bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The Impact of Different Relationships on Infection Spread Using SEIR Models on Scale-freeNetworks with Behavioral Data”
Authors: Hase Daisuke , Hayashi Teruaki , Ohsawa Yukio
Published: April 2022

SARS-CoV-2 has spread worldwide and has caused corona-related pandemics since the end of 2019. To deal with these unknown phenomena, it is effective to discuss and apply the results obtained through simulations to policy-making to control epidemics. Several network-based simulations have been developed in previous studies. Among these, understanding the relationship between humans and the spread of infection is of interest. In our study, we propose the SEIR model on a scale-free network (SFN), focusing on two different relationships: “intended and unintended contacts”. In our model, the former relation is represented as contact with adjacent nodes in a network, and the latter relation is represented as contact with any node in a network. We represent the number of people human meet per activity (η), and the rate of “intended contact” among the people who meet (β). As a result, we reveal that the activity of people in society with larger η or smaller β has a greater impact on the spread of infection. We also discuss which behaviors spread the infection based on our simulation and behavioral data from the questionnaire survey. Our insights are helpful in formulating behavioral guidelines or deregulation policies for pandemics.
Economic feasibility of organic and conventional fish farming systems of Indian major carps
Authors: Beg Mirza Masum , Moulick Sanjib , Mandal Basudev , Roy Subha M.
Published: April 2022

In the present study, economic feasibility of culturing Indian major carps (IMC) in conventional culture system (CCS) and organic culture system (OCS) was evaluated considering three consecutive years of culture (2010, 2011 and 2012) in experimental ponds with surface area of 0.015 ha, each measuring 0.015 ha. Highest production to the tune of 19 tonnes of Indian major carps per hectare was obtained in OCS. Further, in case of OCS, apart from fish production, vermicompost to the tune of 45,000 kg ha-1 in the first year, and 90,000 kg ha-1 from second year is achievable considering a vermicompost unit with capacity of 200 tonnes per annum. Economic analysis of the culture systems showed that highest net present value (NPV) of 1.06 million US$, a payback period of one year and nine months and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 51 % are achievable per hectare of fish culture pond for OCS assuming the project period to be 10 years. Sensitivity analysis of various costs performed for OCS revealed that profitability of the organic fish farming investment is most sensitive to the total fish production and sale price of the organic fishes. In terms of production of fish, vermicomposting, water quality dynamics, quality of fish and economics, organic culture system is proved to be the best available technique.
Design and Computational Fluid Dynamics of a Heavy Duty Diesel Engine
Authors: Arıca Sena
Published: April 2022

In this study, 1500 hp power class a 12-cylinder Diesel engine, the combustion and emissions are analyzed with the help of Three Dimensional (3D) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Maximum in-cylinder pressure, temperature, NO x (Nitrogen Oxides) and soot are obtained. AVL FIRE EseD 3D software is used for the study. Simulation is made for only compression, combustion and expansion strokes when input and output valves are closed. Compression pressure and temperature values are taken as the initial conditions for the simulation from One Dimensional (1D) AVL BOOST program. As there are no measurements available, numerical results are examined for different mesh structures and turbulence models. One eighth of a cylinder, 45 degree sector, is used as the computation domain by making the use of periodic boundary conditions. A mesh study was carried out using a coarse and a 4 times finer mesh. The study revealed that the differences between the coarse and fine mesh results were within the acceptable limits. After that the turbulance model study was done on the coarse mesh. The standard eddy-viscosity based k-ԑ and non-linear k-ζ-f turbulence models were investigated in terms of NO x and soot emissions. Finally computations were performed for different combustion models coupled with the k-ζ-f turbulance model.
Prognostic significance of serum albumin stratified by total cholesterol in patients with coronary artery disease: based on a published research
Authors: Yao Yu-Feng , Chen Zhen-yu , Luo Tian-Yi , Dou Xiao-Yan , Chen Hai-Bo
Published: April 2022

Background
Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) usually show relatively poor long-term prognosis. Serum albumin level showed negative prediction of poor prognosis of CAD, while cholesterol level was also suggested poor prognosis, but most previous studies on albumin levels and prognosis in patients with CAD have not considered the effect of cholesterol levels on outcomes. Thus, we aim to investigate the prognostic impact of albumin levels under different cholesterol level groups.
Methods
We analyzed the data of 204 patients from October 2014 to October 2017 for newly diagnosed stable CAD. Albumin and cholesterol were measured at admission. The outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The median duration of follow-up was 783 days. COX models were performed to evaluate the prognostic significance of serum albumin on MACE.
Results
Higher serum albumin indicated lower risk of MACE (HR = 0.37, P = 0.0462). In participants whose total cholesterol level less than 200 mg/dL, the risk of MACE was related to lower serum albumin (HR = 0.19, P = 0.0072), but not significantly in the others (HR = 3.16, P = 0.3392).
Conclusion
In clinical practice, when using serum albumin to evaluate the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease, the influence of cholesterol on the evaluation results should be fully considered.
Diabetic Retinopathy Risk Prediction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus using a Nomogram Model
Authors: Wang Qian , Zeng Ni , Tang HongBo , Yang Xiaoxia , Yao Qu , Liao Xin , Zhang Lin , Zhang Han , Zhang Ying , Nie Xiaomei
Published: April 2022

Background: The primary purpose of this study is to develop diabetic retinopathy (DR) hazard nomogram in a Chinese sample of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (T2DM).Methods: From January 2018 to May 2020, we constructed a model containing 213 diabetic retinopathy patients, and we used the basic statistics and biochemical indicator test to assess the DR risk in T2DM patients. The patient data is used to evaluate diabetic retinopathy risk using R software and a minimal comparative contraction and selected operator (Lasso) predictive model. In Multivariable cox regression, examined the risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy (DR) to reduce the Lasso penalty. The validation model, decision curve research, and C-index were all tested on the calibration plot. By counting probabilities, it utilized the bootstrapping methodology to check external validity.Results:Lasso chose eight predictive variables from sixteen independent variables: illness duration, BMI, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin Alanine aminotransferase (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), and Vitamin D3 (vitd-t3). Its c-index = 0.848 (95 percent confidence interval:0.798-0.898), indicating that the model can make accurate predictions. In interval validation, high scores (0.816) are still possible from an analysis of a diabetic retinopathy nomogram's decision curve to predict diabetic retinopathy of greater than 2%.Conclusion: We are developing non-parametric techniques to predict the risk of diabetic retinopathy based on disease duration, BMI, FPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, and vitd-t3.
Influence of cobalt (III) Schiff base complexes on in-vitro anti-proliferative, oxidative stress and gene expression analysis in HeLa and HepG2 cell lines
Authors: Balakrishnan Gowdhami , R.T.V Vimala , Rajmohamed Mohamed Asik , Balakrishnan Karthiyayini , Subramanian Ambika , Yesaiyan Manojkumar , Thiyagarajan Ramesh , Balamuthu Kadalmani
Published: April 2022

The development of new medicines for the successful treatment of cervical and liver malignancies is critical in order to address the disadvantages of current chemotherapeutics, such as increased resistance. Metal ion-based chemical complexes have recently emerged as a prominent method for cancer therapy. As a result, the study aims to create novel anticancer medicines based on leads acquired through combinatorial chemistry of metal complexes. Cobalt (III) Schiff base trans- [Co(salen)(DA)2](ClO4) (complex 1) and trans-[Co (salophen)(DA)2](ClO4) (complex 2)] where, the salen and salopen were N, N′-bis(salicylidene) ethylenediamine, and N, N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,2- phenylenediamine, DA: dodecylamine) were synthesized as an alternative to the existing drugs, and their cytotoxic effect were evaluated against human cervical (HeLa) and liver cancer cell lines (HepG2) using MTT viability assay, and apoptotic morphological staining which including Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide (AO/EB), Hoechst 33528, Annexin V-Cy3 assay, JC-1 staining Comet assay, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. Further the apoptosis was confirmed with immunocytochemistry and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results indicated that cobalt (III) complexes reduced the viability of the HeLa and HepG2 cell lines at their half minimum lethal doses, with cell death induced mainly via apoptotic pathway. Hence, the cobalt complexes 1 and 2 could be act as an effective drug for cervical and liver cancers.
Do biomedical researchers differ in their perceptions of plagiarism across Europe? Findings from an online survey among leading universities
Authors: Yi Nannan , Nemery Benoit , Dierickx Kris
Published: April 2022

Background
Existing research on perceptions of plagiarism and cultural influences mainly focuses on comparisons between the Western World and the Eastern World. However, possible differences within the Western World have hardly been assessed, especially among biomedical academics. The authors compared perceptions of plagiarism among European biomedical researchers who participated in an online survey .
Methods
The present work is based on the data collected in a previous online survey done in 2018 among biomedical researchers working in leading European and Chinese universities. Respondents based in Europe were grouped into three geographical regions (northern Europe, southern Europe and northwestern Europe) and their responses were analyzed using logistic regression analysis with adjustments for demographic factors.
Results
Data were available from 810 respondents (265 northern Europe, 101 southern Europe, 444 northwestern Europe). In addition to their generally similar responses, different perceptions of plagiarism were observed among respondents in the three European regions. The Nordic respondents identified the most types of practices as plagiarism and were the most sensitive to Copying text with crediting the source, without quotation marks [aORN|S 1.64 (95% CI 1.02;2.62), aORN|NW 1.48 (95% CI 1.08;2.02)]. Respondents in northwestern Europe were the least sensitive to unattributed recycling of one’s own dissertation/thesis, by recycling parts of it [aORN|NW 3.12(95% CI 2.24;4.35), aORS|NW 2.22(95% CI 1.38;3.59)] or summarizing it [aORN|NW 2.48(95% CI 1.77;3.48), aORS|NW 1.99(95% CI 1.22;3.22)], but more successful than their southern counterparts in identifying plagiarism of text(aORS|NW 0.18, 95% CI 0.04;0.80), plagiarism of image(aORS|NW 0.26, 95% CI 0.10;0.67), and other practices. The southern respondents were the most sensitive to recycling of previously rejected research proposal [aORN|S 0.34 (95% CI 0.16;0.68), aORS|NW 3.12 (95% CI 1.62;6.03)] and least to plagiarism of image [aORN|S 3.23 (95% CI 1.22;8.60), aORS|NW 0.26 (95% CI 0.10;0.67)], plagiarism of online source [aORN|S 5.21 (95% CI 1.55;17.56), aORS|NW 0.26 (95% CI 0.09;0.74)].
Conclusions
In spite of a general similar response pattern, the present study indicates different perceptions of plagiarism among European biomedical researchers. These intra-European differences should be considered when addressing plagiarism.
Clinicopathological Significance of Cancer Stem Cell-associated ACOT12 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Li , Zou Weijie , Xu Jiachen , Zhang Lei , Jiang Xiaoqing , Ni Caifang
Published: April 2022

The acetyl-CoA pool has been identified using various cell measures in studies related to cell development and mitosis. It is suggested that acetyl-CoA elevates the level of histones at certain qualities of cell development. The relationship between ACOT12 and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. Here, data on ACOT12 expression were obtained from HPA, GEPIA, TCGA portal, and UALCAN web repositories. Clinicopathological significance of ACOT12 was examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis, OncoLnc, TCGA portal and PROGgeneV2. The association between ACOT12 with cancer stem cells was examined based on GEO datasets GSE111802 and GSE7053. The link between ACOT12 and microRNAs and genes that modulate survival was determined based on Cytoscape, GEPIA, and TargetScan. These analyses revealed that relative to normal liver and paracancerous tissues, ACOT12 expression was downregulated in HCC and favorable liver tumors at both mRNA and protein levels. HCC patients with lower ACOT12 expression exhibited poorer overall and disease-free survival. Additionally, ACOT12 influenced HCC. In particular, low ACOT12 expression was related to the following groups of patients: poorly differentiated HCC, vascular invasion positive, sorafenib untreated, with alcohol consumption and hepatitis infection of HCC. The intersection of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was examined to assess the underlying mechanism. This prompted the distinguishing proof of five possibly associated genes-GC, KNG1, DNAJC28, CUX2 and KMO. A network containing ACOT12 miR-7, miR-9, and miR-374b was constructed. Taken together, our findings indicate that ACOT12 is decreased in HCC and it might mediate HCC progression via stem cell-related genes.
Long-term physical impairments in survivors of COVID-19-associated ARDS compared to classic ARDS. A Two-Center Study
Authors: Piva Simone , Pozzi Matteo , Bellani Giacomo , Peli Elena , Gitti Nicola , Lucchini Alberto , Bertoni Michele , Goffi Alberto , Marshall John C. , Calza Stefano , Rasulo Francesco A. , Foti Giuseppe , Latronico Nicola
Published: April 2022

We carried out a prospective and retrospective case series study to compare physical outcome performance with an in-person evaluation of 248 COVID-related ARDS (CARDS) patients and 48 classic ARDS patients. At 6 months, patients with classic ARDS compared to CARDS had lower MRCss, handgrip dynamometry, and 6 Minutes Walk Test. Fatigue was more frequently reported by patients with classic ARDS. At 12 months, patients in both groups partially regained physical performances, and the differences in measured variables between classic ARDS and CARDS remained constant over time. Reasons for these differences are likely multifactorial and require further investigations.
Morphometric evaluation of the lacrimal sac fossa in Anatolian population using multidetector computed tomography
Authors: Erdem Huseyin , Pehlivan Umur Anil , Dogan Nazli Totik , Cevik Yigit , Safak Nazire Kilic , Boyan Neslihan , Oguz Ozkan
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To investigate the morphometric characteristics of the lacrimal sac fossa in Anatolian population using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images in surgical aspect.Methods: A total of 77 cranial MDCT scans were evaluated. Maximum thickness of the maxillary and lacrimal bones; midpoint thickness, and the distance between anterior and posterior lacrimal crests were measured at the upper, middle, and lower axial planes. The angle between the lacrimal bone and the sagittal plane was measured at the middle plane. The length of the lacrimal sac fossa was calculated.Results: The mean maximum thickness of the maxillary bone at the upper, middle and lower planes were: 3.58 mm, 4.27 mm, and 5.81 mm; the midpoint thickness at each plane were: 2.76 mm, 2.51 mm, and 1.48 mm; the lacrimal bone thickness at each plane were: 0.72 mm, 0.65 mm, and 0.66 mm; the distance between anterior and posterior lacrimal crests at each plane were: 5.96 mm, 8.1 mm, and 4.63 mm; the angle between the lacrimal bone and the sagittal plane in males and females at the middle plane were: 132.73° and 131.46°; the length of the lacrimal sac fossa in males and females were: 15.82 mm and 14.02 mm, respectively.Conclusion: In Anatolian population, bone thicknesses of the lacrimal sac fossa were higher in males, while the angle between the lacrimal bone and the sagittal plane was higher in females. This study indicates that osteotomies can be easily performed in DCR interventions in Anatolian population.
Is there a Clinical Difference in Pediatric Congenital Cholesteatoma according to Age?
Authors: Shin Chol Ho , Kang Woo Seok , Park Hong Ju , Chung Jong Woo , Ahn Joong Ho
Published: April 2022

Objective: We analyzed the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of pediatric patients with congenital cholesteatoma of the middle ear according to age.Study Design: From August 1993 to January 2016, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 186 children (136 boys and 50 girls) less than 15 years of age with pathologically confirmed cholesteatoma. We divided the patients into three age groups (~3 years, 3~7 years, 7~15 years) and analyzed their differences in clinical variables. The audiologic outcomes and recurrence rate were also analyzed.Results: There were no significant differences in sex and side distribution among three age groups. However, there were significant differences in chief complaints, location of cholesteatoma in the middle ear, CT findings, operation methods, ossicular erosion, and type of cholesteatoma sac among three groups. In addition, older age, open type cholesteatoma, ossicular erosion, mastoid invasion of cholesteatoma increased the recurrence rate after surgery. However, despite higher preoperative air-bone gap in older children, hearing can be improved enough after proper surgery with ossicular reconstruction. Conclusion: Delayed detection of pediatric cholesteatoma can lead to extensive disease and the need for an aggressive operation, which can result in worse hearing outcomes and an increased recurrence risk. Physicians should familiarize themselves with the clinical characteristics of pediatric cholesteatoma, especially regarding the age distribution of this condition.
Abnormal SPR-mediated photocatalytic enhancement of Ag nanocubes covered by AgCl ultra-thin layer
Authors: Li Yanjiao , Alves Tiago V. , Liu Xiaoyun , Li Mai , Wang Chunrui , Wang Jiale
Published: April 2022

It was theoretically predicted that electric field intensities generated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) around plasmonic metallic nanostructures could be reduced after covered by wide bandgap semiconductor, thus worsening the SPR-mediated photocatalytic activities. However, we found that the Ag nanocubes (Ag NCs) covered by AgCl demonstrated an abnormal SPR-mediated catalytic enhancement. Herein the PATP-to-DMAB oxidization was used as a model reaction to explore the photocatalytic conversions. It was observed that the Ag NCs covered by AgCl ultra-thin layer (AgCl@Ag NCs) presented better photocatalytic activities than those of individual Ag NCs under 633 nm excitation. To reveal the mechanism behind the superior activities of AgCl@Ag NCs, the PATP-to-DMAB conversions were also carried out in ambient argon (Ar), in which AgCl@Ag NCs demonstrated significantly higher conversions. These results could be interpreted based on the separation of electron-hole pairs in AgCl through SPR effect of Ag, where the electrons in the valence band of AgCl were excited to the empty states of Ag, leaving holes in the semiconductor and resulting in the oxidation of PATP to DMAB. Thus our findings may provide a novel way to enhance SPR-mediated photocatalytic activities on plasmonic metallic nanostructures by the cover of an ultra-thin layer of wide bandgap semiconductor.
OKDNet: Online Knowledge Distillation Network for Single Image Dehazing
Authors: Lan Yunwei , Cui Zhigao , Su Yanzhao , Wang Nian , Li Aihua , Zhang Wei , Li Qinghui , Zhong Xiao
Published: April 2022

Single image dehazing, as a key prerequisite of high-level computer vision tasks, catches more and more attentions. Traditional model-based methods recover haze-free images via atmospheric scattering model, which achieve favorable dehazing effect but endure artifacts, halos, and color distortion. By contrast, recent learning-based methods dehaze by a model-free way, which achieve better color fidelity but tend to acquire under-dehazed results due to lacking of knowledge guiding. To combine these merits, we propose a novel online knowledge distillation network for single image dehazing named OKDNet. Specifically, the proposed OKDNet firstly preprocesses hazy images and acquires abundant shared features by a multiscale network constructed with Attention Guided Residual Dense Blocks (AGRDBs). After that, these features are sent to different branches to generate two preliminary dehazed images via supervision training: one branch acquires dehazed images via the atmospheric scattering model; another branch directly establishes the mapping relationship between hazy images and clear images, which dehazes images by a model-free way. To effectively fuse useful information from these two branches and acquire a better dehazed results, we propose an efficient Feature Aggregation Block (FAB) consisted of multiple parallel convolutions with different receptive. Moreover, we adopt a one-stage knowledge distillation strategy named online knowledge distillation to joint optimization of our OKDNet. The proposed OKDNet achieves superior performance compared with state-of-the-art methods on both synthetic and real-world images with fewer model parameters.
The risk of COVID-19 can be predicted by a nomogram based on the m6A-related gene
Authors: Lu Lingling , Ao Xiulan , Li Yijing , Huang Jiaofeng , Liu Bang , Wu Liqing , Li Dongliang
Published: April 2022

The expression of m6A-related gene and its significance in COVID − 19 patients are still unknown. In the present study, we used the GSE177477 dataset of Gene Expression Omnibus to extract RNA-seq data of patients with COVID-19. The expression levels of 26 m6A-related genes between COVID-19 patients and healthy people were analyzed, thereby gaining 8 different expression genes. COVID-19 patients were classified into two categories, cluster A and cluster B, based on the expression level of the differential gene, which in this study happened to be the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups. In addition, differential expression of immune cells and the correlation with m6A-related genes was also examined in COVID-19 patients. Finally, 5 m6A-related disease characteristic genes, HNRNPA2B1, FTO, YTHDC1, HNRNPC, and WTAP, were screened by random forest and support vector machine algorithm. These five genes were applied to construct a nomogram model for predicting the risk of COVID-19. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) show that the nomogram model is effective and has high net benefit. Then clinical impact curve analysis (CICA) revealed that the high-risk patients classified by the nomogram model had a high degree of coincidence with the actual positive patients. In summary, it has been found that m6A-related genes correlate with immune cells. The nomogram model effectively predicts the risk of COVID-19. And m6A-related genes may be associated with the presence or absence of symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
Soil microbes and associated extracellular enzymes play an integral role in nutrient dynamics in acidic and nutrient poor KwaZulu-Natal grassland ecosystem soils.
Authors: Magadlela Anathi , Ndabankulu Khululwa , Egbewale Samson , Tsvuura Zivanai
Published: April 2022

PurposeThis study investigated the effects of long-term phosphorus (P) fertilization and liming on soil microbe diversity and extracellular soil enzyme activities in acidic and nutrient-poor grassland soils in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). MethodsExperimental soil samples were collected from the Veld Fertilizer Trials (VFT) initiated in 1951 at Ukulinga Research Farm in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. P fertilizer and liming treatments comprised of superphosphate (336 kg. ha-1) applied once a year and dolomitic lime (2250 kg. ha-1) applied every 5 years (P+L), superphosphate (336 kg. ha-1) applied once a year (+P) and soils with no superphosphate and no dolomitic lime (-P-L). These soils were analyzed for their nutrient concentration, pH, total cation concentrations and exchange acidity, microflora and extracellular enzyme activities. ResultsSoil nutrition, pH, total cations and exchange acidity showed significant differences between the soil treatments. However, nitrogen (N) and organic carbon (C) concentrations showed no significant differences between the soil treatments. P-solubilizing, N-cycling and N-fixing microbial diversity varied among the different soil treatments. Various nutrient cycling bacteria were identified across soil treatments with the most abundant strains in the Pseudomonas genera. β-glucosaminidase enzyme activity was high in acidic soils compared to P-fertilized and limed soils. However, N reductase activity showed no significant differences between the soil treatments. Alkaline phosphatase showed increased activity in P-fertilized soils, whereas acid phosphatase showed increased activity in acidic soils. Conclusion:These experimental results show that soil microbes and soil enzymes play an integral role in nutrient dynamics in acidic and nutrient stressed grassland ecosystem soils.
Trehalose attenuates learning and memory impairments in aged rats via overexpression of miR- 181c
Authors: Shafiei Bentolhoda , Shabani Mohammad , Afgar Ali , Rajizadeh Mohammad Amin , Nazari-Robati Mahdieh
Published: April 2022

MicroRNAs have been recognized as important regulators of the aging process. Trehalose, a natural disaccharide, displays protective effects against neuronal impairment through several mechanisms. However, little is known about the interactive eﬀects of aging and trehalose on behavioral function and underlying miRNA expression patterns in the hippocampus of young and old rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Two groups of aged (24 months) and young (4 months) rats were administered 2% trehalose solution for 30 days. Two other groups of aged and young rats received regular tap water. At the end of treatment, rats were assessed for cognitive behavior using the Morris water maze test. The expression level of miR-181c and mir-34c was also measured by qRT-PCR. We found that trehalose treatment reduced learning and memory impairment in old rats compared to control old animals (p<0.05). We also showed that the expression level of miR-181c was significantly increased in trehalose-treated rats (p<0.01). However, analysis of miR-34c expression level indicated no significant difference between trehalose-treated old rats and non-treated old animals (p>0.05). Our results indicated that trehalose treatment improved learning and memory function in aged rats by targeting miR-181c. Therefore, trehalose administration may provide a therapeutic strategy to ameliorate age-associated cognitive impairment.
Moyamoya disease-specific extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs in the cerebrospinal fluid as revealed by comprehensive expression analysis through microRNA sequencing
Authors: Ota Shinji , Yokoyama Kinya , Kanamori Fumiaki , Mamiya Takashi , Uda Kenji , Araki Yoshio , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Saito Ryuta
Published: April 2022

We examined the specific changes that occur in the expression levels of extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) in intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in moyamoya disease. Patients with arteriosclerotic cerebral ischemia were used as controls to eliminate the effects of cerebral ischemia. Comprehensive expression analysis of miRNAs extracted from EVs by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and validation by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed. Experiments were conducted on eight cases of moyamoya disease and four control cases. In the comprehensive miRNA expression analysis, 153 miRNAs were upregulated and 98 miRNAs were downregulated in moyamoya disease compared to the control (q-value < 0.05 and |log2 fold change| > 1). qRT-PCR performed on the four most valuable miRNAs (hsa-miR-421, hsa-miR-361-5p, hsa-miR-320a, and hsa-miR-29b-3p) associated with vascular lesions among the differentially expressed miRNAs gave the same results as miRNA sequencing. In GO analysis for the target genes, cytoplasmic stress granule was the most significant GO term. This study is the first comprehensive expression analysis of EV-derived miRNAs in the CSF of moyamoya disease patients using NGS. The miRNAs identified here may be related to the etiology and pathophysiology of moyamoya disease.
Case Study on Indigenous Rice Germplasm Conservation in Yuanjiang Based on Stakeholder Theory
Authors: Yi WEN , LIU Ying , Jiwei XU , Rong SUN , Huabin WANG , LIU Qingsong , Hai WANG , RuI XU , Yi LU
Published: April 2022

Native rice, which can grow at higher altitudes, contains high quality genes and genetic characteristics, but its distribution is worrying. Therefore, conservation of native rice is of great significance both from the perspective of germplasm resources conservation and economic value.This paper introduced the stakeholder theory, and based on the results of the three-party evolutionary game model involving local government, enterprises or cooperatives, and farmers, put forward suggestions for wild rice conservation in Yuanjiang County, and provided references for the conservation and sustainable utilization of agricultural biodiversity and genetic resources in food and agriculture in other areas.The results showed that in the short term, the protection of native rice is in urgent need of encouragement, support, publicity and guidance from local governments. There is a close relationship between government subsidies to enterprises and farmers and their enthusiasm for buying and planting native rice.When the subsidy coefficient of government to enterprises is small, enterprises tend to "not purchase". The higher the subsidy coefficient is, the faster the enterprises reach evolutionary stable state, but the faster the government and farmers reach evolutionary stable state slows down.The higher the subsidy coefficient, the faster the farmers, enterprises and cooperatives reach the evolutionary stable state, but the slower the government reaches the evolutionary stable state. When the government's subsidy coefficient to farmers is large, farmers may tend to "do not plant" and the government tends to "do not encourage".Therefore, the government should carefully weigh the subsidies given to enterprises, cooperatives and farmers, and take into account the local financial situation and the status quo of the restoration of native rice planting and in-situ protection.
Comparative study of K-wire combined with screw vs. K-wire in the treatment of AO type B3.1 phalangeal fractures
Authors: Ma Xuelin , Wang Li , Zhang Xiaoran , Zhang Zhemin , Xu Yali , Lv Li , Shao Xinzhong
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to introduce the surgical method of K-wire combined with screw in the treatment of Arbeitsgemeinschaftfür Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type B3.1 phalangeal fractures and to compare its clinical, radiological and functional outcomes with K-wire fixation.Methods: This was a retrospective comparative study. From January 2015 to February 2022, we treated 86 patients with AO type B3.1 phalangeal fractures. A total of 71 patients were finally included in the statistical analysis. Thirty-nine patients received K-wires combined with screw, and 32 patients received simple K-wires. The follow-up time was at least 6 months. Outcome measures included general information, operative time, total active motion (TAM), pinch strength, radiological union time, pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, and complications.Results: The follow-up time was 6-12 months, with an average of 7.9 months. All patients achieved clinical and radiological union. Compared with the K-wire fixation group, the TAM, radiological union time and VAS score of the K-wire combined with screw group had obvious advantages. Compared with the opposite healthy hand, the grip strength of the two groups was similar, and there was no significant difference in the QuickDASH score. The incidence rate of complications in the K-wire combined with screw group (2/39) was lower than that in the K-wire fixation group (7/32).Conclusions: Compared with simple K-wire fixation, K-wire combined with screw in the treatment of AO type B3.1 phalangeal fractures is a safer and reliable surgical method. K-wire controls the rotation and plays a role similar to a "lock". The screw can exert pressure and fix it more firmly. It shortens the time of fracture healing and has a higher TAM and fewer postoperative complications.
The effect of Medicago sativa extract and light on skin hypopigmentation disorders in C57/BL6 mice
Authors: Ubaydee Azal Hussein Najm , Issa Reem , Hajleh Maha N. Abu , Ghanim Bayan Y. , Al-Akayleh Faisal , Qinna Nidal A.
Published: April 2022

Vitiligo is a common depigmentation skin disease that affects the quality of life in many patients. This study aims to investigate the effect of Medicago sativa methanol extract on the treatment of skin hypopigmentation disorders. Antioxidant activity and phytochemical constituents of the extract were determined using DDPH assay, Folin-Ciocalteu, AlCl3 and HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Oil in water (o/w) creams were prepared to contain the methanolic extract, and applied to hydroquinone-induced depigmentation in vivo model and further challenged in combination with UVA light exposure. Skin and hair colors were visually scored and evaluated at different time intervals, and histopathological examinations of skin layers and hair follicles were performed. Results showed total phenolic content of 187.70 mg/g, equivalent to gallic acid, and total flavonoid content of 21.97 mg/g, equivalent to quercetin. Most interestingly, the extract showed an antioxidant percent inhibition activity of 71%. Moreover, the HPLC-MS/MS detection revealed the presence of 18 compounds including P-coumaric acid and antioxidants flavonoids, of those are 7 compounds not previously detected in this species. The in vivo study showed a remarkable skin and hair pigmentation effect on plant extract treated groups, compared to the reference, placebo and control groups. Histopathological examinations showed the growth of coloured hair follicles in the dermis and epidermis layers of the extract treated mice. In conclusion, the study suggests the use of M. sativa extract in enhancing the pigmentation process in hypopigmented skin and hair if combined with UVA light. Therefore, M. sativa extract can be considered a potential treatment for vitiligo.
3,3’-Diindolylmethane inhibits ovarian cancer cell viability and enhances chemotherapy sensitivity via STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Zou Minghua , Zeng Chuan
Published: April 2022

Purpose Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths among women. 3, 3’-diindolylmethane(DIM), a small molecule compound, is a proposed cancer preventive agent without causing toxicity to normal cells. Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3)was constitutively activated in ovarian cancer .In the present study, we aimed at investigate the potential effects of DIM on ovarian cancer cells and observe the effects of the combination of STAT3 gene silencing and DIM on cell viability, cell-cycle regulation, and sensitivity to chemotherapy. Methods Ovarian cancer SKOV3 and A2780 cell lines were treated with various concentrations of DIM for different periods of time for assessment of cell viability, and sensitivity to chemotherapy as well as gene expression before and after knockdown of STAT3 expression using STAT3 shRNA. Results The study find DIM treatment potently suppressed abilities of ovarian cancer cell viability, also induced cisplatin sensitivity. At the gene level, DIM inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 proteins and expression of its downstream proteins. Moreover, knockdown of STAT3 expression significantly enhanced DIM antitumor activity and cisplatin sensitivity. In addition, their combination suppressed expression of survivin, Bcl-2, Mcl-1, but upregulated expression of Caspase3. Conclusions Our findings suggest DIM antitumor activity was to inhibit the STAT3 signaling pathways. The combination of STAT3 knockdown with DIM treatment could be further evaluated as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of advanced ovarian cancer.
Rapid Relapse of Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection Following Early Suppression with Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir
Authors: Gupta Kalpana , Strymish Judith , Stack Gary , Charness Michael
Published: April 2022

Initiation of NM/R treatment on Day 0 in a 71-year-old vaccinated and boosted male resulted in rapid resolution of COVID-19 symptoms followed one week later by the development of typical cold symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 viral load fluctuated in parallel with symptoms, with two distinct peaks on Day 1 and Day 9 of illness. No other respiratory pathogens were identified. Viral samples demonstrated sequence identity for the omicron subvariant BA.1 on Days 1, 7, and 11. Our findings suggest that viral replication and COVID-19 symptoms may recur after very early treatment with NM/R before natural immunity is sufficient to fully clear SARS-CoV-2.
Graves disease – induced immune thrombocytopenic purpura in an african female: a case report
Authors: Agyapong Kwabena Oteng , Folson Aba , Fiador Kate , Kootin-Sanwu Cecilia , Tufuor Martha , Bampoh Sally Afua , Fiscian Henrietta , Wonkyi Roland
Published: April 2022

BackgroundImmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a condition associated with an unusual, unexplained, and sometimes very severe reduction in the level of platelets in the blood. Its association with Graves’ disease, though documented, is not very common and can easily be missed or misdiagnosed, leading to excessive bleeding and mortality. Treatment with steroids and anti-thyroid medications has been shown to be beneficial in correcting thrombocytopenia in these patients, although the response is varied. We report on a patient with Graves’ disease who presents with ITP.Case presentationThe patient is a 37-year-old Ghanaian female who presented to our hospital’s emergency department with a complaint of palpitations, difficulty breathing, easy fatigue, and headaches. She had been referred from a peripheral hospital as a case of thrombocytopenia, severe anemia, and anterior neck swelling. She was diagnosed with Graves’ disease 2 years ago, became euthyroid in the course of treatment, but defaulted. On further examination and investigation, she was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenic purpura and was also found to have elevated free T3, T4 and suppressed TSH. She also had high thyroid autoantibodies. She was initially started on oral prednisolone but there was no stabilisation of platelets until methimazole was introduced, which improved and normalised her platelet count.ConclusionThe association of Graves’ disease with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, though documented, is uncommon and very few cases have been reported thus far. There has not been any reported cases in Ghana or sub-Saharan Africa and hence, clinicians should be aware of this association when investigating for ITP and should consider graves’ disease as a possible cause. From this study, we observed that there was no improvement in platelet count following the use of corticosteroid therapy until methimazole was started.
Efficacy and Safety of Midostaurin Combined with Chemotherapy in Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia with FLT3 Mutation
Authors: Bondarenko Sergei Nikolaevich , Smirnova A.G. , Ayubova B.L. , Karyagina E.V. , Uspenskaya O.S. , Neredko Yu.S. , Kochergina A.P. , Samorodova I.A. , Pashneva E.A. , Chernykh Yu.S. , Dunaev Yu.A. , Esef'eva N.B. , Ll'yasov R.K. , Brazhkina T.I. , Novokreshchenova I.A. , Simavonyan Z.K. , Kuzub E.I. , Bakhtina V.I. , Olkhovich T.I. , Burundukova M.V. , Babenko E.V. , Oleinikova Yu.D. , Barkhatov I.M. , Gindina T.L. , Moiseev I.S. , Kulagin A.D.
Published: April 2022

Background. The detection of FLT3-ITD mutation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients is associated with poor prognosis and is an indication for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in the first remission. Midostaurin is the first FLT3 inhibitor approved for the treatment of AML patients with FLT3 mutation in the Russian Federation in November 2019. This study deals with the initial experiences of using midostaurin in several centers for hematology in the Russian Federation. Aim. To analyze the initial experiences of using midostaurin at different stages of AML therapy. Materials & Methods. The study enrolled 42 patients with newly diagnosed AML with FLT3 mutation, who were treated with midostaurin combined with chemotherapy. Allo-HSCT was performed in 11 patients. Results. The 2-year overall survival (OS) was 51 %, and the 2-year event-free survival (EFS) was 45 %. After achieving remission, the 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 58 %. The 1-year DFS of allo-HSCT recipients was 86 % (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 60-100 %) vs. 66 % in patients treated with chemotherapy without allo-HSCT (95% CI 34-98 %), respectively (p = 0.5). Hyperleukocytosis at disease onset was associated with high relapse risk. Midostaurin had to be discontinued in 5 % of cases due to atrial fibrillation and QTc prolongation. Conclusion. The present study demonstrates the safety and importance of including midostaurin in the regimens for treating AML with FLT3 mutation. Midostaurin assignment for maintenance therapy, after allo-HSCT as well as without performing it, can result in considerable improvement of OS and DFS.
A Ketogenic Diet is Effective in Improving Insulin Sensitivity in Individuals
with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Skow Samantha L. , Jha Rajesh Kumar
Published: April 2022

Objective:

This systematic review looked at different clinical trials that explored the
beneficial effect of a ketogenic diet on insulin sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetics, both with and without
exercise. It was hypothesized that a ketogenic diet is effective in improving insulin sensitivity
in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, with the greatest effect resulting from a ketogenic diet paired
with exercise.

Methods:

The databases used when searching were the Directory of Open Access Journals and
PubMed for randomized control trials, non-randomized control trials, and prospective longitudinal
studies. Results were summarized in an evidence table found in the Appendix. Studies were not
limited by study type, age of study participants, gender, ethnicity, language, journal in which the
studies were published, or geographic location. One study utilized mouse models. Statistical analysis
was not performed.

Results:

Twelve trials were studied. Three trials studied the role of exercise and a ketogenic diet in
the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Five trials studied a ketogenic diet compared to another diet in
the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Two trials studied a ketogenic diet alone in the treatment of Type
2 Diabetes. One trial studied a ketogenic diet in those with pre-diabetes. One trial studied a ketogenic
diet in those with pre-diabetes and those diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Every trial utilizing
a ketogenic diet showed marked improvement in glycemic control among participants in support
of the hypothesis. One study noted that while a ketogenic diet greatly improved glycemic control,
it created problems with lipid metabolism and the liver. When pairing a ketogenic diet with
exercise, hepatic steatosis was avoided. Eleven studies used adult participants, one used mouse
models. One study was a prospective longitudinal study, nine randomized control trials, one nonrandomized
control trial, and one observational cohort study.

Conclusions:

The studies provide encouraging results. A ketogenic diet consistently demonstrates
improved glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetics, and in those at risk of Type 2 Diabetes. However,
the studies are limited in their lack of exploration of the effects of a long-term ketogenic diet on the
liver, with only one study including this data. Randomized trials looking at the effect of a ketogenic
diet on the liver are needed. In addition, there were very few studies found when researching that
paired a ketogenic diet with exercise to study both the effect on glycemic control, as well as avoiding
potential hepatic steatosis.
Antihyperglycemic and Antidyslipidemic Effects of Artemisia arborescens
Aqueous Extract on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Eddouks Mohamed , Azzane Amine , Farid Omar
Published: April 2022

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Artemisia arborescens.

Background:

Artemisia arborescens is an aromatic, medicinal, and endemic plant mostly found in
the Mediterranean region. This plant is widely used as alternative medicine.

Objective:

The study was designed to examine the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic
activities of Artemisia arborescens aqueous extract (AEAA) in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-
induced diabetic rats.

Methods:

The effect of AEAA (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) on plasma glucose levels and plasma
lipid profile was investigated in normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. The plasma glucose levels
were determined after a single (6 hours) and subchronic oral administration (7 days), and plasma
lipid profiles were evaluated after both acute and subchronic oral administration. Additionally, the
glycogen content in the liver, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and soleus muscles was measured
using a standard method. Moreover, the aqueous extract was tested for its 1.1-diphenyl-2-
picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity.

Results:

In diabetic rats, AEAA oral administration (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) produced a significant
decrease in blood glucose levels after 7 days of oral administration (P<0.0001). Moreover, a
significant decrease in plasma triglyceride levels was reported on the last day of treatment by AEAA
(80 mg/kg) (P<0.05). Furthermore, a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels was observed
after 7 days of AEAA oral administration in diabetic rats (P<0.01). Moreover, a significant
increase in HDL-c concentration was noted after one week of AEAA (80 mg/kg) oral administration
(P<0.001). In addition, AEAA oral administration (80 mg/kg) significantly increased the glycogen
content in the liver and extensor digitorum longus (P<0.05). On the other hand, qualitative
and quantitative phytochemical screenings revealed the presence of various compounds, such as
polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins.

Conclusion:

In summary, the study demonstrates that Artemisia arborescens oral administration
exhibited a significant antihyperglycemic effect on diabetic rats and revealed a significant amelioration
in lipid profile and glycogen content.