bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins Protects Pancreatic β Cells against Ferroptosis via the Nrf2 Pathway in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ding Yusong , Li Haiyan , Zhang Haowei , Wang Tongling , Zhang Liyuan
Published: September 2023

Objective
Pancreatic β cell damage is a core cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. This study explored the role of ferroptosis in pancreatic β cell damage and the protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPE).
Methods
T2DM rat model was established. In T2DM rats, the blood glucose, water intake, urine volume, HbA1c, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance were significantly increased, while the body weight and the insulin level were significantly decreased, indicating the successful establishment of T2DM model. MIN6 mouse insulinoma β cells were cultured in high glucose and sodium palmitate conditions to obtain glycolipid damage model, which was administrated with GSPE, Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) or nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) small interfering (si) RNA.
Results
GSPE and Fer-1 treatment significantly improved pancreatic β cell dysfunction and protected against cell death. Both treatments increased the superoxide dismutase and glutathione activity, reduced the malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels, and improved the iron metabolism. Furthermore, both treatments reversed the expression of ferroptosis markers cysteine/glutamate transporter (XCT) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) caused by glycolipid toxicity. Moreover, GSPE treatments activated the expression of Nrf2 and related proteins. These effects were reversed when co-transfected with si-Nrf2.
Conclusion
These results demonstrate that GSPE inhibits ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thus reducing β cell damage and dysfunction in T2DM. GSPE could be a potential agent for T2DM treatment.
The branched mitochondrial respiratory chain from the jellyfish Stomolophus sp2 as an adaptive response to environmental changes
Authors: Nevarez-Lopez Cintya Alejandra , Muhlia-Almazan Adriana , Gamero-Mora Edgar , Sanchez-Paz Arturo , Sastre-Velazquez Daniel , Lopez-Martinez Juana
Published: September 2023

During their long evolutionary history, jellyfish have faced changes in multiple environmental factors, to which they may selectively fix adaptations allowing some species to survive and inhabit diverse environments. Previous findings have confirmed the jellyfish’s ability to synthesize large ATP amounts, mainly produced by mitochondria, in response to environmental challenges. This study characterized the respiratory chain from the mitochondria of the jellyfish Stomolophus sp2 (previously misidentified as Stomolophus meleagris). The isolated mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates, multimeric complexes’ in-gel activity, immunodetection, and mass spectrometry identification confirmed that the jellyfish mitochondrial respiratory chain contains the five canonical complexes I to IV and F0F1-ATP synthase. In addition, our results confirmed the occurrence of four alternative enzymes integrated into a branched mitochondrial respiratory chain of Stomolophus sp2: an alternative oxidase and three dehydrogenases (two NADH type II enzymes and a mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase). Significant differences in the transcript abundance of each alternative enzyme from jellyfish transcriptomes were detected after jellyfish were exposed to three different temperatures. These first-time reported enzymes in cnidarians suggest the mitochondrial adaptative ability allowing jellyfish rapid metabolic responses to maintain energetic homeostasis and to face the temperature variations due to climate change.
Sex-based differences in clinical and radiological presentation of patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liang Xiao , Yang Puxin , Yuan Hongru , Huo Yachong , Yang Dalong , Wang Hui , Ding Wrenyuan
Published: September 2023

BackgroundTo evaluate the sex-based differences in clinical and radiological presentation of patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS), and to explore whether the difference is helpful in investigating the etiology and progression of DLS.MethodA retrospective review of 199 patients (41 males, 158 females) with DLS were included. Patient demographics including age, gender, bone mineral density were collected. Back and leg pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and general physical condition assessed by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Cobb's angle was measured, and direction of scoliosis, position of the superior, inferior, and apex vertebrae (AV), number of vertebrae included in the scoliosis, rotation of apex vertebrae (Nash-Mo index), translation of apex vertebrae (AVT) were recorded. Sagittal longitudinal axis (SVA), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence angle (PI), sacral slope (SS), apex of lumbar lordosis (aLL), and coronal balance distance (CBD) were measured by whole spine lateral radiographs, type of coronal imbalance were evaluated in all patients. Fat infiltration rate (FIR) of the paraspinal muscles at the vertebral apex was measured by MRI.ResultCompared to female patients, male patients showed more back and leg pain on clinical presentation and smaller Cobb angle, less parietal rotation, larger LL, smaller PI-LL, and lower paravertebral muscle FIR on radiologic features.ConclusionGender differences do exist in DLS patients with regard to clinical and radiological presentation, low back pain was more pronounced in male patients and scoliosis was more severe in female patients based on this cross-sectional study.
True hysteroscopic features of chronic endometritis: A retrospective case-control study in chronic endometritis and non-chronic endometritis
Authors: FURUI MAYUKO , ITO AYUMU , FUKUDA YUSUKE , SEKIGUCHI MAMI , NAKAOKA KENTARO , HAYASHI YUKO , TAMAKI YUKO , KATAGIRI YUKIKO , NAGAO KOICHI , NAKATA MASAHIKO
Published: September 2023

In this study, we aimed to clarify the findings suggesting the presence of chronic endometritis (CE) on hysteroscopy by comparing cases of CE diagnosed on endometrial biopsy with those judged non-CE on hysteroscopy. The uterine lumen was observed using a hysteroscope, and four discrete findings were recorded: endometrial congestion, micropolyps, endometrial edema, and endometrial polyps. A definitive diagnosis of CE was made based on endometrial histopathology. If more than five CD138 immunohistochemical staining-positive plasma cells were found per 20 high-power fields (HPF) in the endometrial tissue samples, the sample was defined as CE (CE group). Samples with fewer than five plasma cells per 20 HPF were defined as normal (non-CE group). Among the four hysteroscopic findings, only endometrial congestion was a significant contributing factor to the diagnosis of CE based on endometrial histopathology in multivariate analysis. The diagnostic concordance rate of CE for hysteroscopy-positive cases was 53.2 %, while the concordance rate of non-CE for hysteroscopy-negative cases was 55.0 %. Among the hysteroscopic findings that have been reported to be associated with CE, only endometrial congestion is truly indicative of CE.
Terahertz 8/9/12/14/16 Band Metamaterial Absorber with a Simple Structure and a High Q-Factor
Authors: S Deepa Nivethika
Published: September 2023

Terahertz Eight-/Nine-/Twelve-/Fourteen-/Sixteen-Band Metamaterial Absorber (MMA) for sensing applications is built and simulated. The substrate is sandwiched between the bottom ground plane and the top patch structure of this primitive MMA. The top patch is made up of two concentric circular ring resonators. This structure generates a multiple number of multi bands without utilising stacked layers, multiple resonators, or overlapping in a single unit cell by altering the radius of the top patch structure within the shorter frequency range of 0.8 to 1.2 THz. The polarisation and angle insensitivity properties are investigated by shifting the angle values from 0 to 90 degrees. To learn about the inside mechanism of the planned structure, the Magnetic field distribution, Electric field distribution and Surface current distribution plots are explained. For sixteen band MMA, the Q-Factor and full width half maximum are also determined. This proposed MMA will be used in biosensing applications, sensors and wireless communications.
Resorcinol Formaldehyde Aerogels Modified with Graphene for the Removal of Minocycline Antibiotics from Aqueous Solutions: Mechanisms and Influencing Factors
Authors: Yazdanbakhsh Amirhosein , Behzadi Alireza , Moghaddam Armaghan , Salahshoori Iman , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: September 2023

In recent years, concerns about the presence of pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater have increased. Various types of residues of tetracycline family antibiotic compounds, which are widely used, are found in environmental waters in relatively low and persistent concentrations, adversely affecting human health and the environment. The goal of this work is to create organic aerogels with high-specific surface areas for the removal of antibiotics like minocycline. In this work, resorcinol formaldehyde aerogel was prepared through the sol-gel process and dried under ambient pressure. Graphene was used to modify the aerogel. Ultimately, the performance of synthesized samples under various conditions, including adsorbent doses (4–10 mg), solution pHs (2–12), and contact times (3–24 h) of the adsorbent with the adsorbate was investigated. The BET test findings illustrated that the surface area of the resorcinol formaldehyde aerogel sample containing 1 wt% graphene increased compared to that of the neat aerogel. Also, it was observed that the removal rate of minocycline antibiotics for neat and modified samples was 71.6% and 92.1% at optimal pHs of 4 and 6, respectively. Graphene-modified resorcinol formaldehyde aerogel was hence considered a suitable adsorbent for removing minocycline antibiotics from aqueous solutions and a promising candidate for environmental applications.
The performance of Spot photoscreener compared to cycloplegic retinoscopy refraction in 6 to 10 weeks old human infants
Authors: Li Yaoling , Li Jing , Wang Huiyu , Du Mingyang , Wei Lirong , Teng Su , Ding Gang , Qian Xuehan , Hua Ning
Published: September 2023

Background To compare the refractive errors measured by the Spot photoscreener with or without cycloplegia to cycloplegic retinoscopy in 6 to 10 weeks old human young infants. Methods A total of 101 right eyes from 101 healthy infants aged from 6 to 10 weeks were recruited in this cross-sectional observational study. Refractive errors were measured using Spot photoscreener before and after cycloplegia as well as cycloplegic retinoscopy. Comparisons between the refractive measurement were performed using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey HSD test or Kruskal-Wallis test according to the data normality. An intraclass correlation coefficient among the various methods and their 95% confident intervals were calculated and the agreement was evaluated by using Bland-Altman plot with 95% limits of agreement of the differences. Results Spot photoscreener underestimated spherical equivalent of 2.33D in these infants. With induction of cycloplegia, spherical equivalent measured by Spot photoscreener were in excellent agreement with cycloplegic retinoscopy with the mean difference of 0.01D. Spot photoscreener overestimated cylindrical parameter of 0.2D with poor agreements with cycloplegic retinoscopy no matter whether cycloplegia was induced. It had much more reliable measurement in J0vector than J45vector measurement. Conclusions With induction of the cycloplegia, Spot photoscreener accurately evaluates spherical equivalent in young infants. It may provide valuable measurement of astigmatism, but the bias in cyclinder and axis by the Spot photoscreener should be taken into account.
Ferroptosis, Pyroptosis and Necroptosis-related Genes in Sepsis-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Immune Infiltration
Authors: Hu Longhui , Ruan Chujun , Ke Qiao , Li Min
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis are interrelated and play an important role in the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, expression profiles of relates have rarely been used to explore the relationship between ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis and sepsis-induced ARDS. Consequently, we aim to employ bioinformatics analysis to identify and confirm potential genes associated with ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis in sepsis-induced ARDS.
Methods: Gene expression matrices were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and subjected to screening for differentially expressed ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis-related genes (DEfpnRGs) in sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) using R software. Functional enrichment analyses were then conducted to investigate the potential biological functions of DEfpnRGs, followed by the construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Subsequently, correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed to assess the DEfpnRGs. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between these distinct genes and immune cells by employing the CIBERSORT algorithm and conducting spearman correlation analysis. Ultimately, the RNA expression of nine DEfpnRGs was confirmed through mRNA sequencing and qRT-PCR in blood samples obtained from individuals with sepsis-induced ARDS as well as from healthy controls.
Results: We have identified a total of 32 DEfpnRGs, consisting of 19 up-regulated genes and 13 down-regulated genes. Notably, the correlation coefficients between CFLAR, FPR1, S100A12, and SIRPA with T cells follicular helper, FSCN1 with Monocytes, and GBP2, FPR1, and CFLAR with Mast cells resting were found to be less than -0.6, indicating a strong negative correlation. Conversely, the correlation coefficient between GBP2 and Neutrophils was greater than 0.6, suggesting a strong positive correlation. Nine genes (ELANE, CAMP, HMGCS1, TNIP1, SSBP1MYC, ADORA2A, LCN2, LTF, and MYC) with AUC>0.75 were considered possible to be sepsis-induced ARDS hub genes for ROC curve analysis.The results of mRNA sequencing and qRT-PCR confirmed that five of these hub genes were significantly upregulated in sepsis-induced ARDS, while three genes exhibited low expression levels in this condition.
Conclusion: We identified an association between DEfpnRGs and immune infiltration in sepsis-induced ARDS and validated the promising diagnostic poteintial of ELANE, HMGCS1, TNIP1, SSBP1MYC, ADORA2A, LCN2, LTF, and MYC.
An efficient video coding with object-bounded motion estimation using cuboid-based variable-sized block partitioning
Authors: Karmakar Priyabrata , Murshed Manzur , Paul Manoranjan , Taubman David
Published: September 2023

Block-based motion modelling has been widely used in video coding where a frame is divided into fixed-sized blocks that are motion compensated independently. This often leads to coding inefficiency as fixed-sized blocks hardly align with the object motion. Although hierarchical blockpartitioning has been introduced to address this, the increased number of motion vectors limits the benefit. Recently, approximate segmentation of images with cuboidal partitioning has gained popularity. Not only are the variable-sized rectangular segments (cuboids) readily amenable to block-based image/video coding techniques, but they are also capable of aligning well with the object boundaries. This is because cuboidal partitioning is based on a homogeneity constraint, minimising the sum of squared errors (SSE). Therefore, motion modelling with variable-sized cuboidal blocks is able to exploit semantic correlations by following displacements of approximate object boundaries. The existing cuboidal partitioning-based method generates a reference frame using the mean value of the cuboids but they didn’t exploit any motion information. In this paper, we have investigated the potential of cuboids in motion modelling against the fixed-sized blocks used in scalable video coding. Specifically, we have constructed motioncompensated current frame using the cuboidal partitioning information of the anchor frame in a group-of-picture (GOP). The predicted current frames have then been used as the base layer while encoding the current frames as an enhancement layer using a scalable encoder. We have also proposed two novel approaches to determine the number of cuboids by which each frame will be partitioned to. Experimental results confirm high bitrate savings on a wide range of video sequences.
Analysis of cartilage loading and injury correlation in Knee varus deformity
Authors: Zhang Hongjie , Ma Jianxiong , Tian Aixian , lu Bin , Bai Haohao , Dai Jing , Wu Yanfei , Chen Jiahui , Ma Xinlong
Published: September 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study is to construct three-dimensional simulation models of Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with different varus angles by applying computer-aided design (CAD); to analyse the stress distribution in the knee joint cavity by using finite elements through the KOA models of different varus, and to compare the internal loads in the knee joints of different models; and to carry out a correlation analysis of the results of the finite element analyses in conjunction with the corresponding clinical cases of varus and cartilage injuries.
Methods: The CAD software package Mimics 21.0 was used to accurately simulate different varus angle models, and the simulated varus angles were divided into (0°,3°,6°,9°,12°,15°,18°) seven knee models, which were processed with finite element software, and axial forces were applied by simulating the weight of the human body in the static extension position, and the cartilage of the femoral condyle, medial tibial plateau, and lateral plateau were obtained. Von-Mises Stress (VMS) distribution and peak conditions, combined with clinical cases of the same varus deformity angle intraoperative microscopic visualization of cartilage cartilage injury, to find the cartilage force and injury correlation.
Results: Under a compression load of 740N, the lower limb mechanical axis shifted inward as the varus angle increased；the peak VMS of the lateral tibial plateau and femoral condyles did not change much from 3°-18°, the peak cartilage VMS of the medial tibial plateau was higher than that of other intercompartments；The medial tibial plateau had the largest stress area at 0°, with a 2.6-fold increase in peak VMS from 4.13-14.05MPa from 0°-6°, and the stress loads basically stabilized from 6°-15°. Clinical data showed that the varus deformity angle was significantly correlated with cartilage damage in the knee, medial plateau, and patellofemoral intercompartment ( F1=52.287,P1<.001 ,h12 =.709 , F2=312.67,P2<.001 ,h22 =.729, F3=55.486,P3<.001 ,h32 =.691)
Conclusion: The larger the varus deformity angle, the higher the medial cartilage stress load, the heavier the cartilage damage in the corresponding peak stress area. In actual clinical patients, when varus exceeds 6°, in addition to sagittal plane medial plateau cartilage damage there was also coronal plane patellofemoral intercompartmental cartilage damage, and there was a situation of articular coronal plane motion, and the knee injury appeared abnormal when it exceeded 15°, which could be deduced that there was an abnormal motion of the knee joint. The probability of cartilage damage increases when the varus is ≥6°, and early surgical correction is recommended to prevent aggravation of the deformity and thus restore knee function.
Selective and Sensitive Detection of Hg 2+ and Ag + by a Fluorescent and Colorimetric Probe with Large Stokes Shift
Authors: Li Hongqi , Yan Jiabao , Jiang Lin , Zhao Yong , Song Yanxi , Yu Jirui , Cheng Lang
Published: September 2023

Development of fluorescent sensors with large Stokes shift for selective detection of heavy metals is of great importance. A novel fluorescent probe KL1 with extremely large Stokes shift (212 nm) was synthesized for selective and simultaneous detection of Hg2+ and Ag+ ions. Deep yellow probe KL1 turned colorless or pale yellow after addition of Hg2+ or Ag+. Probe KL1 could be utilized for absorption spectral detection of Hg2+ and Ag+ both in ethanol and aqueous solution. Addition of Hg2+ and Ag+ ions caused significant decrease in the fluorescence intensity of probe KL1 and the selective recognition of Hg2+ and Ag+ was not interfered by common competitive metal ions including Li+, Na+, K+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Sr2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+, Cr3+ and Fe3+. The detection limit for Hg2+ and Ag+ was calculated to be 3.66 μM and 5.76 μM, respectively.
The oral microbiome profile of young water polo players
Authors: Kalabiska Irina , Annar Dorina , Keki Zsuzsa , Bhattoa Harjit Pal , Zsakai Annamaria
Published: September 2023

Objectives.
Adverse changes in the constitution of oral cavity microbiota may have serious health consequences. We hypothesized that the oral cavity microbiota community in water polo players may differ from others. Our aims were to determine the composition of the oral microbiome of elite water polo players and to compare their oral microbiome to that of non-athletes.
Materials and Methods
Elite water polo players (n: 29) and non-athletes (n: 16) aged between 16–20 were studied. The oral microbiome was determined from a saliva sample, DNA was isolated by the QIAmp DNA Blood Mini Kit. The 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing method was used to analyse the microbiome community. PCR primers were trimmed from the sequence reads with cutadapt. R library DADA2 was used to process reads in the abundance analysis.
Results
In general, Streptococcus, Veilonella and Prevotella genera constituted more than 50% of the oral microbiome community of the studied youth. The oral microbial profile had significant sexual dimorphism and differed between water polo players and the non-athletes. Males had a significantly higher relative abundance of the Atopobium and Pravotella_7 genera and a significantly lower relative abundance of the Fusobacterium, Gemella and Streptococcus genera as compared to their female counterparts. Compared to non-athletes, water polo players had significantly higher relative abundance of the genus Veillonella, and lower relative abundance of the genus Gemella.
Conclusion
The results confirm that regular water training can alter the composition of the oral microbial community.
Detecting bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using automatic acoustic analysis
Authors: Simmatis Leif , Robin Jessica , Spilka Michael , Yunusova Yana
Published: September 2023

Home-based speech assessments have the potential to dramatically improve ALS clinical practice and facilitate patient stratification for ALS clinical trials. Acoustic speech analysis has demonstrated the ability to capture a variety of relevant speech motor impairments, but implementation has been hindered by both the nature of lab-based assessments (requiring travel and time for patients) and also by the opacity of some acoustic feature analysis methods. Furthermore, these challenges and others have obscured the ability to distinguish different ALS disease stages/severities. Validation of remote-capable acoustic analysis tools could enable detection of early signs of ALS, and these tools could be deployed to screen and monitor patients without requiring clinic visits. Here, we sought to determine whether acoustic features gathered using a remote-capable assessment app could detect ALS as well as different levels of speech impairment severity resulting from ALS. Speech samples (readings of a standardized, 99-word passage) from 119 ALS patients with varying degrees of disease severity as well as 22 neurologically healthy participants were analyzed, and 53 acoustic features were extracted. Patients were stratified into early and late stages of disease (ALS-early/ALS-E and ALS-late/ALS-L) based on the ALS Functional Ratings Scale - Revised bulbar score (FRS-bulb). Data were analyzed using a sparse Bayesian logistic regression classifier. It was determined that the current relatively small set of acoustic features could distinguish between ALS and controls well (area under receiver operating characteristic curve/AUROC = 0.85), that the ALS-E patients could be separated well from control participants (AUROC = 0.78), and that ALS-E and ALS-L patients could be reasonably separated (AUROC = 0.70). These results highlight the potential for remote acoustic analyses to detect and stratify ALS.
The connection between spicules’ acceleration, velocity and group height
Authors: Freeman Leonard
Published: September 2023

The acceleration and velocity (a,V) for solar jets such as spicules are often displayed as scattergraphs, which show a strong correlation between the two variables. This can be represented empirically by the equation, V = pa + q, where p and q are two arbitrary non-zero constants. This study aims to analyse the data for the acceleration, a, and velocity, V over a wide range of solar jets, in order to confirm an alternative proposal that there is a simpler relationship which directly links (a,V) to the mean height for the group of jets, requiring only one constant rather than two. The (a,V) data is subjected to a standard mathematical test – plotting log(a) against log(V), which allows us to establish whether V ~ a n and if so, the value of the index n. When this is done for a wide range of different types of jet the index n is consistently found to be close to 0.5 The nine groups of jets included spicules, macrospicules and dynamic fibrils. The result, V ~ a 0.5, or equivalently V 2 = ka, with only one constant, provides as good a match to the data as the equation V = pa + q, which requires two constants. It is further found that the constant k, is approximately twice the mean height, \(\stackrel{-}{s}\) ,of the group of jets being analysed. This then gives the well known equation for an object with constant acceleration, \({V}^{2}=2 a \stackrel{-}{s}\). This simpler (a,V) relationship links the acceleration and maximum velocity to a well defined constant - the mean height of the group of spicules. This single constant replaces the two undefined constants in the empirical equation.
Improved Fuzzy Entropy for Signature Recognition
Authors: Wu Jun , Wan Qingqing , Zhang Zelin , Xu Jinyu , Cheng Wenming , Chen Difang , Zhou Xiao
Published: September 2023

Distinguishing different time series, which are determinant or stochastic, is an important task in signal processing. In this work, a correlation measure constructs Correlation Fuzzy Entropy (CFE) to discriminate Chaos and stochastic series. CFE based on the modulus of polar coordinates eliminates the effects of argument with a projection inequality. It can be employed to distinguish chaotic signals from ARIMA series with different noises. The CFE was verified by analyzing two available online signature databases MCYT-100 and SVC2004.
Screening and Identification of two repellent active volatiles to Hyphantria cunea
Authors: Lv Jinyan , Meng Zhao-Jun , Li Yan-Yan , Li Xin-Su , Yan Shan-Chun
Published: September 2023

The repellent tree species or their volatiles of Hyphantria cunea can be used for "push and pull strategy" integrated control to improve the capture to H. cunea in the wild. The response of H. cunea to repellent tree species and volatiles was determined using insect electrophysiological technique and Y-tube olfactometer test. H. cunea 5th, 6th instar larvae and virgin females were significantly more repulsive to the branches of Larix gmelinii and Syringa oblata than to blank control (P<0.05). Two mutual antennal active volatile compounds (α-pinene and (+)-limonene) from the branches of two tree species were identified by gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection/mass spectrometry (GC-EAD/MS) and electroantennography (EAG) responses of H. cunea females and males existed significant dose-dependent relationship (P<0.05). The highest EAG response value was induced at the highest concentration (100 µL/mL). In addition, 2 volatile compounds (100 µL/mL) had significant repellent effects on H. cunea 4-6th instar larvae and adults (P<0.05), and could notably inhibit the host (Salix matsudana) selection of 5th and 6th instar larvae and both sex adults (P<0.05). In conclusion, α-pinene and (+)-limonene as potential candidates can repellent H. cunea 4-6th larvae or adults, and play an important role in effective green prevention and control.
Levothyroxine therapy in children with hypothyroidism due to frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome: an observational cohort study
Authors: Saberinejad Javad , Taheri Amin , Dormanesh Banafshe , Moghtaderi Mastaneh
Published: September 2023

Background: Although the prevalence of temporary hypothyroidism (HT) in nephrotic syndrome (NS) is high, there is conflict over hormone replacement therapy in these cases. In an observational cohort with a control group, we investigated the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy in patients with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) and HT.
Methods: Consecutive 2–13-year-old patients with FRNS and thyroid stimulant hormone (TSH) higher than 5.5 mIU/L were studied. Following relapse treatment, patients treated with levothyroxine were considered the levothyroxine group. The incidence of relapses was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the cumulative dose of prednisolone, the number of treatment failures, and the duration of each relapse.
Results: Thirty-two relapses per 27.2 person-years and 45 per 29.2 person-years occurred in the levothyroxine and control groups, respectively. The relapse rate was 1.17 versus 1.53 with the incidence rate ratio of 0.76 (95%Cl: 0.46- 1.22; p=0.24). The mean dose of prednisolone and time to remission was significantly lower in the levothyroxine group compared to the controls (0.51 ± 0.40 versus 0.55 ± 0.50 mg/kg/day; p=0.03 and 6.0 ± 2.17 versus 9.7 ± 2.87 days; p<0.001, respectively). There was a significant difference in the levels of TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), albumin, and creatinine. This significant difference disappeared during remission for albumin but remained significant for TSH and creatinine.
Conclusion: In patients with FRNS, the administration of levothyroxine can reduce the time to remission and dose of prednisolone. However, it has no significant effect on relapse rate and treatment failure.
Effects of host size and substrate types on the distribution of accidental and obligate epiphytes in a temperate forest of Japan
Authors: Komada Natsuki , Azuma Wakana , Ogawa Yuya , Tatsumi Chikae
Published: September 2023

In a forest, the distribution of vascular epiphytes depends on host tree size and substrate type. However, previous studies have mainly focused on tropical forests, despite the growing interest in temperate forests with a high diversity of epiphytes and the frequent occurrence of accidental epiphytism in terrestrial species. This study examined the distribution of accidental and obligate epiphytes on 8 Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Cercidiphyllaceae) trees in a Japanese temperate forest based on the observation of 1,301 epiphyte individuals belonging to 49 species. The hypothesis that the number of total epiphyte species and individuals increased significantly and exponentially with increasing tree size were supported. As predicted, the proportion of accidental epiphyte species would increase with tree size but that of obligate epiphytes would decrease. In agreement with our hypothesis, the major rooting substrate types of accidental and obligate epiphyte assemblages were different. Accidental epiphytes depended mainly on arboreal soil and, to a lesser extent, on moss; however, they were absent on the bark. By contrast, obligate epiphytes were most frequently found on moss, followed by bark and arboreal soil. These results highlight the greater impact of host tree size on the diversity of accidental epiphytes compared to obligate epiphytes, suggesting that there are differential effects of host tree size on accidental and obligate epiphytes in temperate forests. Additionally, the thick accumulation of organic matter is crucial for the establishment and growth of accidental epiphytes.
Development of the Microwave-Assisted Extraction and Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Method for the Analysis of Phytosterols in Cheese by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mousavi Mir-Michael , Mahmoudpourb Mansour , Yousefi Mojtaba , Khorshidian Nasim , Mortazavian Amir M.
Published: September 2023

In this investigation, an innovative, uncomplicated, swift, and effective technique based on microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) ensued by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was formulated to determine the quantity of 4 phytosterols compounds in cheese samples. Under optimum circumstances for the process of Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), a cheese sample weighing 0.2 g was subjected to extraction through employment of a closed-vessel system comprising of 5 mL of 2 M KOH and ethanol in a proportion of 70:30. The extraction procedure for phytosterols from a solution was executed through the utilization of 500 µL chloroform and a centrifugation lasting 5 minutes that was conducted at a velocity of 5000 rpm. Following this, the phytosterols underwent derivatization to generate their trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives, post which their analysis was carried out via GC-MS. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved through the implementation of this technique. The devised approach demonstrated favorable repeatability, exhibiting a relative standard deviation ranging between 4% and 8%, alongside exceptional enrichment factors, spanning from 162 to 180 for 4 phytosterols, in the spiked cheese sample. The present study has determined the limits of detection and quantification for all target phytosterols to be within the range of 0.12–0.32 and 0.45–0.71ng/g, respectively. The present study has observed linear Calibration curves within the range of 0.3-100 ng g−1, exhibiting correlation coefficients(R2) that varied from 0.993 to 0.997. The recoveries of the target analytes in cheese were exceptional, spanning a range of 95% to 99%.
Hybrid Procedure of Laminoplasty Combined with Foraminotomy for Multilevel Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Accompany with Nerve Root Canal Stenosis
Authors: Qiu Yuqin , Ye Yi , Wan Lun , Zhang Kun
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and security of laminoplasty combined with foraminotomy (which is called hybrid procedure, HP) for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy accompany with nerve root canal stenosis.
Methods: The first 37 patients underwent the traditional C3-6 or C3-7 laminoplasty (TL). The subsequent 35 patients were performed with laminoplasty and foraminotomy (HP). The clinical evaluation was based on modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores (mJOA) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for brachialgia. The cervical physiological curvature (CCP) and range of cervical movement (ROM) were observed for imaging evaluation.
Results: At the last follow-up, the NDI and mJOA scores in HP group were significantly superior to those in TL group (P<0.001). Foraminotomy could effectively alleviate the brachialgia, in spite of aggravating the first day after operation Axial symptoms were aggravated or new emerged after surgery in 3 patients in HP group and 5 patients in TL group. The incidence of C5 nerve root palsyin HP group and TL group were 2.8% and 10.8% respectively.
Conclusions: HP is considerable for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy accompany with nerve root canal stenosis, however, considering the aggravation of postoperative brachialgia, it should be carefully adopted and performed.
A Rare Case of Pediatric Suprasellar - Sellar Ependymona: Case Report & Review of Literature
Authors: Madeshiya Shivam , Ojha B. K. , Parihar Anit
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
Ependymomas are common brain tumors in children. They are usually found in the posterior fossa (60%), supratentorial region (30%), and spine around the ependyma of ventricles or spinal canal as they arise from the ependymal lining. Ependymoma in the suprasellar /sellar region away from the ependyma lining of ventricles is an extremely rare malignancy of the central nervous system.
Case Description:
We describe an interesting case of pediatric ependymoma of the suprasellar/sellar region in a 2.5-year-old boy. Considering the age & presentation of the patient, the location of the lesion, and imaging features, an initial radiological diagnosis of germinoma was made. Histomorphology and Immunohistochemical findings were consistent with ependymoma.
Conclusion
Suprasellar-sellar ependymomas are very rare. From the best of our knowledge, only 13 cases of adult suprasellar/sellar ependymoma have been reported till date. Our case may be the first reported pediatric case of suprasellar/sellar ependymoma.
Artificial intelligent-based personalized predictive ischemic stroke among type 2 diabetes mellitus complication patients
Authors: Phan Thanh-Phuc , Nguyen Phung-Anh , Vo Thanh Hoa , Hsu Min-Huei , Saputra Yudha E. , Hien Nguyen Thi Kim , Chen Cheng-Yu , Le Minh Khoi , Nguyen Hoang Bac , Hsu Jason C.
Published: September 2023

Objectives The objective of this study was to apply machine learning algorithms to predict the risk of ischemic stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who were prescribed antidiabetic medications. This is an important complication of type 2 diabetes, and developing prediction models can help identify patients at a higher risk of developing it.Method The study used a dataset of 39,646 patients with type 2 diabetes from the Taipei Medical University Clinical Research Database between 2008 and 2020. The performance of different machine-learning models was evaluated using several metrics, such as the area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and others.Results The results showed promising outcomes, with the area under the curve improving from 0.67 to 0.78. The critical factors in the machine learning models were age, stroke history, and antithrombotic medication.Conclusions The development of machine learning algorithms to predict the risk of ischemic stroke in type 2 diabetes patients is a significant contribution to the field. Healthcare providers can use this information to take preventative measures and reduce the risk of stroke in high-risk patients. However, further exploration is required to ensure the accuracy and applicability of the model to other patient populations.
Hypericum alpestre extract exhibits in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties by regulating the cellular antioxidant system and metabolic pathway of L-arginine
Authors: Ginovyan Mikayel , Javrushyan Hayarpi , Karapetyan Hasmik , Koss-Mikołajczyk Izabela , Kusznierewicz Barbara , Grigoryan Anna , Maloyan Alina , Bartoszek Agnieszka , Avtandilyan Nikolay
Published: September 2023

Background: Conventional treatment methods are not effective enough to fight the rapid increase in cancer cases. The interest is increasing in the investigation of herbal sources for the development of new anticancer therapeutics. Particularly, much attention is given to finding combined phytochemical/chemotherapeutic treatment models to overcome drug resistance and decrease side effects.
Aim of the study: The aim was to investigate the antitumor capacity of Hypericum alpestre herb extract in vitro and in vivo, either alone or combined with the inhibitors of the L-arginine/polyamine/nitric oxide pathway and characterize its active phytochemicals using advanced chromatographic techniques.
Methods: The antioxidant capacity of H. alpestre extract was assessed through chemical spectrophotometric tests (DPPH and ABTS) and in biological systems using Cellular Antioxidant Activity assay. The inhibitory effect of H. alpestre extract on the growth of human colorectal (HT29) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell cultures was explored by the MTT test. The genotoxicity of the tested extract was studied using a comet assay. In vivo, the antitumor properties of H. alpestre and its combinations were explored in a rat mammary gland carcinogenesis model induced by subcutaneous injection of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. The polyphenolic substances present in H. alpestre extract have been characterized using the LC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS system.
Results: The H. alpestre extract expressed promising antiproliferative effects on MCF-7 and HT29 cells. The extract did not exhibit genotoxic activity nor possessed antigenotoxic properties. The in vivo rat mammary carcinogenesis model data showed that the H. alpestre extract stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the liver, brain, and tumors of rats in the experimental groups, demonstrating its antioxidant protective effects. The herb alone and in combination with Nω-OH-nor-L-arginine and Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester exhibited pro-/antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, and cytotoxic effects.
Conclusion: H. alpestre extract alone and combined with L-arginine metabolic regulatory compounds, demonstrates significant potential for the development of novel therapeutic models.
Differences in Stage and Age Breast Cancer Patients among Urban and Rural in West Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Rima Semiarty , Rosfita Rasyid , Daan Khambri , Kurniati Hamzah Prima , Annisa Wahyuni
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer is the top ten contributor to death in women. The study objective is to compare the survival times of breast cancer patients living in urban and rural areas and identify related determinant factors. A retrospective cohort design was used with 132 patients diagnosed by doctors and laboratory anatomical pathology. Kaplan-Meier model was used to compare survival rates in urban and rural areas, and log-rank was performed to identify related risk factors. The average breast cancer survival time was 20.78 months. Urban areas had a shorter survival rate compared to rural. Breast cancer is influenced by stage and age. The dominant factor influencing survival rates in both rural and urban areas is age, particularly among older women in rural regions who tend to experience higher survival rates, and staging was also significant (p-value < 0,000). Survival in villages is higher than in urban areas influenced by original cultural values and customs. Living a good and simple life supports the formation of good psychology to extend the life expectancy of people with breast cancer.
GSR Mediates Cisplatin Resistance in Oral Cancer by Protecting Mitochondria
Authors: Zhang Wanlin , Li Yicun , Shen Yuehong , Zhang Wei , Chen Gang , Yang Hongyu
Published: September 2023

Background
The existing cisplatin chemotherapy treatment for recurrent or metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (R/M OSCC) has been the conventional treatment, and it is also a relatively effective treatment method to improve the survival rate of patients. However, due to the resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapy, the treatment effect is poor. So far, the causes of chemotherapy resistance of tumor cells and the potential targets to overcome chemotherapy resistance remain unclear.
Methods
Based on CRISPR/Cas9 library high-throughput screening technology, small guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting candidate genes (coding and non-coding genes) were enriched to find target candidate genes. The complete process includes the following main steps: lentivirus library construction, library virus infected cells, cell experimental screening, genomic DNA extraction and amplification of sgRNA fragments, high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Subsequently, a series of phenotypic verification of candidate genes and the molecular mechanism behind the phenotype were explored, so as to find molecular targets that can effectively overcome cisplatin resistance in R/M OSCC.
Results
We found that GSR gene can cause cisplatin resistance in OSCC cells. The database showed no difference in the expression of GSR in head and neck cancer patients and normal people, but there was a difference between patients who were sensitive to cisplatin chemotherapy and those who were resistant to cisplatin, with higher expression in patients who were resistant to chemotherapy. Compared with tumor cells with GSR gene knocked out, under the same concentration of cisplatin, tumor cells without GSR gene knocked out can activate endoplasmic reticulum stress to relieve the pressure brought by cisplatin, thereby protecting intracellular mitochondria from damage and leading to cisplatin resistance.
Conclusion
These results suggest that GSR gene is a key gene that regulates and drives cisplatin chemotherapy resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma, and at the same time provides a screening and analysis strategy for studying OSCC cisplatin chemotherapy resistance.
Electrocatalytic degradation of phenolic wastewater by the coupled zero-gap flow-through reactor with a 3D Ti/RuO2 -TiO2 @Pt electrode
Authors: Zhu Yunqing , Wen Kaiyue , Li Bingqing , Hao Yirong , Zhou Jianjun
Published: September 2023

In this study, the performance of the zero-gap flow-through reactor with 3D porous Ti/RuO2-TiO2@Pt anodes was systematically investigated for the electrocatalytic oxidation of phenolic wastewater, considering phenol and 4-nitrophenol(4-NP) as the target pollutants. The optimum parameters for the electrochemical oxidation of phenol and 4-NP were examined. For phenol degradation, at the initial concentration of 50mg·L− 1, initial pH at 7, NaCl concentration of 10.0 g·L− 1, current density of 10 mA·cm− 2 and retention time of 30 min, the degradation efficiency achieved 95.05% with energy consumption of 15.39 kWh·kg− 1, meanwhile for 4-NP, the degradation efficiency was 98.42% and the energy consumption is 19.21 kWh·kg− 1 (at the initial concentration of 40mg·L− 1, initial pH at 3, NaCl concentration of 10.0 g·L− 1, current density of 10 mA·cm− 2 and retention time of 30min). The electrocatalytic oxidation of phenol and 4-NP are conformed to the pseudo-first-order kinetics model, and the k-values were 0.2562 min − 1, 0.2075 min − 1, respectively, which were 2 or 3.6 times higher than that of conventional electrolyzer. LC-MS was used to verify the intermediates formed during the degradation of phenol or 4-NP and a possible degradation pathways was provided. The extremely narrow electrode distance and the flow-through configuration of the zero-gap flow-through reactor were thought to be essential for the lower energy consumption and higher mass transfer efficiency. The zero-gap flow-through reactor with a novel 3D porous Ti/RuO2-TiO2@Pt electrode should be a superior alternative for the treatment of industrial wastewater.
CFRP Strengthening of Web Perforated CFS Lipped Channel Short Columns: An Experimental Study
Authors: S Vivek K , R Baskar , B Asha
Published: September 2023

Axial compression tests on cold-formed steel (CFS) web perforated lipped channels strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) were reported in this paper. The primary aim of this study was to experimentally investigate the influence of CFRP strengthening on the stability, axial strength and stiffness of the CFS web perforated lipped channel short columns (of 600 mm length) subjected to monotonic axial compression. A total of 20specimens provided with circular perforation at the mid-height and at centre of the web, were tested by adopting different CFRP skin-strengthening configurations. Both uni-directional CFRP (CF_UD) and bi-directional CFRP (CF_BD) laminates were considered. The axial behaviour of the specimens was evaluated in terms of failure mode, peak axial strength and the axial load-deformation response. All the test specimens reported in this study failed due to local-distortional interactive buckling at the location of web perforation. A significant improvement in the axial capacity along with delayed failure was noted in certain CFRP strengthening configurations resulting in an enhanced structural performance. The structural response of specimens with different CFRP strengthening configurations was explained in detail. Finally, it was concluded that use of CF_UD and CF_ UD / BD were found to be more beneficial for the cases of single and double layer of CFRP respectively.