bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxicity, Acute and Sub-chronic Toxicities of the Fruit Extract of Tetrapleura Tetraptera (Schumm. & Thonn.) Taub. (Fabaceae)
Authors: Bonsou Idrios N. , Mbaveng Armelle T. , Nguenang Gaëlle S. , Chi Godloves F. , Efferth Thomas , Kuete Victor
Published: February 2022

Background
Tetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal spice traditionally used to treat cancer, diabetes, and several other ailments. This study analyzed the cytotoxicity of the dichloromethane methanol extract of T. tetraptera fruits (TTF) and its constituents. The toxicity profile of the TTF extract was also evaluated in rats.
Methods
The Cytotoxicity of this extract was evaluated using the resazurin reduction assay (RRA). Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies were performed according to the protocol described by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation, and Development (OECD). Hematological, serum, and urine biochemical parameters, as well as histological sections of the liver and kidney, were also evaluated based on standard methods.
Results
The TTF extract, compound 5, and the reference drug doxorubicin were active in all 9 tested cancer cell lines. The recorded IC50 ranged from 18.32 µM (against B16-F1 murine melanoma cells) to 36.18 µM (against SKMel-505 BRAF wildtype melanoma cells) for TTF, from 10.02 µM (towards MaMel-80a BRAF-V600E homozygous mutant melanoma cells) to 31.73 µM (against SKMel-28 BRAF-V600E homozygous mutant melanoma cells) for compound 5, and from 0.22 µM (against B16-F1 cells) to 9.39 µM (against SKMel-505 cells) for doxorubicin. The study of acute toxicity test showed that the lethal dose (LD50) of this extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. In the sub-chronic toxicity studies, variations were observed in some biochemical parameters, especially at higher doses.
Conclusion
TTF and its most active compound (5) are found to be potential cytotoxic agents, meanwhile, TTF was safe when given a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg. However, caution is necessary in case of prolonged oral administration due to potential alterations of renal function at high doses (> 1000 mg/kg).
Persistence of food insecurity during COVID-19 pandemic in slum: a cohort study
Authors: Tomita Luciana Yuki , Manfrinato Catarina Vezetiv , Lourenço Bárbara Hatzlhoffer , Franco Maria do Carmo Pinheiro , Stedefeldt Elke
Published: February 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably increased food insecurity with disproportionate social and racial distribution. The present study aimed to examine the persistence of food insecurity and the associated factors during the pandemic. Methods: A cohort study was conducted in two São Paulo city slum, Brazil. Participants answered questionnaires in three moments: April and October 2020 and April 2021. Food insecurity was assessed using the Brazilian food insecurity scale (EBIA) comprising five questions. Temporal trends in sociodemographic, economic, social assistance coverage, food insecurity, and difficulties related to buying personal use goods were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis or x2 test. Prevalence ratios of food insecurity persistence categorized as “never,” “sometimes in food insecurity,” “always in food insecurity,” were calculated using the Poisson regression model. Results: A total of 424 householders completed two assessments. The majority of householders were young, non-White women; more than half of householders had less than nine years of education and were working in non-qualification jobs. During the follow-up, families covered by social assistance increased; however, their income had decreased (p<0·05). From 302 householders that completed three assessments, 33% were “always in food insecurity”, and 46% were “sometimes in food insecurity”. Low income in the second wave was associated with “always in food insecurity” [aPR=1·62 (95%CI: 1·17-2·24)], regardless of education level. Households constantly facing difficulties related to buying gas canisters [aPR=2·54 (95%CI: 1·78-3·62)], hand sanitizers [aPR=5·67 (95%CI: 83·24-9·91)], and basic hygiene products [aPR=4·08 (95%CI: 2·49-6·68)] were associated with “always in food insecurity” independent of education. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the key factors of health maintenance. Guarantees of sufficient food quantities and regularity, and without risk of losing access to basic needs, must be guaranteed by the cross-government action to fight social inequities.
LncRNA DIRC1 is a novel prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in Stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zhongying , Lin Yuning , Li Ying , Chen Yongquan
Published: February 2022

Background:The potential application value of LncRNA DIRC1 has not yet been explored, and the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between DIRC1 and Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.Methods:Wilcoxon rank sum test, Chi-square test, Fisher test and logistic regression were used to evaluate relationships between clinical-pathologic features and DIRC1 expression.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves were used to describe binary classifier value of DIRC1 using area under curve (AUC) score.Kaplan Meier method was used to assess the impact of DIRC1 on prognosis and the impact of DIRC1-related hub genes on prognosis.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were used to predict the function of differentially expressed genes(DEGs) associated with DIRC1.Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to predict biological states or processes associated with DIRC1.Immune infiltration analysis was performed to identify the significantly involved functions of DIRC1.Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established and 10 hub genes identified with Cytoscape software. ResultsIncreased DIRC1 expression in STAD was associated with T stage (P=0.004),Race (P=0.045), Histologic grade(P=0.029) and Anatomic neoplasm subdivision(P=0.034).ROC curve suggested the significant diagnostic ability of DIRC1 (AUC=0.779). High DIRC1 expression predicted a poorer Overall survival (P=0.004,HR:1.63; 95% CI: 1.17-2.27; P=0.034).GO and KEGG analysis demonstrated that DIRC1 is related to epidermis,collagen-containing extracellular matrix,receptor-ligand activity,protein digestion and absorption,etc.GSEA demonstrated that E2F target, G2M checkpoint, Myc target, interferon γ reaction were differentially enriched in the high DIRC1 expression phenotype. SsGSEA and Spearman correlation revealed the relationships between DIRC1 and macrophages,DC, and Th1 cells were the strongest. Coregulatory proteins were included in the PPI network, higher expressions of 4 hub genes were associated with worse prognosis in STAD.ConclusionsDIRC1 expression was significantly correlated with poor survival and immune infiltrations in STAD, and it may be a promising prognostic biomarker in STAD.
Validation of a practice-oriented floor spectra formulation through actual data from the 2016/2017 Central Italy earthquake
Authors: Abbati Stefania Degli , Cattari Serena , Lagomarsino Sergio
Published: February 2022

Analytical expressions for the floor spectra evaluation play a key role for a correct definition of the seismic input induced to non-structural elements or local mechanisms in existing buildings. They have to be able to properly assess the possible amplification phenomena, but also to correctly describe the effects of nonlinearities due to structural damage. Due to the complexity of such phenomena, data on existing structures hit by earthquakes constitute a precious source for a better understanding of the topic and the validation of analytical expressions. In this framework, the paper aim is twofold. On one hand, it evaluates the entity of seismic amplification through experimental evidence from in-situ measurements on existing monitored structures. On the other hand, it presents the application of an analytical expression for the floor spectra already developed by the Authors to two unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. The case-studies are the former Fabriano courthouse (Ancona, Italy) and the Pizzoli’s town hall (L’Aquila, Italy). They were both hit by the 2016/2017 earthquake in Central Italy and are permanently monitored by the Italian seismic monitoring system of the Italian Department of Civil Protection (DPC). With the aim of the validation, the paper shows the comparison between experimental and analytical floor spectra for various minor events and mainshocks of the Central Italy earthquake. Since the two case-studies exhibited different damage level (from slight to moderate, respectively), the comparison allowed to verify the reliability of the expression both in the pseudo-elastic and moderate nonlinear fields.
Impact of Malakit intervention on perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to malaria among workers in clandestine gold mines in French Guiana: results of multicentric cross-sectional surveys over time
Authors: Longchamps Cécile , Galindo Muriel , Lambert Yann , Sanna Alice , Mutricy Louise , Garancher Laure , Adenis Antoine , Nacher Mathieu , Suarez-Mutis Martha , Cairo Hedley , Hiwat Helene , Vreden Stephen , Douine Maylis
Published: February 2022

BackgroundClandestine gold miners remain key hosts for malaria in French Guiana (FG) who contribute to imported malaria cases in Suriname and Brazil. The Malakit intervention, implemented in FG borders with Suriname and Brazil, provided gold miners with training on malaria and kits for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. Having shown a likely impact on malaria transmission, Suriname has now implemented it in routine care for cross-border moving populations. However, a decrease in malaria transmission is frequently associated with a decrease in risk perception, knowledge, and good practices regarding malaria. This study aims to describe the evolution of the perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to malaria among clandestine gold miners between 2015 and 2019 and to estimate the impact of Malakit on the FG/Suriname border. MethodThe primary outcome was the overall KAP score over time and among participants and not participantsin the Malakit intervention. A propensity score matching analysis and an inverse probability of treatment weighing analysis were used to estimate the Average Treatment effect on the Treated and the Average Treatment Effect of Malakit respectively.ResultsPerception and knowledge scores were significantly lower in 2019 compared to 2015 ( -0.27 and -0.23 points respectively, p<0.001) while attitude and practice scores were higher (respectively +0.16 and +0.47 points, p<0.001). The overall KAP score was significantly higher among participants in Malakit with both propensity score matching (+0.72 points, 95%IC [0.29; 1.15]) and inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis (+0.70 points, 95%IC [0.34; 1.05]).ConclusionWe observed a decrease in perception and knowledge about malaria but an improvement of attitudes and practices as the incidence of malaria decreased. The Malakit intervention seems to have a significant positive impact on the overall KAP related to malaria.The integration of this strategy into malaria control programs could help to improve the KAP, even in areas where malaria is nearly eliminated, through optimal training and health empowerment. TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov registration number : NCT03695770
Spatial Variation of The Delay and Long-Run Effects In The Occurrence of Covid-19 Deaths Among European Countries
Authors: Hadianfar Ali , Rastaghi Sedighe , Sharak Nooshin Akbari , Saki Azadeh , Mishra Pradeep
Published: February 2022

Background: Over the past two years, the COVID-19 disease has become a global problem, affecting the health systems and economies of countries throughout the world. New cases and hospitalizations associated with the disease appear to affect the number of deaths caused by coronavirus infection. COVID-19 causes a variable number of hospital deaths each day, and the projected mortality rate fluctuates according to the daily tally of new cases. Using a distributed-lag model, this study tries to quantify the influence of COVID-19 new cases on death rates in Europe.Material and method: The "European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control" database was used to gather information on daily Covid-19 cases and deaths in 49 European nations. In the first half and second half of 2020, each of the 49 countries was fitted with the Distributed Lag Model (DLM).Results: The European continent saw an average of 13.5 days between daily Covid-19 new cases and mortality. For the first half and second half of 2020, results from the fitting of the Distributed Lag Model showed that there was a wide range of values for mean delay and long-term effects in Europe.Conclusion: European countries differ in terms of the mean delay and long-term impacts for the first and second half of 2020, according to the findings of the study. Understanding the time lag between new cases and deaths in the COVID-19 pandemic will help policymakers and governments use medical resources more effectively and provide better healthcare interventions that are more impactful.
Phenolic acids and antioxidant regulation in Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp) growing in acidic and nutrient deficient grassland and savanna soils
Authors: Makaure Brenda , Aremu Adeyemi , Gruz Jiri , Magadlela Anathi
Published: February 2022

PurposeSoil acidity and nutrient stress in grassland and savanna ecosystems are the major abiotic factors affecting crop production thus contributing to food insecurity. Some plants including crop legumes may thrive in acidic and nutrient stressed soil environments by regulating their secondary metabolites. In this study, we investigated how four Vigna unguiculata varieties regulated their phenolic acid concentrations and antioxidant capacities to better adapt to acidic and nutrient deficient grassland and savanna ecosystems.MethodsFour V. unguiculata varieties (IT18, Batch white, Brown mix and Dr Saunders) were grown in soils collected from four geographically distinct areas (Bergville, Ashburton, Izingolweni, Hluhluwe) in KwaZulu-Natal covering grassland and savanna ecosystems. Plants were analyzed for nutrient composition, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization percentage, root nodulating bacteria. Identification and quantification of phenolic acids was also done on both above ground and below ground plant parts. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity of the different V. unguiculata varieties was also determined. ResultsThere were differences in plant biomass and nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition across the four V. unguiculata varieties, with high arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization of greater than 58%. V. unguiculata was nodulated by several bacterial strains including Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Delftia, Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium All four V. unguiculata varieties had variations of phenolic acids across all soil types with vanillic acid and protocatechuic acid being the most abundant and constituted 22.59% and 17.22%, respectively of the total quantified phenolic acids. Principal component analysis showed that the four V. unguiculata varieties responded differently to the different soil types with respect to phenolic acid production. There were variations in correlations between the phenolic acids and plant biomass, plant nutrition, soil nutrition and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi infection. Varieties IT18 and Batch white had relatively higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) across the four soil types and comparably higher plant biomass relative to Brown mix and Dr Saunders.ConclusionOverall, the current findings demonstrated that V. unguiculata has the potential of adapting to acidic and nutrient stressed grassland and savanna conditions through production of phenolic acids and enhanced antioxidant capacity.
Assessment of cardiac function by pulse wave analysis. A computational study
Authors: Piccioli Francesco , Valiani Alessandro , Alastruey Jordi , Caleffi Valerio
Published: February 2022

The development of methodologies that provide a comprehensive assessment of cardiac function from pulse wave analysis in the systemic circulation could avoid current practice using expensive, invasive and operator-dependent measurement techniques. This work addressed this topic computationally. A cardiovascular model, constituted of a lumped-parameter model of the left part of the heart coupled to a one-dimensional model of the arterial network, was validated using reference pulse waveforms in turn verified by comparison with in vivo measurements. The validation was specifically designed to verify the performance of the model in returning physiological pulse waves for assigned cardiac properties. Successively, a sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effects of variations in cardiac parameters on central and peripheral pulse waves. Results show that left ventricle contractility, stroke volume, cardiac cycle duration and heart valves impairment are determinants of central waveforms morphology, pulse pressure and its amplification. Contractility of the left atrium has negligible effects on vascular pulse waves. Results also suggest that it may be possible to infer left ventricular dysfunction by analysing the timing of the dicrotic notch. This study suggests which cardiac properties can be extracted from central and peripheral pulse waves to assess cardiac function.
A soft supernumerary hand for rehabilitation in sub-acute stroke: a pilot study on spasticity
Authors: Trompetto Carlo , Catalano Manuel G. , Farina Alessandro , Grioli Giorgio , Mori Laura , Ciullo Andrea , Pittaluga Matteo , Rossero Martina , Puce Luca , Bicchi Antonio
Published: February 2022

In sub-acute stroke patients, task-specific training is the most effective rehabilitation treatment for the upper limb. However, in those patients with severe paresis and initial spasticity, task-specific training could increase the risk to develop severe spasticity in the following months. Four sub-acute patients, at high risk of developing spasticity, underwent task-specific training using a supernumerary, aesthetically and functionally anthropomorphic, soft robotic hand (SoftHand-X), driven by the residual movements of the patient's paretic hand. A 1-year follow up was done. All subjects presented a remarkable recovery of upper limb function. No worsening of spasticity was found. The proposed SoftHand-X-based rehabilitation technique for task-specific training in sub-acute stroke patients does not increase the risk of developing severe spasticity.
Appropriateness of Long-Term Medications Administered in Tube-Fed Geriatric Patients in Home Health Care; Cross Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Bifari Ibtihaj Nasseraldeen , Alharbi Yusuf Ahmed , Bifari Nisrin
Published: February 2022

Background:Medication delivery via enteral feeding tube require a specific precaution. As many medications are incompatible to be administered via feeding tube. Some medications are not acceptable to be crushed owing to the risk of obstruct the feeding tube, diminish drug efficacy or drug toxicity. While others will interact with the feeding formula and limit its absorption. this study aims to evaluate the prevalence of medication errors that occur during the administration of oral drugs using enteral feeding tubes in geriatric population in home health care.MethodologyThis is a cross sectional observational study conducted in ministry of health governmental hospital in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia. Oral drug administration was examined in 46 individuals in 2020. Demographic information, medical records and pharmaceutical prescription information regarding each patient was evaluated. The errors including improper dosage form and drug-nutrient interaction were measured per various guidelines.Result:A significant proportion of investigated populations had inappropriate drug administration. The majority of patients (86.9 percent) got improper dosage form by enteral feeding tube mainly gastrointestinal medicines. While drug-nutrient interaction was prominent in 36.9 percent of the patients with highly prevalent among neurological medicines. All patients’ caregiver obtained guidance by doctors and nurses solely. Gender, age, hospital, Type of ET, and educator were not associated with significant differences in appropriateness of dosage form or administration time.Conclusion:health care practitioners should display greater attention when choosing drugs dosage type for tube-fed patients and medication administration timing.
Molecular Characterization of Staphylococci Recovered from Hospital Personnel and Frequently Touched Items in Tianjin, China
Authors: Liu Yuting , Chen Liqin , Xu Zhen
Published: February 2022

BackgroundStaphylococci are major hospital-associated pathogens, and acquisition of Antimicrobial resistant genes poses a great challenge for the management of hospital-acquired infections. To our knowledge, little is known about the intra-hospital genotypes of staphylococci recovered from hospital environment and personnel in China. In this study, we provide insights into the molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant staphylococci recovered from frequently touched items and personnel in a large hospital of Tianjin, China. MethodsSamples were collected from hospital personnel and frequently touched items respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and molecular characterization was performed to determine the antimicrobial resistance and genetic features of staphylococci, Results One-hundred and ninety-five staphylococci were recovered, and 85 methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRCoNS) were identified. One-hundred and eighty-three isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Staphylococci were found to harbour SCCmec type I, II, IV, V, VI and IX elements. In addition, 1 S. aureus was determined to be ST25, and the majority of MRSE isolates belonged to ST59 and ST89. Three new sequence types (STs) were identified. Conclusions One (2%) frequently touched surfaces was contaminated by S. aureus, and 39% (37/49) of frequently touched surfaces were contaminated by MRCoNS in Tianjin, China. MRSE (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis) that was identified in frequently touched items was not significantly affected by the MRSE recovered from hospital personnel. Hospital items and personnel may act as reservoir of antimicrobial resistant staphylococci, and cleaning strategies should be carried out to eradicate the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant staphylococci in the hospital.
Biomechanical study of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) augmented by different instrumentations: a finite element analysis
Authors: Cai Xin-Yi , Bian Han-Ming , Chen Chao , Ma Xin-Long , Yang Qiang
Published: February 2022

Background: To explore the biomechanical differences in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) augmented by different types of instrumentation.Methods: A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) model of an intact L3-S1 lumbar spine was built and validated. The intact model was modified to develop five OLIF surgery models (stand-alone OLIF; OLIF with lateral plate fixation [OLIF+LPF]; OLIF with unilateral pedicle screws fixation [OLIF+UPSF]; OLIF with bilateral pedicle screw fixation [OLIF+BPSF]; OLIF with translaminar facet joint fixation + unilateral pedicle screw fixation [OLIF+TFJF+UPSF]) in which the surgical segment was L4-L5. Under a follower load of 500 N, a 7.5-Nm moment was applied to all lumbar spine models to calculate the range of motion (ROM), equivalent stress peak of fixation instruments (ESPFI), equivalent stress peak of cage (ESPC), equivalent stress peak of cortical endplate (ESPCE), and equivalent stress average value of cancellous bone (ESAVCB).Results: Compared with the intact model, the ROM of the L4-L5 segment in each OLIF surgery model decreased by > 80%. The ROM values of adjacent segments were not significantly different. The ESPFI, ESPC, and ESPCE values of the OLIF+BPSF model were smaller than those of the other OLIF surgery models. The ESAVCB value of the normal lumbar model was less than the ESAVCB values of all OLIF surgical models. In most postures, the ESPFI, ESPCE, and ESAVCB values of the OLIF+LPF model were the largest. The ESPC was higher in the stand-alone OLIF model than in the other OLIF models. The stresses of several important components of the OLIF+UPSF and OLIF+TFJF+UPSF models were between those of the OLIF+LPF and OLIF+BPSF models.Conclusions: Our biomechanical FE analysis indicated the greater ability of OLIF+BPSF to retain lumbar stability, resist cage subsidence, and maintain disc height. Therefore, in the augmentation of OLIF, bilateral pedicle screw fixation may be the best approach.
A 90-day Oral Exposure to Food-grade Gold at Relevant Human Doses Impacts the Gut Microbiota and the Local Immune System in a Sex-dependent Manner in Mice
Authors: Evariste Lauris , Lamas Bruno , Ellero-Simatos Sandrine , Khoury Laure , Cartier Christel , Gaultier Eric , Chassaing Benoit , Feltin Nicolas , Devoille Laurent , Favre Georges , Audebert Marc , Houdeau Eric
Published: February 2022

Background: Edible gold (Au) is commonly used as a food additive (E175 in EU) for confectionery and cake decorations, coatings and in beverages. Food-grade gold is most often composed of thin Au sheets or flakes exhibiting micro- and nanometric dimensions in their thickness. Concerns about the impact of mineral particles used as food additives on human health are increasing with respect to the particular physico-chemical properties of nanosized particles, which enable them to cross biological barriers and interact with various body cell compartments. In this study, male and female mice were exposed daily to E175 or an Au nanomaterial (Ref-Au) incorporated into food at relevant human dose for 90 days in order to determine the potential toxicity of edible gold.Results: E175 or Ref-Au exposure in mice did not induce any histomorphological damage of the liver, spleen or intestine, nor any genotoxic effects in the colon and liver despite an apparent higher intestinal absorption level of Au particles in mice exposed to Ref-Au compared to the E175 food additive. While exposure to Ref-Au did no impacted intestinal microbiota, a marked alteration in the gut microbiota characterized by an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and Proteobacteria abundance as well as a decreased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was observed following E175 treatment of female mice compared to males. Moreover, increased production of IL-6, TNFα and IL-1β were observed in the colon of female mice at the end of the 90-day exposure to E175, while in contrast, decreased IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17 and TGFβ levels were found in the male colon.Conclusions: These results revealed that a 90-day exposure to E175 added to the diet alters the gut microbiota and intestinal immune response in a sex-dependent manner in mice. Within the dose range of human exposure to E175, these alterations remained low in both sexes and mostly appeared to be nontoxic. However, at the higher dose, the observed gut dysbiosis and the intestinal low-grade inflammation in female mice could favour the occurrence of metabolic disorders supporting the establishment of toxic reference values for the safe use of gold as food additive.
Analysis of fungal dynamic changes in the natural fermentation broth of ‘Kyoho’ grapes based on high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Zhao Wenjuan , Zhang Zhiming , Gao Yuhong , Liu Xiaozhen , Du Chaojin , Ma Fuxian , Wang Sujie , Shi Wanyuan , Yang Yanping , Deng Ruyou , Zhang Hanyao
Published: February 2022

The ‘Kyoho’ grape (Vitaceae, Plantae) has large ears, plenty of flesh, and rich nutrition, and is planted across a large area in China. There are few reports on this variety in winemaking, especially on the dynamic changes of fungi in the wine fermentation broth. In this study, we used the ‘Kyoho’ grapes as raw materials and adopted a high throughput to analyze dynamic changes in fungal species composition of the natural fermentation broth at four time points: day one (D1P), day three (D3P), day five (D5P), and day fifteen (D15P). Changes in fungal metabolic pathways and the dynamic changes of dominant yeast were also analyzed. A total of 78 families, 110 genera, and 137 species were detected, in the natural fermentation broth samples. The control check (CK) had 49 families, 60 genera, and 72 species. A total of 66 differential metabolic pathways were enriched; of those 66, 41 pathways were up-regulated compared to CK, such as pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotides biosynthesis from CTP (PWY 7210), CDP-diacylglycerol biosynthesis I (PWY 5667), and chitin degradation to ethanol (PWY 7118). Changes in fungal metabolic pathways were in line with the dynamic changes of dominant yeast species in the whole process of fermentation. Pichia kluyveri , P. membranifaciens , and Citeromyces matritensis are the dominant species in the later stages of natural fermentation. These yeast species may play vital roles in the ‘Kyoho’ wine industry in the future.
Gut microbiota transplantation drives the adoptive transfer of colonic genotype-phenotype characteristics between mice lacking catestatin and their wild type counterparts
Authors: González-Dávila Pamela , Schwalbe Markus , Danewalia Arpit , Wardenaar René , Dalile Boushra , Verbeke kristin , Mahata Sushil , Aidy Sahar El
Published: February 2022

Background
The gut microbiota is in continuous interaction with the intestinal mucosa via metabolic, neuro-immunological, and neuroendocrine pathways. Disruption in levels of antimicrobial peptides produced by the enteroendocrine cells, such as catestatin, has been associated with changes in the gut microbiota and imbalance in intestinal homeostasis. However, whether the changes in the gut microbiota have a causational role in intestinal dyshomeostasis has remained elusive.
Results
To this end, we performed reciprocal fecal microbial transplantation in wild-type mice and mice with a knockout in the catestatin coding region of the chromogranin-A gene (CST-KO mice). Combined microbiota phylogenetic profiling, RNA sequencing, and transmission electron microscopy were employed. Fecal microbiota transplantation from mice deficient in catestatin (CST-KO) to microbiota-depleted wild-type mice induced transcriptional and physiological features characteristic of a distorted colon in the recipient animals, including impairment in tight junctions, as well as an increased collagen area fraction indicating colonic fibrosis. In contrast, fecal microbiota transplantation from wild-type mice to microbiota-depleted CST-KO mice reduced collagen fibrotic area, restored disrupted tight junction morphology, and altered fatty acid metabolism in recipient CST-KO mice.
Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive overview of the murine metabolic- and immune-related cellular pathways and processes that are co-mediated by the fecal microbiota transplantation and supports a prominent role for the gut microbiota in the colonic distortion associated with the lack of catestatin in mice. Overall, the data show that the gut microbiota may play a causal role in the development of features of intestinal inflammation and metabolic disorders, known to be associated with altered levels of catestatin and may, thus, provide a tractable target in the treatment and prevention of these disorders.
Yttrium doped ZnO nanoparticles towards corrosion protection epoxy nanocomposite coatings in neutral and acidic medium
Authors: S Johnkennadyvethanathan , R Aboorvakani , K.U. Madhu
Published: February 2022

In the present study, synthesized pure and Yttrium (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mM) doped Zinc Oxide (YZO) nanoparticles by chemical precipitation method. The size effect of Zinc oxide nanoparticle under Yttrium acetate precursor molar concentration were investigated by various characterization techniques. X-ray diffractogram asserts the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles. The average crystallite size was found to be 22 − 17 nm. The FTIR and Raman spectrum inscribed the chemical composition and vibrational frequencies of the synthesized samples. The hexagonal shape, surface morphology, particle size and elemental composition of the samples were analysed by FESEM, HRTEM and EDAX. The optical bandgap energy was estimated in the range of 3.148–3.175 eV. PL spectra of yttrium doped ZnO nanoparticles at various concentration exhibit a strong UV emission band and green emission band. The anticorrosive property of nanoscopic size (17 nm) YZO/epoxy nanocomposite was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique in both neutral and acidic medium. Epoxy/YZO nanocomposites were prepared using different loadings (0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 wt %) of yttrium doped ZnO nanoparticles. Epoxy/YZO nanocomposites were applied on mild steel substrates. The acquisition of yttrium doped ZnO into the plain epoxy coating materially increased the charge transfer resistance Rct by 3.5 times in oxalic acid solution as against epoxy/ZnO coating. The synthesized sample has also displayed excellent antimicrobial activity against gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. This encapsulates that the YZO nanoparticles are a potential eco-friendly, antibacterial and anti-corrosive fillers in coat on mild steel.
Primary Extranodal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma In The Rituximab Era: A Single Center, Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhao Jinrong , Zhang Wei , Zhou Daobin , Zhang Yan , Wang Wei , Wei Chong , Zhao Danqing , Ruan Jing , Wang Zi , Zhuang Zhe
Published: February 2022

Background: A large proportion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma originates from extranodal sites. The outcomes of Chinese patients with primary extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PE-DLBCL) have been greatly improved. Methods: Clinical features and outcomes of 197 patients newly diagnosed with PE-DLBCL from January 2015 to December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: (1) Gastrointestinal tract (34%) involvement ranked first, followed by central nervous system (CNS) and intraocular (31.5%), nose/nasopharynx (7.1%), breast (5.1%), testis (3.6%) and others. (2) The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate for the entire group was 81%; The 3-year OS rate of PE-DLBCL with CNS and vitreoretinal involvement was 79%. (3) In univariate analysis of PE-DLBCL, Ann Arbor stage, evaluated LDH, IPI>2 and complete remission (CR) were significantly related to survival. The lack of CR was the only independent adverse prognostic factor in OS (p = 0.000; HR = 4.659). (4) Lugano stage and treatment response were independent prognostic factors for primary gastrointestinal DLBCL. Conclusion: This is a single-center report of PE-DLBCL in China in the past 5 years with a fairly excellent outcome and a large scale. The treatment response of patients is significantly better than before, especially in patients with CNS and vitreoretinal involvement.
Neurocognitive evidence of enhanced implicit temporal processing in video game players
Authors: Foerster Francois , Chidharom Matthieu , Bonnefond Anne , Giersch Anne
Published: February 2022

Winning in action video games requires to predict timed events in order to react fast enough. In these games, the temporal structure of events is repetitive enough to develop implicit (automatic) preparation mechanisms. We compared action video game players (VGPs) and non-VGPs in a reaction time task involving both implicit time preparations and explicit (conscious) temporal attention cues. Participants were immersed in virtual reality and instructed to respond to a visual target appearing at variable delays after a warning signal (WS). In half of the trials, an explicit cue indicated when the target would occur after the WS. Behavioral, oculomotor and EEG data consistently indicate that, compared with NVGPs, VGPs better prepare in time using implicit mechanisms. This sheds light on the neglected role of implicit timing in VGPs and related electrophysiological mechanisms. The results further suggest that game-based interventions may help remediate timing alterations found in psychiatric populations.
Improvement in image quality in obese patients by using a new x-ray tube and Deep Learning Image Reconstruction in Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Brunebjerg Anne-Sofie Horsted , Mørup Svea Deppe , Andersen Thomas Rueskov , Mohamed Roda Abdulkadir , Lambrechtsen Jess
Published: February 2022

Purpose: When performing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in obese patients, it is a challenge to obtain diagnostic image quality. Theoretically, higher tube currents improve image quality in obese patients by reducing noise, but this comes with an increased radiation as a trade-off. Deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) is a technique that should reduce noise and improve image quality without the need of a higher radiation dose. This study assessed the impact of higher tube currents and DLIR on image quality, diagnostic utility, and noise. Methods: The study consisted of 51 symptomatic obese (BMI > 30 kg/m 2 ) patients with low to moderate risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). All patients underwent CCTA twice, first with the Revolution CT scanner and then with the upgraded Revolution Apex scanner with the ability to increase tube currents. Images were reconstructed using ASiR-V 50% and DLIR and evaluated by an observer using a Likert score. Results: Image quality was significantly improved with the Revolution Apex scanner and reconstruction with DLIR, resulting in an odds ratio of 1,23 (p = 0,017), and noise was significantly reduced by 41%. Diagnostic utility was also improved with 88% vs. 69% “diagnostic” image sets of those performed with Revolution Apex + DLIR and Revolution Apex/CT + ASiR-V, respectively. No significant differences were found between Revolution CT and Revolution Apex when reconstructing with ASiR-V. Conclusion: In obese patients, the combination of higher tube currents and reconstruction with DLIR significantly improves the subjective image quality and diagnostic utility and reduces noise.
College Squirrels Gone Wild? Using Sciurus Carolinensis Behavior To Assess The Ecosystem Value Of Urban Green Spaces
Authors: Kay Adam , Hughes Michael T. , Ammend Maddie G. , Granger Mckenzie R. , Hodge Jake J. , Mohamud Jamaal , Romfoe Ellie A. , Said Halima , Selden Liam , Welter Alex L. , Heinen-Kay Justa L.
Published: February 2022

Predicted rapid increases in urbanization in the face of accelerating biodiversity loss underscores the need for urban development that promotes rather than displaces native plants and animals. One approach for increasing urban biodiversity is through the development of “green infrastructure”. Although research has explored urban-rural gradients and the overall value of urban green infrastructure, few studies have investigated the habitat value for wildlife of different types of urban greenspace. Here, we use a well-established metric in ecology, giving up-densities (GUDs), to compare foraging costs for a common urban wildlife species, the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), among three green infrastructure categories: municipal parks, college campuses, and residential yards. We found that GUDs for gray squirrels did not differ significantly among location categories after controlling for proximity to roads, but proximity to roads was associated with significantly higher GUDs in all locations. In an explicit test, we also found that both proximity to roads and traffic volume were associated with higher GUDs. We also found that maximum distance from roads was significantly higher for campuses and parks than for residential yards, indicating a greater proportion of the area of campuses and parks is “away from roads” compared to residential yards. Our results indicate that vehicle traffic may contribute significantly to an “urban landscape of fear” for gray squirrels and suggest that campus and park configurations that reduce road effects could improve habitat quality for squirrels and possibly other animals.
Impacts of abrupt temperature changes and warming hiatuses on water resources in the mid-and-low-latitude regions of the temperate continental-monsoon transition zone
Authors: Huang Xing , Ma Long , Liu Tingxi , Sun Bolin , Chen Yang , Qiao Zixu
Published: February 2022

The global climate has undergone significant changes in the past 100 years, yet the extent to which abrupt temperature changes (ATCs) and warming hiatuses (WHs) impact runoff remains unclear. This study used the water balance model (WBM) to quantitatively assess the impacts of climate change and human activities on the measured runoff at representative runoff stations in the mid-and-low-latitude regions of the temperate continental-monsoon transition zone and further analysed the impacts of ATCs and WHs on the runoff at the representative stations. The results show the following. The runoff in the study area decreased overall, and the runoff at five stations located in the northeast and west was essentially not impacted by human activities, while the runoff at seven stations in the central part of the study area was significantly impacted by human activities, with a maximum degree of impact of more than 70%. The average temperature of each basin in the study area underwent a significant abrupt increase in the 1990s, which had a negative driving effect on runoff, reducing the runoff depth by 1.92–2.98 mm. The runoff between Hailar and Halaqin in the central part of the study area was significantly impacted by human activities, with a maximum degree of impact of more than 70%. After removing the impact of human activities, evaporation tended to decrease after the abrupt temperature increase; i.e., an “evaporation paradox” phenomenon occurred in these regions. During this period, the amount of precipitation was stable, and the ATC increased the runoff by 0.27–11.74 mm; the runoff changes at the Yingluoxia and Zhengyixia stations in the west were only slightly impacted by human activities, and the ATC significantly increased the runoff, which reached 13.86 mm. In 2007, the average temperature in some basins experienced a WH, which had a relatively small impact on the runoff and a negative driving effect, reducing the runoff by 0.13–5.19 mm. In terms of the contribution to runoff changes around the ATC and WH, the contribution of temperature to runoff changes after the ATC was slightly greater after than that before the ATC, while the contribution of temperature to runoff changes before and after the WH did not exhibit a clear variation pattern.
Cortinarius hesleri (Basidiomycota, Agaricales, Cortinariaceae), primer registro para México
Authors: Hernández Del Valle Juan Francisco , Sánchez Flores Marcos , De la Fuente Javier Isaac , Medrano Zapata Eduardo Manolo , García Jiménez Jesús
Published: February 2022

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El género Cortinarius está constituido por hongos ectomicorrícicos caracterizados por un velo parcial a modo de “cortina” aracnoide, esporada, color marrón óxido a marrón anaranjado ocráceo y basidiosporas rugosas, arrugadas o verrugosas y sin poro apical. Cortinarius hesleri se ubica en el subgénero Telamonia; se reconoce principalmente por sus basidiomas de colores que abarcan desde los tonos rojos a los anaranjados. Se encuentra distribuida en Norteamérica en Canadá y los Estados Unidos de América. Los inventarios fúngicos facilitan el reconocimiento de especies para una determinada área geográfica. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar a C. hesleri como primer registro para México.
Métodos: Se recolectaron especímenes en los bosques de Quercus del municipio Victoria en el estado de Tamaulipas, México. Se elaboró una descripción macro y micromorfólogica de la especie, se tomaron fotografías macroscópicas in situ y fotografías e ilustraciones de las estructuras microscópicas, para su posterior análisis e identificación taxonómica mediante la literatura especializada correspondiente. Los ejemplares estudiados se depositaron en el herbario micológico José Castillo Tovar del Instituto Tecnológico de Ciudad Victoria.
Resultados clave: Los especímenes estudiados cumplen con las características de la descripción original de la especie, así mismo con las del hábitat al que está asociado y en el cual se distribuye. Cortinarius hesleri es descrita por primera vez para México. Se caracteriza por sus basidiomas de color anaranjado, esporas ornamentadas y elipsoides de (7-)8-10(-12) × (5-)5.5-7 µm y por su asociación con especies vegetales del bosque mixto de Quercus-Pinus.
Conclusiones: Cortinarius hesleri se encuentra distribuido ampliamente desde la parte norte y este de Estados Unidos de América, alcanzando su distribución más meridional actualmente conocida en el estado de Tamaulipas en México. Por su potencial asociación ectomicorrícica con especies forestales de los géneros Quercus, Pinus y Carya, C. hesleri pudiera encontrarse distribuido junto a estas especies de plantas en otros sitios del noreste y la parte oriental hacia el sur de México.
Cost-Effectiveness of Mobile Health–Based Integrated Care for Atrial Fibrillation: Model Development and Data Analysis
Authors: Luo Xueyan , Xu Wei , Ming Wai-Kit , Jiang Xinchan , Yuan Quan , Lai Han , Huang Chunji , Zhong Xiaoni
Published: February 2022

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) technology is increasingly used in disease management. Using mHealth tools to integrate and streamline care has improved clinical outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential clinical and health economic outcomes of mHealth-based integrated care for AF from the perspective of a public health care provider in China.

Methods

A Markov model was designed to compare outcomes of mHealth-based care and usual care in a hypothetical cohort of patients with AF in China. The time horizon was 30 years with monthly cycles. Model outcomes measured were direct medical cost, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of the base-case results.

Results

In the base-case analysis, mHealth-based care gained higher QALYs of 0.0730 with an incurred cost of US $1090. Using US $33,438 per QALY (three times the gross domestic product) as the willingness-to-pay threshold, mHealth-based care was cost-effective, with an ICER of US $14,936 per QALY. In one-way sensitivity analysis, no influential factor with a threshold value was identified. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, mHealth-based care was accepted as cost-effective in 92.33% of 10,000 iterations.

Conclusions

This study assessed the expected cost-effectiveness of applying mHealth-based integrated care for AF according to a model-based health economic evaluation. The exploration suggested the potential cost-effective use of mHealth apps in streamlining and integrating care via the Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway for AF in China. Future economic evaluation alongside randomized clinical trials is highly warranted to verify the suggestion and investigate affecting factors such as geographical variations in patient characteristics, identification of subgroups, and constraints on local implementation.