bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential for the Use of Large Unstructured Data Resources by Public Innovation Support Institutions
Authors: Cetera Wiesław , Gogolek Wlodzimierz , Zolnierski Aleksander , Jaruga Dariusz
Published: January 2022

IntroductionEffective programming of research and development (R&D) support, adjusted to the actual potential of beneficiaries, requires the use of modern analytical tools. Efficient R&D support system requires up-to-date data on technological trends, ongoing (and planning) research, market needs and developing innovationCase descriptionThe article presents the potential of one tool that can be applied in public support institutions. Methods of identifying and diagnosing technology trends are presented.Discussion and Evaluation The use of methods for refining information from unstructured data is one of the most effective methods for identifying and diagnosing areas requiring support from public funds. Public institutions, including public institutions supporting R&D and innovation processes, can apply tools that allow an increase in the quality of offered support programmes, but also beneficial for the excellence of strategic resources management within the institution itself.ConclusionsThe described tools and methods are already directly applicable in many areas related to the support of R&D activity worldwide. The article presents a solution that effectively enables the management of more precise programmes supporting innovative activities.
Academic Performance of Ecologists is Gender- Biased: Effect of Caregiving Responsibilities And The Working Environment
Authors: Lomáscolo Silvia B. , Novillo Agustina , Sandoval-Salinas María L. , Fontanarrosa Gabriela , Montellano María Gabriela Núñez , Piquer-Rodríguez María , Alvarez Marisa , Aschero Valeria , Chillo Verónica , Fanjul María Elisa , Martínez-Galvez Fernanda , Pero Edgardo J. I. , Rodríguez Daniela , Schroeder Natalia , Zarbá Lucía
Published: January 2022

As the scientific environment is hierarchical and meritocratic, greater dedication will lead to higher performance. Consequently, scientists with caregiving responsibilities will suffer downfalls in performance. Caregivers are mainly women so their career is more affected than their male counterparts’. Based on a self-perception survey among Argentinean ecologists, we studied the distribution of caregiving responsibilities, uninterrupted time dedicated to work, career paths, perception of researchers’ own work and that of others in relation to gender, and reciprocal effect between family and work. We found that a larger percentage of women carry caregiving duties, dedicate less uninterrupted time to work, and more to non-work-related tasks, especially when working from home. We found no effect of caregiving on age at promotion, although women tend to start earlier stages of their careers younger than men, while the trend reverts in later categories. Women tend to value their own work more poorly than men, and both female and male researchers tend to choose male over female referents and advisers, especially among older generations. The interaction between family and work is perceived negatively by women in early career stages. In general, women and men felt supported by their advisers with respect to family-related issues. Caregiving duties must be considered when evaluating a researcher’s performance, especially for women. Public policies must help relieve women from heavy caregiving tasks and facilitate leaving their home space to detach from not-work-related tasks. Greater peer recognition of women’s research should increase their participation as advisers and referents, as well as their own perception of their work and those of other women. We must actively propose policies that will turn academy into a fairer and more equitable working environment for women.
Design and Fabrication of Elevators Using AVR Microcontroller
Authors: Keykha Mohsen
Published: January 2022

Men, along with the progress in his civilization and daily life, felt the need more and more every day that in addition to all the facilities and tools he had created for himself to move horizontally, he needed a tool to move himself and his tools and loads in the horizontal direction. Is. Images have been recorded in history that show that he invented methods for vertical movement in the distant past. Initially, this was done by levers and animals. An elevator is a permanent public vehicle that moves between predefined levels. The elevator is the only means of transportation used by all age groups and is the most common means of vertical movement in the world. The elevator is installed inside an environment that consists of three parts: 1. Engine room 2. Elevator well 3. Well. The gearbox motor acts as the heart of the elevator and the control panel acts as the core of the elevator. The aim of this research is to simulate and build the circuit and the building of the elevator so that it can be equipped with new facilities and sensors by using reprogramming if necessary to make its operation safer and provide more comfort for the passengers. Here we have programmed the AVR microcontroller using codevisionAVR software and performed the simulation using Proteus software.
New Integrated TBM Disc Cutter Deviation Analysis And Design of The Supporting Cutter-Changing Robot End-Effector
Authors: Chen Hao , Li Hao , Huo Junzhou , Yang Bowen , Yang Fan
Published: January 2022

At present, the replacement of disc cutters of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) is a very important and difficult manual operation. Therefore, it is meaningful to study disc cutters of TBM replacement with a robot. In this paper, the machining and assembly deviation of the new integrated disc cutter developed by our research group is modeled and analyzed by using the improved Jacobian-Torsor model, and the analysis results are verified by experiments. On this basis, aiming at the possible radial deviation and angle deviation in the working process of a robot replacing TBM disc cutters, a cutter-changing robot end-effector composed of a guiding mechanism, a flexible connecting mechanism and a universal wrench is designed for the disassembly and assembly of the new integrated disc cutter, and scaled-down models were made for the experiment. The test results show that when there is a radial deviation of 19.21% or an angle deviation of 11° between the fastening bolt and the end-effector of the robot, the robot end-effector can complete the docking with the fastening bolt.
The forecasting model research of rural energy transformation in Henan Province based on STIRPAT model
Authors: Wen Lei , Song Qianqian
Published: January 2022

In order to find the model of rural energy transformation in Henan Province. This paper examines the effects of population, per capita income, total value of agricultural output, per capita housing area, electric motor power, total power of rural durable goods on rural power consumption (PC) and effective irrigation area, per capita housing area, total power of agricultural machinery, total value of agricultural output, rural population, and energy intensity on rural total energy consumption (TEC) employing Tapio decoupling model. In addition, PSO-BOP is used to predict the values of each influencing factor in 2020-2025. Last, the STIRPAT model is used to forecast TEC and PC from 2020-2025 based on the data of rural energy consumption in Henan Province from 2009-2019. The results show that other factors besides population promote TEC and PC to different degrees. Moreover, the influencing factors, TEC and PC form a virtuous cycle of mutual promotion. Then, TEC and PC consumption show an increasing trend year by year in 2020-2025. It is worth noting that after 2022, the variation of PC is greater than that of TEC. To sum up, improving rural electrification level is a necessary way to realize its low-carbon energy transition.
Hydrologic regime alteration and influence factors in the Jialing River of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Guo Wenxian , Jiao Xuyang , Zhou Haotong , Zhu Yongwei , Wang Hongxiang
Published: January 2022

Under the influence of climate alteration and human activities, the hydrological regime of rivers is changing dramatically, which has become a hot spot for water environment research. In this study, we quantitatively assessed the degree of hydrological variability of the Jialing River and the contribution of climate alteration and human activities to hydrological alterations using the ecohydrological indicator range of alteration (IHA-RVA) method and Budyko hypothesis formulations. The results showed that (1) The average annual runoff and the precipitation of Jialing River showed a decreasing trend, the potential evapotranspiration showed an increasing trend. (2) Compared with before the hydrological situation changed, the degree of alteration in the annual extreme streamflow is 31%, which is a low degree of alteration; the degree of alteration in monthly streamflow, annual extreme flow magnitude, extreme flow ephemeris, and streamflow alteration frequency are 51%, 43%, 54%, and 64% respectively, which are all moderate degrees of alteration; the overall hydrological alteration is 50%, which belongs to moderate alteration. (3) The contribution of precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, and human activities to the runoff alteration is 61%, -16%, and 55%, respectively. This study provides corresponding references for ecological restoration and sustainable development of the Yangtze River Basin in China.
Relationship Between Energy Balance-Related Behaviors and Its Influencing Factors in Overweight/Obese Primary School Students Aged 10–12 Years in China
Authors: Zhang Shicheng , Gao Haining , Cui Ying , Wang Xin , Cao Wenshuo , Ding Qian , Chang Bo
Published: January 2022

Background: Energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) are behaviors closely related to energy intake and expenditure. Unhealthy EBRBs are closely related to overweight and obesity in primary school students, and personal and family factors are the key factors that affect the EBRBs of primary school students.Methods: In order to explore the relationship between EBRBs, related factors, and overweight and obesity among school-age children, the body mass index of 4,412 10–12-year-olds from North China, Northeast China, Northwest China, and Southwest China was measured, and they were assessed using a questionnaire regarding EBRBs and influencing factors.Results:1.Compared with normal-weight students, the number of breakfasts consumed per week by overweight/obese students was significantly higher (p <0.01), and the weekly screen-viewing time was significantly longer (p <0.01).2. There are some differences in influencing factors of EBRBs between overweight/obese pupils and normal weight pupils. Overweight/obese students' health beliefs, parental subjective norms, parental modelling, parental practices, and home availability scores increased significantly in terms of beverage consumption behavior (p <0.01 or p <0.05).The scores of attitude, health beliefs, self-efficacy, parental subjective norms and active encouragement decreased significantly in terms of breakfast consumption (p <0.01 or p <0.05).The health beliefs scores of physical activity increased significantly (p <0.01), and preference and autonomy scores decreased significantly (p <0.01). The health beliefs, parental subjective norms and parental practices scores of screen-viewing activities increased significantly (p <0.01 or p <0.05). 3.Breakfast consumption (odds ratio [OR]: 0.911; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.870–0.954) and screen-viewing activities (OR:1.055; 95% CI: 1.030–1.080) were negatively correlated and positively correlated with overweight/obesity, respectively.4.Factors that significantly influenced weekly breakfast consumption included attitude, health beliefs, self-efficacy, parental subjective norms, and active encouragement. The main factors that influenced weekly screen-viewing time were parental practices, self-efficacy, preference, attitude, autonomy, and parental modelling.Conclusions: Irregular breakfast consumption and excessive screen-viewing time engagement are key EBRBs associated with overweight/obesity among Chinese primary school students aged 10–12 years. Unhealthy breakfast consumption and screen-viewing activities of overweight/obese students are associated with an interaction between individual and family factors.
Inhibition of USP14 suppresses ferroptosis and inflammation in LPS-induced goat mammary epithelial cells through ubiquitylating the IL-6 protein
Authors: ZHU Guangqin , SUI Shaopu , SHI Fengyun , WANG Qinglin
Published: January 2022

Background

Ferroptosis, a novel manner of cell death depended on iron ion, contributed to goat mammary epithelial cell dysfunction. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a major pro-inflammatory factor during many inflammation-related diseases including mastitis, and a quite recently identified ferroptosis inducer. This study aims to explore the role of IL-6 in the dysfunction of goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) and how the level of IL-6 was regulated.
Methods

Primary GMECs were isolated, cultured and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone or together with Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a well-known ferroptosis inhibitor. CCK-8 was used to detect cell viability, ELISA was used to detect TNF-α content, and the levels of ROS, GSH and MDA were analyzed with DCFDA-cell ROS detection kit, GSH assay kit and MDA assay kit, respectively. The iron ion level was measured with an iron assay kit.
Results

The expression level of IL-6 protein in GMECs was up-regulated in response to LPS treatment, and the secretion of TNF-α, the cell oxidative stress level and the Fe2+ ion content was robustly increased, which could be reversed by Fer-1 treatment. Knockdown of IL-6 decreased cell oxidative stress level and inhibited ferroptosis in LPS-treated GMECs. Further, ubiquitin experiment and co-immunoprecipitation assay showed that USP14 upregulated IL-6 protein expression by reducing the ubiquitination of IL-6, and overexpression of IL-6 reversed the inhibitory effect of USP14 shRNA on LPS-treated GMECs ferroptosis. The NRF2 inhibitor Brusatol reversed the inhibitory effect of IL-6 shRNA on LPS-treated ferroptosis.
Conclusion

IL-6 protein is deubiquitinated by USP14 and upregulated in LPS-treated GMECs, further promoting ferroptosis and inflammation through the NRF2 signaling pathway.
Clinical Evaluation of Bacterial DNA Using an Improved Droplet Digital PCR for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Diagnosis
Authors: Wu Haoxin , Hou Wei , Zhang Wei , Wang Zheng , Guo Shan , Chen De-Xi , Li Zhen , Wei Fei Li , Hu Zhong Jie
Published: January 2022

Objective

Bacterial DNA (bactDNA) detection has been studied on ascitic fluid. However, there is insufficient data to support its use in clinical practice. We improved a novel droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method and enhanced its diagnostic efficiency for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).
Method

A total of 250 patients were included in this retrospective study. Extra cell-free DNA was depleted using Benzonase before pathogen DNA extraction to obtain viable bacterial DNA. The threshold value of bactDNA quantitation and its diagnostic performance were established based on ascites-polymorphonuclear (PMN) and clinical manifestation. The bactDNA quantification analysis were detailedly performed on patients who were symptomatic and had a PMN < 250 cells/mm3.
Results

This study enrolled 191 patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. After the removal of free DNA, bactDNA detected by ddPCR were generally decreased(1.75 vs 1.5 copies/µl, P<0.001), while the area under the curve for diagnosing SBP was increased, which 0.98 for total, 0.91 for gram-positive, 0.95 for gram-negative bactDNA. Compared with traditional culture and PMN count, results based on composite diagnostic standard showed that the sensitivity of ddPCR testing was 80.5% for total,72% for Gram-positive, and 93.9% for Gram-negative bactDNA while the specificity was 95.3%, 93.9%, and 89.3%, respectively. In patients with PMN <250 cells/mm3, the bactDNA quantitation of 13 patients who were symptomatic was significantly higher than those asymptomatic(2.7 vs 1.7 copies/µl, P<0.001).
Conclusion

BactDNA quantitation in ascites by ddPCR is a promising approach to improve the diagnostic accuracy of SBP, especially for symptomatic patients with PMN < 250 cells/mm3.
An improved assessment of high efficiency heterojunction perovskite solar cell employing InxGa1-xAs as efficient hole transport layer
Authors: Khaouani Mohammed , Bencherif H. , zakarya kourdi
Published: January 2022

Spiro-OMeTAD is an excellent nominee for HTM application, but its high hygrpscopicity, inclination to crystallize, and fragility to moisture and heat make it unsuitable for solar cells. So, it is of interest to investigate other HTM candidate. In this paper, the use of p-type InGaAs as hole transport materials (HTM) has been suggested to enhance the performance of perovskite-based solar cell (PSC). The simulation of hybrid CH3NH3PbI3/ InGaAs planar heterojunction perovskite solar cell is performed using Atlas Silvaco simulator. In order to confirm the predictability of the proposed simulation methodology, the conventional ITO/TiO2/MAPbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD structure is simulated and good coincidence with experimental results shown. The proposed design using InGaAs as HTM outperforms the conventional device in terms of short-circuit current density (JSC) of 37.2 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1V, fill factor (FF) of 80% and high value of efficiency. Besides, The finding show that with In content of x=0.7 the efficiency will improved to reach a value of about 30%.
Wind-Induced Sediment Dynamics Impact on Turbidity for Watrerworks in Taihu Basin Based on Numerical Simulation
Authors: Yao Xinyu , Liu Xiaowei , Zhou Yongchao , Zhang Liang , Zhou Zhixu , Zhang Yiping
Published: January 2022

Lake Taihu is an important drinking water source for cities of Yangtze River Delta region, while the dramatically fluctuate of turbidity caused serve problems for local waterworks’ management. Since the sediment behavior induced by wind disturbance was believed to be the main factor for the matter, the effect of wind fields on hydrodynamic and sediment distribution of Lake Taihu and the turbidity of the raw water were conducted based on wind driven numerical model. The results indicate that wind direction was more influential for the structure of flow and wave fields while wind speed contributed more to the field intensity, and the suspended sediment of the water intake area was primarily consisted of migrated particles from other erosion regions. The high consistence between the simulated suspended sediment concentration and the turbidity with a lag effect of 7-hour made it possible for turbidity prediction when combined with weather forecast technique. The model achieved operation adjusting in advance, thus improve the management efficiency of the waterworks.
Condensation and Radial Transport of Filamentary Enstatite Crystals from Interplanetary Dust
Authors: Utt Kainen , Ogliore Ryan , Liu Nan , Krot Alexander , Bradley John , Brownlee Donald , Joswiak David
Published: January 2022

Filamentary enstatite crystals, formed by gas-solid condensation in the solar nebula, are found in chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles of probable cometary origin. We measured the oxygen isotopic composition of four filamentary enstatite grains from the giant cluster interplanetary dust particle U2-20 GCP. These grains sample both the 16O-rich solar (∆17O ≈ −30 ‰) and 16O-poor planetary (∆17O ≈ 0 ‰) isotope reservoirs. Our measurements provide evidence for very early vaporization of dust-poor and dust-rich regions of the solar nebula, followed by condensation and outward transport of crystalline dust to the comet-forming region very far from the Sun. Similar processes are likely responsible for the crystalline silicates observed in the outer regions of protoplanetary disks elsewhere in the Galaxy.
Clinical Characteristics of External Ocular and Periocular Infections and Their Antimicrobial Treatment Patterns Among a Ghanaian Ophthalmic Population; A Multicenter Study
Authors: Junior Isaiah Osei Duah , Tchiakpe Michel Pascal , Borquaye Lawrence Sheringham , Amoah Kwadwo , Amankwah Francis Kwaku Dzideh , Kumah David Ben , Ofori Linda Aurelia , Danso-Appiah Anthony , Prempeh Bright Owusu , Gbedema Stephen Yao , Munyaneza Justin , Danquah Cynthia Amaning , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu
Published: January 2022

Empirical antimicrobial therapy is linked to a surge in antimicrobial resistant infections. However, an insight on the bacteria etiology of ocular infections is essential in the appropriation of choice of antimicrobial among clinicians, yet there remains a dearth of data from Ghana. We investigated the bacteria etiology of external ocular and periocular infections and antimicrobial treatment patterns among a Ghanaian ophthalmic population. A multicenter study design with purposive sampling approach was employed. Patients demographics and clinical data were collated using a pretested structure questionnaire. Cornea specimens and conjunctival swabs were obtained for bacteriological investigations following standard protocols. About 95% (98/103) of ocular samples were positive for bacteria culture. The proportion of Gram-negative bacteria was 58.2%, and the predominant bacteria species were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 38.8% and Staphylococcus aureus 27.6%. Conjunctivitis 40.0% and keratitis 75.0% were mostly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The routinely administered antimicrobial therapy were polymyxin B 41.2%, neomycin 35.1% and ciprofloxacin 31.6%. Participants demographic and clinical characteristics were unrelated with positive bacteria culture (p > 0.05). Our results showed a markedly higher burden of ocular bacterial infections and variations in etiology. Bacterial infection-control and antimicrobial agent management programs should be urgently institutionalized to prevent the emergence of resistant infections.
The Relationship of Serum Sex-Hormone Binding Protein and Free Androgen Index Levels to Newborn’s Breast Enlargement
Authors: Kaya Avni , Erdil Abdullah , Orbak Zerrin
Published: January 2022

Aim
This study aimed to analyze body mass index, estrogen, testosterone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG), free androgenic index (FAI), and estrogen/testosterone ratio and their relationship to breast enlargement in newborns. Additionally, we defined the mean, minimum, maximum, standard deviation, and percentiles of SHBG and FAI in 14-28 days-old babies.
Methods
Forty babies with breast enlargement aged 14-28 days (17 boys and 23 girls) were included in the study. As controls were taken 36 babies in the same age group (19 boys and 17 girls). The SHBG and FAI values were calculate as mean, minimum, maximum, standard deviation, and percentages in 14-28 days-old newborns. Normal values and 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of the SHBG and FAI values were calculated according to sex.
Results
The mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum SHBG values among girls, boys, and all participants were 74.84±26.21 ng/dL (26.80-135.20 ng/dL), 73.22±24.98 ng/dL (13.00-144.80 ng/dL), and 74.07±25.48 ng/dL (13.00-144.80 ng/dL), respectively. The mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum FAI values of girls, boys, and all participants were 0.44±0.33 (0.03-1.38), 1.42±0.54 (0.69-3.46), and 0.91±0.66 (0.03-3.46), respectively.
Conclusion
Neonatal breast enlargement is not associated with weight, length, body mass index, estrogen, testosterone, SHBG, FAI, Estrogen/Testosterone ratio, or sex. In the physiology of neonatal breast enlargement, there are still situations that await clarification.
Road traffic density and recurrent asthma emergency department visits among Medicaid enrollees in New York State 2005-2015
Authors: Insaf Tabassum Z , Adeyeye Temilayo , Wargo Catherine , Wagner Victoria , Proj Anisa , McCauley Susan , Matson Jacqueline
Published: January 2022

Background

Environmental exposures such as traffic may contribute to asthma morbidity including recurrent emergency department (ED) visits. However, these associations are often confounded by socioeconomic status and health care access.
Objective

This study aims to assess the association between traffic density and recurrence of asthma ED visits in the New York State (NYS) Medicaid population between 2005 and 2015.
Methods

The primary outcome of interest was a recurrent asthma ED visit within 1-year of index visit. Traffic densities (weighted for truck traffic) were spatially linked based on home addresses. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors predicting recurrent asthma ED visits.
Results

In a multivariate model, Medicaid recipients living within 300-meters of a high traffic density area were at a statistically significant risk of a recurrent asthma ED visit compared to those in a low traffic density area (OR=1.31; 95% CI:1.24 – 1.38). Additionally, being male (OR=1.24; 95% CI:1.20 – 1.27), being on cash assistance (OR=1.27; 95% CI:1.24 – 1.31) and receiving supplemental security income (OR=1.23; 95% CI:1.18 – 1.27) was associated with a higher risk of recurrent asthma ED visit. Black non-Hispanics (OR=1.20; 95% CI:1.10 – 1.31), Hispanics (OR=1.52; 95% CI:1.46 – 1.59) and those with race listed as “Other” (OR=1.58; 95% CI:1.48 – 1.68) had higher risk of recurrent asthma ED visits as compared to White non-Hispanics.
Conclusion

We observed significant persistent disparities in asthma morbidity related to traffic exposure and race/ethnicity in a low-income population. Our findings suggest that even within a primarily low-income study population, socioeconomic differences persist. These differences in susceptibility in the extremely low-income group may not be apparent in health studies that use being on Medicaid as a proxy for low income
Effects of process parameters and geometry on dimensional accuracy and surface quality of thin strut heart valve frames manufactured by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Zhao Xiao , Liang Anqi , Bellin Matteo , Bressloff Neil W.
Published: January 2022

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is one of the most popular metal additive manufacturing technologies, which has found its applications in high-value sectors such as aerospace and biomedical devices. Some recent studies on the LPBF of stents have demonstrated its feasibility in the fabrication in thin strut structures including heart valve frames, as used in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis. The state of the art method of laser cutting TAVI frame limits the scope for novel concepts which are made possible by additive manufacturing. However, the surface quality and dimensional accuracy of LPBF parts are lower than that produced by laser cutting. To start the development of new TAVI concepts, the feasibility of manufacturing thin frames by LPBF has been investigated based the SAPIEN 3 frame by Edwards Lifesciences. In this study, simplified frames with strut size from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm have been successfully manufactured. The effects of strut size, strut angle, laser power and scan speed on the dimensional accuracy and surface quality were systemically studied. In addition, a representative SAPIEN 3 frame was manufactured and assessed with high resolution X-ray scans. Good overall dimensional accuracy and low porosity was obtained for the SAPIEN 3 frame. However, inclined struts were found to have relatively low dimensional accuracy and poor surface quality.
Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Early Open-Pollinated Maize Varieties and their F1 Hybrids for Tolerance to Low Soil Nitrogen Stress
Authors: Ige S. A , Bello O. B. , Mahamood J. , Afolabi M
Published: January 2022

In the tropical savanna of Africa where low soil nitrogen (N) is a major constraint to maize production, the development of early maturing maize tolerance to low-N and drought is very essential. Field trials were conducted at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ilorin, Nigeria on a Typic Paleustalf soil to assess the response of ten early drought-tolerant open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) and their F1 hybrids to low-N fertilizer conditions. The trials were set up in a split-plot arrangement with three N fertilizer levels (0, 45 and, 90 kg N ha−1) as the main plot and the genotypes as sub-plot. Each sub-plot within N level was four-row, laid out in a randomized complete block design of four replications. Planting was carried out on 22nd July, 2018 and 20th July, 2019. There were significant interactions between the genotypes and N level for all characters, with increased variation as the level of N decreased. The maize grain yield advantage was 1.72 t ha−1 and 1.95 t ha−1 for OPVs and hybrids, respectively; with applied 90 kg N ha−1 over no N. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was optimum at 45 kg N ha−1 in all the genotypes. Grain yield and NUE correlated positively with all the traits measured except days to 50% silking. Kernel number was most severely reduced by N stress but had a positive and highly significant correlation with grain yield at all N-rates. The hybrids Dmr-Esr Y Cif 2 × Ak 95 Dmr-Esrw, Ev Dt-Y 2000 Str C0 × Ak 95 Dmr-Esrw, and Tze Comp 4 C2 × Tze Comp 3 C2 had superior grain yield and NUE. This suggests that selecting for tolerance to drought may simultaneously confer tolerance to low-N stress.
Identification of a novel splicing mutation and genotype-phenotype correlations in rare PLS3-related osteoporosis
Authors: Wu Zhichong , Feng Zhenhua , Zhu Xiufen , Dai Zhicheng , Min Kaixing , Qiu Yong , Yi Long , Xu Leilei , Zhu Zezhang
Published: January 2022

Background

X-linked early-onset osteoporosis, caused by mutations in plastin3 (PLS3), is an extremely rare disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and recurrent osteoporotic fractures. There is limited information on genetic and phenotypic spectrum, as well as genotype-phenotype correlations of the disease. Moreover, whether decreased PLS3 levels were also involved in osteoporosis among subjects without PLS3 pathogenic mutations remains unknown.
Results

We identified a novel splicing mutation (c.892-2A>G) which led to the skipping of exon 9 in a family with X-linked early-onset osteoporosis. Scoliosis represents a new phenotype in the patients harboring PLS3 mutations, which may be corrected by brace treatment. Genotype-phenotype analysis reveals that there was no significant difference in BMD z-scores between different types of reported mutations including this study (p = 0.5). There is a marginally significant negative correlation between age and BMD z-score (p = 0.059, r = - 0.30). The conditions of osteoporosis in all patients were improved after bisphosphonates therapy, with mean BMD z-score increased from -2.9 to -0.57 (p < 0.0001). Serum PLS3 levels in adolescents and adults without PLS3 pathogenic mutations but representing osteoporosis were also evaluated, while no association was found between bone mineral density and PLS3 levels (p > 0.05).
Conclusions

Our findings expanded the mutation and phenotype spectrum of the rare disease and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and early treatment with bisphosphonates. More reports of cases with PLS3 mutation and function studies of the gene are warranted to understand genotype-phenotype correlations.
Colorectal Cancer Metastases In The Reproductive Tract – A Systematic Review
Authors: Alfred Joshua , Wyatt James , Anuar Amir , Williams Ruby , Titley-Wilson Gabrielle , Ahmed Shakil , Altaf Kiran
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer metastases are common and usually affect the liver, lungs, peritoneum or bone. However, unusual cases of metastatic disease within the reproductive tracts of both male and female patients have been described. This review aims to collate and summarise the available data to aid clinical decision making and patient counselling. METHODS: Pubmed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane databases were searched from inception till November 2020 for case reports and cases series describing original data on colorectal cancer metastases within the reproductive tract. RESULTS: 29,216 results were filtered down to 89 studies for inclusion. 43 and 46 related to the male and female reproductive tracts respectively, with individual patient outcomes reported for 48 males and 461 females. Genital metastases were associated more with rectal cancers whilst ovarian and testicular tumours more commonly derived from colonic primaries. Treatment was with curative intent for the minority of male patients (32%) with an associated poor prognosis (4% 5-year overall survival). Female reproductive tract metastases with ovarian lesions in particular were more likely to receive curative intent treatment (63%) and superior long-term survival (17% 5-year overall survival)CONCLUSIONS: Reproductive system colorectal cancer metastases are rare with limited cases reported. They are associated with advanced primary tumours and disseminated disease with an associated poor prognosis.
Sex and APOE Genotype Alter the Basal and Induced Inflammatory State of Primary Microglia from APOE Targeted Replacement Mice
Authors: Mhatre-Winters Isha , Eid Aseel , Han Yoonhee , Tieu Kim , Richardson Jason R.
Published: January 2022

Background: Sex and APOE4 genotype are significant risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with females demonstrating increased risk that is modulated by APOE genotype. However, the mechanism(s) responsible for this interaction are still a matter of debate. Neuroinflammation represents a plausible mechanism for this interaction, but most experimental studies have not incorporated both sex and APOE genotype. Here, we sought to assess the response of sex-specific APOE3 and APOE4 primary microglia (PMG) in comparison to traditional mixed sex cultures. Methods: Mixed sex and sex-specific PMG were generated from neonatal targeted replacement APOE3 and APOE4 pups. Purity over 98% was consistently obtained for cultures and the presence or absence of the Sry (Sex-determining region Y) gene by qPCR was used to determine male-specific microglia. PMG were treated with 10 ng/mL or a combination of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFNg). Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and multiplex MSD assays.Results: Mixed sex APOE4 PMG were found to have higher basal mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNFa, and iNOS compared to APOE3 PMG which was accompanied by increased levels of secreted TNFa, but not nitric oxide. In sex-specific cultures, basal expression of IL1b, TNFa, IL6, and iNOS was 2-3 fold higher in APOE4 female PMG compared to APOE4 males, with both being higher compared to APOE3 cells. Similar results were found for protein levels of these cytokines. Following an inflammatory stimulus, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was upregulated in the order E4 female > E4 male > E3 female > E3 male in sex-specific cultures. Similar results were found with secreted cytokine levels.Conclusions: These data indicate that the APOE4 genotype and female sex, together contribute to a greater inflammatory response in PMG isolated from targeted replacement APOE mice. These data are consistent with clinical data and sex-specific PMG may provide a platform for exploring mechanisms of genotype and sex differences in AD-related to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
Incidence of Graft Detachment Compared Between Two Techniques of Ultrathin Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty: A Case Series.
Authors: Feuerman Oren Mark , Caretti Luigi , Agresta Antonio , Monterosso Cristina , Verzola Giacomo
Published: January 2022

Purpose
To evaluate the incidence of rebubbling for graft detachment in two different surgical techniques and postoperative management of Ultrathin Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK).
Methods
A Longitudinal retrospective and prospective case series of 50 eyes operated between November 1st, 2017 and November 1st, 2020. Graft detachment and consequent rebubbling incidence were registered and reviewed in two groups of consecutive patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. The the two surgical techniques differed in diameter of Descemetorhexis and presence or absence of preoperative inferior Nd:YAG laser iridotomy. Main outcome measures were incidence of rebubbling in 30 days postoperative period and incidence of ocular hypertention.
Results
Incidence of graft detachment and consequent rebubbling procedure are lower among eyes who underwent iridotomy and had a larger diameter Descemetorhexis than graft diameter. Intraocular pressure resulted higher among patients who did not undergo preoperative inferior Nd:YAG laser iridotomy.
Conclusions
Preoperative lower iridotomy and less postoperative eye manipulation are associated with less graft dislocation following Ultrathin Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty.
m6A-mediated upregulation of LINC01578 promotes the progression of glioma by modulating the miR-6893-3p/TRIM14 axis
Authors: Wu Xinwei , Yang Hui , Zhu Xiaolong , Zhong Min , Zhang Mengying , Lv Kun
Published: January 2022

Background
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in tumor progression and are dysregulated in glioma. However, the functional roles of lncRNAs in glioma remain largely unknown.
Methods
Using the TCGA and GEPIA2 databases, the overexpression of LINC01578 in glioma tissues was determined and further validated in glioma cell lines. The effects of LINC01578 on proliferation, migration, and invasion in glioma were detected by in vitro and in vivo experiments. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), dual luciferase reporter, RNA FISH, and RNA sequencing assays were carried out to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms regulated by LINC01578 in glioma. RIP and RT-qPCR was used to analyze the regulatory effect of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) on aberrantly expressed LINC01578.
Results
Highly expressed LINC01578 was identified in glioma tissues and was associated with poor prognosis in glioma patients. Functional assays showed that LINC01578 regulates glioma growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC01578 sponged miR-6893-3p to upregulate TRIM14 expression, thereby facilitating glioma progression. Furthermore, LINC01578 was upregulated in response to N6-methyladenosine modification, which was attributed to METTL3/YTHDF1-mediated RNA transcripts.
Conclusion
Our results reveal a novel m6A/LINC01578/miR-6893-3p/TRIM14 pathway for glioma progression and suggest LINC01578 as a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for glioma.
Ultra-Low dose contrast using Transluminal Renal Angioplasty (ULTRA study)
Authors: Kawano Megumi , Suzuki Kenji , Fujimura Naoki , Endo Ayaka , Kato Ai , Fujii Kentaro , Komatsu Motoaki , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Ryuzaki Munekazu , Harada Hirohisa
Published: January 2022

BackgroundSevere atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is a predictor of future cardiovascular events and should be managed effectively. This study aimed to validate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) using low concentration digital subtraction angiography (LC-DSA) among patients with severe ARAS and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsThis prospective study conducted between August 2018 and August 2020. Patients with CKD stage 3b or worse and significant renal artery stenosis were included in this study and underwent PTRA with ultra-low dose contrast medium. The primary endpoint was a change in renal function, based on serum creatinine (sCr) levels.ResultsThirteen lesions of eleven patients underwent PTRA for ARAS with ultra-low dose contrast medium. Mean sCr level has significantly improved from 3.18 ± 1.8 mg/dL (before procedure) to 2.34 ± 1.17 mg/dL (one month after treatment) (p =0.039). The mean amount of used contrast was 8.8 ± 4.0 ml per vessel. Patients with renal artery stenosis >80%, peak systolic velocity >300 cm/m2, or CKD Stage 3b were analyzed. More severe stenosis and rapid deterioration of renal function before treatment were associated with improved kidney function. No cardiovascular and renal complications, such as stroke or contrast-induced nephropathy, were noted in any of the patients.ConclusionsPTRA with ultra-low dose contrast medium is safe and provides good results.Trial registration: Investigation for optimal protocol using diluted ionic contrast medium during angiography, UMIN000034174. Registered 26 September 2018, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000038955
Evaluation of Expression CXCL8 Chemokine and Its Relationship With Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Quality in Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Method
Authors: Jenabi Maryam , Khodarahmi Parvin , Tafvizi Farzaneh , Bostanabad Saeed Zaker
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the expression of the chemokine CXCL8 in both mRNA and protein levels in the serum, follicular fluid (FF), and cumulus cells (CCs) and its relationship with oocyte maturation and embryo quality in women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).MethodsA total of 87 women who underwent an ICSI cycle were evaluated in two groups, including the test group (female factor infertility) and the control group (fertile). In the serum, FF, and CCs, the protein and mRNA expression of CXCL8 were measured using immunosorbent assay and Real-Time PCR, respectively. The quality and quantity of the oocytes and embryos were assessed, and relationship of protein and mRNA CXCL8 was evaluated with oocyte maturation and embryo quality. ResultsThe level of protein and mRNA of CXCL8 was significantly higher in the serum, FF, and CCs in the test group than in the control group. In the test group, the expression of mRNA and protein of CXCL8 had a significant increase in FF and CCs compared to serum; also, there was a CXCL8 protein significant increase in FF compared to CCs. The count of oocytes obtained, MII oocytes, and the percentage of oocyte maturity significantly decreased in the test group. The expression of CXCL8 was inversely related to oocyte maturation, but no relationship was observed with embryo quality.ConclusionThe elevated concentrations of CXCL8 in the serum and FF seem to be a predictor as a potential non-invasive biomarker for the oocyte maturation outcome in women with female factor infertility.
Low-Carbohydrate Diets and Mortality in Older Chinese: A 15-Year Follow-Up of Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: Sun Ce , Zhang Wei Sen , Jiang Chao Qiang , Jin Ya Li , Deng Xue Qing , Woo Jean , Cheng Kar Keung , Lam Tai Hing , Thomas G Neil , Xu Lin
Published: January 2022

Background: Studies on long-term effects of low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) on mortality accounting for quality and sources of carbohydrate are unclear. Hence, we examined the associations of LCDs with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a population-based cohort study.Methods: Prospective study using data from Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS). 20,206 participants (13.8% diabetes) aged 50+ years were recruited from 2003-2006 and followed up until 19 April 2021.Overall, vegetable-based, and meat-based LCD scores were calculated based on the percentage of energy as total and subtypes of carbohydrate, fat and protein. The main outcomes were all-cause, cancer and CVD mortality. Cox regression were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: During 294,848 person-years of follow-up, 4,624 deaths occurred, including 3,661 and 963 deaths in participants without and with diabetes, respectively. In all participants, overall LCD score was not associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality after multivariable adjustment. However, the adjusted HRs (95%CIs) of all-cause and CVD mortality for the highest, versus the lowest, quartiles of vegetable-based were 1.16 (1.05-1.27 Ptrend<0.001) and 1.39 (1.19-1.62 Ptrend<0.001), respectively. Meanwhile, we found that the adjusted HRs (95%CIs) of all-cause and CVD mortality for highest, versus lowest, quartile of meat-based LCD were 0.89 (0.81-0.97 Ptrend=0.007) and 0.81 (0.70-0.93 Ptrend=0.02), respectively. Similar associations were found in participants after excluding those with diabetes. In diabetic patients, there was no association between vegetable-based LCD or meat-based LCD scores and mortality. However, we found a positive association between the highest quartile of vegetable-based LCD score and CVD mortality comparing with the lowest quartile (HR 1.54, 95% CI, 1.11-2.14 Ptrend=0.003).Conclusions: Vegetable-based LCD score was positively and meat-based LCD score was negatively associated with all-cause and CVD mortality. Inconsistencies in the literature on the health effect of LCD may reflect the importance of the geographical context and age-related nutrient composition of the diet.
Development of genomic instability-associated long non-coding RNA signature: a prognostic risk model of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Hua , Chen Ming
Published: January 2022

Background: Renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in the urinary system. Renal clear cell carcinoma is the most lethal of all pathological subtypes. Genomic instability was recently reported to be relative with occurrence and development of renal cells. The biological roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis have been increasingly valued, and various lncRNAs were found to be oncogenes or cancer suppressors. Here, we identified a novel genomic instability-associated lncRNAs (GILncs) model for ccRCC patients to predict overall survival (OS).Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas database was applied to obtain full transcriptome data, somatic mutation profiles and clinical characteristics. The differential expressed lncRNAs between genome-unstable (GU) like group and genome-stable (GS) like group were defined as GILncs, with |logFC| >1 and adjusted p value< 0.05 of false discovery rate. All samples were allocated into GU-like type and GS-like type based on expression of GILncs using hierarchical cluster analyses. A genomic instability-associated lncRNA signature (GILncSig) was constructed using parameters of included lncRNAs. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was used to detect the expression of included lncRNAs in vitro. Validation of the risk model was performed by Kaplan–Meier (K-M) log-rank test, Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis.Results: 46 lncRNAs were identified as GILncs. LINC00460, AL139351.1 and AC156455.1 were employed for GILncSig calculation based on the results of multivariate Cox analysis. GILncSig was confirmed as an independent index for predicting OS and concerned with malignant progression of ccRCC. Additionally, the GILncSig Score presented better efficiency and accuracy than two lncRNA-related models published before.Conclusion: GILncSig Score was qualified as a critical indicator independent from other clinical factors for predicting prognostic risk of ccRCC patients.