bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter- and intraspecific plant-soil feedbacks of grass species.
Authors: Rallo Paola , Hannula S. Emilia , Hooven Freddy C. ten , Verhoeven Koen J.F. , Kammenga Jan , Putten Wim H. van der
Published: December 2022

Background and aims Plants continuously interact with soil microbiota. These plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) are considered a driving force in plant community dynamics. However, most PSF information comes from inter-family studies, with limited information on possible causes. We studied the variation of PSFs between and within grass species and identified the soil microbes that are associated with the observed PSFs effects. Methods We grew monocultures of ten varieties of three grass species (Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis, Festuca arundinacea) using a two-phase PSF experiment. We measured plant total biomass to determine PSFs and correlated it with sequenced rhizosphere bacteria and fungi. Results In the soil conditioning phase, grass species developed microbial legacies that affected the performance of other grass species in the feedback phase. We detected overall negative interspecific PSFs. While we show thatL. perenneandP. pratensisincreased their performance respectively in conspecific and heterospecific soils,F. arundinaceawas not strongly affected by the legacies of the previous plant species. Contrary to our expectation, we found no evidence for intraspecific variation in PSFs. Bacterial taxa associated with PSFs included members ofProteobacteria,Firmicutes, VerrucomicrobiaandPlanctomyceteswhereas fungal taxa included members ofAscomycota.Conclusion Our results suggest differences in PSF effects between grass species, but not between varieties within species. Thus, in the studied grass species, there might be limited potential for breeding on plant traits mediated by PSFs. Furthermore, we point out potential microbial candidates that might be driving the observed PSF effects that could be further explored.
High blood sugar may blunt the protective benefits of FXR for the survival of renal medullary collecting duct cells in response to hypertonic stress
Authors: Wei Tuo , Zhou Enchao
Published: December 2022

Backgroud: Diabetic nephropathy is the most common renal complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. many factors lead to the occurrence of this disease. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of water deficiency on DN. This study focused on the effect of dehydration on renal injury in diabetes mellitus. Methods Diabetic and non-diabetic mice were deprived of water every other day for a total of 16 weeks. The effects of water deficiency on kidney of diabetic and non-diabetic mice were analyzed by physiological indexes, biochemical tests, pathology and the expression changes of proteins. Finally, we verified the important role of farnesoid X receptor transcription factor(FXR) in renal injury caused by dehydration once again through the study of FXR knockout mice. Results Our animal studies confirmed that kidney injury was more obvious in diabetic mice after water deprivation.Diabetic mice had increased urine volume and serum concentrations of creatinine after dehydration, pathological injury of renal medulla was also observed. We further demonstrated that glycoprotein 91/ aquaporin 2 expression increased in renal medulla under water deficiency, especially under high blood serum glucose concentrations. At the same time, in high sugar environment, dehydration caused overexpression of FXR and tonicity-responsive enhancer-binding protein(TonEBP), which led to oxidative stress damage to the renal medulla. However, this oxidative stress damage was weakened after FXR knockout. Conclusions Hypertonic conditions in high glucose environments promote overexpression of FXR. It binds TonEBP in the renal medulla, thus leading to excessive oxidative stress damage and ultimately to renal medulla damage.
Evaluation of soft tissue release in mild-to-moderate medial knee osteoarthritis in the presence of medial synovial plica, using clinical and MRI parameters
Authors: Lee Hsin-Pai , Chou Chun-Hsiung , Tzeng Wen-Sheng , Yeh Hui-Shu , Chen Mei-Ju
Published: December 2022

Objective.
To evaluate the clinical outcomes of an arthroscopic soft tissue release procedure for the treatment of mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
Materials and methods.
This study involved 40 subjects who underwent arthroscopic release in knee osteoarthritis including Kellgren–Lawrence grades 2 and 3 between January 2019 and January 2021. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scores at baseline and at 6 months following surgery were recorded. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed pre- and postoperatively (6 months). The parameters for patellar instability, including patellar tilt angle, bisect offset, tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance and the Insall–Salvati ratio, were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Quantitative measurements of bone marrow lesions were also conducted.
Results.
The mean WOMAC score for pain and the total score improved statistically 6 months after surgery. The pain and overall scores improved significantly (reductions of 64.6% and 39.3%, respectively) at 6 months. Pain score improved from 7.0 ± 3.0 to 2.5 ± 2.8 (P < 0.05), with the total score improving from17.8 ± 10.3 to 10.8 ± 10.6 (P < 0.05). Bone marrow lessions decreased from 8503 mm3 to 2250 mm3 (P < 0.05). Patellar tilt decreased from 5.11 to 4.24 (P < 0.05). The Insall–Salvati ratio decreased significantly from 1.13 ± 0.13 to 1.08 ± 0.12 (P < 0.05).
Conclusion.
Overall, the results suggest that soft tissue release has clinical symptoms and structure-modifying effects in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Prevalence and Motivators for Family Planning Utilization Among Youth Students in Higher Learning Institutions in Dodoma, Tanzania. Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Munuo Upendo , Moshi Fabiola Vincent
Published: December 2022

Background: Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) has the greatest unmet need for family planning use, and young people are reported to under-utilize family planning services compared to other groups of women of the reproductive age in the region. Promoting contraceptive services use among adolescents is vital in achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess motivators for family planning services utilization among higher learning youth students in Dodoma Tanzania.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 randomly selected youths in higher learning institutions in Dodoma. Data were collected through self-administered structured questionnaire adopted from previous studies. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 25 established association between variables. Statistical significance was declared at 95% confidence interval with α<0.05 and strength of association was reported by Odds Ratio (OR) and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR).
Results: Majority of participants 221 (52.5%) were females, and most of them 320 (76.0%) were aged between 21 to 24 years. In addition, the majority were bachelor degree scholars 257 (61.0%). About 305 participants, which equals to 72.4% reported to have had sexual intercourse in the past 12 month. Those who reported to have ever had sexual intercourse, 50.5% had their first intercourse at the age between 15 to 19 years. Most participants 239 (56.8%) reported to have used contraceptive method in the past 12 months.
After adjusting for confounders (participants’ socio-demographic characteristics), the motivators for family planning use among youth students were, living with relatives (AOR = 2.904, p = 0.006), adequate FP knowledge (AOR = 2.230 p = 0.003), positive perception (AOR = 1.772, p = 0.025) and discussing FP matters with sexual partners (AOR = 6.045, p= <0. 001).
Conclusion: The study has revealed that prevalence of FP use among higher learning students was relative higher. This was determined by discussing contraceptive matters with sexual partners, living with relatives other than their parents, adequate FP knowledge and positive perception towards FP utilization.
Low utilisation of treatment services among youths with crystal meth use-related problems. Findings from working with Mubatirapamwe, a treatment service provider in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Nyashanu Tichaenzana , Nyashanu Mathew , Zawaira Tendai , Zirima Herbert
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Globally, harmful substance use, coupled with low utilisation of treatment services, is a public health concern. This study sought to explore and measure the various factors responsible for the low utilisation of treatment services among youths using crystal meth in Harare, Zimbabwe. Also, the role of biographic and socio-demographic variables in the utilisation of treatment services was scrutinised.
Methods: Participants were randomly sampled from various urban residential settlements across Harare, living with meth use-related problems and participating in the Mubatirapamwe treatment program. Youths aged between 18-30 years participated in a survey, using the pen and questionnaire self-report method. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.
Results: Factors such as stigma and privacy issues, lack of perceived need for change, lack of readiness to change, and financial constraints emerged as some of the most significant deterrents to utilisation of treatment services. The role of biographic and socio-demographic variables such as gender, race, and employment status were examined in the context of utilisation of treatment services.
Conclusions: Mobilisation of resources to drive substance use programs, heighten awareness on substance use related matters, and the integration of substance use treatment programs with primary healthcare are key strategies to bridging the treatment gap. Further research is recommended to explore the role of biographic and socio-demographic variables in the utilisation of treatment services. Recommendations were made for accelerated and expanded research in order to inform practice, by developing context-specific interventions.
The SLITRK4-CNPY3 axis promotes liver metastasis of gastric cancer by enhancing the endocytosis and recycling of TrkB in tumour cells
Authors: Zhou Yao-Qi , Bao Tian-Shang , Xie Jia-Xuan , Yao Lin-Li , Yu Si-Te , Huang Pei-Qi , Li Qing , Chen Su-Yuan , Zhou Wan-Zhen , Wang Xiao-Qi , Zhang Xue-Li , Jiang Shu-Heng , Yi Shuang-Qin , Zhang Zhi-gang , Ma Ming-ze , Hu Li-Peng , Li Jun , Xu Jia
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumour with high mortality, and liver metastasis is one of the main causes of poor prognosis. SLIT- and NTRK-like family member 4 (SLITRK4) plays an important role in the nervous system, such as synapse formation. Our study aimed to explore the functional role of SLITRK4 in GC and liver metastasis.
Methods
The mRNA level of SLITRK4 was evaluated using publicly available transcriptome GEO datasets and Renji cohort. The protein level of SLITRK4 in the tissue microarray of GC was observed using immunohistochemistry. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, transwell migration assays in vitro and mouse model of liver metastatasis in vivo were performed to investigate the functional roles of SLITRK4 in GC. Bioinformatics predictions and Co-IP experiments were applied to screen and identify SLITRK4-binding proteins. Western blot was performed to detect TrkB-related signaling molecules.
Results
By comparing primary and liver metastases from GC, SLITRK4 was found to be upregulated in tissues of GC with liver metastasis and to be closely related to poor clinical prognosis. SLITRK4 knockdown significantly abrogated the growth, invasion, and metastasis of GC in vitro and in vivo. Further study revealed that SLITRK4 could interact with Canopy FGF Signalling Regulator 3 (CNPY3), thus enhancing TrkB-related signaling by promoting the endocytosis and recycling of the TrkB receptor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CNPY3-SLITRK axis contributes to liver metastasis of GC according to the TrkB-related signaling pathway. which may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of GC with liver metastasis.
The Relation between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and the Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment
Authors: Deng Jingjing , Li Xia , Wu Xiaoqing , Xue Qian , Deng Lihua , Li Menghan , Wang jingtong
Published: December 2022

Background: Patients with OSA have a higher risk of GERD than non-OSA patients. However, there is a controversy between the OSA and GERD. Herein, we evaluated the prevalence and possible risk factors of GERD in OSA. We also observed the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on these patients.
Method: Home Sleep Apnea Test (HAST) and gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERDQ) are used to diagnose OSA and GERD. A total of 600 OSA patients were concluded in this cross-sectional study. Of the patients with OSA complicated with GERD, 36 received CPAP, 24 received CPAP + proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and 33 received PPI. We followed patients with OSA complicated with GERD for 8 weeks.
Result: This study identified a significant relationship between OSA and GERD, with a OR of 2.76 (95%CI 1.42-5.36, P=0.02). The prevalence of GERD in patients with mild, moderate, and severe OSA was 14.9%, 15.9%, and 56.9%, respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, the GERDQ in the CPAP group was 6.89±1.14. The duration of symptom improvement in CPAP group was 5.43±2.02 weeks. The duration of symptom improvement in CPAP+PPI group was 4.23±1.6 weeks. and higher PPI discontinuation rate in CPAP+PPI group is 54.2%, and PPI group is 27.3%.
Conclusion: OSA was independently associated with GERD. CPAP improved GER symptoms compared with the no-treatment group. CPAP+PPI treatment improved GERD more rapidly than PPI alone, and CPAP treatment was an independent protective factor for GERD.
Lipid metabolism and antioxidant system contributed to salt salinity tolerance induced by Na+ accumulation in halophytic grass seashore paspalum
Authors: Pan Ling , Hu Xu , Shen Qing , Liao Li , Xu Tingchen , Sun Quanquan , Xu Tao , Tang Minqiang , Chen Zhenbang , Wang Zhiyong
Published: December 2022

Background and aims
Soil salinization is a growing problem for agriculture worldwide. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the salt tolerance of halophytes can offer a new angle for developing salt−tolerant crops. Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.) is a halophytic turfgrass and genomic model system for salt tolerance research in cereals and other grasses. However, knowledge regarding the tolerance mechanism of this halophyte remains largely unknown.
Methods
The two P.vaginatum accessions with contrasting salinity tolerance were employed to investigate the relationship between Na+ accumulation, lipid metabolism, antioxidant response and tissue−dependent salt tolerance using ICP−MS−based ion analysis, lipidomic profiling analysis, enzyme assay and integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis, respectively. Gene−metabolite network analysis was carried to identify the significant TF genes and metabolites associated with salt tolerance in P.vaginatum plants.
Results
We found that salt−tolerant P.vaginatum built up tissue−specific strategies accompanied with Na+ accumulation in response to salt stress. Antioxidant system and amino acid metabolism were curial to maintain high salinity tolerance in leaves of P. vaginatum plants. On the contrary, lipid upregulation is the important components of the salt−tolerant mechanism in roots of P. vaginatum. Furthermore, 109 TF genes were identified to be linked to salt tolerance, conferring to salinity tolerance in this halophytic grass.
Conclusions
Our results expand our understanding of the underlying salt tolerance of seashore halophyte grass for the breeding and genetic engineering of salt tolerance in crop plants.
Development of coal fly ash modified graphite-polyurethane composite electrodes for the determination of Cd(II) in batteries and water
Authors: Barros Caio Ribeiro , Cervini Priscila , Buoro Rafael Martos , Merwe Elizabet M. , Cavalheiro Éder T. G.
Published: December 2022

Coal fly ash (FA), an aluminium silicate by-product and environmental pollutant which is generated during the combustion of coal in coal-fired power stations, was used for the first time as an electrode modifier for the determination of metallic cations. Thus, graphite/polyurethane-based composites containing different amounts of FA were prepared and characterized by SEM, EDX and TGA/DTG. The graphite/polyurethane composite electrodes (GPUE), with and without FA modifier, were evaluated with regard to their performance as voltammetric electrodes in the determination of metallic cations, using Cd(II) as a probe. After optimizing solution and instrumental parameters affecting the voltammetric peak current, a differential pulse anode stripping voltammetry (DPASV) procedure was developed for GPUE modified with 5% FA (m/m), resulting in a linear response for Cd(II) in the range 2.0 x 10‑7 to 1.0 x 10‑6 mol L-1 with a detection limit (LOD) of 6.6 x 10-8 mol L-1. Cd(II) was added to natural water samples and determined in concentrations at 10-7 mol L-1 level, with a mean recovery of 99%. It was also extracted from exhausted rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries and diluted to ca. 0.2 µmol L-1 and determined with the same electrode, with recoveries of 98.7% when compared to FAAS. These results serve as a proof of concept that FA is a useful electrode modifier for determination of cationic species.
Environmental impact assessment and normalization of different expressway sub-projects during construction
Authors: Huang Yimiao , Zhao Xiaokuan , Zhang Ruochen , Xie Panpan , Xue Guixiang , Ma Guowei
Published: December 2022

The construction process of expressway is characterized by high energy and materials consumption, which poses overwhelming potential threat to the physical environment. In order to coordinate contradiction between expressway construction and concomitant environment issues, this study quantitatively assessed environmental impact of different sub-projects and presented an environmental price model to characterize the overall environmental impact of construction materials in normalized methods. The results showed that the bridge, culvert, and tunnel sub-projects produced the most significant environmental impact. Compared with onsite construction and transportation, material production, which is mostly associated with a few types of construction materials, contributed the largest proportion (approximately 90%) of the life cycle environmental impact. Cement, explosives, and wood contributed significantly to global warming potential, substance of ozone depletion, and land use contributing 51.55%, 70.87%, and 54.95%, respectively, in the subgrade sub-project. The environmental impact ratio can indicate the degree of matching between the environmental impact of a material and its preparation technologies. When the environmental impact ratio is high, a focus on green update and iteration of production technologies of such construction materials are required. This study identifies the environmentally sensitive links of different expressway construction sub-projects and provides a decision-making basis for the selection of construction materials and upgradation and iteration of production technologies from the perspective of environmental price, thus providing scientific guidance to green expressway construction.
A Sentiment Analysis method of Weibo topic based on BiGRU-Attention and its application in network public opinion
Authors: Li Heming , Bai Zhongxian , Wang Weijia
Published: December 2022

[Purpose/significance] Weibo is a Chinese social media platform based on user relationships. Users can comment on hot topics to express their emotions and emotional tendencies. Mining users' emotion and attitude from Weibo topic comments are helpful to the analysis of Weibo public opinion analysis, which has practical significance.
[Method/process] This paper proposes a sentiment analysis method that combines the bidirectional gated recurrent unit neural network (BiGRU) with the attention mechanism to construct an emotion classification model that takes into account training speed and accuracy. Experiments on public datasets show that compared with the classical neural network model, the model in this paper can effectively improve the accuracy of sentiment classification. Experiments are carried out on topics comment data of 10 different fields, and the results verify the feasibility and generalization ability of the model.
[Result/conclusion] Finally, a quick and effective sentiment prediction is made for the comments on hot topics, and the opinions and attitudes of netizens on hot topics are analyzed according to the calculated sentiment index and word cloud graph, so as to grasp the public’s emotional attitude towards public opinion events in time and provide a reference for the subsequent application of popular public event prediction and public opinion analysis and research.
[Limitations] There are also some shortcomings in this study, such as errors in sentiment analysis of comment sentences with complex semantics such as irony, and no fine-grained sentiment analysis, which still needs further research and improvement.
Off-Memory Decryption of Classified Documents
Authors: Suzer Mehmet Hadi
Published: December 2022

Secure transmission of information between parties needs robust cryptographic methods to be utilized. In general, information is delivered to its destination through non-secure channels in which a massive number of malicious users or machines may reside. Data sources use end to end encryption to bypass those threats, however, even after safe delivery, the information is still susceptible to altering or stealing attacks due to viruses, Trojans and other kind of threats hidden in end devices. The decrypted message residing in the memory of computers as plain text is vulnerable against malicious software or users which or who may copy, print or share it to unauthorized parties. In this paper, we present a cryptographic device which moves the decryption stage out of the memory of destination computers, so it is not subject to information stealing anymore. We present theory, implementation and evaluation of the approach in detail, and test results show that our device can capture video frames of Full HD resolution on an HDMI link, descramble and show them on the screen at 60 Hz frame rate successfully.
Socioeconomic disparities and concentration of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Lefebvre Gabrielle , Haddad Slim , Moncion-Groulx Dominique , Saint-Onge Mélanie , Dontigny André
Published: December 2022

Background
Recent studies suggest that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection may be greater in more densely populated areas and in cities with a higher proportion of persons who are poor, immigrant, or essential workers. This study examines spatial inequalities in SARS-CoV-2 exposure in a health region of the province of Quebec in Canada.
Methods
The study was conducted on the 1206 Canadian census dissemination areas in the Capitale-Nationale region of the province of Quebec. The observation period was 21 months (March 2020 to November 2021). The number of cases reported daily in each dissemination area was identified from available administrative databases. The magnitude of inequalities was estimated using Gini and Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) indices. The association between transmission and socioeconomic deprivation was identified based on the concentration of transmission in socially disadvantaged areas and on nonparametric regressions relating the cumulative incidence rate by area to ecological indicators of spatial disadvantage. Quantification of the association between median family income and degree of exposure of dissemination areas was supplemented by an ordered probit multiple regression model.
Results
Spatial disparities were elevated (Gini = 0.265; 95% CI [0.251, 0.279]). The spread was more limited in the less densely populated areas of the Quebec City agglomeration and outlying municipalities. The mean cumulative incidence in the subsample made up of the areas most exposed to the pandemic was 0.093. The spread of the epidemic was concentrated in the most disadvantaged areas, especially in the densely populated areas. Socioeconomic inequality appeared early and increased with each successive pandemic wave. The models showed that areas with economically disadvantaged populations were three times more likely to be among the areas at highest risk for COVID-19 (RR = 3.55; 95% CI [2.02, 5.08]). In contrast, areas with a higher income population (fifth quintile) were two times less likely to be among the most exposed areas (RR = 0.52; 95% CI [0.32, 0.72]).
Conclusion
As with the H1N1 pandemics of 1918 and 2009, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic revealed social vulnerabilities. Further research is needed to explore the various manifestations of social inequality in relation to the pandemic.
Linear-Time Algorithm for Paired-Domination on Distance-Hereditary Graphs
Authors: Mu Ta-Yu , Lin Ching-Chi
Published: December 2022

The study of domination problem and its variants is a classical area in algorithmic graph theory. One of the most famous variants of the domination problem is paired-domination as it has practical applications in security and surveillance services. Given a graph G, the paired-domination problem on G is to determine a minimum dominating set D such that the subgraph of G induced by D has a perfect matching. Lin et al. [Paired-domination problem on distance-hereditary graphs, Algorithmica, 2020] showed that the problem could be solved in O(n2) time. In this paper, we strengthen their results by providing an O(n+m)-time algorithm. Moreover, the algorithm can be completed in O(n) time if a decomposition tree of G is given.
The relationship between parents' social capital and psychological health among children and adolescents
Authors: Ahmadi Nastaran , Hosseini Fatemeh , shahabadi Akbar zare , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Khaleghi Ali , Yazdi Fatemeh Rismanian , Esmailnezhad Bahaneh , Khorshidi Rozita , Mirzaei Masoud
Published: December 2022

Objective: Childhood and adolescence are sensitive developmental periods that shape the personality of children and adolescents, this study investigates the relationship between parents' social capital and the psychological health of children and adolescents.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and using the multi-stage cluster sampling method, 1035 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 and their parents were selected. The Lifestyle Questionnaire (LSQ) and the Social Capital Questionnaire were used to collect information.
Results: The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between parents’ social capital and their children’s psychological health. Employed parents, insurance type, and fathers’ education levels had a significant correlation with children’s psychological health, and parents’ gender, age, and education levels had a significant correlation with their social capital.
Conclusion: With further research, the creation of health-promoting programs, changes in policy, and social capital may improve mental well-being and prevent mental illness.
Preparation of MnO 2 @poly (DMAEMA-co-IA) Conjugated methotrexate Nano-complex for MRI and Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer Application
Authors: Ziyaee Saba , Malekzadeh Reza , Ghorbani Marjan , Motlagh Behnam Nasiri , Asghariazar Vahid , Mortezazadeh Tohid
Published: December 2022

A novel efficient pH-sensitive targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and innovative radiosensitizing system were synthesized based on MnO2 NPs coated with biocompatible poly (dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate -Co- itaconic acid) and targeted with methotrexate. The established NPs were characterized and MRI signal enhancement, relaxivity, cell targeting, toxicity, and radiotherapy efficacy were evaluated. The developed system displayed pH-responsive MRI contrast enhancement, differential uptake in malignant and normal cells, negligible in vitro cytotoxicity, and suitable in vitro cell targeting ability. Enhanced therapeutic efficacy in hypoxic conditions confirmed the efficiency of the system in MR imaging and radiation therapy of hypoxia cells.
Quality of life and mood status in adults with intracerebral hemorrhage: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhao Mingkuan , Luan Xingzhao , Yang Luxia , Xia Chengling , Sun Xifang , Jiang Lin , Yan Min , He Guangxiang , Yang Fang , Luo Qinglian
Published: December 2022

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the deadliest of all stroke disorders. This disease leads to a reduced quality of life for patients, with ICH survivors experiencing functional and cognitive impairment as well as chronic anxiety or depression. However, the exact correlation between patients' quality of life and anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms remains unclear. It is also unclear whether improvements in patients' quality of life can reduce the degree of abnormal mood. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between quality of life, self-burden and mood status in patients with ICH to provide baseline information.
Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 307 participants were recruited by the Department of Neurosurgery at Southwest Medical University Hospital. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with participants, patient self-assessment questionnaires, and a review of electronic medical records.
Results: There were significant correlations among quality of life, participants' self-perceived burden, anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms (P<0.05). The analysis of the SF-36 scale showed that the physiological health of patients was the main factor affecting anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: A decrease in the level of negative emotions in patients was associated with an increase in quality of life and a decrease in the patient's self-perceived burden.
Network pharmacology and molecular docking-based investigation on the mechanisms of action of Coptidis Rhizoma in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions
Authors: Ye Xuxing , Xu Bin , Wang Xiaobo , Yu Guoyou , Ma Shuangshuang
Published: December 2022

Background Gastric precancerous lesions are a critical stage in the development of gastric cancer or gastric adenocarcinoma, and their outcome plays an important role in the malignant progression of gastric cancer. Coptidis Rhizoma has a good effect on Gastric precancerous lesions. However, its specific mechanism of action remains incompletely elucidated. Methods A network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were used to explore the active ingredients and molecular mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma in treating gastric precancerous lesions. The active compounds of Coptidis Rhizoma and their potential gastric precancerous lesions related targets were obtained from TCMSP, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. An interaction network based on protein-protein interactions (PPIs) was constructed to visualize the interactions between hub genes. Analysis of GO enrichment and KEGG pathway were conducted using the DAVID database. An investigation of interactions between active compounds and potential targets was carried out by molecular docking. Results A total of 11 active compounds and 95 anti gastric precancerous lesions targets of Coptidis Rhizoma were screened for analysis. GO enrichment analysis showed that the mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma acting on precancerous gastric lesions involved in gene expression regulation and apoptosis regulation. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that Coptidis Rhizoma against precancerous gastric lesions involving the MAPKsignalling pathway and PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Molecular docking simulations indicated potential interactions between these compounds (quercetin, palmatine, berberine, berberrubine) and targets (EGFR, AKT1, MYC, TP53) involved in anti gastric precancerous lesions activity. conclusion Bioactive compounds in Coptidis Rhizoma have the potential to prevent atrophy and intestinal metaplasia.These compounds function by regulating the proteins implicated in MAPK and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways that are crucial in gastric epithelial cell differentiation, proliferation and maturation.
Effects of intercropping crops on arthropod diversity and temporal niche in apple orchard
Authors: Feng Hong-Zu , Gou Chang-Qing , Xi Lin-Qiao , Wang Lan
Published: December 2022

Orchard intercropping is an artificial ecological community formed by the complementary combination of tall fruit trees and low crops based. In this study, the differences and changes of arthropod diversity, richness and evenness were compared and the niche width, overlap index and competition relationship among populations in time dimension were analyzedin the apple orchards intercropping with annual crops, perennial crops, and clear tillage in Alar, China. The results showed that a large number of arthropods (97% - 99%) belonged to 7 orders, 11 families and 18 species. The relative abundanceof natural enemies in orchard intercropping crops was higher than that without intercropping, especially for Chrysoperla sinica and Adonia variegata, and that of pests was lower (except for Mirids), and especially for Aphis citricola and Lithocolletis ringoniella. Diversity analysis showed that compared to control, Shannon index and Pilu evenness index were higher in intercropping orchard , while the Simpson index was close to the control. In the three orchards, the niche widths of L. ringoniella, C. sinica, and A. variegatawere larger, while the niche widths of A. citricola and spiders were smaller. It followed that the time niche overlap index of insects with similar occurrence period was high, showing the coexistence of multiple clusters. In this study, we reported that orchard intercropping had a promoting effect on the occurrence of the insects, which not only reinforced the ecosystem service of pest regulation, but also achieved the purposes of maintaining the stability of ecosystem and protecting ecological environment.
Implications for insect conservation This study suggests that orchard intercropping has a promoting effect on the occurrence of the insects.
Investigating impact of weaknesses and strengtheners local and national factors in border cities' development: Case of study Javanrood city, Iran
Authors: Janparvar Mohsen , Ghalehteimouri Kamran Jafarpour , Mazandrani Darya , Mousavi Mirnajaf
Published: December 2022

Border cities face numerous development challenges, including geographical, cultural, economic, and national and regional policies. Javanrood city, located in the northwest of Kermanshah province, is one of the border cities with significant natural and human capacities and potentials to connect and shape Iran's western network with neighbouring countries. To accomplish this, an attempt has been made in this article to study the effective areas in promoting the development of the border city of Javanrood. The study of the feasibility of the scenarios, on the other hand, revealed that the assumption of "increasing the level of economic interaction" is the most effective assumption and has the greatest effect on compatibility in the scenarios, and that the assumption of "complete consideration and improvement of ways," despite being the most effective, has the least effect on compatibility in the scenarios. "The level and extent of communication channels along borders, as well as the connection of borders with interior spaces," is the key factor assumption. Therefore, the natural and human potential of Javanrood's border city is such that, if the strategy of promoting economic interactions with Iraq and the Iraqi Kurdistan region is adopted, this city can become a node city in the west of the country, develop to a large extent, and become an engine of development for other cities around it. The results show that 13 key factors are effective in promoting Javanrood development, and for these 13 factors, 51 possible and different situations were drawn, ranging from favourable to unfavourable conditions.
Readiness for Self-Directed Learning among Paramedic Students in Jordan: A Multi- Institutional Study
Authors: Alwidyan Mahmoud T. , Al-Nusour Esraa A. , Alrawashdeh Ahmad A. , Zabin Bayan S. , Omar Salim M. Bani , Abuzaid Sajeda R. , Alsatari Eman S.
Published: December 2022

Objectives Self-directed learning has been encouraged as an effective training method for healthcare students. This study aims to assess the level of self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) among paramedic students in Jordan and identify any associated factors. Methodology This is a cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire on a sample of paramedic students in Jordan. All enrolled undergraduate paramedic students in the three institutions were included as potential participants. Results A total of 529 participants completed the questionnaire. The overall mean score was 141.9 (SD ± 35.5) and a total of 302 (57.1%) participants had a high level of SDLR (score > 150). Students with a high level of SDLR were more likely to be male (p = 0.039) and have high academic performance levels (p = 0.006). Conclusions This study found that even though the majority of our participants achieved a high level of SDLR, the overall mean score was among the lowest in the literature.
Association of the CD4+ /CD8+ ratio with response to PD-1 inhibitor-based combination therapy and dermatologic toxicities in patients with advanced gastric and esophageal cancer
Authors: Xu Shuangwei , Wu Lixia , Zhu Qiuwei , Zhong Yinghe , Wang Yaoyao , Wang Jingmiao , Yan Jinbi , Zhu Lina , Hang Junjie
Published: December 2022

Background
The host immune system affects treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and can be reflected by circulating immune cells. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether circulating T cells are correlated with clinical response and dermatologic toxicities in patients with advanced gastric and esophageal cancer receiving PD-1 inhibitor-based combination therapy.
Methods
Patients with advanced gastric and esophageal cancer who received PD-1 inhibitor-based combination therapy (n = 203) were enrolled. Cox regression model was used to investigate independent prognostic factors, which were applied to generate a nomogram. The nomogram was validated using calibration plots and validation cohort data. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were subsequently conducted to evaluate the correlation between CD4+/CD8+ ratio and OS. Additionally, correlations between CD4+/CD8+ ratio and other clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed by Pearson Chi-Square test and Continuity Correction.
Results
In the training cohort, ECOG performance status (PS), PD-L1 expression, use of antibiotics, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were identified as independent prognostic factors. A nomogram to predict OS and survival probabilities was constructed using these factors. The nomogram showed a good discrimination ability (C-index, 0.767) and good calibration, and was externally confirmed in the validation cohort (C-index, 0.791) and test cohort (C-index, 0.784). In subgroup analysis, CD4+/CD8+ ratio was significantly correlated with OS in patients stratified by age, sex, antibiotic use, and ICI treatment line. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that median OS in patients with a CD4+/CD8+ ratio ≥ 1.10 was 6.2 months, which was significantly shorter than those of patients with a CD4+/CD8+ ratio < 1.10 (P < 0.001). Patients with CD4+/CD8+ ratio < 1.10 had superior objective response rate (43.8% vs. 23.1%) and disease control rate (72.9% vs. 59.0%) relative to those with a ratio ≥ 1.10. In addition, PD-L1 expression, corticosteroids use, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio can predict dermatologic toxicities independently.
Conclusions
Baseline CD4+/CD8+ ratio is a potential prognostic factor for patients with advanced gastric and esophageal cancer treated with PD-1 inhibitor-based combination therapy. Nomogram incorporating CD4+/CD8+ ratio, ECOG PS at ICI initiation, PD-L1 expression, and antibiotic use can predict OS with considerable accuracy. In addition, CD4+/CD8+ ratio can predict dermatologic toxicities independently.
Clerkship length: Does it affect performance on the NBME Surgery Subject Examination across schools?
Authors: Wynne Kolu , O'Donnell Francis , Morrison Carol , Maranki Marie , Amankwah Kwame
Published: December 2022

Background: The optimal duration for clerkships has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to add to the limited literature on the impact of clerkship length using data from multiple medical schools and controlling for differences in pre-clerkship achievement.
Methods: A two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to examine the effects of clerkship length reductions and school affiliation on students’ performance on the Subject Examination in Surgery.
Results: The relationship between surgery clerkship length and school performance while controlling for Step 1 scores, F (4, 1708) = 2.69, p = .030, partial η2 = .006, indicating that the effect of a clerkship length reduction on Surgery Subject Examination performance was not consistent. Further, across 91 medical schools, clerkship length was not a significant predictor of performance.
Conclusion: This study suggests that it is possible to reduce the duration of a surgery clerkship without negatively impacting student achievement.
Microbiome-metabolome interactions predict host phenotype
Authors: Shtossel Oshrit , Koren Omry , Shai Iris , Rinott Ehud , Louzoun Yoram
Published: December 2022

The effect of microbes on their human host is often mediated through changes in metabolite concentrations. As such, multiple tools have been proposed to predict metabolitc profiles from microbial taxa frequencies, assuming a direct relation between the gut microbiome composition and blood metabolite concentrations. However, the microbiome-metabolite relation may depend on host demographics or condition.

We show that the relation between microbiome and metabolites is best predicted at the log concentration level. We further develop LOCATE (Latent Of miCrobiome And meTabolites rElations), a machine learning (ML) tool based on latent representation which predicts the log normalized metabolites composition based on the log normalized microbiome composition. LOCATE has a higher overall accuracy than all current state-of-the-art predictors in both 16S rRNA gene and shotgun gene sequencing.

The accuracy of LOCATE and all other predictors significantly decreases when predicting on one dataset and testing on a different dataset, or on a different condition in the same dataset, especially in 16S rRNA gene sequence based data.

We propose an intermediate representation between the microbiome and the metabolite concentrations and show that this representation can be used to predict the host phenotype better than either the microbiome or the metabolome. This representation is strongly correlated with host demographics, including age, gender and diet and can be used to improve ML predictions of host phenotypes in comparison with either microbiome or metabolome using a large microbiome sample combined with a small number of metabolome samples (~ 50)
Transcriptome Analysis of Sheep IVF embryos based on single Cell RNA-Seq
Authors: Fang Di , Li Na , Zhao Jianqing , Rui Xue , Li Nan , Gao Qinghua
Published: December 2022

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to explore the transcriptome differences of sheep in IVF. Embryos were fertilized in vitro at different developmental stages in order to assess the differences of the function, classification and metabolic pathway of differentially expressed genes and to provide a theoretical basis for revealing the regulatory mechanism of sheep early embryo development. The experiments aimed to promote the development of sheep embryo production technology in vitro.
Methods:The single embryos derived from sheep 16-cells and morulae were produced by IVF technology as samples and the sequencing library was constructed by the Smart-Seq2 amplification technology. The transcriber was sequenced by Illumina HiSeqXten high-throughput sequencing technology and the effective sequences were analyzed by functional annotation and related bioinformatic analysis.
Results:The results indicated that the Clean reads of 16-cell and morula embryos were 47355570-50855888, of which 93.17%-94.23% reads were compared with the reference genome sequence of sheep; 10 were compared with alternative splicing types of transcription terminal site (TTS) and with the transcription start site (TSS), which accounted for the largest proportion in sheep embryo transcripts. There were 171170-211487 sites of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 9802-10505 sites of novel transcripts in sheep 16-cells and morulas respectively. A total of 10 genes (including novel transcripts) were expressed at the morula stage.The following screening criteria were used: | log2ratio |≥1 and Q-value < 0.05. The differences in the 17,607 DEGs between the 16-cell and morula embryos were significant (370 upregulated and 47 downregulated). From the 16-cell stage to the morula stage, 16,343 DEGs were classified and annotated. It was found that the metabolic processes of BP, CC and MF3 focused on biological functions, such as organic synthesis and nucleic acid synthesis. KEGG analysis indicated 206 pathways that were involved in the 16-cell to morula embryo stage. Two pathways were used for enrichment namely the spliceosome and the signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells, respectively.
Conclusions: The number of differentially expressed genes was identified at different stages of sheep embryo development and the function, classification and metabolic pathway of differentially expressed genes were obtained.
Investigation of antimicrobial resistance genes in organic fertilizers from animal residues
Authors: Da Silva Gonçalves João Vitor , Souza Lima Sant’Anna Gustavo , Fernanda Alves Ferreira Paula , Araújo Alves Gomes de Souza Mariana , Maurício Fajardo da Cunha José , Moreira Soares de Souza Miliane , De Mattos de Oliveira Coelho Shana , Zonta Everaldo , Coelho Irene
Published: December 2022

Animal wastes have been commonly reused in agriculture due to improve organic matter and nutritional input. However, organic animal fertilizers can be sources of antimicrobials, bacteria resistant to antimicrobials, and antimicrobial resistance genes. In this perspective, this work aimed to investigate the pr essence of antimicrobial resistance genes in organic animal wastes, such as fresh bovine manure from organic and conventional production systems, fresh and tanned organic poultry litter, conventional poultry litter tanned and bone meal. Sulfonamide resistance genes were detected in all residues. On the other hand, colistin and carbapenem resistance genes were not detected in any samples. A tetracycline resistance gene was detected in poultry litter. Quinolone resistance genes were detected in all samples, except bone meal. Despite the advantage of applying animal wastes in agricultural production, the existence of resistance genes in all residues, regardless of whether they come from organic or conventional systems, fresh or tanned, represents a public health risk since we can increase antimicrobial resistance genes in the soil which can favor the transfer to pathogenic bacteria of humans and animals.