bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Delay in SMS Worm Propagation in Mobile Network with Saturated Incidence Rate
Authors: Zhang Zizhen , V Madhusudanan , BSN Murty
Published: August 2022

Cell phones are getting increasingly well known. SMS worms spread themselves by sending messages, which can rapidly taint a large number of cell phones and cause incredible harm to clients. Consequently, it is critical to investigate and foresee the proliferation of SMS worms to diminish their expected danger. In this article, we propose a worm spread model in light of SMS, named SAID (Susceptible-Affected-Infected- suspended) with a saturated incidence rate and time delay. To precisely foresee the worm proliferation by means of SMS, first, we add the impacted state to address the condition of clients who have gotten the messages yet have not tapped the malignant connections. Second, since an infected node doesn't necessarily send pernicious messages to other people, a novel express, the suspended state, which gets some margin to affected node to infected node in mobile network. Specifically, nonlinear stability, hopf bifurcation and its direction and steadiness of the periodic solution not entirely settled by utilizing the centre manifold theorem. At last, a few numerical simulations are presented to check the analytical results.
Clinically Important Alterations in Pharmacogene Expression in Histologically Severe Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Powell Nicholas , Liang Tiebing , Ipe Joseph , Cao Sha , Skaar Todd , Desta Zeruesenay , Qian Hui-Rong , Ebert Philip , Chen Yu , Thomas Melissa , Chalasani Naga
Published: August 2022

Background
Polypharmacy is common in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and previous reports suggest that NAFLD is associated with altered drug disposition. This study aimed to determine if patients with histologically severe NAFLD are at risk for altered drug response by characterizing changes in hepatic mRNA expression of genes mediating drug disposition (pharmacogenes) across the spectrum of NAFLD severity.
Methods
We utilized hepatic RNA-seq from 93 patients with histologically staged NAFLD to test the relationship between pharmacogene expression and histological NAFLD Activity Score (NAS), fibrosis stage, and steatohepatitis (NASH). We then validated our results by meta-analysis of 16 studies, including ours.
Results
We identified 37 pharmacogene-NAFLD severity associations that were statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. Among all of the significant associations were 4 CYP enzymes (CYP2C19, CYP1B1, CYP2C8, CYP27B1), 3 phase II metabolic enzymes (GSTP1, GSTT1, GSTZ1), 6 ABC transporters (ABCB1, ABCB4, ABCB8, ABCC1, ABCC3, ABCC4), and 7 SLC transporters (SLC22A12, SLC16A1, SLCO3A1, SLC28A3, SLC2A4, SLC22A17, SLC6A6). We chose to validate CYP2C19 due to its actionability in clopidogrel prescribing and found that, compared to controls, it is significantly downregulated to 46% in NASH, to 58% in high NAS, and to 43% in severe fibrosis in our meta-analysis. In the regression analyses, CYP2C19 transcript abundance decreases to 69% with every 1 unit increase in fibrosis stage; reducing CYP2C19 mRNA expression levels by 77% in individuals with stage 4 fibrosis as compared to stage 0. With every 1 unit increase in NAS, CYP2C19 transcript abundance decreases to 83%; reducing CYP2C19 mRNA expression levels by 73% in individuals with a NAS of 7 as compared to 0. Hepatic CYP2C19 transcript abundance is 63% lower in NASH compared to those without.
Conclusions
Our data demonstrate that mRNA expression levels of several pharmacogenes are altered in livers of patients with NAFLD. Of these, the marked down-regulation of CYP2C19 presents a clear opportunity to further develop individualized treatment modifications for drugs that are sensitive substrates of the CYP2C19 enzyme (e.g., clopidogrel).
Privatization, Mixed Duopoly and Quality Differentiation with Excess Burden of Taxation
Authors: choi kangsik
Published: August 2022

Incorporating the excess burden of taxation into a mixed duopoly to evaluate privatization, we analyze competition of the public and private firms producing goods of different qualities between Cournot and Bertrand competition. When the only private firm offers a high quality, (i) under both Bertrand and Cournot competition, it is desirable to choose privatization if the the excess burden of taxation is sufficiently large, and vice versa; however, (ii) if the excess burden of taxation is intermediate, it is desirable to choose reversely with regard to the policy of privatization between Bertrand and Cournot competition. On the other hand, when the only public firm offers a high quality, (i) under Cournot competition, it is always desirable to choose mixed duopoly rather than privatization; (ii) under Bertrand competition, it is desirable to choose mixed duopoly if the excess burden of taxation is sufficiently large, and vice versa.JEL Classification: D43, L13, M21.
Altered expression levels of TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 genes among SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns
Authors: Hoti Qendresa , Akan Gokce , Tuncel Gulten , Evren Emine Unal , Evren Hakan , Suer Kaya , Sanlidag Tamer , Ergoren Mahmut Cerkez
Published: August 2022

Background
The most common symptoms of coronavirus infections are fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, ache of joints, a loss of smell and loss of taste, and etc. Early studies suggested that smell and taste receptors were associated with pathogenic detection and immunity. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the expression profile of gene receptors that are related to taste, smell, and appetite control in COVID-19 patients and their putative correlation with SARS-CoV-19 variants.
Method
Gene expression levels of TAS1R2, TAS1R3, TAS2R38, OR51E1, LEPR, GHRL were analyzed in 100 COVID-19 patients and 100 SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR negative group.
Results
The expression levels of TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 genes were significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients who were infected with Delta variant. However, the TAS2R38 gene expression level was significantly lower when compared to the control group. The TAS1R2 gene expression was positively correlated with TAS1R3, and TAS2R38 genes (p = 0.001, p = 0.025, respectively).
Conclusion
TAS1R2, TAS1R3, and TAS2R38 gene expression levels were decreased in the Delta variant compared to the Omicron BA.1 variant in the studied groups. These results provided a significant clue for the temporary taste loss, especially in patients infected with the Delta variant, which is the most disruptive and symptomatic variant causing hospitalizations, and deaths compared to other variants may be because ACE2 is expressed in the taste buds and high replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the infected gustatory cells in the taste bud generates inflammation and then could eventually destroy the cells. This gustatory cell damage may cause malfunction of the gustatory system.
Treatment of Type 2 Symptomatic Ulnar Styloid Nonunions with Reinsertion of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex
Authors: Yu Xiaofei , Yu Yadong , Zhang Xu , Li Jia , Zhou Tong , Chen Huan
Published: August 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this retrospective study was to introduce an alternative technique for the treatment of type 2 symptomatic ulnar styloid nonunion by reinsertion of triangular fibrocartilage complex and ulnar collateral ligament.
Methods
Between March 2009 and May 2017, 45 patients who suffered nonunion of the type II ulnar styloid fractures were enrolled. All patients underwent subperiosteal resection of the avulsed fragments and reinsertion of the TFCC and ulnar collateral ligament. Outcome assessments included range of the motion of the wrist, grip strength, pain, and Mayo wrist score. The preoperative and postoperative parameters were compared. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Result
The mean follow-up period was 21.66 ± 7.93 months (range, 12 to 26 months). At the final follow-up, the mean preoperative flexion and extension were 79.32 ± 4.52° and 74.40 ± 4.36°, respectively. The mean preoperative pain score, grip strength, Mayo wrist score were 32.48 ± 4.00; 23.88 ± 8.38 kg, and 77.72 ± 8.31, respectively. The mean postoperative flexion and extension of the wrist were 80.56 ± 6.32° and 75.43 ± 3.12°, respectively. The mean postoperative pain score, grip strength, Mayo wrist score were 12.41 ± 3.27, 26.31 ± 8.30 kg, and 90.71 ± 7.97, respectively. There were significant differences with respect to pain, grip strength, and Mayo wrist score (P < 0.05), but no significant differences with respect to range of motion of the wrist.
Conclusion
In the treatment of nonunion of the type II ulnar styloid fractures, resection of the avulsed fragments followed by reinsertion the TFCC and ulnar collateral ligament with an anchor was a reliable alternative technique, resulting in satisfactory function of the wrist.
Efforts to address the Sustainable Development Goals in Older Populations: a Scoping Review
Authors: Shevelkova Vlada , Mattocks Calum , Lafortune Louise
Published: August 2022

Background
The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) seeks to create multisectoral changes that align healthy ageing with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given that the SDGs have completed their first five years, this scoping review explores whether any efforts have been launched to directly address the SDGs in older adults in community settings. Prior to the Decade, no studies had explored this question.
Methods
Following Cochrane guidelines for scoping reviews, searches were conducted in three electronic databases, five grey-literature websites, and one search engine between April to May 2021; and limited to entries from 2016 to 2020. Abstracts and full texts were double-screened; references of included papers were searched to identify additional candidate publications; and data were extracted independently by two authors, using an adaptation of existing frameworks. Quality assessment was not conducted.
Results
In total, we identified 617 peer-review papers, of which only two were included in the review. Grey literature searches generated 31 results, from which ten were included. Overall, the literature was sparse and heterogeneous, consisting of five reports, three policy documents, two non-systematic reviews, one city plan, and one policy appraisal. Initiatives targeting older adults were mentioned under 12 different SDGs, with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) being the most commonly discussed. Also, SDG-based efforts frequently overlapped or aligned to the eight domains of age-friendly environments outlined in the World Health Organisation framework.
Conclusion
The review has documented the extent, range, and nature of available research and provided an evidence backdrop for future research and policy development.
Decoding promoter-enhancer interactions in human cardiac myocytes
Authors: Bednarz Rebecca , Laurette Patrick , Pedrosa Núria Díaz i , Lahm Harald , Dressen Martina , Krane Markus , Streckfuß-Bömeke Katrin , Gilsbach Ralf
Published: August 2022

The heart is a heterocellular organ consisting of several cell types including cardiomyocytes. Cell-type specific gene expression and response to stimuli is modulated by active distal regulatory elements termed enhancers. Cardiac enhancers are enriched for disease-associated variants and spatially interact with distal target promoters. However, enhancer-promoter interactions and spatial chromatin organization of human adult cardiac myocytes have not been analyzed so far limiting the interpretation of disease-associated regulatory elements in these cells. Here we generated high resolution spatial chromatin interaction data for atrial, left ventricular and failing human adult cardiac myocytes and identified cell-type specific interaction signatures. An integrative analysis with comprehensive epigenetic data reveals cardiac myocyte-specific, chamber-specific and disease-relevant enhancer-promoter interactions in cardiac myocytes. We further identified the cardiac disease risk association of promoter-interacting versus non-interacting enhancers and experimentally proofed the functional importance of enhancers harboring long QT risk loci. Our data shows that decoding cell type-specific regulatory elements and their interacting promoters provides insights into regulatory mechanisms essential for cell function and genetic risk factors as demonstrated here for human cardiac myocytes. This data will facilitate the interpretation of non-coding genetic risk factors in future genome-wide association studies. These data will allow predicting whether non-coding genetic variants promote disease in adult cardiac myocytes or not.
Fault decomposition based convergent FE and FTC for Lipschitz nonlinear systems
Authors: Wang Hong-Jun , Huang Sheng-Juan
Published: August 2022

The problem of fault estimation and fault tolerant control for Lipschitz nonlinear systems subject to actuator and sensor faults is investigated in this paper. A fault decomposition technique is introduced to design a set of iterative estimation observers for the system in consideration. The obtained mean sequence of estimates, under certain conditions, converge to the true values of state and multi-faults. A convergence theory with a theoretical proof is given. A sufficient LMIbased stability condition dependent on the coefficient matrix of disturbance is proposed to determined the observer gains. Finally, an output feedback FTC is designed to stabilize the Lipschitz nonlinear system. The longitudinal dynamics of an aircraft is applied to test the proposed method.
A novel wide-range colorimetric glucose biosensor based on enzymatic etching of triangular gold nanosheets
Authors: Xu Bing , Xiang Xiaoying , Luo Zhihui , Huang Jianglou
Published: August 2022

Blood glucose detection is an essential of diabetes management, so it is urgent to develop a convenient and practical blood glucose monitoring method. Herein, a wide range colorimetric assay for the detection of glucose based on enzymatic etching of triangular gold nanosheets was reported. In the presence of glucose oxidase (GOD) catalyzed the oxidation of glucose to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which induced the etching of triangular gold nanosheets (AuTNPs) from triangular to round. The shape and size of the AuTNPs changed. Both enzymatic reaction and H2O2 etching can lead to LSPR displacement. Then the etching mechanism is closely related to the concentration of AuTNPs, the high sensitivity of this assay at low concentration particle AuTNPs. The ratio and concentration of EDC/NHS, pH value of phosphate buffered solution (PBS) and GOD concentration were studied, and the best detection conditions of glucose were determined. Under the optimal detection conditions, this glucose colorimetric sensor exhibits excellent sensing performance in the glucose range of 0.2 to 12 mM and the limit of detection is limit 0.1mM (S/N = 3). In addition, glucose was tested in artificial fluids. The results demonstrated that the colorimetric analysis based on triangular gold nanosheets-glucose oxidase system performs in artificial fluids as well as in phosphate buffer solution, making it very suitable for the clinical diagnosis of diabetes.
Social Desirability and Central Tendency Bias in the Survey and Variation of Life Satisfaction
Authors: Klement Johannes
Published: August 2022

Even though life satisfaction is an empirically extensively researched well-being concept, there are still open questions regarding the variation of life satisfaction and the influence of variables that are not collected in data sets such as the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP).In this article, I explore the question to what extent the variation of life satisfaction is influenced by biases resulting from the setting of the life satisfaction survey. Using different methodological approaches, including distributional analysis, descriptive statistics, Markov transition probabilities and logistic regression, I investigate to what extent a possible central tendency or social desirability bias influences the variation of life satisfaction. This brings me to the following conclusions:1. People who are interviewed in the presence of an interviewer are more satisfied with their life than people who are interviewed in writing without an interviewer. This suggests that people express themselves more positively about their well-being in the presence of others.2. On the 11-point integer life satisfaction scale defined between 0 and 10, the interviewees prefer to choose points 5 and 8, which form the midpoints of the scale, and choose these also repeatedly more often than other points. This is important for adaptation research: it suggests that people prefer to report life satisfaction that is balanced between good and bad, leaving room for improvement even in satisfied states.The social desirability and central tendency bias have a stronger influence on the variation of life satisfaction than many happiness correlates examined. Regarding the growth of life satisfaction, point 8 seems to be the maximum on average. A higher value is implausible on the basis of the study results.
Central nervous system relapse in younger patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma - a LYSA and GLA/ DSHNHL analysis
Authors: Thieblemont Catherine , Altmann Bettina , Frontzek Fabian , Renaud Loïc , Chartier Loic , Ketterer Nicolas , Recher Christian , Poeschel Viola , Fitoussi Olivier , Held Gerhard , Casasnovas René-Olivier , Haioun Corinne , Morschhauser Franck , Glass Bertram , Mounier Nicolas , Tilly Hervé , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Lenz Georg , Molina Thierry , Ziepert Marita , Schmitz Norbert
Published: August 2022

The majority of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be cured with immunochemotherapy comprising rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). Patients suffering progression or relapse in the central nervous system (CNS) face dismal outcomes. The impact of more aggressive regimens used in front-line therapy has not systematically been investigated in this context. To this end, we analyzed a large cohort of 2203 younger DLBCL patients treated on ten German and French prospective phase II and III trials following first-line therapy with R-CHOP, R-CHOEP (R-CHOP + etoposide), dose-escalated R-CHOEP followed by repetitive stem cell transplantation (R-MegaCHOEP), or rituximab, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vindesine, bleomycine, prednisone (R-ACVBP) followed by consolidation including multiple drugs crossing the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). DLBCL patients with age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (aaIPI) of 0–1 showed very low cumulative incidence (CI) rates of CNS relapse regardless of first-line therapy and CNS prophylaxis (3-year CI 0% − 1%). Younger high-risk patients with aaIPI of 2–3 had 3-year CI rates of 1.6% and 4% after R-ACVBP plus consolidation or R-(Mega)CHO(E)P, respectively (Hazard Ratio 2.4 (95% confidence interval: 0.8–7.4), p = 0.118). Thus, for younger high-risk patients, front-line regimens incorporating multiple agents crossing the BBB may reduce often fatal CNS relapse.
Facilitation between species mitigates nutrient constraints in grassland
Authors: Zhang Wei , Maxwell Thomas M. R. , Robinson Brett , Dickinson Nicholas
Published: August 2022

BackgroundExperimental work using pot trials and mesocosm studies has indicated that species combinations are more effective in mitigating the soil nutrient constraints that limit pasture productivity in New Zealand’s hill country, but there is little field evidence to support this.AimWe question whether coexistence of species provides an opportunity to facilitate enhanced uptake and improved procurement of key soil nutrients by assemblages of plants in these mid-altitude grasslands.MethodsNative and exotic legumes and co-occurring plant species were sampled according to whether they were growing together in close proximity or in single species patches. Foliar concentrations of nutrients were compared.ResultsUptake of nutrients by a native broom,Carmichaelia petriei, was enhanced when it was growing in combination with native tussock grasses. Enhanced uptake of eight nutrients was recorded in foliage of an exotic legume,Lotus pedunculatus, when it was growing with native grasses or within the acuminate foliage ofAciphylla aurea(golden spaniard). Foliar concentrations of only P and Mn were elevated in white clover (Trifolium repens) foliage when it was growing in combination with grasses. Overall, mutual facilitation of nutrient uptake by combinations of species growing together was in evidence.ConclusionsSome species that are less desirable from an agricultural perspective may improve acquisition of soil nutrients by the plant community. Novel native species assemblages represent an opportunity to refine pasture management. Exploiting combinations of plant species that facilitate optimal exploitation of nutrients could reduce fertiliser requirements, enhancing and protecting biodiversity in pastoral grasslands.
Rodent model preclinical assessment of PEGylated block copolymer targeting cognition and oxidative stress insults of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chaudhury Sutapa Som , Nandi Mridula , Kumar Krishna , Ruidas Bhuban , Sur Tapas Kumar , Prasad Parash , Chakrabarti Saikat , De Priyadarsi , Sil Jaya , Mukhopadhyay Chitrangada Das
Published: August 2022

Misfolded peptide amyloid beta (Aβ42), neurofibrillary tangles of hyper-phosphorylated tau, oxidative damage to the brain, neuroinflammation are distinguished determinants of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) responsible for disease progression. This multifaceted neurodegenerative disease is challenging to cure under a single treatment regime until the key disease-determinants are traced for their sequential occurrence in disease progression. In an early report, a novel side-chain tripeptide containing PEGylated block copolymer has been tested thoroughly in vitro and in silico for the early inhibition of Aβ42-aggregation as well as degradation of preformed Aβ42-fibril deposits. The present study demonstrates a preclinical assessment of the PEGylated block copolymer in colchicine-induced AD mimicking rodent model. The colchicine induced Wistar rats receiving an intranasal delivery of the block copolymer at a daily dosage of 100 µg/kg and 200 µg/kg body weights respectively for 14 days manifested a notable attenuation of behavioral deficit pattern, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitters’ deficiency as compared to the untreated ones. The current study also reports the ameliorative property of the PEGylated compound for progressive neuroinflammation and decreased mitochondrial bioenergetics in astrocytoma cell line viz. U87. A closer look into the drug mechanism of action of a compact three-dimensional PEGylated block copolymer confirmed its disintegrative interaction with Aβ42 fibril via in silico simulation. The results obtained herein this study signify the potential of the novel PEGylated block copolymer to ameliorate the cognitive decline and progressive oxidative insults in AD, and may envision a successful clinical phase trial.
Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol using Cu/Cu 2 O nanocomposites based on magnetic maize straw
Authors: Yu Yang , Guo Hong , Wang Pengyuan , Zhai Shangru , Han Jiazhi , Li Wangquan , Wang Yuanhao , Wang Yi
Published: August 2022

In this work, a novel copper-based nanocomposite catalyst was fabricated via magnetic maize straw as a support for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). Magnetic maize straw was prepared by the amidation reaction of amine-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (NH2-Fe3O4) with succinylated maize straw (S-MS). After magnetic succinylated maize straw (Mag-S-MS) was mixed with cupric ions aqueous solution, Cu(II) could be captured by the amino and carboxylate groups and reduced by sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The reduction product of Cu(II) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), X-rays diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which indicated binary Cu/Cu2O nanocomposites (NCs) were formed successfully on Mag-S-MS without self-aggregation and oxidation. Then it was investigated as a catalyst for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) via hydrogenation using NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The effect of the dosage of the catalyst, the initial concentrations of NaBH4 and 4-NP were investigated. The mechanic investigation proposed Cu and Cu2O nanoparticles played a synergistic role on the hydrogen and electron transformation to enhance its catalytic ability. Compared with other reported catalysts, Cu/Cu2O NCs-loaded-Mag-S-MS possessed a higher catalytic efficiency for the higher rate constant value. Due to its superparamagnetic nature, it could be quickly collected from the aqueous solution under a magnetic field and it maintained relatively high catalytic activity after five cycle tests. The present study outlines a method for using agricultural waste in nano catalytic reaction.
Algorithm of crack skeleton backbone connection based on graph theory
Authors: Xue Dan , Liu Jun
Published: August 2022

When machine vision is used to monitor the health of tunnel lining structure, there are errors in measuring the crack length information due to the prevalence of fracture in the detected cracks. This paper proposes a graph theory based crack backbone connection algorithm. First, the morphological principle is used to describe the point characteristics of the crack skeleton line. Then the graph theory principle is employed to establish the tree structure of the crack skeleton line and the mapping relationship between them, converting the crack backbone extraction problem into a path optimization problem. Next, the complete connection of segment-by-segment cracks is completed according to the shortest path distance and direction continuity criterion. Finally, the burr removal effect and complete connection effect of the algorithm in this paper are compared with other baseline methods by experiments, respectively. The experimental results show that this algorithm is more accurate for crack connections. In addition, the effectiveness, necessity, robustness, and generalization of this algorithm are evaluated and demonstrated using multiple real scenarios, including e.g. houses and road pavements.
Proteomic and functional profiling of platelet-derived extracellular vesicles released under physiological or tumor-associated conditions
Authors: Torti Mauro , Vismara Mauro , Manfredi Marcello , Zarà Marta , Trivigno Silvia , Galgano Luca , Barbieri Silvia , Canobbio Ilaria , Guidetti Gianni
Published: August 2022

During hemostasis, thrombosis and inflammation, activated blood platelets release extracellular vesicles (PEVs) that represent biological mediators of physiological and pathological processes. We have recently demonstrated that the activation of platelets by breast cancer cells is accompanied by a massive release of PEVs, evidence that matches with the observation that breast cancer patients display increased levels of circulating PEVs. A core concept in PEVs biology is that their nature, composition and biological function are strongly influenced by the conditions that induced their release. In this study we have performed a comparative characterization of PEVs released by platelets upon activation with thrombin, a potent thrombotic stimulus, and upon exposure to the breast cancer cells line MDA-MB-231. By nanoparticle tracking analysis and tandem mass spectrometry we have characterized the two populations of PEVs, showing that the thrombotic and tumoral stimuli produced vesicles that largely differ in protein composition. The bioinformatic analysis of the proteomic data led to the identification of signaling pathways that can be differently affected by the two PEVs population in target cells. Specifically, we have demonstrated that both thrombin- and cancer cell-induced PEVs reduce the migration and potentiate Ca2+-induced apoptosis of Jurkat cells, but only thrombin-derived PEVs also potentiate cell necrosis. Our results demonstrate that stimulation of platelets by thrombotic or tumoral stimuli induces the release of PEVs with different protein composition that, in turn, may elicit selective biological responses in target cells.
Integrated genomic and transcriptomic elucidation of flowering in garlic
Authors: Shemesh-Mayer Einat , Faigenboim Adi , Ben-Michael Tomer , Kamenetsky-Goldstein Rina
Published: August 2022

Background
Commercial cultivars of garlic produce neither flowers nor seeds, and therefore efficient breeding of this important vegetable and medicinal crop is impossible. New avenues for hybridization and seed production were recently opened by the restoration of garlic fertility. The huge genome of garlic was fully sequenced in 2020 but, before that, transcriptome catalogs had been employed as a basis for garlic genetic studies. Here, we provide the conjoint genomic and transcriptome analysis of the regulatory network in flowering garlic genotypes.
Results
Our genome-wide analysis revealed phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBP) and LEAFY (LFY) genes that were not previously observed at the transcriptome level. Functions of TFL-like genes were reduced and probably replaced by FT-like homologs, whereas homologs of MFT-like genes were not found in the garlic genome. The discovery of three sequences of LFY-like genes in the garlic genome and confirmation of their alternative splicing suggest their key role in garlic florogenesis. It is not yet clear whether only one gene—AsLFY1—acts alone as the "pioneer transcription factor" or AsLFY2 also provides these functions.
Conclusions
The garlic genome, including key flowering genes, is highly repetitive. The presence of several orthologs of flowering genes that differ in their temporal and spatial expression and co-expression network advocates ongoing evolution in the garlic genome and diversification of gene functions. We propose that the process of fertility deprivation in garlic cultivars is based on the loss of transcriptional functions of the specific genes. Further comparisons of the genome and transcriptome factors in flowering and non-flowering garlic genotypes will clarify the possible evolution of their reproductive traits and contribute to fertility restoration and efficient breeding of this important crop.
Ameliorative Effect of Galic Acid in GLUT-4 Expression and Insulin Resistantance in High Fat Diet Induced Obesity Animal Model Mice, Mus musculus
Authors: Baraskar Kirti , THAKUR PRATIBHA , Shrivastava Renu , Shrivastava Vinoy Kumar
Published: August 2022

Objective
- A primary loophole exacerbating the emergence of metabolic abnormalities is insulin resistance results due to impaired glucose transport. Glucose transporter type 4 isoform (GLUT-4) is a insulin-sensitive receptor associated with glucose uptake over the surface of adipocytes for glucose metabolism. Impaired insulin signalling is linked with reduced GLUT-4 activity. The aim of present study was to examine the expression of GLUT-4 and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) in visceral adipose tissue of high fat diet induced (HFD) obesity animal model with respect to antidote gallic acid (GA).
Methods
- Experimental animal, female swiss albino mice were fed a standard and high-fat diet (HFD) in order to study the therapeutic effects of gallic acid (GA) against metabolic changes obesity induced HFD, animal model.
Results
- Experimental group fed HFD along with GA displayed improved triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels. Alongwith this hyperinsulinemia and an increase in homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA IR) were observed in HFD group, which were alleviated by GA. Apart from this, GA, had improved glucose tolerance test (GTT), and upregulation in mRNA expression of GLUT-4 and IRS-1 in visceral adipose tissues in HFD + GA experimental group.
Conclusion
- The current study found a link between insulin resistance, GLUT-4 and IRS-1 expression in adipose tissue and the beginning of the metabolic syndrome, a condition characterised by obesity. Gallic acid may enhance insulin signalling, glucose, and lipid metabolism in adipose tissues, and it may even be used to manage comorbidities related to obesity, such as diabetes type 2 and dyslipidemia.
Integrated omics analysis identified genes and their splice variants involved in fruit development and metabolites production in Capsicum species
Authors: Rawoof Abdul , Ahmad Ilyas , Islam Khushbu , Momo John , Kumar Ajay , Jaiswal Vandana , Ramchiary Nirala
Published: August 2022

To date, several transcriptomic studies during fruit development have been reported, however no comprehensive integrated study on expression diversity, alternative splicing and metabolomic profiling was reported inCapsicum. This study analyzed RNA-seq data and untargeted metabolomic profiling from early green (EG), mature green (MG) and breaker (Br) fruit stages from twoCapsicumspecies i.e.C. annuum (Cann)andC. frutescens (Cfrut)from Northeast India. A total of 117416 and 96802 alternatively spliced events (AltSpli-events) were identified fromCannandCfrut, respectively. Among AltSpli-events, intron retention (IR; 32.2%Cannand 25.75%Cfrut) followed by alternative acceptor (AA; 15.4%Cannand 18.9%Cfrut) were the most abundant inCapsicum. Around, 7600 genes expressed in at least one fruit stages ofCannandCfrut, were AltSpli. The study identified spliced variants of genes including transcription factors (TFs) involved in fruit development/ripening(Aux/IAA 16-like, ETR, SGR1, ARF, CaGLK2, ETR, CaAGL1, MADS-RIN, FUL1, SEPALLATA1), carotenoid(PDS, CA1, Ccs, CCD4, NCED3, xanthoxin dehydrogenase, CaERF82, CabHLH100, CaMYB3R-1, SGR1, CaWRKY28, CaWRKY48, CaWRKY54)and capsaicinoids biosynthesis(CaMYB48, CHS, CaWRKY51), which were significantly differentially spliced (DS) between consecutiveCapsicumfruit stages. Also, this study observed that differentially expressed isoforms (DEiso) from 38 genes with differentially spliced events (DSE) were significantly enriched in various metabolic pathways such as starch and sucrose metabolism, amino-acid metabolism, cysteine cutin suberin and wax biosynthesis, and carotenoid biosynthesis. Furthermore, the metabolomic profiling revealed that metabolites from aforementioned pathways such as carbohydrates (mainly sugars such as D-fructose, D-galactose, maltose and sucrose), organic acids (carboxylic acids) and peptide groups significantly altered during fruit development. Taken together, our findings could help in alternative splicing-based targeted studies of candidate genes involved in fruit development and ripening inCapsicumcrop.
Development of a disease conceptual model of patient experience with metastatic colorectal cancer: identification of the most salient symptoms and impacts.
Authors: Guillemin Isabelle , Darpelly Mahesh , Wong Brendon , Ingelgård Anders , Griebsch Ingolf
Published: August 2022

Purpose. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) experience multiple symptoms and impacts affecting their health-related quality of life. However, there is limited data on self-reported experience of the most relevant and bothersome aspects of patients living with mCRC.Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in patients with mCRC to identify and understand the signs, symptoms and impacts experienced. Patients were also asked to rate the level of bothersomeness for each concept reported on a scale ranging from 0 (“not bothersome at all”) to 10 (“extremely bothersome”). Verbatim transcripts were analysed following a thematic analysis approach. The most salient concepts were identified (i.e., reported by >50% of patients with a bothersome rating ≥5 out of 10).Results. Twenty-five patients (United States; age: 26 to 72 years old) were interviewed. Patients reported 58 signs and symptoms, amongst which 8 were considered salient: fatigue, nausea, neuropathy, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss, and abdominal pain; 35 impacts were identified and 7 were considered salient: reduced ability to work, interference with daily activities, impact on cognitive functioning, financial impact, sleep changes, impact on social life and walking difficulties. The concepts identified helped refine a literature-based disease conceptual model of patient experience with mCRC.Conclusions. The interviews provided insights into the most bothersome and salient signs, symptoms and impacts affecting the HRQoL of patients living with mCRC.Implications for cancer survivors. There is a need to improve clinical strategies for future clinical development and inform clinical practice decision-making for mCRC survivors.
High expression of YTHDF1 predicts worse survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria
Authors: Chen Bin , An Tailai , Wang Yan , Li Xinming , Sun Xinfeng , Sheng Cuiyun , Xie Zonggui , Quan Xianyue
Published: August 2022

Background
The prognostic significance of YTHDF1 among patients with HCC within the Milan criteria has not been fully investigated. The present study was performed to identify its prognostic significance of YTHDF1 among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria.
Methods
The expression levels of YTHDF1 in HCC and normal tissues were initially assessed by analyzing the data extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then we performed immunohistochemical staining to further evaluate its expression levels in HCC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were accomplished to identify the independent prognostic factors for patients with HCC within the Milan criteria.
Results
According to bioinformatics analysis, YTHDF1 was significantly upregulated in HCC compared with normal liver tissues. It was then revealed that YTHDF1 expression was significantly associated with tumor number (P = 0.019), tumor size (P = 0.036), and microvascular invasion (MVI) (P = 0.033). Through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, it was demonstrated that along with tumor size (P = 0.012, HR = 2.725, 95%CI 1.249–5.946) and MVI (P < 0.001, HR = 3.494, 95%CI 1.919–6.363), high expression of YTHDF1 was an independent predictive factor for overall survival (OS) (P = 0.032, HR = 1.995, 95%CI 1.060–3.755) of patients with HCC within the Milan criteria. Similarly, high YTHDF1 expression was also proven as an independent predictive factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P = 0.037, HR = 1.645, 95%CI 1.030–2.627) of patients with HCC within the Milan criteria.
Conclusions
YTHDF1 is significantly up-regulated in HCC and its high expression is significantly associated with worse OS and RFS of patients with HCC within the Milan criteria.
Numerical Simulation of Confluence Flow in a Degraded Bed Under Different Turbulence Models with a Comparison of Rigid Lid and Volume of Fluid
Authors: Behzad Ehsan , Mohammadian Abdolmajid , Rennie Colin D. , Yu Qingcheng
Published: August 2022

The fluid dynamics of open channel confluences are highly complex due to the flow separation, mixing and secondary currents. Although numerous studies in the past few decades have focused on the numerical simulation of confluence flow, deformed beds were rarely used. This study attempts to address this issue through numerical simulation of the flow behavior in an open channel confluence flume with an equilibrium degraded bed in OpenFOAM. In the present study, six turbulence models, including Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) (standard k–ε, realizable k–ε, k–ω SST, V2-f), large-eddy simulation (LES) and detached eddy simulation (DES) models were performed using rigid lid and volume of fluid (VoF) methods. The accuracy of the models was statistically analyzed by comparing with the observation data, and their performance was prioritized accordingly. The results of this study demonstrated that the LES model had the best performance, with a minimum average normalized mean square error (NRMSE) of 9% under the VoF assumption and 27% under the rigid lid method.
Factors Affecting Women's Participation in Soil & Water Conservation in Abeshege District southern Ethiopia
Authors: Dula Tsegamariam
Published: August 2022

Background
The primary industry in Ethiopia that makes a significant contribution to economic growth is still agriculture. Despite making a considerable contribution to livelihoods, the sector continues to encounter difficulties since soil degradation and resource depletion have decreased crop and livestock yield. To curb the effects of land degradation, the Ethiopian government has taken serious measures to expand soil and water conservation (SWC) practices across the country. Despite the efforts made, the participation of women in SWC activities has been low. The study was conducted to investigate women's participation in soil and water conservation practices in the Abeshege district of central Ethiopia. A random sampling procedure was used to select 164 participating and 70 non-participating households from a carefully selected sample of six rural kebeles. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources using interview designs, focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, discussions with key informants, and observation.
Results
Key results showed that a variety of demographic, economic, and institutional factors significantly influenced women's participation in SWC. In this study, I found that education, family size, property size, income level, and contact with extension workers were the most important predictors of women's participation in SWC.
Conclusions
In general, I concluded that women's participation in SWC should be increased through a concerted effort by consultants, local government, and other relevant non-governmental actors. In particular, the counseling system should encourage women's participation in SWC. In addition, the need to create learning opportunities by facilitating appropriate education and training programs for women's participation in SWC should be stressed.
Horro and their crossbred dairy cow’s reproductive performance in Ethiopia sub-humid tropical environments
Authors: Goshu Habtamu Abera , Jalata Beshatu , Mediksa Tesfaye , Bekele Dereje , Aliye Mohammed
Published: August 2022

The estrus detection system, proper time of insemination, feeding, and health care practices each make a significant contribution towards the herd's optimal breeding efficiency and lifetime production. In the sub-humid environments of Ethiopia, the age at first calving, days open, calving to first heat, and services per conception are economic traits in the reproductive performance of Horro and their crossbred dairy cows. As a result, data collected at Ethiopia's Bako Agricultural Research Center from 1980 to 2019 were used to study the reproductive performance of Horro and their crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey dairy cows. The overall mean ± standard error of age at first service (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), number of services per conception (NSP), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), conception rate (CR), and replacement rate (RR) were 29.2 ± 0.2 months, 39.8 ± 0.2months,1.76 ± 0.4, 13.2 ± 0.3 months, 94.3 ± 4.3 days, 75.0 ± 1.3%, and 28.4 ± 0.3%, respectively. At 60 and 90 days, the odd ratio of the non-return rate (NRR) was 0.22 and 0.96, respectively. The breeds (sire and dam) and birth period had a significant (P < 0.001) influence on AFS and AFC, whereas season and dam parity had a significant influence on CI and DO. Inconsistent management in feeding, heat detection, inseminator skill, insemination time, health, and other husbandry practices may result in extended periods of AFS, AFC, CI, and DO. To improve the reproductive performance of Horro and their crosses with Holstein Friesian and Jersey dairy cows in Ethiopia's sub-humid environments, we should focus on increasing management factors.
Finding the Gap: Neuromorphic Motion Vision in Cluttered Environments
Authors: Schoepe Thorben , Janotte Ella , Milde Moritz , Bertrand Olivier , Egelhaaf Martin , Chicca Elisabetta
Published: August 2022

Many animals meander in environments and avoid collisions. How the underlying neuronal machinery can yield robust behaviour in a variety of environments remains unclear. In the fly brain, motion-sensitive neurons indicate the presence of nearby objects and directional cues are integrated within an area known as the central complex.
Such neuronal machinery, in contrast with the traditional stream-based approach to signal processing, uses an event-based approach, with events occurring when changes are sensed by the animal. Contrary to classical von Neumann computing architectures, event-based neuromorphic hardware is designed to process information asynchronously and in a distributed manner. Inspired by the fly brain, we model, for the first time, a neuromorphic closed-loop system mimicking essential behaviours observed in flying insects, such as meandering in clutter and crossing of gaps, both of which are also highly relevant for autonomous vehicles. We implemented our system both in software and on neuromorphic hardware. While moving through an environment, our agent perceives changes in its surroundings and uses this information for collision avoidance. The agent's manoeuvres result from a closed action-perception loop implementing probabilistic decision-making processes. This loop-closure is thought to have driven the development of neural circuitry in biological agents since the Cambrian explosion.
In the fundamental quest to understand neural computation in artificial agents, we come closer to understanding and modelling biological intelligence by closing the loop also in neuromorphic systems. As a closed-loop system, our system deepens our understanding of processing in neural networks and their computations in both biological and artificial systems. With these investigations, we aim to set the foundations for neuromorphic intelligence in the future, moving towards leveraging the full potential of neuromorphic systems.
Treatment option for diaphragm dysfunction after cardiac surgery: a review and a clinical case
Authors: Paromov K. V. , Svirskii D. A. , Kirov Mihail Yu.
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION. Dysfunction of diaphragm postoperatively is associated with worsened quality of life and increased health care costs due to prolonged respiratory support and morbidity. After cardiac operations, dysfunction of diaphragm can take place in up to 10 % of patients but often remains underdiagnosed. At the same time, histologically revealed changes, such as muscle atrophy in the diaphragm, start within 12 hours of mechanical ventilation. The therapy of diaphragm weakness is not well established and has a limited efficacy. Current analytic review describes therapeutic option for treatment ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction with emphasis on electric neuromodulation of phrenic nerve. OBJECTIVE. To optimize respiratory function by bilateral electrostimulation of phrenic nerves on the neck level in patient with diaphragm dysfunction after cardiac operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. 82-year-old female patient after elective aortic valve replacement was diagnosed with dysfunction of diaphragm and respiratory failure. These changes caused the weaning failure from respirator and led to prolonged ventilator support. On the 20, 22, 24 and 26 days of postoperative period we performed invasive bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation on the neck level for 10 minutes with ultrasound navigation. RESULTS. After electrical modulation of phrenic nerves, diaphragm excursion, detected by ultrasound, was improved. After four procedures, duration of spontaneous breathing trial increased from 1 to 12 hours. On postoperative day 30, the patient was successfully weaned from respiratory support and decannulated without recurrent respiratory failure. There were no any complications during procedure, it was well-tolerated and associated with emotional improvement. CONCLUSIONS. Phrenic nerve stimulation on the neck level can be a valuable option in selected patients with respiratory failure and difficulties with ventilator weaning.