bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTRODUCTION OF RICE CHITINASE GENE IN POTATO BY AGROBACTERIUM-MEDIATED TRANSFORMATION
Authors: Hussain Iqra
Published: March 2022

Potato is an important food crop of the world. Different viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens cause heavy economic losses of this crop every year. Potato has complex genetic makeup due to which induction of disease resistance through conventional breeding is difficult. Genetic manipulation through different transformation techniques is more precise and successful tool. In the present study different factors were investigated, which have an influence on potato transformation. The optimal dose of cefotaxime was found 500 mg/l which did not affected the growth of the potato tissues. The explants treated with Agrobacterium in the presence of acetosyringone resulted in higher frequency of transformation as compared to the explant without it. Two minutes time for co infection was found appropriate for optimum transformation efficiency. The two days cocultivation period along with 7 days preselection was found suitable for potato transformation. The putative tranformants regenerated on MS medium supplemented with 20 mg/L hygromycine and 500 mg/L cefotaxime, from nodal explants while the non-transformed tissue turned brown and gradually died after two or three sub culturing on the selection media containing selective antibiotic hygromycin. The shoots obtained on selection media shifted on root induction media supplemented with similar concentrations of hygromycin and cefotaxime, resulted complete plantlet formation after 10 days. It was observed that all the hygromycin positive plants also exhibited positive bands of desired size of 823 bp for chitinase gene, suggesting cotransformation of both genes in transformed plants
RICE GROWTH AND NITROGEN UPTAKE SIMULATION BY USING ORYZA (V3) MODEL CONSIDERING VARIABILITY IN PARAMETERS
Authors: Hameed Fazli
Published: March 2022

ORYZA (v3) model was assessed by four water and nitrogen treatments for variability and uncertainty analysis in rice biomass accumulation and nitrogen assimilation simulation. It was accurate in simulating rice biomass accumulation and nitrogen assimilation with treatment specific parameters and performed relatively better under flooded irrigation with limited nitrogen conditions (FS). Variability in treatment specific calibrated parameters was low and fell within an acceptable range, with highest CV of 11.08% for stem biomass and 18.5% for leaf nitrogen content. Weakness in ORYZA (v3) was exposed when simulated by parameters from other treatments. Cross-validation errors for panicle biomass (WSO), total above-ground biomass (WAGT), amount of nitrogen in leaf (ANLV) or panicle (ANSO) were acceptable. However, WAGT accumulation for FS was identified better than others. For WSO, among all parameters datasets, it performed better for parameters of flooded irrigation with full nitrogen (FF) and FS. Similarly, FS parameter was superior to others in simulating ANLV, whereas, under limited water and nitrogen (NFS) was better for ANSO. The uncertainty index, standard deviation and range varied similarly in different treatments where FS treatment showed lower uncertainty as compared to others. Findings of the current study suggested that ORYZA (v3) model can efficiently be adapted under varying water and nitrogen limited conditions.
Perturbative-Integro-Differential Solution for the Nonlinear Hydraulic Diffusivity Equation for Infinite-Acting-Oil Flow in a Permeability-Pressure-Sensitive Reservoir
Authors: Fernandes Fernando Bastos
Published: March 2022

The nonlinear hydraulic diffusivity equation (NHDE) models the isothermal single-phase Darcian flow through porous media considering the variation in the properties of the rock and the fluid present inside its pores. Typically, the dimensionless solution of the linear hydraulic diffusivity equation (LHDE) pD⁢(rD,tD) for constant permeability oil flow in porous media is computed through Laplace and Fourier transform or Boltzmann transformation. For these cases, the dimensionless general solution in cylindrical coordinates is expressed by the transcendental function exponential integral Ei(rD,tD).

This work develops analytically a new coupled perturbative-integro-differential model to solve the NHDE for oil flow in a permeability-pressure-sensitive reservoir with source. The general solution is computed combining a first-order asymptotic series expansion, Green’s functions (GF), and a Volterra’s second kind integro-differential formulation. A set of pore pressure and permeability values for two sandstones samples in an offshore reservoir from Brazil is obtained experimentally using the geomechanical elastic parameters (e.g., the Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio in addition to a uniaxial cell). These data are used as input in the computational code to run the analytical model and evaluate the reservoir permeability change. After these data input, the model runs and it allows to compute the instantaneous reservoir permeability values over the well-reservoir life cycle. The model calibration is performed by comparing the developed solution with a numerical porous media oil flow simulator named IMEX®, widely used in reservoir engineering and well-testing field operations and scientific works. The general solution of the NHDE mD(rD,tD) is computed by the sum of the linear solution pD(rD,tD) (constant permeability) and the first-order term of the asymptotic series expansion mD(1)(rD,tD), composed of the nonlinearity present in solution caused by the reservoir permeability variation. The results have shown that the developed solution is accurate, when compared to the numerical simulator, providing to be an attractive mathematical tool to help the well-reservoir management due to its low computational costs, when compared to the numerical simulators acquisition costs.
A Novel Foam Flooding for Enhanced Oil Recovery in Fractured Low-Permeability Reservoirs: Performance Evaluation and Mechanism Study
Authors: Li Xu , Chen Xin , Xu Zhenhua , Pu Chunsheng
Published: March 2022

Foam flooding is an effective enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology and has been widely applied in conventional reservoirs. However, its application in fractured low-permeability reservoirs is rarely reported. Hence, this study has conducted a series of laboratory experiments to investigate the application potential of foam flooding and clarify its EOR mechanism in fractured low-permeability reservoirs. Based on reservoir conditions, our laboratory has developed a novel foam system consisting of nano-SiO2 particles, water-soluble thixotropic polymer (WTP), and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). With the aid of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology, it was found that the foam flooding can significantly enhance the oil recovery in fractured low-permeability cores. The injected novel foams can plug the cracks in core samples and improve the imbibition in nanopores. As a result, more oil would be displaced from the nanopores and micropores. In addition, the foaming agent in the bulk solution can moderately reduce the oil-water interfacial tension (IFT) and alter the wettability of rock surface, improving the flowability of oil and the imbibition effect. Most importantly, the field tests in Ordos Basin have proved a promising EOR potential and appreciable financial rewards of the SDBS/nano-SiO2/WTP foam system applied in fractured low-permeability reservoirs.
Mucosal Injection as treatment for rectal prolapse in children with corrected anorectal malformation
Authors: Murphy Frederike , Märzheuser Stefanie
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore anal mucosal injection of bulking agents as treatment for rectal prolapse in patients with corrected anorectal malformations. To our knowledge, no prior research has been published on this matter.Despite rectal prolapse being a common occurrence, treatment is poorly standardized due to a small number of cases and the pathogenesis of rectal prolapse differing from that in healthy populations, often rendering usual treatments unsuccessful. Materials and MethodsWe used bulking agents usually used in endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (Deflux, Vantris) to treat rectal prolapse in children with corrected anorectal malformations. We retrospectively analyzed pre- and intraoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes. Patients were recruited from our consultancy for patients with anorectal malformations.Results16 children were included. Average operating time was 31 minutes.No intraoperative complications were recorded. Two patients showed minor bleeding, which ceased without further surgical interventions. Three patients developed local erythema/infection, which improved under a short course of antibiotics. Follow up ranged between 6 weeks and 76 months. One patient showed partial recurrence. No further complications were recorded.ConclusionsMucosal injection of bulking agents is a safe, minimally invasive and feasible treatment for rectal prolapse in this patient collective. In the absence of major complications, surgery time and length of hospital stay proved to be short. Further studies with larger samples, long-term follow up and direct comparison with alternative treatments should be conducted to explore this opportunity further and optimize treatment.
Efficient in vitro and in vivo self-repression of SpCas9 gene using a molecular Hara-Kiri method.
Authors: Iyombe-Engembe Jean-Paul , Duchene Benjamin , Rousseau Joel , Ouellet Dominique , Cherif Khadija , Guyon Antoine , Tremblay Jacques P.
Published: March 2022

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is currently a major revolution in the field of biology. Because of its simplicity compared to other endonucleases, this system is being experimented in diverse fields. However, a major disadvantage is the toxicity linked to sustained Cas9 expression. In the present study, we present an approach to effectively suppress the expression of the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) gene. This approach that we call the molecular Hara-Kiri method, involves two sgRNAs targeting two sequences in the SpCas9 gene. The SpCas9 enzyme binds to the Protospacer Adjacent Motifs following the two sequences targeted by the sgRNAs and induces two Double Strand Breaks (DSBs) in its own gene (Hara-Kiri). The sequence located between the DSBs is then deleted. Most of the time, the SpCas9 gene is repaired by Non-Homologous End Joining without INDELs. By adequately selecting the targeted sequences, the junction of the SpCas9 gene residues generates a TAA type stop codon within this truncated gene to effectively suppress its expression. This results in dramatic decrease of the SpCas9 protein in vitro and in vivo.
Forest heterogeneity outweighs movement costs by enhancing hunting success and fitness in spotted owls
Authors: Zulla Ceeanna J , Jones Gavin M. , Kramer H. Anu , Keane John J. , Roberts Kevin N. , Dotters Brian P. , Sawyer Sarah C. , Whitmore Sheila A. , Berigan William J. , Kelly Kevin G. , Gutiérrez R. J. , Peery M. Zachariah
Published: March 2022

ContextThe concepts of habitat fragmentation and heterogeneity are central to the conservation of biodiversity; yet understanding when landscapes transition from heterogenous to fragmented can challenge conservation in practice. Complex and sometimes difficult-to-measure responses of species, and ultimately biological communities, to habitat heterogeneity and fragmentation may reflect the outcome of life-history trade-offs shaped by different landscape properties. ObjectivesHere, we tested the hypothesis that a mosaic of forest stands improved hunting and breeding success for California spotted owls (Strix occidentailis occidentalis). MethodsWe integrated high-temporal-resolution GPS tags, video monitoring of nests sites, long-term assessments of reproductive status, and high-resolution remotely-sensed vegetation data in a mixed-ownership landscape in the Sierra Nevada, California. ResultsSpotted owls made shorter nocturnal movements when medium forest was prevalent in their territory. However, spotted owls delivered prey at a higher rate to nests sites when they had more forest edge in their territory, which presumably provided greater access to large-bodied woodrat prey. Further, spotted owl reproductive output was relatively high in territories that contained a mix of mature and open forest. ConclusionsThus, the benefits heterogenous forests provide to hunting success appear to outweigh costs associated with additional commuting to foraging sites and provide emergent fitness benefits to spotted owls. We suggest that the line between habitat heterogeneity and fragmentation can be a complex one that varies not only among, but within, species. Further, understanding the effects of heterogeneity and fragmentation on biological communities will require more empirical and mechanistic studies of individual species.
The Impact of 2009 Versus 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) GFR Estimating Equations on CKD Prevalence in Asians
Authors: Betzler Bjorn , Sultana Rehena , Feng He , Tham Yih Chung , Lim Cynthia Ciwei , Wang Ya Xing , Nangia Vinay , Tai E Shyong , Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Bikbov Mukharram M , Jonas Jost B , Kang Se Woong , Park Kyu Hyung , Cheng Ching-Yu , Sabanayagam Charumathi
Published: March 2022

Background: In 2021, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) validated a new equation for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) without race as an explanatory variable. Because the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Asians is known to differ from other ethnicities, this manuscript compares prevalence of CKD in multiple Asian cohorts using the 2009 and 2021 creatinine-based eGFR equations.Methods: Eight population-based studies from China, India, Russia (Asian), Singapore and South Korea provided individual-level data (n=67,233). CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73m2 (G3-G5). GFR was estimated using both the 2009 CKD-EPI equation developed using creatinine, age, sex, and race (eGFRcr [2009, ASR]) and the 2021 CKD-EPI equation developed without race (eGFRcr [2021, AS]). Prevalence of eGFR categories was compared within each study and within subgroups of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and hypertension status. The extent of reclassification was examined using net reclassification improvement (NRI). Results: Of 67,233 adults, CKD prevalence was 8.6% (n=5800/67,233) using eGFRcr (2009, ASR) and 6.4% (n=4307/67,233) using eGFRcr (2021, AS). Within individual studies, all 8 studies saw a reduction in CKD prevalence, ranging from -7.0% (95% CI -8.5% to -5.4%) to -0.4% (-1.3% to 0.5%). A reduction in CKD prevalence when using eGFRcr (2021, AS) was observed in all subgroups, except those in the BMI < 18.5% subgroup. Net reclassification index (NRI) was significant at -2.33% (p<0.001). No individuals were reclassified as a higher (more severe) eGFR category, while 1.7-4.2% of individuals with CKD were reclassified as one eGFR category lower when eGFRcr (2021, AS) rather than eGFRcr (2009, ASR) was used.Conclusions: eGFRcr (2021, AS) consistently provided reduced CKD prevalence and GFR estimates among Asian cohorts than eGFRcr (2009, ASR). Comparison of both equations to predict progression to renal failure or adverse outcomes using prospective studies are warranted for accurate validation within Asian populations.
Medical Travel For Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review Of The Literature
Authors: Weinberg Fabienne Ingrid , Wagstaff Duncan , Moonesinghe Ramani , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia
Published: March 2022

Background: Thousands of patients travel each year to access surgical procedures in other locations but there is limited evidence on the types of procedures they seek, the coordination of care across countries, the role played by their companion-caregivers and the presence of complications. Aim: The current review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence on medical travel for surgical procedures.Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles was conducted by searching the databases PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest Central and CINAHL for papers on medical travel for surgeries. Data were extracted through a form developed in REDCap. The MMAT was used to assess the quality of the studies. We followed PRISMA. Results: The review included a total of 58 articles. Patients travelled with their caregiver-companions to gain access to surgical procedures. Pre-assessments in the destination countries were limited. Access to follow-up care was challenging, threatening the continuity of care. There was limited information exchange between sending and destination countries. Significant health risks for patients were identified in the form of postoperative complications.Conclusion: Future research needs to explore the full pathway of care of patients and their caregiver-companions traveling to access surgical procedures. Protocol registration: CRD: 42018114495
Spatial dynamics of urbanization and refugees’ settlements: Case study evidence using mixed method
Authors: Islam Md Tariqul , Charlesworth Mark , Rabbi Atta , Sikder Sujit Kumar
Published: March 2022

Urbanization needs to conceptualize beyond the city boundaries by exploring complex and interconnected interdependencies in regional key driving factors that can have tele-coupling effects during sudden shocks. Massive refugee settlement has a robust inter-linkage to the spatial and socio-ecological dynamics in local, regional contexts in both global south and North Countries. This study aims to explore the spatial dimension of urbanization in a regional transition context focusing on the newly built refugee settlement in the south-eastern coastal area of Bangladesh. For locational proximity and comparatively easy escape from Myanmar after domestic conflicts, over one million Rohingya have settled in the rural/forest area in Cox’s Bazar. Analysis of openly available global data products from historical built-up expansion from 1975 to 2021 suggests that refugee settlements impact spatial development intensity and population density dimensions, which have a transition (rural-to-urban) of a greater regional scale than local urbanization. Although our results from the expert-based key informant interviews have a broad agreement with the quantitative findings; however, the environmental, socio-economic, and cultural impacts are more local than findings from the geospatial analysis. Therefore, the local development policies need an urgent adjustment to comply with the local and regional balances in the above factors, along with international development actors may also need attentive measures in the policy formulation. Further investigations in scenario-based urbanization dynamics are required to avoid an urban desert initiated in the absence or relocation of refugee settlement. Similar kinds of studies may also be replicated even in prosperous global north countries in order to conceptualize the spatial transformative process of rapid migration influx on urbanization with innovative open data in the absence of up-to-date official datasets and adoptions of mixed approaches including related actors and policymakers.
Clinical significance of p53 protein expression and TP53 mutation status in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kim Kyoung Min , Ahn Ae-Ri , Park Ho Sung , Jang Kyu Yun , Moon Woo Sung , Kang Myoung Jae , Ha Gi Won , Lee Min Ro , Chung Myoung Ja
Published: March 2022

In human colorectal cancer (CRC), TP53 is one of the most important driver genes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been used most often to assess the mutational status of TP53. Recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the TP53 gene has increased. However, to our knowledge, a comparison between TP53 status evaluated by IHC and NGS has not been studied. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to compare the clinical effect of TP53 status evaluated by IHC and NGS in patients with CRC. The secondary aim was to investigate the correlation between expression of p53 by IHC and mutational status of TP53 by NGS. We performed immunohistochemical staining of p53 and sequencing of TP53 by NGS in 204 human samples of CRC. We then analyzed the correlation between mutational status of TP53 and p53 expression, along with their prognostic impact in CRC patients. There was significant correlation between p53 expression and TP53 mutation (P < 0.001), TP53 mutation and higher N stage (P = 0.024), and positive p53 expression and higher N stage (P = 0.003). Positive p53 expression (P = 0.018) was significantly associated with overall survival (OS) of CRC patients by univariate analysis and was revealed as an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. Additionally, the nonsense/frameshift (p53 proportion, 0%) p53 expression pattern showed a significantly better prognosis than the wild type and missense p53 expression patterns. However, the mutational status of TP53 was not significant in OS of CRC patients. These results suggest that IHC expression of p53 protein correlates with mutation status of TP53 and expression of p53 protein rather than mutation status of TP53 has more significant impact on the OS of CRC patients.
Cervicovaginal microflora isolated from healthy women exhibited probiotic properties and antimicrobial activity against pathogens isolated from cervical cancer patients
Authors: Kamble Ashwini , Naik Shilpa , Talathi Manju , Jadhav Deepali , Pingale Samradni , Kaul-Ghanekar Ruchika
Published: March 2022

Abnormal cervicovaginal microflora plays an important role in HPV persistence and progression to cervical cancer. The present study aimed at isolating and identifying probiotics from vaginal swabs of healthy women and evaluating their activity against vaginal pathogens isolated from cervical cancer patients. Based on probiotic, acid-bile tolerance and antimicrobial properties, 13 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the healthy group were identified by MALDI TOF MS. Among these, four strains, Lactobacillus gasseri P36Mops, Limosilactobacillus fermentum P37Mws, Lactobacillus delbrueckii P31Mcs and Enterococcus faecium P26Mcm, exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against 8 vaginal pathogens (Staphylococcus haemolyticus P41Tcs, Escherichia coli P30Tcs, E. coli P79Bcm, Enterococus faecalis P29Mops, E. faecalis P50Tws, E. faecalis P68Tcb, S. haemolyticus P48Bcb and S. haemolyticus P58Bcb) isolated from precancerous and cervical cancer patients. 16S rRNA sequencing of four potential probiotics revealed congruency with the MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionisation, Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry) identification and phylogenetic analysis showed genetic relationship with previously reported LAB strains. The selected LAB showed strain specific hydrophobicity (35.88-56.70%), auto-aggregation (35.26-61.39%) and antibiotic susceptibility. Interestingly, L. gasseri P36Mops was resistant to five standard antibiotics routinely used against urogenital or vaginal infections. LCMS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) analyses of the CFS (cell-free supernatant) of the four probiotics revealed presence of metabolites such as N-(1-deoxy-1-fructosyl)valine, hygroline, acetoxy-2-hydroxy-16-heptadecen-4-one, avocadyne 4-acetate, avocadyne 2-acetate, taraxinic acid glucosyl ester, 6-hydroxypentadecanedioic acid, with reported antimicrobial activity. The overall data suggests the bio-therapeutic potential of the identified vaginal probiotics against cervical cancer associated pathogens.
Value of Indocyanine Green Tracing Combined with Ex-Vitro Anatomical Sorting of Lymph Nodes in Clinical Prognosis of Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Li Jieming , Liu Dongning , Jiang Qunguang
Published: March 2022

Objective: In order to increase the detection rate of lymph nodes (LNs) in radical gastrostomy, we applied indocyanine green (ICG) tracing and Ex vitro anatomical sorting to LNs dissection, and explored the guiding role of LNs number detected in the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC). Methods: The clinical data of 88 GC patients who underwent D2 radical gastrostomy were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into ICG group and non-ICG group according to ICG usage and LN sorting method. Total LN number, positive LN number, clinical treatment, tumor marker, and patients’ prognosis between two groups were compared. Furthermore, we discussed the correlation between total LN and positive LN, and evaluated the role of ICG tracing in their detection. Results: Total LNs number, total positive LNs number, and LNs number in different LN sub stations detected in ICG group were higher. Furthermore, positive LNs number was positively correlated with total LNs number. In the evaluation of ICG tracing effect on LNs, it was found that fluorescent labeled LNs accounted for nearly 62% of total LNs and about 74% of positive LNs. In terms of clinical prognosis, the levels of CEA, CA199, CA242, and CA724 in ICG group were better controlled. Besides, GC patients’ in ICG group were not prone to relapse and metastasize, and their long-term survival rate were better. Conclusion: ICG tracing combined with Ex vitro anatomical sorting can significantly improve the detection rate of total LNs and positive LNs, which has a positive impact on patients’ long-term prognosis.
From Microscopic To Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Single Institution’s Learning Curve In Pituitary Tumor Treatment
Authors: Aman Renindra Ananda , Perkasa Sayyid Abdil Hakam , Sitorus Risayogi Wicaksana , Anindya Yodie , Wicaksana Bima Andyan , Kurniawan Ramadhan
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Transsphenoidal surgery with an operative microscope was a standard procedure for pituitary adenomas resection in our institution. Still, since the end of 2020, we have shifted the protocol to endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. This paper presented our learning curve in pituitary surgery using endoscopy instruments.Method: Patients with pituitary tumors who received transsphenoidal surgery during 2019 – 2021 were included. We compared the extent of resection, re-operation rate, blood loss volume, operative time, and complications of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and diabetes insipidus (DI) between microscopic and endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches. Tumors extension to the suprasellar area and cavernous sinus were also analyzed to see their relationship with surgical outcomes.Result: Twenty-seven (55.1%) and 22 (44.9%) patients underwent microscopic transsphenoidal and endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. There was no significant difference in total removal rate, re-operation rate, post-operative CSF leakage rate, blood loss volume, and operative time between the two approaches. Patients who received endoscopic surgery had a higher rate of DI (P = 0.002). Tumors extension to cavernous sinus was a significant predictor of total resection rate (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that surgical approach, suprasellar and cavernous sinus extension did not significantly affect the extent of surgery.Conclusion: Our endoscopic and microscopic surgery results are comparable despite the limitation of experience with endoscopy instruments. This report supports our transition from microscopic to endoscopic pituitary surgery.
Harpagoside Attenuates Local Bone Erosion and Systemic Osteoporosis in Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice
Authors: Kim Ju-Young , Cheon Yoon-Hee , Ahn Sung-Jun , Kwak Sung Chul , Chung Chong Hyuk , Lee Chang Hoon , Lee Myeung Su
Published: March 2022

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes local bone erosion and systemic osteoporosis. Harpagoside (HAR), an iridoid glycoside, has various pharmacological effects on pain, arthritis, and inflammation. Our previous study suggests that HAR is more deeply involved in the mechanism of bone loss caused by inflammatory stimuli than hormonal changes. Here, we identified the local and systemic bone loss inhibitory effects of HAR on RA and its intracellular mechanisms using a type 2 collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. Methods: The anti-osteoporosis and anti-arthritic effects of HAR were evaluated on bone marrow macrophage in vitro and CIA in mice in vivo by obtaining clinical scores, measuring hind paw thickness and inflammatory cytokine levels, micro-CT and histopathological assessments, and cell-based assay.Results: HAR markedly reduced the clinical score and incidence rate of CIA in both the prevention and therapy groups. Histological analysis demonstrated that HAR locally ameliorated the destruction of bone and cartilage and the formation of pannus. In this process, HAR decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1b in the serum of CIA mice. Additionally, HAR downregulated the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand and upregulated that of osteoprotegerin. HAR suppressed systemic bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast marker gene expression in a CIA mouse model. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings show the beneficial effect of HAR on local symptoms and systemic bone erosion triggered by inflammatory arthritis.
Syringin Exerts Anti-Breast Cancer Effects Through PI3K-AKT and EGFR-RAS-RAF Pathways
Authors: Wang Fei , Yuan Chong , Liu Bo , Yang Fang Yan , Wu Zhen He
Published: March 2022

Background
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with the highest mortality in the world. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Syringin has an inhibitory effect on many tumors, but its anti-BC efficacy and mechanism are still unclear.
Methods
First, Syringin was isolated from Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Harms (AS) by systematic solvent extraction and silica gel chromatography column. Then, the potential mechanism of syringin against BC was revealed by bioinformatics and in vitro experiments. To provide a more experimental basis for later research, the hub genes which could be candidate biomarkers of BC and a ceRNA network related to them were obtained.
Results
Syringin was obtained by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Bioinformatics results showed that MAP2K1, PIK3CA, HRAS, EGFR, Caspase3, and PTGS2 were the hub targets of Syringin against BC. In vitro experiments confirmed that Syringin inhibited the proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis of BC cells through the above hub targets. And PIK3CA and HRAS were related to the survival and prognosis of BC patients, the PIK3CA-has-mir-139-5p-LINC01278 and PIK3CA-has -mir-375 pathways might be closely related to the mechanism of Syringin against BC.
Conclusions
Syringin against BC via PI3K-AKT-PTGS2 and EGFR-RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathways, and PIK3CA and HRAS are hub genes for adjuvant treatment of BC.
The Primary Care COVID-19 Integrated Pathway: A Rapid Response to Health and Social Impacts of COVID-19
Authors: Aghajafari Fariba , Hansen Brian , McBrien Kerry , Leslie Myles , Chiew Alexandra , Ward Rick , Li Bing , Hu Jia
Published: March 2022

Background
The first wave of COVID-19 in Calgary, Alberta accelerated the integration of primary care with the province’s centrally managed health system. This integration aimed to deliver wraparound in-community patient care through two interventions that combined to create the COVID-19 Integrated Pathway (CIP). The CIP’s interventions were: 1) a data sharing platform that ensured COVID-19 test results were directly available to family physicians (FPs), and 2) a clinical algorithm that supported FPs in delivering in-community follow up to improve patient outcomes. We evaluate the CIP by describing its function and capacity to facilitate FP follow-up with COVID-19 patients.
Method
We generated descriptive statistics by analyzing data from a Calgary Zone hub clinic called the Calgary COVID-19 Care Clinic (C4), provincially maintained records of hospitalization, Emergency Department (ED) visits, and physician claims.
Results
Between Apr. 16 and Sep. 27, 2020, 7289 patients were referred by the Calgary Public Health team to the C4 clinic. Of those, 48.6% were female, the median age was 37.4 y. 97% of patients had at least one visit with a healthcare professional, where follow-up was conducted using the CIP’s algorithm. 5.1% of patients visited an ED and 1.9% were hospitalized within 30 days of diagnosis. 75% of patients had a median of 4 visits with their FP.
Discussion
Our data suggest that that information exchange between PC and central systems facilitates primary care-based management of patients with COVID-19 in the community and has potential to reduce acute care visit.
Associations of Serum Long-Chain Fatty Acids with Multiple Organ Involvements in Patients with Sarcoidosis
Authors: Suzuki Takahito , Karayama Masato , Inoue Yusuke , Hozumi Hironao , Suzuki Yuzo , Furuhashi Kazuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Inui Naoki , Suda Takafumi
Published: March 2022

Background
Fatty acids have diverse immunomodulatory functions and the potential to be associated with inflammatory responses in sarcoidosis.
Methods
The serum levels of multiple long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) were compared between 63 patients with sarcoidosis and 38 healthy controls. The associations of LCFAs with clinical outcomes of sarcoidosis were also evaluated.
Results
The patients with sarcoidosis had significantly lower levels of n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (p < 0.001) and n-6 PUFAs (p < 0.001) than the healthy controls. However, there were no significant differences in the levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) between the two groups. On multivariate logistic analysis, lower levels of n-3 PUFAs, n-6 PUFAs, and n-3/n-6 ratio were predictive of sarcoidosis. Among the patients with sarcoidosis, those with multiple organ involvement had significantly lower levels of n-3 PUFAs and n-3/n-6 ratio than those with single organ involvement. There were no significant differences in the levels of n-6 PUFAs, SFAs, and MUFAs between the patients with multiple and single organ involvement. On multivariate logistic analysis, lower levels of SFAs and n-3/n-6 ratio were predictive of multiple organ involvement. The levels of LCFAs had no significant association with radiographic stage or spontaneous remission.
Conclusions
Assessment of LCFA profiles may be useful for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and evaluation of the disease activity.
Application and Feasibility of Bedside Cranial Ultrasound in Patients with a Translucent Cranial Implant: A Potential Path for an Introduction of a “Neurosurgical Stethoscope”
Authors: Doron Omer , Rosenberg Ashley , D’Amico Randy S , Langer David J
Published: March 2022

Background: Imaging is the cornerstone of management of neurosurgical patients. The use of ultrasound (US) in neurosurgery can potentially avoid some of the disadvantages of computed tomography (CT), including the need for patient transport, and radiation exposure. Traditionally limited in neurosurgical patients due to lack of skull penetrance, the recent introduction of translucent cranial implants can facilitate acoustic-based imaging. Objective: In this study, we sought to examine the feasibility of a bed-side US done post-operatively in patients with translucent cranial implants, and to qualitatively compare the accuracy of this modality in diagnosing basic neurosurgical “red flags” on imaging, to a head CT.Methods: We reviewed 5 cases operated in our institution which underwent implantation of sonolucent cranial implants. Implant size ranged from a burr hole cover to a fronto-temporo-parietal cranioplasty implant (2 – 15cm). Indications for surgery included: normal pressure hydrocephalus, complex hydrocephalus, superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass, resection of a falcine meningioma and cranioplasty after decompressive hemicraniectomy. Patients were scanned by ultrasound between post-operative days 1 and 3, immediately prior to a CT scan ordered for a change in clinical status based on attending neurosurgeon’s decision. Results: Relevant anatomy correlated between US and CT in all cases. This included: ventricles contour and size, midline shift, the presence of a mass or mass effect, and catheter tip position when available. Bedside US evaluations were all obtained within 5 minutes (range: 2:00 – 5:30 minutes:seconds) using a handheld probe with standard sonication settings and minimal patient discomfort.Conclusion: Cranial sonolucent implants create an opportunity to use bedside US as a non-invasive imaging modality capable of enhancing the post-operative neurosurgical exam in an acute setting. Further study is needed to refine the use of this modality and characterize the relative advantages it may offer for neurosurgical patients.
Bacterial volatiles elicit differential olfactory responses in insect species from the same and different trophic levels
Authors: Neerbos Francine Antoinette Cornelus van , Dewitte Peter , Wäckers Felix , Wenseleers Tom , Jacquemyn Hans , Lievens Bart
Published: March 2022

Insect communities consist of several trophic levels that have to forage for suitable resources among and within larger patches of non-resources. To locate their resources, insects use diverse stimuli, including olfactory, visual, acoustic, tactile and gustatory cues. While most research has focused on cues derived from plants and other insects, there is mounting evidence that insects also respond to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by microorganisms. However, to date only very little is known about the olfactory responses of insects to microbial VOCs within and across different trophic levels. In this study, using Y-tube bioassays and chemical analysis of VOCs we assessed how volatile compounds emitted by bacteria affect the olfactory response of insects of different trophic levels. Experiments were performed using two aphid species (Amphorophora idaei and Myzus persicae var. nicotianae), their most important primary parasitoid species (Aphidius colemani, A. ervi, and A. matricariae), and two of their hyperparasitoid species (Asaphes suspensus and Dendrocerus aphidum). Olfactory responses were evaluated for three bacterial strains (Bacillus pumilus ST18.16/133, Curtobacterium sp. ST18.16/085, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus ST18.16/160) isolated from the habitat of the insects. Results revealed that insects from all trophic levels responded to bacterial volatiles, but responses varied between and within trophic levels. All bacteria produced the same set of volatile compounds but often in different relative concentrations. For a number of these volatiles we found contrasting correlations between their concentration and the behaviour of the primary parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. Exploitation of such contrasting responses may lead to novel semiochemical-based strategies to improve biological aphid control.
Serum glycated albumin is associated with in-stent restenosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents : An observational study
Authors: Lin Xiao Long , Li Qiu Yu , Sun Hao Xuan , Zhao Dong Hui , Liu Jing Hua , Fan Qian
Published: March 2022

Background: Glycated albumin (GA) is a useful glycaemic index that reflects short-term blood glucose control. Previous studies have been confirmed the predicted value of GA in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, The relationship between GA and the development of in-stent restenosis (ISR) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation has not been verified in patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Method: A total of 797 patients diagnosed with ACS who underwent re-coronary angiography more than six months after the first successful DES-based percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were eventually included in this study. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the median GA levels of 14.94%. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis models, the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated differentiation improvement (IDI) risk models were also constructed to assess the relationship between the GA and DES-ISR with ACS patients.Results: A total of 202 ( 25.3%) patients had DES-ISR during the follow-up period. The GA was significantly association with an increased risk of DES-ISR, Upon adjusting for confounding factors (As nominal variate: OR 1.868, 95% CI 1.191–2.932, P = 0.007; As continuous variate: OR 1.109, 95% CI 1.040–1.183, P =0.002). The addition of GA to a baseline risk model and an incremental effect on the predictive value for DES-ISR (AUC: GA vs. Baseline model, 0.714 vs. 0.692, comparison P = 0.017; Category-free net reclassification improvement (NRI) 0.080, P = 0.035; integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) 0.023, P < 0.001).Conclusion: GA level was significantly associated with a high risk of DES-ISR in patients with ACS treated with PCI. Moreover, the addition of the GA to a baseline risk model has an incremental effect on the predictive potential for DES-ISR.
Prediction method of radial heat affected zone width in nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of TC4
Authors: Wang Xulin , Jia Zhenyuan , Ma Jianwei , Han Dongxu , Qi Xiaoqian , Gui Chuanheng , Liu Wei
Published: March 2022

Nanosecond pulsed laser ablation (NPLA) is widely used in micromachining. However, during the machining process, the radial heat-affected zone (RHAZ) will deteriorate the machining quality and accuracy of the microgroove, which is the basic unit of the ridge surface used to reduce frictional resistance in spacecraft walls. Its effective prediction is crucial for the processing precision control of microgrooves to ensure the drag reduction performance of the ridge surface. For this reason, this paper proposes an effective method to predict the RHAZ width. TC4, commonly used in aerospace, is the target material in this work. By comprehensively considering the thermal accumulation effect of laser pulses and the superimposability of the temperature field, and based on the point heat source method, a dynamic temperature distribution model in NPLA is established. Then, the RHAZ width is initially predicted by combining the graphical method and the RHAZ definition. Finally, to improve the prediction accuracy of the RHAZ width. A correction factor is obtained by the NPLA of microgrooves on TC4. The relative error between the predicted RHAZ width and observed values is less than 7% after introducing the correction factor, which verifies the reliability and validity of the proposed prediction method for the RHAZ width. Furthermore, the RHAZ width in NPLA of TC4 is on the order of hundreds of microns, which should be considered to ensure its processing quality when the ridge surface is designed on TC4. The research method in this paper will guide the design of high-density functional patterns and their high-precision preparation and has significant engineering practical value.
Study on helical hole-making process of CFRP/Al alloy laminated materials
Authors: Li Xue , Jiao Anyuan , Liu Binghong , Zhang Yue , Liu Guojun , Zhang Zhen
Published: March 2022

To ensure assembly accuracy and efficiency, lots of holes are made directly on the laminated material composed of CFRP and Al alloys. However, because the different laminated sequence, the optimal process parameters are also different, which affects the hole-making quality of the laminated materials. First, the motion of helical milling was analyzed. Level values of influence the quality of the hole-making are determined, such as spindle speed, pitch and preload. The response surface method (RSM) was used to design experiments, and the burr height between Al alloy interlayer and the tear value of CFRP were used as the standard to analyze the experimental results. The optimal parameters combination for different laminated sequences were predicted and used for cutting force analysis. Secondly, the hole-making processes with variable parameters study were carried out, and the method of micro-lifting tool is proposed for the experimental study of the sudden change of axial force in the transition between interlayer with constant parameters. The results show that the aperture of the hole-making with variable parameters of the laminated materials using the optimal process parameters all meets the H9. The interlayer burr of the Al alloy and the tear value of the CFRP at the entrance and exit conform to the technical requirements. The hole-making axial forces of the laminated material are less than 50 N and 60 N, which are 70% and 83% of constant parameters milling. The effectively reduce the sudden change of axial force between interlayer.
Blast-Induced Ground Vibration Prediction and Uncertainty Quantification in Granite Quarries Using Deep Ensembles Model
Authors: Erten Gamze Erdogan , Keser Sinem Bozkurt , Yavuz Mahmut
Published: March 2022

Ground vibration is one of the most dangerous environmental problems associated with blasting operations in mining. Therefore, accurate prediction and controlling the blast-induced ground vibration are imperative for environmental protection and sustainable development. The empirical approaches give inaccurate results as obvious in the literature, hence, numerous researchers have started to use the fast-growing soft computing approaches with satisfying prediction performance. However, not only achieving the high-prediction performance but also detecting prediction uncertainty is very important for especially blasting operations which is a safety-critical system. This study aims to propose the deep ensembles model to predict the blast-induced ground vibration and quantify the prediction uncertainty, which is usually not addressed. The deep ensembles model includes training an ensemble of deep neural networks (DNN) on the same data, by initializing each network randomly, to yield multiple predictions on both the predicted value and the uncertainty value. In this study, 200 published data from ten granite quarry sites in Ibadan and Abeokuta areas, Nigeria were used. The input parameters were the distance from the blasting face and the weight of the charge per delay, while the targeted output was the peak particle velocity (PPV). For comparison, a single DNN model and an empirical equation (USBM equation) were applied. According to the coefficient of determination\({\text{R}}^{2}\), root mean squared error (RMSE), negative log-likelihood (NLL), mean prediction interval width (MPIW), and prediction interval coverage probability (PICP), the deep ensembles model gave both the most accurate predictions and the most reliable predictive uncertainty quantification.
A Simulation Approach To Invent CYP1A1 Gene Variants Affecting The Protein Structure And Stability In Oral Cancer
Authors: Zaker Uzma Shaheen , Padmavathi Pannuru , Singh Narendra , Swamy Kakumani Venkateswara , Singh Shri Abhiav , Badri Kameswara Rao , Reddy Vaddi Damodara
Published: March 2022

Chronic exposure to environmental carcinogens like tobacco smoke and smokeless tobacco increases the CYP1A1 gene expression. The CYP1A1 gene polymorphisms and overexpression have been linked to oral cancer. Non-synonymous polymorphism in the gene coding region affects the structural stability and function of the CYP1A1 protein due to the substitution of amino acids. We screened all the 1693 polymorphisms reported for the CYP1A1 gene and filtered down to 25 Non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) that are relevant in cancer. Further, we investigated all 25 SNPs using various in silico methods, to predict whether any of these SNPs cause changes in the structure and possible function of the protein. Among the three substitutions, the T461N (rs1799814), I462F (rs1048943) were found to be deleterious and functionally significant, whereas I462V (rs1048943), reported as functionally significant in some populations, but observed as a tolerated neutral variant by in silico analysis. Furthermore, by molecular dynamics simulation, it was observed that T461N and I462F variants lead to structural changes when compared to the native protein and I462V variants. Eventually, these nsSNPs in CYP1A1 would provide prior information for identifying the functionally valid SNPs as a genetic risk factor and may be targeted for cancer prevention studies and therapies.