bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Aid for Trade Flows Help Reduce the Shadow Economy in Recipient Countries?
Authors: GNANGNON Sèna Kimm
Published: August 2022

The present analysis has assessed the effect of Aid for Trade (AfT) flows on the shadow economy using an unbalanced panel dataset of 106 countries over the period from 2002 to 2015. Empirical results obtained by means of the two-step system generalized method of moments, show that higher AfT flows are associated with a fall in the size of the shadow economy, with less developed countries experiencing a greater negative effect of AfT flows on the shadow economy than relatively advanced countries among recipient countries of AfT flows. AfT interventions reduce the size of the shadow economy in countries that face high trade costs as well as in those that experience a depreciation of the real exchange rate. Finally, AfT interventions reduce the size of the shadow economy in countries that improve economic sophistication.
High intensity interval training protects the heart against acute myocardial infarction through SDF-1a, CXCR4 receptors and c-kit levels
Authors: Bapiran Mohsen , Rajabi Hamid , Nasirinezhad Farinaz , Ramezani Fatemeh , Ghanimati Reza , Ramez Maral
Published: August 2022

Background: One of the best and most effective applied and tolerable approaches for cardioprotecion is the regular exercise. In situation of exercise activity and even cardiac ischemic injury, the activity of the myocardial stem cells and their recruiting factors are changed so that contribute the adaptation and repairment of the myocardium. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of myocardial preconditioning with high intensive interval training on SDF-1a myocardial levels, CXCR4 receptors and c-kit after acute myocardial infarction in male rats. Methods: 20 male Wistar rats (8 week old ,weight 234.8 ± 5.7 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups of control (C), training (T), myocardial infraction (MI) and training+ myocardial infraction (T+MI). The training groups performed two weeks of high intensity interval training in four sections. Each section included two or three days of practice sessions and two sessions each per a day. The number or intensity of the intervals increased in each section. SDF-1, CXCR4 and C-Kit proteins were measured by the Western blot method in the myocardial tissue and myocardial injury enzymes (CK, LDH, troponin T) were measured in serum.Results: The results of this study showed that that SDF-1, CXCR4 and C-Kit had a significant increase after two weeks of high intensity interval training and myocardial infraction. Also, serum enzyme measurements showed a positive effect of exercise, so that in the myocardium injury enzymes significantly increased in the myocardial infarction group compared with the other three groups, training and training- myocardial infarction (P<0.001). As well as, there was a significant difference between the groups of training -myocardial infarction in all of the enzymes of the myocardium injury compared to the control and training groups. Conclusions: Even short terms of high intensity interval training can increase the levels of proteins SDF1-a, CXCR4 and C-Kit in order to cardioprotection against myocardial injury through recruitment stem cells.
Consequences of COVID-19 Related Lockdowns and Reopenings on Emergency Hospitalizations in Pediatric Patients in Denmark during 2020-2021
Authors: Al-Jwadi Rada Faris , Mills Elisabeth Helen Anna , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Jørgensen Inger Merete
Published: August 2022

Purpose
There is a considerable burden of children being hospitalized due to infectious diseases worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine effects of worldwide efforts to control spread of infection. We aimed to investigate overall age-specific hospitalizations due to viral and bacterial infections and diseases triggered by RTIs during and after lockdown.
Methods
This nationwide register-based observational study included children from 29 days to 17 years old hospitalized in all Danish pediatric emergency departments during the years 2015–2021. Main outcomes were ICD-10 diagnoses for infectious diseases and infection triggered illnesses. Fluctuations in hospitalization events were explored using figures with weekly events per 100,000.
Results
Total events followed a predictable pattern during 2015–2019. In 2020–2021 there was a drop in hospital encounters after lockdowns and surge after reopenings. In 2021, there was a surge of hospital encounters in the late summer due to Respiratory Syncytial virus infections and Asthmatic Bronchitis mostly in infants from 28 days-2 years. For the infectious diseases there was a dramatic decrease in events after lockdowns and immediate increase in cases that followed the same pattern of previous years after reopenings. Bacterial infections, like urinary tract infections, sepsis and meningitis followed a steady pattern throughout all calendar-years.
Conclusions
Nationwide efforts to minimize infectious disease spread like lockdowns have a preventative effect but reopenings/reunions result in surges of infectious diseases. This might be due to children not getting immunized steadily thereby increasing the pool of possible hosts for potential viral infections.
Understanding the tonifying and the detoxifying properties of Chinese medicines from their impacts on gut microbiota and host metabolism: a case study with four medicinal herbs in experimental colitis rat model
Authors: Li Ting , Gao Xuejiao , Yan Zhixiang , Wai Tai-Seng , Yang Wei , Chen Junru , Yan Ru
Published: August 2022

Background: Chinese medicines (CMs) have emerged as an alternative therapy for ulcerative colitis through reinforcing the vital qi and/or eliminating the pathogenic factors according to the traditional Chinese medicinal theory. Presystemic interactions of CMs with gut microbiota and the associated host metabolic network shift are believed to be essential to achieve their holistic health benefits in traditional oral application. Methods: This study first employed 16S rDNA-based microbial profiling and mass spectrometry-based urinary metabolomics to simultaneously evaluate single CMs frequently prescribed as main constituent herbs for alleviating UC, the tonic ginseng and Astragali Radix (AR) and the detoxifying Scutellaria Radix (SR) and Rhubarb, on a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis rat model, with aims to understanding the tonifying or detoxifying properties of CMs through clinical phenotypes, the common features and herb-specific signatures in gut microbial alterations and the associated host metabolic shifts. Colitis was induced in rats receiving 5% DSS for consecutive 7 days. Control group received water alone. Herbal groups received 5% DSS and respective herbal preparation by gavage once daily. Body weight, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding were recorded daily. Feces and urine were freshly collected at multiple time points. On day 7, blood and colon tissues were collected to determine anti-/pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, colonic myeloperoxidase activity, and histopathologic alterations. Results: Gut microbiome was more prone to herb intervention than metabolome and displayed increasing associations with metabolic dynamics. Although both the tonic and the detoxifying herbs alleviated colitis and caused some similar changes in DSS-induced microbiome and metabolome disturbance, the tonic herbs were more effective and shared more common microbial and metabolic signatures. The detoxifying herbs elicited herb-specific changes. Rhubarb uniquely affected phenylalanine metabolism and established high correlations between Akkermansia muciniphila and Parasutterella and hydroxyphenylacetylglycine and phenylbutyrylglycine, while SR caused significant elevation of steroidal glucuronides dehydropregnenolone glucuronide and estriol glucuronide, both displaying exclusive correlations with genus Acetatifactor. Conclusions: Both tonic and detoxifying herbs tested ameliorated experimental colitis and elicited alternative microbial and host metabolic reprogramming. The findings highlight the importance of presystemic interactions with gut microbiota to host metabolic shifts and promote modern translation of tonifying and detoxifying properties of CMs.
Allelic Prevalence and Geographic Distribution of Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis
Authors: Pramparo Tiziano , Steiner Robert D. , Rodems Steve , Jenkinson Celia
Published: August 2022

Background: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare recessive genetic disease characterized by disruption of bile acid synthesis due to inactivation of the CYP27A1 gene. Treatment is available in the form of bile acid replacement. CTX is likely underdiagnosed, and prevalence estimates based on case diagnosis are probably inaccurate. Large population-based genomic databases are a valuable resource to estimate prevalence of rare recessive diseases as an orthogonal unbiased approach building upon traditional epidemiological studies. Methods: We leveraged the Hardy-Weinberg principle and allele frequencies from gnomAD to calculate CTX prevalence. ClinVar and HGMD were used to identify high-confidence pathogenic missense variants and to calculate a disease-specific cutoff. Variant pathogenicity was also assessed by the VarSome implementation of the ACMG/AMP algorithm and the REVEL in silico predictor. Results: CTX prevalence estimates were highest in Asians (1:44,407-93,084) and lowest in the Finnish population (1:3,388,767). Intermediate estimates were found in Europeans, Americans, and Africans/African Americans (1:70,795-233,597). The REVEL-predicted pathogenic variants accounted for a greater increase in prevalence estimates for Europeans, Americans, and Africans/African Americans compared with Asians. We identified the most frequent alleles designated pathogenic in ClinVar (p.Gly472Ala, p.Arg395Cys), labeled pathogenic based on sequence consequence (p.Met1?), and predicted to be pathogenic by REVEL (p.Met383Lys, p.Arg448His) across populations. Also, we provide a prospective geographic map of estimated disease distribution based on CYP27A1 variation queries performed by healthcare providers from selected specialties. Conclusions: Prevalence estimates calculated herein support and expand upon existing evidence indicating underdiagnosis of CTX, suggesting that improved detection strategies are needed. Increased awareness of CTX is important for early diagnosis, which is essential for patients as early treatment significantly slows or prevents disease progression.
Systemic inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase by MK-886 exacerbates apical periodontitis bone loss in a mouse model
Authors: Petean Igor Bassi Ferreira , Sousa Alice Corrêa Silva , Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra , Lucisano Marília Pacífico , Silva Léa Assed Bezerra , Castro Guilherme Piedade Assed , Sousa-Neto Manoel Damião , Faccioli Lúcia Helena , Paula-Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia
Published: August 2022

Background: To investigate if 5-LO selective inhibitor (MK-886) could be used for systemic treatment of experimentally induced apical periodontitis in a mouse model. Methods: Twenty-four C57BL / 6 mice were used. After coronal opening, a solution containing E. coli LPS (1.0µg / µl) was inoculated into the root canals of the lower and upper right first molars (n= 72 teeth). After 30 days apical periodontitis was established, and the animals were treated with MK-886 (5 mg / kg), a 5-LO inhibitor, for 7 and 14 days. The tissues were removed for histopathological and histometric analyses, evaluation of osteoclast number and gene expression for RANK (Tnfrsf11a), RANKL (Tnfsf11), OPG (Tnfrsf11b), TRAP (Acp5), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (Mmp9), cathepsin K (Ctsk) and calcitonin receptor (Calcr). Statistical data analysis was performed using Kruskal Wallis followed by Dunn's tests (α = 0.05). Results: Administration of MK-886 for 7 days exerted no effect on apical periodontitis expansion compared to LPS inoculation without treatment (p = 0.3549), while treatment for 14 days exacerbated bone loss (p < 0.0001). Administration of MK-886 enhanced osteoclastogenesis signaling and osteoclast formation within 7 days (p = 0.0005), but no effect at 14 days (p > 0.9999). After 7 days of treatment, MK-886 induced mRNA expression for Acp5 (p = 0.0001), Calcr (p = 0.0003), Mmp9 (p = 0.0005) and Ctsk (p = 0.0008), however no effect in those gene expression was observed after 14 days (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Systemic treatment with MK-886 exacerbated LPS-induced apical periodontitis in a mouse model.
Soft Tissue Substitutes to Increase the Thickness of Attached Gingiva: An Animal Study
Authors: Li Xingchao , Zhang Hongxia , Gao Xixin , Zhang Xiao , Mei Shuang , Ma Hanxi , Zhang Tian
Published: August 2022

Background:This study aims to compare the histological and thickness changes of attached gingiva following grafting with three groups of different soft tissue substitutes at labial aspect of canines. Methods: In three beagle dogs, attached gingival thickening was performed with double layer allogeneic acellular dermal matrix membrane (AADM), bovine acellular dermal matrices membrane (BADM) combined with concentrated growth factor membrane (CGF) or BADM combined with collagen sponge. Thickness was measured before augmentation (baseline [BL]), and after 1, 2, 3, and 4 months. Descriptive histological analyses were performed after 4 months.Results: Four months post-operatively, thickness increase differed significantly among three groups (AADM: 1.88±0.28 mm; BADM combined with CGF: 0.27±0.19 mm; BADM combined with collagen sponge: 0.10±0.11 mm). Compared to BL, AADM group showed significant difference (3.24±0.22 mm vs. 1.36±0.72 mm), while the BADM combined with CGF group showed no significant difference (1.50±0.07 mm vs. 1.23±0.15 mm) and neither of the BADM combined with collagen sponge group (1.54±0.15 mm vs. 1.44±0.15 mm). Histological analyses revealed that AADM was integrated with gingival tissues, and new fibrous tissue and blood vessels were formed. But the grafts in the other two groups were absorbed and the augmentation area was remodeled into a structure consistent with the surrounding host tissue.Conclusions: . AADM is superior to BADM combined with CGF and BADM combined with collagen sponge with regard to gingival augmentation.
Integrative analyzes of biomarkers and pathways for exploration the mechanisms and targets associated with pyroptosis in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Yao
Published: August 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the association between pyroptosis and type 2 diabetes (T2D).Methods: Gene expression omnibus (GEO) was used to obtain two microarray datasets (GSE7014 and GSE25724), and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were evaluated. DEGs in type 2 diabetes mellitus pyroptosis-related genes (T2DM-PRGs) were obtained by intersecting the differential genes associated with T2D and the genes associated with pyroptosis. The T2DM-PRGs were verified, and functional enrichment analysis was performed through gene ontology (GO) annotation analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic predictive value of T2DM-PRG-related genes. The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm was used to analyze immune infiltration in T2DM-PRGs and immune infiltration levels.Results：A total of 25 T2DM-PRGs were obtained. GSEA comprehensively proved that the majority of genes were enriched in the NF−kappa B signaling pathway and prostate cancer. The top five miRNAs targeting T2DM-PRG-related differentially expressed prognostic genes were PTEN, BRD4, HSP90AB1, VIM, and PKN2. The top five T2DM-PRG-related DEGs of transcription factors (TFs) were HSP90AB1, VIM, PLCG1, and PTEN. ROC analysis showed that in both datasets, PLCG1, PTEN, TP63, CHI3L1, SDHB, DPP8, BCL2, SERPINB1, ACE2, DRD2, DDX58, and BTK have good diagnostic performance. We found that T2DM-PRG-related genes in the GSE7014 dataset had 28 immune cells that were significantly different between T2DM tissues and normal tissues, whereas 28 immune cells in the GSE25724 dataset were substantially different between T2DM tissues and normal tissues.Conclusions：Exploration of pyroptosis-related mechanisms and biomarkers may contribute to the understanding of T2D pathophysiology and provide a novel therapeutic option for DM.
Association Between Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition and In-Hospital Outcomes in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Treated with Coronary Thrombus Aspiration: Findings from the CCC-ACS Project
Authors: Liu Wennan , Li Ziping , Yang Tianqi , A Geru , Sun Haonan , Liu Hangkuan , Song Xiwen , Jin Zhengyang , Li Linjie , Li Yongle , Hao Yongchen , Liu Jing , Zhao Dong , Zhou Xin , Yang Qing
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Thrombus aspiration in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with high thrombus burden did not improve clinical outcomes. The clinical efficacy of bailout use of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) in this clinical scenario remains unknown. Methods: We assessed associations between GPI use and in-hospital major bleeds, ischemic events, and mortality among STEMI patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and thrombus aspiration in a nationwide acute coronary syndrome registry (the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Acute Coronary Syndrome project). Results: A total of 5,896 STEMI patients who received thrombus aspiration were identified, among which 56.3% received GPI therapy. In a 1-to-1 propensity-score-matched cohort, compared with STEMI patients not treated with GPI, GPI use was associated with a 69% increase in major in-hospital bleeds, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.69, a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.08 to 2.65, and a nonsignificant reduction in ischemic events (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.06), as well as a neutral effect on mortality (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.55 to 1.58). However, among patients aged < 65 years, GPI use was associated with a reduction in ischemic events (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.77), and no significant increase in major bleeds (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.67 to 2.25) was observed. Conclusion: In a nationwide registry, routine use of GPI following thrombus aspiration was not associated with reduced in-hospital ischemic events and mortality, but at the cost of increased major bleeding. However, for patients aged < 65 years, there may be a potential net benefit.
Occupational Exposure to Air Pollution in Africa: Boda Boda Riders in Kampala
Authors: Brown Alison , Avis William , Khaemba Winnie , Singh Ajit , Senior Emmanuel Ebbu , Pope Francis
Published: August 2022

The importance of the commercial motorcycle for public transport in many African cities is increasingly recognised. However, rapid urbanisation and urban economic growth also increases the demand for motorised transport, resulting in increased congestion, road traffic accidents and air pollution. While exposure to air pollution is a well-established risk factor for respiratory illnesses, there has been very little study of occupational exposure to transport-related air pollution in African cities. This research contributes to that gap, studying the exposure and impact of air pollution on Kampala’s boda boda riders (commercial motorcycle riders). The study uses low-cost mobile pollution monitors fixed to a commercial motorcycle to demonstrate the vulnerability of riders exposed to high levels of air pollution throughout much of the working day. The study indicates how low-cost monitoring can help boda boda riders understand and to minise their exposure to air pollution, and support urban policy that reduces air pollution while also recognising the importance of Kampala’s boda boda for both urban transport and livelihoods.
68Ga-FAPI PET visualize heart failure: from mechanism to clinic
Authors: Song Wenyu , Zhang Xiao , He ShuKun , Gai Yongkang , Qin Chunxia , Hu Fan , Wang Yan , Wang Zhaohui , Bai Peng , Wang Jing , Lan Xiaoli
Published: August 2022

PurposeHeart failure (HF) is a chronic and progressive clinical syndrome with structure or functional abnormalities of the heart. Active fibroblasts and ventricular remodeling play an essential role in the progression of HF. 68Ga-labeled fibroblast activating protein inhibitor (68Ga-FAPI) have been proved binding with fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in many diseases. This study aimed to use 68Ga-FAPI PET to continuously visualize the dynamic change process of cardiac fibroblasts and HF to aid in the clinical management of HF.MethodsThe rat model of HF was established by injection of isoproterenol for 14 d continuously. Echocardiography and 68Ga-FAPI were performed weekly. Isolated hearts were taken every week for biodistribution, autoradiography, hematoxylin-eosin, FAP-immunofluorescence and Masson's trichrome staining, and blood samples for enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay. A preliminary study of HF patients further recruited for 13N-amino (13N-NH3) perfusion and 68Ga-FAPI cardiac PET imaging simultaneously.ResultsExtensive myocardial uptake of 68Ga-FAPI, expression of FAP, and myocardial contractility peaked at 7 d after the onset of modeling, while only slight fibrotic changes were manifested. With time extension, 68Ga-FAPI uptake and ventricular wall motion of the heart reduced, while cardiac fibrosis and degree of myocardial injury gradually increased. Seven patients diagnosed with HF were successfully enrolled (5 men and 2 women, 58.14 ± 16.25 years). 13N-NH3 perfusion was inconsistent with 68Ga-FAPI uptake. Higher myocardial 68Ga-FAPI uptake was demonstrated in the patients with < 1-year duration than other groups. ConclusionWith the progress of HF, 68Ga-FAPI accumulates evidently in the early stage, and gradually reduced. Preliminary clinical study suggested that 68Ga-FAPI PET could be used to display active fibrosis. Active myocardial FAP expression is followed by myocardial remodeling and myocardial fibrosis, suggesting that the detection of early active FAP expression may help guiding antifibrotic-drug therapy. Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT04982458
Based on network pharmacology and experiments to explore the potential mechanism of Radix Puerariae- Radix Trichosanthis and Radix Astragali-Radix Rehmanniae in the treatment of T2DM
Authors: Ren Xiaoyu , Liu Yanyan , Hua Honghao , Pu Ruiyang , Yang Yan , Zhang Wei , Long Xianzhen , Shi Dian , Bai Yana , Cheng Ning
Published: August 2022

Background: There are many traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but most of them are not simple enough, which increase the economic burden of patients. Radix Astragali, Radix Puerariae, Radix Trichosanthis and Radix Rehmanniaeare the four traditional Chinese medicines commonly used in the treatment of T2DM. However, the molecular mechanism of these four drugs in the treatment of diabetes is still unclear. Therefore, this study is the first to explore the potential mechanism of Astragali-Rehmanniaeare and Puerariae-Trichosanthis in the treatment of T2DM through network pharmacology and animal experiments.Methods: First we obtained the active chemical components and targets of these four drugs. Then the main targets of diabetes were obtained and protein-protein interaction was built by String. Metascape platform was used to analyze the "drug-component-target" and the biological processes and pathways they involved. Finally, "Drug-Diabetes-Pathway" network was conducted. Subsequently, animal experiments were conducted to verify the network analysis results. Blood glucose of two hours postprandial was measured every week. The insulin expression level was measured to calculate HOMA-IR and HOMA-β, and the protein expressions of PI3K and Akt were measured as well.Results: The core active components were quercetin, daidzein, kaempferol, puerarin, formononetin; the core targets includedAKT1, PIK3CA, TNF, etc. The biological pathway mainly acted on PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and insulin resistance pathway. The experiment results showed that the drug groups could significantly reduce the blood glucose of T2DM rats. HOMA-IR of Astragali-Rehmanniaeare was significantly decreased, and HOMA-β of Puerariae-Trichosanthis was significantly increased. PI3K protein in Astragali-Rehmanniaeare and Puerariae-Trichosanthis was significantly higher than that in control group. Akt protein in Astragali-Rehmanniaeare was significantly higher than that in control group, but significantly lower than that in model group.Conclusions: Astragali-Rehmanniaeare and Puerariae-Trichosanthis improved blood glucose mainly by changing the contents of PI3K and Akt in the body to affect the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, so as to achieve the purpose of treating T2DM.
Intestinal epithelial barrier integrity investigated by label-free techniques in ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: Quansah Elsie , Gardey Elena , Ramoji Anuradha , Meyer-Zedler Tobias , Goehrig Bianca , Heutelbeck Astrid , Hoeppener Stephanie , Schmitt Michael , Waldner Maximillian , Stallmach Andreas , Popp Juergen
Published: August 2022

The intestinal epithelial barrier, among other compartments such as the mucosal immune system, contributes to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Therefore, any disturbance within the epithelial layer could lead to intestinal permeability and promote mucosal inflammation. Considering that disintegration of the intestinal epithelial barrier is a key element in the etiology of ulcerative colitis, further assessment of barrier integrity could contribute to a better understanding of the role of epithelial barrier defects in ulcerative colitis (UC), one major form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Herein, we employ fast, non-destructive, and label-free non-linear methods, namely coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), second harmonic generation (SHG), two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), and two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging (2P-FLIM) to assess the morpho-chemical contributions leading to the dysfunction of the epithelial barrier. For the first time, the formation of epithelial barrier gaps was directly visualized, without sophisticated data analysis procedures, by the 3D analysis of the colonic mucosa from severely inflamed UC patients. The results were compared with histopathological and immunofluorescence images and validated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to indicate structural alterations of the apical junction complex as the underlying cause for the formation of the epithelial barrier gaps. Our findings suggest the potential of non-linear multimodal imaging to give precise, detailed, and direct visualization of the epithelial barrier in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be combined with a fiber probe for future endomicroscopy measurements during real-time in-vivo imaging.
Association between urinary iodine concentration and the risk of papillary thyroid cancer by gender and age: A case-control study
Authors: Hwang Yerin , Oh Hyun-Kyung , Chung Jae Hoon , Kim Sun Wook , Kim Jung-Han , Kim Jee Soo , Shin Myung-Hee
Published: August 2022

Previous studies on dietary iodine intake and the risk of papillary thyroid cancer(PTC) have demonstrated inconsistent results. We aimed to evaluate the association between the urinary iodine concentration(UIC), a surrogate biomarker for dietary iodine intake, and the risk of thyroid cancer stratified by gender and age in an iodine-sufficient area. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Seoul, South Korea. A total of 492 cases of newly diagnosed PTC and 595 controls were included. Compared with the lowest quartile of creatine-adjusted UIC(< 159.3 µg/gCr), the highest quartile(≥ 1037.3 µg/gCr) showed an increased risk of PTC(odds ratio[OR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval[CI]: 1.04–2.13), especially in those who were < 45 years old(ptrend = 0.01) than in those who were ≥ 45 years old(ptrend = 0.48). For those who were < 45 years old, the positive association between creatinine-adjusted UIC and the risk of PTC was observed in both men (q4 vs. q1, OR = 4.27, 95% CI: 1.14–18.08) and women (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.04–3.78). For those who were ≥ 45 years old, no association was found in any gender. Creatinine-adjusted UIC was positively associated with the risk of PTC especially in those who were younger than 45-years for both men and women.
Spatial pattern prediction of forest wildfire susceptibility in Central Yunnan Province, China based on multivariate data
Authors: Lan Yongcui , Wang jinliang , Hu Wenying , Kurbanov Eldar , Cole Janine , Sha Jinming , Jiao Yuanmei , Zhou Jingchun
Published: August 2022

Wildfires are an important disturbance factor in forest ecosystems. Assessing the probability of forest wildfires can assist in forest wildfire prevention, control, and supervision. The logistic regression model is widely used to forecast the probability, spatial patterns, and drivers of forest wildfires. This study used logistic regression to establish a spatial prediction model for forest wildfire susceptibility, which was applied to evaluate the risk of forest wildfires in Central Yunnan Province (CYP), China. A forest wildfire risk classification was implemented for CYP using forest burn scar data for 2001 to 2020 and the logistic spatial prediction model for forest wildfire susceptibility. Climate, vegetation, topographical, human activities, and location were selected as forest wildfire prediction variables. The results showed that: (1) The distributions of temperature, vegetation coverage, distance to water bodies, distance to roads, and precipitation were positively correlated with the occurrence of forest wildfires. Elevation, relative humidity, the global vegetation moisture index, wind speed, slope, latitude, and distance to residential areas were negatively correlated with the occurrence of forest wildfires. (2) The results of the logistic spatial prediction model for forest wildfire susceptibility showed a good fit to observed data, with an overall simulation probability of 81.6%. The optimal threshold for spatial prediction for forest wildfire susceptibility in CYP was determined to be 0.414. A significance level of a selected model variable of < 0.05 resulted in an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.882–0.890. (3) Forest wildfire prevention efforts should focus on Southwest Yuxi City and southern Qujing City since they accounted for a high proportion of the areas at high risk of forest wildfires. Other localities should adjust forest wildfire prevention measures according to local conditions and strengthen existing wildfire prevention and emergency resource planning and allocation. (4) Some factors contributing to forest wildfires where different among the different areas. Forest wildfire risk factors had different degrees of impact under different spatial and temporal scales. The spatial relationships between wildfire disasters and influencing factors should be established in areas with heterogeneous environmental conditions for the selection of relevant factors.
A method of 3R to evaluate the correlation and predictive value of variables
Authors: Yuanyuan Cheng
Published: August 2022

A flawed experimental design scheme is an important factor leading to biased or even erroneous findings and conclusions. In sociological studies involving sampling, where researchers are often forced to make some kind of compromise in their experimental methods, such as using unbalanced sampling methods or replacing random sampling with convenience sampling, due to the constraints of the experimental conditions. It is not entirely unacceptable to conduct a study using a flawed experimental design, but such a compromise should not lead to serious biases or errors in the study results and conclusions. We need to pay more attention to the review of experimental design schemes and use scientific methods to make the necessary assessments of certain compromises in experimental schemes. To evaluate the correlation and predictive value between variables using a 3R method. Using the 3R method (a combined application of linear regression, ROC curve analysis, and R software to evaluate the correlation between variables and their predictive value), the ROC curve was introduced into the linear correlation regression analysis, and the R software was used to calculate the regression equation, AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and Jorden index to make a precise and accurate judgment of the correlation between variables.The linear regression model established for two variables with linear correlation was statistically significant, and ROC curve analysis was performed to quantitatively evaluate the predictive value between the variables. ROC curve was introduced into linear correlation regression analysis enabled a more accurate evaluation of the correlation between variables and their predictive value based on precise analysis. the R software was suitable for such analytical work.
Detection of Weeds in Cotton Farms Using Mobilenet – Single Shot Detector
Authors: G Hari Krishnan , T Rajasenbagam
Published: August 2022

In recent years, the automated weed control systems used for prevent the growing weeds from main plant in order to improve the productivity. The researchers put on more efforts to identify the location and amount of the weed area in the land by the automated manner. Deep learning provides the way of finding the location of the object by using of object detection algorithms. In this research focus on the identification of the weeds in the cotton fields by drawing bounding boxes using MobileNet-Single Shot Detector object detection algorithm. From the obtained results it has shown as 70.1% Average Precision(AP) for detection on weeds.
An Empirical Study on the Causes of Internal Consumption Habits of Chinese Rural Residents
Authors: Xuepin Wu , Yongjun Ma
Published: August 2022

Based on the integration of the life cycle-persistent income consumption model, utility function, and internal habit theory, this paper constructs a multi-layer model including internal habit formation and empirically analyzes the causes of internal habit formation of rural residents in various consumption expenditures. The result shows: (1) The internal habit effect of consumption expenditure for survival (food, clothing, and residence) is generally small. In contrast, the internal habit eft of consumption expenditure for development enjoyment (medical care, education, household equipment, and transportation) is relatively large. (2) In terms of its impact on internal habit formation, inclusive digital finance has a positive moderating effect on food, clothing, medical care, and culture and education. The per capita years of education have a negative moderating effect on food, clothing, residence, medical care, and education. The dummy variables of developed area or not have a negative moderating effect on clothing, transportation, and education, however, have a positive moderating effect on home furnishings. (3) In terms of the intensity of adjustment to internal habits, digital financial inclusion is the largest, followed by the dummy variables of education level and developed area or not. From the perspective of the adjustment of internal habits, inclusive digital finance is a positively adjusted, while the level of education and regional economic differences show a negative adjustment trend.
Simultaneously Subtyping Influenza A Virus into H1, H3, N1 and N2 using one pot quadruplex RT-qPCR assay
Authors: Wang Hai-Bo , Du Tian , Huang Hui-Na , Xu Jun-Ting , Tu Cheng-Ning
Published: August 2022

In the current study, an one pot quadruplex RT-qPCR assay was established and evaluated. The assay’s limit of detection could reach as low as 101 copies/reaction, with good repeatability profile and no cross-reaction with other respiratory pathogens. During clinical evaluation both by blinded samples and real clinical samples, the assay exhibited a 100% coincidence rate with individual commercial RT-qPCR assays. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the simultaneous subtyping influenza A virus into H1, H3, N1, and N2 by one pot quadruplex RT-qPCR assay, which could improve the preparedness for future influenza outbreaks.
Mesenchymal stem cells polarize macrophages to an anti-inflammatory phenotype to ameliorate diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhang Linxi , Yu Songyan , Cheng Yu , Gong Zhengyuan , Xue Jing , Li Bing , Yin Yaqi , Zou Junyan , Wei Rui , Hong Tianpei , Mu Yiming
Published: August 2022

Background
Diabetic nephropathy is closely related to immune-regulation, in which macrophages play a crucial role. In diabetic nephropathy, the classically activated macrophages (M1) increased while the alternatively activated macrophages (M2) decreased in kidney. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) administration can alleviate diabetic nephropathy, however, the mechanisms still remain unclear. MSCs have been shown to stimulate macrophages from a M1 phenotype to a M2 phenotype. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether the polarization of M1/M2 induced by MSCs was involved in diabetic nephropathy (DN).
Methods
In our study, we injected human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) into type 2 diabetic nephropathy rats induced by high fat diet combined with a low dose of streptozotocin. To clarify the effect of MSCs on macrophages polarization, peritoneal macrophages were extracted and directed into M1 macrophages by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in vitro. Then we co-cultured UC-MSCs with M1 macrophages, and evaluated the effect on differentiation. We also co-cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (HBZY-1) in high-glucose DMEM with LPS-stimulated macrophages (M1 macrophages) or UC-MSCs-induced M2 macrophages in a trans-well system to clarify the complex mechanisms by which UC-MSCs-induced M2 macrophages improve the progression of DN.
Results
The UC-MSCs infusion reduced the infiltration of M1 macrophages, and increased the infiltration of M2 macrophages in the glomerulus, thereby attenuating histopathological renal damage and improving renal inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy rats. After coculturing UC-MSCs with M1 macrophages, we found that the M1 macrophage maker inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) and the mRNA and protein levels of the related pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-1β decreased. However, the expression of the M2 macrophage markers CD163 and CD206, as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased observably. Furthermore, UC-MSCs increased the expression of IL-4Rα on macrophages by secreting IL-6; blocking IL-6 secretion inhibited the UC-MSCs effect on M2 macrophage polarization. Then we explored the mechanism by which M2 macrophages ameliorate diabetic nephropathy in vitro and found that UC-MSCs-induced M2 macrophages attenuated the secretion of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) in hyperglycemia-induced mesangial cells, which led to reduce macrophage recruitment and infiltration. Moreover, UC-MSCs-induced M2 macrophages inhibited TGF-β in glomerular mesangial cells, thereby reducing the synthesis of collagen I and collagen IV.
Conclusions
Our study proposes and discusses a mechanism by which MSCs promote the polarization of macrophages from M1 into M2 in the kidney, thereby ameliorating diabetic nephropathy.
Skipping The Cord During Laparoscopic Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing in Children, Is It Reasonable?
Authors: Ergun Ergun , Yagiz Beytullah
Published: August 2022

Background: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children was introduced as a minimal invasive method. One of the most common method is percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS). The main concern is trapping the spermatic cord and/or damaging the vasculature of testes in boys. This may be avoided with a careful dissection or the surgeon may skip the peritoneum over the cord and/or the vessels. The aim of this study is to compare the recurrence and hydrocele rates of children in whom the peritoneum on the cord and/or vessels was skipped and did not during laparoscopic PIRS repair.Methods: The charts of children who underwent laparoscopic PIRS repair between 2017-2021 due to inguinal hernia were analyzed. Recurrence and complications were evaluated. The video records were watched and the data on skipping(group 1) the peritoneum on vas deferens or not skipping(group 2) the peritoneum on vas deferens was noted. Recurrence and complication rates were compared between groups. Results: A total of 101 boys with 125 inguinal hernia were enrolled. Among these 45 had right-sided, 32 had left-sided and 24 had bilateral inguinal hernias. The video investigation was revealed that there were 63 hernias in group 1 and 62 hernias in group 2. There were two recurrences in each group. No other postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions: For avoiding spermatic cord or vessel damage, skipping the cord seems an acceptable path which seems not to increase recurrence or complication rates and also ensures spermatic structures’ safety.
Lightweight and flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar minimodules: Toward 20% photovoltaic efficiency and beyond
Authors: Ishizuka Shogo , Kamikawa Yukiko , Nishinaga Jiro
Published: August 2022

Lightweight and flexible photovoltaic solar cells and modules are promising technologies leading to wide usage of light-to-electricity energy conversion devices. This communication presents the prospects of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS)-based lightweight and flexible photovoltaic devices. The current status of flexible CIGS minimodules with photovoltaic efficiencies greater than 18% and future directions to enhance their performance toward 20% and beyond are discussed. The effects of cell separation edges, which are formed through a mechanical, laser, or photolithography scribing process used to fabricate solar cells and modules, on the device performance are also discussed. It was found that mechanically scribed CIGS device edges, which are present in conventional solar cells and modules, cause deterioration of device performance. In other words, further improvement is expected with proper passivation/termination treatment of the edges or replacing mechanical scribing with a damage-free separation process.
Hydraulic conductivity function of unsaturated soil over a wide suction range
Authors: Hou Xiaokun , Qi Shengwen , Master Yan Li , Li Tonglu , Guo Songfeng
Published: August 2022

Limited experimental studies investigate the hydraulic conductivity function (HCF) of unsaturated soil due to labor-tedious, intensive, and time-consuming test work. The available methods mainly provide data in the low suction range (e.g., < 500 kPa). The way of measuring the HCF over a wide suction range is rarely reported. Predicting the HCF using the soil water characteristic curve is most used due to its simplicity. However, the accuracy of these predictions is rarely examined using experimental data over a wide suction range. This study proposes a filter paper-based column method to explore the HCF of unsaturated soil over a wide suction range, which is convenient, money- and time-saving. The accuracy of this method is verified via the data from a commonly used method (outflow method). And the performance of two typical predicting equations is examined. Results show that the newly proposed method can measure the HCF over a wide suction range of 0-106kPa. The consistency in the HCF from the two testing methods proves the efficiency of the proposed method. Meanwhile, the result indicates that the functions show good estimation in the low suction range (e.g., < 100 kPa), but underestimation in the high range (e.g., > 100 kPa).
Improvement and Analysis for Accuracy of Baseflow Using SWAT-CUP Premium in the Yongjeon Stream, South Korea
Authors: Kim Jong-Tae , Lee Chang-Hun , Lee Namjoo
Published: August 2022

Here, SWAT simulation results are calibrated and validated using SWAT-CUP Premium, and R2 (coefficient of determination) values of simulated and observed flows are compared. According to the SWAT analysis of Cheongsong Yongjeon-stream basin, a low accuracy of 0.40 was the R2 (coefficient of determination) value for simulated and observed flows, and the base flow was calculated at an annual average of 46.659 m3/s. During the same period, after calibration and validation using SWAT-CUP Premium, the R2 value of simulated and observed flows was improved to 0.71, and the evaluation indexes showed that NS was 0.51, PBIAS was 37.1, P-factor was 0.73, and R-factor was 0.33, indicating that the relationship between observed and simulated flows was improved. In addition, after calibration and validation, the base flow was 56.951 m3/s, which was a more accurate value compared to the one before calibration and validation.
Household Multidimensional Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Poverty in Pakistan
Authors: Qurat-ul-Ann Abre-Rehmat , Bibi Maryam
Published: August 2022

Human health and well-being have become a priority after the recent pandemic. Attainment of SDGs of good health and well-being for all, availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation with hygiene by 2030, is possible in developing economies after valuation of existing situations. Current research evaluates household multidimensional water, sanitation, and hygiene poverty in Pakistan using household survey data from Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey, 2018–2019. Dimensions for household water poverty measurement comprise resource, access, capacity, and use. Multidimensional sanitation poverty has two dimensions namely access and use. Hygiene poverty is assessed with food and personal hygiene dimensions. Multidimensional water poverty incidence is 51.2 percent, and 66.4 percent of sample households are experiencing deprivation in multiple dimensions of sanitation poverty. Multidimensional hygiene poverty incidence is 54.6 percent of the sample households in Pakistan. Results show multidimensional water poverty incidence of 4.6 percent, multidimensional sanitation poverty incidence of 61.9 percent, and multidimensional hygiene poverty incidence of 37.3 percent of the sample households in rural Pakistan. Balochistan and KP are highly water-deprived provinces, while highest multidimensional sanitation poverty incidence and multidimensional hygiene poverty incidence is in Balochistan. The study recommends assurance of policymakers towards policy implementation focusing on access to clean water and equitable hygiene and sanitation for all. Most deprived regions should get more financial and technical support for access to required facilities. Greater involvement of local communities in improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene management can ensure long-term sustainability of such efforts creating a sense of ownership.
Optical solitons of Sasa-Satsuma model in birefringent fibers
Authors: Zhang Jian
Published: August 2022

This paper studies the propagation of optical solitons of the Sasa-Satsuma model in birefringent fibers. By the complete discrimination system for polynomial, we get three types of optical wave patterns for the model, where singular rational patterns and elliptic functions double periodic patterns are new propagation patterns. Besides, we show the temporal-space structures and propagation properties for some patterns with specific parameter values by drawing graphs.