMARC, SPF, and Expect-CT), which are mandated for the majority of Internet businesses, show that well-known Russian websites have correctly implemented these standard configurations.