bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide analysis of terpene synthase gene family in Rosa chinensis
Authors: Kong Ying , Wang Huan , Lang Lixin , Dou Xiaoying , Bai Jinrong
Published: April 2022

Background
Terpenoids are economically and ecologically important compounds and vital constituents of rose flower fragrance and rose essential oil. Terpene synthase (TPS) is a primary enzyme for terpenoid biosynthesis. However, only a few TPS genes have been characterized in rose, owing to the lack of a systematic TPS gene analysis. Additionally, the key gene RcNUDX1 was analyzed because of the presence of unique geraniol pathways in rose.
Results
The present study identified 74 putative RcTPS genes through a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis; of these genes, 49 genes were predicted to encode functional TPS enzymes. The TPS-a subfamily had the largest members, and tandem duplication was the main mechanism for driving TPS gene family expansion. The collinearity analysis with the genome of other Rosaceae plants and grape indicated that four RcTPS genes may be derived from the dicotyledonous plant ancestors. During the flower opening process of butterfly rose (Rosa chinensis ‘Mutabilis’, MU), RcTPS genes exhibited two main expression trends, namely high and low, in old and fresh petals. Similarly, dark treatment decreased the expression of four RcTPSs and increased the expression of three RcTPSs in the MU petals. Most of the monoterpenes were released more from old MU petals than from fresh MU petals, which may be related to RcLIN-NERS3 and RcNUDX1-1a4 genes. Analysis of volatile emission, gene expression, sequence structure, and collinearity indicated that RcTPS18 may encode (E,E)-α-farnesene synthase. The three genes whose expression levels increased at the late stage and after dark treatment exhibited similar expression patterns with some senescence marker genes, which indicated that these genes might be involved in petal senescence or cell death.
Conclusions
The present study revealed the differential RcTPS gene expression patterns in rose petals. These findings may be useful for elucidating the molecular mechanism of terpenoid metabolism in rose and are vital for future studies on terpene regulation.
Role of Metal(II) Hexacyanocobaltate(III) Surface Chemistry for Prebiotic Peptides Synthesis
Authors: Kumar Anand , Saroha Babita , Bahadur Indra , Negi Devendra Singh , Vats Monika
Published: April 2022

Double metal cyanide (DMC), a heterogeneous catalyst, is a key factor for polymerization of amino acids. Based on the hypothesis, the present study is designed to evaluate favorable environmental conditions for the chemical evolution and origin of life such as effects of temperature and time for the oligomerization of glycine and alanine on Metal(II) Hexacyanocobaltate(III), MHCCo. It has been shown that MHCCo is porous and because of high surface area it has outstanding catalytic properties. Our results revealed that the Manganese(II) Hexacyanocobaltate(III) (MnHCCo), Iron(II) Hexacyanocobaltate(III) (FeHCCo), Nickel(II) Hexacyanocobaltate(III) (NiHCCo) complexes condense the glycine up to trimer and alanine up to dimer while ZnHCCo showed most valuable catalytic properties that changes glycine into tetramer and alanine into dimer with the high yield. High-Performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Electron Spray Ionizations-Mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) techniques were used to confirm the oligomer products of glycine and alanine formed on MHCCo complexes. The results also exposed the catalytic role of MHCCo for the oligomerization of biomolecules thus supports the chemical evolution.
Study of natural regeneration of Sogdian ash (Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge) and silvicultural measures to promote it in the Sharyn river floodplain of Almaty region
Authors: Shynybekov Murat K. , Abayeva Kurmankul T. , Rakymbekov Zhandos K. , Serikbayeva Andiya T. , Toktasinova Faruza A.
Published: April 2022

The forests of Kazakhstan, and in particular the ash riparian forests of the Charyn National Nature Park, as part of the unique natural complexes of Almaty region, have special ecological, historical, scientific, aesthetic and recreational value. Moreover, the fraxinus sogdiana trees in the Charyn Ash Dacha are relict and specially protected. Against the background of increasing anthropogenic impact, general aridisation of ecosystems and xerophytisation of vegetation cover, preservation and restoration of these stands of trees is becoming a problem not only for the region, but also for the whole country. All this forms the relevance of the study. The purpose of the study was to investigate the regularities and characteristics of natural regeneration of fraxinus sogdiana on the banks of the Charyn River in the territory of the Charyn National Nature Park, to identify and analyse the main factors that can improve the rates of natural regeneration of riparian forest in Kazakhstan in the future. The theoretical basis of the study lies in the analysis of scientific works and highly specialised materials by domestic and foreign authors in the field of forestry, ecology and nature conservation on the subject of this study. The methodological approach to fulfilling the tasks set was based on general scientific Methods, in particular observation, measurement, evaluation, a systematic comparative analysis of the material obtained, as well as computational mathematical methods. Qualitative representative material of the expanded field experiment enabled to calculate the level of natural regeneration of fraxinus sogdiana on the control plots of the study area. The control of seed yield by sight method, as well as by using O.G. Kapper's scale allowed to estimate the volume and quality of seed material in 2019–2020, as well as to make a hypothesis on the expected yield for the year 2021. In the course of the work an assessment of natural regeneration of fraxinus sogdiana on the bank of the Charyn River (the number of germinating seedlings) at the rate of 1 thousand pieces per 1 ha with division of the territory into zones (No. 1 - No. 6) depending on forest level was carried out. The comparative analysis revealed that the natural regeneration of monitoring sites No. 1 and No. 4 can be assessed as "good", while the natural regeneration of monitoring sites No. 2 and No. 5 can be assessed as "satisfactory" and the natural regeneration of monitoring sites No. 3 and No. 6 - as "poor". In addition to the practical field work, an in-depth analysis of worldwide scientific publications on the topic under study was conducted to formulate possible solutions to the problem.
Assessment of Wind Energy Resource Potential for Future Human Missions to Mars
Authors: Hartwick Victoria , Toon Owen , Lundquist Julie , Pierpaoli Olivia , Kahre Melinda
Published: April 2022

Future crewed missions to Mars will require sustained sources of energy, including solar, nuclear and wind energy. Using a state-of-the-art Mars general circulation model, we analyze the Martian wind potential and calculate its spatial and temporal variability. Here we show that wind speeds at several proposed landing sites are sufficiently fast to provide an alternative energy source, which could be particularly important at night, at middle to polar latitudes and during dust storms. Several regions show promising wind energy resource potential. These findings demonstrate that wind energy represents a valuable energy resource that compensates for diurnal and seasonal reductions in solar power and offers an opportunity for wind turbine technological advancement and engineering creativity with the aim of extracting more power from Mars winds.
TD-DFT Investigation on Anion Recognition Mechanism of Anthraldehyde based Fluorescent Thiosemicarbazone Derivatives
Authors: Basheer Sabeel M , Gandhaveeti Rohini
Published: April 2022

The mechanism of host-guest interaction of receptors towards fluoride ion has been investigated using computational methods. To distinguish the effect of aromaticity in host-guest interaction, we investigated unsubstituted (ATSC) and phenyl substituted (APTSC) anthracene thiosemicarbazones towards different ions. In the ground state of receptor-fluoride complex, the added fluoride ion made hydrogen bond through N−H … F … H−N. Whereas, the intramolecular hydrogen bonding was through F−H … N in the excited state of receptor-fluoride complex. Experimental absorption and emission spectra were well reproduced by the calculated vertical excitation energies. The transition state (TS) calculations were performed to understand the thermodynamic features and mechanism of host-guest interaction. The natural bond orbital analyses show the second perturbation energy for donor-acceptor interaction of F - with hydrogen is more than 300 kcal/mol at the excited state of receptor-fluoride complex, which indicates the strong single bond between fluoride and hydrogen atom. The PES scan confirms that deprotonation took place at the excited state of receptor-fluoride complex. The results indicate that the excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) process from N–H group nearby the anthracene moiety. The APTSC is better chemosensor than ATSC. This infer that the aromaticity will increase the efficiency of fluorescence receptor towards fluoride ion.
Clinicopathological significance and impact on the outcomes of IGF-1R and Livin in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhenling , Zhang Yuxin , lao Si , Qiu Jian , Pan Ziang , Feng Xiaoying
Published: April 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. However, limited effective biomarkers are associated with the tumorigenesis and prognosis of CRC. Methods: The present study identified potential signatures from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and further validated the identified biomarkers in CRC tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: The expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and Livin gene was significantly upregulated in CRC samples compared to the adjacent normal samples in TCGA dataset. IHC indicated that IGF-1R and Livin protein levels are increased in CRC and adenoma tissues compared to normal tissues. Notably, the IGF-1R protein levels differed significantly between adenoma and CRC. The elevated IGF-1R and Livin expressions were associated with CRC clinicopathological features, including age, gender, histological subtype, individual cancer stages, nodal metastasis, and TP53-mutant in TCGA. Additionally, IGF-1R promoter methylation level was closely related to CRC. Consistent with the TCGA study, IHC indicated that overexpressed IGF-1R and Livin proteins were independent risk factors for stage and metastasis. A marked correlation was established between IGF-1R and Livin expression in CRC, while the survival map showed no significant correlation with CRC. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that CRC patients with high IGF-1R or Livin expression had longer overall survival and disease-free survival than those with low expression in TCGA. Conclusion: IGF-1R and Livin are associated with CRC tumorigenesis and might be valuable for novel biomarker identification and targeted therapeutic strategy development.
Strength and variability of the Oligocene Southern Ocean surface temperature gradient
Authors: Hoem Frida , Sauermilch Isabel , Aleksinski Adam , Huber Matthew , Peterse Francien , Sangiorgi Francesca , Bijl Peter
Published: April 2022

Large Oligocene Antarctic ice sheets co-existed with warm adjacent ocean waters. To provide a broad Southern Ocean perspective to such warmth, we reconstruct the strength and variability of the Oligocene Australian-Antarctic latitudinal sea surface temperature (SST) gradient. Our Oligocene TEX86-based SST record from offshore southern Australia shows temperate (20–29°C) conditions throughout, despite northward tectonic drift. A persistent SST gradient (~5–10°C) exists between Australia and Antarctica, which becomes larger during glacial maxima. The SST gradient increases from ~26 Ma onwards, due to decreasing Antarctic-proximal SSTs. Meanwhile, benthic foraminiferal oxygen isotope decline indicates ice loss/deep-sea warming. These contrasting patterns are difficult to explain by greenhouse gas forcing alone. Timing of the SST cooling coincides with deepening of Drake Passage and fits well with results of ocean model experiments, suggesting Antarctic-proximal cooling. We conclude that Drake Passage deepening cooled Antarctic coastlines which enhanced thermal isolation of the Antarctic ice sheet.
Does High Gonial Angle Increase the Risk of Mandibular Angle Fracture? A Digital Orthopantomographic Study
Authors: Mahmood Alah
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives: Fracture of mandibular angle comprises up to one third of mandibular fractures. Many local anatomical factors may increase the risk of such fractures. This study was conducted to investigate the risk of angle fractures with gonial angle measurements.Patients and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on digital panoramic radiographs of 120 patients with isolated mandibular fractures. The patients were categorized into mandibular angle and other nonangle fracture groups. The gonial angle, antegoneal angle, ramus height was measured using Image J software. Results: Out of 120 isolated mandibular fractures, 40 (33.33%) are angle fractures and 80 (66 .67%) are other nonangle isolated fractures. Seventy- five percent of angle fractures and 85% of non-angle fractures occurred in males. The average age of angle fracture patients was 28.34±5.2 years and 27.37 ±4.9 years for the non-angle fractures with no significant difference (p=0.31). The gonial angle of the angle fractures was 127.60 º ±4.93 º which is 6 degrees greater than the non-angle fractures. The antegonial angle of the angle fractures was 160.67±5.38º which is 5.2 º less than the non-angle fractures. The ramus height in the angle fractures was 18.97±3.7 mm which is 2.5 mm shorter than the nonangle fractures. The difference in these three measurements was highly significant (p<0.0001). About 45% of angle fractures and 19% of non-angle fractures occurred in the high gonial angle.Conclusion: The presence of high mandibular angle doubles the risk of mandibular angle fracture.
Honokiol, a SIRT3 activator, activates hippocampus mitochondrial MnSOD by deacetylating the enzyme and upregulating FoxO3a-PGC1α axis in a rat model of ammonia neurotoxicity
Authors: Anamika Anamika , Trigun Surendra Kumar Kumar
Published: April 2022

We have recently reported that honokiol (HKL), by activating mitochondrial SIRT3, restored ROS led deranged mitochondrial integrity associated with the pathogenesis of ammonia neurotoxicity induced moderate grade hepatic encephalopathy (MoHE). To delineate mechanism by which HKL does so, the present study describes activity vs acetylation level of the mitochondrial MnSOD and its expression vs levels of its main transcription regulators; FOXO3a, PGC1α, in the hippocampus of the MoHE rat model of ammonia neurotoxicity, developed by administration of 100 mg/kg bw of thioacetamide i.p. for 10 days, and in the MoHE rats treated with HKL (10 mg/Kg b.w.) for 7 days. As compared to the control, the hippocampus mitochondria from MoHE rats showed a significantly declined activity of MnSOD coinciding with the increased level of its acetylated form which however, could be restored back due the HKL treatment. Also, a significantly reduced expression of MnSOD in the hippocampus of those MoHE rats coincided with a similar decline in transcript level of FOXO3a and PGC1α. This was consistent with the reduced immunoreactivity of FOXO3a and PGC1α in the hippocampus DG, CA1 and CA3 regions of the MoHE rats. However, all these factors were observed to be restored back to their normal levels in the hippocampus of the MoHE rats treated with HKL. As HKL activates mitochondrial SIRT3, these findings suggest involvement of Sirt3 activation led deacetylation of MnSOD and upregulation of its transcription activators; FOXO3a and PGC1α in activating mitochondrial MnSOD in the hippocampus of the MoHE rat model of ammonia neurotoxicity.
Comprehensively analysis exploring the role of kinesin family members in glioma
Authors: Pan Dongxiao , Fang Xixi , Li Jiping
Published: April 2022

Background
Extensive research indicates that kinesin superfamily (KIFs) regulates tumor progression. Nonetheless, there is little share of literature focused on the potential prognostic and therapeutic role of KIFs in glioma.
Methods
Four independent cohorts were generated into a large combination cohort. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database served as the training cohort and data from Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database served as the validation cohort. The R software were used for statistical analysisa, FigureYa and the online tool of Xiantao were used for mapping.
Results
The signature consist of five KIFs (KIF4A, KIF26A, KIF1A, KIF13A and KIF13B) was successfully identified and showed good performance in prognosis prediction with AUC values corresponding for 1-, 3‐, and 5-years were 0.66, 0.78 and 0.75 in training cohort, and 0.77, 0.82 and 0.83 in validation cohort. We then explored the genomic features differences including immune features and tumor mutation status between high and low risk groups, from which we found that patients in high risk group had a higher level of immune checkpoint modules and IDH1 was identified mutated more frequently in low risk group. Results of GSEA analysis showed that E2F target, mitotic spindle, EMT, G2M checkpoint and TNFa signaling were significantly activated in high risk patients, partially explaining the differential prognosis between two groups. Besides, we also verified the five signature genes in the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, which identified of candidates for relevant biomarkers.
Conclusion
The KIFs based signature is a reliable biomarker for the prediction the prognosis of glioma. Glioma patients between two risk groups showed significant discrepancy in immune features, tumor mutation status and prognosis chcracteristics.
Bottom-up approach for flood risk management in developing countries: a case study in the Gianh River watershed of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Huu Duy , Nguyen Thi Ha thanh , Nguyen Quoc Huy , Dang Dinh Kha , Nguyen Y Nhu , Bui Thu Huong , Nguyen Ngoc Diep , Bui Quang Thanh , Bretcan Petre , Petrisor Alexandru-Ionut
Published: April 2022

Flood effects are very serious, especially in developing countries where they are at high risk due to urbanization and socio-economic development. Reliable information is crucial to support decision-makers or planners to develop appropriate strategies to reduce flood risk. This article aims to develop a theoretical framework for assessing flood risk and adaptive capacity based on a bottom-up approach, in the Gianh River watershed of Vietnam, considered a very important task for flood risk management. Flood risk was computed by combining hazard, exposure, and vulnerability using hydrodynamic modeling and the Analytic Hierarchy Process method. The adaptive capacity of the population was assessed via interviews with 298 inhabitants. The results show that flood risk is high in areas with high population and construction density. Both the ability to access resources and communities' perceptions are important factors in improving the capacity to adapt. This study can provide an important theoretical framework complementing the existing literature and supporting studies related to flood risk management in the context of climate change and urbanization in other regions. Besides, the study fills in a gap in the knowledge of negative flood effects, providing important inputs for decision-makers to develop appropriate strategies for reducing damage in Vietnam and other countries in the world. From a methodological start point, this study underlines the importance of using hydraulic models and socio-economic surveys in flood risk management.
A simple proteinuria-based risk score predicts contrast-associated acute kidney injury after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Fujiwara Wakaya , Ishii Hideki , Sobue Yoshihiro , Shimizu Shinya , Ishiguro Tomoya , Yamada Ryo , Ueda Sayano , Nishimura Hideto , Niwa Yudai , Miyazaki Akane , Miyagi Wataru , Takahara Shuhei , Naruse Hiroyuki , Ishii Junichi , Kiyono Ken , Watanabe Eiichi , Izawa Hideo
Published: April 2022

Contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Because proteinuria is a sentinel marker of renal dysfunction, we assessed its role in predicting CA-AKI in patients undergoing PCI. A total of 1,254 patients undergoing PCI were randomly assigned to a derivation (n = 840) and validation (n = 414) dataset. We identified the independent predictors of CA-AKI where CA-AKI was defined by the new criteria issued in 2020, by a multivariate logistic regression in the derivation dataset. We created a risk score from the remaining predictors. The discrimination and calibration of the risk score in the validation dataset were assessed by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC) and Hosmer-Lemeshow test, respectively. A total of 64 (5.1%) patients developed CA-AKI. The 3 variables of the risk score were emergency procedures, serum creatinine, and proteinuria, which were assigned 1 point each based on the correlation coefficient. The risk score demonstrated a good discriminative power (AUC 0.789, 95% CI 0.766–0.912) and significant calibration. It was strongly associated with the onset of CA-AKI (Cochran-Armitage test, p < 0.0001). Our risk score that included proteinuria is simple to obtain and calculate, and may be useful in assessing the CA-AKI risk before PCI.
Efficacy and toxicity of combined inhibition of EGFR and VEGF in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer harboring activating EGFR mutations: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Deluce Jasna , Maj David , Breadner Daniel , Boldt Gabriel , Raphael Jacques
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Dual inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways have demonstrated promising results for treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and toxicity of the combined treatment with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and VEGF blockade for patients with advanced NSCLC harboring activating EGFR mutations, in comparison to EGFR TKIs alone.Methods: The electronic databases PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library and EMBASE, were searched for relevant randomized trials between 2000 and 2020. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs). Pooled hazard ratios (HR) for OS and PFS, and odds ratios (OR) for ORR, DCR and toxicity were meta-analyzed using the generic inverse variance and the Mantel-Haenszel methods. Subgroup analyses compared PFS by gender, age, smoking status, EGFR mutation, intra-cranial disease and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status.Results: A total of 1,246 patients from 6 trials were evaluated for analyses. The combination treatment decreased the risk of disease progression by 38% (HR=0.62; 95%CI=0.53-0.72) but had no added benefit on OS compared to EGFR inhibition alone (HR=0.93; 95%CI=0.74-1.17). There was no significant difference in ORR or DCR between treatments. There was a significantly increased number of AEs reported in the dual treatment arm (OR=4.41; 95%CI=2.33-8.37), with proteinuria and hypertension being the most significantly increased AEs. The PFS benefit was consistent across all subgroups. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests combined inhibition of EGFR and VEGF pathways significantly improves PFS, with no interim OS benefit, and increases AEs. Mature OS data are needed along with results from trials exploring this strategy with 3rd generation EGFR-TKIs to strengthen these results.
A case of advanced hypopharyngeal cervical esophageal cancer with management of tracheoesophageal fistula and complete resection
Authors: Ohno Shinya , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Endo Masahide , Sato Yuta , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Okumura Naoki , Takahashi Takao , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: April 2022

Background: Advanced esophageal cancer with tracheal invasion is fatal due to airway narrowing, and due to the possibility of tracheoesophageal fistula formation during the treatment process. If a tracheoesophageal fistula develops, palliative care is often chosen, and curative resection is very rarely achieved.Case Presentation: A 71-year-old man presented with dysphagia. He was diagnosed hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancer with severe airway stenosis (cT4b [main bronchus, thyroid] N3 M0 cStageIIIC); we initially created a tracheostomy. He received induction chemotherapy (docetaxel, nedaplatin and S-1: DGS). After one course of DGS therapy, he developed a tracheoesophageal fistula due to tumor shrinkage. We managed both the airway route and nutrition strictly under continuous suctioning over the cuff of the tracheal cannula, prohibited swallowing saliva, and provided enteral nutrition using a nasogastric tube. Three courses of DGS therapy were performed. A clinical complete response was achieved. We then performed pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. His response was evaluated as a pathological complete response (pretreatment effect grade 3) and we achieved R0 resection. Two courses of DGS therapy were administered as adjuvant chemotherapy. He is currently alive without recurrence at 9 years after treatment.Conclusions: In the case of upper tracheoesophageal fistula caused by advanced hypopharyngeal cervical esophageal cancer, chemotherapy under strict airway and nutritional management after tracheostomy may facilitate radical surgery.
Case report: Ureteral Fibroepithelial Polyps causing ureteropelvic junction obstruction in a child with a horseshoe kidney
Authors: Ding Yanting , Hu Dechao , Zhou benzheng , Lu Xiaofei
Published: April 2022

BackgroundUreteral Fibroepithelial Polyps (UFPs) are benign tumors that arise from the mesodermal layer. The disease is a rare cause of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), particularly in children. Case presentationwe present a case of a child preoperatively diagnosed with UPJO and urogenic sepsis owing to horseshoe kidney using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). During surgery, we found that the ureteral polyp rather than the horseshoe kidney was the cause of the PUJO.Thenus, the ureteral polyp was resected, and end-to-end anastomosis was performed with the renal pelvis and ureters. An F5 double J tube was indwelling and removed by ureteroscopy three months later. No special adverse events were found during 1-year follow-up. ConclusionsWhen the clinical and radiographic findings of the patient are incompatible with the common etiology, ureteral fibroepithelial polyps should be considered as a rare cause of PUJO.
Competitive effects are significantly affected by soil water condition in the first year and by neighbor richness in the second year: A two-year simulated experiment
Authors: Hao Guang , Yang Nan , Liu Yulin , Wang Jinlong , Zhao Nianxi , Li Hongyuan , Ren Anzhi , Gao Yubao
Published: April 2022

Background and aims
Understanding how plant-plant interactions vary with biotic and abiotic factors is vital to protect degraded grassland communities, especially under global climate changes. However, how soil water condition and species diversity interactively affect competition between the dominant species and its neighbors over time remains unclear.
Method
Using a dominant species in semi-arid Inner Mongolia Steppe, Leymus chinensis, as the target species and ten other species as neighbors, we carried out a two-year microcosm experiment to evaluate how soil water condition (SWC) and neighbor richness (NR) affected the competitive effect of neighbors (CRCI) on L. chinensis directly or indirectly.
Results
(1) In the first experiment year, SWC affected CRCI directly and indirectly via regulating community-weighted mean (CWM) of height absolute distance, supporting competition-trait similarity hypothesis. (2) In the second experimental year, NR showed significant effect on CRCI. Moreover, functional dispersion (FDis) of neighbors mediated the response of CRCI to the changes in neighbor richness, supporting vacant niche hypothesis. In addition, there was a negative association between CWM of height hierarchical distance and CRCI, and a positive association between CWM of specific leaf area hierarchical distance and CRCI in the second year, supporting competition-trait hierarchy hypothesis. In general, the relative importance of NR on CRCI increased over time.
Conclusions
These findings provide strong empirical evidence of how plant-plant interactions respond to changes of biotic and abiotic factors in semi-arid Inner Mongolia Steppe over time, and novel insights for mechanisms by which biodiversity and climate changes affect plant-plant interactions.
Long Term Green Tea Intervention with Exercise Efficiently Ameliorate Hepatic Steatosis and Obesity Complication in High Fat Diet Induced Mice
Authors: Ruru Wang , Gu Mingxing , Zhang Yanzhong , Zhong Qinglin , Chen Llinbo , Li Daxiang , Xie Zhongwen
Published: April 2022

Dietary habits and exercise play important roles in wellbeing of human health. Currently, how long of drinking tea with exercise could be efficiently ameliorating hepatic steatosis and obesity complication still need to be investigated. Here, we comparatively explored short and long term green tea consumption plus exercise improve hepatic steatosis and obesity complication in high fat diet (HFD) mice. Our results showed that Yunkang 10 green tea (YKGT) plus exercise exhibited synergistic prevention effects on ameliorating hepatic steatosis and obesity complication at the 8-week intervention. Moreover, 22-week intervention with YKGT or exercise improved all symptoms of obesity complication, which indicated that long term intervention exhibited profound preventive effects than short term. All treatments inhibited NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression at both 8- and 22-week intervention, indicated that inflammation may be a cause event for developing hepatic steatosis. The key molecules for regulating lipid and glucose metabolism SCD1 were obviously down-regulated, and GLU2 and PPARγ were significantly up-regulated by YKGT and exercise in the liver of HFD mice. This study demonstrated that long term intervention with YKGT and exercise effectively relieved hepatic steatosis and obesity complication by ameliorating hepatic inflammation, reducing lipid synthesis and accelerating glucose transport.
Opportunistic agroecological adaptation by farmers under semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Singh Dheeraj , Chaudhary M K , Kumar Chandan , Kuri B R
Published: April 2022

Climatic vulnerability and multiple stressors have compelled small-holder farmer world over to develop location specific knowledge and adaptation strategies to sustain their livelihoods in risk-prone ecosystems. Under these conditions local farmers face of high temperature, hot and dry winds, low and delayed monsoon, high salinity in ground water, erratic rainfall and early recession of rains. The farmers of arid zone store runoff water in catchment area and effectively utilize the conserved soil moisture for crop diversification under varying moisture regimes. This opportunity is now adapted with introduction of muskmelon or cantaloupe a fruit vegetable relished for its taste and sweetness. In the land, freed from water, grows muskmelon in the conserved moisture during last week of February. This adaptation is continued when there is very minimal competition with other agricultural enterprises. Based on the 3 years study, observed that muskmelon grown with adequate irrigation supply and with high inputs recorded significantly higher growth and yield parameters, fruits yield as well as delayed in flowering and maturity as compared to conserved moisture with low inputs. There was no significant difference were observed in the overall profitability among muskmelon cultivation conditions. The conserved moisture with low inputs recorded higher benefit cost ratio. This location specific agro-ecological adaptation empowers other farmers, who are landless and relatively more marginalized. It also provides an insight for the formal science about how formal and informal knowledge can be hybridized to co-produce more robust adaptation to convert stressors into opportunity.
Analysis of the Generalized Progressive Hybrid Censoring Technique from Exponentiated Exponential Stress Strength Model
Authors: Yousef Manal M. , Hassan Amal S. , Almetwally Ehab M.
Published: April 2022

The statistical inference of R = P (X < Y < Z) for a component when it is exposed to two independent stresses and it having one strength for exponentiared exponential distribution is regarded. We assume that both stresses and strength variables follow exponenti-ated exponential distribution with a common scale parameter. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian techniques are used to get various point and interval estimators for the reliability model via generalized progressive hybrid censoring samples. This scheme can reduce total test time as well as costs, resulting in improved statistical analysis efficiency. Furthermore, Bayesian estimators for symmetric such as squared error, and asymmetric loss functions such as linear exponential are derived. We propose using Markov chain Monte Carlo approach due to complicated forms of Bayesian estimator. Asymptotic distribution theory is used to calculate the confidence intervals. We further compute Bayes estimates along with credible intervals. The Monte Carlo simulation is used to compare the efficiency of the proposed estimations. Finally, for example reasons, a progressively censored real-data set is shown.
Health system factors associated with access to oral healthcare among adults in Asamankese, Eastern Region, Ghana
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi John , Adomah-Afari Augustine , Aidam Kizito
Published: April 2022

Introduction
: The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with access to oral healthcare among adults in Asamankese, Eastern Region, Ghana.
Materials and Methods
A cross-sectional design was used in this study involving 310 adults. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics of the study population. Access to oral healthcare was described using the five dimensions of access on a five-point Likert scale: affordability, availability, accessibility, accommodation and acceptability. The chi square test was used to determine association between the independent variable; health system factors and the dependent variable (access to oral healthcare). Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the strength of association between the dependent variable and independent variables. The level of statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval.
Results
The results showed that access to quality oral healthcare was moderate (69%). Distance to oral health was a factor that influenced access (p < 0.05). Affordability was the major health system factor that significantly associated with access to quality oral healthcare (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The study concludes and recommends that there will be the need to setup a dental facility closer to the community, make the National Health Insurance Scheme effective to fully cover dental procedures to improve affordability. The study suggests that policy makers should consider these factors to improve access to quality oral healthcare.
SRSF3 and HNRNPH1 regulate alternative splicing of PRMT5 induced by ionizing radiation in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wen Chaowei , Tian Zhujun , Li Lan , Qu Shugen , Chen Tongke , Liang Zhenzhen , Chen Huajian , Ying Yimeng , Dai Jichen , Li Ping , Liu Yi , Li Mengke , Ma Shumei , Liu Xiaodong
Published: April 2022

Background
Aberrant splice variants play different roles in the formation of tumors. We observed the splice isoform of Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5-ISO5) increases in HCC patients undergoing stereotactic body radiotherapy, which is associated with improvement of poor prognosis. However, the mechanism of alternative splicing of PRMT5-ISO5 induced by ionizing radiation (IR) is still unclear.
Methods
The transcriptional changes of PRMT5-ISO5 induced by IR were validated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify potential splicing factors involved in regulating PRMT5 splicing. Small interferring RNA and overexpressing plasmids for SRSF3 and HNRNPH1 were introduced into HCC cell lines, followed by in vitro functional experiments in regulating PRMT5 splicing by RT-qPCR, western blot and RNA-immunoprecipitation assay in vitro. The roles of IR-induced PRMT5-ISO5 and hepatocyte-specific Prmt5 knockout on HCC progression were evaluated in vivo.
Results
we indicated IR could induce PRMT5-ISO5 transcript in HCC cells by virtue of splicing factors SRSF3 and HNRNPH1. Mechanistically, HNRNPH1 silencing resulted in the decrease of PRMT5-ISO5 while SRSF3 silencing led to the increase of PRMT5-ISO5. In addition, both SRSF3 and HNRNPH1 bound to PRMT5 precursor mRNA on the region around 3' splicing site of intron 2 and alternative 3’ splicing site on exon 4, leading to their opposite functions on regulating PRMT5 splicing. In vivo, the increase of PRMT5-ISO5 induced by IR led to tumor regression, and liver-specific Prmt5 depletion decelerated the progression of Akt/N-Ras-derived spontaneous HCC.
Conclusion
Our study not only provides mechanistic views that IR-induced SRSF3 downregulation leads to the imbalance of SRSF3 and HNRNPH1 in regulating PRMT5-ISO5 transcript, but also indicates a potential radiotherapeutic of PRMT5-ISO5 in HCC formation since liver-specific Prmt5 knockout inhibits spontaneous HCC tumorigenesis.
Bisphenol F induces testicular toxicity via upregulation of xanthine oxidase/uric acid signalling and downregulation of testicular steroidogenic enzymes in male Wistar rats
Authors: Odetayo Adeyemi Fatai , Adeyemi Wale Johnson , Olayaki Lukman Aribidesi
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of bisphenol F (BPF) on testicular integrity and function. The roles of xanthine oxidase/uric acid signalling and steroidogenic enzymes were also probed. METHODOLOGY: Male Wistar rats were randomized into vehicle-treated control, BPF-treated (10, 30, and 50mg/kg), and BPF-treated recovery (animals treated with varying BPF doses and allowed a 28-day exposure free period for recovery) (n= 6 rats per group). The administration was via gavage and lasted for 28 days. Animals in the recovery groups were allowed a 28-day exposure-free period after the initial 28 days of BPF exposure.RESULTS: BPF resulted in the distortion of the testicular histoarchitecture, accompanied by a significant rise in testicular GGT and LDH activities but a decline in SDH activity. Also, BPF caused a significant reduction in plasma GnRH, LH, FSH, and testosterone, which was associated with the downregulation of testicular 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(17β-HSD) activities. Furthermore, BPF induced testicular inflammation, redox imbalance, and apoptosis, accompanied by elevated xanthine oxidase activity and uric acid concentration. Again, the observed toxic effects of BPF were dose-dependent and not reversed by BPF exposure withdrawal.CONCLUSION: Bisphenol F-induced gonadotoxicity by down-regulating the activities of steroidogenic enzymes and upregulation of xanthine oxidase/uric acid signalling.
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: Characteristics and Rapid Diagnostic Approach in the Emergency Department
Authors: Xu Jin , Zhao Na , Guan Hongzhi , Walline Joseph Harold , Zhu Huadong , Yu Xuezhong
Published: April 2022

Background Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a common type of autoimmune encephalitis. Patients with this condition are frequently very ill but are often misdiagnosed in the Emergency Department (ED). The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of anti-NMDAR patients in the ED and to identify any associations with a diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively obtained cohort of ED patients from May 2011 to December 2017. We identified patients diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis in this cohort and extracted key patient characteristics and clinical data, including patient gender, age, presentation, modified Rank Score (m-RS), laboratory test results, significant treatments, and mortality.Results87 patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were identified. 54 (62.1%) were female, 23 (26.4%) were <18 years old, 14 (16.1%) had teratoma, and 45 (51.7%) had an m-RS ≥4. Fever, altered mental status, and seizures were the most common symptoms, with a >50% incidence of each symptom in the cohort. The sensitivity of CSF oligoclonal band (OB) testing was 78.9%. 22 (25.3%) were admitted to the ICU, 20 (23.0%) patients were intubated, but only one patient died (1.1%). 47 (54.0%) were misdiagnosed prior to ED arrival. All patients underwent immunotherapy as first-line treatment for anti-NMDAR encephalitis.ConclusionsA majority of anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients presenting to the ED were female and were likely to be misdiagnosed prior to arrival. Patients with symptoms of fever, altered mental status, and seizures need a lumbar puncture, including CSF OB testing, for definitive diagnosis.
Diffractive liquid crystal smart window for privacy application
Authors: Han Chan-Hee , Eo Hyeonseok , Choi Tae-Hoon , Kim Wook-Sung , Oh Seung-Won
Published: April 2022

Using a single substrate, we demonstrate a simple two-dimensional (2-D) phase grating cell with an octothorp electrode. Owing to the large spatial phase difference in any direction, the proposed grating cell has a high haze value in the opaque state (76.7%); Moreover, it has the advantages of a one-dimensional (1-D) phase grating cell, such as high fabricability, fast response time, and low operating voltage. Furthermore, the proposed grating cell has a faster response time than the 2-D grating cell (comparable to a 1-D grating cell). Consequently, we expect our proposed grating cell to find applications in virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) systems or window displays with fast response times.
Preventing blastocyst culture failure risk in IVF cycles merits a strategy of cleavage backup combined with blastocyst culture
Authors: Ren-Tao Jin , Na-Ru Zhou , Xiao-Hua Jiang , Bo Xu , Fang-Ting Lu , Li-Hua Luo , Luan Hong-Bing , Xian-Hong Tong
Published: April 2022

BackgroundBlastocyst transfer is associated with a high cycle cancellation rate due to more early embryo arrest. However, cleavage backup combined with blastocyst culture maybe merit prevention blastocyst culture failure. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 7026 cycles between October 2017 and August 2020 in our center for reproductive medicine. Two day-3 embryos were transferred or cryopreserved in addition to at least 1 surplus embryo extended the culture for blastocysts. The primary objective was to analyze the factors of influencing blastocyst formation. The secondary objective was to study the fate of sibling cleavage embryos after sparing the embryo culture for blastocysts.ResultsIn all included cycles, there was 12.43% occurrence without blastocyst formation (CNB), 5.19% of nonavailable blastocysts (NAB), and 82.38% cycles with at least 1 valuable blastocyst (CHB). The number of day-3 embryos was associated with blastocyst formation outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.71), and older women and short agonist ovary stimulation decreased the odds of blastocyst formation (aOR 0.97 and 0.18, respectively). Female age and numbers of embryos for blastocyst culture were related to blastocyst quality (aOR 0.98 and 1.36, respectively). Some couples underwent fresh cleavage transfer (CNB 453, NAB 203, CHB 2341), and the pregnancy rate was significantly higher with positive culture results (CHB 47.97%, NAB 34.48%, CNB 34.88%, P=0.001). There was a lower chance of being pregnant for advanced aged women (aOR 0.94). Compared with mild ovary stimulation, the long stimulation protocol and modified ultralong protocol were beneficial for pregnancy after day-3 embryo transfer (aOR 1.62 and 2.77, respectively). Cleavage of embryos from cycles with available blastocysts increased the odds of implantation (CHB 35.25%, CNB 23.40%, NAB 24.88%, P<0.001). Pregnancy from cycles of no available blastocyst was associated with higher odds of miscarriage (NAB 19.10%, CNB 9.84%, CHB 10.70%). Outcome of blastocyst formation had no influence on preterm birth rate (CNB 12.03%, NAB 18.21%, CHB 18.45%, respectively, P=0.139), birth defects (CNB 1.05%, NAB 1.09% CHB 0.89% P=0.966), or sex ratio of male proportion (CNB 0.57, NAB 0.55, CHB 0.53, P=0.669).ConclusionsThe pregnancy outcome of sibling cleavage transfer is related to blastocyst formation of spare embryos. For negative blastocyst culture patients, there is a lower but acceptable live birth rate from sibling cleavage transfer. Cleavage backup combined with blastocyst culture may prevent blastocyst formation failure risk.
Does COVID-19 infection change thyroid hormone levels? A comparative cross-sectional study in Iran
Authors: Afshari Poorandokht , Zakerkish Mehrnoosh , Abedi Parvin , Beheshtinasab Maryam , Maraghi Elham , Meghdadi Hossein
Published: April 2022

Background: Given the paucity of research investigating the changes of thyroid hormones in people affected with COVID-19, this study aimed to evaluate the levels of thyroid hormones in people affected by COVID-19 infection in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study on 78 patients with COVID-19 infection and 80 individuals without infection. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Triiodothyronine (TT3) and tetraiodothyronine (TT4) were measured in hospitalized patients and one month after recovery and in participants without infection. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, and ANCOVA. Results: The level of TSH at baseline in the hospitalized patients was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.24±1.08 vs. 2.05± 1.02 mlU/L, respectively, p<.0001). The mean level of TT3 was 1.20±0.24 and 1.28 ± 1.25 ng/dL in the case and control groups respectively (p=.188). The level of TT4 in the case group was high at baseline in comparison to the control group (8.48±2.27 vs. 7.76 ± 1.43 ng/dL, p=.076) that was reduced in the follow-up period. Thirty-five (44.8%) patients had severe disease and were admitted to ICU, that nine of them have died. The level of TSH was non- significantly lower in patients with severe disease compared to those with moderate disease. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 infection showed abnormalities in thyroid hormones such as decreased levels of TSH. Patients with severe disease had a lower level of TSH. More investigation about thyroid function in patients with COVID-19 are recommended.