bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Wolbachia with gene expression in Drosophila testes
Authors: Dou Weihao , Miao Yunheng , Xiao Jinhua , Huang Dawei
Published: February 2021

Wolbachia is a genus of intracellular symbiotic bacteria that are widely distributed in arthropods and nematodes. These maternally inherited bacteria regulate host reproductive systems in various ways to facilitate their vertical transmission. Since the identification of Wolbachia in many insects, the relationship between Wolbachia and the host has attracted great interest. Numerous studies have indicated that Wolbachia modifies a variety of biological processes in the host. Previous studies in Drosophila melanogaster (D. mel) have demonstrated that Wolbachia can affect spermatid differentiation, chromosome deposition, and sperm activity in the early stages of spermatogenesis, leading to sperm dysfunction. Here, we explored the putative effect of Wolbachia in sperm maturation using transcriptomic approaches to compare gene expression in Wolbachia-infected and Wolbachia-free D. mel adult testes. Our findings show that Wolbachia affects many biological processes in D. mel adult testes, and most of the differentially expressed genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lysosomal degradation, proteolysis, lipid metabolism, and immune response were upregulated in the presence of Wolbachia. In contrast, some genes that are putatively associated with cutin and wax biosynthesis and peroxisome pathways were downregulated. We did not find any differentially expressed genes that are predicted to be related to spermatogenesis in the datasets. This work provides additional information for understanding the Wolbachia-host intracellular relationships.
Understanding the Geology of the Philippines through Gravity Anomalies
Authors: Casulla Mel Anthony Asis , Mizunaga Hideki , Tanaka Toshiaki , Dimalanta Carla
Published: February 2021

The Philippine Archipelago is a complex island arc system, where many regions still lack geopotential studies. This study aims to present a general discussion of the Philippine gravity anomaly distribution. The high-resolution isostatic anomaly digital grid from the World Gravity Map (WGM) was processed and correlated with the Philippines’ established geology and tectonics. This study also investigated the gravity signatures that correspond to the regional features, e.g., geology, structures, sedimentary basins, and basement rocks of the study area. Upward continuation, high-pass, and gradient filters (i.e., first vertical derivative, horizontal gradient) were applied using the Geosoft Oasis Montaj software. The interpreted gravity maps’ results highlighted the known geologic features (e.g., trench manifestation, ophiolite distribution, basin thickness). They revealed new gravity anomalies with tectonic significance (e.g., basement characterization). The isostatic gravity anomaly map delineates the negative zones. These zones represent the thick sedimentary accumulations along the trenches surrounding the Philippine Mobile Belt (PMB). The Philippine island arc system is characterized by different gravity anomaly signatures, which signify the density contrast of subsurface geology. The negative anomalies (< 0 mGal) represent the thick sedimentary basins, and the moderate signatures (0 to 80 mGal) correspond to the metamorphic belts. The distinct very high gravity anomalies (> 80 mGal) typify the ophiolitic basement rocks. The gravity data’s upward continuation revealed contrasting deep gravity signatures; the central Philippines of continental affinity (20 – 35 mGal) was distinguished from the remaining regions of oceanic affinity (45 – 200 mGal). Local geologic features (e.g., limestone, ophiolitic rocks) and structures (e.g., North Bohol Fault, East Bohol Fault) were also delineated downward continuation and gravity gradient maps of Bohol Island. The WGM dataset’s effectiveness for geologic investigation was achieved by comparing the established geologic features and interpreted gravity anomalies. The processed gravity digital grids provided an efficient and innovative way of investigating the Philippines’ regional geology and tectonics.
Thoracoscopic infrared ablation to create a box lesion as a treatment for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kubota Hiroshi , Ohtsuka Toshiya , Ninomiya Mikio , Nonaka Takahiro , Hisagi Motoyuki , Endo Hidehito , Minegishi Sachito , Tsuchiya Hiroshi , Inaba Yusuke
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCreating a box lesion in the posterior wall of the left atrium from the epicardial side of the beating heart remains a challenge. Although a transmural lesion can be created by applying radiofrequency (RF) energy at clampable sites, there is still no reliable energy source to use to create a roof and bottom linear lesion to connect bilateral pulmonary vein (PV) cuff lesions produced with RF energy, because the inner blood flow in the unclampable free wall weakens the thermal effect on the outside. Our aim was to apply the newly developed infrared coagulator to create linear transmural lesions on the beating heart thoracoscopically to treat atrial fibrillation (AF).Case presentationA 71-year-old male was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and permanent atrial fibrillation. The patient was first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation 20 years before. Direct current cardioversion had been performed every few years a total of four times, but sinus rhythm restoration had always been temporary. The patient wanted to be free from anticoagulant therapy, symptom of palpitations, and fear of possibility of cerebral infarction. Transthoracic echography revealed no valvular dysfunction. Cardiac scintigraphy showed no evidence of myocardial ischemia. The electrocardiogram indicated AF with a 0.2 mV of f-wave amplitude. On February 27, 2020, thoracoscopic PV isolation together with infrared roof- and bottom-line ablation to create a box lesion and left atrial appendage amputation (LAAA) were performed. The coagulator could be applied to clinical thoracoscopic surgery to successfully create a box lesion without any complication. The patient restored a regular sinus rhythm, it has been maintained for eleven months, and there have been no adverse events. ConclusionsThe infrared coagulator might have enough potential to create transmural lesions on the beating heart in thoracoscopic AF surgery.
Development and Validation of the EQ-5D in Taiwan Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Liu Tzu-Hung , Ho Andrew Dean , Hsu Yu-Tien , Hsu Chih-Cheng
Published: February 2021

Background:Our study aims to provide validity evidence for the EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) in the National Health Interview Survey of Taiwan in the 2013 wave and further interpret the EQ-5D scores for patients with chronic diseases. Another goal of the study was to use item response theory (IRT) to identify items that are informative for assessing quality of life using EQ-5D.Methods: There were 17,260 participants, aged 12-64, who completed the interviews in our study. Psychometric methods, including factor analysis and the IRT model known as the Graded Response Model (GRM), were used to assess the unidimensionality of EQ-5D and its item properties. Correlation analysis was used to assess whether EQ-5D scores are associated with scores from the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36).Results: The EQ-5D scores have moderate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.60) and a scree plot suggests that the EQ-5D measure is unidimensional. The item information function analysis from the IRT model demonstrates that the first 3 items, “mobility,” “self-care,” and “usual activities” are the most informative items for patients who have chronic diseases and health-related quality of life below the 10th percentile. The EQ-5D scores have a moderate correlation (r: 0.61) with SF-36 scores.Conclusions: The EQ-5D scale shows promise for use in the general population. The IRT model informs our interpretation of the EQ-5D scores. Given the time constraints in clinical settings, we suggest using the first three items in EQ-5D to measure the health-related quality of life for patients with chronic diseases.
Intracellular Hedgehog signaling controls Th17 polarization and pathogenicity
Authors: Hanna Joachim , O'Brien Louise , Kapeni Chrysa , Chen Hung-Chang , Carbonaro Valentina , Kim Alexander , Beke Flavio , Adolph Timon E. , Skjoedt Mikkel-Ole , Skjoedt Karsten , Roche Marc de la , Roche Maike de la
Published: February 2021

T helper 17 (Th17) cells play a key role in barrier protection against fungal and bacterial pathogens but are also pathological drivers of many inflammatory diseases. Although the transcription factor networks governing Th17 differentiation are well defined, the signaling pathways that regulate the development and function of this important CD4+ T cell subset are still poorly understood. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays important roles in regulating cell fate decisions during embryogenesis and adult tissue patterning. Using novel CD4-specific Hh knockout mice, we find that intracellular Hh signaling, independently of exogenous Hh ligands, selectively drives Th17 lineage differentiation but not the development of Th1, Th2, or iTreg CD4+ Th cells. We show that the endogenous Indian Hh (Ihh) ligand signals via the signal transducer Smoothened to activate both canonical and non-canonical Hh pathways, through the Gli3 transcription factor and AMPK phosphorylation, respectively. Using two models of intestinal inflammation, we demonstrate that inhibition of the Hh pathway with either the clinically approved small molecule inhibitor vismodegib or genetic ablation of Ihh in CD4+ T cells greatly diminishes disease severity. Taken together, we have uncovered Hh as a novel signaling pathway controlling Th17 differentiation and Gli3 as a crucial transcription factor in this process. Our work paves the way for a potential use of Hh inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune diseases.
Prognostic Value of GDF-15 in Predicting Prolonged Intensive Care Stay following Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Barton Henry , Zechendorf Elisabeth , Ostareck Dirk , Ostareck-Lederer Antje , Stoppe Christian , Zayat Rashad , Simon-Philipp Tim , Marx Gernot , Bickenbach Johannes
Published: February 2021

Background: Predicting intensive care unit length of stay and outcome following cardiac surgery is currently based on clinical parameters. Novel biomarkers could be employed to improve the prediction models. Methods: We performed a qualitative cytokine screening array to identify highly expressed biomarkers in preoperative blood samples of cardiac surgery patients. After identification of one highly expressed biomarker, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a quantitative ELISA was undertaken. Preoperative levels of GDF-15 were compared in regard to duration of intensive care stay, cardio-pulmonary bypass time and indicators of organ dysfunction.Results: Preoperatively, GDF-15 was highly expressed in addition to several less highly expressed other biomarkers. After qualitative analysis we could show that preoperatively raised levels of GDF-15 was positively associated with prolonged ICU stay exceeding 48 h (median 713 versus 1041 pg/ml, p = 0.003). It was also associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and rates of severe sepsis but not with dialysis rates or cardio-pulmonary bypass time. In univariate regression, raised GDF-15 levels were predictive of a prolonged ICU stay (OR 1.01, 95% Confidence Interval 1 – 1.02, p= 0.029). On ROC curves, GDF-15 was found to predict prolonged ICU stay (AUC= 0.86, 95% Confidence Interval 0.71 – 0.99, p= 0.003).Conclusion: GDF-15 showed potential as predictor of prolonged intensive care stay following cardiac surgery, which might be valuable for risk stratification models.
Proximal Gastrectomy with Gastric Tube Reconstruction or Jejunal Interposition Reconstruction in the Upper Third Gastric Cancer: Which is Better for the Surgical Short-Term Outcomes.
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Ma Yan , Liu Guiting , Fang Ming , Xue YingWei
Published: February 2021

Objective: Proximal gastrectomy was acted as a function-preserving operation for upper third gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to compare the surgical short-term outcomes between proximal gastrectomy with gastric tube reconstruction and proximal gastrectomy with Jejunal interposition reconstruction in the upper third gastric cancer. Methods: A retrospective review of 301 patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition (JI) or gastric tube (GT) at the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital between June 2007 and December 2016 was performed. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Visick grade were used to evaluate the post-gastrectomy syndromes. The gastrointestinal fiberoscopy was used to evaluate the prevalence and severity of reflux esophagitis by Los Angeles (LA) classification system. Results: The JI group had a longer operation time than GT group (220±52 vs 182±50 min), whereas there was no significant difference in blood loss. Compared to the GT group, the Visick grade and GSRS score were significantly higher than that of the JI group. The reflux esophagitis of GT group was significantly higher than that of the JI group. Conclusion: Proximal gastrectomy is well tolerated, with excellent short-outcomes in patients with upper third gastric cancer . C ompared with GT construction, JI construction has clear functional advantages and may provide better quality of life for patients with upper third gastric cancer.
On the Examination of Temperature-Dependent Possible Current-Conduction Mechanisms of Au/(nanocarbon-PVP)/n-Si Schottky Barrier Diodes in Wide Range of Voltage
Authors: SEVGİLİ Ömer
Published: February 2021

Au/(nanocarbon-PVP)/n-Si SDs were fabricated and their current-conduction mechanisms (CCMs) have been examined in elaborative by utilizing current-voltage (I-V) characteristics in temperature range of 60-340K at (± 3V) ranges. The values of ideality factor (n) and zero-bias barrier height (ΦBo) determined from the linear-part of semilogarithmic forward bias IF-VF properties based on Thermionic-Emission (TE) theory revealed that decrease in ΦBo and increase in n with deccreasing temperature. Additionally, Richardson constant (A*) value was found several orders lower than its theoretical value. The values of ΦBo and n changed from 0.173 eV to 0.837 eV and 6.60 to 2.85 with increasing temperature from 60 K to 340 K. This positive temperature-coefficient (α) of ΦBo is inagreement with the bandgap of semiconductor or barrier height (BH) for the ideal diode. The calculated higher value of n at low temperatures was attributed to the inhomogeneities of BH rather than the interlayer, surface-states (Nss), and image-force lowering. With lowing temperatures, CCMs may be governed by tunneling over the lower barriers, via Nss, and generation recombination (GR), as well as TE and hence a complete description of CCM and understanding of the formation BH, remain a compelling problem. Nss-(Ec-Ess) profile was also obtained from IF-VF data for each temperature.
Biomimetic Oxygen Delivery Nanoparticles for Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy in Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Fang Hanyi , Gai Yongkang , Wang Sheng , Liu Qingyao , Zhang Xiao , Ye Min , Tan Jianling , Long Yu , Wang Kuanyin , Zhang Yongxue , LAN xiaoli
Published: February 2021

Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a kind of aggressive breast cancer with a high rate of metastasis, poor overall survival time, and a low response to targeted therapies. To improve the therapeutic efficacy and overcome the drug resistance of TNBC treatments, here we developed the cancer cell membrane-coated oxygen delivery nanoprobe, CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA, which can improve the hypoxia at tumor sites and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the photodynamic therapy (PDT), resulting in relieving the tumor growth in TNBC xenografts.
Results
The size of the CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA was 131.3 ± 1.08 nm. The in vitro 1O2 and ROS concentrations of the CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA group were both significantly higher than those of the other groups (P < 0.001). In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that the best time window was at 24 h post-injection of the CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA. Both in vivo 18F-FMISO PET imaging and ex vivo immunofluorescence staining results exhibited that the tumor hypoxia was significantly improved at 24 h post-injection of the CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA. For in vivo PDT treatment, the tumor volume and weight of the CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA with NIR group were both the smallest among all the groups and significantly decreased compared to the untreated group (P < 0.01). No obvious biotoxicity was observed by the injection of CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA till 14 days.
Conclusions
By using the high oxygen solubility of perfluorocarbon (PFC) and the homologous targeting ability of cancer cell membranes, CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA can target tumor tissues, mitigate the hypoxia of the tumor microenvironment, and enhance the PDT efficacy in TNBC xenografts. Furthermore, the HSA, ICG, and PFC are all FDA-approved materials, which render the nanoparticles highly biocompatible and enhance the potential for clinical translation in the treatment of TNBC patients.
Prognostic Impact of Different Subtypes of Severe Aortic Stenosis after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Pal Matyas , Dekany Gabor , Satish Sai , Mandzak Adrienn , Piroth Zsolt , Fontos Geza , Andreka Peter
Published: February 2021

PurposeOutcomes for different subtypes of aortic stenosis (AS) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are still subjects of debate. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of baseline flow rate (F) and mean gradient (G) on survival after TAVI. MethodsFrom 2008. to 06. 2017. TAVI was performed in 300 cases (127 men, 173 women, age 80,0±5,8 years) with severe AS. Follow-up was at least 3 years. Mortality tracking was 100%. Patients were divided into high gradient (HG: 237), low-flow low-gradient (LF-LG: 41), paradoxically low flow-low gradient (PLF-LG: 9) and normal flow-low gradient (NF-LG: 13) groups. Primary endpoint was 30-day, 1-year and 3-year all-cause mortality (M) . ResultsNF-LG had better prognosis (M: 30d 0, 1-year: 7,7%, 3-year: 46,2%). In HG patients mortality was low in the 1st year (30-day: 3,8%, 1-y: 14,3%), but higher (62,8%) after 3 year. PLF-LG had intermediate outcomes (30-day 0, 1-year 22,2%, 3-year 55,6%). LF-LG had the highest mortality (30-day 12,2%, p=0,03, 1-year 34,2% p=0,005, 3-year 75,6% p=0,009 vs.HG) and relative risk (2,44 [1,34-4,42] p=0,003 vs.HG). Independent predictors of 1-year mortality were only Grade 2+ paravalvular regurgitation (p=0,04) and severe renal dysfunction (p=0,04). ConclusionsTAVI survival is determined by the guideline-defined subtype of AS. Low flow – low gradient AS is associated with worse prognosis, therefore these patients need careful management after TAVI.
Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Risk of Developing COVID-19: a Community-based Case-control Study
Authors: Küçükali Hüseyin , Hayran Osman , İleri Şeyda , Kurt Berkay , Kuru Fatmanur , Nalbantoğlu Sena , Özbaş Burcu , Sezerol Mehmet Akif , Taşçı Yusuf
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMost of the studies regarding the relationship between socioeconomic status and occurrence of COVID-19 are usually ecological studies and have limitations due to ecological fallacy. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status and individual-level risk of developing COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted a community-based, age and gender matched, case-control study in a district of Istanbul. The case group was defined as all confirmed COVID-19 cases (n=232) that were reported to the district health directorate in a week of August 2020. Control group was defined as people who were matched with cases in terms of age and gender and selected randomly from the directory of the same primary care provider in the district in 1:1 ratio. Participants were communicated via telephone. The socioeconomic status score was measured by Turkish Socioeconomic Status Index which considers three dimensions of it: education, occupation, and income.Results168 cases (72.4% response) and 168 controls are included in the study. 48.8% of participants are female and the mean age is 37.66±15.32 for each group. The mean socioeconomic status score is 70.28±7.09 for cases and 69.25±7.46 for controls (p=0.201). 15.2% (n=25) of cases and 22.4% (n=37) of controls is in lower socioeconomic status group (p=0.091). Neither bivariate nor logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between study groups.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that socioeconomic status is not a significant predictor of COVID-19 occurrence at individual-level. The disease seems to be a common threat to all individuals of the global community.
Bulk Connectivity of Global SST and Land Precipitation Variations
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Hu Zeng-Zhen , Huang Bohua , Stan Cristiana
Published: February 2021

The land climate predictability at seasonal and interannual time scales is largely due to the influence of the ocean. The connections between global sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) and precipitation anomaly over land as a whole are assessed using observations and Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) simulations for 1957-2018 in this work. With a novel bulk connectivity matrix, the regions of SSTA having the most significant connections with global land precipitation anomaly are identified and the seasonal evolution is evaluated. The similarities and differences between the observations and AMIP simulations are examined. In both observations and AMIP simulations, SSTA in the tropical central and eastern Pacific connects strongly with the global land precipitation anomaly. Compared with that in the tropical Pacific, the connections with SSTA along the equatorial Indian and Atlantic Oceans are weaker. However, the seasonal evolution of the connection shows distinguished patterns between the observations and the AMIP simulations with the strongest (weakest) connections in October (June) in the observations, in March and October (June) in a single-member of the AMIP simulation, and in February (June) in the 17-member ensemble mean of the AMIP simulations. The ensemble averaging enhances the strength of the connectivity and improves its seasonality. The results of the bulk connectivity matrix in this work can serve as a benchmark to evaluate the connection of SSTA with global land precipitation variation in climate models.
Environmental Generation Framework: Case of Environmental Awareness Among Farmers and Senior High School Students for Sustainable Development
Authors: Adu Isaac Kwaku , Puthenkalam John Joseph , Antwi Effah Kwabena
Published: February 2021

Having access to a reliable environmental source of education contributes to pro-environmental behaviors. Yet, it is unclear whether such environmental education should be centered on the current or the next generation. To investigate the possible impact of environmental education on sustainable development and make a comparison between the older and the future generations, this research surveyed 376 household heads (also farmers) from two municipalities and 200 Senior High School students from four municipalities/districts in the Eastern region of Ghana. The results revealed that both farmers and students demonstrated considerable environmental awareness. However, the students showed a higher and acceptable cumulative percentage environmental knowledge score than the farmers. Results from the Linear Probability Model estimates of perceived environmental knowledge indicates that being a male increases the probability of having perceived environmental knowledge by 30.8 percentage points, controlling other demographic characteristics. Whiles being enrolled in a Senior High School (young generation) increases the probability of having perceived environmental knowledge by 30.8 percentage points. Furthermore, over 98% of the students indicated their availability to better equip themselves to confront the deteriorating environment compared to 81% of the older generation. The results revealed that the younger generation has the motivation , readily available to gain more knowledge and skills to become and raise an environmental generation. These meet the three most important elements of the Environmental Generation Framework which focus on the younger generation to achieve sustainable development.
Identification and characterization of a peptidoglycan hydrolase from Rhodobacter johrii
Authors: Ali Ashif , Ch Sasikala , Ramana Ch. Venkara
Published: February 2021

The bacterial whole genome sequences are available in the database therefore explored for the varieties of known and unknown proteins. Bacteria harbor various peptidoglycan hydrolases that cleave peptidoglycan and play an important role in the cell division, growth, spore differentiation and development. In the present study, we report a peptidoglycan hydrolase in an endospore producing phototrophic proteobacterium Rhodobacter johrii. The Peptidoglycan Hydrolase of Rba. johrii (PgHR) can actively hydrolyze the intact spore cortex peptidoglycan (sacculi). The protein contains a pre-peptide precursor which has a Hydrolase-2 (PF07486) family conserved domain. PgHR protein has SleB like properties which are spore cortex-lytic enzymes involved in the depolymerization of cortex peptidoglycan present and characterized in Bacillus spp. The expression pattern of PgHR through qRT-PCR suggests its role in stationary phase of Rba. johrii. This is a new type of peptidoglycan hydrolase reported from a proteobacterium.
Distinct imaging patterns of pseudoprogression in glioma patients following proton versus photon radiation therapy
Authors: Ritterbusch Reed , Halasz Lia M. , Graber Jerome J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Criteria by the Radiologic Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) group outline the diagnosis of pseudoprogression (Ps) after photon therapy for gliomas based on timing and location. We noted that patients receiving proton therapy manifested radiographic changes that appear different than Ps after photon therapy, which could be interpreted as tumor progression. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed MR imaging after proton or photon radiation for gliomas. We propose criteria to characterize proton pseudoprogression (ProPs) as distinct from Ps seen after photons.
Methods
Post-treatment MR imaging, clinical and pathological data of low grade glioma patients were reviewed. Overall, 57 patients receiving protons were reviewed for the presence of ProPs, and 43 patients receiving photons were reviewed for any equivalent imaging changes. Data collected included the location and timing of the new enhancement, tumor grade, molecular subtype, chemotherapy received, and clinical symptoms.
Results
Fourteen patients (24.6%) had new enhancement following radiation therapy that was unique to treatment with protons. The mean time to development of the ProPs was 15.4 months (7–27 months). We established the following criteria to characterize ProPs: located at the distal end of the proton beam; resolves without tumor-directed therapy; and subjectively multifocal, patchy, and small (< 1 cm). In the group receiving photons, none had changes that met our criteria for ProPs.
Conclusion
Patients who receive protons have unique imaging changes after radiation therapy. ProPs could be mistaken for tumor progression, but typically resolves on follow up. Further studies are needed to understand the radiobiology and pathophysiology underlying these imaging changes.
Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Persea americana in High Fat Diet and Low Dose Streptozotocin Induced T2DM Male Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Girma Ture , Genet Solomon , Feyisa Teka Obsa Obsa , Tufa Abdissa
Published: February 2021

Background: Type II diabetes is a major health problem worldwide, and is increasing in an alarming rate globally and in Ethiopia due to change in dietary habits and sedentary life style. Even though there is no effective cure for diabetes, early control of blood glucose significantly reduces the risk of diabetic complications. Different types of ingredients present in medicinal plants that act on a variety of targets by various modes and mechanisms are used to treat diabetes with minimum cost and side effect. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the antidiabetic effect of Persea americana mill fruit juice in high fat diet (HFD) and low dose Streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetic (T2DM) male albino Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty six male albino Wistar rats weighing form 150-200g were divided in into six different groups: group I (normal control); Group II (diabetic control); Group III (metformin control) and Group IV – Group VI (treatment groups). Group I was fed on standard pellet and group II – group VI were fed on HFD for 4 weeks to induce pre-diabetes and insulin resistance followed by low dose STZ injection to induce T2DM. The treatment groups (group IV, V and VI) were given 632 mg/Kg, 1264 mg/Kg and 1896 mg/Kg/day of Persea americana fruit juice for six weeks, respectively to compare with normal, diabetic and 7mg/Kg metformin treated groups. After forty-five days of treatment, the rats were fasted overnight (12 to 14 hours), anaesthetized and blood sample was collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical tests (fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, total protein and creatinine). The results were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. One way ANOVA followed by Post hoc Tukey’s multiple comparisons were done to compare the mean differences among the experimental groups, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: In high dose (1896 mg/Kg/day) Persea americana mill fruit juice treated group, food consumption, body weight, FBG, and LDL-C were significantly reduced and HDL-C was significantly increased (p < 0.005) compared with diabetic control group. Moderate dose (1264mg/Kg/day) treated group showed a decrease in FBG on 6th week and improve HDL-C levels. Treating the rats with Persea americana fruit juice changed TG, total protein and creatinine levels although not significant. Oral antidiabetes drug (metformin) significantly reduced pellet consumption, body weight, FBG and lipid profile.Conclusion: Overall, Persea americana mill fruit juice showed antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect particularly through reduction of fasting blood glucose, LDL-C and increasing HDL-C in T2DM induced rats, thus it can be helpful in reducing the risk of diabetic complications.
Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and compensated liver disease: real-world data in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Chen-Hua , Chen Po-Yueh , Chen Jyh-Jou , Lo Ching-Chu , Su Wei-Wen , Tseng Kuo-Chih , Liu Chun-Jen , Huang Chia-Sheng , Huang Ke-Jhang , Yang Sheng-Shun , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Tsai Ming-Chang , Kao Wei-Yu , Chang Chi-Yang , Shih Yu-Lueng , Fang Yu-Jen , Chen Chi-Yi , Lee Pei-Lun , Huang Jow-Jyh , Su Pei-Yuan , Tseng Chi-Wei , Hung Chien-Ching , Chang Chung-Hsin , Huang Yi-Jie , Lai Hsueh-Chou , Chang Chun-Chao , Lee Fu-Jen , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Kao Jia-Horng
Published: February 2021

Background
Data regarding the real-world effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) for East Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and compensated liver disease are limited. We evaluated the performance of SOF/VEL for 12 weeks for HCV-infected patients with compensated liver disease in a large real-world cohort in Taiwan.
Methods
Between July 2019 and March 2020, 1,880 HCV-infected patients with compensated liver disease who received SOF/VEL 400/100 mg once daily for 12 weeks were included at 15 academic centers in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response at off-treatment week 12 (SVR12) was assessed for evaluable (EP) and per-protocol populations (PP). The tolerance was also reported.
Results
The SVR12 rates by EP and PP analyses were 95.6% (1,798 of 1,880 patients; 95% confidence interval (CI): 94.6%-96.5%) and 99.3% (1,798 of 1,811 patients; 95% CI: 98.8%-99.6%), respectively. Among 82 patients who failed to achieve SVR12, 13 (15.9%) were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR12 rates were comparable regardless of baseline characteristics. A total of 1,859 (98.9%) patients completed 12-week SOF/VEL treatment. Four (0.2%) patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events (AEs). All patients with serious AEs or deaths were judged not related to SOF/VEL. The AEs occurring in ≥ 10% included headache (16.8%), fatigue (16.2%), nausea (11.8%), and insomnia (11.1%). Nine (0.5%) and 2 (0.1%) patients had grade 3 total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase elevations.
Conclusions
SOF/VEL for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated chronic HCV-infected patients with compensated liver disease in Taiwan.
Roles of vertical distributions of atmospheric transient eddy dynamical forcing and diabatic heating in midlatitude unstable air-sea interaction
Authors: Fang Jiabei , Chen Lilan , Yang Xiu-Qun
Published: February 2021

Atmospheric transient eddy dynamical forcing (TEDF)-driven midlatitude unstable air-sea interaction has recently been recognized as a crucial positive feedback for the maintenance of the extratropical decadal variabilities. Our previous theoretical work by Chen et al. (2020) characterizes such an interaction with building an analytical midlatitude barotropic atmospheric model coupled to a simplified upper oceanic model. This study firstly extends the analytical model to a two-layer quasi-geostrophic baroclinic atmospheric model coupled to a simplified upper oceanic model and then identifies the roles of vertical distributions of atmospheric TEDF and diabatic heating in midlatitude unstable air-sea interaction. It is found that the midlatitude air-sea coupling through atmospheric TEDF and diabatic heating with more realistic vertical profile destabilizes the oceanic Rossby wave mode over the entire range of zonal wavelengths, and the most unstable mode exhibits an equivalent barotropic structure with geopotential lows (highs) over cold (warm) water. The spatial configuration structure and period of the most unstable coupled mode are more consistent with the observation than those from the previous model. Although either TEDF or diabatic heating alone can lead to unstable air-sea interaction, the former is dominant to the instability. TEDF in both higher and lower layers can cause unstable coupled mode individually, while the lower-layer forcing stimulates instability more effectively. Surface diabatic heating always destabilizes the coupled mode, while the mid-level heating always decays the coupled mode. Moreover, the influences of oceanic adjustment processes, air-sea coupling strength and background zonal wind on the unstable coupled mode are also discussed. The results of this study further prove the TEDF-driven positive feedback mechanism in midlatitude air-sea interaction proposed by recent observational and numerical experiment studies.
A New Fog-Based Routing Strategy (FBRS) for Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Gayyar Khaled S. El , Saleh Ahmed I. , Labib Labib M.
Published: February 2021

Vehicular ad-hoc network (VANET) plays a significant role in future intelligent transportation systems. The main objective of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) is to improve driver safety and traffic efficiency. Many researchers proposed different schemes to improve communication efficiency. It is quite challenging where vehicles’ speed, Direction, and density of neighbors on the move are not consistent. Although several routing protocols have been introduced to manage data exchange among vehicles in VANETS, they still suffer from many drawbacks such as lost packets or time penalties. This paper introduced a new Fog Based Routing Strategy, which constructs a reliable system of adaptive, stable, and efficient routing networks. FBRS consists of two main phases: System Setup Phase (SSP) and System Operation Phase (SOP). SSP creates a cluster network, collects its nodes’ data, mining routes between them, and ranking paths using Dijkstra’s algorithm into a simplified table. Although, SOP generates a reliable route between the request of any two nodes for a communication channel and maintains the route against any simultaneous crashes. Recent VANET routing protocols have been compared against FBRS. Experimental results have proven the outperforming of the proposed algorithm against recent routing protocols in terms of packet delivery ratio and routing overhead.
Green Synthesis of Antimicrobial Silver Nanoparticles using Fruit Extract of Glycosmis Pentaphylla and its Theoretical Explanations.
Authors: Dutta Tanmoy , Chowdhury Swapan Kumar , Ghosh Narendra Nath , Das Mahuya , Chattopadhyay Asoke P. , Mandal Vivekananda
Published: February 2021

The present study reports a novel, one-pot, cost-effective, green synthesis route of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the fruit extract of Glycosmis pentaphylla (FGP). The UV–vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies confirmed that the synthesis produces stable, monodispersed AgNPs with an average size of 17 nm. Theoretical simulation using density functional theory (DFT) established that among the different compounds of FGP, arborine is mainly responsible for the stabilization of AgNPs with a binding energy of 58.45 kJ/mol. Synthesized AgNPs showed strong antifungal and antibacterial activity. The synergistic study of AgNPs with fungicide Bavistin and antibiotic Streptomycin produced remarkable morphological abnormalities of A. alternata as observed under the light microscope. Hence, the AgNPs synthesis approach is a progressive step towards various applications to soon control crop and human pathogens.
P-solubilizing Bacteria as a Panacea to Alleviate Stress Effects of High Soil CaCO3 content in Phaseolus Vulgaris with Special Reference to P-Releasing Enzymes
Authors: Bamagoos Atif A. , Alharby Hesham F. , Belal Eman E. , Rady Mostafa M. , Abdelfattah Mahmoud Ali
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The present study examines the role of leguminous compost (LC), humic acid (HA), and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (P-SB) in alleviating the stress effects of high soil CaCO3 content in Phaseolus vulgaris. Methods: Two pot trials for two consecutive seasons; fall 2019 and summer 2020 were implemented in an open greenhouse. With four replicates specified for each of five treatments, a randomized complete plot design was assigned to each trial. Results: Inoculation of calcareous soil with P-SB (a 1: 1 mixture of two Pseudomonas sp.; Ps. mallei and Ps. cepaceae) significantly exceeded LC, HA, or even LC+HA for the positive results obtained. P-SB facilitated nutrient solubility (e.g., N, K, Fe, and Mn), including conversion of insoluble phosphorous into a form available in the tested soil due to increased soil enzymatic activities (e.g., phosphatases and phytases). This mechanism, combined with a decrease in soil calcium carbonate content and an increase in cation exchange capacity (CEC) and organic matter (OM) content, increased the availability of various nutrients to plants, including P, in the soil, which contributed to the increased plant output. Adequate P content in plants led to a marked decrease in plant acid phosphatase activity under high content of CaCO3. Conclusions The study concluded that the use of P-SB promotes biological activities, nutrient availability, and thus the productivity of calcareous soils, enabling Phaseolus vulgaris plants to withstand stress produced by high CaCO3 content through the development and/or adoption of potentially effective mechanisms.
Surgical outcome after laparoscopic proctectomy in rectal cancer Our experience in 300 cases
Authors: Navari Yasaman , Abdollahi Abbas , Ravan Reza Roshan , Jangjoo Ali , Zangoee Mahtab , Salari Fahime Sadat , Taghipoor Zahra , Shahabi Fateme
Published: February 2021

IntroductionMinimally invasive surgery is being increasingly performed to treat colorectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate surgical outcome after laparoscopic proctectomy in rectal cancer.MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted on 300 patients who underwent laparoscopic proctectomy with Transanal (175 cases, 58.3%) or transabdominal rectal resection (72, 24.0%) and abdominoperineal resection (53 cases, 17.7%) after preop radiochemothrapy from 2010 to 2017. Surgical complications and mortality were evaluated.ResultsThe most common complication (i.e., pre-sacral collection) was observed in 12 (14.0%) patients, and 10 (3.3%) patients had postoperative obstructions. Moreover, peritonitis and abdominal sepsis were observed in 5 (1.7%) cases, and bleeding was reported in 4 (1.3%) patients. In addition, urologic complication and rectovaginal fistula were observed in 2 (0.7%) and 2 (0.7%) patients, respectively. In total, 2 (0.7%) patients suffered from iatrogenic intestinal injury, and 29 (9.7%) cases required reoperation (14 [48.3%] and 15 [51.7%] patients underwent laparotomy and relaparoscopy, respectively). Regarding mortality rate, 2 (0.7%) cases of postoperative mortalities were detected in this study.ConclusionLaparoscopic proctectomy is safe and good procedure in patient with rectal cancer.
Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding for Improvement of Submergence Tolerance and Grain Yield in the Popular Rice Variety, ‘Maudamani’
Authors: Pandit Elssa , Pawar Swapnil , pradhan sharat Kumar
Published: February 2021

Background: Submergence stress due to flash flood reduces rice yield drastically in sensitive varieties. Maudamani is a high yielding popular rice variety but highly susceptible to submergence stress. The Sub1 and yield component QTL, GW5 were transferred into the popular high yielding variety for enhancing submergence tolerance and yield. Methods: Sub1 and GW5 QTLs were transferred into Maudamani variety by adopting marker-assisted backcross breeding method. The target QTLs were selected by foreground selection in each backcross generation progenies to track the target QTLs. Recipient parent’s genome recovery was accelerated by adopting background selection in each backcross generation progenies carrying the target QTLs. Results: The two target QTLs were tracked in each backcross generation progenies by employing the tightly linked and direct markers. Background screening was performed in each backcross generation progenies carrying the target QTLs by using 57 background markers for enhancing the recovery of recipient parent’s genome content. The selected progenies containing highest genome recovery of the parent was hybridized with recipient parent, Maudamani. Finally, the selected BC3F1 plant containing highest recipient parent genome content and the two target QTLs was self-pollinated. In BC3F2 generation, two QTLs, Sub1 and GW5 along with recipient parent’s yield component QTLs, OsSPL14, Gn1a and SCM2 were tracked for their homozygous state in the progenies. Amongst the developed pyramided lines, six lines showed tolerance to submergence for 14 days and also exhibited higher grain yield than both the parents. The pyramided lines, MSS 607-116-541-117 and MSS 607-116-541-436 produced >9 t/ha grain yield showing an advantage of >5% over the popular recipient variety. Few pyramided lines were similar in appearance and quality traits with the recipient parent. Conclusion: The pyramided lines will be useful as potential donors for the QTLs Sub1+ OsSPL14+ Gn1a + GW5 + SCM2 and also as cultivars.
Comparative evaluation of serum calcitonin gene related peptide level in patients with migraine headache with and without aura
Authors: Rezaee Mostafa , zadeh Nahid Ashja , Izedi Sadegh , Fakhri Farinaz
Published: February 2021

Background

During a migraine attack, trigeminal activation results in the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which stimulates the release of inflammatory cytokines playing an important role in migraine. We analyze the serum level of CGRP between two groups of migrainous patients (with aura and without aura)
Materials and Methods

Thirty six migraine patients (included 18 patients with aura and 18 without aura) additionally 18 healthy volunteers consisted control group were selected from the clinic of Neurology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, between March 2020 and November 2020. The CGRP level were determined from the sera of patients with migraine and control subjects by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was also determined to calculate the correlation between CGRP and clinical findings.
Results

The level of CGRP in groups were significantly different between groups (P = 0.00). Also, the level of CGRP in aura group were significantly higher than non-aura group (P = 0.045). The Spearman’s correlation coefficient revealed a positive and significant correlation between the CGRP concentration and age (p = 0.042, r = 0.172), BMI (p = 0.013, r = 0.08), VAS (P = 0.006 ,r = 0.09), frequency of attacks (p = 0.005, r = 0.9), duration of each attack (p = 0.016, r = 0.23), Migraine Disability Assessment Scale.(p = 0.00, r = 0.785), average of number of Medication (p = 0.00, r = 0.694). However, no significant correlation was observed with gender. (P > 0.05 )
Conclusions

In our study, we found migraine patients had a higher CGRP level than healthy controls and the level of CGRP was related significantly with the duration, BMI, frequency of headache, age, number of headaches per day. In conclusion, our results confirmed that CGRP may be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine attacks and related with the multiple clinical characteristics.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Urinary Bladder with Atypical Clinical and Pathological Features: a Case Report
Authors: Xingwang Zhu , Yixiang Wang , Yili Liu
Published: February 2021

Background: The inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of urinary bladder is very rare, this case and often misdiagnosed as bladder cancer. We report a patient with atypical clinical features with dysuria and lower abdominal pain. Case presentation: A 32-year-old man presented with dysuria and lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated that a solitary non-papillary tumor was located at the wall of the bladder dome. Partial cystectomy was successfully managed. Immunohistochemically, positivity of the tumor cells for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), Actin (SM), vimentin, cytokine (CK), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and Ki-67. Based on the the above clinical features、histopathology and immunohistochemical, the tumor was definitively diagnosed as bladder’s IMT. After 24 months, there was no signs of recurrence and metastasis with CT and cystoscopy.Conclusion: A rare case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of urinary bladder after partial cystectomy was reported. It is essential for urologists and scientists to entirely understand the characteristics of the inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor and make a better clinical guideline, to avoid over treatments.
Genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Novel Duck-Origin Goose Parvovirus in Anhui Province, Eastern China
Authors: Wang Yong , Sun Jianfei , Zhang Da , Guo Xu , Shen Wenhao , Li Yongdong
Published: February 2021

Recently, a novel duck-origin goose parvovirus (N-GPV) was reported to cause short beak and dwarfism syndrome in ducks. In this study, we performed complete genome sequencing and analyzed three different duck-derived parvoviruses that infected different breeds of ducks. Phylogenetic trees based on gene sequences indicated that they were classical goose parvovirus (C-GPV), Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV), and N-GPV, respectively. Furthermore, potential recombination events were found. These results improve our understanding of the diversity of duck-derived parvoviruses in the Anhui province, eastern China, and provide a reference for the prevention of associated diseases.