bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of resveratrol and polymyxin B against Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Qi Lin , Liang Rongxin , Duan Jingjing , Song Songze , Pan Yunjun , Liu Hui , Zhu Mingan , Li Lian
Published: May 2022

Bacterial infection caused by Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a tricky problem in clinical practice. In recent years, lots of efforts have been made the treatment this type of bacterial infection. Polymyxins, which usually act as the available antibiotic for otherwise untreatable Gram-negative bacteria, can also be useful for the treatment of Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. However, current pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) data on polymyxins suggest that polymyxin monotherapy is unlikely to generate reliably efficacious plasma concentrations. Also, polymyxin resistance has been frequently reported, especially among Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which further narrows the availability of polymyxins in clinical practice. A strategy for improving antimicrobial properties of polymyxins and preventing the development of polymyxin resistance is the use of polymyxins in combination with other agents. Indeed, it is increasingly being used clinically. In this study, we have demonstrated that resveratrol, a compound that can be well tolerated by human body, has synergistic effect with polymyxin B on antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities, which suggests that it may be an ideal partner for the combination therapy of polymyxin B against MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Engaging stakeholders to identify gaps and develop strategies to inform evidence use for health policymaking in Nigeria.
Authors: Eboreime Ejemai , Ogwa Oluwafunmike , Nnabude Rosemary , Aluka-Omitiran Kasarachi , Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi , Orji Nneka , Eluwa Achama , Ezeokoli Adaobi , Rotimi Aanu , Eze Laz Ude , Offiong Vanessa , Odu Ugochi , Okonkwo Rita , Umeh Chukwunonso J. C , Ilika Frances , Oreh Adaeze , Adams Faith Nkut , Okpani Ikedichi Arnold , Ogundeji Yewande , Obi Felix Abrahams , Badejo Okikiolu
Published: May 2022

Background:
Recent efforts to bridge the evidence-policy gap in low- and middle-income countries has seen growing interest from key audiences such as government, civil society, international organizations, private sector players, academia, and media. One of such engagements was a two-day virtual participant-driven unconference (the convening) in Nigeria. The aim of the convening was to develop strategies for improving evidence use in health policy. The convening witnessed a participant blend of health policymakers, researchers, political policymakers, philanthropists, global health practitioners, program officers, students and the media.
Methods:
In this study, we analyzed conversations at the convening with the aim to disseminate findings to key stakeholders in Nigeria. The recordings from the convening were transcribed and analyzed inductively to identify emerging themes, which were interpreted, and inferences drawn.
Results:
A total of 630 people attended the convening. Participants joined in from 13 countries. Participants identified poor collaboration between researchers and policymakers, poor community involvement in research and policy processes, poor funding for research and inequalities as key factors inhibiting the use of evidence for policymaking in Nigeria. Strategies proposed to address these challenges include the use of participatory and embedded research methods, leveraging existing systems and networks, advocating for improved funding and ownership for research, and the use of context-sensitive knowledge translation strategies.
Conclusion:
Overall, better interaction among the various stakeholders will improve the evidence generation, translation and use in Nigeria. A road map for dissemination of findings from this unconference has been developed for implementation across the strata of the health system.
Immediate psychological impact on healthcare workers, general population and affected individuals of SARS and COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cheung Teris , Cheng Calvin Pak Wing , Fong Tommy Kwan Hin , Sharew Nigussie Tadesse , Anders Robert L , Xiang Yu-Tao , Lam Simon Ching , Working-Group SR-Nursing
Published: May 2022

Background: Any infectious diseases outbreak may lead to negative detrimental psychological impact to individuals and community at large, however; there was no systematic review nor meta-analysis that examined the relationship between early stages of infectious disease outbreaks and mental health in Asia. Methods/design: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases from 1/1/2000 to 1/6/2020. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we analyzed the psychological impact on confirmed/suspected cases, healthcare workers and the general public during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak and Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemics. Primary outcomes included prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, aggression, sleeping problems and psychological symptoms. Result: Twenty-three eligible studies (N=27,325) were included. Random effect model was used to analyze the data using STATA. Of these studies, 11 were related to the SARS outbreak and 12 related to COVID-19 outbreaks. The overall prevalence rate of anxiety during SARS and COVID-19 was 37.8% (95% CI: 21.1- 54.5, P<0.001, I2 = 96.9%) and 34.8% (95% CI: 29.1- 40.4), respectively. For depression, the overall prevalence rate during SARS and COVID-19 was 30.9% (95% CI: 18.6-43.1, P<0.001, I2 = 97.3%) and 32.4% (95% CI: 19.8-45.0, P<0.001, I2 = 99.8%), respectively. The overall prevalence rate of stress was 9.4% (95% CI: -0.4 -19.2, P = 0.015, I2 = 83.3%) and 54.1% (95% CI: 35.7- 72.6, P<0.001, I2 = 98.8%) during SARS and COVID-19, respectively. The overall prevalence of PTSD was 15.1% (95% CI: 8.2-22.0, P < 0.001) during SARS epidemic, calculated by random-effects model (P < 0.05), with significant between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 93.5%).Conclusion: The SARS and COVID-19 epidemics have brought about high levels of psychological distress to individuals. Psychological interventions and contingent digital mental health platform should be promptly established nationwide for continuous surveillance of the increasing prevalence of negative psychological symptoms. Health policymakers and mental health experts should jointly collaborate to provide timely, contingent mental health treatment and psychological support to those in need to reduce the global disease burden.
Isorhamnetin improves cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s disease through Sirt1/AKT/ERK/CREB signaling pathway
Authors: ying li , Rong-Wei Zhang , Sha Sha
Published: May 2022

Isorhamnetin (IH), a flavonoid, has extensive pharmacological activities including anti-inflammation and antioxidation. However, the effects of IH in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are not very clear. This study investigates the effect and mechanism of IH in the pathological process of AD. Four-month-APP/PS1 mice were treated with IH in 50 mg/kg/d for 3 months. Morris water maze and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect whether IH could improve AD pathology. The mechanisms of IH improving AD pathology were detected by Western blot. The results indicated that IH improved the memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice by decreasing the time of escape latency as well as increasing the times of crossing the platform. Moreover, IH significantly reduced senile plaques deposition in the brain and increased the expression of ADAM10 in APP/PS1 mice through activating Sirt1/AKT/ERK/CREB pathway. Furthermore, IH reduced ROS formation, GP91 expression, upregulated the expression of SOD1 and Nrf2. Moreover, IH inhibited astrocytes activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and TNF-α release. In conclusion, IH improved cognitive function, inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation response in AD. Therefore, we suggest that IH may be considered as a potential drug for AD treatment.
Effect of Nitrogen Application Level on Cotton Yield and Fibre Quality- Results from Recent Trials in Australia
Authors: Sluijs Marinus H van der , Weaver Timothy B
Published: May 2022

Background
A recent extensive review showed that the effect of Nitrogen application levels on fibre quality were rather varied and often inconsistent. As a consequence, trials were conducted in Australia in 2018 and 2019 in four locations using three popular high yielding commercial varieties common in the Australian system. Nitrogen was applied at application levels ranging from zero to excessive.
Results
These trials concluded that in general, the application of moderate (100 to 200 kg.ha− 1) levels of N resulted in the highest yield and produced longer, more even, and stronger fibre. N application levels also negatively affected colour and lint turn out.
Conclusions
Nitrogen plays a major role in determining the yield, lint turn out and fibre quality. However excessive application levels over 14 to 15 kg of N for each bale produced has no economic benefit and has the potential of negatively affecting yield and fibre quality.
lncHOTAIR and SNHG-7 expression in correlation to miR-34a expression in gastric cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Dehghan Mahshid , Asadi Milad , Shanehbandi Dariush , Caner Ayse , Zafari Venus , Zarehdar Habib , Virani Peyman , Farbod Ali
Published: May 2022

Background: gastric cancer (GC) is one of the common cancers with a high mortality rate and complex pathogenesis. In recent years many studies focused on the roles of non-coding RNA in GC biology. Long noncoding RNAs (lnc-RNAs) like HOTAIR and SNHG-7 are a class of non-coding RNA that can affect the cell’s biology by sponging of micro-RNAs. Recent studies reveal the relation between these lnc-RNAs and miR-34a expression which can affect various molecular pathways in malignant cells. Methods: GeneAll Trizol RNA extraction kit (Korea) was used to extract total RNA according to the supplied procedures and gene expression was evaluated. The qRT-PCR assay was performed to evaluate the expression levels of miR-34a, HOTAIR, and SNHG-7 in GC and paired marginal tissue specimens. The AUC of the ROC curve was estimated based on their expression in GC and gastric normal tissues to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy.Results: Expression levels of miR-34a were higher in adjacent marginal samples compared to GC tissue samples. We noted significantly higher levels of HOTAIR expression in GC samples compared to non-tumor adjacent tissue samples and the expression of HOTAIR in GC tissues was negatively correlated with mir-34a. Similarly, we noted GC tissue samples showed higher levels of SNHG-7 expression and that SNHG-7 expression was negatively correlated with mir-34a. Regarding the clinicopathological factors, miR-34a expression was lower in patients with advanced GC, while enhanced expression of HOTAIR and SNHG-7 was noted in these patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that miR-34a, HOTAIR, and SNHG-7 expression levels have high potential as diagnostic markers for discriminating GC patients from normal cases. In Addition, there is a negative correlation between miR-34a with two other genes which suggests the regulatory effects of HOTAIR and SNHG-7 on miR-34a.
Distinctive origin and evolution of endemic thistle of Korean volcanic island: structural organization and phylogenetic relationships with complete chloroplast genome
Authors: Kim Bongsang , Lee Yujung , Koh Bomin , Jhang So Yun , Lee Chul Hee , Kim Soonok , Chi Won-Jae , Cho Seoae , Yu Jaewoong , Kim Heebal
Published: May 2022

Unlike other Cirsium in Korea, Cirsium nipponicum (Island thistle) is distributed only on Ulleung Island, a volcanic island off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, and a unique thistle with none or very small thorns. Although many researchers have questioned the origin and evolution of C. nipponicum, there is not much genomic information to estimate it. We thus assembled the complete chloroplast of C. nipponicum and reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Cirsium. The chloroplast genome was 152,586 bp, encoding 133 genes consisting of 8 rRNA genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 88 protein-coding genes. We found 833 polymorphic sites and eight highly variable regions in chloroplast genomes of six Cirsium species by calculating nucleotide diversity, as well as 18 specific variable regions distinguished C. nipponicum from other Cirsium. As a result of phylogenetic analysis, C. nipponicum was closer to C. arvense and C. vulgare than native Cirsium in Korea: C. rhinoceros and C. japonicum. These results indicate that C. nipponicum is likely introduced through the north Eurasian root, not the mainland, and evolved independently in Ulleung Island. This study contributes to further understanding the evolutionary process and the biodiversity conservation of C. nipponicum on Ulleung Island.
Allied Health Professionals’ Perceptions of Research in the United Kingdom National Health Service: a survey of research capacity and culture
Authors: Comer Christine , Collings Richard , McCracken Alison , Payne Carol , Moore Ann
Published: May 2022

Background
With growing recognition of the importance of research in allied healthcare, the new Health Education England (HEE) research strategy articulates a need to transform Allied Health Professional (AHP) identities, culture and roles. An understanding of current AHP research capacity and culture is first required.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey targeted AHPs working in NHS health and social care settings across the United Kingdom. The validated Research Capacity and Culture tool was modified and distributed through research and professional networks. Aggregate median scores for perceived research success were categorised as adequate, more than, or less than adequate.
Results
Of 3344 participants, 3145 identified as HEE-defined AHP. Individual- and organisation-level research success was perceived as adequate (median scores 4 (IQR 2 to 6); 4 (IQR 2 to 7) respectively). Team-level research success was rated less than adequate (median score 2 (IQR 1–5)).
Conclusions
In the UK, AHPs working in NHS health and social care perceive individual and organisational level research skill/success to be adequate. In contrast, inadequacies in research skill/support at team level were exposed, which may hinder successful integration of allied health research into everyday health and social care practice. Recommendations are made with reference to the HEE AHP strategy.
Morphological and structural network analysis of sporadic AD brains based on the ApoE4 gene
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhu Meng-Zhuo , Lu Jing , Dai Wen-Zhuo , Ni Jian-Ming , Li Rong , Ma Tao , Zhu Xi-Chen
Published: May 2022

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is an increasingly common type of dementia that presents a heavy economic and social burden. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a strong risk factor for AD. Here, we explored alterations in grey matter structure and networks in AD, as well as the effects of the ApoE ε 4 allele on neuroimaging regions based on structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI).MethodsPatients with AD and healthy controls who visited the Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from July 2020 to March 2021 were enrolled and grouped according to ApoE ε 4 allele carrying status. All subjects underwent an sMRI scan. Grey matter volume (GMV) and cortical thickness were calculated using voxel-based morphological analysis, and structural networks were constructed based on graph theory analysis to compare differences between AD and normal controls.Results(1) Compared with the control group, the volumes of grey matter in the bilateral inferior temporal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, right inferior parietal lobule, right limbic lobe, right frontal lobe, left anterior cingulate gyrus, and bilateral olfactory cortex of patients with AD were significantly decreased. GMV was moderately correlated with MMSE scores in patients with AD and in controls. (2) Compared with the controls, the cortical thickness in patients with AD was significantly reduced in the left lateral occipital lobe, inferior parietal lobe, orbitofrontal region, precuneus, superior parietal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, pars opercularis gyrus, insular gyrus, superior marginal gyrus, bilateral fusiform gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus. The normal aging population having the ApoE ε 4(+) gene has more pronounced temporal lobe atrophy than non-carriers. (3) In terms of the global properties of the network, ApoE ε 4(+) AD shows a more random topology than ApoE ε 4(-) AD. In terms of local properties, there were significant differences between the AD and control groups in these areas, including the right bank, right temporalis pole, bilateral middle temporal gyrus, right transverse temporal gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, and left parahippocampal gyrus.ConclusionThere were significant differences in the morphological and structural covariate networks between patients with AD and healthy controls. The ApoE ε 4 allele has important effects on neuroimaging and cognitive function.
Banxia Xiexin Decoction Ameliorates Cognition Deficits by Activating Autophagy-induced Clearance of Aβ in APP/PS1 Mice
Authors: Gao Chenyan , Gong Zhuoyan , Tian Meijing , Qin Gaofeng , Zheng Mingcui , He Yannan , Wang Pengwen
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of the Chinese herbal compound Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) concerning autophagy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid-β (Aβ) clearance of AD mice is weakened by autophagy dysfunction, which is caused by excessive Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the primary negative regulator of autophagy signaling pathway. Therefore, resuming normal autophagic modulation efficiency may promote the clearance of Aβ, which can serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for AD. Many active components of BXD exert the therapeutic effects on AD to some extent, and our previous research demonstrated that treatment with BXD improves cognitive ability in APP/PS1 mice. In this study, BXD alleviates the memory and cognitive impairment in the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot (WB) results revealed that BXD reduces hippocampal Aβ42 load in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy(TEM) showed that BXD activates autophagy by improving the ultrastructure of autophagosomes. IHC, WB, and RT-qPCR results indicated that expression of autophagy-related proteins (Beclin1 and LC3) and their mRNAs, was increased in response to BXD intervention. Finally, WB data demonstrated that BXD improved the classical pathway of autophagy by decreasing the expression of mTOR and p-mTOR, and increasing the expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt in APP/PS1 mice. We conclude that BXD improves cognitive levels of APP/PS1 mice, possibly by acting on the classic autophagy pathway, affecting protein expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and autophagy proteins (Beclin1 and LC3), then reducing the accumulation of Aβ42.
The Interaction Between General and Strategic Leadership and Climate on Their Cross-Level Associations with Implementer Attitudes Toward Universal Prevention Programs for Youth Mental Health: A Multilevel Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Yanchen , Cook Clay , Fallon Lindsay , Corbin Catherine , Ehrhart Mark , Brown Eric , Locke Jill , Lyon Aaron
Published: May 2022

Background
The education sector is one of the most common and accessible settings for universal prevention programs for youth mental health. But it suffers from suboptimal implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs). Although the organizational context (OC) contains crucial implementation factors, successful implementation ultimately resides in the behavioral and cognitive factors of individual implementers (e.g., attitudes toward EBPs). Also, emerging literature called for discerning the general and strategic types of OC factors and exploring their interaction effect on individual implementation behaviors. This study aimed to examine the cross-level associations among implementer attitudes toward EBPs and leadership and climate (general and strategic) at the individual and organizational-levels and their mechanistic interaction effect.
Methods
A series of multilevel models (MLMs) were fitted on a diverse sample of educational agencies actively implementing universal prevention programs for youth mental health (441 implementers from 52 schools). The organization-level aggregates and individual perceptions of general and strategic leadership and climate, and their interaction terms, were entered as level-2 and level-1 predictors based on their level of measurement. The outcomes are four dimensions of implementer attitudes toward EBPs (Requirement, Openness, Appeal, and Divergence).
Results
At the organizational level, higher levels of strategic leadership and climate, but not their general counterparts, were consistently associated with more favorable attitudes in all four dimensions. At the individual level, higher levels of perceived general and strategic leadership and climate were associated with more favorable attitudes of Requirement and Openness. But only general leadership and climate showed significant associations with Appeal. At the organizational-level, general climate moderated the positive effect of strategic climate on implementers' perception of appeal and divergence of EBPs.
Conclusions
Leaders supporting EBP implementation need to selectively allocate resources on strategic and/or general OC factors, because (a) the associations between implementer attitudes toward EBPs and climate and leadership varied across the level of measurement, specificity to implementation, and attitudinal dimensions; and (b) general climate moderates the effect of strategic climate on whether implementers perceive EBPs as appealing or useless. Limitations and implications for research and practice are discussed and extended to general youth mental health settings.
Solid locked intramedullary nailing for expeditious return of bone-setting-induced abnormal fracture union victims to work in South-western Nigeria
Authors: ADESINA Stephen Adesope , EYESAN Samuel Uwale , AMOLE Isaac Olusayo , AKINWUMI Akinsola Idowu , AWOTUNDE Olufemi Timothy , DURODOLA Adewumi Ojeniyi , OWOLABI James Idowu
Published: May 2022

Background: Wage earning in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is predominantly through physical labour. Consequently, limb-related disabilities caused by abnormal fracture unions (AFUs) preclude gainful employment and perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Many AFUs result from traditional bone-setting (TBS), a pervasive treatment for long bone fractures in LMICs. The objective of this study was to accentuate the expediency of solid locked intramedullary nail in the early restoration of victims of traditional TBS-induced abnormal fracture unions (AFUs) to their pre-injury functioning, including work.Methods: One hundred AFUs in 98 patients treated with a solid locked intramedullary nail in our center over a period of 7 years were prospectively studied. Results: We found the mean age to be 47.97 years. Males constituted 63.9% of the patients’ population. Atrophic non-union accounted for 54.1% of the AFUs. The mean fracture-surgery interval was 21.30 months. By the 12th post-operative week, more than 75% of the fractures had achieved knee flexion/shoulder abduction beyond 900, were able to squat and smile (or do shoulder abduction-external rotation), and were able to bear weight fully. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the expediency of solid locked nail in salvaging TBS-induced abnormal fracture unions in a way that permitted early return to pre-injury daily activities and work, thereby reducing fracture-associated poverty.
Structural Design and Effect Analysis on a New Type of Hydraulic Oscillator Driven with Double Valve Groups
Authors: Lingxia Hou , Qiaolei Sun , Long Deng , Yuwei Liu , Ding Feng
Published: May 2022

A new hydraulic oscillator was designed, which was able to adjust pressure fluctuations through two sets of dynamic and fixed valves. Hydraulic oscillators can meet the frequency and axial force requirements of drilling at lower drilling fluid flow than general hydraulic oscillators. Oscillator structure was described in detail and over-flow area between the two sets of dynamic and fixed valves was calculated. Based on drilling fluid flow difference, the influence of different fluid flows on oscillator pressure drops was analyzed, its influence law was determined by the finite element software Fluent, and its effect was verified by numerical simulations. The related research is of great significance in the selection of dynamic and fixed valves and provides the theoretical basis for the optimization of the structural parameters of double-valve hydraulic oscillators.
Dengue virus-2 infection hinders autophagosome–lysosome fusion and autophagy–lysosomal degradation pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: ning wu , Gou Xiaoqin , Hu Pan , Sunjian Fei , Zuo Li
Published: May 2022

Autophagy plays a significant role in antiviral responses. Studies have shown that dengue virus-2 (DENV-2) activates autophagy, causing the endothelial cell injury. However, it remains unclear whether this injury is linked to the whole process of autophagy. This paper aimed to investigate the effects of DENV-2 on autophagic vesicle formation, autophagosome–lysosome fusion, and lysosomal degradation pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). It is found that DENV-2 infection caused the formation of autophagic vesicles and increased the LC3 expression. The expression level of p62, STX17, SNAP29, and VAMP8 increased significantly in the late DENV-2 infection. Additionally, a high number of brighter lysosomal red fluorescent spots in the cytoplasm were observed after DENV-2 infection. In conclusion, DENV-2 infection activated autophagy and induced the formation of autophagic vesicles, but hindered the autophagosome–lysosome fusion and damaged the normal lysosomal acidification, thus blocking the autophagic flux.
Genome-Wide Transcriptome Analysis of the orphan crop tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) Under Long-term Low Calcium Stress
Authors: Ligaba-Osena Ayalew , Salehin Mohammad , Numan Muhammad , Wang Xuegeng , Choi Sang-Chul , Jima Dereje , Bobay Louis-Mari , Guo Wanli
Published: May 2022

Calcium (Ca2+) is one of the essential mineral nutrients for plant growth and development. However, the effects of long-term Ca2+ deficiency in orphan crops such as tef (Zucc.) Trotter], which accumulate high levels of Fe in the grains, remained unknown. Tef is a staple crop for nearly 70 million people in East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is rich in mineral nutrients (Ca, Fe, Zn, and Mn), vitamins, and essential amino acids. In this study, tef plants were grown in a hydroponic solution containing optimum (1 mM) or low (0.01 mM) Ca2+, and plant growth parameters and whole-genome transcriptome were analyzed. Ca+2-deficient plants exhibited leaf necrosis, leaf curling, and growth stunting symptoms. Ca2+ deficiency significantly decreased root and shoot Ca, potassium (K), and copper content in both root and shoots. At the same time, it greatly increased root iron (Fe2+) content, suggesting the role of Ca2+ in the uptake and/or translocation of these minerals. Transcriptomic analysis using RNA-seq revealed that members of Ca2+ channels, including the cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGC) and glutamate receptor-like channels (GLRs), Ca2+-transporters, Ca2+-binding proteins (CBP) and Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CDPK) were differentially regulated by Ca+2 treatment. Moreover, several Fe/metal transporters, including members of vacuolar Fe transporters (VIT), yellow stripe-like (YSL), natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP), and oligo-peptide transporters (OPT), were differentially regulated between shoot and root in response to Ca2+ treatment. Taken together, our findings suggest that Ca2+ deficiency affects plant growth and mineral accumulation by regulating the transcriptomes of several transporters and signaling genes.
The ankle joint: In contrast to passive kinematics, active kinematics are not primarily determined by morphological features
Authors: Wolf Peter , Moor Roman , Lundberg Arne , Nester Christopher , Arndt Anton , Graf Eveline
Published: May 2022

Knowledge about the orientation of the ankle joint axis is limited to studies of tarsal morphology and of quasistatic movements. The aim of our study was therefore to determine the axis during walking. Intracortical bone pins were used to monitor the kinematics of the talus and tibia of five healthy volunteers. The finite helical axis was determined for moving windows of 10% stance phase and its orientation reported if the rotation about the axis was more than 2°. A representative axis for ankle dorsi- and plantarflexion was also estimated based on tarsal morphology. As reported by literature, the morphology-based axes were inclined more medially upwards for dorsiflexion than for plantarflexion. However, when a mean of the finite helical axis orientations was calculated for each walking trial for dorsiflexion (stance phase 15-25%) and for plantarflexion (stance phase 85-95%), the inclination was less medially upwards in dorsiflexion than in plantarflexion in four out of five participants. Thus, it appears that the inclination of the ankle joint axis for dynamic loading situations cannot be estimated from either morphology or quasi-static experiments. Future studies assessing muscle activity, ligament behaviour and articulating surfaces may help to identify the determining factors for the orientation of the ankle joint axis.
Avoiding the antenatal counselling faux pax: Bridging the gap between prenatal prognostication and postnatal outcome.
Authors: Elayedatt Rinshi Abid , Krishnan Vivek , udayakumaran suhas
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Closed spina bifida (CSB) is rare in prenatal literature and various lesions are grouped under this broad nosological entity CSB, leading to confusing and misleading prognostic conclusions.
Methods
This is a retrospective observational cohort study of prenatally detected CSB cases using two-dimensional ultrasound, complemented by three-dimensional ultrasonography and fetal MRI in indicated cases, from October 2014 to October 2021 in a tertiary level single centre.
Results
The most common upper vertebral level of CSB was lumbar in 66.6% (10/15). The sub-classification of lesions based on prenatal ultrasound showed an agreement in 53% of the cases. 60% had associated abnormalities identified postnatally, the most common being anorectal malformation seen in 33.3%. On postnatal follow-up, 46.6% had bowel incontinence and bladder dysfunction, 33.3% developed lower limb deformities.
Conclusions
All CSBs do not have a uniformly favourable prognosis. The prognosis of CSB depends on the pathological type, the presence of associated abnormalities and the management.
Full neuroendoscopic contralateral longitudinal fissure approach to resection of parafalcine meningioma via falx cerebri – Retractorless surgical technique: case report
Authors: Li Ming , Zhao Yu , Ji Hongming , Chen Shengli , Zhang Gangli , Zhang Shiyuan , Zhao Jianwei , Liu Jiangtao , Wang Kaixuan , Li Pengfei , Li Hang , Hu Changchen
Published: May 2022

Background: We reported one case of parafalcine meningioma, using a full neuroendoscopic contralateral longitudinal fissure approach to completely resect meningioma through the falx cerebri.Case presentation: This case was a 50-year-old female with a right anterior cerebral parafalcine meningioma. Her left limbs had decreased sensations of temperature, tactile and pain than the right side, muscle strength was grade IV, and Babinski sign was positive on the left. CT and MRI showed a mass on the right frontoparietal with edema.The patient was in supine position and the head was rotated 20 degrees to the opposite side. A neuronavigation was employed to perform a precise surface localization of parafalcine meningioma. Under neuroendoscopy, a contralateral craniotomy and a longitudinal fissure approach were followed by an incision of dura to expose arachnoid, then arachnoid was separated until falx cerebri along its surface. Neuronavigation was employed again to precisely locate the projection of meningioma in the contralateral falx cerebri. According to the position, firstly removed the invaded falx cerebri, blocked the blood supply of the meningioma, then completely resected the meningioma without retraction of normal brain tissue.Conclusion: This report explored a full neuroendoscopic contralateral longitudinal fissure approach to complete resect parafalcine meningioma via falx cerebri using retractorless surgical technique. This approach can reduce the retraction of normal brain tissue to enhance protection of brain function, while maximizing the total resection rate of parafalcine meningioma.
Characteristic distribution and molecular properties of normal cellular prion protein in human endocrine and exocrine tissues
Authors: Koyama Sachiko , Noguchi Hideko , Yagita Kaoru , Hamasaki Hideomi , Shijo Masahiro , Yoshimura Motoi , Inoshita Kohei , Sasagasako Naokazu , Honda Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

Prion disease is an infectious and fatal neurodegenerative disease. Human prion disease autopsy studies have revealed abnormal prion protein (PrPSc) deposits in the central nervous system and systemic organs. In deer, chronic wasting disease has also become a global problem, with PrPSc in saliva and feces. Therefore, understanding normal cellular prion proteins (PrPc) characteristics in human systemic organs is important since they could be a PrPSc source. This study used western blotting and immunohistochemistry to investigate endocrine and exocrine tissues, such as the human pituitary, adrenal, submandibular glands and the pancreas. All tissues had 30–40 kDa PrP signals, which is a slightly higher molecular weight than normal brain tissue. We also identified a 16–20 kDa PrP C-terminal fragment in the adrenal gland, pancreas, and submandibular glands. Most cytoplasmic PrP-positive adenohypophyseal cells were immunopositive for nuclear pituitary-specific positive transcription factor 1. The adrenal medulla and islet cells of the pancreas were PrP-positive and colocalized with chromogranin A. The duct epithelium in the submandibular gland and pancreas were immunopositive for PrP. This study reports the characteristic molecular properties and detailed tissue localization of PrPc in endocrine and exocrine tissues, which is important for infection control and diagnosis.
Efficacy and safety of triplet chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR agent in metastasis colorectal cancer:A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Qian , Wang Huan , Zhang Suqin , Zeng Yifei , Yang Wei , Pan Wenjun , Hong Guodai , Gao Wenbin
Published: May 2022

Background
Currently, controversies on optimal treatment of potentially respectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients still exist. There were encouraging results reported in studies exploring the efficacy on triplet chemotherapy plus anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) target agents. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis aiming to evaluate the efficacy and safety of triplet chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR target agents.
Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant studies published from December 2004 to October 2021 for studies observing the efficacy of triplet chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR target agents in mCRC patients. Primary outcomes were objective response rate (ORR) and R0 resection rate (R0RR), secondary outcomes were median progression-free survival (mPFS), median overall survival (mOS) and toxicity. Data were analyzed with R software 4.1.2.
Results
14 studies comprising 762 patients with mCRC were included in this meta-analysis. After treatment with triplet chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR target agents, pooled ORR was 82% (95%CI = 76%-88%, I2 = 76%), pooled R0RR of colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) was 59% (95%CI = 49%-68%,I2 = 60%), both used a random-effects model. The mPFS ranged from 9.5 to 17.8 months, mOS ranged from 24.7 to 62.5 months. 648 grade 3 or 4 adverse events were reported, the most described were: Diarrhea (174/648), neutropenia (157/648) and skin toxicity (95/648). The pooled rates were 29% (95%CI = 20%-39%,I2 = 84%), 28% (95%CI = 20%-37%,I2 = 77%) and 17% (95%CI = 11%-24%,I2 = 66%), respectively.
Conclusions
Triplet chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR agent therapy seems to be capable of increasing the ORR of mCRC patients and R0RR of CLM patients. Toxicity of this treatment are manageable. High-quality randomized controlled trial(RCT) studies are required for further validation.
Identification and genomic characterization of major effect bacterial blight resistance locus (BB-13) in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Gowda S Anjan , Shrestha Navin , Harris Taylor M , Phillips Anne Z , Fang Hui , Sood Shilpa , Zhang Kuang , Bourland Fred , Bart Rebecca , Kuraparthy Vasu
Published: May 2022

Cotton bacterial leaf blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum (Xcm) has been periodically a damaging disease in the U.S.A. Identification and deployment of genetic resistance in the cotton cultivars is the most economical and efficient means of reducing the crop losses due to CBB. In the current study, a combined genome-wide association study (GWAS) and linkage-mapping approach was used to map the CBB resistance gene in Upland cotton. An elite diversity panel of 380 accessions, genotyped with the Cotton 63K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and phenotyped with race-18 of CBB was used in the GWAS. The GWAS localized the CBB resistance to a 2.01 Mb region in the long arm of chromosome D02. Mapping of this CBB resistance was further resolved using linkage mapping in an F6 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from Acala Maxxa × Arkot 8102. The CBB resistance in Arkot 8102 showed monogenic inheritance. The CBB resistance locus (BB-13) was mapped within the 0.95 cM interval near the telomeric region in the long arm of chromosome D02. Flanking SNP markers, i25755Gh (p = 19.29) and i46775Gh (p = 19.29) of the BB-13 locus from the linkage analysis showed the highest significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) in the GWAS study. Using these SNPs, we targeted the BB-13 locus to a 371 Kb genomic region on chromosome D02. Candidate gene analysis identified thirty putative gene sequences in the targeted region. Nine of the thirty putative genes were involved in disease resistance in plants.
Determination of the risks of failure of locomotive diesel engines
Authors: Baranovskyi Denys , Myamlin Sergey , Muradian Leonty
Published: May 2022

The operation of locomotives diesel engines involves aging and physical wear of parts, components and assemblies, which leads to a decrease in the probability of failure-free operation and an increase in the number of failures. To increase the probability of failure-free operation and reduce the number of failures of locomotives diesel engines, a certain maintenance system is applied. To manage of diesel engines maintenance processes in a locomotive depot, it is proposed to use the risks of failures. The article presents mathematical models of the risks of failures depending on the operating parameters of diesel engines. Based on the developed models, it is possible to manage the maintenance processes. Comparison of theoretical and experimental results confirms the adequacy of the developed mathematical models and confirms the effectiveness of the proposed approach to determining the risks of failure of diesel engines for managing maintenance processes in a locomotive depot. As a result, a maintenance process for 5D49 diesel engines in the locomotive depot was developed. By managing the maintenance processes of 5D49 diesel engines in a locomotive depot, it was determined that the optimal mileage is 45,000 km. The resource of 5D49 diesel engines in a locomotive depot in the management of maintenance processes increased by 2.4...5.5% compared to the existing maintenance system.
A scoring screening system based on machine learning for immunotherapy beneficiaries in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Gou Qiheng , Liu Zijian , Xie Yuxin , Deng Yulan , Ma Ji , Li Jiangping , Zheng Hong
Published: May 2022

Background: The role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in predicting prognosis and therapeutic efficacy has been demonstrated. Nonetheless, no systematic studies have focused on TME patterns or their function in the effectiveness of immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).Methods: In this study, we comprehensively estimated the TME infiltration patterns of 491 TNBC patients from four independent cohorts, and three cohorts that received immunotherapy were used for validation. The TME subtypes were comprehensively evaluated based on immune cell infiltration levels in TNBC, and the TME score was identified and systematically correlated with representative tumor characteristics. Eventually, we sequenced 80 TNBC samples as an external validation cohort to make our conclusions more convincing.Results: Two distinct TME subtypes were identified and were highly correlated with immune cell infiltration levels and immune-related pathways. More representative TME scores calculated by machine learning could reflect the fundamental characteristics of TME subtypes and predict the efficacy of immunotherapy and prognosis of TNBC patients. A low TME score, characterized by activation of immunity and ferroptosis, indicated an activated TME phenotype and better OS. A high TME score, characterized by the activation of immunosuppressive cells such as CAFs, MDSCs, TAM-M2, cancer stem cells, and a lack of adequate immune infiltration, indicated an immune-suppressed TME phenotype and poorer survival. Low TME scores showed a better response to immunotherapy in TNBC by TIDE analysis and sensitivity to multiple drugs in GDSC analysis. A low TME score showed a significant therapeutic advantage in patients in the three immunotherapy cohorts.Conclusions: TME subtypes played an essential role in assessing the diversity and complexity of the TME in TNBC. The TME score could be used to evaluate the TME of an individual tumor to enhance our understanding of the TME and guide more effective immunotherapy strategies. Depicting a sweeping landscape of the TME characteristics of TNBC may therefore help to interpret the responses of TNBC to immunotherapies and provide new strategies for the treatment of cancers.
Use of mobile phones for rehabilitative services among prosthetics users in rural Acholi sub- region of northern Uganda: Findings from a qualitative study
Authors: Yagos Walter Onen , Moro Emmanuel Ben , Huck Jonny , Nirmalan Mahesh
Published: May 2022

Background: Digital technologies such as mobile phones have shown potential as one of the vital tools for use in healthcare and related services. However, little has been done to explore the use of mobile phones in prosthetics rehabilitative services, especially in the Acholi sub-region of northern Uganda. We address this gap by exploring ownership of the mobile phone, knowledge of the use of mobile phone applications, use of mobile phones relating to prosthetics rehabilitative services and challenges faced in using the mobile phone.Methods: We conducted semi-structured one-on-one interviews with 16 prosthetics users. Results: More prosthetics users (56%) owned mobile phones compared to those without (44%). Many who owned and use a mobile phone are knowledgeable about applications for calls and messaging. Very few prosthetics users had some knowledge of the internet and use the internet applications for e-mail and social media purposes. Out of the nine participants who owned a mobile phone, eight reported using it to call orthopaedic workshops to seek prosthetics rehabilitative services. The common services are associated with new prostheses, diseases, wound management and training on the use of prostheses. Common challenges in using mobile phones were the cost of airtime, few charging places and insufficient skills. Conclusion: Despite the challenges in using a mobile phone, our results suggest that some prosthetics users owned a mobile phone and used it for issues relating to prosthetics rehabilitative services. Promoting the use of the mobile phone for prosthetic rehabilitative services among prosthetics users is necessary, but with consideration of the factors that hinder the use of mobile phones.
Effectiveness of micro-implant in vertical control during orthodontic treatment of Class II malocclusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Jing , Lei Yahui , Liu Yucheng , Chen Jianming , Zhang Bin
Published: May 2022

Objective
To compare the effectiveness of micro-implant (MI) and conventional anchorage (CA) in vertical control during orthodontic treatment of Class II malocclusion.
Materials and Methods
Literature search was conducted through Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP, and China Biology Medicine (CBM) from inception to December 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and Compared clinical trials (CCTs) were included. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were conducted. A meta-analysis concerning change of mandibular plane, vertical change of upper and lower molar, change of occlusal plane, SNB, chin position and profile was carried out.
Results
A total of 10662 records were identified in the database search, A total of 19 studies (10 RCTs and 9 CCTs) were included in the final analysis. MI significantly decreased mandibular plane angle and intruded upper molars compared to CA. No significant difference was found in vertical change of lower molars, occlusal plane, SNB, chin position and profile.
Conclusion
MI seems to be more effective than CA in vertical control during orthodontic treatment of Class II malocclusion. Clinical Relevance MI should be given priority when considering the vertical control of Class II patients, which is beneficial to the counterclockwise rotation of mandible or at least prevention of deterioration of the profile.
Equipment to tag, track and collect biopsies from whales and dolphins: the ARTS, DFHorten and LKDart systems
Authors: Kleivane Lars , Kvadsheim Petter Helgevold , Bocconcelli Alex , Øien Nils , Miller Patrick
Published: May 2022

Of all animals considered subjects for instrumentation for behavioral or physiological studies, cetaceans probably represent the greatest challenge to the engineer and biologist. Both the marine environment being harsh to electronics and the short time window available to attach instruments imply a need for innovative tagging solutions to facilitate better understanding of their life cycle, migration, physiology, behavior, health and genetics. Several sensor packages holding specific data loggers e.g., time depth recorders, position, orientation, acoustic and video recorders for short to medium term studies, as well as tags developed for large scale migration telemetry studies are available as off-the-shelf devices, or in many cases as custom made sensor packages. Deployment of those instruments is often the limiting factor for data collection. The Aerial Remote Tag System (ARTS) is a flexible system which can easily be adapted to deploy different tag sensor packages and biopsy collection devices. This paper presents the history and design of the ARTS, and accessories developed for instrumentation and biopsy sampling of cetaceans, such as the recent developed ARTS-LKDart for biopsy sampling. Deployment of archival tags usually requires radio tracking of the instrumented animal, or at least tracking of the tag for recovery. Thus, we also here describe the digital signal processing radio direction finder, Direction Finder Horten (DFHorten unit).