bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating contributions of urbanization and global climate change to urban land surface temperature change: A case study in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Guo Liying , Di Liping , Zhang Chen , Lin Li , Chen Fei , Molla Alamin
Published: April 2022

This study aims to develop a general method and evaluate the contributions of localized urbanization and global climate change to long-term urban land surface temperature (ULST) change. Combined daytime and nighttime daily MODIS products were used to fill data biases from satellite-observed data and applied to tropical regions during dry season from 2003 to 2021. Lagos, a fast-growing metropolis in West Africa, is selected as an example for reference. The results are summarized as follows. 1) Long-term annual ULST is confirmed to be controlled by urbanization, global climate change, and interannual climate variation. 2) Linear regression is used to remove the interannual climate fluctuations on long-term observed LST time series. 3) Urban-rural comparison method has been developed to separate the contributions of urbanization and global climate change to long-term ULST changes. Both urbanization and global climate change are verified to contribute to the ULST increase with positive trends. 4) Daytime ULST increased the most in the afternoon time at a mean rate of 1.429ºC per decade, with 0.985 ºC (10yr)-1 contributed by urbanization and 0.444 ºC (10yr)-1 contributed by global climate change. Nighttime ULST increased the most after midnight at a rate of 0.563ºC (10yr) -1, with 0.56 ºC (10yr) -1 contributed by urbanization and 0.003 ºC (10yr) -1 contributed by global climate change. 5) Urbanization is generally to be responsible for around 60.97% of the urban warming. The increasing urban-induced hot has been causing urban residents to suffer more heat-based health risks and increasing the extreme events. Therefore, the results are of useful reference for both urbanization and climate change related issues in the geo-science field.
Neh1 and Neh3 domains of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 mediate its binding to NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-6
Authors: Fu Wanmeng , Pei Jinli , Xiao Zhengpan , Sun Yan , Zhang Zhuandan , Wu Hao , Wei Shuangshuang , Pei Yechun , Wang Dayong
Published: April 2022

Oxidative stress is one of the causes of aging and other diseases. Nrf2 is the main transcription factor regulating antioxidant gene expression. In recent years, it has been found that inhibiting Nrf2 activity or increasing oxidative pressure can replicate premature aging defects, and reactivating Nrf2 activity can reverse nuclear aging defects and restore cell vitality. SIRT6 is one of the few proteins that can regulate life span and aging at the same time. SIRT6 gene deficient mice show degenerative changes similar to human premature aging 3 weeks after birth and eventually die. SIRT6 deficient cells show the characteristics of accelerated aging, while the deletion of SIRT6 in human cells does not directly lead to the damage of genetic material in the nucleus and genomic instability, but significantly reduces the antioxidant capacity of cells and causes the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and DNA oxidation products. At present, the interaction between Nrf2 and SIRT6 protein and its mechanism are not clear. In this study, yeast two-hybrid and tag pulldown methods were used to analyze the protein interaction domain between Nrf2 and SIRT6. The experiment found that SIRT6 directly interacts with Nrf2, SIRT6 Interacts with the Neh1 and Neh3 domains of Nrf2.
The effects of fluid absorption and plasma volume changes in athletes following consumption of various beverages
Authors: Yun Hyo-Jun , Lee Ji-Yong , Jeon Min-Soo , Oh Sang-Eun , Park Jae-Hyun , Yoon Ji-Wun
Published: April 2022

Objective : To verify the hydration effects of ORS on athletes by comparing the degrees of fluid absorption and plasma volume changes following beverage consumption, including ORS. Methods : Thirty-one participants visited the testing laboratory 4 times at 1-week intervals to consume 1 liter of beverage (e.g., water, ORS, and two sports drinks) for 30 minutes on each visit. The urine output was measured 4 times at 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, and 4 hours after beverage consumption. A blood sample was collected 3 times at 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours after beverage consumption. Body weight was measured once in 4 hours after beverage consumption. Results : Body weight change was smaller for ORS than for water, SpD1, and SpD2 (p<0.05). Cumulative urine output in 4 hours was lower for ORS, SpD1, and SpD2 than for water (p<0.05), and it was lower for ORS than for SpD2 (p<0.05). BHI in 4 hours was higher for ORS, SpD1, and SpD2 than for water (p<0.05), and it was higher for ORS than for SpD2 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in PVC for different beverages at all test times, i.e.., 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours. Conclusion : We evaluated the hydration effects of the consumption of beverages, such as water, sports drink, and ORS in athletes. ORS and sports drinks were more effective than water. A comparison between ORS and sports drinks showed that the result could vary depending on the type of sports drink.
Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Culicoides Species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) as Vectors of Animal Diseases in Ethiopia
Authors: Fetene Eyerusalem , Teka Getachew , Dejene Hana , Mandefro Deresegn , Teshome Tsedale , Temesgen Dawit , Negussie Haileleul , Mulatu Tesfaye , Jaleta Megarsa Bedasa , Leta Samson
Published: April 2022

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are the major vectors of bluetongue, Schmallenberg, and African horse sickness viruses. This study was conducted to survey Culicoides species in different parts of Ethiopia and to develop habitat suitability for the major Culicoides species in Ethiopia. Culicoides traps were set in different parts of the country from December 2018 to April 2021 using UV light Onderstepoort traps and the collected Culicoides were sorted to species level. To develop the species distribution model for the two predominant Culicoides species, namely Culicoides imicola and C. kingi, an ensemble modeling technique was used with the Biomod2 package of R software. KAPPA True skill statistics (TSS) and ROC curve were used to evaluate the accuracy of species distribution models. In the ensemble modeling, models which score TSS values greater than 0.8 were considered. Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between C. imicola and C. kingi catch and various environmental and climatic factors. During the study period, a total of 9148 Culicoides were collected from 66 trapping sites. Of the total 9148, 8576 of them belongs to seven species and the remaining 572 Culicoides were unidentified. The predominant species was C. imicola (52.8%), followed by C. kingi (23.6%). The abundance of these two species was highly influenced by the agro-ecological zone of the capture sites and the proximity of the capture sites to livestock farms. Climatic variables such as mean annual minimum and maximum temperature and mean annual rainfall were found to influence the catch of C. imicola at the different study sites. The ensemble model performed very well for both species with KAPPA (0.9), TSS (0.98), and ROC (0.999) for C. imicola and KAPPA (0.889), TSS (0.999), and ROC (0.999) for C. kingi. C. imicola has a larger suitability range compared to C. kingi. The Great Rift Valley in Ethiopia, the southern and eastern parts of the country, and the areas along the Blue Nile and Lake Tana basins in northern Ethiopia were particularly suitable for C. imicola. High suitability for C. kingi was found in central Ethiopia and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR). The habitat suitability model developed here could help researchers better understand where the above vector-borne diseases are likely to occur and target surveillance to high-risk areas.
An IGF-1R-mTORC1-SRPK2 Signaling Axis Contributes to FASN Regulation in Breast Cancer
Authors: deGraffenried Linda , Mcclellan Bryan , Gries Paul , Harlow Brittany , Tiziani Stefano , Jolly Christopher
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND: Fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression is associated with a more aggressive breast cancer phenotype and is regulated downstream of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathways. Recently, post transcriptional regulation of lipogenic transcripts have been demonstrated as being mediated downstream of serine-arginine rich protein kinase 2 (SRPK2), which acts to phosphorylate serine-arginine rich splicing factors (SRSFs), resulting in RNA binding and various RNA regulatory processes. Though post-transcriptional regulation of FASN has been studied previously, the upstream mediators of these pathways have not been elucidated. METHODS: Western blotting and RT-qPCR were utilized to demonstrate alterations in FASN and mRNA expression upon modulation of the IGF-1-mTORC1-SRPK2 pathway by small molecule inhibitors or RNAi mediated silencing. RNA stability was accessed by using the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin-D followed by RT-qPCR. Further, we employed RNA-immunoprecipitation to demonstrate the direct biding of SRSF-1 to FASN transcripts. RESULTS: In the current study, we demonstrated an IGF-1 induced increase in FASN mRNA and protein expression that was attenuated by mTORC1 inhibition. This mTORC1 inhibition also resulted in decreases in total and nuclear p-SRPK2 in response to IGF-1 exposure. Upon SRPK2 knockdown and inhibition, we observed a decrease in FASN protein and mRNA stability, respectively, in response to IGF-1 exposure that was specific to triple negative and HER2+ breast cancer cell lines. As we explored further, IGF-1 exposure resulted in an altered localization of eGFP expressed SRSF-1, pEGFP-SRSF-1 that was rescued upon both SRPK2 knockdown and mTORC1 inhibition. Further, we observed an increase binding of SRSF-1 to FASN RNA upon IGF-1 exposure, which was abrogated by SRPK2 knockdown. CONCLUSION: These current findings establish a potential IGF-1-mTORC1-SRPK2-FASN axis in breast cancer, which could be a potential therapeutic target for cancers that overexpress FASN and components of the IGF-1R pathway.
Nervous System Involvement in Patients Hospitalized at the COVID-19 Isolation Hospital in Alexandria University, Egypt: Clinical Findings
Authors: Abdelaziz Osama S. , Waffa Zuraiha , Abdelsalam Wael N. , Helmy Tamer A. , Nosseir Ayman A.
Published: April 2022

Background Global studies have exemplified that COVID-19 has neurological manifestations. This study gives an insight to the impact of COVID-19 on the nervous system in Alexandria, Egypt and identifies predictors of severity and mortality. MethodsThis single centre, retrospective, observational study was conducted from August 1st, 2020 to January 31st, 2021, on patients admitted at the COVID-19 Isolation Hospital in Alexandria University, Egypt. A Neuro-COVID patient was defined as confirmed COVID-19 case presenting with one or more new onset nervous system finding. ResultsOut of 1073 in-patients, 352 were Neuro-COVID patients (183 [52%] females and 169 [48%] males). The mean age was 36.64 ± 18.97 years and 161 (45.7%) had comorbidities. Most common involvement was neuromusculoskeletal system (240 [68.2%]), followed by central nervous system (164 [46.6%]) and peripheral nervous system (125 [35.5%]), whereas, psychiatric disorders (4 [1.1%]) were the least common. Myalgia (215 [61.1%]); anosmia (118 [33.5%]); headache (100 [28.4%]); ageusia (80 [22.7%]); altered level of consciousness (56 [15.9%]); arthralgia (43 [12.2%]) and dizziness (12 [3.4%]) were predominant presentations. Female Neuro-COVID patients were twice as more likely to be critical than moderate (P =0.030). Critical cases with nervous system presentations manifested 12 times higher risk of death when compared to severe cases (P <0.001). Conclusions Nervous system involvement was predominant and clinically significant in COVID-19. Disease severity was identified as an independent predictor of mortality in Neuro-COVID patients.
A close adherence to a Stoma-Therapic Pathway improves immediate stoma-related outcomes and reduces the length of hospital stay
Authors: Mineccia Michela , Valenti Antonio , Gonella Federica , Palisi Marco , Massucco Paolo , Ricotti Andrea , Ferrero Alessandro
Published: April 2022

Purpose: New stoma creation is related with a wide range of implications and stoma-related complications could occur frequently. Aim was to assess the impact of a close stoma-therapic-care pathway (STCP) in terms of length of stay, autonomy in the management of the pouch, readmission rate and stoma-related complicationsMethods: Patients undergoing surgery for colorectal disease and first stoma creation from January 2017 to December 2020 were analyzed. All patients enrolled had joined the ERAS protocol. Results: Among 143 enrolled, 56 (40%) didn’t follow completely the STCP (group A), whereas 87 (60%) demonstrated a strictly compliance (group B). The hospital stay was 8 days in the group B vs 11,5 in the group A (p=0,001). The first look at the stoma needed 1 day in the group B vs 3 days in the group A (p<0,001), emptying the pouch 2 day in the group B vs 5 days in the group A (p<0,001) and ability to change the pouch 3 day in the group B vs 6 days in the group A (p<0,001). Stoma related complications were 9 (16.1%) in the group B and 16 (18.4%) in the group A, and 30 days readmission was 10,1% in the group B and 11,5% in the group A, p=0,82 and p=1, respectively, not significant. Conclusions: The STCP has been shown to reduce the hospital stay and to have a protective role making the patient autonomous in the management of the stoma.
Evaluation of Quality and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Locally Manufactured Ethanol-Based Hand Sanitizers Marketed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the Era of COVID-19
Authors: Birhanu Gebremariam , Selam Muluken Nigatu , Habte Bruck Messele , Marew Tesfa , Bitew Molalegne , Getachew Tigist , Getachew Solomon , Abate Atlaw , Mitiku Mequanint , Matsabisa Motlalepula
Published: April 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread worldwide. Hand hygiene, via either regular handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizers, is among the various measures that need to be followed to control the outbreak of the disease. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the “gold standard” for hand disinfection because of their broad antimicrobial spectrum of activity, easy availability, better safety profile, and general acceptability to users. This study aimed at evaluating the physicochemical quality and antimicrobial efficacy of the locally manufactured Ethanol-Based Hand Sanitizers (EBHS) marketed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to collect EBHS from Addis Ababa marketplaces. A total of 25 sample products were randomly selected from the different categories. The physicochemical evaluation of the products was carried out as per the United States Pharmacopoeia and WHO standards. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp clinical isolates were used for the antimicrobial efficacy test. Results: The Fourier Transform Infrared result confirmed that all the test products met the identification test for ethanol. The majority (68%) of EBHS complied with the test for ethanol content (75 – 85% v/v). However, only 3 products fulfilled the hydrogen peroxide content (0.112 - 0.137% v/v). LPC307 showed the maximum zone of inhibition of 12 mm against Escherichia coli whereas MPC204 exhibited only 3 mm. LPC101 was found to be more sensitive to Shigella and Klebsiella Spp with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 20% and 10%, respectively. The sample product LPC101 showed a minimum bactericidal concentration of 20% against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella spp.Conclusion: One-third of the tested EBHS did not comply with the WHO ethanol content limit and the majority of the products failed to meet the label claim for hydrogen peroxide content. Besides, nearly all products proved that they have activity against all the tested pathogenic microorganisms; though, they did not show 99.9% bacteriostatic or bactericidal activities as claimed. The study findings suggested regular monitoring of the quality of marketed EBHS considering the current wide use of these products
Exploring Metabolic and Stoichiometric Controls for Nutrient Excretion: Body Size Has Primacy in a Tropical Stream Fish Community
Authors: OLIVEIRA-CUNHA PRISCILA , MCINTYRE PETER B. , NERES-LIMA VINICIUS , CALIMAN ADRIANO , MOREIRA-FERREIRA BEATRIZ , ZANDONÀ EUGENIA
Published: April 2022

Discussions of the factors regulating nutrient recycling by consumers have focused on predictions from Ecological Stoichiometry (ES) and the Metabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE). ES posits that imbalances between the composition of an animal’s body tissues and its diet should determine its nutrient excretion rates, whereas the MTE predicts that excretion should directly reflect metabolic activity arising from body size and temperature. Each framework has been supported by data, but they are rarely tested together. In this study, we measured excretion rates of nitrogen (NH4), phosphorus (SRP) and N:P excretion ratio, body N:P stoichiometry, body size, and temperature for 12 species of fish from an Atlantic rainforest stream in Brazil. We fitted 8 competing models reflecting different combinations of ES (body N:P, armor classification, diet group) and MTE (body size, temperature) variables. For both N and P excretion, as well as excreted N:P ratio, only body size was included in the best model, and interspecific differences in size-scaling were greater for N than for P. Fitted size scaling coefficients were lower than the MTE prediction of 0.75 for N (0.59, 95% CI = 0.45, 0.73), but not P (0.56, 95% CI = 0.40, 0.77). There was only weak evidence that body armor in 3 of 12 species led to more retention of P, and there was no discernable effect of diet group, body N:P, or water temperature. We conclude that differences in nutrient excretion among species within a shared environment primarily reflect contrasts in metabolic rates arising from body size, rather than disparities between consumer and resource stoichiometry. Our findings align with those from other ecosystems and synthesis across aquatic taxa, expanding support for the MTE as the primary framework for predicting nutrient excretion rates.
On the optimal texture shape with the consideration of surface roughness
Authors: Bei Guangyao , Ma Chenbo , Wang Xilong , Sun Jianjun , Ni Xingya
Published: April 2022

The optimal texture shape considering surface roughness is determined by solving the average Reynolds equation, selecting Jakobsson-Floberg-Olsson boundary conditions, and using a genetic algorithm. The effects of surface roughness as indicated by the combined root-mean-square (RMS), surface pattern parameter, and operating parameters on the friction coefficient, area ratio, and depth of the optimal self-defined shape and optimal dimple were studied. Results show that the friction coefficient will be significantly reduced during the shape optimization considering the effect of surface roughness. The variation laws of the optimal dimple area ratio with the combined RMS, surface pattern parameter, minimum film thickness, sliding speed and the variation law of the optimal depth of the optimal self-defined shape with surface roughness and working parameters are obtained. Finally, this study concludes that the influence of roughness parameters on the optimal dimple shape is greater than that on the optimal self-defined shape under different sliding speeds.
Mechanisms of linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus capitis with the novel mutation C2128T in the 23S rRNA in China
Authors: Han Xiao , Zou Guiling , Liu Jiaren , Yang Chun , Du Xuefei , Chen Guoyu , Sun Zhe , Zhang Xinyu , Sun Yu , Zhang Wanying , Jiang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Linezolid is the first oral oxazolidinone antibiotic approved for clinical application. With the widespread use of the linezolid, there are increasing reports of the linezolid-resistant (LZR). The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics and the potential resistance mechanisms of the LZR Staphylococcus capitis isolates from a tertiary hospital in China.Methods: The agar dilution and E-test methods were used to detect antibiotic resistance. The carrying status of the chloramphenicol-florfenicol resistance (cfr) gene in the strains was detected by PCR. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to detect point mutations, L3, L4, and L22 mutations, and also to study the genetic environment of the cfr gene and the relationship between strains. Results: A similar pattern in susceptibility profiles were observed in all four S. capitis strains, each exhibiting a multidrug-resistant phenotype. A potential novel mutation, C2128T, was identified, and the cfr genes of S. capitis strains were all positive. Additionally, the same mutation (C2128T and G2600T) was identified in all 23S rRNA sequences of isolates, while the mutation was lacking in the L3, L4, and L22 ribosomal proteins. The genetic environments surrounding cfr were identical in all four isolates. A schematic diagram of the phylogenetic tree exhibited that they were closely related to AYP1020, CR01, and TW2795, and a total of seven drug-resistant genes were detected in these strains. Conclusions: The study indicated that the resistance of the Staphylococcus capitis strains to linezolid was caused by multiple mechanisms and a potential novel mutation C2128T was identified which may have an impact on bacterial resistance.
Fatigue Have Impact on the Sexual Dysfunction in Chinese Females with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ye Junna , Wu Bei wen , Zhang Lijuan
Published: April 2022

Background. systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) might affect all aspects of life including sexual function; previous study indicated that fatigue was the risk factor of sexual dysfunction. The current study aims to investigate the effects of SLE on Chinese mainland female patients’ sexual function compared with healthy subjects and to investigate the relationship among fatigue, disease parameters, depression, quality of life and sexual function in Chinese female patients with SLE.Methods. A total of 128 female SLE patients (mean age: 43.65 ± 7.13 years) and 121 healthy female controls (mean age 43.59 ± 6.57 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. All data were collected consecutively by face-to-face questionnaires from January 2021 to December 2021. SLE patients completed questionnaires for demographic or clinical variables, the 10-cm Visual Analog Scale for pain, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) for disease activity, the multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) for fatigue, the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual function, and the Short Form 12 health survey for quality of life. Independent sample t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, Chi-square test, and forward stepwise binary logistic regression model were used to analyze these data.Results. Our results showed that the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was 78.9% in SLE patients, which was significantly higher than the controls (56.7%) (p<0.05). The results found that having child (OR: 23.04; p＜0.000), age (OR: 1.11; p= 0.002), DMARDs usage (OR: 0.04; p = 0.004), MFI total score (OR: 1.06; p = 0.006), and disease duration (OR: 1.16; p= 0.043) were the potential risk factors of FSD by forward stepwise binary logistic regression.Conclusion. The present study reported that FSD was more common in Chinese SLE female patients compared to controls. Having child, age, DMARDs usage, fatigue, and disease duration had great impacts on FSD in Chinese SLE patients. Targeted and culturally sensitive interventions should be strengthened to delay the onset of FSD of this population.
Identification and Validation of a Ferroptosis-Related Gene to Predict Survival Outcomes and the Immune Microenvironment in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Deng Biao , Xiang Jing , Liang Zhu , Luo Lianxiang
Published: April 2022

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Ferroptosis, a form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has been shown to be involved in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by triggering inflammation-related immunosuppression. However, the involvement of ferroptosis in the regulation of immune cell infiltration and immunotherapeutic efficacy in LUAD remains unclear. Methods: To identify a ferroptosis-related gene to predict survival outcomes and the immune microenvironment in LUAD, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) LUAD cohort was used to assess the survival prognosis of Ferroptosis-related genes and to construct a 7-genes risk signature. Correlation tests, difference tests and cluster analysis were performed to explore the role of FRGs in the immune microenvironment and immunotherapy efficacy in LUAD. The effects of FRGs on LUAD cells were assessed by methods such as Western Blot, iron assay and lipid peroxidation assay.Results: The 7-gene risk signature of LUAD patients was established and validated. FRGs clustering based on 70 differentially expressed FRGs are associated with the immune microenvironment, a potential immune subtype of LUAD. 7-gene risk signature is an independent prognostic factor for LUAD and classified LUAD cohort into high- risk and low-risk groups. Immunocytes infiltration levels, immune checkpoints and immunotherapy response rates are significantly different between the two groups. Patients with high-risk scores have lower overall levels of immunocytes infiltration but higher immunotherapy response rates. The key gene RRM2 could influence LUAD prognosis by regulating the level of Mast cells activated and T cells CD4 memory activated infiltration. In addition, RRM2 was involved in the ferroptosis process, and the expression of RRM2 was up-regulated in Lung cancer tissues and LUAD cell H1975. Silencing RRM2 could promote the occurrence of ferroptosis in H1975 cell.Conclusion: Our results identified RRM2 as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets associated with tumor immune infiltration in LUAD patients.
AntiPD-L1 antibody conjugated Au-SPIOs nanoparticles for enhancing radiosensitivity and activating anti-tumor immune response
Authors: Du Chengrun , Jiang Jianyun , Wan Caifeng , Pan Guangsen , Kong Fangfang , Zhai Ruiping , Hu Chaosu , Ying Hongmei
Published: April 2022

To improve the radiation therapy outcomes by inducing more toxicity for tumors and less for normal tissue and switch microenvironment immunosuppressive caused by expression of PD-L1 and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to immunoreactive, we designed a PD-L1-targeted nanoplatform consisting of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs)( antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au). AntiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au targeted on the B16F10 cell membrane and in cytoplasm, and the association could be reduced by the antibody blocking. In vivo T2-weight image, the best enhancement effect of tumor was achieved two hours after intravenous injection of antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au. Compared with radiation alone, the Do sensitization ratios of antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au was 1.34. The inhibition effect of irradiation combined with antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au was higher than that of radiotherapy alone in the B16F10 subcutaneous tumor model. During the entire observation period, all mice in the antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au group lived longer than 3 weeks. AntiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au enhancing radiosensitivity was achieved by increasing ROS production and attenuating DNA damage repair. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au could promote the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to M1 and reverse the immunosuppressive regulation induced by TAMs. antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au could increase the expression of CRT in tumor, block the PD-L1/PD pathway, activate CD8+T cells, promote the increase of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-12 release, and finally activate the anti-tumor immune response. In conclusion, antiPD-L1-SPIOs@PLGA@Au was proved to have the ability to form targeted imaging and enhance radiosensitivity, block the PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoint pathway, reverse the immunosuppressive regulation caused by TAMs, successfully realizing the synergistic effect of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy.
A dynamic Bayesian ARMA model for hydrological drought forecasting
Authors: Li Min , Zhang Mingfeng , Zhu Liming , Peng Zhuoyue , Cao Runxiang
Published: April 2022

A time series analysis is proposed for an adaptive design framework in nonstationary conditions. In this study, a dynamic Bayesian autoregressive moving average model (t-ARMA) is developed for modelling a standardized runoff index (SRI) time series. The t-ARMA model takes into account the possible change points in the SRI series, and the structure of the model changes with time. Bayesian theory is carried out to estimate the t-ARMA model parameters and locations of change points using a strategy of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. The results demonstrate that using the Bayesian method to estimate the parameters of the ARMA and t-ARMA models could capture the SRI series characteristics, and the performances of the t-ARMA model are compared with those of the traditional autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model, showing that the t-ARMA model capable of taking the change point of the time series into account is more robust than the traditional ARMA model.
Simultaneous Determination of Paracetamol and Orphenadrine Citrate in Rat Plasma using LC–MS/MS Spectrometry Method: Pharmacokinetics and Drug-Drug Interaction Profile Studies
Authors: Sebaiy Mahmoud M. , El-Adl Sobhy M. , Mattar Amr A. , Elgawish Mohamed Saleh
Published: April 2022

Herein, it is the first developed and fully validated LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of paracetamol (PAR) and orphenadrine citrate (ORP) in rat plasma after oral administration in respect of therapeutic drug monitoring, bioequivalence, pharmacokinetic (PK) and drug-drug interaction (DDI) studies. PAR and ORP were extracted from plasma sample using ACN-induced protein precipitation method. The separation procedure was carried out on an Agilent Eclipse Plus ODS (4.60 x 100 mm, 3.50 μm) column using water-enriched gradient mobile phase consisting of 6 mM ammonium formate plus 0.1% formic acid and ACN at a flow rate of 0.5 mL min-1. The mass spectrometry parameters were optimized and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive ion mode of two transitions was utilized for quantification of precursor to production at m/z 152 → 110 & 65 for PAR as [M+2H]2+, 270.3 → 181 for ORP as [M + H] +. According to US-FDA bioanalytical requirements, the proposed method was verified in terms of linearity, selectivity, recovery, accuracy, precision, matrix effects, and stability. The method was linear in the range of 1-5000 and 1-500 ng mL-1 with detection limits (S/N of 3) of 0.12 and 0.07 ng mL-1 for PAR and ORP, respectively. The selectivity and high sensitivity of the method succeeded in the study of PK parameters and DDI between PAR and ORP after oral dose administration. The synergistic action between the two drugs was confirmed by studying variable parameters like Ka, Tmax, Cmax, AUC0-24, MRT, and Cl/F. PAR affects the absorption of ORP and decreases its Cmax but increases its Tmax in accordance with elevating AUC0–24 and reducing Cl/F for both drugs. The current PK research is a useful tool for determining the DDI of both medicines and might be used in therapeutic drug monitoring and bioequivalence studies.
Effects of simulated nitrogen deposition on the ecophysiological responses of Populus beijingensis and P . cathayana under intra- and interspecific competition
Authors: Chen Lianghua , Mi Jiaxuan , Hao Linting , He Fang , Yang Hanbo , Wan Xueqin , Zhang Fan , Lin TianTian
Published: April 2022

Aims N deposition has become a major driver of a decline in species richness and biodiversity loss. We aim to discover whether N deposition could affect competitive relationships between poplars to predict threats posed by the introduction of exotic hybrids to native relative species.Methods Intra- and interspecific competition was investigated for an introduced hybrid poplar (Populus beijingensis) and the native paternal species P. cathayana under two N deposition regimes (with and without N deposition). Results Under control conditions, P. cathayana grown under either of the competition modes showed consistently greater above-ground biomass, root-to-shoot ratio (R/S), photosynthetic capacity, higher activities of N-assimilation enzymes in leaves, and preference for N-NO3- than corresponding P. beijingensis. Interspecific competition increased the leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), R/S, and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) in P. cathayana, but decreased PNUE in P. beijingensis compared to the values under monoculture. Thus, P. cathayana can gain a competitive advantage over P. beijingensis at low N availability. In contrast, under N deposition, P. beijingensis grown in a mixture showed more positive responses in growth, higher plasticity in biomass allocation, more flexible fine root traits, and the shift for N-NO3- preference when compared with P. cathayana, which resulted in relatively higher values in LA, SLA, and biomass accumulation in P. beijingensis. Conclusions Our results suggest that N deposition could reverse competitive relationships between the poplars, and exotic P. beijingensis has the potential to outcompete and displace native P. cathayana under growing N deposition.
Fabrication of silver monoliths using Brij 52 as surfactant and their applications to reduce fast sulphon black F dye and sensor against Pb
Authors: Khan Farid , Dangi Sambhavna Singh , Shrivastava Kavya , Bano Mustri , Nema Ankita , Rai Mansi
Published: April 2022

Silver monoliths were prepared using Brij52 as surfactants with and without dextran and reinforcing agents TiO2NPs by modified sol-gel technique. The as synthesized monoliths were characterized by fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), power X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, brunauer –emmett – teller (BET) adsorption analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and gas chromatographic mass spectrometry. Ag/Brij-52/Dex/TiO2 monolith reduced fast sulphon black F dye in 1.5 min in presence of NaBH4. As synthesized silver monoliths were also used as sensors against toxic Pb in KNO3 at pH 5 with retention of limit of detection (LOD) 0.623 ngmL− 1 and limit of quantization (LOQ) 0.265 ngmL− 1.
Effects of Early Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Early Recovery of Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Surgery
Authors: Chen Yi-Hsuan , Juan Yung-Shun , Wei Wei-Chi , Chueh Kuang-Shun , Lee Hsiang-Ying
Published: April 2022

Background:Post-prostate surgeries urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the common bothersome complications of prostate surgery. Pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) have been reported to have benefits in shortening postoperative recovery time of urinary incontinence. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of intensive schedule of Pelvic floor muscle exercises and pelvic muscle electrical stimulation(ES) in improving the recovery of postoperative urinary incontinence.Methods:We prospectively enrolled 72 patients (63 Benign prostate hyperplasia(BPH) and 9 Prostate cancer(PC)) who received transurethral resection of prostate(TURP), anatomical endoscopic enucleation of prostate(AEEP), Radical prostatectomy(RP) from January 2019 to December 2020. 27 patients who are unable to remove Foley catheter before discharge, or loss follow-up were excluded. Finally, we enrolled 44 patients (35 Benign prostate hyperplasia and 9 Prostate cancer). All patients were assessed using the pad test, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). Abdominal ultrasonography or Transrectal Ultrasound of Prostate (TRUS-P) was used to measure prostate volume and the postvoid residual urine volume (PVR). Results:The rate of UI was 60% and 88.9% immediately after removing Foley catheter in TURP/AEEP and Radical prostatectomy group respectively. The incontinence rates in TURP/AEEP were 34.2%, 20%, 3% after 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months post-operation. In the Radical prostatectomy group, the incontinence rate was 55.6%, 44.4% after 2 weeks, and 1 month post-operation. The pad amount was 63.11±52.9g, 37.89±52.99g and 13.22±18.48g after 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months post-operation.Conclusion:We demonstrated early intensive PFME program can shorten recovery time of UI after prostate surgery.Trial registration:This study was approved by our institutional review board [KMUHIRB-F(I)-20190092]
Changes in Projectile design and size of prey reveals the role of Fishtail points in megafauna hunting in South America
Authors: Prates Luciano , Rivero Diego , Perez S. Ivan
Published: April 2022

Fishtail are the earliest widespread projectile point in South America and share chronology and techno-morphological features with Clovis, the oldest north American projectile type; both were temporally associated with the late Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions. Although the elusive direct evidence of human exploitation of megafauna in South America had kept Fishtail out of the extinction’s debate, a recent paper proposed that successful dispersal of Fishtail points from 12.9 k years BP contributed to the extinctions. If so, and if humans came into South America around 15.5 k years BP but only affected megafauna 2.5 k years later, after the emergence of Fishtail points, this technology must be distinctly different from other early point types in terms of distribution and functional properties. In this paper evaluate the relationship between changes in projectile point technology and body mass of potential megafaunal prey and show that Fishtail were strongly linked to the largest extinct megafaunal species.
Analytical Study on Response Spectrum Analysis of Different Earthquake Resistant Models Using ETABS
Authors: Y. BalaBalaji , G. Yesuratnam
Published: April 2022

The earthquake's rapid and unexpected nature exacerbates its psychological impact, shaking people's morale. The destruction caused by earthquakes will be most effectively mitigated if structures are designed to be earthquake-resistant in the first place. The current study compares four distinct seismic resistant models with dimensions of 35 m*5 m*45.7 m (G + 9) taking Zone IV (Delhi), Response Spectrum Analysis according to clause 7.7 & 7.7.5 of IS 1893 (part 1): 2016 and stiffness modifiers from Table 6 of IS 16700: 2017 with Model 1 using ETABS. Model 2 has shear walls on the four outer edges. Model 3 is isolated with a lead rubber bearing (LRB) by considering a separate design for LRB from the base reactions of the fixed base model (Model 1), and Model 4 is isolated with a friction pendulum isolator bearing (FPB), with the design of FPB also included. Model 5 includes fluid viscous dampers on all four corner faces. When compared to Model 1 (2.227 sec), the time period increased by 52.45% (3.395 sec), 25.73% (2.8 sec), and decreased by 21.87% (1.74 sec), 50.47% (1.103 sec) in Models 3,4,5, and 2, respectively, suggesting that Model 3 is more flexible, causing the structure to be seismic resistant. Comparison graphs for base shear, storey stiffness, modal time-period, storey drift, and storey displacement are proposed.
Nutritional status and dietary habits of elderly population and their association with socio-demographic factors in a village of Punjab.
Authors: Babar Sharjeel , Arif Tanzeela , Shakoor Abdul , Ashraf Tabinda , Anwaar Tooba
Published: April 2022

Objectives:
To assess the nutritional status and dietary habits of elderly population and their associations with socio-demographic factors in a rural area.
Design:
This is an analytical cross sectional study.
Setting:
This study was conducted in a village named Jia Bagga, district Lahore, Pakistan.
Participants:
Data was collected from a sample of 100 elderly subjects (age 60 or above).
Results:
The mean age of the subjects was 69.08 and mean BMI was 25.09. Out of 100 individuals that participated 22% were malnourished and 50% were at risk of malnourishment. Malnourishment was found to be significantly associated with age, financial dependency, physical activity, overall eating habits. 18% of the subjects had fair, 81% had good and only 1% had excellent eating habits.
Conclusion:
The findings revealed that the nutritional status of elderly is not satisfactory, majority of elderly were either at risk or were malnourished. Therefore, interventions to improve nutritional status in low income older age individuals who mostly depend on others for their nutritional needs in rural segments are needed.
Environmental Practices and Care of the Territory: Use of Plants in Istmina and Condoto, Chocó.
Authors: Raad Alieth Ariana , Palacios Leider Palacios , Valencia Javier Gonzaga
Published: April 2022

The study of biocultural relations helps us understand how human societies have appropriated their territory, generating an interdependence that, through history and the current environmental crisis through which contemporary societies are passing, shows the imbalance in conceiving the relationship between nature and culture. This connection is essential for those who seek to generate strategies guaranteeing the sustainability of conservation processes in the territory. The study site was Basurú and Acosó, rural Istmina and Condoto, respectively. The overall objective of the research was to contribute to the identification and recognition of community biocultural knowledge as a strategy of permanence and self-management of their territories. This participatory research included: 1) identifying the main plant species used by the communities for daily activities, 2) characterization of their main uses and properties (medicinal, food, forestry, magic-religious, others), states of threat, associated activity, and modes of use. A qualitative methodology was used, including applying ethnographic techniques: open and semi-structured interviews, questionnaires in search of data on uses, properties, and associated activity, participant observation, guided excursions, and review of secondary information. It was determined that some of the daily use species had been introduced. Others are native, all classified according to their uses: medicinal, forest, food, magic-religious, and others. As a result, there is a direct association between the medicinal and food species, to a lesser extent the medicinal species with the magical-religious and finally the forest species. Most medicinal ones are used to treat respiratory affections, tropical diseases, deworming, midwifery, traumas and womb diseases.
Evaluating clinician experience in value-based health care: The development and validation of the Clinician Experience Measure (CEM)
Authors: Harrison Reema , Manias Elizabeth , Ellis Louise , Walpola Ramesh , Roxas-Harris Ben , Mitchell Rebecca , Dobbins Timothy , Lvl Catherine Chan , Cowie Sharyn , Maberly Glen , Mimmo Laurel , Hay Liz
Published: April 2022

Background
Clinicians’ experiences of providing care constitute an important outcome for evaluating care from a value-based healthcare perspective. Yet no currently available instruments have been designed and validated for assessing clinicians’ experiences. This research sought to address this important gap by developing and validating a novel instrument in a public health system in Australia.
Methods
A multi-method project was conducted using co-design with 12 clinician leaders from a range of NSW Health Local Health Districts to develop the Clinician Experience Measure (CEM). Validity and reliability analyses were conducted in two stages, first assessing face and content validity with a pool of 25 clinicians and then using psychometric analysis with data from 433 clinicians, including nurses, doctors and allied health and representing all districts within one jurisdiction in Australia.
Results
Data gathered from 25 clinicians via the face and content validity process indicated that the initial 31-items were relevant to the range of staff employed in the NSW state health system, with minor edits made to the survey layout and wording within two items. Psychometric analysis led to a rationalised 18-item final instrument, comprising four domains: psychological safety (4-items); quality of care (5-items); clinician engagement (4-items) and interprofessional working (5-items). The 18-item four-factor model produced a good fit to the data and high levels of reliability, with factor loadings ranging from .62 to .94, with Cronbach’s alpha (range: .83 to .96) and composite reliability (range: .85 to .97).
Conclusions
The CEM is an instrument to capture clinicians’ experiences of providing care across a health system. The CEM provides a useful tool for healthcare leaders and policy makers to benchmark and assess the impact of value-based care initiatives and direct change efforts.
A retrospective study of preoperative malnutrition based on the Controlling Nutritional Status score as a predictive marker for short-term outcomes after open and minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Horinouchi Tomo , Yoshida Naoya , Harada Kazuto , Eto Kojiro , Sawayama Hiroshi , Iwatsuki Masaaki , Iwagami Shiro , Baba Yoshifumi , Miyamoto Yuji , Baba Hideo
Published: April 2022

PurposePreoperative malnutrition is a significant risk factor for post-esophagectomy morbidity. The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) is an index used to assess the nutritional status, and it has been suggested to predict post-esophagectomy morbidity. However, the difference in the predictive value of CONUT in estimating morbidities between open esophagectomy (OE) and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has not yet been elucidated.MethodsThis study included 674 patients(OE, 295; MIE, 378) who underwent three-incision esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between April 2005 and August 2021. The patients were further divided into two groups according to their preoperative CONUT: normal and light malnutrition and moderate and severe malnutrition. Short-term outcomes between these groups were retrospectively compared in the OE and MIE groups.ResultsModerate and severe malnutrition was significantly associated with a low body mass index, a poor performance status and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, advanced cancer stage, and frequent preoperative treatment. These patients also experienced significantly more frequent severe (p=0.016), respiratory (p=0.0013) and cardiovascular morbidities (p=0.013) after OE. Moreover, malnutrition in CONUT was an independent risk factor for severe (hazard ratio [HR]=3.38; 95%confidence interval [CI], 1.225-9.332; p=0.019), respiratory (HR=3.00; 95%CI, 1.161-7.736; p=0.023), and cardiovascular morbidities (HR=3.66; 95%CI, 1.068-12.55; p=0.039) after OE. However, it was not associated with the incidence of morbidities after MIE.ConclusionPreoperative malnutrition in CONUT reflects various disadvantageous clinical factors and could be a predictor of worse short-term outcomes after OE. Meanwhile, the low invasiveness of MIE might reduce the effect of preoperative malnutrition on worse short-term outcomes.