bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barley root exudates collection and primary metabolite profiling
Authors: Escudero-Martinez Carmen , Foito Alexandre , Kapadia Rumana , Aprile Alessio , Bulgarelli Davide
Published: June 2022

Plant exudates are one of the main drivers for the proliferation of the rhizosphere microbiota. We developed a protocol to quantify primary metabolites in exudates of the global crop barley. We used 2- and 3-week-old barley plants grown in sterilised sand and their root exudates were collected for 6 hours in ddH2O water to avoid degradation/transformation of the compounds. These samples were used to determine total carbon and total nitrogen by Dumas. Finally, we profiled primary metabolites in collected exudates by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
A systematic review on the global burden of human monkeypox: epidemiology and implications for outbreaks
Authors: Bhattacharjee Priyadarshini , Sinha Ankit , Prosad Ipshita
Published: June 2022

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis having symptomatology that is likened to those observed in smallpox patients. More than 120 confirmed or suspected cases of monkeypox have been reported in at least 11 non-African countries in the past week. The emergence of the virus in separate populations across the world where it doesn’t usually appear has alarmed scientists and sent them racing for answers.The disease is clinically lesser in severity than smallpox, but still has a mortality rate of about 10%. Since the eradication of smallpox and cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox is currently the most relevant orthopoxvirus in humans, especially in 2022. Monkeypox occurs mostly in Central and West Africa, but small outbreaks have also been observed in e.g. the US in 2003. A new third-generation vaccine has been approved to prevent this disease.
Using MetaboAnalyst 5.0 Part I: Optimizing parameters for LC-HRMS spectra processing
Authors: Pang Zhiqiang , Zhou Guangyan , Ewald Jessica , Chang Le , Hacariz Orcun , Basu Niladri , Xia Jianguo
Published: June 2022

Liquid-chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) has become a workhorse in global metabolomics studies with growing applications across biomedical and environmental sciences. However, outstanding bioinformatics challenges in terms of data processing, statistical analysis and functional interpretation remain critical barriers to the wider adoption of this technology. To help the user community overcome these barriers, we have made major updates to the well-established MetaboAnalyst platform (www.metaboanalyst.ca). This protocol is part one of four and provides stepwise instructions on how to use MetaboAnalyst to optimize parameters for LC-HRMS spectra processing. It may take ~2 hours to complete depending on the server load.
Using MetaboAnalyst 5.0 Part III: Multi-omics integration
Authors: Pang Zhiqiang , Zhou Guangyan , Ewald Jessica , Chang Le , Hacariz Orcun , Basu Niladri , Xia Jianguo
Published: June 2022

Liquid-chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) has become a workhorse in global metabolomics studies with growing applications across biomedical and environmental sciences. However, outstanding bioinformatics challenges in terms of data processing, statistical analysis and functional interpretation remain critical barriers to the wider adoption of this technology. To help the user community overcome these barriers, we have made major updates to the well-established MetaboAnalyst platform (www.metaboanalyst.ca). This protocol is part three of four and provides stepwise instructions on how to use MetaboAnalyst to integrate metabolomics data with transcriptomics data or to combine multiple metabolomics datasets.
The global publication trend and research development of nerve block: A visualisation analysis between 1997 and 2021
Authors: Dong Xiang , Zhao Pengcheng , Zhao Hui , Liu Jinxing , Chen Jie
Published: June 2022

Background: Nerve block is a clinical technique for relieving pain during surgery as well as for postoperative analgesia and chronic pain. Here, we analysed the trends in nerve block research and compared the contributions from different countries, institutions, journals, and authors. Methods: We extracted all studies concerning nerve block published between 1997 and 2021 from the Web of Science database. Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer were used to collect publication data, analyse publication trends, and visualize relevant results. Results: A total of 6,437 publications with 111,612 citations were identified between 1997 and 2021. The United States contributed the greatest number of publications (2010), whereas China ranked second (518). Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine had published the most papers concerning nerve block. Harvard University and Mariano ER were the most productive institution and author, respectively, in the field. Keywords were categorized into five clusters: the association between nerve block and anaesthesia or analgesia, local anaesthetic drugs for nerve block, nerve block techniques, nerve block for postoperative analgesia, and nerve block for oral local anaesthesia. Management-related research was a heavily researched topic in the field. Conclusions: We concluded that the United States contributed the most studies, and developing countries, led by China, are also encouraging study in this area. The exploration of new drugs in the fields of nerve block, multi-modal analgesia after surgery, treatment of chronic pain, analgesia for thoracic and abdominal surgeries, and analgesic interventions in oral therapy are a potential focus for future research.
Construction of a risk prediction model as an Independent Disease-Free Prognostic Indicator in Seminoma by Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Yu DI , Chunfa CHEN , Zhifeng YI
Published: June 2022

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) are significant in directing different genes’ expression and their phenotype in different types of cancers. On the other hand, the function of m6A in seminomatous germ cell tumors (SGCT) is still unexplored. Our research attempts to demonstrate the disease-free prognosis value of m6A RNA methylation regulators in SGCT. The gene expression and accompanying clinical data of 65 SGCT tissues and 85 NSGCT tissues retrieved from the TCGA database were analyzed. The landscape of m6A RNA methylation regulators in SGCT was displayed. All SGCT patients were grouped into two clusters by consensus clustering of m6A RNA methylation regulators, and the clusters were connected to the disease-free prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics of SGCT(p = 0.015). Furthermore, the risk score(1.52YTHDC1 + 2.22HNRNPC-2.735WTAP) model was obtained and constructed by the univariate Cox regression analysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression. The risk score was interrelated with stage status and laterality status of SGCT. Under the same conditions, the right side may have a higher risk score than the left one. More significantly, the risk score can serve as an self-supporting disease-free prognostic marker for SGCT patients. Therefore, m6A RNA methylation regulators also played an important role of SGCT in its disease-free survival prognosis.
Safety and efficacy in pediatric secondary intraocular lens implantation, in-the-bag versus sulcus fixation: a multicenter, single-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zou Yingshi , Jin Ling , Qu Bo , Chen Hui , Zeng Mingbing , Li Xia , Liu Xinhua , Luo LIxia , Liu Zhenzhen , Liu Yizhi
Published: June 2022

Background: Treatment of pediatric cataract remains challenging because of extremely high incidence of postoperative adverse events (AEs), especially, the AEs related to the locations of secondary implanted intraocular lens (IOL). There are two common locations for secondary IOL implantation in pediatric aphakic eyes: ciliary sulcus or in-the-bag implantation. However, there are currently no large, prospective, studies comparing complication rates and visual prognosis of in-the-bag versus ciliary-sulcus secondary IOL implantation in pediatric patients. Whether or how much secondary in-the-bag IOL implantation benefits the pediatric patients more than sulcus implantation and deserves to be performed routinely by surgeons remain to be elucidated. Here we describe the protocol of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two approaches of IOL implantation in pediatric aphakia. Methods: The study is a multicenter, single-blinded RCT. Overall, a minimum of 284 eyes (approximately 228 participants assuming 75% have two study eyes) will be recruited. This study will be carried out in four eye clinics across China. Consecutive eligible patients are randomized to undergo either: secondary in-the-bag IOL fixation or secondary sulcus IOL fixation. Participants with two eyes eligible will receive the same treatment. The primary outcome is the incidence of glaucoma-related AEs by 1-year postoperatively. The secondary outcomes include incidence of other AEs, IOL decentration and tilt, visual acuity and ocular refractive power. Analysis of the primary and secondary outcomes is to be based on the intention­to­treat principle. Statistical analyses will includeχ 2 test or Fisher’s exact test for the primary outcome; Mixed model and GEE (Generalized estimated equation) model for the secondary outcome; Kaplan-Meier survival curves for the cumulative probability of glaucoma-related AEs over time in each group. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first RCT to evaluate the safety and efficacy of secondary IOL implantation in pediatric aphakia. The results will provide high-quality evidence for the clinical guidelines of the treatment of pediatric aphakia. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05136950. Registered on 1 November 2021
Effects of an early multidisciplinary intervention on sickness absence in patients with persistent low back pain - a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fisker Annette , Langberg Henning , Petersen Tom , Mortensen Ole Steen
Published: June 2022

BackgroundMultidisciplinary rehabilitation is recommended to reduce sickness absence and disability in patients with subacute or chronic LBP. This RCT aimed to investigate whether a 12-week coordinated work oriented multidisciplinary rehabilitation intervention was effective on return to work and number of days off work during one-year follow-up when compared to usual care. MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled trial comparing a 12-week multidisciplinary vocational rehabilitation program with usual treatment. 770 patients with LBP, who were sick-listed, or at risk of being sick-listed were included in the study. The primary outcome was number of days off work due to LBP. The secondary outcomes were disability, health-related quality of life, pain, psychological distress and fear avoidance behavior.Data were collected at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at 6- and 12-months follow-up. Analyses were carried out according to the “intention-to-treat” principles.Results A significant decrease in the number of days off work was found in both groups at the end of treatment and at 6- and 12-months follow-up. Additionally, disability, pain, health related quality of life, psychological distress, and fear avoidance beliefs improved in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups on any of the outcomes.Conclusions The coordinated multidisciplinary intervention had no additional effect on sickness absence, disability, pain, or health related quality of life as compared with that of usual care. Trial registrationThis study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (registration ID: NCT01690234). The study was approved by The Danish Regional Ethics Committee (file no: H-C-2008-112) as well as registered at and approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency.
Antimicrobial Activities of Secondary Metabolites from Airborne Cladosporium Species Isolated in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Abdulrahman Mohammed S. , Mansy Moselhy S. , Mekawey Amal A. I. , hefny Hamido M. , Amin Basma H.
Published: June 2022

Background
The antibiotic resistance of bacterial pathogens has become a serious health concern and encourages the search for novel and efficient antimicrobial metabolites. There has been a tremendous increase in interest in screening plants and fungi as a source for compounds with antimicrobial activities.
Objectives
This current study aimed to determine the possible antimicrobial activity of secondary metabolites of the Cladosporium species against some bacteria (Gram positive and Gram negative) and fungi.
Method
in the current work, Cladosporium were isolated from air in Cairo by using settle plate method. The samples were purified and identified by using macroscopical and microscopical methods, with the aid of biochemical reactions. Antimicrobial activity was performed by using agar well diffusion method. Those with antimicrobial activity subjected to submerged fermentation and metabolites were extracted using ethyl acetate. Extracts are separated by Chromatographic methods, nature of active metabolites was identified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diaiod Array Aided Detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis. The mechanism of antimicrobial activity then investigated by Scan Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron (TEM) Microscopy.
Results
the current investigation revealed that 5.6% of Cladosporium extracts showed marked antimicrobial activity specially that from C. cladosporioides, C. herbarum and C. cladosporioides species, in addition, by using HPLC-DAD technique revealed the presence of compounds which may be responsible for the antimicrobial activities they elicit, including acropyrone, nigricinol, cladosporin, coumarin, citreoisocoumarin and questinol as major components may be responsible for antimicrobial activity. Scan electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the effect of these compounds on outer surface of tested microorganism.
Conclusion
Cladosporium species could be a promising source of antimicrobial compounds with pharmaceutical and industrial importance.
Teaching Behaviors in Dynamic Geometry Environment: An Investigation of Nine Chinese Mathematics Lessons in The Prospective of Instrumental Orchestration
Authors: ZHU Fangchun , Binyan Xu
Published: June 2022

This paper focuses on how Chinese mathematics teachers integrate dynamic geometry software in lessons. Instrumental Orchestration (IO) lens and its categorization are used to analyze 9 Chinese mathematics lessons. As a result, it shows that most orchestration types can be identified in this study with some different characteristics observed. And a more classic way is identified for Chinese teachers to use DGS which indicates DGS is assimilated into the current teaching process. Teachers more use dragging mode to show the initial and final state of the figures. We also re-organize IO types and divided explain-the-screen into T-explain-the-screen and S-explain-the-screen based on who can be the explainer. This indicates that these teachers try to change their teaching process from lecturing to facilitating student’s learning.
The Effect of Gross Domestic Product, Urbanization, Trade Openness, Financial Development and Renewable energy on CO2 Emission
Authors: Suhrab Muhammad , Soomro Jahangeer Ahmed , Ullah Saif , Chavara Javeed
Published: June 2022

Pakistan is among those countries where the standards for environmentally friendly energy sources haven't complied as they should be. This investigation aims that CO2 emission is a dilemma for the modern world. It harms the climate and other aspects like the ozone layer, so we've incorporated certain variables to figure a way to reduce CO2 emissions. Data collection: The analysis was performed on E-views, and the World Bank's website has been used for data extraction. The data incorporated was from the year 1985 till 2018. Different statistical tools were applied in this research to overcome biases in data results further all such methods were applied which have common reliability on their results, the stationary test applied to check the level of stationary and results are satisfied on leg II of the stationary test, another most common used method regression applied and results of the regression are also satisfied with the hypothesis of the study, cointegration results found long term relation among variables and granger causality applied for cause and effects measurement. Findings: the results of the study revealed that Renewable Energy has a significant and negative effect on Carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time, Gross Domestic Product (growth) builds an insignificant and negative relationship with Carbon dioxide emissions. Meanwhile, the Financial Development (private sector), Trade Openness, and Urban Population have a significant and positive relation with Carbon Dioxide. Originality/value: This research contains an insight for the government officials that reveals what the CO2 emission is derived from and how it could be reduced. The recommendations have been provided for consideration as well.
Sustainable greenhouse production with transparent radiative cooling film
Authors: Wang Ruzhu , Zou Hao , Wang Chenxi , Yu Jiaqi , Huang Danfeng , Yang Ronggui
Published: June 2022

Temperature needs to be regulated properly for greenhouse production. Herein a cost-effective and easy-to-use transparent radiative cooling (T-RC) film is used as the covering material for greenhouse to reduce heat stress without sacrificing the photosynthesis. With high emissivity in atmospheric window, high transmittance in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and high reflectivity in near infrared spectrum (NIR), the film eliminates heat stress of greenhouses to sustain the crop production with reduced energy consumption. Compared with polyolefin (PO) film, the indoor temperature of greenhouse with the T-RC film is demonstrated to be lowered by 18.6°C without ventilation. In the field greenhouse, the productivity of three main varieties (Chinese cabbage, Pakchoi and Cherry radish) can be accelerated by 23.4%,17.3% and 21.7%, respectively, within 19 days after seeding, along with increase in the soluble sugar and proline (PRO) content of these crops. In addition, modeling study shows that the T-RC film can save cooling water by 64.8% in Venlo-type greenhouse. This study paves a pathway for highly productive greenhouse in summer with high productivity and high crop quality, with both energy saving and water saving.
The effect of kisspeptin on the maturation of human ovarian follicles in culture following vitrification -thawing processes
Authors: Tavakoli Anahita , Azar Ali Tayyebi , Taghizabet Neda , Tazangi Fatemeh Rezaei , Ardebili Shahla Noori , Mofarahe Zahra Shams , Aliakbari Fereshteh , Mehranjani Malek Soleimani
Published: June 2022

Ovarian cryopreservation is one of the effective methods to preserve fertility for cancer patients. Still, some problems have been expressed with this approach, namely ROS, resulting in adverse effects on oocytes and ovarian follicles. Kisspeptin as an antioxidant control ovarian function, directly or indirectly. In this study, the effect of kisspeptin on follicle maturation was evaluated in culture following ovarian cryopreservation. Ovarian tissue samples of women between 20 and 35 years old (n = 12) were collected laparoscopically. Samples were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control, 2) vitrification, 3) vitrified + 1µM kisspeptin, and 4) vitrified + 10µM kisspeptin. After vitrification and thawing processes, the tissues were cultured in DMEM medium for 7 days. H&E staining for histological evaluation, Real-Time PCR for GDF9 and BMP15 gene expression, and immunohistochemical staining for GDF9 and BMP15 protein expression were performed. In the vitrification group, ovarian tissue morphology was incoherent, and more primordial follicles than other follicle types were found. The expression of GDF9 and BMP15 genes and proteins were significantly decreased in this group compared with other groups (p < 0.05). In the vitrification groups with kisspeptin (1 and 10 µM), the number of primary and secondary follicles was more than in the vitrification group. Besides, the expression of these genes and proteins was dramatically elevated in the vitrification groups with kisspeptin compared to the vitrification group (p < 0.05). It seems that kisspeptin is an effective substance to improve the quality of the human ovarian cryopreservation medium by improving the maturity of follicles.
Disinhibition of Rab10 gates AMPAR insertion and spine enlargement during long-term potentiation
Authors: Wang Jie , Nishiyama Jun , Parra-Bueno Paula , Okaz Elwy , Oz Goksu , Liu Xiaodan , Suponitsky-Kroyter Irena , McGraw Timothy , Szatmari Erzsebet , Yasuda Ryohei
Published: June 2022

Rab-dependent membrane trafficking is critical for changing the structure and function of dendritic spines during synaptic plasticity. Here, we developed highly sensitive sensors to monitor Rab protein activity in single dendritic spines undergoing structural long-term potentiation (sLTP) in rodent organotypic hippocampal slices. During sLTP, Rab10 was persistently inactivated (>30 min) in the stimulated spines, whereas Rab4 was transiently activated over ~5 min. Inhibiting or deleting Rab10 enhanced sLTP, electrophysiological LTP and AMPA receptor (AMPAR) insertion during sLTP. In contrast, disrupting Rab4 impaired sLTP only in the first few minutes, and decreased AMPAR insertion during sLTP. Thus, our results suggest that Rab10 and Rab4 oppositely regulate AMPAR trafficking during sLTP, and disinhibition of Rab10 signaling gates the induction of LTP and associated spine structural plasticity.
Targeted delivery of 5-Fluorouracil, miR-532-3p and si-KRAS to colorectal tumor using Layer-by-Layer liposomes
Authors: Shahidi Maryamsadat , Abazari Omid , Dayati Parisa , Haghiralsadat Bibi Fatemeh , Oroojalian Fatemeh , Tofighi Davood
Published: June 2022

Co-delivery of siRNA or miRNA with chemotherapeutic drugs into tumor sites is an attractive synergetic strategy for treating colorectal cancer (CRC) due to their complementary mechanisms. In the current work, a liposome nanoparticle (NP) coated by cationic chitosan (CS) using a controlled layer-by-layer (LbL) process was designed to deliver simultaneous si-KRAS, miRNA-532-3p, and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) into CRC cells. The LbL NPs exhibited a spherical structure with an average size of 165.9 nm and effectively protected si-KRAS and miRNA-532-3p against degradation by serum and nucleases. Interestingly, the LbL NPs were successfully entered into cells and efficiently promoted cytotoxicity and suppressed cancer cell migration and invasion. In vivo, the LbL NPs reduced tumor growth in SW480-tumor-bearing mice models. In conclusion, these results suggested that the LbL NPs co-loaded with 5-FU and miR-532-3p/si-KRAS might provide a promising potential strategy for inhibiting the malignant phenotypes of CRC cells.
Modeling runoff-sediment influx responses to alternative BMP interventions in the Gojeb catchment, Ethiopia, using the SWAT hydrological model
Authors: Tesfaye Yilikal Anteneh , Alamirew Tena , Zeleke Gete , Kassawmar Tibebu
Published: June 2022

A calibrated 33-year evaluation using the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was conducted in Gojeb catchment to evaluate hydrological processes, sediment yield with downstream loading to Gibe III dam, and hotspot areas for erosion. Best management practices (BMPs) were run through the model to simulate the effects of catchment intervention scenarios on sediment yield and runoff. Simulation results of BMP intervention were compared with the reference and worst-case scenarios. The simulation of sediment production indicates a clear growing trend. Temporally, the maximum amount of sediment transported out of the catchment is experiential from June to September, and the minimum is in February. A plainly defined similar orientation is observed between precipitation, surface runoff and sediment load in the landscape. Spatially, the maximum sediment transported out of the catchment is from agricultural landscape units with a slope of over 50%, annual precipitation above 1,592 mm, and surface runoff over 151 mm. This signifies that the catchment is under serious threat from erosion due to vegetation loss, steep slope farming and high surface runoff. Thus, Gibe III could see a loss of storage capacity due to higher-than-expected sedimentation resulting from worsening environmental degradation, which implies that, the beneficial uses that depend on this dam – electricity production, regulated irrigation water supply and flood control – will decline with significant economic losses. Despite that, selected sustainable land management interventions and the application of BMPs to critical erosion-prone hotspot areas can support the overall reduction in total sediment yield and surface runoff.
Spatial distribution and influencing factors of China’s household biogas: Evidence from provincial-level data
Authors: Liang Zhenghao , Lan Chaojie , Jin Xin , Zhai Pengfei , Zhao Yan , Cai Jinwen , Li Shoupeng , Yang Shuyun , Li Changjiang , Li Changzhen
Published: June 2022

Household biogas, a kind of clean energy, has drawn attention from scholars. To deal with the adjustment of the Chinese agricultural industry and to promote the better development of Chinese household biogas, this article summarizes and analyses the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of the type and number of biogas digesters, biogas production, the biogas fermentation material, and the methods of fermentation residue utilization and ecological agriculture with household biogas in the Chinese household biogas industry by compiling dataset covering 31 provinces. The results show that hydraulic biogas digesters are mainly distributed in northwestern and northeastern China; in addition, continuously stirred biogas digesters and bottom-discharging biogas digesters are mainly distributed in southern and northern China, respectively. Biogas slurry and residue are widely used as fertilizers and feed; furthermore, biogas slurry is also used for seed soaking in northeastern and southern China. The “Three-in-one” and “Four-in-one” biogas ecological models are mostly used in southern and northern China, respectively, and both of them are mainly affected by temperature. Our findings are critical for China's government to formulate appropriate policies and adopt effective measures for promoting the development of cleaner energy and layout of the agricultural industry.
Trizma as an Eco-Friendly Efficient Inhibitor For the Acidic corrosion of Steel : Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Abd-El-Nabey B. A. , El-Housseiny S. , Abd-El-Fatah M. A.
Published: June 2022

The corrosion inhibition of steel by Trizma in 1.0 M HCl was investigated chemical and electrochemical techniques. The results showed that an eco-friendly Trizma act as mixed type inhibitor and gives efficiently 93.7% percent inhibition. The XRD and SEM results obtained that the surface of the steel contains Trizma molecules. Flory–Huggins isotherm, and the Kinetic–thermodynamic model are applicable and showed that the adsorption process of Trizma on the steel surface is cooperative (Chemical-Physical). The DFT method were investigated to correlate molecular properties of the studied Trizma with the experimental inhibition efficiency.
Coupled engine and refrigerator Driven in Nonlinear Jaynes-Cummings Model
Authors: Mirmasoudi Forouzan , Ahadpour sodeif
Published: June 2022

With the Nonlinear Jaynes-Cummings model, we have studied heat engine and refrigerator, andresearched the effect of photon numbers, field-atom coupling constant, the nonlinear coupling constantof light field and nonlinear medium on the on processes of the Otto cycle. We discuss whether,and under which conditions, it is possible to realize a heat engine in Nonlinear Jaynes-Cummingsmodel. The enhancements in efficiency engine and refrigerator are explored in detail. We showthat in this setup photon numbers of the bath is a necessary condition to obtain a heat engine andrefrigerator. Our results open up new possibilities for the use of field-atom coupling constant forthe construction and optimization of quantum thermal machines.PACS numbers: 03.67.a, 03.65.Ta, 03.65.Ud.
Comparative prevalence of oral pathogenic bacteria and protozoa in patients with periodontitis in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yu Chun , Huang Jian Ming , Chang Ying-Ying , Yuan Kuo , Lin Wei Chen , Ting Chun Chan
Published: June 2022

Objectives
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by bacteria present in the dental plaque. However, the role of two oral protozoans, Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax, in patients with the periodontal disease remains largely unknown in Taiwan. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of oral microbial infections between the sites with mild gingivitis and chronic periodontitis in patients with periodontitis.
Materials and Methods
We collected 60 dental plaque samples from sites with mild gingivitis (probing depth < 5 mm) and chronic periodontitis (probing depth ≥ 5 mm) from 30 patients at the National Cheng Kung University Hospital. The samples were analyzed via polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis.
Results
Among oral protozoans, E. gingivalis and T. tenax were detected in 44 (74.07%) and 14 (23.33%) of all samples, respectively. Among oral bacteria, P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and T. forsythia were detected in 50 (83.33%), 47 (78.33%), and 48 (80.0%) samples, respectively. Furthermore, the infection rates of T. tenax and T. forsythia were significantly different between the sites with mild gingivitis and chronic periodontitis.
Conclusions
This study, which is the first to analyze E. gingivalis and T. tenax presence among patients with periodontitis in Taiwan, revealed an association between periodontitis and oral microbes.
Clinical Relevance:
Compared with the different sites with mild gingivitis and chronic periodontitis, chronic is more likely to also have the infection rates of T. tenax and T. forsythia. These oral protozoans and bacteria may be the reason for chronic periodontitis in Taiwan.
The Study on the Expression Level of PARP-1 in Glioma and Computational Screening of PARP-1 Inhibitors
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Zhenhua , Xi Jianxin , Lu Han , Du Zhishan , Zhong Sheng
Published: June 2022

Gliomas are the most common primary intracranial malignancies. Current standard treatments include surgical resection, supplemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but the prognosis is poor. PARP-1 (Poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1) inhibitors have become a hotspot in cancer treatment by affecting DNA damage repair pathways, such as metastatic breast cancer, advanced prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer. Recently, a study found that the expression level of PARP-1 in glioma cell lines was significantly increased; and PARP-1 inhibitor significantly suppressed the proliferation of glioma cells and aggravated the DNA damage effect of temozolomide(1). Therefore, PARP-1 is expected to become a therapeutic target of molecular targeted therapy for glioma and a sensitizer for radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, the expression level of PARP-1 is expected to become an evaluation indicator for the prognosis of patients. Firstly, we downloaded RNA-seq data from 416 glioma samples from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database and divided them into PARP1_H and PARP1_L, according to the expression level of PARP-1. The overall prognosis of PARP1_L patients was better than that of PARP1_H. The effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in PARP1_L was better. Results also showed that the expression level of 278 genes of DNA damage repair in PARP1_H is higher than that in PARP1_L. Next, LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) Cox analysis was carried out for genes of DNA-repair proteins differentially expressed between PARP1_H and PARP1_L patients. According to the developed four-gene DPS (DNA-repair prognostic signature), glioma patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. Then, we developed a new nomogram to assess overall survival in glioma patients. Furthermore, to search for more effective PARP-1 inhibitors with fewer side effects, we used a series of computer-aided techniques such as Discovery Studio 4.5, Schrodinger and PyMol for screening and evaluation. Finally, ZINC000014951634 and ZINC000053057130 proved to be favorable PARP-1 inhibitors by analyzing pharmacological and toxicological properties, ligand-protein complex affinity, and stability. In conclusion, this study investigated the effect of PARP-1 expression on prognosis and the sensitization effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in glioma and further screened PARP-1 targeted inhibitors to improve the prognosis of glioma patients.
Overnight dynamics in scale-free and oscillatory spectral parameters of NREM sleep EEG: can polysomnography provide an insight into sleep regulation?
Authors: Horváth Csenge G. , Szalárdy Orsolya , Ujma Péter P. , Simor Péter , Gombos Ferenc , Kovács Ilona , Dresler Martin , Bódizs Róbert
Published: June 2022

Sleep is an inherent feature of human neurobehavioral functioning. However, clinical and research practices largely rely on consensual criteria of sleep-wake characterization. In turn, quantitative EEG measures were shown to be largely redundant and non-standardizable. We aim to transcend this issue by relying on the parametrization of NREM sleep EEG based on the power law scaling of the Fourier spectra (scale-free and oscillatory measures). We hypothesize that spectral slopes are characterized by sufficient convergent and criterion validity in order to be considered as alternative and more standardizable measures of sleep intensity, whereas spectral peak frequencies reveal a U-shaped overnight distribution indicating putative circadian influences. Findings indicate that spectral slopes flatten over successive sleep cycles, reproduce known age and region-effects, correlating reliably with slow wave activity (SWA). Furthermore, its interindividual variability was proven to be less than of SWA. Frequency of the largest peak was shown to roughly correspond to spindle frequency as the known age, sex, and regional effects were evident. Besides, the peak frequencies in the frontopolar region were compatible with an assumed circadian modulation. In conclusion, the appropriate parameterization of the NREM sleep EEG Fourier spectra reliably reflects processes proposed in the two-process model of sleep regulation.
Effect of Oxalic Acid Concentration and Different Mechanical Pre-treatments on the Production of Cellulose Micro/nanofibers
Authors: Bastida Gabriela Adriana , Schnell Carla Natalí , Mocchiutti Paulina , Solier Yamil Nahún , Inalbon María Cristina , Zanuttini Miguel Ángel , Galván María Verónica
Published: June 2022

The present work analyzes the production and characterization of cellulose micro/nanofibers (CMNFs) obtained from different treatments. A chemical pre-treatment was performed using oxalic acid at 25 wt.% and 50 wt.%. Besides, a rotary homogenizer or a PFI mill refiner were used for mechanical pretreatments. Then, mechanical fibrillation to obtain CMNFs was performed by pressurized homogenization for 5 and 15 passes. The carboxylation of cellulose by the chemical pre-treatment was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and the increase in the carboxylic acid group content was determined by conductometric titration of CMNFs. The best results of nanofibrillation yield (76.5%), transmittance (72.1%) and surface charges (71.0 µeq/g CMNF) were obtained using the PFI mill refiner, 50 wt.% oxalic acid and 15 passes. The highest aspect ratio (length/diameter) determined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was found using the PFI mill refiner and 25 wt.% oxalic acid treatment, and no significant differences were observed by increasing the number of passes. The aspect ratio was related to the sedimentation and the intrinsic viscosity of the CNMF dilute suspension. The aspect ratio values obtained by sedimentation agree with those of TEM. Moreover, a strong relationship between the intrinsic viscosity [η] of the CMNF dispersions and their aspect ratio (p) was found (ρ[η] = 0.014 p2.3, R2 = 0.99). Finally, the tensile strength of films obtained from CMNF suspensions was more influenced by the amount of CMNF fraction than the aspect ratio.
Early evaluation of waist-to-height ratio for the prediction of severity of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wang Zhiyang , Xu Yao , Huang Deqiang , Yang Kaijie , Zhou Mengting , Peng Jianxiang , Luo Lingyu
Published: June 2022

Background
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and the severity of disease in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).
Methods
This prospective study included AP patients treated from May 2019 to December 2019 in the Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine the optimal threshold values for predicting AP severity. Risk factor analysis was performed via logistic regression analysis.
Results
Of 258 patients included in this study 77 (29.8%) were diagnosed with mild AP (MAP), 120 (46.5%) with moderately severe AP (MSAP), and 61 (23.6%) with severe AP (SAP). WHtR, waist circumference, weight, and body mass index were all associated with AP severity, and the highest was under the ROC value was observed for WHtR. The optimal threshold WHtR value for predicting SAP was 0.567. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified WHtR ≥ 0.567 as independent risk factor for SAP. Moreover, the hospital stay was longer and intensive care unit admission rate was higher among AP patients with a WHtR ≥ 0.567.
Conclusion
The waist-to-height ratio was found to be closely related to the severity of AP and an independent risk factor for severe AP. This simple parameter can be used to effectively predict severe AP in an early stage, thereby facilitating early intervention and improving patient outcomes.
The CT delta-radiomics based machine learning approach in evaluating multiple primary lung carcinoma
Authors: Ma Yanqing , Li Jie , Xu Xiren , Zhang Yang , Lin Yi
Published: June 2022

Object:
To evaluate the difference between multiple primary lung carcinoma (MPLC) and solitary primary lung carcinoma (SPLC) by delta-radiomics based machine learning algorithms in CT images.
Methods
A cohort of 1094 patients containing 268 MPLCs and 826 SPLCs were enrolled for radiomic study. After the segmentation of volume of interest, the radiomic features were automatically calculated. The patients were divided into the training set and validation set with a random proportion of 7:3. After the methods of feature selection, the relevant classifiers were constructed by the machine learning algorithms of Bayes, forest, k-nearest neighbor, logistic regression, support vector machine, and decision tree. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was calculated and the classification model with minimal RSD was chosen for delta-radiomics analysis to explore the variation of tumor during follow-up surveillance in the cohort of 225 MPLCs and 320 SPLCs. According to the different follow-up duration, three groups were divided into group A (3–12 months), group B (13–24 months), and group C (25–48 months). Then the corresponding delta-radiomics classifiers were developed to evaluate MPLCs. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was quantified to evaluate the efficiency of the model.
Results
To radiomics analysis, the forest classifier (FC-radio) with the minimal RSD showed the better stability was chosen with AUCs of 0.840 (95%CI, 0.810–0.867) and 0.670 (95%CI, 0.611–0.724) in the training and validation set. The AUCs of the forest classifier based on delta-radiomics (FC-delta) were higher than those of FC-radio. In addition, with the extension of follow-up duration, the performance of FC-delta in Group C were the best with AUCs of 0.998 (95%CI, 0.993-1.000) in the training set and 0.853 (95%CI, 0.752–0.940) in the validation set.
Conclusions
The machine-learning approach based on radiomics and delta-radiomics helped to differentiate SPLCs from MPLCs. The FC-delta with longer follow-up duration better differentiated SPLCs from MPLCs.
Status Quo of Chinese Public Euthanasia Cognition and Willingness—Based on Field survey in Seven Provinces and thirteen Municipalities
Authors: Zeng Chunyan , Miao Hongbo , Liu Chanjuan , Lu Lu , liu jie
Published: June 2022

Background: The issue of euthanasia has always been controversial around the world. At present, China has not implemented euthanasia legislation, but cases of collision are not uncommon.Methods: In order to understand the Chinese public's willingness and perception of euthanasia and the factors that hinder the legalization of euthanasia, the research group conducted a survey in seven provinces and thirteen municipalities from February 2021 to December 2021. We distributed a total of 7,000 questionnaires, and recovered 6,894 valid questionnaires. At the same time, we conducted in-depth interviews with scholars in the field of bioethics, medical workers, and the public. To gain an in-depth understanding of the relevant groups and the general public's about the subjects, 35 interviews were collected.Results: The results showed that, in China, 84.27% of the public were in favor of euthanasia, and the public support was relatively high. At the same time, it showed that of the elderly population was lower than the young ones’; that of the rural population was higher than the urban ones, and that of the terminal ill patients were higher than their relatives. Religious beliefs had little effect on euthanasia willingness.Conclusion: At present, it is immature to implement euthanasia legislation in China, and it still faces challenges from moral, ethical and institutional abuse.
Streaming of disparate blood flows in single ventricles as a possible mechanism for survival in amphibians and human. Opportunities and short-comings of the axolotl salamander heart as model.
Authors: Meyer Sophie Laura , Lauridsen Henrik , Pedersen Kathrine , Andersson Sofie Amalie , Ooij Pim van , Willems Tineke , Berger Rolf , Ebels Tjark , Jensen Bjarke
Published: June 2022

Background: Few experimental model systems are available for the rare congenital heart diseases of double inlet left ventricle (DILV), a subgroup of univentricular hearts, and excessive trabeculation, or noncompaction (ET). The long-term survival of certain functionally univentricular heart patients without Fontan circulation is related to favorable intraventricular streaming of blood streams with disparate oxygen saturation. Here, we explore the heart of the axolotl salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum, Shaw 1789) as a model system of these diseases. Aim: To characterize heart function and structure of the axolotl hearts in comparison to human cases of DILV and ET. Methods and Results: Using micro-echocardiography, we assessed the form and function of the heart of the axolotl, an amphibian, and compared this to human DILV (n=3). The main finding was that both in the axolotl and DILV, blood flows of disparate oxygen saturation can stay separated in a single ventricle. Differences were also found: the axolotl has a common ventricular inlet and outlet, whereas in DILV, there are two separate inlets and outlets. The axolotls had a lower resting heart rate compared to DILV (22 versus 72 beats per minute), lower ejection fraction (47 versus 58%), and their oxygen consumption at rest was higher than peak oxygen consumption in DILV (30 versus 17 ml min-1 kg-1). Furthermore, ventricular myocardial organization of axolotl and ET (n=5) was compared with histology showing that trabeculations in ET are closer to the normal human setting than to the axolotl setting. Conclusions: The axolotl heart resembles and models some aspects of DILV and ET.
Compound Effects of Rain, Storm Surge, and River Discharge on Coastal Flooding ­during Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee (2011) in the Mid-Atlantic Region: Coupled Atmosphere-Wave-Ocean Model Simulation and Observations
Authors: Kerns Brandon , Chen Shuyi S.
Published: June 2022

Coastal flooding from landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) is a major hazard with increasing severity in a warming climate and rising seas. It is difficult to predict because of highly complex compound effects of TC induced heavy rainfall, storm surge, and river discharge. This can be further exacerbated by sequential TCs such as Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee occurred in late August to mid-September 2011, which caused major coastal flooding in the Mid-Atlantic region. This study focuses on better understanding and improving prediction of the compound effects of rain, storm surge, and river discharge using a high-resolution coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean model, namely Unified Wave INterface – Coupled Model (UWIN-CM) and observations from NDBC buoys, NOAA tide gauges, and USGS estuary sites. UWIN-CM effectively captured the storm track and intensity, surface winds, surface waves, and ocean surface evolution associated with the two storms, compared with the observations. Compound effects of wind, rain, storm surge, and river-stream discharge on coastal flooding are investigated. The storm surge from Hurricane Irene was observed along the coasts Maryland, New Jersey, and New York, Delaware Bay, the lower reaches of the Delaware River, and in lower Chesapeake Bay. Strong onshore wind pushes water upstream, which has the highest compound effects on coastal flooding. TCs induced heavy rain and river-stream discharge into the coastal zone contributed more to the locations upstream away from the open bay water. A new method of estimating the spatial extent of coastal flooding using UWIN-CM simulated sea surface height compares well with that of using observed water height.
Numerical Simulation of Flow in an Artery using One-dimensional System of Hyperbolic Quasilinear PDEs
Authors: Oshin Temitope Alaba , Ehigie Julius O. , Abhulimen Kingsley E. , Chuong Cheng-Jen
Published: June 2022

The use of mathematical and numerical techniques to elucidate arterial hemodynamics has increased in recent years owing to the prevalence of arterial diseases. Many works have appeared employing three-dimensional models to simulate blood flow in arteries. However, this comes at a huge computational cost and power. In this work, a mathematical model for simulating and predicting blood flow dynamics in an arterial vessel has been developed to meet the teeming need for a computationally-cheap numerical model. The time-dependent one-dimensional hyperbolic system of quasilinear partial differential equations was established from the consideration of physical conservation laws of momentum and mass. This fluid-structure interaction model also incorporates an elastic mural model of the compliant arterial wall material. The combined arterial flow model was solved to simulate flow in the iliac artery using the method of lines. The results revealed that arterial hemodynamics can be adequately captured by a one-dimensional model as proposed. Also, the simulations generated for idealized healthy states could serve as a base model for the numerical simulation of diseased states in the artery.