bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acid Rock Drainage in Pyrite-rich Rock Formation at the Subsurface
Authors: Karikari-Yeboah Ohene
Published: February 2023

Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) is an environmental hazard associated with pyrite oxidation in rock excavations and excavation spoils. The oxidation process is initiated when pyrite, in the form of dust and fine crystals, is exposed to aqueous oxygen to release low pH acidic metal-laden leachate. The reaction is exothermic, and the heat generated is known to cause spontaneous combustion in open pit coal mines. Until recently, pyrite oxidation was considered as purely an aerobic process with the presence of aqueous oxygen as a necessary pre-condition. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the reaction can proceed in anoxic environments in the presence of an effective oxidant besides oxygen. Rock blasting in quarry and open cut mines has the tendency to induce fracturing of rock mass to significant depths below the ground surface. These fractures open the subsurface to atmospheric oxygen intrusions and runoff infiltrations. In a pyrite-rich rock mass, this creates conducive environment for pyrite oxidation and acidic leachate into the groundwater. The lower pH conditions that results are conducive for the solubilization of ferric oxides and hydroxides and the release of ferric ions in the groundwater. Ferric ions are highly soluble at low pH conditions, typically below pH 3, but precipitates out of solution when the pH rises above 3.0. In a fractured rock mass, runoff infiltrations would cause the water table and the groundwater pH to rise and dissolved ferric ions to precipitate out of solution. The rise of the water table into the fractured zone would be accompanied by groundwater seepage and the deposition of ferric ion precipitates as orange/yellow coloration along seepage paths. In this study, the extent of blasting-related rock mass fractures has been quantified by rock engineering principles. The results are linked to the origin and causes of pyrite oxidation related ARD environmental hazard in an abandoned quarry pit. The study outcome shows that the subsurface is equally susceptible to pyrite oxidation related environmental hazards with potential adverse consequences on rivers and streams.
The comprehensive analysis identifies the lncRNA involved in N6- methyladenosine and glycolysis activity in colon cancer
Authors: Luo Yi , Xie Yajun , Wu Dejun , Wang Bingyi , Lu Helei , Wang Zhiqiang , Quan Yingjun , Han BO
Published: February 2023

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) exerted an important role in colon cancer. Nevertheless, the lncRNAs involved in this process remain unclear.
Methods: The open-accessed data used for analysis was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and analyzed using the R software.
Results: In our study, we firstly collected the expression value of m6A regulators from TCGA data. Then, the lncRNAs with |Cor| > 0.3 and P < 0.05 of these m6A molecules were identified and defined as m6A-related lncRNAs. Moreover, we established a prognosis signature based on ten m6A-related lncRNAs, consisting of AL360181.1, PCAT6, SNHG26, AC016876.1, AC104667.2, AL114730.3, LINC02257, AC147067.1, AP006621.3 and AC009237.14, which showed satisfactory prediction efficiency in patients survival. Immune-related analysis indicated a diverse immune cell infiltration pattern between high and low risk patients. Also, we found that the low risk patients might be more sensitive to immunotherapy. Biological enrichment analysis indicated that the high risk patients had a higher activity of multiple carcinogenic pathways, including glycolysis. The lncRNA AL360181.1 has not been reported previously. Meanwhile, the lncRNA AL360181.1 was correlated with glycolysis activity and worse survival performance, therefore selected for further analysis. The result indicated that AL360181.1 was correlated with worse clinical features. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that AL360181.1 was positively correlated with Tcm infiltration, yet negatively correlated with Th2 cells, T cells, neutrophils, iDC and macrophages. Biological enrichment analysis indicated that the pathways of WNT/β-catenin, pancreas beta cells, hedgehog signaling, bile acid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism were upregulated in the patients with high AL360181.1 expression
Conclusions: Our result can improve the understanding of m6A-related lncRNA in colon cancer and provide direction for future studies.
Clinical Features and Genomic Landscape of Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) Patients with Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases (AID)
Authors: Elessa Dikelele , Zhao Lin-Pierre , de Oliveira Rafael Daltro , Maslah Nabih , Soret Juliette , VERGER Emmanuelle , Marcault Clémence , Parquet Nathalie , Fenaux Pierre , Adès Lionel , Raffoux Emmanuel , GIRAUDIER Stéphane , Fain Olivier , Cassinat Bruno , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , MEKINIAN Arsène , Benajiba Lina
Published: February 2023

There are few data regarding the association of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (AID) with Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). In this retrospective study, we describe the prevalence, clinical and biological features and outcome of AID association in MPN.
A total of 1541 MPN patients were included, encompassing 95 (6%) patients with AID. Female patients were predominant within the AID group (65% versus 54%, p=0.03). A total of 103 AID diagnoses were reported in 95 patients, including 48 organ-specific AID, 13 inflammatory arthritis, 9 connective tissue diseases, 9 dermatosis, 6 systemic vasculitis and 18 unclassified AID. The prevalence of TET2 mutations was higher in the AID cohort (32% versus 22%), although not statistically significant (p=0.08). In subgroup analysis of patients with myelofibrosis, TET2 mutations were more prevalent in AID group (p=0.025). The prevalence of driver and other additional mutations did not differ between the 2 groups. The association with AID did not impact overall survival (p=0.67), transformation-free survival (p=0.37) or secondary myelofibrosis-free survival (p=0.91).
Our data suggest that the prevalence of AID is similar in MPN patients to that of the general population. TET2 mutations are highly prevalent in MPN patients with AID potentially suggesting a shared physiopathology.
Capsaicin supplementation prevents Western-type diet-induced hypercholesterolemia by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Authors: Kim Hyun Ju
Published: February 2023

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress presents in atherosclerotic lesions of all stages brought on by hypercholesterolemia. This can incur various pathological responses involved in atherosclerosis. Capsaicin has multiple benefits for metabolic diseases; however, its role in attenuating hypercholesterolemia remains unclear. Therefore, we determined whether dietary capsaicin could alleviate ER stress in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice fed a Western-type diet (WD). Metabolic parameters showed that compared with WD-fed ApoE−/− mice, mice supplemented with dietary capsaicin (0.015%, w/w) displayed significantly reduced body and adipose tissue weight and plasma leptin, total cholesterol, and hepatic triglyceride levels for 12 weeks. Capsaicin supplementation also attenuated the protein abundance involved in ER stress in the liver, as well as glucose-related protein 78 localization in the aorta, indicating that capsaicin inhibits diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in part by regulating the protein abundance involved in ER stress. Capsaicin, therefore, may have potential as a therapeutic agent for individuals with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.
Lithium and exercise ameliorate insulin-deficient hyperglycemia by independently attenuating pancreatic α-cell mass and hepatic gluconeogenesis
Authors: Jung Su-Ryun , Lee Ji-Hye , Lee Jaemin
Published: February 2023

As in type 1 diabetes, the loss of pancreatic β-cell leads to insulin deficiency and eventual hyperglycemia. Exercise has been suggested as a viable remedy for hyperglycemia. Lithium, which has been used as a treatment for bipolar disorder, has also been shown to improve glucose homeostasis under the condition of obesity and type 2 diabetes by enhancing the effects of exercise on the skeletal muscles. In this study, we demonstrated that unlike in obesity and type 2 diabetic conditions, under the condition of insulin-deficient type 1 diabetes, lithium attenuated glucagon-producing pancreatic α-cell mass and downregulated hepatic gluconeogenic program by decreasing G6Pase protein levels and upregulating AMPK activity rather than promoting the metabolic effect of an exercise on the muscle. Thus, our research demonstrates the new therapeutic potential of lithium for type 1 diabetes, which can be utilized independently of exercise.
BBOF1 is required for sperm motility and male fertility by stabilizing the flagellar axoneme
Authors: Cao Huiwen , Xu Haomang , Zhou Yiqing , Xu Wei , Jiang Lingying , Rong Yan , Zhang Qianting , Yu Chao
Published: February 2023

The sperm flagellum is a specialized type of motile cilium composed of a typical “9 + 2” axonemal structure with peri-axonemal structures, such as outer dense fibers (ODFs). This flagellar arrangement is crucial for sperm movement and fertilization. However, the association of axonemal integrity with ODFs remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrat that mammalian BBOF1 could interact with both MNS1, an axonemal component, and ODF2, an ODF protein, and is required for sperm flagellar axoneme maintenance and male fertility. BBOF1 is expressed exclusively in male germ cells from the pachytene stage onwards and is detected in sperm axoneme fraction. Sperm derived fromBbof1-knockout males exhibit a normal morphology, however reduced motility due to the absence of certain microtubule doublets, resulting in the failure to fertilize mature oocytes. Furthermore, BBOF1 is found to interact with ODF2 and MNS1, which is also required for their stability. Our findings suggest that BBOF1 is a novel potential marker for asthenozoospermia diagnosis.
Identification and validation of the reference genes in the echiuran worm Urechis unicinctus based on transcriptome data
Authors: Chen Jiao , Wang Yunjian , Yang Zhi , Jin Yao , Deng Yuhang , Wang Boya , Zhang Zhifeng , Ma Yubin
Published: February 2023

Background Real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) is a crucial and widely used method for gene expression analysis. Selecting suitable reference genes is extremely important for the accuracy of RT-qPCRresults. Commonly used reference genes are not always stable in various organisms or under different environmental conditions. With the increasing application of high-throughput sequencing, transcriptome analysis has become an effective method for identifying novel stable reference genes.
Results In this study, we identified candidate reference genes based on transcriptome data covering embryos and larvae of early development, normal adult tissues, and the hindgut under sulfide stress using the CV method in the echiuran Urechis unicinctus, resulting in 2093 (4.84%), 2534 (6%), and 9648 (24.94%) candidate reference genes, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the candidate reference genes were significantly enriched in cellular metabolic process, protein metabolic process and ribosome in early development and normal adult tissues as well as in cellular localization and endocytosis in the hindgut undersulfide stress. Subsequently, ten genes including five new candidate reference genes and five commonly used reference genes, were validated by RT-qPCR. The expression stability of the ten genes was analyzed using four methods (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ∆Ct). The comprehensive results indicated that the new candidate reference genes were more stable than most commonly used reference genes. The commonly used ACTB was the most unstable gene. The candidate reference genes STX12, EHMT1, and LYAG were the most stable genes in early development, normal adult tissues, and hindgut undersulfide stress, respectively. The FPKM of the transcriptome data was significantly negatively correlated with the Ct values of RT-qPCR (Ct = − 0.002518 FPKM + 26.63), which made it possible to estimate the Ct value before RT-qPCR using transcriptome data.
Conclusion Our study is the first to select reference genes for RT-qPCR from transcriptome data in Echiura and provides important information for future gene expression studies in U. unicinctus.
Bemisia tabaci Infection of Tomato Plant Alters Bumblebee Foraging Behavior
Authors: Li Ruxu , Huang Xi , Xu Xilian , Wang Su , Yang Yuting , Tian Lixia
Published: February 2023

Insect pollination is an important process in the natural ecosystem and play a vital role in the reproduction of crops. Bumblebees, Bombus terrestris (L.) is a widely used pollinator for crops, especially for tomato. The efficiency of bee pollination is related to many effectors including biotic effectors such as bee species, nutrition plant, herbivores. Bemisia tabaci is one of the most common and serious damaged pests on tomato plants. However, whether B. tabaci affects the pollination behavior of B. terrestris on tomato, and how they interact was unclear. In this study,we found that B. terrestris preferred B. tabaci-damaged plants. Furthermore, plant volatiles of tomato plants damaged by B. tabaci were detected and analyzed. Electroantennogram (EAG) and Y-tube bioassay were used for olfactory responses of B. terrestris to plant volatiles. Interestingly, Methyl hexanoate and Eugenol induced by B. tabaci in tomato plant were verified significantly attracting B. terrestris. Therefore, Bemisia tabaci influenced B. terrestris preference through volatiles. The plant volatiles-mediated interaction between B. tabaci and B. terrestriscould enrich our understanding of the interaction between herbivores and pollinators. In addition, Methyl hexanoate and Eugenol could be applied for synergist of pollination.
Oxytocin neurons promote socially-triggered cataplexy
Authors: Mahoney Carrie , Joyal Adam , De Luca Roberto , Woods Caroline , Zhao Wenling , Coffey Alissa , Zhu Lin , Kurimoto Emi , Fenselau Henning , Grinevich Valery , Arrigoni Elda , Scammell Thomas
Published: February 2023

People with narcolepsy often experience intrusive episodes of muscle weakness known as cataplexy which are usually triggered by strong, positive emotions. Importantly, cataplexy almost exclusively occurs during social interactions, so we examined whether the prosocial neuropeptide oxytocin promotes cataplexy and mapped the underlying neural circuits. We show in a murine narcolepsy model that social reunification triggers cataplexy, and that an oxytocin antagonist blocks these socially induced episodes of muscle weakness. Chemo- and optogenetic manipulations reveal that cataplexy is driven by oxytocin receptor-expressing neurons of the central amygdala, which inhibit brainstem neurons that suppress muscle atonia. Remarkably, chocolate, a rewarding stimulus associated with strong, positive emotions also engages this oxytocin-amygdala circuit and triggers cataplexy in narcoleptic mice. This oxytocin pathway helps explain the triggering of cataplexy with social and other rewarding stimuli, and may provide a new opportunity to treat cataplexy.
Knowledge, willingness to support, and reasons for not supporting wives for cervical cancer screening in rural Dire Dawa administration, eastern Ethiopia: A qualitative study
Authors: Mohammed Aminu , Legesse Henok
Published: February 2023

Background: Husbands’ support is an important factor in spouses’ decisions to utilize reproductive health care services, including screening. Despite this, it is still poorly understood in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed at exploring it, and this may help to fill the gap via interventions related to screening.
Methodology: A community-based phenomenological qualitative study was undertaken in the rural Dire Dawa administration, Ethiopia, from September 1 to October 30, 2022. Data was collected from purposively selected husbands via in-depth interviews using a semi-structured tool aided by a voice recorder and field notes. A thematic analysis done with an inductive approach goes through six steps: familiarization, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and writing up.
Results: Thematically, three main themes and sixteen sub-themes were identified, and in general, one-third of the husbands had knowledge of cervical cancer; however, aside from signs and symptoms, they lacked knowledge of the cause, risk factors, transmission, complications, cervical cancer treatment, screening, and other prevention methods. They each have different perceived reasons for not supporting their wives' screening.
Conclusion: Husbands lack knowledge of cervical cancer and their perceptions of the disease and screening are negative, and this is explored as being a major barrier to supporting wives’ cervical cancer screening. Therefore, it is recommended that information regarding cervical cancer and screening be disseminated not only to women but also to men, as well as conducting additional community-based research.
Individualized active surveillance for carbapenem-resistant microorganisms using Xpert Carba-R in intensive care units: A single center, before-after study
Authors: Zhou Shuliang , Mi Sulin , Rao Xin , Zhang Qi , Wei Shiwen , Xiao Meng , Peng Zhiyong , Wang Jing
Published: February 2023

Background
Carbapenem antibiotics are widely used in intensive care units (ICU), and the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant microorganisms (CRO) has increased, forming a major threat to inpatients that urgently requires improved surveillance. This study aimed to assess the role of individualized active surveillance of carbapenem resistance genes on CRO risk.
Methods
A total of 3,765 patients were admitted to the ICU of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between 2020 and 2022 (March 2020 to February 2021 in the first period and March 2021 to February 2022 in the second period). The presence of carbapenem resistance genes were monitored using Xpert Carba-R, and CRO incidence was assigned as the investigated outcome.
Results
Of 3,765 patients, 390 manifested the presence of CRO, representing a prevalence of 10.36%. Active surveillance was associated with a lower CRO risk (odds ratio [OR]: 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62–0.95; P = 0.013), especially for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter + carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR: 0.79; 95%CI: 0.62–0.99; P = 0.043), carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (OR: 0.56; 95%CI: 0.40–0.79; P = 0.001), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (OR: 0.65; 95%CI: 0.47–0.90; P = 0.008). However, active surveillance was not associated with risk of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter (P = 0.140), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P = 0.161), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (except CRKP) (P = 0.259), or ICU stay (P = 0.743). Moreover, there were significant differences between positive and negative active surveillance in high-risk patients with a CRO-positive culture (P < 0.001) or microorganism-positive culture (P < 0.001), time between ICU admission and CRO positivity (P < 0.001), length of hospital stay before surveillance (P = 0.002), carbapenem antibiotic use in the 90 days before surveillance (P = 0.001), corticosteroid use in the 90 days prior to surveillance (P = 0.028), and surgery in the 90 days before surveillance (P = 0.003).
Conclusions
Individualized active surveillance using Xpert Carba-R may be associated with a reduction in the overall CRO incidence in the ICU, especially for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter + carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Further prospective studies should be performed to verify these conclusions and guide further management of patients in the ICU.
Using the Global Criterion Method to Solve Multi- Objective Diet Problem
Authors: Hashim Karrar H. , Shiker Mushtak A. K.
Published: February 2023

Healthy diets that help the body maintain its full health is an important matter in our daily lives. Perhaps one of the most important diets that most people need is a low-fat diet, which is important in reducing the risk of heart disease, as well as important in losing weight and other health problems that Most people encounter. Therefore, in this paper, we presented a new multi-objective mathematical model of finding the lowest cost and lowest fat percentage for 19–50 year old females using some low fat foods. Where, the multi-objective linear system was transformed into a non-linear system with a single objective function by using the global criterion method, and then the non-linear system was solved by using the augmented lagrangian method as a tool to find the results that provide the least cost with the least fat percentage.
Desargues Theorem leads to Pappus Theorem and more
Authors: Myrianthis Konstantinos
Published: February 2023

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Hessenberg discovered that the Pappus Theorem implies Desargues Theorem. A number of relevant papers has been created ever since, among other work based on these cornerstones of geometry, always in the context of using Pappus Theorem to prove Desargues Theorem. In the present work, the opposite is attempted, based on a special version of Desargues Theorem which not only implies but actually is equivalent to Pappus Theorem, in a real projective plane.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates-based cast film as marine biodegradable packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables: manufacturing and characterization
Authors: Genovesi Annalisa , Aversa Clizia , Barletta Massimiliano
Published: February 2023

The packaging sector is one of the main responsible of post-consumer plastic waste in the European Union. The increasing consumer pressure and the banning or limitation of some materials are pushing producers towards new solutions. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a class of compostable bioplastics, easily degraded in composting facilities as well as on soil and aquatic environment. Three different blends of P(3HB)(3HH), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate, and of P(3HB)(4HB), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrrate are studied to achieve a thin film suitable for the manufacturing of films for food packaging. The compounds were produced by twin-screw extrusion and then processed by cast film extrusion. The properties of the films depend on the percentage of P(3HB)(4HB) of the blend, and confirmed the possibility of employing PHA-based films as packaging with low environmental footprint.
Inonotus obliquus upregulates muscle regeneration and augments function through muscle oxidative metabolism
Authors: Yu Chang-Lim , Lee Sang-Jin , Lee Jinwoo , Vuoung Tuan Anh , Lee Hye-Young , Jeong Se Yun , Alishir Akida , Walker Allison S. , Bae Gyu-Un , Kim Ki Hyun , Kang Jong-Sun
Published: February 2023

BackgroundSkeletal muscle wasting related to aging or pathological conditions is critically associated with the increased incidence and prevalence of secondary diseases including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, and chronic inflammations. Much effort is made to develop agents to enhance muscle metabolism and function.Inonotus obliquus(I.obliquus; IO) is a mushroom popularly called chaga and has been widely employed as a folk medicine for inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer in Eastern Europe and Asia. However, its effect in muscle health has not been explored.ObjectiveHere, we aimed to investigate the beneficial effect of IO extract in muscle regeneration and metabolism.MethodsThe effect ofI. obliquusextract was investigated on myogenesis and myotube atrophy models of C2C12 myoblasts and muscle regeneration model of mice. The muscle stem cell proliferation and regeneration post muscle injury were employed to further confirm the effect ofI. obliquus. The underlying mechanism ofI. obliquuswas also investigated by the mitochondrial content and oxidative muscle metabolism as well as the activation of AKT and PGC-1α expression.ResultsThe treatment of IO in C2C12 myoblasts led to increased myogenic differentiation and alleviation of dexamethasone-induced myotube atrophy. Network pharmacological analysis using the identified specific chemical constituents of IO extracts predicted protein kinase B (AKT)-dependent mechanisms to promote myogenesis and muscle regeneration. Consistently, IO treatment resulted in the activation of AKT, which suppressed muscle-specific ubiquitin E3 ligases induced by dexamethasone. IO treatment in mice improved the regeneration of cardiotoxin-injured muscles accompanied by elevated proliferation and differentiation of muscle stem cells. Furthermore, it elevated the mitochondrial content and muscle oxidative metabolism accompanied by the induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator α (PGC-1α).ConclusionsOur current data suggest thatI. obliquusis a promising natural agent in enhancing muscle regenerative capacity and oxidative metabolism thereby preventing muscle wasting.
Global existence and stability results of a nonlinear swelling soil system with nonlinear source terms of variable exponent types
Authors: Al-Mahdi Adel M. , Al-Gharabli Mohammed M.
Published: February 2023

We consider a swelling porous-elastic system with two frictional damping and source terms. Those frictional damping and source terms are nonlinear and of variable exponents type. First, we prove that the system has a global solution by using the potential wells method. Then, we establish polynomial and exponential decay rates for the energy of the system by using the Multiplier method. All the existence and stability results are obtained under a natural condition on the parameters of the system and the variable exponents. We discuss our stability results based on the coefficients of the frictional damping terms and the strongest nonlinearity of the variable exponents.
AMS Subject Classifiations: 93D20; 93D23; 35B40; 74F05.
Development of efficient embryo-derived regeneration system and optimization of genetic transformation in cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)
Authors: Sapara Komal K , Jani Mansi , Dharajiya Darshan , Patel Fenil , Patel Amrut K , Joshi Chaitanya
Published: February 2023

Cumin is an important spice crop with high agronomic and economic importance. A direct regeneration system using embryogenic explants in cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) was established to develop a highly efficient transformation system. Cumin embryos were utilized as an explant which shows higher regeneration efficiency on Gamborg’s B5 media supplemented with 2.0 µM BA+ 0.5 µM NAA. Transformation of pSIM24-eGFP plasmid in cumin was carried out through Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA 105 and gene gun method. The transgenic explants were confirmed for GFP (green fluorescent protein) gene integration through PCR analysis. The Agrobacterium-mediated transformed explants showed higher regeneration and transformation efficiency with 0.5 OD600 of cell density and 24 hr of co-cultivation compared to 0.4 OD600 with 24 hr, 48 hr, and 72 hr co-cultivation time and 0.5 OD600 with 48 hr and 72 hr co-cultivation time. It was further confirmed by GFP expression analysis through real-time PCR. Gene gun-mediated transformed explants were cultured on different osmolytes (mannitol, sorbitol, and sucrose) containing media to reduce bombardment stress on explants. Compared to mannitol and sucrose-containing media, transformed explants cultured on sorbitol-containing media showed higher rates of regeneration and transformation. These results were further confirmed by real-time PCR analysis as prominent GFP expression was found in explants cultured on sorbitol-containing media compared to other osmolytes containing media. In the current study, we have developed an efficient transformation system with higher gene expression and regeneration efficiency.
Environmentally benign preparation of copper oxide nanoparticles and its potential biological and photocatalytic activities
Authors: Kumar M A Pavan , Suresh D. , Sneharani A. H.
Published: February 2023

The study reports environment friendly facile preparation of multi-functional CuO nanoparticles using Kiwi fruit juice and assesses its photocatalytic and a variety of biological activities. The PXRD pattern demonstrates that the nanoparticles are members of the pure monoclinic structure with particles having sizes from 8 to 10 nm. They were found to exhibit a porous and sponge-like morphology with almost spherical shape, as seen by TEM and SEM pictures. The peak centered at 608 cm− 1 was caused by stretching of Cu-O in FTIR spectrum. The nanoparticles found to possess high photocatalytic degradation activity towards model dye such as methylene blue. The nanoparticles exhibit various potential biological activities. It efficiently suppresses the 1,1-Dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical activity. It has antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. CuO-Nanoparticles were investigated for anti-diabetic activity, and they demonstrated excellent α-glucosidase (IC50 of 183 µg/ml) and α-amylase (IC50 of 124 µg/ml) inhibition effects. The MTT test was used to examine the cytotoxicity of CuO Nps on the HeLa cell line, which showed dose-dependent activity with IC50 value of 303 µg/ml, which indicate that they were significantly cytotoxic. Copper oxide nanoparticles improved platelet aggregation and plasma coagulation without exhibiting hemolytic activity. This study demonstrates a quick, simple, low-cost, facile, environmentally benign green synthetic approach for large-scale synthesis of multifunctional CuO nanoparticles.
Midkine exacerbates inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in heart of septic mice
Authors: Wei Zhongcheng , Liu Juan , Liu Hailang , Zhang Xiwen
Published: February 2023

Aim: Midkine inhibition ameliorates sepsis induced lung injury. This research was to explore the influences of midkine on the sepsis-associated heart damage and the mechanisms.
Methods: Sepsis models were established via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction in mice in vivo, and in HL-1 cells in vitro.
Results: The expressed levels of midkine raised in the heart of mice and HL-1 cells by treating with LPS. The cardiac dysfunction of septic mice was deteriorated by midkine overexpression and was improved by midkine knockdown. The increases of inflammatory factors in the heart of mice induced by LPS were further enhanced by midkine overexpression and were attenuated by midkine knockdown. The increase of myocardial apoptosis in septic mice was worsened after midkine overexpression and was alleviated after midkine downregulation. The oxidative stress increase in the heart of septic mice was exacerbated by overexpression of midkine and was attenuated by downregulation of midkine.
Conclusions: These results indicated that midkine exacerbated cardiac dysfunction via enhanced inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress. Targeting of midkine could improve cardiac dysfunction via attenuation of inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Dynamics of Three Phase Inverter Fed Induction Motor Drive By FCS And I-FCS Based Predictive Current Controllers
Authors: Chirantan Shaswat , Pati Bibhuti Bhusan
Published: February 2023

In modern control system dilemma Model Predictive Control (MPC) mechanism is the widely used optimization tool. This scheme predicts the upcoming behavior of a plant parameter by defining a mathematical model in terms of present state variables. In this paper Predictive Current Control (PCC) techniques of a Three Phase Inverter fed Induction Motor (IM) Drive have been proposed. The predictive control action is categorized in to Finite Control Set (FCS) and Integral Finite Control Set (IFCS) approach. FCS-MPC control algorithm is based on evaluation of a cost function and selecting the control signal from a finite set of signals which satisfies minimum value of the cost function, which is formulated by calculating the square error, i.e. the reference current against the stator measured current. But in IFCS-MPC method cascade feedback structure is employed with appropriate controller gain to obtain an optimal set of control variables. With the direction in minimization of principle, these methods provide the control of the switching states for inversion, to the inverter and inverter generates actuating voltage signals to the induction motor. In these methods, finite numbers of vectors of voltages are considered to achieve the switching states for operation. The electromagnetic torque and load currents of IM obtained from each of the implemented control techniques have been compared to identify the most flexible and robust predictive strategy. All these control methods have been investigated using MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Anatomical characterisation of three different psychosurgical targets in the subthalamic area: from the basal ganglia to the limbic system
Authors: Santin Marie Neiges , Tempier Nicolas , Belaid Hayat , Zenoni Matthieu , Dumas Sylvie , Wallén-Mackenzie Åsa , Bardinet Eric , Destrieux Christophe , François Chantal , KARACHI Carine
Published: February 2023

Effective neural stimulation for the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders needs accurate characterisation of surgical targets. This is especially true for the medial subthalamic region (MSR) which contains three targets: the anteromedial STN for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) for depression and OCD, and the “Sano triangle” for pathological aggressiveness. Blocks containing the subthalamic area were obtained from two human brains. After obtaining 11.7-Tesla MRI, blocks were cut in regular sections for immunohistochemistry. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation was performed on the macaque MSR. Electron microscopic observation for synaptic specialisation were performed on human and macaque subthalamic fresh samples. Images of human brain sections were reconstructed in a cryoblock which was registered on the MRI and histological slices were then registered. The STN contains glutamatergic and fewer GABAergic neurons and has no strict boundary with the adjacent MSR. The anteromedial STN has abundant dopaminergic and serotoninergic innervation with sparse dopaminergic neurons. The MFB is composed of dense anterior dopaminergic and posterior serotoninergic fibres, and fewer cholinergic and glutamatergic fibres. Medially, the Sano triangle contains orexinergic terminals from the hypothalamus, and neurons with strong nuclear oestrogen receptor-alpha staining with a decreased anteroposterior and mediolateral gradient of staining. These findings provide new insight regarding MSR cells and their fibre specialisation, forming a transition zone between the basal ganglia and the limbic systems. Our 3D reconstruction enabled us to visualise the main histological features of the three targets which should enable better targeting and understanding of neuromodulatory stimulation results in severe psychiatric conditions.
What we've got here is failure to communicate: Exploring perceptions of how much feedback is happening in clinical workplace teaching
Authors: Wiebe Delaney , Zulla Rosslynn , Ross Shelley
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Feedback is invaluable in helping learners improve their performance and clinical competence, but studies have historically documented contrasting perspectives between learners and teachers in how much feedback is given by teachers to learners in clinical training. We explore why there is a discrepancy between learner and teacher perceptions of the feedback that is shared in a clinical teaching encounter.
Methods: We recruited 23 preceptors (clinical teachers) from a mid-size Canadian medical school that has a diverse group of generalist and focused specialties. We used inductive content analysis to explore preceptors’ perceptions of both how much feedback they shared with learners, as well as amount of feedback that they believe learners would report was shared.
Results: Analysis of interviews generated two themes: (i) difficulty among preceptors in quantifying the feedback they share to learners, and; (ii) discrepancies between preceptors in the definition of feedback.
Discussion: The key themes identified in this study highlight that preceptors’ varying definitions of feedback and their difficulty in ascertaining how much feedback they share with learners can be attributed to a lack of a common understanding of feedback. When engaging in a feedback conversation, both the teacher and the learner engage in a meaning-making process that yields a shared understanding that feedback is occurring, and that information offered by the teacher is aimed at supporting the learner. We recommend that both faculty development sessions and educational sessions with learners should incorporate early check-ins to ensure a shared understanding of the definition of feedback.
Identification of novel mouse embryonic brain microRNAs using deep sequencing.
Authors: Szakats Susanna , McAtamney Alice , Wilson Megan J
Published: February 2023

Many advances in small RNA-seq technology and bioinformatics pipelines have been made since the most recent publication to discover novel miRNAs in the embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5) mouse brain. We aimed to improve miRNA discovery in this tissue to expand our knowledge regarding the regulatory networks that underpin normal neurodevelopment, find new candidates for neurodevelopmental disorder aetiology, and deepen our understanding of non-coding RNA evolution. A high-quality small RNA-seq dataset of 458M reads was generated. An unbiased miRNA discovery pipeline identified fifty putative novel miRNAs, from which six were selected for further validation. A combination of conservation analysis and the target-functional prediction was employed to determine the authenticity of novel miRNA candidates. These findings demonstrated that miRNAs remain to be discovered, particularly if they have features of other small RNA species.
Knowledge-map analysis of bladder cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Lv Zongwei , Hou Junhui , Wang Yuan , Wang Xia , Wang Yibing , Wang Kefeng
Published: February 2023

Background
This study aims to conduct the bibliometric and visual analyses in the field of bladder cancer (BC) immunotherapy, and explore the research trends, hotspots and frontiers from 2000 to 2021.
Methods
Data were obtained from the Web of Science core collection database, which collected 2,022 papers related to BC immunotherapy around the world from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2021. VOSviewer software was used to comprehensively analyze the collaborative relationships between authors, institutions, countries/regions, journals through citation, co-authorship, co-citation, etc., so as to identify research hotspots and frontiers in this research field.
Results
The trend of literature publication was relatively flat from 2000 to 2015, and since 2015, the literature publication showed an overall upward trend. The United States of America has published 643 papers with 27,241 citations, ranked first among the top 10 most active countries, and has the most extensive collaboration with other countries. The University of Texas MD Anderson CANC CTR has published 62 articles, making it the most published articles and active collaborative research institution. Kamat AM and Lamm DL were the most active and co-cited authors with 27 papers and 1,039 co-citations, respectively. Chang yuan and Xu le ranked first with 145 total link strength, becoming the most active collaborative authors. J UROLOGY was the most active and frequently co-cited journal, with 106 papers and 6,764 co-citations. Studies of BC immunotherapy can be divided into three categories: “basic research”, “clinical trial” and “prognosis”.
Conclusions
Our findings provide a comprehensive overview of the research priorities and future directions of BC immunotherapy. Tumor microenvironment and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) of BC, as well as the combination of ICIs and other drugs may become the main direction of future research.
Concurrent dietary incorporation of bentonite clay reduces aflatoxin induced health effects in white pekin ducks
Authors: Das Pallavi Priyadarshani , Patra Ramesh , GR Jena , Kumar Dhirendra , Panda S. K , Sahoo Rajasri , Meher S , Senapati SK
Published: February 2023

An experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy bentonite clay supplementation in the diet of white pekin ducks, experimentally fed with aflatoxin B1 contaminated diet (96 ppb) on production performance, and biochemical parameters including oxidative stress indices. The experimental birds (n=72) were provided with standard duck feed and ad libitum water. The grower white pekin ducks, aged 9 weeks, were randomly divided into six groups containing twelve birds in each group. The birds of group I served as healthy controls and was fed with basal diet without addition of toxin or bentonite clay. The birds of group II were provided with a diet with toxin level of 48 µg/kg of feed. The grower ducklings of group III to VI were fed with a diet containing 96 µg of toxin/kg of feed. The experimental feed was provided from 9th week of age (grower stage) for a period of 6 weeks. The birds of group IV, V and VI were provided with feed containing 96 µg aflatoxin /kg of feed along with bentonite clay at the dose rate of 1, 2 or 3g of clay/ kg of feed, respectively. The birds fed with aflatoxin-treated diet showed decreased body weight gain, and there was significant (P<0.05) decrease in body weight gain by 4th week of experiment in group II and III. However, the body weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in bentonite clay supplemented group IV, V, and VI, as compared to toxin-exposed positive group II and III. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) increased significantly in Group II and III by 4th week. At the end of 6th week, group II and III showed significantly higher FCR. Significantly decreased serum triglyceride level and increased cholesterol level was recorded in group II and III in comparison to all other groups on 4th week. There was significant decrease in creatinine level in group IV, V, and VI compared to group II and III on completion of 4th week of the experiment. The activity of GGT increased significantly in all aflatoxin exposed groups. The feeding of aflatoxin contaminated feed increased the erythrocytic malonaldehyde (MDA) production and activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. It is concluded from the experiment that bentonite clay supplementation in the diet at the dose rate of 3g/ kg of feed reduced the toxic effects of aflatoxin on production performance and oxidative stress in white pekin ducks.
The impact of hematological and radiation parameters on clinical prognosis of esophageal cancer patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Li Hui , Shi Shutong , Wang Qiang , Fang Ying , Zhang Rongrong , Gu Dayong , Zhang Zhi , Guo Yiyu , Wang Tian , Zhou Guoren , Ye Jinjun
Published: February 2023

Purpose:
The aims of the study were to conduct a survival analysis of thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with radical chemoradiotherapy and to identify prognostic variables from among the hematological and radiotherapy parameters.
Methods:
Cases of ESCC receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy at Jiangsu Cancer Hospital between January 2018 and September 2020 were screened. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the impact of hematologic and dosimetric parameters on overall survival (OS). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated by dividing absolute neutrophil count (ANC) by absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) in the week prior to radical radiotherapy. Variables associated with radiation were gathered according to dose-volume histograms (DVH). X-tile software was used to determine the optimal cut-off values for pre-treatment NLR and post-treatment ALC nadir. Associations between lymphopenia and dose-volume parameters were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.
Results:
The study comprised a total of 100 ESCC patients. The median follow-up of surviving patients was 33.9 months (interquartile range, 29.2-41.1), with 1-year and 3-year OS rates of 87% and 62.5%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated a significant survival benefit in patients with lower baseline NLR (≤2.2), higher ALC nadir (>0.24*109/L), lighter lymphopenia (value dropped<1.82*109/L), and lower mean lung dose (<10.75Gy). Dose-volume parameters of the heart and lungs were correlated with radiation-induced lymphopenia (RIL) (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
In ESCC patients treated with definitive radiotherapy, baseline NLR, ALC nadir, degree of lymphopenia and mean lung dose (MLD) are independent prognostic factors for OS. Optimization of radiation parameters in the heart and lungs can be effective in avoiding RIL.
Self-Learning of Cardiac Ultrasound by Medical Students – Can augmented online training improve manual POCUS skills?
Authors: Gat Tomer , Galante Ori , Sadeh Re'em , Kobal Xergio , Fuchs Lior
Published: February 2023

Background
The use of Cardiac Point Of Care Ultra-Sound is rapidly growing; so is the demand for quality POCUS teaching. POCUS teaching is usually conducted in small groups requiring much space and equipment. This study attempts to test whether providing students undergoing a POCUS course with access to a cardiac POCUS E-learning platform significantly increases students' image acquisition skills. If student performances improve, this could demonstrate the potential of E-learning technology at improving POCUS teaching without having to add extra hands-on teaching hours, making POCUS teaching cheaper, more efficient, and more accessible for all.
Methods
Two groups of medical students had undergone the same hands-on Cardiac POCUS course before their internal clerkship. During the clerkship, members of both study groups got to practice their newly acquired cardiac POCUS skills in the internal wards. The group was provided with accounts to a cardiac POCUS teaching E-learning platform (eMedical Academy©). A month and a half into their clerkship, both groups underwent a pre-validated ultrasound examination. The two groups' test results were then compared for each POCUS view and for the total exam score.
Results
The E-learning group performed significantly better than the course-only group in the six-minute exam total score, and at acquiring the following views: parasternal long axis view, apical four-chamber view, and the inferior vena cava view.
Conclusion
E-learning platforms can be an efficient tool for improving cardiac POCUS teaching. Using it as a supplement to a hands-on course provides better POCUS skills without the need of extra hands-on teaching.
Protective effect of betanin on cadmium-induced toxicity in MRC-5 cells
Authors: Rajabian Fatemeh , Rajabian Arezoo , Tayarani-Najaran Zahra
Published: February 2023

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental polluter and toxic heavy metal which is carcinogenic for humans. The exposure of humans to Cd is through ingestion and inhalation. Betanin is a betalain component in the root of red beets and it has strong anti-oxidant, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the current article, the protective effect of betanin on Cd-induced toxicity was evaluated in MRC-5 cells (human fetal lung fibroblasts).
The MRC-5 cells were co-treated to different concentrations of betanin (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μM) and Cd (35 µM) for 24 hours. The cell viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis were determined by MTT, fluorimetry, flow cytometric, and western blot methods, respectively.
According to the results, Cd declined cell viability and increased ROS production, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis in MRC-5 cells, So Cd-induced toxicity in MRC-5 cells. The co-treatment of Cd and betanin (1.25, 2.5, and 5 μM, for 24 hours) significantly declined its cytotoxicity. So, betanin enhanced cell viability and declined ROS generation, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis (caspase 3-cleaved, cleaved PARP) in MRC-5 cells.
The treatment of MRC-5 cells with betanin can decline Cd-induced toxicity via the anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis effects of it.