bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of TESC in the regulation of iodine resistance in differentiated thyroid carcinoma based on ERK-NIS axis
Authors: Guo Yawen , Cai Yefeng , Song Fahuan , Zhu Lei , Hu Yiqun , Liu Yunye , Ma Wenli , Ge Jingyan , Zeng Qian , Ding Lingling , Li Lebao , Zheng Guowan , Ge Minghua
Published: January 2023

Purpose Most differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients have a good prognosis after surgery, but radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) patients have a significantly reduced five-year survival rate (< 60%) and a significantly increased recurrence rate (> 30%). This study aimed to clarify the tescalcin (TESC) role in promoting the malignant PTC progression and providing a potential target for RAIR-DTC treatment. Methods We analyzed TESC expression and clinicopathological characteristics using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and performed qRT-PCR on tissue samples. TPC-1 and IHH4 proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected after transfection with TESC-RNAi. Using Western blot (WB), several EMT-related indicators were detected. Moreover, iodine uptake of TPC-1 and IHH4 after transfection with TESC-RNAi was detected. Finally, NIS, ERK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 levels were determined by WB. Results TESC was significantly upregulated in DTC tissues and positively correlated with BRAF V600E mutation based on data analysis from TCGA and our center. Reduced expression of TESC in both IHH-4 (BRAF V600E mutation) and TPC-1 (BRAF V600E wild type) cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. It downregulated the EMT pathway markers Vimentin and N-cadherin, and increased E- cadherin. Moreover, TESC knockdown significantly inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation and decreased NIS expression in DTC cells, with a remarkably increased iodine uptake rate. Conclusions TESC was highly expressed in DTC tissues and may have promoted metastasis through EMT and induced iodine resistance by downregulating NIS in DTC cells.
Resonace analysis of a coupled high-speed maglev vehicle-bridge coupled system under bounded noise
Authors: li yanxia , yu zhiwu , xu lei
Published: January 2023

Coupled oscillations typically occur in maglev vehicle-bridge coupled systems excited by bounded noise caused by rail irregularities. The paper employed Hamilton equations to derive the corresponding canonical transformation equations and determine the critical stable regions for two kinds of resonances using the largest Lyapunov exponent. The results show that the critical stable region between the excitation amplitude and the resonant frequency ratio has a valley shape when the system has only extrinsic resonance. When considering both internal and extrinsic resonance, the critical stablity region between the excitation amplitude and resonant frequency ratio presents a small cone shape. Energy transfer from the first to the second oscillator nuder with both internal and extrinsic resonance. As the guideway irregularity coefficient increases, the maximum Lyapunov exponents of the two conditions change from negative to positive, which means that the system varies from a stable state to instability.
Do the New Rural Pension Scheme promote the health status of chronic patients in old age? —Evidence from CHARLS 2018 in China
Authors: Liang Qihong , Chen Yuxuan , Zhang Zheng , An Shengli
Published: January 2023

Background
Many researchers have examined the impact of social insurance on health in elderly. However, in most cases, they have only demonstrated correlational results and have not been able to determine causal effects, possibly because confounding biases have not been fully addressed. In this study, we investigated the health effects of the New Rural Pension Scheme (NRPS) on the elderly with chronic diseases in rural areas, and to explore the causal relationship and effects of NRPS and health status.
Methods
This paper used data from the 2018 China Health and Aged Care Tracking Survey (CHARLS) and applied Bayesian networks and fuzzy regression discontinuity design to conduct causal analysis. Bayesian networks were used to explore the causal directed acyclic graphs of factors related to NRPS and health status. Based on the results of Bayesian network, a fuzzy regression discontinuity design was employed to estimate the causal effect of NRPS on health status.
Results
Among rural elderly with chronic diseases, Bayesian network mapping of causal relationships among NRPS, health status and covariates showed that age was a common cause of NRPS receipt and satisfaction with health. The results of the fuzzy regression discontinuity analysis showed that the effect of receiving NRPS on the health status was positive, but there was no statistically significant difference concerning the interval estimates. The results of the subgroup analysis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma indicated that the effect of NRPS receipt on the health status of elderly people with COPD was positive. There was a statistically significant effect of receiving NRPS on self-rated health description (β1=3.177,P=0.040) and health satisfaction (β1=5.307,P=0.031) in COPD population and a statistically significant effect of receiving NRPS on health satisfaction in asthma population (β1=9.850,P=0.040).
Conclusion
This paper has confirmed the contribution and positive causal effect of NRPS on health status in a subgroup of older adults with COPD and asthma, using the CHARLS database as evidence. Thus, Chinese government should increase the take-up rate of the NRPS to enhance their positive impact on health status of elderly people with chronic diseases in rural areas.
Assembling the puzzle for conducting research through the lens of diversity and cohesion: The SALURBAL experience
Authors: Baquero Sofía , Montes Felipe , Stankov Ivana , Sarmiento Olga L. , Medina Pablo , Slesinski S. Claire , Diez-Canseco Francisco , Kroker-Lobos Maria F. , Teixeira Waleska , Vives Alejandra , Alazraqui Marcio , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh , Roux Ana V. Diez
Published: January 2023

The SALURBAL (Urban Health in Latin America) Project is an interdisciplinary multinational network aimed at generating and disseminating actionable evidence on the drivers of health in cities of Latin America. We conducted a temporal multilayer network analysis where we measured cohesion over time using the structural properties of the network and assessed diversity within and between different project activities according to participant attributes. Between 2017 and 2020 the SALURBAL network comprised 395 participants across 26 countries, 23 disciplines, and 181 institutions. We found that the cohesion of the SALURBAL network increased over time (clustering coefficient increased [0.83–0.91] and shortest path decreased [1.70–1.68]). SALURBAL also exhibited balanced overall diversity within project activities (0.5–0.6) by designing activities for different purposes such as capacity building, team-building, research, and dissemination. The network’s growth was facilitated by the creation of new diverse collaborations across a range of activities over time, while maintaining the diversity of existing collaborations (0.69–0.75 between activity diversity depending on the attribute). The SALURBAL experience can serve as an example for multinational research projects aiming to build cohesive networks while leveraging heterogeneity in countries, disciplines, career stage, and across sectors.
First helminthological data on the Iberian adder, Vipera seoanei
Authors: Roca Vicente , Gómez-Ramírez Fernando , Espasandín Ismael , Megía-Palma Rodrigo , Perera Anna , Martínez-Freiría Fernando
Published: January 2023

Helminth fauna and some biotic and abiotic traits were analysed in Iberian adder Vipera seoanei (Squamata: Viperidae) a European viper nearly endemic to northern Iberian Peninsula, in an attempt to confirm previous claims of relationships between this ecological traits in this genus. A total of 317 samples mostly covering the distributional range of V. seoanei, were examined. Compared with other Vipera species from the Iberian Peninsula, the helminth fauna is also impoverished in V. seoanei, but it is contrary to other Vipera species from Central and East Europe. Helminths were mostly found in adult vipers, and occurred in vipers located at the periphery of the species range, characterised by low elevation, high temperature and precipitation levels, and abundant pastures.
Risk assessment method for emitter clogging in drip irrigation systems
Authors: dong aihong , Niu Wenquan , Zhang Wenqian , Lv Chang , wu menglong
Published: January 2023

Risk assessment of drip irrigation system emitter clogging is critical for the system's safe operation. In this paper, the emitter clogging risk and the calculation method are proposed based on risk theory and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to quantify the emitter clogging risk during drip irrigation system operation. Moreover, dynamic Bayesian network and emitter clogging degree monitoring data are combined to evaluate the drip irrigation system's emitter clogging risk. The relationship between drip flow channel structure, drip irrigation water quality, drip irrigation system operation, management mode, drip irrigation environment, and the emitter clogging risk of drip irrigation system is established. Based on the established relationship, the influence probability of different influencing factors on emitter clogging is obtained by expert experience and the Fuzzy membership function. Lastly, an emitter-clogging risk level table of the drip irrigation system is constructed. The results show that the model can better reflect the emitter clogging risk of the drip irrigation system and replace the occurrence probability of emitter clogging with fuzzy probability. In addition, the proposed model can quantitatively evaluate the probability of emitter clogging while risk factors can be identified, prevented, and controlled quickly and accurately. The sensitivity analysis shows that employing a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to calculate the probability of emitter clogging is reasonable and feasible. A risk level table can be employed to clarify the clogging risk status of the drip irrigation system, which can provide decision support and early warning treatment for drip irrigation system operation and management according to different clogging risk levels. Finally, corresponding anti-clogging measures can improve the system's life and operation efficiency.
Plasma acylcarnitines and amino acids in dyslipidemia: an integrated metabolomics and machine learning approach
Authors: Etemadi Ali , Mobaleghaleslam Houra , Mirabolghasemi Maryam , Ahmadi Mehdi , Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Hosseinkhani Shaghayegh , Bandarian Fatemeh , Najjar Niloufar , Dilmaghani-Marand Arezou , Panahi Nekoo , Negahdari Babak , Mazloomi Mohammadali , Karimi-jafari Mohammad Hossein , Razi Farideh , Larijani Bagher
Published: January 2023

Background:‌ The Discovery of underlying intermediates associated with the development of dyslipidemia results in a better understanding of pathophysiology of dyslipidemia and their modification will be a promising preventive and therapeutic strategy for the management of dyslipidemia.
Methods: The entire dataset in this study was a large cross-sectional study that included 1200 subjects and was stratified into four binary classes with normal and abnormal cases based on their levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and non-HDL-C.
The current study sought to first evaluate ​​plasma concentrations of 20 amino acids and 30 acylcarnitines in each class of dyslipidemia. Then, these attributes, along with baseline characteristics data, were used to check whether machine learning (ML) algorithms could classify cases and controls.
Results: Taking this into account, the levels of dyslipidemia classes fluctuate during the day, which produces data fluctuation, our ML framework accurately predicts TG binary classes. Moreover, the findings showed that alanine, phenylalanine, methionine, C3, C14:2, and C16 had great power in differentiating patients with high TG from normal TG controls.
Conclusions: The comprehensive output of this work, along with sex-specific attributes, will improve our understanding of the underlying intermediates involved in dyslipidemia.
Multi-Criteria Analysis of the Feasibility of E-Waste Pre-Treatment Scenarios: Case of a Brazilian City
Authors: Sales Ingrid Jale da Silva , Amorim Pedro Lopes Lucas , Souza Ricardo Gabbay
Published: January 2023

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) have been largely generated in Brazil and worldwide. Besides the interest in recovering their valuable materials, some contain potentially hazardous components that must be removed and destined for treatment. WEEE pre-treatment is a critical step to efficiently sort and recover such components, but data availability is scarce in Brazil and developing countries, what may hinder feasibility analyses for its wider implementation. There is an increasing demand for studies that analyse the feasibility of WEEE reverse logistics systems, supporting their optimization. The present study analysed the feasibility of implementing WEEE pre-treatment units in a Brazilian municipality based on different levels of WEEE disassembly (A - basic; B - intermediate; and C - advanced) and implementation scenarios. Using the StEP tool and the multicriteria method ELECTRE TRI, the study classified implementation alternatives into three categories: more feasible; intermediate; and less feasible. The most feasible scenarios were related to an intermediate disassembly level (B). Alternatives with at least two pre-treatment units within the city were more feasible, even after some sensitivity analyses, indicating the advantages of smaller units and lower transport distances. This result may represent the reality of similar cities, both in Brazil and in developing countries.
Discrimination of the chemotherapy resistance status of human leukemia and glioblastoma cell lines by MALDI-TOF-MS profiling
Authors: Ledesma Martín , Poodts Daniela , Amoia Sofía , Hajos Silvia , Fundia Ariela , Vay Carlos , Pibuel Matías , Lompardía Silvina
Published: January 2023

Chemotherapy mistreatment is partially due to a lack of rapid and reliable tools to discriminate between sensitive and resistant phenotypes. In many cases, the resistance mechanism is not fully understood, impacting diagnostic tools' absence. This work aims to determine the capacity of MALDI-TOF-MS profiling to discriminate between chemotherapy-resistant and sensitive phenotypes in leukemia and glioblastoma cells. A multivariate analysis of two therapy-resistant leukemia cell lines (Ki562 and Kv562) and two TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cell lines (U251R and LN229R) and their sensitive counterparts was performed. In this work, we first show MALDI-TOF-MS patterns analysis's ability to differentiate these cancer cell lines by their chemotherapy-resistant status. We present a rapid and inexpensive tool that would guide and complement the therapeutic decision.
Phase I, first-in-human study of XTR004, a novel 18F-labeled tracer for myocardial perfusion PET: biodistribution, radiation dosimetry, pharmacokinetics and safety after a single injection at rest
Authors: Ren Chao , Pan Qingqing , Fu Chao , Wang Peipei , Zheng Zhiquan , Hsu Bailing , Huo Li
Published: January 2023

Purpose: XTR004 is a novel 18F-labeled myocardial perfusion imaging tracer that can be clinically used to assess myocardial ischemia from coronary artery disease. This study aimed to evaluate imaging characteristics of XTR004 after a single injection at rest in humans.
Methods: Eleven healthy subjects (man=8) received an intravenous injection of 239-290 MBq (6.5-7.8 mCi) XTR004 and imaged with nine whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) scans within 4.7 h. Collection of blood and urine samples was concurrently performed for 7.25 h. Image processing utilized 3D registered PET and CT images to derive %ID and then calculated the radiation dose using a Hermes workstation with the embedded OLINDA/EXM program. The radioactive count profile was measured for whole-blood, plasma, and urine to characterize pharmacokinetics with the metabolic correction. The safety profile was evaluated during the day of dosing and three follow-up visits, including physical examination, vital signs, laboratory tests and adverse event observation.
Results: Myocardial uptake of XTR004 was rapid, high, and stable throughout the PET imaging period. In the 0-12 min PET images, the top five organs of %ID were liver (26.81±4.01), kidney (11.43±2.49), lung (6.75±1.76), myocardium (4.72±0.67) and spleen (3.1±0.84). Mean values of Cmax, Tmax, t1/2, and AUC0-last calculated by the non-compartment model in corrected plasma were 0.0013896 %ID/g, 2.543 min, 45.171 min, and 0.03314 min* (%ID/g), respectively. Whole-body effective dose per unit of injected activity was 0.0165 mSv/MBq. Cumulative urine excretion (Cum Ae) was 8.18%. Treatment‐related adverse events occurred in seven subjects (63.6%) and were overall reported as stimulated pain at the injection site. No severe adverse event was collected.
Conclusions: XTR004 having a favorable safety profile with rapid, high, and stable myocardial uptake in humans demonstrated an excellent potential for PET MPI. Further exploration of XTR004 PET MPI to detect myocardial ischemia can be warranted. (A Study of XTR004 PET Radiotracer in Healthy Volunteers, ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT05195879.)
Predicting union, osteomyelitis, and amputation outcomes of open type IIIC tibial fractures: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Shih-Heng , Lien Po-Hao , Lan Ching-Yu , Hsu Chung-Cheng , Lin Cheng-Hung , Lin Yu-Te , Lin Chih-Hung , Yu Yi-Hsun
Published: January 2023

Background: We aimed to assess the factors that affect union time and complications in IIIC (based on the Gustilo classification) tibial fractures.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis included patients with IIIC open tibial fractures during a 20-year period. All the medical records were reviewed, and the outcomes were investigated.
Results: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled and grouped by union time: on-time (eight), late (27), delayed (eight), non-union, and amputation required (12). Nine fractures were complicated by osteomyelitis. Union time was significantly prolonged in cases of triple arterial injury, distal third fractures, an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16, and/or increased length of bone defect. A bone gap > 50 mm, diabetes mellitus, low body mass index, or triple arterial injury were significant risk factors for amputation. Time from injury to definitive soft tissue coverage was a major risk factor for osteomyelitis if it exceeded 22 days. Predicted probability of union within 2 years was stratified based on a generated scoring system.
Conclusions: An effective system predicting union time was built based on the selected factors. Early soft tissue coverage reduces the risk of osteomyelitis, while diabetes and severe bone and soft tissue defects increase the risk of amputation.
Trial registration: not applicable
Level of evidence: IV
Cytological and genetic effects of rye chromosomes 1RS and 3R on the wheat-breeding founder parent Chuanmai 42 from southwestern China
Authors: Wan Hongshen , Yang Manyu , Li Jun , Wang Qin , Liu Zehou , Zheng Jianmin , Li Shizhao , Yang Ning , Yang Wuyun
Published: January 2023

Rye (Secale cereale L.) is an important genetic resource for improving the disease resistance of wheat. An increasing number of rye chromosome segments have been transferred into modern wheat cultivars via chromatin insertions. In this study, 185 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between a common wheat accession containing rye chromosomes 1RS and 3R and a wheat-breeding founder parent (Chuanmai 42) from southwestern China were used to decipher the cytological and genetic effects of 1RS and 3R via fluorescence/genomic in situ hybridization and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses. Chromosome breakage was detected in the RIL population. Additionally, the recombination of chromosomes 1BS and 3D from Chuanmai 42 was completely suppressed by 1RS and 3R in the RIL population. In contrast to chromosome 3D of Chuanmai 42, rye chromosome 3R was significantly associated with white seed coats and decreased yield-related traits, as revealed by QTL and single marker analyses, whereas it had no effect on stripe rust resistance. Rye chromosome 1RS did not affect yield-related traits and it increased the susceptibility of plants to stripe rust. Most of the detected QTLs that positively affected yield-related traits were from Chuanmai 42. The findings of this study suggest that the negative effects of rye-wheat substitutions or translocations, including the suppression of the pyramiding of favorable QTLs on paired wheat chromosomes from different parents and the transfer of disadvantageous alleles to filial generations, should be considered when selecting germplasm to enhance wheat-breeding founder parents or to breed new varieties.
Soil Loss and Reservoir sedimentation assessment of Kaddam watershed using Geographical Information systems and Remote sensing Techniques
Authors: Kodimela Anil , S Sivaprakasam , Srid Parupally
Published: January 2023

Soil loss is a significant threat in both onsite and offsite issues of worldwide, and more attention is required to compensate for the soil loss, loss of fertility, nutrients, valuable minerals, and silt deposition in reservoirs. The geographical distribution of soil loss was evaluated using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) model, and the Kaddam watershed's reservoir sedimentation was calculated using a trapezoidal equation. Rainfall erosivity (R- factor) minimum and maximum values in Kaddam and Indervally rain gauge stations were 416.25 and 492.93 MJ.mm/ha.h.yr. Soil erodability factor (K-Factor) is 0.3 t ha h/ha/mj/mm for clayey soils, and slope length found as up to 380 (dimension less) and crop and management factors considered on local crops and agricultural practices in Kaddam watershed. According to the USLE equation, the maximum spatial distribution of soil depletion is 60 tonnes/hectare/year, whereas the sediment yield assessment through the reservoir is 57 t/ha/year. Many researchers used methods to assess the soil loss or yield separately but not integrated in single environment. To fulfil the gap, chosen Kaddam watershed, computed two methods separately and simulations compared with observed hydrographic survey shown satisfactorily. Hence, predication and method of the present study can adopt other reservoirs.
The Sleeping Brain’s Connectivity and Family Environment: Characterizing Sleep EEG Coherence in an Infant Cohort
Authors: Markovic Andjela , Schoch Sarah F. , Huber Reto , Kohler Malcolm , Kurth Salome
Published: January 2023

Brain connectivity closely reflects brain function and behavior. Sleep EEG coherence, a measure of brain’s connectivity during sleep, undergoes pronounced changes across development under the influence of environmental factors. Yet, the determinants of the developing brain’s sleep EEG coherence from the child’s family environment remain unknown. After characterizing high-density sleep EEG coherence in 31 healthy 6-month-old infants by detecting strongly synchronized clusters through a data-driven approach, we examined the association of sleep EEG coherence from these clusters with factors from the infant’s family environment. Clusters with greatest coherence were observed over the frontal lobe. Higher delta coherence over the left frontal cortex was found in infants sleeping in their parents’ room, while infants sleeping in a room shared with their sibling(s) showed greater delta coherence over the central parts of the frontal cortex, suggesting a link between local brain connectivity and co-sleeping. Finally, lower occipital delta coherence was associated with maternal anxiety regarding their infant’s sleep. These interesting links between sleep EEG coherence and family factors have the potential to serve in early health interventions as a new set of targets from the child’s immediate environment.
Effectiveness assessment of paraloid B-72 enhanced with Nano materials to improve of mortars properties for conservation of Seti I temple in Al-Qurna, Thebes west bank, Egypt
Authors: H.Mohamed Essam
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an experimental study to assessment of the potential effectiveness of four consolidation treatments performed with: Nano silica 5% dissolved in water, Nano lime 5% dissolved in ethanol, Paraloid B72 3% dissolved in toluene enhanced with Nano silica 5%, and Paraloid B72 3% dissolved in toluene enhanced with Nano lime 5% to improve the physical and mechanical properties of proposed completion mortars that will use to compensation of the missing parts of the sandstone. The experimental samples were exposed to artificial ageing cycles and investigated by several scientific techniques such as; X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Polarized light microscope (PLM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with X-ray energy dispersive system (EDS), and the physical and mechanical properties tests to determine the appropriate mortar for the completion process. Results of this study indicated that the mortar which consolidated by 3% of paraloid B72 enhanced with 5% of Nano silica and 3% of paraloid B72 enhanced with 5% of Nano lime achieved the best results.
Relationship between anemia and learning performance in Chinese primary school students: evidence from a large national survey
Authors: hu yisong , Wang Weidong
Published: January 2023

This study explored the association between anemia and learning performance, and the possible factors mediating this association among Chinese adolescents. Data of 17695 Grade 4 students from China Education Panel Survey were analyzed. Anemia was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization’s reference. Test scores for Chinese, mathematics and English were gathered from the final examination of previous semester. An ordinary least squares regression and mediation effect analysis were conducted. Our findings found the prevalence of anemia was 6.52% among Chinese Grade 4 students. Students without anemia had a higher average test score for three academic subjects than students with anemia (P = 0.000); their test scores for Chinese, mathematics, and English were also higher (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed a negative association between anemia and average test scores as well as individual test scores for the three subjects. Mediation analysis found that anemia affected learning performance directly (P < 0.05), and indirectly by decreasing the cognition score (P < 0.05). The indirect effect was 19.9% of the total effect. Findings highlighted anemia affected learning performance both directly and indirectly. Nutrition-related interventions should be implemented to prevent a decrease in learning performance among students with anemia.
Probiotics and Prebiotics in Subclinical Hypothyroidism of pregnancy with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Authors: Ouyang Qian , Xu Yajuan , Ban Yanjie , Li Jingjing , Cai Yanjun , Wu Bo , Hao Yingqi , Sun Zongzong , Zhang Miao , Wang Mengqi , Wang Wentao , Zhao Yinkai
Published: January 2023

Objective: Evaluating efficacy of probiotics combined with prebiotics in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in the second trimester.
Methods: We collected data from 78 pregnant women with SCH(SCH group)and 74 normal pregnant women(Control group) in second trimester，compare the differences in high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), result of lactulose methane-hydrogen breath test and gastrointestinal symptoms assessed by GSRS scale between two groups.In SCH group, 32 patients with SIBO were selected as Intervention group. Treatment with probiotics + prebiotics for 21 days; The differences of lipid metabolism, hsCRP, thyroid function level, methane-hydrogen breath test results and GSRS scores before and after treatment were compared to evaluate the therapeutic effect.
Results: 1. The positive rate of SIBO and methane，hsCRP levels in SCH group were higher than those in control group(P <0.05),the total score of GSRS scale, mean score of indigestion and constipation syndrome in SCH group were higher (P <0.05).2. The mean abundance of hydrogen and methane were higher in SCH group 3.After treatment, serum levels of thyrotropin (TSH), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and hsCRP in intervention group were decreased , and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased compared with before treatment (P<0.05).4.After treatment, Methane positive rate, total score of GSRS scale, mean score of diarrhea syndrome, dyspepsia syndrome and constipation syndrome were decreased. (P < 0.05)5. The average abundance of methane and hydrogen were lower.
Conclusion: Probiotics combined with prebiotics are effective in the treatment of SIBO in pregnant SCH patients .
Clinical Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR1900026326
Impact of comorbidities on the serological response to COVID-19 vaccination in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chung-Feng , Jang Tyng-Yuan , Wu Ping-Hsun , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Yeh Ming-Lun , Wang Chih-Wen , Liang Po-Cheng , Wei Yu-Ju , Hsu Po-Yao , Huang Ching-I , Hsieh Ming-Yen , Lin Yi-Hung , Hsiao Hui-Hua , Hsu Chin-Mu , Huang Chien-Tzu , Lee Chun-Yuan , Chen Yen-Hsu , Chen Tun-Chieh , Lin Kun-Der , Wang Shuo-Hung , Wang Sheng-Fan , Huang Jee-Fu , Dai Chia-Yen , Chuang Wan-Long , Yu Ming-Lung
Published: January 2023

Background/Aims
Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the best policies to control COVID-19 pandemic. The serological response to COVID-19 vaccination in Taiwanese patients with different comorbidities is elusive.
Methods
Uninfected subjects who received 3 doses of mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 [Pfizer-BioNTech, BNT] and mRNA-1273 [Moderna]), viral vector-based vaccines (ChAdOx1-S (AZD1222, AZ) or protein subunit vaccines (Medigen COVID-19 vaccine) were prospectively enrolled. The SARS-CoV-2-IgG spike antibody level was determined within three months after the 3rd dose of vaccination. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was applied to determine the association between vaccine titers and underlying comorbidities.
Results
A total of 824 subjects were enrolled in the current study. The proportions of CCI scores of 0-1, 2-3 and >4 were 52.8% (n=435), 31.3% (n=258) and 15.9% (n=131), respectively. The most commonly used vaccination combination was AZ-AZ-Moderna (39.2%), followed by Moderna-Moderna-Moderna (27.8%). The mean vaccination titer was 3.11 log BAU/mL after a median of 48 days after the 3rd dose. Factors associated with potentially effective neutralization capacity included an age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR]/95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49/0.34–0.72; P <0.001), female gender (OR/CI, 1.78/1.26–2.53; P =0.001), Moderna-based vaccination (compared to AZ-based vaccination; OR/CI, 6.49/3.90–10.82; P <0.001) and a CCI score ≥4 (OR/CI, 0.55/0.35–0.85; P =0.01). There was a decreasing trend in antibody titers with increasing CCI scores (trend P<0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that AZ-based vaccination (β: 0.341, CI: 0.144, 0.21, P<0.001) and higher CCI scores (β: -0.055, CI: -0.096, -0.014, P=0.009) independently correlated with low IgG spike antibody levels.
Conclusions
Subjects with more comorbidities had a poor response to 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccination.
Clinical roles of soluble PD-1 and PD-L1 in plasma of NSCLC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Himuro Hidetomo , Nakahara Yoshiro , Igarashi Yuka , Kouro Taku , Higashijima Naoko , Matsuo Norikazu , Murakami Shuji , Wei Feifei , Horaguchi Shun , Tsuji Kayoko , Mano Yasunobu , Saito Haruhiro , Azuma Koichi , Sasada Tetsuro
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, only a limited proportion of patients can benefit from this therapy, and clinically useful predictive biomarkers remain to be elucidated.

Methods

Blood was collected from 189 patients with NSCLC before and six weeks after the initiation of the ICI treatment (anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody). Soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) and PD-L1 (sPD-L1) in plasma before and after treatment were analyzed for evaluation of their clinical significance.

Results

The Cox regression analysis demonstrated that higher sPD-L1 levels before treatment significantly predicted unfavorable progression-free survival (PFS; HR 15.4, 95%CI 1.10–86.7, P = 0.009) and overall survival (OS; HR 11.4, 95%CI 1.19–52.3, P = 0.007) in NSCLC patients treated with ICI monotherapy (n = 122), but not in those treated with ICI combined with chemotherapy (n = 67: P = 0.729 and P = 0.155, respectively). In addition, higher sPD-1 levels after treatment were significantly associated with better OS (HR 0.24, 95%CI 0.06–0.91, P = 0.037) in patients treated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy, whereas higher sPD-L1 levels after treatment were significantly associated with worse PFS (HR 6.09, 95%CI 1.42–21.0, P = 0.008) and OS (HR 42.6, 95%CI 6.83–226, P < 0.001). The levels of sPD-L1 at baseline were well correlated with those of other soluble factors, such as sCD30, IL-2Ra, sTNF-R1, and sTNF-R2, which are known to be released from the cell surface by zinc-binding proteases ADAM10/17.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the clinical significance of pre-treatment sPD-L1 as well as post-treatment sPD-1 and sPD-L1 in NSCLC patients treated with ICI monotherapy.
Protective effect of bone morphogenetic protein-7 induced differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in acute spinal cord injury rat
Authors: Sun Xudong , Li Maoyong , Huang Shiyuan , Zhang Heng , Li Kuanxin
Published: January 2023

The principal aim of present study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) differentiation in rat acute spinal cord injury (SCI) model. BMSCs were isolated from rats, then divided into control and BMP7 induction groups. The proliferation ability of BMSCs and glial cell markers were detected. Forty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham, SCI, BMSCs, and BMP7 + BMSCs groups (n = 10). The recovery of motor function of hind limbs of rats, the pathological, related markers and motor evoked potentials (MEP) were detected. BMSCs differentiated into neuron like cells after exogenous BMP7 intervention. Interestingly, the expression levels of MAP-2 and Nestin increased, while the expression GFAP level decreased after exogenous BMP7 intervention. BBB score reached 19.33 ± 0.58 in the BMP7 + BMSCs group at day 42. Nissl bodies in model group were reduced compared to sham group. After 42 days, both in the BMSCs and BMP7 + BMSCs groups, the number of nissl bodies were increased. Especially, the number of nissl bodies in the BMP7 + BMSCs group was more than that in BMSCs group. The expression of Tuj-1 and MBP in BMP7 + BMSCs group increased, while the expression of GFAP decreased. MEP waveform decreased significantly after surgery. The waveform was wider, the amplitude was higher in BMP7 + BMSCs group than that in BMSCs group. BMP7 promotes BMSCs proliferation, and induces BMSCs differentiate into neuron like cells, inhibits the formation of glial scar. BMP7 plays a confident role in the recovery of SCI rats.
Hypopituitarism or hyperpituitarism? Empty sella combined with Cushing disease: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Yang , Wu Nianwei , Lu Yongxia , Li Xuan , Zhang Fang , Zhou Peizhi , Ran Xingwu , Tong Nanwei , Lü Qingguo
Published: January 2023

Purpose
We aimed to describe and emphasize the qualitative and etiological diagnosis of Cushing disease combined with empty sella.
Methods
We reported a 54 y/o female patient who was diagnosed as Cushing syndrome and was qualitatively diagnosed as Cushing disease through endocrine function test. However, the first enhanced MRI examination only found the empty sella. The consistent results of all endocrine function tests led us to conduct the second enhanced MRI of pituitary microadenomas and finally found pituitary nodules on the background of empty sella after careful analysis of imaging films. Finally, the patient accepted surgical treatment and was followed up well.
Conclusion
The empty sella is not necessarily all hypopituitarism, and it may be hyperpituitarism or both in some cases. Standardized endocrine function tests and advanced imaging technology can play decisive roles for qualitative and etiological diagnosis.
Modelling the effects of climate and land-cover changes on the potential distribution of three Earthsnakes (Genus Conopsis, Günther, 1858) in a highly anthropized area of Mexico
Authors: Sunny Armando , Manjarrez Javier , Caballero-Viñas Carmen , Bolom-Huet René , Gómez-Ortiz Yuriana , Domínguez-Vega Hublester , Heredia-Bobadilla Rosa Laura , González-Fernández Andrea
Published: January 2023

Anthropogenic changes, such as land use and climate change, are the greatest threats to biodiversity, especially for reptiles, the second most endangered vertebrate class worldwide. Species distribution modelling was applied to assess how expected scenarios of future climate and land cover change might influence the geographic distribution and habitat connectivity of threeConopsisearthsnakes endemic to Mexico:Conopsis biserialis(Taylor and Smith, 1942),Conopsis lineata(Kennicott, 1859), andConopsis nasus(Günther, 1858). In order to do this, two climate models were used, CNRM-CM5 (CN) and MPI-ESM-LR (MP), with the Representative Concentration Pathways of RCP 85 and the Maxent modelling method in ENMeval. The most important environmental variables affecting the distribution of the target species, as well as the environmental niche overlap between them, were also determined.C. biserialis, C. lineata, andC. nasuswere found to be restricted by maximum and minimum temperatures as they are adapted to high elevations and temperate semi-cold climates; therefore, climate was a main determining factor for species distribution. As expected, allConopsisspecies were predicted to face a reduction in their potential distribution withC. lineatapossibly losing approximately 48.5% andC. biserialislosing 28.7%. However, the models were inconsistent in determining which species would suffer the biggest reduction in distribution in the future. Likewise, a reduction in connectivity was found for the three species ofConopsis, while the Sierra de las Cruces and Corredor Biológico Chichinautzin were determined as very important areas in terms of connectivity. Unfortunately, great losses ofAbiesandPinusforests occurred in these areas between 2011 and 2014, along with an increase in the agricultural activity that compromises the populations of these species when intensively managed. Most of the potential distribution of these species are found in close proximity to agriculture and outside of protected areas, which is why it is extremely important to create protected areas for reptile species that live in these parts of central Mexico.
Evaluation of dewatering-induced hydraulic and ground responses of thick multi-aquifer sandy strata without aquitards
Authors: Fan Dongdong , Tan Yong , Tang Yongjing , Wang Dalong
Published: January 2023

Currently, a great number of studies have been conducted to analyze hydraulic performance of the alternated multi-aquifer aquitard system (MAAS); while, few researches on the hydraulic performance of the strata without aquitard were known in literature. Construction of subways in Nantong, a typical costal city located at the estuary area of the Yangtze River and featuring thick water-rich sandy strata, provided a rare chance for this investigation. Based on a series of pumping tests, the hydrological characteristics of the unique full-profile water-rich sandy strata were examined extensively. Both analytical and numerical methods were adopted to analyze the results further. The results indicate that due to the absence of aquitards, there existed a strong hydraulic connection between the aquifers. Apart from the hydraulic parameters, the hydraulic recharge between aquifers has impact on the hydraulic performance as well when pumping was carried out at different burial depths. On the basis of considering the hydraulic performance of aquifers and the hydraulic connection between them, the optimal pumping scheme for underground construction or domestic water use was discussed. The findings of this study provide an insight into the distinctive full-profile water-rich sandy strata and can help engineers adopt appropriate measures to deal with pumping works under similar geohydrology conditions.
Study on the impact of delaying the legal retirement age on basic endowment insurance for urban employees in China
Authors: Yunxia Fang , Zheng Mingming
Published: January 2023

The 14th Five-Year Plan for 2021 has once again put delaying the legal retirement age on the agenda, and the impact of delaying the legal retirement age on the basic endowment insurance for urban employees has received much attention. By building an actuarial model of individual basic endowment insurance fund contributions and benefits, this study examines the effects of raising the retirement age and life expectancy on urban employees' pension contributions and benefits.Delaying retirement has been shown to reduce the gap between pension contributions and benefits for female employees, but it still demonstrates that benefits outweigh contributions;When the current pension policy and the guidelines outlined in this paper are used, the difference between pension contributions and benefits is positive for male employees who retire at age 64 with 42 years of contributions or at age 65 with 37 years of contributions;but the difference between pension contributions and benefits for male employees is much smaller than that for female employees. The difference between male's and female's pensions contributions is much smaller than that between male's and female's pensions, and the difference between male's and female's pensions cannot be realized.The increase in life expectancy means an increase in the number of lives left in retirement, which leads to an increase in pension benefits, and the difference between pension contributions and benefits will become more pronounced;delaying the legal retirement age can help reduce the difference between contributions and benefits under the increase of life expectancy.
Polymer precursor method for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: A Novel Approach
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Bhoj Gaurav Singh , Wohra Kruti , Ali Shah Raj , Haider Naved , Karmakar Rachan
Published: January 2023

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a very important compound used in different industries. Several methods are currently used to synthesize ZnO. In this study, we discuss a novel chemical route used to synthesize and purify ZnO in the nanometer scale, with full control on the particle size. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using a simple chemical method using polymer precursors. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The average crystallite size as measured from XRD and TEM image confirmed the particle size in the range of 30-50 nm. The SEM image was used to confirm the uniform spherical particles of zinc oxide nanoparticles.
Subcutaneous adipocyte size but not adiposity was associated with inflammation, ER stress, and insulin resistance markers
Authors: Pourdashti Sara , Faridi Nassim , Monem-Homaie Forouzandeh , Yaghooti S. Hamid , Soroush Ahmadreza , Bathaie S. Zahra
Published: January 2023

Background: The fat storage capability of the adipose tissue prevents ectopic lipid deposition, which is one of the risk factors for metabolic abnormalities in obesity. This capability depends on the adipogenic gene expression and blood supply provision for tissue expansion through angiogenesis. Here, we studied hyperplasia/hypertrophy of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) concerning adipogenic gene expression, angiogenic status, and metabolic parameters in non-obese, Class I, and Class II+III obese subjects.
Methods: The scWAT samples were collected from 80 subjects. The anthropometric parameters, adipose tissue cell size, serum biochemistry, ER stress induced XBP1 splicing, PPARγ2, SFRP1, WNT10B, and VEGFA gene expression levels were studied. In addition, the CD31 level was investigated by Western blotting.
Results: The obese subjects had greater waist circumferences and higher serum TG, TC, insulin, and HOMA-IR than the non-obese group. The Class I obese group showed the largest adipocyte size, increased TNFα, insulin, HOMA-IR, and sXBP-1, WNT10B, and VEGFAexpression. In contrast, the expression of SFRP1 was not significantly different between all studied groups. The Class II+III obesity group showed high PPARγ2 expression and CD31 levels. Class I obesity, with hypertrophic scWAT adipocytes and limited capability of adipose tissue expansion, showed inflammation, insulin resistance, and ER stress.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the capability of adipogenesis with inadequate angiogenesis is related to metabolic status, inflammation, and ER function. Therefore, therapeutic strategies to simultaneously promote angiogenesis and adipogenesis can effectively prevent obesity complications.
Spatial and Seasonal Variation in Physicochemical Characteristics of Sediment Cores from Selected Creeks in The Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Eguvbe Peter Mamuro
Published: January 2023

Live DNA: 234.17895*
The spatial and seasonal changes in pH, electrical conductivity and total organic carbon were investigated in sediment cores of Ubeji, Ifie, and Egbokodo Creeks in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. A total of 222 sediment core samples were taken during the wet (August 2010) and the dry seasons (January 2011). The samples were dried, sieved, and analyzed using standard analytical methodology. The pH of the sediment ranged from 2.25 to 4.80 (wet season), and 2.12 to 4.42 (dry season), thereby, implying that the sediment cores are acidic in nature in both wet and dry season. The Electrical conductivity of the core sediment ranged between 620 and 5,620 µS/cm (wet season) and between 800 and 5900 µS/cm (dry season). Total Organic Carbon of all nine cores decreased slightly with increase of sediment core depth. This study provided information on the physicochemical properties of sediment cores, which may be useful for enforcement actions, environmental quality governance, and environmental forensic studies.
COCAM: A Cooperative Video Edge Caching and Multicasting Approach Based on Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Shi Ruohan , Fan Qilin , Fu Shu , Zhang Xu , Li Xiuhua , Chen Meng
Published: January 2023

The evolution of the Internet of Things technology has boosted the drastic increase in network traffic demand. Caching and multicasting are effective approaches to alleviate the backhaul burden of networks and reduce service latency. However, existing works do not jointly exploit the advantages of these two approaches. In this paper, we propose COCAM, a cooperative video edge caching and multicasting approach based on multi-agent deep reinforcement learning to minimize the transmission number in the multi-clouds scenario with limited storage capacity in each mobile edge server. Specifically, by integrating a cooperative transmission model with the caching model, we provide a concrete formulation of the joint problem. Then, We cast this decision-making problem as a multi-agent extension of the Markov decision process and propose a multi-agent actor-critic algorithm in which each agent learns a local caching policy and observes the information of neighboring agents as part of the environment. Finally, to validate the COCAM algorithm, we conduct extensive experiments on a real-world dataset. The results show that our proposed algorithm outperforms other baseline algorithms in terms of the number of video transmissions.