bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Energy Consumptions, Economic Growth, ICT, Military Expenditure, and Tourism on CO2 Emissions: Evidence from G20 Countries
Authors: Uddin Myne , Ahamad Shamsuddin , Ehigiamusoe Kizito Uyi , Rashid Md. Harun-Ur
Published: June 2022

This study determines the effects of economic growth, energy consumption, information and communication technology (ICT), military expenditure, and tourism on CO2 emissions for the G20 countries by employing panel data from 1980 to 2019. In the presence of cross-sectional dependence and mixed order of integration, the study employs Westerlund co-integration test and panel ARDL approach to obtain reliable, consistent, and unbiased long-run associations among the intended variables. The empirical results of the analysis demonstrate that energy consumption, ICT and military expenditure increase CO2 emissions while economic growth mitigates CO2 emissions. However, tourism has an insignificant effect on CO2 emissions. Hence, the study recommends that policymakers should take appropriate actions to control CO2 emissions through environment-friendly strategies.
The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant spike protein facilitates cell–cell fusion
Authors: Kim Jinman , Kim Seokin , Park Jung-Eun
Published: June 2022

Objective
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein mediates virus entry by binding to the host cell receptor, human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), and catalyzing virus–host membrane fusion. The S protein also mediates cell–cell fusion, potentially allowing the virus to spread virion-independently. Here, we compared the fusogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variant S proteins using a cell–cell fusion assay.
Results
In cells overexpressing hACE2, cell–cell fusion ability of all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants was similar to that of the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain. However, in cells with endogenous hACE2, SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially the Delta variant, stimulated significantly greater cell–cell fusion than the original strain. Our results showed that the Delta variant S protein is the most fusogenic and can spread rapidly by utilizing small amounts of hACE2.
Utility of Monocyte Distribution Width for Diagnosing Colonic Diverticulitis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Chang Chang-Yuan , Hsu Tai-Yi , He Guan-Yi , Shih Hong-Mo , Huang Fen-Wei , Chen Pei-Chun , Tsai Wen-Chen
Published: June 2022

BackgroundColonic diverticulitis is a leading cause of abdominal pain. The monocyte distribution width (MDW) is a novel inflammatory biomarker with prognostic significance for coronavirus disease and pancreatitis; however, no study has assessed its correlation with the severity of colonic diverticulitis.MethodsThis single-center retrospective cohort study included patients older than 18 years who presented to the emergency department between November 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021, and received a diagnosis of acute colonic diverticulitis after abdominal computed tomography. The characteristics and laboratory parameters of patients with simple versus complicated diverticulitis were compared. The significance of categorical data was assessed using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for continuous variables. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of complicated colonic diverticulitis. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to test the efficacy of inflammatory biomarkers in distinguishing simple from complicated cases.ResultsOf the 160 patients enrolled, 21 (13.125%) had complicated diverticulitis. Although right-sided was more prevalent than left-sided colonic diverticulitis (70% versus 30%), complicated diverticulitis was more common in those with left-sided colonic diverticulitis (61.905%, p = 0.001). Age, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and MDW were significantly higher in the complicated diverticulitis group (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that left-sided location and the MDW were significant and independent predictors of complicated diverticulitis. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was as follows: MDW, 0.870 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.784–0.956); CRP, 0.800 (95% CI, 0.707–0.892); NLR, 0.724 (95% CI, 0.616–0.832); PLR, 0.662 (95% CI, 0.525–0.798); and WBC, 0.679 (95% CI, 0.563–0.795). The MDW had the largest AUC for diagnosing complicated diverticulitis; when the MDW cutoff was 20.38, the sensitivity and specificity were maximized to 90.5% and 80.6%, respectively.ConclusionsPatients with complicated diverticulitis were significantly older and predominantly had left-sided colonic diverticulitis. A large MDW was a significant and independent predictor of complicated diverticulitis. The MDW may aid in planning antibiotic therapy for patients with colonic diverticulitis in the emergency department.
Accuracy of Behavioral Health Variables in Oregon National Violent Death Reporting System Data: A Linked Cohort Study
Authors: Carlson Kathleen F. , Gilbert Tess A. , DeFrancesco Susan , Wright Dagan A. , Shen Xun , Cook Lawrence J.
Published: June 2022

Background
The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) collects data on the circumstances of violent deaths, and all firearm-related deaths, across states and territories in the United States. This surveillance system is critical to understanding patterns and risk factors for these fatalities, thereby informing targets for prevention. NVDRS variables include behavioral health conditions among decedents, but the validity of the reported behavioral health data is unknown. Using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare records as a criterion standard, we examined the accuracy of NVDRS-reported behavioral health variables for veteran decedents in a sample state (Oregon) between 2003 and 2017.
Methods
We linked Oregon NVDRS data to VA healthcare data to identify veteran decedents who used VA services within two years of death. Veterans’ VA diagnoses within this time frame, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and substance use disorders, were compared to behavioral health variables identified in the Oregon NVDRS. Concordance, sensitivity, and correlates of sensitivity were examined over time and by decedent characteristics.
Results
We identified 791 VA-using veterans with fatal injuries documented in the Oregon NVDRS between 2003 and 2017. In this cohort, the Oregon NVDRS accurately identified only 49% of decedents who were diagnosed with depression, 45% of those diagnosed with PTSD, and 17% of those diagnosed with anxiety by the VA. Among 211 veterans diagnosed by the VA with a substance use disorder, the Oregon NVDRS coded only 56% as having a substance use problem. In general, the sensitivity of behavioral health variables in the Oregon NVDRS remained the same or decreased over the study period; however, the sensitivity of PTSD diagnoses increased from 21% in 2003–2005 to 54% in 2015–2017. Sensitivity varied by some decedent characteristics, but not consistently across behavioral health variables.
Conclusions
NVDRS data from one state missed more than half of behavioral health diagnoses among VA-using veterans who died from violence or from firearm injuries. This suggests that reports of behavioral health conditions among decedents nationally may be severely undercounted. Efforts to improve validity of these variables in state NVDRS data are needed.
Variation in polyphenolics, bioactive compounds and nutrients of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) after exposure to copper and copper oxide nanoparticles: Health risk implications of nanofertilizers in agriculture
Authors: Karmous Inès , Kadri Oumaima , Rahmani Rami , Chaoui Abdelilah , Debouba Mohamed , Lachiheb Belgacem , Bouhamda Talel , Mabrouk Mahmoud , Sheehan David
Published: June 2022

Possible impacts of nanofertilizer-mediated agriculture were assessed by studying the effects of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuNP and CuO NP) on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry revealed qualitative and quantitative changes in many phytochemicals. CuNP and CuO NP caused depletion of several phenolic acids and flavonoids, which may reduce the antioxidant potential of foods derived from barley. An additional effect was noted as a deficiency in some bioactive compounds such as the volatile organic compounds. In addition, an imbalance in essential minerals may have impacts on biochemical and physiological functions in the human body. Alteration of nutritional quality, added to the accumulation of toxic cupric ions and hazards associated with possible induction of oxidative stress raise concerns about use of Cu and CuO based nanofertilizers in agriculture without more rigorous risk-assessment.
Chronic hypoxia favours adoption to a castration-resistant cell state in prostate cancer
Authors: Lupien Mathieu , Cameron Sarina , Deblois Genevieve , Hawley James , Qamra Aditi , Zhou Stanley , Tonekaboni Seyed , Murison Alexander , Vliet Romy Van , Liu Juan , Locasale Jason
Published: June 2022

Predicting and treating recurrence in intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients remains a challenge despite having identified genomic instability (1) and hypoxia (2,3) as risk factors. This underlies challenges in assigning the functional impact of these risk factors to mechanisms promoting prostate cancer progression. Here we show chronic hypoxia (CH), as observed in prostate tumours (4), leads to the adoption of an androgen-independent state in prostate cancer cells. Specifically, CH results in prostate cancer cells adopting transcriptional and metabolic alterations typical of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. These changes include increased expression of transmembrane transporters for the methionine cycle and related pathways leading to increased abundance of metabolites and expression of enzymes related to glycolysis. Targeting the Glucose Transporter 1 (GLUT1) identified a dependency on glycolysis in androgen-independent cells. Overall, we identified a therapeutically targetable weakness in chronic hypoxia and androgen-independent prostate cancer. These findings may offer additional strategies for treatment development against hypoxic prostate cancer.
Visual Acuity After Vitrectomy Combined Phaco Fragmentation in Patients Having Trauma Ocular Contusion in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Le Trung , Nguyen Kien Trung
Published: June 2022

Purpose
To evaluate visual acuity pre and post-vitrectomy combined phaco fragmentation and fixation scleral IOL in patients with contusion trauma to the eyeball.
Patients and Methods:
Prospective, interventional, non-control study, from July 2018 to October 2021 at the National Eye Hospital. One hundred three patients (69 men/34 women). We assessed visual acuity before and after surgery at each time point lasting up to one year after surgery. The related factors were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression.
Results
Comparing the visual acuity results between the time points before surgery, after surgery, 2 weeks and 1 month showed a statistically significant difference with p < 0.05. After 6 months of surgery, the rate of a visual outcome of 0.2 or more was 56%. At 12 months, the rate of visual acuity of 0.2 or more was 51.6%. Factors related to surgical results include: age under 40 years (OR = 1.8, p < 0.05), position of lens luxation (OR = 2.0, p < 0.05), corneal edema (OR = 4.8, p < 0.05), iridodialysis (OR = 3.0, p < 0.05), pupil dilation (OR = 3.4, p < 0.05) and vitreous hemorrhage (OR = 2.8, p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The results of vitrectomy combined with phaco fragmentation fixed IOL improved visual acuity after 12 months. Factors related to visual acuity outcomes include age, the position of lens deviation, corneal opacity, iris tear, pupil dilation, and vitreous hemorrhage.
Managing the Information and Analytical Data System on Interaction Between Corium and Structural Materials of a Power Reactor
Authors: Kudranova Adiya , Syssaletin Andrey , Baklanova Yulia , Vurim Alexander , Yermakov Vladimir , Islamov Ramil
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the results on designing of an information and analytical data system that characterizes the interaction between melt of the core of a nuclear reactor and structural materials of the corium retention devices (melt traps), which were resulted from physical modeling the processes of a severe accident at the stands of Institute of Atomic Energy Branch of the Republican State Enterprise “National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan”.
An investigation of the effects of B7-H4 gene rs10754339 and miR‐125a gene rs12976445 on cancer susceptibility
Authors: Jin Yuchen , Dong Lijuan , Yang Qinyue , Xiong Weining , Wang Weiyi , Feng Xianhong , Yu Wei , Huang Wei , Chen Bifeng
Published: June 2022

The B7-H4 gene rs10754339 and miR-125a gene rs12976445 have been repeatedly investigated for their contribution to cancer susceptibility. However, only a few types of cancer have been covered in previous studies, and their results were conflicting rather than conclusive. Thus, we here performed a case-control study and meta-analysis to further investigate the effects of rs10754339 and rs12976445 on cancer susceptibility. A total of 550 lung cancer patients, 460 gastric cancer patients, 480 liver cancer patients and 800 normal controls were recruited in present case-control study. The genotyping of rs10754339 and rs12976445 was performed with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The present case-control study showed that in Hubei Han Chinese population, rs10754339 was significantly associated with the risk of lung and gastric cancer but not liver cancer, and rs12976445 was significantly associated with the risk of lung cancer but not liver or gastric cancer. The following meta-analysis combining the data of previous related studies and present study indicated that rs10754339 and rs12976445 contributed to cancer susceptibility in Chinese population, and also revealed a significant association between rs10754339 and breast cancer risk, as well as between rs12976445 and lung cancer risk. Collectively, B7-H4 gene rs10754339 and miR‐125a gene rs12976445 may be the potential genetic markers for cancer susceptibility in Chinese population, which should be validated in future studies with larger samples in other ethnic populations.
Interaction between TGF-β1 and long non-coding RNA 4.9 in a model of latent infection with human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Yi Xiaolian , Liu Lifang , Tao Ran , Li Wei , Li Huamei , He lin , Liu Yujie , Shang Shiqiang
Published: June 2022

To investigate the interaction between long non-coding RNA4.9 (lncRNA4.9) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the model of HCMV DNA. The experiment was divided into 5 groups: NC group, PCDNA-lncRNA4.9 group, SH-lncRNA4.9 group, LV-TGF-β1) Group, and SH-lncRNA4.9 group. Compared with the NC group, overexpression of lncRNA4.9 could significantly increase (P <0.05) the expression of TGF-β1 and decrease with time. The relative expression of HCMV DNA was significantly decreased (P <0.05) with the overexpression of lncRNA4.9. Compared with the NC group, overexpression of TGF-β1 significantly increased the expression of lncRNA4.9 and decreased with time. The relative expression of HCMV DNA was significantly decreased (P <0.05) with the overexpression of TGF-β1. However, silencing TGF-β1 could not reduce the relative expression of lncRNA4.9, but increased the relative expression of lncRNA4.9 on day 5, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). Silencing lncRNA4.9 could not reduce expression of TGF-β1, but increased expression of lncRNA4.9 on day 5 (P <0.05). Overexpression of TGF-β1 could increase the relative expression level of lncRNA4.9 and decrease with time, and reduce the relative expression level of HCMV DNA, thus promoting HCMV into the latent infection state.
Improvements of Polya Upper Bound for Cumulative Standard Normal Distribution and Related Functions
Authors: eidous omar mohammad
Published: June 2022

Although there is extensive literature on the upper bound for cumulative standard normal distribution Φ(χ), there are relatively not sharp for all values of the interested argument χ. The aim of this paper is to establish a sharp upper bound for Φ(χ), in the sense that its maximum absolute difference from Φ(χ) is less than 5.785 x10-5 for all values of χ ≥ 0. The established bound improves the well-known Polya upper bound and it can be used as an approximation for Φ(χ) itself with very satisfactory accuracy. Numerical comparisons between the proposed upper bound and some other existing upper bounds have been achieved, which shows that the proposed bound is tighter than alternative bounds found in the literature.
Electrochemical arc micro-drilling of Nickel-Titanium SMAs utilizing GRA-based AHP and RSM
Authors: KUMAR NITISH , Kumar Amaresh
Published: June 2022

Electrochemical arc machining (ECAM) is a hybrid technique which is discovered by the further development of ECDM. As Nickel-Titanium is a hard-to-cut shape memory alloy, therefore ECAM has been utilized. For any manufacturing industry, the machining characteristics are an essential component of the process for the production of NiTi-based things, therefore in this study, MRR, TWR, over cut, and delamination have been chosen as performance parameters whereas voltage, electrolyte concentration (ethanol with ethylene glycol and NaCl), and tool rotation has been selected as variable parameters. The molybdenum has a low tendency to react chemically, therefore it was chosen as a tool for drilling NiTi. The optimum drilling condition has been detected as 20 v/v% of electrolyte concentration, 0 rpm of tool rotation, and 80V of voltage with help of the GRA-based AHP technique, and further, the GRG was optimized by RSM. The optimum value of the performance parameter has been observed as 101.19 mg/min, 0.006 mg/min, 0.111, and 1.16 for MRR, TWR, OC, and delamination respectively. The SEM analysis revealed HAZ, a white layer, melted droplet, number of cavities, craters, and microvoids near the drilled hole. Furthermore, EDX analysis proved that the work surface can be free of Mo after machining Nitinol by electrochemical arc machining. Also, the XRD analysis revealed the development of carbides like TiC in the melting zone of a drilled hole, where that carbide can vanish the shape memory properties in HAZ. As the electrolyte used is a water-free electrolyte, therefore no formation of oxides was observed.
Analysis and Design of Wide Band 28/38 GHz Antenna Array Integrated with 3D printed Dielectric Lens For 5G Automotive Applications
Authors: khairy A. , Elboushi A. , Shaalan A. A. , Ahmed M. F.
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the design of a Chebyshev linear antenna array (CLA) integrated with the dielectric lens. In comparison to a uniform amplitude distribution (UAD), a Chebyshev amplitude distribution (CAD) is used to achieve a low side lobe level (SLL) characteristic and increase the directivity of the antenna array. The proposed CLA is optimized to operate at a high fifth generation (5G) frequency. The proposed CLA achieves a -10 dB broadband width from 25.8 GHz to 42.4 GHz. The dielectric lenses can be employed to modify the phase and amplitude of the antenna array, which increases the realized gain and leads to stable radiation over the operational bandwidth. The main purposes of the dielectric lens are to improve the realized gain, enhance efficiency, and result in stable radiation pattern properties. The CLA is integrated with an epoxy resin dielectric lens, which has a relative permittivity (εr) of 2.716. The proposed CLA integrated with a dielectric lens has a realized gain of 15.2 dB at 28 GHz and 11.94 dB at 38 GHz, respectively. The proposed design is simulated using CSTMWS2020 and HFSS. However, to verify the obtained results, the proposed design is fabricated using a photolithography process technique, and the dielectric lens is fabricated using a 3D printing technique.
Degradation kinetics of artesunate for the development of an ex-tempore intravenous injection
Authors: Gashe Fanta , Wynendaele Evelien , De Spiegeleer Bart , Suleman Sultan
Published: June 2022

BackgroundArtesunate is recommended by the world health organization (WHO) for parenteral treatment of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, artesunate is inherently unstable in an aqueous solution and hydrolyses rapidly after its preparation for injection. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the stabilizing effects of phosphate buffer and mannitol against short-term (ex-tempore) artesunate hydrolysis.MethodsA HPLC-UV isocratic method was developed using a reversed-phase fused core column (HALO RP-C18) and a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of 45% ammonium formate 10 mM in water (pH 4.5) and 55% methanol. Artesunate was formulated as aqueous solutions using a design of experiment (DOE) to investigate the artesunate stabilizing effects of pH (8-10), phosphate buffer strength ( 0.3 – 0.5 M), and mannitol (0 – 0.22 mmol/mL). The solutions were incubated at predefined temperatures (5, 25, and 40 °C) with subsequent analysis. Arrhenius equation was applied to model and evaluate the stability results.ResultsThe developed HPLC-based method using fused-core stationary phase allowed to selectively quantify artesunate in the presence of its main hydrolysis degradants; namely β-dihydroartemisinin (β-DHA) and α-dihydroartemisinin (α-DHA) within 10 minutes. By applying the Arrhenius equation, the rate of hydrolysis of the drug increased approximately by 3.44 as the temperature raised by 10 ℃. Buffer strength was found to be the main factor affecting the hydrolysis rate constants at 5 and 25 ℃ (p<0.05), the activation energy (p = 0.007), and the frequency factor (p = 0.046). However, the effect of the buffer was predominant on the activation energy and hydrolysis rate constants, revealing its stabilizing effect on the drug at lower buffer strength (0.3 M). Within the investigated range (pH = 8-10), pH was found to influence the activation energy, with a positive stabilizing effect in the pH range of 8-9. The addition of mannitol as stabilizing agent into artesunate aqueous formulation did not show an improved response. ConclusionPhosphate buffer was the main stability determining factor of artesunate in the aqueous intravenous (i.v.) formulation and was found to be more effective in stabilizing artesunate at a buffer strength of 0.3 M in pH 8 to 9, while mannitol lacked stabilizing effect.
Nonlinear Generation of Fluting Perturbations by Kink Mode in a Twisted Magnetic Tube
Authors: Ruderman Michael , Petrukhin Nikolai
Published: June 2022

We study the excitation of fluting perturbations in a magnetic tube by an initially imposed kink mode. We use the ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations in the cold-plasma approximation. We also use the thin-tube approximation and scale the dependent and independent variables accordingly. Then we assume that the dimensionless amplitude of the kink mode is small and use it as an expansion parameter in the regular perturbation method. We obtain the expression for the tube boundary perturbation in the second-order approximation. This perturbation is a superposition of sausage and fluting perturbations. The amplitude of the fluting perturbation takes its maximum at the middle of the tube, and it monotonically decreases with the distance from the middle of the tube.
Sorting of viable unlabeled cells based on deep representations links morphology to multiomics.
Authors: Salek Mahyar , Li Nianzhen , Chou Hou-Pu , Sinai Kiran , Jovic Andreja , Jacobs Kevin , Johnsson Chassidy , Lee Esther , Chang Christina , Nguyen Phuc , Mei Jeanette , Pant Krishna , Wong-Thai Amy , Smith Quillan , Huang Stephanie , Chow Ryan , Cruz Janifer , Walker Jeff , Chan Bryan , Musci Thomas , Ashley Euan , Masaeli Maddison
Published: June 2022

Phenotyping of single cells has dramatically lagged advances in molecular characterization and remains a manual, subjective, and destructive process. We introduce Computational Sorting and Mapping of Single cells (COSMOS), a platform for phenotyping and enrichment of cells based on deep learning interpretation of high-content morphology data in realtime. By training models on an atlas of >1.5 billion images, we demonstrate enrichment of unlabeled cells up to 33,000-fold. By applying COSMOS to tissue samples we identify malignant cells with similar accuracy to molecular approaches while enriching cells for functional evaluation. We show high-dimensional embedding vectors of morphology without any need for complex sample pre-processing, gating, or bioinformatics capabilities, which enables discovery of cellular phenotypes and integration of morphology into single-cell multimodal analyses as a new “omic”. Sorting intact cells based on deep morphological representations could further provide a powerful tool for tying together data across different modalities.
The presence of P. malariae and P. knowlesi in near malaria elimination setting in western Indonesia
Authors: Lubis Inke Nadia Diniyanti , Nainggolan Irbah Rea Alvieda , Syafutri Rycha Dwi , Sinambela Monica Nadya , Devina Clara , Handayani Handayani , Hasibuan Beby Syofiani , Permatasari Ranti , Chuangchaiya Sriwipa , Divis Paul C S , Id Zulkarnain Md
Published: June 2022

Background
Indonesia is progressing towards malaria elimination. To achieve this goal, intervention measures must be addressed to cover all types of Plasmodium species. Comprehensive control measures and surveillance programs must be intensified. This study aims to determine the prevalence of microscopic and submicroscopic malaria in Langkat district, North Sumatera Province, Indonesia.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six villages in Langkat district, North Sumatera Province in June 2019. Data were recorded using a standardized questionnaire. Finger pricked blood samples were obtained for malaria examination using rapid diagnostic test, thick and thin blood smears, and polymerase chain reaction.
Result
A total of 342 individuals were included in the study. Of them, one (0.3%) had a microscopic Plasmodium malariae infection, no positive RDT examination, and three (0.9%) were positive for P. malariae (n = 1) and Plasmodium knowlesi (n = 2). Almost half of the participants had bed nets (40%), had a house within a radius 100–500 m from the forest (86.3%), and had the housing material of cement floor (56.1%), a tin roof (82.2%), wooden wall (35.7%), bamboo wall (28.1%), and brick wall (21.6%).
Conclusion
Malaria incidence has substantially decreased in Langkat, North Sumatera, Indonesia. However, submicroscopic infection remains in the population and may contribute to further transmission. Surveillance should include the detection of microscopic undetected parasites, to enable the achievement of malaria elimination.
'It is a hard decision': A qualitative study of women's experiences with perinatal intimate partner violence disclosure
Authors: Barez Malikeh Amel , Najmabadi Khadijeh Mirzaii , Roudsari Robab Latifnejad , Bazaz Mojtaba Mousavi , Babazadeh Raheleh
Published: June 2022

Background
Perinatal intimate partner violence is a hidden under reported and difficult to identify problem which has negative effects on mother and child. The present study aimed to explore women's experiences with perinatal intimate partner violence disclosure.
Methods
This qualitative study was carried out from October 2019 to January 2021 in Mashhad, Iran. Participants included 23 abused women (11 pregnant and 12 postpartum) which were selected via purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussion were conducted until the data saturation was achieved. The data analysis was performed based on conventional content analysis adopted by Graneheim & Lundman.
Results
The main themes "barriers to disclosure" and "facilitators of disclosure" were emerged as the result of data analysis. Barriers to disclosure included negative disclosure consequences. Facilitators of disclosure included maternal self-efficacy, intensity of violence, and formal and informal supportive networks.
Conclusions
Most abused women did not disclose violence despite routine screening for perinatal intimate partner violence in antenatal care. Recognizing the barriers to and facilitators of violence disclosure play an important role in eliminating barriers, strengthen facilitators, providing effective supportive services for abused women, and reducing perinatal violence. Focus on the barriers to and facilitators of disclosure will be useful to policymakers, health program planners, and health care providers to identify and manage intimate partner violence, appropriately.
GPRIN1 promotes gallbladder cancer progression through the CDK1 pathway
Authors: Li Min , Shen Feng , Ni Xiaojian , Gong Zijun , Song Lujun , Suo Tao , Liu Han , Shen Sheng , Liu Houbao , Ni Xiaoling
Published: June 2022

Purpose Recent studies have shown that G protein-regulated inducer of neurite outgrowth 1 (GPRIN1) regulates cancer proliferation and migration. However, there is limited research regarding its role in gallbladder cancer (GBC). We aimed to investigate the mechanism by which GPRIN1 promotes GBC cell proliferation and migration. Methods Immunohistochemistry was performed to visualize in situ GPRIN1 expression in 65 human GBC tissues and 59 corresponding normal tissues. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze the correlation between GPRIN1 and overall survival. Cell proliferation (Celigo and MTT), apoptosis (FACS), and cell migration and invasion assays and a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model were used to define the effects of GPRIN1 downregulation in GBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Coimmunoprecipitation assays, mass spectrometry and Western blotting were performed to identify GPRIN1-interacting proteins. Cell proliferation, MTT and Transwell assays were performed to verify the functional recovery effect of cyclin-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDK1) on GPRIN1. Proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins and/or phosphorylated peptides was performed. Results GPRIN1 is upregulated in GBC tumor tissues and high GPRIN1 expression is positively correlated with a poor prognosis in GBC patients. High GPRIN1 expression reinforced the proliferative and invasive capacities of GBC in vitro and in vivo. Coimmunoprecipitation assays, mass spectrometry and Western blotting validated the direct interaction between GPRIN1 and CDK1. Cell proliferation, MTT and Transwell assays suggested that CDK1 exerts a functional recovery effect on GPRIN1. Proteomic analysis revealed the involvement of CDK1 in many biological processes and cellular pathways. Conclusions GPRIN1 promotes the invasion and metastasis of GBC cells via CDK1 pathway activation.
Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive in Silico Study in Searching for Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Naghdibadi Mohammadjavad , Moemeni Maryam , Yavari Parvin , gholaminejad Alieh , Roointan Amir
Published: June 2022

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is recognized as one of the main causes of illness and death worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms in RCC pathogenesis is of utmost importance for discovering novel therapeutic targets and developing efficient drugs. With the application of a comprehensive in silico analysis of the RCC-related array sets, the main objective of this study was to discover the top molecules and pathways in the pathogenesis of this cancer.Methods: RCC microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and after quality checking, normalization, and analysis using the limma algorithm, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified considering the adjusted p-value < 0.049. The intensity values of the identified DEGs were introduced to the WGCNA algorithm for the construction of co-expression modules. Functional enrichment analyses were performed using the DEGs in the disease correlated module and hub genes were identified among the top genes in a protein-protein interaction network and the disease most correlated module. The expression analysis of hub genes was done by utilizing GEPIA and GSCA server was used to make a comparison between the expression patterns of hub genes in ccRCC and other cancers. DGIdb database was utilized to identify the hub genes related drugs.Results: Three datasets including GSE11151, GSE12606, and GSE36897 were retrieved, merged, normalized, and analyzed. Using WGCNA the DEGs were clustered into eight different modules. Translocation of ZAP-70 to immunological synapse, endosomal/vacuolar pathway, cell-surface interactions at the vascular wall, and immune-related pathways were the topmost enriched terms for the ccRCC correlated DEGs. Twelve genes including PTPRC, ITGAM, TLR2, CD86, PLEK, TYROBP, ITGB2, RAC2, CSF1R, CCR5, CCL5, and LCP2 were introduced as hub genes. All the 12 hub genes were up-regulated in ccRCC samples and showed a positive correlation with the infiltration of different immune cells. According to the DGIdb database, 127 drugs including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, glucocorticoids, and chemotaxis targeting molecules were identified to interact with the hub genes.Conclusions: By utilizing an integrative bioinformatics approach, this experiment shed a light on the underlying signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of ccRCC and introduced several potential therapeutic targets for repurposing or developing novel drugs for an efficient treatment of this cancer.
CXCL13-CXCR5 axis：regulation in inflammatory diseases and cancer
Authors: binhan wang , Wang Manni , Ao Danyi , Wei Xiawei
Published: June 2022

Chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 13 (CXCL13), originally identified as a B-cell chemokine, leads to the homing of B cells and follicular helper T cells and plays an important role in the immune system. The interaction between CXCL13 and its receptor, the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) CXCR5, contributes to the formation of lymphoid follicle. The CXCL13-CXCR5 axis makes vital function to build a signaling network that regulates not only normal organisms but also the development of many diseases. However, the precise action mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we discussed the functional mechanisms of the CXCL13-CXCR5 axis under normal conditions, with special focus on its association with several diseases, such as inflammatory diseases and cancer. This axis exerts a role in promoting or inhibiting the development of these disease. At the end, for certain refractory diseases, we focus on the diagnostic and therapeutic role of CXCL13-CXCR5 axis. In particular, it aims to improve disease conditions and prolong survival by targeting various targets in this axis.
A case of abnormally dilated and tortuous Arc of Buhler and Pancreaticoduodenal arteries in the absence of Celiac Trunk stenosis
Authors: Rathod Sonali , Kolus Riley , Kim Byungchan , Gurnani Sarika , Kim Andy , Kim Erin , Tan Faisal , Roy Isabelle , Whitney Elizabeth , Wisco Jonathan
Published: June 2022

The Arc of Buhler is a vascular variant describing a persistent remnant of the embryologic ventral anastomosis between the celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Prevalence of the Arc of Buhler is estimated to be 3% of the population with only half of those cases being hemodynamically active, invariably reported in the context of CT stenosis. We encountered a case of 1) an abnormally large and tortuous pancreaticoduodenal arcade 2) a large and tortuous Arc of Buhler in the absence of celiac axis stenosis. Absent any evidence of CT stenosis in our donor, this finding represents a previously unreported case of dilated and tortuous anastomotic connections between the celiac axis and the SMA without any obvious causative factors. Due to the abnormal position and tortuous characteristics of this aberrant vessel and the associated prevalence of Arc of Buhler, it is important for clinicians to be aware that this type of anomaly may be present in the general population. The abnormal position may increase risks of herniation and surgical complications, and the tortuous nature may cause increased risk of clot formation. Thus, it is essential that surgeons are aware of such examples of abnormal anatomy both for perioperative considerations and clinical identification of future pathologies. Purpose: To report a case of a persistent, hemodynamically active Arc of Buhler in the absence of CT stenosis. Methods: The variant was discovered during routine cadaver dissection. We acquired transverse biopsies of variant vessels and evaluated their wall thickness. Results: The donor’s anterior PDA, posterior PDA, and Arc of Buhler had larger diameters than literature reported values of a standard human body. Additionally, the posterior PDA had significantly increased wall thickness compared to the other investigated vessels. The common hepatic artery was smaller in diameter than the literature reported ranges. The splenic artery diameter was within the literature reported range. Conclusion: The Arc of Buhler is a remnant of the embryologic ventral anastomosis that is estimated to be present in 3% of the population, but hemodynamically active in only half of those cases. Previous reports have documented hemodynamically active Arcs of Buhler only in cases of CT stenosis. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of persistent and hemodynamically active Arc of Buhler in the absence of CT stenosis.
Biomechanics Beyond the Lab: Remote Technology for Osteoarthritis Patient Data - A Scoping Review
Authors: Hamilton Rebecca I. , Williams Jenny , Consortium OATech Network+ , Holt Cathy
Published: June 2022

The objective of the project was to produce a review of available and validated technology suitable for gathering biomechanical and functional research data in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), outside of a traditional fixed laboratory setting. A scoping review was conducted using defined search terms across three databases (SCOPUS, OVID MEDLINE, and PEDRO) and additional sources of information from grey literature were added. One author carried out an initial title and abstract review, and two authors independently completed full text screenings. Out of the total 5,164 articles screened, 75 were included based on inclusion criteria covering a range of technologies in articles published from 2015. These were subsequently categorised by technology type (wearables-IMUs, wearables-other, insoles/platforms and cameras) and metric (kinematic and spatiotemporal measures (SPTs), kinetic and SPTs, joint angles/ROM only and EMG), and as suitable for portable, part remote or remote use. Those technologies that are commercially available were also identified. Results concluded that from the growing number of available and emerging technologies, there is a well-established range in use. These are primarily inertial measurement units, as well as other wearables and camera-based technologies, particularly for collection of gait SPTs. Results demonstrate that biomechanical and functional remote data collection is both feasible and has growing potential for OA researchers.
BEZ235 enhances antitumor efficacy of HPG-PCL-PTX in HCC by suppressed the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathway
Authors: Liu Xueke , wu Yingping , Xu We , Li Lele , Xia Xiaoping , Tang Xiaolong
Published: June 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the global. It could be a potential resistant mechanism that paclitaxel activated the PI3K/mTOR and MAPK pathway in HCC cells. So inhibiting the abnormal activation of two pathway, which may a promising targeted therapy strategy. MTT and clone formation assays were used to measure cells proliferation activity; cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry; western blot assessed phosphorylation level of proteins associated with cell cycle, apoptosis, PI3K/mTOR and MAPK pathway; Student t test or one-way ANOVA to measure significant differences between the means.BEZ235 combined with HPG-PCL-PTX blocked the activation of PI3K/mTOR and MAPK pathway in HCC cells, effectively inhibited cells proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. The most important is that the combination of two drugs caused mitochondrial membrane potential change, induced cytochrome C release and bind to APAF-1 to initiate the caspase-9 apoptosis program, promoted HCC cell apoptosis. HPG-PCL-PTX/BEZ235 enhanced antitumor effectiveness in HepG2R cell xenograft mouse models. In vivo study suggested that BEZ235 combined with HPG-PCL-PTX enhanced effects of HPG-PCL-PTX through inhibited the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK pathway in HCC cells, supressed cells proliferation, arrested the cell cycle in a G2/M phase and promoted apoptosis. Antitumor effects of BEZ235 and HPG-PCL-PTX were also confirmed in mice bearing HepG2R tumors. Taken together, the results of this study describe a promising strategy using PTX and BEZ235 in a nanoparticle formulation for treatment of PTX-resistant HCC.
Establishment of in vitro shoot tips regeneration system of foxtail millet and obtainment of transgenic plants of SiSERK1
Authors: Guofan Wu , Wenbo Li , Nongfu Tian , Wangze Wu , Ning Yang
Published: June 2022

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) would be suitable as a model plant of C4 plants given its small genome (about 490 MB) and diploid self-pollination. However, the study of foxtail millet faces the problem of low efficiency of explant regeneration and genetic transformation. In this study, a new genetic transformation system of Yugu1 foxtail millet was established with in vitro shoot tips as the explant, and, the concentrations of 6-BA and kanamycin were optimized. Thus, 0.5 mg•L-1 6-BA and 25 mg•L-1 kanamycin were the most suitable in terms of the differentiation rate of shoot tips and survival rate of differentiated seedlings. In addition, 12 transgenic foxtail millets of SiSERK1 were identified by resistance screening and PCR and identified the insertion site of one of the transgenic plants. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression of SiSERK1 gene in plants transformed was significantly higher than that in wild-type plants. A new method of generation of material for further study of SiSERKs is provided for foxtail millet genetics and breeding.
Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum Dihydropteroate Synthetase (540pfdhps) Gene Responsible for Sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine Resistant Malaria in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Nwankwo Nelson Jehosephat , KuKui Joel Paul , Longdet Ishaya Yohanna , Kutshik Richard Joseph
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) for use as an intermittent preventive medication in malaria-endemic regions to help reduce the global malaria burden in a susceptible population. The therapeutic efficacy of the SP is impaired by growing SP resistance (SPR). Resistance to sulphadoxine and pyrimethamine has previously been linked to mutations in the dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (dhps) genes. As a result, molecular research into Plasmodium falciparum's genetic makeup will aid in the development of new antimalarial medications as well as the improvement of existing ones.MethodsThe dihydropteroate Synthetase gene (dhps) was used as a marker to study SP resistance in 100 malaria cases. The DNA of the parasite was isolated from whole blood samples obtained and kept in EDTA bottles using the Zymo extraction kits' technique. PCR and gel electrophoresis were used to identify the Plasmodium genus, Plasmodium falciparum, and the 540-dihydropteroate synthetase gene. Sangar sequencing was utilized for sequencing, and nucleotide blast, blastx, and querry-anchored alignment view with dot of the NCBI tool were employed for bioinformatic analysis.ResultsOnly 50% of the clinically tested samples were positive for Plasmodium genus, 96% for Plasmodium falciparum, and point mutations in the pfdhps gene at codon K540E in 16.67% of the isolates, according to the findings. The sequence alignment of the parasite gene's resultant nucleotide indicates a point mutation in the nucleotide sequence. Despite the fact that a point mutation occurred in the DNA's coding region, there is no mutation when the nucleotide sequence is translated into amino acids.ConclusionPlasmodium falciparum is the most common malaria species in Jos, with more than nine out of 10 (96%) malaria patients testing positive for the parasite. The discovered mutation has no influence on the amino acid sequence, and consequently has no effect on the protein's functionality. It's possible that the reported resistance isn't attributable to a mutation in the 540-dihydropteroate synthetase gene, but rather to other factors mentioned in the literature.Trial RegistrationPlateau Specialist Hospital's institutional review committee/boards accepted the research protocol, and ethical clearance was obtained. NHREC/05/01/2010b is the registration number, and it was obtained on December 11, 2019.
Access to Micro Finance Credit and its Impact on Farm Productivity of Rural Households: The Case of Machakel Woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Adamu Heruy
Published: June 2022

Agriculture is the main livelihood of Ethiopians and it is characterized by its low productivity and traditional backward way of production. The main objective of this paper is to analyze access to microfinance credit and its impact on the farm productivity of rural households in Machakel woreda east Gojjam zone, Ethiopia. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select sample respondents from the total population. Quantitative type of data was collected from primary and secondary sources available. A structured questionnaire was used as the main instrument of primary data collection. Using a cross-sectional data related to the fiscal year 2019/20, standard Tobit model was utilized to analyze the determinants of credit access and endogenous switching regression model was employed to evaluate the impact of credit on farm productivity. The result in the Tobit model shows that the amount of credit is positively and significantly affected by enterprise ownership, bank account, age of the household head, educational status, output per hectare, and the value of house while family size found to affect it negatively and significantly. The result from endogenous switching regression analysis shows that, the treatment is endogenous to the outcome variable. Taking into account this endogeneity problem, the study estimates the treatment effect of credit on farm productivity. The estimated treatment effect result shows that output per-hectare of credit user households is 38.05 percent more than their non-user counterparts which implies that keeping other things remain constant credit can improve the productivity of households by 38.05percent in the study area. Finally, since credit is crucial for farm productivity, the study recommends the concerned bodies to arrange the way to access formal agricultural credit for rural households.