bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the mechanism of hyperosmotic tolerance in Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis based on WGCNA
Authors: Xiao Baoheng , Feng Xiaoqing , Li Pingping , Sui Zhenghong
Published: December 2022

The salt-tolerant mutants HAGL-X5, HAGL-X3, and the control were subjected to transcriptome assays after three weeks of treatment with artificial seawater of different salinities (30‰, 45‰ and 60‰). A large number of differential genes were obtained in the transcriptome, and we performed weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of these differential genes. The results showed that the samples that correlated well with salinity traits were mainly Ctr-60, X3-60 and X5-60, while the samples that correlated well with strain traits were mainly X5-30, X5-45 and X5-60. Then the modules that correlated well with salinity traits were mainly blue, red and tan modules. The modules that correlated well with strain traits were black, cyan, lightcyan, and yellows modules. KEGG enrichment of genes from the above modules revealed that the most significant enrichment pathways associated with salinity traits were the proteasome and carbon fixation by photosynthesis. The most significant enrichment pathways associated with strain traits were lipid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism. From the expression analysis, the gene expression on the proteasome pathway and the carbon fixation pathway of photosynthesis was higher in all strains at a salinity of 60‰ than in all strains at other salinities. Also the gene expression of X5-60 was higher than that of Ctr-60 and X3-60 on the proteasome pathway. The expression of X5-30 genes was lower than that of Ctr-30 and X3-30 in oxidative phosphorylation as well as porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism in strain-related enrichment pathways, where the low expression of genes of porphyrin and chlorophyll in X5-30 may be related to the higher NPQ value of X5-30. Finally, correlation analysis identified candidate genes with well correlation with salinity in proteasome and carbon fixation by photosynthesis, and with strain traits in lipid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism.
Globally elevated levels of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation in early infancy are associated with poor growth trajectory in Bangladeshi children
Authors: Kupkova Kristyna , Shetty Savera J. , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A. , Auble David T.
Published: December 2022

Background
Stunting is a global health problem affecting hundreds of millions of children worldwide and contributing to 45% of deaths in children under the age of five. Current therapeutic interventions have limited efficacy. Understanding the epigenetic changes underlying stunting will elucidate molecular mechanisms and likely lead to new therapies.
Results
We profiled the repressive mark histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) genome-wide in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 18-week-old infants (n = 15) and mothers (n = 14) enrolled in the PROVIDE study established in an urban slum in Bangladesh. We associated H3K9me3 levels within individual loci as well as genome-wide with anthropometric measurements and other biomarkers of stunting and performed functional annotation of differentially affected regions. Globally elevated H3K9me3 levels were associated with poor linear growth between birth and one year of age. A large proportion of the affected genes code for proteins targeting viral mRNA and highly significant regions were enriched in transposon elements with potential regulatory roles in immune system activation and cytokine production. Maternal data show a similar trend with child’s anthropometry, however, lack statistical significance to infer an intergenerational relationship.
Conclusions
We speculate that high H3K9me3 levels may result in poor linear growth by repressing genes involved in immune system activation. Importantly, changes to H3K9me3 were detectable before the overt manifestation of stunting and therefore may be valuable as new biomarkers of stunting.
Effect of Environmental Psychological Factors on Compliance with Brace Treatment in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Li Kepeng , Han Ye
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate the Effect of Environmental Psychological Factors on Orthosis Therapy for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) in the three-dimensional perspectives included oneself, family and school environment.

Methods

Patients with AIS undergoing bracing therapy from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively studied. Information about the patients included baseline data, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, family environment scale, and academic achievement was collected. The patient‘s data of Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and family environment scale was compared with the Chinese norm to determine the representativeness of the included sample. The patients were divided into complianced group and control group according to the compliance condition, single factor analysis was carried out by χ2 test or independent sample t test. The meaningful variables were further analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 50 patients were included. There was no statistical difference observed in patient’s statistics compared with Chinese norm (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis results showed statistical difference in emotional stability (t = 3.14, P = 0.00) of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, whereas there was no statistical difference in internal and external direction (t = 1.07, P = 0.28), mental quality (t = 0.17, P = 0.86); There had statistical difference in intimacy (t = 3.96, P = 0.00) in the household environmental scale, whereas contradictions (t = 1.53, P = 0.13) and culture (t = 0.38, P = 0.70) were not statistically different; Statistical difference was observed in academic performance (χ2 = 7.96, P = 0.00). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, Statistical difference was not observed in the emotional stability and academic achievement (p > 0.05). Intimacy remained an independent influence factor for compliance (P = 0.01, Exp (B) = 3.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.27～7.56).

Conclusion

High-intimacy family environment is an important environmental characteristic of high compliance. Effective communication between parents and patients is required in Orthosis Therapy for AIS.
The usefulness of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in white stork censusing
Authors: Tobółka Marcin , Aguirre José I. , Dylewski Łukasz , López-García Alejandro , Martínez Rodrigo Gimeno , Zbyryt Adam
Published: December 2022

Long-term bird monitoring brings vital information on the effects of environmental changes on wildlife. However, covering a large area with direct observations in the field is time-consuming and economically costly. New technologies, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), are effective and often noninvasive tools successfully used in bird monitoring. However, the stability of the method is essential when handling long-term data in the context of population changes. We examined the efficiency and precision of data collected by UAV and human observers within two distinct populations of the white storkCiconia ciconia, in Poland and Spain, presenting two different nesting patterns, solitary and colonial breeding. In Polish and Spanish populations, the number of fledglings was significantly lower when recorded by human observer than by UAV, i.e. 2.21 vs 2.60, and 1.35 vs 1.55. The mean time needed to record the number of fledglings was significantly longer when using a UAV than by a human observer. The number of detected nests in colonies differed significantly between the human observer and UAV, on average 13.1 vs 7.4, respectively. The difference number of recorded nests was linked with the type of nest substrates, i.e. on trees, the error was higher than in colonies located on human-made structures. The probability of mistake by the observer was significantly lower when recording the number of fledglings in colonial white storks in Spain than in solitary nesting in Poland. Although UAVs are a helpful tool in bird monitoring, in long-term studies, they must be used with caution and awareness that obtained results might differ from those obtained previously in a long-term monitoring framework.
Building Relationships to Connect Cancer Researchers with Community Members: ‘Bench to Community Pipeline’
Authors: Dahlke Allison R. , LoConte Noelle K. , Flickinger Angela , Richie Sara , Klink Jenna , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Shirley Rebecca , Litzelman Kristin
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Partnerships between researchers and community members and organizations can offer multiple benefits for research relevance and dissemination. The goal of this project was to build infrastructure to create bidirectional relationships between University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) researchers and community educators in the Division of Extension, which connects the knowledge and resources of the university to communities across the state.
Methods
This project had three aims: 1) create linkages with Extension; 2) establish an in-reach program to educate and train researchers on the science of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE); and 3) identify and facilitate collaborative projects between scientists and communities. Survey and focus group-based needs assessments were completed with both researchers and Extension educators and program activity evaluations were conducted.
Results
Most Extension educators (71%) indicated a strong interest in partnering on COE projects. UWCCC faculty indicated interest in further disseminating their research, but also indicated barriers in connecting with communities. Outreach webinars were created and disseminated to community, a “COE in-reach toolkit” for faculty was created and a series of “speed networking” events were hosted to pair researchers and community. Evaluations indicated the acceptability and usefulness of these activities and supported continuation of collaborative efforts.
Conclusion
Continued relationship and skill building, along with a sustainability plan, is critical to support the translation of basic, clinical and population research to action in the community outreach and engagement context. Further incentives for faculty should be explored for the recruitment of basic scientists into community engagement work.
Detection of gender-based violence in primary care in Central Catalonia: a descriptive cross-sectional study.
Authors: Muñoz-Sellés Ester , Pujolar-Díaz Georgina , Fuster-Casanovas Aïna , Catalina Queralt Miró
Published: December 2022

Background
Violence against women is a serious public health problem. Primary care could be one of the ideal places for the detection of gender-based violence, since women come into contact with PC at some point in their lives to look after their sexual and reproductive health.
The increase in initiatives promoted by the health authorities regarding gender-based violence offers the possibility of observing its evolution over the last few years.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study of reported cases of gender-based violence in the region of Central Catalonia, during the period from 2017 to 2021, was carried out. All women of legal age, belonging to the specified health region and suffering episodes of gender-based violence, were included. The variables analysed were age, area of residence, health diagnoses related to gender-based violence, whether or not they were pregnant at the time of the attack, and mental health history.
Results
We found an increase in the detection of cases, although it must be noted that there is an underreporting of cases in PC. The prevalence according to the total number of women assigned per year over the period studied was 0.42% in 2017 and 0.48% in 2021. It has also been observed that the average number of episodes per woman increased from 1.03 in 2017 to 1.15 in 2021. During the 5 years analysed, the minimum number of episodes per woman was 1 and the maximum was 10. In reference to the duration of the episodes, the minimum was 1 day, and the maximum was 32 years.
Conclusions
Despite the established protocols and procedures, it seems that primary health care is not the most frequent place for its detection. It is necessary to continue working to raise awareness and train professionals, and to ensure coordination among all the parties involved in accompanying women in these processes.
Trial registration
CEIm: 21/278-P
Thin-shell wormhole under non-commutative geometry inspired Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity
Authors: Rahman Nilofar , Kalam Mehedi , Das Amit , Islam Sayeedul , Rahaman Farook , Murshid Masum
Published: December 2022

Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity is a generalization of the general relativity to higher dimensions in which the ﬁrst and second-order terms correspond to general relativity and Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity respectively. We construct a new class of ﬁve-dimensional (5D) thin-shell wormholes by the `Cut-Paste' technique from black holes in Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity inspired by non-commutative geometry starting with a static spherically symmetric, Gaussian mass distribution as a source and for this structural form of the thin shell wormhole we have explored several salient features of the solution, viz., pressure-density profile, equation of state, the nature of wormhole, total amount of exotic matter content at the shell. We have also analyzed the linearized stability of the constructed wormhole. From our study, we can assert that our model is found to be plausible with reference to the other model of thin-shell wormhole available in the literature.
Analysis of progression rate of idiopathic macular hole and optimal cut-off for baseline minimum linear diameter and base diameter
Authors: Kim Joo Young , Kim Rae Young , Kim Mirinae , Park Young Gun , Yim Hyeon Woo , Park Young-Hoon
Published: December 2022

This retrospective study aimed to determine the cut-off points of minimum linear diameter (MLD) and base diameter (BD) at which the progression rate of idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (MH) decreases before vitrectomy. We investigated the difference in MLD and BD between baseline and operation days in 282 eyes of 269 patients with stages 2, 3, and 4 MH using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Each difference in the OCT parameters was divided by the time interval to calculate the MH progression rate. The average time from baseline to operation was 36.02 ± 24.69 (7–197) days. MLD and BD progressed faster in stages 2 and 3 without posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) than in stage 4 with PVD (MLD: p < 0.001, p = 0.007; BD: p < 0.001, p = 0.019, respectively). The progression rate decreased as baseline MLD and BD increased (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). For baseline MLD and BD, the optimal cut-off points where the progression rate decreased were 306.0 µm and 470.0 µm, respectively. The progression rates were significantly higher in MH with MLD < 306.0 µm and BD < 470.0 µm. Vitrectomy without delay is expected to improve the visual prognosis in these patients.
Investigation of VGLL3 and sub-target genes in the aetiology of acute appendicitis
Authors: Tartar Tugay , Akdeniz Ibrahim , Onalan Ebru , Bakal Unal , Sarac Mehmet , Genc Ercan , Kaymaz Tugce , Kazez Ahmet
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Vestigial like family member 3(VGLL3) and its sub-target genes have been determined to have significant transcriptomic overlap many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of VGLL3 rs13074432 polymorphism and its sub-target genes in the etiology of acute appendicitis (AA).
Methods: 250 patients aged 0-18 years, who underwent appendectomy with the diagnosis of AA (patient group; blood and appendix tissue samples), and 200 healthy children (control group; only blood samples) without appendectomy were included in the prospective case-control study. ELISA method was used for protein level detection of VGLL3 and sub-target genes expression change in obtained tissue samples, and Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used for mRNA level detection. Genotyping analyses were performed on DNA samples isolated from blood using TaqMan SNP genotyping test.
Results: The frequency of TT variant genotype (p=0.000) and T allele (p=0.002) decreased statistically in the patient group compared to the control. No significant correlation was observed between the expression of VGLL3 in the appendiceal tissue and the clinical and demographic data of the patient (p>0.05).
Conclusion: This study revealed that the VGLL3 gene and its sub-target genes are associated with the etiology of AA.
‘A spade was called a spade...it was not called a garden tool...’: Youth and intervention implementers’ perceptions of a resilience-based HIV prevention intervention for reducing risky sexual behaviors among youth in South Africa
Authors: Mbengo Fungai , Adama Esther , Towell-Barnard Amanda , Zgambo Maggie
Published: December 2022

Background: Youth (15-24 years) in South Africa remain at high risk of HIV infection despite interventional efforts to control the disease. Programs directed at promoting resilience or protective factors in youth have been recommended as a multifaceted approach to mitigate risky sexual behaviors associated with HIV infection among youth. However, limited research exists on how relevant stakeholders, such as youth and intervention implementers perceive resilience-based HIV prevention interventions targeting youth. Views of all relevant stakeholders, including youth and intervention implementers is important to guide future research, intervention design and implementation. This study explored youth and intervention implementers’ perceptions of a resilience-based HIV prevention intervention (You Only Live Once) aimed at reducing risky sexual behaviors among youth in South Africa.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 youth who participated in the intervention and four intervention implementers at a not-for-profit organization in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, South Africa. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) Acceptability and impact of the intervention – the intervention was perceived as important and helpful in fostering positive behavior change among youth and enhancing their sexual health and social skills knowledge; self-confidence; and relationships with parents and peers. (2) Factors influencing intervention implementation – participants reported several multi-level factors which impeded or promoted the implementation of the intervention. (3) Recommendations to improve intervention implementation – participants made suggestions on how intervention implementation could be enhanced.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that resilience-based HIV prevention interventions are acceptable to young people in South Africa and have potential to mitigate their vulnerability to HIV. Findings also suggest that several multi-level factors influence implementation of resilience-based HIV prevention interventions for young people. The study contributes to knowledge on the acceptability, impact and barriers and facilitators to implementation of resilience-based HIV prevention interventions targeting youth in South Africa and similar contexts. Approaches to improve future interventions should remove barriers and strengthen facilitators at intervention, intervention recipient, intervention implementer, implementing organization and external context levels to promote successful implementation.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Through Scattering Media
Authors: Nilsson Sebastian , Kristensson Elias , Aldén Marcus , Bood Joakim , Ehn Andreas
Published: December 2022

Fluorescence lifetime determination has proven to be useful for e.g. identification of molecules, quantitative estimation of species concentration and determination of temperatures. Lifetime determination of exponentially decaying signals is challenging if signals of different decay rates are being mixed, resulting in erroneous results. Such issues occur when the contrast of the measurement object is low, which can be limiting in applied measurements due to spurious light scattering. A solution is here presented where structured illumination is used to enhance image contrast in fluorescence lifetime wide-field imaging. Lifetime imaging determination was carried out using Dual Imaging Modeling Evaluation (DIME) and spatial lock-in analysis was used for removing spurious scattered signal to enable fluorescence lifetime imaging through scattering media.
An Efficient DDoS Attack Detection Mechanism in SDN Environment
Authors: Hnamte Vanlalruata , Hussain Jamal
Published: December 2022

As cyberattacks get more sophisticated, it becomes more difficult to identify advanced attacks in a wide variety of industries, including business, national defence, and healthcare. Traditional intrusion detection systems are insufficient to identify these sophisticated attempts with unpredictable patterns. Attackers evade recognised signatures and spoof legitimate users. While Software-Defined Network (SDN) provides greater innovation to the design of future networks, it is also more susceptible to network attacks. We present a system for the detection and protection of network attacks in the SDN environment using Deep Learning (DL) for addressing challenges. We use InSDN, the most recent IDS dataset specially developed for SDN environment. InSDN includes sophisticated DoS and network attacks and, it is a publicly accessible dataset. Additionally, we compare the model performance trained using CIC-IDS2017 and CIC-DDoS2019 datasets respectively. We focus on the DDoS attack category in this study and create an intrusion detection DL model for SDN. We construct our model using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and assess its performance. Additionally, we propose the optimized CNN design for improved performance based on various evaluations.
A Transfer Learning approach to develop natural molecules with specific flavor requirements
Authors: Queiroz Luana P. , Rebello Carine M. , Costa Erbet A. , Santana Vinícius V. , Rodrigues Bruno C. L. , Rodrigues Alírio E. , Ribeiro Ana M. , Nogueira Idelfonso B. R.
Published: December 2022

In the past decades, the flavor industry's investment in research and development has increased to take innovative steps. Therefore, a new field to acknowledge the flavor industry challenges and concerns has arisen, developing innovative tools for the area of flavor engineering. Meanwhile, the lack of information and datasets regarding the flavored molecules and specific flavorings properties are obstacles to advances in this sector. In this context, this work presents the implementation of three Scientific Machine Learning techniques as an approach to specify flavoring characteristics in newly designed molecules. Therefore, this work brings an innovative methodology to design new natural flavor molecules with specific desired properties to product development. The Transfer Learning technique is presented, alongside a deep generative and a deep reinforcement learning models, to tackle the lack of data available when analyzing and studying flavor molecules and developing flavor-based products. This work brings as contributions the utilization of a web scrapper code to sample specific flavors’ databases, apply a generative model as well as a reinforcement learning one in a transfer learning context, integrates three Scientific Machine Learning techniques in a complex system as a framework, and approaches the transfer learning model training one-by-one keeping the parameters constant but training the neural networks specifically for each case. The deep transfer learning implementation in this purpose presented excellent results, regarding the generation of molecules based on specific flavor descriptors. Nine flavor descriptors were studied along this work and all of them presented more than 50% of new molecules generated within the outstanding results considered for the evaluation metric, Natural Product Likeness Score and Synthetic Accessibility Score. Finally, a discussion of the results is constructed based on the data availability, the presence in nature, and the multisensorial components of flavor impact for the specific flavors’ results.
Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction in extremely preterm infants: A pilot ultrasound study
Authors: Hoshino Yusuke , Arai Junichi , Hirono Koji , Miura-Fuchino Rena , Yukitake Yoshiya , Kajikawa Daigo , Kamakura Tae , Hinata Ayako
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To investigate the development of diaphragmatic dysfunction in ventilated extremely preterm infants (EPI) using diaphragm ultrasound (DU).
Methods: EPI of less than 28 weeks’ gestational age who required mechanical ventilation within six hours of birth were included in this prospective, observational study. The DU was performed once a day until four days of life. End-inspiratory and end-expiratory thicknesses of the diaphragm were measured and the diaphragm thickening fraction was calculated.
Results: A total of 20 EPI were enrolled. After intubation, there was a progressive reduction in end-inspiratory thicknesses of the diaphragm from baseline to day 1 (P < 0.001), but not from day 1 to day 2 (P = 0.078), day 2 to day 3 (P = 1.0), or day 3 to day 4 (P = 1.0). There was also a significant reduction in the diaphragm thickening fraction from baseline to day 1 (P < 0.001), but not from day 1 to day 2 (P = 1.0), day 2 to day 3 (P = 1.0), or day 3 to day 4 (P = 1.0).
Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction in ventilated EPI. We demonstrated a rapid progression of ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction, with a significant reduction in diaphragm thickness and thickening fraction within 24 hours of ventilation.
Novel Bispecific Aptamer Targeting PD-1 and Nucleolin for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Fu Junjun , Yao Fengjiao , An Yacong , Li Xundou , Wang Wenya , Yang Xian-Da
Published: December 2022

Background
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is a promising strategy for cancer treatment and has achieved remarkable clinical results. Further improvement of ICB efficacy may advance cancer immunotherapy and has evident medical importance. Here in this study, a PD-1 aptamer was functionalized with a tumor-homing nucleolin aptamer (AS1411) to build a novel bispecific agent (BiApt) for boosting the efficacy of ICB therapy.
Results
The two aptamers were coupled together via sticky ends to form BiApt, which had an average size of 11.70 nm. Flow cytometry revealed that BiApt could bind with both the activated T cells and the nucleolin-expressing tumor cells. In addition, BiApt could recruit more T cells to the vicinity of nucleolin-positive tumor cells. Functionally, BiApt enhanced the PBMC-mediated anticancer cytotoxicity in vitro compared with free PD-1 aptamer. Moreover, in an animal model of CT26 colon cancer, BiApt significantly boosted the antitumor efficacy vs. free PD-1 aptamer.
Conclusion
The results suggest that bispecific agent combining ICB and tumor-homing functions has potential to improve the efficacy of ICB immunotherapy.
Efficient tumor synergistic chemoimmunotherapy by self-augmented ROS- responsive immunomodulatory polymeric nanodrug
Authors: cheng mingyang , xie yi , song Jinxiao , Li Kangkang , Zang Xinlong
Published: December 2022

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy. However, the therapeutic efficacy has been distracted due to poor immunogenicity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this study, a self-augmented reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsive nanocarrier with immunogenic inducer paclitaxel (PTX) and indoleamine 2,3-dixoygenase 1 (IDO1) blocker 1-methyl-D, L-tryptophan (1-MT) co-entrapment was developed for tumor rejection. The carrier was composed of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) as hydrophilic segments, enzyme cleavable 1-MT ester and ROS-sensitive peroxalate conjugation as hydrophobic blocks. The copolymer could self-assemble into prodrug-based nanoparticles with PTX, realizing a positive feedback loop of ROS-accelerated PTX release and PTX induced ROS generation. Our nanoparticles presented efficient immunogenic cell death (ICD) which provoked antitumor immune responses with high effector T cells infiltration. Meanwhile immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment was simultaneously modulated with reduced regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2-tumor associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) infiltration mediated by IDO inhibition. The combination of PTX and 1-MT achieved significant primary tumor regression and reduction of lung metastasis in 4T1 tumor bearing mice. Therefore, the above results demonstrated co-delivery of immunogenic inducer and IDO inhibitor using the ROS amplifying nanoplatform with potent potential for tumor chemoimmunotherapy.
Synthesis of the trans-bidentate ligand 1,2-bis(quinolin-2-ylethynyl)benzene and the X-ray crystal structure of its complex with palladium(II) chloride
Authors: Hair Luke L. , Smart Megan M. , McMillen Colin D. , Ribeiro Nicholas A , Pienkos Jared A
Published: December 2022

A new trans-bidentate ligand, 1,2-bis(quinolin-2-ylethynyl)benzene, was synthesized and coordinated to PdCl2. The structure of the acetonitrile solvate of this species was determined by single-crystal X-Ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam, with a = 25.0726(18) Å, b = 11.7373(6) Å, and c = 18.9700(10) Å in a layered structure. When bound to 1,2-bis(quinolin-2-ylethynyl)benzene, the Pd(II) metal center displays a rectangular planar geometry. This coordination complex was compared to PdCl2-coordinated 1,2-bis(2-pyridylethynyl)benzene, a previously reported trans-bidentate ligand. Structural comparison of these two species indicated that the binding pocket for these two trans-bidentate ligands are similar, though the 1,2-bis(quinolin-2-ylethynyl)benzene ligand is somewhat more planar.
Hollow Fiber-Protected Liquid-Phase Microextraction combined with GC-MS for determination of Endrin, Chlordane and Dieldrin in rice sample
Authors: Raoufi Arastou , Raoufi Amir Mahdi , Ismailzadeh Amir , Rad Ehsan Soleimani , Kiaeefar Ali
Published: December 2022

A novel and minimized sample preparation technique based on hollow fiber-protected liquid-phase micro-extraction has been developed for the extraction of three organochlorine pesticides, including Endrin, Chlordane, and Dieldrin from rice samples followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection. Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and a proper ionic liquid (IL) were ultrasonically dispersed and injected in the lumen of hollow fiber as the extraction phase for preconcentrating and extracting the target analytes from the rice samples. Effects of type of nanoparticles, ILs, and desorption solvent in the extraction efficiencies of the analytes were investigated by one factor at a time approach. In addition, other parameters influencing the extraction procedure were optimized using an experimental design method to decrease the number of experiments, reagent consumption, and cost. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection and quantification for determining three organochlorine pesticides were varied between 0.019–0.029 and 0.064–0.098 ng.mL− 1, respectively. The calibration graphs were linear over the concentration range of 0.064–13.2, 0.098–16.7, and 0.092–11.4 ng.mL− 1 for measuring Endrin, Chlordane, and Dieldrin in the rice samples, respectively. The relative standard deviations for inter-day and intra-day analysis were lower than 7.06 and 4.75% for the triplicate determination of three organochlorine pesticides. Besides, the relative recoveries and standard deviations of Endrin, Chlordane, and Dieldrin for analyzing several Iranian rice samples were between 86.0-92.9% and 4.5–5.8%, respectively. The results were compared with other similar works in literature, proving that the proposed method is reliable and valuable for routine monitoring of the organochlorine compounds in food samples.
Germination, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity in Lactuca sativa L. and Passiflora alata Curtis in response to sewage sludge application
Authors: Freitas Allan Rocha , Fávaris Nathália Aparecida Bragança , Alexandre Rodrigo Sobreira , Souza Tatiana Silva , Galter Iasmini Nicoli , Baptista Julcinara Oliveira , Lima Paula Aparecida Muniz , Mello Tamyris , Otoni Wagner Campos , Lopes José Carlos
Published: December 2022

The physical and chemical characteristics of the soil can influence plant growth. When sewage sludge (SS) is applied as a soil fertilizer, the accumulation of non-essential elements contained in it can be toxic for plants. The aim of this study was to understand the effect of SS dosage on the cell cycle of Lactuca sativa L. meristematic cells and on the initial growth of L. sativa and Passiflora alata Curtis. Nine concentrations of SS + distilled water (mg dm− 3) corresponding to 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120, 160, 320, and 520 t ha− 1 were tested in four replicates of 25 seeds. Chemical analysis showed an increase in pH of the sludge from 0 to 80 t ha− 1 SS followed by its stabilization thereafter. The highest electrical conductivity was observed at 520 t ha− 1 SS. SS negatively affected the germination and initial growth of seedlings from P. alata and L. sativa. Cytogenetic analysis on 6000 L. sativa meristematic cells for each treatment revealed that SS could adversely affect the genetic stability of this species.
Chemical composition, pharmacodynamic activity of processed Aconitum Brachypodum Diels. and molecular docking analysis of its active target
Authors: Niu Yanfei , Li Xiaohui , Wu Chunhua , Shi Zhengjun , Lin Xu , Helal Mohamed H. , Ali Ola A. Abu , Algadi Hassan , Xu Ben Bin , Wang Zhe
Published: December 2022

Aconitum Brachypodum Diels (AB) is a plant of Aconitum L. The dried roots of AB have analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. However, the processing is required to reduce toxicity before use because of its high toxicity. Studies on the toxicity, pharmacodynamics, and chemical composition of processed Aconitum Brachypodum Diels. (PAB) are still lacking at present. In this study, the composition changes of AB and PAB were determined by UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS. The intensity of diester alkaloids was greatly reduced, while the monoester alkaloids were significantly increased. An acute toxicity experiment was used to evaluate the toxicity differences between AB and PAB, while the acetic acid-induced writhing pain experiment and croton oil-induced ear edema experiment were applied to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The acute toxicity test of AB showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) was 1.37 g / kg, while the maximum tolerance of PAB was 30.0 g/kg. It was apparent that the toxicity of PAB was significantly reduced. The alkaloid component of PAB could significantly inhibit the mice’s ear edema and significantly reduce the number of mice writhing. Based on the above findings, 10 compounds, including songoramine (1), neoline (2), bullatine C (3), dihydroatisine (4), bullatine A (5), maltol (6), 15-O-acetylsongorine (7), 15-O-acetylsongoramine (8), songorine (9), and aldohypaconitine (10) were separated and identified from the alkaloid component of PAB. Compounds 4, 6, 8, and 10 were firstly separate from Aconitum. Finally, molecular docking to anti-inflammatory analgesic target protein was carried out. The results showed that the 10 compounds and target proteins had good binding capabilities, wherein 15-O-acetylsongoramine could interact with the key protein Akt1 of Pi3k-Akt pathway and adjust the downstream NF-κB critical pathway to play an anti-inflammatory analgesic effect.
Study on Modification Mechanism of Rice Protein Network Based on Sodium Pyrosulfite Combined with TGase
Authors: Chen Fenglian , Ji Yuning , Yang Chunhua , He Yinyuan , Liu Linlin , Zhang Guang , Tang Xiaozhi
Published: December 2022

In order to improve the quality of fermented solid bubble food of rice, unmodified rice dough (URD) was modified by sodium metabisulfite combinated with TGase. Sodium metabisulfite was used to break the disulfide bond in the protein, and then TGase was used to crosslink it, in order to change the state of strong rigidity and toughness of URD, poor starting ability and no chewiness of rice food. In this study, the effects of chemical combined enzyme modification methods on the mesoscopic, structural properties and bonding of URD and unmodified rice protein (URP) were explored, with wheat dough (WD) and URD as reference. The mechanical and nuclear magnetic analysis showed that the tan δ and texture characteristic index of modified rice dough (MRD) is closer to that of wheat flour, the content of weak bound water increased, and the structure became more compact. Modified rice protein (MRP) microstructure were more looser. Electrophoretic analysis (SDS-PAGE) showed that MRP would form a new aggregation form, so its degradation temperature also increased, and the average particle size became larger. The secondary structure of the protein changed, α-helix and β-corners increased, β-sheet was reduced, and there was no obvious change in irregular crimping. The contents of hydrogen bond, ionic bond and hydrophobic bond in MRP were significantly higher than those in URP, and the increase of ionic bond was the largest. The results showed that the modification method of sodium pyrosulfite combined with TGase could change the original network structure of URP, thus effectively regulating the viscoelastic balance of URD.
Associations of Vitamin B12 intake With kidney stone prevalence
Authors: Liu chunxiang , Wang Bo , Wang Haoyu , Guo Zheng , Wang Song , Wang Yuchao , Sun Wei , Liu Xiaoqiang , Sun Daqing
Published: December 2022

Background: The associations of vitamin B12 intake with kidney stones prevalence remain unclear. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether or not there is a connection between kidney stones and vitamin B12 use.
Methods: To investigate the connection between the amount of vitamin B12 consumed and the incidence of kidney stones, we carried out a cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2015-2016 and 2017-2018, which included a total of 4599 participants. The survey was carried out in the United States.
Results: A logistic regression model adjusted for covariates in all individuals revealed that the second quartile (OR: 0.879, p = 0.489), third quartile (OR: 0.708, p = 0.069), and fourth quartile (OR: 0.641, p = 0.018) of Vitamin B12 substantially reduce kidney stone risks. Vitamin B12 consumption levels had a U-shaped connection with kidney stone risk in the 20-34 age group, with the ORs of kidney stone risk in the second, third, and fourth levels of Vitamin B12 being 0.841 (P = 0.711), 0.345 (P = 0.025), and 1.767 (P = 0.147), respectively. However, these results were not found in the other age group; for people aged 49–63, when the concentration of vitamin B12 intake was 5.84~62.71mcg/d, the OR value of kidney stones was 0.279 (0.126-0.615), and their was no significant difference in OR values between 34-49 years old and 63-80 years old. In the gender subgroup analysis, when the vitamin B12 intake was 5.84~62.71mcg/d in men and 3.5~5.84mcg/d in women, the use of vitamin B12 has an inverse relationship with the odds ratio of developing kidney stones.
Conclusions: The quartile of vitamin B12 consumption has been shown to have an inverse relationship with the chance of developing kidney stones. Gender subgroup analysis also found a negative correlation. The best vitamin B12 intake associated with the lowest OR of kidney stones was 5.84~62.71mcg/d in males and 3.5~5.84mcg/d in females. The OR of kidney stones in people aged 49 to 63 years old was the lowest, which was 5.84~62.71mcg/d.
In-Silico analysis of potential antidiabetic phytoconstituents from Manilkara hexandra against mitoNEET
Authors: Katolkar Parimal , Motghare Apeksha , Baheti Jagdish , Lichade TIna
Published: December 2022

Objective
Insulin deficiency or malfunction leads to diabetes mellitus, a serious metabolic disorder. Once more, studies on the use of medicinal plants to treat diabetes are ongoing. Many common drugs have been made from prototypical substances derived from medicinal plants. Our work included in-silico testing of Manilkara hexandra phytoconstituents for anti-diabetic activity.
Design:
The pattern of interaction between the phytoconstituents from the Manilkara hexandra plant and the crystal structure of the antidiabetic proteins is evaluated using molecular docking in Discovery Studio (PDB ID: 3REE). Later, the toxicity and pharmacokinetic profile were screened using SwissADME and pkCSM.
Results
The docking data reveal that compared to the common medication metformin (-4.1 kcal/mol); quercetin (-7.1 kcal/mol), kaempferol (-7.1 kcal/mol), P-coumaric acid (-6.2 kcal/mol), and cinnamic acid (-6.0 kcal/mol) have the greatest binding affinity for mitoNEET for antidiabetic action. According to ADMET tests, pharmacokinetics and toxicity characteristics were also within acceptable bounds.
Conclusion
The binding potential of phytoconstituents with an eye on antidiabetic activities produced positive results. It provides vital information on clinical treatment and pharmacological research while advocating the use of Manilkara hexandra.
Spin Wave Spectra in Pseudoperovskite Manganites with Superexchange Interaction Competition
Authors: Gonchar Liudmila E.
Published: December 2022

In compounds La1/3Ca2/3MnO3 and BiMnO3, a calculation of spin-wave dispersion dependences along pseudoperovskite directions of reciprocal space is made. The model includes orbitally-dependent superexchange interaction and single-ion anisotropy. Considered compounds present competing exchange interactions within magnetic unit cell because of orbital or charge-orbital ordering. The nearest neighbor superexchange interaction is taken into account. The magnetic structure and dispersion dependences of spin waves frequencies are calculated within the framework of regular multi-sublattice model. The peculiarities of frustrated magnetic spin-wave spectra are found. It is shown, that crossing and splitting of spin-waves branches in non-symmetric points of magnetic Brillouin zone is a common feature of the spectra due to exchange competition. The band structure of Γ-point spectra for both compounds are predicted.
MgrB mutations causing colistin resistance in ST11 and ST15 Klebsiella pneumoniaes in a tertiary teaching hospital in China
Authors: zhao shulong , song shuang , guo yi , jiang fei , Hao Tingting , wang Liang , kang Haiquan
Published: December 2022

Introduction:Colistin-resistant carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (ColR-CRKP) is a threat to public health safety. The main cause of polymyxin resistance is a change in the negative charge and L-Ara-N and PEtN molecules on the cell membrane, which leads to a decrease in the affinity of polymyxin for the strain.
Methodology: In this study, (ColR-CRKP) isolates and clinical data were collected from a tertiary teaching hospital in China .Testing of antimicrobial susceptibility explained on the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing criteria (EUCAST), Mutations and expression of drug-resistant genes were detected by PCR and RT-PCR. Genotyping of isolates analysised by MLST and PFGE.
Results:Fourteen ColR-CRKP strains were collected and all isolates were resistant to colistin and most other clinical antibiotics (except tigecycline and cotrimoxazole), and were divided into 6 different PFGE clusters, and most strains clustered in B,C,D groups. Base mutations in the mgrB gene that can lead to changes in amino acid sequence were found in all 14 strains. Missense mutations a55→t translated into S32C were found in 85.7% isolates (n=12; KP1-9, KP11-12 and KP14). The expression level of mgrB gene was decreased in all ColR-CRKP strains.
Conclusions:Third-generation cephalosporins and enzyme inhibitors, as well as carbapenems, may be causative for the mutation. The new challenge for the treatment of ColR-CRKP requires broader attention.Our study showed that mutations in the mgrB gene can lead to the development of polymyxin resistance in in ST11 and ST15-KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae in this region.
Changes in body mass index, weight, and waist-to-hip ratio over five years in HIV-positive individuals in the HIV Heart Aging Study compared to the general population
Authors: Mavarani Laven , Albayrak-Rena Sarah , Potthoff Anja , Hower Martin , Dolff Sebastian , Sammet Stefanie , Maischack Felix , Schadendorf Dirk , Schmidt Börge , Esser Stefan
Published: December 2022

Purpose:
Overweight and obesity have increased in people living with HIV (PLH). Our study evaluated weight, body-mass-index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) change over 5 years of follow-up in PLH compared to the general population.
Methods:
HIV-positive participants in the HIV Heart Aging (HIVH) study were matched 1:2 by age and sex with HIV-negative controls of the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall (HNR) study. Both studies were recruited in the German Ruhr area. The association between HIV and weight, BMI, and WHR changes were examined using linear regression. Regression models were adjusted for parameters potentially affecting weight gain.
Results:
The matched HIVH and HNR participants (N = 585 and N = 1170, respectively; 14.7% females) had a mean age of 55 years at baseline. Despite the lower baseline weight (6 kg, 95%-CI: -7.46 to -4.59), the linear regression showed greater absolute and relative weight and BMI increases within 5 years in HIVH compared to HNR. Adjusting the linear regression models for smoking amplified that HIVH had a higher absolute and relative weight difference of 0.7 kg or ~ 1% compared to HNR within 5 years (95% Cl: 0.1 to 1.3 and 0.2 to 1.6, respectively). Adjusting for HDL, LDL, systolic blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus did not affect the results.
Conclusions:
PLH had lower weight than the general population at baseline and after 5 years, but experienced greater increases in body weight after 5 years. WHR change after 5 years was lower in PLH compared to the general population, despite a higher WHR at baseline.
Management of complex pelvic-perineal soft tissue infection in open pelvic fractures: Comparison between conventional and modified instillation negative-pressure wound therapy
Authors: Choi Donghwan , Cho Won Tae , Song Hyung Keun , Kwon Junsik , Kang Byung Hee , Jung Hohyung , Kim Min Ji , Jung Kyoungwon
Published: December 2022

Background
Open pelvic fractures are associated with pelvic-perineal soft tissue injuries and pelvic infections as late complications. The study aimed to analyse and compare the clinical results and medical costs of the conventional and modified instillation negative-pressure wound therapy (cNPWT and m-iNPWT, respectively).
Methods
This retrospective study compared the outcomes of cNPWT and m-iNPWT for soft tissue management in patients with open pelvic fractures. We analysed the Injury Severity Score (ISS), hospital stay, medical costs, number of NPWT, time required to reach definite wound coverage, and occurrence of complications.
Results
Seventeen patients with open pelvic fractures were treated with NPWT. The median ISS (interquartile range) for m-iNPWT and cNPWT were 40 (26–48) and 43 (35–43), respectively. The numbers of NPWT changes were 6 (3–8) for m-iNPWT and 21 (20–32) for cNPWT. The time to wound coverage for patients who underwent m-iNPWT and cNPWT was 30 and 49 days, respectively. The overall medical costs of m-iNPWT and cNPWT were 80076 and 248395 USD. The hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 53 (41–70) and 12 (5–26) days for m-iNPWT and 167 (107–284) and 43 (23–151) days for cNPWT. One patient receiving cNPWT died of pelvic sepsis during ICU treatment.
Conclusions
Our study findings indicate that m-iNPWT would be a feasible method for complex pelvic soft tissue infection in open pelvic fractures to reduce complication rates, hospital stay, and medical costs.