bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ancient Enzyme Finds a New Home: Prevalence and Neofunctionalization of Trypsin in Marine Phytoplankton
Authors: You Yanchun , Sun Xueqiong , Lin Senjie
Published: November 2021

Trypsin is an ancient protease best known as a digestive enzyme in animals, and traditionally believed to be absent in plants and protists. Here, we surveyed the distribution, diversity, evolution and potential functions of trypsin genes in global ocean phytoplankton, the major primary producers in the aquatic ecosystem. Our analysis indicates that trypsin genes are widely distributed both taxonomically and geographically in marine phytoplankton. Furthermore, by systematic comparative analyses we documented lineage-specific diversity and expansion of trypsin genes in the evolution of marine phytoplankton. Genome-wide analyses revealed that trypsin genes were more prevalent in diatoms than in other lineages. Moreover, the expression of trypsin genes in diatom tended to be more responsive to environmental stimuli. The duplication and neofunctionalization of trypsin genes may be important in diatoms to adapt to dynamical environmental conditions, contributing to diatoms’ dominance in the coastal oceans. This work advances our knowledge on the distributions and neofunctionalizations of this ancient enzyme and creates a new research direction in the phytoplankton biology.
Exosomal Telomerase Transcripts Contribute to CAF Formation and Reprogram the MicroRNA Transcriptome Profile of the Recipient Cells
Authors: Likonen Daniela , Pinchasi Maria , Beery Einat , Sharan Roded , Gervits Asia , Signorini Lorenzo , Lahav Meir , Raanani Pia , Uziel Orit
Published: November 2021

It is now well accepted that cancer cells change their microenvironment from normal to tumor-supportive state to provide sustained tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistance. These processes are partially carried out by exosomes, nano-sized vesicles secreted from cells, shuttled from donor to recipient cells containing a cargo of nucleic acids, proteins and lipids. By transferring biologically active molecules, cancer-derived exosomes may educate microenvironmental cells to become tumor supportive. We have recently shown that the transcript of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the hallmark of cancer cells is packaged in cancer cells derived- exosomes. After the engulfment of the hTERT transcript into fibroblasts, it is translated into a fully active enzyme. Telomerase activity in the recipient, otherwise telomerase negative cells, provides them with a survival advantage. Here we show that exosomal telomerase plays a role in modifying normal fibroblasts into cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) by upregulating aSMA and Vimentin, two CAF markers. We also show that telomerase activity changes the transcriptome of microRNA in these fibroblasts. By ectopically expressing microRNA 342, one of the top identified microRNAs we show that it may mediate the proliferative phenotype that these cells acquire upon taking-up exosomal hTERT, providing them with a survival advantage.
18F-FDG PET/CT as a Potential Predictor of Lung Inflammation After Arc-Based Radiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hsu Chen-Xiong , Lin Kuan-Heng , Shueng Pei-Wei , Wu Yen-Wen , Tsai Wei-Ta , Chang Chiu-Han , Tien Hui-Ju , Wang Shan-Ying , Wu Tung-Hsin , Mok Greta S. P.
Published: November 2021

PurposeFluorine-18-fuorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) scan serves as a useful tool not only for tumor detection, radiotherapy (RT) target volume delineation but also for the assessment of the inflammatory changes in normal organs. Previously we proposed the volume-based algorithm (VBA) method to reduce low dose-volume of lung by improving the arc angle in dynamic arc-based RT. The aim of this study was to assess lung inflammation by integrating 18F-FDG PET/CT with VBA before and after arc-based RT for esophageal cancer (EC).MethodsThirty EC patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging before RT (pre-RT) and after RT (post-RT) on a retrospective pilot study. The VBA was used to define the high dose (HD) (≧ 5 Gy) region and the low dose (LD) (< 5 Gy) region in the lungs. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), and global lung glycolysis (GLG) of the HD and LD regions in the lungs were quantified. The pre-RT and post-RT SUVmax, SUVmean, and GLG of HD and LD regions in lungs were analyzed in radiation pneumonitis (RP) ≧ grade 1 and non-radiation pneumonitis (nRP) lungs. The mean lung dose (MLD), V5, V10, V15, V20, V25, V30 in lungs were analyzed. Vx indicates the organ volume percentage exceeding a radiation dose of x (Gy). Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to identify optimal cut-off values for RP after RT.ResultsIn RP lungs (n = 30), the SUVmax, SUVmean and GLG of the HD region between pre-RT and post-RT showed significant increases (all p < 0.05). Whereas there were no significant differences in those of the HD and LD regions in nRP lungs (n = 22). The post-RT SUVmax (2.78 vs. 2.07, p = 0.000) and post-RT SUVmean (0.64 vs. 0.52, p = 0.015) of the HD region in RP lungs were significantly higher than those in nRP lungs. The MLD (10.15 Gy vs. 8.11 Gy, p = 0.041), lung V5 (49.78% vs. 38.07%, p = 0.010) and lung V10 (32.25% vs. 24.71%, p = 0.017) in the RP lungs were significantly higher than those in nRP lungs. The area under the curve (AUC) of post-RT SUVmax of the HD regions was 0.852, and the AUC of the lung V5 was 0.727. For predicting RP, the optimal cut-off values of post-RT SUVmax and lung V5 were > 2.28 and > 47.14%. respectively. ConclusionThis study successfully integrated 18F-FDG PET/CT with VBA to assess RP in EC patients undergoing dynamic arc-based RT. The post-RT SUVmax and post-RT SUVmean of HD (≧5 Gy) regions can be used to evaluate RP. The post-RT SUVmax > 2.28 of HD regions and lung V5 > 47.14% may be a potential predictor of RP. 18F-FDG PET/CT is a promising tool to detect RP for EC patients treated with arc-based RT.
A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis: The Role of anti- angiogenic agents in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Helali Aya El , Wong Charlene HL , Choi Horace CW , Chan Wendy WL , Dickson Naomi , Siu Steven WK , Chan Karen K , Ngan Hextan YS , Ngan Roger KC , Kennedy Richard D
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe efficacy of anti-angiogenic agents (AAAs) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to synthesize evidence of their comparative effectiveness for improving overall survival (OS) among EOC patients. MethodsWe searched six databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to February 2021. We performed a NMA with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate comparative effectiveness among different AAAs in two disease settings, chemotherapy naïve, and recurrent EOC. P-score was used to provide an effectiveness hierarchy ranking. Sensitivity NMA was carried out by focusing on studies that reported high-risk disease chemotherapy-naïve, platinum-resistant, and platinum-sensitive EOC. The primary outcome was OS.FindingsWe identified 23 RCTs (n=11,560) which assessed effectiveness of eight different AAAs. NMA results showed no significant OS difference among anti-angiogenic agents in chemotherapy-naïve. In recurrent EOC, concurrent use of trebananib (10mg/kg) and chemotherapy was likely to be the best option (P-score: 0.88, NMA estimate versus chemotherapy: HR= 1.67, 95% CI: 0.94; 2.94). The sensitivity NMA indicated that bevacizumab plus chemotherapy with maintenance treatment (P-score: 0.99) and pazopanib plus chemotherapy (P-score: 0.79) had the highest probability of being the best intervention for improving OS in high-risk chemotherapy-naïve and platinum-resistant setting, respectively. InterpretationAAAs may not play a significant clinical role in chemotherapy-naïve and platinum-sensitive EOC. Conversely, the concurrent use of trebananib with chemotherapy was likely to be the best intervention in recurrent EOC.
Changes of Tears MCP-1 Level After External Dacryocystorhinostomy in Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Authors: Karab Müjdat , Saruhan Ercan
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To define tears MCP-1 changes after uncomplicated external dacryocystorhinostomy with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation surgery.Methods: In this prospective, longitudinal study, we included patients diagnosed with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and underwent dacryocystorhinostomy with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation surgery. Tears samples were collected with a Schirmer strip placed lateral conjunctival cul-de-sac and stored in Eppendorf tubes at -80°C. At the end of the study, they were taken out of the -80°C cabinet and brought to room temperature. The papers were cut into small pieces and incubated in 2 milliliters tubes with phosphate-buffered saline solution in a shaker at 100 revolutions per minute. Then they were centrifuged at 1.000 revolutions per minute for 5 minutes. MCP-1 levels were determined by using an ELISA kit. Results: Of the patients, 14 (56%) were female, and 11 (44%) were male. The mean age was 52.7±10.3 years (ranged from 30 to 63 years). The MCP-1 levels were 498.66±101.35 ng/L, 576.40±149.78 ng/L, 422.53±85.94 ng/L, 436.96±81.38 ng/L before surgery, in the first week, the first and third months after surgery, respectively. The mean MCP-1 level significantly increased in the first week compared to the preoperative level (p < 0.001). In the postoperative first month, there was a prominent decrease (p < 0.001). In the third postoperative month, the mean MCP-1 level was not significantly increased compared to the postoperative first month (p=0.196).﻿Conclusion: The tears MCP-1 level was significantly decreased after uncomplicated external dacryocystorhinostomy with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation surgery
Development of The Music Background Experience Questionnaire
Authors: Lin Wuji , Mao Deng , Li Jiahui , Jiang Xiaoqian , Pi Yiqiao , Lin Jingyuan
Published: November 2021

People with different levels of music experience have been reported to differ significantly in cognitive abilities such as verbal memory, phonological awareness and reading development. However, studies often comparing the cognitive ability between musicians and non-musicians. Among the non-musicians, there are differences in music experience levels. Besides, many non-musicians with higher music experience than musicians. However, at present there is no reliable and valid measure of music experience in the literature. In the current study we developed the Music Background Experience Questionnaire for use in the field of music psychology. An initial set of 45 items was compiled based on the literature and on semi-structured interviews with 10 musicians and psychologists. These items were then tested in a pilot study of 402 participants. Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, 11 items were selected and classified into the two dimensions of "music training" and "music contact." A sample of 2,228 participants (1,465 women, average age 27.62 years) then completed the new measure. A subsample of 49 completed the questionnaire again after three weeks. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, structural validity and construct validity were strong. These strong psychometric properties suggest that the Music Background Experience Questionnaire is appropriate for use in music psychology research.
Seasonal Variations In Species Composition And Community Structure In The Eastern Coast of South Korea
Authors: Han Jeonghoon , Kang Do-Hyung , Park Heung-Sik , choi Young-ung
Published: November 2021

The seasonal variations in species composition of set net fisheries were investigated in the eastern coast of Korea, from 2007 to 2008. In total, 51 species were found that were classified into 15 orders and 33 families. The water temperature of the study area was 0.1–2.1 °C during the study period, which was higher than the average water temperature in the last decade. Monthly variation in the number of species peaked twice, in May (spring) and November (autumn) when the water temperature increased and decreased, respectively, and monthly variation in the number of individuals showed a remarkably high trend in winter and autumn and was mainly caused by large migratory species. Based on the cluster analysis of the 18 most dominant species with more than 0.4% of the total number of individuals, we divided the species composition and community structure into three groups: fishes with temporary appearance (Group A), fishes with long-term appearance (Group B), and dominant pelagic fishes appearing with long-term appearance (Group C). We could conclude that seasonal variation in the fish community structure was mainly caused by pelagic migration of species under high water temperature conditions during the study period.
Introducing a Novel Beta-ray Detector Based on Polycarbonate/ Bismuth Oxide Nanocomposite: Simulation and Experiment
Authors: Safdari Seyed Musa , Malekie Shahryar , Kashian Sedigheh , Akbari Morteza
Published: November 2021

In this research, for the first time, the detection response of Polycarbonate/Bismuth oxide composite to a pure beta-emitter 90Sr with two energies of 546.2 keV, and 2.28 MeV is studied. Firstly, the range and stopping power of the electrons of 90Sr in the composite at various concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt% were calculated using the ESTAR program. Results of simulation demonstrated that the concentration of the heavy metal oxide particles into the polymer matrix played an important role to evaluate the range and stopping power of the electrons in the composite. Secondly, at the experimental phase, the sample of 50 wt% composite with dimensions of 4 cm×4 cm×0.1 cm3 was prepared. Afterwards, the sample was irradiated by 90Sr and the amount of electric current was measured using an electrometer at voltages of 100-1000 V. Additionally, the I-V plot exhibited a linear response at different voltages in the fixed source surface distance. Results of this study showed that this composite can serve as a novel beta detector.
Integrated structural reconstruction of unit structures of the meta-stable grain boundaries in diamond-structured materials presents first-order like phase transition.
Authors: Xie Yaoshu , Shibata Kiyou , Mizoguchi Teruyasu
Published: November 2021

One of the important issues of studying grain boundaries (GBs) which has recently attracted increasing interests is to investigate the phase behavior of GBs that one GB with determined disorientation and plane orientation (known as macroscopic parameters) can exist as distinct phases and perform phase transition. While such an issue has been investigated in fcc and bcc metals, GB phases in other elemental materials have not been reported. This work by applying molecular dynamics (MD) simulation explored totally around 7000 meta-stable GB phases of the <110>∑9(22‾1‾) symmetric tilt GB of silicon, germanium and diamond carbon as diamond-structured elemental materials. Meta-stable phases commonly exist in different elements were discovered and some of them were successfully verified to be reasonable by first-principle simulation. The verified meta-stable GBs were subsequently proved to have different capability to transform to the ground-stable GB at elevated temperature under MD simulation and to perform different pre-melting behaviors. We discovered a bi-directional structural reconstruction mechanism of the unit structure belonging to one of the verified meta-stable phases, by which the unit structures can transform to identical unit structures of the ground-stable GB which can present ‘opposite orientation’. Through computing the kinetic barriers by nudged-elastic-band and annealing simulation using MD, the integral behavior of the unit structures’ reconstruction is found to be a first-order like phase transition. Our work extended the research on GB phases from metals to diamond-structured materials and discovered a new GB phase transition mechanism which has not been reported before.
Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women With Teriparatide, Denosumab And Alendronate: One-Year Prospective Study With A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison
Authors: Lam Pun Yuet , Cheung Prudence Wing Hang , Lau Sin Ting , Cheung Jason Pui Yin
Published: November 2021

Background: To evaluate and compare the effects of parathyroid hormone analogues, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand inhibitors (RANKL inhibitors) and bisphosphonates on the quality of life of postmenopausal women.Methods: A prospective observational study of 23 matched post-menopausal women was conducted with propensity score analysis on quality of life (QOL). Baseline and 12-month follow-up data were compared. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for back pain, the Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire-Physical Function (OPAQ-PF), EuroQol 5-level 5-dimension (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire, ambulatory status assessment and Adherence Evaluation of Osteoporosis treatment (ADEOS-12) were carried out as QOL or treatment adherence measurements. A general linear model with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjustment with propensity score was constructed to predict one-year average back pain progression.Results: Teriparatide use was associated with significant improvements in VAS back pain (most severe pain reduced from 8.0 to 0.0, p=0.029; average pain reduced from 6.0 to 0.0, p=0.006), EQ-5D-5L general health status (EQ-5D summary index scores increased from 0.47 to 0.87, p=0.001; EQ-VAS increased from 65.0 to 80.0, p=0.008) and OPAQ physical function (from 40.0 to 79.5, p<0.001), whereas denosumab and alendronate groups only demonstrated improved OPAQ scores but worsened back pain. Baseline average VAS back pain was the only significant factor predicting one-year average back pain progression (partial eta squared=0.617, p=0.001).Conclusions: One-year continuous teriparatide treatment is most effective in improving QOL outcomes in postmenopausal osteoporotic women, but baseline average VAS back pain remained the only predictive factor for one-year back pain progression in the IPTW adjusted model.
Machine Learning-Based Cervical Cancer Screening Using Cervigrams During Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid: a Systematic Review.
Authors: Viñals Roser , Cattin Magali , Petignat Patrick , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Vassilakos Pierre
Published: November 2021

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for promoting effective management of cervical cancer screening in low- and medium-income countries (LMIC) include human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as primary screening followed by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and, if required, treatment. The application of acetic acid induces a transient whitening effect which appears and disappears differently in precancerous lesions and cancer than in benign conditions. However, this assessment by human observers is generally subjective and accuracy is limited. This study presents a systematic review of the automated algorithms for cervical (pre)cancer screening based on images taken during VIA with the objective of assessing their potential as screening tool.Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus. The selected studies introduce automated algorithms for the classification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+) with respect to benign conditions, based only on images taken during VIA. We included studies that use, as gold standard, histopathology for CIN2+ cases and, histopathology or normal cytology and colposcopy for benign conditions. The selected studies were analysed in terms of specificity and sensitivity. From each study, the algorithm with the highest accuracy was further studied considering key features such as type of algorithms, acquisition devices, the number of images used per patient, or its performance in comparison to the experts’ classification. The quality and risk of the studies was assessed following the QUADAS-2 guidelines.Results: Of the 1519 studies identified, nine met the inclusion criteria. The algorithms with the highest accuracy from each study reported a sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 0.60 to 0.93 and 0.67 to 0.95, respectively. Conclusion: Machine learning-based cervical cancer screening algorithms have the potential to become a key tool for cervical cancer screening in countries that suffer from a lack of healthcare infrastructure and personnel. Nevertheless, the selected studies assess their algorithms using small datasets made of highly selected images without reflecting real screened populations. Large-scale and real conditions testing is required to assess the potential of these algorithms as the future of cervical cancer screening.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021270745
The reliability and economic analysis of rainwater harvesting system for commercial building with large rooftop area
Authors: Fulazzaky Mohamad Ali , Syafiuddin Achmad , Roestamy Martin , Yusop Zulkifli , Jonbi Jonbi , Prasetyo Dedy Dwi
Published: November 2021

The problem of water shortages faced by many countries including the country that having sufficient water source needs to be provided a practical engineering solution. The reliability analysis of rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) installed at the commercial building of AEON Taman Universiti located in Johor Barhu city of Malaysia was based on the rainfall pattern, rainwater use and rainwater storage tank. The economic analysis using the net present value (NPV), return on investment (ROI) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was performed to assess the optimal management of RWHS installed during the period of construction and retrofitted after the operation of commercial building. The results showed that the balance of water supply and demand is reliable to implement the RWHS and the optimal management of 1000-m3 RWHS tank installed during the construction could be more promising than that retrofitted after the operation of AEON Taman Universiti commercial building. The operation of RWHS installed during the construction of building is obviously more feasible due to the values of NPV, ROI and BCR tend to be high. The reliability and economic analysis of RWHS installed during construction and that retrofitted after operation of commercial building demonstrated the benefit of RWHS installation will contribute to the future of building design for achieving an effective water management.
A Systematic Review of Alternative Nicotine Delivery System (ANDS)-Based Interventions on Smoking-Related Health Outcomes Among Marginalised Population Groups.
Authors: Scheibein Florian , Gooney Martina , Jones Adrian , Matthews Evan , McGirr Kevin , Morrison Andy , Wells John SG
Published: November 2021

Background: Smoking and smoking-related disease is endemic amongst many marginalised populations such as people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, people living with HIV, sex workers and members of the LGBTQ+, Indigenous, Traveller and migrant communities. Alternative Nicotine Delivery Systems (ANDS)-based interventions including those using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) show promise in supporting people to reduce their smoking. However, little is known about ANDS-based smoking reduction interventions with marginalised populations. This systematic review provides a best evidence synthesis of ANDS-based smoking reduction interventions to address this gap.Methods:A systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020158832) and literature review conducted through MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, OVID SP, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. The primary outcomes of cigarette smoking, and biochemical validation of abstinence were reported. Secondary outcomes reported included physical health, mental health and other outcomes.Results: Twenty-Nine studies were included in this review. Thirteen of the included studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (n= 2828) and 16 studies were quasi controlled studies (n=1172). The sample size across the studies ranged from 9 to 775 participants. The mean reported age of participants ranged from 32.4 to 56.9 years old with an overall mean age of 39.55. A minority of study participants identified as female (33.43%; with two studies not reporting gender). A range of ANDS-interventions were found to be effective in reducing smoking amongst a range of marginalised groups. However, the overall quality of both the controlled and quasi experimental studies, as evaluated using the JBI Appraisal Tool, was found to be low.Conclusions: Studies are often evaluated as homogenous interventions although they are frequently a group of interventions and lack power analysis of the effects of individual components of the intervention effect. Several studies suggest potential mental health benefits consequent of ANDS-based intervention, though this effect is poorly explored. There is a current lack of RCTs related to ANDS-based smoking related interventions with people experiencing homelessness. Similarly, there is a lack of properly controlled RCTs exploring the use of ENDS with marginalised populations. Future studies should aim to address these deficits.
The Splitting 660 km Discontinuity Associated with Lithospheric Delamination in the Northern Part of the North-South Seismic Zone, China
Authors: He Chuansong S.
Published: November 2021

The north-south seismic zone (NSSZ) is a destructive zone of large-scale earthquakes in China, and the earthquake mechanism associated with deep structures remains unclear. Previous studies have indicated that lithospheric delamination or absence of lithospheres in the western part of the NSSZ may facilitate the eastern extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau and lead to stress accumulation and release. However, the deep process of lithospheric delamination needs to be further clarified. In this study, I collect abundant high-quality teleseismic data recorded by permanent seismic stations and perform common conversion point (CCP) stacking of receiver functions in the north part of the NSSZ. The results show that lithospheric delamination might result in the splitting 660 km discontinuity and a thickening region of the mantle transition zone (MTZ).
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Adenylyltransferase 1 Regulates Cerebral Ischemia-Induced Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption Through NAD+/SIRT1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yang , Guo Xun , Peng Zhifeng , Liu Chang , Ren Lili , Liang Jia , Wang Peng
Published: November 2021

The molecular mechanisms of blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption in the early stage after ischemic stroke are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 (NMNAT1) in ischemia-induced BBB damage using an animal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemic stroke. Recombinant human NMNAT1 (rh-NMNAT1) was administered intranasally and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) siRNA was administered by intracerebroventricular injection. Our results indicate that rh-NMNAT1 reduced infarct volume, improved functional outcome and decreased BBB permeability in mice after ischemic stroke. Furthermore, rh-NMNAT1 prevented the loss of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin-5) and reduced cell apoptosis in ischemic microvessels. NMNAT1-mediated BBB permeability was correlated with the elevation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)/NADH ratio and SIRT1 level in brain microvascular endothelial cells. In addition, rh-NMNAT1 treatment significantly decreased the levels of acetylated nuclear factor-κB, acetylated p53 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in ischemic microvessels. Moreover, the protective effects of rh-NMNAT1 could be reversed by SIRT1 siRNA. In conclusion, these findings indicate that rh-NMNAT1 protects BBB integrity after cerebral ischemia via the NAD+/SIRT1 signaling pathway in brain microvascular endothelial cells. NMNAT1 may be a novel potential therapeutic target for reducing BBB disruption after ischemic stroke.
The Comparison of the Dietary Intake Loss Between Elderly and Non-elderly Patients after Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Nakazono Masato , aoyama toru , Komori Keisuke , Watanabe Hayato , kano kazuki , Nagasawa Shinsuke , kenki segami , tamagawa hiroshi , rino yasushi , Ogata Takashi , oshima takashi
Published: November 2021

Background/Aim: The present study quantified the changes in the dietary and nutritional intake after gastrectomy between elderly and non-elderly patients. Patients and Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Results: 23 patients ≥75 years old were classified into the elderly group, and127 patients <75 years old were classified into the non-elderly group. The respective median % dietary intake losses at one and three months postoperatively were -12.4% and -5.3% in the elderly group and -8.3% and -2.8% in the non-elderly group (p=0.075 and 0.080). On comparing the intake loss of three major nutrients, the respective median % lipid intake losses at 1 and 3 months postoperatively were -13.5% and -5.8% in the elderly group and -7.3% and 0% in the non-elderly group (p=0.029 and 0.045). Conclusion: Our results suggested that elderly patients experienced more serious lipid intake loss after gastrectomy than non-elderly patients.
Hybrid Optimization-Based Robust Watermarking Using Denoising Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Mahto Dhiran Kumar , Singh Amit
Published: November 2021

Colour images have been widely used in many aspects of life; however, copyright violation issues related to these images motivate research efforts. This paper aims to develop an enhanced watermarking algorithm for producing a watermarked image using hybrid optimisation with high imperceptibility and robustness. The algorithm is based on spatial and transform domains and begins by embedding multiple secret marks into cover media using an optimal scaling factor. The multi-type mark contributes an additional level of authenticity to the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, the marked image is encrypted using an improved encryption scheme, and the denoising convolutional neural network (DnCNN) is employed to enhance the robustness of the proposed algorithm. The results reveal that the proposed watermarking algorithm yields low computational overhead, excellent watermark capacity, imperceptibility, and robustness to common filtering attacks. Moreover, the comparison shows that the proposed algorithm outperforms other competing methods.
Nocturia as a Risk Factor for All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality
Authors: Moon Shinje , Kim Yoon Jung , Chung Hye Soo , Yu Jae Myung , Park Il In , Park Sung Gon , Pak Sahyun , Kwon Ohseong , Lee Young Goo , Cho Sung Tae
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between nocturia and mortality risk using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database 2005–2010, given that only few studies have investigated nocturia or its association with mortality using this database. Data were obtained from the database, and nocturia was defined based on the symptom questionnaire. We categorized patients into two groups: mild nocturia (2–3 voids/night) and moderate-to severe nocturia (≥4 voids/night). Mortality data were obtained by linking the primary database to death certificate data found in the National Death Index with mortality follow-up up to December 31, 2015. Multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed with adjustment for confounding variables at the baseline survey. We included 9,892 adults (4,758 men, 5,134 women) in this study. Nocturia occurred in 3,314 individuals (33.5%). In the multiple Cox regression analysis (results presented as hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval), nocturia was significantly associated with all-cause (1.21, 1.08–1.35, p=0.001) and cardiovascular disease (1.45, 1.13–1.85, p=0.003) mortality. Both mild and moderate-to-severe nocturia were significantly associated with all-cause (1.14, 1.02–1.28, p=0.021 and 1.62, 1.34–1.98, p<0.001, respectively) and cardiovascular disease (1.43, 1.11–1.84, p=0.006 and 1.58, 1.01–2.45, p=0.043, respectively) mortality. Nocturia was significantly associated with mortality in men and women after adjustments for major confounding factors. Moreover, the mortality risk increased with increasing nocturia severity.
Biodiversity Hotspots for Conservation of Hancornia speciosa GOMES
Authors: Álvares-Carvalho Sheila Valéria , Vieira Thiago Roberto Soares , de Freitas Bruno Antonio Lemos , de Souza Erica Moraes Santos , Gomes Laura Jane , MANN RENATA SILVA
Published: November 2021

Hancornia speciosa is the target of research on genetic diversity, ethnobotanical and medicinal studies. However, information on the genetic variability of populations associated with modeling the potential distribution in the state of Sergipe has not yet been performed. The objective of this study was to predict the potential occurrence of H. speciosa in areas of high use of their fruits. The maximum entropy method was used to detect the distribution patterns of H. speciosa in variable environments. The diversity of four natural populations, situated in areas of extractivist, was determined by ISSR molecular markers. The species occurs more densely in the coastal regions of Sergipe. The prediction of occurrence indicates that the species reduces areas of occurrence, mainly due to anthropic actions. It is suggested that the species needs public policies aimed at its conservation and the priority populations for conservation.
Large cooperativity in strongly coupled chip-scale photonic-atomic integrated system
Authors: Naiman Alex , Sebbag Yoel , Talker Eliran , Barash Yefim , Stern Liron , Levy Uriel
Published: November 2021

The miniaturization of atomic quantum systems and their integration into silicon microchips paves the way for a wide variety of applications in quantum computing, metrology and magnetometry. A particular interest is found in the integration of quantum entities into the micro and nanoscale photonic resonators to implement chip scale cavity quantum electrodynamics. Here we demonstrate the interaction of a chip scale micro disc resonator with thermal rubidium atoms via the evanescent field of the mode. We observe high Rabi splitting of 4 GHz in the transmission spectrum of the coupled photonic-atomic system due to collective enhancement of the coupling rate by the ensemble of hot atoms and present a theoretical model to support the measured results. This result corresponds to atom-photon cooperativity of ~ 1. Such cooperativity is the onset for quantum interference, needed for high-end chip scale quantum technologies, such as such as quantum manipulation, quantum information storage and processing, and few photon switching.
GYY4137 Ameliorates Sepsis-induced Cardiomyopathy via Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity and Reduction of Oxidative Stress in the Myocardium
Authors: Tao zhou , Qian Huitao , Zheng Nan , lu qiulun , Han Yi
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUNDSepsis-induced cardiomyopathy often leads to bad prognosis of patients, and even death. However, there is no effective therapeutic strategies for sepsis-caused cardiomyopathy. GYY4137 has positive therapeutic effects in many diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying the sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy and investigate the protective role of the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor GYY4137 in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.METHODSGYY4137 was administrated in mouse model of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) was generated by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP), and then plasma levels of hydrogen sulfide and cytokines were measured, and inflammatory cell infiltration in myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. RNA sequencing assay was performed to monitor the RNA expression profile. RESULTSH2S levels were reduced in the serum of sepsis-molded mice, GYY4137 reduced macrophage infiltration in the sepsis model. RNA-seq suggested that GYY4137 has an important role in inflammatory regulation. Hydrogen sulfide can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activity in macrophages and reduce the secretion of inflammatory factors, while GYY4137 can reduce the production of reactive oxygen species in cardiomyocytes, thus exerting a protective effect on the myocardium.CONCLUSIONGYY4137 can reduce myocardial injury in sepsis by inhibiting the inflammatory response and reducing the production of myocardial reactive oxygen species. It can provide new therapeutic ideas for clinical practice.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate Recovery From Newly Screened Bacillus Sp. LPPI-81 Using Various Methods of Extraction From Loktak Lake Sediment Sample
Authors: Ebu Seid Mohammed , Ray Lopamudra
Published: November 2021

Nowadays the conventional plastic wastes are very challenging to environments and its production cost also creates an economic crisis due to petrochemical-based plastic. In order to solve this problem, the current studies were aimed at screening and characterizing these PHA producing isolates and evaluating the suitability of some carbon source for newly screened PHA producing isolates. Some carbon sources such as D-fructose, glucose, molasses, D-ribose and sucrose were evaluated for PHA production. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The 16SrRNA gene sequence of these isolates was performed. This newly isolated taxa was related to Bacillus species. It was designed as Bacillus sp. LPPI-18 and affiliated Bacillus cereus ATCC 14577T (AE01687) (99.10%). Paenibacillus sp. 172 (AF273740.1) was used as an out-group. Bacillus sp. LPPI-18 is a gram-positive, rod-shaped, endospore former, and citrate test positive. This isolate showed positive for amylase, catalase, pectinase, and protease test. They produced intracellular PHA granules when this isolate was stained with Sudan Black B (SBB) and Nile Blue A (NBA) preliminary and specific staining dyes, respectively. Both Temperature and pH used to affect PHA productivity. Bacteria are able to reserve PHA in the form of granules during stress conditions. This isolate produces only when supplied with carbon sources. More PHA contents (PCs) were obtained from glucose, molasses, and D-fructose. In this regard, the maximum mean value of PC was obtained from glucose (40.55±0.7%) and the minimum was obtained from D-Ribose (12.4±1.4%). Great variations (p≤0.05) of PCs were observed among glucose & sucrose, molasses & sucrose and D-fructose & sucrose carbon sources for PHA productivity (PP) of Cell Dry Weight (CDW) g/L. After extraction, PHA film was produced for this typical isolate using glucose as a sole carbon source. Fourier transform infrared spectrum was performed for this isolate and showed the feature of polyester at 1719.64 to 1721.16 wavelength for these extracted samples. The peak of fingerprinting (band of carboxylic acid group) at this wave-length is a characteristic feature of PHB and corresponds to the ester functional group (C=O).
Super-Resolution Imaging of Xylem Cell Wall Nanostructure Using SRRF Microscopy
Authors: Donaldson Lloyd
Published: November 2021

Background: The nanostructure of plant cell walls is of significant biological and technological interest, but methods suited to imaging cell walls at the nanoscale while maintaining the natural water-saturated state are limited. Light microscopy allows imaging of wet cell walls but with spatial resolution limited to the micro-scale. Most super-resolution techniques require expensive hardware and/or special stains so are less applicable to some applications such as autofluorescence imaging of plant tissues. Results: A protocol was developed for super-resolution imaging of xylem cell walls using super-resolution radial fluctuations (SRRF) microscopy combined with confocal fluorescence imaging (CLSM). We compared lignin autofluorescence imaging with acriflavin or rhodamine B staining. The SRRF technique allows imaging of wet or dry tissue with moderate improvement in resolution for autofluorescence and acriflavin staining, and a large improvement for rhodamine B staining, achieving sub 100 nm resolution based on comparison with measurements from electron microscopy. Rhodamine B staining, which represents a convolution of lignin staining and cell wall accessibility, provided remarkable new details of cell wall structural features including both circumferential and radial lamellae demonstrating nanoscale variations in lignification and cell wall porosity within secondary cell walls. Conclusions: SRRF microscopy can be combined with confocal fluorescence microscopy to provide nanoscale imaging of plant cell walls using conventional stains or autofluorescence in either the wet or dry state.
Acupuncture For Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of High-Quality Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Xu Guixing , Xiao Qiwei , Huang Biqing , Lei Hanzhou , Yin Zihan , Huang Liuyang , Zhou Zhuo , Tian Hao , Huang Fengyuan , Liu Yilin , Sun Mingsheng , Zhao Ling , Liang Fanrong
Published: November 2021

Background: The effects of acupuncture for major depressive disorder (MDD) uncertain. This review aims to determine the effects of Acupuncture for MDD .Methods: Eight Database were searched to identify randomized control trials (RCTs) on Acupuncture for MDD. All RCTs with adult participants undergoing acupuncture treatment for MDD were included. The primary outcome measure was the 24-item Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD-24). We used random-effects meta-analysis to synthesis the results with mean difference or odds ratio. Furthermore, the potential heterogeneity was tested through meta-regression/subgroup analyses/sensitive analysis. The quality of evidence for each outcome was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.Results: Forty-three studies were included: 9 acupuncture versus sham-acupuncture (n=920), 26 acupuncture versus antidepressants (n=2169), 9 acupuncture plus antidepressants versus antidepressants (n=667). Of the 43 high-quality articles, 24 and 8 were determined to have a low and moderate risk of bias, respectively. The pooled results for HAMD-24 and SDS revealed the clinical benefits of Acupuncture or Acupuncture plus antidepressants compared to sham-acupuncture or antidepressants, with high quality evidence. Furthermore, high quality of evidence showed that acupuncture led to fewer adverse effects compared to antidepressants.Conclusions: Acupuncture or acupuncture plus antidepressants were significantly associated with reduced HAMD-24 scores, with high-quality evidence. More rigorous trials are needed to identify the optimal frequency of Acupuncture for MDD and integrate such evidence into clinical care to reduce antidepressant use.
Knowledge, Practice, and Attitude of patients and physicians towards insulin therapy in Type 2 DM: a cross sectional study in TASH patients and Physician from various universities in Ethiopia
Authors: Sheno Biniyam Woya , Reja Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Background
As type 2 DM is a growing health problem worldwide early treatment and intensification of therapy will decrease the vascular complications as evidenced by large trials. Insulin therapy is delayed in this group of patients and multiple physician and patient factors are mentioned in different settings.
Methods
This study is a cross-sectional, quantitative descriptive study conducted on 221patients at TASH endocrine clinic and 122 physicians working at TASH, residents visiting for detachment, and Yekatit 12 hospital. Conducted on Jul 1- Sep 30, 2020, G.C
Result
76% of physicians think taking insulin at the prescribed time is difficult while only 31.5% of patients think it’s difficult. Hypoglycemia is one of the most fearful parts of having diabetes for 81.1% of patients on Insulin therapy. 87% of physicians and76.6% of patients think insulin-treated diabetes controls life while. 56% of patients therapy know nothing about insulin therapy. 23% of patients said they will not accept insulin therapy the top reason being they will be afraid of insulin injection because they think it will be painful.
Conclusion
Physicians tend to overestimate the difficulty of insulin injection preparation and dose adjustment fears the risk of hypoglycemia when starting insulin therapy. More than half of our patients not on insulin therapy know nothing about insulin therapy which we have to improve. Even if patients not on insulin therapy overestimate insulin needle phobia and injection pain those who are already on insulin disagree with them.
C-Type Natriuretic Peptide/Natriuretic Peptide Receptor B Regulate the Expression and Secretion of Antibacterial Peptide S100A7 in Goat Mammary Gland Through PKG/JNK/c-Jun Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fan Mingzhen , Yan Yutong , Miao Yuyang , Zhu Kunyuan , Zhao Xiaoe , Pan Menghao , Ma Baohua , Wei Qiang
Published: November 2021

Background

C- type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its receptor natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) were members of natriuretic peptides system which were well known produced in cardiovascular and central nervous system. However, whether CNP/NPR-B is expressed in mammary gland, and what its role in mammary gland has not been reported. The antimicrobial peptide S100A7 is a critical component of the animal innate immune system and plays important roles to resist infection of pathogens in the mastitis. It is a hypothesis that CNP/NPR-B signaling pathway maybe induces the expression and secretion of S100A7 in mammary epithelial cells to take part in local mammary gland innate immune. In order to verify this hypothesis, goat mammary gland and isolated mammary epithelial cells (MECs) were used to explore the expression of CNP/NPR-B and their physiological roles in goat mammary gland.
Results

The results showed that goat mammary gland expressed NPR-B but not CNP. Activating NPR-B by treatment with CNP had no effect on synthesis of β-casein and lipid in goat MECs. But the expression and secretion of S100A7 in goat MECs were obviously induced by CNP/NPR-B signaling pathway. After treatment with CNP, the cGMP level in goat MECs were significantly up-regulated. Along with the up-regulation of cGMP level, the phosphorylation levels of JNK and its target c-Jun also increased gradually. KT-5823 is a specific inhibitor for PKG. KT5823 remarkably inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun induced by CNP. Correspondingly, KT5823 evidently inhibited the expression and secretion of S100A7 induced by CNP. On the other hand, the expression of NPR-B and S100A7 were up-regulated in mastitis goat mammary gland. But, there were no significant difference in expression of CNP between health and mastitis goat mammary gland tissues. Goat mastitis model was established in vitro using goat MECs treated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS treatment also could increase the expression of NPR-B and NPR-B.
Conclusions

Goat mammary gland expressed NPR-B, indicating mammary gland was target organ for natriuretic peptide system. Moreover, CNP, through NPR-B/JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway to regulate the expression and secretion of S100A7 in MECs, played an important role in mammary gland innate immune.