bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prior appendectomy and cerebral infarction as potential risk factors for recurrent ischemic colitis: a case control study
Authors: Higurashi Takuma , Takatsu Tomohiro , Misawa Noboru , Yoshihara Tsutomu , Ashikari Keiichi , Kessoku Takaomi , Ohkubo Hidenori , Hosono Kunihiro , Yoneda Masato , Saito Satoru , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: February 2022

Background: Ischemic colitis (IC) is a benign disease associated with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding and frequent recurrence. While several studies have investigated risk factors for IC onset, few have assessed the risk factors for recurrent IC. This study aimed to identify risk factors for recurrent IC.Methods: Potential risk factors for recurrence were assessed by examining medical records and laboratory findings in this single-center retrospective study. We extracted the following data from the patients’ medical records: patient characteristics, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, method of treatment, length of hospital stay, disease course, and the frequency of IC morbidities. Patients with IC were selected from a total of 439,312 patients over an 11-year period. Patients were divided into recurrent and non-recurrent IC groups. Results: In total, 225 patients met the diagnostic criteria for IC during the specified study period; of these, 204 (90.7%) and 21 (9.3%) were included in the non-recurrent and recurrent IC groups, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed a significant association between IC recurrence and both cerebral infarction (p = 0.01, odds ratio=5.41) and history of appendectomy (p = 0.0009, odds ratio = 5.19). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up time for all patients was 1556 (353–2768) days; this was much longer than the median (IQR) time to recurrence of 291 (64–907) days in the recurrent IC group.Conclusions: Prior cerebral infarction and appendectomy are potential risk factors for IC recurrence. However, the pathogenic mechanism of IC remains to be determined.Trial registration: B200400003 (Yokohama City University Certified Institutional Review Board, March 27th, 2020), UMIN ID 000044303 (retrospectively registered, May 24th, 2021)
CRISPR Cas9 Mediated Generation of Bex2 KO Mouse Model and Transcriptome Analysis of the Brain
Authors: Bahadar Noor , Sah Rajiv Kumar , Adlat Salah , Ullah Hanif , Oo Zinmar , Bah Fatoumata Binta , Hayel Farooq , Umar Muhammad , Feng Xuechao , Zheng Yaowu , Zong Minru , Myint May Zun Zaw
Published: February 2022

Background. BEX family genes are expressed in many tissues and play significant roles in neuronal development. Methods. In this study, a mouse model of Bex2 gene knockout was generated, using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. A fragment of the coding exon was successfully deleted. ﻿RT-qPCR confirmed loss of gene expression at the mRNA level. A transcriptomic study of the brain was performed to identify genes and pathways under Bex2 regulation. Essential biological functions under the control of Bex2 related to brain development were identified. Results. A total of 93 genes were found as differentially expressed. Among up-regulated genes, Zfp967 and Zfp984, are zf protein-related genes. Tmsb15l is related to neuronal physiology. Among KEGG pathways, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and neuroactive ligand-receptor integration were most enriched. GO analysis identified cellular process, biological regulation, the metabolic process for Biological Processes. Cell, cell membrane, extracellular region and synapsis were found for Cellular Component. While binding, catalytic activity, molecular function were found for Molecular Function. A total of 53 KEGG disease terms were identified, included TNDM, Non-syndromic X-linked mental retardation, Neurodegeneration due to cerebral folate transport deficiency, Schizencephaly. Besides, HMGA, TF-Otx, RXR-like, SAND, zf-C2H2 and Homeobox transcription factors were enriched. A further study is required to confirm and explain each aspect identified.
Towards Viable Eco-friendly Matrices for Controlled Pesticide Delivery: Adsorptive Behaviour of Cow Dung Ash and Starch Towards Organophosphorus Pesticides
Authors:   1,2 - Chinyere Emmanuella Okafor,   2 - Ikenna Onyido
Published: February 2022

The work reported herein explores the viability of cow dung as a matrix for controlled pesticide delivery, by comparing its adsorptive characteristics towards two organophosphorus pesticides with those of starch, conventionally utilized in designing controlled pesticide delivery systems. Characterization of cow dung ash (CDA) was by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Pesticide adsorption data on the surfaces correlate well with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, with the former isotherm giving a slightly better fit (R2 \(\ge\) 0.90) than the latter (R2 \(\ge\) 0.81). Values of the adsorption parameters KL and RL indicate favourable pesticide adsorption on both surfaces. Desorption is the microscopic reverse of adsorption; both processes obey pseudo-second-order kinetics, implicating a mechanism in which adsorbate diffusion to the polymer surface and its transport into the polymer interior are important events. The isothermal and kinetic ratios \(\frac{{K}_{L}^{CDA}}{{K}_{L}^{Starch}}\)= 3.8 and 4.0, \(\frac{{k}_{2}^{CDA}}{{k}_{2}^{Starch} }\) = 1.3 and 0.6, and \(\frac{{k}_{-2}^{CDA}}{{k}_{-2}^{Starch}}\) = 5.2 and 1.0 at pH 7 and 27oC, compare the adsorptive behaviour of diazinon and dichlorvos, respectively, on CDA and starch. These parameters are of the same order of magnitude, signalling that CDA is as potentially viable as starch for use as a matrix for pesticide-controlled delivery.
The Inflammatory Prognostic Index; A Potential Predictor In Stage-4 Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ozveren Ahmet , Erdogan Atike , Ekinci Ferhat
Published: February 2022

Background: Clinical researches regarding the determination of effective and simple prognostic markers for gastric cancer are still being carried out effectively. Inflammatory prognostic index (IPI) has been accepted as a promising prognostic marker in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Aims: To evaluate the usability of the inflammatory prognostic index in stage 4 gastric cancer, which has been shown to be effective in lung cancer. Methods: A total of 152 patients with stage 4 gastric cancer, whose laboratory progression-free survival and overall survival data could be accessed, were evaluated.Kaplan Meier analysis was used to show survival curves. Hazard ratios (HRS) were expressed as 95% CIs in the analyses. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulationsResults: Median age at diagnosis is 63 (range: 32 to 88 years). The number of patients who received first-line chemotherapy was 129 (84.9%). Progression-free survival in first line treatment was median 5.3 months, Progression-free survival in second line treatment was 3.3 months, and median overall survival (os) was 9.4 months. Median IPI score was 22.2. We evaluated overall survival in the roc analysis and set the threshold value for the IPI score as 14.6. Low IPI score was significantly associated with longer PFS and OS compared with high IPI (PFS in high vs low IPI, 3.6 vs 7 months; p<0.001) (OS in high vs low IPI, 6.6 vs 14.2 months; p<0.001)Conclusions: IPI score can be an independent prognostic index that is inexpensive, easy to access and evaluate for metastatic gastric cancer patients, and may be useful in predicting survival in daily practice.
Preoperative Clinical Application of Human Fibrinogen in Patients With Acute Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection: a Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Jiahui , Wu Qingsong , Tang Mirong , Shen Yue , Qiu Zhihuang , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Xingfeng , Chen Liangwan
Published: February 2022

Objective: To evaluate the perioperative clinical efficacy of preoperative human fibrinogen treatment in patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).Methods: Data of 159 patients with ATAAD who underwent emergency surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether human fibrinogen was administered before surgery. The preoperative clinical data, surgical data, postoperative data, complications related to the coagulation function, and mortality of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results: The in-hospital mortality was similar in the two groups (2.9% versus 9.3%, P = 0.122). However, group A had a significantly shorter operation time (279.24±39.03 versus 298.24±45.90, P=0.008), lower intraoperative blood loss (240.48±96.75 versus 353.70±189.80, P＜0.001), and reduced intraoperative transfusion requirement of red blood cells (2.61±1.18 versus 6.05±1.86, P＜0.001). The postoperative suction drainage within 24 hours in group A was significantly decreased (243.24±201.52 versus 504.22±341.08，P=0.002). The incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in group A was lower than that in group B (3.8% versus 14.8%, P =0.023). Similarly, the incidence of postoperative hepatic insufficiency in group A was lower than that in group B (1.9% versus 9.3%, P =0.045). In group A, the mechanical ventilation time was shorter (47.68±28.61 versus 118.21±173.16, P=0.004) along with reduced ICU stay time (4.06±1.18 versus 8.09±9.42, P=0.003), and postoperative hospitalization days (19.20±14.60 versus 23.50±7.56, P=0.004).Conclusion: Preoperative administration of human fibrinogen in patients undergoing ATAAD surgery can effectively reduce the intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion amount, shorten the operation time, reduce postoperative complications, and improve the early prognosis of patients, in addition to being highly safe.
Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling: Finding novel components off the beaten track
Authors: Wong Aloysius , Bi Chuyun , Pasqualini Stefania , Gehring Chris
Published: February 2022

The sesquiterpene abscisic acid (ABA) is an ancient universal stress response molecule. In plants, many ABA-dependent processes operate via the PYR/PYL/RCAR receptor complexes, however, there is evidence suggesting that not all plant responses operate through this mechanism. This is consistent with ABA responses in animals and humans which do not contain such receptors. We hypothesize that plant and animal proteomes harbour proteins with undiscovered ABA-binding sites and propose that carefully curated amino acid search motifs deduced from the binding sites of experimentally confirmed ABA-binding proteins can identify many more candidates in plant and animal proteomes many of which show folds that are compatible with ABA-binding. Plant candidates include annotated ABA downstream signaling components such as SnRK2.2 and SnRK2.6 and proteins with roles in protein folding and RNA polyadenylation, while candidates in the human proteome affect, among other processes, immune responses and tumor progression. If these candidates will eventually be experimentally validated, it will imply that the regulation and tuning of ABA-dependent processes is considerably more complex than hitherto suspected and it will also expand and help to clarify the role of ABA in animal systems.
Agroclimatic Zoning for the Incidence of Brown Eye Spot on Coffee Under Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: de Lima Rafael Fausto , OLIVEIRA-APARECIDO LUCAS Eduardo , Torsoni Guilherme Botega , Chiquitto Alisson Gaspar , Moraes José Reinaldo , Rolim Glauco de Souza
Published: February 2022

Brown eye spot (Cercospora coffeicola) is one of the main fungal diseases of coffee, leading to a significant drop in crop productivity and beverage quality in Brazil. This study aimed to elaborate an agroclimatic zoning for the incidence of brown eye spot on coffee under climate change scenarios, as suggested by IPCC (IPCC-AR5), in the main coffee-growing regions. Climate data of air temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity were collected from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources – NASA/POWER platform from 1989 to 2020 for 46 municipalities in the states of Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Goiás, and Bahia. The ideal climate for brown eye spot occurrence consists of an air temperature (Tmean) between 18 and 30 °C, relative humidity (RHmean) > 90%, and leaf wetness duration (LWD) > 9 hours. The number of hours of leaf wetness was determined by the sum of hours with relative humidity > 90%. Relative humidity was estimated for each hour of the day using estimated data of mean dew point temperature, maximum relative humidity, minimum relative humidity, and air temperature. Climate change scenarios were designed based on sets of climate simulations for the 21st century. Scenario S1 is the current scenario without changes, while scenarios S2 and S3 show Tmean + 1.5 °C and 3.0 °C, respectively, with RHmean without changes. Scenarios S4 and S5 present RHmean varying from −30% to +30%, respectively, with Tmean unchanged. In the current scenario (S1), Minas Gerais presented a predominance of 100% for low climate risk to brown eye spot in September. Paraná presented a medium risk in 76.15% of the state in April. Scenarios S2 and S3 showed significant changes, increasing the average fitness class in the study region, mainly in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Paraná. Scenario S4 showed 100% predominance of the low-risk class. In contrast, S5 showed the occurrence of the high-risk class for the study region with a +30% increase in relative humidity. The state of Minas Gerais presented a predominance of the high-risk class for the development of C. coffeicola in 76, 100, 97.83, 89.3, 93.46, 80.64, and 57.77% from November to May, respectively. The presence of high relative humidity represents the main factor for the expansion of the high-risk class for the development of C. coffeicola.
Derivation, Comprehensive Analysis of Cancer-associated Fibroblasts and Their Correlation to Prognosis, Immune Status and Drug Sensitivity in Patients of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Xiao Bo , Liu Liyan , Chen Zhuoyuan , Li Aoyu , Xia Yu , Wang Pingxiao , Zhao Ziyue , Xiang Cheng , Zeng Yi , Li Hui , Xiao Tao
Published: February 2022

Background: Soft tissue sarcoma is among the most challenging malignancies for clinicians and associated with poor prognosis. Former studies have revealed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are involved in tumor development, migration, invasion and metastasis.Methods: DEGs and WGCNA were employed to obtain significant CAFs-related genes for constructing the signature. Somatic mutation, immune status, immune checkpoints and chemotherapy sensitivity were applied to define the characteristics of the identified signature. Differentially expressed genes between the distinct groups and WGCNA were employed to obtain CAFs score of each patient. Results: 35 genes were identified as CAFs-related genes in soft tissue sarcoma samples. Then, 12 CAFs-related genes were associated with overall survival in univariate Cox regression analysis and K-M method. The five genes signature was constructed based on the result from the LASSO regression analysis in train cohort. K-M curve showed that patients in the low CAFs score group had better survival, with immune infiltration and function significantly increased (P<0.05). The 1-, 3- and 5- year survival AUC values were 0.773, 0.724, and 0.726, respectively. The analysis of tumor mutations revealed that TP53, ATRX, TTN, RB1 and MUC16 were enriched in both clusters. The analysis of chemotherapy response demonstrated that most of chemotherapeutic drugs in GDSC database had lower IC50 in the high-risk group. All of the results were validated in test and whole cohorts. Conclusion: This study strongly revealed the indispensable role of CAFs in soft tissue sarcoma and constructed the prognostic signature including five CAFs-related genes.
Comparative Effects of Physical Exercise and Estradiol Therapy on Mitochondrial Density, Redox and Inflammatory Status in the Skeletal Muscle of Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Silva Sara Barros , Honorato-Sampaio Kinulpe , Costa Sabrina Paula , Domingos Talita Emanuela , Cruz Timilly Mayra Martins da , Rodrigues Cíntia Maria , Costa Karine Beatriz , Santos Jousielle Márcia dos , Lage Vanessa Kelly da Silva , Gaiad Thais Peixoto , Santos Ana Paula , Peixoto Marco Fabrício Dias , Coimbra Cândido Celso , Reis Adelina Martha dos , Szawka Raphael Escorsim , Figueiredo Pedro Henrique Scheidt , Costa Henrique Silveira , Oliveira Murilo Xavier , Mendonça Vanessa Amaral , Lacerda Ana Cristina Rodrigues
Published: February 2022

Background

Previous studies have highlighted the positive effects of estrogen replacement therapy during menopause. In addition, a growing body of evidence has also proven several beneficial effects of other therapeutic strategies, especially physical exercise, to counteract the deleterious effects of menopause on skeletal muscle. However, a comparison of the effects of exercise training versus hormone replacement therapy after menopause on muscle mitochondrial profile and redox/inflammatory status has not been investigated to date. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of endurance training versus estradiol therapy on mitochondrial density, redox status, and inflammatory biomarkers in the skeletal muscle of ovariectomized rats.
Methods

Thirty twelve weeks-old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups: Untrained ovariectomized rats (OVX-NAT); untrained ovariectomized rats with estrogen (ES) replacement (OVX-ER); and, trained ovariectomized rats (OVX-AT). After ovariectomy, The OVX-ER rats were treated with ES (subcutaneously implanted Silastic® capsule containing 360 µg of 17β-estradiol/mL) while the OVX-AT group performed a training protocol (50~70% of maximal running speed on a treadmill, 60 min/day, five days/week for eight weeks). All animals performed a maximal treadmill test before and after the training protocol. After euthanasia, the soleus muscle was processed for histological e biochemical evaluations.
Results

The maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), mitochondrial muscle density, total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), catalase (CAT) activity, and interleukin 10 levels improved only in the OVX-AT group, while only the OVX-ER rats presented an increase in CAT activity and a decrease in interleukin 6 levels.
Conclusions

Both endurance exercise training and estradiol therapy improve redox and inflammatory balance in the skeletal muscle of ovariectomized rats; however, only exercise increases VO2max and mitochondrial muscle density.
The hospitalization rate of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis before and during COVID-19 pandemic era: A single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gharamaleki Maryam Vasaghi , Habibagahi Maryam , Hooshmandi Etrat , Tabrizi Reza , Arsang-Jang Shahram , Barzegar Zohreh , Fadakar Nima , Ostovan Vahid Reza , Rahimi-Jaberi Abbas , Ashjazadeh Nahid , Petramfar Peyman , Poursadeghfard Maryam , Izadi Sadegh , Nazeri Masoumeh , Bazrafshan Hanieh , Bahrami Zahra , Karimlu Sadigheh , Zafarmand Seyedeh Shaghayegh , Bayat Mahnaz , Salehi Mohammad Saied , Owjfard Maryam , Haghighi Saeideh Karimi , Safari Anahid , Chew Beng Lim Alvin , Worrall Bradford B , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Esperson Carlos Garcia , Spratt Neil , Levi Christopher , Azarpazhooh Mahmoud Reza , Borhani-Haghighi Afshin
Published: February 2022

Background
There are several reports of the association between SARS-CoV-2infection (COVID-19) and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). In this study, we aimed to compare the hospitalization rate of CVST before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (before vaccination program).
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, the hospitalization rate of adult CVST patients in Namazi hospital, a tertiary referral center in the south of Iran, was compared in two periods of time. We defined March 2018 to March 2019 as the pre-COVID-19 period and March 2020 to March 2021 as the COVID-19 period.
Results
50 and 77 adult CVST patients were hospitalized in the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods, respectively. The crude CVST hospitalization rate increased from 14.33 in the pre-COVID-19 period to 21.7 per million in the COVID-19 era (P=0.021). However, after age and sex adjustment, the incremental trend in hospitalization rate was not significant (95% CrI: -2.2, 5.14). Patients > 50-year-old were more often hospitalized in the COVID-19 period. (P=0.042) SARS-CoV-2 PCR test was done in 49.3% out of all COVID-19 period patients, which were positive in 6.5%. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥3 at three-month follow-up was associated with age (P=0.015) and malignancy (P=0.014) in pre-COVID period; and was associated with age (P=0.025), altered mental status on admission time (P<0.001), malignancy (P=0.041) and COVID-19 infection (P=0.008) in COVID-19 period.
Conclusion
Since there was a more dismal outcome in COVID-19 associated CVST, a high index of suspicion for CVST among COVID-19 positive is recommended.
Repeated Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy With CyberKnife® in Lung Cancer: Toxicity Can Be Reduced by Sparing Irradiation to the Lungs
Authors: Watanabe Shou , Yamazaki Hideya , Kimoto Takuya , Suzuki Gen , Yamada Kei
Published: February 2022

Background: Data of multiple courses of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for lung malignancies is scarce. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of repeated SBRT with CyberKnife and to identify predictors of lung toxicity.Methods: We reviewed patients with primary or metastatic lung cancer who underwent repeated SBRT with CyberKnife® between December 2013 and April 2021. Local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and adverse events were analyzed. We generated a composite plan and investigated the mean lung dose (MLD), V5–V30 of the bilateral lungs, and absolute lung volumes spared from 5–30 Gy (VS5–VS30), based on equivalent dose in 2.0-Gy fractions (α / β = 3). Clinical and dosimetric predictors of Grade 2+ radiation pneumonitis (RP) were examined.Results: Twenty patients underwent repeated SBRT for 27 lesions. The most predominant dose fractionation was 60 Gy in five fractions. The median follow-up duration from the last SBRT was 18.0 months (range, 3–55 months). The 1-year and 2-year LC of lung lesions in repeated courses were 95.2% and 95.2%, respectively. The 1-year and 2-year OS rates after repeated SBRT were 88.4% and 49.7%, respectively. Five patients (25%) developed Grade 2+ RP, including a Grade 5 RP. There was no association between clinical factors and Grade 2+ RP. The Grade 2+ RP group showed higher composite MLD (p = 0.042) and lower composite VS5 (p = 0.042), VS10 (p = 0.015), VS15 (p = 0.008), and VS20 (p = 0.025), compared with the Grade 0–1 RP group.Conclusions: Repeated SBRT with CyberKnife® showed favorable LC and OS, but a high rate of Grade 2+ RP. Analysis of the composite plans showed that MLD and VS5–VS20 may predict lung toxicity of multicourse SBRT.
Ambient Noise Tomography for a High-resolution 3D S-Wave Velocity Model of the Kinki Region, Southwestern Japan, using Dense Seismic Array Data
Authors: NTHABA BOKANI , Ikeda Tatsunori , Nimiya Hiro , Tsuji Takeshi , Iio Yoshihisa
Published: February 2022

Research interest in the Kinki region, southwestern Japan, has been aroused by the frequent occurrence of microearthquake activity that do not always coincide with documented active fault locations. Previous studies in the Kinki region focused mainly on deep, large-scale structures and could not efficiently resolve fine-scale (~10 km) shallow crustal structures. Hence, characterization of the upper crustal structure of this region at an improved spatial resolution is required. From the cross-correlation of the vertical components of the ambient seismic noise data recorded by a densely-distributed seismic array, we estimated Rayleigh wave phase velocities using a frequency domain method. Then, we applied a direct surface wave tomographic method for the measured phase velocity dispersion data to obtain the 3D S-wave velocity model of the Kinki region. The estimated velocity model reveals a NE-SW trending low-velocity structure coinciding with the Niigata-Kobe Tectonic Zone (NKTZ) and the active Biwako-seigan Fault Zone (BSFZ). Also, we identified fine-scale low-velocity structures coinciding with known active faults on the eastern side of the NKTZ, as well as sets of low-velocity structures across the Tanba region, that may be attributable to the weathering effects or activity of unidentified concealed fault zones. Furthermore, sedimentary basins manifest as low-velocity zones extending to depths ranging from ~1.5 to 2 km, correlating with those reported in previous studies. Our results therefore contribute towards fundamental understanding of earthquake faulting as well as tectonic boundary and will be useful for hazard assessment and disaster mitigation.
Modulatory Role of Garlic (Allium Sativum) Extract Against Cisplatin- Induced Nephrotoxicity In Female Albino Rats And Their Offspring.
Authors: El-Beltagy Abd El-Fattah , Mohamed Gamal , Akeel Mohammed A , K.Abdelaziz Karoline , Elbakry Kadry A , Elsayed Ahmed Ahmed I A
Published: February 2022

This work is mainly designed to evaluate the potential therapeutic role of garlic extract against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in pregnant rats and their offspring. Twenty-four pregnant rats were used in the current study. They were randomly allocated into four equal groups (n=6): control, garlic, and CP + Garlic group. At the end of the weaning period, the mothers and the offsprings of all groups were sacrificed, the kidneys were immediately excised, and processed for histological and biochemical investigations. Also, blood samples were withdrawn and processed for estimation of the assigned biochemical parameters. The renal histological sections from CP-treated mother rats displayed pronounced histopathological lesions however; their offsprings showed mild renal histopatological lesions if compared with those of their mothers. The levels of renal tissue SOD), CAT and GPx enzymes were significantly decreased .On the contrary, the levels of MDA, serum urea and creatinine were significantly increased in CP-treated mother rats and their offsprings as compared with control. The percentage value of caspase 3 activity was markedly elevated in the renal tissues of CP-treated mother rats and their offspring compared to the control group. Supplementation of garlic extract to the rats of group 4, the over-all histological lesions as well as biochemical parameters were restored nearly to the control ones. It is concluded that garlic (Allium sativum) extract has a powerful ameliorative role against CP induced nephrotoxicity in preganat rats and their offspring.
Modelling Risk Behaviour: The use of Behaviour Change Assumptions in Cost-Effectiveness Studies for Oral PrEP in the United Kingdom and United States
Authors: Koshkouei Mona , Whitacre Ryan , Paparini Sara
Published: February 2022

Background
HIV prevention policy and program implementation rely heavily on cost-effectiveness studies. They involve the use of some uncertain variables, serving as proxies for complex, emergent and unpredictable scientific, social and behavioural issues. The ongoing implementation and scale-up of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) requires the improvement and refinement of cost-effectiveness calculations, and the measures on which they are based.
Methods
We conducted a framework synthesis of the literature on cost-effectiveness for oral PrEP for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US and UK between 2009 and 2021.
Results
Reviewing how behavioural risk variables were used in the studies, we found both significant increases and decreases in projected risk behaviour in MSM starting PrEP, and limited use of evidence for these variables. Studies that included increased ‘risk compensation’ scenarios inferred quantitative estimates from qualitative measures, appeared to group risk variables with assumptions about low adherence, and projected estimates of increased HIV incidence associated with PrEP use. Conversely, studies that included lower risk behaviour cited related research about behavioural risk reduction associated with treatment-as-prevention and referenced discussions about the importance of changing risk behaviour, rather than empirical evidence of changed behaviour.
Conclusion
Increased accuracy of cost-effectiveness models can be achieved through refining the use of behavioural risk variables, including reference to a common evidence base.
A Numerical Study of Automotive Body Panel Draw Dies Defects Using Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Yadegari Farzad , Sehhat M. Hossein , Mahdianikhotbesara Ali
Published: February 2022

Among the advantages of the sheets used in the car body, it can mention the high strength, low thickness and suitable ductility. crack and wrinkling of the sheet are the most common types of defects in the drawing process. Therefore, it seems necessary to know the process factors that affect the sheet metal forming behavior. One of the critical tools of simulation and subsequent process optimization is the finite element method. In this research, with the help of AutoForm software, finite element simulation of the process is performed. After designing the appropriate Taguchi experiment, the parameters affecting the outputs, including thickness strain and surface strain on the production part, are investigated, and optimal values ​​are introduced. The known effective parameters on the process output include the forming limit diagram, sheet strength, friction coefficient, die balancers, and used sheet thickness.
Genome-level analysis of BpR2R3-MYB family genes transcribed in seedlings of Betula platyphylla and BpR2R3- MYB15 enhanced flavonoid production
Authors: zheng baojiang , liu huimin , yu zhongyang , fan guizhi
Published: February 2022

Background: Flavonoids have a wide range of biological activities in plant development, stress resistance and human health, etc. R2R3-MYBs are one of the key elements in regulation of flavonoid production, but their functional importance in Betula platyphylla remains elusive.Methods: The full-length transcriptome data of 30-day-old seedlings of Betula platyphylla were used to identify BpR2R3-MYB family genes, and their gene structure, chromosome distribution and syntenic relationships were predicted by bioinformatics methods. Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation was used to verify the function of BpR2R3-pMYB15 in flavonoid production.Results: 44 BpR2R3-MYB family genes expressed in seedlings of Betula platyphylla were identified and found to be unevenly distributed in 11 chromosomes. Among them, 90.90% of the BpR2R3-MYBs had introns, and only four genes had no introns. Five gene pairs with segment duplication were found, and their Ka/Ks ratios were less than 1. Thirty orthologs between Betula platyphylla and Arabidopsis thaliana and 68 orthologs between Betula platyphylla and Populus trichocarpa were detected. Five BpR2R3-MYBs were clustered with R2R3-MYB genes related to flavonoid synthesis, and BpR2R3-pMYB15 had the highest correlation coefficients between the value of gene expression and flavonoid content. BpR2R3-pMYB15 was cloned, and its transient overexpression obtained using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation positively regulated flavonoid production.Conclusion: This work enriches the collection of R2R3-MYBs related to flavonoid production in seedlings of Betula platyphylla.
Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies Pyroptosis-related Genes in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Guo Tong , Wang YuFen
Published: February 2022

Background: Recent studies have shown the association between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and inflammation. Pyroptosis is an inflammatory type of programmed cell death, and it has been associated with AD. Herein, we aimed to explore the potential role of pyroptosis-related genes in AD, advancing the understanding of pyroptosis-related genes in AD pathogenesis.Methods: Based on the gene expression profile in GSE5281, we screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs), performed a weighted gene correlation analysis (WGCNA), and identified the most AD-related module. After intersecting the hub genes in this module with 52 pyroptosis-related genes, we obtained the key genes to construct a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model for AD. We also constructed a CASP6-focused interaction network including several hub genes. The LASSO model and expression of CASP6 were evaluated in GSE122063 and GSE132903.Results: Through WGCNA, four functional modules were identified, of which the brown module is most significantly related to AD (correlation coefficient=0.93, P=4e-13). CASP6 is aberrantly highly expressed in AD and closely connected with hub genes in the brown module. Seven genes (CASP6, BAK1, CASP5, CHMP4B, CHMP4C, IRF2, PLCG1) were identified as key genes, and the LASSO model based on key genes can predict AD with medium-to-high accuracy in train, test and validation set (AUC=0.898, 0.811, 0.857, respectively). Conclusions: Highly expressed CASP6 interact with other pyroptosis-related genes in AD, shedding light on the potential role of pyroptosis in AD pathogenesis.
Cirrhosis and Pregnancy: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Imamoglu Metehan , Ekici Huseyin , Okmen Firat , Ergenoglu Mete
Published: February 2022

PurposeCirrhosis is a diffuse pathology characterized by fibrosis of the liver and is the last stage of chronic liver diseases. It is a serious medical condition which seriously impacts reproduction and reproductive life span. MethodsRetrospective chart review of the fetal and maternal results of 20 pregnant women with liver cirrhosis who had undergone antenatal follow-up and delivery at a tertiary center in a 12-year period was performed. ResultsChronic hepatitis B was found to be the leading cause of liver cirrhosis in the study group, with a rate of 25 % (n: 5/20). The average MELD score was calculated as 8.8 ± 3.5. Only three patients developed hepatic decompensation during pregnancy. Fetal demise was observed in 10% of the cases (n: 2/20, MELD scores 8 and 17).ConclusionEven though pregnancy is rarely observed in women with liver cirrhosis, many patients with are able to achieve favorable maternal and fetal results without developing hepatic decompensation with appropriate management and close follow-up. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is a clinical tool utilized to estimate the severity and survival for chronic liver disease and was previously found to be associated with unfavorable outcomes in pregnant patients. Our study confirms this finding with the current experience from a tertiary care center. In addition, with the effects of cirrhosis on pregnancy being a concern, the impact of pregnancy on the course of the disease should also be addressed.
The changes of serum fibrinogen-like protein 1 levels associated with improved liver function and uric acid after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Qu Shen , Dilimulati Diliqingna , Du Lei , Huang Xiu , Cai Meili , Zhang Yuqin , Zhou Donglei , Zhu Jiangfan , Su Lili , Zhang Manna
Published: February 2022

Background: Fibrinogen-like protein (FGL)-1 is a novel hepatokine that plays an important role in the development of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study is to analyze serum FGL-1 levels in patients with obesity before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods: Ninety-two individuals (32 people with normal weight and 60 patients with obesity) were included in this study. All patients with obesity finished follow-up visits at 6 months after LSG. Clinical data, anthropometric parameters and biochemical variables were collected. Serum FGL-1 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: FGL-1 levels in patients with obesity (44.66 ± 20.03 ng/mL) were higher than individuals with normal weight (20.73 ± 9.73 ng/mL, P < 0.001). At baseline, FGL-1 levels were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, hepatic enzyme levels, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and uric acid (UA). After LSG, FGL-1 levels were significantly decreased (27.53 ± 11.45 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Besides, BMI, hepatic enzyme levels, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and UA were significantly improved. After adjusting possible confounders, changes in FGL-1 levels at 6 months after surgery were positively correlated with changes in ALT, AST and UA levels.Conclusions: FGL-1 levels were closely correlated with various metabolic factors and decrease following LSG in patients with obesity. Furthermore, FGL-1 levels were more closely related to liver function and uric acid metabolism, but not body weight and glucolipid metabolism.Trial registration: This study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital. The Clinical Registration Number is ChiCTR-OCS-12002381. Date: 23 July 2012.
Optimal Synthesis of Algae@Cu Hybrid Nanoflower And Their Antioxidant And Catalytic Activities
Authors: Koca Fatih Doğan , Muhy Haydar Matz , Halici Mehmet Gökhan
Published: February 2022

Hybrid nanoflowers (hNFs), which are widely used in enzyme purification and catalytic activity applications, consist of organic and inorganic components. In this study, hNFs were synthesized in PBS buffer (pH: 5-9) by using different volume of Ascoseria mirabilis algae extract (0.65 ml, 1 ml and 1.65 ml) instead of expensive and difficult to obtain molecules such as enzymes and DNA for the synthesis process. According to the FE-SEM images, the morphology and diameters of the petals and NFs differ depend to the pH of the PBS buffer (synthesis did not occur at pH 5) and the volume of extract used. The catalytic and antioxidant properties of NFs synthesized with the used bioextract under optimum conditions (pH: 7.4, 1 ml extract) where a complete flower formation was observed were evaluated. The presence of Cu element and other components was detailed with EDX mapping. The peaks obtained by FT-IR analysis and the existence of functional groups that play a role in the synthesis are discussed. According to the results of the characterization tests, hNFs were synthesized by a cheap and eco-friendly with the coordination of Cu element and A. mirabilis extract in PBS buffer. Cu NFs exhibited peroxidase like catalytic activity against guaiacol, and antioxidant activity. The activities of hNFs is based on a Fenton-like mechanism. It is thought that this study will shed light on hNFs synthesis and catalytic activity application studies with bioextracts instead of biomolecules obtained by expensive and complex processes.
Constructing a prognostic immune-related lncRNA model for colon cancer
Authors: Lai Yu , Yang Lin , Li Xinyun , Huang Wei , Rao Xiangshu
Published: February 2022

Background: Colon cancer is a common digestive tract tumor. Although many gene prognostic indicators have been used to predict the prognosis of colon cancer patients, the accuracy of these prognostic indicators is still uncertain. Thus, it is necessary to construct a model for the prognostic analysis of colon cancer.Methods: We downloaded the original transcriptome data of colon cancer and performed a differential coexpression analysis of immune-related genes to obtain different immune-related long noncoding RNAs, which were paired as differentially expressed immune-related lncRNA pairs (DEirlncRNAPs). Then, the 1-year overall survival rate receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated, and the Akaike information criterion value was evaluated to determine the maximum inflection point, which was used as the cutoff point to identify groups of colon cancer patients at high and low risk for death. Subsequently, the optimal prediction model was established. Finally, we used the patients’ survival times, clinicopathological features, tumor infiltrating immune cells, chemotherapy responses and immunosuppressive biomarkers to verify the DEirlncRNAP model.Results: Seventy-one DEirlncRNAPs were obtained to build the risk assessment model. The patients were divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group according to the cutoff point. Then, the DEirlncRNAP model was verified using patient survival times, clinicopathological features, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, chemotherapy responses and immunosuppressive biomarkers.Conclusion: A new DEirlncRNAP model for predicting the prognosis of colon cancer patients was established, which could reveal new insights into the relationships of colon cancer with tumor-infiltrating immune cells and antitumor immunotherapy.
Evidence for paleo-continental margin and folding of relic fragment of the Bay of Bengal, northeast Indian subcontinent
Authors: Krishna Kolluru , Ismaiel M. , Rajan Abhimanyu
Published: February 2022

The processes of continental breakup and reassembling of landmasses are persistently contributing to reconfiguring the Earth’s surface. In addition, deltaic sediment deposition also reshapes the face of Earth by advancing shorelines towards the ocean. Here, we show a classic example of contiguous structures of paleo-continental margin on the eastern Indian Shield and an ancient fragment of the Bay of Bengal beneath Bangladesh. In the present work, we collated gravity anomaly data from the regions of Bangladesh and adjoined parts of the Indian shield and the northern Bay of Bengal for deciphering the nature and long-term behavior of rocks. The combined gravity anomaly map illustrates nearly N-S oriented alternate bands of about 200 km wide positive and negative anomalies in Bangladesh region, besides showing signatures of prominent geomorphic features such as Shillong Plateau, Sylhet Trough, Burmese Arc, etc. The crustal models reveal the presence of paleo-continental margin segments on eastern edge of the Singhbhum craton and south of the Shillong Plateau, approximately 200 km wide folded oceanic crust beneath Bangladesh, and low gradient (about 3.0° - 3.7°) bending of the subducting Indian plate beneath the Burmese platelet. The inferred continental margin was evolved after breakup occurred between the Rajmahal-Sylhet Line and continental fragments (Elan Bank and southern parts of the Kerguelen Plateau) at about 120 Ma, and then remained in marine conditions at least until the Oligocene-Miocene time (~23 Ma). Consequently, the sediments supplied by two great Himalayan rivers were excessively deposited on the margin and over an older fragment of the Bay of Bengal lithosphere for formation of Bengal Delta, leading to the delta progradation towards the ocean and creation of Bangladesh land. The oceanic crust beneath Bangladesh was folded with approximately 200 km wavelength as the compressive stress regime is locally operative due to the eastward moment of the Indian plate and westward propagation of the Indo-Burman Wedge.
The early impacts of COVID-19 on unpaid carers of people living with dementia: Part II of a mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Giebel Clarissa , Talbot Catherine V , Wharton Emily , Lorenz-Dant Klara , Suarez-Gonzalez Aida , Cannon Jacqueline , Tetlow Hilary , Lion Katarzyna M , Thyrian Jochen Rene
Published: February 2022

Background

With a lack of existing comprehensive reviews, the aim of this mixed-methods systematic review was to synthesise the evidence on the early impacts of the pandemic on unpaid dementia carers across the globe.
Methods

This review was registered on PROSPERO [CDR42021248050]. PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from 2020 to July 2021. Studies were included if they reported on the different impacts of the pandemic on unpaid dementia carers aged 18+, with papers published in English, German, Polish, or Spanish. A number of research team members were involved in the selection of studies following PRISMA guidance.
Results

Thirty-six studies (43 papers) from 18 countries reported on the early impact of the pandemic on unpaid dementia carers. Impacts were noted on accessing care and support; carer burden; and well-being. Studies found that carers had limited access to care and support services, increased workload, enhanced feelings of isolation, and reduced wellbeing. All these negatives impacts were interlinked, with reductions in access to care and support increased carer’s unpaid caring tasks, removing any opportunities for temporary respite, and thus increasing carer burden and reducing mental well-being in many.
Conclusions

The needs of unpaid dementia carers appear to have increased during the pandemic, without adequate support provided. Policy initiatives need to enable better mental health support and formal care provision for unpaid carers and their relatives with dementia, whilst future research needs to explore the long-term implications of carer needs in light of care home restrictions and care delivery.
Longevity Compliance Scale
Authors: BELICE TAHIR
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesNine common characteristics of Blue Zone regions (Power 9) are having a natural movement pattern, having an ikigai (a reason for being), being able to cope with stress, being able to stop eating before being full, eating a predominantly plant-based diet, drinking wine regularly, having a sense of belonging, strong family ties and strong social bonds. In the present study, we investigated the relationship of Power 9 characteristics with age and gender using the 'Longevity Compliance Scale' that we have recently developed.MethodsData were collected by administering the online 'Longevity Compliance Scale' (nine questions of 5-point Likert scale type) to 490 participants. SPSS was used for calculations.ResultsCronbach's alpha value was found to be 0.763 (76.3%). Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin coefficient was 83%, and the factor analysis test provided high reliability (0.830 > 0.750). The total score was higher in female and elderly participants (Hedges' g: 0.046643, 95% Cls: 1.152-4.517, p:0.01).ConclusionWe found that longevity compliance developed predominantly in female and elderly participants. These results may vary across regions and cultures; thus, they cannot be generalized. However, it is crucial to demonstrate the effect of the nine common dominant points, which have been found after extensive studies conducted for many years. These nine points could be critical factors associated with longevity. It might provide us with tips to prolong our lives and help us stay healthy. Knowledge and experience accumulated as a result of aging, especially in women, may, instinctively or consciously, enhance compliance with the codes for longevity.
Optimizing Photoautotrophic Micropropagation Conditions for Ginger
Authors: Zhou Jie , Guo Fengling , Qi Chuangdong , Fu Jiaping , Xiao Ying , Wu Jinping
Published: February 2022

Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, is a commonly available spice and medicinal plant. This study aimed to develop an alternative to conventional micropropagation using photomixotrophic micropropagation for ginger. Rootless ginger tissue culture plantlets were initiated in seedling trays grown in a chamber maintained under a 16 h/day photoperiod with 60 μE m-2 s-1 of cool white light from fluorescent lamps at 25 ± 2°C with an air relative humidity of 60 ± 5%. The photoautotrophic micropropagation of ginger was optimized using vermiculite + peat (1:1(v/v)) as substrate combined with MS + 0.5 mg/L NAA + 0.1% Metalaxyl-M·Hymexazol + 80% relative humidity (RH). After 40 days of culture, in-vitro ginger seedlings were successfully bred with a rooting rate of 100.0%. The seedlings could be directly transplanted to the field without the need for domestication and cultivation of conventional tissue culture seedlings.