bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing gut microbes for glycan detection and quantification
Authors: Modesto Jennifer , Silvis Victoria , Townsend Guy
Published: June 2022

Glycans facilitate critical biological functions and control the mammalian gut microbiota composition by supplying differentially accessible nutrients to distinct microbial subsets. Therefore, identifying unique glycan substrates that support defined microbial populations will inform new therapeutic avenues to treat diseases via modulation of the gut microbiota composition and metabolism. However, examining heterogenous glycan mixtures for individual microbial substrates is hindered by glycan structural complexity and diversity, which presents substantial challenges to glycomics approaches. Fortuitously, gut microbes encode specialized sensor proteins that recognize unique glycan structures and in-turn activate predictable, specific, and dynamic transcriptional responses. We have harnessed this microbial machinery to indicate the presence and abundance of compositionally similar, yet structurally distinct glycans, using a newly developed transcriptional reporter. We demonstrate how these tools can be implemented to examine glycan mixtures, isolate target molecules for downstream characterization, and quantify the recovered products. We assert that this new toolkit will dramatically enhance our understanding of the mammalian intestinal environment and identify host-microbial interactions critical for human health.
Fetal Inflammatory Response and Risk for Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Melhem Nadine , GIbson Blake , Goodfriend Eli , Zhong Yongqi
Published: June 2022

Objective: Inflammation contributes to numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, especially those that first appear in childhood. Maternal intrauterine environment, including the placenta, has a role in brain development and risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. This study examines the link between fetal inflammatory syndrome (FIRS), which is placental inflammation in the peri-partem period, and neuropsychiatric disorders during childhood.﻿Method: This is a retrospective cohort study using data from electronic medical records over a 19-year period at one women’s hospital. The study includes 4,420 children born with placentas meeting criteria for and 31,403 controls identified with normal placentas born during the same period. The primary outcome of the study is incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders during childhood. The secondary outcomes were psychiatric medications prescribed, and psychiatric hospitalizations and treatment.Results: Children born to placentas meeting criteria for FIRS were more likely to be diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders (OR=1.10, CI 95% [1.04,1.50]). Specifically, they were more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (OR= 1.32, CI 95% [1.08, 1.62]), ADHD (OR=1.30, CI 95% [1.10, 1.53]), conduct disorder (OR= 1.59, CI 95% [1.32, 1.90]), PTSD (OR= 2.69. CI 95% [1.35, 5.36]), and bipolar disorders (OR= 3.23, CI 95% [1.24, 8.39]), adjusting for maternal history of psychiatric disorders, intra-partem substance use, and prescriptions of anti-inflammatory drugs. ﻿Conclusion: Children born with placental inflammation are at an increased risk to develop neuropsychiatric disorders. This has profound implications for future research, and early detection, monitoring, and treatment in these children.
Modeling Urban Land use Changes in Peshawar by the integration of Land Change Modeler and Markov model to Promote Sustainable Urbanization
Authors: Tariq Aqil , Mumtaz Faisal
Published: June 2022

Urbanization is a global phenomenon that caused many regions worldwide to face dramatic land use land cover (LULC) changes associated with urban sprawl and significant consequences. This study uses satellite images from the last two decades to examine Peshawar's geographical and temporal changes in urban expansion. Analysis of urban sprawl was carried by using the Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC). Land change modeler combined with the Markov chain model was used to explore the patterns of urban sprawl. Later, the Cellular automata (CA) model was combined with the Markov chain model. Finally, the kappa coefficient and confusion matrix were used to validate the models and LULC maps accuracy. Results indicate a substantial expansion in built-up and vegetation class for Peshawar city replacing bare land. Peshawar's vegetation cover has increased by 25.6% throughout the study period, especially 12.7% under the billion-tree project (from 2013 to 2018). The urban area has increased by 16.3% and will continue to grow in the future, costing the bare land and affecting the water land. Classified images had an overall accuracy rate of almost 80%. According to a 2017 study by the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA), the entire urban built-up area was 264 square kilometers. As a result of our research, the total constructed area in 2018 was 272 km2. Also, the results of 2028 and 2038 indicate that in the future, the vegetation cover will increase from 50.63% in 2018 to 59.23% by 2038. But also the built-up area would be increased from 21.52–25.23% respectively. Education, health, and small-business centers were essential to the development. In addition, the population of the Peshawar District relocated from nearby tribal areas due to military operations.
Disruption of oogenesis and moulting by methoprene and glyphosate in Gammarus fossarum; involvement of retinoic acid?
Authors: Gauthier Maxime , Defrance Jérémy , Jumarie Catherine , Vulliet Emmanuelle , Garric Jeanne , Boily Monique , Geffard Olivier
Published: June 2022

In the last decade, the freshwater amphipod Gammarus fossarum proved to be a promising sentinel species in active biomonitoring programs to assess the effects of environmental contamination on non-target organisms. In many vertebrates, xenobiotics cause deregulation of the retinoids (RETs) metabolism implicated in many crucial biological functions. The retinoid system, known in the crustaceans, is yet to be explored in G. fossarum. Therefore, we studied the implication of all­-trans­ retinoic acid (atRA) in the reproduction (embryo, oocyte, and juvenile production) and development (success and delay of moulting) by exposing G. fossarum females to atRA and citral (CIT), a known inhibitor of RA synthesis to simulate an excess or a deficiency of RA, respectively. In parallel, we monitored the effects of methoprene (MET) and glyphosate (GLY), two pesticides suspected to interfere with atRA metabolism and signalling and frequently found in water systems. After 14 days of exposure, atRA, CIT, and MET reduced the number of oocytes, whereas only MET caused a reduced number of embryos. After 44 days, MET and GLY showed a tendency to decrease juvenile production. The duration of the moulting cycle increased following the exposures to atRA and MET, while the treatment with CIT caused a typical endocrine disruptive inverted U-shaped curve. The exposure to GLY led to increased duration of the moulting cycle at the lowest concentrations and lowered moulting success at the highest concentration tested. This study highlights for the first time the implication of RA in the oogenesis and moulting of G. fossarum and suggests that it may be a potential mediator of MET-induced effects on these processes. This study adds to the comprehension of the reproductive and developmental control in G. fossarum and opens new research avenues to study the effects of xenobiotics on the RET system in this sentinel species. Ultimately, our study will drive the development of RET-based biomarkers for non-target aquatic invertebrates exposed to xenobiotics.
The potential use of acylglycerols on the thermal inactivation of lactic acid bacteria for the manufacture of long-life fermented products
Authors: Huerta-González Luis , López-Valdez Fernando , Luna-Suárez Silvia
Published: June 2022

The effect of acylglycerols on the thermal inactivation of lactic acid bacteria was studied because of their importance as starter cultures in the production of fermented products. The starting point was the observation of an increase in thermal sensitivity when an emulsifier based on mono- and diacylglycerols was present in the culture medium. Analysis of the emulsifier showed that monoacylglycerols were the compounds responsible for this effect, with monopalmitin being the major contributor. Monostearin, on the other hand, showed a significantly lower potentiating effect. Interestingly, monoacylglycerols showed a greater bactericidal effect when used individually than when used in combination. On the other hand, the rate of thermal inactivation observed in reconstituted skim milk emulsions was lower than in peptonized water emulsions, showing that the presence of proteins and colloidal particles increased the resistance of bacteria to heat treatment. With respect to pH values, a reduction in pH from 6.6 to 5.5 promoted an increase in the rate of thermal death. However, at pH = 5.5, the enhancing bactericidal effect was only detectable at lower temperatures but not at higher temperatures. This finding is of interest, since it will allow the design of moderate thermal treatments, combining the use of temperature with the addition of acylglycerols, to prolong the shelf life of fermented products with lactic acid bacteria, and minimizing the destruction of desirable compounds that were obtained because of the fermentation process.
MEK/ERK activation plays a decisive role in Zika virus morphogenesis and release
Authors: Valencia Hugo José , Mendonça Diogo Corrêa , Marinho Paula Eillanny Silva , Henriques Lethícia Ribeiro , Drumond Betânia Paiva , Bonjardim Cláudio Antônio
Published: June 2022

Brazil has experienced an increase in outbreaks caused by flaviviruses. The high incidence of Dengue fever, the morbidity of Zika in children, and the high mortality of yellow fever affected millions in the recent years. Deciphering host-virus interactions is important to treat viral infections, and the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are an interesting target because of their role in flavivirus replication. In particular, the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), which targets the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), is necessary to dengue and yellow fever infections. In this study, we evaluated the role of the MEK/ERK pathway, and the effect of the MEK inhibitor, Trametinib, in ZIKV PE243 Asian strain and the prototype ZIKV MR766 African strain, addressing genome replication, morphogenesis and viral release. ZIKV infection stimulated ERK phosphorylation in Vero cells at 12 and 18 hours post-infection (hpi). Trametinib showed a sustained antiviral activity, inhibiting both ZIKV strains for at least four days and electron microscopy showed a probable inhibition of ZIKV morphogenesis. ZIKV PE243 can complete one cycle in Vero cells in 14 hours: genome replication was detected around 8 hpi, intracellular viral particles at 12 hpi, and extracellular progeny at 14 hpi. Treatments of 6-hour intervals evidenced that Trametinib inhibited late stages of viral replication, and the titration of intra- or extracellular virions showed that the treatment especially affected viral morphogenesis and release. Thus, ZIKV stimulated ERK phosphorylation during viral morphogenesis and release, which correlated with Trametinib inhibiting both, the signaling pathway and the viral replication all together.
Ex Vivo Expansion of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs)
Authors: Mohamed Bashir , Ward Mark , Bates Mark , Spillane Cathy , Kelly Tanya , Martin Cara , Gallagher Michael , Heffernan Sheena , Norris Lucy , Kennedy John , Saadeh Feras Abu , Gleeson Noreen , Brooks Doug , Brooks Robert , Selemidis Stavros , O’Toole Sharon , O’Leary John
Published: June 2022

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are a critical intermediate step in the process of cancer metastasis. The reliability of CTC isolation/purification has limited both the potential to report on metastatic progression and the development of CTCs as targets for therapeutic intervention. Here we report a new methodology, which optimises the culture conditions for CTCs using primary cancer cells as a model system. We exploited the known biology that CTCs thrive in hypoxic conditions, with their survival and proliferation being reliant on the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). We isolated epithelial-like and quasi-mesenchymal CTC phenotypes from the blood of a cancer patient and successfully cultured these cells for more than eight weeks. The presence of CTC clusters was required to establish and maintain long-term cultures. This novel methodology for the long-term culture of CTCs will aid in the development of downstream applications, including CTC theranostics.
Novel Psoralen Derivatives as Anti-Breast Cancer Agents: Synthesis and Evaluation of Dark and Light-Activated Cytotoxicity
Authors: Aekrungrueangkit Chiphada , Wangngae Sirilak , Kamkaew Anyanee , Ardkhean Ruchuta , Boonsombat Jutatip , Ruchirawat Somsak , Khotavivattana Tanatorn
Published: June 2022

Psoralen derivatives are well known for their unique phototoxicity and also exhibited promising anti-breast cancer activity both in the presence and the absence of UVA irradiation. However, the structure-activity relationship on this scaffold remains lacking. Herein, a series of psoralen derivatives with various C-5 substituents were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro dark and light-activated cytotoxicity against three breast cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231, T47-D, and SK-BR-3. The type of substituents dramatically impacted the activity, with the 4-bromobenzyl amide derivative (3c) exhibiting the highest dark cytotoxicity against T47-D. On the other hand, the furanylamide 3g exhibited the highest phototoxicity against SK-BR-3 cells with the IC50 of 2.71 µM, which is almost 10-fold increase compared to the parent compound, 8-MOP. Moreover, these derivatives showed exceptional selectivity towards HER2+ (SK-BR-3) over the HER2− (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines, which correlates well with the results from the molecular docking study, revealing that 3g formed favorable interactions within the active site of the HER2. Additionally, the cell morphology of SK-BR-3 cells suggested that the significant phototoxicity was related to induction of cell apoptosis. Most of the synthesized psoralen derivatives possess acceptable physicochemical properties and are suitable for being further developed as a novel anti-breast cancer agent in the future.
Electro-Fenton Process with Emphasis on its Challenges and Future Prospects for Wastewater Treatment: A review
Authors: Shokri Aref , Fard Mahdi Sanavi
Published: June 2022

The efficiency of heterogeneous electro-Fenton technology on the degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants and for an extensive kind of wastewaters with the purpose of addressing ever-increasing water-related challenges is incontrovertible. Due to its outstanding performance, eco-friendliness, easy automation, and operability over a wide range of pH, it has garnered significant attention from researchers and different industries to invest in its application. This review paper, briefly discusses the principal mechanism of the electro-Fenton process, crucial properties of a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst, the heterogeneous electro-Fenton system enabled with Fe-functionalized cathodic materials besides its essential operational parameters. Moreover, the authors comprehensively explored the major challenges that prevent commercialization of the electro-Fenton process and present future research direction with specific emphasis on the following areas for addressing those disconcerting challenges: synthesizing heterogeneous catalysts by application of advanced materials for improving its reusability and stability, exhaustive analysis of H2O2 activation mechanism, life-cycle assessment of potential environmental effects, scale-up from lab-scale to industrial scale, fabrication of electrodes with state-of-the-art technologies, using the electro-Fenton process for remediation of biological contaminants, application of different cells in electro-Fenton process, hybridization of the electro-Fenton with other wastewater treatments technologies and full-scale analysis of economic costs.
Metabolomics analysis reveals a potential role SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins in the regulation/perturbation of metabolic pathways associated with altered plasma metabolites in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Ivanisenko V. A. , Gaisler E. V. , Basov N. V. , Rogachev A. D. , Cheresiz S. V. , Ivanisenko T. V. , Demenkov P. S. , Mishchenko E. L. , Khripko O. O. , Khripko Yu. I. , Voevoda S. M. , Karpenko T. N. , Velichko A. J. , Voevoda M. I. , Kolchanov N. A. , Pokrovsky A. G.
Published: June 2022

Metabolomic analysis of patient`s plasma is a promising approach to the study of molecular mechanisms of viral infections, identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and improvement of the current therapies. However, metabolomic analysis is often limited to the identification of overrepresented metabolic processes. Information about the genetic regulation of these processes and the molecular mechanisms and roles of viral proteins in the revealed disturbed function of metabolic processes is overlooked. Metabolomic analysis of plasma of COVID-19 patients and the controls using the high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS/MS) was performed. 103 metabolites were shown to differ significantly in the compared groups. Among KEGG metabolic pathways, amino acid metabolism and the biosynthesis of aminoacyl-tRNAs were overrepresented. Using ANDSystem software, the reconstruction of gene networks describing the potential genetic regulation of metabolic pathways perturbed in COVID-19 patients by SARS-CoV-2 proteins was performed. Viral proteins orf8, E, and nsp5 were involved in the greater number of regulatory pathways. The reconstructed gene networks suggest the hypotheses on the molecular mechanisms of virus-host interactions in COVID-19 pathology and provide a basis for further experimental and computer studies of the regulation of metabolic pathways by SARS-CoV-2 proteins.
Investigation of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ distribution and ion fluxes of the halophyte Chinese iris under NaCl stress by non-destructive and micro-invasive techniques
Authors: Lan Tian , Xu Yingying , Guo Shiwen , Yang Wei , Li Pinfang
Published: June 2022

Chinese Iris (Iris lactea Pall. var. chinensis (Fisch) Koidz.) is a high salt tolerant green vegetation. The objective of this study was to probe the ionic balance mechanism of Iris under salt stress. Iris were cultivated in hydroponic system supplemented with Hogland nutrition solution under greenhouse condition. After 20 d of cultivation, Iris were treated with 0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 mmol L-1 NaCl. The growth status, ion content and ion fluxes of roots and leaves were measured after 10 d of NaCl treatment. Chose 0, 210 mmol L-1 NaCl treatment to detect Na+, K+, H+, Ca2+ net fluxes by non-invasive micro-test technique. Our major results are as follows: (1) Iris growth were impaired under NaCl stress, the length, fresh and dry weight were significantly reduced; (2) Iris has the ability to accumulate Na+ in roots and increase transportation of K+, Ca2+ to leaves; (3) The roots of Iris displayed a significant increase of Na+, K+ efflux and decrease of H+ efflux, the efflux of Na+, K+ increased about 2.5, 85.4 times respectively under 210 mmol L-1 NaCl stress, and the efflux of H+ decreased 76.6% as compared to control. The roots Ca2+ showed a net efflux under normal condition and a net influx under stress condition. The leaves displayed a significant increase of Na+ influx and decrease of K+ efflux.
CD1C is associated with Breast Cancer Prognosis and Immune Infiltrates
Authors: Chen Xiao , Zhang Jianzhong , Lei Xinhan , Yang Lei , Li Wanwan , Zheng Lu , Zhang Shuai , Ding Yihan , Shi Jianing , Zhang Lei , Tang Tong , Jia Wenjun
Published: June 2022

Background: Tumor microenvironment (TME) in breast cancer has a vital role in occurrence, development, and therapeutic responses. However, immune and stroma constituents in TME are major obstacles to understanding and treating breast cancer. We evaluated the significance of TME related genes in breast cancer.Methods: Invasive breast cancer (BRCA) samples were retrieved from TCGA and GEO databases. Stroma and immune scores of samples as well as the proportion of tumor infiltrating immune cells (TICs) were calculated using ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. TME-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by protein interaction (PPI) network and univariate Cox regression to determine CD1c as hub gene. Subsequently, the prognostic value of CD1c, its response to immunotherapy and its mechanism in TME were further studied.Results: In BRCA, DEGs were identified to identify CD1C as hub gene. The differential expression level of CD1C in BRCA patients and the correlation between prognosis and clinical features were verified based on TCGA database and immunohistochemical staining (IHC) results. Enrichment analysis of GSEA and GSVA showed that CD1C take participate in immune-associated signaling pathways. CIBERSORT showed that CD1C levels were associated with tumor immune infiltrating cells (TILs), such as different kinds of T cells. Gene co-expression analysis showed that CD1C and most of immune-associated genes were co-expressed in BRCA. In renal cell carcinoma, patients with high expression of CD1C have better effect of immunotherapy.Conclusion: CD1C is an important part of TME and participates in immune activity regulation in breast tumors. CD1C is expected to become a prognostic marker and a new treatment target for breast cancer.
In vitro selection of chili (Capsicum annum) varieties tolerant to declined nitrogen supplements
Authors: Jathunarachchi A.S. , Salgadoe A.S.A. , Gimhani D.R. , Weerakoon H.M. , Perera P.I.P.
Published: June 2022

Area of crop cultivation can be increased by selecting the suitable genetic resources adapted for the relevant selection pressure. The areas with sandy soil and extremely higher temperature, used for crop cultivation, creates problems of ground water contamination due the extensive and frequent application of Nitrogen (N) fertilizer combined with heavy irrigation. The tolerant chili varieties for the declined N is a potential solution to overcome the aforementioned problems. Thirteen commercial chili varieties were assessed in three NH4NO3 levels (656.25, 437.5, 218.75 mg/L) representing 75, 50 and 25% of the full strength of 875 mg/L, using 60 seedlings per each level in a duplicate experiment. The recorded parameters of number of leaves and roots, length of roots and shoots, dry weight of shoots and roots and chlorophyll content, and their Stress Susceptibility Index (SSI) were analyzed using the statistical tools of ANOVA, Tukey test, PCA, Coefficient Correlation analysis and the Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. The N content in the biomass of selected varieties at different tolerant categories were analyzed. Results revealed that the in vitro technique is a feasible and efficient method for identifying the N-tolerant varieties. Vijaya F1, Lanka Hot, Devnur Deluxe and Kodian Hot were identified as the tolerant varieties and Ragini as a highly susceptible variety. Other varieties fall in between the two extremes. The accuracy of the categorization was confirmed by the N assay with comparable N at each level in tolerant varieties and a significant drop in susceptible varieties where a genotypes-dependent absorption efficiency was demonstrated.
Sentiment Analysis of Tweets using Text and Graph Multi-views learning
Authors: Singh Loitongbam Gyanendro , Singh Sanasam Ranbir
Published: June 2022

With the surge of deep learning framework, various studies have attempted to address the challenges of sentiment analysis of tweets (data sparsity, under-specificity, noise, and multilingual content) through text and network-based representation learning approaches. However, limited studies on combining the benefits of textual and structural (graph) representations for sentiment analysis of tweets have been carried out. This study proposes a multi-view learning framework (end-to-end and ensemble-based) that leverages both text-based and graph-based representation learning approaches to enrich the tweet representation for sentiment classification. The efficacy of the proposed framework is evaluated over three datasets using suitable baseline counterparts. From various experimental studies, it is observed that combining both textual and structural views can achieve better performance of sentiment classification tasks than its counterparts.
Insight of cellulose dissolution in ionic liquid from hydrogen bonding prospect: First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Lu Xingmei , Xu Shujun , Chen Jiazhen , Ni Liufang , Ma Xiaojuan , Cao Shilin , Gao Haili
Published: June 2022

Anions are always considered to explain most of the cellulose dissolution in the ionic liquid; where electron donor theory is always used to elaborate cellulose dissolution in the ionic liquids with different anions. However, the theory does not apply to ionic liquids with different alkyl chain anions. Herein, the hydrogen bond theory was proposed to further explain cellulose dissolution from density functional theory (DFT) calculations. 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole carboxylate ionic liquids with different alkyl chains including ([Amim][HCOO], [Amim][CH3COO], [Amim][CH3CH2COO ], [Amim] [CH3CH2CH2COO]) were investigated. The DFT results indicated that the alkyl chains of the anions directly affect the hydrogen bond and the interaction energy between the cations and anions; where the length of the hydrogen bonds between cation and anion is the most predominant factor for determining the polarity parameter β value of the ionic liquid itself and therefore governing cellulose dissolution. Moreover, a shorter length of hydrogen bonds between the anions of ionic liquid and cellobiose referred to a better solubility of cellulose in the ionic liquids.
Vibration therapy in young children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy: Does frequency and treatment duration matter? A randomised-controlled study
Authors: Adaikina Alena , Derraik José G B , Hofman Paul L , Gusso Silmara
Published: June 2022

Background: Vibration therapy (VT) has been increasingly studied in children with cerebral palsy (CP) over the last years, however, optimal therapeutic VT protocols are yet to be determined. The present study compared the effect of VT protocols varied in frequency and treatment duration on the health of young children with mild-to-moderate CP. Methods: 34 participants aged 6.0 to 12.6 years with CP acted as their own controls and underwent two consecutive study periods: a 12-week lead-in (control) period prior to the intervention period of 20-week side-alternating VT (9 min/session, four days/week), with the frequency either 20 Hz or 25 Hz, determined by randomisation. Participants had 4 assessment visits: baseline, after the control period, after 12-week VT (12VT), and after further 8 weeks of VT (i.e., 20-week VT; 20VT). Assessments included 6-minute walk test (6MWT); dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; gross motor function; muscle function testing on the Leonardo mechanography plate and by hand-held dynamometry, and a quality-of-life questionnaire (CP QOL). Analysis was carried out using linear mixed models based on repeated measures.Results: VT was well-tolerated, with occasional mild itchiness reported. The median compliance level was 99%. VT led to improvements in 6MWT (+23 m; p=0.007 after 20VT), gross motor function in standing skills (+0.8 points; p=0.008 after 12VT; and +1.3 points; p=0.001 after 20VT) and in walking, running and jumping skills (+2.5 points; p<0.0001 after 12VT; and +3.7 points; p<0.0001 after 20VT), spine bone mineral density z-score (+0.14; p=0.015 after 20VT), velocity rise maximum of the chair rising test (+0.14 m/s; p=0.021 after 20VT), force maximum of the single two-leg jump test (+0.30 N/kg; p=0.0005 after 12VT; and +0.46 N/kg; p=0.022 after 20VT) and in the health module of CP QOL (+7 points; p=0.0095 after 20VT). There were no observed differences between the two VT frequencies (i.e., 20 Hz vs 25 Hz) on study outcomes. Conclusions: The study confirms that VT has positive effects on mobility, gross motor function, body composition, muscle function, and quality of life, independent of VT frequencies tested. Long-term, 20VT appears to be a more efficient treatment duration than a short-term, 12VT.Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618002026202; 18/12/2018.
A comparative study of robotic and laparoscopic radical resection for locally advanced gastric cancer on the dissection of lymph nodes in the upper pancreas and the effect on the pancreas
Authors: xuqi shen , Dazhi Xie , Junhui Jiang , Di Zhang , Haiyan Bao , Hao Yan , Hui An , Hongbin Tian , Wang Wang Zhonghua , Jian Miao , Yongliang Zhao
Published: June 2022

Purpose By comparing the short-term clinical outcome of robotic gastrectomy versus laparoscopic gastrectomy in D2 radical gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer, we explored whether robotic surgery has advantages in suprapancreatic lymph node dissection and examined its effect on the pancreas. Methods We collected the clinical data of 210 consecutive patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who had undergone radical gastrectomy at our center between September 2017 and June 2018. Two groups of patients were analysed: the robotic group (n = 95) and the laparoscopic group (n = 115). Operative outcomes and postoperative complications as well as pathological data were statistically analysed. Results In cases of total radical gastrectomy, the robotic group was associated with lower intraoperative blood loss compared with the laparoscopic group (108.17±92.33 VS 142.00±80.23) mL (P=0.045). Among overweight patients with BMI>25, the robotic group still showed lower intraoperative blood loss in comparison with the laparoscopic group (126.60±80.80 VS 149.11±93.23) mL (P=0.041). In cases of distal subtotal radical gastrectomy, the number of harvested No.9 lymph nodes, No.11P lymph nodes, station 2 lymph nodes and suprapancreatic lymph nodes was higher in the robotic group as compared with the laparoscopic group (p =0.043,0.034, 0.01,0.01). In cases of total radical gastrectomy, the robotic group revealed more harvested NO.8a lymph nodes, station 2 lymph nodes and suprapancreatic lymph nodes than that in the laparoscopic group（P =0.026，0.043,0.03）. Whether or not the patients were overweight, the robotic group was associated with more harvested lymph nodes（P=0.001，0.036）.The robotic group was associated with lower drainage fluid amylase levels on postoperative day 1 and lower blood amylase on postoperative day 2 and day 3 when compared with the laparoscopic group （P=0.043，0.014，0.001）. The robotic group reported 5 cases（5.3%）of biochemical leak compared with 16 cases（13.9%） in the laparoscopic group（P=0.038). Among patients with BMI＜25(kg/m2), the robotic group showed lower levels of blood amylase on postoperative day 3. Among patients with BMI≥25(kg/m2), the robotic group showed lower ascitic fluid amylase level on postoperative day 1, lower blood amylase level on postoperative day 2 and less intraabdominal drainage liquid（P=0.043，0.008，0.043）on postoperative day 1.Conclusion In cases of D2 radical gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer, the robotic group was associated with less blood loss and more harvested perigastric lymph nodes in the suprapancreatic area as well as less pancreatic injury compared with the laparoscopic group. Among overweight patients, the robotic group showed advantages as well.
A natural pyrazolotriazine pseudoiodinine produced by Pseudomonas mosselii 923 inhibits bacterial and fungal rice pathogens
Authors: Chen Gongyou , Yang Ruihuan , Shi Qing , Huang Tingting , Yan Yichao , Li Shengzhang , Fang Yuan , Li Ying , Liu Linlin , Liu Longyu , Wang Xiaozheng , Peng Yongzheng , Zou Lifang , Lin Shuangjun
Published: June 2022

Natural products (NPs) are a consistent source of antimicrobial metabolites and pesticide leads and are largely produced by Pseudomonads-like soil-dwelling microorganisms. Herein we report the isolation of Pseudomonas mosselii strain 923 from rice rhizosphere soils of paddy fields; this strain specifically inhibited the growth of rice bacterial pathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) and the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. The antimicrobial compound produced by P. mosselii 923 was purified and identified as pseudoiodinine using HRMS, NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Genome-wide random mutagenesis, transcriptome analysis and biochemical assays were used to define the pseudoiodinine biosynthetic cluster as a seven-gene operon, which was designated psdABCDEFG. Pseudoiodinine biosynthesis is proposed to initiate from GTP, which is converted into 2,5-diamino-6-(5-phospho-d-ribosylamino) pyrimidin-4(3H)-one by PsdD and converted to 5-amino-6-(5-phospho-d-ribitylamino) uracil by PsdG, followed by cyclization with glycine by PsdC/PsdE and an unknown ring contraction and two methylation reactions by PsdA and PsdF. Transposon mutagenesis indicated that pseudoiodinine biosynthesis is mediated by the global regulator GacA. Further regulation is mediated by two noncoding small RNAs, rsmY and rsmZ, that positively regulate pseudoiodinine transcription, and the carbon storage regulators CsrA2 and CsrA3, which negatively regulate expression. A 22.4-fold increase in pseudoiodinine production was achieved by optimizing the media used for fermentation, overexpressing the biosynthetic operon, and removing the CsrA binding sites. Use of P. mosselii strain 923 and purified pseudoiodinine in planta revealed that both of them inhibited X. oryzae without affecting the rice host, suggesting that pseudoiodinine can be used to control plant diseases.
Intimate partner violence linked to gambling: Cohort and period effects on the past experiences of older women
Authors: Hing Nerilee , O'Mullan Catherine , Mainey Lydia , Nuske Elaine , Breen Helen
Published: June 2022

BackgroundAlmost one-half of women aged 45 years or over have been victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) during their lifetime, and this proportion is likely to increase as the population ages. Women impacted by IPV related to gambling face unique challenges, yet there is a paucity of research into older women’s past experiences of gambling-related IPV. This paper explores past experiences of older women who are victim-survivors of male partner violence linked to gambling. Exploring the generational differences (cohort effects) and wider contextual differences (period effects) in which gambling-related IPV occurred offers valuable insights for services who support women impacted by this issue, and into the role of gender inequality and gambling in IPV.MethodsQualitative interviews were undertaken with 72 women as part of a larger study exploring the nature of the relationship between problem gambling and IPV. The current study analysed a subset of 22 interviews with women aged 50 years or over. We analysed the data within a gender-sensitive socio-ecological framework using an adaptive grounded theory approach. Women’s experiences are analysed in terms of cohort and period effects on their past experiences of IPV.ResultsCohort effects on the women’s experiences of IPV included gendered attitudes, traditional views of marriage, silence surrounding IPV, reticence to disclose the abuse, and little understanding of problem gambling. Period effects included a lack of services for IPV and gambling, gendered service responses, and a failure of some service and institutional responses to prioritise the safety of victims. Three main areas of influence on the women’s experiences were apparent - gender inequality, tolerant attitudes towards and limited understanding of IPV, and the role of gambling in IPV. These influences reflect prevailing attitudes, systems and societal norms at the time of their victimisation. ConclusionThe findings point to the critical importance of reducing gender inequality to reduce male partner violence towards women. Women impacted by gambling-related IPV, including the legacy of past abuse, need effective service responses. Service providers must recognise the many forms and patterns of abuse and understand the historical and contextual factors that underlie and exacerbate it.
Fluorescence “Turn-Off” Sensing of Iron (III) Ions Utilizing Pyrazoline Based Sensor: Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Sharma Promila , Bhogal Shikha , Mohiuddin Irshad , Yusuf Mohamad , Malik Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2022

A simple pyrazoline-based ‘‘turn off’’ fluorescent sensor 5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(5-methylfuran-2-yl)-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole (PFM) was synthesized and well characterized by different techniques such as FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectrometry. The synthesized sensor PFM was utilized for the detection of Fe3+ ions. Fluorescence emission selectively quenched by Fe3+ ions compared to other metal ions (Mn2+, Al3+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ ) via paramagnetic fluorescence quenching and showed good anti-interference ability over the existence of other tested metals. Under optimum conditions, the fluorescence intensity of sensor quenched by Fe3+ in the range of 0 to 3 μM with detection limit of 0.12 μM. Binding of Fe3+ ions to PFM solution was studied by fluorescent titration, revealed formation of 1:1 PFM-Fe metal complex and binding constant of complex was found to be of 1.3 × 105 M−1. Further, the fluorescent sensor has been potentially used for the detection of Fe3+ in environmental samples (river water, tap water, and sewage waste water) with satisfactory recovery values of 99-101%.
Computational Investigation of Isoquinoline Alkaloid from the Stems of Tinospora Cordifolia against Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Moka Murali Krishna , Sumithra M.
Published: June 2022

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)is a global, substantial, metabolic, and endocrine health concern affecting one in every five women of progenitive aged (reproductive) women. Despite the fact that systematic screening and early diagnosis have improved the conception rate in recent decades, infertility still claims ~4%-20% of reproductive-aged women across the globe. In contemporary drug development, in-silico techniques are predominantly employed to investigate interactions between drugs and receptors, as well as quantum chemical properties. A computational approach was used in the current study to conform the quantum chemical properties, Density-functional theory (DFT) analysis, ADMET drug-likeness of the Isoquinoline, alkaloid [Berberine (BER), Palmatine (PAL), Jatrorrhizine (JAT), &Magnoflorine (MAG)], isolated from Tinospora cordifolia stem, and the four receptors were selected from PDB database.Methods Docking studies were carried out withHuman Androgen Receptor(1E3G),Insulin receptor(3EKK), Estrogen Receptor beta(1U3S),and Human steroidogenic cytochromeP450 17A1(6WR0)by using AutoDockVina with a pliable ligand docking approach. ADMET prediction and toxicological predictions were performed using SwissADME. DFT analysis was used to predict the optimized structures and molecular electrostatic potential surfaces of the isolated compounds, GROMACS for Molecular Dynamic (MD) Simulation Studies.Results and Discussion BER and PALshown better docking scores against the1E3Ghuman androgen receptor.The absorption of molecules through the skin was measured in cm/s by the skin permeability value (Kp). Higher negative values of MAG (-6.44), JAT (-5.9), PAL (-5.79), and BER (-5.78) resulted in lower skin permeation (log Kp, cm/s). CYP17A1 has a remarkable binding affinity for all four Isoquinoline alkaloids [BER (-5.46), JAT (-5.26), MAG (-6.13), and PAL (-6.01). Isoquinoline alkaloids (BER& PAL) have potential roles against various diseases, and in specific PCOS, scientific evaluation has been put forth based on virtual screening.
Tumor-derived Exosomal LncRNA SNHG16 Induces Telocytes to promote metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-942-3p/MMP9 axis
Authors: Xu Ying , Luan Guangchao , Li Zhongchao , Liu Ziming
Published: June 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells-derived exosomal LncRNA SNHG16(LncSNHG16) is highly expressed and associated with the poor overall survival of patients. Telocytes(TCs), as novel interstitial cells, possess the function to promote HCC metastasis. Therefore, whether a molecular interaction between exosomal LncSNHG16 and TCs will be revealed in our study.Methods: LncSNHG16 expression in HCC tissues and cell lines were detected, and its bioinformatics analysis was screened. Exosomes were isolated and purified from HCC cells with over-expressed/knockdown LncSNHG16 vectors and co-cultured with TCs. Then, the expression of the LncSNHG16/miR-942-3p/MMP9 axis was tested in TCs. Transwell and cell wound healing assays were designed to examine the invasion and migration of HCC cells after co-incubating with TCs. RNA immunoprecipitation(RIP) assay and Dual-Luciferase gene report were utilized to verify the binding effect of LncSNHG16, miR-942-3p, and MMP9 mRNA. In vivo, experimental animal models were established to confirm the effect of exosomal LncSNHG16-induced MMP9 expression in HCC metastasis.Results: Exosomal LncSNHG16 could be phagocytized by TCs and down-regulated miR-942-3p, which induced the targeted MMP9 up-regulation. LncSNHG16 had special binding sites with miR-942-3p in TCs to facilitate the migration of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Exosomal LncSNHG16 was finally supported as competing endogenous RNA of the miR-942-3p/MMP9 axis in TCs.Conclusion: Tumor-derived exosomal LncSNHG16 modulates MMP9 by competitively binding to miR-942-3p in TCs, thus promoting the metastasis of HCC.
Surface Morphology and Electrical Conductivity of In2S3 thin films Doped with Copper
Authors: Ebrahiminejad Zh. , Asgary S. , Masoudi S. F. , Ramezani A. H.
Published: June 2022

In the present work, the electrical properties and morphology of In2S3 thin films have been investigated. Also, the results have been carried out for In2S3 thin films doped with Cu. The effect of variation the temperature has been studied on the morphology of In2S3 thin films by using the AFM images. Thin films conductivity has been strongly influenced by Cu doping content, and temperature changing. Also, the electrical properties of these samples have been considered. Also, these properties have been analyzed for In2S3 thin films doped with Cu at the specific temperature. The results show that In2S3 thin films at lowest temperature has the maximum scattering component of transmission probability. Also, effect of different values of Cu () which has been doped in In2S3 thin films have been studied, as it increased, the transmission probability and current density of these thin films have been increased.
Taxonomy, Phylogeny and seasonal variation of endophytic fungi isolated from the traditional medicinal plant Madhuca neriifolia from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India
Authors: Boruah Mamukan , Mahmood Riaz
Published: June 2022

Traditionally, the plant, Madhuca neriifolia is used for various disease treatments. Very few research reports about this plant from the South West of Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, are available. Further, no research reports about the possible existence of endophytic fungi inhabiting this plant are found in the literature. Compounds from endophytic fungi are crucial elements in curing diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the endophytic fungi that may be inhabiting this plant. Hence, this study is conducted to isolate and identify the possible existence of endophytic fungi in this plant. The test results are found to be positive. Four different endophytic fungi strains with different morphologies are isolated and identified from the leaves and twigs of this medicinal plant. The isolated fungi are identified based on the morphology of the fungal colony, PC R-amplified fungal internal transcribed spacer sequences (ITS) and by the phylogenetic analysis with the MEGA X software. All four different endophytic fungi are identified at the level of their species. They are Alternaria alternata, Trichoderma asperellum, Aspergillus stellatus and Cladosporium cladosporioides.
Residual cancer is a strong predictor of survival in T3 incidental gallbladder cancer
Authors: You Chuan , Xie Mengyi , Ling Meng , Yanga Facai , Qiu Yinghe , Li Jingdong
Published: June 2022

Background and PurposeIndex cholecystectomy is insufficient for curing T3 incidental gallbladder cancer (IGC), and once residual cancer (RC) is found, the prognosis is often poor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of RC on the prognosis and the optimal choice of adjuvant therapy for R0 reresection patients with T3 IGC.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from patients with T3 IGC who underwent radical reresection from January 2013 to December 2018. RC was defined as histologically proven cancer at reresection. Demographics and tumour treatment-related variables were analysed in correlation with RC and survival. Adjuvant (Adj) chemoradiotherapy (CRT) was correlated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).ResultsOf the 167 patients with IGC who underwent surgery, 102 underwent radical extended resection. Thirty-two (31.4%) RCs were found. Hepatic side tumours (T3h) and both side tumours (T3h+T3p) were associated with the presence of RC. In multivariate analysis, RC and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS (P <0.05). RC was associated with a significantly shorter median OS (20 vs. 53 months; P<0.01) and DFS (11 vs. 40 months; P<0.001) despite R0 resection. For R0 reresection patients with RC and/or lymph node metastasis, Adj CRT significantly improved OS (P=0.024).ConclusionResidual cancer and lymphatic metastasis are important factors for the poor prognosis of T3 IGC despite R0 resection, and these patients should actively receive adjuvant therapy.
Multiparametric dual-time-point [18F]FDG-PET/MRI for lymph node staging in patients with untreated FIGO I/II cervical carcinoma
Authors: Weissinger Matthias , Kommoss Stefan , Jacoby Johann , Ursprung Stephan , Seith Ferdinand , Hoffmann Sascha , Nikolaou Konstantin , Brucker Sara Yvonne , Fougère Christian la , Dittmann Helmut
Published: June 2022

Purpose:[18F]FDG PET/MRI comes with limited sensitivity for initial detection of lymph node metastases (LNM) in early stage cervical carcinoma. Therefore, the aim of this prospective study was to investigate the additional value of multiparametric dual-time-point PET/MRI and to asses potential influencing factors for LNM detection.Methods: 63 patients underwent whole-body dual-time-point [18F]FDG-PET/MRI ≈60+90min p.i. (Biograph mMR®, Siemens Healthineers). 251 LN were evaluated visually by nuclear medicine and radiology expert, quantified multiparametrically and were correlated with histology. Multiparametric analysis was performed using a logistic regression-based malignancy score (MS).Results:Overall prevalence of LNM was 17.1% and dependent on tumor grade (Gx 1/6, G1:0/19, G2:18/106, G3:24/120). Grading of the primary tumor (G2/G3) had a significant impact on visual detection (sens: 8.3%/31%).Best single parameter for LNM detection was SUVavg, however with a significant loss of discriminatory power in G2 vs. G3 tumors (AUC: 0.673/ 0.901). For multiparametric analysis, the independent predictors “SUVavg, ∆SUVpeak (60 to 90 min p.i.), LN sphericity, ADC and histologic grade” were included in the MS. Application of the MS enhanced AUCs especially in G2 tumors (AUC: G2:0.769; G3:0.877) and improved accuracy for single LNM from 34.5% to 55.5% compared to the best univariate parameter SUVavg.Equated to the expert consensus, use of the malignancy score increased overall sensitivity from 31.0% to 79.3% (Youden optimum) with a moderate decrease in specificity from 98.3% to 75.6%.Conclusion:Low histologic grad (G2 vs. G3) hampers visual detectability of LNM in [18F]FDG-PET/MRI. Multiparametric evaluation of dual-time-point PET/MRI has the potential to improve accuracy compared to visual interpretation and enables sufficient N-staging also in G2 tumors.Trial registration:DRKS00014346. Registered April 4, 2018 - retrospectively registered,https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00014346