bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuro Protective Effect of Baicalein Against Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Impact on Oxidative Stress, Neuro-inflammation and WNT/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Jugait Simrandeep , Areti Aparna , Nellaiappan Karthika , Narwani Priyanka , Saha Priya , Velayutham Ravichandiran , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: February 2022

Oxaliplatin, an effective anti-cancer agent used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, associated with severe dose limiting side effect peripheral neuropathy, which currently remains a major unmet clinical need. This study was designed to investigate the possible neuroprotective potential of a bioflavonoid, Baicalein in an experimental model of oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy. Rats were administered with a dose of 4 mg/kg oxaliplatin i.p. twice per week for four weeks and they were evaluated for behavioural and functional nerve parameters, followed by bio-chemical, immunohistochemical and western blot analysis. Results from this study show that baicalein reversed oxaliplatin-induced behavioural deficits and significantly prevented oxaliplatin-induced sensory nerve conduction deficits in rats. Molecular analysis revealed baicalein significantly strengthened the antioxidant defense system by enhancing the expression of MnSOD, HO-1 and GSH levels. Baicalein treatment neutralized the oxaliplatin-induced neuroinflammation which was evident from the significant loss of inflammatory mediators like TNF-α, IL-6 and a shunted NF-κB nuclear translocation. Additionally, Baicalein treatment resulted in a significant downregulation of active β-catenin, Wnt5b and Wnt3a proteins. In line with the in vivo evidences, treatment of baicalein in Neuro2a cells showed suppression of oxaliplatin induced ROS, mitochondrial superoxide levels and improved neuritogenesis against oxaliplatin-induced toxicity in Neuro2a cells. Additionally, Baicalein did not alter the cell viability of oxaliplatin in HCT-116 cell line. Collectively, these characteristics suggest that baicalein may be useful in the clinical management of peripheral neuropathy associated with oxaliplatin.
Detecting Multiscale Periodicity From the Secular Effusive Activity at Santiaguito Lava Dome Complex (Guatemala)
Authors: Massaro Silvia , Costa Antonio , Sulpizio Roberto , Coppola Diego , Soloviev Anatoly
Published: February 2022

Santiaguito, Guatemala, represents one of the best cases of active lava dome complex in the world, producing lava flow effusion, weak explosive activity, and cycles of lava dome extrusion over varying timescales. Since the inception in 1922, it has shown a remarkable constant eruptive activity, characterized by effusion of blocky domes and lava flows punctuated by moderate explosions of gas-and-ash and pyroclastic flows. In this study, we reconstruct the time evolution of discharge rates of Santiaguito across one entire century, from 1922 to 2021, combining, for the more recent activity, new satellite thermal data. By using Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and Morlet wavelet analyses we identify three fundamental periodicities in subsets of the 1922-2021 time series: (i) long-term (ca. 10 years), (ii) intermediate-term (ca. 3.5 years), and (iii) short-term (from ca. 1 year to ca. 3 months), which are comparable with those observed at other lava dome eruptions at calc-alkaline volcanoes. Such inferred periodicities provide a powerful tool for the interpretation of the non-linear eruptive behaviour and represent a pivotal benchmark for numerical modelling aimed to reconstruct the dynamics of the magma feeding system based on a time-averaged discharge rate dataset.
A one-dimensional parameter-free model for carcinogenesis in gene expression space
Authors: Leon Dario A. , Herrero Roberto , Gonzalez Augusto
Published: February 2022

A small portion of a tissue defines a microstate in gene expression space. Mutations, epigenetic events or external factors cause microstate displacements which are modeled by combining small independent gene expression variations and large Levy jumps, resulting from the collective variations of a set of genes. The risk of cancer in a tissue is estimated as the microstate probability to transit from the normal to the tumor region in gene expression space. The formula coming from the contribution of large Levy jumps seems to provide a qualitatively correct description of the lifetime risk of cancer in 8 tissues, and reveals an interesting connection between the risk and the way the tissue is protected against infections.
Inflammation suppresses DLG2 expression, preventing inflammasome formation
Authors: Keane Simon , Herring Matthew , Rolny Peter , Wettergren Yvonne , Ejeskär Katarina
Published: February 2022

PurposeLoss of expression of DLG2 has been identified in a number of cancers to contribute to the disease by resulting in increased tumor cell proliferation and poor survival. In light of the previous evidence that DLG2 alters the cell cycle and affects proliferation, combined with indications that DLG2 is involved in NLRP3 inflammasome axis we speculated that DLG2 has an immune function. So far, there is no data that clearly elucidates this role, and this study was designed to investigate DLG2 in inflammatory colon disease and in colon cancer as well as its impact on inflammasome induction.MethodsThe DLG2 expression levels were established in publicly available inflammation, colon cancer and mouse model datasets. The overexpression and silencing of DLG2 in colon cancer cells were used to determine the effect of DLG2 expression on the activation of the inflammasome and subsequent cytokine release.ResultsDLG2 overexpression leads to a significant increase in the formation of inflammasomes with lower release of IL-6, fewer proliferating cells and fewer cells in G2/M phase. Silencing of DLG2 impaired inflammasome formation. Additionally, DLG2 overexpression increased the expression of the NF-kappa-B inhibitor NFKBIZ.ConclusionDLG2 expression is altered in response to inflammation in the gut as well as in colon cancer, resulting in altered ability to form inflammasomes and cytokine release.Trial registration: NCT03072641
The Effect of Ply Properties in Paperboard Converting Operations: A Way To Increase Formability
Authors: Lindberg Gustav , Kulachenko Artem
Published: February 2022

This study addresses the question of how the difference in mechanical properties of the individual layers in a multiply commercial paperboard affects the outcome of the tray-forming operation. Two commercially produced paperboards with nearly identical mechanical properties when conventionally tensile tested were considered. These boards are produced on different machines with the same target grammage and density. Despite the similar mechanical properties, their performance in a given tray-forming operation was drastically different, with one of the boards showing an unacceptable failure rate. To investigate the difference seen during converting operations, a detailed multi-ply finite element model was built to simulate the converting operation. The present model considers a critical area of the paperboard known to exhibit failures. To derive the constitutive relations for each ply in the sub-model, both boards were split to single out individual plies which were then tensile tested. Including the properties of individual plies revealed large differences between the boards when it comes to the distribution of the properties in the thickness direction. In particular, the top plies differed to a large extent. This is attributed to the difference in refining energies for the plies. The results from the three-ply sub-model demonstrated the importance of including the multiply structure in the analysis. Weakening of the top ply facing the punch by using lower refining energy considerably increased the risk of failure of the entire board. These results suggest that there is room for optimizing the board performance by adjusting the refining energy at the ply level.
Functional Traits of Medicinal Plant Species Under Different Ecological Conditions
Authors: Kriššáková Zuzana , Čierniková Malvína , Vykouková Ivana , Hrabovský Andrej , Masarovičová Elena , Beracko Pavel
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To compare the effect of different ecological conditions (one control and three experimental sites in Bratislava, Slovakia) on the plasticity of medicinal plant species, and on the plant functional groups based on the selected leaf functional traits – SLA (specific leaf area) and LDMC (leaf dry matter content).Methods: In assessment were tested thirteen medicinal plant species – Aegopodium podagraria L., Fragaria vesca L., Galium odoratum (L.) Scop., Geum urbanum L., Glechoma hederacea L., Hedera helix L., Hypericum perforatum L., Impatiens glandulifera Royle, Plantago lanceolata L., Prunella vulgaris L., Solidago gigantea Aiton, Tussilago farfara L. and Urtica dioica L. For the formation of plant functional groups according to different leaf characteristics, the metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) ordination diagram was applied.Results: Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) had a more significant effect on studied leaf traits than humus content (their coefficients of determination had values 0.55 and 0.11). Studied species were also characterized according to plant strategies. U. dioica and G. urbanum possessed the greatest plasticity of all studied species. Based on the functional groups we predict the response of the studied medicinal plant species to different ecological conditions. Conclusion: Traits and attributes of plants in plant communities are the outcome of adaptation of species to the environment and acclimation to environmental conditions changing in space and time. Identification of plant functional groups in plant community can provide a better understanding and functional comparison of several communities than the classical approach based on taxonomy.
Importance of ozone precursor’s measurements in modelling urban surface ozone variability using machine learning model
Authors: Balamurugan Vigneshkumar , Balamurugan Vinothkumar
Published: February 2022

Surface ozone (O3) is primarily formed through complex photo-chemical reactions in the atmosphere, which are non-linearly dependent on precursors (NOX and VOC). Exploring the potential of machine learning (ML) in modeling surface ozone has received little attention, particularly when it comes to the inclusion of limited available ozone precursors information in the ML model. The ML model with past O3 , meteorology (relative humidity, temperature, boundary layer height, wind direction), season type and in-situ NO information explains 87 % (R2 = 0.87) of the ozone variability over Munich, a German metropolitan area. The ML model trained for the urban measurement station in Munich can also explain the ozone variability of the other three stations in the same city, with R2 = 0.88, 0.91, 0.63. While the same model robustly explains the ozone variability of two other German cities’ (Berlin and Hamburg) measurement stations, with R2 ranges from 0.72 to 0.84, giving confidence to use the ML model trained for one location to other locations with sparse ozone measurements. In all cases, including coarse CAMS model O3 simulations in the ML model slightly improves the ML model’s performance in predicting surface ozone.
An Evaluation of the Prevalence of the Risk of Disordered Eating, Poor Sleep Quality and Perceived Stress in Medical Students
Authors: Al-Ansari Ahmed Malalla , Jahrami Haitham Ali , Hamadeh Randah Rebhi , Sater Mai Salah , Janahi Abdulrahman Ismael , Janahi Ammar Khaled , Darraj Latifa Rashid
Published: February 2022

Background: An increase in the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs), sleep problems, and stress in the general population and medical students is becoming an area of concern. This study was designed to determine the incidence of sleep and EDs in medical students and to assess the relationship between these factors and stress levels.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed, and the data were collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire via instant chat groups and social media advertisements between September and December 2019. Medical students (years 1–6) (n = 1100) enrolled at the College of Medicine and Medical Science, Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain, were recruited in the study. The electronic survey included questions on the participants’ demographic characteristics. The tools utilized were the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the 26-Item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and the 10-Item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The data were analyzed using Stata® (version 17.0).Results: Responses were received from 730 participants out of 1100 (67%). 649 (58%) were included in the final analysis,68% women and (32%) men. The mean age of the participants was 22.73 ± 2.31 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.56 ± 5.6 kg/m2 (55% had a normal BMI). The mean EAT-26, PSQI, and PSS-10 scores were 16.99 ± 9.09, 38.00 ± 3.13, and 25.67 ± 6.97, respectively. The prevalence of EDs, poor sleep quality, and stress symptoms was 32% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.01–35.32), 67% (95% CI: 62.62–70.05), and 50% (95% CI: 46.07–53.93), respectively. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex was a risk factor for EDs, sleep problems, and stress (odds ratio of 2.10, 95% CI: 1.30–3.45).Conclusions: Counseling services should be offered to medical students affected by anxiety, poor eating habits, and morbid obesity at the start of the first year of university. Medical students with sleeping problems require special attention throughout their time at college. Strategies to mitigate stress while studying should be given.Trial registration: Not applicable.
The Tissue Dust Analysis System: A new device and methodology to quantify dusting and linting propensity in hygiene tissue papers
Authors: Frazier Ryen McKinsey , Zambrano Franklin , Pawlak Joel J. , Welsford David , Gonzalez Ronalds
Published: February 2022

Linting and dusting are commonly used terms to describe the tendency of a tissue web to release unbound and loosely bound fibers or filler particles during the tissue-making process or in the finished tissue product. Lint/dust generation has an overall negative impact across tissue paper manufacturing and handling operations, causing safety hazards, machine runnability difficulties, and product quality issues. To date, there are no well-established industry standards to quantify dusting/linting propensities in finished tissue products, thus evaluating the effectiveness of dust/lint control programs is challenging yet intriguing. This research aims to fill this gap by developing a methodology to characterize dusting in tissue papers. We have developed a device prototype (named the Tissue Dust Collector) and a methodology that together have been named the Tissue Dust Analysis System (TDAS), which aims at quantifying the propensity for tissue-grade paper products to generate dust/lint in a controlled and reproducible manner. Two samples, corresponding to commercial products with a low and high linting propensity, were tested using the proposed device and methodology, and the released particles were quantified and characterized. The device and methodology provided reproducible results for simulated consumer handling and product manufacturing scenarios. By changing the instrument's motor frequency, the force of agitation changes, mimicking/simulating consumer (60 strokes per min, spm) and producer/manufacturing (180 spm) handling scenarios (though manufacturing processes are much faster in practice). Particle counts at each level for each product showed reproducible values differentiable at different agitation levels. Adopting the proposed Tissue Dust Analysis System may help to collect, characterize and understand the mechanisms behind dusting to alleviate this issue at its various sources through dust-control strategies.
Phenotypic Diversity In Natural Populations of Docynia Delavayi (Franch.) Schneid.
Authors: Li Lianxing , Ou Wenli , Yang Lin , Wang Dawei
Published: February 2022

Docynia delavayi (Franch.) Schneid. is a wild fruit tree with high medicinal, edible, ecological, and ornamental values. This paper investigates the phenotypic diversity of nine traits in fruit and leaf from 17 Docynia delavayi natural populations. The results of coefficient of variation showed petiole length and leaf area contributed the highest mean coefficient of variation (CV = 36.85% and 43.71%, respectively), while fruit vertical diameter had the lowest contribution index (CV=12.17%). The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that first six PC axes explained 95.417% of the total variance among the Docynia delavayi populations tested, and the first three PCs explained 76.413% of the variation in multiple traits. PC1 was the most important genetic factor and the main indicator of its interpopulation variation, accounting for 51.428% of the total variation. Based on the nine phenotypic data of leaf and fruit from 17 natural populations of Docynia delavayi, the UPGMA method was used to broadly classify these populations into four main groups. This study provides a theoretical basis for further utilization and conservation of Docynia delavayi germplasm resources.
Prediction of Severe Pancreatitis in A Population with Low Atmospheric Oxygen Pressure.
Authors: Londoño-Ruiz Germán , Ramírez-Giraldo Camilo , Vesga-Rosas Andrés , Vargas-Barato Felipe
Published: February 2022

Background: To establish the severity of pancreatitis, there are many scoring systems, the most used are the Marshall and APACHE II systems, each one has advantages and disadvantages; but with good relation regarding mortality and prediction of complications. In populations with low barometric pressures produced by a decrease in atmospheric pressure, there is a decrease in partial pressure of oxygen, in these cases scores which take arterial oxygen partial pressure as one of their variables, may be overestimated. Methods: A diagnostic trial study was designed to evaluate the performance of APACHE II, Marshall and BISAP in a city 2640 meters above sea level. A ROC analysis was performed to estimate the AUC of each of the scores, to evaluate the performance in predicting unfavorable outcomes and a non-parametric comparison was made between the AUC of each of the scores with the DeLong test. Results: From January 2018 to December 2019, data from 424 patients living in Bogota, with a diagnosis of gallstone pancreatitis was collected consecutively in a hospital in Bogota, Colombia. The ROC analysis showed AUC for predicting adverse outcomes for APACHE II in 0.738 (95% CI 0.647 – 0.829), Marshall in 0.650 (95% CI 0.554 – 0.746), and BISAP in 0.744 (95% CI 0.654 – 0.835). The non-parametric comparison to assess whether there were differences between the different AUC of the different scores showed that there is a statistically significant difference between Marshall and BISAP AUC to predict unfavorable outcomes (p 0.032). The mortality in the group of patients studied was 5.8%. Conclusions: We suggest the use of BISAP to predict clinical outcomes in patients with a diagnosis of biliary pancreatitis in populations with decreased atmospheric pressure because it is an easy-to-use tool and does not require arterial oxygen partial pressure for its calculation.
Dynactin p150Glued–Deficiency in Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons Leads to Progressive Neurodegeneration and Endoplasmic Reticulum Dysfunction
Authors: Yu Jia , Sgobio Carmelo , Yang Xuan , Song Binbin , Zheng Jiayin , Li Kuo , Sun Lixin , Cai Huaibin
Published: February 2022

Background
Multiple missense mutations in DCTN1 gene have been linked to Perry syndrome (PS), a rare neurodegenerative disease clinically manifested with parkinsonism, mental depression, and central hypoventilation. DCTN1 encodes dynactin p150Glued protein, the largest subunit of dynactin motor protein complex. The PS-related mutations are concentrated at the amino-terminal cytoskeleton-associated protein and glycine-rich (CAP-Gly) domain, which mediates the association of p150Glued with microtubules. Degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons (DANs) was reported in the postmortem brains of PS patients. However, how the dysfunction of p150Glued affects the function and survival of DANs remains to be determined.
Methods
Using Cre-LoxP genetic manipulation, we crossbred Dctn1 knock-in (KI) mice with Th-Cre mice to generate Dctn1 conditional knockout (cKO) mice for genetic deletion of p150Glued protein in catecholaminergic neurons, including midbrain DANs. We also crossbred the Dctn1 KI mice with Cre/Esr1 mice to generate pups for primary culture of Dctn1 cKO cells. We then performed series of biochemical, neurochemical, cell biology, behavioral and neuropathological studies on the Dctn1 cKO mice or cells to investigate the underlying pathological mechanisms.
Results
While both Dctn1 control and cKO mice showed deterioration of rotarod motor performance during aging, the process was greatly accelerated in the cKO mice. The loss of p150Glued led to progressive degeneration of axon fibers and then cell bodies of midbrain DANs. In addition to neurodegeneration, abnormal accumulation of a-synuclein was found in the soma and nuclei of DANs in aged cKO mice. Moreover, before the onset of axon atrophy, both dopamine transporter (DAT) levels and activity were reduced in the DAN axon terminals of cKO mice. Further studies revealed unusually large spheric structures in the axons and dendrites of cKO DANs. Interestingly, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein BiP was abnormally accumulated in the dendritic spheroids and soma of cKO DANs. Accordingly, the Dctn1 cKO cells displayed impaired ER export and increased unfolded protein response (UPR). As a result, the Dctn1 cKO DANs were more vulnerable to ER stress-induced cell death.
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that p150Glued is important in maintaining the function and survival of midbrain DANs during aging. We particularly highlighted the role of p150Glued in stabilizing the molecular machinery for ER export, suggesting that the PS-related p150Glued dysfunction may render the midbrain DANs more susceptible to UPR and ER stress.
Relations between family cohesion and adolescent-parent’s neural synchrony in response to emotional stimulations
Authors: Deng Xinmei , Lin Mingping , Zhang Lin , Li Xiaoqing , Gao Qiufeng
Published: February 2022

Background: The interaction between parent and adolescent is more challenging than other age periods. Family cohesion seriously impacts parent-adolescent emotional interactions. However, the underlying neural mechanism has not been fully examined. This study examined the differences in the neural synchrony in response to emotional film clips between high and low family cohesion adolescent-parent dyads by using the electroencephalograph (EEG) hyperscanning. Results: Simultaneously electroencephalograph (EEG) was recorded while 15 low family cohesion parent-adolescent dyads （LFCs）and 14 high family cohesion parent-adolescent dyads （HFCs）received different emotional induction when viewing film clips. Interbrain phase-locking-value (PLV) in gamma band was used to calculated parent-adolescent dyads’ interbrain synchrony. Results showed that higher gamma interbrain synchrony was observed in the HFCs than the LFCs in the positive conditions. However, there was no significant difference between the HFCs and LFCs in other conditions. Also, the HFCs had significantly higher gamma interbrain synchrony in the positive conditions than in the negative conditions. Conclusion: Interbrain synchrony may represent an underlying neural mechanism of the parent-adolescent emotional bonding, which is the core of family cohesion.
Direct evidence of α ester linkages between lignin and glucuronoxylan that reveal the robust heteropolymeric complex in plant cell walls
Authors: Nishimura Hiroshi , Nagata Kazuma , Nagata Takashi , Katahira Masato , Watanabe Takashi
Published: February 2022

All vascular plants have lignin that interacts with polysaccharides in cell walls; however, the chemical structure of covalent lignin-carbohydrate (L-C) linkages remains unresolved because of the small number of L-C linkage relative to the polymer main chain. Sample isolation that predominantly maintains intact L-C linkages followed by advanced multi-dimensional NMR showed that the critical L-C linkage between lignin and xylan involves the α-position of the β-aryl ether unit of lignin and the sixth position of the glucuronic acid residue of 4-O-methyl glucuronoxylan. The L-C ester linkages occur primarily at the α-position of lignin, supporting a theoretical synthetic pathway through a quinone methide intermediate. In contrast, the conventional γ-L-C ester was undetectable, indicating that this linkage is not the primary type. Instead, the γ-acetyl-substituted lignin coexisted. The results on primary L-C linkages contribute to plant physiology and biology and advance research into biomass conversion.
The Role of Family Support in the Developmental Outcomes of Rural Students in China: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Abbey Cody , Xue Hao , Barket Brandon , Dai Christina , Ly Tracy , Su William , Rozelle Scott , Wang Huan , She Xinshu , Singh Manpreet
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the association between household characteristics, perceived family support (PFS), and the developmental outcomes (resilience, academic performance, and prosociality) among at-risk students. Our large sample included 1564 primary and secondary school students from poor rural China (M = 11.55 years old). Having a caregiver whose resilience score was in the top 50% of the sample was associated with a 0.48-point increase (or 0.31 d effect size), while having a migrant mother was correlated with a 0.26-point decrease (or 0.17 d effect size). PFS was a significant (p<0.0001) mediator between household characteristics and developmental outcomes. Our study highlights the link between caregiver resilience and PFS, and the healthy functioning of disadvantaged students in a developing context.
Lower Bone Mineral Can Be a Risk for an Enlarging Bone Marrow Lesion: A Longitudinal Cohort Study of Japanese Women Without Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Chiba Daisuke , Sasaki Eiji , Ota Seiya , Oyama Tetsushi , Kimura Yuka , Nakaji Shigeyuki , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: February 2022

Background: Although previous cross-sectional studies have clarified that lower bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with more severe bone marrow lesions (BMLs), its longitudinal relationship remains unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the longitudinal relationship between BMD at baseline (BL) and BML change during a two-year follow-up period (2YFU). Methods: A total of 78 female participants (Mean age: 54.9 ± 9.6 and BMI: 21.6 ± 3.0 kg/m2) were eligible. All the participants underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging, and fat-suppressed T2-weighted images were acquired. Based on coronal and sagittal images, the maximum BML area (BMLa) was calculated by tracing the BML border. The mean value of coronal and sagittal BMLa was also calculated. The change in mean BMLa was defined using the following formula: [BMLa of 2YFU] – [BMLa of BL] = ΔBMLa. If ΔBMLa was positive, it was defined as enlarged; if ΔBMLa was negative, it was defined as regressed. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed to measure the non-dominant side BMD at one-third of the distal radius. Young adult mean [YAM (%)] of the BMD was used for statistical analysis. Linear regression analysis was conducted with ΔBMLa as the dependent variable and YAM as the independent variable, adjusted for age, BMI, pain scale, and BMLa at BL. A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn for the YAM to predict the prevalence of BML enlargement or regression. Logistic regression analysis was conducted with BML enlargement prevalence or regression as the dependent variable, and with the cut-off of YAM as the independent variable. Statistical significance was defined as P≤0.05. Results: During the 2YFU, 12 (15.4%) patients had enlarged BMLa, 26 (33.3%) participants showed regressing BMLa, and 40 (51.3%) patients remained stable. The YAM was significantly associated with ΔBMLa, according to the linear regression model (B: − 1.459, b: − 0.375, P=0.046). The best predictor of the BML enlargement risk was 85% YAM; this cut-off was significant in predicting the prevalence of BML enlargement (B: 2.126, odds ratio: 8.383, P=0.025), according to the adjusted logistic regression model.Conclusion: Lower BMD could predict BML enlargement during a two-year follow-up period.
Prevalence and Psychosocial Risk Factors of Substance Abuse: The Case of Dire Dawa University Students
Authors: Desalew Mulatu , Amsalu Bezabh
Published: February 2022

This study aims to investigate the prevalence and psychosocial risk factors of substance use among Dire Dawa University students. In Ethiopia, substance abuse is a prevailing problem in developing countries. The study was employed a cross-sectional survey design, and the total sample size was 388. The study employed a multistage sampling technique and the students were selected randomly from the population. The total sample size is 386. This study was used questionnaires. The research was employed descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze the current study using SPSS. The lifetime prevalence of substance abuse, specifically, alcohol, chat, tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine was 58.3%, 52.3%, 28.9%, 24.5%, and 14.5% respectively. Peer influence, mental health problems, academic factors, easy drug availability, trouble relationship with parents, and lack of regulation significantly predict substance abuse at R [0.68)=, p<0.05). Specifically, peer influence, drug availability and, mental problems were the major risk factors for abusing substances. The psychosocial risk factors of substance abuse were multiple pathways involved in the abuse of the substance. Thus, risk factors like psychological, social, and environmental factors mutually influence each other in causing substance abuse. The finding revealed that the level of substances abuse among DDU students across their socio-demographic characteristics; there is a significant mean difference (t = 3.1, p<0.05) in the level of substance abuse between males and females.
The Relationship Between Diabetic Retinopathy and Serum and 24-Hours Urine Mindin Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dogan Ibrahim , Caglar Cagatay , Gursoy Ahmet , Kayadibi Huseyin
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To investigate the 24-hours urine and serum mindin levels and the correlation with diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity. Methods: Our study included 26 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis without DR (Group 1), 25 patients with non-proliferative DR (Group 2), 25 patients with proliferative DR (Group 3) and 25 individuals as control group. Patients were compared in terms of serum and 24-hours urine mindin levels. Mindin measurements were performed by ELISA method. Results: Serum mindin levels were identified to be statistically lower in Group 3 compared to Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.001, p=0.001, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference between 24-hours mindin levels in the control group compared to Groups 1, 2 and 3 (p=0.046, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Correlation analyses identified a positive correlation between 24-hours urine mindin levels with severity of DR, HbA1c, proteinuria and insulin use. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that HbA1c, urine mindin level and proteinuria were associated with DR. Serum mindin level was not found to be significant to predict for DR. Conclusion: 24-hours urine mindin levels were identified to be higher in patients with DM compared to non-diabetic control group. Urine mindin levels were also found to increase in correlation with the severity of DR. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between DR, blood and 24-hour urine mindin level.
Younger trend in acute myocardial infarction in China
Authors: Hu Chunsong
Published: February 2022

There are more and more acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, little is known about its age trend. Here, we report younger trend in AMI in China. To check literatures from PubMed according to keywords “AMI and Chin Med J (Engl)” and collect available data on ages from original research articles published in Chin Med J (Engl) from 1990 to 2019. Age groups were divided into 1990s, 1995s, 2000s, 2005s, 2010s, 2015s, and 2020s, respectively. Means of minimum ages of each group were about 55.0, 46.4, 48.2, 55.0, 47.1, 43.9, and 52.8 years old, respectively. The age curve showed younger trend in AMI due to unhealthy lifestyle related major risk factors. This novel classification of risk factors based “environment-sleep-emotion-exercise-diet” intervention [E(e)SEEDi] is beneficial to better control and prevent AMI in the globe.
Spot Urine Protein To Creatinine Ratio Corrected With Estimated Urine Creatinine Generalized From Cystatin C Is Invaluable For Estimating Daily Urinary Protein In Patients With Decreased Muscle Mass.
Authors: Goto Miwa , Kanai Hiroaki , Kobayashi Anna , Sawanobori Emi
Published: February 2022

Background: Spot urine protein to creatinine ratio (sUP/Cr) is used to evaluate proteinuria; however, conventional equations do not reflect 24-hour (24H) urine creatinine (24HUCr), especially in patients with decreased muscle mass. This study aimed to establish a methodology for estimating 24HUCr in patients with decreased muscle mass and to assess whether multiplying the sUP/Cr with estimated 24HUCr would improve the accuracy of 24HUP estimation.Methods: Nine patients with decreased muscle mass and 14 patients with normal muscle mass were included. Serum samples were obtained during 24H urine collection. Serum creatinine (sCr) and cystatin C (sCysC) as well as urine creatinine and protein concentrations were measured. The correlation coefficient (R) between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated with sCysC (eGFRCysC) and 24H creatinine clearance was obtained. We defined the formula as eGFR = R × [(UCr × 24H urine volume × 1.73)] / [(sCr × 1440 × body surface (m2)] and then e24HUCr (UCr × 24H urine volume) = [eGFR × sCr × 1440 × body surface (m2)] / (1.73 × 100 × R).Results: The new formula, i.e., e24HUCr = eGFRCysC × sCr × 1440 × BS/1.73 × 100 × 0.97, was used to estimate 24HUCr. The sUP/Cr corrected with e24HUCr from the new formula was closer to the actual 24HUP compared to that corrected with e24HUCr derived from existing formulas.Conclusion: The sUP/Cr corrected with the estimated urine creatinine generalized from sCysC is useful for estimating 24HUP in patients with normal and decreased muscle mass.
Good prognosis in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma correlates with IgA+ Tertiary Lymphoid Structures
Authors: Jia Lizhou , Wang Tengqi , Zhang Shuyu , Fan Keyu , Zhao Youcai , Zhao Wei
Published: February 2022

The roles of tumor infiltrating B lymphocytes (TIBs) and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in solid tumor genesis and anti-tumor therapy have been recognized by researchers, but the specific formation and effect of TLSs have not been fully understood. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing, multiple immunofluorescence assays, and cellular spatial organization mapper analysis were used to explore the structures of TLSs in gastric adenocarcinoma (GADC). Furthermore, the relationships between TLSs and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of GADC patients were analyzed. The results identified the phenotype of immunoglobulin A (IgA)+-TLSs which contained higher level of IgA+ plasma cells in GADC, and several types of immune cells in IgA+-TLSs had higher levels of cellular interactions and migration ability. Furthermore, IgA+-TLSs correlated with age, differentiation, distant metastasis, TNM stage, expression of programmed death-ligand 1, J-chain, SSR4, and good overall survival. In conclusion, IgA+ plasma cells higher expressed in IgA+-TLSs, and the formation of IgA+-TLSs promotes a better prognosis for GADC patients.
Effect of the Floating Seedling Technique on Banana Seedling Growth
Authors: Lin Jiaqi , Li Dongling , Pan Zhenghui , Feng Dou , Xuan Weiyan
Published: February 2022

Floating seedling technology was used to propagate banana seedlings. The effects of different substrates, such as wood bran, vermiculite, and Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient solution, at different concentrations on the survival rate of banana floating seedlings and the growth of seedling stem, leaf, and root systems were compared. The results showed that banana seedlings treated with MS nutrient solution at one-half or one-third concentration or hydroponically with controlled slow-release fertilizer (0.5–0.6 g/plant) directly added to the wood bran substrate grew the fastest and had the largest number of roots. At 50 days after transplanting, these banana seedlings reached the standard of first-grade packaged seedlings, with the number of expanded leaves reaching 6.6 to 7.6, the width of leaves reaching 6.5 cm to 7.3 cm, and the root system relatively developed. The comprehensive characteristics of the seedlings were all better than those of other treatments. The results of this study have certain reference significance for accelerating seedling growth in greenhouses and large-scale production of disease-free banana seedlings. The banana floating seedling system we developed did not need watering every day and may be simpler than other seedling raising methods.
Estimation of Photosynthesis Loss Due to Greenhouse Superstructures and Shade Nets: A Case Study with Paprika and Tomato Canopies
Authors: Nomura Koichi , Saito Masahiko , Tada Ikunao , Iwao Tadashige , Yamazaki Tomihiro , Kira Nobuyuki , Nishimura Yasuyo , Mori Makito , Baeza Esteban , Kitano Masaharu
Published: February 2022

In horticultural greenhouses, the photosynthetic photon flux density (I) is inevitably lower than that outside because of interference from greenhouse superstructures (e.g., reflection and absorption of radiation by greenhouse coverings and superstructures). In addition, during hot seasons in many regions, I can be lowered by shade nets installed to reduce excessive radiation. These reductions in I can cause a decrease in the canopy photosynthetic rate (Ac), potentially leading to crop yield losses. This study investigated to what extent Ac is reduced inside a modern greenhouse and under a shade net in comparison with that outside. A simple Ac model (i.e., canopy-scale photosynthesis-light curves) was parameterized based on the measurements of Ac and I for paprika and tomato canopies using the open-chamber method. In addition, based on the measurements of I, linear regression models were derived that related outside I (Iout) with I inside arch-roofed, single-span greenhouses [enveloped with a diffuse ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) film; Iin] and I under shade nets (composed of aluminum and polyester strips; Ish). An Ac simulation using these models indicated that on a typical sunny summer day in Japan, Ac inside the greenhouses and under the shade nets (Ac,in and Ac,sh, respectively) corresponded to 91% and 52% of Ac outside (Ac,out) for the paprika canopy (for the tomato canopy, Ac,in and Ac,sh corresponded to 90% and 48% of Ac,out, respectively). The simulated Ac loss was more serious on a cloudy day because of the linear Ac-I response under low I conditions (Ac,in/Ac,out and Ac,sh/Ac,out were 69% and 13%, respectively, for the paprika canopy). The loss of Ac,sh may be alleviated by limiting the shading period to only midday hours.
REDGIM COMO APLICATIVO DE SMARTPHONE PARA APLICAÇÕES QUIMIOMÉTRICAS POR MEIO DE ANÁLISE DE IMAGENS: UM USO EM PLS
Authors: Rosa Thalles , Siqueira Bruno , Costa Rayana , Reis Jadson , Pacheco Wagner , Moura Paulo , Romão Wanderson , Filgueiras Paulo
Published: February 2022

REDGIM AS A SMARTPHONE APP FOR CHEMOMETRICS APPLICATIONS THROUGH IMAGE ANALYSIS: A USE IN PLS. The study of the spectrum of light has increased its range of action in the field of chemistry, with the help of several advanced equipment and innovative techniques that have become a strong ally of analytical chemistry. However, the simplicity of obtaining results integrated with mobile devices appears as an interesting path to be taken in the field of chemical analysis. This work addresses the dissemination of an application called REDGIM for smartphones on the Android platform capable of working with multivariate image analysis using chemometric methods through the luminous intensities of photos and R (red), G (green) and B (blue) channels. In order to show the potential of REDGIM, we propose two applications using the partial least squares (PLS) regression method: 1) quantification of free chlorine in tap water; and 2) quantification of cannabinol, (CBN, a type of cannabinoid) in marijuana and hashish samples. The free chlorine concentration obtained for two investigated samples was 0.73 and 0.74 mg L–1 and 0.74 and 0.76 mg L–1 by the spectrophotometer and by the application (container: cuvette), respectively. For the quantification of CBN in marijuana and hashish samples, the mean concentration ranged from 6.137 to 8.823 mg mL–1. The results obtained by the application are compatible with results from traditional techniques, such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, for example. Therefore, REDGIM was proved to be a simple and accessible technological tool for the scientific community, being viable for chemical tests of a multivariate nature.
UMA ROTA ALTERNATIVA PARA OBTENÇÃO DE REDES DE COORDENAÇÃO VIA SÍNTESE SOLVOTERMAL UTILIZANDO Eu2O3 E ÁCIDO 2,6-NAFTALENODICARBOXÍLICO
Authors: Oliveira Roberta , Pereira Raphael , Viana Rodrigo , Alves Severino , Belian Mônica
Published: February 2022

AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO OBTAIN METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS VIA SOLVOTHERMAL SYNTHESIS USING Eu2O3 AND 2,6-NAPHTHALENODICARBOXYLIC ACID. An alternative route to synthesis of metal-organic frameworks containing Eu(III) ion was proposed via solvothermal process in aqueous medium. The compounds of the minimal formulae [Ln2(NDC)3(H2O)4] were synthesized starting from the mixture of the 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid with europium(III) oxide. So far, this type of metalorganic framework based on the lanthanide ion synthetic route has not been investigated before as the main metal sources are nitrate and chloride salts. The structural characterizations were performed by FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis TG-DSC, and X-ray diffraction. The results of IR and TG were consistent with the structural determination results and complemented by X-ray diffraction patterns. SEM images also corroborate the morphologies found in recent research on this material. The materials obtained shown highintensity luminescence, for the Eu-NDC compound, which corroborates with an energy transfer efficient of the ligand to Eu(III) ion.
Frequency splitting approach using wavelet for energy management strategies in fuel cell ultra-capacitor hybrid system
Authors: Samia Bourdim , Toufik Azib , Kamel-Eddine Hemsas
Published: February 2022

Using frequency splitting, two energy management strategies (EMS) based on Haar wavelet decomposition and Fourier analysis for fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV) are proposed to manage efficiently the power flow between components. The paper aims to discuss the performances of the proposed EMS in terms of dynamic behavior, robustness operation, real time application and fuel economy. For apply this methodology, two EMS approaches are elaborated and successfully tested for parallel Fuel Cell/UC: conventional approach using Fourier Transform analysis (FT) and Wavelet analysis approach allowing natural frequency splitting. Finally, and to evaluate the performance and relevance of the developed approach, a comparison analysis were conducted. The simulation results exhibit the effectiveness of both strategies. Indeed, Wavelet analysis leads to better results in terms of energy flow and dynamic behavior, excellent robustness and stability of system, as well as energy economy improvement. A very relevant strategy is proposed based on Wavelet analysis using digital filtering techniques, which enables a natural frequency splitting to ensure the best global performances. In addition, the approach remains simple and suitable for real time operation.
Özgül Öğrenme Bozukluğu için Dikkat Eksikliği Hiperaktivite Bozukluğu Komorbiditesi Her Zaman Kötü Bir Durum Olmayabilir Mi?
Authors: YAZICI Merve , BESENEK Mert
Published: February 2022

Amaç: Özgül Öğrenme Bozukluğu (ÖÖB) yaş ve zeka seviyesi ile uyumsuz şekilde akademik becerilerde yetersizlikle seyreden bir bozukluktur. Bu çalışmada ÖÖB tanısı almış olguların klinik ve tedavi izlemlerine dair verilerin literatür eşliğinde tartışılması amaçlanmıştır.
Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmamızda Ocak 2016-Mayıs 2021 tarihleri arasında kliniğimize başvuran, klinik görüşme ve uygulanan psikometrik testler ile birlikte DSM-5 tanı ölçütlerine göre ÖÖB tanısı konan ve takibe alınan 18 yaş ve altındaki 232 olgunun sosyodemografik verileri, takip süreleri, komorbiditeleri ve aldıkları tedaviler geriye dönük olarak incelenmiştir.
Bulgular: Olguların %68,1’ine en az bir psikiyatrik hastalık eşlik ettiği ve en sık birlikte bulunan tanının Dikkat Eksikliği Hiperaktivite Bozukluğu (DEHB) olduğu, %58,6’sının ilaç tedavisi kullandığı ve ilaç kullanan olguların en sık DEHB tanısına yönelik tedavi aldıkları saptanmıştır. Ayrıca olguların %71,6’sının 3 ay içinde tekrar polikliniğe başvurusunun olmadığı (drop-out) gözlenmiştir. DEHB komorbiditesi olan veya DEHB tedavisi alan olguların diğer gruplara göre poliklinik takip sürelerinin daha uzun olduğu ve tanı yaşlarının daha ileri olduğu bulunmuştur. Ayrıca DEHB komorbiditesi olan ve herhangi bir psikiyatrik ilaç tedavisi kullanan olguların drop-out oranlarının daha düşük olduğu saptanmıştır.
Sonuç: Bulgularımızda ÖÖB tanılı hastalarda komorbid durumların varlığında klinik ve tedavi izleminde elde edilen sonuçların ÖÖB tanısının tek bir bozukluk olarak düşünülmemesi gerektiği ve komorbid durumların tanı ve tedavi sürecindeki önemine vurgu yaptığı düşünülmüştür.
Atriyal fibrilasyon hastalarında nabız basıncı indeksinin kardiyoembolik olaylar ve mortalite ile ilişkisi
Authors: KARADAVUT Serhat , ÇETİN Murat , ALTINTOP İsmail
Published: February 2022

Amaç: Nabız basınç indeksi (NBİ), nabız basıncının (NB) sistolik kan basıncına oranı ile elde edilir. Arteriyel sertlik ve kardiyovasküler hastalıkların (KVH) değerlendirilmesinde NB ölçümlerine göre daha güvenilir ve daha objektif bilgi verir. Bilindiği üzere atriyal fibrilasyonda (AF) vasküler hastalık mevcudiyeti emboli riskini artırmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, KVH prediktörü olan NBİ değerlerini kullanarak AF hastalarında gelişen kardiyoembolik olaylar (KEO) ve/veya mortalite ile ilişkisini incelemeyi amaçladık.Yöntemler: Çalışma, Şubat 2019 ile Haziran 2020 arasında prospektif olarak 191 AF hastası alınarak yapıldı. Hastalar; inme, geçici iskemik atak, periferik emboli ve bunlara bağlı ölüm gerçekleşmeyen (Grup-1, n=156) ve gerçekleşen (Grup-2, n=35) şeklinde ikiye ayrıldı. Bulgular: Grup-2’nin NBİ değerleri Grup-1’e göre anlamlı derecede yüksek olarak tespit edildi (0,38±0,05 ve 0,41±0,04, p<0,001). Çoklu regresyon analizi sonrası NBİ AF hastalarında KEOaçısından bağımsız öngörücü olarak bulundu (Olasılık oranı: 2,82 [%95 Güven Aralığı: 1,68-4,71], p<0,001). Ayrıca, yapılan ROC analizinde NBİ, NB’ye göre KEO tahmin etmede daha güçlü bir parametre olarak saptandı (sırasıyla, eğri altındaki alan [AUC]=0,734 ve AUC=0,661).Sonuç: AF hastalarında NBİ istenmeyen KEO ve buna bağlı ölümleri predikte etmek için kullanılabilecek non-invaziv ve ucuz bir fizik muayene bulgusudur.