bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients with postoperative vitreous hemorrhage after small-gauge vitrectomy
Authors: Zhao Meng , Chandra Aman , Xu Jun , Li Jipeng
Published: September 2022

Background: The role of anticoagulation or antiplatelet on post vitrectomy vitreous hemorrhage (POVH) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is rarely investigated in small-gauge vitrectomy era. We investigate the relationship between long-term use of those medications and post vitrectomy POVH in a group of PDR patients.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a group of PDR patients who underwent small-gauge vitrectomy in our center. The baseline data on diabetes, diabetic complications, anticoagulation or antiplatelet medications, ocular findings, and vitrectomy details were collected. The occurrence of POVH was recorded during the first three-month follow-up. Factors related to POVH were analyzed using logistic analysis.Results: During a median follow-up of 16 weeks, 5% (11/220) patients had persistent vitreous hemorrhage. Among 75 patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, 34 patients were on aspirin, 5 were on heparin, 1 was on dabigatran, 15 were on dual antiplatelet therapy, and 7 were on combined therapy. The occurrence of POVH was not different between patients whose previous therapy was adjusted and whose was continued (0/22, 11/53, p=0.06).Factors related to persistent POVH were the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulation agents (5.98, 1.75-20.45, p=0.004), the presence of myocardial revascularization (130.65, 3.53-4834.50, p=0.08), the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) treated with medicine (56.52, 1.99–1604.06, p=0.018), and younger age (0.86, 0.77-0.96, p=0.012)..Conclusions: We identified long-term use of anticoagulation or antiplatelet medication, the presence of CAD, and younger age as three independent factors related to POVH. In PDR patients on long-term antiplatelet or anticoagulation medications, particular attention should be given to controlling intraoperative bleeding, and follow-up for POVH should be scheduled.
Research on hydroforming of 5A06 aluminum alloy semi-ellipsoid shell with differential thickness
Authors: Mo Chen , Xu Yongchao , Yuan Shijian
Published: September 2022

For the purpose of eliminating the annular welding seam of welding structures with a differential thickness, a hydroforming method with a flexible auxiliary plate was proposed to form an integrated semi-ellipsoid shell with a differential thickness. A 5A06 aluminum alloy plate with a radial differential thickness combined with a polyurethane plate was applied to form the integrated shell. The circular 5A06 aluminum alloy plate with a radial differential thickness was designed with a thin thickness in the middle and a thick thickness in the periphery. In the forming process of plates with a differential thickness, concentrated deformation and fracture may occur in the thin zone. According to the size of the target specimen, the testing plates were obtained by mechanical processing with two types of thickness ratios. Further, by means of deep drawing experiments, the thickness and strain of the drawn specimens were analyzed under different thickness ratios and hydraulic pressure. Compared to conventional deep drawing, the formability of 5A06 aluminum alloy plates with a differential thickness can be effectively improved by hydroforming. Under the hydraulic pressure of 10 MPa, the integrated semi-ellipsoid shells with the thickness ratios of 2/3 and 1/2 were obtained with the maximum thinning ratio of 8.5% and 10.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the increased hydraulic pressure can effectively reduce the maximum thinning ratio of the thin zone, and further the superior uniformity of thickness distribution can be achieved.
Biotransformation of Kraft lignin by Pleurotus ostreatus Florida in conditions optimized for laccase production
Authors: Franco Paula C. I. , Shiraishi Igor S. , Dekker Robert F.H. , Barbosa-Dekker Aneli M. , Borsato Dionísio , Angilelli Karina Benassi , Evaristo Geisa P. C. , Simionato Julliana Izabelle , Daniel Juliana
Published: September 2022

White-rot fungi are efficient degraders of the lignin moiety due to the production of extracellular enzymes that includes the laccases which are able to depolymerize lignin oxidative processes to low-molecular weight phenolic and aromatic compounds. These end-products have important industrial applications, as building blocks for chemical syntheses of high-value. Thus, the objective of this work was to optimize the culture conditions for laccase production by Pleurotus ostreatus Florida grown on Kraft lignin, and to evaluate lignin biodegradation products. The fungal strain produced optimum laccase titers after evaluation in a 33-factorial statistical design by varying: lignin concentration, yeast extract and time of cultivation. The extracellular fluid obtained under the optimized culture condition was treated by liquid-liquid partition with ethyl acetate in order to determine the lignin degradation products by LC-MS/MS. Concentration of lignin was the main variable that increased laccase production assayed against substrate 2,6-dimethoxyphenol. Optimal laccase production predicted by the model was 5.73 U/mL under the condition: 0.87% (w/v) lignin, 4.5% (w/v) yeast extract and 10 days cultivation. The experimental laccase titer obtained following optimal conditions was 5.68 U/mL. The lignin metabolites identified were 4-methoxycinnamaldehyde and cuminaldehyde. In addition, abscisic acid was produced; considered a stress-related hormone product of the fungus. These findings show a suitable source of fungal laccase for obtaining new metabolites from the biodegradation of Kraft lignin by fermentation.
Impact of adenomyosis and endometriosis on IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcome in patients undergoing gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment and frozen embryo transfer
Authors: Wang Yu , Yi Yu-Chiao , Guu Hwa-Fen , Chen Ya-Fang , Chang Jui-Chun , Chen Li-Yu , Chuan Shih-Ting , Chen Ming-Jer
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Although numerous studies have attempted to establish the relationship between adenomyosis and infertility, no consensus has emerged. Our aim was to investigate whether adenomyosis and endometriosis affected IVF outcomes in our patients.
Methods
This was a retrospective study of 1720 patients from January 2016 to December 2019. In total, 1389 cycles were included: 229 cycles in the endometriosis group (group E), 89 cycles in the adenomyosis group (group A), 69 cycles in the endometriosis and adenomyosis group (group EA), and 1002 cycles in the control group (group C). Most patients in groups A and EA received GnRH agonist treatment before FET.
Results
The 1st FET live birth rates (LBR) were 39.3%, 34.7%, 39% and 17,6% in groups E, A, EA, and C. The miscarriage rates were 19.9%, 34.7%, 39%, and 17.6%. The per retrieval cycle cumulative pregnancy rates (cLBRs) in patients < 38 y/o were 53.8%, 58.1%, 44.8%, and 61.2%. The per retrieval cycle cLBRs in patients ≥ 38 y/o were 25%, 7.3%, 17.2%, and 29%. Among groups A and EA, LBRs were 25.58% and 18.89% in patients with a ≥ 7-fold decrease and a < 7-fold decrease in CA-125 level, respectively, after GnRH agonist treatment.
Conclusion
Endometriosis was not associated with a poorer pregnancy outcome. Patients with adenomyosis with/without endometriosis had higher miscarriage rates, lower LBRs, and lower cLBRs, especially in patients aged ≥ 38 years, even after GnRH agonist treatment before FET cycles. Patients who have a greater than 7-fold decrease in CA-125 level after GnRH agonist treatment might have better clinical pregnancy outcomes.
Targeted co-delivery of methotrexate and chloroquine via a pH/enzyme-responsive biocompatible polymeric nanohydrogel for colorectal cancer treatment
Authors: Rashidzadeh Hamid , Ramazani Ali , Rezaei Seyed Jamal Tabatabaei , Danafar Hossein , Rahmani Shayan , Veisi Hassan , Rajaeinejad Mohsen , Jamalpoor Zahra , Hami Zahra
Published: September 2022

Application of conventional chemotherapy regardless of its unique effectiveness have been gradually being edged aside due to limited targeting capability, lack of selectivity and chemotherapy-associated side effects. To this end, colon-targeted nanoparticles via combination therapy have shown great therapeutic potential against cancer. Herein, pH/enzyme-responsive biocompatible polymeric nanohydrogels based on poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) containing methotrexate (MTX) and chloroquine (CQ) were fabricated. PMAA-MTX-CQ exhibited high drug loading efficacy of which MTX was 4.99% and was CQ 25.01% and displayed pH/enzyme-triggered drug release behavior. Higher CQ release rate (76%) under simulated acidic microenvironment of tumor tissue whereas 39% of CQ was released under normal physiological conditions. Intestinally, MTX release was facilitated in the presence of proteinase K enzyme. TEM image demonstrated spherical morphology with particle size of less than 50 nm. In vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments indicated that developed nanoplatforms possessed great biocompatibility. These nanohydrogels did not cause any adverse effects against Artemia Salina and HFF2 cells (around 100% cell viability) which highlight the safety of prepared nanohydrogels. There was no death in mice received different concentrations of nanohydrogel through oral administration and less than 5% hemolysis was found in red blood cells incubated with PMAA nanohydrogels. In vitro anti-cancer results showed that combination therapy based on PMAA-MTX-CQ can effectively suppress the growth of SW480 colon cancer cells (29% cell viability) compared to monotherapy. Altogether, these findings suggest that pH/enzyme-responsive PMAA-MTX-CQ could effectively inhibit cancer cell growth and progression via site-specific delivery of its cargo in a safe and controlled manner.
Effect of Nitrogen Application Rates on Cotton Yield and Fibre Quality - Results from Recent Trials in Australia
Authors: Sluijs Marinus H van der , Weaver Timothy
Published: September 2022

Background A recent extensive review showed that the effect of nitrogen application rates on fibre quality were varied and inconsistent. As a consequence, trials were conducted in Australia in 2018 and 2019 in four locations using three popular high yielding commercial varieties sown in the Australian cotton industry. Nitrogen was applied in the form of granular urea in three locations, in split applications either before or in-crop with Anhydrous ammonia applied at the fourth location before planting. Application rates ranged from zero (0 kg.ha− 1) to moderate (100 to 200 kg.ha− 1) to high (300 kg.ha− 1) and excessive (400 kg.ha− 1). Results The application of moderate (100 to 200 kg.ha− 1) rates of nitrogen resulted in the highest yield and nitrogen use efficiency and produced the longest, uniform, and strongest fibre. As the growing conditions for the two seasons were ideal it was shown that nitrogen application rates did not influence micronaire but did negatively affect colour and lint turn out. Conclusions Nitrogen application rates do impact yield, lint turn out and fibre quality. However excessive application rates above 14 to 15 kg of N per bale had no economic benefit to the grower and could negatively affected yield and fibre quality.
Changes in female chinchilla behavior due to the cage equipment
Authors: Łapiński Stanisław , Niedbała Piotr , Markowska Katarzyna , Lis Marcin
Published: September 2022

Even though chinchillas have been farmed for a century, there are not many studies concerning their behavior in captivity or optimal housing conditions, all of which are important factors in the assessment of their welfare and degree of domestication. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of different cage types on chinchillas' behavior and their reactions towards humans. Female chinchillas (n=12) were kept in three types of cages: standard with a wire floor (S); standard with a deep litter floor of shavings (SR); enlarged with a deep litter floor of shavings (LR). Animals spent 11 weeks in each type of cage. The chinchillas’ reactions toward humans were evaluated by the hand test. Ethograms were prepared based on round-the-clock video recordings. The activity of chinchillas was compared, taking into account the different cage types and the animals’ varying responses to the hand test. Animals kept in LR cages presented significantly less timid reactions in comparison to those kept in S and SR cages. The chinchillas spent most of their time resting (68% of the day), in locomotion (23%), and eating or drinking (8%); they spent only 1% on grooming behavior. Cage enrichment generally reduced the fear of humans. However, the average chinchilla response to the hand test was classified in each type of cage as "cautious". Analyses of the ethograms indicated that the chinchillas were active mostly during the dark stage of the day. In conclusion, the bigger size of the cage and its enrichment (particularly litter) reduces fearfulness and the passivity of animals, which could be evidence of better welfare conditions.
Proterozoic slushball Earth and generation of excess oxygen unachieved by photosynthesis
Authors: Fukuhara Mikio , Tsunekawa Shin , Hara Ken'nosuke
Published: September 2022

According to the Earth-scale top model, the Earth’s axis was tilted approximately 1.8 billion years between 2.7 billion to 900 million years ago. This resulted in the freezing of the equatorial zone and the recognition of a Slushball Earth, explaining the Pongola, Huronian, Sturtian, Marinoan, and Gondwana -glaciations as well as numerous other historical events of the Earth. The hypothesis that nitrogen, oxygen, and water were formed due to nuclear transmutation at high temperatures and pressures, suggests that excess oxygen was produced during photosynthesis and nitrogen and water were expelled into the atmosphere from magma reservoirs in the upper mantle through an open system which caused volcanoes in ocean islands. The evolution of atmospheric oxygen concentration leading to the development of life over the past 400 million years, can be explained by the nitrogen released into the stratosphere through open systems while the magma reservoirs are blocked.
Genomic circular DNA can behave to transpose another-locus-derived insert accompanied by autonomous rolling circle amplification
Authors: Maeda Toyoki
Published: September 2022

Extrachromosomal circular DNA from a genomic sequence was amplified by nested inverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using mouse and human culture cells to explore the possibility of site-specific DNA recombination. In this analysis, multiple examples of circular DNA were found to share an identical joining point. This indicates that there is a genomic site preferential for DNA recombination accompanying circular DNA production. In addition, circular DNAs with different ladder-like sizes sharing a joining point were found, which suggests the existence of endogenous rolling circle amplification. Multiple circular DNAs in which genomic fragments derived from different chromosomes were inserted were confirmed. Genome deletion was confirmed in the circular DNA formation region. These facts indicate that extrachromosomal circular DNA contributes to translocations and duplication of genomic regions that exchange genomic fragments between chromosomes in somatic cells to a greater extent than previously thought.
Explosive increase in convective Extreme El Niño events in the CO2 removal scenario
Authors: Pathirana Gayan , Oh Ji-Hoon , Cai Wenju , An Soon-Il , Min Seung-Ki , Jo Seo-Young , Shin Jongsoo , Kug Jong-Seong
Published: September 2022

Convective extreme El Niño (CEE) events, characterized by strong convective events in the eastern Pacific1-2, are known to have a direct link to anomalous climate conditions worldwide3-5, and it has been reported that CEE will occur more frequently under greenhouse warming1,6-7. Here, using a set of CO2 ramp-up and –down ensemble experiments, we show that frequency and maximum intensity of CEE events increase further in the ramp-down period from the ramp-up period. Such changes in CEE are associated with the southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and intensified nonlinear rainfall response to SST change in the ramp-down period. The increasing frequency of CEE has substantial impacts on regional abnormal events and contributed considerably to regional mean climate changes to the CO2 forcings.
The Effect of Arterial Cannula Tip Position on Differential Hypoxemia During Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Wickramarachchi Avishka , Burrell Aidan J.C. , Stephens Andrew F. , Šeman Michael , Vatani Ashkan , Khamooshi Mehrdad , Raman Jaishankar , Bellomo Rinaldo , Gregory Shaun D.
Published: September 2022

Interaction between native ventricular output and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) flow may hinder oxygenated blood flow to the aortic arch branches, resulting in differential hypoxemia. Typically, the arterial cannula tip is placed in the iliac artery or abdominal aorta. However, the hemodynamics of a more proximal arterial cannula tip have not been studied before. This study investigated the effect of arterial cannula tip position on VA ECMO blood flow to the upper extremities using computational fluid dynamics simulations. Four arterial cannula tip positions (P1. common iliac, P2. abdominal aorta, P3. descending aorta and P4. aortic arch) were compared with different degrees of cardiac dysfunction and VA ECMO support (50%, 80% and 90% support). P4 was able to supply oxygenated blood to the arch vessels at all support levels, while P1 to P3 only supplied the arch vessels during the highest level (90%) of VA ECMO support. Even during the highest level of support, P1 to P3 could only provide oxygenated VA-ECMO flow at 0.11 L/min to the brachiocephalic artery, compared with 0.5 L/min at P4. This study suggests that cerebral perfusion of VA ECMO flow can be increased by advancing the arterial cannula tip towards the aortic arch.
Differential Distribution of Fibrovascular Proliferative Membranes in 25-Gauge Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Lu Nan , Yang Shilin , Guo Shuo , Yang Dongni , Liu Li , Fan Chunhui , Liu Jian , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To analyze the distribution of fibrovascular proliferative membrane (FVPM) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients that need treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and to evaluate the outcomes separately.
Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive 25-G PPV cases operated for PDR between September 2018 and April 2020. All FVPMs were outlined and assigned to three groups: arcade type, juxtapapillary type and central type. General characteristics, operation-related variables, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 12 month postoperative and complications were recorded. , All patients were followed up for over one year
Results: In total, 93 eyes were recruited. Among them, the FVPMs distribution of nasotemporal and inferiosuperioral were significantly different (both p < 0.01), with 87 (93.55%) FVPMs located in the nasal hemispheres, and 67 (72.04%) in the inferior hemispheres. The eyes with a central FVPM required the longest operation time, with silicon oil used in most patients, generally combined with tractional retinal detachment (RD) and rhegmatogenous RD, as well as the worst postoperative best-corrected visual acuity and the highest rates of recurrent RD and iatrogenic retinal break formation (all p < 0.05).
Conclusion: FVPMs were more commonly found in the nasal and inferior mid-peripheral retina in addition to the area of arcade vessels. Performing 25-G PPV for treating PDR eyes with a central FVPM had a relatively worse prognosis.
Revealing the Immune Mechanisms of SJZT- Treated HCC via a Systematic Study of Network Pharmacology and Machine Learning
Authors: Luo Pu , Yang Jie , Li Zihao , Huang Li , Jiang Jiping , Deng Yuxin , Du Yijing , Jiang Yang , Chen Huan , yu hong
Published: September 2022

SiJunZiTang (SJZT), a classic Chinese medicine formula widely used in clinic, has been proven to have therapeutic effects on HCC. However, the underlying mechanisms and molecular targets for therapy are still poorly understood. In this study, we used the strategy of integrated pharmacology to combine network pharmacology, molecular docking, machine learning and bioinformatics to reveal the immune mechanism of action of SJZT in the treatment of HCC and overcome the problem of the insufficient combination of network pharmacology and clinical information. We systematically studied the active components, potential targets and pathways of SJZT in the treatment of HCC. At same time, we found that SPP1, the hub target of SJZT in HCC treatment, was positively correlated with poor prognosis and could be an independent prognostic factor for HCC. SJZT therapies could synergistically halt HCC progression by simultaneously combating M2 macrophage infiltration and immune suppression in the HCC microenvironment. Our study provides a novel strategy for understanding the pharmacological properties of TCM and exploring effective treatment options for HCC.
COVID-19 plasma exosomes promote pro-inflammatory immune responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Chen Lechuang , Chen Rui , Yao Min , Feng Zhimin , Yuan Guoxiang , Ye Fengchun , Nguyen Kien , Karn Jonathan , McComsey Grace , McIntyre Thomas , Jin Ge
Published: September 2022

Elevated serum cytokine production in COVID-19 patients associates with disease progression and severity. However, the stimulus that initiates cytokine production in patients remains to be fully revealed. Virus-infected cells can release virus-associated exosomes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) of endocytic origin, into the blood to deliver viral cargoes able to regulate immune responses. Here, we report that plasma exosomes from COVID-19 patients contain SARS-CoV-2 RNA. COVID-19 plasma exosomes stimulated robust production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and other inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Exosome depletion abolished these stimulated responses. COVID-19 plasma exosomes induced pro-inflammatory responses in CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD14+ monocytes, but not significantly in regulatory T cells, Th17 T cells, or memory T cells. COVID-19 plasma exosomes carry viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) intermediates, protect the dsRNA cargo from RNase, and deliver the dsRNA to recipient cells. COVID-19 plasma exosomes significantly increase expression of endosomal toll-like receptors 3 (TLR3), TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9 in peripheral T cells and monocytes. Inhibition of TLR3 by a specific pharmacological inhibitor considerably reduced production of cytokines and chemokines in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but not in CD14+ monocytes, highlighting divergent signaling pathways of immune cells in response to COVID-19 plasma exosomes. Our results indicate a novel model of crosstalk between SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune responses able to contribute to elevated cytokine production associated with COVID-19 progression, severity, and long-haul symptoms.
Development and Evaluation of Lyophilized Stealth liposomal Phyllanthin: Pharmacokinetics and Toxicological studies
Authors: Boppana Naga P. D. , Parvathaneni Madhukiran
Published: September 2022

Though phyllanthin has several medical applications, especially in cancer treatment, oral administration of the drug is hampered by poor water solubility ultimately leading to inadequate bioavailability. To overcome the challenges related to solubility and increase oral bioavailability, current research focuses to develop phyllanthin-loaded liposomes by thin-film hydration and followed lyophilization. Several variants of conventional and pegylated liposomes were developed and their physicochemical properties were evaluated by various parameters such as size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. The optimal formulations (PHL2 & PHL7) were evaluated further for safety and efficacy. The compatibility of phyllanthin with excipients in selected formulations has been established by FTIR, DSC-TGA, and X-Ray diffraction studies. Toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies were conducted on rats to establish the safety and efficacy of the selected liposomal formulations. A sustained drug release pattern and enhanced bioavailability have been achieved with the liposomal formulations. The results from the current study indicate that phyllanthin-loaded pegylated liposomes are safest and ensure the maximum circulation half-life (t1/2), MRT, and low elimination constant(Kel) compared to conventional liposomes and pure phyllanthin drugs. Thus pegylated liposomes can be used as a potential tool for oral administration of phyllanthin for chemotherapy.
A multivariable normal tissue complication probability model for predicting radiation-induced hypothyroidism in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients in the modern radiotherapy era
Authors: Wongwattananard Siriporn , Prayongrat Anussara , Srimaneek Natchalee , Hayter Anthony , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Kiatsupaibul Seksan , Veerabulyarith Puvarith , Rakvongthai Yothin , Ritlumlert Napat , Kitpanit Sarin , Kannarunimit Danita , Lertbutsayanukul Chawalit , Chakkabat Chakkapong
Published: September 2022

Radiation-induced hypothyroidism (RHT) is a common long-term complication for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) survivors. A model using clinical and dosimetric factors for predicting risk of RHT could suggest a proper dose-volume parameters for the treatment planning in an individual level. We aim to develop a multivariable normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model for RHT in NPC patients after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The model was developed using clinical data and dose-volume data of thyroid and pituitary gland based on a standard backwards stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis, then internally validated using 10-fold cross validation. The final NTCP model consisted of age, pre-treatment thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and mean thyroid dose. The model performance was good with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.749 on an internal (200 patients) and 0.812 on an external (25 patients) validation. The mean thyroid dose at ≤ 45Gy was suggested for treatment plan owing to an RHT incidence of 2% versus 61% in the > 45Gy group.
A c-Fos activation map in NTG/levcromakalim-induced chronic migraine mice
Authors: Wu Shouyi , Ren Xiao , Zhu Chenlu , Liu Xuejiao , Zhang Kaibo , Li Zhi lei , Wang Yonggang
Published: September 2022

Background
Chronic migraine is a common and disabling disorder. Functional MRI has established that abnormal brain region activation is present in chronic migraine. Drugs targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor have been reported to be efficient for treating chronic migraine. The CGRP signaling pathway has been documented in two types of preclinical migraine mouse models. However, it remains unclear how an active specific brain region develops migraine-like pain and whether CGRP receptor antagonists can alter specific brain region activation and relieve migraine-like pain. Therefore, we sought to investigate brain activation and the effect of olcegepant treatment on brain activation in two chronic migraine models and provide a reference for future research on neural circuits.
Methods
Repeated administration of nitroglycerin (NTG) or levcromakalim(LEV) was conducted to establish two types of preclinical migraine mouse models to stimulate human migraine-like pain. Mechanical hypersensitivity was evaluated using the von Frey filament test. Then, we evaluated the activation of different brain regions using c-Fos and NeuN staining. Olcegepant, a CGRP receptor-specific antagonist, was administered to explore its countering effect on brain region activation and mechanical hyperalgesia.
Results
After treatment with NTG and LEV, acute and chronic basal mechanical hyperalgesia was observed in the migraine models. Olcegepant, a CGRP receptor selective antagonist, significantly alleviated mechanical hyperalgesia in both models. In NTG-induced chronic migraine mice, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5c) showed a significant increase in c-Fos expression, while olcegepant reduced c-Fos expression. No change in c-Fos expression was found in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG). In LEV-induced migraine mice, mPFC, PVT and Sp5c showed a significant increase in c-Fos expression and olcegepant reduced c-Fos expression. No change in c-Fos expression was found in vlPAG and ACC.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrated activation of the medial prefrontal cortex and caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus in both chronic migraine models. Olcegepant may alleviate hyperalgesia of the hind paw and periorbital area by attenuating brain activation in chronic migraine.
Optimization of sunlight photo-catalytic treatment coupled to a coagulation-flocculation process
Authors: Raissi Sahar , fakhfakh fatma , Hadrich bilel
Published: September 2022

The oleic industry is one of the most polluting in food industry sector. Among other harmful by-products, it generates charged sludge. Coagulation–flocculation is a relatively simple physico–chemical technique that ensures excellent separation of solid particles from dissolved ones. To obtain acceptable treated water quality, this method is used along with TiO2-based sunlight photo-catalysis. We optimize this binary process to treat mill wastewater collected from the region of Mahdia, east center of Tunisia, by applying a combination of mixture design (3 components-mixture: lime water, iron solution and cactus mash) and full factorial design 22 (2 process factors: dilution ratio (aqueous solution/water) and used TiO2 mass). Both the phenolic compounds removal and solution decolorization are closely monitored. The quadratic models for those two responses indicate optimum conditions to a coagulation-flocculation performance using a mixture of 48.48% of lime water with 51.52% of cactus mash with low level of dilution rate and high level of TiO2 mass. Experience of those conditions validated calculi, and they give a decolorization of 92.57 ± 0.90% and an organic degradation of 96.19 ± 0.97% in good concordance with the mathematic predictions that yield 93.06% of decolorization and 98.70% of organic degradation.
Association between uric acid and depressive symptoms in older adults: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Joo O , Park Gyu Nam , Oh Jae Won , Lee San
Published: September 2022

Uric acid is known for its antioxidant capacity; however, whether uric acid is independently associated with depression in the older population remains controversial. The current study aimed to investigate the association between uric acid and depressive symptoms in older adults according to sex, using a large national sample population. Data from the 2016, 2018, and 2020 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed, and 5609 participants older than 60 years were included in this study. We defined a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥ 5 as indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in women with lower uric acid levels than in those with higher uric acid levels. In women, uric acid was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in the multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.68; p = 0.005). However, no significant association between uric acid levels and depressive symptoms was observed in men. The findings of this study suggest that uric acid is associated with depressive symptoms in older women, but not in men. Further research is needed on sex differences in the relationship between serum uric acid levels and depressive symptoms.
Cadmium toxicity promotes hormonal imbalance and induces systemic resistances in barley
Authors: Neyshabouri Fatemeh Alzahra , Ghotbi-Ravandi Ali Akbar , Shariatmadari Zeinab , Tohidfar Masoud
Published: September 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is a widely distributed pollutant that adversely affects plants’ metabolism and productivity. Phytohormones play a vital role in the acclimation of plants to metal stress. On the other hand, phytohormones trigger systemic resistances, including systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and induced systemic resistance (ISR), in plants in response to biotic interactions. The present study aimed to investigate the possible induction of SAR and ISR pathways in relation to the hormonal alteration of barley seedlings in response to Cd stress. Barley seedlings were exposed to 1.5 mg. g− 1 Cd in the soil for three days. Cd accumulation resulted in a reduction in the nutrient content of barley seedlings. The specific activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of hydrogen peroxide significantly increased in response to Cd toxicity. The content of abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene increased under Cd exposure. Cd treatment resulted in the upregulation of NPR1, PR3, and PR13 genes in SAR pathways. The transcripts of PAL1 and LOX2.2 genes in the ISR pathway were also significantly increased in response to Cd treatment. These findings suggest that hormonal-activated systemic resistances are involved in the tolerance of barley to Cd stress.
Microstructural, mechanical, and electrochemical analysis of carbon doped AISI carbon steels
Authors: Ishtiaq Muhammad , Inam Aqil , Tiwari Saurabh , Seol Jae Bok
Published: September 2022

The effect of carbon doping contents on the microstructure, hardness, and corrosion properties of heat-treated AISI steel grades of plain carbon steel was investigated in this study. Various microstructures including coarse ferrite-pearlite, fine ferrite-pearlite, martensite, and bainite were developed by different heat treatments i.e. annealing, normalizing, quenching, and austempering, respectively. The developed microstructures, micro-hardness, and corrosion properties were investigated by a light optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, electromechanical (Vickers Hardness tester), and electrochemical (Gamry Potentiostat) equipment, respectively. The highest corrosion rates were observed in bainitic microstructures (2.68 – 12.12 mpy), whereas the lowest were found in the fine ferritic-pearlitic microstructures (1.57- 6.36 mpy). A direct correlation has been observed between carbon concentration and corrosion rate, i.e. carbon content resulted in an increase in corrosion rate (2.37 mpy for AISI 1020 to 9.67 mpy for AISI 1050 in annealed condition).
Identifying the functional pathways and potential genes associated with interferon signaling during human adenovirus type 7 by weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Yang Zhongying , Wei Jianhua , He Yu , Ren Luo , Chen Shiyi , Deng Yu , Zang Na , Liu Enmei
Published: September 2022

Human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV-7) can cause severe pneumonia and complications in children. However, the pathogenesis and genes involved remain largely unknown. We collected HAdV-7 infected and mock-infected A549 cells at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-infection (hpi) for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and identified potential genes and functional pathways associated with HAdV-7 infection using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA).Based on bioinformatics analysis, 12 co-expression modules were constructed by WGCNA, with the blue, tan, and brown modules significantly positively correlated with Ad-24 hpi, Ad-48 hpi, and Ad-72 hpi, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the blue module was mainly enriched in DNA replication and viral process; the tan module was largely enriched in metabolic pathways and regulation of superoxide radical removal; and the brown module was predominantly enriched regulation of cell death. qPCR was used to determine transcript abundance of some identified hub genes, and results were consistent with those from RNA-seq. Comprehensively analyzing hub genes and differentially expressed genes in the GSE68004 dataset, we identified SOCS3, OASL, ISG15, and IFIT1 as potential candidate genes for biomarkers or drug targeting in HAdV-7 infection. Further, we propose a multi-target inhibition of interferon signaling mechanism to explain the HAdV-7 associated with higher severity of clinical consequences. Overall, we constructed a framework of co-expression gene modules from A549 cells infected with HAdV-7, thus providing a basis for identifying potential genes and pathways involved in adenovirus infection and for studying the pathogenesis of adenoviruses.
Influence of Adsorption of Gold and Silver Nanoclusters on Structural, Electronic, and Nonlinear optical properties of Pentacene-5,12-dione: A DFT study
Authors: Lakhera Shradha , Rana Meenakshi , Devlal Kamal
Published: September 2022

The present study deals with the investigation of the change in the hyperpolarizability of Pentacene-2,5-dione (PD) on the introduction of the gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoclusters using the density functional theory (DFT). The involvement of the nanoclusters induces the intramolecular interactions, which is confirmed by the electrostatic potential plot and Mulliken charge distribution. The process of adsorption of metal clusters on the surface of PD is investigated by absorption spectra and the Raman spectra analysis. The global reactivity parameters validate a hike in the reactivity of the PD after the adsorption of Ag3 and Au3 nanoclusters. The study reported extraordinary enhancement in the hyperpolarizability of the metal nanoclusters adsorbed complexes. The high value of hyperpolarizability for PD-Ag3 (184.22×10− 30esu) and PD-Au3 (2057.26×10− 30esu) validates their applications in highly efficient NLO devices. The statistical calculation of radiative lifetime and light-harvesting efficiency reveals that probe PD can fruitfully contribute to the development of photo luminescent material and photosensitizer dye in dye synthesized solar cells.
Understanding the perception and requirements of a plant-based nutrition app for cancer patients
Authors: Dalayya Shekinah , Elsaid Salma Tamer Fathy Ahmed , Ng Kher Hui , Song Tien Lii , Lim Joanne Bee Yin
Published: September 2022

Understanding human perception and requirements on nutrition for cancer prevention and condition management is important so that nutrition applications can be catered for cancer patients. In this paper, web-scraping was conducted to understand the public’s perception, attitude and requirements related to a plant-based diet as a recommended diet for cancer prevention and condition management. Text and sentiment analysis were carried out on results gathered from 73 social sites to determine whether non-cancer and cancer patients use plant-based diets, how they have been consumed, their benefits in the prevention and condition management of cancers, the existing myths/fake news about cancer and what do cancer patients need in a nutrition app. Results of the text analysis highlight missing gaps in existing apps to include a lack of credibility and endorsement by professionals. Future nutrition apps should provide personalized diet, symptoms management, good user experience, credibility, and emotional and mental health support.
Abandonment of salvage logging in windthrown stands is key to protection of late-succession carabid assemblages
Authors: Skłodowski Jarosław
Published: September 2022

The usual practice in forest stands following a windthrow event is to perform salvage logging of all broken trees with their crowns before seedlings are planted. Does leaving broken tree crowns on the ground afford shelter for forest species? Epigeic carabids (Coleoptera) were the test taxon. The following hypotheses were put forward: (1) the more severe the disturbance, the higher the abundance and species richness, and the lower the proportion of late successional fauna in carabid assemblages, (2) crowns of pine trees lying on the ground support a higher proportion of late-successional carabid species, which effect should be more pronounced in more severely disturbed stands, but will decrease as needles fall off over the next 3 years. In order to verify the first hypothesis, 3 variants of stand disturbance (severely, moderately and least disturbed stands) were distinguished. The second hypothesis was verified by distinguishing additional variants at locations under and between tree crowns in the severely and moderately disturbed stands. Hypothesis 1 was proved correct and hypothesis 2 was proved partially correct. Simultaneously, it was demonstrated that the importance of the leaf area index for carabids decreased over the 3 years, while the significance of environmental indices, such as soil respiration rate and soil humidity, increased. This study indicates that there is a rationale for leaving in place at least some crowns lying on the ground in windthrown forest stands to provide shelter for forest species.
Augmented and Virtual Reality Usage in Awake Craniotomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mofatteh Mohammad , Mashayekhi Mohammad Sadegh , Arfaie Saman , Chen Yimin , Mirza Asfand Baig , Fares Jawad , Bandyopadhyay Soham , Henich Edy , Liao Xuxing , Bernstein Mark
Published: September 2022

Background Augmented and virtual reality (AR, VR) are becoming promising tools in neurosurgery. AR and VR can reduce challenges associated with conventional approaches via the simulation and mimicry of specific environments of choice for the surgeons. Awake craniotomy (AC) enables the resection of lesions from eloquent brain areas while monitoring higher cortical and subcortical functions. Both surgeons and patients may benefit from the various applications of AR and VR in AC. We aimed to investigate the application of AR and VR in AC and assess its prospective utility in neurosurgery.
Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases from inception to May 20th 2022 in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.
Results Our search results yielded 220 articles. Six articles consisting of 118 patients were included in this review. VR was used in four papers, and the other two used AR. Tumour was the most common pathology in 108 patients, followed by vascular lesions in eight patients. VR was used for intraoperative mapping of language, vision, and social cognition, while AR was incorporated in preoperative training of white matter dissection and intraoperative visualisation and navigation. Overall, patients and surgeons were satisfied with the applications of AR and VR in their cases.
Conclusion AR and VR can be safely incorporated during AC to supplement and/or replace conventional approaches in neurosurgery. Future investigations are required to assess the feasibility of AR and VR in variousphases of AC.
Distinct Coordination patterns integrate Exploratory Head Movements with Whole-Body Movement Patterns during Walking
Authors: Andel Steven van , Schmidt Andreas , Federolf Peter
Published: September 2022

Visual guidance of gait is an important skill for everyday mobility and for prevention of falls in older adults. While this has often been studied using eye-tracking techniques, recent studies have shown that visual exploration involves more than just the eye; head movement and potentially the whole body is involved for successful visual exploration. Here, we use Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to assess to what extend whole-body movement patterns are related to exploratory head movement during gait. Twenty-one (after exclusions) healthy young adult volunteers followed a treadmill walking protocol designed to elicit different types of head movements (no stimuli compared to stimuli requiring horizontal, vertical, and mixed gaze shifts). PCA was used to establish whole-body correlated patterns of marker movement (Principal Movements; PMs) related to the activity of the head. In total 37 higher order PMs were found to be associated with head movement, two of these showed significant differences between trials associated with strong head rotations in the horizontal and sagittal plane. Both of these were associated with a whole-body pattern of activity. It was found that an analysis of the higher order components was required to establish that exploratory head movements are associated with distinct movement patterns across the body. This shows that visual exploration can produce movement patterns that are at direct contrast with the alleged aim of the postural system (to minimize body movement as much as possible) since they could have a destabilizing effect on the body. These findings shed new light on established results in visual search research and hold relevance for fall and injury prevention.
The Possible Security Issues of the DS-Lite IPv6 Transition Technology
Authors: Al-Azzawi Ameen , Lencse Gabor
Published: September 2022

This paper focuses on one of the most prominent IPv6 transition technologies named DS-Lite (Dual Stack Lite). The aim is to analyze the security threats that this technology might be vulnerable to. The analysis is based on the STRIDE method that stands for Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information disclosure and Elevation of privilege. Using the DFD (Data Flow Diagram) of a DS-Lite system, we summarized the potential security vulnerabilities and potential attack points within this infrastructure. We have also built a testbed for DS-Lite topology using several virtual machines, which were created using CentOS Linux images. We used our testbed to perform MitM (Man in the Middle) attack and other type of attacks against the B4 (border gateway) and the AFTR (Address Family Transition Router) and then to monitor their performance and the number of packets being translated under attack by different number of clients using several attacking toolkits.
Patients with skin cancer prefer to participate in procedure cost discussions: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Bhandari Ritika , Rezac Laura , Pearlman Ross , Nahar Vinayak , Black William
Published: September 2022

For a given skin cancer, a number of treatment options are often available. The decision of which method to use is usually made by the treating physician. Despite significant changes to the healthcare system of the United States over the past ten years, healthcare costs continue to rise. These costs often affect patients in the form of higher deductibles, copays, and insurance premiums. The goal of this study was to determine patient attitudes regarding discussion of cost of skin cancer removal procedures and repairs. A 12-question survey was administered to 100 patients presenting for treatment of a skin cancer at an academic center. The first six questions addressed the importance the patient placed on treatment cost and related discussions, and the final six questions addressed repair cost. Greater than two-thirds of respondents felt that cost of both treatment (76%) and repair (67%) is somewhat or very important. Most patients reported that the cost of skin cancer treatment (56%) and repair (54%) should be considered by their surgeon. Furthermore, a majority of participants felt that cost differences should be discussed prior to treatment (67%) or repair (67%). Most respondents believed that cost discussion prior to treatment (64%) and repair (67%) would not affect their level of procedural anxiety. In conclusion, patients value cost discussions for treatment and repair of skin cancer. Surgeons should consider discussing these issues with patients in the appropriate clinical setting.