bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the semen, gut, and urine microbiota in patients with different semen abnormalities
Authors: Cao Tingshuai , Wang Shangren , Pan Yang , Guo Feng , Wu Bin , Zhang Yingchun , Wang Yujie , Tian Jiaqing , Xing Qingfei , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: January 2023

Background Semen quality is decreasing worldwide, leading to increased male infertility. This study analyzed the microbiota of the gut, semen, and urine in individuals with semen abnormalities to identify potential probiotics and pathogenic bacteria that affect semen parameters and help develop new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with semen abnormalities. We recruited 12 individuals with normal semen parameters (control group), 12 with asthenospermia but no semen hyperviscosity (Group_1), 6 with oligospermia (Group_2), 9 with severe oligospermia or azoospermia (Group_3), and 14 with semen hyperviscosity only (Group_4). The semen, gut, and urine microbiota were examined by analyzing the 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence using next-generation sequencing. Results The gut microbes were clustered into the highest number of operational taxonomic units, followed by urine and semen. Furthermore, the α-diversity of gut microbes was highest and significantly different from that of urine and semen microbiota. The microbiota of the gut, urine, and semen were all significantly different from each other in terms of β-diversity. At the genus level,Bifidobacterium,Blautia,Bacteroides,Faecalibacterium, andPrevotellawere predominant in the gut;Staphylococcus,Streptococcus,Prevotella,Finegoldia, andCorynebacteriumwere predominant in urine; andLactobacillus,Prevotella,Finegoldia,Staphylococcus,Streptococcus,Ureaplasma, and other unidentified bacteria were predominant in semen. β-Diversity of the gut microbiota was significantly different among the control, Group_1, and Group_3. The gut abundance ofCollinsellawas significantly reduced in groups 1, 3, and 4. Furthermore, the gut abundance ofBifidobacteriumandBlautiawas significantly decreased in Group_1, while that ofBacteroideswas significantly increased in Group_3. The abundance ofStaphylococcuswas significantly increased in the semen of groups 1 and 4. Finally,Lactobacillusabundance was significantly reduced in the urine of groups 2 and 4. Conclusions This study comprehensively describes the differences in intestinal and genitourinary tract microbiota between healthy individuals and those with abnormal semen parameters. Furthermore, our study identifiedCollinsella,Bifidobacterium,Blautia, andLactobacillusas potential probiotics. Finally, the study identifiedBacteroidesin the gut andStaphylococcusin semen as potential pathogenic bacteria. Our study lays the foundation of a new approach to the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
An unusual route of odontogenic infection from the mandible to the orbit through the facial spaces resulting in blindness: a rare case
Authors: Nashawi Faez Ebrahim , Shasho Hamza Omar , Alkheder Ahmad
Published: January 2023

Orbital infection is a rare complication of odontogenic infections mostly originating from maxillary teeth. In our case, we present one of the unusual routes in which odontogenic infection of lower molar tooth has spread into the orbit. A 67-year-old uncontrolled diabetic patient was referred to the ENT department with a complaint of swollen right masseteric region and orbital infection after a dental procedure on the right mandibular third molar with a history of unsuccessful treatment in another hospital. CT and MRI showed multiple abscesses localized in masseteric and infratemporal spaces extending into orbital cavity through the inferior orbital fissure with no sinus involvement. improper treatment and poorly controlled diabetes resulted in the extensive spread of the infection. clinical and radiological re-evaluation has played a major role in the management of our case by elucidating the route of infection and localizing abscessing foci accurately enabling the team to plan the proper surgical intervention.
RNA silencing of GM-CSF in CAR-T cells reduces the secretion of multiple inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Shang Siqi , Chen Yunshuo , Yang Xuejiao , Yang Ying , Wang Wenbo , Wang Yueying
Published: January 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has become a research hotspot in the field of hematological malignancies. However, CAR-T cell therapy can lead to immunotherapy-associated side effects including cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. Gene depletion of GM-CSF in CAR-T cells was found preventive against adverse effects, but additional transfections were required to produce CAR-T cells. In this study, we interrupted GM-CSF expression in CAR-T cells by inserting the GM-CSF shRNA-expression cassette in the CAR vector. Reduction of GM-CSF in CAR-T cells could decrease the level of several proinflammatory cytokines without hampering the killing capacity. The manufacture of GM-CSF knockdown CAR-T cells does not require complicated transfections, which makes it more practical and feasible for clinical application.
Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) as biomarkers in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Liao Qian-Qian , Mo Yan-Ju , Zhu Ke-Wei , Gao Feng , Huang Bin , Chen Peng , Jing Feng-Tian , Jiang Xuan , Xu Hong-Zhen , Tang Yan-Feng , Chu Li-Wei , Huang Hai-Ling , Wang Wen-Li , Wei Fang-Ning , Huang Dan-Dan , Zhao Bin-Jing , Chen Jia , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2023

The study comprehensively evaluated the prognostic roles of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio. (MLR), basophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (BLR) and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). 619 patients with AECOPD and 300 healthy volunteers were retrospectively included into the study. The clinical characteristics containing laboratory findings of the AECOPD patients and the complete blood counts (CBCs) of the healthy volunteers were collected. Compared with the healthy volunteers, PLR, NLR, MLR, BLR, and ELR were all elevated in COPD patients under stable condition. PLR, NLR, MLR, and BLR were further elevated while ELR was lowered during exacerbation. PLR, NLR, and MLR were all positively correlated with hospital LOS as well as CRP. In contrast, ELR was negatively correlated with hospital LOS as well as CRP. Elevated PLR, NLR, and MLR were all associated with more serious airflow limitation in AECOPD. Elevated PLR, NLR, and MLR were all associated with increased in-hospital mortality while Elevated ELR was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that smoking history, FEV1% predicted, pneumonia, pulmonary heart disease (PHD), uric acid (UA), albumin, and MLR were significant independent predictors for in-hospital mortality. These predictors along with ELR were used to construct a nomogram predicting in-hospital mortality in AECOPD. The nomogram had a C-index of 0.850 (95% CI: 0.799–0.901), and its good predictive value and clinical applicability were summary further demonstrated. In summary, PLR, NLR, MLR, and ELR served as biomarkers in patients with AECOPD.
Mechanical ventilation after traumatic spinal cord injury – A retrospective cohort study-based prediction model for weaning success: The BICYCLE score
Authors: Schreiber Annia , Garlasco Jacopo , Urner Martin , McFarlan Amanda , Baker Andrew , Rigamonti Andrea , Singh Jeffrey , Kutsogiannis Demetrios , Brochard Laurent
Published: January 2023

Background: Limited information exist about the epidemiology, outcomes, and predictors of weaning from mechanical ventilation in patients with spinal cord injury. Our aim was to investigate predictors of weaning outcomes for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) and develop and validate a prognostic model and score for weaning success.
Methods: Registry-based, multicentric cohort study including all adult patients with tSCI requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) and admitted to one of the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of the Trauma Registry at St. Michael’s Hospital (Toronto, Ontario) and the Canadian Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry (RHSCIR) between 2005 and 2019.
The primary outcome was weaning success from MV at ICU discharge. Secondary outcomes included weaning success at days 14 and 28, time to liberation from MV accounting for competing risk of death, and ventilator-free days at 28 and 60 days.
Associations between baseline characteristics and weaning success or time to liberation from MV were measured using multivariable logistic and competing risk regressions. A parsimonious model to predict weaning success and ICU discharge was developed and validated via bootstrap. A prediction score for weaning success at ICU dischargewas derived, and its discriminative ability assessed using ROC curve analysis and compared to the Injury Severity Score (ISS).
Results: Of 459 patients analyzed, 246 (53.6%), 302 (65.8%) and 331 (72.1%) were alive and free of MV at Day 14, 28, and ICU discharge, respectively; 54 (11.8%) died in the ICU. Median time to liberation from MV was 12 days. Factors associated with weaning success were Blunt injury (OR 2.96, p=0.010), ISS (OR 0.98, p=0.025), Complete lesion (OR 0.53, p=0.009), age in Years (OR 0.98, p=0.003), and Cervical LEsion (OR 0.60, p=0.045). The “BICYCLE” score showed a greater area under the curve than ISS (0.689 [95%CI 0.631–0.743) vs. 0.537 [95%CI 0.479–0.595], p<0.0001). Factors predicting weaning success also predicted time to liberation.
Conclusion: In a large multicentric cohort, 72% of patients with tSCI were weaned and discharged alive from ICU. Readily available admission characteristics can reasonably predict weaning success and help prognostication.
The association between insulin use and asthma: an epidemiological observational analysis and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lin Zikai , Huang Junfeng , Xie Shuojia , Zheng Ziwen , Tang Kailun , Li Shiyue , Chen Ruchong
Published: January 2023

Background
Asthma is a common respiratory disease caused by genetic and environmental factors, but the contribution of insulin use to the risk of asthma remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between insulin use and asthma in a large population-based cohort, and further explore their causal relationship by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods
An epidemiological study including 85,887 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2018 was performed to evaluate the association between insulin use and asthma. Based on the inverse-variance weighted approach, the MR analysis involving multiple cohorts was conducted to estimate the causal effect of insulin use on asthma.
Results
In the NHANES cohort, we found that insulin use was associated with an increased risk of asthma (odd ratio [OR] = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.16–1.64; p < 0.001). For the MR analysis, we found a causal relationship between insulin use and a higher risk of asthma in both Finn (OR = 1.10; p < 0.001) and UK Biobank cohorts (OR = 1.18; p < 0.001). Meanwhile, there was no causal association between diabetes and asthma. After multivariable adjustment for diabetes, the insulin use remained significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma (OR = 1.17, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
An association between insulin use and an increased risk of asthma was found via the real-world data from the NHANES. In addition, the current study identified a casual effect and provided a genetic evidence of insulin use and asthma. More studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the association between insulin use and asthma.
Five different ways of reasoning: Tanzanian healthcare workers’ ideas about how to improve HIV prevention among same-sex attracted men
Authors: Ishungisa Alexander Mwijage , Mmbaga Elia John , Leshabari Melkizedeck Thomas , Tersbøl Britt Pinkowski , Moen Kåre
Published: January 2023

Background: Same-sex attracted men in Tanzania and globally carry a disproportionate burden of HIV. Drawing on qualitative research, this article explores healthcare providers’ ideas and recommendations regarding how to improve HIV prevention among same-sex attracted men.
Methods: We carried out a qualitative study among healthcare workers in the cities of Dar es Salaam and Tanga in Tanzania between August 2018 and October 2019. Data collection entailed qualitative interviewing, focus group discussions and participant observation. Study participants were recruited through a purposive sampling strategy that aimed to ensure variation in age, education and work experience. Forty-eight interviews with 24 healthcare workers, six focus group discussions and participant observation were conducted. A total of 64 persons participated in the study.
Results: This paper describes five different “ways of reasoning” that were identified among healthcare workers regarding how to strengthen HIV prevention among same-sex attracted men.One held that punitive measures should be taken to prevent HIV transmission, another that health services needed to become more friendly towards men who have sex with men, a third that healthcare workers should reach out to provide more education to this population, a fourth called for strengthened collaboration between healthcare providers and same-sex attracted men in healthcare delivery, and the fifth proposed that activistic efforts be taken to remove structural barriers for same-sex attracted men to access healthcare.
Conclusion: When reflecting on what is needed to strengthen HIV prevention among men who have sex with men, healthcare workers described six different ideas. One was that restrictive and punitive measures ought to be taken to prevent HIV transmission through same-sex sex. The remaining five promoted understanding of and support for same-sex attracted men. They prescribed more healthcare education, measures to improve attitudes among healthcare workers, healthcare delivery with user involvement, and political action to achieve law reform. Finally, some study participants raised concerns about the implementation of the national comprehensive package for key populations.
Designing Dithiolene and Bis(iminothiolato)-based 1D Metal-organic-frameworks for electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution reaction.
Authors: Das Priya , Ball Biswajit , Goswami Biplab , Sarkar Pranab
Published: January 2023

Hydrogen is considered as one of the most important clean and renewable energy resources to get rid of carbon-based fuels and to solve the problem of environmental hazzards caused for using fossil fuels. Hence, the large-scale production of hydrogen by water splitting through Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) demands inexpensive and efficient electrocatalysts to replace the scarce and expensive noble metal-based catalysts. In this work, using the density functional theory (DFT)-based computations, we have considered a family of one dimensional (1D) metal organic frameworks (MOFs), namely TM-dithiolene (TM-BTT), and TM-bis(iminothiolato) (TM-BIT), consisting of benzene-1,2,4,5-tetrathiolate (BTT) and benzene-bis(iminothiolato) (BIT) organic ligands, respectively and a family of first row transition metals (TM = Fe, Co, and Ni), to find their catalytic activity towards HER. Using the Gibbs free energy for the adsorption of atomic hydrogen ( $\mathrm{\Delta G_{H^{*}}}$) as the key descriptor, we reached to the conclusion that Ni-bis(iminothiolato) MOF exhibit better catalytic activity towards HER over all other investigated 1D-MOFs.
miR-322 promotes the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocytes
Authors: Liu Kai , Peng Xiaoping , Luo Liang
Published: January 2023

Previous studies have depicted that miR-322 can regulate the function of various stem cells. However, its role and mechanism in the ability of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to differentiate into cardiomyocytes are still unknown. Celf1 can play vital roles in stem cell differentiation and may be a potential target of miR-322 in ESCs’ differentiation. An experiment was performed on mouse ESCs transfected with lentivirus-mediated miR-322 to study the function of miR-322. RT-PCR results indicated that miR-322 could increase NKX-2.5, MLC2V, and α-MHC mRNA expression, signifying that miR-322 might promote the differentiation of ESCs towards cardiomyocytes in vitro. Western blot and immunofluorescence results likewise confirmed this conclusion. In addition, the experiment found that the knockdown of miR-322 expression could inhibit ESCs’ differentiation towards cardiomyocytes in cultured ESCs in vitro. Western blot results presented that miR-322 could suppress celf1 protein expression. Furthermore, Western blot, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence results manifested that celf1 might inhibit ESCs’ differentiation towards cardiomyocytes in vitro. Overall, the results signified that miR-322 might promote ESCs’ differentiation towards cardiomyocytes by regulating celf1 expressions.
An investigation on space debris of unknown origin using proper elements and neural networks
Authors: Wu Di , Rosengren Aaron
Published: January 2023

Satellite proper elements are developed to analytically connect its quasi-constancy feature with long-term dynamics evolution. A large number of space debris with both known and unknown origins are investigated. Applying satellites proper elements, we get the space debris families representation for space debris from the same breakup event, wrapping each space debris' time series evolution into a single set of proper elements. A simple deep neural networks is introduced to answer the basic question of whether any two space debris are from the same family or not. This introduces flexible nonlinear criteria and replaces the threshold criteria in the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN). Space objects with unknown origins and their proper elements are investigated with this neural networks augmented DBSCAN. We further show the existence of debris families in those objects.
Mechanical behavior and particle crushing of irregular granular material under high pressure using discrete element method
Authors: Chen Qinglin , Li Zugui , Dai Zeyu , Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Chao , Zhang Xuepeng
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the influence of stress levels on the mechanical behavior and particle crushing of irregular granular materials. Granular materials with irregular sides were modelled using the discrete element method (DEM). A new method of using a shear fracture zone to characterize the deformation of irregular granular materials under high pressure was proposed. The crushing energy is analysed based on the first law of thermodynamics. The shear strength of irregular granular materials shows significantly nonlinear behavior due to particle crushing. The deformation behavior can be characterized with the help of particle rotation under low confining pressure, and can be characterized with the help of particle breakage under high confining pressure. Granular materials easily break into many single fine particles under high confining pressure. The breakage degree can be represented by the value of crushing energy. Irregular granular materials have a large breakage degree under high confining pressures. It weakens the stability of engineered structures constructed from granular materials.
IRAK2, an immune and radiation-response gene, correlates with advanced disease features but predicts high post-irradiation local control in resected oral cancer patients
Authors: Yu Chih-Chia , Lin Hon-Yi , Chan Michael W.Y. , Chiou Wen-Yen , Lee Moon-Sing , Chi Chen-Lin , Lin Ru-Inn , Hsu Feng-Chun , Chen Liang-Cheng , Chew Chia-Hui , Yang Hsuan-Ju , Hung Shih-Kai
Published: January 2023

Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment modality for managing resected oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. The present study conducted gene ontology to explore the functional biological analysis of IRAK2 and performed case analysis to define its clinical role in disease progression and mediating tumor response to RT. Transcriptome sequencing data from the OML1 oral cancer cell line was analyzed to explore IR-responding genes. For identified significant IR-responsive genes, gene ontology (GO) analysis was conducted for exploring their involved bio-logical processes. From Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2014, 172 OSCC patients who received radical surgery with (n = 93) and without (n = 79) postoperative RT were identified for clinical validation. Their OSCC formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded histological samples were examined retrospectively to define IRAK2 expression. After irradiation treatments, IRAK2 upregulation was identified obviously suggesting its role as a potential radiation biomarker. Moreover, GO enrichment analysis showed IRAK2 involved ten of 14 top enriched post-irradiation biological processes, focusing on stress response and immune modulation in vitro. Clinically, high IRAK2 expression was correlated with several adverse disease features, including pT3-4 status (P = 0.01), advanced overall stage (P = 0.02), and positive bone invasion (P = 0.01). In patients who underwent RT, the IRAK2-high group was associated with fewer post-irradiation local recurrence (multivariate HR, 0.243; 95% CI, 0.071–0.838; P = 0.025) than the IRAK2-low group. However, the local control benefit did not translate into patient survival. On the other hand, for patients with no RT, IRAK2 did not predict local control. IRAK2 plays a crucial role in the radiation-induced response. In summary, patients with high IRAK2 expression demonstrated more advanced disease features but predicted higher post-irradiation local control than those with low expression. These findings support IRAK2 as a potential predictive biomarker for RT response in OSCC patients. Further prospective clinical studies are encouraged.
Genetic characterization and molecular mapping of ear height on the basis of generation mean analysis and bulked segregant analysis in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Singh Tejinder , Singh Gagandeep , Garg Tosh , Kushwah Ashutosh , Sharma Priti , Kaur Navdeep
Published: January 2023

The genetic studies of ear height and its related traits were carried out by making crosses between two contrasting parents for ear height i.e, AKON40A (high ear placement) and LM23 (low ear placement) to generate F1 hybrids, which were selfed to produce F2 population and backcrossed with both parents to generate BC1.1 and BC1.2 generations. Generation mean analysis was performed on all six generations for a total of 12 morphological and phenological traits. The genetic components revealed the presence of additive gene action, additive × additive and additive × dominance gene interaction for ear height and plant height. Out of 284 SSR primer pairs, 146 primer pairs confirmed parental polymorphism, while nine primers were exhibited polymorphic in bulked segregant analysis (BSA). These nine primers were used for constructing linkage map in F2 population. Three linkage groups were formed in which LG1 spanned 26.9 cM on chromosome 3 while, LG2 and LG3 spanned 42.1 and 6.7 cM on chromosome 6 and 7, respectively. Gene governing the trait ear height was mapped on chromosome 6 between the SSR primers umc1979 and umc2317 having LOD value of ~ 3 and the phenotypic variance (R2) of 8.5. The prevalence of additive gene action for ear height suggested that recurrent selection can be utilized to improve source population for reducing ear placement by accumulating favourable alleles. Improved source population then can be utilized for inbred line development leading to maize hybrids having medium to low ear placement.
Phylogenetic relationship among species of Rubus (Rosaceae) from southern Western Ghats of India: Morphological data aligns with the combined dataset of plastic and nuclear markers
Authors: Narayanan Bhavadas , Thara Umesh B. , Ramanujan Rahul P.
Published: January 2023

The present study explores the taxonomic delineation of Rubus taxa within south Western Ghats of India. Most of the species are aligned in two major subgenera, Idaeobatus and Malachobatus but were lacking systematic botany. The external morphological study developed fine dichotomous key characters for the discrimination of Rubus under study, but it was inadequate for the closely allied species. Therefore, the delineation of the taxa was studied by using the alignment of molecular sequences from three barcode regions (matK, rbcL, and nrITS) and phylogenetic tree of plastid (matK + rbcL), nuclear (nrITS), and combined (plastid + nuclear) genome was constructed for taxa discrimination. Fifteen Rubus collections were comparatively analyzed for the phylogenetic analysis including the inter-specific distance of eleven taxa and the intra-specific distance of four species. It was observed that the nuclear ITS marker had much higher sequence variations compared to the other loci. Phylogenetic relationship within Rubus is well resolved in combined datasets than nuclear and plastid data separately and in this study, the analyzed samples included in both Idaeobatus and Malachobatus formed a polyphyletic clade in all datasets except plastid phylogeny. Wherein the plastid genome, subgenus Malachobatus have shown more conserved sequences than subgenus Idaeobatus. Whereas, subgenus Malachobatus had shown limited species resolution than Idaeobatus in all barcode markers because a group of species belonging to subgenus Malachobatus has shown inadequate genetic variations within species similar to its limited morphological variability. Hence we considered this group a complex species among southern Western Ghats Rubus and it is recommended further studies.
Exploring the Factors That Influence Social Harm Related to Youth Health in The Suburbs of Karaj, Iran: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mahmoodi Zohreh , Solimannejad Tahereh , Solimannejad Mohamad , Esmaelzadeh Sara , Niazi Mohsen
Published: January 2023

Background
Marginalization is a global and pervasive issue and the cause of many social problems. This study seeks to explain the causes and underlying factors of social harm related to youth health in the suburbs of Karaj, Iran.
Methods
This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis in 2020 in the suburbs of Karaj, Iran. The research population consisted of 16 young people living in the region and four experts in socials harm and health. Purposeful sampling was performed with maximum variation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually and according to participants’ experiences and were then analyzed in MAXQDA-20 software.
Results
The data analysis led to the extraction of four categories, eight subcategories, and 52 codes. The research categories included environmental factors, family factors, cultural factors, and physical and psychological factors aggravating social harm.
Conclusion
The results of this study showed the high prevalence of the severity of social harm in the marginalized suburbs of Karaj, which was caused by social instability, peer influence, child abandonment, family breakdown, cultural deprivation, and severe traditionalism, which have led to many health problems and personal breakdown for this marginalized population. Therefore, plans should be devised to solve the problems of marginalized adolescents and to empower them so as to reduce social harms and improve their health.
Uterine Leiomyosarcoma with a Novel RAB2A-PLAG1 Gene Fusion
Authors: Sham Sunder , Hosseini Hossein , Kokabee Mostafa , Bendari Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) constitutes 1% of all uterine malignancies and is the most common subtype of uterine sarcoma. In some cases, distinguishing ULMS from endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) can be challenging as they may display histological and immunohistochemical overlap. In such cases, molecular studies such as RNA sequencing to detect genetic rearrangements can help arrive at the definitive diagnosis. We report a unique case on ULMS with a novel RAB21-PLAG1gene fusion, which to our knowledge, is the first case reported in the English literature.
Case Presentation:
An 80-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a one-month history of pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding. Imaging was notable for a large necrotic uterine mass, a thickened endometrium, and uterine fibroids. A subsequent endometrial biopsy (EMB) revealed an unremarkable transformation zone epithelium. After 4 months, the patient presented with persistent symptoms. One solid mass within the endometrium was found on imaging. Endometrial curettage (EMC) revealed a malignant uterine mesenchymal neoplasm with histologic findings suggestive of ULMS and ESS. The patient underwent a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Immunohistochemical study performed on the resection specimen was inconclusive. RNA sequencing identified a novel RAB2A-PLAG1 gene fusion, and a diagnosis of ULMS was rendered.
Conclusion:
This is the first case of a ULMS with RAB2A-PLAG1 gene fusion. Pathologists should be cognizant of the extensive morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap between various uterine mesenchymal neoplasms. In challenging cases, molecular analysis is crucial in allowing the pathologist to arrive at the final diagnosis.
The role of HIF-1α in COVID-19 pathogenesis and its correlation with IL-6 and other inflammation parameters
Authors: Khalid Hawzhin , Asadi Soheila , Palani Ayad , Faraj Rahman Karim , Muhialdin Ali Jalak , Sardar Shwan , Najafi-Ghobadi Khadijeh
Published: January 2023

Inflammation has a crucial role in COVID-19 pathogenesis, and previous studies have proposed an important function of IL-6 during inflammation. On the other hand, IL-6 levels and inflammation might be associated with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Thus, due to the possible role of HIF-1α in inflammation and COVID-19 pathogenesis, we aimed to investigate the levels of HIF-1α and its correlation with inflammatory parameters (IL-6 and CRP) and D-dimer. In this case-control study, 84 patients (54 patients hospitalized in the ICU and 30 individuals as outpatient subjects) were included as the case group, and 50 healthy subjects were included as the control group. The levels of D-dimer, CRP, IL-6 (interleukin 6) and HIF-1α were assessed in all studied groups. The results of the present investigation showed that the levels of D-dimer, CRP and IL-6 were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals. On the other hand, the level of HIF-1α significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients. In addition, there was a significant correlation between IL-6 and CRP and D-dimer, while HIF-1α was indirectly correlated with IL-6, CRP and D-dimer. Ultimately, our data indicated that the levels of CRP, D-dimer, IL-6 and HIF-1α were significantly different between ICU patients and the outpatient group with healthy individuals. Based on the study results, inflammation plays a crucial role in COVID-19 pathogenesis, and low HIF-1α is a consequence of inflammation due to COVID-19 infection and might have a protective role in COVID-19.
Zwischen Systematik und Pragmatik: Bemerkungen zur Dokumentation von Militärdiplomen am Beispiel einiger neuerer Fragmente aus Straubing
Authors: Hainzmann Manfred , Wiegels Rainer
Published: January 2023

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The plant offerings from the necropolis of Medma between the 5th and 4th centuries B.C.: the archaeobotany and the Magna Graecia funerary cults
Authors: Francesconi Alessandra
Published: January 2023

The grave offerings and the traces of ritual actions should prove a valuable source for speculation about views on death in antiquity. In the Classical necropolis of Medma the main features of grave’s goods reflect socio-religious believes about death and after death not completely explained yet. In this research suggestions could derive from the analysis of the vegetal charred offers discovered in some burials; they’re figs, olive stones, grapes, almond and, pheraphs, nuts laid inside the tombs, in most cases primary cremations, or in isolated cases above them. Their presence also in religious contexts like sanctuaries suggests ritual and votive actions more than luxury demonstrating, conclusion drawn from the analysis of the terracotta offers too. In Greek tradition the fruits considered are related to the meanings of civilisation, prosperity, wealth and nature renovation and for this holy to nether deities associated to burial rituals.
Experimental determination of quartz solubility in H2O-CaCl2 solutions at 600–900 °C and 0.6–1.4 GPa
Authors: Makhluf Adam R. , Newton Robert C. , Manning Craig E.
Published: January 2023

Fluid-mediated calcium metasomatism is often associated with strong silica mobility and the presence of chlorides in solution. To help quantify mass transfer at lower crustal and upper mantle conditions, we measured quartz solubility in H2O-CaCl2 solutions at 0.6–1.4 GPa, 600–900 °C, and salt concentrations to 50 mol%. Solubility was determined by weight loss of single-crystals using hydrothermal piston-cylinder methods. All experiments were conducted at salinity lower than salt saturation. Quartz solubility declines exponentially with added CaCl2 at all conditions investigated, with no evidence for complexing between silica and Ca. The decline in solubility is similar to that in H2O-CO2 but substantially greater than that in H2O-NaCl at the same pressure and temperature. At each temperature, quartz solubility at low salinity (XCaCl2 < 0.1) depends strongly on pressure, whereas at higher XCaCl2 it is nearly pressure independent. This behavior is consistent with a transition from an aqueous solvent to a molten salt near XCaCl2 ~0.1. The solubility data were used to develop a thermodynamic model of H2O-CaCl2 fluids. Assuming ideal molten-salt behavior and utilizing previous models for polymerization of hydrous silica, we derived values for the activity of H2O (aH2O), and for the CaCl2 dissociation factor (α), which may vary from 0 (fully associated) to 2 (fully dissociated). The model accurately reproduces our data along with those of previous work and implies that, at conditions of this study, CaCl2 is largely associated (<0.2) at H2O density <0.85 g/cm3. Dissociation rises isothermally with increasing density, reaching ~1.4 at 600 °C, 1.4 GPa. The variation in silica molality with aH2O in H2O-CaCl2 is nearly identical to that in H2O-CO2 solutions at 800 °C and 1.0 GPa, consistent with the absence of Ca-silicate complexing. The results suggest that the ionization state of the salt solution is an important determinant of aH2O, and that H2O-CaCl2 fluids exhibit nearly ideal molecular mixing over a wider range of conditions than implied by previous modeling. The new data help interpret natural examples of large-scale Ca-metasomatism in a wide range of lower crustal and upper mantle settings.
Origin of clinopyroxene-ilmenite symplectites in mafic granulites from eastern parts of the Chotanagpur granite gneissic complex, East Indian shield
Authors: Chatterjee Somdipta , Karmakar Shreya , Mukherjee Subham , Sanyal Sanjoy , Sengupta Pulak
Published: January 2023

In this manuscript, we report a rare occurrence of rod-like intergrowths of clinopyroxene-ilmenite that variably replace titanite in a suite of high-pressure mafic granulites from the Chotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex, Eastern Indian Shield. Garnet proximal to the clinopyroxene-ilmenite intergrowth is invariably replaced with symplectic clinopyroxene-plagioclase or a rind of plagioclase. Textural modeling of the reaction textures and mineral compositions suggests that the garnet-titanite became unstable and the ilmenite-clinopyroxene preferentially develop after titanite. The presence and texture of halogen rich apatites within the ilmenite-clinopyroxene symplectite are consistent with a fluid mediated process. Thermodynamic modeling in the NCFMAST (+H2O) system, demonstrates that the clinopyroxene-ilmenite symplectite was formed along a steeply decompressive retrograde P-T path (from ~13 to ~7 kbar, at ~800 °C), in the presence of partial melts. The study demonstrates that relative to Fe, Mg, and Ca, Ti was less mobile and that the mobility of Ti was restricted within the confines of titanite being replaced by the clinopyroxene-ilmenite symplectite. This study implies that besides the ligand activity, the fluid/rock ratio exerts a strong control on the length scale of Ti transport in natural rocks.
Генезис эгалитарных обществ («соприсяжных братств», «псухо») в Западной Черкесии в XVIII — первой трети XIX в.: факторы развития, вопросы типологии
Authors: KHOTKO Samir
Published: January 2023

На протяжении второй половины XVIII в. и первой трети XIX в. в ряде западных областей Черкесии был осуществлен переход от многовековой традиции иерархического управления к обществу полисного типа. Процесс ускоренной эмансипации, организованный представителями верхнего слоя тфокотлей (лично независимых крестьян), позволил стать полноправными членами самоуправляющихся обществ (политий) массе зависимых крестьян и переселенцам из других черкесских территорий, на которых сохранялась власть князей. Базовым фактором развития социальных процессов, направленных на эмансипацию зависимых групп населения, признается укромность ландшафта. Наиболее известные примеры связаны с горными территориями. Кардинальная социально-политическая трансформация у черкесов произошла под влиянием ряда фундаментальных факторов: 1) демографический рост горских обществ, обеспеченный естественным приростом на основе прогресса в сельском хозяйстве, отсутствием разорительных вторжений и катастрофических эпидемий на протяжении XVII–XVIII вв., переселением крестьянских семейств из равнинных княжеств; 2) широким распространением огнестрельного оружия, начиная со второй трети XVII в.; 3) распространением в этих условиях исламской эгалитаристской идеологии. Преобразования и новые правила общественной жизни и морали носили у черкесов преимущественно неконфликтный, консенсусный характер. Отличие черкесских горизонтально структурированных обществ от классического полиса состояло в том, что здесь была внедрена раздвоенная лояльность: не только своей территориально организованной общине («псухо» ), но и квази-родственному объединению — так называемому «соприсяжному братству». Члены такого братства, базовый уровень которого действительно был связан с разросшимися семьями, объединялись на основе принесения клятвы, считали себя родственной группой. Она предоставляла защиту (военную и юридическую) не только крестьянам, но и присоединившимся дворянским фамилиям. Представители дворянских родов отныне действовали на равных со старшинами тфокотлей. Таким образом, Натхокуадж, Шапсугия и Абадзехия состояли из полисоподобных территорий-псухо, которые управлялись народными собраниями и избираемыми судьями, и сами делегировали депутатов на «племенные» собрания. Параллельная структура была основана на экстерриториальной связи и взаимной лояльности «соприсяжных братств». Эти пересекающиеся и наслаивающиеся друг на друга сети доверия создали исключительно дисциплинированное, сознательное и безопасное общество, стремительно изживавшее такие укорененные негативные явления, как разбой, кровная месть, преступления против личности, работорговля.
pH-Responsive, Hemocompatible, and Non-Toxic Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogel from Seeds of Salvia spinosa L. for Sustained Release of Febuxostat
Authors: Ali Arshad , Hussain Muhammad , Haseeb Muhammad , Ashraf Muhammad , Farid-ul-Haq Muhammad , Tabassum Tahira , Muhammad Gulzar , Abbas Azhar
Published: January 2023

Herein, a polysaccharide-based hydrogel from seeds of Salvia spinosa (SSH) was evaluated as a pH-responsive, superporous, hemocompatible, non-toxic, and sustained release material. The SSH-based tablets showed pH-dependent swelling (pH 7.4 > 6.8 > 4.5 > 1.2) as well as swelling and de-swelling behavior at pH 7.4 and 1.2, respectively. Sustained release of febuxostat was achieved by mimicking the gastrointestinal tract conditions for 14 h and following the zero-order kinetics and super case-II transport mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the porous nature of SSH even after compression. SSH was found to be hemocompatible with antioxidant properties. Acute toxicity studies ensured the safety of SSH at a maximum dose level of 2.0 g kg-1 body weight of the animals. SSH was also found as non-irritant to the eye. The histopathology of vital organs did not show any lesions or inflammation. Conclusively, SSH can be considered a safe ingredient for oral, dermal, and ophthalmic formulations.
QUALIPSI - CURSO PREPARATÓRIO PARA O MESTRADO EM PSICOLOGIA DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE MATO GROSSO
Authors: Masaro Rita Eliana , Lebre Dias Tatiane , Silva Emerson José da , Pellizari Kelly , Fiorini Juan Ferreira
Published: January 2023

Trata-se de um relato de experiência acerca do curso QualiPsi, que foi criado e, também, realizado por professores, alunos da pós-graduação e técnicos administrativos em educação e oferecido na modalidade presencial. O público-alvo foram os graduados e graduandos do último ano do ensino superior em psicologia e áreas afins, abrangendo a comunidade interna e externa da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT). Compreender a vida acadêmica na pós-graduação e o processo de elaboração da pesquisa científica foi um diferencial metodológico que se utilizou para exposição de temas, vídeos exclusivos criados para o curso, leituras e exercícios práticos. O curso QualiPsi atingiu seu objetivo maior e preparou os candidatos e as candidatas para o ingresso no curso de Pós-graduação em Psicologia stricto sensu (mestrado) da UFMT, no campus Cuiabá-MT perfazendo 13 inscritos e 7 aprovados no processo seletivo do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia da UFMT, em 2020.
RODAS DE LEITURAS NORDESTINAS: O DESAFIO DO LETRAMENTO LITERÁRIO EXTRAESCOLAR
Authors: De Pinho Cavalcanti Larissa , Ferraz Alves Lidianne , Pereira Mourato Maria Elaine , Gomes da Silva Mirian Shirley
Published: January 2023

O artigo discute a partir da organização de Rodas de Leituras Nordestinas o papel das atividades de extensão em parcerias com instituições culturais. Para isso, discorreremos sobre a função social do museu (MARZIALE, 2021; SANTOS, 2012) e da extensão universitária (UFRPE), apresentamos a proposta das Rodas de Leituras como práticas de letramento literário (FREIRE, 2015; COSSON, 2006, 2014, 2020) e discutimos os saberes articulados a partir de sua realização. As Rodas de Leitura abriram caminhos para vivenciar a literatura nordestina em seus diferentes gêneros e temporalidades alcançando um público de idades e contextos variados. Ademais, a experiência nos mostrou o apagamento das raízes locais de grandes autores da literatura brasileira e a necessidade de aproximá-los do público leitor amplo.
USINA ESCOLA, FORMAÇÃO DE COMPETÊNCIAS DE TECNOLOGIAS SOLARES: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA DE UM PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO DE ENERGIA RENOVÁVEL EM TEMPO DE PANDEMIA
Authors: SILVA DO LAGO TAYNARA GEYSA , SENA FERREIRA MARIA JULIA , COELHO VIEIRA LARISSA , ALVES DOS SANTOS TRINDADE LUCCA
Published: January 2023

O presente manuscrito relata a experiência dos discentes do Centro de Energias Alternativas e Renováveis da Universidade Federal da Paraíba que atuaram no Projeto de Extensão intitulado “Usina Escola: Formação de Competências de Tecnologias solares” em Tempo de Pandemia. O Projeto teve como principal objetivo transmitir conhecimento sobre tecnologias solares aos alunos das escolas públicas e do curso de Engenharia de Energias Renováveis. Duas ações foram tomadas: a criação de redes sociais para partilha de conhecimentos com as escolas, universidade e a sociedade, de forma remota e oficinas práticas de forma presencial. O projeto alcançou bons resultados finais no que se refere à produção de materiais didáticos e, principalmente na disseminação de conhecimentos para os estudantes, o que contribuiu para uma grande aceitação e interesse do público alvo por energia renovável e, acima de tudo pelas tecnologias solares.
The Residual Structure of Unfolded Proteins was Elucidated from the
Standard Deviation of NMR Intensity Differences
Authors: Nishimura Chiaki , Mizuno Fuko , Aoki Saeko , Matsugami Akimasa , Hayashi Fumiaki
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Sensitive methods are necessary to identify the residual structure in an
unfolded protein, which may be similar to the functionally native structure. Signal intensity in NMR
experiments is useful for analyzing the line width for a dynamic structure; however, another
contribution is contained.

Methods:

Here, the signal-intensity difference along the sequence was used for probability to
calculate the standard deviation.

Results:

The relative values of the standard deviations were 0.57, 0.57, and 0.66 for alpha-synuclein
wild-type, A53T, and A30P, respectively. This revealed that the flexible region was mainly in the Cterminal
region of alpha-synuclein at higher temperatures as observed by the amide-proton exchange
studies.

Conclusion:

In particular, the flexible structure was induced by the A30P mutation.
Amyloids and Amyloid-like Protein Aggregates in Foods: Challenges and
New Perspectives
Authors: Malik Shweta , Yadav Jay Kant
Published: January 2023

Protein misfolding and amyloid formations are associated with many neurodegenerative and
systemic diseases. The discovery of Alzheimer’s disease and its association with the accumulation of
Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the plaques uncovered the pleiotropic nature of peptides/ proteins. As of
today, more than 50 proteins/ peptides are reported to form amyloids or amyloid-like protein aggregates
under different conditions, establishing that amyloid formation could be a generic property of many
proteins. In principle, under certain conditions, all the proteins have this property to form amyloid-like
aggregates, which can be toxic or non-toxic. The extensive research in this direction led to an understanding
of the ubiquitous nature of amyloids. Mounting evidences suggest that processed foods, particularly
protein-rich foods, could be a plethora of amyloids or amyloid-like protein aggregates. Many
are reported to be toxic, and their consumption raises health concerns. The assimilation of dietary proteins
in the human body largely depends upon their conformational states and the digestive integrity of
the gastrointestinal system. Amyloids or amyloid-like protein aggregates are usually protease resistant,
and their presence in foods is likely to reduce nutritional value. Several biochemical and biophysical
factors, commonly evident in various food processing industries, such as high temperature, the addition
of acid, etc., are likely to induce the formation of protease-resistant protein aggregates. Aging significantly
alters gastrointestinal health, predisposing aged individuals to be more susceptible to protein
aggregation-related diseases. Consumption of foods containing such protein aggregates will lead to a
poor supply of essential amino acids and might exaggerate the amyloid-related disease etiology.

:

On the other hand, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role during pathological events leading to the
development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The activity of gastrointestinal proteases, pH
change, gut microbiome, and intestinal epithelium integrity would largely determine the outcome of
consuming foods loaded with such protein aggregates. The current review outlines the recent development
in this area and a new perspective for designing safe protein-rich diets for healthy nutrition.