bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of fuel Lewis number on wall heat transfer during oblique flame-wall interaction of premixed flames within turbulent boundary layers
Authors: Ghai Sanjeev , Chakraborty Nilanjan , Ahmed Umair
Published: April 2023

The influence of fuel Lewis number LeF on the statistical behaviour of wall heat flux and flame quenching distance have been analysed using Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) data for the turbulent V-shaped flame-wall interaction in a channel flow configuration corresponding to a friction velocity-based Reynolds number of 110 for fuel Lewis number, LeF, ranging from 0.6 to 1.4. It has been found that the maximum wall heat flux magnitude in turbulent V-shaped flame-wall interaction increases with decreasing LeF but just the opposite trend was observed for 2D laminar V-shaped flame-wall interaction and 1D laminar head-on quenching cases. This behaviour has been explained in terms of the correlation of temperature and fuel reaction rate magnitude with local flame surface curvature for turbulent flames due to the thermo-diffusive effects induced by the non-unity Lewis number. The wall heat flux magnitude and wall shear stress magnitude are found to be negatively correlated for all cases considered here. Moreover, their mean variations in the streamwise direction are qualitatively different irrespective of LeF, although the magnitudes of wall heat flux and wall shear stress increase with decreasing LeF. Furthermore, the flame alignment relative to the wall also affects the wall heat flux and it has been found that local occurrences of head-on quenching can lead to higher magnitudes of wall heat flux magnitude. It has been found that LeF also affects the evolution of the flame quenching distance in the streamwise direction with the progress of flame quenching for different flame normal orientations with respect to the wall. This analysis shows that the effects of fuel Lewis number on flame orientation, correlations of reaction rate and temperature with local flame curvature and coherent flow structures within turbulent boundary layer ultimately affect the wall heat transfer and flame quenching distance. Thus, the thermo-diffusive effects arising from the non-unity Lewis number need to be taken into account for accurate modelling of wall heat transfer during flame-wall interaction in turbulent boundary layers.
Assessment of Heavy Metals at Mangrove Ecosystem, Applying Multiple Approaches using in-situ and Remote Sensing Techniques, Red Sea, Egypt
Authors: Mohammed Asmaa H. , Khalifa Ahmed M. , Mohamed Hagar M. , El-Wahid Kareem H. Abd , Hanafy Mahmoud H.
Published: April 2023

Heavy metal pollution is one of the threats that impact on Mangrove ecosystem. This study aims to examine if the heavy metals in the mangrove sediment contamination status along the Red Sea coast, and give an interpretation of the origin of these metals. Twenty-two samples were collected and then, analyzed for metals (Mn, Ni, Cu, Fe, Cd, Ag, and Pb) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Integration between the in-situ data, contamination indices, and remote sensing and geographical information science (GIS), and multivariate statistical analysis techniques (PCA) to assess and clarify the spatial origin of heavy metals in sediment at a regional scale. The average concentration is shown to be substantially lower than the referenced value. The heavy metals are naturally origin not anthropogenic origin and, ranging from moderate to significant except the levels of Ag were very high. According to Ag levels, should be exploited economically. Remote sensing and GIS technique successfully contributed to interpreting the pattern of the origin of heavy metals and discharging systems along the red sea coast.
MAPK domain inhibition: Validation of the anti-angiogenic effects of curcumin from Curcuma longa in NDEA model of liver carcinoma in Wistar rats
Authors: Onifade Olayinka Fisayo , Akinloye Oluseyi Adeboye , Dosumu Oluwatosin A. , Lateef Abdul , Amoo Olufemi Samuel , Omotuyi Idowu Olaposi , Alade Adebowale Abiodun.
Published: April 2023

Objectives This study employed MAPK domain inhibition as an anti-angiogenic scaffold and further validate the anti-angiogenic effects of the lead phytochemicals, curcumin from ethanolic extract of curcuma longa (EECL) in N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) model of liver cancer in Wistar rats.Methods One hundred and twenty Wistar rats comprising of sixty male and female rats were randomly selected into twelve groups (n = 5): group A (100 mg/kg NDEA + 200 mg/kg EECL), group B (100 mg/kg NDEA + 400 mg/kg EECL), group C (100 mg/kg NDEA + 600 mg/kg EECL), group D (100 mg/kg NDEA + 200 mg/kg pure curcumin), group E (100 mg/kg NDEA + 100 mg/kg sylibon 140), group F (100 mg/kg NDEA), group G (200 mg/kg pure curcumin), group H (100 mg/kg DMSO), group I (200 mg/kg EECL), group J (400 mg/kg EECL), group K (600 mg/kg EECL), group L (control) at the end of 42 days of the experiment period. The lead phytochemicals, curcumin from EECL were isolated and subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for characterization. The anti-angiogenic potentials of the curcumin isolates were validated through molecular docking and the expression of antiangiogenic related mRNA.Results The binding of Co-crystallized, curcumin and cis-sesquisabinene hydrate, to the binding site led to the conformation with binding energies of -15.15 kcal/mol, -7.212 kcal/mol, and − 6.361 kcal/mol respectively. Treatment with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated the expression of MAPK and Vascular endothelial growth factor mRNAs in the hepatocyte tumour, while the Alpha Fero Protein and Interleukin-10 mRNA was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated.Conclusion Ethanolic extract of Curcumin longa possessed anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferating prospective against MAPK domain inhibition.
NRBP1 Promotes the Malignant Phenotypes of Glioblastoma by Regulating PI3K/Akt Activation
Authors: Zhang Anli , Peng Shichao , Sun Sibai , Ye Shan , Zhao Ye , Wu Qiang
Published: April 2023

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are intracranial gliomas with the highest aggressiveness. Despite maximal treatment intervention, GBM patients’ median survival duration remains at approximately 14–16 months. Nuclear receptor-binding protein 1 (NRBP1) could stimulate the growth of cells. In this study, we investigated whether NRBP1 promotes malignant glioblastoma phenotypes and its potential mechanisms. High NRBP1 expression correlated with higher-grade glioma and shorter duration of overall and disease-free survival. NRBP1 knockdown via short hairpin RNAs caused suppression of cell proliferation, invasion, migration and triggered apoptotic cell death in vitro, whereas its overexpression, through plasmid transfection, showed the opposite effect. GO enrichment and KEGG analysis revealed that NRBP1 regulated differentially expressed gene clusters involved in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, NRBP1 regulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition mediated by this pathway. Moreover, MK-2206 and SC79, which are respectively an inhibitor and an activator of PI3K/Akt signaling, reversed the effect of NRBP1 knockdown and overexpression on GBM, respectively. Thus, NRBP1 promotes malignant phenotypes in GBM by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, thereby serving as a prognostic indicator and new target for GBM treatment.
Origin, impacts and potential solutions to the fragmentation of the Mexican health system: A consultation to key actors
Authors: Gómez-Dantés Octavio , Flamand Laura , Cerecero-García Diego , Morales-Vazquez Mariana , Serván-Mori Edson
Published: April 2023

Background. One of the central debates in health policy is related to the fragmentation of health systems. Fragmentation is perceived as a major obstacle to UHC. This article presents the results of a consultation to a group of actors of the Mexican policy arena on the origins and impacts of the fragmentation of the Mexican health system.Methods. We used a consultation to nine key actors to collect thoughts on the fragmentation of the Mexican health system. The group included national and local decision makers with experience in health care issues and researchers with background in health systems and/or public policies. The sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.Results. Participants defined the term ‘fragmentation’ as the separation of the various groups of the population based on characteristics which define their access to healthcare services. This is a core characteristic of health systems in Latin America. In general, those affiliated to social security institutions have a higher per capita expenditure than those without social security, which translate into differential health benefits. According to the actors in this consultation, fragmentation is the main structural problem of the Mexican health system. Actors agreed that the best way to end fragmentation is through the creation of a universal health system. De-fragmentation plans should include a research component to document the impacts of fragmentation, and design and test the instruments needed for the integration process.Conclusions. First, health system fragmentation in Mexico has created problems of equity since different population groups have unequal access to public resources and different health benefits. Second, Mexico needs to move beyond the fragmentation of its health system and guarantee, through its financial integration, access to the same package of health services to all its citizens. Third, de-fragmentation plans should include a research component to document the impacts of fragmentation, and design and test the instruments needed for the integration process. Fourth, de-fragmentation of health systems is not an easy task because there are vested interests that oppose its implementation. Political strategies to meet the resistance of these groups are an essential component of any de-fragmentation plan.
Novel mRNA-based Immunological Biomarker for Early Detection of Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lee Jong-chan , Kim Hong Sik , Sim Eun-Jin , Cho Hyunjun , Youn Yuna , Kim Jaihwan , Jeong Hyoung-Hwa , Kim Jihie , Hwang Jin-Hyeok
Published: April 2023

Background: In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a novel mRNA-based immunological biomarker panel for the early detection of resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC).
Methods: Blood samples and clinical information of a cohort of 297 individuals (102 patients with PC and 195 non-disease controls) were obtained between 2015 and 2020. mRNA levels of candidate immunological biomarkers identified through an extensive literature review in buffy coat samples were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The final biomarker panel was confirmed using biological feature selection. Subsequently, the marker panel was trained and validated through artificial intelligence (AI)-based cross-validation.
Results: Among 55 candidate biomarkers, eight mRNAs (CCL2, CCL5, CXCR2, IFN-γ, IFN-λ1, PTGES2, SLC27A2, and TNF) were selected based on biological and statistical performance to develop a biomarker panel. The octet-biomarker panel successfully identified all stages of PC with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.925 in the training set (AUC = 0.922 in the validation set). In patients with RPC, the AUC for the panel was 0.973, whereas that for CA19-9 level was 0.809. For the combination of the panel and CA19-9 level, the AUC was 0.990 in patients with RPC. Furthermore, even in patients with RPC and normal CA19-9 level, the AUC for the octet-biomarker panel was 0.969, whereas that for CA19-9 level alone was 0.787 and for the combination of the panel and CA19-9 level was 0.977.
Conclusion: Compared with CA19-9, the mRNA-based immunologic octet-biomarker panel improved diagnostic performance, especially in RPC with normal CA19-9 levels.
Solidified magma reservoir derived from seismic exploration in the Aira caldera, southern Kyushu, Japan
Authors: Miyamachi Hiroki , Yakiwara Hiroshi , Kobayashi Reiji , Hirano Shuichiro , Kubo Takeshi , Souda Masakazu , Sakao Kenyu , Unno Naohiro , Matsushima Takeshi , Uchida Kazunari , Miyamachi Rintaro , Isoda Kenshin , Teguri Yoshiko , Kamiya Yoshinosuke , Triahadini Agnis , Shimizu Hiroshi , Katao Hiroshi , Shibutani Takuo , Tameguri Takeshi , Yamashita Yusuke , Miura Tsutomu , Nakagawa Jun , Yoneda Itaru , Kato Shinya , Takishita Kosei , Nakai Kazuho , Maeda Yuta , Watanabe Toshiki , Horikawa Shinichiro , Matsushiro Kenjiro , Okuda Takashi , Tsuji Shuhei , Sogawa Naoki , Hasegawa Daima , Nakahigashi Kazuo , Kurashimo Eiji , Yamada Tomoaki , Abe Hideji , Ando Miwako , Tanaka Shinichi , Ikezawa Satoshi , Iwasaki Takaya , Shinohara Masanao , Sato Toshinori , Yamamoto Mare , Azuma Ryosuke , Hirahara Satoshi , Nakayama Takashi , Suzuki Syuichi , Otomo Shuhei , Hino Ryota , Tsutsui Tomoki , Inoue Yusuke , Takei Ryuichi , Tada Yuya , Takahashi Hiroaki , Murai Yoshio , Aoyama Hiroshi , Ohzono Mako , Shiina Takahiro , Takada Masamitsu , Ichiyanagi Masayoshi , Yamaguchi Teruhiro , Ono Natsuki , Saito Kazuma , Ito Chihiro , Susukida Yuuki , Nakagaki Tatsuya , Tanaka Yasuhisa , Akinaga Yasuhiko
Published: April 2023

Seismic exploration was conducted along a profile running through the Aira caldera located in southern Kyushu, Japan. The caldera was formed by an ignimbrite eruption approximately 30 ka BP, namely, the “AT eruption,” which produced the Ito ignimbrite and widespread Aira-Tanzawa ash. This analysis aimed to clarify the detailed P-wave velocity structure beneath the caldera. Accordingly, 829 inland seismic stations and 42 ocean bottom seismographs were deployed along the 195 km-long seismic profile to record seismic waves generated by numerous controlled seismic sources. A detailed velocity structure of the active Aira caldera was successfully obtained to depths of 20 km through travel-time tomography. A substantial structural difference was observed in the thicknesses of the low-velocity zones between the eastern and western sides in the shallowest region of the Aira caldera, suggesting that the Aira caldera is composed of at least two calderas: the AT caldera associated with the AT eruption, and the Wakamiko caldera associated with the post-AT eruption. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the caldera structure is the existence of a substantially high-velocity zone at depths of 6–11 km beneath the center area of the AT caldera, which can be interpreted as the cooled and solidified magma reservoir formed during or after the AT eruption. In addition, a low-velocity region with approximately 15 km depths indicated a deep magma reservoir. Based on these novel and past research results, a new magma supply model in the Aira caldera was proposed. Further, the spatial distribution of the magma reservoir associated with the AT eruption 30 ka BP was estimated, while the future possibility of larger eruptions in this caldera was discussed.
Association of Vitamin D levels and Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism with obesity in Bangladeshi school-going children:
A case-control study
Authors: Akter Raushanara , Neelotpol Sharmind , Afrose Afrina , Sharmin Shahana , Haque Md. Aminul , Rezwan Rifat , Roy Anjan Kumar
Published: April 2023

Background:
Childhood obesity and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) are recent health concerns associated with several clinical, psychosocial, and genetic manifestations like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, and cancer. This study aimed to investigate the association between lifestyle variables and vitamin D levels and VDR gene polymorphism with obesity among Bangladeshi school-going children.
Methods:
Epidemiological data and blood samples were collected from a total of 164 participants aged 6-13. Serum vit-D level was measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) and four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the VDR gene such as TaqI, BsmI, ApaI, and FokI were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (PCR-RFLP).
Results:
The vit-D level was significantly lower in obese children (37.54 ± 14.39 ng/mL) compared to the underweight, normal, and overweight groups (44 .08 ± 15.57 to 50.46 ± 19.25 ng/mL) (p=0.013). Among the lifestyle variables, sunlight exposure during the daytime had a significant effect on the vit-D level of the participants regardless of their BMI status (p=0.003). The SNPs of the VDR gene study demonstrated that the Bb allele of the BsmI gene in obese children (58.62%) was significantly different from the control groups (73.33%) (p=0.02). 24.14% of obese children were of BB genotype, 58.62% of Bb genotype, and 17.24% of bb genotype, while in controls, BB, Bb, and bb genotypes were 20%, 73.33%, and 6.67%, respectively. Importantly, 66.67% of children with vit-D deficiency were BsmI-bb genotype carriers whereas only 5% of children were BsmI-bb genotype carriers who had sufficient vit-D concentrations.
Conclusion:
A significant association of reduced vitamin D levels and Bb alleles of the BsmI with childhood obesity has been identified. Hence, reduced vitamin D levels and VDR-BsmI polymorphism are risk factors for childhood obesity and suggest further study with a larger number of participants and lifestyle as well as therapeutic interventions in obese children.
Development and evaluation of the thermal contribution of a vapor chamber cooling structure in the shaft for motor spindle
Authors: Liang Feng , Rohlfs Wilko , Xu Liang , Gao Jianmin
Published: April 2023

The thermally induced deformation of motor spindles, which is an essential component of machine tool, takes significant responsibility for the overall processing errors. Traditionally, water-cooling-circuit is applied to dissipate the heat generated in the built-in motor and the bearings. However, with the increasing demand of high-speed machining and high precision, water-cooling-circuit becomes less efficient to deal with the heat generation in the system. To overcome this conundrum, a Vapor Chamber Cooling Structure (VCCS) inside the spindle shaft is proposed and designed aiming to enhance its effective thermal conductivity. The potential of heat removal of the VCCS is experimentally investigated for a set of operational conditions, including the influence of working fluid, fluid load, rotational speed, and heating power. The results indicate that the heat transport through the shaft with the VCCS is noticeably improved. A theoretical model is developed to determine the liquid film profile and heat transfer in the VCCS. The thin-film heat transfer coefficient is obtained based on the experimental and numerical results, which is correlated with the thermophysical properties and film thickness of the working liquid to reveal the heat transfer mechanisms inside the thin-film.
Coronary artery disease, its associations with ocular, genetic and blood lipid parameters
Authors: Matulevičiūtė Indrė , Tatarūnas Vacis , Lesauskaitė Vaiva , Skipskis Vilius , Čiapienė Ieva , Veikutienė Audronė , Dobilienė Olivija , Žaliūnienė Dalia
Published: April 2023

Background/Objectives. To investigate the associations between ophthalmic parameters, CYP4F2 (rs2108622) and ABCA1 (rs1883025) polymorphisms and coronary artery disease, considering the accessibility, non-invasive origin of retinal examination and its possible resemblance to coronary arteries.
Subjects/Methods. 165 participants divided into groups based on the coronary angiography results and clinical status: control group (N=73), MI group (N=63), 3VD (three vessel disease) (N=24). All the participants underwent total ophthalmic examination – optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography of the macula region were performed and evaluated. Total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and triglyceride cholesterol (Tg-C) were tested. A standard manufacturer’s protocol for CYP4F2(rs2108622) and ABCA1 (rs1883025) was used for genotyping with TaqMan probes.
Results. GCL+ layer was thicker in control group vs. 3VD group (74.00; 62.67-94.67 (median; min.-max.) vs. 71.06; 51.33-78.44, p=0.037). T allele carriers under ABCA1 rs1883025 dominant model were shown to have ticker retina and smaller foveal avascular zone in superficial capillary plexus and smaller Tg-C concentration. ABCA1 rs1883025 was associated with retinal thickness (OR=0.575, 95 % CI 0.348-0.948, p=0.030).Univariate logistic regression showed that ABCA1 rs1883025 CT genotype is associated with decreased risk for coronary artery disease development under overdominant genetic model (OR=0.498, 95 % CI 0.254-0.976; p=0.042) and codominant genetic model (OR=0.468, 95 % CI 0.232-0.945, p=0.034).
Conclusions. Results of this study confirmed that non-invasive methods such as OCT of eye might be used for identification of patients at risk of CAD.
Research progress on ecology and sustainable development of Guilin Lijiang River Basin, China based on bibliometric analysis
Authors: DONG Shulong , MO Yanhua , MA Jiangming
Published: April 2023

Guilin is a typical representative of karst landform in South China. Because of its unique geographical landform and hydrological environment, Lijiang River Basin has received a certain degree of attention in field of ecology and sustainable development. In order to understand the hot spots, research frontiers and literature overview in the research field of Guilin Lijiang River Basin Ecology and Sustainable Development (GLRBESD), and clarify current and future research directions. Results showed that number of published papers was in a fluctuating upward trend from 1992 to 2022 and from 2011 to 2022, respectively. Work of scholars in this field has been continuously strengthened and deepened, and overall scientific research results show an increasing trend. Research objects and topics are mainly aimed at the water resources, climate and environment of GLRB Landscape ecology and SDGs index construction. Research of GLRBESD published documents has the characteristics of multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary integration. High-frequency keywords in research field focus on ecotourism, ecological restoration and sustainable development, mainly based on the research of ecotourism development. Impact of environmental factor changes and human activities on land use change in different periods is an important research topic. Core research fields of GLRBESD on macro-scale can be divided into ESV and function, ecological compensation and ecotourism, ecological environment and ecological restoration, ecological network and ecological risk assessment, sustainable development. This research provides systematic scientific research basis for enhancing sustainable development ability and ecosystem functions and services of World Natural Heritage Site.
Low antimony concentration promoted growth, glucosinolates metabolism and biological activity of two Brassica sp.
Authors: Khamis Galal , Hassan Abdelrahim H. A. , Alsherif Emad A. , Korany Shereen Magdy
Published: April 2023

Antimony (Sb), a common rare heavy metal, found naturally in soils at low conecntrations. Thus, this study aimed to understand how plants cope with the low Sb concentrations. To this end, Brassica napus and Brassica rapa were treated with Sb at 8 mg/kg soil to explore their responses on the levels of growth, photosynthesis, glucosinolates metabolism, redox status and and biological activity. Our results revealed that Sb significantly promoted growth by 1.34 and 1.14-fold in B. napus and B. rapa compared to control conditions. This increase can be explained by the observed increase in photosynthesis as indicated by increased chlorophyll content. Sb significantly improved total glucosinolates accumulation, possibly through improved amino acids production, namely, alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. There were increases in myrosinase activity, which stimulated glucosinolates hydrolysis to yield health-promoting sulforaphane. In contrast, low level of ineffective sulforaphane nitrile was detected. Sb also improved the antioxidant metabolities (tocopherol) and enzymes (CAT, POX, SOD) in both species but to more extent in B.napus by 1.98, 2.77, 2.46 and 2.05 fold, respectively. This increase in glucosinolates and antioxidants led to increased brassic In conclusion, although high Sb concetrations is toxic, low natural Sb conecntrations can promote the biomass and bioactive compound accumulation in Brassica spp.
Genomic properties and clinical outcomes associated with tertiary lymphoid structures in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Wang Liye , Gong Shuai , Pang Lina , Zhang Shengli , Zhang Xiaoke , He Wei
Published: April 2023

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) play a crucial role in determining prognosis and response to immunotherapy in several solid malignancies. Nevertheless, the effect of TLS-associated gene signature based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort in patients with breast cancer (BC) remains controversial. Based on TCGA BC dataset (n=866), 9-gene was identified to construct an TLS signature and further analyzed its prognostic value. Then, we explored the relationship of this TLS signature with molecular subtype, immune microenvironment, tumor mutational burden (TMB). High-TLS signature patients had a better overall survival (OS) than low-TLS signature patients, consistent with the results in the METABRIC cohort. Multivariate analysis revealed that TLS signature remained an independent prognostic indicator for OS. In addition, we established a nomogram with the integration of TLS signature and other independent variables to predict individual risk of death. The comprehensive results showed that a high TLS signature was correlated with inhibition of cell proliferation pathways, low TP53 mutation rate, high infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and M1 macrophages, and more benefit from immunotherapy. Therefore, TLS signature is a promising biomarker to distinguish the prognosis, the molecular and immune characteristics, and the immune benefit from immunotherapy in BC.
Topic: Facilitating disclosure of traditional medicine use to Allopathic Medicine Practitioners: A case study in Gauteng
Authors: Gumede* Lindiwe , Nkosi Busisiwe P. , Sibiya Nokuthula M.
Published: April 2023

Background Traditional medicine (TM) plays a key role in maintaining health in many societies. While Allopathic Medicine Practitioners (AMPs) continue to adhere to allopathic medicine (AM) techniques, the use of TM endures for a variety of reasons. Given the requirement for TM disclosure, AMPs must encourage open communication with patients to persuade those who use TM and AM to disclose. We sought to understand and describe how South African AMPs facilitate disclosure of TM use during a consultation with patients who use both TM and AM and how it influences the patient’s willingness to disclose TM use.Methods This qualitative case study on AMPs at Gauteng district hospitals in South Africa was conducted between 2021 and 2022. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to sample 14 AMPs. Individual participants were encouraged to share their unique experiences and interpretations of the phenomenon. Data were audio recorded, transcribed, loaded in ATLAS.ti and analysed. Using inductive content analysis, the material was reduced into themes that may meet the study questions.Results The data revealed four main themes: 'providing a suitable atmosphere for disclosure,' 'encouraging patients to disclose TM usage to AMPs,' 'patient autonomy,' and 'AMP training'. During a consultation with patients who use both TM and AM, participants expressed their experiences and perceptions of TM nondisclosure. They also discussed several methods for encouraging patients to disclose their TM usage, particularly when TM is used concurrently with AM.Conclusion This study goes beyond the previously widely reported and explored distinctions in barriers and facilitators and investigates the issues driving non-disclosure of TM during a consultation with patients who use TM and AM without disclosing. Many AMPs struggle to initiate TM conversations with their patients which result in non-disclosure. This necessitates facilitation that is appropriate for all patients, assuming the possibility of TM use.
Genotype by environment interactions and stability for grain yield and other agronomic traits of sorghum in Ethiopia
Authors: Birhanu Chemeda , Mekbib Firew , Lule Dagnachew , Bekeko Zelalem , Girma Gezahegn , Tirfessa Alemu , Ayana Getachew , Mengiste Tesfaye
Published: April 2023

Environmental changes pose major impacts on the performance of genotype with important implications for crop improvement strategies. Hence, breeders pay attention to the effects of GxE interaction (GEI) for exploitation of genetic resources. Twenty sorghum genotypes selected from a large collection of Ethiopian sorghum landraces and two improved varieties were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications at eight locations representing different environmental conditions in Ethiopia. The study aimed at assessing GEI and identifying stable and high-yielding genotypes of sorghum for grain yield and performance for major agronomic traits. Analysis of variance and additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) revealed highly significant (P<0.001) variance due to genotypes, environments, and GEI among all traits except for days to maturity. Plant height, days to maturity, panicle width, panicle weight, and grain yield were highly affected by environments and GEI while days to flowering, panicle length, and thousand-grain weight were mainly affected by genotypic variations. The data also indicated the importance of considering GEI in the identification of high-yielding and stable sorghum genotypes across environments. Among testing sites, Chawaka, Gute, and Uke were ideal environments for grain yield and Asosa was the most discriminative environment. Three genotypes (ETSL100808, Merera, and ETSL100474) were superior and stable across test environments for grain yield and related traits. Overall, based on mean grain yield and disease reaction; AMMI, GGE biplot, and regression models, ETSL100808 was the most stable, high-yielding, and disease-tolerant sorghum genotype suggesting its potential both in the breeding program as donors of traits and for direct release as a variety.
The weakening of the tropical circulation is caused by the lifting of the tropopause height
Authors: Fan Chen-Shuo , Dommenget Dietmar
Published: April 2023

In this study we analyse the physical processes causing the weakening of the tropical circulation in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6). We apply a diagnostic model for the large-scale tropical circulation (vertical motion) based on the moist static energy for the first baroclinic mode (MSEB) and evaluate the sensitivity of the tropical circulation changes to the changes in advection of moisture and heat, the net radiation, the moist static stability, the baroclinic mode to the height of the tropopause. Based on the CMIP6 model simulations we find that the tropical circulation weakens by about 10%-15% over the 21st century. The analysis of the MSEB model suggests that the primary cause for this weakening of the tropical circulation is the lifting of the tropopause height. This effect is fairly uniform throughout the tropics and present in all model simulations. The tropopause height increase shifts the first baroclinic mode away from lower levels with unstable air masses into high levels of the troposphere where stable air masses lead to a stabilisation of the large-scale circulation. Other factors such as changes in the advection of moisture and heat, increased net heating or increased instability of the lower tropospheric gross moist stability do have strong regional differences, and mostly increase tropical circulations, counteracting the weakening caused by the lifting of the tropopause.
C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 13 attenuated endothelial cell ferroptosis by the AMPK/KLF4 pathway
Authors: Du Jie , Wu Jianjun , Zhang Youqi , Liu Qi , Huang Xingtao , Wang Xuedong , Yang Fan , Hou Jingbo
Published: April 2023

Objective: C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 13 (CTRP13) preserves endothelial function and possesses anti-oxidation activity. However, its effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) ferroptosis remain unclear.
Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to evaluate cell viability. LDH assay and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were performed to evaluate the cell membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation. Mito-Tracker, JC-1, and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein di-acetate (DCFH-DA) were used to evaluate the biological activity of mitochondria, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells. The ferroptosis indicator expressions, SLC7A11, GPX4, and ACSL4, were examined using real-time PCR and western blot. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect GPX4 location in endothelial cells.
Results: This study identified a novel anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of CTRP13 inhibiting HUVECs ferroptosis by activating AMPK/KLF4 pathway. The cellular and database levels demonstrated that CTRP13 increased AMPK phosphorylation with subsequent restoration of the elevated KLF4.
Conclusion: These findings provided reliable data on the underlying mechanism of a newly identified adipokine to protect against atherosclerosis.
Multidrug resistant invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella ST313 isolated in Brazil features unique pathogenic mechanisms
Authors: Martins Isabela Mancini , Seribelli Amanda Aparecida , Ribeiro Tamara R. Machado , Silva Patrick , Lustri Bruna Cardinali , Hernandes Rodrigo T. , Falcão Juliana Pfrimer , Moreira Cristiano Gallina
Published: April 2023

Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) from the clonal type ST313 (S. Typhimurium ST313) is the major cause of invasive salmonellosis disease in Africa. Recently in Brazil, iNTS ST313 strains have been isolated from different sources, but there is a lack of understanding the mechanisms behind how these gut bacteria are able to break the gut barrier and reach the patient’s bloodstream. Herein, we compared 13 S. Typhimurium ST313 strains genomes isolated from human-blood cultures investigating aspects of virulence and resistance mechanisms. RNAseq analyses were also performed between the clinical blood isolate and SL1344 prototype, which belongs to ST19 and it was originally isolated from human feces. That analysis reveals here 15-upregulated genes related to pathogenesis in S. Typhimurium ST313 compared to SL1344 (ST19) such as sopD2, sifB, pipB, amongst others. We have also compared these clinical with non-clinical isolates from Brazil, a total of 22 genomes were studied by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). The epidemiological analysis of 22 genomes of S. Typhimurium ST313 strains grouped them into three distinct clusters (A, B and C) by SNP analysis, where cluster A comprised five, the group B six, and the group C 11. The 13 clinical blood isolates were all resistant to streptomycin, 92. 3% strains were resistant to ampicillin and 15.39% strains were resistant to kanamycin. The resistance genes acrA, acrB, mdtK, emrB, emrR, mdsA and mdsB related to the production of efflux pumps were detected in all (100%) strains studied, similar to pathogenic traits investigated. In conclusion, we evidenced the S. Typhimurium ST313 strains isolated in Brazil are different of the African strains ST313. The elevated frequencies of virulence genes such as sseJ, sopD2 and pipB are a major concern in these Brazilian isolates, showing a higher pathogenic potential.
S100PBP is regulated by mutated KRAS and plays a tumour suppressor role in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Srivast Kirtiman , Lines Kate , Jach Daria , Crnogorac-Jurcevic Tatjana
Published: April 2023

We have previously shown that expression of S100PBP, an S100P binding partner, gradually decreases during progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). Here, we show that loss of S100PBP leads to oncogenic transformation of pancreatic cells; after deregulation of S100PBP expression, both in silico and in vitro analyses highlighted alterations of genes known to modulate cytoskeleton, cell motility and survival. Overexpression of S100P reduced S100PBP expression, while co-immunoprecipitation indicated the interaction of S100P with S100PBP-p53-ubiquitin protein complex, likely causing S100PBP degradation. The doxycycline-induced KrasG12D activation resulted in decreased S100PBP levels, while low-dose treatment with HDAC inhibitor MS-275 rescued its expression in both human and mouse PDAC cell lines. This indicates KrasG12D as an upstream epigenetic regulator of S100PBP. Finally, analysis of TCGA PanCancer Atlas PDAC datasets demonstrated poor prognosis in patients with high S100P and low S100PBP expression, suggesting that S100PBP is a novel tumour suppressor gene with potential clinical utility.
Differences of prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy among rural and urban residents in South China
Authors: Xiao Baixiang , Duan Fang , Gu Xuejun , Zuo Jiahao , Chan Ving Fai , Virgili Gianni , Zhou Xiaojun , Price-Sanchez Carlos , Jin Ling , Liu Yuanping , Wang Yanfang , Zhong Yichun , Liao Qinghua , Fu Haoxiang , He Yun , Li Dongfeng , Xu Ping , Li Jia , Huang Wenyong , Congdon Nathan
Published: April 2023

Objective To determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and associated risk factors among rural and urban people living with diabetes mellitus (PwDM ) in southern China.Methods This cross-sectional study informed all the 3,646 PwDM aged > = 18 years in 2019. All were registered at primary health centers in Qujiang district. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on demographic, socioeconomic, medical and lifestyle factors. Blood glucose, lipids and indices of renal function were measured. Presence of DR was determined by trained graders based on fundus photographs using criteria of the United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) Programme. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess potential risk factors for presence of DR.Results The mean age of the 2,677 participants (73.4%) was 63.4 years (SD 10.1 years), 1,503 (56.2%) were female, 1,749 (65.3%) were rural residents, 1,654 (71.0%) participants had HbA1c > = 6.5%, 1,773 (66.3%) had uncontrolled high blood pressure, and the median duration of DM was < 5 years. Although half (52.0%) of these participants had brief (< 5 years) exposure to DM, 831 (31.3%, 95% CI: 29.3–32.8%) had DR, among whom 412 (49.6%) had sight threatening DR. Men (33.1%), had a significantly higher prevalence of any DR than women (29.4%, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in DR prevalence at any level between rural and urban residents. In multivariate regression models, risk factors for any DR were HbA1C > 6.5% (OR = 1.58 p < 0.01), using insulin and hypoglycemic drugs (OR = 1.76, p < 0.01), longer duration of DM and higher systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.01 for each mmHg, p < 0.01).Conclusion Although half of participants had DM for < 5 years, the high prevalence of DR, poorly controlled blood glucose and uncontrolled hypertension highlight the need for better management of non-communicable diseases in rural China.
Accurate long-read sequencing identified GBA variants as a major genetic risk factor in the Luxembourg Parkinson’s study
Authors: Krüger Rejko , Pachchek Sinthuja , Landoulsi Zied , Pavelka Lukas , Schulte Claudia , Buena-Atienza Elena , Gross Caspar , Hauser Ann-Kathrin , Bobbili Dheeraj , Casadei Nicolas , May Patrick
Published: April 2023

Heterozygous variants in the glucocerebrosidase GBAgene are an increasingly recognized risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Due to the pseudogene GBAP1 that shares 96% sequence homology with the GBAcoding region, accurate variant calling by array-based or short-read sequencing methods remains a major challenge in understanding the genetic landscape of GBA-related PD. We established a novel long-read sequencing technology for assessing the full length of the GBA gene. We used subsequent regression models for genotype-phenotype analyses. We sequenced 752 patients with parkinsonism and 806 healthy controls of the Luxembourg Parkinson’s study. All GBAvariants identified showed a 100% true positive rate by Sanger validation. We found 12% of unrelated PD patients carrying GBA variants. Three novel variants of unknown significance (VUS) were identified. Using a structure-based approach, we defined a potential risk prediction method for VUS. This study describes the full landscape of GBA-related parkinsonism in Luxembourg, showing a high prevalence of GBA variants as the major genetic risk for PD. Our approach provides an important advancement for highly accurate GBA variant calling, which is essential for providing access to emerging causative therapies for GBA carriers.
Genome-wide identification of Cell Wall Associated Kinases -Like (WAKL) family in maize (Zea mays L.) and its Gibberellin mediated transcriptional regulation during kernel early development
Authors: Hu Kun , Dai Qiao , Ajayo Babatope , Wang Hao , Hu Yufeng , Li Yangping , Huang Huanhuan , Liu Hanmei , Liu Yinghong , Wang Yayun , Gao Lei , Xie Ying
Published: April 2023

Background The wall associated kinase (WAK) and WAK-like kinase (WAKL) form a kinase family which is reported to be involved in cell expansion and development. However, genome-wide analysis of WAK/WAKLs in maize was barely performed and their molecular regulations remain unclear.Results 58 maize WAKL genes were identified and classified into 3 phylogenetic groups and structure prediction indicated functions of WAKLs are conserved. Cis-acting elements revealed that ZmWAKL genes may be transcriptionally regulated by Gibberellins (GA). Expression and co-expression analyses indicated that ZmWAKL38, ZmWAKL42 and ZmWAKL52 were highly expressed in maize kernels and respectively exhibited a high correlation with GA up-regulated kernel preferentially expressed transcription factors, TF5 (Zm00001d027802), TF6 (Zm00001d006551), and TF8 (Zm00001d036768). qPCR shew that ZmWAKL38, ZmWAKL42, ZmWAKL52, TF5, TF6 and TF8 increased their expression after GA treated. Furthermore, the transcriptional activity of ZmWAKL52 promoter shew the most dramatic enhance activated by TF8 and ZmWAKL52 were located in plasma membrane. ZmWAKL38 and ZmWAKL42 were positively regulated by TF5 and TF6 respectively.Conclusion Our study preliminarily identifies three ZmWAKL genes which are preferentially expressed in maize kernel and transcriptionally regulated by GA-mediated TFs. In summary, our research provides a better understanding of ZmWAKL genes, facilitates maize breeding and offers acknowledge for future functional studies.
Pituitary Macroadenomas in Childhood and Adolescence: A Clinical Analysis of 7 Patients
Authors: aguilar-riera cristina , Clemente María , Gonzalez-Llorens Núria , Mogas Eduard , Campos-Martorell Ariadna , Fàbregas Anna , Biagetti Betina , Vázquez Elida , Yeste Diego
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Pituitary adenomas (PPAs) are uncommon in childhood and adolescence, accounting for 2-6% of all intracranial neoplasms. Delayed puberty, growth retardation, galactorrhea and weight gain are common features at presentation in pediatric patients. Functional tumors constitute a vast majority (90%) of PPAs, with the most frequent being prolactinomas.

CASE PRESENTATION

A retrospective review of the clinical features and outcomes of 7 pediatric patients with pituitary macroadenomas was conducted. We included PPAs in patients under 18 years at diagnosis with diameters larger than 10mm by magnetic resonance (MRI).
Six patients were males (85%), with age at diagnosis ranging from 8 to 15 (median 14+/2.8SDS). The primary symptoms that led to medical attention were growth retardation, gigantism and secondary amenorrhea. The visual field was reduced in three cases (42%). Suprasellar extension was present in 3 subjects, and one had a giant adenoma. Adenomas were clinically functioning in 6 patients (85%) (three prolactinomas, two somatropinomas, one secreting FSH and one no-producer). The prolactinomas responded to treatment with cabergoline. For the rest, one required transsphenoidal surgery and the other three both surgery and radiotherapy. All patients undergoing radiotherapy had secondary panhypopituitarism. In relation to the genetic studies, two patients presented a pathogenic mutation of the AIP gene and one of the MEN1.

DISCUSION AND CONCLUSION

Pediatric pituitary macroadenomas are a distinct entity, mostly found in males and with a predominance of functional tumors leading to detrimental effects on growth and puberty in addition to neuro-ophthalmological manifestations. It is important to perform genetic studies in patients with macroadenomas appearing under the age of 30 years as genetic and syndromic associations are more frequent in this age group.
Ki 67 Cut-off Level & mPEPI Score: Any Predictive Role for Neoadjuvant ‘Chemotherapy’ Efficacy in Locally Advanced HER2 Negative Luminal-like Breast Cancer?
Authors: Dogan Mutlu , Karacin Cengiz , Kaman Omur , Bulut Zarife Melda , Kiziltan Gamze , Oksuzoglu Berna , Dogan Lutfi
Published: April 2023

Purpose:Role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC) & modified preoperative endocrine prognostic index (mPEPI) score after NAC is unclear in locally advanced HER2(-) breast cancer(LA-HnLBC).We evaluated prognostic & predictive factors for NAC in LA-HnLBC retrospectively. Methods:All had doxorubicin+/-taxane as NAC.They were grouped as pCR/non-pCR & categorized for PR/ki67/ki67 decline/mPEPI score. Ki67 cut-offs were as 20 & median values in our study. Results:142 LA-HnLBC pCR( n:26) & non-pCR(n:116) patients were included.Median age was 53 years. pCR rate was 18.3%. Median ER/PR/ki67 were as 90/40/40 %. Median ki67 was 40 for basal & postoperative. pCR group had more T2(73%), grade 3(69%) & non-pCR had more T3(21%), grade 2(46%) tumors (p=0.03,p=0.03). pCR group had lower mPEPI score (3.5 vs 5,p=0.05). 5y-DFS was 69% (93.8% vs 63.4%, p=0.012). 5y-OS was 77% (100% vs 72%, p=0.018). In univariate analysis, high basal/postoperative ki67 levels, ki67 decline & mPEPI score were significant poor prognostic factors for DFS (p=0.01, p< 0.001, p=0.017, p<0.001) & OS (p=0.006, p=0.003, p=0.05, p=0.001) in non-pCR goup. Prognostic cut-offs were as 40 for basal ki67 (DFS & OS), 20 for postoperative ki67 (DFS), 4 for mPEPI (DFS) & 30 for ki67 decline (OS). Conclusion: Favorable prognostic factors were defined as lower basal ki67 level (<40%) & higher ki67 decline (ki67 <30%) for OS; lower basal ki67 (<40%), po ki 67 (<20%) & mPEPI score (<4) for DFS after NAC in LA HnLBC. Different prognostic cut-offs for basal & postoperative ki 67 is striking. mPEPI score may also have prognostic significance after NAC, T in LA-HnLBC pts.
Axial compression performance of concrete filled double skin (SHS outer and SHS inner) steel tubular columns confined by CFRP
Authors: Wang Caisen , Liang Jiongfeng , Li Wei , He Chunfeng
Published: April 2023

This paper focuses on the axial compression performance of 15 concrete filled double skin tubes CFDST columns by the different CFRP reinforcement schemes. The design of this test used an outer square steel tube with a square steel tube inside and concrete poured at the sandwich and the inner steel tube kept in hollow. Firstly, the damage mechanisms of the specimens were observed and analysed. Secondly, the mechanical properties of the specimens were further analysed from the data of load displacement, peak load and ultimate displacement. The data analysis was mainly used to compare the different axial compressive properties of CFDST columns wrapped with CFRP sheet and those without CFRP sheet. Finally, by referring to the previous model on CFRP-CFST, a modification was made and a computational model of a CFRP-confined CFDST column was developed, which was found to be in good agreement with the experimental results by comparison.