bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of climate change and agricultural expansion on groundwater storage in the Amur River Basin
Authors: Zhang Zhengang , Song Changchun , Guo Yuedong , He Panxing , Chen Ning , Liu Jianzhao , Zhang Yifei , Zuo Yunjiang , Zhang Xing
Published: January 2023

Since the 1990s, the climate in the Amur River Basin (ARB) has changed, and large-scale wetlands in the region have been reclaimed for paddy fields. The study of the influence of climate change and agricultural expansion on groundwater storage is of great significance to the evaluation of regional water resource balance and the promotion of ecological protection and agricultural development. In this work, the groundwater storage anomaly (GWSA) in the ARB and its drivers were analyzed for the period 2003–2016 using Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data, a Global Land Data Assimilation System model, and in situ observations of groundwater levels. Results indicated that 1) the GWSA in the ARB increased at a rate of 2.0–2.4 mm/yr from 2003 to 2016; the GWSA in the upper reaches of the ARB increased, whereas the GWSA in the middle and lower reaches decreased during the study period. 2) The GWSA in the middle and lower reaches of the ARB was greatly influenced by temperature (Tmp) and evapotranspiration (ET). Tmp was positively correlated with GWSA, whereas ET was negatively correlated with GWSA (p < 0.05). 3) Extreme rainfall had a delayed effect on groundwater recharge. Wetland degradation and agricultural development were the main factors causing the decrease of the GWSA in the middle and lower reaches of the ARB. In summary, temperature and evapotranspiration affect groundwater storage by regulating the water–heat balance, wetland reclamation reduces the regional storage capacity, and the irrigation required for reclaimed farmland is the main source of groundwater loss.
Characteristics and genesis of dolomite in the lower Cambrian Xiaoerbulake Formation of the western Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Zhou Hui , Gao Da , Huang Lili , Zhu Guangyou , Zhang Tianfu , Liu Jingjiang , Zhai Xiufen , Xiong Ran , Wang Shan , Zhang Yuanyin
Published: January 2023

The Lower Cambrian Xiaoerbulake Formation consist of thick dolostones which are high-quality hydrocarbon reservoir in the western Tarim Basin, but the origin of dolomite is still controversial, which lead to poor understanding to the origin of reservoir beds. By using the latest core data of Well XKD-1, we analyzed the petrology and geochemistry of the formation in order to clarify the genesis of dolomite. The geochemical analysis includes Sr, C, and O isotopes, andin-situminor element and rare Earth element measurements for different types of dolomites by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Four types of lithofacies are recognized in the Xiaoerbulake Formation based on different textures, which are laminated dolostone, thrombolite dolostone, bacteria-bonded dolostone, and grain dolostone. Two types of dolomites can be separated which are matrix dolomite (MD) and cement dolomite (CD). MD is the primary type of laminated and bacteria-bonded dolostone, and CD was developed mainly in grain dolostone and thrombolite dolostone. The δ13C and δ18O indicate that the grain dolostone and thrombolite dolostone have undergone more intensive diagenetic modification. On the contrary, the diagenetic modification of laminated and bacteria-bonded dolostone are relatively weak, which implies that the dolomitization of the latter two lithofacies occurs before burial stage. The87Sr/86Sr ratio indicates that the corresponding fluid for dolomitization was seawater or marine-origin fluids. The MD was formed in the near-surface stageviathe penecontemporaneous dolomitization of seawater or hyper-saline seawater. The dolomitization of CD occurred in the burial environment with the porosity was filled by marine-origin fluid, indicating a seepage-reflux dolomitization process. Both types of dolomites are partially affected by hydrothermal activities.
Latitude variations of soil bacterial community diversity and composition in three typical forests of temperate, northeastern of China
Authors: Fu Xiao-Yu , Cheng Zhi-Chao , Ni Hong-Wei , Zhang Rong-Tao
Published: January 2023

Soil bacteria are a crucial component of forest soil biodiversity and play important functions in numerous ecosystem processes. Hence, studying the variation of diversity and composition of soil bacteria between latitude gradients and the driving factors responsible for these differences is important for understanding the changes of soil bacteria. We used Illumina MiSeq sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA to investigate the distribution pattern and driving factors of bacterial diversity and composition in temperate forest soils at three different latitudes in northeast China, with samples taken at low, middle and high latitude. Each sample area was located at a distance of 1,200 km. Our results indicate that the soil bacterial diversity decreased with increasing latitude. Members of the phyla Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria were the dominant in all investigated soils, the highest relative abundances of these phyla were: Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria in high-latitude forest, Rokubacteria and Actinobacteria in low-latitude forest. The dominant bacterial genera in the three different latitude forests were Candidatus_Solibacter, Bryobacter, Roseiarcus and Granulicella. Mean average temperature, soil pH and total nitrogen content were the key environmental factors shaping the soil bacterial diversity and composition in different latitudes of these temperate forests. The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding and better predictions the latitudinal pattern of soil biodiversity.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation study of pre-cracked shale based on CT technology
Authors: Yang Yuhan , Wu Zhonghu , Zuo Yujun , Song Huailei , Wang Wentao , Tang Motian , Cui Hengtao
Published: January 2023

Due to the heterogeneity of rock media, it is difficult to truly reflect its internal three-dimensional microstructure in physical tests or numerical simulation. In this study, CT scanning technology and numerical image processing technology are used, and the finite element software RFPA-3D is used to establish a three-dimensional non-uniform numerical model that can reflect the meso structure of rock mass. In order to study the fracture mechanism of shale with prefabricated fractures, seven groups of three-dimensional numerical models with prefabricated fractures from different angles were constructed, and Brazilian fracturing numerical simulation tests were carried out. The results show that method of reconstructing 3D numerical models by CT scanning is feasible and provides a viable method for in-depth study of the micromechanics of shale. Prefabricated fractures and quartz minerals have significant effects on the tensile strength of shale, and both will weaken the destructive strength of shale specimens. The damage modes of Brazilian disc specimens containing prefabricated fissures can be divided into four categories. The damage process is divided into budding, plateauing and surge periods by acoustic emission. The crack initiation angle of the prefabricated fissure tip increases with increasing fissure angle, and the MTS criterion can be used as a basis for judging prefabricated fissure initiation. The results of the study are important guidance for the fracture initiation mechanism and fracture expansion law of the fractured layer containing natural fractures in the hydraulic fracturing process.
GVBD rate is an independent predictor for pregnancy in ICSI patients with surplus immature oocytes
Authors: Wang Meng , Yang Qiyu , Liu Jing , Hu Juan , Li Dan , Ren Xinling , Xi Qingsong , Zhu Lixia , Jin Lei
Published: January 2023

Introduction

It was reported that there were still up to 30% immature retrieved oocyte at germinal vesicle (GV) or metaphase I (MI) stage. Whether the spontaneous maturity competency of immature oocytes associated to the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles remains unclear and unexplored. This study aimed to investigate how the oocyte developmental parameters in in vitro maturation (IVM) affect clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included couples undergoing ICSI in a university-affiliated hospital. Surplus immature oocytes during ICSI were collected and cultured in vitro. The numbers of germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes undergoing GV breakdown (GVBD) and polar body 1 extrusion within 24 h culture were recorded. The main outcome measurements were demographic baselines and oocyte developmental parameters in IVM associated with pregnancy outcomes.

Results

A total of 191 couples were included with an overall GVBD rate of 63.7% (327/513) and oocyte maturation rate of 46.8% (240/513). 53.4% (102/191) of them had embryos transferred freshly, which originated from metaphase II oocytes that matured spontaneously in vivo, and 60.8% (62/102) got pregnant. Among factors with a P-value < 0.2 in univariate logistic regression analyses of pregnancy correlation, GVBD rate (OR 3.220, 95% CI 1.060-9.782, P=0.039) and progesterone level on human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day (OR 0.231, 95% CI 0.056-0.949, P=0.042) remained significant in the multivariate model. The area under the curve (AUC) of the predictive nomogram was 0.729 (95% CI 0.632-0.826) with an acceptable calibration. Moreover, decision curve analyses illustrated the superior overall net benefit of models that included the GVBD rate in clinical decisions within a wide range of threshold probabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GVBD rate and progesterone level on HCG day may be associated with pregnancy outcomes in infertile couples during the regular ICSI procedure. An elevated GVBD rate within 24 h may greatly increase the likelihood of pregnancy in infertile couples during ICSI. This preliminary study may optimize clinical pregnancy prediction, which provides support in decision-making in clinical practice.
Elevated stress hyperglycemia and the presence of intracranial artery stenosis increase the risk of recurrent stroke
Authors: Wang Yongle , Fan Hongxuan , Duan Weiying , Ren Zhaoyu , Liu Xuchang , Liu Tingting , Li Yanan , Zhang Kaili , Fan Haimei , Ren Jing , Li Juan , Li Xinyi , Wu Xuemei , Niu Xiaoyuan
Published: January 2023

Background

Stress hyperglycemia has served as a reliable biomarker to predict poor outcomes after ischemic stroke. However, recent studies have reported some contrary conclusions. Different stroke subtypes may respond inconsistently to stress hyperglycemia. The progression of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is tightly related to hyperglycemia. Thus, this study aims to determine the relationship between stress hyperglycemia and recurrent stroke in ischemic stroke patients with or without intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective observational cohort study. Patients with acute minor ischemic stroke and eligible computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data were enrolled. The severity of stress hyperglycemia is measured by the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR). SHR was calculated based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. The primary outcome was stroke recurrence during hospitalization. The interaction of SHR levels with the presence of ICAS on the primary outcome was investigated using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Restricted cubic splines were applied to determine the nonlinear relationship between SHR and primary outcome. A two-piecewise linear regression model was used to identify the threshold of SHR.

Results

A total of 610 participants were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 61.4 ± 12.9 years old, and approximately 70% of participants were males. A total of 189 (30.98%) patients had ICAS. The patients were categorized into 3 groups based on the tertiles of SHR. Compared with the group with a lower SHR, a higher SHR was significantly associated with the risk of stroke recurrence in the ICAS group (hazard ratio [HR], 8.52, 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.16-22.96, P<0.001). When SHR was treated as a continuous variable, each 0.1-unit increase in SHR in the ICAS group was associated with a 1.63-fold increase in the risk of recurrence (HR, 1.63, 95% CI, 1.39-1.9, P<0.001) with a threshold of 0.75. FPG but not HbA1c was associated with stroke recurrence in ICAS patients (HR, 1.17, 95% CI, 1.08-1.26, P<0.001). Sensitive analyses showed consistent results after adjusting for previous diabetes mellitus, oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin injection.

Conclusions

SHR represents a better biomarker to predict the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with ICAS than FPG and HbA1c regardless of previous diabetes mellitus.

Trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=125817; Identifier, [ChiCTR2100046958].
Utilization of green inhibitors as a sustainable corrosion control method for steel in petrochemical industries: A review
Authors: Alao Alice Osheiza , Popoola Abimbola Patricia , Dada Modupeola Oluwaseun , Sanni Omotayo
Published: January 2023

Infrastructure upgrades in the energy sector are encouraged to satisfy the expanding world’s energy needs, including innovation, consumption, production, and transportation. Thus, steel has been an extensively used construction material, particularly for pipelines and oil wells. However, in their application, every step of the production cycle results in the corrosion of metal parts. One of the simplest and most active ways to inhibit steel from corroding, especially in acidic situations, is to use a corrosion inhibitor. Synthetic organic compounds have been used successfully as corrosion inhibitors in the gas and oil industry. However, their use is today restricted and controlled due to their toxicity, environmental harm, and growing concern about the preservation of ecosystems. This has necessitated the present trend of searching for and developing green inhibitors that are environmentally benign, non-toxic, biodegradable, and low in cost. Corrosion inhibitor develops a shielding layer on the metal surface. Corrosion is avoided by a thin coating that has been adsorbed on the metal surface, which keeps the metal isolated from its surroundings. Several researchers have reported on the success of green inhibitors for steel corrosion protection, particularly in acidic environments. However, the use of green inhibitors still leaves several questions about inhibitor formulation, content, and adsorption mechanisms to be answered. Therefore, based on provided experimental results and an explanation of their inhibitory action, the use of green inhibitors (especially organic inhibitors) for the prevention of pipeline steel corrosion in various grades is studied in this review. Both the identified drawback and the projected future trend have also been highlighted.
A comprehensive multi-state conditional occupancy model for evaluating interactions of non-native and native species
Authors: Wohner Patti J. , Scheerer Paul D. , Meeuwig Michael H. , Peterson James T.
Published: January 2023

A major challenge in ecology is disentangling interactions of non-native, potentially invasive species on native species. Conditional two-species occupancy models examine the effects of dominant species (e.g., non-native) on subordinate species (e.g., native) while considering the possibility that occupancy of one species may affect occupancy and/ or detection of the other. Although conditional two-species models are useful for evaluating the influence of one species on presence of another, it is possible that species interactions are density dependent. Therefore, we developed a novel two-species occupancy model that incorporates multiple abundance states (i.e., absent, present, abundant) of the native species. We showcase the utility of this model with a case study that incorporates random effects and covariates on both occupancy and detection to help disentangle species interactions given varying occupancy and detection in different abundance states. We use snorkel survey data from the Umpqua basin, Oregon, where it is hypothesized that smallmouth bassMicropterus dolomieu, a non-native piscivore, exclude Umpqua chubOregonichthys kalawatseti, a small endemic minnow. From our two-species multi-state (2SMS) model, we concluded that average occupancy was low for both fishes, and that when non-native bass were present, overall native chub occupancy in the present (0.18 ± 0.05 SD) and abundant (0.19 ± 0.03) states was higher than when non-natives were absent (0.14 ± 0.02/ 0.08 ± 0.02), indicating the non-native was not excluding the native species. By incorporating a species interaction factor, we found a positive association (6.75 ± 5.54 SD) between native chub and non-native bass. The covariates strongly related to occupancy were elevation, algae, and land cover type (urban and shrub). Detection probability for both species (0.21–0.82) was most strongly related to the covariates day of year, water temperature, gravel substrate, and stream order/ magnitude. Incorporation of detection probability and covariates enabled interpretation of interactions between the two species that may have been missed without their inclusion in the modeling process. Our new 2SMS occupancy model can be used by scientists and managers with a broad range of survey and covariate data to disentangle species interactions problems to help them inform management decisions.
Protein-rich diet decreases survival, but does not alter reproduction, in fertile ant workers
Authors: Choppin Marina , Schall Miriam , Feldmeyer Barbara , Foitzik Susanne
Published: January 2023

Aging is associated with diverse molecular processes such as oxidative damage, decrease in immunocompetence, or increase in epigenetic abnormalities, mutations, and inflammations. Many of these processes are linked to nutrient-sensing signalling pathways, suggesting that diet plays a critical role in the aging process. In fact, the protein content in the diet can affect both longevity and fecundity, but often in opposite directions. In many solitary organisms, protein-rich diets dramatically shorten lifespan, but increase egg production. We used the ant Temnothorax rugatulus to investigate the effect of the protein to carbohydrate ratio in the diet on the survival and fecundity of fertile workers. We fed colonies either a moderately high-carbohydrate or high-protein diet (1:2 and 2:1 respectively) and monitored worker survival and egg production over 9 weeks. The protein-rich diet did not alter the ability of workers to lay eggs, but reduced worker survival, suggesting that consuming large amounts of protein may shorten lifespan in fertile ant workers without promoting reproduction. Our study shows for the first time that a protein-rich diet reduces the overall fitness of fertile workers.
Detection of genomic regions that differentiate Bos indicus from Bos taurus ancestral breeds for milk yield in Indian crossbred cows
Authors: Al Kalaldeh Mohammad , Swaminathan Marimuthu , Podtar Vinod , Jadhav Santoshkumar , Dhanikachalam Velu , Joshi Akshay , Gibson John P.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: In India, crossbred cows incorporate the high production of B. taurus dairy breeds and the environmental adaptation of local B. indicus cattle. Adaptation to different environments and selection in milk production have shaped the genetic differences between B. indicus and B. taurus cattle. The aim of this paper was to detect, for milk yield of crossbred cows, quantitative trait loci (QTL) that differentiate B. indicus from B. taurus ancestry, as well as QTL that are segregating within the ancestral breeds.

Methods: A total of 123,042 test-day milk records for 4,968 crossbred cows, genotyped with real and imputed 770 K SNP, were used. Breed origins were assigned to haplotypes of crossbred cows, and from that, were assigned to SNP alleles.

Results: At a false discovery rate (FDR) of 30%, a large number of genomic regions showed significant effects of B. indicus versus B. taurus origin on milk yield, with positive effects coming from both ancestors. No significant regions were detected for Holstein Friesian (HF) versus Jersey effects on milk yield. Additionally, no regions for SNP alleles segregating within indigenous, within HF, and within Jersey were detected. The most significant effects, at FDR 5%, were found in a region on BTA5 (43.98–49.44 Mbp) that differentiates B. indicus from B. taurus, with an estimated difference between homozygotes of approximately 10% of average yield, in favour of B. indicus origin.

Discussion: Our results indicate that evolutionary differences between B. indicus and B. taurus cattle for milk yield, as expressed in crossbred cows, occur at many causative loci across the genome. Although subject to the usual first estimation bias, some of the loci appear to have large effects that might make them useful for genomic selection in crossbreds, if confirmed in subsequent studies.
Telomere maintenance-related genes are important for survival prediction and subtype identification in bladder cancer
Authors: Xiao Yonggui , Xu Danping , Jiang Chonghao , Huili Youlong , Nie Shiwen , Zhu Hongfei , Fan Guorui , Guan Xiaohai
Published: January 2023

Background: Bladder cancer ranks among the top three in the urology field for both morbidity and mortality. Telomere maintenance-related genes are closely related to the development and progression of bladder cancer, and approximately 60%–80% of mutated telomere maintenance genes can usually be found in patients with bladder cancer.

Methods: Telomere maintenance-related gene expression profiles were obtained through limma R packages. Of the 359 differential genes screened, 17 prognostically relevant ones were obtained by univariate independent prognostic analysis, and then analysed by LASSO regression. The best result was selected to output the model formula, and 11 model-related genes were obtained. The TCGA cohort was used as the internal group and the GEO dataset as the external group, to externally validate the model. Then, the HPA database was used to query the immunohistochemistry of the 11 model genes. Integrating model scoring with clinical information, we drew a nomogram. Concomitantly, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the immune profile and drug sensitivity of the bladder cancer. Referring to the matrix heatmap, delta area plot, consistency cumulative distribution function plot, and tracking plot, we further divided the sample into two subtypes and delved into both.

Results: Using bioinformatics, we obtained a prognostic model of telomere maintenance-related genes. Through verification with the internal and the external groups, we believe that the model can steadily predict the survival of patients with bladder cancer. Through the HPA database, we found that three genes, namely ABCC9, AHNAK, and DIP2C, had low expression in patients with tumours, and eight other genes—PLOD1, SLC3A2, RUNX2, RAD9A, CHMP4C, DARS2, CLIC3, and POU5F1—were highly expressed in patients with tumours. The model had accurate predictive power for populations with different clinicopathological features. Through the nomogram, we could easily assess the survival rate of patients. Clinicians can formulate targeted diagnosis and treatment plans for patients based on the prediction results of patient survival, immunoassays, and drug susceptibility analysis. Different subtypes help to further subdivide patients for better treatment purposes.

Conclusion: According to the results obtained by the nomogram in this study, combined with the results of patient immune-analysis and drug susceptibility analysis, clinicians can formulate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for patients. Different subtypes can be used to further subdivide the patient for a more precise treatment plan.
Natural biomolecules and derivatives as anticancer immunomodulatory agents
Authors: Bernitsa Stavroula , Dayan Rotem , Stephanou Anastasis , Tzvetanova Iva D. , Patrikios Ioannis S.
Published: January 2023

Despite advancements in chemotherapy, the issue of resistance and non-responsiveness to many chemotherapeutic drugs that are currently in clinical use still remains. Recently, cancer immunotherapy has gathered attention as a novel treatment against select cancers. Immunomodulation is also emerging as an effective strategy to improve efficacy. Natural phytochemicals, with known anticancer properties, been reported to mediate their effects by modulating both traditional cancer pathways and immunity. The mechanism of phytochemical mediated-immunomodulatory activity may be attributed to the remodeling of the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and the sensitization of the immune system. This allows for improved recognition and targeting of cancer cells by the immune system and synergy with chemotherapeutics. In this review, we will discuss several well-known plant-derived biomolecules and examine their potential as immunomodulators, and therefore, as novel immunotherapies for cancer treatment.
Legal advice on the Chinese compensatory fund system for oil pollution damage caused by ships from the perspective of marine environmental governance
Authors: Fu Ben-Chao , Li He-Ran
Published: January 2023

As one of the primary obstructive factors for marine environmental governance, the frequent occurrence of oil pollution damage caused by ships has resulted in the establishment of compensation funds, such as the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund of the United States, Ship Oil Pollution Fund of Canada and International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPC). Frequently suffering from marine oil pollution, China has extended considerable effort in marine environmental governance. Following the introduction of the ‘green principle’ into the Civil Code, China attached increasing significance to the legislation including compensation for oil pollution damage caused by ships. China formally established a compensation fund in 2012, and the past decade has witnessed the burgeoning development of the Chinese Ship-source Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (CSOPC), in addition to several defects which impede the fund from achieving the goal of marine environmental governance. As a national fund that is independent of the IOPC, the CSOPC adopts several regulations that are distinctive from internationally recognized practice; for instance, not recognizing pure economic loss within the scope of compensation. Such unique parameters, though partially originating from the national conditions in China, have resulted in glaring defects, including incomplete compensation scope and inappropriate compensation measures. Given the above problems, this study endeavours to provide several legal recommendations from the perspective of macro policies for improving the top-level design of the system, enhancing oil pollution compensation capabilities, and promoting the internationalization process. The study proposes two potential regulatory paths for innovation; namely, enlarging the range of compensation and establishing an essential emergency fund. From the perspective of protecting the rights of the victims of oil pollution damage and safeguarding the public interests of the ocean, this study puts forward relevant legal suggestions, which are expected to make valuable contributions to improving the compensation system for oil pollution damage caused by ships in China and promoting the governance of the marine environment.
Case report: Recurrent hemobilia due to hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm mimicking gastrointestinal tract bleeding
Authors: Wang Jiaoyang , Yang Lei , Xu Lijun , Qin Lijie , Cheng Yanwei
Published: January 2023

Hemobilia, a rare form of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), is a potentially fatal complication that usually occurs after iatrogenic hepatobiliary trauma. However, hemobilia is clinically challenging to diagnose and often gets too late to diagnose. We herein report a case of recurrent hemobilia due to hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) that was initially misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal tract bleeding. However, the patient was treated successfully with percutaneous coil occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm. This case illustrates that hemobilia can present as a mimic of gastrointestinal tract bleeding, but this is often difficult to diagnose at first glance and often misleads clinicians, especially emergency physicians, into making an incorrect diagnosis. Familiarity with the clinical features of hemobilia can help raise clinical suspicion and facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of hemobilia.
Constructing a diversified online neurology teaching model under the COVID-19
Authors: Yang Haojun , Fan Yishu , Chen Zhuohui , Zhang Shiyu , Wu Haiyue , Hu Xinhang , Wu Tong , Zhang Mengqi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To construct a diversified and comprehensive network teaching model to provide highly qualified medical teaching in neurology under COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

Published studies on medical education were systematically reviewed and summarized. Based on previous studies and our experience, we constructed a novel online neurology teaching model and applied it to real scene. Students taking traditional in class lessons and online lessons were asked to finish the test, respectively, to compare the efficiency of learning. Questionnaires were designed and assigned to get the feedback from students.

Results

The average test score of students who take online class (84.27 ± 4.64) was significantly higher than those who take in class lessons (82.08 ± 6.17) (P < 0.01). According to the feedbacks from students, online classes were more attractive to students than the conventional one.

Conclusion

Traditional single-mode teaching can no longer meet the needs of current medical education, especially under the rampant epidemic. This novel teaching mode, which orchestrates high-tech tools, diverse teaching methods and traditional teaching concepts, provides the solution to the challenge faced by traditional medical education. We believe that this novel online teaching mode will boost neurology education and inspire educators in other fields during this tough period.
Efficacy and safety of underwater endoscopic mucosal resection for ≤20 mm superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Jixiang , Duan Shaojie , Wang Yichong , Peng Hongye , Kong Youjia , Yao Shukun
Published: January 2023

Background and aims

Superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) as a rare disease have gradually increased in recent years. Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) has emerged as a newly available option for the endoscopic resection of SNADETs. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of UEMR for ≤20 mm SNADETs.

Methods

A literature search was performed across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Clinical trials for studies containing tumors ≤20 mm published from January 1, 2012, to August 8, 2022. Outcomes examined were the pooled rates of en bloc resection, R0 resection, adverse events, and recurrence. Subgroup analyses of the resection rate were conducted stratified by sample size and polyp size.

Results

A total of 10 studies with UEMR performed in a total of 648 tumors were included for analysis. The pooled rate of en bloc resection and R0 resection was 88.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 82.1–93.2) and 69.1% (95% CI: 62.2–76.1), respectively. The results showed pooled rate of intraoperative bleeding rate was 2.9% (95% CI: 0–9.0), delayed bleeding rate was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.1–2), recurrence rate was 1.5% (95% CI: 0–4.9). In the subgroup analysis, R0 and en-bloc resection rates were significantly higher in <10 mm than 10–20 mm SNADETs subgroups (R0 resection rate 83.1 vs. 48.6%; en bloc resection rate 100.0 vs. 84.0%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection was an effective and safe technique for the optional treatment for ≤20 mm SNADETs, especially of <10 mm.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022340578.
Beta-blockers in patients with liver cirrhosis: Pragmatism or perfection?
Authors: Sauerbruch Tilman , Hennenberg Martin , Trebicka Jonel , Schierwagen Robert
Published: January 2023

With increasing decompensation, hyperdynamic circulatory disturbance occurs in liver cirrhosis despite activation of vasoconstrictors. Here, the concept of a therapy with non-selective beta-blockers was established decades ago. They lower elevated portal pressure, protect against variceal hemorrhage, and may also have pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects. Recently, the beneficial effect of carvedilol, which blocks alpha and beta receptors, has been highlighted. Carvedilol leads to “biased-signaling” via recruitment of beta-arrestin. This effect and its consequences have not been sufficiently investigated in patients with liver cirrhosis. Also, a number of questions remain open regarding the expression of beta-receptors and its intracellular signaling and the respective consequences in the intra- and extrahepatic tissue compartments. Despite the undisputed role of non-selective beta-blockers in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, we still can improve the knowledge as to when and how beta-blockers should be used in which patients.
Clinical aspects of cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Elmgren Julia , Nyberg Filippa
Published: January 2023

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with a wide clinical spectrum from life-threatening multi-organ inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to limited skin disease in cutaneous LE (CLE). The etiology of CLE is still not fully understood but a multifactorial genesis with genetic predisposition and certain environmental factors as triggers for the development are generally accepted features. Lesions can be induced and aggravated by UV-irradiation and smoking is linked to more severe forms of skin disease and to co-morbidity. Drugs, including many common medicines like antihypertensives, are known to induce subacute CLE (SCLE). The mechanisms involved have recently been shown to be part of the IFN-I pathway and new, specific treatments are currently in clinical trials. CLE is currently classified in subtypes based on clinical presentation and duration into acute CLE (ACLE), SCLE, and chronic CLE (CCLE). Distinct subtypes can be seen in individual patients or coexist within the same patient. Because of the confluent and overlapping picture between these subsets, serology, and histopathology constitute an important role guiding towards correct diagnose and there is ongoing work to update the classification. The Cutaneous Lupus Area Severity Index (CLASI) is a validated tool to measure activity and damage both in clinical trials but also for the clinician to evaluate treatment and follow the course of the disease among patients. CLE is known to have substantial impact on the life of those affected. Several tools have been proposed to measure QoL in these patients, currently Skindex-29 is probably the most used. Patient education is an important part of prevention of flares, including UV-protection and smoking cessation. First-line treatment includes topical corticosteroids as well as topical calcineurin inhibitors with the addition of systemic treatment with antimalarials in more severe or therapy resistant cases. Treatment specifically targeting CLE has been lacking, however novel potential therapies are in later phase clinical trials. In this review we aim to describe the different subsets of the cutaneous form in LE with focus on clinical aspects.
Traditional Chinese medicine improves myasthenia gravis by regulating the symbiotic homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota and host
Authors: Zhao Mingli , Liu Li , Liu Fanzhao , Liu Lei , Liu Zhijuan , Gao Yanli , Cao Jianxi
Published: January 2023

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies that is dependent on T-cell immunity and complement participation and mainly involves neuromuscular junctions. In this study, 30 patients with myasthenia gravis were selected and divided into pretreatment (Case group) and posttreatment (Treatment group) and 30 healthy volunteers (CON group) were included. Among them, the treatment group was treated with Modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (MBZYQD), and the levels of antibodies such as AChR, Musk and Titin in blood and intestinal microbiota were compared before treatment (Case group), after treatment (Treatment group) and in healthy volunteers (CON group). The results showed that after treatment with MBZYQD, the antibody levels of AChR, MuSK, and Titin and the inflammatory factor level of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-22 in MG patients decreased significantly and nearly returned to a healthy level. In addition, after treatment with MBZYQD, the diversity, structure and function of intestinal microorganisms in MG patients also recovered to a healthy level. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the Case group increased significantly, accompanied by a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Bacteroides compared with that in the CON group, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroides in the Treatment group was similar to that in the CON group. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Shigella in the Case group was significantly increased, accompanied by a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Prevotella, and the relative abundance of Shigella and Prevotella in Treatment group was similar to that in the CON group. Moreover, the fluorobenzoate degradation pathway (KO00364) was significantly increased in the Case group, while this pathway was significantly decreased in the Treatment group. In conclusion, MBZYQD can improve the immune function of the host by regulating the diversity, structure and function of the intestinal microbiota to treat myasthenia gravis.
Research progress of electrochemical oxidation and self-action of electric field for medical wastewater treatment
Authors: Tang Jun , Zheng Heng , Cai Jinzhong , Liu Jiang , Wang Yangyang , Deng Jun
Published: January 2023

A large number of pathogenic microorganisms exist in medical wastewater, which could invade the human body through the water and cause harm to human health. With the global pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19), public health safety become particularly important, and medical wastewater treatment is an important part of it. In particular, electrochemical disinfection technology has been widely studied in medical wastewater treatment due to its greenness, high efficiency, convenient operation, and other advantages. In this paper, the development status of electrochemical disinfection technology in the treatment of medical wastewater is reviewed, and an electrochemical three-stage disinfection system is proposed for the treatment of medical wastewater. Moreover, prospects for the electrochemical treatment of medical wastewater will be presented. It is hoped that this review could provide insight and guidance for the research and application of electrochemical disinfection technology to treat medical wastewater.
Analysis of the expression and distribution of protein O-linked mannose β1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 in the normal adult mouse brain
Authors: Jiang Hanxiao , Feng Yuxue , He Guiqiong , Liu Yuanjie , Li Xiaofeng
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Protein O-linked mannose β1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 (POMGNT1) is crucial for the elongation of O-mannosyl glycans. Mutations in POMGNT1 cause muscle-eye-brain (MEB) disease, one of the main features of which is anatomical aberrations in the brain. A growing number of studies have shown that defects in POMGNT1 affect neuronal migration and distribution, disrupt basement membranes, and misalign Cajal-Retzius cells. Several studies have examined the distribution and expression of POMGNT1 in the fetal or neonatal brain for neurodevelopmental studies in the mouse or human brain. However, little is known about the neuroanatomical distribution and expression of POMGNT1 in the normal adult mouse brain.

Methods

We analyzed the expression of POMGNT1 mRNA and protein in the brains of various neuroanatomical regions and spinal cords by western blotting and RT-qPCR. We also detected the distribution profile of POMGnT1 in normal adult mouse brains by immunohistochemistry and double-immunofluorescence.

Results

In the present study, we found that POMGNT1-positive cells were widely distributed in various regions of the brain, with high levels of expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. In terms of cell type, POMGNT1 was predominantly expressed in neurons and was mainly enriched in glutamatergic neurons; to a lesser extent, it was expressed in glial cells. At the subcellular level, POMGNT1 was mainly co-localized with the Golgi apparatus, but expression in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria could not be excluded.

Discussion

The present study suggests that POMGNT1, although widely expressed in various brain regions, may has some regional and cellular specificity, and the outcomes of this study provide a new laboratory basis for revealing the possible involvement of POMGNT1 in normal physiological functions of the brain from a morphological perspective.
Zebrafish aversion to infrasound in an open field test
Authors: Scatterty Kale R. , Pitman Taylor , Eckersley Tristan , Schmaltz Rodney , Hamilton Trevor J.
Published: January 2023

Aquatic species are capable of detecting infrasound (sub-20 Hz frequencies) which may be a source of anthropogenic pollution and have a detrimental impact on the environmental fitness of fish. Infrasound is generated by infrastructure, producing acoustic frequency peaks that are not discernible by humans. The presence of these frequencies may therefore impact the environmental wellbeing of aquatic laboratory animals, which are often housed in spaces adjacent to facilities producing infrasound. To investigate the potential impact of infrasound, we used wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) and exposed them to short periods of infrasound at either 5, 10, 15, or 20 Hz, or 0 Hz as a control group. A motion-tracking software system was used to monitor fish movement in an open field test and arena location, distance moved, and immobility were quantified. There was a significant effect of 15 Hz which caused the fish to spend more time away from the infrasound source. The 20 Hz group also spent significantly less time in the zone closest to the speaker. There were no differences in distance moved or immobility between infrasound and control groups. These findings demonstrate that 15 Hz infrasound has aversive effects on zebrafish, causing them to move away from the sound source. To enhance environmental enrichment and wellbeing of aquatic laboratory animals, sources of infrasound pollution should be investigated and mitigated.
Marker-less tracking system for multiple mice using Mask R-CNN
Authors: Sakamoto Naoaki , Kakeno Hitoshi , Ozaki Noriko , Miyazaki Yusuke , Kobayashi Koji , Murata Takahisa
Published: January 2023

Although the appropriate evaluation of mouse behavior is crucial in pharmacological research, most current methods focus on single mouse behavior under light conditions, owing to the limitations of human observation and experimental tools. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel marker-less tracking method for multiple mice with top-view videos using deep-learning-based techniques. The following stepwise method was introduced: (i) detection of mouse contours, (ii) assignment of identifiers (IDs) to each mouse, and (iii) correction of mis-predictions. The behavior of C57BL/6 mice was recorded in an open-field arena, and the mouse contours were manually annotated for hundreds of frame images. Then, we trained the mask regional convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN) with all annotated images. The mouse contours predicted by the trained model in each frame were assigned to IDs by calculating the similarities of every mouse pair between frames. After assigning IDs, correction steps were applied to remove the predictive errors semi-automatically. The established method could accurately predict two to four mice for first-look videos recorded under light conditions. The method could also be applied to videos recorded under dark conditions, extending our ability to accurately observe and analyze the sociality of nocturnal mice. This technology would enable a new approach to understand mouse sociality and advance the pharmacological research.
Comparative study of ionic currents and exocytosis in hair cells of the basilar and amphibian papilla in bullfrogs
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Yin Ning , Li Geng-Lin
Published: January 2023

Hearing organs in the peripheral of different vertebrate species are extremely diverse in shape and function. In particular, while the basilar papilla (BP) is elongated and covers the sounds of both low and high frequencies in turtles and birds, it is round and responds to high frequencies only in frogs, leaving the low frequencies to the amphibian papilla (AP). In this study, we performed patch-clamp recordings in hair cells of both hearing organs in bullfrogs and conducted a comparative study of their ionic currents and exocytosis. Compared to hair cells in AP with a large tetraethylammonium (TEA)-sensitive slow-activating K+ current (IK), those in BP exhibited a small 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-sensitive fast-inactivating K+ current (IA). Furthermore, hair cells in BP exhibited a significantly smaller Ca2+ current with a more positive half-activation voltage (Vhalf) and a slower slope of voltage dependency (k). In response to step depolarization, exocytosis (ΔCm) in BP hair cells was also significantly smaller, but the Ca2+ efficiency, assessed with the ratio between ΔCm and Ca2+ charge (QCa), was comparable to that of AP hair cells. Finally, we applied a paired-step depolarization and varied the interval in between, and we found that the replenishment of synaptic vesicles was significantly slower in BP hair cells. Together, our findings suggest that hair cells tuned to high frequencies in bullfrogs release less synaptic vesicles and recycle synaptic vesicles more slowly, allowing them to cope well with the large DC component found in their receptor potentials in vivo.
Factors associated with poor self-rated health among chronic kidney disease patients and their health care utilization: Insights from LASI wave-1, 2017-18
Authors: Nayak Swetalina , Nayak Soumya Ranjan , Alice Alice , Sahoo Debadutta , Kanungo Srikanta , Rehman Tanveer , Pati Sanghamitra , Palo Subrat Kumar
Published: January 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), associated with other chronic conditions affects the physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects of an individual, leading to poor self-rated health. Hence, we aimed to assess the factors associated with poor self-rated health (SRH) in CKD patients. Additionally, we assessed their health care utilization.

Methods

This is an observational study consisting of 527 CKD patients from Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017-2018. A descriptive statistic computed prevalence. Regression analysis assessed the association between poor SRH and socio-demographic variables presented as adjusted odds ratio with a confidence interval of 95%. Health care utilization among CKD patients was graphically presented.

Results

Around 64% of CKD patients had poor SRH. Aged 75 years and above (AOR=1.8, 95% CI= 0.5-6.8), rural residents (AOR= AOR 1.8, 95% CI =1.0 -3.1) and those with other chronic conditions (AOR=5.1, 95% CI= 2.3-11.0) were associated with poor SRH. Overall 79% of the CKD patients availed health care facility, most (44.8%) of those visit private facility.

Conclusion

We observed older adults, females, rural residents, and having other chronic conditions were associated with poor SRH among CKD patients which highlights the need for equitable and strengthened health care system. There is an urgent need to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services for these individuals so as to maintain continuity of care.