bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and persistence of environmental DNA (eDNA) of a vector mosquito, Culex pipiens pallens
Authors: Sakata Masayuki K. , Sato Megumi , Sato Marcello , Watanabe Tomoe , Mitsuishi Honami , Hikitsuchi Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Jun , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Preventing mosquito-borne infectious diseases requires that vector mosquitoes are monitored and controlled. Targeting immature mosquitoes (eggs, larvae, and pupae), which have less mobility than adults, is an effective management approach. However, conducting these surveys is often difficult due to the limitations of morphological classification and survey costs. The application of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis can solve these issues because it allows easy estimation of species distribution and morphology-independent species identification. Although a few previous studies have reported mosquito eDNA detection, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the dynamics of mosquito eDNA during the developmental stages of immature mosquitoes. Methods: We used Culex pipiens pallens, a vector of West Nile fever, as a model species. First, we developed a species-specific detection assay and confirmed its specificity using in silico and in vitro tests. Next, we conducted laboratory experiments using breeding tanks. Water samples were collected at each developmental stage. In addition, water samples were collected daily until the seventh day after emergence from the pupae. We quantified eDNA using real-time PCR with the developed assay to investigate the dynamics of mosquito eDNA. Results: The specificity of the developed assay was confirmed by in silico and in vitro tests. Mosquito eDNA was detected at all developmental stages and detected up to seven days after emergence of pupae. In particular, high concentrations of eDNA were detected immediately after hatching from eggs and after emergence from pupae. Highly frequent positive eDNA signals were continuously detected between egg hatching and pupa hatching. Conclusions: Mosquito eDNA was detected immediately after the eggs were introduced, and eDNA-positive detections continued until pupae emergence, suggesting that eDNA analysis is useful for monitoring mosquito larvae. The results show that eDNA analysis provides valuable information about the water sources inhabited by immature mosquitoes in mosquito control. In the future, monitoring immature mosquitoes using eDNA analysis will aid in preventing mosquito-borne infectious diseases.
Why Do Protein Crystals Grown With the Aid of Porous Materials Show Better Diffraction Quality?
Authors: Nanev Christo N. , Saridakis Emmanuel , Govada Lata , Chayen Naomi E.
Published: November 2021

Well-diffracting protein crystals are indispensable for X-ray diffraction analysis, which is still the most powerful method for structure-function studies of biomolecules. A promising approach to growing such crystals is by using porous nucleation-inducing materials. However, while protein crystal nucleation in pores has been thoroughly considered, little attention has been paid to the subsequent growth of the crystals. Although the nucleation stage is decisive, it is the subsequent growth of the crystals outside the pore that determines their diffraction quality. The molecular-scale mechanism of growth of protein crystals in and outside pores is here considered theoretically. Due to the metastable conditions, the crystals that emerge from the pores grow slowly, which is a prerequisite for better diffraction. This expectation has been corroborated by experiments carried out with several types of porous material, such as Bioglass (“Naomi’s Nucleant”), Buckypaper, porous gold and porous silicon. Protein crystals grown with the aid of Bioglass and Buckypaper yielded significantly better diffraction quality compared with crystals grown conventionally. In all cases, visually superior crystals are usually obtained. We furthermore conclude that heterogeneous nucleation of a crystal outside the pore is an exceptional case. Rather, the protein crystals nucleating inside the pores continue growing outside them.
Comparison of Four Precipitation Based Meteorological Drought Indices in Yesilirmak Basin, Turkey
Authors: zeybekoglu utku , Hezarani Alyar Boustani , Keskin Asli Ulke
Published: November 2021

Drought, which is often defined as not enough precipitation, does not a mean simple lack of precipitation. This condition, which occurs when humidity is less than the average value for many years, is caused by a disrupted balance between precipitation and evaporation in a region. It is very difficult to predict the start and the end time of drought. In the present study, the drought conditions of the stations selected from Yesilirmak Basin between 1970 and 2014 were determined by using Z-Score Index (ZSI), China-Z Index (CZI), Modified China-Z Index (MCZI), and Standard Precipitation Index (SPI), and the compliance of these indices to the SPI was investigated. It was determined that these indices gave parallel results to each other, and SPI detected drought earlier than other indices.
A Notable Bounded Probability Distribution for Environmental and Lifetime Data
Authors: Bakouch Hassan , Hussain Tassaddaq , Chesneau Christophe , Tamás Jónás
Published: November 2021

In this article, we introduce a notable bounded distribution based on a modification of the epsilon function which creates an upper bound on the domain of the distribution. Further, a key feature of the distribution links the readers with the asymptotic connections with the famous Lindley distribution, which is a weighted variant of the exponential distribution and also a mixture of exponential and gamma distributions. In some ways, the proposed distribution provides a flexible solution to the modeling of bounded characteristics that can be almost well-fitted by the Lindley distribution if the domain is restricted. Moreover, we have also explored its application, particularly with reference to lifetime and environmental points of view, and found that the proposed model exhibits a better fit among the competing models. Further, from the annual rainfall analysis, the proposed model exhibits a realistic return period of the rainfall.
Breakfast Quality Index Trajectories and Association With Obesity Outcomes Among Australian Children Under 5 Years of Age
Authors: Park Seon , Love Penny , Lacy Katie , Campbell Karen , Zheng Miaobing
Published: November 2021

Background: Breakfast quality in early childhood remains understudied. This study described the changes in breakfast quality index (BQI) (i.e. trajectory) and assessed the association between BQI trajectories and obesity outcomes in early childhood.Methods: Data of children who participated in the Melbourne InFANT Program were used (n=328). Dietary intakes were assessed at ages 1.5, 3.5 and 5.0 years using three 24-hour recalls. BQI was calculated using a revised 9-item BQI tool based on Australian dietary recommendations for young children. Group-based trajectory modelling identified BQI trajectory groups. Multivariable linear and logistic regression examined the associations between identified BQI trajectory groups and obesity outcomes at age 5 years. Results: Mean BQI at ages 1.5, 3.5 and 5.0 years was 4.8, 4.8, 2.7 points, respectively. Two BQI trajectory groups were identified, and both showed a decline in BQI. The mean BQI of most children (74%) decreased from 5.0 to 4.0 points from ages 1.5 to 5.0 years (referred as “High BQI” group). The remaining children (26%) had a mean BQI of 4.8 and 1.2 points at age 1.5 and 5.0 years, respectively (referred as “Low BQI” group). The “Low BQI” group appeared to show higher risk of overweight (OR:1.39, 95%CI: 0.67, 2.88) at age 5 years than the “High BQI” group.Conclusions: Two BQI trajectory groups were identified. Both groups showed a decline in breakfast quality from ages 1.5 to 5.0 years. Our study highlights the need for early health promotion interventions and strategies to improve and maintain breakfast quality across early childhood.
Drought assessment in the northern region of Colombia using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI): a case study in the department of La Guajira
Authors: Chávez Luis Díaz , Romero Ana Patricia Espinosa , Vega Jairo Rosado
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study was to assess droughts in the department of La Guajira, Columbia, on the basis of their operational characteristics. Droughts were assessed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) at three- and six-month aggregation periods (SPI-3 and SPI-6), and their operational characteristics were analyzed by the run theory and via analysis of temporal trends using the modified Mann-Kendall (MMK) test. The results indicated that droughts were most frequent in La Guajira between 1995 and 2004. The occurrence of droughts was most accurately identified by SPI-6. It was observed that the central, southern, and western areas of the department had droughts of greater duration, severity, and intensity. The MMK test shows negative (decreasing) temporal trends at significance levels α between 0.1 and 0.01 in 6.12% of the meteorological stations located in the central and southern areas of La Guajira. These results support the conclusion that droughts are recurrent events in the department of La Guajira as a result of the arid and semi-arid climate prevalent in significant portions of the department’s land area. This elucidates the vulnerability of agriculture and livestock in such areas that are prone to droughts of greater duration, severity, and intensity.
Association of APC and MUTYH Mutations with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ahmadi Rahim , Nejati Fatemeh , Nasiri Navid , Khodabakhsh Pooneh , Khodabakhsh Pariya
Published: November 2021

PurposeColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most fatal cancers in the world. Determining if the risk of polymorphism alleles for CRC could contribute to clinical situations suggestive of an increased genetic risk for CRC is of significant importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of genetic polymorphisms in two genes, APC and MUTYH, with CRC susceptibility in Iranian society. MethodsIn this experimental study, DNA was extracted from 200 blood samples (100 control and 100 patients with CRC). After identifying point mutations in APC and MUTYH genes and designing primers, they were examined by Tetra-arms PCR technique. Chi-square test was used to calculate and analyze the statistical and frequency of SNP in patients and control groups. ResultsSNPs: rs121913333, rs77542170, rs1801166 and rs869312753 showed significant association with CRC. rs121913333 on 5q22 appeared to have the highest degree of correlation with CRC (P=0.0001). ConclusionOur findings indicate that APC and MUTYH mutations are related to the incidence of colorectal cancer. Not only mutant but also heterozygous genotype has a significant role in CRC development.
Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate experimental acute colitis in rats
Authors: Masoumi Seyed Jalil , Hassanshahi Negar , Hosseini-Asl Seyed-Mohammad Kazem , Mehrabani Davood , Hashemi Seyedeh-Sara , Derakhshanfar Amin , Zare Shahrokh , Jamhiri Iman
Published: November 2021

Complete treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) is still difficult, while conventional therapies have various adverse effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties to be a therapeutic candidate for UC. We evaluated therapeutic potential of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdSCs) in treatment of an acute colitis rat model using histological and molecular assessments. Thirty male Sprague Dawley acetic acid-induced (2 mL of 3%) acute colitis rat models were randomly divided into three equal groups of control receiving 0.5 mL/kg of normal saline, sulfasalazine group receiving 500 mg/kg sulfasalazine and AdSCs group transplanted transrectally with 2×106 MSCs. They were evaluated histologically and by real time PCR for expression of apoptotic genes until 21 days. MSCs were spindle shape and positive for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. They displayed mesenchymal and lacked hematopoietic markers. In control group, severe inflammation, edema, ulcer, necrosis and infiltration of leukocytes were noticed. In sulfasalazine group, a moderate inflammation, edema, ulcer, necrosis and infiltration of leukocytes were visible; and in AdSCs group, mild inflammation, congestion, and infiltration of leukocytes were observed with a mild edema, but necrosis was absent in colonic tissue. A stronger decrease in expression of Bax, together with a higher increase in Bcl-2 was noted in AdSCs group. Based on histological and molecular findings, AdSCs were effective to ameliorate colitis lesions through their anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities showing that transplantation of AdSCS can be a potentially useful strategy in treatment of colitis.
Creative DNA Computing: Splicing Systems for Music Composition
Authors: Zaccagnino Rocco , De Prisco Roberto
Published: November 2021

Splicing systems are a form of DNA computing as they mimic the recombination process among DNA molecules. This work discusses the use of splicing systems to build automatic tools for reproducing human beings' creativity, in the context of automatic music composition. More specifically, this work describes three general splicing system approaches for automatic music composition, and their application to two specific cases, namely composing 4-voice music and composing Jazz solos in a given style. Examples of music composed by the systems are presented.
Modification of Breast Cancer Milieu with Chemotherapy Plus Dendritic Cell Vaccines: An Approach to Select Best Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Sosa Luis Daniel Mejias , López-Janeiro Álvaro , Córdoba Alicia , Sala Pablo , Solans Belén P , Inogés Susana , de Cerio Ascensión López‐Díaz , Hato Laura , Guillén-Grima Francisco , Fernández-Hidalgo Óscar , Cruz Susana De La , Lozano María Dolores , Idoate Miguel A , Santisteban Marta
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The addition of dendritic cell vaccines (DCV) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) could induce immune biomarker changes in those patients with residual disease (RD) by transforming tumor microenvironment. Methods: Core diagnostic biopsies and surgical specimens from 80 patients (38 in the Vaccinated Group plus NAC (VG) and 42 in the Control Group (CG) treated only with NAC) were selected. We quantify TILs (CD8, CD4 and CD45RO) using Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS III) in the core-diagnostic biopsies and in the surgical specimens, to compare the amount of TILs in each group. Results: A CD8 rise in TNBC samples was observed after NAC plus DCV, changing from 4.48% in the biopsy to 6.70% in the surgical specimen, not reaching statistically significant differences (p = 0.11). TNBC patients in the CG showed a TILs drop from 2.71% in the biopsy to 0.18% in the surgical specimen (p = 0.5). We also found that 66.7% (4/6) of TNBC patients from VG registered an increase in TILs after treatment as compared to 20% (1/5) of TNBC patients in the CG (p=0.24). This phenomenon is not observed in the other biologic subtypes. An association between before NAC CD8 TILs (4% cut-off point ) and pathological complete response in the VG was found in univariate and multivariate analysis (OR=1.41, IC95% 1.05-1.90; p=0.02, and OR=2.0, IC95% 1.05-3.9; p=0.03, respectively).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that patients with TNBC especially benefit from the stimulation of the antitumor immune system by using DCV pulsed with tumor antigens.
Construction And Test of An Instrumented 2D Channel With Rainfall And Insolation Control.
Authors: Lobo Bruno Rogerio da Hora , Machado Sandro Lemos , Filho Edson Pereira Marques
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the construction and testing of a large instrumented 2D channel for the simulation of the performance of compacted barriers under controlled conditions of insolation and rainfall. Details of the main apparatus devices and capabilities and the results of a long-term test performed on a capillary barrier (CB) are presented. The performed test aimed to simulate the CB behavior over a period of one year in typical semi-arid conditions. The channel behavior was considered very promising with its components functioning as expected and providing the desired information. Concerning the CB performance, it is shown that the upper clayey layer of soil presented undesirable shrinkage cracks that impacted the CB performance, mainly at the end of the period of evaluation. The obtained results point to the need to use of silty or low plasticity clayey soils in the CB design, despite the higher expected values of hydraulic conductivity, as well as the adoption of layers thicker than usual in order to preserve the integrity of the clayey soil near the interface with the bottom coarse soil layer.
Downregulation of Hsa-miR-3616-3p in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer is Associated with Cell Migration and Invasion
Authors: Wu Keqian , Peng Rui , Zhang Zheng , Liu Handeng , Sun Yan
Published: November 2021

Background: Micro RNA (miRNA), a class of endogenous small RNAs with a length of about 20-24 nucleotides, have been played a variety of important regulatory roles in cells and have attracted the attention of researchers because involvement of initiation and progression of diverse kinds of human diseases, especially cancer. However, the regulatory role of miRNA in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), its clinical significance and potential mechanism are still largely unknown.Methods: In this study, the differentially expressed miRNAs were analyzed using GEO2R from GSE57897 and GSE97811 of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Then, we performed the overall survival (OS) analysis of four candidate miRNAs. And the expressions of four candidate miRNAs in TNBC and non-TNBC tissues were tested by Quantitative real-time PCR. We determined the level and prognostic values of hsa-miR-3616-3p in TNBC patients. Then, TNBC cells migration and invasion were studied in vitro with hsa-miR-3616-3p by using wounding heal assays and transwell assays. Next, target genes and transcription factors of hsa-miR-3616-3p enrichment analysis, were performed by the Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway.Results: Based on GSE57897 and GSE97811, we found 962 differentially expressed miRNAs including 943 up-regulated miRNAs and 19 down-regulated miRNAs. We selected top2 up-regulated miRNAs as hsa-miR-4428 and hsa-miR-575, and top2 down-regulated miRNAs as hsa-miR-3616-3p and hsa-miR-3909, and then we found that low expression of 4 candidated miRNAs had a worse prognosis in TNBC subtype. Next, we verified that the expression of hsa-miR-3616-3p was the most downregulated in TNBC tissues compared with matched surrounding tissues by qRT-PCR. Moerover, our results showed that overexpression of hsa-miR-3616-3p inhibited TNBC cells migration, and invasion in vitro.Conclusions: Our study might reveal important roles of hsa-miR-3616-3p plays in TNBC migration and invasion.
Development and Validation of the Pyroptosis-related genes Signature for Predicting the Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhou Kexun , Tan Huaicheng , Yu Ting , Liu Chunhua , Ding Zhenyu , Liu Jiyan , Shi Huashan
Published: November 2021

Background: Pyroptosis is an important component of the tumor microenvironment, associated with the occurrence and progression of cancer. However, the expression of pyroptosis-related genes and its impact on the prognosis of colon cancer (CC) remains unclear. Here, we constructed and validated a pyroptosis-related genes signature to predict the prognosis of patients with CC.Methods: Public data source was obtained to screen out candidate genes for further analysis. Various methods were combined to construct a robust pyroptosis-related genes signature for predicting the prognosis of patients with CC. Based on the gene signature and clinical features, a decision tree and nomogram were developed to improve risk stratification and quantify risk assessment for individual patients.Results: The pyroptosis-related genes signature successfully discriminated CC patients with high-risk in the training cohorts. The prognostic value of this signature was further confirmed in independent validation cohort. Multivariable Cox regression and stratified survival analysis revealed this signature was an independent prognostic factor for CC patients. The decision tree identified risk subgroups powerfully, and the nomogram incorporating the gene signature and clinical risk factors performed well in the calibration plots.Conclusions: Pyroptosis-related genes signature was an independent prognostic factor, and can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with CC.
A Shakedown Strength based Parametric Optimization Technique and its Application on an Airtight Module
Authors: Huang Songhua , Xu Yugong , Zhang Lele , Chen Geng , Liu Feng
Published: November 2021

In aerospace engineering, design and optimization of mechanical structures are usually performed with respect to elastic limit. Besides causing insufficient use of the material, such design concept fails to meet the ever growing needs of the light weight design. To remedy this problem, in the present study, a shakedown theory based numerical approach for performing parametric optimization is presented. Within this approach, strength of the structure is measured by its shakedown limit calculated from the direct method. The numerical method developed for the structural optimization consists of nested loops: The inner loop adopts the interior point method to solve shakedown problems pertained to fixed design parameters, while the outer loop employs the genetic algorithm to find optimal design parameters leading to the greatest shakedown limit. The method established is first verified by the classic plate-with-a-circular-hole example, and after that it is applied to an airtight module for determining few key design parameters. By carefully analyzing results generated during the optimization process, it is convinced that the approach can become a viable means for designing similar aerospace structures.
Kinesiophobia and Related Factors in Tumor Patients with Tiaps During the Long Term: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Wang Ya-wen , Qiu Xiao-Xia
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study is designed to investigate the status of kinesiophobia and related factors in tumor patients with the implanted port.
Methods

A total of 282 patients with the implanted port in the Oncology Department and the Daytime Chemotherapy Center in Ren ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from April 1st,2021 to May 31༌2021 were selected for the interview by using the self-made general information questionnaire, TSK-11 scale.
Results

The TSK-11 score of the 282 patients was(17.84 ± 6.06)points, 45.7% of the patients reported some degree of kinesiophobia (TSK-11 ≥ 18), and 18.4% of the patients had scores rated as moderate to severe (TSK-11 ≥ 25), the highest score was 34 points. Logistic regression analysis results showed that exercise habits (P = 0.025), pain (P = 0.023) and foreign body sensation (P = 0.003) were the important factors of kinesiophobia.
Conclusion

The occurrence of kinesiophobia is common in tumor patients with the TIAP, and it is closely related to the subjective experience of daily activities, which requires more attention and early intervention to reduce the potential adverse effects.
SESR-based Identification of Flash Drought and Multivariate Drought Risk Probability Assessment in the Pearl River Basin, China
Authors: Chen Bei , Wu Chuanhao , Yeh Pat J.-F. , Li Jiayun , Lv Wenhan , Zhao Jin
Published: November 2021

Flash drought (FD) is characterized by the rapid onset and development of drought conditions. It usually occurs during the growing seasons, causing more severe impacts on agriculture and society than the slowly-evolving droughts. Based on the Standard Evaporative Stress Ratio (SESR), this study presents an assessment of the spatio-temporal variability of the joint return periods of FD characteristics in the Pearl River basin (PRB), southern China. Three FD characteristics (i.e., duration D, intensity I, peak P) are extracted at each 0.25o×0.25o grid point over the PRB by the Runs theory. Four marginal distribution functions (Gamma, Exponential, Generalized Extreme Value and Lognormal) are used to fit FD characteristics, while three Archimedean Copula functions (Clayton, Frank and Gumbel) are used for generating the joint distributions of various paired FD characteristics. The results indicate that Lognormal is the best-fitted marginal distribution function of FD characteristics in most parts of PRB, while Frank and Clayton are the best-fitted Copula of the joint PDFs of three pairs of FD characteristics in most parts of PRB. During 1953–2013, the FD events are more frequent in eastern PRB (> 40 events) than western PRB (<10 events), and larger FD characteristics (D and I) are also found in eastern PRB than western PRB. The return period of each FD characteristic is smaller in eastern PRB than western PRB, leading to smaller joint return periods of three paired FD characteristics (D-I, D-P, P-I) in eastern PRB than western PRB. Overall, our results suggest that the risk of FD is gradually increased from the west to the east of the PRB.
Junctionless Gate-All-Around Nanowire FET with Asymmetric Spacer for Continued Scaling
Authors: Vakkalak Bharath Sreenivasulu , Narendar Vadthiya
Published: November 2021

In this paper we have performed scaling performance of asymmetric junctionless (JL) SOI nanowire FET at 10 nm gate length (LG). To study the device electrical performance various DC metrics like SS, DIBL, ION/IOFF ratio are performed. Even at 5 nm, the device has good electrical properties with subthreshold swing (SS) = 64 mV/dec, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) = 45 mV/V, and switching ratio (ION/IOFF) = 106 shows a higher level of electrostatic integrity. Moreover, to study scaling flexibility towards analog/RF applications various parameters like transconductance (I), transconductance generation factor (TGF), total gate capacitance (Cgg), and cutoff frequency (fT) are determined. Furthermore, the dynamic power (DP) and static power (SP) consumption of the device with scaling is also presented. The findings of the study show that asymmetric JL nanowire FET is one of the scaling possibilities.
6G- Enabled Smart City Networking Model Using Lightweight Security Module
Authors: Kamruzzaman M. M.
Published: November 2021

Smart cities use lightweight security module technologies like sixth-generation (6G) and wireless connections to improve people's quality of life. A smart city can use a networking model to power and monitor many geographically distributed networking models to support various applications like energy and resource management, intelligent transportation systems, and e-health. To manage smart city resources efficiently and intelligently, a significant state architecture must service various technologies due to the enormous development in networking models and the amount of data they generate. This research work presents a smart city networking architecture for smart city environments employing the lightweight security module (SCNM-LSM) in this work in progress article. It first offers a new conceptual framework termed the conventional model for activity off-loading and resource allocation. Second, it enhances the standard model by including off-loading and resource allocation awareness. It expands on the specific research topics to create and study the effectiveness of individual components with the previous models to accommodate technological improvements like the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the sixth generation data transmission technology.
The Association Between Neuroticism and Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms.
Authors: Nosratabadi Soodeh , Ahmadi Atefeh , Ghazanfarpour Masumeh , Hosseinnataj Abolfazl , Khorasani Fahimeh
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives: Premenstrual syndrome includes physical and mental symptoms occurring cyclically during the secretory phase. The present study aimed to specify the association between neuroticism and the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 223 students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2019 November 17. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyze the relationship between qualitative variables; stepwise logistic regression was employed to assess the factors affecting the syndrome symptoms, and Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the scores of the Daily Record of Severity of Problems chart in two groups. Findings: 223 female students completed the first stage information. The mean score of the questionnaire was 151.72±100.11. Moreover, 77.6% of the students had the syndrome. The severity of symptoms was mild, moderate, severe, and highly severe in 53.6, 42, 3.6, and 0.7%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between premenstrual syndrome and neuroticism scores. Students with PMS had higher scores in all of the subscales (neuroticism including anxiety, stress, despair,..) (P<0.001). Conclusion: It seems that there is a relationship between neuroticism (anxiety, stress, despair) and the severity of PMS symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that therapists and counselors consider these factors to treat and mitigate the severity of PMS symptoms.
Morpho-molecular Identification and Chemical control of Alternaria alternata,causing leaf blight of Gardenia jasminoides Eills in China
Authors: Zhao Anna , Gong Yuhong , Luo Guangming , Luo Yangjin , Song Dandan , Xia Hongdong
Published: November 2021

Gardenia jasminoides Eills is a traditional aromatic and medicinal plant that is widely cultivated in China. In 2020, a severe leaf disease on Gardenia was observed in a growing herbal medicine area in Jian County, of Jiangxi Province, China. The causal agent was identified as Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler. by amplification and sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Koch's postulates were confirmed by a pathogenicity test conducted with healthy gardenia, including reisolation and identification. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf blight caused by Alternaria alternata on Gardenia jasminoides Eills in JiangXi, China. PDA plate bacteriostatic experiment results showed that: Hexaconazole had the best inhibiting effect, which the EC 50 was 14.45 ppm. Therefore, the results are preliminary but promising for future field applications.
The Potential circRNAs in Imatinib Resistance of GIST
Authors: Yan Jingyi , Chen Xiaolei , Dong Qiantong , Lin Ji , Sun Xuecheng
Published: November 2021

Background: Circular RNAs are a recently (re-)discovered abundant RNA species, belongs to part of the competing endogenous RNA network(ceRNA), Which was proved to play a critical role in the development, diagnosis and progress of diseases. Methods: We analyzed the expression of circular RNAs in paired normal gastric tissues(N), primary GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) tissues (Y or YC) and imatinib mesylate secondary resistance GIST tissues(C) with microarray and predicted 8677 dysregulated circular RNAs. Results: We identified 15 circRNAs was up-regulated and 8 circRNAs were down-regulated in C group. Gene ontology (GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis identified that the host linear transcripts of these differentially expressed circRNAs were involved in many critical biological pathways and molecular functions, predicting the potential tumor-genesis and drug resistance mechanism was related with HIF-1 pathway, later we draw the cirRNA-miRNA-mRNA network involved in the HIF-1 pathway, found that several dysregulated circRNAs and the relationship between circRNA-miRNAs-mRNA, such as circRNA_06551, circRNA_14668, circRNA_04497, circRNA_08683, circRNA_09923(Green, down-regulation) and circRNA_23636, circRNA_15734(Red, up-regulation). Conclusions: Taken together, we identified a panel of dysregulated circRNAs that may be potential biomarkers even therapy relevant to the GIST, especially imatinib secondary resistance GIST.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Affects Sleep-Wake Behavior and Locomotion in Infant Rats
Authors: Chiffi Gabriele , Grandgirard Denis , Stöckli Sabrina , Valente Luca G. , Adamantidis Antoine R. , Leib Stephen L.
Published: November 2021

Background/Aims: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease affecting the central nervous system. Over the last decade, the incidence of TBE has steadily increased in Europe and Asia despite the availably of effective vaccines. Up to 50% of patients after TBE suffer from post-encephalitic syndrome that may develop into long-lasting morbidity. Altered sleep-wake functions have been reported by patients after TBE. The mechanisms causing these disorders in TBE are largely unknown to date. As a first step toward a better understanding of the pathology of TBEV-inducing sleep dysfunctions, we assessed parameters of sleep structure in an established infant rat model of TBE.Methods: 13-day old Wistar rats were infected with 1 x 106 FFU Langat virus (LGTV). On day 4, 9, and 21 post infection, Rotarod (balance and motor coordination) and open field tests (general locomotor activity) were performed and brains from representative animals were collected in each subgroup. On day 28 the animals were implanted with a telemetric EEG/EMG system. Sleep recording was continuously performed for 24 consecutive hours starting at day 38 post infection and visually scored for Wake, NREM, and REM in 4 seconds epochs.Results: As a novelty of this study, infected animals showed a significant larger percentage of time spend awake during the dark phase and less NREM and REM compared to the control animals (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). Furthermore, it was seen, that during the dark phase the wake bout length in infected animals was prolonged (p = 0.043) and the fragmentation index decreased (p = 0.0085) in comparison to the control animals. LGTV-infected animals additionally showed a reduced rotarod performance ability at day 4 (p = 0.0011) and day 9 (p = 0.0055) and day 21 (p = 0.0037). A lower locomotor activity was also seen at day 4 (p = 0.0196) and day 9 (p = 0.0473). Conclusion: Our data show that experimental TBE in infant rats affects sleep-wake behavior, leads to decreased spontaneous locomotor activity, and impaired moto-coordinative function.
The GnRH Antagonist Protocol is Associated with a Higher Embryo Aneuploidy Rate Than the GnRH Agonist Long Protocol in Chinese Women
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Jing , Zhao Nan , Ma Yuan , Wang Xiyi , Gou Xingqing , Ju Ying , Zhang Hengde , Chen Shuqiang , wang Xiaohong
Published: November 2021

Background: Studies in oocytes have suggested increased aneuploidy rates after ovulation induction in mammals and humans. Conversely, some studies have shown that ovarian stimulation does not significantly increase the embryo aneuploidy rate in humans compared with an unstimulated cycle. In addition, the potential effect of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol and GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) long protocol on embryo aneuploidy remains unknown.Methods: This is the retrospective cohort study from university-affiliated fertility center. In total, 578 early miscarriage patients who conceived through IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) after receiving the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol or the GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) long protocol were analyzed to compare the aneuploidy rates in early aborted tissues. In addition, a total of 466 preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles undergoing GnRH-ant protocol or GnRH-a long protocol were also analyzed to compare the aneuploidy rates in embryo.Results: For early miscarriage patients who conceived through IVF/ICSI, compared to the GnRH-a long protocol group, the GnRH-ant protocol group had a significantly higher rate of aneuploidy in early aborted tissues (48.70% vs. 64.52%), and increased aneuploidy was associated with a significantly higher incidence of trisomy 13, 18, and 21 (p<0.01). Regarding PGT-A cycles, compared to the GnRH-a long protocol group, the rate of embryo aneuploidy was also significantly higher in the GnRH-ant protocol group (48.01% vs. 58%). After stratification and multiple linear regression, the GnRH-ant regimen remained significantly associated with an increased risk of aneuploidy in early aborted tissues and embryos [OR (95% CI) 1.767 (1.174, 2.661), OR (95% CI) 1.465 (1.020, 2.102)]. Furthermore, the embryo aneuploidy rate in the GnRH-ant protocol group was significantly higher than that in the GnRH-a long protocol group but only in young and normal ovarian responders [OR (95% CI) 3.54 (1.48, 8.46)].Conclusions: The GnRH-ant protocol is associated with a higher aneuploidy rate in early aborted tissues and embryos than the GnRH-a long protocol in Chinese women. A multicenter, randomized controlled trial would be the optimal strategy to confirm these results.
Characterization of The Prognostic m6A-Related lncRNA Signature For Predicting Immune Responses In Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Qin , Zhang Luyan
Published: November 2021

Background: This study aimed to construct a long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) signature related to N6-methyladenosine, so as to precisely forecast the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients. Methods: In this study, we downloaded RNA inference data and test data of patients with Erson skin color from the TCGA database, and passed skin-related tests, single-variation coxs and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression to all subjects related to the subtypes and risks The results were analyzed for survival and predicted with different properties and values of risk models. Finally, we also discussed the potential immunotherapeutic characteristics and drug sensitivity prediction of the model.Results: Firstly, 93 lncRNAs related to prognosis were obtained through co-expression and univariate Cox analysis. Then we also performed least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis to obtain AC012467.2, AL161891.1,ARHGAP27P1-BPTFP1-KPNA2P3,LINC00930,POLR2J4, AP003696.1，AP003696.1 and MAGI1-AS1 to construct m6A-related lncRNA model. The subsequent consensus clustering analysis divided these samples into two parts. We observed that the survival curves of patients from different clusters and risk groups were significantly different. With the help of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and ROC curve, we confirmed the difference of survival rates among different risk groups, and proved the prognostic value of risk signals, We observed that there were significant differences in the characteristics of immunotherapy between high-risk and low-risk groups, including the immune cell infiltration, immune gene expression, immunosuppressive points, and drug sensitivity. Conclusions: m6A-related lncRNAs prognostic signature was shaped that probably functions as vital mediators of tumor microenvironment of esophageal cancer, and might become underlying biomarkers to forecast the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients.
Pan-Cancer Analysis of the Carcinogenic Effect of Nuclear Respiratory Factor-1 (NRF1) in Human Tumors
Authors: Jiang Yong , Chang Yaodan , Sun Jiahui , Sun Yanping , Yang Chunjuan , Kuang Haixue , Wang Zhibin
Published: November 2021

Despite there are many cellular or animal experiments that support a link between NRF1 and cancer, there is currently no pan-cancer analysis available. Therefore, the source of data is TCGA and GEO, we explored the potential role of NRF1 in 33 kinds of tumors. The expression of NRF1 is significantly increased in most tumors, and the expression of NRF1 is correlated to the prognosis of tumor patients. We discovered that the expression level of NRF1 in PAAD was correlated to immune infiltration. The methylation of NRF1 increased significantly in KIRC, PAAD, ACC. In addition, RNA metabolic pathway or cell biology-related functions participate in the functional mechanism of NRF1.Our research provides a comprehensive explanation of the pathogenic effects of NRF1 in related tumors.
Outcome of Transverse Patella Fractures Fixed With Cannulated Screws and Stainless Steel Tension Band Wiring
Authors: Abdel-Moneim Haytham Abdel-Moneim , Moussa Mohammed Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Background: Tension band supplemented by K-wires has long been the definitive technique for patellar fractures fixation. However, it is not without drawbacks. The stainless streel cable-cannulated screw tension band technique, may shorten healing time, decrease the complications and provide early range of knee motion. Herein, the current study evaluates the clinical and radiological outcome of this surgical modality. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 21 patients (13 males and 8 females) with transverse fracture patella from June 2017 to April 2021. The surgical fixation consisted of two 4.0-mm parallel partially threaded cannulated cancellous screws with a figure-of-eight stainless steel tension band wiring. Follow-up was at least 10 months. Assessment criteria included the Lysholm score for knee function, ROM, VAS for pain, fracture reduction, fracture healing time, and complication rates. After 3 postoperative weeks, slab was removed and immediate rehabilitation were commenced.Results: The average Lysholm scores were 82.9 ± 4.4 SD, 87.8 ± 5.3 SD, and 92.7 ± 3.6 SD after 3, 6, and 10 months, respectively. VAS scores for pain were 2.6 ± 3.0 SD, 1.4 ± 2.6 SD, and 0.5 ± 2.3 SD at 3, 6 and 10-month, respectively. The patients had gained total ROM after 3, 6 and 10 months. The mean fracture healing time was 2.1 months (range, 1.5 - 3.1 months). Two patients experienced skin irritation by wire tails.Conclusion: The stainless steel cannulated screws and tension band construct provides a good alternative in treatment of transverse patellar fractures. It could yield stable fixation, low complication rate while providing early mobilization and accelerated rehabilitation.
The Effect of Intraoperative Radiotherapy on Breast Cancer: Focus on the Levels of Angiogenic Factors
Authors: Nafisi Nahid , Mohammadlou Maryam , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Mahdavi Seyed Rabie , Sheikh Maryam , Borji Mohammad , Baharlou Rasoul
Published: November 2021

Objective: Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancers that is involved in tumor progression. Angiogenic factors induce the formation of new blood vessels and tumor extension, and finally reduce the survival of patients. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), in which radiation is delivered to the tumor bed can kill cells and change tumor microenvironment. Here, we compared the impact of IORT on the levels of angiogenic factors in the blood and surgical wound fluids (SWF) of the breast cancer patients. Patients and Methods: Blood and drained wound fluid (WF) samples were collected from the breast cancer patients before and after surgery, followed by quantification of the amounts of TGF-β, EGF, FGF, VEGF and DLL4 in the patients using ELISA.Results: Our results were indicative of significant differences between the pre-surgery and post-surgery serum levels of EGF, DLL4 and VEGF. In addition, linear regression analysis showed the significant impact of IORT, vascular invasion and lymph node (LN) involvement on the difference between TGF-β levels in the blood before and after surgery-IORT. According to the outcomes of multivariate analysis, IORT changed the levels of EGF and FGF in the blood and WF. Furthermore, logistic regression analyses showed that TGF-β and EGF can be used as predictor markers of the late-stage and LN involvement of the disease. Interestingly, IORT was able to reduce the risk of death and the recurrence rate of disease. Conclusions: In summary, IORT is a safe and effective treatment that can affect angiogenesis and improve the survival of breast cancer patients.
Identification of Potential Diagnostic Genes for Bladder Cancer by Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Peng Yongxing , Mao Minqin , Li Zhonglai , Xia Qipeng , Tong Honghua
Published: November 2021

Background: Cytology and transurethral cystoscopy constitute the gold standard for the diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC). However, some minor lesions cannot be detected in time with these techniques, resulting in a high rate of missed diagnosis. Finding biomarkers that are economical, convenient, sensitive, and specific has become an urgent priority.Methods: Gene expression profile data from BC and normal bladder tissue were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and used as a training set to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The bladder gene expression and related clinical data derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases were used as a validation set. The effectiveness of the DEGs as diagnostic criteria was verified in terms of gene expression, gene mutation and diagnostic efficiency.Results: Two upregulated and eight downregulated hub genes were identified by screening. In terms of gene expression, the expression levels of these genes were significantly different between bladder cancer tissues and normal tissues. In terms of clinical diagnostic efficacy, TOP2A had the highest single diagnostic value, while the combinations of TOP2A/CNN1, TOP2A/ISG15/CNN1 and TOP2AISG15/ACTG2 had the largest area under the curve (AUC) among two- or three-indicator combinations.Conclusion: TOP2A, either alone or as part of a combination, has notable diagnostic advantages. However, this still needs to be confirmed in a larger sample with further biological experiments.
Overexpression of Galactinol Synthase 1 From Solanum Commersonii (ScGolS1) Confers Freezing Tolerance In Transgenic Potato
Authors: He Feiyan , Xu Jianfei , Jian Yinqiao , Duan Shaoguang , Hu Jun , Jin Liping , Li Guangcun
Published: November 2021

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fourth largest food crop in the world. Low temperature causes serious damage to potato plants every year, and freezing tolerance has become a hot spot in potato research. Galactinol synthase (GolS) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), and plays an important role in the response of plants to abiotic stress. In this study, the ScGolS1 gene from S. commersonii was cloned and introduced into the S. tuberosum cultivars ‘Atlantic’ and ‘Desiree’ via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Phenotyping assay showed that overexpression of the ScGolS1 could significantly improve freezing tolerance in transgenic potato plants. Further physiological and biochemical results showed that the relative conductivity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and 3,3'-Diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining of the transgenic lines decreased, and the plant survival rate increased compared with wild type (WT). Moreover, CBF1, CBF2, CBF3, CBF downstream cold responsive genes COR413, COR47 and ERF transcription factor genes ERF3, ERF4, ERF6 in the ethylene signaling pathway were all induced by freezing treatment, while higher levels were observed in ScGolS1 overexpression lines compared with WT. In addition, other genes such as MIPS, STS and RS genes from RFO metabolic pathway and some sugars content were altered in response to freezing treatment. This indicates that overexpression of the ScGolS1 gene induced both the regulation of the ethylene signaling pathway and the metabolism of raffinose series oligosaccharides, regulating the balance of sugar composition and improved anti-peroxidation capacity, and thereby improved freezing tolerance in potato. These results provide theoretical support and genetic resources for freezing tolerance breeding in potato.