bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI-Based Random Survival Forest Model Improves the Prediction of Progression-Free Survival to Induction Chemotherapy plus Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Pei Wei , Wang Chen , Liao Hai , Chen Xiaobo , Wei Yunyun , Huang Xia , Liang Xueli , Bao Huayan , Su Danke , Jin Guanqiao
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe present study aimed to explore the application value of random survival forest (RSF) model and Cox model in predicting the progression-free survival (PFS) among patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC) after induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (IC+CCRT).MethodsEligible LANPC patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan before treatment were subjected to radiomics feature extraction. Radiomics and clinical features of patients in the training cohort were subjected to RSF analysis to predict PFS and were tested in the testing cohort. The performance of an RSF model with clinical and radiologic predictors was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and Delong test and compared with Cox models based on clinical and radiologic parameters. Further, the Kaplan-Meier method was used for risk stratification of patients.ResultsA total of 294 LANPC patients (206 in the training cohort; 88 in the testing cohort) were enrolled and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans before treatment. The AUC value of the clinical Cox model, radiomics Cox model, clinical + radiomics Cox model, and clinical + radiomics RSF model in predicting 3- and 5-year PFS for LANPC patients was [0.545 vs 0.648 vs 0.648 vs 0.899 (training cohort), and 0.566 vs 0.736 vs 0.73 vs 0.861 (testing cohort); 0.556 vs 0.604 vs 0.611 vs 0.897 (training cohort), and 0.591 vs 0.661 vs 0.676 vs 0.847 (testing cohort), respectively]. Delong test showed that the RSF model and the other three Cox models were statistically significant, and the RSF model markedly improved prediction performance (P<0.001). Additionally, the PFS of the high-risk group was lower than that of the low-risk group in the RSF model (P<0.001), while comparable in the Cox model (P>0.05).ConclusionThe RSF model may be a potential tool for prognostic prediction and risk stratification of LANPC patients.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome of Ardisia Japonica（Thunb.）Blume
Authors: Deng Ruyou , Ding Shujin , Wang Sujie , Zhang Hanyao
Published: January 2022

Ardisia japonica（Thunb）Blume is a small shrub or sub-shrub of the genus Taurus in the Taurus family. The whole plant and root of A. japonica are used for medicinal purposes. It is a common Chinese herbal medicine and a common flower. To study its complete chloroplast genome, we collected leaves and obtained chloroplast genome information through next-generation sequencing. The results showed that the length of the genome is 155,996 bp, and the GC content ratio is 37.0%. The large single-copy region (LSC) is 86803 bp, the small single-copy region (SSC) is 18080 bp, and the inverted repeat region (IR) is 25507 bp. The chloroplast genome encodes 130 genes, including 85 protein genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37tRNA genes. By analyzing the phylogeny of A. japonica, it is found that A. japonica and other Ardisia species are closely related.
Optimization of Electrical Performance of Defected n+-p-p+ Solar Cell with CdS/BaSi2/Cu2O Heterostructure Using SCAPs 1D
Authors: Ali Zohaib , Ali Khuram
Published: January 2022

Present study investigates the performance of BaSi2 based BSF structure solar cell. SCAPS 1D simulator has been employed to investigate the heterostructure solar cell. To decrease the recombination loss due to minority carrier, a new configuration is proposed by inclusion of the p-type cuprous oxide (Cu2O) as BSF layer. The Cu2O BSF layer width varying in range 0.1 to 0.4 µm to analyze the feasibility of device for optimum performance. The anticipated structure consists of ZnO/CdS/BaSi2/Cu2O layers and offers the maximum efficiency of above 24%. Parameters for example open circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), conversion efficiency (η) and quantum efficiency (QE) of the device have been analyzed graphically. The optimized structure may have significant impact on future development of advanced photovoltaic devices.
Family caregiver’s loneliness and related health factors: what can be changed?
Authors: Bonin-Guillaume Sylvie , Arlotto Sylvie , Blin Alice , Gentile Stéphanie
Published: January 2022

Background
Loneliness is a public health issue which may affect the entire population. Loneliness is associated with depression, sleep disorders, fatigue and increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. Risk factors for loneliness include poor social network and poor physical and mental health. The main objective was to study factors related to loneliness of family caregivers caring for independent older people.
Methods
We performed a non-interventional observational cross-sectional study in south-eastern France. Family Caregivers caring for people aged 70 and over living at home were included. These older people were independent, without long-term conditions and who applied for professional social assistance for daily living. Data were collected through a questionnaire, administered face-to-face or by telephone. Loneliness and perceived health status were measured through a single-question. Burden was assessed through the Mini-Zarit Scale, frailty was measured through the Gerontopole Frailty Screening Tool.
Results
Of the 876 caregivers included, 10% felt lonely often or always. They reported more physical and mental health issues than those who did not feel loneliness (p<0.001). Family caregivers with loneliness were more likely to be looking after a parent and were twice as likely to have a moderate to severe burden (OR=2.6). They were more likely to feel anxious (OR=5.6), to have sleep disorders (OR=2.4), to be frail (OR=2) and to feel their health as poor or bad (OR=2).
Conclusions
Loneliness has a negative impact on health, frailty and burden of family caregivers. Means must be implemented to anticipate the consequences of the loneliness felt by family caregivers, notably by orienting them towards the relevant services.
An Assessment of the Knowledge and Practice of Telemedicine Among Medical Doctors in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Authors: Uwaezuoke Angelica Chinecherem
Published: January 2022

Background: The outbreak of the novel SARS-COV-2 virus, created a paradigm shift in the practice of medicine, a speciality well known for its integration of clinical expertise and manual dexterity in the management of its patients. Telemedicine, a previously less conventional approach in developing countries, has now come to the forefront of patient care. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of telemedicine among doctors in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla in Enugu state.Methodology: A questionnaire-based survey was used to obtain relevant information among 149 doctors in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), including their knowledge and awareness of telemedicine, its relevance and impact on the clinical outcomes of patients as well as factors limiting its use. Data was analyzed and presented in tables, graphs and pie charts.Results: There were 149 doctors, who were mostly aged 15 – 30 years (63%). Most 146 (98%) have heard about telemedicine but only 100 (67.3%) have consulted using telemedicine. Doctors were more likely to employ telemedical consultation for follow-up and emergency scenarios but least likely to use telemedicine for first-time visits and the management of chronic diseases.Conclusion: There is a good knowledge of telemedicine among medical doctors in UNTH but ICT illiteracy, inadequate patient-doctor interaction, patients’ preference, lack of internet access, high cost of set-up and maintenance and ethical issues were some of the factors limiting its practice.
Red Fluorescent Protein Expression in Transgenic Founder of Angelfish (Pterophyllum sp) Driven by Zebrafish Myosin Light Chain 2 Promoter
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Vu , Loc Bui Hoang , Vy Nguyen Hoang Thuy , Thuy Dinh Thi
Published: January 2022

Angelfish (Pterophyllum sp.) are attractive fish popular with aquarists. The introduction of fluorescent protein genes into angelfish has been reported, but specific techniques have not been revealed. This study aimed to develop a strategy to produce red fluorescent protein (RFP) transgenic angelfish driven by the myosin light chain 2 (mylz2) promoter from zebrafish. A 1999 bp Mylz2 promoter fragment was isolated from zebrafish muscle genomic DNA. This promoter fragment was then cloned into the plasmid pDsred2-1 open-loop at restriction enzyme SacI and AgeI sites to create the final transgene construct pMylz2-RFP. Angelfish embryos at one cell stage were microinjected with approximately 100 pg of the plasmid pMylz2-RFP. From 524 microinjected embryos, 16 successfully hatched, while 12 showed red fluorescence signals. Two larvae survived to 2 months of age. They showed significant red fluorescence expression in the muscles, suggesting that the angelfish could be used as potential transgenic founders to evaluate the next generation of stable red fluorescence expression transgenic fish.
A genome-wide meta-analysis identifies 53 sequence variants associating with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Skuladottir Astros , Bjornsdottir Gyda , Ferkingstad Egil , Einarsson Gudmundur , Stefansdottir Lilja , Nawaz Muhammad Sulaman , Olafsdottir Thorunn , Saevarsdottir Saedis , Walters G. , Magnusson Sigurdur , Oddson Asmundur , Bjornsdottir Anna , Sveinsson Olafur , Vikingsson Arnor , Hansen Thomas , Jacobsen Rikke , Erikstrup Christian , Schwinn Michael , Brunak Søren , Banasik Karina , Ostrowski Sisse , Troelsen Anders , Henkel Cecilie , Pedersen Ole , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Gudbjartsson Daniel , Sulem Patrick , Thorgeirsson Thorgeir , Stefansson Hreinn , Stefansson Kari
Published: January 2022

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy and has a largely unknown underlying biology. In a genome-wide association study of CTS (Ncases = 48,843, Ncontrols = 1,190,837), we found 53 sequence variants at 50 loci that associate with the syndrome. The most significant association is with a missense variant (p.Glu366Lys) in SERPINA1 that protects against CTS (P = 2.9 × 10−24, OR = 0.76). Through various functional analyses, we conclude that at least 22 genes mediate CTS risk and highlight the role of 19 CTS variants in the biology of the extracellular matrix. We show that the genetic component to the risk is higher in recurrent/persistent cases than nonrecurrent/nonresistant cases. Anthropometric traits including height and BMI are genetically correlated with CTS, in addition to early hormonal-replacement therapy, osteoarthritis, and restlessness. Our findings suggest that the components of the extracellular matrix play a key role in the pathogenesis of CTS.
Micro-recycling of spent Ni-Cd batteries for the obtention of electrocatalytic coatings
Authors: Delvasto Pedro , Rueda Héctor , Monsalve Andrés , Vargas Ronald , Blanco Sergio , Delvasto Pedro
Published: January 2022

A micro-recycling approach was explored to produce catalytic metallic coatings for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). For this aim, discarded Ni-Cd batteries were employed as raw material. After dismantling the batteries, the active powder material, containing Cd and Ni compounds, was leached in a solution containing citric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The dissolved metals were electro-deposited on copper plates using a two electrodes cell at the following potentials (mV): -1900, -2000, and -2100 mV. The CdNi coating produced at -2000 mV, contained 92.6 % Cd and 7.4 % Ni. This coating was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and potentiodynamic analysis in two different KOH solutions (0.1 M and 1.0 M). The CV analysis showed that the CdNi electrode was electrochemically stable in a wide operating voltage range (between oxygen evolution reaction and HER). Using an uncompensated resistance correction, the Tafel slopes for HER were obtained. The potentiodynamic analysis revealed that the synthesized CdNi electrode showed a catalytic activity for HER just 25.5 % smaller than the correspondent response of a standard pure Ni electrode. Our results serve as a proof of concept about the application of micro-recycling of spent batteries to produce sustainable electroactive catalytic materials for hydrogen production.
A Preclinical Model of Cutaneous Melanoma Based on Reconstructed Human Epidermis
Authors: Groeber-Becker Florian K. , Leikeim Anna , Wußmann Maximiliane , Schmidt Freia F. , Neto Nuno G. B. , Benz Franziska , Tiltmann Kendra , Junger Corinna , Monaghan Michael G. , Schilling Bastian
Published: January 2022

Malignant melanoma is among the tumor entities with the highest increase of incidence worldwide. To elucidate melanoma progression and develop new effective therapies, rodent models are commonly used. While these do not adequately reflect human physiology, two-dimensional cell cultures lack crucial elements of the tumor microenvironment. To address this shortcoming, we have developed a melanoma skin equivalent based on an open-source epidermal model. Melanoma cell lines with different driver mutations were incorporated into these models forming distinguishable tumor aggregates within a stratified epidermis. Although barrier properties of the skin equivalents were not affected by incorporation of melanoma cells, their presence resulted in a higher metabolic activity indicated by an increased glucose consumption. Furthermore, we re-isolated single cells from the models to characterize the proliferation state within the respective model. The applicability of our model for tumor therapeutics was demonstrated by treatment with a commonly used v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) inhibitor vemurafenib. This selective BRAF inhibitor successfully reduced tumor growth in the models harboring BRAF-mutated melanoma cells. Hence, our model is a promising tool to investigate melanoma development and as a preclinical model for drug discovery.
Antibacterial Efficacy of Herbal Toothpaste Containing Bamboo Salt: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Biria Mina , Rezvani Yasaman , Roodgarian Romina , Rabbani Abbas , Iranparvar Parastoo
Published: January 2022

Background: The inclusion of herbal antibacterial agents in the composition of toothpastes is becoming increasingly popular, due to lower side effects. The present study intended to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of a herbal toothpaste containing Bamboo salt on cariogenic oral bacteria. Methods: The present double-blinded parallel randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 dental students (age range: 18-30). Following the baseline saliva sampling, the participants were randomly assigned into the case and control groups, to use the Bamboo salt herbal toothpaste and conventional non-herbal toothpaste, respectively. They were instructed to brush their teeth twice a day using the Bass technique. Saliva sampling was repeated after four weeks. The salivary counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus at baseline and 4-week follow-up were determined and presented as the logarithm of colony-forming units per milliliter (log CFU/mL). statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t-test and paired sample t-test (P<0.05). Results: A significant decrease in salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus was observed using both toothpastes (*P<0.001). The difference between the antibacterial efficacy of two toothpaste types on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus was not statistically significant (P=0.530, and P=0.137, respectively). Conclusion: Due to the comparable efficacy of the investigated herbal toothpaste with conventional toothpaste, it potentially qualifies as a complementary agent for self-care oral hygiene procedures. Trial registration: This trial was registered in the “Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials” (IRCT20210414050964N1) on 21/06/2021.
Hematological Effects and Benchmark Doses of Long-Term Co-Exposure to Benzene, Toluene, and Xylenes (BTX) in BTX-Exposed Petrochemical Workers Cohort (BEPWC)
Authors: Zhang Zhaorui , Liu Xin , Zhang Xinjie , Zhang Yingying , Deng Na , Lai Guanchao , Yang Aichu , Huang Yongshun , Dang Shanfeng , Zhu Yanqun , Xing Xiumei , Xiao Yongmei , Deng Qifei
Published: January 2022

Background
Ubiquitous benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) frequently occur together. Exposure to single BTX component and BTX-rich mixtures could induce hematological effects. However, it still needs to clarify the hematological influences of long-term co-exposure to BTX components, and propose reference exposure levels (REL) base on their hematological effects.
Objective
We sought to evaluate the hematological effects of long-term BTX co-exposure and estimate REL based on these effects.
Methods
We established BTX-Exposed Petrochemical Workers Cohort (BEPWC), quantified long-term BTX exposure levels by calculating cumulative exposure doses (CED), and detected multiple hematologic parameters in both baseline and follow-up stages. Generalized weighted quantile sum (gWQS) regression models were used to evaluate the combined effects of BTX components and identify their contributions. Benchmark Dose (BMD) Software was used to calculate BMD and the lower confidence limits (BMDL).
Results
Most hematologic parameters were decreased after four-year follow-up (P<0.05). We found a positive association of benzene with the decline in monocyte counts (β = 0.012), and a negative association of toluene with the decline in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations (β =-0.905) after false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment. The associations of BTX components with the decline in hematologic parameters were mostly significantly stronger in subjects with higher baseline parameters, males, drinkers, and overweighted subjects (FDR-adjusted Pinteraction <0.05). BTX components had positive combined effects on the decline in monocyte counts, red blood cell counts, and hemoglobin concentrations (Ptrend for WQS index <0.05). BMD (and BMDL) for CED levels of benzene, toluene, and xylene were estimated at 2.138 (1.559), 1.449 (1.325), and 2.937 (2.312) mg/m3×year, respectively.
Conclusions
Our study revealed complex hematological effects of long-term BTX occupational co-exposure, and proposed some REL-TWA around 0.01 ppm for BTX components based on their hematological effects. All these findings are worthy of further investigation.
Asymmetric Boreal Summer Intraseasonal Oscillation Events Over the Western North Pacific and Their Impacts on East Asian Precipitation
Authors: Li Wen , Yang Xiu-Qun , Fang Jiabei , Tao Lingfeng , Sang Xiaozhuo , Cai Danping , Yin Manman , Sun Xuguang
Published: January 2022

The boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) is the most prominent tropical subseasonal signature especially over the western North Pacific (WNP). Due to restrictions of methodology in extracting BSISO with band-pass filtering or EOF decomposition, most of the previous studies ignored the asymmetry of BSISO. This study reexamines the BSISO events over WNP and their impacts on the East Asian precipitation. With a hierarchical cluster analysis, the BSISO events over WNP during the summers of 1985-2010 are classified into two categories, the long-period (30-60 day) and short-period (10-20 day) events. The long-period BSISO events manifest as a northward propagating mode with a significant phase asymmetry characterized by a fast development, but a slow decay of the intraseasonal convection. The fast development tends to cause a rapid reversal of the atmospheric anomalies over WNP from an anomalous anticyclone induced by the preceding slow convection suppression to an anomalous cyclone, leading to a fast northeastward retreat of the preceding enhanced western North Pacific subtropical high. Accordingly, the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River valley experience a rapid reversal from the increased precipitation to the decreased, while the precipitation in coastal South China keeps decreased. The short-period BSISO events which are symmetric in phase act as a northwestward propagating mode, mainly affecting East Asian precipitation in an oblique belt extending from southwest China to southern Japan and southern Korean Peninsula. Therefore, the two types of the BSISO events especially the asymmetric long-period BSISO events over WNP and their impacts on the East Asian precipitation revealed in this study would provide a new potential for subseasonal-to-seasonal forecast of the East Asian summer monsoon precipitation.
Inquisition of Electro-Magnetic Riga Plate for Laminar Flow
Authors: Hussain Azad , Akbar Sobia , Arshad Muhammad , Nadeem Sohail
Published: January 2022

The probation is made to study the stagnation point flow of non-Newtonian fluid for Riga plate. Electric potential and magnetic flux density with time dependent flow is examined. Mesh for electric potential, magnetic flux, laminar flow with physics controlled fine, finer and extra finer option is also represented in details. Inquisition is solved in COMSOL Multi-physics 5.4 to obtain the results of surface magnitude, counter, table surface, magnetic flux, electric potential and coarse mesh for velocity, pressure, magnetic and electric fields. Coarse mesh of electric insulation and magnetic flux of the geometry is created with 6067, 18688 domain elements and 901, 1448 boundary elements. Tables for velocity surface, mesh domain, quadrilateral and triangular elements are also presented. Obtained results are discussed with graphs and tables in details.
Heart Sound Classification Based on Fractal Dimension and MFCC Features Using Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Bahreini Mahbubeh , Barati Ramin , Kamaly Abbas
Published: January 2022

Early diagnosis is crucial in the treatment of heart diseases. Researchers have applied a variety of techniques for cardiovascular disease diagnosis, including the detection of heart sounds. It is an efficient and affordable diagnosis technique. Body organs, including the heart, generate several sounds. These sounds are different in different individuals. A number of methodologies have been recently proposed to detect and diagnose normal/abnormal sounds generated by the heart. The present study proposes a technique on the basis of the Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients, fractal dimension, and hidden Markov model. It uses the fractal dimension to identify sounds S1 and S2. Then, the Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients and the first- and second-order difference Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients are employed to extract the features of the signals. The adaptive Hemming window length is a major advantage of the methodology. The S1-S2 interval determines the adaptive length. Heart sounds are divided into normal and abnormal through the improved hidden Markov model and Baum-Welch and Viterbi algorithms. The proposed framework is evaluated using a number of datasets under various scenarios.
Etiology and Chinese Medicine Screening of Severe COVID-19 Based on Multiomics and Serum Pharmacology
Authors: Zhang Yong-Zheng , Yong-Zheng ZHANG , Meng-Jia LI , Yang WU , CHENG Lu-Feng
Published: January 2022

Background

At present, scholars believe that severe COVID-19 is related to a variety of basic diseases, and we also observe this point using multi-omics method. The latest sequencing data of severe COVID-19 patients were combined to analyze the pathological mechanism, and pharmacological experimental research on local drugs was conducted, and a compound ingredient was found to have potential medicinal value.
Results

Here, we observed, for patients with severe COVID-19 disease, the differential miRNA expression is mainly low but having higher expression of mRNA. These differential mRNA expressions are associated with the activation of inflammatory pathways and ultimately with hypoxia and coagulation. Using database analysis, we found that Yi Xin Tong Mai Granule(YXTMG) might regulate COVID-19 through Toll-like receptor signaling pathway by acting on different immune targets. We found a new molecular mechanism for COVID-19 to turn the crisis around, the down-regulated miR-181a-5p mediates the up-regulation of PLAU and SERPINE1 molecules to cause cardiovascular adverse events, and YXTMG may prevent it. At the same time, molecular docking indicated that the its various components have anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro studies, we confirmed that YXTMG had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Conclusions

The study has supplemented the potential mechanism for the conversion of mild to critical COVID-19 disease and screened the Chinese medicines for improving these factors, providing methodological reference for disease pathology and drug development.
Serum Cytokine Levels for Predicting Immune-Related Adverse Events and the Clinical Response in Lung Cancer Treated with Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Ni , Yi Ye , Cao Wen , Mei Nan , Fu Xiao , Li Chunli
Published: January 2022

Analyses of the composition of peripheral cytokines hold promise for providing a basis for determining the prognosis of lung cancer treated with immunotherapy. In this study, we assessed correlations between interleukins in peripheral blood and the disease prognosis in patients with lung cancer. We retrospectively collected eligible adult patients with histologically confirmed lung cancer. Patients with immune-related adverse events (AE) from immunotherapy had higher pretreatment levels of IL-2 (p=0.002), IL-17 (p=0.01), and IFN-α (p=0.02) than patients with nonimmune-related adverse events (NAE). Univariate analysis showed that changes in IL-2 (p=0.04), IL-5 (p=0.007), IFN-α (p=0.003), IFN-γ (p=0.012) and TNF-α (p=0.049) levels were significantly increased in patients with AE compared with those with NAE before the second cycle of therapy. Patients with a clinical benefit had higher levels of IL-17 before the third cycle than patients without a clinical benefit. No significant cytokine differences were observed between patients with and without a clinical benefit undergoing ICI pretreatment or in the first two cycles of therapy. Plasma cytokines are related to immune-related adverse events and clinical responses, which are potential predictive markers for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in lung cancer patients and may play an important role in selecting patients who would benefit from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
Effects of Urbanization Intensity on Glomalin-Related Soil Protein in Nanchang, China: Influencing Factors and Implications for Greenspace Soil Improvement
Authors: Jin Taotao , Liu Wei , Wang Yu , Zhao Ming , Fu Yao , Dong Yulin , Luo Tianyu , Fu Hang , Wang Qiong
Published: January 2022

Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) is a stable and persistent glycoprotein secreted by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi that plays important roles in sequestering soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil quality improvement. Rapid urbanization has led to serious greenspace soil disturbances, resulting in soil degradation. However, few researches have examined the effects of urbanization on GRSP and its influencing factors. In this study, impervious surface area (ISA) was selected as an indicator of urbanization intensity. A total of 184 soil samples were collected from the 0-20 cm soil layer in the Nanchang greenspace, China (505 km2). The GRSP content, soil properties, urban forest characteristics, and land-use configuration were determined and investigated. The results showed that total GRSP (TG) and easily extractable GRSP (EEG) averages were 2.38 and 0.57 mg·g-1, respectively. TG and EEG decreased by 16.22 % and 19.68 %, respectively, from low to heavy urbanization areas. Linear regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between SOC and GRSP/SOC. SOC decreased from 39.9 to 1.4 mg·g-1, while EEG/SOC and TG/SOC increased by about 17 % and 34 %, respectively, indicating the important contribution of GRSP to the SOC pool. Pearson and redundancy analysis showed that GRSP was positively correlated with soil SOC, P, N, vegetation richness, and tree height but negatively correlated with pH, bulk density, and impervious area. The partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) further showed that urbanization affected soil properties, forest characteristics, and land use factors leading to GRSP changes. This study revealed the effects and key influencing factors of urbanization on GRSP. In the future, urban greenspace soil improvement can be considered from the new perspective of enhancing GRSP soil content.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Low Grade Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Only Partially Reversed by Omalizumab
Authors: Pino Marina Di , Ruberto Maria Filomena , Costanzo Giulia Anna Maria Luigia , Firinu Davide , Piras Maria Sebastiana , Mura Mario Nicola , Giacco Stefano Del , Coghe Ferdinando , Marongiu Francesco , Barcellona Doris
Published: January 2022

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disorder characterized by wheals and/or angioedema. The coagulation cascade and inflammation pathways are closely linked together. The aim of our study was first to investigate the dynamics of clot formation in plasma (Clot Waveform Analysis, CWA) in a group of 47 patients with CSU along with other coagulative parameters dedicated to the study of hypercoagulability such as: D-Dimer, F 1+2 peptide, Fibrinogen, Platelet count and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV). Secondly, 23 out of 47 patients were treated with Omalizumab at four administration intervals from T0 to T4. A statistically significant increase in Activated Partial Thromboplastin (aPTT) ratio, D-Dimer, F1+2, Platelet count and MPV was found when compared with 53 healthy controls (HC). In contrast, the 2nd Derivative of aPTT showed lower values than those of the HC. No differences were found between 1st derivative of aPTT and Fibrinogen. D-Dimer only showed a significant difference between T0 and T3. An activation of both coagulation and fibrinolysis along with a weaker clot acceleration may be in agreement with a low-grade DIC. The accelerated turnover pf platelets expressed by both an increase of platelet count and MPV further support this pathway in CSU. Omalizumab does not affect the relationship between the immune and the haemostatic systems.
Ecophysiological properties of a cluster root-forming plant, Helicia cochinchinensis (Proteaceae) grown on Miyajima Island, Japan
Authors: Wasaki Jun , Okamura Tadashi , Yamauchi Taiki , Maruyama Hayato , Uchida Shinji , Mukai Seiji , Tsubota Hiromi
Published: January 2022

Aims The family Proteaceae is one of the dominant families in nutrient-impoverished habitats in the Southern hemisphere, and less common in the Northern hemisphere. Helicia cochinchinensis Lour. is the only Proteaceae species in Japan. This study aimed to unveil the ecophysiological properties of H. cochinchinensis grown on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Japan.Methods Phosphorus (P) status and dynamics of soils in H. cochinchinensis habitats were measured. Plant P and nitrogen (N) concentrations of leaves were measured after digestion. Roots and rhizosheath soil were collected to assess root morphology and root exudates.Results Available P (Olsen-P) in soils in habitats of H. cochinchinensis was 0.46–3.7 mg P kg-1 soil. Citrate was the major carboxylate in root exudates and its concentration increased during cluster-root formation. Acid phosphatase activity was greater at the surface of cluster roots that on the surface of other roots and bulk soil, especially for mature cluster roots. Sparingly soluble organic P concentrations decreased in the rhizosheath soil of mature cluster roots. The P concentrations of H. cochinchinensis leaves were relatively low; 0.34–0.69 mg P g-1 DW and 0.15–0.29 mg P g-1 DW in mature and senesced leaves, respectively. The P demand of H. cochinchinensis was less than that of nearby trees, showing greater P-remobilization efficiency.Conclusions Phosphorus mobilization from unavailable P by cluster roots supported P uptake by H. cochinchinensis, and P remobilization from senescing leaves contributed to sustain growth under P-deficient conditions.
The Immune Cell Infiltration Patterns and Characterization Score in Bladder Cancer to Identify Prognostic.
Authors: Zhang Yongsheng , Wang Yunlong , Wang Jichuang , Zhang Kaixiang
Published: January 2022

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is among the most frequent types of cancer. Patients with BLCA have a significant recurrence rate and a poor post-surgery survival rate. Recent research has found a link between tumor immune cell infiltration (ICI) and the prognosis of BLCA patients. However, the ICI picture of BLCA remains unclear. Common gene expression data was obtained by combining the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) expression databases. Two computational algorithms were proposed to unravel the ICI landscape of BLCA patients. The R package "limma" was applied to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Principal-component analysis (PCA) was used to calculate the ICI score. A total of 569 common gene expression data were retrieved from TCGA and GEO cohorts. CD8+ T cells were found to have a substantial positive connection with activated memory CD4+ T cells and immune score. On the contrary, CD8+ T cells were found to have a substantial negative connection with Macrophages M0. Thirty-eight DEGs were selected. Two ICI patterns were defined by unsupervised clustering method. Patients of BLCA were separated into two groups. The high ICI score group exhibits better outcome than the low one (p < 0.001). Finally, the group with a high tumor mutation burden (TMB) as well as a high ICI score had the best outcome. (p <0.001). Combining TMB and ICI score resulted in a more accurate survival prediction, suggesting that ICI score could be used as a prognostic marker for BLCA patients.
Quality of Life of Patients After Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Soba University Hospital, Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Adam Mohammed A. , Salih Alaa A. , Koko Abubaker E.A , Altalib Sami , MohamedAhmed Ali Yasen Yasen , Hasabo Elfatih A. , Ahmed Ghassan E. , Maroof Mohammed Khalid Abdalla , Salim Omer El Faroug H
Published: January 2022

Background: Colorectal surgery is reported to have significant effects on patients, both physically and psychologically. On other hand, infections are found to be a major risk factor in Sudan and Sub-Saharan Africa such as intestinal Schistosoma colitis, especially those presenting with sigmoid colonic adenocarcinoma.Aim of the study: To assess the quality of life of patients after colorectal cancer surgery and the effect of the stoma on their life.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was done at Soba University Hospital. A sample of 72 patients with colorectal cancer who had undergone colorectal surgery was fully covered and interviewed using the SF-36 Quality of life standard questionnaire.Results: The total sample was 72 with a mean age of 51.1 ± 14.6 years. 79% were married, 70% were working, with free business being the most encountered occupation (36.1%). However, only 48.6% were still employed at the time of surgery. Regarding the mental health component, there was a significant difference in social functioning domain mean scores between patients who were employed and unemployed patients. Where the physical functioning and role physical domains were found to differ significantly with the different educational attainment of patients. Patients who did not undergo radiation therapy reported higher mean scores of role limitation due to physical problems, compared to patients who received radiation therapy.Conclusion: Our result found the quality of life was affected negatively in terms of the level of pain and presence of colostomy with sexual activity affection but the other parameters were not strongly affected.
RNA-Seq Coupling Two Different Methods of Castration Reveals New Insights Into Androgen Deficiency-caused Degereration of Submaxillary Gland in Male Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Han Xingfa , Xia Xu , Zhuo Yong , Hua Lun , Yu Guozhi , Bu Guixian , Cao Xiaohan , Du XiaoGang , Liang Qiuxia , Zeng Xianyin , Meng Fengyan
Published: January 2022

Backgroud: Salivary gland degeneration and dysfunction are common symptoms that occur after sex hormone deprivation, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Additionally, immunocastration, which causes drop of sex hormones, has been developed as an alternative to surgical castration, however whether it exerts similar effects as surgical castration on the salivary glands is unknown. Through histological and RNA-seq analysis, we assessed changes in morphology and transcriptome of submaxillary gland (SMG) in response to immunocastration (IM) versus surgical castration (bilateral orchiectomy, ORC). Results: Compared to intact males (EM), ORC caused a dramatical degeneration of SMG in rats, as evidenced by both decreased (P < 0.01) SMG weight and organ index, and by decreased (P < 0.01) quantity of SMG acini and ducts. IM had minimal effects (P > 0.05) on SMG weight and organ index, but it still caused degeneration (P < 0.05) of the acini and ducts. Even though, the quantity of both SMG acini and ducts was much higher (P < 0.001) in IM than in ORC. Functional enrichment analysis of the common regulated genes by ORC/IM revealed disrupted epithelial cell development, angiogenesis, anatomical structure morphogenesis and enhanced cell death are associated with SMG degeneration in deprivation of androgens. Integrated data analysis shown that there existed a selective hyperfunction of SMG ribosome and mitochondrion in ORC but not in IM, which might be associated with more severe degeneration of SMG in ORC than in IM. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that both surgical castration and immunocastration caused SMG degeneration by disrupting epithelial cell development, angiogenesis, anatomical structure morphogenesis and enhancing cell death. But, surgical castration selectively induced hyperfunction of SMG ribosome and mitochondrion, thus causing more severe degeneration of SMG than immunocastration.
Complementary Omics Strategies to Dissect p53 Signaling Networks Under Nutrient Stress
Authors: Galhuber Markus , Michenthaler Helene , Heininger Christoph , Reinisch Isabel , Nössing Christoph , Krstic Jelena , Kupper Nadja , Moyschewitz Elisabeth , Auer Martina , Heitzer Ellen , Ulz Peter , Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Liesinger Laura , Lenihan-Geels Georgia Ngawai , Oster Moritz , Spreitzer Emil , Chiozzi Riccardo Zenezini , Schulz Tim J. , Schupp Michael , Madl Tobias , J.R. Albert , Prokesch Andreas
Published: January 2022

Signaling trough p53 is a major cellular stress response mechanism and increases upon nutrient stresses such as starvation. Here, we show in a human hepatoma cell line that starvation leads to robust nuclear p53 stabilization. Using BioID, we determine the cytoplasmic p53 interaction network within the immediate-early starvation response and show that p53 is dissociated from several metabolic enzymes and the kinase PAK2 for which direct binding with the p53 DNA-binding domain was confirmed with NMR studies. Furthermore, proteomics after p53 immunoprecipitation (RIME) uncovered the nuclear interactome under prolonged starvation, where we confirmed the novel p53 interactors SORBS1 (insulin receptor signaling) and UGP2 (glycogen synthesis). Finally, transcriptomics after p53 re-expression revealed a distinct starvation-specific transcriptome response and suggested previously unknown nutrient-dependent p53 target genes. Together, our complementary approaches delineate several nodes of the p53 signaling cascade upon starvation, shedding new light on the mechanisms of p53 as nutrient stress sensor. Given the central role of p53 in cancer biology and the beneficial effects of fasting in cancer treatment, the identified interaction partners and networks could pinpoint novel pharmacologic targets to fine-tune p53 activity.
Chronic High-frequency Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus Induces a Sustained Inhibition of Serotonergic System via Loss of Cell Phenotype
Authors: Alosaimi Faisal , Temel Yasin , Hescham Sarah , Witzig Victoria , Almasabi Faris , Tan Sonny , Jahanshahi Ali
Published: January 2022

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has become a standard treatment in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, in a considerable number of patients debilitating psychiatric side-effects occur. Recent research has revealed that external stimuli can alter the neurotransmitters’ homeostasis in neurons, which is known as “neurotransmitter respecification”. Herein, we addressed if neurotransmitter respecification could be a mechanism by which DBS suppresses the serotonergic function in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) leading to mood changes. We infused transgenic 5-HT-Cre (ePet-cre) mice with AAV viruses to achieve targeted expression of eYFP and the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6s in the DRN prior to methyl-4phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) treatment. Mice received bilateral DBS electrodes in the STN and an optic fiber in the DRN for Ca2+ photometry. MPTP treated mice demonstrated behavioral and histological PD phenotype, whereas all STN-DBS animals exhibited an increased immobility time in the forced swim test, reduced Ca2+ activity, and loss of TPH2 expression in the DRN. Given the prominent role of Ca2+ transients in mediating neurotransmitter respecification, these results suggest a chronic loss of serotonergic phenotype in the DRN following STN-DBS. These findings indicate that loss of 5-HT cell phenotype may underlie the unwanted depressive symptoms following STN-DBS.
Candidate Gene and MicroRNA Biomarkers of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (MRCC) Response to Sunitinib
Authors: yang qiwei , yang wei , tian yijun , xu da , chu chuanmin , pan xiuwu , ye jianqing , chu jian , gan sishun , cao jianwei
Published: January 2022

Backgrounds: The incidence of renal cancer is relatively insidious, and some patients have been metastatic renal cancer at the initial visit. Sunitinib is the first-line systemic therapy for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, however, there is scant analysis of its effect on genes and microRNAs.Methods: In this study, 8 differentially expressed microRNAs and 112 differentially expressed genes were designated by analyzing mRNA and microRNA data sets and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA).Results: NIPSNAP1 gene showed the most co-expression with other genes. Through the intersection of the microRNA target gene with our differentially expressed genes, we got 26 genes. KEGG and GO analysis showed that these genes were predominantly concentrated in Pathways in cancer, Sphingolipid metabolism and Glycosaminoglycan degradation. After we set the 26 genes and gene of WGCNA do intersection, received six genes, respectively is NIPSNAP1, SDC4, TBC1D9, NEU1, STK40 and PLAUR. Conclusion: Through subsequent cell, molecular and flow cytometry experiments, we found the PLAUR would play a crucial role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) resistant to sunitinib, which will be available for new ideas to forecast sunitinib resistance and reverse sunitinib resistance.
Pasture Height of A Tropical Erect Grass Affecting Young Lamb Herbage Intake And Performance
Authors: Irigoyen Lívia Raymundo , Poli Cesar Henrique Espírito Candal , Corrêa Gladis Ferreira , Tontini Jalise Fabíola , López Ignacio Fernando , Silva Joseane Anjos da
Published: January 2022

Tropical erect grass pastures have high forage production potential in subtropical and tropical regions of the world. However, in this kind of pasture, the body weight gain of weaned lambs is usually below of their potential. We determined the effect of pasture height of an erect tropical grass, consequently its structure, on intake and performance of young lambs. The experiment was repeated in two years. Thirty young weaned lambs (4-5 months) were assigned, each year, to three Panicum maximum pasture heights: 1) Tall-75 cm; 2) Medium-50 cm and 3) Short-25 cm. Herbage mass, pasture height, plant morphological composition, pasture nutritional quality, lamb’s average daily gain, gain per hectare and herbage intake were measured. The experiment was installed in a completely randomized design, evaluated in two periods each year. The Short treatment presented, on average and for longer, the highest leaf:stem ratio (1.3 ± 0.23) and average daily gain (91 ± 10 g/day) in relation to the Medium and Tall treatments (68 ± 10 and 40 ± 13 g, respectively). There was a significant interaction between treatment*period for herbage intake. The Tall treatment showed a marked decrease in intake from the first to the second period. The pasture height management interferes in the speed at which the number of stems increases of a tropical erect grass, in relation to leaves. For a better performance of weaned young lambs during summer-autumn period, it is important to manage tropical erect grass pastures at lower height than is generally recommended, lower than 25 cm.
Green Synthesis of Different Nanoparticles and its Effect on Irrigation Water and Soil Properties and Origanum Majorana Productivity
Authors: Eissa Doaa , Hegab Rehab , Shady Ahmed Abou , kotp yousra
Published: January 2022

The term of nanotechnology has emerged recently in several fields of interest that refers to the researches and innovations that are concerned with making materials on a very small size close to the scale of atoms and molecules. In the present work, the effects of green synthesis of different nanoparticles on the quality of irrigation water, the availability of some heavy metals content in soil and the plant, and the productivity of Marjoram were studied in detail. The obtained results showed that the addition of nanoparticles (NPs) materials has resulted in noticeable variations in the removal percentages of Cu and Fe from aqueous solution. The maximum values obtained for adsorption of Cu (II) on ZnO, MgO, and SiO2 NPs, within pH (3–5) were 89.9%, 83.3%, and 68.36%, respectively. Whereas, the maximum adsorption values of Fe (III) at pH 3.3 were 82%, 80%, and 65% for ZnO, MgO, and SiO2 NPs, respectively. It was clearly seen that the effective of NPs application on reduction of the available Cu in the studied soil samples. The order of sequence for the effects of NPs application was found to take the following order Zn2 > Zn1 > Mg2 > Si2 > Mg 1 > Si1 > C (control). The highest values of the available Cu were observed in the control treatment, whereas the lowest values were obtained when Zn2 was added, and the same tendency was observed with the substantial concentrations of Fe. The addition of NPs to the soil samples had positively affected the Cu uptake via plant. The effects of NPs and the additions of Cu and Fe on the availability of NPK in the soil system were very completed and osculated from one treatment to another. The same tendency was observed with the total concentration of NPK in the plant.