bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eradication of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and its Ecotoxicity in Freshwater Utilizing Cold Atmospheric Plasma: Is it Environmentally Safe?
Authors: sohbatzadeh farshad , Haqpanah Hanieh , Shabannejad Amir , Yazdanshenas Homayoon
Published: February 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a multidrug-resistant bacterial strain with the ability to produce exotoxin A which can pose a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems by having pathogenicity against eukaryotes. Detoxification of exotoxin A and disinfection of P. aeruginosa are the main aims of this study. Using a high dosage of antibiotics might have more toxic effects on ecosystems while cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) can promise reliable, rapid, and environmentally friendly detoxification and disinfection. In this study we produced CAP reinforced by H2O2/H2O cold vapor to detoxify exotoxin A and inactivate P. aeruginosa in freshwater. We used Gammarus roeseli as the indicator of ecotoxicity in freshwater. The mortality of G. roeseli individuals elucidated that 420 s of CAP treatment under a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) set up can effectively passivize exotoxin A in freshwater by disrupting the protein structure of molecules. Ignorable side effects and changes to the physiochemical properties were observed. On the other hand, 8.2 log reduction of P. aeruginosa viable cells was observed after 300 s of treatment by SDBD. A comparison between the disinfection capacities of SDBD produced CAP and antibiotics revealed that CAP is more effective than most of the common antibiotic agents.
Comparing Two Field Methods to Measure Individual Shrubs’ Root Density Distribution and Establish Allometric Equations for Belowground Biomass
Authors: Cabal Ciro , Torres Laura Rodríguez , Marí-Mena Neus , Barreiro Antonio Más , Vizcaíno Antón , Vierna Joaquin , Valladares Fernando , Pacala Stephen W
Published: February 2022

Purpose: A large fraction of a plant’s biomass is thought to be belowground, especially in shrublands that typically occur in episodically water-limited climates. Nonetheless, we have no standardized method to map individual plant’s root density distribution (IRDD) and lack of easily obtainable allometric predictors of shrubland belowground biomass. This type of information is difficult to collect, especially in woody plant communities in natural conditions where roots of different individuals can be highly intermingled.Methods: We assess three methods to map IRDD of field shrubs: soil drilling to extract roots, and plant injection with dyes and microsatellite analysis for individual-level root identification. Using the resulting data, we fitted IRDD models and integrated root density predictions from the models across three-dimensional space obtaining total root biomass of shrubs. We use the resulting individual-level data to establish allometric relations based on two easy-to-measure predictors: crown biovolume and stem diameter at the ground level.Results: We found plant injection to be a highly cost-effective technique to link root fragments from a soil sample to plant individuals. We fitted power law distributions predicting aboveground and belowground biomass.Conclusions: Core drilling machines and plant injection with dyes of different colors to link root fragments from the sample pool to plant individuals represent an affordable, reliable way to study the foraging behavior of woody plants which roots are highly intermingled. The resulting allometric relations allowed us to conclude that crown biovolume is the best proxy for shrub biomass, especially belowground.
Growth of Native Plants on Mined Materials was not Improved by a Commercial Microbial Inoculant
Authors: Zhong Hongtao , Wong Wei San , Zhou Jun , Cross Adam , Lambers Hans
Published: February 2022

Background and aimsPost-mining landscapes are often lacking in a self-sustaining plant community and in a functional belowground microbial community. Inappropriate management of soil can hinder ecological restoration of mine sites. However, the potential role of microbial inoculants and plant nutrient-acquisition strategies in improving mined substrates and facilitating mine-site restoration remains relatively unexplored. We tested (1) whether a commercially-available microbial inoculant was effective in restoring biological properties of mined substrates, and (2) the effect of plant nutrient-acquisition strategies on improving the chemical properties of mined substrates for the growth of native plants.MethodsWe conducted a six-month glasshouse experiment, growing six native plant species with different nutrient-acquisition strategies and adding a commercial microbial inoculant in three substrates (topsoil, magnetite tailings and a combination of both) from an iron-ore mine site in mid-west Western Australia.ResultsThere was no significant improvement in plant growth by adding a commercially-sourced microbial inoculant. Soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen increased significantly after plant growth (main effect of species * inoculation interaction). The non-mycorrhizal disturbance-specialist plant species Maireana georgei was effective in improving hostile conditions of the tailings.ConclusionsOur results indicate that re-vegetating stockpiled topsoil using local keystone species is a desirable practice that can improve soil biological properties and benefit mine-site restoration. Commercially-available agricultural-based microbial inoculants may not be compatible for mine-site restoration using native plants, but future research using indigenous soil microbes is warranted. We recommend selecting native plant species with different nutrient-acquisition strategies and complementary traits (e.g., N-fixing and P-mobilising) when restoring mined substrates.
the influence mechanism of community-built environment on the health of the elderly: from the perspective of low-income groups
Authors: Zheng Zhenhua , Liu Wanting , Lu Yingchen , Sun Ning , Chu Yusu , Chen Hong
Published: February 2022

Background：The international community has been paying attention to the health problems of the elderly and the age-friendly community of the elderly as the population ages, but there has not been enough discussion about the internal mechanism of the community-built environment to influence the health of the elderly. Methods: In this study, descriptive statistical analysis, and structural equation Modeling (SEM) were used to make a group comparison between the elderly of different income groups. The data from this study, came from a sample survey in Shanghai, China. The study investigated the complex relationship among the community-built environment, social participation, outdoor exercise, and the health of the elderly, with a focus on the differences between in the elderly with different incomes level. Results： The study found that health difference exists among the elderly in China: the lower the income, the worse the living environment, the worse the health. Community built environment has an important impact on the health of the elderly. And the community-built environment influences the elderly's health through the intermediary role of outdoor exercise and social participation. Furthermore, the lower the elderly's income level, the stronger the direct effect of the community-built environment on their health; the higher the elderly's income level, the stronger the mediating effect of outdoor exercise and social participation on the impact of the community-built environment on their health. Community built environment play a more important role on the low-income elderly healthy.Conclusion: Governments should pay more attention to the health and living conditions of low-income elderly and take proactive steps to help them. Community design and building should pay more attention to the demands of low-income elderly groups, which will help to improve the health inequality of the elderly, consequently enhancing their overall health.
Antifungal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles on Fungal Isolates from Patients of Suspected Mucormycosis
Authors: Chatterjee Kuhu , taneja juhi , Khullar Shilpa , Pandey Anil Kumar
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of Silver Nanoparticles (SNPs) against agents of suspected rhino orbital mucormycosis. Methods: Thirty-two strains were isolated from Endoscopy guided nasal swab and/ or tissue biopsy after debridement/surgery on Sabouraud dextrose agar without cyclohexamide. Antifungal activity was conducted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s (CLSI) guidelines, document M38-A2. The average size of silver nanoparticle was less than 10 nm. Results: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of nanoparticles of all strains was in the concentration range of 1 μg/ml -64 μg/ml and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) at 16 μg/ml -512 μg/ml. Conclusion: The SNPs revealed significant antifungal activity against agents of mucormycosis.
Structure-based virtual screening, biological assessment, and MD simulation studies of novel CNS compatible GSK-3β inhibitors as potential Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics.
Authors: Sukanya Sukanya , Choudhary Bhanwar Singh , Mehta Pakhuri , Filipek Slawomir , Malik Ruchi
Published: February 2022

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the significant diseases of the aging population and affects Central Nervous System dominantly. Blood-brain-barrier permeation is a substantial complication in developing CNS drugs, and it is considered challenging with minimal success rates. Although Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is an attractive disease-modifying target for AD, there is no single GSK-3β inhibitor in clinical trials for AD. Here we performed structure-based virtual screening on the Chembridge CNS-Set library compounds. 10 hits were identified based on interaction, binding energy, and dock score. These 10 chosen compounds showed a potential ADME profile and were then investigated for in vitro kinase inhibitory activity against GSK-3β and other AD-related kinases. Among these, the molecule 7114202 showed 48% GSK-3β inhibition while showing selectivity over other AD-related kinases. Molecular dynamic simulations of apoenzyme, co-crystallized molecule, and 7114202 validated the Lys85, Val135, Leu188, Asp200 located in the active site of enzyme plays a significant role for GSK-3β complex formation with inhibitors, and they are responsible for activity and selectivity. The in vitro studies also revealed a potent and selective Casein Kinase 1ε (CK1ε) inhibitor 7774767 with IC50 5.10 µM.
Gordon Holmes syndrome and Huntington-like disease: Two types of RNF216-related disorders
Authors: Wu Chujun , Zhang Zaiqiang
Published: February 2022

Background and purpose: Cases of RNF216-related disorders have been reported sporadically. The systemic clinical classification and phenotype-genotype correlations of these disorders have not been fully studied.Methods: We report the case of a patient with a novel homozygous mutation in RNF216 and review the cases of all patients with RNF216 mutations reported in the literature. These patients were classified by clinical phenotypes into those with Gordon Holmes syndrome (GHS) and those with Huntington-like disease (HLD). Clinical and genetic features were compared between the groups.Results: The cases of twenty-one patients from 14 families with RNF216 mutations were identified and collected. Eleven (52.4%) patients presented with GHS, and eight (38.1%) presented with HLD. GHS patients had a younger age of onset (24.2 vs. 36.9 years, P<0.001) and a higher percentage of male patients (81.8% vs. 25.0%, P=0.024) than HLD patients. Five (62.5%) HLD patients had ataxia, but only one (9.1%) GHS patient developed chorea. Male patients had a higher percentage of poor pubertal development than female patients (69.2% vs. 12.5%, P=0.024). White matter lesions and cerebellar atrophy were the most common imaging findings in both groups. The mutations in nine (64.3%) families were inherited in a monogenic recessive pattern, whereas the mutations in five (35.7%) were inherited in an oligogenic pattern by acting with mutations in OTUD4, SRA1 or other unknown genes. All eight mutations found in GHS patients and 57.1% (4/7) of mutations found in HLD patients resulted in amino acid changes or the truncation of the “RING-between-RING” (RBR) domain, which plays a key role in the ubiquitin E3 ligase activity of RNF216.Conclusion: Patients with RNF216 mutations mainly presented with GHS or HLD in a monogenic autosomal-recessive pattern or an oligogenic pattern. The mutations in GHS patients affected the RBR domain and are thought to abrogate ubiquitin E3 ligase activity. The pathogenic mechanism underlying RNF216-related HLD is still unknown.
Effect factors and evaluation method of part accuracy formed by ultrasonic micro punching with a flexible punch
Authors: Liu Chang-tao , Liu Wei , Xu Xiao-guang , Zhu Likuan , Luo Feng
Published: February 2022

In this paper, an automatic and quick evaluating method for micro-hole size and form accuracy with computer-aided technique was proposed. Using this method, the form accuracy of the micro-hole punched by a special ultrasonic microforming method, that is Micro Ultrasonic thin Sheetmetal Forming using molten plastic as ﬂexible punch (short as Micro-USF), was discussed. Using this microforming method, micro-holes with diameters of 500,600 and 700 mm were punched from a thin sheet of purple copper with a thickness of 30 mm. The experimental results showed that the ratios of the maximum size error and the maximum roundness error of the micro-hole to the corresponding punching die diameter were 1.40% and 1.47%, respectively, and the ratios of the maximum size error range and the maximum form error range to the corresponding punching die diameter were 0.70% and 0.72%, respectively, indicating that this Micro-USF method has high accuracy and precision for punching micro-holes. Moreover, it was found that there is no significant direct correlation between micro-holes sample errors and these forming parameters when the forming parameters such as ultrasonic power, ultrasonic time and cylinder pressure were varied, which indicated that the sample errors were random in some extent.
Jeotgalibacillus kunyuensis sp. nov., a novel orange-pigmented species with relative genes or gene clusters, isolated from wetland soil in Yantai, China
Authors: Jiang Hui-Ning , Yun Shuai-Ting , Wang Bao-Xun , Zhang Ming-Jing , Ma Yu , Zhou Yan-Xia
Published: February 2022

A Gram-stain-positive, orange-pigmented, rod-shaped, flagellated bacterial strain T12T, was isolated from wetland soil in Kunyu Mountain Wetland in Yantai, China. This organism was able to grow at 15–40 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 0.0–9.0% NaCl (optimum 2%, w/v) and at pH 5.5–9.0 (optimum 8.5). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA indicated that strain T12T was a member of the family Planococcaceae and it represented highly 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Jeotgalibacillus salarius (97.6%) and the type strain, Jeotgalibacillus marinus (96.9%). Genome analysis revealed that the genome size was 3506682 bp and the DNA G+C content was 43.7 mol%. Besides, the genome sequence showed 55.0–74.6% average amino acid identity values and 67.8–74.7% average nucleotide identity values between the strain T12T and all the related strains. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization of strain T12T with Jeotgalibacillus proteolyticus and Jeotgalibacillus marinus demonstrated 19.0% and 20.3% relatedness. Chemotaxonomic analysis showed that the sole quinone was MK-7. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, C16:1ω7c alcohol and iso-C14:0. The polar lipids consisted of aminolipid, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified phospholipids. Based on polyphasic characterization, strain T12T is considered to represent a novel species, for which the name Jeotgalibacillus kunyuensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T12T (= KCTC 43296T = MCCC 1K07171T).
Effects of nutrition counselling and unconditional cash transfer on child growth and family food security in internally displaced person camps in Somalia – A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Kalid Mohamed , Flacking Renée , Sulaiman Munshi , Osman Fatumo
Published: February 2022

Background:The effects of nutrition counselling (NC) and unconditional cash transfer (UCT) in improving growth in children under five and household food security are poorly understood in humanitarian settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NC and NC combined with unconditional cash transfer (NC+UCT) on children’s growth and food security in Somalia.Methods:The study was performed with a quasi-experimental design in two districts in the Banadir region of Somalia. The study used two-stage stratified sampling. Caregivers (n=255) of mildly to moderately malnourished children aged 6 to 59 months old (n= 184) were randomized to the NC, NC+UCT and control groups. The interventions consisted of weekly NC for three months alone or in combination with UCT. The primary outcome variables of the study were indicators of children’s nutrition, i.e., wasting. The secondary outcome variables were indicators of underweight, stunting, and food security, i.e., dietary diversity, household hunger scale and food consumption scores. Data were collected at baseline and 11 months after programme implementation. Difference-in-differences analysis was used to estimate the effect of the interventions.Results:Our study did not find any significant impact on child wasting (aOR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.26–2.56, p = 0.722), underweight (aOR: 1.29, 95% CI: 0.40–3.48, p = 0.603), or stunting (aOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.29–2.46, p = 0.764) compared to the control group. Similarly, in the NC+UCT group, we did not find any significant reduction in wasting (aOR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.26–2.36, p = 0.669), underweight (aOR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.33–2.35, p = 0.806), or stunting (aOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 0.55–4.20, p = 0.426) compared to the control group. No intervention effect was observed on food security outcomes, child dietary diversity scores, minimum child dietary diversity (≥4 food groups) or household expenses (Table 3).Conclusion:NC, alone or in combination with UCT, did not impact children’s growth or household food security. A culturally tailored NC programme over a longer period and larger, regular, and predictable transfers might result in a significant reduction in malnutrition and food insecurity.Trial registrationThe evaluation was registered on the RIDIE registry (RIDIE-STUDY-ID-5a1264bdb207a) on 11/19/2017.
Necroptosis-associated LncRNA markers for late survival prediction, immune and gene mutation analysis in ovarian cancer
Authors: fan weisen , qi yinghua , fan zhongqi , meng haoying , yang rumeng , sun xinyu , zhang yingjie
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential prognostic value of necroptosis-associated lncRNAs (NALncRNAs)in patients with ovarian cancer.
METHODS

Gene expression data from ovarian cancer patients with clinical data were downloaded from TCGA database. This is the base data for screening NALncRNAs that represent different survival times.lncRNA risk models were constructed by Cox regression analysis and evaluated for their prognostic value. The link between lncRNA signatures and related pathways, immune cell activity, immunological checkpoints, m6A-related genes, and gene mutations was also investigated.
RESULTS

In this study, eight NALncRNAs including USP30-AS1, MINCR, LINC01096, DNM3OS, LINC02574, DTNB-AS1, ACAP2-IT1, and ILVBL-AS1, all of which were well represented for the outcome of ovarian cancer patients. Noemogram after calibration curve validation has good clinical utility. Risk signatures were shown to be abundant in various pathways related to immunology and cell proliferation, according to gene set enrichment analysis. Patients' late survival outcome corresponds to differences in immune cells, immune checkpoints, immune function, etc.A better immune microenvironment would facilitate late survival, but inexplicably patients with long survival times have a higher immune escape. Patients with high mutations in genes appear to have better survival outcomes.
CONCLUSION

This study identified eight NALncRNAs markers for the first time, providing a valuable basis for more accurate prediction of ovarian cancer prognosis.
Ultrafast Transient Infrared For Probing Trapping States In Hybrid Perovskite Films
Authors: El-Zohry Ahmed M. , Türedir Bekir , Alsalloum Abdullah , Maity Partha , Bakr Osman M. , Ooi Boon S. , Mohammed Omar F.
Published: February 2022

Studying the charge dynamics of perovskite materials is a crucial step to understand the outstanding performance of these materials in various fields. Herein, we utilize transient absorption in the mid-infrared region, where solely electron signatures in the conduction bands are monitored without external contributions from other dynamical species. Within the measured range of 4000 nm to 6000 nm (2500-1666 cm-1), the recombination and the trapping processes of the excited carriers could be easily monitored. Moreover, we reveal that within this spectral region the trapping process could be distinguished from recombination process, in which the iodide-based films show more tendencies to trap the excited electrons in comparison to the bromide-based derivatives. The trapping process was assigned due to the emission released in the mid-infrared region, while the traditional band-gap recombination process did not show such process. Various parameters have been tested such as film composition, excitation dependence and the probing wavelength. This study open new frontiers for the transient mid-infrared absorption to assign the trapping process in perovskite films both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Presenting in Early Pregnancy Complicated with Nausea and Vomiting: A Single-Institute Consecutive Case series and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Chuan , Hu Xing , Lin Jianhua , Zhang Ning
Published: February 2022

Objectives Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition in early pregnancy. We sought to describe the manifestation, treatment and outcomes of CVT presenting in early pregnancy through a retrospective consecutive case series in a tertiary referral center, so as to improve the awareness of this rare disease.Methods Between May 2018 and November 2021, consecutive seven patients with CVT presenting in early pregnancy were enrolled in Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. All patients’ data like manifestations, laboratory and radiological data, treatment and prognosis were analyzed, and relevant literatures were also reviewed. Results All seven patients had been suffering from nausea and vomiting accompanied with headache prior to CVT occurrence. The headache was complained aggravation in severity with an average from 3.86 to 7.16 by visual analogue scale over several days. The mean age was 32.4±2.28 years, and mean BMI was 21.67 km/m2. All seven patients showed typical neurological symptoms on admission including epileptic seizures (n=2, 28.6%), limb weakness (n=4, 57.1%), aphasia (n=5, 71.4%), blurred vision (n=2, 28.6%), disturbed consciousness (n=3, 42.9%). Average score was 11.3 points (range from 3 to 15) on Glasgow coma scale (GCS). All patients were diagnosed with CVT at the first visiting day by imaging examinations and multiple venous sinuses thrombosis with average number of 3.7 per patient (range from 2 to 6) were confirmed, the most involved was transverse sinus (n=7, 100%), followed by sigmoid sinus (n=5, 71.4%). All of them was initiated anticoagulation treatment with low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) instantly as soon as the CVT was defined. Two serious patients underwent catheter thrombolysis or/and decompressive craniotomy, but both still died of CVT deterioration within 5 days of admission. Other five patients were all performed selective induced abortion and was discharged after significant symptomatic improvement. They were remained anticoagulation for one year. At 12-month follow-up, MRI/MRV revealed sinuses were completely recanalized. Conclusions The present retrospective study should raise awareness of diagnosis and treatment of CVT in nausea and vomiting of early pregnancy complicated with headache. GCS evaluation on admission probably correlated with the prognosis. Neuroimaging remains the cornerstone for the diagnosis and instant anticoagulation prior to severe CVT aggravation is the key for the disease prognosis. Early pregnancy combined with CVT is not a contraindication of continued pregnancy based on the literature review.
In Vitro Examination of The Cytotoxicity of Alkasite Restorative Material on Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Capan Belen Sirinoglu , Duman Canan , Ordueri Nazli Ece , Elgun Tugba
Published: February 2022

Background: The clinical suitability of restorative dental materials is also determined by their biocompatibility, in addition to their physical and chemical properties. The present study aimed to examine the cytotoxic effects of three dental restorative materials on human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Methods: This study examined the cytotoxic properties of a composite (Gradia Direct,GC Europe), a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC; Equia Forte,GC Europe), and an alkasite restorative material (Cention N,Ivoclar Vivadent). In total, 12 samples of each material were prepared for cytotoxicity assays; the cytotoxic effects were determined by taking biomaterial releases into consideration. Cell viability and proliferation were observed and analyzed at intervals of 24- and 72-hours using both the methyl-thiazole-diphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT,Sigma Aldrich) and xCELLigence (RTCA-DP,ACE) cytotoxicity assays. Data were calculated using the RTCA-DP integrated software of the xCELLigence system and the GraphPad Prism 9.1.1 (GraphPad Software, Inc) program. Data from the proliferation experiments were statistically evaluated using the two-way ANOVA test. Results: Alkasite exhibited the highest cytotoxicity, whereas HVGIC and composite did not exhibit any significant difference compared with the control. No difference in the cytotoxicity of the alkasite and composite was noted between the two time points in the MTT assay; however, the cytotoxicity of HVGIC was higher at 72-hours than that at 24-hours. Similar results were obtained with both assays. Conclusions: Although alkasite exhibited higher cytotoxicity compared to composite and HVGIC, all materials exerted slightly cytotoxic effects (60%–90% cell viability) on DPSCs. Considering its cytotoxic, aesthetic and mechanical properties, alkasite can be clinically preferred instead other materials in cavities that are not close to the dental pulp.
A Simple, Rapid, and Quantifiable System for Studying Adventitious Root Formation in Grapevine
Authors: Chang XinYu , Zhang Kai , Yuan Yunzhang , Ni Peiyi , Ma Jing , Liu Hui , Gong Shiyu , Yang Guoshun , Bai Miao
Published: February 2022

Woody cutting is customarily utilized as material in research of grape adventitious root formation (ARF). However, phenotypic heterogeneity caused by the complex background influenced its use for molecular mechanism research of ARF of grape. The present study tested various types of explants from grape tissue culture plantlets and found the whole leaf: blade with petiole (LP) was the simplest unit that can easily form adventitious root (AR). LP explants which can be easily obtained, directly generate ARs via de novo organogenesis from the base of the petiole. The plantlet age, node position, blade size, the health condition of leaves, and light intensity have been demonstrated to affect the homogeneity of ARF phenotype in LP. By controlling these parameters, selected LPs cultured on medium with 6 g·L-1 agar and 10 g·L-1 sucrose under dark conditions started rooting at 6-7 day after culture (DAC) and reached 100% rooting rate within 13-14 DAC. Using this system, the core role of auxin on ARF was verified by exogenous application of indole butyric acid (IBA) and N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). Strikingly, we found light promoted ARF in the absence of sucrose, but inhibited ARF in the presence of sucrose (10 g·L-1), while a low concentration of 0.1 mg·L-1 NPA partially relieved the inhibition. Finally, this study confirmed exogenous plant growth regulators (PGRs), including 6-benzyl aminopurine (6-BA), gibberellic acid 3 (GA3), and 2,4-Epibrassinolide (EBR) inhibited ARF significantly. This simple, rapid, quantifiable ARF research system provides a new approach to study the factors influencing the formation and development of grape adventitious roots and establishes a framework for investigating the mechanism of grape adventitious root induction and initiation.
Iron Abundance in the Solar Photosphere: The Role of Ions, Non-LTE, Model Atmospheres, Oscillator Strengths, and Free Parameters
Authors: Foxon Floe
Published: February 2022

The photospheric iron abundance is important to understanding solar system formation and evolution, but methodological designs in the literature have produced significantly different abundance estimates. 290 original photospheric iron abundances were extracted from 68 primary publications identified through SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System and Google Scholar. Methodological characteristics corresponding to each abundance estimate were categorised, including the ion studied, local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) assumption, the atmospheric model and its dimensions, the source of oscillator strengths, and microturbulence velocity. A linear mixed-effects regression model was implemented to quantify the role these variables play in abundance estimates. The mean photospheric iron abundance across all sources was 7.44 ± 0.02 dex on the astronomical log scale. On the average, abundance estimates from Fe II lines were 0.121+0.069-0.069 dex higher than those from Fe I lines (main effect), after controlling for other factors. Compared to LTE estimates, NLTE estimates were higher by 0.114+0.087-0.087 dex (main effect). The role of LTE was different for neutral and ionised iron analyses. LTE abundance predictions were lower than NLTE predictions for Fe I, but higher than NLTE predictions for Fe II. Other differences are described for various model atmospheres and oscillator strengths. A subgroup analysis of 245 1D and mean 3D model abundances suggests every 0.1 km s −1 increase in the microturbulence velocity parameter results in a 0.04 dex decrease in estimated abundance. These findings explain much of the differences in photospheric iron abundance estimates over time and have implications for future abundance research.
Cardiac repolarization abnormalities in children with Familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Farag Yomna , Sayed Shaimaa , Mostafa Fatma Alzhraa , Marzouk Huda , Mohamed Raghda , Sobhi Rodina
Published: February 2022

Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an auto-inflammatory disease that can have conduction disturbances and cardiac rhythm disorders as manifestations of cardiac involvement. The aim of the study is to assess the susceptibility of children with FMF to cardiac repolarization abnormalities and therefore arrhythmia in children with FMF. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted on 60 children had FMF and 40 age and sex matched apparent healthy controls. Cardiac repolarization markers, cardiac dimensions and functions were assessed by ECG and conventional echocardiography in patients and controls. Results: The mean ±SD age of the patients was 10.43 ± 3.472 years, corrected QT (QTc) and the ratio of peak to end T wave (Tpe) over QTc interval (Tpe /QTc) increased significantly in FMF patients more than healthy control (p value 0.023 and 0.022 respectively). P wave dispersion (Pd) was significantly higher in FMF patients with amyloidosis (p value 0.030). No significant difference was found in cardiac dimensions and functions between the two groups. We found a statistically negative correlation between Pd and age of patients at time of study, age of disease onset and age at diagnosis. On the other hand, we found a statistically positive correlation between Pd with number of attacks per year and disease severity score. Furthermore, Tpe/QTc ratio correlated with FMF 50 score, QTc correlated with 24 hours proteinuria. QT, JT intervals correlated with fibrinogen. Conclusions: FMF Patients may have increased risk of arrhythmia and should be monitored on regular basis. Compliance to colchicine therapy and better disease control might play a role in decreasing this risk.
In-Situ Preparation of Novel Nanocomposites of PMMA and Ordered Mesoporous Carbon (FDU-15)
Authors: Mohammadnezhad Gholamhossein , Okhovat Milad , Fazel Tanin , Dinari Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Ordered mesoporous carbons have recently been given significant attention because of their unique hexagonal structure, tunable large pore volumes, high thermal stability, and high surface-to-volume ratio. In this research paper, for achieving the maximum compatibility between the FDU-15 and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), KH-550 was used as a modifying and coupling agent to facilitate the bond formations between the mesoporous carbon and PMMA with the help of ultrasonic irradiation. Nanocomposite (NC) films were produced via the in-situ polymerization method aligned with various amounts of modified FDU-15. Sample characterizations were done by Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), low angle X-ray diffraction (LXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The LXRD pattern proved that the modification process did not affect the hexagonal mesoporous structure of FDU-15. The PMMA-m-FDU 2 wt% showed the existence of some pores on its surface according to FE-SEM. The TEM image of the NC depicted a uniform dispersion of mesoporous carbon into the polymer matrix and also confirmed the hexagonal 2D structure of the mesopores. TGA data also confirmed that as the m-FDU-15 increases into the PMMA matrix, the higher thermal stability will achieve, and also the Td will increase to the higher temperatures.
Exercise Tolerance In Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Artery Hypertension: Insight Into Risk Thresholds And Prediction Capacity For 5-Year Mortality
Authors: Huang Zhihua , Yan Lu , Zhao Zhihui , Zhao Qing , Tang Yi , Jin Qi , Zhang Yi , Li Xin , Duan Anqi , Hu Meixi , Ma Xiuping , Luo Qin , Liu Zhihong
Published: February 2022

Background: Exercise tolerance is pivotal for risk-stratification in patients with idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension (IPAH), yet optimal risk predictors and risk thresholds remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate risk estimates of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) associated with 5-year mortality in patients with IPAH and explore their risk thresholds and prediction capacity.Methods: Consecutive patients with IPAH who underwent right heart catheterization and CPET were retrospectively enrolled and followed up for five years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine independent prognostic factors for mortality. The risk trend and threshold for mortality were exhibited using restricted cubic splines. Survival rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis stratified by various CPET parameters.Results: Among 210 patients with IPAH (75.7% female), 37 (17.6%) died during a 34-month median follow-up. Three CPET variables were independently predictive of mortality in multivariable Cox regression analysis (all P<0.05), including oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), peak oxygen pulse (VO2/HR), and peak oxygen consumption (VO2), in descending order of prediction power (𝑥2 = 37.39 > 35.96 > 35.57). The levels of OUES at 0.91, peak VO2/HR at 5.3 ml·min-1·beat-1, and peak VO2 at 12.2 ml·kg-1·min-1 were respectively identified as risk thresholds for mortality. Patients below these thresholds had significantly higher mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio of OUES: 3.34; peak VO2/HR: 3.76; and peak VO2: 1.56) and lower survival rates (log-rank test, all P<0.01). The joint model (area under the curve [AUC] 0.838) of these CPET variables (AUC 0.724) and estimates in contemporary risk assessment tools (AUC 0.809) provided more excellent prediction capacity for 5-year mortality. Conclusions: Suboptimal exercise tolerance indicated by OUES, peak VO2/HR, and peak VO2 under certain thresholds posed a higher mortality risk in patients with IPAH, and their joint combination further improved the prediction capacity.
Associations Among Body Composition Parameters and Quality of Life in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Kim Seon-Mi , Kang Minjung , Kang Eunjeong , Kim Ji Hye , Kim Yunmi , Ryu Hyunjin , Han Seung Seok , Lee Hajeong , Kim Yong Chul , Oh Kook-Hwan
Published: February 2022

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important issue among patients undergoing dialysis treatment. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with a number of adverse body composition changes. However, whether body composition is associated with HRQOL is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of body composition on HRQOL in PD patients. We performed a cross-sectional observational study on the association between body composition and HRQOL in PD patients at a single center. Body composition was determined by multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy. HRQOL is summarized to three composite scores: kidney disease component summary (KDCS), physical component summary (PCS), and mental component summary (MCS). The relationships between HRQOL and the hydration index, lean tissue index (LTI), and fat tissue index (FTI) were analyzed by regression analysis. One hundred and ninety-seven PD patients were included in the present study. Patients with severe fluid overload showed a lower PCS. The hydration index and FTI showed statistically significant negative associations with PCS. In subgroup analysis, the associations between the hydration index and PCS remained robust after stratifying according to sex, age, and residual urine. Our results indicated that both the hydration index and FTI were negatively associated with HRQOL, especially PCS.
Successful rituximab treatment for severe rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive juvenile dermatomyositis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Nishi Kentaro , Ogura Masao , Tamai Naotaka , Gima Naofumi , Ide Kentaro , Koinuma Goro , Kamei Koichi , Ito Shuichi
Published: February 2022

Background: Rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) is a life-threatening complication of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM); however, it is generally refractory to treatment and no evidence-based treatment has yet been established for RP-ILD. We present the case of a 2-year-old girl with RP-ILD who was resistant to methylprednisolone, cyclosporine A, cyclophosphamide, immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange. Finally, she required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but rituximab contributed to the patient’s disease remission and survival. In addition, we conducted a literature review of 18 cases of JDM with RP-ILD.Case presentation: A 2-year-old girl developed malar rash, mild muscle weakness, and weight loss for a few months before admission. She presented with a history of dry cough and dyspnea for few days, followed by rapid respiratory failure. The diagnosis of JDM with RP-ILD was made by physical examination (malar rashes and Gottron’s sign) as well as by the finding of myositis on femoral magnetic resonance imaging, the elevation of serum muscle enzymes, positive anti-melanoma differentiation-association gene 5 antibody (>7,500 index), the elevation of Krebs von den Lungen-6 (3,420 U/mL), and the finding of extensive ground-glass opacities with consolidation in the bilateral lungs on chest high-resolution computed tomography. She received combination therapy, including methylprednisolone pulse therapy, followed by oral prednisolone, intravenous cyclosporine A, intravenous cyclophosphamide, and intravenous immunoglobulin. On the 11th day of her hospital stay, she was put on ventilation, and plasma exchange was started. However, her respiratory condition continued to deteriorate and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was started on day 24 of hospitalization. Rituximab was administered on day 28 of hospitalization. Two weeks after starting rituximab therapy, her respiratory condition gradually started to improve. Eventually, on day 52 of her hospital stay, she was able to wean off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Finally, 11 months after admission, she was discharged with minimal ventilatory support and no neurological complications.Conclusions: According to this literature review, JDM with RP-ILD has a high mortality rate. In JDM, rituximab could be a promising treatment option for RP-ILD. In the future, the effectiveness of rituximab in the early phases of ILD should be investigated.
Changes in eating behavior through lifestyle treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jiskoot Geranne , de Loos Alexandra Dietz , Timman Reinier , Beerthuizen Annemerle , Laven Joop , Busschbach Jan
Published: February 2022

BackgroundEating behaviors like emotional eating, external eating and restrained eating play an important role in weight gain and weight loss in the general population. This has not yet been studied in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). MethodsWomen diagnosed with PCOS (N=183), with a body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 and trying to achieve a pregnancy were either assigned to one year of 20 group sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with nutritional advice and exercise with additional 9 months of electronically tailored feedback through SMS (LS with SMS) or 20 group sessions of CBT combined with nutritional advice and exercise without SMS (LS without SMS), or CAU, which includes the advice to lose weight using publicly available services. Disordered eating was assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ).Results EDEQ scores worsened in CAU (+47.5%) and improved in the lifestyle group (LS) (-4.2%) at 12 months. The difference between the LS and CAU was significant (p=0.007) and resulted in a medium to large effect size (Cohen's d: -0.72). No significant difference were observed in EDEQ scores between LS with SMS compared to LS without SMS (Cohen’s d: 0.28; P=0.399). Also, weight loss did not mediate the changes in eating behavior. An overall completion rate of 67/183 (36.6%) was observed.ConclusionsA three-component CBT lifestyle program resulted in significant improvements in disordered eating behavior compared to CAU. Changes in disordered eating behavior are important for long-term weight loss and mental health. Trial registration: NTR, NTR2450. Registered 2 August 2010, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/2344
Identification of Legacy and Active Sources of Metal Contamination in Soils in Brooklyn, NY
Authors: Henderson Emily , Maroko Andrew , Kelvin Elizabeth , Pavilonis Brian
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the spatial distribution and potential anthropogenic sources of Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe in surface soils throughout Brooklyn, NY. We collected soil samples (n=1,373) from 176 different New York City parks. Metal concentrations were analyzed ex-situ using a portable X-ray fluorescence with a subset (n=350) confirmed with ICP-MS. The effect of multiple sources on metal concentrations were determined by stepwise multivariable linear regression with generalized estimating equations. Median concentrations for Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn were 107.8 ppm, 144.7 ppm, 49.4 ppm, 14033.6 ppm, and 279.2 ppm, respectively. All metals were significantly correlated with one another (p<0.001), with the strength of the correlation ranging from a low of approximately ρ = 0.3 (Pb-Mn and Zn-Mn) to a high of ρ = 0.7 (Pb-Cu). In final multivariate modeling, scrap yards were significantly associated with Mn concentration (β = 0.075, 0.019), NPL sites was significantly associated with Pb, Fe and Mn (β = 0.134, p=0.004; β = 0.038, p=0.014; β = 0.057, p=0.037, respectively), and bridges nearby were significantly associated with Pb and Zn (β = 0.106, p=0.003; β = 0.076, p=0.026, respectively). Although manufacturing and industry have mostly left the area, smaller scrap metal recyclers are abundant and significantly increased Cu and Mn soil concentrations. In addition, NPL sites contributed to increased concentrations of all five metals within 800 m. Roadways have long been established to be sources of urban pollution; however, in our study we also found the presence of bridges within 800 m were also strongly predictive of increased Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations.
Green Synthesis and Comparison of Biological Properties of Ag-NPs as a Metal Nanoparticle with ZnO-NPs as a Metal Oxide Nanoparticle and their Applications
Authors: Shabestarian Hoda , Tabrizi Masoud Homayouni , Movahedi Monireh , Neamati Ali , Sharifnia Fariba
Published: February 2022

Aim
The aim of study was synthesized both silver- and zinc-oxide nanoparticles utilizing the Peganum harmala smoke extract (PHSE) bio-platform to evaluate their cytotoxicity on different types of human cancer cell lines and study their antioxidant, and antiangiogenic potentials.
Material and Methods
The Ag and ZnO nanoparticles were produced utilizing the green-synthesize method applying PHSE bio-platform. After characterization by XRD, DLS, FESEM, and FTIR methods, MTT assay was used for evaluation toxicity of nanoparticles. ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and ROS for antioxidant capacity, CAM and qPCR for antiangiogenesis effects of nanoparticle’s were used
Results
Ag-NPs (82.42 nm) and ZnO-NPs (163.05 nm) were inhibited prostate, ovarian and liver malignant cells. Inhibition ABTS•+ and DPPH•+ and increasing the rate of intracellular ROS exhibited the anti and pro-oxidant capacity of Ag and ZnO-NPs out and inside of malignant cells. Also, their anti-angiogenesis impact was verified by significant dose-dependent VEGF and VEGFR down-regulation and the decreased blood vessels in the chicks’ chorioallantoic membrane (CAM).
Conclusion
The antioxidant, cytotoxicity and anti-angiogenesis effects of Ag and ZnO-NPs synthesized from Pecan smoke extract make it possible to use these nanoparticles in cancer chemotherapy.