bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of pyrrolidine ring biosynthesis and its effects on gene expression and subsequent accumulation of anatabine in leaves of Tobacco (N. tabacum L.)
Authors: Kaminski Kacper Piotr , Bovet Lucien , Hilfiker Aurore , Laparra Helene , Schwaar Joanne , Sierro Nicolas , Lang Gerhard , De Palo Damien , Guy Philippe Alexandre , Laszlo Csaba , Goepfert Simon , Ivanov Nikolai V.
Published: May 2023

Background Anatabine, although being one of four major tobacco alkaloids, is never accumulated in high quantity in any of the naturally occurring species from the Nicotiana genus. Previous studies therefore focused on transgenic approaches to synthetize anatabine, most notably by generating transgenic lines with suppressed putrescine methyltransferase (PMT) activity. This led to promising results, but the global gene expression of plants with such distinct metabolism has not been analyzed. In the current study, we describe how these plants respond to topping and the downstream effects on alkaloid biosynthesis.Results The surge in anatabine accumulation in PMT transgenic lines after topping treatment and its effects on gene expression changes were analyzed. The results revealed increases in expression of isoflavone reductase-like (A622) and berberine bridge-like enzymes (BBLs) oxidoreductase genes, previously shown to be crucial for the final steps of nicotine biosynthesis. We also observed significantly higher methylputrescine oxidase (MPO) expression in all plants subjected to topping treatment. In order to investigate if MPO suppression would have the same effects as that of PMT, we generated transgenic plants. These plants with suppressed MPO expression showed an almost complete drop in leaf nicotine content, whereas leaf anatabine was observed to increase by a factor of ~ 1.6X.Conclusion Our results are the first concrete evidence that suppression of MPO leads to decreased nicotine in favor of anatabine in tobacco roots and that this anatabine is successfully transported to tobacco leaves. Alkaloid transport in plants remains to be investigated to higher detail due to high variation of its efficiency among Nicotiana species and varieties of tobacco. Our research adds important step to better understand pyrrolidine ring biosynthesis and its effects on gene expression and subsequent accumulation of anatabine.
Analysis of the influence of gym construction on medical staff’s physical activity under the National Fitness Program: Based on the evolutionary game
Authors: Wang Huilin , Xu Ziqing , Liu Yang , Feng Huanhuan
Published: May 2023

To alleviate the job burnout of medical staff and improve their physical and mental health, this study proposes building a hospital gym to solve the problem of physical inactivity of medical staff. With the policy call for a “National Fitness Program” in China as the background, this study established a game model involving hospitals and medical staff in different situations with or without government incentives. An evolutionary game was used to explore the influence of strategy selection, stable equilibrium strategy, and its influencing factors among government, hospital administrators, and medical staff in the construction and use of gyms. The results show that the strategy choice of the government, hospital administrators, and medical staff influenced each other. Specifically, the stronger the willingness of hospitals to build gyms, the more willing medical staff to actively use gyms. The game system has two stable equilibrium strategies: hospitals do not build gyms, the medical staff does not actively use gyms, hospitals build gyms, and medical staff actively use gyms. The government incentive measures promote a stable and balanced strategy towards hospital construction and active use by medical staff. Moreover, many factors involved also have an important impact on the strategy selection of each subject.
“It’s about time they taught us.” A qualitative study evaluating the barriers to finding and screening child contacts under five at risk for TB in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Munedzimwe Fadzai , Chetty-Makkan Candice , Mukora Rachel , Charalambous Salome , Turner Karin , Chihota Violet
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND:Inadequate numbers of children under five years of age who are exposed to tuberculosis (TB) in the home (child contact) are initiated on TB preventive treatment (TPT) in South Africa. We assessed barriers of initiating isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in this age group.
METHODS:We conducted a qualitative study at two primary health clinics in the Ekurhuleni district in Gauteng Province. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the facility manager and facility staff who provided TB services at each facility. In-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers. The semi-structured facility questionnaire included questions related to experiences of delivering TB services. Using a purposive sampling approach, we enrolled caregivers aged at least 18 years old who had an adult in the household diagnosed with TB in the last 12 months. We used thematic analysis with a deductive approach.
RESULTS:Between April and July 2019, we enrolled facility managers, TB staff as recommended by the facility managers and caregivers attending for care, at two facilities that were part of the study. Two facility managers took part in the study. Overall, 15 caregivers aged between 18-43 years were interviewed of which 13 (87%) were female.
Facility staff felt that even though caregivers knew of family members who were on TB treatment, they delayed bringing their children for TB screening and TPT. Facility staff perceived caregivers as not understanding the purpose and benefits of TB prevention strategies such as TPT. Caregivers expressed the desire for their children to be screened for TB. However, caregivers lacked knowledge on TB transmission in children and the value of TB prevention in children at high risk of infection.
CONCLUSION:While facility staff perceived caregivers to lack responsibility, caregivers expressed limited knowledge on the value of screening their children for TB as reasons for not accessing TB preventive services. Health education on TB transmission, screening, and TB prevention strategies at a community level, clinics, schools and via media are important to achieve the global end TB goal of early detection and prevention of TB.
Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices According to Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS)From 2010 to 2019 and Associated Factors in Senegal
Authors: CAMARA Maty DIAGNE , BASSOUM Oumar , TOURE Anna , SARR Aita , COLY Aminata NDIAYE , BEYE Maguette FALL , LÔ Nafi BA
Published: May 2023

Introduction The first two years of a child's life are particularly important because optimal nutrition during this period will reduce morbidity and mortality rates. Despite the efforts of the Government and its partners, this situation has remained almost stationary for the last 10 years according to the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data between 2010 and 2019. Thus, the objective of our study is to assess the evolution of exclusive breastfeeding practices (EBP) in the first six months of life from 2005 to 2020 and the associated factors. Methodology This is a quantitative cross-sectional study using data from the Senegalese Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 2010 to 2019. The study covered the entire population of Senegal, particularly men, women aged 14–49 years, and children under five years. The DHS data used are available from the DHS Program STAT compiler database, (The DHS Program STATcompiler. Funded by USAID. http://www.statcompiler.com.). A secondary analysis of the 2017 Senegal Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data was done to identify key predictors of AME and the practice of giving water in addition to breast milk were done. All analyses were performed using Stata 15.1 software. Results The rate of AME was 47.2% among infants who received MSP versus 39.1% among those who did not (P = 0.007). Mothers who reported receiving breastfeeding counseling two days after delivery were 40% more likely to breastfeed exclusively up to six months than those who did not. (P = 0,003). Mothers who belong to the Wolof, Serer, and Soninke ethnic groups are 42% more likely to give water to infants under six months of age than mothers who belong to the Poular, Mandingue, and Diola ethnic groups (P = 0.0025). Adolescent mothers are more likely to give water to infants under six months of age than older mothers. Adolescent mothers were 2.7 times more likely to give water to infants under six months of age than were mothers aged 35–48 years (P < 0.001). Mothers who received postpartum breastfeeding counseling were 30% less likely to give water to infants younger than 6 months of age than mothers who did not receive breastfeeding counseling (P < 0.001). Discussion The results of this study will therefore be used to guide infant feeding awareness strategies for young women (mothers-to-be) to adhere to and continue exclusive breastfeeding up to six months as recommended by the World Health Organization.
The Effect of Psychodrama Therapy on Body-image Deficit among Iranian University Students
Authors: Karimi Aida , Karbalai Ahmad , Rohani Rambod Jafari
Published: May 2023

Background: Body image is a fundamental aspect of one's mental health and self-perception. Distorted body image can negatively impact one's quality of life, highlighting the need for effective interventions.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of psychodrama (PD) on body image among students at Tehran Azad University.
Methodology: Using a quasi-experimental approach, 30 students were randomly assigned to experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The Littleton Body Image Questionnaire was used to measure body image. The experimental group participated in twelve 90-minute PD sessions, while the control group received no intervention.
Findings: Results showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups regarding participants' social body-image variable (F = 24/29, p-value < 0.0001). The experimental group had significant improvements in positive body image after psychodrama interventions.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that psychodrama can improve body image among Iranian university students. Future research should investigate the potential effectiveness of psychodrama on body image in larger and more representative samples.
Study on the Mediating Effect of Disease Acceptance on Community Self-efficacy and Social Isolation in Elderly with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: YuanRong Wu , Liao Su-Jung , Qiru Chen , Xiaoshuang Xu , Cai XinJian , Fang Yu-Wen
Published: May 2023

Purpose
To investigate the status quo of disease acceptance, community self-efficacy, and social isolation in elderly patients with Parkinson’s Disease; to explore the influencing factors and the correlation among them; and to explore the mediating effect of disease acceptance between community self-efficacy and social isolation in elderly with Parkinson’s Disease.
Methods
Elderly patients with Parkinson's Disease in the outpatient clinics of two tertiary hospitals in Guangdong Province were selected using a general information questionnaire, Lubben Social Network Scale, Community Self-Efficacy Scale, and Disease Acceptance Scale. In total, 157 questionnaires were distributed, 142 of which were valid.
Result
The average community self-efficacy score of 142 elderly Parkinson’s patients was (11.03 ± 6.21); the average social network score was (13.29 ± 5.4); the average disease acceptance score was (23.56 ± 6.871); community self-efficacy of elderly Parkinson’s patients, social isolation, and disease acceptance (P < 0.01); community self-efficacy was negatively correlated with social isolation (r = 0.621, P < 0.01), community self-efficacy was positively correlated with disease acceptance ( r = 0.471, P < 0.01), disease acceptance was negatively correlated with social isolation (r = 0.387, P < 0.01). After adjusting for covariates, disease acceptance had a partial mediating effect on community self-efficacy and social isolation, with a direct effect size of 83.9% and a mediating effect size of 16.1%.
Conclusion
Disease acceptance, community self-efficacy, and social isolation in elderly PD patients are correlated. Disease acceptance has a partial mediating effect between community self-efficacy and social isolation in elderly Parkinson's patients. In order to achieve the purpose of helping elderly PD patients control symptoms, delay disease progression, and improve quality of life, they should be encouraged to actively integrate into society, the incidence of social isolation should be reduced, and community self-efficacy should be improved.
Response Of Diversity And Guild Structure Of Predatory Birds To Changes In Urban Variables at A Neotropical Megacity
Authors: Casas Daniel Montejo , Rosselli Ángela Parrado
Published: May 2023

Negative effects of urbanization on bird diversity are widely known, however, recently there has been discussed about what is the best way of urbanizing to reduce such impacts and improve ecosystem services. Within this scope, the present research evaluated the response of the predatory bird community to changes in urban variables along the urban-forest gradient in the City of Bogotá D.C, in order to provide parameters that contribute to this discussion. For this purpose, characteristics of urban forest gradient were described according to urban planning variables of compact cities and green areas, such as composition and structure of plant cover, percentages of impervious surfaces, bare, and leaf litter cover, construction indices, compactness, density, to later evaluate their response on the diversity and guild structure of predatory birds along the gradient, through the realization of linear models. Variables such as the construction index showed a negative affect on the richness and equity of predatory birds, while its influence was positive on abundance of generalist trophic guilds, which proves negative effect of compact cities. However, the results show that management of green areas variables such as a reduced impervious surfaces cover, an increase in leaf litter cover, as well as a complex plant structure, with a predominance of native plant species, can contribute to favoring the diversity and guild structure of predatory birds, even in compact cities.
The Oral Symptom Assessment Scale (OSAS): criterion validation with the EORTC QLQ-OH15 and reliability testing
Authors: Cleary Niamh , Guerin Suzanne , Fagan Norah , Elaine Hyland , Davies Andrew
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the criterion validity and reliability of the Oral Symptom Assessment Scale (OSAS) in patients with advanced cancer receiving specialist palliative care.
Methods
To examine criterion validity, participants completed the OSAS, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-OH15. Twenty-four hours later participants repeated the OSAS to investigate test-retest reliability.
Results
54 participants were recruited (median age 70; range : 35–93 years). 51 complete datasets were obtained. Cohen’s kappa test was used to evaluate the agreement for the presence / absence of symptoms on the OSAS on the first and second days (test-retest reliability). This analysis showed values of moderate and higher for agreement for all symptoms. All kappa values were statistically significant. The test-retest reliability for symptom severity, frequency and distress was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used to evaluate agreement between similar questions on the OSAS from day one and the EORTC QLQ-OH15 also on day one to examine criterion validity.
Conclusion
This study supports the validity of the OSAS, and provides evidence for the reliability of this novel oral symptom assessment tool, in patients with advanced cancer. Further research is needed to corroborate the findings of this study.
Trial registration
CancerTrials.gov registry registration no. : PM202166
Novel Sound Exposure Drives Dynamic Changes in Auditory Lateralization that are Associated with Perceptual Learning
Authors: Yang Lillian , Cabezas Bryan , Ovetsky Jonathan , Vicario David , Cataldo Basilio Furest
Published: May 2023

Songbirds provide a model for studying adult plasticity in the auditory cortex as a function of recent experience due to its parallels with human auditory processing. As for human language, auditory processing in songbirds’ higher auditory cortex (caudomedial nidopallium, NCM) is lateralized for complex vocalization sounds. However, when Zebra finches are exposed to a novel heterospecific (canary) acoustic environment for a period of a few days, the typical pattern of right-lateralization is reversed. We now report that, in birds passively exposed to a novel heterospecific recording for extended periods (~21 days), the right-lateralized pattern of epidural auditory potentials reverses only transiently and then returns to the typical pattern. Using acute, bilateral multi-unit electrophysiology, we demonstrate that this dynamic pattern occurs in NCM. Furthermore, extended exposure enhances auditory discrimination for heterospecific stimuli. We conclude that lateralization is functionally labile and, when engaged by novel sensory experience, contributes to discrimination of novel stimuli that may be ethologically relevant.
Protective Effects of Benfotiamine on Cyfluthrin- İnduced Testicular Damage and Sperm Characteristics During the Prepubertal Period
Authors: Parlak Gözde , Colakoglu Neriman
Published: May 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Highly Efficient Single Photon Coupling via surface Plasmons into Single-Mode Optical Fiber
Authors: Riyazi Erfan , Esfandiar Ali , Siavashani Morteza Jafari , Vayghan Nader Sobhkhiz
Published: May 2023

Quanta of light (single photon) play as one of building blocks of photonic based quantum computations, sensing and communications. This makes a necessity to develop practical approaches for tuning, guiding and coupling of single photons in photonic circuits for viable applications. Interaction and coupling efficiency of Single photon into optical fibers is a technical bottleneck of quantum optics and should be addressed by novel design and materials. Here, we introduce a fiber-based micro-photonic design to directly and efficiently coupling of the emitted single-photon to the core of a single mode fiber (SMF), the results of simulation indicate that emission of single photon source on a D-shaped SMF coated by a thin plasmonic film, provide remarkable amplifying of evanescent field by confined surface plasmons into the SMF. The numerical analysis on different types and thicknesses of plamsonic materials by finite element method (FEM) is conducted to study the propagation vectors along the SMF as function of emission angle and wavelength of the single photon source. The results revealed that by optimum thickness of tantalum layer as novel plasmonic material, the best record of coupling efficiency as high as 60% can be achieved in fiber optic communication region (∼1550 nm). This approach shed a light on novel plasmonic assisted coupling and promises a functional strategy for single photon manipulating in various field of quantum optics.
Selective Isotropic Etching of SiO2 over Si3N4 using NF3/H2 Remote Plasma and Methanol Vapor
Authors: Gil Hong Seong , Kim Doo San , Jang Yun Jong , Kim Dea Whan , Kwon Hea In , Kim Gyoung Chan , Kim Dong Woo , Yeom Geun Young
Published: May 2023

In this study, an isotropic etching process of SiO2 selective to Si3N4 using NF3/H2/methanol chemistry was investigated. HF was formed using a NF3/H2 remote plasma, and in order to remove the F radicals, which induces spontaneous etching of Si-base material, methanol was injected outside the plasma discharge region. Through this process, etch products were formed on the surface of SiO2, and then the (NH4)2SiF6 was removed by following heating process. When the H and F radicals were abundant, the highest SiO2 etch per cycle (EPC) was obtained. And, the increase of H2 and methanol percentage in the gas chemistry increased the etch selectivity by decreasing the F radicals. The etch products such as (NH4)2SiF6 were formed on the surfaces of SiO2 and Si3N4 during the reaction step and no noticeable spontaneous etching by formation of SiF4 was observed. By optimized conditions, the etch selectivity of SiO2 over Si3N4 and poly Si higher than 50 and 20, respectively, was obtained while having SiO2 EPC of ~ 13 nm/cycle. It is believed that the cyclic process using NF3/H2 remote plasma and methanol followed by heating can be applied to the selective isotropic SiO2 etching of next generation 3D device fabrication.
A population-level computational histologic signature for invasive breast cancer prognosis
Authors: Amgad Mohamed , Hodge James , Elsebaie Maha , Bodelon Clara , Puvanesarajah Samantha , Gutman David , Siziopikou Kalliopi , Goldstein Jeffery , Gaudet Mia , Teras Lauren , Cooper Lee
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with variable survival outcomes. Pathologists grade the microscopic appearance of breast tissue using the Nottingham criteria, which is qualitative and does not account for non-cancerous elements within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We present the Histomic Prognostic Signature (HiPS), a comprehensive, interpretable scoring of the survival risk incurred by breast TME morphology. HiPS uses deep learning to accurately map cellular and tissue structures in order to measure epithelial, stromal, immune, and spatial interaction features. It was developed using a population-level cohort from the Cancer Prevention Study (CPS)-II and validated using data from three independent cohorts, including the PLCO trial, CPS-3, and The Cancer Genome Atlas. HiPS consistently outperformed pathologists’ performance in predicting survival outcomes, independent of TNM stage and pertinent variables. This was largely driven by stromal and immune features. In conclusion, HiPS is a robustly validated biomarker to support pathologists and improve prognosis.
DAIWN: Detection and Isolation of Wormhole Nodes in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Bhatti David Samuel , Saleem Shahzad , Imran Azhar , Kim HyunJung , Kim Ki-Il
Published: May 2023

The wormhole attack is one of the most treacherous attacks projected at the routing layer that can bypass cryptographicmeasures and derail the entire communication network. It is too difficult to prevent a priori; all the possible countermeasures are either too expensive or ineffective. Indeed, literature solutions either require expensive hardware (typically UWB or secure GPStransceivers) or pose specific constraints to the adversarial behavior (doing or not doing a suspicious action). The proposed solution belongs to the second category because the adversary is assumed to have done one or more known suspicious actions. In this solution, we adopt a heuristic approach to detect wormholes in ad hoc networks based on the detection of their illicit behaviors. Wormhole and post wormhole attacks are often confused in literature; that’s why we clearly state that our methodology does not provide a defence against wormholes, but rather against the actions that an adversary does after thewormhole, such as packet dropping, tampering with TTL, replaying and looping, etc. In terms of contributions, the proposed solution addresses the knock-out capability of attackers that is less targeted by the researcher’s community. In addition, it neither requires any additional hardware nor a change in it; instead, it is compatible with the existing network stack. The idea is simulated in ns2.30, and the average detection rate of the proposed solution is found to be 98-99%. The theoretical time to detect a wormhole node lies between 0.07-0.71 seconds. But, from the simulation, the average detection and isolation time is 0.67 seconds. In term of packet loss, the proposed solution has a relatively overhead of ≈ 22%. It works well in static and mobile scenarios, but the frame losses are higher in mobile scenarios as compared to static ones. The computational complexity of the solution is O(n). Simulation results advocate that the solution is effective in terms of memory, processing, bandwidth, and energy cost. The solution is validated using statistical parameters such as Accuracy, Precision, F1-Score andMatthews correlation coefficient (Mcc).
Carbonated Drinks May Alleviate Oral Submucosal Fibrosis：Retrospective Analysis of outpatients in A Tropical Reefs Hospital
Authors: Qiu Xiaoqian , Chen Ruiyong
Published: May 2023

Objectives The special geographical conditions of the tropical island or reefs restrict the oral health services of the stationed population. It is deserved attention whether there are specific oral health problems in the long-term stationed population.
Methods Data of 2 mouth outpatients of the dental department in a South-China-Sea reef hospital, 55 male, 26.35±3.98 y, were collected. The oral disease distribution and relationship with habits of the smoking, betel nut chewing, and carbonated drinking were analyzed.
Results The top three oral problems were dental calculus (67.27%), abnormal eruption of wisdom teeth (47.27%) and periodontitis (36.36%). dental calculus was correlated with periodontitis (r = 0.465, P = 0.000), beverage drinking habit (r = 0.277, P = 0.041), and betel nut chewing habit (r = -0.276, P = 0.041). 7 cases (12.7%) of Oral Submucosal Fibrosis (OSF) were diagnosed. Those who smoked more than 10 years and chewed betel nut every day for many years were more likely to develop OSF (P = 0.000). Those had carbonated beverage drinking habit had lower incidence of OSF (P = 0.002), even they chewing betel nuts or smoking.
Conclusions The residents in tropical islands and reefs are needed to pay more attention on the oral health conditions. Carbonated drinks may neutralize and alleviate the damage of betel nut alkaloids or nicotine to oral mucosa by inhibiting inflammation.
Clinical Relevance For the first time, it was observed that carbonated drinks might prevent the occurrence of OSF in betel-nut chewing and smokers, although its certainty and potential mechanism need to be clarified and explored.
Association between fasting glucose and liver stiffness measurement :Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey From 2017 to 2020
Authors: Zhao Jiageng , Zeng Qingyun , Zhu Muxing
Published: May 2023

Background:TyG-WC, are reliable predictors of mid to late stage fibrosis in the American adult population.However, the independent correlation between fasting glucose and liver fibrosis is still unclear. Our purpose is to explore the relationship between fasting glucose and liver fibrosis, so as to provide a simple and efficient monitoring index for early intervention and control of liver fibrosis.
Objective：Abnormal glucose metabolism can cause liver lesions, and fasting glucose is a biochemical indicator that is easy to obtain and easy to monitor.The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between fasting glucose and TE, so that fasting glucose can be used as a risk indicator for early warning of liver fibrosis, and a new treatment idea can be provided when reversing liver fibrosis-related treatment.
Methods：We collected the TE scores and fasting glucosedata of 3665 participants aged 18-80 between 2017-2020. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, we conducted curve fitting and threshold effect analysis on them. After analyzing the inflection points and thresholds, we used hierarchical analysis on the variables that affected the relationship between them. Hierarchical analysis uses multivariate linear regression to evaluate the independent correlation between fasting glucose and TE scores after classification, and obtains how the risk level of liver fibrosis changes as fasting glucose increases.
Results: Using Group 1 as a reference in different models, it is found that when fasting glucose is greater than 4.11 mmol/L, for every 1mmol/L increase in fasting glucose, the risk of liver fibrosis increases1.162 fold.
WITHDRAWN: Ubiquitin promotes Escherichia coli HPI-induced duodenitis through the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Zhao Jingang , Yang Wei , Gao Bin , Wang Hao , Chen Liping , Shan Chunlan , Zhang Bo , Cha Jinlong , Shen Jue , Xiao Jinlong , Wang Shuai , Liu Gen , Zhao Ru , Xin Aiguo , Xiao Peng , Gao Hong
Published: May 2023

The high-pathogenicity island (HPI), carried by Yersinia pestis, is an essential pathogenic component of the virulence distributed in Escherichia coli (E. coli). As an NF-κB pathway activator, Ubiquitin (Ub) is crucial in the inflammatory response. However, the molecular mechanismsof Ub in the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB signaling pathway induced by HPI in E. coliis still unclear. In our experiment, Ub was overexpressed usingsmall intestinal epithelial cells (in vitro), and BALB/c mouse models (in vivo) infected with E. coli HPI and analysed by using qPCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and H&E staining assays. We demonstrated that E. coli HPI can promote the expression of TLR4, NF-κB, and Ub in. IPEC-J2 cells. Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that TLR4 and NF-κB key factor in the E. coli HPI group were expressed, and the NF-κB p65 protein translocated to the nucleus. Further research showed that the mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly increased in the Ub overexpression group and BALB/c mice group. H&E staining assay showed that Ub overexpression with IPEC-J2 cells have thecharacteristics of elongated, rounded, fragmented, duodenal villi diminished, and the surface was covered with many sloughed necrotic cells, indicating that exacerbating cell damage and duodenitis. Taken together, this study suggested that E. coliHPI can activate NF-κB via increasing the expression of Ub, andUb can exacerbate E. coli HPI-induced duodenitis through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Evaluation of genetic diversity among some superior Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) by using Morphological and Pomological characteristics in the greenhouse under warm condition
Authors: Salmani Karim Arab , Hakimi Yousef
Published: May 2023

Genetic variability in a crop population is essential for successful plant breeding. Fifteen cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.) genotypes were evaluated in the greenhouse under the warm condition to estimate the magnitude of their genetic variability and heritability as also morphological and pomological characteristics for three years. Genotypes were also classified into five groups based on the performance and determination of the highest discriminating trait that accounted for more significant variability using cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). The measured characteristics were cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus and fungal severity, off-type plant, vine, internode, leaf, petiole, fruit and fruit trail length, leaf width, male flower percentage, fruit color and groove, fruit diameter, fruit fresh weight, fruit dry matter and ash percentage, fruit pH, EC and TSS, fruit yield, and total fruit number. The IR4 and IR5 genotypes showed the highest fruit yield (460.85 and 425.86 kg/plot) and number (108.72 and 84.22 fruit/plant). IR11 had the highest fruit length of 16.60 cm. High broad-sense heritability was associated with all the traits except for cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus and fungal severity, fruit pH, and total fruit yield. Cluster analysis and its comparison of means showed that IR4 and IR5 from the fifth cluster expressed the best agronomic traits and yield potentials in the warm condition. Hence, selection for any trait would favor genotypes in these clusters. The PCA involved fruit dry matter and TSS as the most discriminating trait that accounted for more significant cucumber variability, which should be considered in cucumber improvement programs.
RSL3 combined with cisplatin induces ferroptosis in cisplatin-resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Hao , Lin Wenchao , Qian Yechun , He Shifang
Published: May 2023

Background: To investigate whether RAS-selective lethal 3 (RSL3) combined with cisplatin can induce ferroptosis in cisplatin (DDP) resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells.Methods: The sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines HNE-1, CEN2Z, HONE-1 and cisplatin-resistant strain HNE-1/DDP to DDP and RAS was detected by CCK-8 method. After combined treatment of RSL3 and DDP, CCK-8 method was used. Changes of HNE-1/DDP cell activity, cell death and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by flow cytometry, cellular Fe2+and MDA levels were detected by Fe2+and malondialdehyde (MDA) kits, proteins linked to ferroptosis.Results: The sensitivity of HNE-1/DDP to DDP was much lower than that of normal HNE-1 cell line, and the IC50 of RAS was as high as (45.89±6.89) μmol/L. Flow cytometry results showed that when HNE-1/DDP was treated with RSL3 or DDP alone, the mortality rate did not exceed 30%, and the increase in ROS level did not exceed 15%. RSL3 combined with DDP could increase the cell death rate of HNE-1/DDP to 89.69% ± 9.48% and the ROS level to 18.72% ± 3.05%. Combined treatment raised intracellular Fe2+and MDA levels, reduced the expression of the ferroptosis-related protein glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and reversed RSL3 combination by the ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1. DDP-induced death of cell inhibited the increase of ROS, Fe2+and MDA levels.Conclusions: RSL3 combined with DDP can induce ferroptosis in cisplatin-resistant strain HNE-1/DDP.
Data-Driven Transcriptional Markers for Classifying Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Sepsis in Adult Patients
Authors: Irani-Shemirani Mahnaz
Published: May 2023

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition, is mainly caused by gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Differentiating between these types of sepsis is vital for appropriate treatment. Our study employed machine learning techniques and bioinformatics to identify a gene set that distinguishes E. coli-induced and S. aureus-induced sepsis in adult patients. Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and logistic regression, we identified a set of 25 genes that achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96 and 0.98 for E. coli and S. aureus sepsis, respectively. These genes exhibited an AUC of 0.75 for differentiating between the two types of sepsis. Internal validation highlighted significant expression differences in three genes (EIF1AY, APOBEC3B, and GUSBP3) between E. coli and S. aureus sepsis patients. After excluding these genes, the model achieved an AUC of 0.89 in distinguishing between the two types. Model stability was maintained through upsampling yielding perfect AUC scores of 1. Gene Ontology and pathway analysis revealed both common and distinct pathways between the pathogens. Our study identified 25-genes that differentiate E. coli and S. aureus sepsis in adults, however, further research is necessary to confirm their reliability in larger patient populations. Leveraging machine learning and bioinformatics in sepsis diagnosis and treatment can lead to improved patient outcomes.
miR-664a-5p promotes experimental membranous nephropathy progression through HIPK2/Calpain1/GSα-mediated autophagy inhibition
Authors: Shan Zhiming , Zhuang Zhenchao , Ren Peiyao , Zhao Li , Zheng Danna , Chen Wei , Jin Juan
Published: May 2023

[Background] We previously found that miR-664a-5p is specifically expressed in urinary exosomes of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients, but its function and mechanism in MN progression are unclear. [Objective] To investigate the function and mechanism of miR-664a-5p in MN. [Methods] The miR-664a-5p expression in HK-2 cells, exosomes, human podocytes and renal tissues were studied, as well as the activity and apoptosis of these cells, the binding of miR-664a-5p to HIPK2 mRNA, the levels of several relative proteins and autophagy, several relative characteristics of exosomes. The MN progression in MN mice model was also studied. [Results] Albumin increased the miR-664a-5p content and apoptosis of HK-2 cells, which was blocked by miR-664a-5p antagomir. miR-664a-5p bound to the 3’ UTR of HIPK2 mRNA and reduced its expression. miR-664a-5p antagomir restored albumin-mediated Calpain1 up-regulation, GSα shear and autophagy decline. Autophagy inhibitor CQ blocked the protective effect of miR-664a-5p antagomir, HIPK2 overexpression, and Calpain inhibitor SJA6017 on albumin-mediated injury. The miR-664a-5p level increased in exosomes from albumin-treated HK-2 cells, and it could be horizontally transported to podocytes through exosomes. In MN mice, exosomes from albumin-treated HK-2 cells promoted the pathological MN symptoms, and AAV-Anti-miR-664-5p (mouse homology miRNA) could improve them. [Conclusion] Albumin increases the miR-664a-5p level and causes changes in the HIPK2/Calpain1/GSα pathway, which leads to autophagy inhibition and apoptosis up-regulation of renal tubular epithelial cells. miR-664a-5p can horizontally enter podocytes through exosomes. Targeted inhibition of miR-664a-5p can reduce the apoptosis of renal tubule cells and podocytes, and may improve the MN progression.
Volumetric and dielectric properties in liquid phase of dimethyl ether - ethanol at (293.2 - 313.2) K and 1.00 MPa
Authors: Hoshina Taka-aki , Sato Kazunori , Okada Masaki , Tsuji Tomoya , Hiaki Toshihiko
Published: May 2023

Density and dielectric spectra were investigated in liquid phase of dimethyl ether (DME) – ethanol by an oscillating U-tube densimeter and a complex dielectric spectrometer under 1.00 MPa. The density was measured at 303.15 and 313.15 K, and converted to the excess molar volume. The excess molar volumes were no smaller than − 0.880 and − 0.909 cm3 mol–1 at 303.15 and 313.15 K, respectively. The mole fraction dependence can be correlated with Redlich-Kister equation, whose minimum was found around 0.58 for the mole fraction of DME. The dielectric constant and the dielectric relaxation time were evaluated form the complex dielectric spectra in the frequency range from 0.5 to 18 GHz at (293.2–313.2) K and 1.00 MPa. The dielectric constants and the relaxation time were decreased with the mole fraction of DME, and the latter tended to be around 25 ps in the range of mole fraction higher than 0.6. The logarithmic dielectric constants can be correlated with a similar function to Hildebrand equation with the volume fraction. The effective Kirkwood g-factor was evaluated at 293.2–313.2 K and 1.00 MPa. The g-factors were given by two liner functions crossed around 0.6 for the mole fraction of DME. Considering an atomic composition (C2H6O), the molecular sizes are not so different for DME and ethanol. Then, the solution structure was thought to be microscopically changed around 0.6 for the mole fraction of DME. The mole fraction will be utilized to switch the solubility for an extraction of amphipathic compounds.
Tricuspid Regurgitation Velocity/ Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TRV/TAPSE) ratio as an indicator of disease severity and prognosis in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension.
Authors: Topyła-Putowska Weronika , Tomaszewski Michał , Wojtkowska Agnieszka , Styczeń Agnieszka , Wysokiński Andrzej
Published: May 2023

Background: Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) are two echocardiographic parameters with prognostic value in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). When analyzed concurrently as TRV/TAPSE ratio, they allow the ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling (RVPAC) to be assessed. This could better predict the disease severity in patients with PH.
Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the TRV/TAPSE ratio echocardiographic parameter in adults with precapillary PH.
Methods: The study included 39 patients (74% women; average age, 63 years) with precapillary PH: pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH). The mean follow-up period was 16,6 ±13,3 months. Twelve patients (31%) died during observation time. We measured TAPSE as a surrogate of RV contractility and TRV reflecting RV afterload, while ventricular–arterial coupling was evaluated by the ratio between these two parameters (TRV/TAPSE). To assess disease progression and the patient's functional capacity, World Health Organization functional class (WHO FC) was determined. Patient physical capacity was also evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The analysis included values of N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which were taken routinely during the follow-up visit.
Results: The mean calculated TRV/TAPSE ratio was 0.26 ± 0.08 m/s/mm. On comparison of the TRV/TAPSE ratio to the disease prognostic indicators, we observed statistically significant correlation between TRV/TAPSE and the results of WHO FC, 6MWT and NT-proBNP. TRV/TAPSE ratio is thus a good predictor of mortality in PH patients (AUC, 0.781). Patients with a TRV/TAPSE ratio > 0.30 m/s/mm had a shorter survival time with log-rank test p< 0.0001. Additionally, ROC analysis revealed higher AUC for TRV/TAPSE than for TAPSE and TRV alone.
Conclusions: TRV/TAPSE is a promising practicable echocardiographic parameter reflecting RVPAC. Moreover, TRV/TAPSE could be viable risk stratification parameter and could have prognostic value in patients with PH.
Development Trends of Immune Activation during HIV Infection in Recent Three Decades: A Bibliometric Analysis based on CiteSpace
Authors: Gong Kang , Lai Yu
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to evaluate and pinpoint the status, hot areas, and frontiers of immune activation during HIV infection utilizing CiteSpace. From 1990 to 2022, we searched for studies on immune activation during HIV infection in the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace was used to visually analyze the publications to identify the research status and pertinent research hotspots and frontiers in terms of the countries, institutions, authors, references, journals, and keywords. The Web of Science Core Collection yielded 5321 articles on immune activation during HIV infection. With 2854 and 364 articles, the United States and the University of California, San Francisco were the leading nation and institution in this domain. Steven G. Deeks has published 95 papers and is the most published author. The top cited articles on microbial translocation as a significant factor during HIV infection were published by Brenchley et al. Research on molecular/biology/genetics is often referenced in publications in the journals of molecular/biology/immunology. Inflammation, risk, mortality, cardiovascular disease, persistence, and biomarkers will be high-frequency words that are hot topics of research. According to the results, there was a strong collaboration between countries and organizations but little collaboration among authors. Molecular biology, immunology, and medicine are the main study subjects. The current hot topics in research are inflammation, risk, mortality, cardiovascular disease, persistence, and biomarkers. Future studies should concentrate on reducing the pathological changes caused by inflammation and altering the mechanisms of immune activation to reduce the size of the viral reservoir.
The Impact of Satellite Communications on Environmental Hazard Control: Tool for the Realization of AU Agenda 2063 Aspirations
Authors: Nkordeh Nsikan , Awomoyi Morayo
Published: May 2023

Africa is a developing economy and as such, emphasis has been placed on the achievement of revolutionary goals that will place her on a similar rank as the developed economies. Pertaining to this objective, Heads of States and government all over Africa instigated the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, which is a framework put in place to achieve a continental transformation over the next 40 years. The use of satellites has been proven a major influencer of economic growth since it facilitates the exchange of information. Environmental hazards such as climate changes, pollution, and inefficient waste management can be classified as one of the drawbacks to achieving this economic growth we hope to accomplish. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and examine satellite communication as a tool for the attainment of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa by means of combatting environmental hazards in the continent.
Observed Heatwaves Characteristics and Variability over Saudi Arabia
Authors: Syed F.S. , Al-Azemi M.A. , Zamreeq A. , Islam M. Nazrul , Ghulam A.
Published: May 2023

Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, which can have significant impacts on human health, agriculture, and the environment. Climate change has been linked to an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves. As the global average temperature rises, heatwaves are becoming more common and more severe. The Arabian Peninsula is warming at a faster rate as compared to the globe in the recent decades. In this paper the mild, moderate, severe, and extreme heatwaves defined by 85th, 90th, 95th and 99th percentile respectively are analyzed over Saudi Arabia using historical daily maximum and minimum temperature observations for the period 1985–2021. The large number of mild heatwaves are observed all over Saudi Arabia while extreme heatwaves are dominant in the northwestern region. Moderate and severe heatwaves are observed less in both the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coastal regions. The heatwaves are intense in the northern and central areas as compared to other regions of the country. Heatwaves frequency, intensity and length in Saudi Arabia are in increasing trends, along with the increase in the heatwaves season length. The heatwaves frequency and intensity are observed large during the ENSO La Nina and neutral phases along with NAO negative phase as well as IOD negative and neutral phases. However, further investigation is required to see the occurrence of heatwaves in different climate zones over Saudi Arabia at various seasons and their teleconnection to largescale circulations.
Internal Migration and the Effective Price of State and Local Taxes
Authors: Drukker Austin J.
Published: May 2023

This paper examines the mobility response of high-income households in the United States to a provision in a 2017 tax law that limited the federal deductibility of state and local taxes. The increase in the effective price of state and local taxes induced by the cap on deductibility caused high-income households to leave high-tax states in favor of low-tax states and to prefer low-tax states to high-tax states conditional on moving. The findings suggest that policymakers should take seriously the prospect that high-income taxpayers may flee states that tax them heavily, which could have long-lasting implications for states’ fiscal positions.
JEL Codes: H24, H31, H71, H73
A Novel Six-Wing Chaotic System with Line Equilibrium and its Application in Image Encryption
Authors: Li Ping , Xia Lei , Fan Yigang , Qian Jin
Published: May 2023

This brief introduces a novel chaotic system with line equilibrium, which has six wings. The dynamic properties of the system, including chaos, period-doubling bifurcation, and coexisting attractors have been verified by analysis tools such as phase diagram, bifurcation diagram, Poincare map and Lyapunov exponents (LEs). Different kinds of attractors are obtained by controlling one parameter. Especially, offset boosting control and sensitivity to initial values are discovered. In addition, two positive LEs are observed when a parameter is fixed. Emulated by Multisim, the consistency of analog circuit and numerical simulation confirms the feasibility of the theoretical model of the new system. The proposed system is applied to image encryption based on classical algorithm, it is histogram, adjacent pixel correlation, attack resistance, and information entropy can be verified, and the experimental results show that the new system is very sensitive to key and plaintext and can effectively resist statistical and differential attacks.