bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rad21 is the core subunit of the cohesin complex involved in directing genome organization
Authors: Sun Yujie , Sun Yuao , Xu Xin , Zhao Wenxue , Zhang Yu , Chen Keyang , Li Yongzheng , Wang Xiaotian , Zhang Mengling , Xue Boxin , Yu Wanting , Hou Yingping , Wang Chaobin , Xie Wei , Li Cheng , Kong Daochun , Wang Shu
Published: December 2021

The ring-shaped cohesin complex is an important factor regulating genome structure. It is thought to mediate the formation of chromatin loops and topologically associating domains (TADs) by loop extrusion. However, the regulation of association between cohesin and chromatin is poorly understood. In this study, we directly visualized cohesin loading after up-regulation of cohesin subunit Rad21 by identifying the formation of vermicelli-like structures via live cell super-resolution imaging. We also reveal that cohesin loading can be promoted by Rad21-loader interactions and accumulated contacts were shown at TAD corners while inter-TAD interactions increased after vermicelli formation, indicating that Rad21 is an important determinant of chromatin structure. Moreover, we find that cohesin saddle on topologically associating domains by FISH assay, which is consistent with the CTCF/cohesin-anchored chromatin loop model. Importantly, expression of Rad21 is strictly controlled, and aberrant expression of Rad21 leads to the formation of Rad21 “beads” in the nucleus. In summary, our observations provided important new biological insights into the mechanism of cohesin loading and its functions.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mindfulness-Based (Baduanjin) Exercise for the Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients
Authors: Xie Xiyan
Published: December 2021

Background: Baduanjin is a fitness routine that has been developed in accordance with the appeal of the General Administration of Sport of China and promoted both in China and abroad. This paper aims to systematically evaluate the effect of Baduanjin on the rehabilitation of stroke patients.Methods: We searched the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database, Pubmed, Embase, CNKI, and VIP Chinese Journal Database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the rehabilitation effect of Baduanjin exercise on stroke patients. All manuscripts published before October 30, 2021 were considered. Results: A total of 1332 stroke patients were included in the 14 selected RCTs. Results of the meta-analysis showed that Baduanjin effectively improved the lower extremity balance function [MD = 9.74, 95% CI (5.32, 14.15), P < 0.0001], sensory-motor function [MD = 5.37, 95% CI (1.59, 9.16), P = 0.005], neurological function [MD = -2.41, 95% CI (-3.07, -1.75), P < 0.00001], the ability to perform daily activities [MD = 14.00, 95% CI (6.17, 21.83), P = 0.0005], sleep quality [MD = -3.08, 95% CI (-3.90, -2.25), P < 0.00001], and quality of life [MD = 31.71, 95% CI (13.68, 49.73), P = 0.06]. Compared to conventional treatment, the rehabilitation effect was greater with Baduanjin combined with conventional treatment. Conclusions: Baduanjin is an effective method to treat stroke patients and improve their functional performance. However, due to the small sample size and low data quality, further multicenter RCTs with large sample sizes are required to verify the results.
The Role of Nonlinear Body Force in Electrostatic Propeller Driven by Atmospheric DC Corona Discharges
Authors: Sohbatzadeh Farsahd , Ahmadi Hamed Soltani , Mirzanejhad Saeed
Published: December 2021

In this study, the body force generated by atmospheric positive and negative corona discharges were investigated using a wire-cylinder configuration experimentally and numerically. We provided new insight into the atmospheric electric thruster by introducing a nonlinear term in body force constituent the thrust of the system. It was observed that the direction of both body forces and electric winds is always from the wire to the cylinder irrespective of the applied voltage polarity. It was illustrated that the corresponding thrusts and the electric wind of the positive corona are larger than that of the negative corona discharge. We took into account the nonlinear mechanisms to explain the difference in thrust forces in positive and negative corona discharges. To elucidate the origin of the body force in corona discharges, we performed 2-D simulations via COMSOL Multiphysics and MATLAB software. The results of the numerical simulation showed that in addition to the linear body force (Coulomb force) a strong nonlinear body force is generated around the wire electrode that plays a crucial role in corona thrusters. To verify the direction and magnitude of the thrust, a simple theory was proposed based on variable mass systems and confirmed by published experimental works.
Evaluation of Capability of Some Amino Acid-based Poly (Ionic Liquid)s as Biocompatible Agent for Co2 Absorption
Authors: Noorani Narmin , Mehrdad Abbas
Published: December 2021

In this study, seven amino acid-based poly(ionic liquid)s (AAPILs) such as poly(1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium glycinate), P[VBIm][Gly], poly (1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium alaninate), P[VBIm][Ala], poly(1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium valinate), P[VBIm][Val], poly(1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium prolinate) P[VBIm][Pro], poly(1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium hisdinate), P[VBIm][His], poly(1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium lysinate), P[VBIm][Lys], and poly(1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium arginate), P[VBIm][Arg] have been synthesized, characterized, and their CO2 absorption capacities were investigated using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) at temperature range 288.15–308.15 and pressures up to 5 bar. Based on the absorption mechanism, the reaction equilibrium thermodynamic model is applied to correlating the experimental CO2 absorption capacities. The reaction equilibrium constant and Henry’s law constant were calculated to evaluate the efficiency of the AAPILs for CO2 absorption. In the investigated AAPILs, the CO2 absorption capacity was as follows: P[VBIm][Arg] > P[VBIm][Lys] > P[VBIm][His] > P[VBIm][Pro] > P[VBIm][Gly] > P[VBIm][Val] > P[VBIm][Ala]. The accessibility of available more amine groups in AAPIL with arginate anion is the main factor for the high CO2 absorption capacity. Also, chemical absorption of CO2 via carbamate formation was corroborated by FT-IR spectroscopy.
Quo Vadis? Carbon Peak and Emission Network for China in the Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Chen Jiandong , Xu Chong , Gao Ming , Li Ding
Published: December 2021

China’s carbon peak greatly impacts global climate targets. Limited studies have comprehensively analyzed the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, changing emission network, and recent carbon intensity (CI) reduction on the carbon peak and the corresponding mitigation implications. Using a unique dataset at different levels, we project China’s CO2 emission by 2035 and analyze the time, volume, driver patterns, complex emission network, and policy implications of China’s carbon peak in the post- pandemic era. We develop an ensemble time-series model with machine learning approaches as the projection benchmark, and show that China’s carbon peak will be achieved by 2021–2026 with > 80% probability. Most Chinese cities and counties have not achieved carbon peaks response to the priority-peak policy and the current implementation of CI reduction should thus be strengthened. While there is a "trade off" between the application of carbon emission reduction technology and economic recovery in the post-pandemic era, a close cooperation of interprovincial CO2 emission is also warranted.
Plant Traits of Phalaris Arundinacea and Phragmites Australis – Examining Effects of Water Level, Salinity, and Soil Types in a Mesocosm Experiment
Authors: Dahlkamp Andreas , Heuner Maike , Nolte Stefanie , Carus Jana , Jensen Kai , Schröder Boris
Published: December 2021

Knowledge about the distribution of species along rivers and estuaries is the basis for decisions in nature conservation, but also for nature-based coastal and shore protection. Along rivers and estuaries, abiotic conditions affect plant traits, especially close to the marsh edge, and thus determine the distribution of plant species. Phragmites australis and Phalaris arundinacea occur along the German Elbe in the inland river and in the estuary, but the distribution of both species is locally and regionally inhomogeneous. We therefore simulated abiotic conditions of respective Elbe sections in a mesocosm experiment and investigated the influence of soil type, salinity, water level, and plant provenance on plant traits of P. australis and P. arundinacea. We compared growth-related and mechanical plant traits of both species. Productivity of P. arundinacea was less affected by sandy soil than that of P. australis. P. australis was insensitive to salinity and water level fluctuations, while traits of P. arundinacea responded to these factors. Furthermore, mechanical properties within a species were mainly dependent on plant growth. P. arundinacea was more flexible than P. australis, which can be attributed to morphological differences and differences in plant tissue. Plant provenance did not affect the response of plant traits to abiotic conditions. Our study provides clues for understanding the distribution patterns of P. australis and P. arundinacea.
An Intramuscular Multivalent Vaccine Against Pathogenic Escherichia Coli Injected in Suckling Piglets Reduced the Prevalence of Pathogenic E. Coli and Lawsonia Intracellularis Until Slaughter
Authors: Pascoal Lívia Mendonça , Chagas Sarah Rodrigues , Pallarés Francisco J. , Quereda Juan J. , Medrano Juan Manuel Herrero , Muñoz Antonio , Ramis-Vidal Manuel Guillermo
Published: December 2021

Background: The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an intramuscular multivalent Escherichia coli vaccine for suckling piglets against infection not only by pathogenic E. coli but also by pathogens involved in Porcine Enteric Disease Complex (PEDC). Vaccinated Group had piglets vaccinated at days 10 and 20 of life with Colidex-C® (Vetia Animal Health, Spain), and Control Group had piglets that received sterile saline solution injection at the same days of life. We collected fecal samples in the farm from animals presenting diarrhea and intestinal mucosa swabs and ileum and colon tissue at slaughter and then performed PCR to identify E. coli virulence factors genes. Furthermore, we performed PCR to identify Lawsonia intracellularis, Brachyspira hyodisenteriae, and Salmonella spp.Results: Regarding fecal samples, 0% from Vaccinated Group was positive for E. coli, while Control Group had 94.1% of positive samples (p<0.0001). With respect to intestinal mucosa swab, 0% of the samples from Vaccinated Group were positive for E. coli, while 100% from Control Group were positive (p=0.001). Regarding ileum and colon tissue samples, 35% were positive for E. coli in Vaccinated Group and 85% in Control Group (p=0.001); Gcnt had a higher frequency of F41 (p=0.018), LT (p=0.018) and Sta (p=0.028) virulence factors genes. No sample was positive for Salmonella spp. nor for B. hyodisenteriae, but there were positive samples L. intracellularis; real-time PCR was performed and the frequencies found were 40% and 20% of ileum and colon positive samples in Vaccinated Group and 100% for ileum and 70% for colon in Control Group (p<0.001 for ileum and p=0.001 for colon).Conclusion: The results indicate that the E. coli vaccine for piglets may be a strategy to control E. coli infection. E. coli vaccines emerge as a probable strategy to help control L. intracellularis and, maybe, other enteric pathogens of pigs not evaluated in this study.
Protective Effect of Bee Pollen In Acute Kidney Injury, Proteinuria, And Crystalluria Induced By Ethylene Glycol Ingestion In Rats
Authors: Elghouizi Asmae , Al-Waili Noori , Elmenyiy Nawal , Elfetri Salma , Aboulghazi Abderrazak , Al-Waili Ahmed , Lyoussi Badiaa
Published: December 2021

Oxidative stress plays a role in hyperoxaluria-induced kidney injury and crystallization. Bee pollen is a hive product with a high content of antioxidants. The antioxidant content and protective effect of bee pollen extract (BPE) against ethylene glycol (EG) induced crystalluria and acute kidney injury (AKI) were investigated. Ten groups of male Wistar rats were treated with EG, cystone (500 mg/kg) or BPE at doses 100, 250, and 500 mg/ kg. On day 30, blood and urine samples were collected for analysis. Kidneys were removed for histopathological study. The antioxidant activity of BPE was assessed, and its total phenols and flavonoids were determined. EG significantly increased urine pH, volume, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, and protein, and blood urea, creatinine, and liver enzymes (P<0.05). It decreased creatinine clearance and urine magnesium and caused crystalluria. Treatment with BPE or cystone mitigates EG's effect; BPE was more potent than cystone (P<0.05). BPE increases urine volume, sodium, and magnesium compared to the control and EG treated groups. BPE reduces proteinuria and prevents AKI, crystalluria, liver injury, and histopathological changes in the kidney tissue caused by EG. BPE might have a protective effect against EG-induced AKI, crystalluria, and proteinuria, and stone deposition, most likely by its antioxidant content and activity.
Inter-organ transmission of hepatocellular senescence induces multi-organ dysfunction through the TGFβ signalling pathway.
Authors: Kiourtis Christos , Terradas-Terradas Maria , Gee Lucy M. , Hsieh Ya-Ching , Nixon Colin , Clark William , Shaw Robin , Hanson Peter S. , Sumpton David , Mackay Gillian , May Stephanie , Müller Miryam , Najumudeen Arafath K. , Campbell Andrew , Barry Simon T. , Morris Christopher M. , LeBeau Fiona E. N. , Sansom Owen J. , Kirschner Kristina , Oakley Fiona , Bird Thomas G.
Published: December 2021

Cellular senescence is associated with aging but also impacts various physiological and pathological processes such as embryonic development and wound healing. Factors secreted by senescent cells can affect their microenvironment, including local spreading of senescence. Acute severe liver disease is associated with hepatocyte senescence and frequently progresses to multi-organ failure. Why the latter occurs is poorly understood. Here, using genetic mouse models of hepatocyte-specific senescence, we demonstrate senescence development in extrahepatic organs and associated organ dysfunction in response to liver senescence. Additionally, we observe senescence-associated regeneration and reprogramming in the proximal tubules of the kidney. Using single cell transcriptomics and in vitro assays, we identify the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) pathway as a critical mediator of systemic spread of senescence. Lastly, TGFβ inhibition in our mouse models blocks senescence transmission to other organs and prevents renal dysfunction. Our results highlight the systemic consequences of organ-specific senescence which, independent of aging, contributes to multi-organ dysfunction.
Quantum Mechanical Modeling Unveil the Effect of Substitutions on the Activation Barriers of the Diels-Alder Reactions of an Antiviral Compound 7H-Benzo[a]phenalene
Authors: Rehman Umatur , Mansha Asim , Zahid Muhammad , Asim Sadia , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Rehan Zulfiqar Ahmad
Published: December 2021

Density functional theory has been utilized for exploring the mechanism of Diels-Alder reaction between 7H-benzo[a]phenalene and maleic anhydride. 7H-Benzo[a]phenalene is an antiviral compound and information available about its cycloaddition reactions with possible reaction path and mechanism is scarce. In order to work on the synthesis of its further potential derivatives, the mechanism of its reaction with all aspects should be well understood. Two novel intermediates involved in this reaction have been reported. Diels-Alder reaction of maleic anhydride has found many applications in the synthesis of wide range of useful products. The major concern of this work is to evaluate the consequences of introducing electron donating and electron withdrawing substituents on the reactivity of maleic anhydride towards 7H-benzo[a]phenalene. Thermodynamic parameters, activation parameters, energies of frontier orbitals, global reactivity indices and global electron density transfer (GEDT) have been determined for all the reactions. Fukui functions are computed for each reactant in order to identify the most reactive sites. All the reactions have been found to proceed via normal electron demand having polar nature. The substituents with opposite electronic properties were expected to affect the reactivity of dienophile in an inverse manner, however, the results are not according to this assumption. Rather, both kinds of substituents increased the activation barrier of the reaction. This behavior has been explained in the light of various parameters such as the stability of reacting species, gap of frontier molecular orbitals etc. Experimental studies reported previously are in agreement with these results.
Prevalence of Trypanosoma and Sodalis in Wild Populations of Tsetse Flies: Impact on Sit Programmes for Tsetse Eradication
Authors: Dieng Mouhamadou M. , Dera Kiswend-sida M. , Moyaba Percy , Ouedraogo Gisele M. S. , Demirbas-Uzel Guler , Gstöttenmayer Fabian , Mulandane Fernando C. , Neves Luis , Mdl Sihle , Rayaisse Jean-Baptiste , Belem Adrien M. G. , Pagabeleguem Soumaïla , Beer Chantel J. , Parker Andrew G. , Abbeele Jan van Den , Mach Robert L. , Vreysen Marc J. B. , Abd-Alla Adly M. M.
Published: December 2021

Tsetse flies, the vectors of African Trypanosoma, have a highly regulated and defined microbial fauna composed of three bacterial symbionts that may have a role to play in the establishment of Trypanosoma infections in the flies and hence, may influence the vectorial competence of the released sterile males. Sodalis bacteria seem to interact with Trypanosoma infection in tsetse flies. Field-caught tsetse flies of ten different taxa and from 15 countries were screened using PCR to detect the presence of Sodalis and Trypanosoma species and their interaction. The results indicate that the prevalence of Sodalis and Trypanosoma varied with country and tsetse species. Trypanosome prevalence was higher in east, central and southern African countries than in west African countries. Tsetse fly infection rates with Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanozoon spp were higher in west African countries, whereas tsetse infection with Trypanosoma congolense and T. simiae, T. simiae (tsavo) and T. godfreyi infection prevalence were higher in east, central and south African countries. Sodalis prevalence was high in Glossina morsitans morsitans and G. pallidipes but absent in Glossina tachinoides. Double and triple infections with Trypanosoma taxa and coinfection of Sodalis and Trypanosoma were rarely observed but it occurs in some taxa and locations. A significant Chi square value (< 0.05) seems to suggest that Sodalis and Trypanosoma infection correlate in Glossina palpalis gambiensis, Glossina pallidipes and Glossina medicorum. Trypanosoma infection significantly increased the density of Sodalis in wild G. m. morsitans and G. pallidipes flies however no significant impact of Sodalis infection on trypanosome density.
Multi-Aged Small Pterosaur Track Assemblage from the Upper Cretaceous of Korea
Authors: Jung Jongyun , Huh Min , Hwang Koo-Geun , Kim Hyun-Joo , Choi Byung-Do , Xing Lida
Published: December 2021

The pterosaur is the earliest and largest powered flying vertebrate, even earlier and larger than the other extant archosaurian group, birds. However, evidence for this flying reptile, including the diversity of the small-sized pterosaur after the mid-Cretaceous, and their ecology, has remained elusive. Here we present numerous and dense pterosaur track assemblages from the Hwasun Seoyuri tracksite in the Upper Cretaceous Jangdong Formation of the Neungju Basin in Korea. The pterosaur track assemblage, assigned to Pteraichnus isp., consists of various sized, randomly oriented manus-dominated tracks with several pes claw marks. These features commonly indicate the semi-aquatic behavior and multi-age gregariousness of pterosaurs. The supposed trackmaker of pterosaur tracks would be the small-sized pterodactyloid that inhibited the Late Cretaceous Korean Peninsula, but that has not previously been reported. This ichnological evidence for the global distribution of small-sized pterosaurs could be interpreted to mean that the pterosaur fauna in the Late Cretaceous was more distributed and diverse than was previously known.
Correlations of Anthropometric and Calculation-Modified Anthropometric Measurements with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Korean Adults: A National Survey-Based Study
Authors: Hong Kihong
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims: There are studies that show NC measurements are associated with central obesity and upper body fat distribution and are strongly associated with metabolic markers. Recently, studies have been conducted regarding neck circumference (NC) as a novel index to screen for obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors. Here, we investigated various anthropometric measurements and their correlations with cardiometabolic risk factors, pulmonary function test (PFT) results and metabolic syndrome among the adult Korean population. Methods: This study was based on data acquired from the 8th edition (2019) of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), consisting of survey data on smoking and alcohol consumption, cardiometabolic risk factors, PFT results, metabolic syndrome profile and baseline characteristics such as age, gender and blood pressure. Continuous variables were analyzed by independent t-test, while categorical variables were analyzed using the Rao-Scott chi-square test Precision-recall (PR) plots were used to assess the diagnostic value of anthropometric measurements for cardiometabolic risk profiles such as insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, central obesity and PFT results. Area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive ability of the anthropometric measurements and calculation-modified anthropometric measurements (CMAMs) such as NC(neck circumference) devided by BMI(body mass index) and WC(waist circumference) and BMI devided by WC at different preset thresholds. Calculation was used to distinguish each anthropometric measurements aside from common features they may share. Results: A total of 3525study subjects aged over 40 years were included in the study the mean age for male and female were 56.8 and 58.5 respectively, percentage of male and female was 42% and 58% respectively. PR plots of anthropometric measurements and the metabolic syndrome profile indicated that in the presence of 3 metabolic syndrome criteria, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) had the highest AUCs 0.62 and 0.587 respectively, in the presence of 4 metabolic syndrome criteria, waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) had the highest AUCs 0.342 and 0.317 respectively whereas in the presence of more than 5 metabolic syndrome criteria, NC and WC had the highest AUCs 0.09 and 0.083 respectively.Conclusion: This study showed that NC is correlated with metabolic syndrome. Additionally, each anthropometric measurement was uniquely correlated with specific cardiometabolic risk factor and differed according to sex. In such cases, applications in smartphones could be used to calculate for cardiometabolic risk assessments. Also it may be necessary to screen for metabolic syndrome in people whose NC is over 39.9cm for males and 34.5cm for females.
KAP1 Phosphorylation Promotes the Survival of Neural Stem Cells after Ischemia/Reperfusion by Maintaining the Stability of PCNA
Authors: Wang Wan , Yan Tianqing , Guo Xinjian , Cai Heng , Liang Chang , Huang Linyan , Wang Yanling , Ma Ping , Qi Suhua
Published: December 2021

Aims: To explore the function of phosphorylation of KAP1 (p-KAP1) at serine-824 site (S824) in the proliferation and apoptosis of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) after cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R). Methods: The apoptosis and proliferation of C17.2 cells transfected with the p-KAP1-expression plasmids and the expression of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p-KAP1 were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting after the Oxygen Glucose deprivation/reperfusion model (OGD/R). The interaction of p-KAP1 and CUL4A with PCNA were analyzed by immunoprecipitation. In the rats MCAO model, we performed the lentiviral-mediated p-KAP1 mutants to verify the proliferation of endogenous NSCs and the colocalization of PCNA and CUL4A by immunofluorescence.Results: The level of p-KAP1 was significantly down-regulated in the stroke model in vivo and in vitro. Simulated p-KAP1(S824) significantly increased the proliferation of C17.2 cells and the expression of PCNA after OGD/R. Simulated p-KAP1(S824) enhanced the binding of p-KAP1 and PCNA and decreased the interaction between PCNA and CUL4A in C17.2 cells subjected to OGD/R. With the lentiviral AAV2/9-mediated p-KAP1(S824), there was increased endogenous NSCs proliferation, PCNA expression, p-KAP1 binding to PCNA, and improved neurological function in the rat MCAO model.Conclusions: Our findings confirmed that simulated p-KAP1(S824) improved the survival and proliferation of endogenous NSCs. The underlying mechanism involved in that highly expressed p-KAP1(S824) promoted to bind to PCNA, inhibiting the binding of CUL4A to PCNA. This reduced CUL4A-mediated ubiquitination degradation to increase the stability of PCNA and promote survival and proliferation of NSCs.
Biochemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Antifungal Activities Assessment of the Fermented Medicinal Plants Extract Using Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Gadhoumi Hamza , EL Akrem Hayouni , Martinez-Rojas Enriqueta , Yeddes Walid , Tounsi Moufida Saidani
Published: December 2021

To prevent foodborne diseases and extend shelf-life, antimicrobial agents may be used in food to inhibit the growth of undesired microorganisms. The present study was aimed to determine the antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the fermented medicinal plants extract using Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356. The fermentation kinetic parameters, biochemical composition and the volatile compounds of the fermented plant extract was assessed. The results showed that, the fermented plants beverage exhibited high content in polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins (152.7 mg AGE/ L; 93.6 mg RE/ L; and 62.1mg CE/ L, respectively) to compare with the extract without fermentation. The GC-MS headspace analyses showed the presence of twenty-four interesting volatile compounds. The richness of the fermented plants extracts of polyphenols content and the bioactive compound such as Eucalyptol, Camphene, α-Phellandrene, α-Terpinene improve their biological activity. In addition, the fermented plants extract exhibited a high antimicrobial potential against resistance pathogenic bacteria and fungi determined by different methods. The maximum inhibition showed in the fermented plants beverage against Escherichia coli 25922/3, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853 ATCC, Staphylococcus aureus 29213 ATCC, Enterococcus aerogenes 13048 ATCC, Phytophthora infestans P3 4/91 R+, Phytophthora infestans P4 20/01 R, Phytophthora infestans (GL-1). The obtained results support the hypothesis of using whey as a functional ingredient to improve food preservation. The bioprocesses of fermentation technology enhance antimicrobial and antifungal activities which could be used in different industrial applications.
Design of a Cryptographically Secure Pseudo Random Number Generator with Grammatical Evolution
Authors: Ryan Conor , Kshirsagar Meghana , Vaidya Gauri , Cunningham Andrew , Sivaraman R
Published: December 2021

This work investigates the potential of evolving an initial seed with Grammatical Evolution (GE), for the construction of cryptographically secure (CS) pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). We harness the flexibility of GE as an entropy source for returning initial seeds. The initial seeds returned by GE demonstrate an average entropy value of 7.920261600000001 which is extremely close to the ideal value of 8. The initial seed combined with our proposed approach, control_flow_incrementor, is used to construct both, GE-PRNG and GE-CSPRNG.The random numbers generated with CSPRNG meet the prescribed National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP800-22 requirements. Monte Carlo simulations established the efficacy of the PRNG. The experimental setup was designed to estimate the value for pi, in which 100,000,000 random numbers were generated by our system and which resulted in returning the value of pi to 3.146564000, with a precision up to six decimal digits. The random numbers by GE-PRNG were compared against those generated by Python’s rand() function for sampling. The sampling results, when measured for accuracy against twenty-nine real world regression datasets, showed that GE-PRNG had less error when compared to Python’s rand() against the ground truths in seventeen of those, while there was no discernible difference in the remaining twelve.
Isoflavones Appeared Different Effects In The Presence of Different Concentrations of Estrogen In Ovarian And Endometrial Cancer Cells
Authors: Shi Zhichao , Qi Yaozhi , Wei Lili , Cheng Tingting , Guo Fengbiao
Published: December 2021

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer and breast cancer are common gynecological malignancies with a high mortality rate. Isoflavone is a phytoestrogen that is ubiquitous in food and Chinese herbs. Although many epidemiological studies have shown that ingestion of isoflavones can reduce the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, its cellular functions and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: This study used isoflavones to treat SKOV-3 (ovarian cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell lines with high estrogen levels. Cell counting and MTS assays were used to detect cell proliferation and viability. Quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to investigate the expression levels of cell cycle factors. Results: The results showed that isoflavones inhibited cell proliferation and viability in SKOV-3 and MCF-7 cells under high estrogen levels. After isoflavone treatment, PCNA, CDK4, and cyclin D1 expression levels were significantly decreased, but p21 and p27 expression levels were significantly increased. Conclusion: Isoflavones could inhibit cell proliferation within high levels of estrogen in ovarian and breast cancer cells. These findings will provide a new theory for gynecological malignancy therapy.
Toosendanin, A Novel Late-Stage Autophagy Inhibitor Sensitizes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer to Irinotecan cChemotherapy In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Dong Yu , Chen Xiu-Ping , TAN Chris Soon Heng , Li Min , Lu Jiahong
Published: December 2021

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer that develops resistance to chemotherapy frequently. Autophagy has been regarded as a pro-survival response to chemotherapeutic drugs in TNBC, and suppression of autophagy can be a therapeutic strategy to overcome drug resistance. Methods: We verified the efficacy of TSN in blocking autophagy flux. The co-localization of autophagosomes and lysosomes was analyzed. Then, lysosome function was determined by pH value and the activity of hydrolytic proteases. For preclinical research, human triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436 were used for evaluating the anti-proliferative effect in vitro. In vivo, the nude mice were intraperitoneal injection of irinotecan (10 mg/kg), TSN (0.5 mg/kg) or a combination. Autophagy activity and cell apoptosis were determined in tumor tissue. The degree of pathological injury of tissue was evaluated by liver index.Results: Here we reported the natural autophagy inhibitor toosendanin, a triterpenoid extracted from Melia toosenda Sieb. et Zucc, potently inhibited late-stage autophagy in TNBC cells. This effect was achieved via elevating lysosome pH rather than blocking the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes. We further investigated the effects of toosendanin on the in vitro and in vivo TNBC models, in combination with chemotherapeutic drug irinotecan (or its active metabolite SN-38), a topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitor showing therapeutic potential for TNBC. The data showed that toosendanin blocked SN-38/irinotecan-induced protective autophagy, and significantly induced apoptosis in TNBC cells and tumor xenograft models when compared to SN-38/irinotecan or TSN treatment alone group.
SWOT analysis of an outpatient rehabilitation physical activity intervention for individuals with mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Alarie Christophe , Gagnon Isabelle , Huynh Lily Trang Than , Doucet Karine , Pichette-Auray Adèle , Hinse-Joly Cassandre , Swaine Bonnie
Published: December 2021

Background

Physical activity interventions have been shown to be an effective therapeutic approach to improve symptoms and reduce recovery time after a mild traumatic brain injury. Service providers from a specialized traumatic brain injury outpatient rehabilitation program recognized the need to ensure their physical activity intervention integrated evidence-based treatment components, while considering user needs and preferences. To inform quality improvement efforts, service providers felt it necessary to learn about the perceptions of key stakeholders, regarding the quality of the intervention. The study objective was to explore the perceptions of administrators, clinicians and users of the specialized program regarding the physical activity intervention’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT).
Methods

Using a SWOT analysis framework, this qualitative study explored the perspectives of the purposive sample (n=14) composed of the managerial staff, six clinicians and five program users. Semi-structured interviews were performed, recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach.
Results

Fifty categories were generated resulting in 15 strengths, 17 weaknesses, 12 opportunities and 6 threats grouped into 8 overarching categories: physical activity intervention, health-related outcomes, clinical expertise, knowledge translation, communication, user engagement, resources, accessibility. Category descriptions, convergent and divergent perspectives, and salient quotes of participants are provided.
Conclusions

This study successfully identified perceived strengths, many weaknesses, several opportunities and a few threats. Participants were generally positive about the intervention but identified weaknesses including the need for service providers to better describe the physical activity intervention using theoretically driven approaches before engaging in quality improvement activities. Convergent and divergent perspectives of service providers and program users helped identify areas to maintain and others to improve upon when the program develops their new intervention. Study results may also inform the development of other physical activity interventions designed for adults with persisting symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury.
Oral Health Related Knowledge, Attitude And Behavior Among Group of Mothers In Relation To Their Primary School Children’s Oral Health, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ashiry Eman A. El , Alamoudi Najlaa M. , Bamashmous Nada , Alamoudi Rana A. , Qahtan Duha K. , Felemban Osama M.
Published: December 2021

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of a group of mothers with their children aged 6-12 years regarding their own and their children’s oral health and to evaluate its impact on their children oral health status in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A validated, and reliable Arabic questionnaire comprised four sections (demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status, Hiroshima University– Dental Behavioral Inventory; HU-DBI; for mother’ attitudes and behavior pertaining their own oral health, mothers’ knowledge, and mothers’ attitudes regarding oral health of their children) was used for this study. The questionnaire was completed by the mothers. A clinical oral examination was performed for the children, attending primary schools in Jeddah city, to detect the caries experience and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). Results: A total of 1496 mother-child pairs completed the study. The mean values of dmft were 4.08 ± 3.47; DMFT was 1.82 ± 2.07; total dmft and DMFT was 5.65 ± 4.05; and the OHI-S was 1.17 ± 0.94. According to the questionnaire results, mothers in private schools had a more favorable attitude and behavior toward their own oral health, as well as a more favorable knowledge and attitude toward their children's oral health. The multiple linear regression model revealed that the children's dmft/DMFT scores were significantly related to mother education, mother questionnaire scores, and the OHI-S. Conclusion: Mother education, knowledge, and attitude all play a role in the development of dental caries. Overall, mothers need to improve their oral health attitudes and behaviors, as well as increase their level of oral health knowledge.
The Role of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Predicting Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Elderly Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection
Authors: Xiaowei Mao , Wei Zhang , Fang Hu , Yanjie Niu , Qiang Wang , Ai-ting Lu , Jiabing Liu , Liyan Jiang
Published: December 2021

Background: The relationship between immunonutritional status (eg. Prognostic nutritional index [PNI] and Controlling Nutritional Status [COUNT] score) and risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after surgical resection of lung cancer had reported before. However, another immunonutritional parameter- Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI)-had never explored.Method: To address this issue, in this study we retrospectively analyzed patients’ characteristics and PPCs in a cohort of lung cancer patients who were treated by surgical resection at our center. The clinical utility of patients’ characteristics for predicting PPCs was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the Youden index. Univariate and multivariate analysis were applied to find the most important factors.Result: A total of 128 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Significant differences in sex, GNRI, FEV1%, LY% were found between the PPC and non-PPC groups (all P<0.05). The difference in pathology between the 2 groups showed borderline statistical significance (P=0.052). We determined the best cutoff value of each parameter and calculated the corresponding sensitivity and specificity, and found that GNRI, FEV1% and LY% had similar diagnostic value. Multivariate analysis reveled GNRI, sex, LY% and FEV1% were filtered to be correlated to PPCs of elderly lung cancer patients received surgery therapy.Conclusion: These results indicate that preoperative immunonutritional parameters of GNRI can be used to identify elderly lung cancer patients at risk of PPCs.
Accurate Total-Body Ki Parametric Imaging with Shortened Dynamic 18F-FDG PET Scan Durations via Effective Data Processing
Authors: Chen Zixiang , Cheng Zhaoping , Duan Yanhua , Gu Fengyun , Wang Ying , Zhou Yun , Liu Xin , Yang Yongfeng , Liang Dong , Zheng Hairong , Hu Zhanli
Published: December 2021

Background: Total-body dynamic PET (dPET) imaging using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) has received widespread attention in clinical oncology. However, the conventionally required scan duration of approximately one hour seriously limits the application and promotion of this imaging technique. In this study, using Patlak analysis-based Ki parametric imaging as the evaluation standard, we investigated the possibility and feasibility of shortening the total-body dynamic scan duration to 30 mins post-injection (PI) with the help of a novel Patlak data processing algorithm.Methods: Total-body dPET images acquired by uEXPLORER (United Imaging Healthcare Inc.) using 18F-FDG of 15 patients with different types of tumors were analyzed in this study. Dynamic images were reconstructed into 25 frames with a specific temporal dividing protocol for the scan data acquired one hour PI. Patlak analysis-based Ki parametric imaging was carried out based on the imaging data corresponding to the first 30 mins PI, during which a Patlak data processing method based on third-order Hermite interpolation (THI) was applied. The resulting Ki images and standard Ki images were compared in terms of visual imaging effect and Ki estimation accuracy to evaluate the performance of the proposed data processing algorithm for parametric imaging with dPET with a shortened scan duration.Results: With the help of Patlak data processing, acceptable Ki parametric images were obtained from dPET data acquired with a shortened scan duration. Compared to Ki images obtained from unprocessed Patlak data, the resulting images from the proposed method contained less image noise, leading to remarkably improved imaging quality. Moreover, box plot analysis showed that that 30-min Ki images obtained from processed Patlak data have higher accuracy regarding tumor lesion Ki values.Conclusion: Acceptable Ki parametric images can be acquired from dynamic imaging data corresponding to the first 30 mins PI. Patlak data processing can help achieve higher Ki imaging quality and higher accuracy regarding tumor lesion Ki values. Clinically, it is possible to shorten the dynamic scan duration of 18F-FDG PET to 30 mins to facilitate the usage of such imaging techniques on uEXPLORER scanners.
Prognostic Factors in Resected Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Is Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio a Useful Marker?
Authors: Merlo Ignacio Guillermo , Ardiles Victoria , Sanchez-Clariá Rodrigo , Fratantoni Eugenia , de Santibañes Eduardo , Pekolj Juan , Mazza Oscar , de Santibañes Martín
Published: December 2021

Background: The aim of this study is to analyze the role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and its variation pre and post-operatively (delta NLR) in overall survival after pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at a single centre and to identify factors associated with overall survival.Methods: A retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing pancreatic resection due to PDAC or undifferentiated carcinoma from January 2010 to January 2020 was performed. Association between evaluated factors and overall survival were analyzed using a log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results: ﻿Overall, 242 patients underwent complete pancreatic resection for PDAC or undifferentiated carcinoma. OS was 22.8 months (95% CI: 19.5-29) and survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 72%, 32.5% and 20.8% respectively. NLR and delta NLR were not significantly associated with survival (HR=1.14, 95%CI: 0.77-1.68, p=0.5). Lymph node ratio was significantly associated (HR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.21-2.26, p=0.001) in the bivariate analysis. In multivariable analysis the only factors that were significantly associated with survival were perineural invasion (HR=1.94, 95%CI: 1.21-3.14, p=0.006), surgical margin (HR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.10-3.02, p=0.019), tumor size (HR=1.01, 95%CI: 1.003-1.027, p=0.16), postoperative CA 19-9 level (HR=1.001, p<0.001), and completion of adjuvant treatment (HR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.35-0.8, p=0.002).﻿Conclusion: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and delta NLR were not associated with overall survival in this cohort. Risk factors such as perineural invasion, surgical margins, CA19-9 level and tumor size showed worse survival in this study, whereas completing adjuvant treatment was a protective factor.
On Injectivity of an Integral Operator Connected to Riemann Hypothesis
Authors: Adam Dumitru
Published: December 2021

In this paper we provided methods for investigating the injectivity of linear bounded operators on separable Hilbert spaces using their approximations on dense families of subspaces. As an application we proved the injectivity of the integral operator involved in the equivalent formulations of Riemann Hypothesis (see [2] and [4]) in the Example 4.2.
Change in Metabolic Health Status Over Time and Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Prospective Study
Authors: Cui Haozhe , Liu Qian , Wu Yuntao , Cao Liying
Published: December 2021

Objective: Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) is a dynamic condition and is known to increase the risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we aimed to examine the association between metabolic health status and its change over time and CKD risk.Methods: A total of 39463 participants from Kailuan Study were collected body mass index and metabolic health status at 2006/07 and 2010/11 examination. Metabolic abnormality was diagnosed by the presence of any 2 of 4 components (elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose, elevated triglyceride and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). We classified participants into six groups according to metabolic health status and obesity. The changes in obesity and metabolic health status were considered from 2006/07 to 2010/11. Results: Of the participants classified as MHNW or MHO at baseline, 17.25% and 39.64% were classified as MUNW or MUO in 2010/11, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 9.7 years, 5351 participants developed CKD from 2010/11. Compared with participants in the stable MHNW group, the stable MHO group had a significantly higher risk of incident CKD (HR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.02-1.33), but was lower than that in individuals with MUO. Individuals with metabolic healthy at baseline who changed to metabolic abnormality during follow-up had higher risk of CKD. Conclusions: MHO phenotype or its transition to a metabolically unhealthy phenotype were associated with increased risk of CKD. Stable metabolic health individuals had lower risk of CKD than those with metabolically unhealthy phenotype.
Spectroscopic Evidence for a Three-Dimensional Charge Density Wave in Kagome Superconductor CsV3Sb5
Authors: Li Cong , Wu Xianxin , Liu Hongxiong , Polley Craig , Guo Qinda , Wang Yang , Han Xinlong , Dendzik Maciej , Berntsen Magnus H. , Balasubramanian Thiagarajan , Shi Youguo , Schnyder Andreas , Tjernberg Oscar
Published: December 2021

The recently discovered AV3Sb5 (A=K, Rb, Cs) family, possessing V kagome nets, has received considerable attention due to the topological electronic structure and intriguing correlated phenomena, including an exotic charge density wave (CDW) and superconductivity. Detailed electronic structure studies are essential to unravel the characteristics and origin of the CDW as well as its interplay with superconductivity. Here, we present angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurements for CsV3Sb5 at multiple temperatures and photon energies to reveal the nature of the CDW from an electronic structure perspective. We present evidence for a three-dimensional (3D) CDW order. In the process we also pinpoint a surface state attributed to a Cs terminated surface. This state was previously attributed to band folding band due to a CDW along the c direction or a quantum well state from quantum confinement. The CDW expected 2-fold lattice reconstruction along c axis is observed to be a quadrupling of the unit cell, thus for the first time directly demonstrating the 3D nature of the CDW from the electronic structure perspective. Moreover, this 3D CDW configuration originates from two distinct types of distortions in adjacent kagome layers. These present results not only provide key insights into the nature of the unconventional CDW in CsV3Sb5 but also provides an important reference for further studies on the relationship between the CDW and superconductivity.